#mike would only listen to her because of peer pressure and will would want to claw off his ears every time her songs go on

[your-stranger-halfblood-things]

Okay let me say this slowly:

Mike and Will. They are part of alt subcultures. They. Are. Not. Swifties.

[bunting27]

learning curve ❤︎ r. sandin

chapter two. team building

a/n: i promise more sandy and c content is coming at some point 

summary: auston wants carter to be more comfortable around him and the team.

warnings: drinking, so much am34 best friend content

wc: 1.6k

taglist: @emsully2002​ 

✏︎

“who’s all coming tonight?” auston had made it his day’s mission to follow around carter everywhere she went, so she thought she might as well ask while he was there.

it was the first time that day that she had been the one to initiate a conversation, so he was ecstatic. he proceeded to list some of the players that would be over at his house, along with some maybe’s and a handful of people he hadn’t asked yet.

“will there be drinks?” was her only response to him, and he stopped in his tracks when she said it.

she stopped as well, a look of slight terror taking over her face. she was stood there wide eyed, pulling her head back while he was smiling like an idiot.

“there will- yes. yeah, there will be drinks” she chuckled awkwardly at his strange response, nodding and taking his current state of whatever this was as an opportunity to walk away from him. 

she made her way over to the first person she saw, which happened to be ramsus, who had been sharpening his skates and listening to music.

rather than do anything normal, such as tap him on the shoulder or wait to grab his attention, she pulled the headphones off his head and was met with a confused side eye. “sorry. i’m carter, the new media lead. can you please pretend that we are having a very important conversation about hockey things”

that did not come out like it was meant to, but ok.

luckily, he laughed, and started talking about random nonsense until auston was in earshot, and he quickly realized why she had been in such a hurry to acquaint herself with him.

“how many questions have you been asked?” she pursed her lips, practically feeling the alternate’s presence behind her as she thought about it.

“this hour? about twelve hundred and eight. give or take”

-

when carter knocked on the door to auston’s condo, she almost wanted to bail. the walk there was fine, but hearing the chatter from inside the home come to a complete stop after her gentle knock on the door made her want to crumble into the patterned hallway carpet beneath her and leave town again.

she looked petrified when auston opened the door, a stark contrast to his look of glee when he realized she’d actually showed up. 

“hey, c. was starting to think you weren’t gonna come. c’mon, let’s get you a drink” she hesitantly followed him in, trudging behind him to his counter where he opened a cooler and told her to take her pick. 

she eyed the container before leaning down and grabbing a mike’s hard - something light she was familiar with and she knew wouldn’t make her do anything worth regretting. 

before they made their way to what she assumed was the living area where everyone was surrounded with boxes of pizza, cooler and beer, she made direct eye contact for the first time since they’d met.

“you gave me a nickname” he grinned down at her, nodding happily and ghosting his hand over her back to lead her over to where the rest of the guys were.

“i never got the chance to ask what people called you. from your team” she paused for a moment, fighting back the smile at the memories of her last time on the ice.

“stick. my last name is walker” she clarified before he could ask where the name came from, and she caught the way his face scrunched. she was praying that it was because of her strange nickname, and not because of her name in general. 

before he could ask, she found herself a place to sit and cracked open her can, taking a gulp. 

-

in hindsight, it probably would have been a good idea to go home along with the ‘older’ players about an hour ago, because the younger ones had the peer pressure capabilities of high school jocks.

the one mikes that carter thought would leave her with hardly a buzz turned into several tall boys, an unknown amount of beer from many rounds of a makeshift pong game, and two shots. 

currently, her right arm was linked with none other than michael bunting’s as they competed to see who could chug another beer the fastest. 

she was having more fun than she would like to admit, something that in the morning would give her nothing but a lethal amount of anxiety. would she remember everything she had done? would she do something stupid and be the only one to remember?

those were thoughts for future carter, though, because she beat michael by a hair in their little competition and now she was celebrating by jumping into the arms of auston matthews and downing another shot.

“you having fun?” she nodded, wiping her mouth from the remanence of beer from her cup and slowly squirming down from the position she’d somehow landed in their hug.

“why did we bring out shot glasses again? that was a bad idea” she held the hiccup that was threatening to come out to hear his response. 

“i brought out the shot glasses so you would stop being so anxious. also, preseason starts in a few days and i’d be damned if i didn’t come out of the offseason having a little fun” she giggled, dragging him by the shirt to where the cooler was and picking herself up another beer. 

everyone was laughing and having fun, michael was trying to redeem himself by kicking mitch and alex’s asses in beer pong with mac, and carter felt like she didn’t need to be looking over her shoulder for the first time since she’d walked out of her old house.

she could only hope that feeling would be constant in toronto - during times like this, sober, at work, at her apartment, doing things a young girl with a healthy life would do. everywhere. 

auston had been watching her so closely, and her name had felt so familiar, that the lurking ideas in the back of his head, whether they be of distrust or lust, were gone. 

he could only hope that she would stay comfortable like this once she was sober, that they could be friends, that he could still find out anything there was to know.

-

carter woke up in a bed. not her bed, and thankfully not anyone else’s bed either. there was a solo cup filled with water along with a bottle of tylenol on the bedside table next to her, accompanied by a note.

don't freak out. you’re in my guest room

                                                        ,auston

she almost wanted to be offended that he could already read her so well he knew she’d panic, but she was more grateful that there was already water at her disposal, so she ignored it.

she eased herself up into a sitting position and eventually managed to read the back of the pill bottle to see how many she should take. rubbing her face, she got up and waddled over to the door across from her which she hoped led to a bathroom. 

she refilled her cup with more water and then lowered her face down to the sink to splash herself with some, sighing at the much needed cooling effect. 

she slowly opened the main door to the bedroom and tiptoed to the kitchen, where auston, michael and mitch had already been sitting with cups of coffee. she looked over to see rasmus and timothy laid in opposite directions on the couch and mac on the loveseat, while william was sprawled out on the floor with auston’s dog.

she didn’t say anything, but nodded to austons hand instead. he vaguely gestured to the cabinet where he kept the mugs and she grabbed one, filling it with her desired amount of ingredients to have a reasonable afternoon coffee.

“kerf went home?” she whispered, not wanting to hurt her brain or anyone else's with her normal tone. 

auston nodded, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. “harvard’s a little less moronic than the rest of us when it comes to straight shots of tequila. he got an uber”

she swore she almost fell back asleep on him as she sipped her coffee, the three guys chatting quietly. auston tried his best to include her, to see if she’d be less uptight after last night, but she would just mumble responses and slip out of the conversation. 

he guessed he’d just have to keep trying.

the rest of the guys woke up one after the other, starting with timothy and rasmus when they had accidentally kicked one another, then mac, and finally willy when felix had decided he’d had enough sleep and walked on top of will’s torso to get over to auston.

auston ordered breakfast through doordash and everyone was currently sat on the couch, surrounded by cans and solo cups and scarfing down their food.

they had been talking about the night prior, thinking back on fun moments or their favourite part of the night that was meant to be a close to their offseason, and michael pointed at carter

“were you in a frat in your past life? who is that good at beer pong after three rounds of kings court?” carter smiled at the comment and swallowed her bite of food, setting her takeout plate on her lap.

“my ex was a business major and all of our friends were hockey players. i was in a frat in this life, unofficially. or maybe you all just suck at drunk hand-eye coordination” auston chuckled, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and ruffling her hair, while everyone else gave her joking looks of offence.

“don’t laugh, matty. i carried your ass, you suck too,”

he was still smiling, because she was smiling. she was comfortable and making jokes and that’s good enough for him, even if he’s part of her punchline.

[garina]

So. I made a terrible mistake. I started watching 'Stranger Things', and now my brain is just full of Thoughts and Feelings after only two episodes.

I managed to sidestep it completely initially, but then when series 4 came out certain people whose blogs I enjoy reading lost their minds over Eddie Munson (looking at you @kedreeva!) And I enjoyed reading meta and fan things and looking at gif sets.

Then I thought 'I would have loved this as a teenager.' And then I realised that my tastes haven't changed all that much in 20 years, and maybe I should check it out. (New stuff can be hard for me to get into).

I'd already been spoiled for a lot of things, and because I don't deal well with horror elements I went and spoiled myself more so I knew if/when not to look.

However, how I managed to miss that Winona Ryder was in this is a mystery.

Feels:

Joyce is an amazing character and I love her. I especially liked the fact that she realised how much her initial reaction to Will's disappearance (before they realised something was really really wrong) of blaming Jonathan was unfair, AND made sure he knew that and that she was wrong to say it.

I love the boys. They seem very very real to me, the way they slide from silly kids to almost sensible, and the conflict between the right thing to do if things were normal (tell a responsible adult), and the right thing to do in the actual reality of their situation.

Nancy and Mike's dad is a prat. Why isn't he helping to look for his son's friend? Grr. I do love the sibling dynamic between the older Wheeler kids.

Hopper really interests me. I look forward to to seeing more.

Millie Bobbie Browne is making her 'troubled waif with psychic powers' distinct from the many others and I am impressed.

My opinion of Nancy took a bit of a nosedive at the party. If you drag your best friend to a party she doesn't want to go to, you don't join in with applying peer pressure, you stand up for her. I really felt for Barb, being the odd one out sucks, and Nancy ditching her was bad behaviour. (I am not completely writing her off for a lapse of judgement, it's far more interesting having nuanced characters)

The sheer unfairness of this world: of all the inhabitants of Hawkins that I've met so far, the two that seem to least deserve being taken by monsters are the two that are (if we ignore the toddler). Things being supernaturally unfair on top of regular unfairness (deadbeat dads, bullying, Hopper's daughter) is a LOT.

The flashback showing Jonathan and Will listening to music was adorable. Will needs all of the hugs, and I was getting some definite ND feelings from him. I'll see if I was right later on. I really really want to see more of him.

Steve is hilarious, and a wonderful example of how dorky supposedly cool guys get when their emotions (and hormones) get involved. I await his character growth (and the Scoops Ahoy uniform) with great interest.

Mr Clarke is an awesome teacher. AV clubs weren't really a thing in the UK when I was at school, which I think is a shame.

I have run out of steam. Clearly more episodes are in order...

[mediocre-writerr]

this is what it takes [quinn fabray]

Quinn Fabray x fem reader

Request: Quinn Fabray x reader, that takes place with Valentine’s kissing booth that Finn does (Reader is very outgoing and has a high status on the pyramid) and him and the r are competing for Quinn’s love and attention with a happy ending for Quinn and the r

*not my gif*

Out of all the shapes in the world: a circle, square, a freakin’ straight line! It was a triangle. You had to have been in a love triangle. With the quarterback and the head cheerleader. 

With all the high school stereotypes, it seems as if quarterback and head cheerleader would have to be together. But you were also on the top of the social pyramid, you were the captain of the girl’s volleyball team. 

Which had a better record than the football team...just saying. 

You were walking down the hallway with your letterman jacket when you saw Finn at a kissing booth he had set up. 

“Mr. Hotshot you’re literally gonna spread mono around the school.” you say leaning against the wooden board that created a barrier between the two of you, “All because Quinn Fabray doesn’t want to kiss you.” 

“Ms. Wannabe last time I checked you couldn’t get her to kiss you either.” he says with his shit-eating smirk.

I chuckled loudly, “Woah guys! Hotshot here won one championship game in all three years of being the star quarterback and now he thinks he’s all that!” you exclaim sarcastically, “Try winning all three state championship games and a national champion AND the captain.” I say copying his own shit-eating smirk.

He looked at a loss of words before Quinn passed by. The two of you watched her as she walked by. You smiled to yourself softly. There was so many things that made you fall for the blonde.

How she carried herself. How she was so beautiful. How beautiful her voice was not only when singing, but talking. How intelligent she was. 

God she’s beautiful. 

But all Finn saw was beauty and social status, but she was so much more. 

“Well, good luck lover boy.” you say patting his back, going to run off to catch up with Quinn. 

As you ran towards her you were met with a bunch of people’s waves and high fives. You may have been on top of the social status, but you always tried to be nice to everyone. That’s how you became popular. 

You touched her shoulder gently and she smiled at you softly, “Hey Fabray.” you say.

“Y/L/N, hello.” she says trying to fight back a smile.

“How are you doing today?” you ask politely as you swerve through the crowds of teenagers.

“Pretty good,” she says simply.

“That’s awesome!” You notice her shivering a little bit, “Are you cold?” 

“A little. I underestimated how cool it was today.” she says rubbing her arm with her hand. 

You immediately shrug off your letterman and place it over her shoulders, “Here take this! I have a hoodie in my locker that I can go grab.” 

A smile appeared on her soft features, “Thank you.” 

You nod smiling back at her as the two of you continued to walk, “You know Valentine’s day is coming up and I wanted to know if you would like to go on a date with me?” you ask confridently or as confidently as you can.

She stops to turn and look at you, a serious look in her eye. And you could tell that she was fighting back and forth in her head, “You don’t have to give me an answer right now. Just think about it okay?” you add on so she doesn’t feel pressured.

“Okay.” Quinn nods with a small smile.

No one has ever done that before. No one has ever relieved pressure on her and let her know that it was okay.

Finn? Never.

Sam? Never.

Puck? Oh don’t even get her started on that.

You give her a small kiss on the cheek before parting ways. Happy with how you left her and feeling confident in your stance on how she feels about you.

Glee club started and you took a seat next to Mike, waiting for everyone else including Mr. Shue to come in. You watched as Quinn and Finn walked in side by side. 

Even though you couldn’t hear their conversation you could tell that Finn was trying to make a move of his own. They sit in front of you and you pretend you’re not listening, when in reality you really are. 

“So ice rink for Valentine’s Day?” he asks still having his shit-eating smirk on his face. 

“I don’t know Finn. Y/N already asked about Valentine’s Day.” she says and you smile to yourself knowing she’s still thinking about you. 

He scoffs, “Really? You’re thinking about spending Valentine’s Day with Wannabe? C’mon Quinn, you and I have something special. Come with me.” 

You roll your eyes at his attempt at persuasiveness, “I need time.” she says simply as Mr. Shue comes into the room. 

“Then kiss me at my kissing booth! If you feel the fireworks you drop Y/N and go out with me.” he keeps pushing, but she’s not listening. 

The entire glee club you were preoccupied in your mind. Trying to figure out ways to get Quinn to be yours. 

She deserves better than what all the guys’ she’s ever dated have given her. Sam was the closest thing she got to something healthy and stable. You want to give her that. 

And you had just the idea. 

The next glee club you went up in front of the class for your assignment about love. Naturally, you decided to dedicate this song for Quinn. 

While Finn is peer-pressuring her into getting him to kiss her. You decided to sing her a song to let her know that she can take all the time she needs. 

“So I’d like to dedicate this to Quinn. You know, it’s no secret to everyone that I’ve had a crush on you for as long as I could remember. But this one’s for you.” you say, throwing your guitar over your shoulder, “But before I’d like to give you these.” 

You hand her a bouquet of her favorite flowers and she smiles softly. Finn who was sitting behind her just scoffs, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. 

“Baby, tell me when you’re ready, I’m waiting. Baby, any time you’re ready, I’m waiting. Even ten years from now, if you haven’t found somebody I promise I’ll be around. Tell me when you’re ready I’m waiting, I’m waiting.” you sing the last verse and she’s smiling widely. 

The rest of the glee club claps and a bunch of whoop’s fill the room.

“Yeah you win her heart Y/L/N!” Santana yells and you laugh softly. 

She smiles at you softly getting up from her seat to give you a hug, “Meet me at Finn’s kissing booth after glee club.” she whispers in your ear and you nod. 

Once glee club ends, me, Finn, and Quinn headed towards his kissing booth. 

“Are you ready to kiss me Quinn?” Finn asks with a smirk. 

She hands him a dollar and you start to question everything. 

Why did she bring him here? Why did she make you watch? Why did she give him a dollar? Is she gonna kiss him in front of you? What? 

He takes the dollar and puckers up his lips and it makes you feel a little gross. Like you can’t believe Rachel Berry wants to kiss those lips. 

But to your surprise she cups your cheeks and pulls your face towards her. It took you a few seconds, but you finally start to kiss back. It’s so sweet and so soft. It was everything you ever imagined it would be. 

You placed your hands gently on her waist, tasting her vanilla chapstick off her lips. 

She finally pulls away and the two of you turn towards Finn. He was just staring in shock at how played he got. 

“Valentine’s Day?” Quinn asks. 

“Valentine’s Day.” you say nodding. 

[coffeecakefanfics]

In the middle | Midsize!FemReader x B.B

A/n: This is for my midsize girls but tbh anyone can read it <3 also requests are open

Warnings: Mentions of Ass throwing, Drinking, Mentions of body insecurities, Mentions of cuts and bruises,18+ themes

Being Midsized is weird. You’re too fat to be skinny but too skinny to be fat, you’re in this weird middle ground where you feel uncomfortable yet sexy at the same time.  You LOVE your big thighs and ass but HATE your tummy, it’s awkward

Y/n suffered from this problem, she had a great set of tits and a decent ass and the CUTEST tummy ever!  The problem though? Finding and outfit for parties, parties like the pool party and hangout that Tony made mandatory for the Avengers.  The sound of laughter shook through the compound as Y/n walked into the indoor pool and hot tub, music was playing and drinks were in hand. 

“There she is!” Nat yelled and held her drink up. A couple people cheered and Y/n bowed playfully. A laugh tumbled from her lips as she grabbed a bottle of a mikes hard, something sweet.  

“Come on get in,” Nat motioned for the girl to get into the hot tub. Y/n swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded. 

“Come on, take it off!” Sam teased. 

“Shut up, I’m getting in” she laughed and tugged at the ties of black cover up. 

“Take it off, take it off!” A couple more people joined in.  The girl laughed and turned with her back to them and let the cover up drop to her waist, playful cheers filled the room now as she dropped the cover up. 

“Daamn mama,” Wanda whistled.

“I know I know,” Y/n played back. It wasn’t Bucky’s fault, he’d blame it on the way that the highwisted black suit cupped her ass, the way her thighs jiggled when she walked, how incredible the view of her breasts were sitting in the top that he let his mind wander to how gorgeous she’d look under him. 

“Bucky?” she voice pulled his mind back

“I think pretty boy might like the view,” Tony chirpped. 

“Tony shut up, leave the kid alone,” Y/n rolled her eyes at the older man. 

“What were you saying?” Bucky felt his cheeks dust

“I was asking if you were going on the mission tomorrow?” her eyes were soft, and innocent, glints of happiness shook through them.

“Yeah, Me, you and Steve are running this one,” he bit his lip.  The night continued on, drinking, laughing, it was almost. . . peaceful, that was until the sex talk started. 

“Come on Y/n how many?” Thor was the one poking now. 

“Ew no i’m not here to get slut shamed,” she laughed and sipped her drink, Bucky’s eyes drifted to how her lips sat so perfectly against the bottle. 

“Don’t be a baby,” He continued pushing. 

“Fine but you can’t laugh,” she shot him a look and he held his hands up in defence, “My body count is 3,” she shrugged and took another sip. 

“You’re lying,” Sam scoffed playfully and sipped his own drink.

“I’m serious, My first was a kid named Damien Salazar in 11th grad, then there was Troy Cash my second year of college and then I had a guy after we broke up that was so bad that I forgot his name,” she shrugged. 

“I really was expecting more,” Thor shrugged himself. 

“That’s hurtful,” she teased, “Even if it was more I wouldn’t be less of a woman for it, no one is,” she spoke stern. 

“No that’s not why we’re curious, you just never talk to us about this stuff,” Wanda noted.

“I mean you club with us and throw ass all the time but we never get to the personal stuff like that, you’re the only one we didn’t know,” Nat slung an arm around the girl, who laid her head on her.

“That’s a fair point,” The girl laughed.

“Question,” Bucky spoke up, “What the fuck is throwing ass?” The laughter after was deafening.

“Oh poor sweet baby Buck,” Sam patted his back before giving a pointed look to the girl across from them.

“Sam Wilson I know damn well you do not expect me to corrupt that poor man,” she shot up from Nats shoulder

“Come on, the man is 106 years old and hasn’t been twerked on, do him a solid. 

“I can’t and won’t have this conversation,” she rolled her eyes and took the last sip of her drink. “I am off to bed, See you two freaks in the morning,” she waved and wrapped a towel around her body. 

The mission went smooth, well except for a few bumps and bruises and a gash to Y/n’s suit, but it went smoothly.  Back at the compound she found herself restless, tossing and turning in bed led her to the kitchen, standing over a pot of coffee waiting for it to brew. 

“Can’t sleep?” The voice made her jump, spinning around to find Bucky standing by the table.

“Jesus Buck, A warning,” she smiled at him.

