#luca will never see cats the same way again

[beiasluv]

lil ginger | op81

— shifter!osc, angst, lovie dovey ending?? that’s all 👹

What would you do if you see a poor lil ginger cat following on your heels? A, be a meanie and leave him alone. B, take him back.

Obviously you had to choose B.

Never being a cat person, grown up with doggos all your life, you just really don’t know how to interact with one. Sure, you’d give them little pats and all—and clicking your tongue discreetly to see how far you can get it to follow. But this one was just…different.

“Hi—” you cooed. “Are you hurt, baby?”

The ginger and cream colored cat let out a friendly-meowing squeak, seeing that it had successfully gotten your attention. He skipped up to you, and sat down at your feet, tilting his head a set of large brown eyes staring back to you.

Adorable.

So you ended up kneeling on the concrete floor, getting weird looks from passersby. Only for them to realize it was a cat, then it was socially acceptable.

“Poor you,” you cooed as you nervously plucked the twigs and dust away, not really sure how to interact with a cat without getting a scratch.

“Fuck—I am not a cat person,” you mumbled to yourself. “Can I pick you up, little guy?”

Soon enough you did manage to get ahold of the ginger in your hands, realizing it’s a boy. His little ears pinned themselves down, resting his forehead on your chest, and a loud, soft, almost-purring-like meow came from him.

He wasn’t hurt, just a little filthy.

And if he had to guess, he would assume you weren’t a cat person, with the way you were holding him. But he’d appreciate the cuddles every now and then.

There was no collar, no tags to be found. But he was fairly too clean for a stray. And maybe just a little too well behaved.

After a moment of quiet cuddling with the ginger baby, you figured his owner would be looking for him soon enough. Or maybe his mother would come and get the youngster soon.

But would you be so mean and leave him alone?

“Look, if you come with me…I’ll…um…post you somewhere so they can get you back?” He was settled back down on the hard concrete floor, only wanting to see if he would even follow you home.

It also would be cruel to take him back without a little cat-consent…right?

The cat sat himself down, and looked at you, considering your offer. He let his tail flick around the floor, smacking the ground a few times as he thought about your words.

He padded after you, and jumped back up, stretching his bean paws against your leg, as if asking you to pick him back up again.

He wanted up. He wanted attention. He was a needy little bastard.

—

“Make yourself at home…well— no scratching my couch—” you warned as you set the feline down, taking off your coat.

The cat followed a few steps behind you, but when you went into the kitchen—he started to explore.

He climbed up your couch and sniffed around, as cats do, finding your throw pillow a little too inciting. He promised he wasn’t going to do anything to mess up your place, but he was just a cat.

And cats do sniff.

Just when you set out a bowl out of water in the floor, he hopped down from the couch and started to drink, almost desperately lapping the water up— almost like a man parched in the desert.

Watching the ginger feline was almost entertaining, lying yourself on the floor— getting the same eye-level as the cat.

“Okay, your name…” you tapped your chin.

The cat stopped drinking, and looked over at you. His brown eyes followed you as you laid back on the ground, watching you almost curiously. Figuring you out.

He meowed at your words, as if asking you to ‘go on.’

“How is…Daniel? Lucas?”

The cat sat back on his haunches, and tipped his head to the side. Judging you for the names you’d chosen. He let out a soft but slightly rude sounding noise, clearly disagreeing with your choices.

“Okay, that’s a ‘no’…what about…er…Pumpkin?”

He made the same noise, but this time it was louder. Definitely didn’t like the sound of that one. He gave you a displeased look, as if telling you to pick something ‘cooler.’

“Well? I can’t read your mind, mister,” you scoffed lightheartedly. “Ginger?”

Another huff from the cat and a tail smack on the floor.

At this point, you might just well give up.

—

“Here’s the bathroom…for…your business—”

So there you were, touring the cat around, hoping you weren’t going crazy. Not with the way the cat seemed to act/look/respond like it understood what you’ve said.

“And— you, only the foot of the bed is allowed.”

You explained, crawling under the covers. Followed by ‘Ginger’ as he jumped up onto your bed. He sat at your feet, and curled up against them, watching you as you got comfy.

A very polite little guy.

He’d let out a soft, almost human sounding sigh, and seemed to settle down. Kneading the bedding once or twice just to get comfy. And occasionally would be peeking his eyes open— just to mak sure you were still there. Only to be seeing you patting the space next to your waist.

“Fine— just here. No more.”

His eyes widened as you patted at the empty space in the middle of the bed. The cat waited a moment, as if he was expecting some kind of trap. Then quickly started to make his way up the foot of the bed.

You could only guess how much comfort a few inches difference can make of a spot. But, hey, he was just a polite little fella.

You grunted as you got out the bed, fetching him a small blanket you kept in your closet.

“If you get cold.”

He looked down at the offered blanket—inspecting it closely—before pushing his head under it, and starting to burrow. He didn’t seem too cold, but he liked it.

His head poked back out from under the blanket. From under the soft material, his eyes darted up to you, waiting to see if you’d get comfortable again.

—

You woke up, feeling something heavy on your stomach. Figured it was Ginger that moved during the night, so you reached down to pet it. Expecting to feel a layer of hair, but instead you felt what felt fleshy.

When you glanced down, instead of a small cat, you saw a man’s hand resting on your stomach, attached to a muscular arm.

This was not Ginger.

“What the fuck?” You groaned, pushing yourself further to the edge of the bed— rubbing your eyes like it would help you wake up from this dream.

The hand on your stomach shifted, letting out a soft groan at his swollen lips. “…What?”

You had to shift away from him, crawling off the bed. Pressing your back against the wall behind.

“Who are you?—no—How did you get into my room?”

The owner of the hand sat up, and pushed himself into an upright position. He had quite obvious bedhead— mussed up hair sticking in several directions.

And Oh. My. God. This guy was kinda ripped.

“I...” he said, rubbing a hand over his face, still trying to shake off his drowsiness. “I…” he was at a loss for words, as he looked around dumbfounded, trying to process what just happened.

“You what?—What did you do to Ginger?”

“I am Ginger.” He defended himself, his voice going high with a hint of an Australian accent. Squinting his eyes as he saw that you didn’t believe it.

“No? You’re clearly not a cat—I am calling the cops—”

“No! Wait—!” He put his pale, strong hand out to stop you from doing so. Running his hand through his head as the seconds ticked by quickly, trying to find the right way to explain.

“Ok, look—I know it’s a lot, but let me explain first, I just need you to calm down, yeah?”

“I have a fucking man in my bed—one that I don’t know— how am I supposed to know that you won’t jump and kill me. Also.” You breathed.

“You’re claiming that you’re a cat.”

“Look, just—” he began, as he ran his hand through his mussed up bed hair, trying to flatten it down. “I am a shifter—”

Oh.

“Right..” You should’ve known.

“I’m sorry—fuck. I should’ve just left you there— I’m so sorry–”

—

“Can it be permanent?”

The doctor gave Oscar a sympathetic look, his eyebrows raising at the question.

He had seen a lot of cat shifters before, lots of hopeless cases—some of them, and Oscar’s question wasn’t the first time he had heard the same phrase.

“You want to remain in a human body permanently, Mr. Piastri?” He repeated, humming softly as he went over the patient’s history.

The Australian nodded.

“Well…I must tell you. Some shifters have had success in taking medication to help them remain in their human form longer…” He started, seeing the youngster was willing to try. “We can work on a dose and let’s see if it gets you any results,” he added, writing down on the prescription.

“Yeah, I’ll try it—”

—

“You forgot this at my place?”

That snapped Oscar back into reality. Right. He had a casual dinner planned with you at his place. After his surprisingly pleasant interaction with you that morning, he was stuck.

Sure, it was full of you investigating him with all of the shifters’ fun facts and myths. But he handled it professionally. Yes, he’s somewhat conscious in the cat body. No, he can’t really help but to give into the cat instincts.

He needed to climb things, and meow, and rub his face against you, and what not. And, no, his parents are not shifters. Was that all of the questions?

Oscar would often found himself at your place, then vice versa. Just enjoying each other’s company, really.

Not to mention that one time you visited at the ‘wrong’ moment, greeting you in his all-glorious feline state. Even that. You were still nice enough to stick around with a fussy cat.

Oh, and you brought him a lot of cat treats.

Right, the dinner.

“What?”

“I think it’s yours,” you repeated, pushing a pill bottle prescribed with his name across the counter:

Shifting Suppressants Suppress transformation into animal form. Take twice a day.

He quickly reached out for it. “Oh, right, thanks–”

“Why?” You stopped him.

Sure, you weren’t in the place to talk about what medication he should be taking, but can’t a friend look out for each other? It was painfully obvious that he had gone from ‘pale’ to almost a ‘twilight-pale’ this past month, and don’t make you get started on his under eyes.

“Osc…I don’t wanna be pushy, but…I don’t think it’s good for you.”

You can see his face turning just a touch of guilty. And he would argue that the pills were helping with lessening his shifting.

“…I just wanna stay like this, Yn.”

It wasn’t the whole truth, he didn’t want to be like this because he preferred it.

He wanted this so he could feel normal. Just being able to be there and do something for you— not a helpless ginger cat. He had spent a good portion of his life transforming but— he was afraid you wouldn’t even want a cat around for the rest of your life.

“I want to be a human when you’re around— it makes me happy this way—”

“Oh, Osc–”

You frowned admiringly, rounding the kitchen counter to capture his hand. “I like you as a cat, I like you as a human. I don’t care— You’re still…you to me.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I mean—I don’t want to kiss a cat, but I still want to cuddle and spend time— even if you can’t talk.

But I’d still like to kiss a human, for sure.”

“…You mean it?”

“Fuck, yes, I do—”

“That’s good to know,” he smiled softly.

The next thing you knew, he was finding the courage to tug on your laced hands, closing the gap between your lips. His hand traced your jaw in all the perfect places, tugging your chin closer so he can pepper soft kisses all over your lips.

Pulling away with a cheeky smile.

“You make me want to overdose, y’know?”

Hey people, long time no see. 👹👹 HOW ARE YALL doinggg

Anyways, interacting anyway would be appreciated and, as always, today’s a good day to take care of yaself. xoxo’s

@namgification @jsjcue @c-losur3 @evie-119

[stevie-petey]

episode seven: the mind flayer

Steve, who is leaning next to Dustin and you, snaps his finger. “Like the Germans?” “Uh… The Nazis?” Your brother looks at you, silently urging you to shut the teen up, and you pinch your nose again and sigh. “Oh, buddy.” You loop your arm through his and pat Steve’s shoulder. “Let’s just listen, okay?”

Summary: jonathan is back and has a lot of questions and you have even more for him, the gang gets back together and ties will to a chair, you tell the kid a story to distract him from his demons, steve is a confused mess but at least youre with him, and someone makes a surprise appearance (her name rhymes with shell).

Rating: general, cursing

Warnings: use of y/n, fem!reader, talk of death and grief, violence and blood

Words: 12.1k

Before you swing in: long time no see ! lots has happened, and this chapter was a pain for so many reasons, but shes here and i love her and i so sincerely hope yall enjoy :)

-

Stumbling blindly through dark woods while holding your bloodied ribcage has never been your favorite activity. Neither is following after a bunch of Demodogs to probably once again sacrifice your life to save others, yet here you are.

Steve has a gentle hand resting on the small of your back as he helps you navigate the woods. Dustin is to your left, scanning for anything that could possibly trip you as the three of you walk in a line. Lucas and Max follow, both of whom watch you with weary eyes.

Sure, you probably don’t look too good, but honestly. You’ve been objectively worse.

“You’re positive that was Dart?” Lucas asks, breaking the silence.

“Yes,” Dustin sighs next to you, kicking at a twig in your way. “He had the same exact yellow pattern on his butt.”

“Why do you have his butt memorized?” You mumble under your breath, which Steve chuckles at.

Max shakes her head. “But he was tiny two days ago.”

“Well, he’s molted three times already.” Dustin kicks at another twig, this time with more anger behind it. He’s on edge, and you know he’s worried that somehow Lucas will figure out that he kept Dart all this time.

You’d help the kid, but he dug his own grave.

“Malted?” Steve asks, looking over to you to see if you’re hearing what he’s hearing.

“No, buddy.” You shake your head at him, slightly endeared by the confusion on his face.

“Molted,” your brother clarifies. “Shed his skin to make room for growth, like hornworms.”

“I don’t think Steve knows what hornworms are, Dustin.”

The boy sighs, knowing you’re right, and continues to walk.

Max, however, won’t let the topic go. “When’s he gonna molt again?”

“It's gotta be soon.” Dustin responds, now looking around tiredly. He doesn’t have to tell you, but you saw how quickly Dart grew overnight; he’s grown at an alarming rate. “When he does he’ll be fully grown, or close to it.”

“And so will his friends,” you say grimly.

It’s quiet for a moment after that, your words unnerving the group. Everyone but Max had to deal with a fully grown Demogorgon last year, and none of you have forgotten how terrifying it had been. You all still have scars from it, both metaphorically and physically.

After a minute or so, Steve tries to lighten up the situation. “Well, at least there isn’t another cat for them to eat–”

“Steve–” But you’re too late, Lucas has already picked up on what the teen is saying.

The boy shoves past you and whips around to face Dustin, angrier than you’ve ever seen him. “Wait, a cat? Dart ate a cat?”

“No, what? No!” Your brother is a terrible liar.

“What are you talking about? He ate Mews–” Your elbow digs into Steve’s side, causing him to hunch over and wheeze. “Shit.”

You force Steve’s head up so that he looks at you while you forcefully whisper, “Stop. Talking.”

“Mews? Who’s Mews?”

You turn to Max. “It’s nothing–”

“It’s their cat,” Steve wheezes out, still not at all understanding the situation.

“Steve!” You and Dustin screech at the same time. God, maybe it does make sense that he’s barely graduating high school.

“I knew it! You kept him!” Lucas shouts at Dustin, before turning to you with hurt in his eyes. “And you let him hide it from the party?”

You wince. “I had a suspicion, but by the time I found out it had already been too late and–”

“He missed me. He wanted to come home… and Y/N just happened to not know about it for a while.” Dustin interrupts, trying to appease his friend, but it doesn’t work.

“Bullshit!”

“I didn’t know he was a Demogorgon, okay?”

“Oh, so now you admit it?”

You try to intervene, you’ve always hated when the boys fight. “Listen, what’s done is done and it’s too late to be angry now.”

Lucas scoffs. “I crawled into a dumpster to find Dart!”

“And that was a conscious decision that you made–”

“Guys!” Max steps in. “Who cares? We have to go.”

“I care!” Lucas faces Dustin again. “You put the party in jeopardy! You broke the rule of law!”

“So did you!” You’ve never heard anger like this come out from Dustin. It isn’t an anger that spills over from a regular argument. Your eyes flicker to Max and you know that the anger is one that stems from hurt.

You remember how excited Dustin had been to tell you about his crush on the girl. Now, after she came here with Lucas, you fear you may have to have a code blue soon with your brother about young love and heartbreak. Unrequited crushes suck.

The kids all begin to scream at one another and you’re too tired to try and intervene again. Technically, they’re all right. Lucas shouldn’t have told Max everything, Dustin shouldn’t have hid Dart, and both boys shouldn’t continuously treat Max like some weird outsider.

As they argue, Steve rubs small circles in your back, sensing how exhausted you are. While your bleeding may have stopped, you still feel woozy from the blood loss and could really go for some water and food right now.

“They’ll figure it out,” he assures you, breath warm against your ear, and all you can do is sigh.

You’re about to tell Steve that maybe you should all walk back home, it’s late and the kids are all too mad at one another to be of any help, but then you hear screeching coming from the distance.

You both freeze.

Slowly, the two of you step away from the kids to follow after the sound. They’re too busy arguing to notice, but the screeching continues to grow louder and you share a look with Steve. This isn’t good.

“Hey guys?” Steve calls towards the kids, hand never leaving your back.

The kids continue to argue, ignoring him, and you bring your fingers to your lips and let out a high pitched whistle. “Idiots!” Lucas, Dustin, and Max all go quiet, looking over at you. More screeches fill the silence, and you tilt your head towards the sound. “Hear that? Shall we continue to fight or are we done here?”

Steve flashes his light towards the source of the sound and beckons for the kids to follow. You stay behind, both of you silently agreeing that he’ll lead and you’ll make sure everyone is safe. Lucas and Dustin immediately follow, but Max lingers.

“Hey, you comin’?” You ask, motioning towards where the boys have all gone.

“Why are we headed towards the sound?”

“Because it’s what we do,” you shrug. “Welcome to the party.”

Max blinks at you, in disbelief, and it breaks your heart that she has to come to terms with all of this. Taking the risk, you reach towards her hand, offering her time to pull away, but she doesn’t. She lets you grab her hand and you squeeze it, giving her a soft smile. “I’m right here.”

The girl exhales, still guarded, yet she finally nods at your words. She seems to believe you, which you’re thankful for, and together the two of you follow after the others. The five of you approach the overlook, all of Hawkins visible. There’s a layer of thick fog covering the town, the screeches ominous as the town is blanketed.

“I don’t see him,” Dustin mumbles next to you, though he slowly links his fingers through yours, quietly confessing to you that he’s scared.

You squeeze his hand. “Lucas, do you think your binoculars can see that far?”

The boy brings them up to his eyes, and within a few seconds he seems to have spotted the source. He swallows, lowers the binoculars, and says, “It’s the lab.”

“They’re going back home.” You whisper, feeling defeated more than anything else. It somehow always comes back to that fucking lab. Will’s episodes, Mike’s silence, Nancy and Jonathan taking the burden of bringing the entire lab down themselves.

You now understand the immense anger Nancy felt that day during lunch, when you had all been at Jonathan’s car and she created her genius plan. How badly she wanted to make the assholes pay for what they did to Hawkins. To Will. To Barb. To sweet El.

“We have to follow.” You say, an edge to your voice. Your side sears with pain, your ankle sending phantom pains up your leg. Dustin clings onto your hand like his life depends on it. You’re sick of suffering the consequences that Hawkin’s Lab has brought upon itself.

You begin to walk down the overlook, steps slow and careful, and while the kids glance uncertainly at one another, Steve doesn’t hesitate to follow after you. –

As you approach the gate to the lab, you see a car with headlights parked in front of it. Two figures stand at the edge of the forest line, watching.

Other people are here.

You bring your knives out and flick the handle so that the blades extend. Steve stands next to you, his own bat raised after seeing your fear, and you nod at one another to slowly begin approaching.

“Hello?” One of the figures shouts, their voice oddly familiar.

You stop.

“Who’s there?” The voice shouts again, and this time you recognize it.

It’s Jonathan.

Immediately you start to run, damning the pain in your side, and when you break through the treeline and see Jonathan standing there with Nancy, both of them safe and sound, you start to run even faster.

When Jonathan sees that it’s you, he starts to run as well and within seconds the two of you are a tangle of arms and limbs. He hugs you fiercely, his cologne familiar and you hadn’t known how homesick you were until you felt his arms around you.

“Bug,” Jonathan exhales with relief, squeezing you even tighter. He brings a hand to your hair and cradles your head, his fingers sure and strong and familiar as always. You bury your face in his neck, feeling all the pain and exhaustion from today begin to dissipate.

Nancy walks over and lays a hand on your arm as you’re still wrapped around Jonathan. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

“I’m glad you guys are okay,” you sniff, you’re not sure why you’re crying. “God, I’ve had the weirdest two days of my life–”

“Steve?” Jonathan and Nancy suddenly say at the same time.

You pull away from your friend and let out a chuckle. Steve and the kids have now joined, confusion on all of their faces. “Like I said, it’s been a weird few days.”

“Nancy?” Steve walks over, his eyes going back and forth between you and the girl. He feels an overwhelming mixture of emotions overtake him. He notices the way Jonathan’s arm is still wrapped around you as you stand close to his side, and he notices the way Nancy avoids his eyes. Something burns within his chest.

“Jonathan?” Dustin narrows his eyes at the boy, and you can’t help but laugh.

Jonathan and Nancy approach the others and you slowly follow, taking your time. Nancy reaches Steve first. “What are you doing here?”

“What are you doing here?” Steve retorts.

“We’re looking for Mike and Will.”

You grab Nancy’s jacket. “Are they okay? Did something happen?”

“They’re not in there, are they?” Dustin motions towards the lab, fear in his voice.

Nancy lowers her voice. “We’re not sure.”

Jonathan senses there’s something else going on. “Why?”

Right on cue, the Demodogs begin to screech from the lab. Next to you, you feel Jonathan stiffen with fear. You know, without having to ask, that his family is stuck inside the lab. Suddenly the gash in your side stings in pain and you clutch at it and let out a wince. Hearing this, Jonathan finally realizes that you’re covered in blood.

“Oh my god,” his hands fall to your side as he scans for any other injuries. “You’re bleeding, oh my god.”

“I’m okay–”

“Fuck, bug. It looks bad–”

“Had a minor setback, we’re all good now though.”

Jonathan shakes his head at you, his eyes dripping with guilt; you know he’s already placed the blame upon himself long before he speaks. “I should’ve been there. I knew something was wrong when you didn’t call, and then Nance and I came back to my home being wrecked and you weren’t at your place and I was worried sick and thought you were dead–”

You grab his hands, forcing him to slow down and breathe. “Hey, look at me.” Slowly, his eyes meet yours. “I’m okay, bee. I had to protect the kids, and I had Steve. I’m right here.”

