#please enjoy some thirsty lesbians

[bewildereye]

blood hostage

[mooestriovermind]

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most important information

important information

please read

positive information

negative information

#tag

et cetera descriptive or ancillary text

Anons and DMs are always open! If you do want to directly message me, I highly recommend adding me on

my discord: mindgirl

I may occasionally edit this pinned post with new / remembered information to better express myself.

Beginning of bio for short attention span havers:

Names: Amaranth / Amy (please ask before using Amy)

My age, as of my birthday in 2023: 23 years old

My preferred pronouns: she/they/it

My preferred honorifics: Ma'am, Miss - Ask before using any others

Sexuality/Romance/Etc: Demisexual/Asexual, Panromantic, Poly

Likes, in no particular order:

TTRPGs, TCGs, Video Games, Writing, Art, Music, Theatre, Movies, TV Shows, Animation, Cooking / Baking, Computer Science, Psychology, Hypnosis, Learning, All forms of life, Defiance in the face of injustice, Kindness, Empathy, Therapy, Anything that pisses off my mother, Webcomics (yes including that one), Generally pretty much every form of telling stories available to me

TTRPGs that I play / have played or at least read some:

DnD 5e, Pathfinder 2e, Masks, Dungeon World, Thirsty Sword Lesbians

Favorite Foods/Drinks, in no particular order:

Takis, Raspberries, Blackberries, Crispy ginger beef, Broccoli with cheese, shrimp fried rice, Monkey bread, Catfish, Homemade kombucha, Dr. Pepper, Water, Sourdough bread

I will probably immediately like you in some capacity if you meet one of the following criterion:

Goth, Punk, current or former "Scene" girl, Woman (bonus points if your hair is short), Witch/etc, GNC, Using "She/Her, They/Them, She/They, or Fae/Faer" pronouns, Nice to me

Disclaimer:

I hold the stance that to believe every single cishet man to be a chaser or bigoted is bigoted in itself, so don't discount yourself if you are both a cisgender man and only into women, you still have a chance, even if I may be biased against you.

Dislikes, in no particular order:

Purposeful lack of empathy, Executive tasks, Purposeful ghosting, The USA, Law enforcement, Any form of purposeful bigotry, Gatekeeping, Calling anything/anyone "cringy," Myself, "cancelling" someone/something without significant evidence and reason to do so, deciding that something/someone is unequivocally good or bad, rejecting the idea that people change, Logical fallacies, the word "Lazy," Conflict, Rejection, Purposeful lack of honesty (especially in a relationship), excessive vegetables/greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, excessive onions, non-crunchy asparagus.

I'm just here looking for friends that enjoy similar things to what I also like to partake in, be they horny or not.

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Frequently used tags and what they mean:

#hypnosis, #cw hypnosis, #hypnok1nk

typically used as a trio when tagging hypnosis themed art, or any mention of hypnosis in an ask response or any post in general

#thoughts on the brain

always used for posts that are just rambles, or off topic

#my voice

will always be attached to posts that feature my voice in an audible format, whether directly attached or on the audio hosting website that I typically use

#my art, #digital art

Art that I have created. Will usually include #digital art, as pretty much all art that I make is in Clip Studio Paint

#ask response

A response to an ask. Exactly what you think it means.

#brainwashing

Explicit mention of some form of conditioning, classical or operant, usually paired with #hypnosis, #cw hypnosis, and #hypnok1nk.

#maestri sub tag

Woag me? A bottom? Surprising right? Wrong. This tag is for all of my posts (after a certain point where I started using the tag, I'm not going to find all my older subby posts and tag them) in which I am being a complete and utter subby little bottom. Please don't make fun of me too much.

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If you read all of my pinned post, congratulations! I will probably like you a lot more because you are emotionally invested in me and learning as much as you can about me.

:>

[burning-thistles-bt]

Lightningships... isn't it ironic the ArospecAce has the most partners/confirmed crushes/volatile love life? something something yearning for what you can't have

Obviously this isn't Lightningfur's first pride so you guys know the drill here, she's Aromantic-spectrum (disinclined towards romantic feelings but not incapable of feeling them to some capacity, often tilted towards a demiromantic way where she must be close to the cat first, but then she also only feels it sparsely/not strongly/not continuously), Asexual (feels no sexual attraction/lust, strongly sex-repulsed), and Lesbian (only experiences attraction towards feminine-presenting people)!

BT Mild-to-Semi-Major Spoilers Below (depends on how well you theorize)

SilverLightning - ohhh the yearning and the can't-having! First of all, they're besties <3 a tale I've told a hundred times, Lightningfur isn't even aware she has any kind of crush on Silverstream and Silverstream is tragically Straight. And that's completely true - Silverstream holds no romantic feelings for Lightningfur. Her heart never does a little flip for Lightningfur and she never looks at her and thinks "wow, she's kind of pretty..." That being said, Lightningfur is her Fucking Bestie. And, well, okay, actually, that's Lightningfur. You don't mess with Lightningfur's bestie. Lightningfur is a very possessive person who wants everything that's "hers" to stay hers. She's self-centered in that way, but Silverstream is a more "carefree" kind of self-centered. The world resolves around her, and Lightningfur is just another planet in her orbit... She cares a lot about Lightningfur, but it's not until certain events occur that Silverstream begins to realize she's not the world... and that Lightningfur is the only one who ever believed her to be. Who knows, maybe they'll both get their happy ever afterlife...