“Want a cup?” she pointed to the pot behind her.  Bucky simply nodded. 

“Nightmares?” she asked and slid a blue cup across the table to him.

“I don’t have nightmares,” he spoke, taking a sip.

“Okay Bucky,” she dropped it, holding the warm cup in her hands.   It wasn’t nightmares him up it was a feeling of, hate? no that’s not the word, discomfort in his body.  Something he never spoke of was the insecurity of his arm, he hated how the metal felt.  It kept him up sometimes, there was a point in time where he would try to claw it off, the scars are faintly there.

“What’s got you up?” he asked, carefully.

“Personal shit, I don’t need to make it your problem, her words were flat, nothing like how she normally spoke to him. 

“I’m here you know, to talk” his words tumbled, he never knew or was good at opening up.

“You too buck,” She smiled and took a sip.  Bucky studied how she leant against the counter, her her shirt draped her body, loose and hiding her figure, how her shorts were slightly risen up.  He loved her body, he loved how she looked in her suit, it hugged her ass and tits perfectly and outlined her figure, Bucky loved her tummy when he could see it, like when they sparred.

“Earth to Buck,” she was grinning at him. 

“Sorry,” he mumbled and felt a blush creep up his face.

“What’s on your mind?” she had finished her drink and sat the cup in the sink.

“it’s uh- nothing,” he sipped the coffee.

“it’s not nothing because you drifted off, so spill” Bucky felt his head spinning, he couldn’t ask her that, he had too much respect for her.

“My door is open if you need it,” she smiled and let her fingers dance across his shoulder on the way out.  Bucky let out his breath and hung his head. He was so down bad. 

Once every three months shield brings their agents in to spar with the avengers, test them on hand to hand combat.  Y/n was slowly walking around the ring with her hands in defense, everyone stood around watching her and then new initiate.

“Go!” Fury yelled, the initiate jumped at the girl who dodged, tripping her up.  The initiate growled and lunged at Y/n again tossing punch after punch and throwing kicks. Y/n caught the girls foot and used it to pull her down.

“Time!” Fury called again.  Y/n locked eyes with Bucky who smirked at her. Y/n held her hand out to the initiate, the girl took it and smiled at Y/n. 

“Hey you did great, work on your defense a little more and you’ll be perfect” 

“Thank you” the girl smiled and left the ring. 

“Maybe if you lost some weight you’d be too,” a males voice spoke, accidentally too loud.  Y/n’s stomach dropped, feeling sick.  Her shoulders slumped for a second before a fire lit behind her eyes. 

“In the ring now!” she barked.

“Oh shit,” Sam cleared his throat.

“Here we go,” Tony took a deep breath and shook his head.  The young man scoffed and set foot into the ring.

“Go!” Fury called.  The man lunged, prematurely and ended up getting a shoulder to the stomach as Y/n took him down. He hit the ground with a huff.

“Again” he demanded. Y/n cracked her fingers, and held her defense.  The man was agitated, he was bouncing on his feet, rookie mistake.  He threw a couple punches that landed but when his strategy didn’t change Y/n saw the opportunity and sprung loose.  She blocked his punch with her forearm before kicking the back of his knee causing him to tumble, she set her foot on his throat, not putting any pressure, just to freak the kid out. 

“Listen up, I worked my fucking ass off to be in the place that I am in today, you’re all here to do the same, every one of you was seen as better than your peers.  With that being said does anyone else have any more dumb shit to say?” Her voice was sharp, thick, heavy.  The initiates eyes were trained on the ground, some were shifting, the energy in the room shifted and was uncomfortable.  Y/n jumped out of the ring and grabbed her bag, letting the gym door slam behind her. The team looked at each other with almost pity for the girl. 

“Nat, you’re in” Tony spoke calmly, trying to return the air.

“You fucked up kid,” He half sneered at the initiate who fumbled down the steps.

“I’ll go check on her,” Bucky mumbled to Sam.

“Let her cool off a bit man, she’s hurt,” Sam offered.  Bucky shook his head and left the gym. 

The door to her room was in fact unlocked, but Bucky still knocked before entering, waiting for her voice to speak.

“Come in” She had her back to him, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

“I just wanted to check on you, I’m sorry I’ll-”

“No, no it’s okay. Thank you, it means a lot,” she smiled at him sadly.  His heart broke at the sight of her. 

“Look about what that kid said, he doesn’t know shit,” Bucky spoke carefully, he was trying to tread lightly.  She sat on the edge of her bed and let her head fall into her hands. 

“He’s right, I mean i’m in the gym 6 days a week and i’m lifting weights for 5.  But no matter what I do i’m still in this awful middle ground of being too fat but also ‘skinny’ and I fucking hate it. I hate my body and how it looks and I constantly feel like I stick out on the team,” the tears had started again.  Bucky sat on his knees infront of her. 

“Well fuck them,” he tilted her chin up.

“So what if you’re not tiny? You are still stronger than hell, you have such an amazing body, I mean you have the prettiest thighs i’ve ever seen, you have a nice rack and you have the best stomach,” Bucky smiled at her. She shook her head and wound her arms around yourself. 

“You are fucking beautiful, every inch of you.  Your acne, your stretch marks, your freckles, everything you hate about yourself I find, and this is going to make me sound gross but I find it sexy Y/n.  You’re not going to be everybodys type but sure as shit you’re mine” Y/n bit back the smile that was threatening to break through.

“Even my tummy?” she tried, playful

“Especially your tummy, you kidding?” he grinned and pushed her hair back, holding her cheek. “You are beautiful,” he spoke, barely above a whisper before connecting their lips. Y/n froze at first, unsure of if he was sincere or messing with her. He pulled away

“I’m sorry I should have asked,” he stammered and started to move away.

“No, I liked it” Y/n nodded and kissed him. 

[eddieeatsass]

Luck Has Nothing to Do With It

This was written as a gift for the winner of my 2K followers giveaway on tumblr! @s-onora asked for some fluffy middle-aged reddie smut with aftercare, I hope I delivered. This was incredibly fun to write and very different from most of the stuff I've put out thus far. I didn't realize how much tooth-rotting fluff could heal my soul. :') Summary: “Richie had won life’s lottery. He’s not sure how it happened, and he certainly had his fair share of bullshit before getting where he is now, but if Richie were asked in this very moment how he felt about his life, he would be confident in saying it was pretty much perfect.” Pairing: Reddie Rating: E Warnings: Smut, explicit language

Read on AO3

Richie had won life’s lottery. He’s not sure how it happened, and he certainly had his fair share of bullshit before getting where he is now, but if Richie were asked in this very moment how he felt about his life, he would be confident in saying it was pretty much perfect.

He’s managed to lock down a fairly satisfying career doing standup, though the world of entertainment is always a bit unsteady, he’s made enough friends in the industry that he’s found himself always having something lined up.

He owns a small house in a surprisingly suburban neighborhood. Although he’s located in the big city, he still managed to find the one area that was reminiscent of the small town he’d grown up in.

And finally, the thing that made life even worth living, is that he married his best friend, Eddie Kaspbrak.

Richie knew it was cliche; closeted gay kid has crush on best friend. But the difference between him and a cheesy romcom plot line is that it actually worked out for him. For them. Because unbeknownst to him at the time, Eddie was living the exact same platitude.

It’s not as if things fell into place right away. Richie and Eddie both had their own journeys to fulfill, and unfortunately those journeys pushed them apart for a while. Richie had accepted his sexuality long before Eddie, and it scared him off for a few years. In that time, Richie reeled as he watched Eddie get married to a woman, one as vile as his mother at that, and live a seemingly perfect life.

It took almost a decade for them to screw their heads on the right way and stop denying their life long languish. Of course they stayed in contact because of their friends, consistent in group chats, wishing each other a happy birthday on Facebook once a year, but that was about it… Until Ben and Beverly decided to get married.

That night, Eddie had admitted to Richie that weddings made bile rise up in his throat, reminded him of his own terrible ceremony and everything that had come after it. That night, they had their very first kiss. Their very first confession. It marked the beginning of everything coming together.

Now, merely five years later, Richie got to come home to Eddie every single day. He got to kiss those rounds cheeks, hear that melodic laugh, and listen to that neurotic voice whenever he wanted to, and he’s never been happier.

Today, like most days, wasn’t particularly remarkable, but Richie still strode home with a small hop to his step in anticipation of seeing Eddie. He stopped at a small flower stand on the way, picking up a bouquet of yellow roses that he knew Eddie would turn his nose up at, pivoting around quickly to hide the blush that painted his cheeks. Eddie hated gestures like that, but in the kind of way where he actually loved them.

By the time Richie got to their front door he was practically vibrating with excitement. He was a hopeless romantic who was living in his dream world; who could blame him?

As soon as Richie entered his house his senses searched for any signs of Eddie. He couldn’t see him, or hear him, but he could smell something coming from the kitchen that gave him good enough of a clue to check there first.

Toeing off his shoes, he placed them gently on the rack inside the coat closet (one of Eddie’s house rules was that Richie had to tone down his messiness to a slightly less chaotic level.) Richie rocketed down the hallway and used his now sock clad feet to slide across the linoleum floor of the kitchen, only regretting it slightly when he slid too far and his hip bone collided with the counter.

His impact was what alerted Eddie to Richie’s presence, the smaller man reacting with a jump and a small scolding of Richie’s name.

“Sorry Eds, didn’t mean to startle you.” Richie couldn’t say it with a straight face, his smile no doubt making his apology seem insincere, but he knew Eddie didn’t mind.

Richie strode forward, meeting Eddie in the middle of the kitchen and presenting the bouquet of flowers to him. As expected, Eddie scoffed and immediately moved to turn away, but Richie caught his chin and pulled him into a kiss instead. He felt Eddie melt beneath him, probably melted a bit himself if he was honest, and when he pulled away that familiar blush was there to validate him; roses were a good idea.

He placed the bouquet on the counter, making a mental note to put them in a vase as soon as he was done soaking up his boyfriend’s attention.

“Wacha making? Smells good.” Richie noted, coming up behind Eddie and wrapping his arms around his waist.

“It was supposed to be a lasagna, but it’s looking more like charred volcanic rock.”

“Mmm, I’ve always wanted to expand my taste buds.”

“Well this won’t do anything but destroy your taste buds.” Eddie admonished.

The timer rang out, signaling the end of the lasagna’s cook time. Richie peered over at their (admittedly, probably too old) oven, and back at Eddie with a cocked eyebrow. “I guess it’s time to find out.” Richie smirked.

Eddie unstuck himself from Richie and turned everything off. He grabbed the oven mitts Mike had bought them for Christmas, cute little pieces designed to look like turtles, and pulled his dish out of the oven.

He set it on the stovetop with a clunk, and Richie gathered beside him to gaze down at the very sad looking pasta dish.

Somehow it was burnt and soupey at the same time, but Eddie had put so much effort into it, so Richie still pulled a small piece of noodle off the top and popped it in his mouth.

It was hard enough to imitate uncooked pasta, and it had an ash-like taste that reminded Richie of the times Bev and him used to sneak behind their school and share a cigarette she’d smuggled from her aunt’s purse, but as he continued to chew it seemed to dissolve into goo.

But still, he smiled, cheery as ever as he gazed down at a hopeful Eddie.

“You’re gonna die from food poisoning.” Eddie said worriedly.

“In that case, can we make tonight memorable?” Richie joked, pressing himself into the slot against Eddie’s back that allowed him to rest his head on that tiny shoulder. With no response from Eddie, he nosed at his cheek and added “It wasn’t that bad”.

“Shut up.” Eddie grumbled.

“Seriously! I mean it’s no chinese food but-”

“We can’t order chinese food every night Richie.”

“How do you know? Has a man ever tested that theory?”

Eddie crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly, pouting in the way he always did when trying to seem serious.

“Fine, I’ll find something else to eat then.” Richie rocked them back and forth slowly, dipping down and trailing light kisses along Eddie’s neck. “Something sexier.” Richie whispered into Eddie’s ear.

Eddie snorted, turning himself around in Richie’s arms and draping his own over Richie’s shoulders.

“My boyfriend thinks I’m sexier than lasagna, I’m flattered.”

Richie grabbed Eddie’s ass playfully, pulling him flush against his chest.

“Just wait until you hear my dirty talk.” Richie teased. They both fell into lighthearted giggles, Eddie letting himself relax into Richie’s hold. Richie moved his hands up to the small of Eddie’s back, rubbing gentle circles into the exposed skin where Eddie’s shirt had rode up.

“Well, let’s hear it then.” Eddie whispered lowly, peering up at Richie with mischief.

It didn’t take long for them to find themselves back in bed, tangled up in each other’s limbs. Richie had made good on his promise and was indulging himself in Eddie’s body, writhing into the bed for the friction he so desperately craved.

Richie loved a lot of things about Eddie; he loved the way Eddie's eyes would crinkle at the sides when he laughed, loved the small dimples in Eddie's lower back that he could trace with his fingers, loved the subtle bow in Eddie's legs that even he didn't notice, but Richie had been fixated on since they were children. So it was hard for Richie to say exactly what his favorite part of Eddie was, but it was no secret that Eddie's ass was a strong contender.

Eddie, unbeknownst to himself, was built like a god. His hips flared out into large globes that sloped down like scoops of ice cream beckoning Richie to take a bite. It drove Richie crazy, and it would probably be the cause of his (future) insanity if he wasn't able to indulge in his obsession. Luckily, Eddie liked getting his ass played with just as much as Richie liked playing with it.

Richie parted Eddie's cheeks gently, always handling him with care even in their rougher times. He got lost momentarily, staring at the pink pucker that had once been so forbidden, only allowed to be fantasized in Richie's shameful dreams. Eddie, however, was having none of Richie's preamble, and made sure Richie knew as much by pushing his hips back and whining impatiently.

Richie couldn't help but chuckle before obliging, leaning in to lick a hot stripe across Eddie's hole.

He earned an appraising moan in return. Grinning to himself, he went in for more. Eddie may have been the one receiving pleasure, but Richie got off on it just as much, if not more. He could probably cum just like this, completely untouched, just devouring Eddie's little body bit by bit. But he was only getting started.

He brought his index finger up to join his mouth, teasing Eddie's entrance with slight pressure. He alternated between his tongue and his finger, assaulting the area in waves. He'd prod at Eddie's hole with his finger while his tongue trailed up his perineum, then switch to fucking Eddie with his tongue while his hand idly worked his cock. It was a process that eventually left Eddie exactly how he wanted him: completely pliant and pleading.

Richie reached into their nightstand, easily grabbing their bottle of lubricant and bringing it to his side. He pumped it into his hand a couple times, coating his fingers generously before moving back down to his target, but a small hand stopped him.

“Rich…” Eddie started, voice wavering self consciously. Richie already knew what Eddie was gearing up to say. They’d been here many times before, but Eddie still got nervous when asking. Richie thought it was endearing that Eddie was still so shy about it.

“You wanna top?” Richie filled in the silence, making it a little easier for Eddie to get into it.

Eddie nodded, looking up at Richie through thick lashes and adding quickly “Only if you want to. I don’t mind bottoming if you’re not in the mood tonight”.

“And pass up a chance to get fucked by my literal wet dream of a man?” Richie used his lubed up hand to stroke Eddie’s cock, watching the sinful way Eddie’s eyes rolled back in his head at the extra stimulation.

Richie crowded into Eddie’s space, stilling his hand on the head of the flushed dick in his hold and only using his thumb to dip into the slit and rub through the pre-cum gathered there.

Richie was already practically in Eddie’s lap, so he took advantage of the position and splayed his legs out over Eddie’s, leaning back into the mattress with his forearm propping him up as the other snaked between his legs. He could feel the way Eddie’s thighs twitched under his own where their legs overlapped, but he stayed still, enthralled by the show Richie was about to put on.

He circled his own hole the way he did Eddie’s, only he didn’t tease himself or draw the process out like he would on his boyfriend. No, instead, he wasted no time in pushing one finger into himself straight up to the knuckle.

He heard Eddie’s shaky exhale and was empowered to continue. Richie wasn’t a stranger to this feeling; even when he topped Eddie usually had a finger in him, and Richie often played with himself while masturbating. However, he didn’t normally move this fast... but then again he didn’t normally have the promise of his boyfriend’s dick in his ass so today wasn’t a normal day.

Richie rocked down on his finger, relishing in the mild stretch. He continued to hump into his hand until he felt ready to add another finger, and that’s where he began to lose control.

The second finger felt mind-numbing, stirring up Richie’s consciousness until it was putty, his brain losing control only second to the feeling of pleasure he was chasing. He scissored his fingers, trying to open himself up as quickly as possible while still respecting his body’s limits.

“I love seeing you like this…” Eddie whispered, quiet enough that Richie wondered if he even meant to say it aloud.

“Yeah?” Richie goaded, spreading his legs a little bit further. “Like seeing me open myself up for you, baby?”

Eddie nodded, swallowing audibly in a way that made his adam's apple bob. Richie suddenly wanted to leave marks all over it.

“Come here.” Richie reached for Eddie's neck, pulling him down on top of him and going straight for that tantalizing neck. Richie’s legs ended up pushed up against his chest, a position that was sure to leave him with back issues in the morning, but for the moment it felt deliciously provocative.

As Richie marked Eddie up, he felt another hand join his own, teasing around his rim and making it very hard for him to concentrate on the hickies he was leaving. Before the fog could clear from his mind, Eddie was swatting Richie’s hand away, replacing it with three fingers of his own.

Richie cried out into Eddie’s collarbone, petering off into a wanton moan as the feeling of being split open traveled up his cock and down his legs. Eddie’s fingers were so much better than his own, working him open with precision that came from years of doing it to himself.

And then Eddie found his prostate, and Richie was pretty sure it was a self destruct button that caused the rest of his functioning brain to melt into sludge and pour out his ears.

He was gone, absolutely and completely subservient to Eddie’s touch. He could hear himself babbling, but wasn’t aware of what was coming out of his mouth. If he had to guess, it was probably garbled praise. Richie never could hold himself back from telling Eddie how good he made Richie feel.

“Please, Richie-” Eddie was breathing hard, his fingers moving double time inside Richie’s quickly stiffening body.

“Get your fucking cock in my ass now.” Richie ground out between clenched teeth.

Eddie replaced his fingers with his slicked up cock, moving the hand that had wound Richie up so tight to his hypersensitive dick. The touch made Richie hiss, but his jaw quickly fell open as Eddie pushed in, holding Richie tight at the base to keep him from cumming prematurely.

They both shuttered, a moment of pure bliss enveloping them. Eddie finally looked up to meet Richie’s eyes, want and hunger meeting love and devotion. Richie pulled him down into a searing kiss, moaning into Eddie’s mouth when he started moving his hips.

“You feel so good.” Eddie slurred against Richie’s lips. “So warm and tight, fuck Richie.”

Eddie was the perfect size to fill Richie up and hit all the right places. Each thrust let his cock rub up at a different angle, stimulating every nerve from Richie’s rim all the way up to his prostate. The sensation drove him wild, but what would be the death of him was the way Eddie looked hunched over him.

He could still see features of that young boy he fell in love with; the button of his nose, those big doe eyes, thin pink lips, and freckles that had no business being as cute as they were. But while Eddie had retained his cuteness factor, he’d also grown to be incredibly sexy. His chin had broadened, jaw getting stronger and cheekbones more defined. The loss of his baby fat had revealed new things for Richie to obsess over, and when he was leaning over Richie like this, sweat collected on his furrowed brow and tongue caught between his lips, Richie had a hard time keeping his obsessions at bay.

“How are you so fucking beautiful?” Richie murmured, not expecting a response.

Eddie picked up his pace, spurred on by Richie’s words. Richie had promised Eddie dirty talk, and he planned to deliver, no matter how difficult it was to form words while Eddie worked him towards orgasm.

“I love watching your cock slide into me, ahhhh, love the way you stretch me out.”

“God, Rich-” Eddie’s breath was speeding up, his pants becoming quicker with every thrust.

“Look at how well you work me over.”

Eddie’s eyes were screwed shut, his nostrils flared as he tried to slow himself down, but Richie didn’t want that. Richie wanted to watch Eddie come undone inside him.

“Look.” Richie repeated more insistently, squeezing Eddie’s thigh.

Eddie’s eyes popped open and immediately honed in on the spot where they were connected. He shuttered reflexively, a drawn out moan escaping him.

“Rich- I’m gonna cum, please-”

Richie snaked his hand down to his cock and began jerking it with abandon, giving Eddie the nod to let go.

Barely a few thrusts later and Eddie was emptying into Richie. He continued to pound into him even when his body went taut, moving through the stiffness to bring Richie to his own release.