Jonathan looks over at Steve, who is stuck in some argument between Nancy and the kids, and he lets out a tired laugh. He can’t believe that he’s here right now, tired and delirious from a long trip with Nancy as you hold his hands, your own blood covering them, while Steve spares you worried glances. “Friends with him again, then?”

“It was inevitable.” You sigh, knowing how heavy your words are. Truly, it was inevitable. He’s too much like you, your wounds a matching pair, and you never stood a chance against the inevitability. He’s an extension of you now, you can no longer deny this.

“Are you really okay, though?” Jonathan asks you, still concerned about how much blood is on you. He feels this tug within him, pulling at his chest to encase you within his arms and to never, ever let you out of his sight again.

There’s still a slight limp in your step that Jonathan sees when he thinks you aren’t looking, the scar on your upper arm is harsh against the smooth skin he’s come to memorize, disrupting the topography of your body. Now, you’ve once again gotten hurt because of him. Your favorite cardigan is ripped and bloodied and Jonathan knows it’s one more scar he’s inexplicably given you.

The scars may fade, but he knows he’ll never be able to forgive himself. It’s the same heavy weight you feel within yourself over Will’s disappearance.

You notice that Jonathan’s eyes have glazed over in despair and you kiss his knuckles, bringing him back to you. “I promise I am.”

He nods, though he still looks unsure, but he pulls you in again for another hug. For a moment, everything is still. It reminds you of when you had been in Jonathan’s car last Christmas as he drove you home, the memories between you had gone still. You close your eyes, like you had last year, and for a moment nothing has changed.

“The power’s back!” Nancy exclaims, effectively shutting everyone up about who has seen what when.

You pull away from Jonathan. The urgence in her voice reminds you that everything has changed. There’s a scar on your upper arm that now has a matching scar on your ribcage. Jonathan has bags underneath his eyes that seem like they'll never go away.

You look away from him and look over at the kids and see, in Dustin’s and Lucas’ faces, the familiar fear and acceptance that they’re inevitably in danger. Steve catches your eye and he nods, indicating that whatever happens next, he’s ready whenever you are.

The seven of you quickly make your way back towards the lab’s gate, and Jonathan is the first to get there with you following close behind. The two of you stand in the patrol panel, Jonathan aggressively hitting the button designated for opening the gate, but nothing seems to be happening.

Suddenly Dustin barges in, roughly shoving past Jonathan and mumbling a soft sorry to you.

“Let me try.” Jonathan doesn’t move, which only aggravates your brother further and he flings the teen back. “Let me try, Jonathan!”

Jonathan looks at you incredulously, still having no idea why Dustin seems to suddenly hate him, and you stifle a laugh as you watch the boy repeatedly hit the button while nothing happens.

“Son of a bitch!” Dustin groans, still trying and failing to open the gate.

“Move over,” you shoulder past the kid and start pressing the button yourself. “It probably just doesn’t like you guys.”

Dustin and Jonathan both scoff at you, but you ignore them as you continue to press the button. You were mostly doing it to distract yourself, give your anxious mind something to do, but after a simple few taps, the gates unlock.

You cheer, immensely happy with yourself. “I did it! You guys just really do just suck!”

Jonathan shakes his head at you but offers his hand for you to high five, which you gladly do. As for your brother, he sticks his tongue out at you in retaliation. You ignore the kid and follow Jonathan outside to join the others.

Once the gates have fully opened, you, Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve all begin speaking at once.

“I’ll go,” you all say in unison.

The kids all stare at one another, wondering how this will go. It didn’t escape their notice that Jonathan and Nancy were alone together, and that Steve’s worry over you has strings attached to unspoken truths.

They may be young, but they can sense the tension between you and the teens pretty easily.

“No, someone has to stay with the kids.” Nancy reasons, looking over at Jonathan to back her up, and his eyes draw to hers naturally.

You see this, and you wonder when they became such a cohesive team.

“Bug, what are you thinking?” He asks, knowing that ultimately it’s your call. When it comes to the kids, you’re the one to turn to.

You bite your lip, unsure. Max, Lucas, and Dustin all stare at you, and you know the two boys want you to stay with them. They’ve been through hell tonight, so have you, but then you think about whatever has happened in the lab to Will and Mike.

Sighing, you walk over to Jonathan. “Nance is right. I’ll stay behind with Steve while you and her drive to the lab. They’ll need all the help they can get, and I’m currently in no condition to fight.”

Jonathan’s eyes once again fall to your wrapped side, uncertain if you’ll be safe enough out here. “You sure?”

“I’m sure, bee.” You kiss his cheek, fucking terrified something will go wrong. The lab is crawling with Demodogs. “Promise you’ll be careful?”

“Always,” he cups your face and brings his forehead to yours. “I’ll come back.”

You relish in the warmth and let out a shaky exhale. “Go get Will.”

The moment between you two is intimate; everyone around you looks away. Nancy stares down at her feet while Steve clenches his jaw.

After a few more seconds, you finally release yourself from Jonathan’s hold and turn towards Nancy. “That goes for you as well, Wheeler. Stay safe.”

She nods at you, spares Steve one last glance, and then follows after Jonathan into the car. Within seconds, they speed off down the road, towards Hawkin’s Lab as more Demodogs screech in the distance.

“Well that was awkward.” Max breaks the silence. “Sensing there’s a lot of history there.”

You snort, admiring the girl’s wit, and tiredly lean against the gate’s post. “Still have a lot to catch up on, Max.”

Steve doesn’t say anything, he just gently leans next to you against his own post and flips his flashlight in his hand.

Dustin starts to pace while Lucas stares at the sky, as if willing away every problem from the day, which you want to do yourself. However, your best friend is currently very close to a death lab that Will and Mike are inexplicably trapped in.

You try to calm your breathing, knowing it’s no use getting yourself worked up, but you’re terrified. Steve sees your unease and does his best to comfort you. “Hey, they’ll be okay. Jonathan is a smart guy and Nancy is tough as hell.”

Hearing Nancy’s name coming out of his mouth makes you realize that you haven’t asked him how he’s feeling about all of this, which makes you feel even shittier. He confessed to you last night how he still loves her, and here you are, worried about your friend who the guy’s ex girlfriend showed up with.

“Are you okay?” You ask him softly, worried you’ll scare him away.

Steve doesn’t ask what you mean; he knows and lets out a dry laugh. “Not the most ideal situation.”

You’re about to say more, but something seems to catch Max’s attention. “Guys?”

You look towards where she’s pointing and you hear the faint sounds of tires squealing against concrete. The same sound Billy’s car had made in the school parking lot days ago. As you piece this together, headlights light up the gate and the honking starts.

Immediately you and Steve rush over to the kids and push them away, narrowly avoiding being hit. As soon as the road is cleared, Hopper’s familiar truck brakes in front of you.

“Let’s go,” the man gruffs out, and you’ve never been happier to see that obnoxious cop’s face.

Steve runs over to the passenger door and holds it open while you usher the kids to go inside. “Come on, let’s go! Go, go, go!”

One by one you get the kids seated in the truck, and once you and Steve make sure they’re in safely, he motions for you to go next before he climbs inside and slams the door shut. You end up squished up front, in between Hopper and Steve.

“Drive!” You scream, and Hopper doesn’t need to be told twice before he stomps on the gas and follows after Jonathan’s car.

It’s silent for a few minutes as everyone steadies their breathing, processing what’s just happened. You rub at your side, the rough movements from earlier having upset the wound. Hopper notices this and raises an eyebrow at you. “Lose a fight?”

“Mhm,” you see that he’s dressed in hospital scrubs and raise your own eyebrows. “Got checked into a psych ward?”

Hopper lets out a short laugh and you can see the exhaustion behind his eyes, but he plays along and you’re grateful for it. “Yeah, figured it was time.”

–

The Byers’ home is a disaster when you walk in. The walls are covered with pictures drawn by Will, a map that he somehow came to piece together, of an entire underground tunnel system that the Demodogs now reside in.

You sit on the ground next to Will, who has been placed on the couch while he’s still unconscious, and you hold his cold, limp hand as Jonathan kneels next to the boy and strokes his hair.

“I’m sorry, bud.” He whispers, voice breaking. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I should have been there.”

You grab Jonathan’s own hand. “He wouldn’t blame you. You couldn’t have known.”

Nancy places a hand on his shoulder as she watches over him, a certain concern in her eyes that you’ve never quite seen before. She’s always been the most guarded out of the three of you, but now she’s rubbing comforting circles into Jonathan’s back; you’ve never seen her so open before, so affectionate with someone.

You noticed how much closer they seemed earlier at the lab, how the tension between them now appears to be gone. You know that something happened on their spy adventure, you know they’d been alone together, probably gotten a motel room, even. Your stomach twists at the thought, but Will’s cold hand is a reminder that none of that matters right now. Like last year, he comes first.

“We’ll figure it out, bee. We always do.” You kiss Jonathan’s cheek, not knowing how many more times you’ll be able to do so, and you try to memorize how his face feels pressed against yours, the way your nose buries into his skin and the way he leans into the kiss each and every time.

Jonathan sniffles and thanks you, pulling you into his side as he continues to stroke Will’s hair. Nancy remains standing, and when you look up to offer her to sit next to you, you finally notice Steve standing in the corner, watching.

He’s holding himself as he watches the three of you and, despite how he tries to hide it, you see Steve wipe at his nose and blink away tears; he’s never looked so small before, and your heart breaks for him as he walks out of the room.

You excuse yourself to follow after him, bypassing Hopper who is angrily trying to contact some government people to alert them about Hawkin’s Lab.

Steve walks into the kitchen and faces the drawings on the wall, his back turned away from everyone in a pathetic attempt to gain some privacy. Slowly, you approach him and stand to his left. You know he senses your presence, but he continues to stare straight ahead.

“You want to talk about it?” You ask, voice low so no one else in the kitchen can hear.

Steve closes his eyes and shakes his head, it’s all of a response he can give you right now. He’s worried that if he tries to speak, he’ll start crying. His worst fear has come true. He’s been replaced.

Tentatively, you grab his hand and bring your lips to his ear. “Can I?”

You feel Steve shiver, his breath is shaky, and though he isn’t quite sure what you’re asking him, he nods anyways.

He will always say yes to you.

The moment Steve nods, you tug at the hand you’re holding and bring his arms around you; he practically melts in your arms. Releasing another shaky breath, he buries his face in your hair and inhales your perfume as if gasping for air. He brings a hand to your hair as he cradles the back of your head, bringing you even closer together.

For the first time in Steve’s life, his mind goes quiet.

You’re aware of everyone else in the room, you know you’ll have to deal with the kids’ nosy questions later, but you don’t care. Steve needs you, and the way he’s clinging onto you as you hug tells you everything you need to know.

He’s barely holding it together, so you discretely shift so that the others can’t see as you attempt to piece him back together with your arms tightening around him and your fingers intertwining through his hair as well.

Your ribs scream in protest as you lean against the boy, but the pain reassures you that you are alive and sharing this pain with someone you’ve come to care deeply about.

“I’m here,” you whisper, feeling Steve’s body shake at the reassurance. “It’s just you and me right now, okay?”

He nods, still too scared to speak. The two of you remain interlocked in the kitchen you grew up in, surrounded by Will’s drawings and memories of early morning breakfasts with Jonathan, and Dustin watches from the kitchen table.

Lucas watches as well and shares a glance with your brother, who can only shake his head and sigh. He knows, sooner or later, that he’ll have to ask you about Steve, he’s never seen you like this before, not even with Jonathan, but for now he leaves you both alone.

When Hopper angrily hangs up the phone, Dustin uses it as an opportunity to distract himself. “They didn’t believe you, did they?”

“We’ll see,” Hopper sighs, tired.

“‘We’ll see’? We can’t just sit here while those things are loose!” Mike exclaims, his foot tapping nervously underneath the table.

The chief sighs again, now spotting you and Steve still holding each other in the corner. “Hey, Henderson and pretty boy, get a room. Mike, we stay here and we wait for help.”

Hearing your name, you finally break apart from Steve and send Hopper an embarrassed glare, clearing your throat. Steve clears his throat as well and takes several steps away from you. His cheeks flaming red.

“Did he call me pretty boy?” Steve whispers to you, but you shush him, instead walking over to Mike, who has now started to tap his foot even more aggressively.

Standing behind the boy, you rub his shoulder, unsure how to help the boy. You know he’s worried about Will and he’s always hated waiting almost as much as you do. At your touch, Mike turns his head to look up at you, and the fire that’s always been in his eyes has died.

You look around the table, it’s quiet. Max is playing with her fingernails, Lucas is staring at the table with tears in his eyes, and Dustin is watching as you try to comfort Mike. All the kids are in their own state of shock and grief. They’re too young for all of this.

Meanwhile, Steve hangs back by the corner, knowing that this is what you do best: you take care of people. He watches as you furrow your brows for a second, a slight quirk he’s picked up about you, and slowly he sees you piece together how to help the kids you love so dearly.

You start with leaning against the table, wedged between Dustin and Mike, and somehow–Steve has always wondered how you do this–you light up the cold room with warmth.

“I’m sorry you had to go through all of this by yourself,” you stroke Mike’s hair, it’s rare that you get to do this, but he remains numb to your touch. “Had I known any of this would happen, I would’ve made you more fudge brownies.”

Though it’s small, almost imperceptible, Mike lets out a tiny huff, a placeholder of a laugh.

At least it’s a start.

You whisper more words to him as Dustin leans against your back, grounded by your presence, and Max watches this with interested yet envious eyes. She still has yet to grow used to your kindness, to the love you share with the boys: a sibling relationship she’s never had before.

As you’re comforting Mike, his eyes wander towards the living room and suddenly he gets up. You watch, curious as to what he’s doing, as he grabs a cube and delicately rolls it around in his hand.

“Did you guys know that Bob was the original founder of Hawkins AV?”

At the mention of Bob’s name, you bring Dustin closer to you. With everything that’s happened tonight, the reminder of the man’s death fills you with raw, unfiltered grief. When you arrived at the Byers home and found a distraught Joyce, you knew.

Bob is dead, and he has taken all the kindness he shared with you. He was a sweet man, one who took you in without any question as soon as he started dating Joyce, a man who offered you rides to work and encouraged you to stop by his own job any time. The same man who brought the woman who is like a second mother to you, back to life.

Your heart breaks for Joyce, for Will and Jonathan and all the other kids.

Bob Newby truly was a superhero, everyone he ever interacted with came out a better person because of it. He never left anyone without a smile on their face, and now he’s gone.

Once you’ve managed to swallow down your grief, you voice from the kitchen, “I didn’t know that.”

Mike turns to you. “He petitioned the school to start it and everything, and then he had a fund-raiser for equipment. Mr. Clark learned everything from him.” There’s light in his voice as he approaches the table again, a spark as if the fire is trying to relight itself. “Pretty awesome, right?”

Dustin and Lucas nod, faint smiles on their own faces. “Yeah.”

Mike sets the cube down. “We can’t let him die in vain.”

You agree with him, but how could you possibly accomplish something like that>

“What do you want to do, Mike?” Dustin lifts his head up, frustrated. “The Chief’s right on this. We can’t stop those Demodogs on our own.”

“Demodogs?” Max finally speaks up.

You sigh, tired of hearing your brother’s explanation of his made up name. “Please don’t ask–”

“Demogorgon, dog. Demodog.” Your brother explains, and you pinch the bridge of your nose. “Demodogs. It’s like a compound… It’s like a play on words–”

“Okay!” You and Max say at once, cutting off his spiel.

“I mean, when it was just Dart, maybe…”

You snort at Dustin. “Tell that to my ribcage.”

The boy glares at you and Lucas takes over, reigning you both back in. “But there’s an army now.”

“Precisely,” Dustin sighs in defeat.

Mike, who has been quiet the entire conversation, realizes something. “His army.”

Steve looks around, confused. “What do you mean?”

“His army!” Mike faces everyone, and the fire behind his eyes now fully alive, and you know he’s come up with some genius plan like his sister always does. “Maybe if we stop him, we can stop his army too.”

Dustin and Lucas share a glance and seem to be understanding what Mike is saying, but you look to Steve, equally as lost as he is, before Mike runs out the room while the others follow.

“Any idea what that kid is saying?” The teen asks you, but you shake your head.

“On a good day, I understand maybe a quarter of what Mike says. However, with significant blood loss and no real meals in me, I’m afraid I have no fucking idea what’s happening.”

“Cool,” Steve steps closer to you and motions for you to guide the way. “Let’s follow, then.”

You find the kids in Will’s room, all standing over a picture that the boy drew. In it is a looming figure with four long limbs, its figure thin and haunting as it stalks over the picture. Seeing the drawing, you get an uneasy feeling.

“The doctor said it was like a virus, it infected him.” Mike is explaining, speaking so fast you can barely keep up as you and Steve stand in the doorway.

“What virus?” You ask, now standing next to the kids.

Mike hands you the picture. “The shadow monster, it got Will that day at the field.”

“And this virus… It’s connecting him to the tunnels?” Max seems to be following along better than you are, which is quite depressing.

“The tunnels, monsters, the Upside Down, everything.”

Something within your stomach drops, the familiar weight of guilt follows it. “Will is still connected to the Upside Down?”

“Whoa, slow down,” Steve steps in now, sensing your panic, and tries to rectify the situation. “Let’s all just slow down.”

Mike groans. “The shadow monster is inside everything, and if the vines feel something like pain, then so does Will.”

Again, guilt throws itself against you with all its weight, and you feel each thud against your body like a hammer feels a nail.

Lucas nods. “And so does Dart.”

“Like what Mr. Clark taught us. The hive mind.” Mike follows.

You’re silent, staring at the picture still in your hands.

Steve crosses his arms. “Hive mind?”

“A collective consciousness, a super organism.” You hear Dustin clarify, but it’s all beginning to blur together for you.

All you can think is that you’re the reason Will has become entangled in all of this, in alternate dimensions, infected with a monster so powerful that it can create vast tunnels underneath your feet and monsters bred to kill.

Mike is on a roll now, it’s all clicking together. “And this is the thing that controls everything. It’s the brain–”

“Like the mind flayer,” Dustin realizes, which causes both Lucas and Mike to stop in their tracks.

It seems the boys have figured it all out, then.

And it seems to you that old scars will never fade, not in the way that they should.

Swallowing down your nausea and tears and guilt, you finally speak. “Explain everything to me.”

–

Dustin throws the DnD book onto the Byers’ kitchen table, beginning to explain everything as everyone gathers around.

You stand next to him, Steve to your right, and watch as your brother commands the room as if he was born to do so. As he explains, you look around and everyone. Jonathan stands next to Lucas, facing across from you, and Nancy finds herself standing to your left, worried.

“Oh my god, none of this is real,” Hopper is already over the entire situation, which annoys you. “This is a kid’s game.”

“I’m sorry, but those Demodogs that just attacked us are logical to you?” You snap at the cop, completely baffled that he for some reason decided to draw the line at a DnD reference rather than literal demons from another dimension.

Hopper narrows his eyes at you, but before he can say anything, Jonathan shrugs his shoulders. “Y/N has a point, you know.”

“Okay, before we all start fighting, I just want to point out that this,” Dustin points to the book on the table. “Is a manuel, and it’s not for kids. Unless you know something that we don’t, this is the best metaphor–”

“Analogy.” Lucas interrupts.

“Analogy, that’s what you’re worried about?” You grab at Dustin’s jacket to try and settle him down, but he’s angry and annoyed and you know it’s been a long day for everyone. “Fine. An analogy for understanding whatever the hell this is!”

Nancy sees you struggling with the boy and tries to step in. “Okay, so this mind flamer thing–”

“Flayer,” you gently correct.

“What does it want?”

Dustin bites his lip. “To conquer us, basically. It believes it’s the master race.”

Steve, who is leaning next to Dustin and you, snaps his finger. “Like the Germans?”

“Uh… The Nazis?” Your brother looks at you, silently urging you to shut the teen up, and you pinch your nose again and sigh.

“Oh, buddy.” You loop your arm through his and pat Steve’s shoulder. “Let’s just listen, okay?”

Steve tries to say more but you hold your finger up, indicating that you won’t listen to whatever he’s about to say, and he rolls his eyes at you but rests his free hand against the one you have on his arm.

However, when Lucas announces that you could all be dealing with the end of the world, Steve lets out a dry laugh and tries to pull away from you, freaking out. “That’s great! That’s really great, jesus!”

You pull him back by the arm, forcing him to stand next to you and calm down, and he doesn’t try to fight it. Though he’s scared out of his fucking mind and in over his head, he listens to your silent command and comes back to you. Once he’s still, you unwrap your arm from his and bring that hand to the back of his neck, playing with the baby hairs there to try and soothe him.

Steve leans into your touch, his shoulders start to relax, and you know he’s slowly calming down.

Jonathan sees this interaction and catches your eye, and when he has your attention, he flashes you a knowing smirk as he mouths, friendly, aren’t we?

You narrow your eyes and subtly point between him and Nancy, mouthing back, you’re one to talk, which effectively shuts Jonathan up and he diverts his eyes again, going back to focusing on what Dustin and the others are saying.

“No, no fireballs,” Dustin is explaining to Hopper. “Instead, you–uh. You summon an undead army and… Uh, because… Zombies, ya know? They don’t–uh, have brains and the–the mind flayer, it, uh, likes brains.”

When your brother sees you shaking your head in disappointment and Hopper’s barely controlled anger, he quickly finishes with, “It’s just a game.”

You nudge his shoulder with yours. “You did well explaining, buddy.”

Dustin gives you a weak thumbs up as Hopper angrily throws the book down. “What the hell are we doing here?”