SedgeLightning - we all know this story too, Sedgecreek is blindly head over heels for Lightningfur for... some reason. Needless to say, the recent killing of Spottedleaf has definitely shaken Sedgecreek, but she still holds out hope because it was "just an accident..." Though, how long that hope will last stands to be seen... Sedgecreek's crush on Lightningfur was not entirely unreciprocated - Lightningfur, at her weakest after Silverstream's death, was certainly yearning for some kind of comfort, even if she would never ever admit it. While it wasn't necessarily a crush to the degree she had on Silverstream or will have on Fury, there was definitely a kind of "give me attention, please love me" to her, even as she said and did the exact opposite. A little "what if...?" perhaps, that Lightningfur never let herself think long about because, ew, Sedgecreek is annoying, and also, she totally definitely doesn't want a mate. Which is/was true, until Silverstream died, and she had an eternal epiphany that she mentally blocked out (because Silverstream was basically hers and now she's alone).

FuriousLightning - FURY AND LIGHTNINGFUR!!! THE SHIP EVER!!!! Ahahahahaha, I'm so obsessed with them. Okay, let's start here: Lightningfur is at the end of her rope. No, actually, the ropes been fucking burned, and she's lost and hopeless and going crazy. And here's Fury, flirting with her. Lightningfur doesn't know what the fuck Fury is doing, but she does know she loves how crazy Fury is. How blood-thirsty she is and how powerful and loud and angry. Fury is the first cat who truly matches her skill and drive, and Lightningfur is already enjoying the company of such a strong murderer (at this point, not in a romantic way, it's just admirance/desire for friendship). Fury, meanwhile, sees Lightningfur's similar bloodlust and lack of fear or cowardship, and is immediately intrigued. Fury is a bit of a compulsive flirter, the kind of girl going to parties just to sleep with people and steal their wallets during the ordeal. Though, the fact that Lightningfur gets confused rather than flustered when she flirts with her is definitely very amusing to Fury. Lightningfur is a curious soul to her, one that Fury is eager to take a closer look at, and when that rope burns, she might just have her opportunity... Lightningfur is desperate for company, something to (guide her) sink her claws into and call her own, and her eyes are opened up to new possibilities she'd always thought ridiculous and pointless as a new dawn starts for her. Anything to feel like she's still in control.

???Lightning - Đ̸̳̙̦͒̊̀̓́͊̂̌́̍̄̓̚͘̕͘Ø̶̡̨͍̤̫͔͔͕̜͈͈̒̉͗̿̌̅̉̉₦̴̠̱̺̰̰̦͙̰͈͙͖̬̗̠̎̅̉̀̈́̈͆͜'̴͓͔͎̪͈̤̳̹͙͔̠̗͆͛̌̂̋̒̒͐̐̐̌́͘̚̚͜ͅ₮̸̫̈̾͒͋ ̸̨̲̱̲̹̪̲̻̦͔̆͗͗̐̃̋͒ͅ₮̴̧͔̫͖̜̰̬̹̰͈͇̜͓͈̮͒̈́̿̂͜Ø̶̧̣̭̭̹̀̔́̋͊͗͑̒̚̚Ʉ̵̧̜̲͇̥̻̌͑̍̐̐̋́̽̈́͐̓̔̈́̕̚͜͠₵̵͔̂̐̃̓Ⱨ̸̧̻͎̺̫̹̝͎̮̦̣͚̰̾̓̑͒̿̆́͛͊̂̒ ̵̲̩͓͉̹̦̮̈́͗͋̀͑͑̀̀̕͠₥̸̘͈̻͕̿̾̿̑͠͝Ɇ̷̨̫̰͇̞͔̖͇̤͙̫̲͉̒̈́̋̊̂̓͌̿̕

CinderLightning - A ship long revealed at this point, Cinders and Lightningfur!!! Oh the spoilers to be had.... If you've caught onto the pattern of the Lightningships, you'll know that they're not all so easily happy and lovey dovey like FireSand or CopperDawn or RavenBarley. No, they're far from it. But I'd like to think this is the closest you'll get to it for Lightningfur, outside of SilverLightning's friendship when Silverstream was alive. At this point in Lightningfur's life, she knows exactly what she wants and she's going to fucking keep it this time---"You're MINE." And Cinders? Cinders is more than fine with it as long, especially after recent events, and she just wants to stay safe and protected and she'll pretend to be a little dumber so it'll stay that way for the both of them. Lightningfur makes a surprisingly good housewife, no? And an even better guard dog.

[lxdymoon0357]

Ayyy! Assign your mutuals as some of your favorite manhwas!

I ALSO WANTED TO DO THIS!!!!

----------

Remarried Empress: @d10nsaint (know, yes I know this manhwa is quite overrated, but the art-design is very aesthetic and eye-pleasing and the characters are quite well developed as compared to other manhwas and the villainess is absolutely kissable like you &lt;;3)

Beware of the Villainess: @rouecentric (I absolutely loves this manhwa and I still do! It's my second most comforting manhwa. The characters are quite well developed and the art style is very comforting and the memes are top-tier. Also you have an absolutely kissable and huggable, wolf, softy male lead!! I love HIM and YOU!!!!)