The stimulation was overwhelming, Richie could feel the press of Eddie’s cock hammering into his prostate, the slide of his hand over his own cock, but what finally sent him over the edge was the feeling of Eddie’s cum seeping out of his hole as Eddie continued ramming into him.

Richie came with a quiet scream, his back arching as he tried to both get away from the feeling and get impossibly closer at the same time. He was wracked with emotion, tears flowing freely and a sob escaping him as he came down hard from the rush of endorphins.

Eddie pulled out of Richie, quickly crawling into his arms and shushing him with a soothing voice.

It wasn’t uncommon for Richie to cry after sex, so Eddie continued doing what he always did; staying close and making sure Richie knew he was there. Light touches, gentle whispers, anything to remind Richie that it was okay to feel overwhelmed.

It took a couple minutes for Richie to calm down, but his sobs slowly turned into sniffles and his arms eventually wrapped around Eddie.

“Have I told you I love you yet today?” Richie asked quietly, a dopey smile on his face.

“Three times this morning, twice at lunch, and once during downtime after your show.” Eddie counted off teasingly.

“Keeping track?”

Eddie rolled his eyes, burying his face back into Richie’s chest.

“I just like hearing it.” Eddie defended, voice half muffled.

“I like saying it.” Richie responded assuredly, placing a kiss atop the pillowy curls below him.

“I love you too.” Eddie murmured, the words coming out in a sigh of contentment.

“I’m so lucky to have you.” Richie whispered, his chest heavy with happiness.

“Luck has nothing to do with it; we were always going to end up together.”

[dreams-of-wings]

Impossible (6/8)

Imagine Billy Hargrove with a Mixed Race/Biracial S/O

Warnings: Racism, swearing, homophobia, homophobic slurs, mild violence, you throw hands a lot, angst.

Masterlist

You stay blocking the window sill for a bit cuz you enjoy seeing him squirm.

Honestly, he is bad at this whole climbing thing and he's struggling to not fall on his ass.

You finally let him in after he almost falls.

You're laughing your ass off while he's climbing through your window and simultaneously having a heart attack.

"It would have been less of a hassle if you used the door."

"I didn't think your parents would be happy if someome like me came knocking on their door asking for you."

You raise a brow at this, someone like him?

After a minute it occurs to you.

"Oh you mean a violent, racist, douchbag, with a reputation that surpasses the devil?"

He frowns.

Contrary to popular belief, Billy Hargrove is very self aware, and very self conscious about himself, his actions, and his self worth.

He doesn't like being an asshole but it's all he knows.

He low-key is afraid of growing up to be like his father.

Even though he has that nagging voice in the back of his mind that's telling him he's already as bad as his dad, if not worse.

He hides it all under a mask of confidence, booze, and cigarettes.

It still doesn't make his actions okay.

You snap him out of his thoughts.

"What?"

"I said my parents are out of town."

Now that he's in your room you noticed that Billy looked shaken up.

Billy Fucking Hargove, for once didn't have a scratch on him, but he looked like hell.

You question him.

It takes a while but he finally answers.

His dad got pissed at him because Max wasn't home, and he came hoping she would be here so he could drag her home.

You convince him to let you come along, because he is pissed and you know how he can get.

He caves and lets you tag along.

The next stop was Lucas' House.

Neither Max nore her son were there, but she said the kids all loved to go to Mike's house to play games.

Next stop is the Wheelers residence.

You dont know what's being said between Mrs. Wheeler and Billy, but knowing Billy and being able to read his body language- well. It takes everything in you to refrain from rolling your eyes and honking his horn (though you fail at not rolling your eyes).

I mean come on you guys are looking for Max, this is not the time to be flirting.

Fuck he went in.

You audibly groan and contemplate jacking his car to go look for his sister yourself, unfortunately he has the keys and you dont know how to hotwire a car.

Finally, he's out.

You forgive him because he comes out with a cookie in his mouth and has another one in his hand, which he gives to you.

"Hell, yes!!"

What?

Who the hell turns down food? And cookies at that. Home made cookies. And they're fresh.

Last stop was the the Byers house.

Fuck, Steve is there.

"Stay in the car."

"What? No!" Like hell you were going to let him beat up your friend.

"Stay in the fucking car!"

Steve seems both angry and hurt when he notices that you're in Billy's car.

You can't really hear what's being said, it's all muffled.

You panic a bit when Billy shoved Steve and you worry they'll start fighting.

"Shit!"

You burst out the car when you see Billy storming for the door, but stop to help Steve.

"Why the hell are you driving around with him?"

"He came to my place first, looking for Max and I offered to help him. What'd you say to piss him off?"

Steve gets mad, thinking your taking his side, and for the second time that night you find yourself rolling your eyes. "Why did you tell him you didn't know her? I tutor Max and her friends, and you babysit her friends, and you and I hang out, of course you would know her?"

You both stop arguing when you here a loud crash from inside the house.

"Damn it!" "Shit!"

You both walk in just in time to hear Billy threaten Lucas.

Fucking excuse you, Billy???

Steve decks him across the face, Billy taunts him, and this time an actual fight breaks out.

You try your best to get them both to stop fighting, but neither of them will listen to you, the voice of reason.

When Billy has Steve pinned to the floor and keeps punching him over and over again you finally get physical.

You tackle Billy off him while he's oblivious to his surroundings and use your hands and knees to pin his arms to the ground.

"What the fuck is your problem, Billy?!"

You've never seen him look at you so angrily, probably because he feels a bit betrayed.

He somehow manages to roll you both over so now your stuck underneath him.

You flinch when he draws his fist back like he's going to hit you, but the next thing you know- there's a syringe sticking out the side of his neck.

"Holy shit!"

He gets up to go after Max, but promptly falls.

Your a bit shocked by Max's outburst.

Now her, you have never seen that angry before.

When they leave, you stay behind to look after Billy and move him to couch

He isn't happy when he wakes up.

He's actually really fucking pissed.

But he's still a little groggy from sleep and the drug (mostly the drug) so it's funny.

Help this child, he thought he was getting off the couch normally, but turns out he just rolled off and onto the floor face first.

Your freaking out and laughing all at once.

Slurred, "What the fuck's so funny?!?"

He needs aspirin and water like a hangover.

He falls asleep again after you get him back onto the couch, and you fall asleep on the floor propped up against the couch in a sitting position.

You don't wake up till the kids get back (Max wakes you up).

The both of you manage to get Billy to his car. He still asleep like a log.

You go to your place, and they spend the night - Max was worried their dad would be even more angry if they woke him up, and even more so if he caught you helping Billy and Max into the house.

The next morning was very #Domestic.

With You waking up to find Max already up and looking through your cabinets for food.

Suprise, you end up making breakfast for everyone!

Max wanted chocolate chip pancakes, so chocolate chip pancakes she shall get.

No suprise, Billy wakes up while you both are making the sausages and bacon.

Full plate of eggs, bacon and sausage, and pancakes for everyone! Yay! 😀

Honestly the best morning the two of them have had for a while, but you won't catch either of them saying that outloud.

Max leaves to hang out with the others.

Billy still seems mad about the previous night.

"What, are you going to pout all morning? All day?"

"I dont pout."

"Oh I'm sorry, what would you prefer to call it- sulking? Brooding? Plotting my death?"

He tries to hide a snicker and lightly shoves you.

Going back to school the following Monday felt weird after everything that happened over the weekend.

You tried asking Steve what was up with all the drawings in Will's house, but he wouldn't budge.

Of course you tried asking Nancy and Jonathan too, but they acted like they didn't know anything.

The next few weeks were full of practice tests and prep assignments for finals.

You saw Billy less and less because you were hitting the books.

Sure he knew you were probably in the library, but after that weekend he wasn't sure how to go about interacting with you, or if he should do so anymore at all.

He kinda feels like you picked Steve over him.

He pops buy on Wednesday and almost gives you a heart attack. He's not surprised that you've been working yourself ragged, and your not surprised he hasn't even touched a text book (let's be honest, Billy doesn't strike me at the type of person to take notes in class, just pull out a pencil and paper to look like he's interested and go about his day).

Your freaking out, because finals but he doesn't flinch because you're like the smartest person he knows.

"Oh c'mon," he's managed to take your precious notes away, "You'll be fine, you're only stressing yourself out."

"Billy, I need those!"

"No you don't," He starts acting like he's reading the notes outloud, but he's getting the facts and formulas all wrong.

You correct him several times, and have actually started to chase him around the library.

Finally he closes the book after your sure you must have chased him around at least twice, "See, I told you. You don't need to study, you know this shit."

You both got kicked out of the library, again.

Billy is banned, but the librarian gives you one last chance...starting tomorrow.

You sigh in defeat, "Alright you proved your point, now give me my notebook back."

You reach for it.

"Nah," He raises it above his head so you can't reach it. Asshole.

Tommy and Carol show up and they think he's picking on you.

Neither of you sees them.

Tommy manages to snag the notebook, gives you an obnoxious laugh when you reach for it, and tosses it to Carol

"Give it back, shit face," Your mood went from playful to pissed in point zero seconds.

"What are you going to do about it, Heinz?"

Lord help you, you're about to throw hands again.

Billy snatches the book back and hands it to you, before looking at Tommy and Carol with a very stern expression.

"You idiots got anything better to do, huh?" He takes a few steps towards Tommy and for every step he takes, Tommy backs away.

Carol is distracted, which allows you to snatch your notebook back. She reaches for it again but you slap her hand away.

The message was very clear for them, so they take their leave and retreat back to wherever they came from.

Billy has lunch with you and manages to get you to skip the rest of school with him.

You don't want to miss during dead week, but the whole fiasco during your study period in the Library got you thinking- you need a break.

You also don't want the absent strike.

"You're such a goodie-two-shoes."

Peer pressure sucks.

You convince him to give you 30 minutes after the late bell rings to show up.

You go to class, set up your desk, the late bell rings, teacher calls role and marks you present. 7 minutes have passed.

You feign being ill.

It really wasn't hard. You just acted more tired than normal, threw in a couple "I have to stop what I'm doing because I have a headache," gestures. You even put your head down for a minute. You sit in the front so your body language is easy to pick up on and the teacher allows you to go to the nurses office when you ask. 12 minutes have passed.

When you get to the nurses office you throw the pass on the desk and storm into the private bathroom - closing the door behind you, before forcing yourself to dry heave. 27 minutes have passed.

You convince the nurse that it must be something you ate that's making you sick.

She gives you a pass and let's your teachers know you're sick and have gone home.

You meet Billy outside the school 30 minutes on the dot, he's surprised you actually came, and even more surprised that you lied well enough to get the teachers to excuse you for the rest of the day.

Of course you're upset when you see Tommy and Carol in the back seat, but you just roll your eyes and brush it off before climbing in shot gun.

Tommy and Carol are mocking you before you even get in.

"We didn't know the, mutt was coming along."

"How nice of you to bring something to entertain us, Billy."

Your looking at Billy through the corner of your eyes as he starts the car.

He waves you off, "Dont mind them."

You have no idea where you're going, or how long it will take so you pull out a book to read.

Before you can even open it, Carol snatches it from you, "What's the Nerd reading?!"

You roll your eyes again.

Tommy snatches it from the red head, "Stephan King. Christine."

"What's it?" Carol pipes up again, "Sappy romance novel?!"

"Wow, you both are actually uncultured, " you snatch the book away from Tommmy, "I'm impressed," and keep it out of his reach by out stretching your arm towards the dash, "Did it take all three of your brain cells to read that?"

Tommy tries to get his hands on you now, but you smack them away.

"Alright, alright!"

The three of you look surprised at Billy, "If you two don't quit your shit," he looks to the rearview mirror, "I'm kicking you out."

The rest of your ride was uneventful.

You arrive at Tommy's house.

His parents are also out of town.

But he lives in a large house with a pool and bar.

They're having an end of the year party and whoops you got dragged along.

You hadn't planned to be doing this with your time so you resort to studying more, much to Billy's behest, and Tommy and Carol's attempts to distract you.

You sit outside on a lawn chair next to the pool while they get everything prepped for the night.

Not much happens till it starts turning dark out, Billy calls you for help with something and when you leave you don't notice Carol and Tommy going for your stuff.

You can imagine your suprise when you find you stuff had been emptied into the pool.

Notebooks, text books, pencils, pens, erasers, even the book you were trying to read on the way.

You look up when you hear Carol laughing as she rounds the pool in your direction, and you see Tommy throw your bag in the pool.

"Are you fucking serious? What are you twelve?!"

Before you can react, Carol shoves you into the pool.

"And that's how you get a book worm to swim!"

You somehow manage to keep your cool, gathering your stuff and putting them on the edge of the pool away from Tommy and Carol. Though you didn't know why you bother, you can tell the ink is smeared and the pencil is faded now, only thing possibly salvageable was your pencils and your reading book, but even that was debatable.

You climb out and sit at the edge.

You feel physically uncomfortable

Your clothing is sticking to you.

And it's basically summer already so the air is hot and a little damp. You look up to see Billy storming out of the house.

"What the hell is going on?!"

"Relax, Billy, we were all just having a little fun, right?" Tommy looks at you like you're afraid of him so you're going to agree with him.

Yeah, no.

"Fuck off," you chuck your biggest text book at him.

None of them knew how well a text book could fly till it hits Tommy in the gut.

Go you! Bonus points for nailing him with the corner.

Your trying to wring the bottom of your clothes out when Tommy comes up from behind you and tries to grab you by the back of your head.

"Hey!" Billy is quickly making his way over to the both of you.

Carol tries to stop him, but she is poetically shoved to the side and subsequently falls into the pool.

You manage to elbow Tommy in the balls but the pain only makes him hold on harder.

"You little-"

He doesn't get to finish because he's promptly punched in the side of the face. You quickly back away from the edge incase Carol gets anymore funny ideas.

Billy helps you up and ushers you into the house.

"Sorry..." He sounds awkward, "About them."

You look at him with a deadpan expression, "Billy Hargrove, apologizing," you sigh with attitude, "pinch me. I must be dreaming."

He grits his jaw, "Don't you start being a smart ass with me- it's them who keep giving you crap!" He started raising his voice.

"Yeah, yet you still keep them around," you make your way over to the sink to keep wringing out your shirt and shoulder check him on the way, "Honestly, I don't even know why you keep them around- at least you have your reasons for being an asshole." You take off your shirt -much to Billy's suprise- so you can properly get rid of the water. Let's face it, a soaked shirt sticking to you like a second skin doesn't leave much to the imagination anyways, "Reasons," you turn to look at him for emphasis, "Not excuses," you turn back to the sink, "but understandable reasons nonetheless." You lay your shirt out flat on the kitchen's large counter to air dry (it's too dark and humid outside for it to dry any better outside anyways), "But they're just assholes because....because...." You sputter and shake your head, "I don't know, probably because they know they won't ever amount to anything better in their lives, so they figure they might as well tear down as many people as they can on their way to fucking nowhere."

You turn and look at him with an aggravated huff and cross your arms. Unfortunately Carol and Tommy walk in at that moment.

"You trashy mutt!"

"Stupid whore!"

"You really think, Billy's that desprit?!"

For a second you were confused. Then you remembered you didn't have a shirt on.

You roll your eyes again before throwing your still wet shirt back on.

"And what the hell Billy?! You really gonna' side with this half-breed?!"

Fuck this.

Fuck Carol.

Fuck Tommy.

And you know what? If this doesn't change, fuck Billy too. You dont need or deserve this.

You storm out the back door, gathering your things and shoving them in your dripping bag before walking around the side towards the front. Billy quickly runs out the front door to meet you outside.

"I'll take you home."

"No."

Billy calls your name and he almost sounds tired.

His tone is what makes you pause and turn around.

"Please."

You raise a brow and swallow your pride as well as your snarky comments, "Fine."

The party commences and goes on without the both of you.

Billy isn't quite sure what he enjoys more, being out and partying or enjoying a relaxing evening indoors, heavens knows he can't relax at home.

Max surprises the both of you by stopping by to visit.

The three of you hang out in your living room flipping through channels and eating popcorn.

Billy eats the least pop corn out off the three of you and opted to have some carrots and grapes less than half way through the first movie.

Billy is totally a health buff.

"Are Carol and Tommy really that bad?" Max mistakenly asked about your day.

"They have absolutely no redeeming qualities."

Max doesn't hide how she shoots a glance at her brother, 'And that fool does?' Is basically what her expression asked.

Billy glares at her from the couch opposite to hers and bites a carrot like it's her head.

You're covering your laughter with your hand.

From now on all my Imagines will be tagged by their titles, series, and parts! Hopefully this will make it easier to find a specific imagine if your looking for it. For example, anything relating to this series is tagged with "impossible", the series itself is tagged as "impossible series" and each individual part is tagged as "impossible pt.[1/2/3/etc.]"

Another example: part one is tagged as "impossible pt.1"

[myfairgunslinger]

Title: Red Dead Revenge: Kiss of Death  [Part 5]

Pairing: Arthur Morgan x OC x John Marston

Warnings: Smut, Minor Cursing

Summary:   Arthur catches John and Maeve in their lie. Time to come clean.

A/N: Hey guys! I know it's been a while but I'm back with a new chapter. Been pretty busy but I finally had time to write this out so hopefully it was worth the wait. Warning: There is smut in this chapter! So hope you enjoy!  Italics means  flashbacks.

Chapter 5: Soft Spots

Her eyes were shut, her lungs inhaled the humid air of Flat Iron Lake.  She felt the sunlight on her skin as it went down over the horizon, basking her in orange and yellow gleams.  She still had her eyes closed when feeling hands around her waist and a bit of pressure around the top of her head from a resting chin, "Beautiful," John's voice, low and raspy in her ear.  He was embracing Maeve from behind.  She turned her head, "Isn't it?  I love this view."

He had turned her around to where she was facing him, "I wasn't talkin' about the view," John leaned down to peck a kiss on the smile she made. Her dark orbs peering at his face, "Ain't you sweet. What ever could you want?"

"Just a moment of your time," he kissed her neck, "Maybe longer," John breathed out. Maeve was blushing as he kissed her like that. Her eyes locked with an older couple that watched them with appall on their faces, "Can we do it in private?" John pulled away, head slightly turning to see the people judging them.  He waved a hand, "Howdy."

Maeve grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the docks to go towards the shops, a giggle escaping her chest, "You are just--"

"Horrible?  I know, you've told me.  Can you blame me?" he smirked while wrapping an arm around her body to pull her into the small spaces between the buildings. John's other hand moved to turn her face towards him so he could kiss her.  She practically melted into the kiss, all of his affectionate touches were something new for the girl putting her in a constant state of fluster. John moved Maeve to where the front of her body was facing his, rough hands were on her hips as the man held her close during their passionate kisses.

It had been a week since John decided to stay here in Blackwater, renting one of the two rooms up in the saloon.  Maeve spent more time at the saloon after work to either have a few drinks with him or they would walk around town, John taking an interest in whatever she had to say about anything her heart desired.  When the topic of John and his background would come up, he would either keep it brief or change the subject.

John placed his hands against the wall, a hand each on both sides of her head as he stared at her with his dark eyes.  Maeve could feel herself on fire from the stare and she made a slight smile with her lips, "There's just something about you when you make that face that gives me the urge to not be such a good boy."

Maeve's cheeks had a sprinkle of blush to them as her eyes pulled away from his, as if something was bothering her, "What's the matter, darlin'? Something I said?" "No, it's not that-- I mean it is something you said, but it's not bad," she tried to explain herself, "No one's ever talked to me, like how you are."

John felt guilty as he pushed off the wall so his arms could rest at his side, "Oh, sorry I won't--."

"No! I like it.  It's very new to me, a lot of this is...what we are," she breathed feeling nervous, "Can I tell you something, John?" he nodded, "Anything."

Maeve bit the side of her bottom lip preparing to say the next words, "I'm a...well I'm uhh..." the palms of her hands rubbed together, praying he caught on so she wouldn't have to say it.  He didn't as he shrugged his shoulder, "You're cold?"

Maeve leaned closer to him to whisper while placing a hand on his chest, "A virgin."

"Oh," John's eyes went somewhat big at the surprise.  It wasn't an uncommon thing, he's just not used to meeting women who were that pure.  John smiled at her and placed a curled finger under her chin to lift it up, "That's actually really nice to know."

"It is?" Maeve's raised a corner of her mouth.  He leaned down to peck her lips, "It is," John's finger was still under her chin, "Don't feel rushed to change it either, alright darlin'?Maeve took a step back while holding his hands in hers, "But what if I said, I did want to change it?" her eyes on his, "With you?"

John said, "I'd say you're crazy, but there's no arguing with you is there?" his face leaned down to hover over hers giving Maeve a moment to quip back with, "Nope!" she pushed herself to close the space, taking John's lips with hers.