“I thought we were waiting for your military backup.” Dustin retorts, and you quickly raise your hand for a high five, which he gladly accepts.

Hopper sees this and rolls his eyes. “We are!”

“But even if they come, how are they gonna stop this? You can’t just shoot this with guns!” Mike quips, and you give him a high five as well.

“You don’t know that! We don’t know anything!” Hopper roars, and it takes everything within you not to flinch at his raised voice.

“We do know, actually.” You say, voice quiet but stern as you try to steady your heartbeat. You’ve never, ever been able to hear a man yelling at you without some form of panic clawing at your chest. “Ask Nancy about the guns. We fought a fully grown Demodog last year, you seem to conveniently forget that.”

Hopper clenches his jaw. “Every time I start to like you, you piss me off again.”

“It’s a skill.”

Everyone begins to argue again, Hopper with you while Dustin, Lucas, and Mike take your side to try and reason with the cop, before a frail, broken voice silences you all.

“They’re right.” Joyce stumbles from her room, her face still wet with tears as grief overtakes her.

“Mrs. Byers,” you breathe out, immediately walking over to the woman to stand by her side, but she gently pushes you away.

“We have to kill it.” Anger slowly spills into her voice. “I want to kill it.”

Hopper joins your side now, the two of you surrounding the woman. “Me too, Joyce. Okay? But how do we do that? We don’t exactly know what we’re dealing with here.”

“We don’t know what could happen to Will,” you urge, understanding Joyce’s anger but terrified of how it may affect her son.

“If anyone knows how to destroy this thing, it’s Will.” Mike begins to walk over to the boy, who is still knocked out cold on the couch. “He’s connected to it. He’ll know its weakness.”

Everyone stands in the living room now, and dread encases its hand around your throat. You don’t want to make Will any more involved in this than he needs to be, he’s been through too much.

Max cocks her head. “I thought we couldn’t trust him anymore. That he’s a spy for the mind flayer now.”

“We can always trust Will.” There’s an edge to your voice, and Jonathan has to grab your hand to steady you.

Mike nods, understanding what you’re trying to voice. “I know, Y/N. We can always trust him, and he can’t spy if he doesn’t know where he is.”

–

Somehow, Steve gets paired up with Nancy to cover the inside of the Byers’ shed with tarps.

One minute Steve had been standing behind you in the living room as Mike explained his plan, and the next minute he was being auctioned off to join his ex in a small shed while you got to happily team up with Jonathan and his mom.

It was unfair, really.

While he’s moping about his luck, Nancy hesitantly looks at Steve, clearly also as equally uncomfortable in the silence. She lingers as Steve begins to hang up another tarp and she tears a piece of tape for him, waiting.

She watches as Steve’s body stretches the length of the wall and realizes that this is the first time they’ve been alone together since their conversation at school, and that his languid movements are foreign to her.

Nancy hasn’t seen him so at ease in a long, long time.

She thinks about how you’d been with him these last few days while she had been with Jonathan, and she wonders what else may have possibly changed in such a short amount of time.

“Hey,” she finally says, the silence clawing at her. “What you did, um… Helping the kids, that was really cool.”

Steve still looks at Nancy with such sincerity and warmth, something that makes her stomach twist with guilt. He doesn’t know what she’s done just yet, and she doesn’t know if he has a right to even care at all.

“Yeah,” he exhales, breaking the eye contact first. “Those little shits are real trouble, ya know?”

Nancy finds herself laughing, grateful he seems open to talking to her. “Believe me, I know.”

“It’s a miracle that Y/N survived so long on her own.” Steve says absentmindedly, returning to hanging up the tarp.

Hearing your name causes Nancy’s stomach to twist again. Steve may not have pieced everything together just yet, but she knows that you have. You’ve always been able to read people well, too well, even.

Jonathan wasn’t yours and she wasn’t Steve’s, yet Nancy feels an overwhelming sense of guilt for the two of you.

“It’s nice that you were there for her,” Nancy avoids looking at Steve again.

“Y/N has been there for everyone else, so I figured it was time that someone was finally there for her?” He shakes his head, unsure what he’s even saying. “I just… I wanted to help her.”

Nancy doesn’t say anything, she only nods and continues tearing off more pieces of tape.

You’re too good, everyone knows this, and sometimes Nancy finds herself resenting you for it, even though none of it is your fault.

–

Jonathan tears down another bedsheet from the clothing line and tosses it into the growing pile of sheets and bedding in your arms; he yanks them down, you catch, and then he cuts the lines with the knives you loaned him.

“You sure this is gonna work?” Jonathan asks his mom, who has joined the two of you to collect her own pile of sheets to cover the shed.

Joyce nods, the familiar frantic look in her eyes from last year is now back. “He knew who I was. He’s still in there. It’s gonna work, it has to.”

You peek from behind the pile of cloth you’re holding. “Who knows, maybe we can finally prove whether or not Freud’s theory of consciousness is correct.”

Jonathan doesn’t understand what you mean, but Joyce sends you a grateful smile, appreciative that you’re trying to remain optimistic despite the situation, and then leaves before her son can question the plan once more.

As soon as the two of you are alone, Jonathan puts your switchblade in his pocket and then faces you, not wasting a second to finally have you to himself. “Okay, tell me everything I missed while I was gone.”

His eager curiosity makes you smile. “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but aren’t we on a time limit?”

“I think we can spare a few minutes, bug.”

“Fine, but at least grab some of these sheets so I can actually look at you while I talk.”

Jonathan laughs and does as he’s told, grabbing some of the cloth you’re holding and lessening the weight of it for you. Once he’s able to see your face, he smiles warmly at you. “Hi,”

“Hi, bee.” The greeting drips from your mouth like pure honey, and with two simple words, Jonathan can feel himself finally begin to relax.

“So,” he wiggles his eyebrows at you. “Go on.”

You take a deep breath, knowing that what you’re about to tell Jonathan will remove the carefree smile on his face. He’ll only blame himself, and you hate the responsibility he seems to feel for you.

“The only major thing, well… Besides the Demodogs, is that I spilled milk all over Billy, the guy you punched at the Halloween party.”

Jonathan gapes at you. “What?”

“Yeah, it was kinda awesome, honestly. He was being a bitch, accusing me and Steve of getting together to piss you and Nance off, and he was just being an overall creep, so… I spilled milk on him to get him to shut up so that Steve wouldn’t end up knocking the guy out.”

“Wait, Steve was there?” He tries to keep his voice level, but even Jonathan can hear the underlying hurt within his voice.

He’s not sure why the hurt is there, or why the thought of Steve being the one now protecting you sends a punch to his throat.

“Yeah,” you frown at him, confused by his sudden shift in mood. “He was with me in the lunchroom, wanted to know where you and Nance had run off to.”

Jonathan swallows. “I’m glad he was there, bug.”

And he is, he knows he is, but he also knows that it’s getting harder and harder to ignore the shift that has come between the two of you. How it was only thirty minutes ago that you had wrapped your arm around Steve’s, not Jonathan’s.

He clears his throat. “So, about Steve…”

“What about him?” You feign ignorance, but Jonathan sees the blush that has started to spread across your face.

“You’re blushing, bug.” It hurts him to tease, but he knows he has to. Jonathan has to play the role he had been given when he was twelve and had met you that day on Nancy’s front porch.

The same girl he slept with last night, who he has come to love with such devotion that he still struggles to accept within himself.

They haven’t talked about it, at least not yet, but all the unsaid truths between you and Jonathan hang over him. He can feel the lines and threads and strings all closing in on you two, and he knows you can also sense it as well.

“It’s nothing, bee.” You start walking towards the shed, uncomfortable now. You don’t want Jonathan’s teasing, not when it comes to Steve; it’s too painful, you still haven’t quite come to terms with your newfound feelings for the boy.

Not when you haven’t laid your feelings for Jonathan to rest, yet.

It wouldn’t be fair to Steve.

Jonathan steps in front of you, blocking your path. He feels as if he’s about to lose you, and for the first time since he’s met you, he doesn’t know how to make you stay. “Hey, I’m sorry. It’s just… I know you.”

His words burn.

“Let’s just get back to the shed–”

“Bug,” he blocks your path again. He’s not ready to lose you just yet, but he knows he will soon. It’s inevitable. “I know you, and when you’re around Steve, you just… You’re different, a–a good different, and–”

“Jonathan, I really don’t want to talk about this,” you plead, but he hears the at least not with you that goes unsaid. “Why don’t you focus on your newly formed relationship with Nancy, okay?”

Jonathan stumbles over his feet. “You–you know?”

“I know you,” you echo his words from moments ago, with its melancholy and all.

He sighs, steps to the side, and lets you go.

It’s quiet after that.

–

In the shed, everyone busies themselves with their tasks.

You, Steve, and Lucas run around with nail guns and tape for those who need it. The rest of the kids work as a unit, helping one another with covering every inch of wall they can find. Meanwhile, Nancy wraps newspaper around the poles while Jonathan carries Will through the door.

Seeing Will, limp within Jonathan’s arms, only reminds you of the dead body that had been pulled from the quarry last year.

Only this time it really is Will.

Together, you and Jonathan gently place the boy in the chair and tie him. You ignore the way your heart clenches as you knot the cords together; you’re doing this to save him. Joyce prepares the medicine needed to knock Will out, in case anything happens, and as you watch, Lucas and Mike switch on the overhead lamps, blinding you.

“Christ,” you mumble, holding your hand up to shield your eyes from the light.

“It works,” Mike looks at you, hopeful. “It’s gonna work.”

Hopper steps forward, facing everyone. “If you aren’t related to the Byers family, get out.” While everyone begins to leave, you and Mike remain where you are. When Hopper sees this, he frowns. “What did I just say?”

Dustin and Steve linger in the doorway, both silently asking you what the plan is, and you give them a slight nod to indicate that it’s okay. You’ll join them later, right now Will needs you and you sure as hell aren’t leaving Mike and Jonathan alone to deal with this.

“Y/N is family, Hop.” Joyce stands next to you, placing a hand on your shoulder.

You smile at her before facing the chief. “I’m staying.”

“Me, too.” Mike echos, standing his own ground against the man, and you refrain from giving him another high five for his bravery.

Better not to upset Hopper too much more.

The man in question groans, too tired to argue. “Fine, you two can stay, but only because I know that if I don’t let Henderson stay then Jonathan will probably have a panic attack or something.”

Jonathan shrugs. “Probably.”

Dustin rushes over to you and gives you a tight hug. “Be careful.”

“I will,” you kiss the top of his hat, catching Steve’s eye in the process. “Take care of him, please?”

Steve nods, without any hesitation to do as you’ve asked. “Of course.”

And with that, the door to the shed closes as the last of the group leaves.

It’s silent after that, and you take a second to admire the work everyone did. The shed is completely unrecognizable, and the lights will only further limit Will’s vision. A part of you truly believes that this plan could work, but you’ve long since stopped letting your hope get the better of you.

“Alright, you ready?” Hopper looks over at Joyce, holding the ammonia needed to wake Will up.

“Yeah,” the woman crosses her arms, and you want to reach out and hold her.

Everyone is quiet as Hopper crouches in front of Will and dabs some ammonia onto a cotton ball. Then, slowly, he brings it up to the boy’s face and waits for him to inhale. When he does, Will’s eyes snap open and he inhales so sharply that you’re worried he’s hurt himself.

You stand in between Mike and Jonathan, and seeing the pure fear on Will’s face brings tears to your eyes. He reminds you of a deer, small and frail, with eyes so full of fear that it makes you ache.

Will’s eyes dart around the room, and when he notices that he’s tied to the chair, he begins to tug at the cords. “What–what is this? Why am I tied up?”

“Will, we just wanna talk to you,” Joyce softly tells him, now eye level with the boy as she does her best to calm him down. “We’re not gonna hurt you.”

“Where am I?” The fear that had once been in Will’s voice is gone, now replaced with an anger that seems so foreign to associate with the boy.

Hopper joins now, showing him the picture of the mind flayer that he drew. “You recognize this?”

Will shakes his head and looks over at you, now realizing that you’re there, and you force yourself to look away. He’s always been the sweetest boy, but he killed so many innocent people today, even if he hadn’t meant to.

You trust Will, you do, but you remind yourself that the boy in front of you isn’t really him.

“We wanna help you,” Joyce tries to reassure him again. “But to do that, we have to understand how to kill it.”

At the mention of killing, Will’s eyes widen as more anger seeps through him, now shouting at his mother, “Why am I tied up? Why am I tied up? Why am I tied up?”

He begins to thrash around, throwing his head back against the wall as he repeatedly screams and begs to be let go. The lights are now flickering and immediately you draw Mike into your chest, trying to mask your own tears as you comfort him.

Jonathan clings behind you, his arms wrapped around your waist as he buries his face into your shoulder, and blindly you reach behind yourself so you can hold him as well. When you feel his tears spill against your skin, you wrap your arms tighter around Mike and cry.

Will continues to scream, becoming more and more violent, and something demonic seems to crawl into his vocal chords as he screams.

You hold Mike and Jonathan tighter against you, doing everything you can to be there for the boys. You knew this would be difficult, but as the lights continue to flicker and Will’s pale face quickly becomes paler with every plea, you feel weak.

With Jonathan behind you and Mike in front of you, both boys clinging onto you as sobs wrack your own body, it becomes unclear who is being held up and who is the one holding.

Hopper has his own arms wrapped around Will, and slowly, miraculously, his pleas begin to fade off. Exhaustion seems to overtake the boy, as he starts to mumble more than scream, and with every exhaled breath, the light’s flickering settles down.

Finally, silence.

The only sound in the shed is Will’s labored breaths, alongside your own.

Joyce sits in the chair placed in front of Will, takes a moment to find her words, and then asks the boy, “Do you know what March 22nd is?”

You do, it’s Will’s birthday, and you listen as Joyce talks about his eighth birthday and how she had gotten him a giant box of crayons and he had used all the colors to draw a rainbow ship. With every word, more despair and love fills the woman’s voice as she reflects on how proud she is of him, how much she loves him, and you have to turn away for a moment to wipe at your eyes.

After Joyce has finished her story, you all see something within Will. As if he’s coming back to himself, his eyes no longer holding the malic from earlier.

Jonathan detangles himself from you and wipes his eyes as well, taking a deep breath to calm himself. “Do you remember the day dad left?”

You turn around, already knowing the story that he’s about to tell, and you press a soft kiss to Mike’s forehead before joining Jonathan at Will’s side. He can’t be alone when he retells this story, because he hadn’t been alone when it happened.

“We stayed up all night building Castle Byers,” Jonathan reflects, nudging you as you crouch down in front of Will as well. “It was Y/N’s idea to build it just the way you drew it.”

“You loved the idea,” your voice cracks, but you try to hide it so that you don’t scare the boy.

You remember how Will’s face lit up when you surprised him with the idea. He hadn’t left his room in hours, blaming himself for Lonnie leaving, and Jonathan had shown up at your window, in tears as he confessed that he didn’t know how to help Will.

After yanking the teen into your room and sitting him down on your bed, you had told him that Will simply needed someone there for him, to remind him that he was good and lovely and that everything that Lonnie had ever said was wrong.

Later that day, the two of you showed up to the hardware store; two young teens with only pocket change as currency, and you’d bought all the supplies needed for Castle Byers.

“And it took so long because you were so bad at hammering.” The fondness of the memory causes Jonathan to laugh, and you do so as well as you remember just how many times Will had accidentally hit his fingers rather than the nail. “You missed the nail every time.”

“I thought you’d lose a finger, honestly.” You add, which Joyce laughs at.

Jonathan continues. “And then it started raining, but we stayed out there anyway. All of us were sick for like a week after that… But we just had to finish it, didn’t we? We just had to.”

You squeeze the teen’s hand and lean in closer to Will, sensing that it’s now your turn to speak. “Do you know what my nickname is for you?”

Will slowly nods, his eyes going to Jonathan and then back to you, indicating that he understands he’s your little bee.

“Little bee, that’s right.” It isn’t difficult to reminisce on your favorite memory with the boy, it comes to you immediately. “After we all had gotten the cold, do you remember the awful flu that Jonathan and Dustin somehow got like a week afterwards?”

Jonathan snorts, remembering how annoyed he had been for being so sick for so long. He had missed two whole weeks of school, and you were the one who had to bring his assignments to him and help with his homework.

“That weekend, our moms decided that it made more sense to send Jonathan to my house so he and Dustin could quarantine together, so I stayed at your house and we spent the entire weekend alone. Just you and me.”

You smile softly, the memory fresh and warm like an early spring day. You love Jonathan and Dustin endlessly, but being alone with Will was special. A rare occasion that the two of you always relished in. “That weekend, we watched all your favorite movies and I taught you how to bake the cookies you love so much… You taught me how to draw, and together we were happy.”

Your voice breaks again, the warmth of the memory slightly stings as you gaze into Will’s sunken eyes. Two years ago you had all of Will, his happiness genuine and his heart kind, and now you’re terrified you’ll never have that version of him back ever again.

Jonathan notices your hesitancy and strokes your face gently. “Go on,”

You grab the hand on your face and kiss it, grateful for the strength he’s loaning you. “We–we were almost sad when Dustin and Jonathan got better, because we had enjoyed our little weekend getaway.”

Joyce lets out a shaky breath as she reaches for you as well, her hand landing against your shoulder, a place she has long since inhabited for herself whenever she wants to express her love for you. She knows how fiercely you love her sons, and she remembers all the laughter and joy she heard that weekend within her home, a home that had long since stopped being warm for her.

“That weekend…” You force down the sobs that threaten to spill over. You have to finish the story, to remind Will of who he is again. He has to come back to you. “That weekend, you became my little bee.”

As soon as you say Will’s nickname, you lean away from the boy and try to collect yourself. You’ve said all that you physically can for now, and you hope it was enough. You hope, more than anything, that it will be enough to bring Will home again.

Mike steps forward now, and Will turns his head to him. “Do you remember the first day that we met?”

You notice the tear that falls down the boy’s face, and you lean your head against Jonathan’s shoulder in exhaustion as you listen to his story. It’s one you’ve never heard before, and it’s rare to see Mike so vulnerable with his feelings.

“It was… It was the first day of kindergarten. I knew nobody. I had no friends, and–and I just felt so alone and so scared but–” More tears come. “I saw you on the swings and you were alone, too. You were just swinging by yourself.”

Jonathan’s hand finds your hair as you both listen, and you know he’s thinking the same as you. How finding your person in a world so vast and lonely can bring you to life.

“I just walked up to you and… I asked. I asked if you wanted to be my friend, and you said yes.” Mike swallows, now diverting his eyes away from everyone. “You said yes, and it was the best thing I’ve ever done.”

Mike finishes with more tears, and you walk over to him so that he can hide his face against you. You know he wants to be alone right now, that he hates how exposed his emotions are, and as soon as you’ve wrapped your arms around the boy he buries his face in your chest and softly cries.

You do your best to shield him from the world.

Meanwhile, Joyce tries again to reach Will. “Will, baby. If you’re in there, just please… Please talk to us. Please, honey, can you do that for me? I love you so much.”

Something seems to collapse within Will, he fights back tears as his breathing becomes labored again. For a moment, you think it’s worked, that he’ll finally come back and you’ll have your little bee again.

“Let me go.” Will demands again, and you feel everyone’s heart in the room drop.

It’s quiet for several moments, but there’s a faint tapping that you hear. You don’t know where it’s coming from, but you’re sure that it hadn’t been there moments ago. You look around the room and see Hopper doing the same.

When your eyes meet his, he tilts his head at you as if to ask if you hear it too. You nod, and Hopper looks around once more before he freezes.

“Out,” Hopper suddenly orders, leaving no time for anyone to argue as he flings the shed door open and marches towards the Byers home.

–

“What happened?” Dustin immediately asks as soon as you enter the house.

“We think we found something,” you inform him, pointing to Hopper, who has now sat down at the kitchen table with a pen and paper.

Everyone gathers around him as he starts to scribble a series of lines and dots. “I think he’s talking, just not with words.

“What is that?” Steve asks, lost as to how lines and dots are so important.

“Morse code,” all the boys answer in unison.

Steve leans over you and whispers, “Why do they always do that?”

“You get used to it. Now shush.”

Hopper spells out the letters he remembers Will tapping. “H-E-R-E.”

“Here.” Everyone says out loud.

“Will is still in there. He’s talking to us.” The chief says, looking at Joyce.

Your eyes meet Jonathan’s and an idea comes to you. “If the memories we’re telling him are working, then what about music?”

Hopper thinks for a moment, but Jonathan has already run to his room to grab his stereo and cassette tapes, understanding exactly what you’re thinking.

A plan forms from there.

You, Jonathan, Mike, and Joyce all take turns telling Will stories while his favorite song plays. Should I Stay or Should I Go? Plays within the shed as memories fill it with warmth and Hopper taps out on a walkie everything that Will taps.

Inside the house, the kids, Nancy, and Steve all listen to the walkie and write down the morse code to decipher what Will is saying.

Jonathan tells him about real music, Mike recounts the time Will saved the party during one of their campaigns, Joyce talks about a kind moment from his childhood, and you tell him about the wonderful drawing he made for your birthday. The one of you, Jonathan, and the party fighting a dragon.

“You drew me as a princess and Jonathan laughed when he saw it. Said it was very fitting.” You say, nervously watching as Will frantically taps against his chair. “When you gave me the picture, I think I almost squeezed you to death when I hugged you. It’s still the best birthday gift I’ve ever been given–”

The sound of a telephone ringing cuts you off, and Will snaps his head up, no longer paying any attention to you.