The Villainess Is A Marionette: @dxmoness (A beautiful art-style, just like you! Also you have a bunch of beautiful characters, whom are all horrible, but at-least they're pretty? Also the main characters are amazing and gorgeous, but more than you, but still very beautiful!)

Death Is the Only Ending For the Villainess: @imbouttasue (Another one which has a good art-style, with an amazing strong female lead and horrible male leads....It's okay cause the beauty of the female lead and other female character makes us forget the shitty brothers and father, also the plot is god-tier and goddamn amazing!!!! With a hot, blood-thirsty, little-meow meow, crown prince!!!!)

The Villainess reverses the hourglass: @fuoon (A strong Female lead and another one with horrible family issues, but the female lead's parents are absolutely simpable....They total milf and dilf materials...sadly....Also the villainess was thrown the wrong way about commoners by her dumbass maid...amazing art-style, strong female leads, puppy male leads)

Siren's Lament: @honestly-oceanie (An amazing story about heart-break, sirens and water...-3-..I love water....<3 Also the story includes some of the cutest characters and an amazing plot about a girl, her crush and a siren friend who shares his siren curse with her and whom helps her find a way out for both of them! My no. 3 comfort manhwa)

Who made me a princess: @yonokomizuka  @myearts-uwu (Both of them are my older moots, from the Rashta/Jennette lover, Rashta X Navier and Jennette X self-love times...Good times, but this manhwa was the first every manhwa I ever encountered...It has a good a good art-style, with amazing women in it!!! Diana, Jennette, Penelope, Lily, and Myra!!!! All are amazing and this manhwa describes these two the best, for half-their content is this manhwa only and the 'who made me a princess' tag is only surviving thanks to these two! Love you!)

I became the Hero's Rival: @mayuisyuki (Mayu, me dear summer child. Though we don't talk often, your comedy is top-tier, also I have a feeling you freeze when you get into contact with the opposite sex...No matter, how hot they are....Also your sweetness might pull in a hot pair of siblings, yet also jealous competition...Love you tho<3)

Father, I don't want this marriage: @meenasmagic (A beautiful ass, female lead with a hot ass father and male lead...The art work does confuse me from time to time, but it's amazing! The female lead's father does love her but he hides it so nothing happens to her, and he regrets it and after the time has been reset, the father and the daughter are both out to make things right!!!...Wrong explanation, I know!)

Miss-not-so-sidekick: @parad0xang3l  (my No. 1 comfort manhwa. An amazing female lead, who knows her way around using memes and acting, her hot mage husband and a hot knight and one prince, with an obnoxious female lead who thinks she's all that...Yes I enjoy such female leads, especially when they lose everything and also, Yoko is my comfort teddy.)

Your throne: @dion-s-lawyer (A powerful female lead with her Lesbian friend and annoying and possessed prince fiancée...I love this manhwa, but it's quite complex for my dumb little mind...But the power of Lesbians in this really overpowers everything, her brother is hot as well and so is her childhood friend...)

The marronnier farm near the imperial palace: @sidra-29 (An adorable manhwa, fit for our baby Sidra. The female leads owns a farm right in the imperial palace and wins over everyone's heart with her amazing cooking skills and though she has jealous fans, she gets past those as well!!! I love this manhwa, but it's not complete...:(((( ...)

The way to protect the female lead's older brother: @that-one-pretty-bitch (She's deadly, beautiful and amazing...What else does Oliara need in her life? Oh right! A beautiful yet shitty family and an equally handsome and gorgeous husband!!! Also an obsession with blood and beauty!! Can probably seduce everyone, the art-style of this manhwa ais just as deadly, cause once you start reading this, you can't stop...)

0397.. : @broken-mandolin0357 @nana-hiki (My manhwa!!! Not introduced to the world yet..but still want to give you all a sneak peek of what's inside. The story if of a girl with her twin brother, who's stuck inside a lab which does illegal experiments on kids and so it's upto her and other kids whom she ahs never met before to escape this place, into a place, while they train to be amazing assassin by the girl's father figure and family figures!!! Not good at explaining, but still love it!)

Tsundere delinquent Bully: @ramblehour (not a manhwa, but deserves a special mention for staying in my mind 24/7 and stop me from thinking of anything else..I'm not lying I constantly have thoughts of this and at-least I have someone who shares this same obsession with me!!! Love you Moki!!)

The first night with the duke: @honeyandbiscuitandtea-cafe (Love this manhwa, it has enough amount of angst and enough amount of action for me!! This is the type of manhwa, which you don't get bored of reading because it has some good scene and it has a calm setting, not to actiony, not to angsty, not too funny, just enough of all the good things!!! Love this manhwa!)

Limited time extra: @meow-meow-potato (the moment I saw the art-style I fell in love, the story does include a horrible family, but it also includes the power of art and talent, also a cute love-story between the female lead and her fiancée! Also a bit of heart-break, but I love this!!!)

[floral-fawn27]

Hello Lovely People! 🌺

Did an introduction post long ago, and now that I'm properly back, I'll reintroduce myself!

Hi!!! My name is Fawn, Fletch or Lex! (You can use them all interchangeably or only use one, idm :>)

I'm 19 years old, nonbinary/transgender and bisexual, aswell as xenogender (pinkgender)

I am an artist, writer and advid ttrpg enjoyer! I'll mostly be reblogging things here or posting my art, writings and rants about my interests ^_^. Stick around if you want!