"Maeve!  Maeve!" Cecilia called out for her daughter from the front door of the tailor's.  She let out a sigh, "Lemme help with closin' and we'll 'talk' some more?" John smirked, "Oh we talkin' now?" he teased her as Maeve giggled at him while letting go of his hands, "You'll just have to--"

"Maeve!" Cecilia called out louder sounding as if she was walking around.  Maeve started to walk away, before leaving the narrow alley John had asked, "Should I introduce myself?"

"No, no! " Maeve said, "She's lovely," John chuckled then started to go around the back of the shops to get to his room at the saloon, "See you later, darlin'."

Maybe some day soon, he could meet Cecilia and Everett.  Maeve picked up her skirt a bit so she wouldn't trip when walking to the store to see her mother, "I thought you were at the pier?"

"I was.  You ready to close up?" Maeve tilted her head innocently enough with a small smile hiding her excitement.

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Her eyes opened up still seeing Arthur standing there with an expression on his face that Maeve could only read as betrayal.  John decided to speak, "It's not how it looks.  I met her when you brought her to--"

"Even caught, you're still lying to me. I expected as much from you, Marston!" Arthur spat at him then his eyes shifted to Maeve who was still trying to find a voice, "But you?  Why on earth would you lie for this idiot?"

Maeve's head was still spinning as she was overwhelmed from not only drinking so much, but she did stab a man trying to rob her only moments ago, "I--he" her finger pointed at John for a moment before dropping her hand, "I was trying to help John..."

"I asked her to, Arthur," John said, "I told her I was tryin' to fix things with Abigail.  If people knew about us they will talk and it would ruin anything that--"

Maeve scoffed out in an irritated manner, "Oh cause that's me!  A life ruiner!" John looked as if he was offended, "I didn't say that!  I never said that!"  Arthur was now watching them argue, "No, but that's all I've been to you since I came to camp, right?  Been ruining your chances to patch things with your family, who you apparently ran away from."

Arthur's expression turned to be amused at how she was yelling at him, "Have you even told Abigail?" Maeve watched him as John said nothing.  She let out a noise that could only be recognized as the world's saddest single laugh, "I hate you!" Maeve said right in his face with her eyes glossy.  John felt a pain in his chest when her words cut him.  Why did he always have to do this?

She turned on her heel to storm passed Arthur to go back into the saloon, "Mae! " John went to follow after her, but Arthur grabbed him with his arms, "Let her go. You've done enough."  John pushed away from the man to go in after her.  He saw Maeve climb up the stairs, slamming the door to the room Arthur rented.

Arthur came in last, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Since you're a dirty liar, Lil' John.  You get to buy me a drink as you explain yourself."

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Maeve kicked over the chair that Arthur had been sitting in while tears rolled down her face.  She was beyond angry.  Angry at John for convincing her to lie and be this secret of his, for not being truthful to his wife.  More importantly, she was angry at herself for going along with his plan, in hopes that this would do something to repair their relationship even if it was just as friends. She was angry at how Arthur was upset that she did lie for someone he has a lot of hostility for.  He won't trust her because of this and Maeve was scared this was going to get her thrown out of camp.

She went over to throw herself on the bed to cover her face with a pillow while yelling all her anger in the fluff.  Wishing things were easier, back when her worries were about simple things.

Outside her window Maeve could hear voices on the porch, men talking, "What is wrong with this country? I tell ya it just gets more hateful and more violent, but nothing disgusts me more than people doing sick things for the fun of it," the men leaning on the railing were dressed like law marshals.  The other one said, "Have you heard what happened in Strawberry a couple days ago?  Gang of men fed a father and his son to a pack of wolves, made the poor mother watch them get torn apart before they raped and beat her to death."

Maeve's heart sunk hearing that but continued to listen to the marshals, "I did, the Bollard Twins, right?  Those boys grew up 'round here, ya know.  Always trouble makers those two.  Now Mike and Phil run a gang of monsters wearin' stupid hats!"

The blood in her began to boil from knowing exactly who these old marshals were talking about.  She opened up the window to the room, "Excuse me!"  The two men jumped, turning to see Maeve, "Evenin', miss."

"You two are talkin' about Mike and Phil Bollard, right?" they nodded as she climbed out of the window, "Tell me everything you know about 'em."

The older man gently shook his head, "It's not for the faint of heart, miss."

She stared at him, with a dangerous look in her eyes while leaning on the rail with them, "Try me."

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Her eyes were on the saloon, a place she spent a lot of her time working, in now she was here for John.  Maeve entered the building and right away Lou saw her as he served up drinks.  She smirked at him, picking up her black and red skirt that had white frills underneath to puff up the dress.  Going along with her skirt, Maeve also wore a long sleeved, red blouse that had a low-cut on the collar that hung just off her shoulders.  Usually she'd put on a corset but Maeve didn't want John to struggle with taking it off.  To complete her outfit, she had a red neckerchief tied around her neck with black homestead boots.

Climbing up the stairs her heart raced as her eyes went to search for John on the top floor.  She saw him sitting down on one of the sofas with a beer in hand, he didn't look drunk but he did seem like he was thinking deeply about something.  Maeve approached him to pull John out of where ever his mind was with a simple, "Evenin'" and John smiled, face lighting up when he saw her.

"I see what's been keepin' ya," he observed her change of clothes when standing up, "Well, I had been in the other dress all day," her shoulders raised in a shrug while walking to his door, "You coming in, Mister Marston?"  Maeve's mouth smiled, stepping into the room, "Yes, yes I am."  He closed and locked the door behind himself.

As he turned around he saw Maeve standing in the center of the room staring at him, with a look in her eyes that John recognized as nervousness.  When approaching her, he placed a hand on the side of her face while his other hand was placed on her waist, "We can stop anytime you want, darlin'. We don't need to do this."

Maeve placed the tips of her fingers on his jawline to kiss John on the lips, her mouth was still close to his when she whispered out, "Don't see that happenin'." She had used her hands to push off his dusty jacket over his shoulders.  John let it fall to the floor while pulling her closer to him.  His large hands were on her waist, fingers were finding their way to touching her pale flesh. Maeve had started to unbutton his black shirt, exposing his scared chest from past wounds, each one being a complete enigma for her.

John had turned his head back to see where the bed was then moved them to where he was sitting down and she was standing in front of him, "Get up here," he placed a hand on the back of her leg, nudging her towards him so Maeve can straddle his lap.  She had hiked up her skirt when she sat down on him.  John pulled her shirt off with ease then kissed her collar bone when tossing the clothing to the side.  Her cheeks blushed when being bare chested, John could feel her body tense for a moment.

Pulling away, his eyes gazed at the top half of her naked body then stared up at her face, "You're beautiful," Maeve placed her hands on the side of his face as he kept saying these kind words.  Their lips connected again, devouring each other in their lust.  Maeve wanted so much more and John wasn't going to stop unless she asked.  Her hand reached down to unbuckle his belt.  The jingling noise his buckle made only excited John, his manhood was hardening as Maeve's hand reached inside his pants.  She grasped a hold of his length, peered those brown eyes into his gasping out a "Wow".

John cracked a smile from her reaction, "Like what you're grabbin', darlin'?" Maeve bit her bottom lip for a moment while moving her hand to rub him off.  He moaned out when Maeve squeezed him a bit.  John sounded so pleased which was only turning the girl on more, "I think I like seein' you like this," she moved her hand faster on his stiff member while pecking her lips against his neck.

The man could hardly take it anymore, John had shifted their bodies to where her back was laying on the mattress.  He reached up Maeve's skirt to pull down her bloomers, once they were off John placed a hand against her warm mound, his middle finger was softly rubbing against her slick entrance. Hitched breathes were made, her stomach tightened and she was staring up at John with longing, eyes begging for him to do something more.

He slid his finger inside her folds, messaging her little bud.  Maeve was a mewling mess from his touches, "John, please," her voice gasped.  John took out his fingers when he felt her wet core, "You ready, darlin'?" he asked her.  He pushed up her skirt and stood between her legs, aligning himself to her slit.  Maeve propped herself up on her elbows to see what was about to happen. She nodded her head at John and he slowly slid his cock inside, between her warm, untouched folds.

Maeve made a dragged out yelp as she adjusted to his member.  John grunted in pleasure, he slowly moved his narrow hips back to then push himself back inside her as the lady beneath him was moaning from the thrusts he made. John placed his large hands on the curves of her hips to pull Maeve closer, each thrust hitting a bit deeper and faster. There was a fist full of bed sheets in her hands as Maeve repeatedly called John's name from how good he was making her feel.  

His hands squeezed tighter on her thighs as he pulled her on and off John's dick. He let out a huffy groan, feeling the inside of Maeve was better than he imagined.  John slowed down enough to get on the bed, sitting up on his folded knees to then pull Maeve's body up towards him so they can face each other.  John crashed his lips to hers while wrapping his arms around her waist to hold Maeve,fucking her.  Maeve cried out in bliss then started to move her hips in sync with his, "Just like that," John moaned against her mouth breathlessly.

Feeling him go deeper inside sent shutters through her body.  Maeve was getting fed up with her skirt that she untied the sides then pulled it over herself to toss it to the floor, leaving her necktie and boots as the only articles of clothing left on.  Her hands moved to push off his suspenders, John's shirt also slipped off with it.  His eyes looked at her body and he was still bewildered how all those clothes covered up one of the prettiest sights he's seen in Blackwater.

After a moment to pull herself away, Maeve took the opportunity to untie the laces to her homestead boots and John came out of his head to kick his pants off, discarding them with his own boots.  They were both naked now, her eyes were on his face before trailing down to gaze at his still hardened cock, swelled with blood.

"My eyes are up here, darlin'," John teased her as he crawled over to be on her as she laid down on the bed.  Her lips parted to let out a gasp as John slipped himself back inside Maeve.  The man kissed her lips while caressing her face with his hands, Maeve's legs wrapped around his waist and John moved his hips fast to pound into her.  He was waiting to hear her voice say 'slow down' or 'be softer' but it never happened.  Maeve found that she was really enjoying his roughness, "Mmm Mae," he moaned out.

John grabbed her wrists to pin them to the side of her head as he kissed her jawline and the skin around her neckerchief.  The sight of her like this was driving him insane with lust, he never wanted to stop touching her.  John could feel her walls closing around him and he was not far off from climaxing also, "John" her voice whined when he repeatedly pushed his length in and out.  Hearing Maeve, he had slowed down his thrusts looking at her face, she stared at him and bit her bottom lip, "I wanna ride you," she asked shyly.

John smirked then got off of Maeve to roll on to his back, "Anythin' for you, Mae," she watched him for a moment before climbing on top of John.  His hands rested on her ass, "Go nuts," Maeve's slit took back his throbbing cock making both of them moan out.  She rolled her hips as John's hands guided her, making her strides fast and deep. Maeve's head tilted back, crying for John when she finally came.

The room filled with their heavy pants, John pulled himself out of Maeve, on the verge of bursting.  He got her hands to place them on his dick and sure enough, the girl got the idea on what to do.  She stroked him, listening to his soft whimpers.  Maeve leaned forward to kiss his lip while giving a few squeezes making John come on her thigh.  He used both of his hands to hold the sides of her head as their lips met again.

After they kissed, John pressed his forehead to hers pecking her face affectionately, softly asking , "Are you okay?" Maeve did a gentle nod, "Never better," she said running her fingers through his hair, "Can we do it again?"  Maeve asked with a mischievous smirk.

John laughed out, "As long as you like, ya harlot," he pushed her down on her back as Maeve giggled from what he said.

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Arthur and John were sitting at a table with a beer in their hands, "That where you spent most of your time then?  Runnin' around Blackwater with Miss Milley,"  Arthur said to the younger man.  He gave a soft nod, "She was different then, we both were."

"That's cause you didn't know each other then. New mysterious guy in town and a pretty gal like her, it's a wonder you didn't stay," Arthur took a sip of the beer, when setting it down he stared at John, "Why didn't you stay?"

John shifted in his seat recalling why, "I'm not right for her.  She was a daughter, a great one at that.  Always puttin' her family first above anything, including me," He shrugged when Arthur made a face at him, "And that's a good thing.  I love that quality about her. It really made me want to be a better person."

"But what's the problem?" Arthur asked to push him along, "She eventually wanted me to meet her parents, officially.  I'd only ever seen 'em from a distance.  It was a big step that I wasn't ready for."

He groaned, "You're a jackass," John huffed, "I wasn't ready because I'm not supposed to be the man she takes home to meet the folks, Arthur.  I was already soiled by the time I met her and she was just...so innocent in many ways.   I was scared that I was gonna be the one to ruin her life.  So...I left.  Ended up coming back to Dutch and thought Maeve was better off without me.  Someone would meet her and she'd forget all about me." John finished off his beer.

Someone met her alright. Arthur watched him, understanding a bit where he was coming from.  He then had to ask, "Did you love her?"

John stared at him thinking on if he should say his answer, but ultimately went with, "Doesn't matter anymore, she hates me and that started before you brought her to us." "That wasn't the question I asked, was it?" Arthur went to search his satchel for an item while saying, "I get that you left her cause you thought she could do better. Believe me, I do," he took out a folded picture, "But maybe Miss Milley thought otherwise," Arthur handed it over for John to open.  When the younger man took it he saw it was of Maeve at the very contest he met her at, the winning photo.  What he didn't know was that the camera had caught part of his face that was on the edge, "Found that by her bed side table."

John didn't have words due to being speechless.  Seeing this photo and knowing just how much it meant to Maeve answered questions he had when being apart from her.  How often did she think of him, for how long? Did she miss him?  The answer to that was a lot.  He made a soft sign, knowing just how much he wanted to be with her in that moment, "God Arthur...you're right...I am a jackass."

"Only been saying it for years," Arthur sipped his drink, "What are you gonna do now?"

John looked up to the room and set his empty bottle down then got up, "Something I should have done a while ago," he stood up and Arthur took a sip of his drink, muttering out in a bitter tone, "Hopefully her taste in men is still horrible."  John heard him and asked, "Are you going to keep being mad at her?"

"Maybe, what's it to you?"

"Don't be... if you're gonna be mad at anyone, it's me.  Don't punish her for having mercy on a fool like me," He then went up the stairs to go knock on the door to the room the girl was in, "Mae?  Can you open up?" John pressed his ear to try and hear anything in the room, "We need to talk," still there was nothing.  He glanced around for a moment before fiddling with the lock to break into the room.  As the door swung open he saw that she was not here, "Damn it!" he yelled when seeing the window, he was about to yell for Arthur until he heard her voice outside along with a few others.

Maeve had a disheartened expression on her face after the marshals told her everything she wanted to know on the Bollards, they were scum of the earth and have done more horrible things to so many others.  Their folks died at an early age from some sickness, their aunt and uncle kicked them off their land to raise a family of their own.  These two boys only had one another with no guidance or anyone to teach them decency.  They went from town to town killing people in brutal ways, making widows, widowers, orphans or just leaving parents without children. All Maeve could hear was that no one would miss them if they turned up dead.

"If they were to be caught, they'd be hung the same day for all that they did," the older man said.  As much as Maeve wanted to see those men swing, she felt that was still too nice for them.  John came outside to collect her, seeing her with the law marshals made him feel a but nervous, "Mae, can I talk to you?"

Maeve turned her head to see him there, hesitating to approach her.  She quickly thanked the men then said to John, "Can you stop callin' me by that name?" when walking over to the stairs.  He made a soft nod when following Maeve down the steps.  He glanced back at the marshals, "What was goin' on there?"

She shook her head, "Jus' having a friendly chat.  Now what do you want?" the girl changed the subject.  John took in a subtle deep breath, "I'm telling Abigail about us when we get back to camp."

Maeve was at the bottom when turning back to him, "You are?  Did Arthur say he'd tell on you?"

John shook his head, "No, surprisingly," staring at her he said, "It's hurtin' you...me lying.  And you don't need that, especially now."  She crossed her arms, observing him, "So you think you know what's best for me?  What I need?" her eyes winced during the last sentence.  He could feel her ridicule seeping out, but John didn't let up, "I haven't been a good person to you, Maeve.  I only want to make things right with you."

Watching him speak these words, Maeve knew he was telling the truth, "So what's gonna happen after you tell your wife?"  She figured he was hoping for forgiveness from the mother of his child, "I don't know...guess we'll find out," John stood close to her.  Her body language was tense, but Maeve couldn't help but ask, "Should I be there with you when you tell Abigail?" John shook his head, "No, but that's real sweet of you to ask," he had a soft smile on his lips.  Maeve's eyes shifted away and there was a flutter of fleeting hope that made John believe she didn't mean it when Maeve claimed her hatred for him.  She still had a tender place in her heart for John as he did for her.

Her dark orbs caught sight of the rising run that crept up on the town, making Maeve's eyes have a golden gleam to them.  It had been a long night, but with the morning there was the promise of a new day filled with opportunities.  John gazed at her wanting to say something more, but his thoughts were interrupted with, "You pack of liars ready to get back?" Arthur called out to them.

Maeve let out a groan, feeling guilty all over again, "Really, Arthur?" she whined out walking over to him, "Well you did lie, Miss Milley," Arthur said before whistling for Boadicea.  John went to collect Liability and Old Boy who weren't that far from them.

"And I'm sorry, really.  I didn't know how you would react if I said anything," Maeve explained.  Arthur scoffed when mounting his horse, "Guess we'll never know."

The girl let out a soft sigh, "If you're going to keep being mad at me, then know that I still appreciate everything you've done for me.  I won't forget it," she looked up at him, "And I'm willing to do anything to make you trust me again."

Arthur rose an eyebrow at her, "Really?  How do you plan on doing that?"  John observed the two talk wondering what Maeve was up to.  When Liability was by her, Maeve climbed up then said, "I owe you my life, Mister Morgan. So from here on out consider me a personal helper for you."

He let out a hearty chuckle, "You don't owe me your life and I don't need a helper."

"It's only right.  I'll wash your laundry, I'll clean your guns or your tent, just something to not make me go insane," Maeve told him.  Arthur turned his head to not face her, his voice sounded irritable, "It's not necessary, but if you insist then so be it.  Wash my dirty clothes all you want, Miss," he pulled on the reins to get going.  Arthur didn't sound too pleased, but she still wanted to do this.  John mounted Old Boy as Maeve watched Arthur start to head out of town.

"He won't be mad at you for too long, not like how he is with me," John said riding next to her.  Maeve asked, "You really think so?"

"I know so.  He's got a soft spot for you, Maeve," she whipped her head to him with a confuses expression as he continued with a slight tilt of his head, "It's hard not to have one."

The corner of her mouth twitched up at that, hopefully he was right.  Maeve faced the road leading back to camp, "Are you ready for this?" she asked him referring to telling Abigail when they arrive.  John shook his head, "No, but I have to do this." They both rode off to catch up with Arthur.

[skeptling]

          AN   INTRODUCTION  TO  THE  WHEELERS  :   PART II     ✩                                      [ PART I  CAN BE FOUND HERE ]  

 the wheelers are a well - off nuclear family. your typical suburban family ;  the paradigm of the fabled american dream. they live in one of the nicer neighborhoods in hawkins, indiana, their picture - perfect, mid - century style  home located in a cozy cul - de - sac at the end of maple street.  while the wheelers seem like the perfect family at surface - level, there is a deep - rooted dysfunction, which is been slightly alluded to within the first half of this meta.

TED WHEELER     is very traditional, born in the mid - to late 1930s, and a being a reagan - bush supporter in the ‘84 election,  it’s no surprise to anyone that ted is more than content with the way his life turned out ; he makes a six - figure income and provides for his family. he’s the generalized patriarchal father ; one that goes to work and comes home to his wife and children each day, and likely settles in front of the television. ted is characterized as not only a dull character, but is also does not seem intelligent or attentive to the inner-workings of the family —  and that’s likely because he doesn’t need to be. ted’s approach to parenting is very hands off, more backseat often following the lead of his wife, karen.  

KAREN WHEELER   is a sharp, loving, and tender woman. she’s a housewife, home - maker and true matriarch as she is the primary caregiver for her three children, mike, nancy, and holly. karen keeps the entirety of the wheeler household in order, without her presence things would fall apart quickly. she has what many would consider the perfect life with a loving husband, three perfectly healthy children, and a perfectly - manicured front lawn — and she’s deeply dissatisfied with the way her life turned out. she doesn’t love ted and frequently finds herself frustrated by his inadequacy as a husband. despite her exasperation, karen finds comfort and happiness in her children, as they are the lone beacon of light in all the misery she’s been subjected to. with little happening in her day - to - day life, karen is heavily invested in the personal lives of nancy and mike, her two eldest children. always well - intentioned, her actions often result in the overstepping of boundaries ( using a hairpin to unlock nancy’s bedroom door and eavesdropping on mike’s phone calls ).