You freeze, now realizing that the music has shut off. Will has to have heard it, and you know he’ll figure out where you guys are. His eyes droop shut and you slowly back away into Jonathan, who grabs you and pulls you even further away. He’s tense, you both are.

“Hey, can you hear me?” Joyce tries to draw Will back in, but he’s starting to pant as his eyes flutter rapidly underneath his eyelids.

“It knows. It knows where we are.” Hopper says as Joyce reaches for the sedative.

With one fluid movement, she injects Will and immediately he knocks out. His head falls forward, his breathing now back to normal. You pull at Joyce so that she faces you. “Did we knock him out in time?”

She doesn’t say anything, and Hopper runs outside while Jonathan and Mike join. The two of you stand in the shed alone, silent, both filled with dread.

Jonathan comes running back in. “They’re coming!”

“Shit!” You scramble to help him untie Will and you and Hopper use your knives to speed up the process. Your hands are shaking, but there’s no time to steady them.

Once Will is untied, Jonathan throws him over his shoulder and runs to the house. Joyce and Hopper follow and you grab Mike’s hand to make sure you don’t lose him. As you run, you hear the familiar screeches of the Demodogs and the hair on the back of your neck stands up.

They’re close.

Inside, you take the lead and shove everyone out of the kitchen. “Get to the living room. Now!”

“Y/N, what’s going on?” Steve is at your side now, his voice soft with fear.

You’re about to reassure him that it’ll be okay, to lie through your teeth, but then you see the kids by the windows and groan. “Get away from the windows!”

They scurry away and Hopper steps in, holding a shotgun that he offers to Jonathan. “Do you know how to use this?”

Jonathan looks around as if Hopper has asked someone else. “What?”

“Can you use this?”

While Jonathan stumbles over his words, Nancy confidently walks over. “I can.”

Hopper nods and tosses her the gun before turning to you, “I saw the switchblade earlier. Use it.”

You flick your wrist and extend the blades, doing as you’re told.

Everyone gathers around, with an assortment of weapons, and you get the insane urge to laugh. Of course you’re back here a year later, standing in Jonathan’s living room as monsters from another dimension threaten your loved ones.

Jonathan stands in front of Joyce while you stand in front of Dustin, knives raised to your face. Steve stands in front of you, his back facing you as he wields his bat, ready to defend you and your brother.

You make sure to keep an eye on Lucas and Max, who are to your left, trusting that Nancy has Mike as she and Hopper raise their guns.

All eyes are on the windows, no one says anything as you all wait. With every passing second, the howls and screeches outside get louder. Then, a loud screech comes from your right, and everyone turns around.

“What are they doing?” Nancy asks no one in particular, her voice shaky but her aim firm and strong.

You see the bushes rustling through the windows, and another snarl comes from the other side that causes you all to scream. There’s commotion outside, a series of screeches and thuds, and your body tenses, preparing itself to fight.

Suddenly, the screeching stops, and through the window a giant body gets thrown.

You scream and Steve shoves you and Dustin further behind him, but your brother realizes before you do what’s happened. “Holy shit.”

The Demodog lays motionless on the floor, its body limp, and you realize with a relieved sigh that it’s dead.

“Is it dead?” Max asks, as you all begin to approach its corpse.

“It is,” you confirm, too scared to ask the question of what the fuck killed it.

As Hopper pokes at the Demodog with his shoe, the front door creaks open, and everyone turns in alarm with weapons at the ready. The lock turns, and you feel a familiar sense of static. It’s been a year since you’ve felt the sensation, a year since the girl who could control things with her mind disappeared and left her memory behind.

It’s El.

She walks in, and you drop your knife in shock when you see that it’s her.

She’s grown so much since you last saw her, her hair is longer and she’s gotten taller. Her clothes are all black, her eyes smudged with makeup. Mike steps forward, you see the way his eyes fill with adoration.

You let out a soft cry, all the guilt and grief you’ve felt over the girl finally lifts, and you can breathe again.

She’s back.

El is alive.

-

⌑ series masterlist

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[athanasius-symposium-of-writings]

Tall Drink Of Water

Does my little dance for @turbulentscrawl

Rated Mature | Warning: None

You have the same amount of energy Luca Balsa has, and many more given how you laid out on the floor rolling around playing with Ann's cat (you do not care if it is an Outer God that took the simple form of a cat to oversee whatever an Outer God oversees). The cat is playing with a ball of yarn you got from Annie in exchange for helping her with a toy project. The cat actually is playing with you rather than you playing with it, Alva a few times glances over to see being the one is playing with the yarn more than the cat.

Your logic for not fearing the cat is ‘I don’t worship it so I don’t have to follow its rules’. Neither does Alva yet here is a chosen one of that creature. His eyes linger on the way your shirt by now has ridden up exposing your stomach and dangerously close to the rest of your chest before you sit up and start petting the cat. 

It permits it the petting, the dotting upon, you have no idea you are worshipping it by doing that and Alva could not tell you otherwise given the cat is purring. When it has enough, it places its paw on your hand pushing it away then jumping on a chair and curling up in a ball to rest.

“I want five more babies, Alva.” Without context and him not paying attention you say those words.

“Excuse me?” Stopped his hands with his current task to make sure he heard you properly.

“Five more babies,” Pointing at the sleeping cat, “We can have different types too.” You bet Ann would agree but you might have to watch out for Ithaqua because you have seen him fearlessly chase the black cat. Weirdo.

The inventor needs a moment to recover, “I am sure the Apostle would not appreciate sharing your attention.” Resuming the final touches of the device he making.

You go to sit on the couch in the room then lay on it as you stare up at the ceiling before your eyes drift to other objects in the room before falling on the ass of the Hermit. Small, you can grab it and feel a bit of meat, a bubble butt. Your eyes follow the way his back is bent over slightly as he works over the workbench tinkering away.

“Alva,” You call out to him, “Have I ever told you how handsome you are?” “You do and I never grow tired of it.” He replies, “You are quite handsome too, (Name).” Sometimes sparks to life in his hand for a second then shuts off. “Yeah but,” You think for a moment then grin, “You’re a tall drink of water, baby.” Yeah, this is a good one! “And I’m thirsty.” Snickering. Both a funny and a compliment, genius.

Alva has learned to grow accustomed to your time of humor and language. Given you are from a different modern time, you are far different from the people of his time in every sense. He raises an eyebrow then shakes his head, “Given you also know how ridiculous that sounds,” He stops his task as he can feel his neck becoming strained and the statement you made is a hint. “(Name).” Turning around, “Come here a moment.” His index finger beckons you over where he is leaning against his workbench. 

It is cute how quickly you get up to go over to him and without skipping a beat you hug him, one who enjoys physical touching. A tactile person. He places his hand on your head petting your hair as you rest your chin on his chest with your eyes closed and a small content smile on your face, “I love you.” The words flow out easily from your mouth as you say them a dozen times with ease, you follow those words with action as you are happy to kiss his hand that traces your lips, his palm, then your eyes open halfway as you once again say, “I love you, Alva.”

“Do you need me?” A low sensual tone as you whine as his other hand starts at the lower part of your back, fingers tracing up your spine and the low-grade spark up your back makes you moan as he uses his power to stimulate your nerves. Strange as it sounds you found it gets you going a lot faster as he is directly stimulating your nerves and skin.

“My answer is always,” Though at times you feel bad given you have a much higher sex drive than the inventor. He is much lower, rarely does the mood strike him, but tries to be accommodating to your needs when he can keep with them.

Though you understand he is in the mood, it is understandable, you make it very clear to him that you never take more than what he can give. You are one to talk freely about your needs and listen to others about theirs, you had sat him down to ask what he needs from you and vice-versa.

“Are you sure? I have no problem using your shirt.” Asking to make sure he would not mind doing it right now, you can always wait for when he is ready. He got the hint you want to be intimate by your silly pickup line, something you do to hint but easy for him to know he can take his time. Plus, you like letting him know how handsome he is daily.

When you handle your own desires alone, you need something of his to keep on that edge, his shirt helps a lot.

God, you feel like you got it down bad for him— Because you are.

So bad that you ask him, sometimes, if he is comfortable with recording a ‘visual aid’.

A request and one he needed an explanation of. One you provided when he was sexually ready and you were the one teasing him. So you recorded yourself, well, let’s just say the man had a reminder of how different you both are from a technology standpoint too.

The recording on your phone plays back a video of you touching yourself as you call out his name. One of his spare shirts drapes over your body as you are a humping pillow. You are no pornstar but you are proud of your camera work!

You learned that day teasing Alva was returned tenfold and you were unable to return to your room until the afternoon of the following day.

Kissing your forehead, “I want to.”

The grandfather clock in the room strikes midnight and the soft tune of the clock plays.

You stand on the tip of your toes as he kisses you, slowly and methodically until the meow of the forgotten guest steals your attention.

“Pspsps.” Alva is looking annoyed at that damn cat as you slip away to kneel on the floor to pet its sleepy form, “Pretty kitty.”

“There is another kitty in need of proper attention if it returns to my side.”

You turn your head to see Alva Lorenz walking to his bed and sitting there patting his lap.

The hint in those words is not lost to you at all nor the Outer God cat as growls before standing up, jumping in the air, and disappearing.

“Aw.” You pout, “Do think it will come back later?”

“Let’s hope not,” He welcomes you into his arms as you straddle his lap, “Your attention is going to be elsewhere for a while.” His index finger traced the path of your jawline, his lips brushing against yours but not quite, no he let that tingle of electricity make it feel like he kissed you but you were not letting that slide as you grabbed him by the collar of his dress shirt and lean forward kissing him and pushing him down.

[my-brain-soup]

I've Never Seen Luka, But Jon Kent Has

Basically I've never watched Luka but I read a fanfic where Jon gets the teen titans to watch it (parallels are drawn between Luca and Alberto and Jon and Damian) so now I will be watching it and writing the thoughts I have during it

No I will not give context and spoiler warning ig

Love the music during the studio logos

We love a superstitious king, I mean, I have a feeling he has a point

IF THEY HIT HIM IMMA BE SO PISSED

Awww, he's such a polite little guy

Luca is a farm boy!!! I love my little Jon Kent varient :)

I, too, would risk my life for shiny object

I, too, do the murder

OMG THEIR SO JON AND DAMIAN BUT LIKE BEING HUMAN IS BEING A VIGILANTE AND ITS THE SAME AS THEIR START BASICALLY I LOVE THEM

HE EVEN HAS THE SUPERMAN CURL

Dami would say he invented walking

And pretend he's not proud of Jon

THEYRE SO CUTESY

Bruno? Or Bruce...o... you get the idea

Sorry, they have Luca grab Alberto like that and expect me not to see them as the most adorable little guy love story? Their so crushing on each other

"You're so lucky your dad lets you do what you want," cue Superman's comment about Bruce getting hit on the head all the time

NO WAY THEIR SENDING HIM TO (basically) BOARDING SCHOOL TO KEEP HIM AWAY FROM THE "bad influence" THAT IS ALBERTO

Yes! Grandma, my queen!

"We can do anything" I love this movie

MY FRIEND SMELLS AMAZING

God I don't know her name yet but I love her

JULIA OR HOWEVER YOU SAY IT

We're not telling you our secrets! Tells secrets immediately.

FROM EVERYTHING YOU LOVE?????

I love Alberto so muchhhhhh

I love Mr dad human

Oh they know SOO many fish

No way everyone, including an adult, just saw that bitch rob some kids and didn't do shit

He is a sad little catfish

Why are his parents actually crazy

Aww, Alberto doesn't want to lose his friend

Noooooooo

Luca just wants to learn, and Alberto just wants to feel loved :(

How is the gayest looking dude there being homophobic?

When your new father figue wants to kill your entire species

Alberto got mad when Julia touched Luca's hand...

Why does Luca's hair looks like a croissant

NO LUCA WTF

I WAS ALMOST ON YOUR SIDE

GOD WHAT THE HELL

YES, MR DAD HUMAN, I LOVE YOU PLEASE DONT KILL YOUR NEW SON

FUCK.

IM NOT CRYING.

Nooooo

Their fort :(

BESTIE NO

NO ALBERTO MY BABY NO

STOP PUSHING PEOPLE AWAY SO YOU DONT GET HURT. IT'S NOT GONNA WORK

God the organizer adult lady us such a bitch

Why is no one concerned that the scuba kid isn't coming up for air?

Aww, his little clap self tap in

It's totally about to rain

Well shit. Sometimes I hate when I'm right

WAIT WAS THAT ALBERTO

I TAKE IT BACK I LOVE WHEN IM RIGHT

FUCK

NO I TAKE IT BACK AGAIN

I love them so much!!!!

MR DAD HUMAN NO

MR DAD HUMAN YES

YAYYYY

KING

Is the mom the same person that voiced Aunt Cass in big hero 6?

YES LOVE ME THE OLD LADIES

BRO ITS SO ABOUT BEING GAY I LOVE THIS MOVIE

I decided it is a metaphor for older lgbtq people, feeling able to come out after younger generations have proved that times have changed, I love them

(They're sisters, so they're not together, but they can still be gay!)

BRO ALBERTO

THOSE LITTLE LOOKS

YOU'RE NOT FOOLING ANYONE

JULIA 100% KNOWS

About his crush, not just Luca going to school

AHHHH HES SO SWEET

YES, MR DAD HUMAN, YOU NEED EACH OTHER

Their in love, your honor

THEIR LITTLE HAND HOLDING THING I CANT

IM SO MENTALLY ILL FOR GAY FISH

IM CRYING AGAIN

AHHH, THEY RIGHT EACH OTHER LETTERS

ALBERTO LOOKS SO SMITTEN WHEN THEY'RE ON THE PHONE

ALBERTO GETS HIS KNIFE

DOES HE BECOME A LIFEGAURD???

I love this movie

So much

DAMIAN ALSO HAS A CAT AND JON ALSO HAS A DOG

Also, here is my formal apology, her name is spelled Giulia, my b

Alberto learns to carve wood, awww

Also, does Luca EVER get shoes?

I've decided I need an Alberto to become a tattoo artist future au, at least like on the side or for fun or sm

The dedication is adorable

Yes, I just watched all of the credits. What about it?

I was rewarded with an after credits scene, so fuck you.

I'm gonna watch all the deleted scenes now, I'm not gonna specify which one so have fun guessing

Haha, they called Alberto and Luca the main relationship

BOO STOP TRYING TO GIVE LUCA A CRUSH ON GIULIA

YES! CONFORMED LUCA A GIULIA ONLY PLATONIC

YES ALBERTO CHEER ON THE KRAKEN AGAINST THE HUNTER

Also, she was almost a photographer, like TIM DRAKE?!?!?

Don't worry, Luca, I'll ride in a barrel lit on fire down a hill with you

Awww, they were raised by a lobsterrr

BRING BACK CANNED SEA MONSTER FACTORY

OH SEA MONSTER CAN PASS BUT IF THEIR FOUND OUT THE CONSEQUENCES MIGHT BE REALKY DIRE??? SOUNDS KINDA GAY TO ME.

Oh, Jon is extremely charming

I love how they used different animation styles (in how they had the characters move) on land and in the water

PH THE TRANSFORMATION ISN'T CELEBRATED IN LUCAS FAMILY AND HE MAKES IT A CONSIOUS DEASITION TO CHANGE HIS THINKING FROM I SHOULDNT DO THIS TO I SHOULD EMBRASE THIS? SOUNDS KINDA GAY TO ME

Bro, not the first version where Alberto outs Luca to Giulia, eek

And finally, Ciao Alberto!

Aww, Luca wants to see to Portorosso!

THE GAY OLD LADY SISTERS ARE DEFINITELY CLOSE WITH ALBERTO, AND I LOVE IT FOR ALL OF THEM

He finally has people who care about him!!!

AWW ALBERTO JUST WANTS MR DAD HUMAN TO BE PROUD OF HIM

Alberto, you do NOT got this

DONT LIGHT THE BOAT ON FIRE

OH SHIT

Noooo!!! Don't leave!!!

YOU'RE NOT HIS EMPLOYEE, YOU'RE HIS SON

HE CALLED HIM DAD!!!

YAY HUGS

I LOVE THEM SO MUCH

MY HEART

I CANT

I love Alberto being an artist (a bad one, for now, but still and artist)

Okay, that's it, Ciao :)

[moonshynecybin]

luca in the same age au at some point is going to get annoyed at rosquez for being on a break again and just show up to marc's house to tell him you need to take vale back he's too much to deal with while you guys are fighting

you guys (and i love you never forget this.) want luca to be the one to get them together VERY badly but im so sorry i think that man mostly just does not think about them at all. truly he is TIRED of his life revolving around his (beloved) brother and his narrative and his drama. and he loves his brother!! but luca knows hes not a GOD. hes just a DUDE. the world does not actually spin on an axis of valentino rossi. and i think luac sees yearsssssss of marc and vale hissing at each other like two extremely territorial and pissed off cats and enacting eight different psychotic horny levels of mind games in every interaction they have on and off-track and vale attempting to cast elaborate witches curses on marc and. he simply sails by comma unbothered. "what if luca trapped rosquez in a closet" FUN. but hes got his OWN SHIT GOING ON. he doesnt have the time OR the will to meddle with them playing 4-D chess whorish wargames against each other to the end goal of precisely fucking nothingggg

like in reality hes taken his own cross unto himself here entirely to ESCAPE the vale narrative. hes currently too busy toiling like telemetry sisyphus laying down testing laps on that DOGSHIT honda and flying around the world every single free weekend he has at his disposal in vain pursuit of NOT EVEN perfection BUT IMPROVEMENT! INCREMENTAL improvement!!! and he fully and of his own volition took that into his legacy. a career defining move that he KNOWS will be initially terrible and suck absolute eggs. he chooooose that bike. he said i will be a factory rider, and i will be remembered outside of my brother, even if it gets me a TERRIBLE time on a motorcycle known for HORRIFIC CONSEQUENCES. idk i think he needs to test himself ! entirely out of vale's shadow ! and i think he saw this as one of the only ways he could do it. he's a data guy. honda needs a test monkey who doesnt mind being in the PITS (a hard sell in an ego-driven profession, even for a factory seat). like he knows thats how he can sell himself. and crucially he took the shot! absolutely fascinating character detail imo... meanwhile vale is TALKING MAD TRASH on podcasts and marc is alternating being pursuant of valentino's myriad narratives concerning switching to ducati and getting his ninth and loitering outside the VR46 ranch throwing eggs at bezz and pecco while simultaneously asking major sports news outlets to let valentino know that he was the best dick he ever had. they are in god's most toxic romcom while luca is bellyflopping into an against-the-odds sports underdog story that he very well may fail catastrophically at! they simply have other priorities! luca wants nothing to do it !!!!

[0shewrites0]

Can you do Lucas being needy hcs??

🪐 You already know how much this big boy needs reassurance; no matter how confident and self-assured he may seem, deep down he feels very insecure

🪐 Will rarely ask, "Do you love me?" or "Tell me you love me," but he will show you that he needs the reassurance by clinging to your side like a baby koala

🪐 Lots of wrapping his arms around your waist from behind, nestling his face in the crook of your neck and pressing a lingering kiss to your shoulder, hoping you'll turn in his embrace and press yourself against him by locking your arms around his neck

🪐 Coming home from work and a workout at the gym to find you lounging on the couch, dinner all ready but you’re waiting for him - he drops his gym bag and work bag, takes off his shoes and shrugs out of his leather jacket before pretty much sprinting towards you. (He’s definitely picking his stuff up later and tidying up, but that can wait) He bends down, picks you up with ease and hugs you to him without saying a word first. Then he whispers, "I’ve missed you," and you giggle and murmur, "But it's only been a few hours." To which he shrugs his shoulders and says, "Doesn’t matter. A few hours is still too long without you."

🪐 Grinning like a Cheshire cat when he glances at his phone during his shift and sees a text from you - it means you're thinking about him, and that means the world to him. Makes the butterflies flutter, too

🪐 Will often ask you for a spicy photo because you know he can never get enough of you; it's not that you don't satisfy his needs, because damn it, you do and then some. It's just that he's pretty much insatiable when it comes to you

🪐 Will never admit that he regrets this one thing in his life - not having a loving, trusting family and parents who make him feel safe and at home with them. But whenever you take him to see your family and he sees how much they love and adore you - just like he does, to be fair - it hurts a little. Of course he's happy for you, and he wishes you nothing but the best. He would never forgive himself if he or anyone else hurt you, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt when he sees in your family what could have been - and should have been - how his family treated each other too

🪐 You see that he is hurting because you, and only you, can read him like an open book. In his dark brown eyes you see all shades of emotion, and he can never hide how he really feels, and so you take his hand in yours as you eat lunch with your family and rub his palm soothingly in circles, squeezing his hand a little. It's nothing big, just to reassure him that you see his pain and care, and that's more than enough for him

🪐 You know he is a jealous lover, so you will have to reassure him often. And you’re okay talking about the same subject over and over again because you love him and know he is struggling. He's not trying to lock you away, he just really doesn't want to lose you, and this is his way of showing you that

🪐 When you're together at a party or at a work thing, he's constantly looking out for you whenever he can't tuck you into his side. And of course it's also because he's possessive and not afraid to show it, but you know it's so much more than that. It's the constant fear that you might slip through his fingers if he doesn't do everything in his power to prevent it

🪐 Lots of placing his warm hand on the small of your back, running his little finger subtly yet visibly along the edge of your hand, and pressing gentle, not-too-short kisses on your cheek or temple

🪐 If he’s downright jealous because someone else is obviously trying to get your attention, you need to show him that you still want him and no one else. If you don't do anything about it, like kiss him demonstratively or just grab his hand and intertwine your fingers, then he’ll do the job. He will practically fling you against his chest, preferably face first, put his one arm possessively around your waist, tilt your head up and kiss you very deliberately. And not just the sweet I-love-you kiss, but rather the rough and passionate I-need-you and I-want-you and I-won't-share-you kiss that is guaranteed to take your breath away

That's it for today, thanks for this ask <3

[alleiwentcrazy]

Eddie Munson finds great joy in collecting strays. That’s obvious.