DNI:

Please just block me or don't interact if you:

• Are homophonic, transphobic, anti-xenogender or anti-neopronoun, racist/sexist, etc.

• Are a Proshipper, loli/shotacon, "pedosexual", MAP, zoophile, etc.

Just don't interact with me if you're gonna be a jerk or think my existence is troublesome or something, thanks!

ANYWAYS! Learn a bit about me! 🌺

(*^▽^)/★*☆♪

My interest include:

- General -

• Dungeons and Dragons 5e

• Vampire: the Masquerade, Vampire: The Requiem

• Mage: The Awakening 3e

• Blades in the Dark, Glitter Hearts, Thirsty Sword Lesbians, TTRPGS in general

• Cookie Run Kingdom, Cookie Run Ovenbreak

• Puella Magi Madoka Magica

• Lego Ninjago

• Jojo's Bizzare Adventure

• Team Fortress 2

• Pressure, Doors, Regretevator (Roblox)

• The Amazing Didgital Circus!

• Steven Universe, Steven Universe Future

And more!

- Musical -

In general, I love Scenecore, Scene, Hyperpop, Indie, Rock, Musicals, and...Basically everything. Specially:

• Dear Evan Hanson, Ride the Cyclone, Hamilton, Be More Chill, Heathers, Anastasia

• TWRP, Bruno Mars, Poppy, Melanie Martinez, Banshee, ICP, The Amazing Devil, Chapell Roan, ZØMB, Ricky Montgomery, Conan Grey, Miracle Musical, Mitski, Rio Romeo, MARINA, IDKHOW, and more!

Some Fav Songs:

AND THATS ALL FOR NOW! Hope you all enjoy what you'll see from me! ^_^

[iwhisperinthedarkness]

Systems and my thoughts (in no particular order):

DnD5e: Good, solid system, especially because it's the one most people know. Playing a long term campaign rn and would probably use it again, but dislike that there is no good system for lingering damage and combat could be nicer

Pathfinder2e: Played some Onshots and a Mini-Campaign. Prefer Combat rules to DnD5e, contender for long term campaign Ig

World of Darkness: Horror System I played a mini campaign in. I liked it and I think I could imagine another mini campaign with it. Sadly I REALLY disliked the people I played it with which left a bit of an imprint on that but oh well. Should try again.

Crypto: A pretty niche SciFi System which I played a OneShot in. Super fun and farely rules-arm but would definitely like to play again and seems good for a oneshot or mini campaign.

Old School Essentials: Played a Oneshot in it. Was okay, less rules heavy than many other fantasy systems but I didn't enjoy it THAT much as a system. Could imagine playing another Oneshot in it, but wouldn't use it for longterm play.

Daggerheart: Played a Oneshot in it (Playtest, were not the finalized rules so take with a grain of salt). Liked the d12 system and classes and stuff, but felt a bit unfinished and disliked the death/dying rules. Need to check it out again before final judgement about long term play.

Thirsty Sword Lesbians: YES FUN SO GOOD played a OneShot and desperately wanna do it again. Idk if I would play a multi year campaign in it but like, a 3-4 months one? DEFINITELY.

Everyone, if you try one system on this list make it Thirsty Sword Lesbians!!

Agon RPG: Played a Oneshot. Monster of the weel and is greek heroes themed- super unique and really liked the system! Based on the PARAGON system and I really need to check out more. Would also be nice for like a few months at most, couldn't imagine a multi-year campaign in it.

Alien RPG: So, I played a Oneshot in this without ever watching a single one of the Alien movies. It was a lot of fun, but idk if I would absolutely need to play it again. But if you are a fan of the Alien movies PLEASE check it out!!

Starcrossed Lovers: Now THIS is different because it's a two person game which seems more like collaborative storytelling. Each one of you has a character and the two are starcrossed lovers. Involves a Jenga tower. Very intense but played it with a complete stranger and absolutely loved it :D

[thescarletwitchsapprentice]

Imagine: The Queen didn’t expect that you’d react like this when she took you captive as her beloved. (Yandere!Dark?Queen!Wanda Maximoff/Yandere!Dark?Queen!Scarlet Witch x female!lesbian!simp!reader)

*Not my GIF.

(CW: Slight sexual content, but nothing explicit except tongues in mouths likely badly written, reader is (once again) down bad for powerful women, reader is (once again) a hopeless lesbian simp, but this time it’s to the point that she’s willing to become a ghost for her, praise, sensual touch, maybe some innuendos)

Author’s Note: Not surprisingly the last simping imagine got some good reception, so here’s one of her in her queen!persona. So now you can royally simp for her, you thirsty lesbians.

How does a vampire!wanda version of this sound to you?

No one ever dares to think to deny Queen Maximoff her happiness. It’s not that people fear her--at least not all of the time--but she knows what she wants. Or in this case who she wants.

And now she has who she wants.

“Oh, she’s so lovely,” she sighs as she strokes the side of your face, waiting for the moment you two make eye contact. “She’ll make a beautiful queen for me.”

She sets up a lovely dress and crown to give you, perhaps they may soothe your nerves when you awaken. Speaking of....

You begin to stir in Queen Maximoff’s bed. Her smile becomes loving, but also a bit unhinged.

You open your eyes. Queen Maximoff is right next to you. 