NANCY WHEELER     is the eldest of the three wheeler children. at surface level, she is the typical girl - next door.  always teetering on the fine line between succumbing societal pressures and who she actually wants to be, nancy often struggles with her internal self.  often perceived as demure and quiet,  and “prissy,” she’s also intelligent, studious.   upon the mysterious death of her closest friend, barb, there’s a shift in nancy. her friend’s death serves as a catalyst for nancy to begin to become more in tune with her true self.  nancy becomes more preoccupied with finding out the truth and bringing justice to her friend rather than her previous desire to fit in and be accepted by her peers. she begins to face - off with beasts from the upside down and is metamorphosed into something of a warrior, having discovered her aptitude with a gun and her determination to seek the truth and protect her loved ones.

MIKE WHEELER    is the second - eldest and middle child of the wheeler family, and the only son of karen and ted wheeler. mike is the embodiment the 80s archetypal nerd trope, however just a little rougher around the edges than what most might assume. he’s a gawky boy with poor posture and a smart mouth. mike uses his middle - child status to his advantage, often keeping his escapades under wraps, and is usually able to get away with a lot more than he ought to. he’s the leader of his friend group, the party, and is something of a hopeless romantic. over the duration of the series,  we see mike transition from boyhood to teenagerdom as he comes into his own and embraces his leadership role as the situations he and his friends find themselves in become more dire.

HOLLY WHEELER    holly wheeler is the youngest of the wheeler family.  she’s 5 years old by the time season 3 rolls around. as holly’s spent almost the entirety of the series as a toddler, she’s had very few speaking parts. however, that doesn’t make her any less significant. her very existence shapes the wheeler family as we see it: her birth placed mike in the middle child position and the many needs that a toddler requires are met by karen, which provided her with a sense of purpose as mike and nancy grow older and more independent. we also see that holly is what ties ted and karen’s marriage together as it’s the sight of holly and ted taking a nap together that ultimately results in karen deciding not to cheat. the few holly - centric moments that we’ve seen have been centered around her noticing things that the adults around her do not. for example, in season one, she’s into by will byers’ bedroom by way of christmas lights [ likely by will byers himself ]. in season three, she notices the mind flayer’s monster moving among the trees while she, ted, and karen are on the ferris wheel at the fair, to which neither listened to her as she pointed it out.  she also likes grapes. 

[ottorocket808]

Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street

I wonder how they coaxed her back to Mikes house it was probably easier than I think because they’re also kids and it’s raining and cold because I’m pretty sure it’s November in Indiana. I’m just gonna say that the lunge clap isn’t the best way to tell if somebody is deaf I’m pretty sure they’re gonna flinch regardless because you lunged at them. 🤣🤣🤣 Modesty don’t exist where she’s from y’all cut her some slack. Wait is that blood? Wait it’s probably from her nose. I don’t even know where the nearest ‘nuthouse’ is why does Lucas? How did Dustin and Lucas both forget that they snuck out the house and therefore telling any adults right now would be a bad idea?

Yo Joyce is talkin about spending $2000-$3000 on missing posters and he’s in a different dimension and this is in 1983 that might as well be $20,000-$30,000 now I know my mom would know my voice anywhere they gotta stop doubting Joyce no matter what interference came down the line.

Hop and these pills are gettin on my nerves you are not House sir sidenote Hops reaction to Jonathan volunteering to go to his dads house felt like dick measuring why wouldn’t he want him to go looking for Will if seeing the cops would mean he runs again which means even longer until he comes home.

Don’t start shit with your little brother when he knows your boyfriend was in your room last night without your parents knowledge or consent Nancy. Sidenote it’ll never not be suspicious to hear your kids say ‘nothing’ together when you ask them a question.

I think Wills been missing for 2 or 3 days at this point where is he getting water? I’m pretty sure this kid is well on his way to dehydration on top of breathing in the toxic atmosphere of The Upside Down Will is a strong little dude.

I think I’ve spotted Els first Eggo that might be why she likes them so much Mike gave her her first one I mean Eggos are good but plain with no syrup no butter and lukewarm and she still likes them more than anything else. El’s hesitation towards telling any adults makes perfect sense after what happened to Benny.

Calling a lady crazy who’s kid just went missing feels a little insensitive I mean what did she do in regular my kid isn’t missing life that would make him say that?

Steve’s hair looks so much better but he’s kind of a dick because he invited Nancy to the ‘party’ not her and Barbara which isn’t really a problem is that he did it in front of her but if you pay attention to his ‘friends’ they aren’t any better in all honesty this is just a double date. Nancy’s little brother hangs out with Jonathan’s little brother all the time you’d think she’d stand up for him just because of that I mean she looks legit guilty listening to the others make fun of him I mean how many times has Jonathan been at her house to pick up Will?

Mike said damn goin to school I have girl who doesn’t think I’m weird at home.

I’m pretty sure this is what older siblings are for sharing music and teaching you the ropes to life and giving advice.

Jonathan also said damn goin to school

Lonnie still hasn’t made an appearance and his youngest son has been seen in 2-3 days he ain’t even called Joyce back and he knows that he’s missing and that there’s been full on search party and he’s been AWOL this whole time.

Where the hell did they find a Pinto? Joyce is kind of a boss she got a phone and a pack of camels for free and two weeks pay in advance.

Am I trippin or did the news call the power company a completely different name? If they did who are The Bad Men supposed to be pretending to be? I wonder why Hop didn’t notice the goop on the wood.

I need to know how them getting 3rd in the science fair was political what was their project? How does she know? It’s almost like she was about to start hyperventilating did she see him in her sleep because as much as the Demogorgon scared her I can’t imagine her looking for him on purpose. Was the baby not strapped into her car seat because Mikes mom got into the house way too fast.

I feel like Hop should be concerned that one of his officers was gullible enough to believe that anybody could survive that drop into cement I mean water.

Man these govt people suck Justice for Benny.

Lonnie doesn’t have a single picture of his kids in that house if he did his girlfriend would know who Jonathan is.

Shout out to Dustin for picking up on keywords like ‘Danger’ and El is racking up favorite character points with the double door slam topped off with the locked door El is in the lead as my favorite 2nd is a three way tie between Joyce Mike and Dustin.

Lonnie won’t be getting father of the year anytime soon but his car is sick 1972 Oldsmobile 442 I ain’t mad at it at all. I don’t know why people in small towns swear that people in the city are more ‘real’ you have bullshitters everywhere Lonnie should know he was fake In Hawkins and the only thing that changed was his address and the car he drives.

Barb wasn’t invited to the ‘party’ (double date) and Nancy knows this Steve said do you wanna come to my house not you guys y’all or any other variation. Nancy begging her to go and using Wills vigil as her suggested excuse says a hell of a lot about her character she knows that it’s only supposed to be the four of them because again this is a double date her making Barb be the 5th wheel so she would feel better sucks.

Mike choking on his milk cause he sees El coming down the stairs followed by Dustin’s ‘spasm is still funny but Nancy using Wills Vigil to sneak to see her boyfriend still rubs me the wrong way.

And that torn piece of El’s gown makes its appearance good eye Mr. Clarke.

The boys use so many words she doesn’t know I wonder how lost in conversation she was in the beginning. Dustin looked so grossed out by the spit swear part and I don’t blame him. El looked super suspicious of what Mike was saying about friends telling each other things that parents don’t know.

Parking 3 blocks away is a little excessive. Barb really should’ve just dropped her off and went home. Nancy should know her best friend well enough to know that parties aren’t her thing. Nancy likes to play stupid but she’s not she should’ve just gone by herself there’s nothing wrong with wanting to spend time with the guy that you like but dragging your friend along is unnecessary.

Ew Hop wears tighty whiteys wait who is that lady? So I have the subtitles on and they say her name is Sandra still don’t know who she is but at least we got a name.

El’s powers are crazy strong no wonder they want her back so badly she touches the D&D board closes her eyes for a second and knows which piece is Wills. Dustin is in the drama club? I wonder if he is a lighting and sound guy. You can tell that shit just got real to these kids.

Quick question how close do the Byers live to Steve? I mean for Jonathan to hear Carol scream it’s gotta be pretty close maybe Will had to run way farther than I originally thought. Everything about Barb screams ‘I don’t wanna be here’ shorty still has her coat on she looks extra uncomfortable you can tell this isn’t her thing Barb is a better friend than Nancy deserves. She cut her hand trying to shotgun a beer to make Nancy happy and when she goes inside looking for bandages Nancy doesn’t help she stays outside and plays with her not boyfriend and his ‘friends’ There’s a strong ass lesson about peer pressure wrapped around these five. Jonathan has gotta know that this is creepy I mean he’s hiding behind a bush damn near frantically taking pictures of the popular kids having fun how’d he switch so fast from looking for his brother to this weird shit?

This is the 2nd phone Will burnt up tryna call home man they are $30 a piece man we need a better communication attempt. Ask and ye shall receive sidenote I really do like this song I wanna learn to play the intro where is the dog I know the Demogorgon didn’t eat him but he just disappears. I feel bad for Joyce she’s always alone when the weird shit happens because the Demogorgon coming out the wall like that was some scary shit and nobody but us saw it. That’s how you know she ain’t worried about somebody running off with her whip Joyce has the doors unlocked the windows rolled down with the keys in the visor.

I don’t understand why she begged Barb to go to this thing if she was gonna have sex with Steve anyway and then talking about go home how Nancy she’s supposed to be spending the night at your house to help cover the truth about what’s going on. And Barb being half stubborn half a good friend goes down to the pool to wait for her friend to finish losing her virginity so they can go Barb should’ve gone home and ignored Nancy the next day at school. How did Jonathan not hear The Demogorgon growling or Barb scream and he was what 30 ft from the pool?

[scribeofmorpheus]

Chasing Tornadoes Prologue

Pairing: Stephen Strange x Reader

Series Warnings: poorly written medical procedural , mild delving into spirituality, language, overbearing egos, graphic descriptions, more to be added.

*Set before Doctor Strange

Series Masterlist | Masterlist | AO3

Taglist is open -comment or send an ask!

The hairs on your arms stood erect, prickling with new vivacity. Wind blew in from the east: Euros was stirring. Dust lifted off the ground as the howling winds agitate the tarp materials of the parasol overhead. You grabbed a serviette from the box next to the condiments and wiped the cucumber and mint tzatziki sauce off your lip. 

Something was coming.

You could feel it in the heat of the air and the rise in humidity. 

Deemng it past time that you got back, you pulled out a twenty from your purse and secured it under a salt shaker after you took one last bite of your lamb burger before binning the food wrapper and slinging your wicker bag over your shoulder. Your wide-brim hat protected your complexion from the harsh summer rays. 

Beyond the city line, a green sky began to crawl outwards. Random debris started rolling down the tarred road. At first, it was only small objects. Weightless objects like cans and newspapers and runaway articles of clothing. Then it escalated to furniture grinding against the cobbled streets, reluctantly being pushed backwards. 

You riffled through your bag, digging for your keys when the wind suddenly died down unexpectedly. A flash of light struck down in your peripheral and then you heard a roar that sounded like a runaway freight train.

Something was definitely coming.

The TV was relaying the latest weather report on mute. The freak weather had prompted the meteorologists to do a deep dive on the direction of air currents and possible escalations.

You set your kettle on, hand gripping your crystal necklace as you stood by your open window. Wind chimes clanking in a dissonant manner. The grey sky had blocked out the sun and a funnel began to form at the centre of a thunderstorm just beyond the horizon. The thundering shook the photo frames hanging up on the walls.

Your iguana, Spike, startled you by dropping several spice containers from your spice rack. His reptilian growl communicating his discomfort as you picked him up and cradled him against your shoulder. 

"It's okay Spikey boy, it's just thunder," you observed the funnel descend further down from the sky. Chunks of debris mixing into the circulating air. "Just a thunderstorm." 

You weren’t sure who you were trying to console, the fat lizard straining against your arms, or yourself.

The tornado had razed through half the neighbouring farming town to the south. Your pager beeped incessantly as soon as the weather had died down. Without needing to check why, you grabbed your medical badge and called an Uber.

The hospital was abuzz, filled by the smell of antiseptic and bleach. The waiting room was packed and the PA system blared out one announcement after the other with little breathing room between sentences. Swift feet rushed from one corner to the other. The few interns and fellows you could spot inside this chaos looked worse for wear, the stress and humidity making them resemble pruned vegetables.

You walked over to reception, tapping your arm on the counter when you noticed Janice was on duty. "Hey Jan, what's the 411?"

Jan covered her headset with one hand, "Tornado crashed through. Doctor on call is stuck on the other side of a collapsed bridge. Metro General is flying in some doctor to help with the relief efforts." 

Could it be Christine? You wondered.

You frowned, tying your untamed hair back and stowing away your bangles and necklaces. "Who's heading triage?" 

Right then, two paramedics burst through the swinging doors. Janice waved her arms to keep them from stopping, “Don’t bother waiting,” she said. “Just head on through.”

The police officers manning the entrance kept it open for another set of paramedics.

Things were escalating quickly and about to get a whole lot worse.

One of the fellows –Mike- half jogged to oversee the second patient on the gurney. The wheels squeaked, grinding from poor maintenance as he hovered over the gurney. Mike nodded at you as he shot Janice a pleading look. A smudge of soot on his cheek.

“Jan, you gotta get Doctor Weisz back on the phone, stat. We can’t take anymore as it is. We were understaffed to begin with.” He said with a tired lull to his voice.

“Sorry kid, unless you can magically mend bridges, we’re gonna have to make do.”

Mike wiped the sweat off his brow with his blue scrubs as he listened to the paramedics fill him in on the patient’s condition. He applied pressure to the patient’s stomach and asked a series of stand of the mill questions as they disappeared behind another set of doors.

Janice took another call and you waited on jittery legs until she was done, "Mike and a few other interns are the one’s handling triage. You best get in there, they could use you."

Next to go were your earrings as you started inching towards the second set of doors, clocking in your shift card. "Who's senior medical on staff?" 

Janice clacked away at her computer, bringing up the roll sheet, "According to my logs, now that you're here, it's you." 

You swallowed uncomfortably, handing Janice your bag so she could shove it under her desk. The distant fire-truck sirens were barely audible from inside of this noisy beast’s belly. A new ambulance screeched to a halt at the entrance.

Great…

   “You’re sending me where?” Strange demanded as he stared at Christine with large eyes and pulled eyebrows.

Christine scoffed as she made her rounds, “I’m not sending you anywhere, the board is.”

The skin around his nose curled upwards as he refrained from rolling his eyes, “Oh, screw the board.”

“Don’t start with that, you know why they’re keeping a close eye on you, it’s not like they don’t have good reason to either,” she ticked off a chart next to a patient’s room after thoroughly reading the attending physician’s notes.

Strange peered over her shoulder, “You should probably prescribe some probiotics,” he offered his advice freely even though she hadn’t asked.

She gave him a look that told him to back off and he did. Christine placed the chart back in its slot and made her way to another room. He massaged his jaw in frustration as he chased after her, nowhere near done with his rant. “I saved that patients life, Christine and now the board is punishing me for it. it’s bloody ridiculous is what it is! They’re all just bitter because I’m smarter than everybody on that circus show and they know it.”

She spun around to face him, her pen nearly touching his chin, “Yes, you saved that patients life, but you did so with no regard for this hospital’s code of ethics. You acted impulsively and without a seconds thought about the rules you were breaking or the potential backlash we could have faced had the media caught wind of it. That is why they chose you.”

He flicked her pen away with his index and middle finger, unwavering confidence twinkling in his eye, “I did what I had to do to save that man’s life.”

“Our jobs aren’t just about saving lives, that’s the harsh reality of it Stephen!” Christine’s voice turned stern, “You could have been fired for your recklessness… and if anything had gone even the slightest bit wrong, the patient’s family would have been liable to sue!”

He shot her a dastardly smirk, head cocked to the side, “But that didn’t happen, did it?” He could see it in the way her face muscles twitched, she wasn’t in the mood to deal with his tantrum.

She grunted in exasperation as she continued down the hallway. He was so sure of himself it made Christine want to pull her hair out at times. “Listen, they’re sending you to aid the relief efforts after that Tornado struck and that’s the end of it. If you want to look at this as some form of punishment to appease your ego then that’s fine by me, but either way, you’re getting on that chopper.”

“For Christ’s sake, Christine. I’m a bloody neurosurgeon! Not some goffer the board can pawn off to some second rate hospital in the middle of nowhere!” His temple was throbbing, that vein of his pulsing to the rhythm of his accelerated heart rate. He was beginning to lose his temper.

“Yes, you’re a brilliant neurosurgeon, no one disputes that,” she patted his chest, feeling his lungs force his ribs up and down in quick movements. She smiled sweetly. “But you were also a gifted doctor before you specialised. Time to get back on that bicycle superstar.”

The sound of plastic gloves stretching off his slender fingers sent smacking noises through the air. Strange wasn’t happy about his new assignment. He was one of the leading neurosurgeons in his field and they were sending him to some small town in the ass-end of nowhere to aid in relief efforts?

“Utterly ridiculous,” he muttered under his breath as he strode to the locker rooms.

Christine watched him storm away with a cheeky smile hiding under her perfectly professional demeanour. Maybe this trip might do him some good after all. She had been right to suggest him for the job. He could do with a little humility. And if she knew her old friend Y/N, he was in for a bit of a painful awakening.

 To be continued...

Tags:

Permatags: @gruffle1 @thechickvic @notawarriorjustyet @savethehoneeybees 

[pepperf]

Cloud Number Nine

There's no such thing as too close to your team (or, "Jack And Sam Do SG-1").

Again, this is unfinished (this is Sam/Vala, Jack/Cam, Sam/Teal’c, Jack/Vala, and Jack/Sam, but would eventually have included four more SG-1 pairings), and unedited. It’s very freeing to let go of all these fics.

---

.1.

"Have you seen her yet?"

"Working on it, Cam," Vala muttered brightly, freeing another button. Sam snorted softly.

"Because I could come in and help you look—"

"We'll be fine," murmured Sam, with admirable composure. Then quickly put her hand over the radio mike hidden in her feathery hair ornament, and groaned. Vala's mischievous fingers were pressing harder against the seam of the black leather pants that fit Sam so snugly.

She'd sworn she'd never be able to get into Vala's leather pants, when this undercover operation had been proposed. How wrong she had been.

"You know you can't, anyway." Vala was still talking quietly to Cam. "We'll be just fine." One of the serving wenches passed their table, and Vala leaned into Sam, giving the girl a wink. "We're just fine, aren't we, baby?"

"Yessssssssss—"

Cam made some suggestion about putting on a dress – he was remarkably keen, reflected Sam – but they both ignored him, knowing there was no danger of interruption by inconvenient teammates. He'd be stopped at the door: no men allowed in to this exclusive club, at which they were supposedly searching for a Lucian Alliance trader called Y'tall. Sam really hoped Vala was keeping her eyes open for the woman, because she definitely wasn't.

Vala's lips landed on hers, quashing that hope. Oh well, thought Sam, surrendering dizzily. Not to worry...

"Are you absolutely sure you don't need backup?"

Vala's hands – lips – the slight weight of her body – her warm scent... "We're just fiiiiiiiiiiiii—"

.2.

"There's no such thing as too close to your team," the General told him. Cam hadn't been asking, but he had been thinking, and he gave the man an uneasy glance. There'd been nothing about psychic powers in any of the reports... "They taught me that. Eventually."

"Yes, sir," agreed Cam. Not that he was in any danger of being too close to his team. He could still feel them looking at him and weighing him against the man in front of him now. And he had the worrying feeling that he wasn't quite measuring up.

The General looked him over, eyes unreadable, fingertips tapping against the beer that Cam had turned down.

"Are you fucking any of them yet?"

Cam choked.

"Or all of them?" continued the General. Apparently he was on a mission to give Cam a heart attack.

Cam laughed uneasily, deciding it was some sort of goddamn weird test. How the new leader of SG-1 stood up under pressure. "Sure, sir," he said. "We have a rota."

The General didn't crack a smile. Instead he looked him over again, until Cam was about ready to give in and squirm uncomfortably, like he'd not done since boot camp. "Give it time," he said. He sounded almost... conciliatory. His expression was softer. "And stop worrying." The order was soft.

"Sir?"

"You're one of them."

Cam frowned. The damn man was psychic. "Yes, sir," he said, hoping they could please stop this weird conversation and go back to the reports.

The General, though, rolled his eyes. "Come on in the house. Wanna show you something." He got to his feet, groaning slightly, and when he thumped his beer down on the table Cam followed quickly. Hopefully it'd be some good blackmail material he could use to keep his team in line.

Two minutes later, with the General's fridge at his back and the General's tongue down his throat, Cam realized that there weren't going to be any photos.