With people, it’s quite pronounced. He treats the word “freak” like an acclaimed royal title, not some low insult. Eddie loves his freaks – he treats them with care, understanding and unmistakable devotion, always offering some sort of safe haven and an outlet for both their sadness and glee. Everyone who knows Eddie knows that.

It’s a bit less pronounced with other creatures. Although Eddie’s adventures with wild, sometimes even feral (or simply interdimensional) animals still present a sore spot for him, he’s never stopped caring about them and trusting them. Eddie has a whole clowder of half-domesticated cats wandering around the fields behind his trailer at all times, because he can’t seem to accept the fact that it’s impossible to efficiently help each and every one of them just like that. Sometimes their constant presence, walls-scratching and low mewling spawns some unwanted pictures and dreams in Eddie’s head, but he will never admit to that.

What’s even less obvious—even to Eddie himself, it seems—is that his relationship with all kinds of strays is, more or less, a two-way street.

Eddie takes after his strays more than he’s aware of. For example, he’s just a little more sarcastic when he’s back from hanging out with Max. He’s a little more excited about basketball when he picks up Lucas after his practice, even though he considers himself a sports’ sworn enemy. He’s a little more tentative and reflective when he gives El some advice about regrowing her hair, because he’s well-versed with how much of a pain in the ass it can be. And so on, and so forth.

It’s the same with his cats. He takes after them a lot.

Usually, it’s Steve who notices it first. He’s also the one who falls victim to Eddie’s cat-like habits.

*

The first time it happens, they’re “studying” for Eddie’s exams. He’s been forced to retake his senior year once again, but this time he’s doing everything in his power to get through it unscathed. Usually Nancy plays the role of his tutor, but Steve takes over when she can’t make it. He’s more like moral support than anything else, since Eddie studies best when he has someone to talk to, and Steve isn’t too confident about his academic skills to really tutor him, so he’s just happy to help and listen.

But it’s starting to get late, he had a morning shift and he’s finding it hard to fight off the drowsiness, especially because Eddie’s voice is deep, raspy and warm, and it makes him feel like he’s listening to some type of bedtime story.

“...so that’s why, I think, trig kinda sucks. But I’m getting the hang of it, I guess?”

He barely registers the meaning of the sentence. He’s so comfortable sitting under the blanket on Eddie’s bed everything loses importance. Moving his mouth seems to be an impossible task, so Steve just hums. When he cracks one eye open, Eddie’s looking at him with an unreadable expression.

“I’ll make some coffee,” he says, but Steve doesn’t even see him leave. He slides down and buries his face in the pillows.

He knows when Eddie comes back because the smell of coffee infiltrates his sleepy haze, but doesn’t motivate him enough to get up.

“Budge up,” he hears. Then a hand squeezes his shoulder, so he moves closer to the wall with a whine, squishing his cheek further into the pillow. Something warm settles beside him and he thinks, simply, that it’s really pleasant to be this cozy and comfortable before he drifts off for good.

When he opens his eyes in the morning, he’s welcomed by a very curious sight.

Eddie Munson sleeps like a cat.

He’s lying on his back, long hair only slightly tangled where it’s splayed over the pillow. When sunrays hit his face, he instinctively turns his head in the right direction and Steve almost expects him to make a noise—a noise that would most probably remind him of purring. Eddie’s limbs are spread out all over the bed and his whole body seems to be twisted to the side, but he still takes up a lot less space than anticipated. His left hip is pressed to Steve’s right, but it’s the only point of connection between them.

Steve has seen this sleeping position only once, when he met Robin’s cat, Biscuit. Biscuit supposedly hates Robin, but somehow trusts Steve, because he sleeps with his tummy out when Steve’s around. Just like Eddie.

Steve raises his brow and looks at Eddie’s sunlit face again. He’s peaceful and relaxed, unbothered by the noises coming from outside. When the sun moves again, Eddie moves with it, pressing his bony hip a little closer to Steve’s.

That’s curious indeed. Steve doesn’t want to dwell on how it makes him feel at the moment, so he just looks. It’s quite a sight.

*

Weeks pass, Eddie’s peculiar habits get more and more frequent—or maybe after that one night spent at the trailer Steve’s just more focused on taking note of them. His hypothesis that Eddie’s a lot like his animal companions of choice is being confirmed time and time again, mostly when Eddie falls asleep.

After some time, Steve notices that on top of preferring weird sleeping positions, Eddie also makes a habit of seeking other people’s warmth whenever he wants to take a nap. Steve honestly doesn’t think it’s anything personal; Eddie will fall asleep on anyone’s shoulder if they let him, but he seems to have a preference. The preference being Steve.

When Robin tries to comment on that, Steve silences her. Half because he doesn’t want to confront that yet, half because he enjoys it and doesn’t want to spook Eddie away. Sue him if he likes being needed, right?

The only time he kind of regrets letting Eddie cling to him is when they go to the beach with the kids.

It’s not even a real beach, but they’re set on enjoying it as much as they can. Eddie takes his van, Nancy takes the wagon, they pack everyone inside and get the hell out of Hawkins for a full day. The weather is perfect, the grass is green and soft, the lake is nothing like Lover’s Lake at home. If only because there are no horrible memories attached.

Steve’s off babysitting duties when Nancy announces lunch, everyone wolfs down their sandwiches and lounges lazily around the lake in the scorching afternoon sun.

There aren’t many things Steve enjoys more than good sunbathing. At home, he can’t really do that anymore. He can’t stand the pool and the chlorine, he can’t stand the sound of unnatural sloshing of the water. It all makes his head spin and before he knows it, he’s back inside, fully dressed and calling Robin to ease the panic.

It’s different here. He lays down on his fluffy towel and enjoys the sun, listening to Dustin’s happy squeals and Lucas’ joyful giggling.

Until he has to hiss, because glacially cold droplets of water hit his sternum and a shadow obscures the light. When he opens his eyes, Eddie Munson grins at him despite the glare he’s being welcomed with.

“Hiya,” he says, shaking his head like a dog. Steve scowls some more. “Move over, beauty queen.”

“Don’t you have your own towel?” he grumbles, but makes space nonetheless, all while desperately trying not to catch Robin’s eyes at the same time.

Eddie plops down beside him, immediately making himself comfortable in the sparse space Steve has left him. ��Yeah, but yours is better. And you wouldn’t starve a man of his rightful summer afternoon nap, would you, Stevie?”

Steve closes his eyes, not letting go of the frown. “Stop yapping or I’ll throw you into the water again.”

“Will you carry me to the shore princess style this time? Because—Hey!” He finally shuts up when Steve elbows him.

When Robin wakes him up again, Eddie’s on his side, so close to Steve he can feel his steady breaths on his shoulder. Eddie’s both arms are thrown over Steve’s chest—because of course, even his side sleeping must be cat-like.

“Wake up, tiger,” she says, barely holding back a smirk. Steve knows this face too well.

“What are you…” Robin points at the sun and then at his chest. Steve’s brain is still a little hazy from his nap, so it takes him a while to understand what she means. When it hits him, his eyes get so big Robin can’t contain herself anymore. She lets out a loud cackle that soon transforms into a full laughing fit. Steve can’t even blame her for it.

Eddie stirs beside him. Slowly, he sits up and yawns. While he’s rubbing his eyes, Steve looks down at his chest in agony. It’s all red and scorched – all, aside from two pale stripes where Eddie’s arms were lying across his skin.

He sighs at it in disbelief while Robin cackles some more.

*

Overall, Steve quickly finds out that he really doesn’t mind the fact that Eddie includes him in his every nap when they’re together. In fact, he learns that he enjoys it so much he can’t imagine napping all by himself at this point.

But it’s all okay. And it’s not that unusual, right? They’ve all gotten really close since Vecna—even Nancy and Robin have some kind of secret proximity contract going on between them, it seems. It’s the magic of shared trauma and shared secrets that keeps them together and pulls them closer to each other every day.

At least that’s how Steve explains it to himself. That’s how he explains the comfort and sense of safety he gets every time Eddie’s back is pressed to his chest, when they’re breathing evenly and in sync. That’s how he sees it when he absent-mindedly reaches for Eddie’s hand when they’re falling asleep on the Munsons’ worn-out sofa. That’s how he feels when Eddie’s arms pull him closer.

Deep down, he knows it’s not usual at all. He’s had enough dates and romances to recognize when things cross the line, but he purposefully closes his eyes to that for the time being, letting himself enjoy the comfort and the safety of it all.

He learns the hard way that while both him and Eddie decide to stay oblivious, not everyone else does. And the fact that they never talk about it doesn’t help.

As per usual, when their monthly movie night with Nancy and Robin – the original Upside Down Bat Squad – comes, Steve and Eddie squeeze themselves into one loveseat. Eddie’s head drops to Steve’s shoulder almost immediately and he folds himself into a small human ball, pressing his side to Steve and going to sleep instantly.

Steve would love to take a nap himself, but the movie is just interesting enough to keep him in the half-dazed lethargy between sleep and consciousness. When he finally drifts off, it’s not for long.

He opens his eyes again when he registers the sudden lack of warmth beside him. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Eddie leave through the glass door in his living room. He wants to call after him, but before he does, he finally notices the muffled talk in the corridor. Nancy’s voice cuts through the silence first.

“...yes, but isn’t it kind of… Strange for them to be like that without acknowledging it in any way?”

It’s quiet for a bit, as if the conversation is being actively processed by both participants. “You mean the, uh… The closeness, or…?” Robin tries to keep her voice steady and neutral, but her cover blows a little bit more with every word.

“Yes! You clearly can’t be this intimate with someone if you don’t care about them deeply. There’s always a reason to be so close to each other, right? And you’re Steve’s platonic soulmate, so it’s definitely not like that between them.”

So many things come to Steve’s mind so suddenly he has to close his eyes—things concerning not only him and Eddie, but also Nancy and Robin. Things they were all too blind to notice.

“You mean, um,” Robin swallows so loudly even Steve can hear it. “To be as close to each other… As we are, sometimes?”

He gets up, then, deciding that he’s heard enough. Robin will tell him everything either way.

When he opens the glass door and catches the sight of Eddie, sitting on one of the lawn chairs and smoking, he realizes that they’re both going to have a lot to confess to each other at work tomorrow.

He sits down on the chair next to Eddie’s and lets the silence envelop them for a second. Eddie passes him the cigarette and he takes a prolonged drag.

“Robin and Nance woke me up with their babbling. Sorry for waking you up too,” Eddie says without looking at him.

Steve doesn’t really know how to approach it. It would be difficult enough if only one or two of them were having a revelation this evening, but since it’s all of them—well, that complicates things. He’s only a little bit surprised that his revelation doesn't hurt him at all, though. It’s not making his stomach churn or his eyes water. He still feels safe within it. When he glances at Eddie again, he can’t help but hope, even though their situation has more layers than either of them has had a chance to discover.

“It’s alright,” he reassures, passing down the cigarette. “I wasn’t really sleeping.”

Something sour flashes on Eddie’s face, but it’s only temporary. He smiles again, then, although his eyes stay dim. “Bet you don’t get good sleep at all when I’m all over you.”

“Actually,” Steve says, making sure to time it perfectly. When he reaches out to take the cigarette from Eddie, he lets their fingers stay pressed together for long enough to make some ash fall to the ground by itself. “It’s the other way around. I like it. I like when we do that.”

Eddie frowns, but his expression is as far from sour as possible. “You do?”

“Yeah. It’s just… It’s calming. I feel safe. Far away from the monsters and shit.”

Eddie smiles and huffs. He lets go of the cigarette gently. His fingers drag down along Steve’s skin. He’s not too willing to admit that, but this simple gesture gives Steve enough goosebumps to last him for life.

“Monsters and shit,” Eddie says, smiling. He turns and presses his knee to Steve’s.

“Yeah, exactly,” Steve presses back. “Monsters and shit.”

[aquaburst3]

I watched Schaffrillas' new video. The Pixar CEO said something along the lines of, "Our movies should be less about a director's life story and more appealing to the masses." That's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard! I think Dana Terrace put it best, “There’s something disgusting about telling directors, writers, and artists their experiences and inspirations aren’t “appealing” enough for the masses”.

It also makes no fucking sense. You're telling me that Pixar is seeing their recent movies preform like trash and think that instead of improving and making BETTER movies, they should instead make more sequels for existing IPs because people will pay regardless of the quality? That’s bs. Plus, Lightyear was their worst performing movie, and that was a spinoff. Turning Red, Elemental and Luca all performed better than it.

It's also extremely short sighted. A lot of these popular IPs are over 20 years old. There will come a point in time when Disney can't shill Frozen anymore, because it would be seen as "old" by kids and not connect with them. Again, they need to come up with original story ideas like Encanto and Lilo & Stitch or adapting other fairy tales, not become Illuminations. The same goes for Pixar.

I honestly feel like a lot of the media giants like Disney are screwing themselves over while indie animation is on the rise. Say what you will about shit like Helluva Boss and Hazbin Hotel, but at least they are original and quite popular. Same goes for Digital Circus and that one cat series. That's because you can tell the writers are passionate about the stories they are telling.

The age we're in now reminds me of the 80s with Don Bluth in a lot of ways, except Vivzie and the other indie creators never worked for Disney. A time when Disney struggled, but underdogs with original visions were the ones on top. It's only a matter of time before these shows make Disney nervous and push it in a better direction.

[dragondusst]

Another Bloody Tragedy

Admittedly this is just writing practice since this is my first time writing for fandom in 10+ years.

This is just a slight change/recontextualization of the chapter in Lucas's route another bloody tragedy from his POV. This is me being somewhat skeptical of his lines that he never intended to tell Ceres he was Bourreau. He jumped out a window and ripped someones heart out right in front of her, are you sure??? Not even a little bit??

He didn’t usually abstain on divine judgment. 

He had to be quick in his work after all. The quicker he purified the demons meant the sooner he could pray to God to grant Nadia a miracle and keep her alive once again.

Tonight was a little different. 

This house had a second story window with a perfect view of the street where he could watch people pass by without attracting attention. He waited a long time in that room, watching out of the corner until he caught sight of golden hair and pulled himself away, back against the wall.

“Haah..” he exhaled, steadying his breathing, paying no attention to the cries and weeping from the demon strapped to the chair that had been with him this whole time. 

He’d sent Ceres on that errand to give Mathis his homework, that part had been genuine. He didn’t want to see the poor boy wither away in his room. But the task also had a second reason, which was giving Ceres a predictable route she would come back from while he was here.

 He still didn’t feel quite ready. He felt lightheaded, his heart beat rapidly in his chest with a giddy nervousness to his hands that now clasped the cold heavy halberd. It was unbefitting of an executioner.  

…He was doing this because he needed to throw suspicion off him again, he reminded himself.

It took only one swing. The shriek of terror abruptly cut off as the window splattered with blood, staining it with a screen of red, and he unceremoniously kicked the top half of the remains through the window to crash down below. Dropping the halbred he leapt outside and landed on his feet with the grace of a cat.

He couldn’t see in his peripheral with his hood up, but he heard the sweet gasp of his angel. She was surely alarmed by his sudden appearance, but his angel didn’t have to worry about him hurting her. What would his angel think, knowing the same man exorcising demons was also her teacher? The same man that had been grading papers with her the night before? He had to hide his smile and slid a lock of hair back from under his hood, his nervous habit betraying him.

“Bourreau…?!” 

Lucas’s thoughts screeched to a halt. He didn’t expect a second voice. Frowning he turned to fully stare at them from under the darkness of his hood. He hadn’t anticipated Mathis following her back. The shy boy was cowering just a few steps from Ceres. He always seemed to find a way to squirm into situations when Bourreau was involved.

Lucas pouted, feeling some of his anticipation fizzle out. 

…No matter. He was here to fulfill the purification ritual first. 

Lucas pushed his gloved hand into the body cavity with sickening ease, the flesh parting more like dense liquid than solid matter, and pulled the heart out in one smooth movement that only came from experience. He’d long stopped caring when blood splattered his clothes and hardly noticed it drench the others. Why would it matter, when relievers weren’t truly people to begin with? It wasn’t human blood.

His own heart filled with glee as he put the organ away and thrust the dagger in the empty hole. Lucas clasped his hands together in prayer at his offering up to the heavens, praying to God Nadia would continue to survive, as his devotion granted her a miracle. Another demon purified meant another morning for her to wake up to. Another day they could be together until his death.

The smile on his face grew unusually wide tonight feeling his heart flutter knowing his angel was watching him complete the ritual for the first time. Even as she screamed in terror, all he could feel was elation. 

He wanted her to witness him. It was a selfish desire. He never wanted Ceres to fully know the truth, but he’d found the temptation harder and harder to resist to give her a glimpse behind the curtain. A small part of him that she wouldn’t otherwise know. That he had more sides than just her teacher. He wanted her to know Bourreau wouldn’t hurt his angel. Never her. 

He wanted to convey that, but Mathis’s pale terrified eyes halted him. Having a second witness made things more difficult with how far he could risk exposing himself, and he hesitated. If Mathis found out who he was, he wouldn’t let him get away and Lucas could only see it ending with them fighting. Mathis wasn’t a reliever after all, and he didn’t want to end up harming a human. 

Caution won out and he paused too long, by the time he took a step forward his angel had already got her wits about her and grabbed Mathis by the arm as she led them down an alley. 

Lucas stood there, his feelings sinking down in disappointment as he put a hand to his neck. He shouldn’t be, not really, when things had gone as expected. 

Capucine had agreed to set up a double to throw off suspicion of him again.  He felt it would be necessary,  since the killings would naturally be where he and Ceres were traveling at the time. Lucas frowned deeper, Capucine wouldn’t be gracious enough to set this up a third time. His chance was gone, and any wish he might have secretly harbored vanished with it. 

Why did it disappoint him so much, that Ceres should only know the image of her teacher? 

He had no time to puzzle it over, he had a second part to do. 

Changing his appearance quickly was a skill he’d mastered to keep his identity secret, but he was still lucky to make it in time to save them. Ceres and Mathis were frozen in the alleyway as ‘Bourreau’ blocked their way. 

The fake Bourreau was doing a good job of mimicking him, but he could tell the halberd was deliberately slow to strike. Lucas reassured himself the fake was just scaring them, but the fear this person may just injure his angel sent a flash of fear through him. With his earlier chance failing it made him more determined to fulfill his role to protect her as her teacher now. 

Rushing past the other two he struck out to push the attacker back. Lucas kicked the fake, and immediately knew he’d broken a rib. The strength of the blow knocked the imposter back into the wall and to Lucas’s surprise cracked it on impact. 

Their teacher looked back to his students with concern. “Are you alright!?” He hid his nervousness behind the rush of his words, he’d been clumsy again. He certainly hadn’t intended to destroy the wall. 

“Why are you-“ Ceres looked confused at his sudden appearance, and he took advantage of it. 

“I’ll explain later. First, we need to escape and-” 

The other Bourreau groaned from the pain, and Lucas feigned a nervous look as they got back on their feet. It was a standoff now, and Lucas stood calm and resolute in the face of danger. 

“I may not be much of a threat, but if you dare harm them, I will fight with all my might.” He subtly shifted his body to the side as he readied himself.  

The fake didn’t move, and he could hear Ceres and Mathis stop breathing as they waited frozen in fear. They must be terrified seeing their teacher stand up to who they thought was Bourreau, because even trained fighters like Adolphe and Yves hadn’t stood a match for him, so why should Lucas? 

The fake moved in, and Lucas almost wondered if they’d really attempt to try and attack him when the wall behind them crumbled. They stopped, seeming to second guess their actions, and quickly retreated into the darkness. 

Whatever strength was holding Ceres and Mathis up left them and they dropped to their knees. 

He softly sighed in relief. Things had gone according to plan. Now he could just take care of his students. They’d done so well. 

Lucas smiled above them softly. “You did well to protect each other.” He praised kindly,  “You’ve done…No…you must have been scared.” he corrected himself. He gently knelt down with them and embraced them together. They were bloodied, shaking, and terrified, and his hands gently rested on their shoulders with gentle reassurance. 

“But it’s all right now.” 

They were safe, no one knew the truth, that was all that mattered. It was a necessary evil. He’d be sure to make it up to them as much as he could. 

He locked away those dangerous feelings that could have gotten him exposed, and he wondered why he’d craved it so much in the first place. As he hugged them tighter he could still faintly smell the lingering scent of blood on his skin. An angel didn’t need to know the sins staining his hands. 

[the-lark-ascending69]

your nancy wheeler whump is incredible, ty for the food

— sincerely, a nancy wheeler fan who is also a whump enjoyer

About this post, I think.

Omg anon hiii i'm so happy you liked it!! 🥰🥰 Nancy is such a whumpeable character, maybe because shes so broken inside already 💕 she's just a scared wet cat who needs to be wrapped up in a warm blanket.