“Welcome home, my beloved,” she sighs amorously. 

Your head shoots to look at her and your eyes widen.

“Please don’t be afraid,” she tells you. “I have some courting gifts for you, my sweet.”

“Courting?!” you gasp. “Like.....prepping for marriage?”

“Yes, indeed,” she nods as she pets your head. “I’ve waited for this moment for ages, and now I have you. You’re all mine.....Now as I said, please don’t be afraid.”

But to her surprise, a smile forms on your face.

“Afraid? Afraid?” you laugh. “Why would I be afraid? This is the best day of my entire life!”

The Queen blinks in surprise.

“Queen Maximommy wants to marry me?! A lowly peasant, *cough, cough* who wants you to sit and step on her *cough, cough* from the poorest part of the kingdom?”

You shoot up and pants excitedly like a dog.

“I can be your little baby. Your puppy. Kitty. Hell, I’ll even be furniture! You need a new throne? Maybe a rug? I could hold up a mirror!”

The queen is in disbelief, but it quickly becomes anger.

“Is....is this some sort of mockery?!” she stammers with a look of fury in her eyes, making you stop and whimper excitedly.

“Your momjesty, h-have I been naughty?” you ask innocently. “Are you gonna put me in a fear projection?”

She grabs you by the collar of your potato sack shirt and tilts her head.

“I don’t enjoy being mocked.” The accent is deep in her voice making you moan a bit. “Do you think this is funny?!”

“No!” you exclaim. “I’m dead serious about this, your momjesty! I’ve been hoping and waiting for you to take me. I don’t care if it’s as a consort, a knight, a guard, a lady-in-waiting, hell even as a prisoner in the dungeon. I just want to be close to you in some way. I’m completely yours. You could evict me from my house and I’d cry tears of joy. You could break my spine a thousand times over and I’d ask if you were okay. You could literally execute me and my ghost would worship you a thousand times over.....I’m not joking, Queen Maximommy. Not even a little. I’m down 

bad 

for powerful women and I have no shame in admitting it. Absolutely none.”

The queen is in absolute shock. There’s not even a hint of a lie in your eyes.

“I’m absolutely serious, your momjesty,” you insist. “Literally just sit on me, break my back, put me under the blade of a guillotine, and I’d be in tears of joy....in more places than one, if you catch my drift.” (dear god why did i write that?)

Hearing this the queen blushes and chuckles.

“Oh.....oh my....this is quite unprecedented. I truly thought you’d be afraid of me.”

Plucking up more courage, you cup her face.

“Mommy,” you whisper with a straight face, (which is the only straight thing about you and we all know it) looking her dead in the eyes. “If I am ever afraid of you, please know that I am also absolutely turned on at the same time.”

Before you know it, you pull her into a kiss. Your tongue makes its way into her mouth and you feel hers inside of your mouth. (Is....is this how it works?) The two tongues have a sword fight of passion (Please tell me, is this how it works? Is this what people call frenching?) before you pull back. You and the queen are both blushing vibrantly as the two of you fully realize what just happened. (unlike the author who has never been in a relationship, let alone fully kissed someone on the lips, in her entire life)

“I....I’ve never had someone kiss me like that before,” Wanda giggles shyly after a few moments of silence.

“I never thought.....that I’d have the courage to kiss anyone like that before, let alone the queen,” you admit.

You two are blushing like schoolgirls in an anime, occasionally playing footsie. Is it childish? Maybe, but you’re with the woman you’ve been obsessed with for years. And all this time, she’s been obsessed with you. What could be better than this?

“Come,” Wanda says, sliding over to the other side of the bed. “What’s say we have some cuddles and watch sitcoms? Then we’ll plan our wedding.”

“Does that include the night after?” You wink at her. “Because I’ve got kind of a thing for petting and praise.”

She blushes again.

“We’ll get to that,” she says. “.....my good girl.”

Your heart practically stops when you hear those last three words. They echo deep into your mind. You sigh ecstatically and pretend to faint onto the bed and into her arms. Soon you feel her twirl your hair in her fingers and you have the biggest smile on your face.

“I’ll be your good girl forever,” you say sweetly as you two fall asleep in each other’s arms. “Forever and ever.”

Wanda giggles before giving you a peck on the cheek.

“I know you will, baby girl.....

“I know you will....”

[0mrs-evans0]

𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬... 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞

Warnings: smut +18, sexual content, fingering, f x f, lesbian sex, cunnilingus, sex in public, cheating

+18 MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

Words: 1,8k

Summary: Your best friend helps you detach yourself from reality.

Natasha Romanoff x Fem!Reader

Enjoy the reading!

You were so tired of faking that everything is alright. Your relationship fell apart with each passing day. It wasn't the same as it used to be. Once you both loved each other, now you were together because it was much easier that way. Pretend you still feel something for him every day. Your life has become monotonous.

All the hours spent together looked the same. Nothing has changed. Well, maybe apart from the feeling you once had. You didn't feel anything for Bruce anymore. Just sad indifference. Pretending to be a happy couple in front of people was not easy. Just the thought of having to grab his hand made you disgusted. You didn't even sleep in one bed.

You weren't even sure what you were doing this for. You didn't care about him. Perhaps the thought that you would admit your mistake to your parents, who did not support the relationship from the beginning.