"You're SG-1," growled the General, pulling back and holding his gaze. Cam swallowed, terrified and unbelievably turned on. "I can see it."

"Sir..." The General stepped his leg between Cam's, pressing his sharp hip against Cam's erection, and Cam groaned and forgot what he'd been about to say.

"And SG-1 is mine," concluded the General, fiercely possessive.

.3.

She ceased crying very soon, but held on to him for a long time, releasing him only reluctantly. Acknowledging her neediness with an averted gaze and a half-shrug, she invited him to dinner at her house. He gladly agreed. He had not given up hope, but he was beginning to accept the possibility that they might never see Daniel Jackson again, or learn the fate of Colonel O'Neill. With due respect to Jonas, it felt as though they were the last two members of SG-1. He felt bereft.

On the drive and as they waited for their pizza to be delivered, conversation was subdued, and skirted around the topic of rescue operations. It was as though, over the past few weeks, they had forgotten how to converse about anything else, and now that the options were becoming exhausted, so too was their ability to talk.

They remained physically close all evening. She sat beside him on her couch, sharing pizza from the same box. When their hunger was sated, she curled against him, and they watched television in silence. It was not uncomfortable – neither the silence, nor the closeness. At some point during a documentary on the 1969 lunar landing, her breathing eased into the soft rhythm of sleep.

Teal'c stayed put, feeling a sense of contentment that soothed the gnawing loss. At least one member of his team remained safely under his protection. He turned down the volume, tugged a blanket down over her legs, and switched off the lamp.

Some hours later, in the darkest part of the night, she awoke with a quiet gasp. She turned quickly in his lap, but relaxed again when she met his eyes, sleepily murmuring his name. The world outside was so still, he could feel the nightmare-speed of her heart. He brushed a lock of hair from her eyes, and she blinked up at him, coming to full wakefulness. Slowly, tentatively, she ran a hand up his arm, and a voice inside him stirred, murmuring of possibilities long ignored. He drew in a soft breath, surprised at the strength of yearning that sang through him. She paused when her hand reached his shoulder, and left him the next move.

Teal'c paused, considering. Should he decide that it was a bad idea, he knew that she would simply turn her head and it would never again be mentioned. On the other hand...

On the other hand, he wanted to be bound to her more tightly than ever. In the end, it was beyond resistance.

.4.

Vala knew men of power. She liked men of power: she understood their weaknesses, and how to use them. So when General O'Neill came to visit the SGC, and she realized that he was Jack of the reminiscent smile and series of annoyingly incomplete sentences ("Do you remember the time Jack—?", followed by laughter), and that, furthermore, Jack was General Landry's boss... well, that was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Or at least that had been the plan. But he'd been frustratingly unresponsive to her overtures. Flattery hadn't worked, nor had feigning an interest in his work, nor her attempts to discover whether he possessed great wealth, tracts of land, and/or a large vehicle (and that was a nasty cough that Daniel had developed). He'd remained mostly silent, hunched over a table in the commissary, dressed in the same nondescript, baggy, un-General-like green outfits that everyone wore, while Daniel made sarcastic remarks into his coffee and shot her meaningful looks – which, of course, she ignored; the poor boy needed to learn the art of unsubtlety.

So she wasn't exactly sure how they'd ended up in this position, except that when she'd given up on O'Neill and focused her attention on Daniel until he'd fled, fingers in his ears, she turned back to find Jack laughing hard and silently, forehead resting on his crossed arms. When he sat up again, he seemed younger, somehow. Then he'd asked her about his former teammates, and had listened intently, eyes bright, as she talked. When she'd asked him to walk her to her quarters, he'd agreed. When she'd invited him in "for coffee", his face went still and thoughtful, but he'd followed. When she'd wound her arms around his neck and kissed him, he hadn't resisted – and just when she was wondering if she'd have to do all the work, he'd begun responding with enthusiasm.

He walked her backwards to the bed, but then pulled back slightly. She took the opportunity to start undressing him. "Listen, it's... been a while since my Captain Kirk days, so..."

"I'll be gentle," she promised, tugging his shirt down around his elbows so he was entangled and easier to shove onto the bed. She pounced, and he gave an 'oof', and slid his arms around her waist, pulling her down for a warm kiss.

And as it turned out, although he wasn't in the slightest bit interested in playing power games, he was quite happy to partake in some mutual entertainment, to their mutual satisfaction.

.5.

It's in his cabin, squeezed between burying her father and calling off her wedding and taking up their new roles. Officially, they ought to wait, but Daniel and Teal'c aren't going to tell, and it's been eight long, hard, hard years, and don't they deserve this one thing?

Still, they're trying to keep quiet – mostly because they don't want to be mocked tomorrow – and for some reason this has reduced her to helpless giggles, to Jack's secret delight. "Shh," he insists, as he peers over her shoulder, trying to work out whether he's actually undoing her bra or somehow tangling it into some terrible Gordian knot. She snorts so hard it has to hurt, and buries her face in his neck, her whole body quivering with suppressed laughter. She can't see his face, so he stops fighting the broad grin that's been trying to break out all evening. Ever since she'd stood on his dock and kissed him.

"I think they hoped we'd be done with this already, that's why they took so long to get up he-mmmmf." Lips locked, they back towards his bed, but he's so absorbed in her – her taste, the softness of her skin, that sweet little moaning sound she just made – that he forgets this bed isn't the same as his one at home in Colorado. They fall over the footer, Jack bangs his shins, and lands heavily on top of her.

"Ow," they both complain. And then grin goofily at each other, like lovesick teens.

They shuffle up the bed into a more comfortable position, and he really doesn't care about his shins because she's in his bed and in his arms, and nothing else matters. Nothing at all.

[studpuffin]

The World as We Know It: Chapter 3

Read on AO3

“What the fuck was that?” Richie whipped away from Eddie and peered over the edge of the loft.

“Nothing good…” Eddie whispered, huddling closer to Richie. From outside, they heard shouting, someone pounding on the wall, throwing themselves against the outside of the shed, “Other survivors?”

“Or someone coming to kill us and take all our stuff…” Richie bit his lip as he slowly climbed down the stairs, gesturing for Eddie to follow.

“But..why would they want to kill us?” Eddie frowned, “Isn’t it smarter to stick together? Strength in numbers?”

“Or just more people to slow you down,” Mike whispered darkly from the corner, “Tragedy makes people do some crazy sick things.” he wrapped an arm tighter around Stan, who was curled between him and Bill.

Bill nodded, stroking his thumb over Stan’s arm gently, “S-should we go and w-who’s-”

“No,” Bev cut him off quickly, “We’re not doing anything until we know it’s safe. I’m not risking losing any of you.”

The voices got louder. And suddenly a familiar one broke through to the seven teens huddled in the dark.

“Vic come on! Put your fucking back into it.”

“Bowers,” Eddie gasped, squeaking softly as Richie covered his mouth. His eyes darted upwards and what he saw chilled him deeply. Richie’s eyes were dark, his mouth set, jaw clenched. Eddie has rarely seen Richie mad, never really mad at him, but this is a million times more intense than the few times he has.

Richie looks ready to kill.

The thought of Richie killing anyone makes Eddie shudder.

He killed your mom

Shut up that was different

Was it? Mike did say tragedy makes people do some sick things

Eddie whimpered softly behind Richie’s hand as the wood made an ominous cracking noise. Richie slowly let go of Eddie and leaned over to grab his bat.

“Mike,” he hissed softly.

“What?”

“Do you have the keys?”

“Of course I have the fucking keys, Richie.”

Richie nodded again, “Give them to Bev.”

“What?!”

“Give them to Bev.” he whispered urgently, as someone shouted triumphantly outside, “Mike now give them to Bev. Trust me.” he pleaded. Mike looks at him warily and then hands the keys to Bev, who grips them like a lifeline.

“Go start the car,” Richie doesn’t bother to whisper anymore. A hole is already starting to form in the wall and Bowers and his gang will be on them in second, “Bev go!” He shouted, fixing her with a look that leaves no room for argument.

Bill may be their unofficial leader, but Richie is their hero.

She grabbed Ben’s hand and they take off for the back door. She pauses, looking back over her shoulder at them.

“I love you guys,” she whispered.

Richie gave her a small smile, “Love you too Red,” he gave her a wink and for a moment it could have been like any other sleepover. For a moment everything seemed to freeze and they were able to pretend they were still living their old safe lives.

The door crashed open and suddenly everything is happening at once. Mike pulled a gun from the waistband of his jeans and moves to stand next to Richie, who's already shouldered his bat.

“Well well...Look what we got here boys. Bucky Beaver, Nigger, Stutters, Kyke, and the Fairy Boy,” Henry smirked cruelly at them, “Where’s the Slut and Fatass? Or did the walkers already get ‘em?”

“S-shut the f-f-fuck up Bowers,” Bill was standing next to Richie on the other side, shotgun in his hand.  

“W-what are you gonna do about it Stutters?”

Eddie isn’t sure who moved first.

Suddenly Bill and Henry are wrestling on the ground, Bill screaming at the top of his lungs. Henry is practically cackling at him. Bill landed a couple of good punches. Henry spat blood into his face and looked over at Patrick.

That look sends the rest of them running. Richie and Patrick charged at each other, Patrick swinging a chain, and Richie raising his baseball bat over his head. Eddie looked away, flinching at the crunch of metal on wood. Mike has Belch flat on the floor, the gun spinning across the floor into the corner of the room. Stan is nowhere to be seen.

Hopefully, in the car, Eddie prays as the gun slides past him. He sees his opportunity to end this and lunges for it. His fingertips graze the cool metal before someone is grabbing him by the back of the shirt and pulling him up. An arm wraps around his middle, pinning his arms to his sides, and suddenly he feels the cold tip of a knife pressed against his throat.

“Alright! That’s enough!” Henry barked. Eddie willed himself not to tremble as he looks at the horrible scene before him. Bill was still conscious but barely. His nose was gushing blood, his left eye was swollen almost shut, and his breath was coming in short, painful sounding gasps. Eddie can’t help but notice him clutching his side.

Punctured lungs, bruised organs, broken nose. It only takes seven pounds of pressure to send someone’s nasal bridge bone into their brain Eddie’s brain helpfully supplied as his heart rate jumped exponentially.

Mike was at his side in an instant, pulling his head into his lap and soothingly running his hands through his hair.

“Let him go, Bowers,” Richie croaked. Eddie’s heart jumped again upon seeing the state of his boyfriend. Richie had a cut on his chest, blood seeping through his white t-shirt. There was a massive bruise on his cheek and his nose was bleeding. But he’s standing. He’s talking.

He’s also holding a gun.  

Richie is able to kill. You know he is

Shut UP

Henry tightened his hold on Eddie, who bit down hard on his lip to stop himself from crying out as the blade cuts into his skin, “Or what faggot? You gonna shoot me? Miss and you kill your little faggy boyfriend. Because if you miss, you either shoot him or I slit his fucking throat.”

“I’ll give you whatever you want just let him go,” Richie sounded tired, but he’s still standing tall as ever. A full inch taller than Henry.

“Whatever I want huh?” Henry sounded practically evil and it makes Eddie’s skin crawl.

Richie nods and Eddie wants to sob.

“Supplies. All of them,” Henry paused, “And Red…” he had this awful predatory tone in his voice that made Eddie want to puke, “Don’t know when we’ll get another chance to get another girl out here if you catch my drift.”

Eddie watched in horror as Richie put down the bat, “Richie no! No!” he struggled and Henry pressed the knife harder into his neck. This time Eddie failed in holding back the gasp of pain.

“Shut the fuck up.”

“Richie don’t!” Eddie pleaded again as Richie turned toward the back door where the van is parked.

Richie gave him a long look. A look that says trust me.

And Eddie does. God help him Eddie does. Even when Henry drops Eddie to the floor, leaving him a crumpled heap. Even when Richie’s voice floats over his head saying, “this way.”

Eddie lay there silently. Richie is his best friend. Richie is the love of his life. He knows Richie wouldn’t do something like this. Not to Bev. Not after everything she’s been through. Richie wouldn’t do something like this without a plan. So he lay there silently, trusting Richie, face buried in the dirt, breathing in the smell of hay and wet ground.

Bill was still wheezing and Eddie can tell it’s getting worse. He hears Mike’s hushed whispers and the rustle of the ground as Bill reaches up to grasp at Mike’s hands, and the dull cry of pain as the movement pulls on his ribs.

Eddie wanted to cry again. But no tears come. He must be all cried out. At that moment he truly hated himself. He felt so fucking useless. But he was too fucking tired to even think about moving, let alone be of any help.

So he listens.

At first, he heard nothing. Not even a whisper from Bill and Mike. Then he heard voices. Muffled yelling. A high pitched voice screaming (he prays it isn’t Bev), the sounds of a fight and finally a loud bang.

The bang seems to reverberate through Eddie’s bones. His ears ring. He felt dizzy. He felt sick to his stomach.

Oh, wait that’s the blood loss. Fuck He thought tiredly, touching the warm wet spot on his neck. He curled in on himself and wills himself not to fall asleep.

Someone shook him and pulled him to sit up. A familiar scent wrapped around him and he clung to the body holding him.

Richie…

“Eddie,” Richie took his face and stroked his thumb over his cheek, “Hey Eddie baby look at me,” his voice sounded weak and croaky, “Open your eyes Eds. Baby please…”

Eddie blinked and looked up into Richie’s face, and let out an audible sigh of relief. There was the Richie he recognized, brown eyes wide in concern. Eddie let out a sob and threw his arms around Richie’s neck.

“You scared the shit out of me you asshole. Don’t do shit like that ever again.” he sniffled as Richie pressed a kiss to his into his hair.

Richie opens his mouth to respond, but before he can say anything, Bill makes a horrible choking noise. Eddie sits up, suddenly alert. He scrambles out of Richie’s lap, collapsing at Bill’s side.

“Get Stan. Get Stan!” He looked at Richie, panic filling his voice, “Richie now!”

As Richie ran towards the car again, Eddie flew into doctor mode.

“Mike sit him up,” he urged gently, pressing a cloth to Bill’s nose in an attempt to stem the bleeding. Bill was pale. His breathing was shallow. Eddie’s chest tightens. Bill has been his best friend since birth. Even since before he had Richie, he had Bill.

He pressed his hand gently to Bill’s side, wincing at Bill’s shallow gasp, “Do you feel that?

Bill gave a weak nod, “E-Eddie…”

Eddie nodded, squeezing his hand, “Hey buddy.”

Bill gave his hand a weak squeeze, “Eddie...you…”

Eddie stroked his cheek softly, “Bill you don’t need to say anything. Just rest ok?”

Suddenly Stan was at his side, “Bill...baby,” He looked between Mike and Bill and then back at Eddie, “Eddie do something!”

“I’m trying!” he shot back, carefully wrapping the torn hay bag around Bill’s ribs, “Mike check his pulse.”

Mike pressed his fingers gently to Bill’s throat, “Fading fast,” he whispered.

“Eddie!”

“Stan I’m not a fucking surgeon!” Eddie and Stan finally make eye contact, and Stan looks ready to cry.

“So he’s gonna die…” It wasn’t a question. Stan curled closer to Bill and Mike, “I should have been here. I should have done...something…” his voice cracked, and he buried his face in Mike’s neck, “Can you give us a minute please?”

Eddie gave him a sad smile and pulls away from Bill, quietly taking Richie’s hand, and leading him towards the door. He refuses to look back. He can’t. He won’t.  Not even when he hears Stan break. The noise that Stan makes sounds inhuman. It's heartwrenching. Eddie clings tighter to Richie’s hand and wills himself not to cry again.

They crawled into the van, curling together once again in the back seat. A little over 10 minutes later, Mike and Stan exited the barn. Mike was crying. Not loudly or openly, just a few tears rolling down his cheeks. Stan wasn’t crying, but his eyes are red like he just has been.

“We should bury him…” Eddie whispered.

“We can’t,” Bev shook her head, “Can’t risk him coming back. And we can’t risk anyone knowing we were here and try to follow us,” her eyes were misty and she was trembling slightly, “We need to cover our tracks.”

Mike nodded, “We need to burn it.”

No one stepped forward. And then Eddie’s voice filtered through the group.

“I’ll do it,” he held out a hand and Richie slipped his lighter into it. Eddie stooped to pick up a stick, deftly lighting it. He tossed the branch into the open doorway watching at the wood caught fire.

He closed his eyes for a moment taking a moment to center himself. He felt the heat of the fire, heard the quiet breathing of his friends. He takes a moment to say goodbye to Bill, the closest thing he had to a brother. He opened his eyes and turned back to the group. There were tears in everyone’s eyes, Stan hiding his faces in Mike’s neck again. He looked down at the blood on his hands. Bill’s blood on his hands.

Eddie swayed dangerously, reaching out for Richie who instantly pulls him into his arms. He lets out a shaky breath, squeezes his hand again, crawls into the van.

There’s no point dwelling on the past when there’s nothing you can do to change it.

Tag List: @tinyarmedtrex @dyslexictozier @sunflowertozier @richietoaster @jem-carstairs-is-perfection @totaltozier @richardxtozier @reddie-for-anything @aizeninlefox @reddiepop @oldguybones

[creativeashproductions]

Hospital Visit // Steve Harrington

Summary: Being pregnant during the time the Gate needs to be closed isn’t the most desired time especially when your boyfriend is Steve Harrington. In your senior year Steve and you were involved in the fight against the Demogorgon. You thought it was done until weird things happen during your return to Hawkins for break while pregnant.

Characters: Steve Harrington x pregnant!Reader, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair, Will Byers, Mike Wheeler, Max Mayfrield, Eleven, Nancy Wheeler, Billy Hargrove, Jonathan Byers, Joyce Byers and Chief Jim Hopper.

Words: 3076

Disclaimer: I do not own Stranger Things or the characters involved. I also do not own any gifs or images that may appear. Our desktop theme automatically provides the owner for the gif. Image that does appear, I couldn’t fine the original poster on google images.I only own the reader and the plot.

Warnings: Swearing, fighting, angst, pregnancy, and fluff.

Author: Caitsy

A/N: Bumping Steve’s age up one year for this fic. Nancy and Jonathan are in senior year of high school while Steve and Reader have graduated.

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You were hot, tired, annoyed and scared having been dragged into this because of your highly protective boyfriend. Steve was intensely protective of you while being freakishly loyal to the kids he had taken under his wing during your senior year when the shit show began.

In your senior year Steve was dragged into the Upside Down business when he was on his way to apologize to both you and Nancy. He didn’t have the balls to directly hurt you so he went the indirect way and used Nancy as the person for the Hawk billboard. You, Nancy and Jonathan had come across it and Steve with Tommy and Carol. You let Nancy deal with it while you just shook your head.

He crawled back to apologize to you with a beat in face as you and the other two tried to take the Demogorgon down. He jumped in and it’s probably the reason you didn’t entirely break up with him. Now on break from community college you were settled into Hopper’s house he was renting you guys after moving into the cabin in the woods with Jane.

“Yeah and we all die!” Steve shouted bringing you back into Byers mentally. You shook your head scanning the room to see the expressions on the kids and your boyfriend.

“What did I miss?” You asked rubbing your lower back.

“Nothing sweetheart.” Steve’s tone of voice changed as he helped you sit down on the couch, “How about you have a nap?”

You shot him a scathing look.

“I’m pregnant Steve, not a child.” You spat wincing as a pain shot through your lower back.

“That’s one point of view.” Dustin nodded ignoring the small spat you and Steve were having, “We need to do something Steve.”

“I’m guessing you all are suggesting a highly stupid plan that’s increasing Steve’s blood pressure?” You asked struggling to climb back on your feet. Sitting was hurting too much with the large belly.

“I got it!” Mike exclaimed making his way to a specific room that you didn’t have the energy to follow to. You get them find whatever they were doing while you stayed in the living room, “This is where the chief dug his hole. This our way into the tunnel. So…here right here. This is the hub.”

“Oh? Yeah, that’s a no!” Steve exclaimed.

“The Mindflayer would call away his army.” Dustin inserted excitedly.

“They’d all come to stop us.” Lucas added gaining the same excitement as Dustin was.

“We circle back to the exit.” Mike said sharing a look with his fellow young friends while slightly still ignoring Max.

“Guys!” Steve exclaimed.

“By the time they realize we’re gone-“

“El would be at the gate.” Max joined in slowly thinking her way through the potential plan that would greatly help.

“Hey! Hey! HEY! This is not happening!” Steve shook his head with much more force than before, “No, no, no, no. No, buts! I promise I’d keep you shitheads safe and that’s exactly what I plan on. We’re staying here. On the bench and we’re waiting for the starting team to do their job. Does everyone understand?”

“This isn’t a stupid sports game!”