A few headcanons for youuuu 💕💕

Robin's parents will be out of town for a few months (they're visiting family far away), so she has the house all to herself, and since the Wheelers are gone and Nancy has nowhere to go, that's where they take her.

Steve and Robin spend a long time looking for the Wheelers. They make a hundred phone calls a day but they keep hitting dead ends. The Wheelers left Hawkins shortly after Nancy was "confirmed" dead, and Mike quickly lost contact with his friends. Finding them has become impossibly difficult, and Steve and Robin worry that they'll never get to tell them Nancy is alive. Nancy misses them like crazy.

The party gets involved super quickly - Lucas, Dustin and Will, as well as the two new kids, Max and El. The boys all cry when they see Nancy, and to Nancy it feels like having siblings again, three new little brothers to try to fill in the space left by Mike and Holly. Max and El just want to help - they're excited to finally meet Nancy Wheeler, Mike's famous sister - he never shut up about her. He always talked about how smart and brave she was and how nothing has been the same since she died. Nancy was a bit surprised to know Mike said that about her, and it only makes her cry. She misses her brother so much.

Max in particular spends a lot of time with Nancy. She helps take care of her when Steve and Robin can't.

Will makes a lot of drawings for Nancy, and she keeps them all by her bedside. She particularly loves the one portraying her family - Mom, Mike, Holly, yes, even her dad.

Nancy experiences a lot of ugly withdrawal symptoms after having been on drugs so heavily for so long. Lots of vomiting and headaches.

Hopper gets involved in her case. She tells him everything, and he begins his investigation. He visits every now and then - it's in his nature. Up until two years ago, he was a father without daughter, and Nancy is a daughter without parents and a sister without siblings. It's only natural when El shows up at Robin's house to spend more and more time with Nancy, happy to have an older sister figure, even if she takes care of Nancy more than Nancy takes care of her. And it's only natural for Hopper to visit a few times a week to ask how she's doing and make sure all her needs are met.

Joyce is overjoyed to hear she's alive, and soon joins Steve and Robin in their search for the Wheeler's new number. She brings food whenever she can and instantly takes on a motherly role in Nancy's life. She agrees that it's best for Nancy to stay at Robin's for the time being, since Joyce and Jonathan spend a great deal of time at work and she'd be all alone for most of the time, but she plans on taking her to live with them when Richard and Melissa Buckley come back.

Jonathan awkwardly tries to help as well - he's often busy with work, but he stops by whenever possible to see if she needs anything. Nancy appreciates that.

Nancy hates appearing weak, but she's set off by the smallest thing - the party's boys hi-fiving each other reminds her of the way soldiers raised their hands to hit her. Steve's loud laughter reminds her of the way the general used to laugh when she cried. Out of the house, she's terrified of needles and hates getting blood tests or vaccines, and going to the dentist is paralyzing - the clattering of the instruments on the metal tray, the shapes of them so similar to the ones they used to rip her nails out, the horrible feeling of foreign objects in her mouth... she has two reactions to these things: she either freezes or she breaks. Freezing includes being almost completely non-verbal, trembling slightly but obeying every order. Breaking includes a lot of crying and panicking.

Her sleep schedule is all messed up - sometimes she can't sleep for more than three hours. Sometimes she blacks out for 18 hours straight. She can never seem to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, and she often suffers from nightmares.

She likes cuddling with either Steve or Robin, or even better, both of them. Sandwiched between the two of them, she almost feels like a little kid sleeping between her parents.

Robin really really really didn't like bathing Nancy, or helping her dress up. It feels like she's taking advantage of her. She feels the same when she shares a bed with her. Steve is the one to largely take care of Nancy when it comes to those things. They're still dating, technically, though at this point Nancy can't say she feels love for him. She clings to him because he's familiar, and he loves her, and he makes her feel safe. She appreciates him and cares deeply about him, but if she's honest with herself... she can't love him. She can't bring herself to say that to Steve, of course - after everything he's done for her, she just... tries so hard to convince herself she loves him in the way she's supposed to.

She actually quite enjoys Robin's company, and in part, she'd prefer it if it was her doing all of this for her. Robin can't bring herself to refuse when Nancy asks. They've slept together many times, Nancy cuddled into her chest. It makes Robin's heart ache, but she pushes those feelings down - creep, she thinks to herself. Freak. Pervert. Last thing Nancy needed was a person she trusted secretly lusting after her like a... like the dyke she was.

Nancy realizes she's not having a nice dream at the end of her first day after being rescued. She's drinking a cup of tea with Robin, talking about mindless things - Robin just wanted to make her feel comfortable and she supposed keeping it simple would be best, so she tells her about band and the time she passed out during a school play audition from the nerves. And Nancy looks down at her cup, feels its heat in her hands and the sweet taste in her mouth, and the soft texture of Robin's clean clothes on her skin. She hears the crickets outside, the creaking of the wooden floorboards when Robin paces, and it dawns to her that she is free. She suddenly breaks into tears, and Robin freaks out - calls Steve - and they both try her best to comfort her. Nancy hugs herself - she wants her mother and brother and little sister, it breaks her heart to know they left, that they thought her dead. But somehow, in Robin and Steve's arms, she feels warm. Safe, for the first time in years.

[bothkindsofmusic]

Is this thing on? Been a lonnnnnng while, but I want to test the waters to see if there's an audience for country music on Tumblr 2023.

I've been making a weekly playlist in lieu of a radio show for a couple months now. Figure that'd be a good place to start.

If you like country music that's outside the mainstream, check out this playlist. It's full of new and recent releases. I kick it off with a classic country song and send it off with Willie Nelson. In between you'll find music from artists making country music in their own way with their own style. While the music changes every week, the playlist stays in the same spot. Plus, there's an archive where I retire the old playlists.

If you find something you like, let me know and give the artists a follow on instagram.

Track list:

Ray Charles - Georgia on My Mind

The Waymores - Greener Pastures

Christopher Seymore, South Texas Tweek - I Can Get off on You

Amanda Donald - Get in Line

Marty Bush - Turn Down the Lights

Nora Kelly Band - Rodeo Clown

David Quinn - Down Home

Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell - Holy Roller

Turnpike Troubadours - A Cat in the Rain

Sarah Jane Scouten - Wanderlust

Nick Shoulders - All Bad

The Two Tracks - In the Morning

Jim Lauderdale, The Po' Ramblin' Boys, Del McCoury - Long And Lonesome Letting Go

Sentimental Family Band - Never Love Again

Willy Tea Taylor, The Fellership - National Treasure

David Garnham and the Reasons to Live, Gleny Rae Virus - Long Way Round

Nathan Mongol Wells - Honest Drinking

Lola Kirke, First Aid Kit - All My Exes Live in L.A.

Abbigale Dawn - Ex Boyfriend Blues

Christian Parker, Earl Poole Ball, JayDee Maness - You Ain't Going Nowhere

Miss Georgia Peach - Silver Threads and Gold Needles

Vince Gill, Paul Franklin - Walkin' Show and Thinkin' About Her

Madeline Hawthorne - Neon Wasteland

The Howdies - Buddies

Katie Mae & the Lubrication - Hard Livin'

The Deslondes, Sam Doores - Howl at the Moon

Brit Taylor - If You Don't Wanna Love Me

Izaak Opatz - Shampoo

Ruby Oland - Life Without Love

Lucas Hudgins - All in My Head

S.G. Goodman - Space And Time

Woody Woodworth & The Piners - When Them Dogwoods Bloom

Zara Alexandra - Greasy Spoon

Televisionaries, Les Greene - Airbound

Megg Farrell - Damaged Goods

Willie Nelson - I Never Cared for You

[cardcaptorsakura96]

Taxes, Taxes, Taxes- Chapter 25

Fandom: Supergirl

Characters: Kara Danvers, Clark Kent, Samantha Arias, Lena Luthor, Lillian Luthor, Ruby Arias, Oliver Queen, John Stewart, Diana Prince, Bruce Wayne, Barry Allen, J'onn J'onnz, Alfred Pennyworth, Lois Lane, Cat Grant, Lucy Lane, Damian Wayne, Felicity Smoak, Streaky the Supercat, Martha Kent, Selina Kyle, Talia Al Ghul, Lucius Fox, Maggie Sawyer, Alex Danvers, Jason Todd, Otis Graves, Lex Luthor

Summary: What if superheroes had to pay a property damage tax every time they had a fight in the city?

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19, Chapter 20, Chapter 21, Chapter 22, Chapter 23, Chapter 24

Lillian walked into the dining room while carrying the main dish for tonight’s dinner: roasted chicken. She was surprised to see Lena walking around the dining room table like a mad woman adjusting silverware and chairs while Sam and Ruby watched over to the side shaking their heads. 

Lillian stopped near Sam and Ruby and said softly, “How long has she been like this?”

Sam said, “She has been like this for about an hour now. Ruby and I offered to help, but Lena swatted our hands away from the table.”

Ruby pouted and said, “She said that everything has to be set right on the table. I’ve helped set the table before.” Ruby turned to her grandmother and said, “I thought you told me I was a good helper with the table last time.”

Lillian smiled while kissing Ruby on the forehead. 

“You’re a wonderful helper.”

Ruby looked at Lena pouting and asked, “Then why doesn’t Auntie Lena let me help set the table?”

Lillian stared at Lena for a second fusing over the silverware on the table. 

Lillian turned back to Ruby, smiled and said, “Sometimes, people get a little carried away when they are trying to impress someone that they are in love with.”

Ruby looked over at Lena curiously and asked, “Falling in love does that to you?”

Sam chuckled and said, “Sometimes it does.”

Ruby muttered, “Well, I hope that love never does this to me.”

Sam chuckled.

Lillian smirked and said, “I don’t know why you are laughing. You should know better than anyone that love can make us do crazy things. I remember a certain someone having us sit through them trying on thirty outfits before their first date with Lucas Johnson during their senior year of high school.”

Ruby looked up at her mom curiously and asked, “Why did you do all of that?”

Lillian chuckled and said, “She wanted to have the perfect outfit. Even though the majority of the stuff she showed us was a variation of the same look.”

Sam groaned and said, “I thought we agreed to never speak of that again especially after Lucas turned out being such a prick.”

Lillian kissed Sam on the forehead and said, “I am just trying to let Ruby know it is normal to have feelings like this is all.”

Sam pouted and said, “At my expense.”

Lillian smirked and said, “Well, think of it this way, you will have a chance to do the same thing when Ruby has a son or a daughter.”

Sam sighed and said, “I don’t even want to think that far now. Ruby is still my sweet little baby.”

Ruby groaned and said, “I’m not a baby anymore.”

Sam smiled and kissed Ruby’s forehead and said, “You will always be my baby.”

Ruby rolled her eyes. Lillian cackled as she placed the chicken on the table. She then went over to Lena who was still fidgeting with the silverware.

Lillian placed a hand on Lena’s shoulder and said, “You know that we got everything covered. The food is ready and the table is set.”

Lena looked at her pouting and said, “Everything needs to be perfect tonight. There is so much left to do and to add to that, Kara is bringing an extra person.”

Lillian chuckled and pulled Lena in for a hug and said, “You worry too much. We were aware of the extra person coming tonight so there is enough food for everyone. The only thing that is left to do is to place all the food on the table.”

Lena looked at the table and said, “Maybe, I could turn that fork just a little to the left.”

As Lena went down to reach for the fork, Lillian grabbed her hand and started to pull Lena away from the table to the living room. 

“Hey!” said Lena said loudly.

Lillian guided them over to the coach and pulled them down. 

She turned to Lena with a soft smile and said, “You need to calm down.”

Lena looked at Lillian dumbfounded and exclaimed, “Calm down!”  Lena said louder, “Calm down! How can you say that to me? I am meeting her family for the first time. Her only blood relative absolutely hates me with a passion.”

Lena looked down while wringing her hands tighter and asked, “What if the others hate me too?”

Lillian pulled Lena in for a hug and Lena leaned into the embrace. Lillian rubbed soothing circles on Lena’s back. 

“I think this has to do with one person in particular.”

Lena sniffed and asked, “Why do you say that?”

Read the rest on AO3

[thenasoneshots]

FandomMas 2023 Day 1 - James Potter

Fandom: Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts

Prompt: She hates Christmas Day with her parents as all they ever talk about is how she is single and childless. Except this year they’ve invited the neighbours. (I don’t remember where I got the prompt from)

Timing: Marauders’ Era (6th Year)

Reader's Relations: None

Reader’s House: Not Applicable

Other Notes: The reader is a pure-blood. You’ve also never interacted with James or his friends before.

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

“(Y/n), you need to find yourself a boyfriend! You’re 16, by that age I was already engaged to your father!”

I inwardly sighed, as I’d had to put up with this since I turned thirteen, whenever my mother got an opportunity, which was very often whilst I was at home, she would always chastise me about not having a boyfriend or anything, wanting me to get married the minute I finished school

“Mum, please! I don’t want to rush into a marriage! I don’t care what age you and Father got married at, I’ll get married at my own pace and when I do it will NOT be for status or whatever, it will be for love,” I replied, as she continued to tie my dress around my waist.

“(Y/n)! You do not speak to me like that. You need to carry on our family, you are our only daughter, so it is my responsibility to make sure you marry a nice, pure-blooded man so you carry on the (L/n) legacy!”

I sighed, knowing not to retort back and let her finish the final details of my outfit before she spoke again, “Now, I know the Potters have a boy about your age, I’ve invited them over for lunch, I expect you to get to know James and well, if all goes well, we should hear wedding bells once you’ve finished school!”

“Yes, Mother,” I spoke in defeat, knowing there was no way I would get out of it as I heard the doorbell ring. My mother jolted up and ran downstairs, leaving me to give my Norwegian Forest cat, who surprisingly, my mother had let me name Lucas (Let me know if you get the reference), a pat on the head before following her downstairs. When I got to the bottom, I spotted my mother talking to who I guessed were the Potters in the living room.

“(Y/n)! There you are. Come here now, I need to introduce you!”

I sighed and walked over, putting on a fake smile as my mother introduced me, however, that smile became real when I locked eyes with James. My mother hadn’t told me he was so handsome and I hadn’t realised I was staring until he was waving a hand in front of my face, “Hello? Miss (L/n)?”

I snapped from my daze, “Sorry, I was just thinking about something, it’s wonderful to meet you.”

“Same to you.”

“(Y/n), why don’t you show James around? It will give you two time to get to know each other.”

I nodded, “Yes, Mother,” before turning back to James, “Shall we?” he smiled at me and we walked out of the room. I showed him around where things were inside the hose before walking outside where we sat down on a bench in the garden.

“I hate this. My mother’s trying to marry me off. Not that you’re not a great guy or anything, it's just I want to marry for love, but my mother won’t see that. Like is it too much to ask?”

“I get what you mean, (Y/n). Honestly, I’m being forced into this too but my parents have told me I should marry for love.”

“What are you doing here then? Is my mother blackmailing your parents or something?”

“No! To be honest I wanted to get a chance to know you. I’ve heard your name floating around at Hogwarts, and I wanted to get to know you.”

“R-really?”

James nodded before responding, “Really, and now that I’ve seen you in person, well... I’m not sure how to say this..”

“Just be blunt, James. Like a plaster, just rip it off and tell me what you want to say.”

He nodded, muttering an ‘okay’ before returning to his normal speaking voice, “I think I might be in love with you.”

I gasped, not expecting him to say that and smiled, “Wow, that’s not what I was expecting you to say, but to be honest, I think I’ll need more time to sort out my feelings. I know my mother is going to force us to get married anyway, but I want to let my love life happen in its own time.”

“Fair enough.”

“But, can you do me one favour until I sort this out? Please don’t mention to anyone that my mother is going to force us to get married.”

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

“James, can I talk to you please?” I asked, managing to find him and his friends in a hallway shortly after breakfast one day.

“Oh hello there gorgeous.”

I rolled my eyes at Sirius’ comment and looked James in the eye biting my lip. He soon nodded and I smiled, grabbing his arm and dragging him off away from his friends. Once we were alone, I stopped and caught my breath, “So, about what is inevitable for us in the future…” He nodded and I took a deep breath, “I’m not too fussed about it anymore,” I continued, leaning up and kissing him, “Merry Christmas, James.” I giggled seeing his bright red face and stood away before turning around and going to walk off, leaving him in a state of shock, but I felt a hand around my wrist and James pulled me back into him, “I take it that means you’ve ‘figured out your feelings’ then?” I nodded, “Yeah, I love you, James.”

“That makes me happy to hear.”

-----------------------------------END OF ONESHOT

Day 1 done!

[elvendria]

NOTICING YOU - e.m x fem reader Part Three

tw: Reader is a cynic who doesn't believe in love, Claudia Henderson isn't the best :/ (is that a trigger? idk.), big sister acts like a parent, smoking, insomniac (??kinda if you squint??), swearing, jealous!Eddie (if you squint), pet names

word count: 4710

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

part one part two part three part four part five part six part seven

Y/N'S POV

"So, were you able to get through to someone to get your car fixed?" Mom asked. I told her the conversation I had over the phone with Eddie and explained that he'd be here first thing in the morning to collect the car and take it to the shop. 

"First thing? But they're always swamped with cars on a Saturday. I thought you wouldn't get seen till Sunday, Monday at the latest." Mom said. 

"Same here," I attempted to stifle a yawn but failed. "I've to be up early so uh... goodnight." I turned around and walked away.

I was never close with Mom, and then things kicked off with Dad. 

I guess it was then I realised I wasn't as close with either of my parents as I had thought.

I padded down the hall towards Dustin's room in my bare feet, the feeling of the cool wood underneath my feet relaxing me with each step. I passed by my room to see Tews sitting on my bed cleaning herself. I hate that cat and I have no idea why my mom loves it so much. 

That's not to say all cats are bad, I just don't like this particular cat. 

Knocking on Dustin's bedroom, I waited to hear him say "It's open," before opening it slightly and sticking my head around the door. 

"Goodnight boys," I smiled at them, all gathered around together talking about god knows what.

 Mike, Will and Lucas will always feel like little brothers to me, I've known them so long. It felt weird seeing them as a trio, and a part of me missed seeing Will around the place. I hope he's happy in California. 

"Night Y/n!" 

"Thanks for letting us stay over!"

"Sleep. Soon." I said pointedly, "Just because you're in high school now does not mean you are to be up all night. You'll just end up being super tired tomorrow."

"But can't we just have-" Dustin started. 

"Dustin the last time you had coffee you went nuts. Not happening again under my watch." I said, leaving the room

"Technically we're under Mom's watch," He mumbled back defeatedly. 

I stuck my head back around the door, giving him a look that blatantly said 'Really? Moms' watch? Have you ever even met our mother?' before he groaned causing me to laugh as I exited the room. 

Sometimes I love to play the authoritative big sister card just to mess with him, it can really piss him off. 

I didn't know how what time 'first thing' was, I'm grateful and all but couldn't he be a bit more specific? Either way, I was going to need to get to sleep so I could wake up early. I set my alarm for 7:30 am, which isn't even a time that should exist on a Saturday morning, so I could get up and be ready for when he calls. I had switched off the handbrake and managed to push the car till it was outside my house. Could've done with Robin's freakishly strong arms but she had her Family Video shift, plus I'm fairly sure I earned a few muscles of my own. 

Changing into a pair of old biker shorts and an oversized misfits t-shirt, I crawled into my bed and lay on my side, willing sleep to come, but my head was so full of thoughts it was like there was no switching it off. I lay like that until I could hear everyone in bed, and the faint sound of my mother's snoring echoed through the halls. 

When I was certain that she was asleep, I snuck out of the house and sat on the swing bench on our porch, curling my knees up to my chest underneath my shirt and resting my head on them. 

There was something about the nighttime, the way the town went silent. As a kid, I used to believe that because it was so quiet, everyone would be able to hear the slightest noise you make. On nights like these, I sometimes wonder the same thing. 

Except now I know about science and the speed of sound, so the idea is a complete fantasy. 

Sitting on the bench, lighting up a cigarette from my stash that kept my hands slightly warm. I looked out at the sky, not seeing a single star. Not seeing anything but the faint glow of the street lamps from down the road. There was a faint breeze that wrapped around my ankles now and again, but other than that it was a warm night, unusually warm for October. 

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

I sat there until I could see orange streaks beginning to paint the sky. So much for trying to get some sleep. I unfolded myself from the swing and walked to my room, careful not to wake anyone. Checking my alarm clock, I saw that it was 7 am. I could try and get a 30-minute nap in but knowing me, I'd sleep past my alarm. 

I took a shower, scrubbing the smell of the night air off my skin. I wanted to stay in the shower, to feel the steam rise around me, but I didn't have the time. I turned off the water, wrapped my hair and body in a towel, and then made my way to my room to start getting ready. 

I debated drying my hair but decided I wasn't in the mood to deal with the frizz today (I never am). Pulling on a low-cropped white shirt, black ripped jeans and combat boots, I got changed and grabbed some cereal before sitting on the couch and reading. By the time Eddie pulled up, my hair was almost dry but still damp in places. 

The doorbell rang and I looked at my mother, not surprised to find her fawning over that stupid cat once again. I got up and answered the door, a part of me freaking out before remembering why he was here.

"Hi," I said quietly, fear washing over me as I suddenly realised this was my first time talking to Eddie, face to face. 

"Hey," he replied equally as sheepish. Was something wrong? Had I done something?

His eyes moved down towards my exposed waistline, and I desperately wanted to grab a hoodie to cover up.