That evening you made an appointment with Natasha for a couple of drinks. You had a day off from work so you didn't want to stay home because you knew Bruce would be there. You didn't have to spend time with him unless it was necessary.

You started the preparations with a hot bath. You needed to relax, for a long time now your whole body was terribly tense. You poured your beloved chocolate bubble bath into the water. It was your favorite fragrance. You shake everything with your hand to make foam. You took off all your unnecessary clothing.

You stared at your naked reflection in the mirror for a moment. What happened to this confident young woman? Everything has changed since you started dating Bruce. You didn't feel so attractive anymore. You don't even remember the last time he praised you, what your body looks like. You wanted to see yourself as goddesses. You deserve it. You have decided that tonight will change your life. You will love yourself and your curves again.

You carefully put one foot in the bathtub, making sure the temperature is right. The water was hot. Only that could help soothe your sore muscles. You get immersed in the water. You don't remember the last time you were so relaxed. The light from the candles gave you a blissful feeling of peace. You reached for a glass of wine you put on the edge of the tub.

After an hour you stand on the bathroom tiles. You shudder at the feeling of their coldness, wrapped your body in a fluffy white towel, and brushed your teeth. Then did some facial treatments. The next step was to lubricate the body. For today, you've chosen a balm with a slightly chocolate-strawberry aroma.

Completely refreshed, you returned to the bedroom and then to the dressing room. From the cupboard, you pulled out new baby pink lace underwear. For a moment you wondered what to wear for tonight. You've chosen a short, satin dress that you haven't had the chance to test yet. Looking in the mirror you marveled at how well it fits all your curves. You looked really sexy. You finally felt as beautiful as one time.

You put on more makeup than usual. Now, your eyes were shimmering with the glitter you used. The lips looked really tempting in that blood-red lipstick. The confidence emanated from your posture, and that was it all about. The highlighter made you look like a celebrity.

You packed the phone and keys in a small purse. Finally, you were ready to leave. Without even looking at the couch where your "boyfriend" was sitting, you made your way to the door.

You got into the yellow taxi and after a while, you stood in front of the "Inferno" club illuminated by red neon lights. You wrote to Natasha, she was already inside.

Without waiting for anything else, you entered the club and immediately went to the bar next to which your friend was standing. "Hi!" As soon as Nat noticed you, she stepped off the barstool and hugged you. "You look so beautiful in that dress, honey!"

You smiled slightly at her praise. Bruce probably wouldn't even notice your little change. You ordered yourselves a drink, sitting at the bar all the time, laughing and talking. You don't even remember the last time you had so much fun. Banner restricted all of your life areas. You finally felt free. "That's my favorite song!" Romanoff tried to shout over the loud music. "You have to go dancing with me!"

Without waiting for your reply, she pulled your hand and led you out onto the crowded dance floor. Honestly, you didn't want to dance, but you didn't want to say "no" to her either.

You don't even know at what point you started rubbing against each other. The feeling of her body against yours was heavenly. Natasha, as if reading your mind, turned to look at you. You felt her hands on your hips. Your lips started a fight for domination. Her hand began to wander down your dress. She tugged its end gently.

Your whole body stiffened as Romanoff touched your smooth pussy. She didn't care if you were still on the dance floor full of people where someone might notice it at any moment. "God!" She moaned into your ear. "You're so wet for me. When was the last time someone touched you the way I do?" "I don't remember." Your cheeks turned red in the embarrassment. They resembled the color of a ripe tomato. Natasha did not expect such honesty.

She laughed a little, which made you worse embarrassed. Without asking any more questions, she took her hand out from your panties and licked her wet fingers provocatively.

After a while, you both ended up in a bathroom. Natasha pushed you onto the dark tiles. She smiled as she noticed the goosebumps on your skin. You couldn't help it that your own friend turned you on.

You had never thought of her that way before. "Tell me, sweetheart..." Her lips were on your neck. More shivers passed you as Natasha left bite marks on your sensitive skin. "Do you want me to ruin that pretty body of yours?" "Y-yes." You stuttered. "Yes, what?" She smiled maliciously.

"Yes, please." You said quietly. "You have to be louder. I want everyone in this fucking club to hear how thirsty you are for me. "Please fuck me!" You practically screamed. "If you are asking so nicely." She smiled seeing what state she brought you to. Just at that moment, you felt her fingers inside you.

You groaned out loud at a feeling you've never had before. You were not used to such delicate hands, but to be honest you liked what Natasha did to your body much more than men did.

Her fingers skimming along your slick lower lips. You couldn't help but keep out loud moans and gasps. Her free hand slid against the side of your face straight to the mouth. You sucked her finger at which Romanoff snarled loudly.

She had dreamed about this moment for so long. Now that she finally had you at her disposal, she couldn't get enough of your beautiful face. Your moans made Natasha want you even more. She has long suspected you're not straight. Tonight she found out the hard way.

Seeing her watching you fiercely, you pulled Natasha into a careless kiss. Her lips were soft and juicy. It was a nice change from the dry ones you've always been in contact with.

She cupped your jaw and titled your head back. She wanted to remember this view for the rest of her life. You were canting your hips for more. Natasha's fingers coated in your arousal. She was so close to your clit. She moved her thumb so she could circle it.