“He said does everybody understand that?!” You shouted from the living room severely annoyed by the stupid dangerous plan.

“I need a year.” Steve slowly calmed down but the revving of a car took the attention away. Your attention was dragged away when you felt your feet get excessively wet and you started to panic.

“Oh fuck!” You swore as a pain crawled around your belly.

“It’s my brother! He can’t know I’m here. He’ll kill me. He’ll kill us!” Max gasped leaning against the back of the couch to peer out the window to the very familiar car outside the Byer’s home.

You made your way into the kitchen to not draw attention to yourself once you had pushed a pillow onto the wet mark from your water breaking. You groaned lowly as you leaned down on your forearms on the kitchen counter.

“Y/N?” Steve shouted from the living room.

“Just getting some water!” You called out keeping the pain from your tone. You didn’t need to add to the tension.

You were completely wrapped up in your contraction when the door slammed open with such force it brought you out of your pain. You peaked to see that egotistical Billy Hargrove was standing in the doorway in his mullet wearing glory.

“Well well well.” Billy smirked slamming the door behind him, “Lucas Sinclair. What a surprise. I thought I told you to stay away from him Max.”

You were highly concerned at how close Max was to her older step brother but you can’t exactly help when you’re hours away from pushing a baby from your vagina. You were concerned also where Steve was because he was taking his sweet time from outside.

“Billy, go away.” Max said finally standing up for herself.

“You disobeyed me and you know what happened when you disobey me.”

“Billy-“

“I break things.” Billy finished before shoving Lucas back by the front of his shirt until he was tightly held against a cabinet.

“Get off me!” Lucas weakly exclaimed struggling under the older boys strength. The other kids screaming at the scene.

You made your way into the living room almost blinded by the sheer fury held neatly by the instincts flooding your system. You attributed it to the pregnancy. You carefully watched as Billy kept his mean grip on Lucas.

“Since Maxine won’t listen to me, maybe you will. You stay away from her.” Billy growled before he screamed in the face of the young minor, “STAY AWAY FROM HER. You hear me?”

Lucas was quiet for a moment before he did something he probably shouldn’t have done but you fucking lived for the moment.

“I said GET OFF ME!”

Next thing you know Billy is hunched over from a hard knee shoved into his STD invested, let’s be real here, genitals.

“You are SO dead Sinclair!” Billy seethed, “You’re dead.”

What Billy didn’t realize was that Steve was situated behind him in that state of fury that their calm. It was when Steve shoved Billy around to face him that he noticed exactly what was going to happen.

“No. You are.” Steve calmly spoke before winding his arm back and violently landed a good punch to Billy’s face. At the exact time his fist landed another contraction began and it fucking hurt but the evil laugh by Billy broke through the pain.

“Looks like you got some fire in you after all.” Billy said wiping his arm on his face leaving a streak of blood on his arm and face, “I’ve been waiting to meet this King Steve everybody’s even telling me about.”

You hissed hunching over inconspicuously to the group in the room. What you wanted was a fucking pain reliever and quiet room!

“Get out.” Steve stated giving Billy a single glance over. You leaned your body over ignoring the situation at hand before the pain passed and you saw that that Billy was landing on the table in the kitchen a few feet away from you.

Billy was punched once more sending him into the counter near the sink where the dishes Steve had done were sitting. Things seemed to be going good for Steve before Billy’s hand searched the counter until it came across a thick plate. Steve then was hit in the head with the plate to your horror and that’s when the game changed with Billy landing a punch on Steve.

“No one tells me what to do.” Billy swore before head butting Steve into the ground. You hated yourself when he was solidly punching Steve constantly.

You didn’t know if it was the desire for the fucking hospital or dealing with the pain that you quickly made your way to Billy. You moved faster than you had since your first trimester and bent down as far as you could before shoving a sharp knife into Billy’s thigh.

“Oh shit!” Dustin’s voice called out as Billy grunted in pain and looked down at the knife in his leg and at you with a blood splattered hand.

Billy stood up almost as if he couldn’t feel the pain and lunged at you before Max tripped him back and shoved a needle in his neck.

“Oh fuck!” You swore leaning over again sweat slowly crawling down your temple. You didn’t hear anything as the pain intensified until it slowly went away.

“What is that?” Dustin gasped seeing the spot on the carpet that was a nicely huge spot of wetness. The pillow had been kicked aside in the fight, “Oh my god.”

“She’s in labor!” Max exclaimed freaking out more holding the keys to Billy’s car.

“We don’t have time.” Mike exclaimed.

“It’s not like we or she has the ability to schedule when she gives birth!” Lucas exclaimed.

“Just go!” You screamed moving towards the door, “We don’t have time. I’ll stay in the car just get the job done!”

Max was driving with Lucas beside her giving directions while Dustin and Mike sat in the backseat shoved into the doors. Steve was out cold while you waiting with bated breathe for the next contraction. The in sync groaning from Steve and you flooded the small space in the car.

“Y/N?” Steve asked looking over at you. His head reached up to touch his face before Dustin grabbed it.

“No, don’t touch it.” Dustin soothed his older friend, “Hey buddy. it’s okay. You put up a good fight. He kicked your ass, but you put up a good fight. You’re okay.”

You grunted leaning over while Mike awkwardly rubbed your back as he had seen you do before.

“Okay, you’re gonna keep straight for a half a mile then make a left on Mount Sinai.” Lucas spoke up to Max.

“What’s going on?! Oh, my god!” Steve started furiously scrambling on his back as he noticed, quite blurry, Max driving and Lucas in the passenger seat.

“Just relax.” Dustin said, “She’s driven before.”

“Yeah, in a parking lot.” Mike sarcastically said stalling his soothing gestures to you to glare over at Dustin.

“That counts.” Lucas defended the red haired girl.

“Oh my god.” Steve gasped looking over at you resting at the painless point.

“They were gonna leave you behind-“ Dustin was cut off by an increasingly panicked Steve.

“Oh my god.”

“I promised that you’d be cool, okay?” Dustin urgently spoke holding the ice pack against Steve’s head.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!” Steve exclaimed, “What’s going on?!”

The car lurched faster on the road amid the car filled with young teens, a pain filled young girl and her beaten boyfriend. He didn’t need to know that you were going to be a parent within a day at most.

“Oh my god. No! Whoa, stop the car! Slow down.”

“I told you he’d freak out.” You muttered wincing at the speed the car was travelling. You didn’t like how dangerous and stupid this plan was but something needed to be done.

“Stop the car!”

“Everybody shut up! I’m trying to focus!” Max screamed frustrated by the boys and you if she was honest.

“Peace would be greatly appreciated.” You added sighing.

“Oh wait! That’s Mount Sinai. Make a left!” Lucas shouted pointing to the turn just a little up ahead.

“What?” Max demanded looking over.

“Make a left!” You screamed at the young girl bracing for the turn you had a feeling would either be success or send you in a roll over. You hit the mail box and went onto the grass as everyone started screeching and thrown around the car at the tight turn. You fucking swore the car went on two wheels.

“Ah hello!” Steve screamed at the car came to a sharp stop in front of the hole to hell otherwise known as the Upside Down tunnels.

“Whoa.” Dustin breathed.

“Incredible.” Mike spoke staring out the front of the car.

“I told you Zoomer.” Max said getting out of the car. Mike got out before helping you out also to get on the ground where you leant down on the hood breathing through another contraction as the group collected the items to go down into the tunnels.

“Guys. Oh no.” Steve spoke stumbling around on his feet seeing the kids suiting up in gloves, goggles, and clothes wrapped around mouths, “Guys. Hey, where do you think you’re going? What are you, deaf? Hello!”

“Calm down.” You spoke glancing up at him but Steve completely disregarded your words.

“We are not going down there right now. I made myself clear. Hey, there’s no chance we’re going to that hole, all right? This ends now!”

“Steve, you’re upset. I get it but the bottom line is, a party member requires assistance and it is our duty to provide that assistance. Now I know you promised everyone that you would keep us safe.” Dustin said grabbing another bag from the trunk, “So keep us safe.”

“Y/N stays here.” Steve said towards everyone.

“Should we tell him…?” Max whispered to Lucas as they handed a thick blanket to you sitting in the passenger seat.

“No.” Lucas shook his head.

“We don’t need him worse than he is right now. Besides it will be hours before she needs the hospital.” Mike said as he dropped the rope down into the hole as the other congregated at the hole.

“Let’s burn this shit.” Dustin spoke as they started down the hole.


“Be safe.” You called out to the group before settling back into the car that you locked once they all went down, “Okay baby let’s wait until everything’s over.”

You didn’t know how much time passed from the moment they dropped down in the hole before they scrambled out. You cracked the window when the lights of the car went out and then on.

“We should get to the hospital.” Dustin spoke up looking over at Steve, “Y/N’s been in labor for a while.”

“WHAT?!” Steve screamed at the kids looking over as you were once more outside the car leaning on the hood, “How long?”


“Since before you fought with Billy.” Max spoke up as Steve raced to the car helping you into the passenger seat again.    

“Get the hell in the car!” Steve shouted speeding when the doors were barely shut.

“I can’t do this!” You screamed looking at your patched up boyfriend. You had been pushing for so fucking long.

The night had bled into the early morning by the time you were in the delivery room in the same hospital Will was at. Separate rooms the party would take shifts outside each door freaking out for when Will would wake up and when the new member of the party would join.

“Come on sweetheart.” The nurse spoke from your one side, “You’re doing the hardest but most fulfilling job in the world.”

“You can do it.” Steve spoke, “After the weeks we’ve had?”

You followed the doctor’s steps bearing down hard for another half hour before a loud cry split the air amid your screaming. In a blur Steve cut the baby’s umbilical cord before the baby was placed on your chest for a few minutes.

“We’ll get her cleaned up and checked out.” The nurse said gently taking the baby from you, “We’ll be right back.”

She was right. Your sweet daughter was brought back to you and Steve cooing softly before Steve was given permission to take her to the care while you delivered the placenta.

Time passed as you gazed down at Ellie’s face as she rested in your arms in the private room with Steve wrapped around you. Soon enough the door gently opened revealing the kids, Nancy and the Byers in the doorway.

“Hey.” Nancy whispered making her way to your bedside, “Oh my gosh.”

“Is it a boy?” Dustin inquired.

The group came closer to see the little pink hat on the baby’s head as she yawned earning a collective aw. Joyce wrapped her arm around Will’s shoulders as he rested in the wheelchair.

“No, Dustin.” You gently smiled down at your daughter, “We want you to meet Eleanor Jane Harrington.”

Eleven gasped from the group as she came closer to the little girl in your arms.

“We decided to name her after a special girl that brought Y/N and I closer. Someone stronger than we have ever met with a kind soul despite the horror she faced.” Steve said looking at Eleven, “We’re hoping you would like to be her god mother.”

“God mother?” Eleven inquired before Joyce explained it easily, “Yes.”

“Welcome to the party.” Dustin spoke moving closer, “I’m going to kill anyone that hurts you. Uncle Dustin won’t ever let harm hurt you.”

You silently cried as Dustin moved closer to peer at the little girl before Steve lead him to the chair situated by the bed. Everyone held their breathe as Steve placed Ellie in Dustin’s arms and instructed him how to hold her.

“I was bullied because I’m different.” Dustin said peering down at the little girl, “I have a condition called cleidocranial dysplasia that makes me different. Your mom and dad are seriously cool and if you ever need a friend or your hurt because you’re different. I’m going to be right there silently planning a slow death.”

“Hey Jonathan?” Steve said looking up at his friend, “I know we weren’t the greatest friends…well I was a douche to you but I want you to know. You’re one of my best friends.”


“Thanks.” Jonathan spoke quietly from his brother’s side.

“That being said. Y/N and I want you to be Ellie’s godfather.” Steve said looking up at Jonathan. Jonathan wordlessly walked over and pulled Steve into a tight hug. Not one of the bro hugs but a serious hug.

“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” Lucas piped up with a grin before Dustin, Mike, Will and even Hopper joined in.

“You see, Johnny, we feel that entertainment is going to be a-“

Ellie’s cry burst their movie portrayal scaring the living shit out of Dustin as he held her before Steve took her to bounce her to soothe his little girl.

“I’d be honoured.” Jonathan said leaning down to hug you.

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@bilesmccall

[corroded-cofffin]

Don’t Go, I Can’t Do This On My Own || Pairing: Steve Harrington x Reader

Warnings: None, maybe angst?

I’m a messss anyway this is from a prompt from this list. It’s “Please, come with me.” I’ve been slowly working my way down this list. Most of them have been Steve so far lmao

You were dying to leave Hawkins as soon as possible. You hated your family and you hardly had any friends. It didn't bother you because you knew as soon as you could you'd leave the damn place.

Steve Harrington was the one person who made this hell hole tolerable and even now he was in a sad jerk mood because Nancy broke his heart or some shit. He wouldn’t talk much about it.

You hated that you were gonna add on to that hurt. So you shoved your acceptance letter to NYU in your binder and ignored it for the rest of the day.

“Let's go to Benny’s after school. I'll pay and you can vent or mope. Whatever.” It had been two weeks since whatever the hell he had been doing at the Byers and he still wouldn't tell you what happened.

It had been a week since Nancy and Jonathan started holding hands in the halls and kissing when they thought no one was noticing. (Its high school someone is bound to see and spread that gossip like wildfire.) Billy had kept on teasing Steve relentlessly, though this was the least of Steve's worries, and you had to tell him you were leaving soon.

All in all things weren't great for Steve, he agreed to go to Benny’s with you though.

After school he drove you over there listening to a sad mixtape you assumed he made himself.

He put on a front for the kids and Nancy. Said it didn't bother him.

When you got to Benny’s you began talking to him like normal.

“So I saw Mike Wheeler with some new girl? She have anything to do with your adventure you refuse to tell me about?” you still tried to pry info out of him.

“You know I don't want to talk about that. I will eventually just not now. It's like everything is happening so fast I haven't had time to wrap my head around anything.” that was the most he spoke on the situation and you understood to an extent.

“I can't believe Nancy and Jonathan like...it hasn't been long enough and I feel like Nancy was with you long enough to tell when you're lying about your emotions. What is even up with her?” You just wanted him to let some of it out, he was going to explode if he kept it in, and the only way to get him to talk is to put some pressure on him.

“Leave Nancy alone it isn't her fault.” You ignored him.

“Isn't it though? She strung you along. All that time. For what? Nancy was my friend too. I'm allowed to be appalled at her actions, which were wrong, even if you aren't.”

He sort of nodded in agreement. He started patting his pockets. “Forgot my wallet.”

“I said it was on me.” You answered and he smiled.

“I'm not gonna make you pay for me. I know you're trying to save up.” He knew you hated Hawkins, but you always talked about maybe doing some community college classes before moving on.

He didn't know your home life got worse. He didn't know that you couldn't wait to leave.

He excused himself and went to his car. You were mindlessly playing with the sleeve of your jacket when he came back looking pissed.

Your brows furrowed together, “What's wrong?” he silently slammed your letter on the table.

Your face felt hot as you noticed other customers looking towards you guys. He was making a scene.

“What the hell?” he said simply, but loudly.

Your voice was low, “Steve, please, can we talk about this...somewhere else?”

“Why?! You don't care about these people! Or this town! Or…” he took a deep breath as if he didn't want to say what he was going to say next, you were standing at this point, eyes searching his face, your hands twitching and aching to reach out to him. He finally finished his statement before walking out, “Or me.”

You were in shock. He really said that to you. You couldn't move even as you felt all eyes on you. Tears were forming. You swallowed harshly and willed them away.

Finally someone spoke, “Um, don't worry about the bill it's okay.” It was Benny and suddenly your embarrassment came back full force.

“I-I am so sorry.” You stammered out. You snatched the letter off the table before storming out of the diner.

Surprisingly Steve was still there. In his car, his hands gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles were white.

You walked over and peered into the window. “Steve...I have so much to say and yet I can think of anything.”

“I was gonna leave but then I thought how will she get home. Who is gonna take care of her?” he looked like he was about to cry and it broke your heart. “who's gonna take care of her in New York?” He swallowed and you felt tears threatening to form in your eyes as well. “Who's gonna take care of me?” he finished and finally looked at you.

“Steve…” you exhaled and steadied your breathing. “I-I don't want to leave you. You're the best part about this garbage town. You're the best part of my life.” You wished you were in the car speaking to him. You wanted this to go so differently.

“Then why?”

“You always knew I was going to leave.” You responded simply.

“I know-” he slammed his hand on the steering wheel. “Fuck.” he said he was crying now and it fucking tore your heart up. He cleared his throat. “I just thought I had more time. I thought I'd have time to convince you to stay.”

You were sad, mad, and a mixture of confused. Steve had been hiding things from you and had been pretty tore up over Nancy lately. He had been distant, you never thought Steve felt this strongly towards you.

“I'm getting in the car.” You said and quickly got in. You guys didn't look at each other and sat in silence for a while, both of you regaining your composure. “I hate it here. I hate the kids at school. I hate my aunt and uncle. They hate me. I hate the weird shit that no one will explain. Like the stuff with the Byers kid or why Barb went missing and suddenly her death is discovered. Things seem off here and I don't like it. I want to be happy and I know I won't be here.”

“Even if it was with me?” he asked finally looking over at you. He looked hopeful.

“I'm usually always happy with you, but I can't stay here. Steve, you were just moping over Nancy.”

“You… you're misunderstanding. Yeah, it was a little upsetting when her Jonathon decided to be more...public with their relationship, but I've had time to get over that stuff with her. It's all the other stuff I'm having trouble with.”

“Which you don't want to talk about.” You sighed. “I'm not saying you have to.”

“So, do you want to hear something embarrassing?” he suddenly changed his tone. You looked at him skeptically but nodded. He let out a large breath.  “I'm sure you remember the Halloween party and what I told you about the bullshit speech?” you nodded again. “I ran into Nancy while...things were crazy and I told her to go with him, Jonathan, and she told me that I deserved to be happy too and I needed to talk to you.” You lifted an eyebrow. “I didn't ask her what it meant for a while. I asked her about a week ago and she laughed and called me an idiot, which was….hard for me, but she told me she had never felt like she could commit to me because I always loved you.”

Your heart stopped. Just from the story you knew he had feelings for Nancy, it was obvious, but maybe you could believe he had feelings for you. At least at one point.

“You still care about her.” You said and he nodded.

“But if she left I would get over it. It would be fine. If you leave I'll be devastated.” So maybe he did have stronger feelings than you thought.

“There's a solution to this.” You said and you saw hope in his eyes.

You sighed because you know he would never agree. “What is it?”

“Come with me.” his face fell and you began crying you couldn't hold your tears back anymore, “

.” You were almost begging but you couldn't help yourself.

“I...you know I can't do that to the kids.” You wanted to be selfish. You wanted to remind them they had parents and each other and Nancy and Jonathan and Hopper, but you didn't.

You just nodded and tried to stop crying but you couldn't. “I want to.” he said sounding helpless.

“I can't stay here, Steve.” You said with finality.

You both faced forward. He started the car and began driving.

“I know you can't stay here and as much as I want you to I guess I won't ask again. I won't have you resenting me over something as dumb as Hawkins. I'm sorry I can't go with you.”

But you can, you wanted to say. “I am too.” You said instead.

“Stay with me? Until you leave?” he said quietly.

“Like...at your parents house?”

“They're never home and when they are I can say you're just staying the night or whatever.”

You were shocked and your first instinct was to decline, but you thought about staying with him or with your aunt and uncle. He was definitely better company and it was only a month.

It also could make things more difficult for you two.

“Okay. Yeah.” Your mouth said before your brain could talk you out of it.

“Really?” he said excitedly.

“Yeah. Fuck it.” You said with a smile.

So you stayed with Steve Harrington for a month. His parents came home twice and didn't even mention you.

But you and Steve were getting closer and closer all the time, which you had thought impossible considering how close you two were before all this.

One night, a week until you were scheduled to leave, you guys were eating dinner and watching a movie.

“I'm going to miss this.” he said it absentmindedly.

You smiled at him, “me too.”

When you were done eating you guys snuggled on the couch, a thing that had been happening a lot, a thing you immensely enjoyed.

“Can I tell you something?” he said into your hair.

“Of course.” You responded instantly.

“I...want to tell you about what happened with everything.”

You almost gasped, but stopped yourself. “Okay, tell me whatever you're comfortable with.” You replied.

He told you everything. What happened with Will and Barb and what happened recently.

You immediately thought he was lying, but he was serious, and emotional. Your gut told you he wasn't. You sat up and looked at him.

“You've been keeping this to yourself all this time? No wonder you were such a mess. That's a large load for one person.” You responded.

“But it was all of us. We all dealt with it.”