He must've found the shitty brown carpet very fascinating because he couldn't seem to look away from it. "So the truck is parked out front, I've hooked your car up to it and everything, I just need you to come down to the shop to fill out some stuff." He told me. I figured I'd have to go to the mechanics at some stage today, I just didn't think it would be so soon.

"Do you want a coffee or something before we go?" I pointed my thumb towards the kitchen, the mannerisms that my grandmother drilled into me coming into play again. He looked up, our eyes holding each other and suddenly I felt like there was a magnetic in each of his eyes, drawing me in closer. 

From where we were standing you could see beside the kitchen, where my mom was sitting there, talking to Tews like it was a human baby. 

"Uhm, maybe some other time?" He said, suppressing a grin.

"Yeah sure," 

Had I just 'yeah sure' d the idea of coffee with Eddie Munson? 

"I'll grab my mom's car keys, just hang on two seconds." I turned towards the living room where my Mom was sitting, combing the cat with an old comb of mine. 

"Um, there's room up the front of the truck if you want to ride up there with me?" He asked me, "It might be a bit easier." 

I turned one more time to look at my mother, who was now singing lullabies to this freaky cat before agreeing.

God, I miss Mews. Now that was a cat who did not like to be coddled.

Just as I was about to pull the door behind me, my mother called out. "Remember you're trying on dresses for homecoming this afternoon! We'd better hurry or all the good ones will be sold out!" 

My heart dropped and I wanted to strangle her. I prayed to whoever was up there that Eddie hadn't heard her.

I threw my book bag over my shoulder, I never liked to leave home without it. He opened the car door for me and waited till I was in okay before running to check that everything was hooked up properly. While I was waiting for him, I sat noticing all the little details in it. Things like his pack of cigarettes and a lighter, or a few jumbled-up mix-tapes sitting in the glove box and in the pockets on the driver-side door. A black bandana was thrown across the dashboard, most likely the one that Eddie carries around all the time. 

What surprised me most was the pack of hair ties hidden underneath his rolling papers. Although I guess when you have as much hair as he does and work as a mechanic, tying it up is more of an occupational precaution.

He opened his door and threw off his coat before jumping in. He grabbed a hair tie and pulled his hair back, and I tried my hardest not to look as every muscle in his arm flexed. Made all the more visible by his grey muscle shirt, his tattoos on full display.

"Buckled up?" He asked me, I nodded as I closed the seat belt around myself. He did the same and then started up the car. He drove with one hand on the wheel and another on the gear stick, right next to my knee. Every so often there'd be a bump in the road and his knuckles would graze against my jeans or my exposed knee, sending off shocks from where he touched me. 

The silence was deafening, the only noise coming from the metal music on his radio. It was a bunch of different bands which made me think it was a mix-tape. I was going to say something, compliment the music, but Eddie beat me to the punch before I could open my mouth. 

"So, you're going to homecoming?" His eyes were fixed straight ahead on the road. There was a tone to his words that I couldn't quite decipher, almost nervous.

"Um. Yeah," I fidgeted with my hands in my lap. "last year and all that, figured I'd see what all the fuss was about while I still can."

"And uh," His grip on the steering wheel tightened, his eyes unwavering from the road ahead, "and do you have a date?"

My chest tightened and I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe given the thickness of the air around us. 

"No, it's just me and Robin," I said lowering my head, suddenly very fascinated by my hands, "We'll probably both just sit on the bleachers till 10 pm before figuring out some way home."

"Good," he muttered quietly, almost as if he didn't want me to hear him. I had so many questions, but a few stuck out in my mind. 

 Was he happy I wasn't bringing a date? Or that I wouldn't be dancing?

"Are you going?" Why had I asked that? 

"No, it's uh," He chuckled slightly, "Not really my scene,"

I don't know why my blood felt cold and my heart sank as he said this, but they did. 

 Master of Puppets by Metallica came on, and I started tapping my foot quietly, letting the questions and feelings fade with every strum of the guitar. Dad hated this song, but I always thought it was a good one. Hearing it again after so long caused goosebumps to make their way across my skin.

"Come Crawling Faster,"

I thought I was singing under my breath, but that last line came out louder than expected. I sat there and prayed he hadn't heard me. 

"Obey Your Master," He sang back, a smirk plastered on his face. 

His voice sent tingles down my spine and makes the hair on my arms stand upright, leaving me with goosebumps all over my skin. He was so close to me that I was almost certain he could feel the tension rising within me. 

He looked like he was going to say something, but then we turned onto the gravel path leading up to the mechanics, and the moment was gone.

Why does he make me feel like this, it's not like I have a crush on him or anything. Crushes are for girls in middle school and people with their heads in the clouds.

Maybe it was just because he was helping me out with the car. Yeah, people find plumbers and firefighters hot all the time, it's just because they're providing a service. 

Not that I find Eddie hot. I mean he is very attractive, and when he stretches his arms it makes me feel all weird inside, but I am most certainly not attracted to Eddie. 

The truck came to a halt outside the workshop. Eddie jumped out of the truck and rushed around to my side just as I was opening the door. 

"Here, it's a bit of a step-down. I'll give you a hand." He said. I swung both of my feet out as he held the back of my arm with his large hand, and I would've been fine. 

But I'm me, and I have to fill my daily awkward quota.

I started to climb down, my back to Eddie as I side-stepped out of the van, the coldness of his rings sending mini shockwaves from where he held my arm and wrist when my ankle went from under me, making me fall sideways. 

I squinted my eyes, sure that I was going to hit the pavement. An absolute goner that was going to end up in the hospital before dying of pure embarrassment. But the ground never came to meet me. 

Instead, I was pulled tight against something, a pair of arms wrapped around my back and legs. It felt like all the breath had left my body, and a strong smell of cigarettes and sandalwood filled my nose. 

I opened my eyes as Eddie gripped me to his chest, looking down at me as he held me bridal style. I felt my breath hitch in my throat as his dark orbs explored my face. 

I don't know if he did it on purpose or not, but he rubbed his finger in circles across my knee where his hand gripped my leg. The air felt electric, almost as if it could shock us both if we moved. His arm was on my back and I was glad it wasn't a few inches lower.

I was almost certain his dark eyes flickered down to my lips and lingered for a second, before quickly returning to look me in the eye. 

We looked at each other in silence. I felt his hot breath fan my face and caught the smell of mint.  I was almost certain he was going to say something, but he just cleared his throat.

"Sorry," 

"Are you okay?" He said at the same time as me. 

"Oh uh. I'm okay." I stammered through my words, "Thank you." 

We looked at each other again, and a small part of me didn't want him to put me down, but that idea was quickly erased from my mind when Eddie cleared his throat again, gradually lowering me till I was on my feet. I could tell that the awkwardness I was feeling was mutual as we both shuffled our feet.

The workshop was on the other side of town, it was a long walk home without the car, and I didn't want to trouble Eddie with driving me home. But it was like he was reading my mind because the next thing he said was, 

"You should come in and sit down," He motioned to the desk and chair beside him, piled high with paperwork. "It's supposed to rain on and off all day. I'll drive you home after I take a look at this baby." He unhooks the car from the truck before pushing it into the shop.

"Oh, thanks. You don't have to." I replied, moving towards the desk and placing down my book bag,  desperate to keep the nerves out of my voice.

"My pleasure." He smiled.

 He bent into the driver's side, fiddling for something. 

"Oh, there's a knack for popping the hood,  here I can-" I started, but before I could finish he had done it, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. 

Eddie looked at me, and suddenly the concrete floor became very interesting, "Just a bit of pressure and some elbow grease should do the trick." He says, climbing back out of the car. 

He opens up the hood and takes a look as I sit down and place my bag on my lap. I want to ask if he minds me doing homework, but I don't want to look like I'm ignoring him or being rude.  

"Ok so, " he started, and I suddenly felt a drop in my stomach. What if my baby was fucked, and I could never drive her again? What if all she was good for anymore was spare parts? I was so worked up about never being able to drive my girl again that I completely forgot about the guy inspecting her. 

My freak out must've been clear on my face because Eddie's face became very soft and gentle, 

"Hey, hey, hey, don't worry, it's only a faulty spark plug and wire casings. You're alignments a bit off and your transmission is failing, but it's nothing I can't fix for you. There are some other things here and there that I'll need to get some parts for, and no offence but your car is an older model so it might take a while to get them all." He gave me a small smile, easing my nerves slightly. Eddie sounded like he knew what he was doing, so clearly he did. Right? 

"I'll be honest, none of that makes sense," I said, as he walks around and pulls out the chair for me. He's surprisingly chivalrous, opening car doors and pulling out chairs. I don't know what I expected him to be like, but it wasn't this. "I don't think she's ever been looked at after Dad renovated her." I sat in the chair and wonder why I ever thought my dad was a reliable person as Eddie walks into what I assume is a storage closet. 

"Here," he says, handing me a radio and a box of tapes that were just around, "Pick out some music, I wanna see what you choose." He had put the car on a lift earlier and was in the process of raising her, a skateboard and toolbox beside him. Once he was happy she was at a reasonable height he dropped to his knees beside the board, then flipped himself over so he was lying flat against it, using it to push himself under the car. 

I was flicking through the mix tapes he had when one stood out to me. Dad used to play it for Dustin as a kid, which in hindsight seems a bit weird but at the time it made him laugh and dance like crazy. 

Rock You Like A Hurricane by Scorpions started to echo around the building, and I hesitantly pulled out my economics textbook and attempted to try and understand this nonsense they tried to teach us, while Eddie just silently bopped his foot along to the tempo. 

Silence passed between us as I attempted to do homework and Eddie tried to fix my car, the only sound surrounding us being the music from Eddie's radio. Once homework was completed I started on a piano lesson plan for Joanna Kelly, a girl who lived down the street from us, I gave her parents a discount given how nice they were to myself and Dustin growing up. 

When that was over, I slyly pulled out a math notebook and began to work out my expenses. Eddie could try and sugarcoat it as much as he wants, but I knew this service wasn't going to be cheap. I mean, needing to get replacement parts? It's got to cost at least $2000+, which is definitely more than I make teaching kids how to play twinkle twinkle and three blind mice. I'd landed a job over the summer at the Hawkins Hypnotic Record Store, but only as a way to save up for college.

Now I'll have to apply for scholarships if I want any hope of getting into somewhere decent. That meant taking on more extracurriculars and writing a killer college essay. 

Ms Kelly had advertised on the intercom the other week about finding someone to help out in the front office for extra credit. Looks like I was going to be taking her up on it.

 I'm barely going to have time to breathe let alone sleep. 

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

Listening to Eddie banging and crashing around the car had me nervous, but only a small bit. Eddie knew what he was doing, his uncle didn't seem like the kind of guy to give Eddie a job based on familial connections. 

Suddenly Eddie comes flying out from under the car, grease and oil covering his face and sweat glistening along his arms, his tattoos practically shining. 

I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts about how much this was going to cost me that I didn't even notice him talking to me. 

"Hey, Y/n?" He asked with a touch of confusion, "Hellooo?" 

My head snapped to look at him, his voice bringing me to my senses.

"Sorry, I was lost in my own mind. Worrying about stuff y'know?"

He rubbed the grease off his face with a cloth and a soft grin, his eyes closed. I took this moment to examine him a bit further. He looked like he had strong arms, and his tattoos were kinda impressive and cool. I heard he paid his friend a 3 months supply of weed, and they did them with a pin and some type of ink. 

But I don't know if any of that is real.

"What does a pretty girl like you have to be worrying about?" 

Pretty girl.

The words bounced around my stomach before settling between my thighs. I squeezed them together as if on instinct, the words rolling over my skin like waves.

I remained silent, not too sure how to answer that, my mind was blank as I tried to ignore the sudden throbbing I felt.

A few moments pass by and Eddie sits up and looks at me, his hair coming loose from the hair tie.

"Hey, could you pass me the wrench? It's on the counter over there, it's the one with the round-"

"I know what a wrench looks like Eddie, I'll grab it now," I said shuffling around to the counter to look for it, silently loving the way his name felt on my tongue

5, maybe 6 minutes pass, and I've no luck. I had handed him a wrench, but apparently, it wasn't the right wrench. So now I was back staring at a workspace full of stupid tools with stupid names. 

I hadn't even heard Eddie come up behind me until I felt his breath. 

"Here, let me help" He spoke softly, "It's the least I can do,"

I wanted to tell him that he was fixing my car, and it was the least I  could do to find the stupid wrench when suddenly his hand was on my waist as he moved to step beside me. His fingertips brushed off me like tiny flames searing into the exposed skin, and I knew what was coming next.

I tried to resist it, believe me. But I can't help it. I've never been able to, it's my number one weakness. I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as I braced myself.

His fingers trailed along the base of my back. I managed to suppress the moan, but that was about it. Like always I arched my back and jerked sideways in a fit of the most unattractive laughs you can picture. 

Eddie didn't have to pull his hand away, I had already squirmed from his grip as he looked at me stunned. A toothy grin formed on his face as he crossed his arms. 

"What was that?" He said laughing slightly.

Looking at him laugh made me laugh more. It was like someone flipped my giddy switch. I turned to the countertop and bent over on it, determined to catch my breath with my hands clasped behind my head. 

"Oh god," I said breathlessly, "I'm sorry, I just have a really ticklish back."

I couldn't see his face, but when he spoke he whispered, 

"Heh, yeah," He said lowly, "That's definitely a first. I'll try not and accidentally tickle you in the future." I felt like he was grinning, but I was too embarrassed now to even look him in the eye. 

I nearly made a potential sex noise in front of Eddie Munson. 

After a bit of silence, I hear him say "Found it, it was a torque wrench I was looking for, sorry for the confusion."

His voice had become very soft, and once again we were wrapped in silence, only now it wasn't uncomfortable.

As the day went on, and while I was fretting over how I was going to pay for my car and most of the house bills, a few people came in to drop off their cars, barely exchanging words with the guy classed as the town freak. Eddie didn't look too bothered as they tossed him their keys before turning on their heel and walking away, but something told me deep down it annoyed him.

But what could I do? I doubt he'd want any consolation from me, he barely knows me. 

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

"Well, from the looks of things, the repairs shouldn't take more than 3 to 4 weeks. Maybe 5." He told me, which downhearted me slightly, I mean a whole month without my car? Maybe more? That was a whole month getting the bus to school, adding an extra touch of hell onto the day. 

"Oh, okay. Would you be able to give me a rough idea of the price? It's ok if you can't, I really appreciate you doing this for me." I gave him a slight smile and watched curiously as he looked to the ground and walked behind the counter. He almost looked nervous. 

"It's not going to be cheap, as you probably guessed, but luckily for you," He released a breath that sounded like he had been holding onto it for a while, resting his fist underneath his face "Flattery works with me." 

I gave a small chuckle, relieved that he was easing the tension. 

"I'll write up a docket next time you're here, we can sort something out then." He said calmly, moving to sit back in his chair. Meanwhile, my heart had started beating a mile a minute. 

"Next time I'm here?" I asked curiously

"Yeah, next time you're free and I'm working on your car. It's kind of nice to have someone around who appreciates good music," He was flipping through papers on the countertop, and I was praying he didn't look up anytime soon and see the mixture of surprise and confusion on my face. He looked at the clock on the wall behind him and I saw that I had spent the whole day here, and it was almost 9 pm. 

"C'mon it's getting late. Plus now you definitely can't walk home, it's too dark. My car is parked out front, I'll give you a lift." He pulled his keys off the rack and threw on his jacket that he took in from the back of the van earlier. 

"Um, thanks. Means a lot." And suddenly I was back to tripping over my words in front of him. 

He likes having me around?

He appreciates my music taste? 

Edward Munson, what are you doing to me?

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

part one part two part three part four part five part six part seven

[solartranslations]

AF2 Arcana Academia: Teo

Teo: [Now that La Primavera is over, spring brings more new changes to Regalo]

Teo: [Arcana Academia]

Teo: [Sparked by the lord’s plan to turn the island into a center for learning, Arcana Famiglia aims to establish a school]

Teo: [With a goal to promote learning among the citizens]

Teo: [Today, everyone in the Family is once again busily fulfilling their young Donna’s wishes]

~*Scene: Courtyard*~

Teo: Ugh

Elmo: What do you sound so bored?

Teo: Oh, Elmo

Elmo: No classes for you?

Teo: I took a look but I already knew everything so it wasn’t very interesting

Elmo: What about alchemy?

Teo: I don’t need to learn that here. Can’t I just ask Vir if I feel like it?

Elmo: Right

Teo: You think they’re fun?

Elmo: School? I do. Miss and everyone else are here

Teo: But won’t they not always be?

Elmo: Teo…?

Teo: Ah, sorry. It’s nothing. Forget it

Elmo: I was never human, so I might not understand what you’re feeling

Elmo: But, I want to stay here

Teo: …Okay. Sorry for being weird

Elmo: It’s okay. Well, I have class. So, see you

Teo: Oh, you sure take studying seriously

Teo: Ugh. So he was never human. But I’m not even alive anymore

Teo: Hm? What was that noise?

Cat: Meow

Teo: Huh? Where did you come from?

Cat: Meooow

Teo: Aww, how cute. Are you lost too?

Teo: Wait, why’d I say “too”?

Teo: …*sigh*

Teo: I should know better than to get my hopes up

Teo: (They just shine so brightly)

Teo: Maybe I’m jealous

Cat: Meow?

Felicita: …Teo?

Cat: Meow!?

Teo: Ah, the cat! …It ran away

Felicita: …Sorry

Teo: It’s fine. I think it was just stopping by

Felicita: What are you doing here?

Teo: Me?

Felicita: No class?

Teo: Not interested in any

Felicita: Oh…

Teo: Ah, don’t get the wrong idea. It’s just that I’d learned everything already

Felicita: Really

Teo: What about you? Don’t you have classes?

Felicita: I saw you and wanted to see what you were doing

Felicita: So I skipped

Teo: Can you do that? Aren’t your friends the teachers?

Felicita: They might ask about it later

Teo: That’s what you get

Felicita: Teo?

Teo: That cat had a collar. It’s lost then right? I feel bad, so I’m going to find it

>You sure are nice, Teo

>Can I come too?

Teo: I’m not

Teo: Do what you want

~*Scene: Courtyard Wall*~

Cat: Meow

Teo: Hm… I hear it but I don’t see it

Teo: Where did it go…?

Felicita: It seems scared

Teo: You think it got stuck or climbed up too high?

(*rustle)

Cat: Meow!!

Teo: There!

Felicita: Wait, that’s…!

Teo: Ugh, guess there’s no choice

Felicita: Teo?

Teo: We can’t just wait for it to fall

Teo: I’ll climb up and get it

>I’ll get a ladder

>…I’ll go

Teo: There’s no time

Felicita: But…!

Teo: Huh?

Felicita: It climbed up there because I scared it. So it’s my responsibility

Teo: Don’t be dumb. No way I can let you do that

Felicita: That’s not true…!

Teo: Just stay put. It’s dangerous

Felicita: Ah…

Teo: Okay

(*jump)

Cat: Meow, meow!

Teo: I’ll save you, so don’t move, okay?

Teo: Okay, just a little…

Cat: Meow!?

Teo: Wah, don’t!!

Felicita: Teo!?

(*collapse)

Teo: …Ow…!

Felicita: Teo! Are you okay? I’ll get Luca…!

Teo: I don’t need that

Felicita: But…!

Teo: Stop shouting. It’s going to run away again

Teo: Looks like you’re okay. That’s good

Cat: Meow

>There’s no way you’re okay…!

>What were you thinking!?

Teo: Why are you mad?

Felicita: Why are you so reckless!?

Teo: Just that I had to save the cat

Felicita: If you got hurt, then there’d be no point!

Teo: Huh? What’re you saying?

Teo: I’m fine, aren’t I?

Felicita: Huh…?

Teo: My wounds are healed, see? Since I’m immortal

Love

~*Scene: Courtyard Wall*~

Felicita: No way…

Teo: It’s true. See, all healed

Felicita: But, still

Teo: What? You think I should take better care of myself?

Felicita: Since you’re aware

Teo: You’re just like Sera

Felicita: Huh?

Teo: I seriously don’t get it. I’m already dead

Teo: So my life isn’t the same as yours

Teo: If I can protect someone by getting hurt instead, then of course I wouldn’t mind the danger, right?

Teo: I wouldn’t want anyone to die

Felicita: Do you regret it?

Teo: Regret what?

Felicita: Did you not want to keep living if it had to be like this?

Teo: No, I wanted to live. I’m grateful that I’m like this now

Felicita: But if you keep being reckless, you might actually break one day

Teo: That’ll happen if it happens. And it hasn’t yet

Felicita: (…He’s not listening. There’s so much I want to say, but it’s not getting through to him)

Cat: Meow~

Teo: Oh! You feeling better, kitty?

Teo: Don’t climb up there again, okay? I won’t always be here to save you

Felicita: (How do I reach him? How can I make him understand that it hurts to see him get hurt?)

Teo: Hey, the cat’s better. …Why do you look so mad?

Felicita You getting hurt hurts me

Teo: Huh?

Felicita: It hurts and makes me sad. I don’t want it happening

Teo: …

Felicita: I—

Teo: Then, what do you want? Should I have let it die? Just stood by and waited for it to fall?

Felicita: I don’t mean that

Teo: I wanted to save it even if that meant getting hurt. That’s all

Teo: Let’s go, kitty! We can get some rays over there!

Cat: Meow

Felicita: (I don’t want him getting hurt. I want to protect him. I wish he’d smile at me)

Felicita: It’s like I…

Teo: Hey! What’s the hold up! You should come too!