You were squirming at the pleasure she gave you. Your lips didn't part, you both wanted more. Suddenly she knelt down in front of you, tore your soaked panties to shreds, and made her way to your inner thighs. The feeling of her lips against your body was indescribable. You grabbed the strands of her hair with trembling hands. You weren't worried about her hairstyle, which was ruined at the moment. You had to hold on to the wall, you knew you could fall at any moment, and you were already very close to it.

Her tongue on your pussy was incredible. You knew this one time would not be enough. Natasha made you addicted to her touch and the pleasure it carried.

You were like a junkie, missing the right dose for months. Your friend was like a drug and you wanted more with every second. You would give anything to feel like this all the time. You were high. "I'm gonna cum." You moaned. "Cum, baby." She said with her lips still on your sensitive area. "Cum for me!"

"Everything fine there?" You heard a knock on the bathroom door and a concerned woman's voice. You got scared a little, but you didn't want Nat to stop. "Yeah! Everything is fine!" At the same moment you came with a loud groan.

Natasha laughed, which sent shivers down your body. "Did he ever make you so wet?" She asked with a mocking smile. Even though she had wanted you for a long time, playing with a girl of the would-be boyfriend was satisfying, to say the least. Romanoff knew she got you into a state you never knew before. Natasha made a beast out of you.

You came home on shaky legs. You still got chills at what you did with Nat. She made you addicted to herself. You wanted more and more.

When you entered the apartment, you noticed that Bruce was still sitting on the couch in the living room. Hearing the door open, he glanced towards you. "How was your night with Nat?" Bruce asked. He noticed the smudged lipstick you had all over your chin. "It was..." You have been wondering for a moment. "Intensive."

Just remembering it, wetness floated down your naked thighs.

[finitestateai]

Yeah, D&D and Pathfinder have taken over the space in a way that makes it extremely difficult for newcomers to actually find things. It's fucking annoying. Especially when I see people go "D&D is a story game." No. It's not. It's a meh at best wargame that you can attach to a story.

I've literally had to drag people into playing a TTRPG with me because they tried D&D and disliked it (and thought that was all there was). The game I ran for them lasted for about a year before other things happened, and apparently, they really enjoyed it.

There are so many good TTRPGs that no one knows about because of D&D and Pathfinder and especially because of the people who go "We'll use it for everything." Go learn more RPG books. Even if you go "I actually still like D&D more" I can guarantee you that you will be a better GM and a better player because you know about them. And, if you ever meet someone who doesn't like D&D, you can go "Try this maybe then." Instead of leaving them to not be able to get into the hobby.

If you want to know if a game is a story game or not, try telling it to a friend who doesn't care about TTRPGs. Don't tell them about the times you rolled a high number and it was cool. Tell them the story. Then compare the amount of time you spend talking about things to the amount of time you spent playing them.

I can almost guarantee you that a good story will spend relatively more time talking about the non-combat elements and much shorter about the in-combat. Actually, more so in a D&D or Pathfinder like game.

If you play an actual story game like Blades in the Dark (Or other Forged in the Dark games) or Thirsty Sword Lesbians (And other Powered by the Apocalypse games), you'll find that the time you spend talking about the story is about the same time you spend playing it.

Anyway. If you like wargames interspersed with a bit of story, go ahead. I've been enjoying a PF2e campaign for exactly that. But please don't call them story games.

Please don't make people hate TTRPGs because you need to know a guide or dive extremely deep before you can find anything other than that.

Any-anyway. Thanks for reading/skimming my rant. Here's some recommendations for games to look into that aren't D&D/Pathfinder likes that I have personally played or ran.

Lasers & Feelings by John Harper. A free, one page game about being on a space adventure. It's made to be played in about 4h and isn't the best for starter GMs, but there are a lot of hacks (versions) of it for different settings.

Apocalypse World 2e by D. Vincent Baker & Meguey Baker. There's been an Apocalypse, now the world has turned to shit. What are you going to make of it? Don't just survive. Thrive.

MASKS: A new Generation by Brendan Conway. Teenage superheros coming of age. If you ever watched Teen Titans or Young Justice and said "I want to play that" this is the game for it. To the point that I have literally watched Young Justice and called out how the action on screen would translate to the game.

Monsterhearts 2 by Avery Alder. A teenage drama, but you're all monsters, and also, all the monsters are metaphors. Riverdale, Buffy, Twilight, and more can all fit in here. It's very good.

Thirsty Sword Lesbians by April Walsh. Angsty lesbians with swords. Every character will focus on a specific emotional conflict. It's about being queer, about fighting the patriarchy, and about flirting with your friends (Sometimes at swordpoint).

Blades in the Dark by John Harper. Enter the industrial-fantasy city of Doskvol where lightning barriers keep the ghosts out and gangs fight for control. It creates Oceans 11 style heist movie games, you're scoundrels and you're trying to make your way to the top. But you'll have to deal with other gangs, the Bluecoats, and your own Vices.

It doesn't quite fit that list, but I do want to aim anyone who is on the fence about going super away from combat focused games at NOVA by Spencer Campbell (and other LUMEN games). It's focused on combat, but the rules are evocative and extremely quick and fluid. I've never described a fight with moment to moment action as much as I did when telling people about my game of NOVA (And that's without mechanics).

If you want to send me ASKs/DMs/@me about what games I would recommend for specifically what you want out of it, please go ahead. I have way too many TTRPGs bouncing around my head.