“But they all have each other and the kids rely on you. There was no one to take care of you.” You frowned and wished he would have told you sooner. Your hands ran through his hair, an attempt to soothe him.

He smiled a little smile. “I survived just fine.”

But he was still sad. You could tell.

“You're incredible.” You replied simply unable to word what you wanted to say.

But that made him smile wider and he wrapped his arms around you.

“You're the incredible one.” he whispered and kissed your cheek.

You guys spent the rest of the night cuddling and fell asleep watching a movie.

The night before you were scheduled to leave you began freaking out a little. It was exciting and scary. When you noticed Steve leaning in the door jam watching you pack you felt sad.

“Fuck, I don't know what to say as usual.” You said throwing some clothes into a suitcase.

He laughed at you. “No goodbyes right now. I'm just trying to memorize every detail about you.” You rolled your eyes and ignored the blush you knew you were getting.

“I'll visit. As much as I hate this town I love you.” You said and your eyes grew wide as you realized what you said.

There goes your mouth again, not letting your brain catch up.

“You...love me?” you scoffed and rolled your eyes.

“We always say that to each other Steve.”

“But this was…” you finally glanced away and continued packing. “was it different?” he asked and you sighed.

“I guess, yeah.” You said not wanting to have this conversation.

“I love you, you know it took me quite some time to get used to the idea of falling in love again, especially with someone who won't be in the same state as me.”

And there it was, the whole reason you didn’t want to do this.

“I don't think we should go down this road.” You said still packing.

He grabbed your hands and you reluctantly looked at him. “We aren't. You're going to be too far away. I'm not suggesting we try to make this work.”

“Then why do this?”

“I need this last night with you. I needed to know.”

“But this is going to hurt you.”

“I'll survive.” He smiled at you and finally kissed you.

Your world seemed to fade away. You completely melted into the kiss, it was slow and tender, full of love you didn't even know was there. Your hands wrapped in his hair and his held your face. You felt the kiss lasted a lifetime.

He pulled away and you kept your eyes shut and attempted to steady your breathing. Your eyes finally fluttered open and Steve was just staring at you like you were the greatest thing in the world.

His thumb was stroking your cheek. You suddenly wanted to stay. Knew that you wouldn't.

“This is a mistake, Steve.”

“I need this night with you.” he responded and that was enough for you.

You guys kissed and cuddled all night, talking through the night. You were going to be exhausted tomorrow but it was worth it.

When it was getting into the early hours of the morning he got a little more serious.

“I think if you stayed, and this is just a scenario, we'd have a little two bedroom house, and we'd do game nights or movie nights with the kids and Nancy and Jonathan. You'd become a novelist, and I'm going to school to become a nurse-” You shot him a look he hadn't told you he wanted to do that. He looked slightly embarrassed, “Yeah, it's something I've been thinking about for a while. I want to help people and not like Hopper does or anything I've done enough of that.”

You smiled at him, “Okay finish your story.” You desperately wanted to hear the end of his fairy tale.

He chuckled. “After we got steady on our feet with jobs and had a nice amount of savings we'd plan our wedding. It would be a small thing but I think you'd want something elegant, just seems so you.” You rolled your eyes. “Maybe we'd have kids but who knows.” he stopped there.

When he started you loved hearing it and towards the end...your heart sank. He had put a lot of thought into this. Into a life you could have had together.

“Do you want to hear the scenario if you come with me?” You asked and he nodded. “at first we get a small studio while I finish school. Unfortunately we're both going to be working shitty jobs to pay our bills, but after I graduate I'll get a better steadier job with pretty good pay. You could also go to school to be a nurse and start that. When we saved enough we find a nicer apartment or maybe a small house. I kind of want a house so we can have a small garden. We'd get married in spring. Maybe have a kid, not several. We'd come and visit everyone here and if we had enough money fly them out to visit us. I'd be happy.” You finished finally.

You guys basically just made yourselves sad. It felt good to say though.

“I'll visit you as much as I can.” You said quietly.

“It's alright worry about your future. I'll be here.” You didn't know how to respond to that you just cuddled closer to him.

You fell asleep, got a couple hours then you were up and he was driving you to the airport. Your heart was pounding. You wanted to cry. You also wanted to clap with joy.

It was a conflicting time.

He got out and walked with you a bit.

“So here we are.” You nodded, unsure of what to say. He sighed. “Don't worry about me. I'll call you and you can visit. If I ever get steady income I can visit. I will visit.”

“But...are we together? What's going on?” you didn't want to ask but you did.

“I...don't think we should do that. I think we should just wait until we figure things out a bit more.” You nodded.

“I think so too, but I need you to know I love you.”

He smiled at you. “of course I know that. I love you too.” You guys shared a small kiss before you left to get on the plane.

You wanted to go back and beg him to come with you. He'd miss everyone but you guys would be happy.

You glanced back at him and he smiled and waved.

You returned it.

You couldn't be that selfish. You couldn't ask him to change his whole life because you couldn't deal with a shitty family in a shitty town.

So you turned around and left.

[spectraling]

Darkrooms

Ao3 link

Jonathan can’t sleep. At all.

Thoughts are rushing through his mind as he lies in bed that night - the spot he’s decided to stare at on the ceiling seems to be the only point of stability right now. What had happened? And how? He thinks about the darkness enveloping him and the bizarre, floaty feeling of being in that place. The frightening pull tearing at his mind when he had fallen out of it...wait. What if it happened in here? No. No, you had to focus for that to happen according to El. But how had he managed that focus if he didn’t even know he was doing it?

Was this something that just happened to people? Had a part of El somehow leaked onto him? Could things like that transfer? El had undergone experiments under the careful watch of the people in that lab for years… He didn’t grow up in a lab. He’d just been a fairly ordinary guy that nothing extraordinary really happened to. Well, until that week in ‘83 of course. And the year after that. And now… Ok, maybe some extraordinary things. Alternate dimensions existed, monsters were real, the government was - as anyone would’ve guessed - corrupt, a little girl could flip vans with her mind and now apparently he could talk to people without being in the same room as them.

Maybe some people could pick up on it? He had never been particularly spiritual, his mom was more like that if anything, but considering all of the weird stuff he’d learned about in the last couple of years, maybe spirituality wasn’t that farfetched? Maybe all it was was some strange state of mind that everybody could dip into and El with her experience had just taught him to do that? But why didn’t Will pick up on it, then? And what was that about Mike “not answering”?

He turns over on his side with a frustrated, sleepless sigh, laying one of his hands on the empty pillow beside him, wishing that Nancy was here. She always knew how to make him feel less lost and alone. Always listened even if he wasn't always that good at talking. But maybe it was stupid to bring this up.

Don’t stir shit up again, he tells himself. Don't bring all of this up again. They’ve had enough.

In the following week Will and El convince Jonathan to do the blindfolded sessions again to try and dip into whatever had happened that Friday afternoon. Jonathan even goes into his own room with El’s guidance to try and tap into Will in theirs and vice versa, but nothing comes of it. Will can’t seem to understand either El or Jonathan’s explanations on how he needs to feel to go there and honestly Jonathan has no idea how to describe it anyway. They all conclude that blindfolds aren’t going to cut it for either of them right now.

Maybe it was a fluke. Just a lapse or gap, like when the stylus jumps on his record player sometimes.

 “How's El doing?” Nancy asks him as they gaze at the stars twinkling in the clear midnight sky, huddled up on the hood of his car.

“She's good,” he answers with a nod and then chuckles lightly. “She did pretty well on her English test today apparently.” He catches her eyes, a smile playing on his lips. She smiles back.

“It was her mostly, I just gave her the push.”

“A pretty important push, though.” Jonathan’s brow creases with a hint of concern. “She’s very happy to have you, you know. I mean...we are.”

Nancy’s smile widens as she hums in response and settles against his chest. “It’s the least I can do. She’s a smart kid.”

Jonathan squeezes her shoulder gently and peers out into the black expanse once again. “Yeah. She is.”

They sit in silence for a moment and soon enough his thoughts start running and mixing up. He feels like the towering darkness might threaten to swallow them whole, that feeling of being completely lost in endless blackness rushes back to the front of his mind. Nancy must’ve noticed his heart racing because she sits up.

“I wonder how she does it,” he mumbles.

Nancy tilts her head at him. “What?” she quips. “Study?”

“No,” he grins. “I mean the things she does. You know… Closing gates with her mind. Opening jars of peanut butter.” His eyes escape to the sky again, distant. “Talking…”

“Talking?”

“Yeah. Like she did with Will...and-”

“Mind reading?”

Jonathan catches a rebuttal in his throat and swallows it. “Uh, yeah. Sure.”

Nancy sighs. “I don’t know.” He feels her eyes search for his and he comes back down to meet them. She looks worried. “Why? Did something happen? To her?”

Her big, blue eyes are piercing him. Something tightens in his chest as it plans an escape, but he just shakes his head. “Oh. No, it’s fine. I just…” He attempts a smile. “I get curious sometimes, I guess. Like how she feels about it. Trying to have a normal life when you can do those kind of...things.”

“Yeah. I can’t even imagine. I don’t think anyone can, really.”

He looks down at his hands while she continues.

“But she’s doing so good. I just hope she knows that there’s people here that love her, that don’t want to use her because of that. That there’s nothing wrong with her.”

He smiles again, and this time it feels genuine.

  One morning Jonathan is making breakfast as usual, thinking about the recent events. He looks down into the frying pan at the eggs simmering there and his mind starts to wander, his brother’s words from that day echoing in his head.

What if you can do things like El can? What if you can move things too?

Ridiculous. But what if- Maybe...?

He locks his gaze onto one of the eggs he’s frying, focusing on its vacant, sunny side up eye. Dives deeper and deeper into it until everything stops around them, trying to focus. It required something like focus. A deep focus. Come on. Do a thing. Wait, no, don’t think. Just focus. Shut up brain. Ok, slowly WAIT WHAT-

The egg suddenly shoots up from its place in the pan.

“Jesus-! Shit-!” Jonathan yells, getting so startled he accidentally smacks it out of the air with the spatula. It lands somewhere on the floor with a firm splat and he fumbles around to find his balance, but instead finds Will and El standing on the other end of the kitchen, frozen in place and eyes wide.

“Guys, what-?!” he pants, dazed by the sudden rush of adrenaline. Will starts to stammer his apologies, but Hopper comes storming into the kitchen to interrupt him.

“Hey! What’s going on in here?”

---

In the evening Jonathan attempts to read before bed, but can’t seem to focus. He’s been staring at the words of that same sentence over and over and finally he surrenders. He puts the book down with a deep sigh, sitting up on the edge of his bed. Leans his tired head into slow, kneading hands. The pressure to his closed eyes makes shapes grow out of the darkness and he watches them tumble on the inside of his lids for a moment before a ghostly pull makes him straighten up with a hitch in his breath. His room fades back into existence, lit and warm and not dark.

There’s a knock on the door and he turns to see El standing in the small gap where he’d left it partly open.

“Hey,” he says softly, getting up to greet her at the door.

“Hey,” she echoes and nods at him.

He opens the door further and the corner of his mouth tilts up. “What’s up?”

“Can I come in?”

Before Jonathan can accept she steps inside and he blinks at her boldness, stumped, but also kind of amazed. She turns around when she reaches his bed and he raises his eyebrows at her in question. She nods and he closes the door.

“I want to apologize,” she states suddenly after a moment of silence.

“Oh?”

“About the egg.”

“Ooh.” He wants to laugh, but she looks dead serious, and he clears his throat. “You don't need to apologize, El. I wasn't angry with you, I just got...startled.”

She looks conflicted. “Will thought it would be funny. I didn’t want to scare you.”

“I know you didn’t try to scare me,” he smiles reassuringly. “It’s fine, really.”

She sighs and slumps down on the foot of his bed.

“Although…” Jonathan says sitting down next to her, arms resting on his knees, his smile widening. “You wouldn’t think it about Will, but he's got a bit of a mischievous side.”

“Mischievous..?”

“Oh, uh...playful? Likes to play pranks?”

“Hm.” She considers the word for a moment before nodding decidedly. “Yes.”

“He gets playful. When he’s good.” Jonathan’s eyes drift down to the floor, his smile fading somewhat. “When the nightmares aren’t there and he’s not as anxious.” His hands twist into themselves in his lap. ”I don’t want him to grow up hiding that...but I don’t know if I can talk to him properly sometimes. I don’t know if he feels like I understand.” He looks back up at her. “But maybe you can.”

“He does,” El says and a smile finds its way to her lips too. “He talks to me a lot.”

Jonathan nods slowly at that, heart easing from knowing that at least El could be there for his brother. “Yeah? That’s good to hear.”

“But who do you talk to?” She’s looking serious again and her bluntness never fails to throw him off. He fumbles to find the words, running a hand through his hair.

“Uuh, I talk to people. Or I don’t necessarily need- Or- I’m talking to you right now?”

A brow twitches on her face. “Has it come back?”

He looks at her for a second and then sighs as his eyes drift back to the floor. “No…” He shakes his head. “No. I don’t know if there’s anything there honestly. But I feel like I’m going a bit crazy thinking about it.”

“You haven’t been taking any pictures lately.”

That gets to him. She’s absolutely right, he hasn’t. He hasn’t even thought about that. Or maybe he has, maybe even a lot, but has only managed to teeter on the edge of that thought, afraid of what it means.

“Have you gone to the darkroom?” she asks.

He may be darting his eyes back and forth a bit and stuttering a negative. He may not have been super keen on bringing his camera anywhere. He may even have sort of...avoided the darkroom...a bit.

“Will you?”

“Yeah, of course.” She gives him an incredulous look, something he’s sure she’s picked up from Mike. “Eventually. I know there was something about it that triggered the…” His brows tighten. “Thing. It’s why the blindfolds aren’t working.”

El nods and grabs his hand, peering into his eyes. “If it happens...when you’re in there. You know where I am.”

He smiles tenderly. “I do.”

  Jonathan realizes that he can’t stay away from the darkroom forever. He can’t just give up his grades and his passion for photography because of this. He’s already failed his latest assignment and it’s getting out of hand. It’s stupid, really.

He’s got an extra long lunch break one day and he finally decides to visit the darkroom again. As usual nobody visits on lunch hours. After he drops his things on one of the counters he just stands there leaning on it for a while, biting on one of his nails, stalling. Anxiety is rising in his chest, but as his eyes move across the room at all of the equipment, things that had always brought him comfort and escape when there was none, it eventually morphs into frustration. Ok, fine. Fine!

Making sure the radio is tuned to static - which is most frequencies anyway - he barges into the prep room and slams the door shut. Lays his hands flat on the counter, closes his eyes. Come on. No, focus first. Think about her, the photographs. Like last time.

He’s still got his hands planted firmly on the counter. Nothing is slipping away, nothing takes over. Nothing.

Just come on. Come on you son of a bitch, show me. Show me!

His eyes fly open when he realizes he shouted that last part.

  It’s a sunny Sunday afternoon in September and Jonathan’s hanging out with Will at Castle Byers in the woods behind their house. He’s got his camera with him for the first time in weeks, trying to catch the crisp light filtering through the yellowing trees and playing over his brother’s shy smiles.

While Jonathan’s busy looking up at the crowns through the lens Will suddenly pops up behind him and squeezes his sides - Jonathan’s biggest weak spot. He yelps and they look at each other for a few astonished seconds before Will sets off and he chases after. Before long he catches up. Will was getting taller, but was still small enough for Jonathan to lift easily and he wraps his arms around his brother’s waist, picking him up in laughing triumph.

Later Will retreats to his castle to do some drawing. Eventually Jonathan joins him to inspect his brother’s newest works - it’s been a while since he’s gotten a closer look at them. He was getting so insanely good, he thinks out loud, and quietly wishes that Will would never, ever stop drawing.

There’s lots of knights and mythical beasts, as is the usual theme. Jonathan’s glad to find that the likeness to the shadow monsters and demons from that other place has faded somewhat over time, but he also understands that portraying them was a way for his brother to process what he’d been through. Now however, there is once again drawings of his friends as their D&D characters. There's even some new ones he hasn’t seen before like a girl with fiery hair in a cloak wielding daggers and another one with brown curls in purple robes and a staff in her hand, eyes glowing. Must be Max and El he figures, and confirms it when Will stops his drawing briefly to explain their classes.

As Jonathan flips through more drawings he comes across another character he’s never seen before. He’s got brown, wild hair and wears a combination of robes, leather and mail with deep maroon details, kneeling in front of two wizards with a sword in one hand and an orb of fire floating in the other. His expression is calm, eyes closed sagely. Jonathan elbows Will in the side gently to get his attention.

“Hey, who’s this? I’ve never seen him before.”

Will looks over. “Oh. Uuh…” He escapes back to his drawing and mumbles “It’s...you.”

“What?” Jonathan laughs. “I’ve got a character too?”

Will can’t help but to smile and nods.

“That’s so cool! I don’t even play!” Jonathan exclaims and nudges closer to his brother. “So what does he do? He looks like a knight, but has magic like a wizard.”

“Yeah, he’s...something in between. Like a war mage.”

“War mage?”

“They’re mainly warriors, but in lighter armor, and can use some magic too.”

“Ooh.” Jonathan turns his attention to the kind of magic at hand and hums curiously. “Isn’t it your character that usually throws the fireballs, though?”

Will shakes his head. “Not so much anymore. And...you did it too-” He hesitates for a second and then adds “With the Demogorgon.”

Jonathan’s smile fades and something sinks in the pit of his stomach at the mention of that terrifying monster...that terrifying night. “Oh. Well...It was just a lighter,” he mumbles. “Not magic.”

Will shrugs, keeping his eyes on his drawing. “Mmh. Either way you did the talking thing like El does, so your character needed to have some magic like hers.”

Jonathan stares at the drawing in his hands for a while. “You still think I can do it?”

“Totally.” Will looks up. “Don’t you?”

“I don’t know. It hasn’t happened again.”

“Have you told Nancy about it?”

“No. It’s just…” Jonathan shakes his head and sighs. “I don’t know what that was. It was weird for sure, but I don’t know if it really means anything. I don’t want to go around saying things like that for nothing, you know? Worrying people for nothing-”

“So if it’s nothing, why don’t you just tell her?” Will retorts without second thought. Jonathan doesn’t quite know what to say to that, a bit taken aback at his brother’s astute comment. He glances over at Will's current drawing to find the knight together with the curly-haired wizard and the blue cleric, standing on a rock looking out over a vast, barren landscape. Far off in the distance there's a giant, ominous fortress growing out of an erupting volcano.

“I guess you’re right.”

  A couple of days later he’s back in the darkroom again, this time to develop that Sunday afternoon film. He’s a bit hesitant to close the door to the prep room, but then shakes his head at himself. It was fine last time. I even tried. It’s nothing.

That familiar darkness embraces him as the last slivers of crimson light rip away. He slips into his usual rhythm, pulling the spool out of the canister and the echoing sound of the film being rotated into place on the holder. Will was going to be excited to see these pictures, he’s sure of it. Then the scissors snap and everything goes to shit again.

Oh no, he thinks without anger or remorse; just a curious observation of the situation. Everything slows to a comfortable, floaty halt before static needles itself into his brain, stabs him with questions and cries for help and every voice in the universe fits in his head like a stampede that crushes him under its massive hooves-

That gasp for air.

He’s back. He’s back in here, in that place. Endless void of endless blackness of endless silence. No up or down, nothing solid or real.

But, he realizes, that means there's somebody in here. He can find a point of reference like last time. No need to panic, don’t panic, just find the reference point-

“Jonathan?” a voice echoes from far away. He turns around.

“Will!”

His brother is slowly emerging from the darkness. “You did it! Are you in the…?”

“The darkroom, yeah. I didn't mean to do it, it just-”

Suddenly something rattles and Will’s figure blurs. He’s still approaching, but he doesn't seem to be moving. Jonathan hurries to him.

“Will? Will!”

Will answers, but there's nothing he can make of it. A slow, pulsating beat of a heart seeps into his consciousness and surrounds him, thrums and overpowers him. He looks around to find its source but there’s nothing and when he looks back to Will he finds he's no longer there. He’s alone again in the dark.

Heavy breaths the size of tornadoes burst into his ears and through the deafening noise another voice cries out his name in panic and he runs towards it, wherever that is. It’s cold, the crunch of twigs is underneath his feet, the flicker of a light hisses in his face and blinds him. He recoils and staggers, and as he regains his sight he realizes that the crunch isn’t coming from twigs, but from white, cracking, festering bones.

Then it stabs him in the back. With claws and a million teeth it pulls him down into the nothingness.

When his head hits a wall he knows he's back, falling down into a heap on the floor. Crimson flashes over him as a door flings open and a figure appears in its way, a pair of familiar blue eyes staring back at him.

“Jonathan?!”

Nancy…