Felicita: Like I—

Laugh

~*Scene: Courtyard Wall*~

Pace: We heard the noise. Are you okay!?

Teo: Yeah, totally fine

Liberta: So what was all the noise?

Teo: I fell out of a tree, that’s all

Liberta: Huh!? What do you mean “that’s all”!? You okay!?

Pace: Yeah, Teo. If you fell from that height, you have to have a wound or two or three or four!?

(*bam) Teo: If you don’t believe me then take a look!

Pace: Wow. You really don’t have any!

Luca: I just heard a very loud noise. What happened!?

Felicita: Luca!

Teo: Now even you’re here?

Felicita: Teo fell out of a tree. He insists he’s okay though

Luca: Understood. Teo, come over here please

Teo: No way. You’ll make me drink something weird!

Luca: Huh!? What makes you think that!

Teo: You think I’d forget? You fed me that weird potion that put me to sleep

Pace: Oh yeah, that did happen

Luca: I-I had no choice! Those were extenuating circumstances!

Teo: Nope. I can’t trust you

Luca: Then I won’t be able to treat you!

Teo: And I said I wasn’t hurt!

Felicita: Teo…

Luca: That won’t do! Ojou-sama is worried about you, so you absolutely must receive treatment!

Teo: Huh?

Luca: Pace!

Pace: Aye aye, sir!

Teo: Wha, hey put me down!

Pace: Even if you’re not hurt, you can’t make people worry by refusing treatment

Luca: It’ll be alright. There’s nothing to be afraid of. Ehehehe

Teo: Oh, I’m scared alright! Let me go!

Cat: Meow?

Felicita: …*sigh*

~*End of Scene*~

(Back to Directory)

[ramblesbrambles]

*Cocks watergun of holy water* Mr. Siedelman’s haunted

Just finished Cybersix and am contributing to the fandom the only way I know how: Deranged AU/canon divergence ramblings at 2am.

*Note: this is Cartoon compliant, not Comic compliant*

After the events of Episode 12 ‘Daylight Devil’, some of the students start theorising, leading several of Adrien’s friends (and students) to some very interesting (and mostly wrong) conclusions.

*Long post underneath*

Here is what everyone knows:

Lucas: His friend Adrien knows about and is in cahoots with Cybersix in some form. His friend Adrien has never been in the same place as Cybersix (or at least, Adrien has never been seen in the same place as Cybersix) and is a little weird sometimes, disappearing whenever something related to Cybersix shows up, but never directly involving himself. Keeps deflecting whenever he gets hurt. Hates seeing doctors and hospitals. Just yesterday, some of his students told him that Adrien had ‘gone weird again’ and ‘seen something in the woods’, right before disappearing and falling off a cliff. Later, at the hospital, an ‘evil spirit’ (as quoted by the poor old nurse on duty) had apparently chased him out the hospital and through town, where he had somehow managed to lose it. Adrien deflected all of everyones questions like an old pro, definitely downplaying his injuries. Where was Cybersix? Questioning her later that night, she tried her best to get the attention off of Adrien, which was even more suspicious, considering they were supposed to be friends of some sort, and with the way she answered some of his questions…

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

“Are you sure he’s ok? He looked like he fought a cheese grater and lost,” said Lucas, pacing around his apartment. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and if the only other way to ask about his best friend’s well-being was through the vigilante grapevine. Well.

Cybersix smiled, but Lucas noted how it seemed almost tighter than usual, like the skin on the right side of her face was uncomfortable.

“As I said before, we-”

We?

“-I-I mean I’ll-He’ll be alright, just needs a night of uninterrupted sleep.”

Lucas frowned. “I get that you and him are… Friends. Of some kind, but you do know that Adrien is a regular human being just like me, right? Except unlike me, he doesn’t exactly have a background of being a pro junior boxer.”

Cybersix seemed… Surprised at his observation? Almost like it hadn’t occurred to her that Adrien was a regular human being. This was strange, since she always tried her best to keep regular humans such as himself away from whatever was going on with her and that weird bloodthirsty kid Josè.  

“Oh, that’s right. I uh, forget that. Sometimes.”

Cybersix, Lucas thought to himself, you need to figure out how to lie better.

“Anyways, I should be heading off for tonight. Get some rest Lucas, you’ll need the energy for the test tomorrow.”

Test?? The biology surprise test only Adrien knew he was organising???

And with that, Cybersix leapt from the windowsill, leaving Lucas many pieces of the puzzle to put together. ————— Later at school, after the test (that Cybersix knew about somehow? Adrien must have told her at some point, but it does seem strange how much Adrien and Cybersix knew of each other), Lucas overheard some of his students in the hallway.

“-telling you, it must have been the spirit of the woods!”

“And I’m telling you that it doesn’t exist! It’s just a ghost story meant to scare babies from going into the woods!”

“Then explain what Mr Siedelman saw that was both a) invisible and b) trying to kill him in the hospital!”

“I dunno, the weird black cat following him around?”

Lucas immediately pressed himself to the wall as quietly as he could, thankful that his class was empty. As much as he trusted Cybersix, it was infuriating how little information he was running on, and sometimes, teenage conspiracies held a grain of truth. Lucas didn’t plan on wearing a tinfoil hat anytime soon, but. It was worrying, how much was guesswork on who she was and why people were hunting her.

And just as he thought that, some of the students from the excursion passed the open classroom door where he hid.

“Oh come on, everyone knows about Mr Siedelman’s weird black cat! He keeps coming to class with its fur all over him, and Johnny saw them playing in the bushes just before the alleged ‘ghost attack’!”

Oh look, there went Samantha, wildly flailing her arms at Bertram’s ‘ghost attack’ theory.

“Ok, but how normal is a giant black cat in the middle of a city?! There’s gotta be some sort of supernatural explanation for it!”

Aaaaaaand there Bertram went again, shame that he kept missing the National Geographic portion of the biology lessons. Shaking his head, Lucas went on his way to meet up with Adrien. Lucas’d seen a lot of crazy things during his times as Cybersix’s companion, but all could be explained by mad science beyond his comprehension.

Although. How would science explain what was going on with Adrien? —————---------------------------

Lori: Mr Siedelman has, like, a weirdo girlfriend? Wife? Significant other? That runs around in a leather catsuit mainly during the night, who once saved her life and then got caught as part of a circus act. She (The leather kink wife) was described as a ‘humanoid robot’ by that Brat that abducted her that one time (did that kid really think putting on a circus outfit and a fake moustache was a disguise? Hah! What a loser!) but she showed an awful lot of emotion in trying to save her (Lori’s) life. In fact, most of the robots in that circus were dressed up nice but had eyes that were suuuuper dead. Superwhatshernumber had like, really nice eyes. Real life-like. Uncanny-valley life-like, that weirdo. And looks an awful lot like Mr Siedelman, now that she thinks about it…

*Lori meets up with Cybersix late at night on their usual meet ups where Lori loiters around and Cybersix eventually shows up to escort her back home and, while Cybersix is escorting her home, Lori uses the opportunity to ask Several Questions.

Cybersix: *This is it, I’m getting a good grade in normal human interactions, something that is normal to want and possible to achieve* ‘Makes an allusion about being Frankensteins monster, trying to imply she is not fully human and never was but instead gives the impression she has Seen the Other Side.

Lori: Did Cybersix straight up die???? Is she like, A Good Zombie fighting other zombies????? WAIT., Is she a GHOST inhabiting a ROBOT??? Is THAT why Mr Siedelman is so sketchy about her he doesnt want people to know about his ‘bringing-his-wife-back-from-the-dead sort of deal’????

Cybersix: *Alludes to her and Adrien being close in a way more fit to siblings than lovers*

Lori: DID MR SIEDELMAN BRING BACK HIS SISTER????? IS THAT WHY THEY LOOK SO SIMILAR????? anyways im back home now, this is A Lot to know but actually it doesn’t concern me so. Its whatever. Superhaunted6 has many things going on that do not need my presence and I Do Not wish to be kidnapped again. Not my business.

————————————-

Bertram and Samantha, best friends through thick and thicker decide enough is enough, they are Going to get to the Bottom of Whats Going On with Mr Siedelman and enlist the help of several other classmates.

If there is one thing classmates will team up for, it is Shenanigans.

Bertram: Heyyyy Mr Siedelman, what’s your opinion on like. Religion. And Churches.

Adrien: Actually, religion ties in very closely to some of this authors works-

Samantha: What Bertram is TRYING to ask is, what’s your opinion on being in church, surrounded by all those crucifixes.

Adrien, thinking ‘teenagers ask weird questions everyday this might as well happen’: Uh, Well. They’re. Peaceful? Yeah, peaceful would be the word I use. I’m not a church-goer and don’t really believe in god, but being within a church I can sense a lot of um. Restfulness? I suppose? It’s actually hard for me to be in a church for long periods of time with how comfortable and quiet it can be, if I’m not careful it feels like I could stay in there forever haha!

Bertram: cOOL THANKS MR SIEDELMAN *whispering to Samantha* oh he’s Definitely sensing some sort of divinity in those churches

Samantha: Im pretty sure he just politely told you that he thinks churches are boring but go off I guess —————————————- Headcount so far: Lucas’ side ie ‘Adrien my friend who I maybe have a crush on is connected somehow to this leatherclad nocturnal woman who I also have a crush on, there is mad science going on and I’m trying my best to trust them but even a scrap of information on what’s going on would be nice.’ Lucas

Bertrams side ie ‘Mr Siedelman is super suspicious and may be cavorting with forces beyond our mortal ken’ Bertram, Janni, Ronald, Lila

Samanthas side ie ‘Mr Siedelman is Super Weird but also in a Pathetic Regular Man kind of way’ Samantha, Jess, Alex, Marky

Lori’s ‘side’ ie ‘I have so much information about Mr Siedelman but actually I’m just going to fan the flames and see what chaos erupts’ (is incorrect about the information. This Is Important.) Lori

General Publics side ie ‘What in tarnation are these teenagers doing to this poor man’ ——————————————————— *Insert incident where Cybersix has half her face almost burned off saving Lori and, because she is on a Teacher’s stipend and also needs to pay rent, buys the cheapest concealer known to man, slaps it on and hopes for the best the next morning*

*She also reminisces to when, as Adrien, Lori was talking about how she was able to not be hit with The Eyes rays and saw him bouncing around like no-ones business and went ‘What’s up with that?’ and Cybersix’s response was basically ‘What? That didn’t happen? Are you sure you weren’t affected by the weird eye? I have no recollection?’* cringe momence.

Cybersix comes out of this semi-secure that Lori doesn’t know anything meanwhile Lori, who (thought she) saw Cybersix playing around with Adrien, is like ‘Does Adrien not know? Is Adrien an unknowing victim, haunted by the death of his sister but not realising she’s haunting him in turn? Is she trying to comfort him but also not letting him know she’s there? damn where’s the popcorn when you need it!’ ——————————————————— Janni: Ok so I’ve got the holy water (that I asked the priest my uncle to bless) and I’m gonna spray him

Marky: in the middle of class? in his face???

Janni: oh absolutely

*Sprays Adrien*

*Adrien has a flashback to the previous nights shenanigans where his face got Messed Up, hasn’t healed up properly and ended up using a Whole Lot of concealer to cover it up but it’s not very waterproof*

*Uh oh.*

The student then bear witness to about 1/2 of Mr Siedelman’s face beginning to melt off him, his flesh both cracked and bleeding, and red and raw underneath, him making an agonized yelp, before he ducks down and covers his face with his arms.

“Augh! Cut that out!”

Janni and Marky: NO FUCKING WAY. —————————————————— Marky: We’re TELLING you, he literally melted right in front of us!

Janni: It was Super red and fleshy Half the class saw him before he ran out saying something like ‘allergic reaction’ like??? It Was Just Water my guy

Bertram: You see?! He’s clearly some supernatural demon!!

Samantha: I have. no clue how you got Janni on your side but I can’t believe you would trigger his allergies like that!

Janni: IT WASN”T ALLERGIES

Samantha: Are you kidding me?? I could fold that guy like a lawn chair, I’d be more surprised if he Doesn’t have some kind of super allergy!

Lucas, hidden in the background: They sprayed him with Holy Water and he melted??? ——————————- Later, Lucas finds out that it was, in fact, makeup and that Adrien had just been hiding his injuries.

Lucas attempts to drag Adrien to the hospital, where Adrien sneaks out via rooftop parkour. UNbeknownst to Adrien, Lucas sees them jumping around like his good friend Cybersix and is starting to connect some dots. Not correctly, not in order, but he’s starting to get the idea that maybe, juuuuuuuust maybe, his friend Adrien is not exactly human either.

MEANWHILE MEANWHILE Lori has maybe. Alluded to knowing things about Mr Siedelmans weirdness and is leading the Conspiracy Troupe across town during a later part of the evening, sees Mr Siedelman parkouring across the rooftops hell on his heels and is like ‘Ok I know somethings going on with Mr Siedelman and I know that I should really be respecting his secrecy but this is an Opportune moment to cause chaos and maybe get the other teens to stop trying to bully the poor man.’

Bertram: I’m telling you Lori, we need to know! Is he a benign spirit, or a demon sent to kill us?!

Lori, observing said benign spirit/murderous demon jumping around like no-ones business: Personally, I’m thinking he’s got some kind of guardian angel taking over his body now and then. I mean, how else can the guy fly around like that?

Samantha: What do you- WHAT IS THAT.

Ronald: Is he FLYING over the rooftops????

Lori: Yeah, I’ve been telling him that it’s super obvious sometimes but he always says he doesn’t know what I’m talking about? Meanwhile the Leather Lady (who im friends with) who Roams the night and keeps me safe from creeps always knows what I’m talking about so. yknow.

Conspiracy troupe: Mr Siedelman doesn’t know what’s happening with him either confirmed??? Cybersix and Siedelman are connected in some way????

Samantha: ok but maybe he’s like, secretly athletic??? He’s gotta be Some measure of physically fit, Lonnie says hes seen the guy walk backwards and through a construction site whilst reading a book!

Lila: Or. Maybe he has. Eyes. in the back of his head, for real.

Janni: I mean, in the bible guardian angels are supposed to have a million eyes to see everything right?

Lori: But remember, he doesn’t remember anything whenever I ask him

Bertram: Mr Siedelman’s posessed by Cybersix????? —————————————————- But then the thought occurred to Bertram. Angels were holy beings, and weren’t supposed to be affected by artifacts holy and arcane, right?

“- anyways, its not like we’ll ever see the lady in the daytime, she’s like, what’s the word Mr. Amato used? Non-burnable? No wait, nocturnal that was it, she never comes out into the sunlight! So really your guys’s approach to him in the daytime is stupid and you need to stop it an’ leave the guy alone.” Lori was getting visibly irritated by this turn of events, waving their merry group of troublemakers off like they were gnats or something. <- Lori is realising maybe she should lay off the chaos for Cybersix’s sake, maybe Lori is taking the joke too far and these students are coming increasingly closer to the truth (which is Lori’s flawed truth that Cybersix is the dead sister of Adrien that he raised and tied to his body somehow)

“Hold up. Guys I had a thought,” Bertram started before being rudely interrupted by most of the gang noting how they were surprised he had any thoughts to begin with.

“Okay but SERIOUSLY since Mr. Siedelman’s face burnt off because of the holy water, what if he’s actually just possessed by a demon?”

“Bertram,” Marky said, slowly and with reservations, “Thats the most sense you’ve made all day and considering you started with ‘Mr. Siedelman’s actually a robot’, that does not fill me with confidence.”

Samantha’s veins visibly popped out from her forehead. “Absolutely not! Demons are not real! Mr. Siedelman is a normal human being with like, fifty different allergies! Probably! Right, Lori?”

The visible hesitation on Lori’s face was not helping the situation.

Ronald, who had been quiet this whole time, muttered “yeah that’s not a suspicious reaction at all considering you’re the only one who’s experienced in super weird situations,” topping it off with the look of a dog who’s caught the scent of a really tasty bone buried in their backyard.

Lori hmphed. “Okay look. Just because I got kidnapped by a stupid six-year-old and got saved by Ms. Siedelman and Mr. Amato the one time does not make me an expert in possessions and magic thingys.” <- Lori is in for a penny in for a pound now

The gang realises Mr Amato may know something, Lori sort-of regrets bringing him into it but knows he has a thing for Cybersix as well as Mr Siedelman in a weird power-throuple way and is dying to create more drama by having Cybersix pose as straight up a demon posessing Adrien and not the ghost of his sister that Lori seems to think Cybersix is —————————————————————————- More shenanigans ensue, where the kids try to get Lucas into their conspiracies. At first, he’s pretty reluctant.

Later, after Lucas is trying his best to care for Adrien his friend but is rebuked, and same for Cybersix, he’s desperate and yknow. These are kids. What harm could it do?

It’s not as if Cybersix is actually haunting Adrien, right? ——————————————————————————- Insert shenanigans including:

- The kids throw Adrien a crucifix. Adrien, who was not paying attention due to lack of sustenance and fully grabbed onto a Very Spiky Object, yelps and drops it immediately. 1 Point for demonic possession

- Lucas asks Cybersix to meet him in a graveyard, and they have a thrilling discussion on what it means to be human. Cybersix is semi-comforted by Lucas’ earnestness in defining Cybersix as human despite her misgivings due to her dependence on sustenance, Lucas thinks she’s guilty because she’s not fully alive and won’t be able to live fully because she lacks aliveness, resulting in her having to drink the souls of humans (Fixed Ideas) to survive. 1 point for being dead.

- Lucas also questions Adrien about some of the feats he’s seen Adrien do including: Lifting really heavy objects no problem, having faster than average instincts and dodging a football without looking. Cybersix, who’s like ‘It worked with Lori surely it’ll work with Lucas’ goes “What on Earth are you talking about Lucas?”

Lori also does this as well except she’s straight up being ‘Hey Mr Siedelman thanks for walking me home last night’ and Adrien, who is fully committing to the bit, goes ‘Lori I have no Idea what you’re talking about’ and Lori goes ‘Aw sorry my bad I was thinking of my leather-clad friend who’s super weird but also kind of cool actually’

1 point for possession-induced memory loss. 1 point of grateful embarrassment to Cybersix, who’s really glad Lori appreciated the walk home but also this is Not the time.

Lori at this point is like ‘Look, Guys. I know exactly. what is up with Mr Siedelman and Cybersix. But watching yall struggle is really entertaining for me.’

Lucas and the gang ‘PLEASE JUST A SCRAP OF INFORMATION WOULD BE SO USEFUL.’

Lori ‘nah.’ ———————————————————— At this point, Cyberix would realise something is up and go confront Lori, who seems to be the center of this whole thing.

Cybersix: Hey can you stop alluding to my civilian identity its really dangerous and I want to keep everyone safe.

Lori: Don’t worry, if they haven’t figured out anything yet theyre too stupid to figure it out ever

Cybersix: What??????

Lori: I’m just keeping them on their toes really by feeding them very minimal and wrong information

Cybersix: Lori this is Serious

Lori: Ok but have you considered: it would Really help sell your secret if they thought you were straight up a demon possessing Mr Siedelman

Cybersix: No???? It would not???? Is that what they think I am????? How did they come to that conclusion??????????

Lori: I mean I know you’re not, but I def think it would give them some sense of comfort if they thought they knew you, and it would probably stop them from digging too deep down if you were some flavor of supernatural.

Cybersix: Lori I need you to understand that this is getting super convoluted and out of hand Please Stop

Lori: Ugh fiiiiiiiiiiine *Is planning to tell the gang that Cybersix is onto them so they gotta step up their game already* *Is having the time of her life playing on all sides of the game*

In the end, Lori continues being Lori meanwhile Cybersix is Convinced Lori has found out that she and Adrien Siedelman are the same person and is understandably nervous about Lori’s so-called ‘misdirections’ —————————————————— Obligatory demonic summoning scene Lucas is being used by Jose as a hostage to draw out Cybersix. Jose’s latest plan is to pose as a cultist and, by using Lucas as an unwilling sacrifice, Cybersix will fall right into his hands! She’ll never guess it was Jose all along! Unfortunately, Cybersix has the power of one (1) big cat and one (1) street urchin to help pull the strings. The street urchin was not part of the plan originally, but he’s definitely here now.

*Cybersix throws down a smoke bomb over Lucas and makes it appear like she did, in fact, get summoned*

*Jose’s trap fails to catch her, but from Lucas’ perspective she straight up phased through some attacks and is using Telekinesis to stop projectiles*

*Julian and Data 7 are in the background helping out and making it look like objects are floating and stuff. Julian is really pulling out all his street magic tricks here and Data 7 is doing a lot of object heavy lifting*

Lucas: Ok. Yknow what actually. Maybe. Cybersix is some sort of demon. At least she’s nice? Actually, I’m still gonna date her. Him. Them.  Do I need permission from Adrien to date her? do I need her permission to date Adrien? ———————————————————- Meanwhile, The Gang have gone looking into who exactly Mr Siedelman is and it turns out he’s been dead all along????

Lori is especially surprised by this, but then rearranges it from Cybersix possessing Adrien, its actually Adrien possessing Cybersix and he is dead and doesn’t know and Cybersix actually is Adriens wife but she’s keeping him around because of love. and stuff. Mr Amato is gonna be heartbroken that the guy he has a crush on is actually dead. Holy shit she’s hit the motherload of drama. ————————————————————- Cue scene were literally everyone is tearing their hair out at whats going on with Adrien. They’ve gotten together and by combining all the evidence they have recieved, they have gotten absolutely nowhere.