My thing with table tops, whenever anyone tried to make me play them it was always d&d and pathfinder and I always found it to be such a fuckin drag, I really wanted to just hang out and be dumb with everyone but the game always had these annoying ass combat patches and I just got so annoyed during it. Then I'd watch some show someone recs me and its the same shit I don't want battle sequences I want fun story telling and fun shit to do and I genuinely thought that ttrpgs were just all that, boring fucking combat and no fun..but the truth was you gotta find people who don't play DND and pathfinder, like there are fun fucking games out there apparently that aren't just boring as fuck typical fantasy combat shit.

[shera-dnd]

Looks like y'all have been THIRSTY recently, because this is the second NSFW commission this month

Please do enjoy Weiss being a completely useless lesbian as she third wheels her way into joining a polycule

Weiss believed herself to be a good friend. She really did. Sure, she could be grumpy, and mean, and she complained a lot, and she had denied any claims Ruby had made that they were besties, but she still truly tried to be the best friend she could be. Even when, by all reason, she should have the right to just yell at them and leave, she still tried her best.

Like the two years she spent having to deal with Blake and Yang’s totally not mutual crush, which was definitely not obvious to anyone with a working pair of eyes. Gods, she didn’t even have that and she could still see it. Two years of those idiots talking themselves into giving up the relationship before they even tried. Two years of trying to be patient, and supportive, even though all she wanted to do was shove them both into a broom closet, and let nature run its course.

Two years of swallowing any blossoming feelings she might have for one or both of them.

Not like that part mattered much.

Honestly she shouldn’t have waited until they made it to Atlas before taking matters into her own hands, but in her defense she was very busy trying not to die on the way there. And she wasted no time getting to it once they settled in. At that point they were girlfriends in everything but name, and would probably have stayed that way for months if she hadn’t so cleverly tricked them into going on a proper date with each other, so they’d finally have a chance to confess their feelings.

So here she was, Weiss Schnee, friend of the year, the epitome of patience in this world, having set both her big gay crushes up with each other, and she was being punished for it. After everything she had done for them, after everything she’d endured, that’s how they thanked her. By brutally torturing her.

It was innocuous at first, simple, easily ignored.

Just your usual day at the Atlas Academy gym, team RWBY and JNR working out together to stay in good shape for the many fights to come. Yang was being obnoxiously distracting, but that was normal, Weiss could block that out, she’d been blocking that out since their Beacon days.

But no, Yang had to go and make herself impossible to ignore. Had to work those muscles just right, make those sweat drops slide down her body in the way Weiss couldn’t help but follow, and pose in that perfect way that killed all of her higher brain functions. Worst of all, she had to do it all on purpose, glancing at Weiss when she thought she wasn’t looking, taunting her, letting her know this show was for her.

It took her considerable effort to yank her gaze away, and even more to drag herself out of the room, and into a very cold shower. After she had properly cooled off, she thought she’d be able to find some safety in their dorm room, but she had no such luck. No, because Blake was already there.

Usually this wouldn’t be much of an issue at all. Blake was a very respectful person, and if Weiss asked for a quiet moment for herself, she would grant it without question. The problem is that when Weiss arrived Blake was already quite busy with a very important task.

Checking on Gambol Shroud’s ribbon.

It was for safety reasons, she said, all to make sure she wouldn’t accidentally send Yang flying. Weiss would have believed her if it weren’t for the way she was going about testing that ribbon. The way she deliberately wrapped the soft fabric around her hand, how she pulled it taut with a nice snap, how she too kept sparring glances at a Weiss who was most certainly not staring slack jawed this entire time.

What was left of Weiss’s conscious mind that hadn’t been lost to some positively filthy thoughts, was now desperately in search of whatever misdeed she could have commited that would warrant this.

Then the door opened, and for a brief moment Weiss hoped she would finally be saved, but no, she couldn’t be so lucky. Instead she was greeted by the sight of Yang - and only Yang - standing in the doorway, watching Weiss with infuriating amusement. There was an exchanged glance between the two, and she realized she had been caught exactly where they wanted her.

She was about to be on the receiving end of Bumblebee.

“Hey, Weiss,” Yang called, leaning against her bunk. It looked almost casual, but still left her towering over Weiss, taking over most of her field of view. “You okay there? You left the gym in such a hurry.”

Weiss blinked, mouth opening in search of words, but finding none.

“I don’t think she is,” Blake answered for her, moving over, and boxing Weiss in between the two of them, “she’s been looking very red.”

“Mhm,” Yang agreed, sitting next to her, so close they were almost touching, “and she’s running a little hot.”

“I–”

“You’re right,” Blake interrupted, sitting down on her other side, “maybe we should help her.”

Yang smirked, moving closer, properly sandwiching Weiss between them.

Weiss was pretty sure she’s had this dream before.

“Do you want us to take care of you, Weiss?” Yang asked, and Weiss was pretty sure she was going to combust.

Every fiber of her being was screaming for her to say yes, and let the two of them do whatever they wanted with her. But she was Weiss Fucking Schnee, and she would not let them play with her like this.

She would not go down without a fight!

“What…” she whined, before collecting herself and getting her voice under control, “what are you dolts doing?”

“Taking care of you,” Yang answered, in a husky tone that sent a shiver down Weiss’s spine.

Ugh, get it together you stupid lesbian.

“Why?”

“Because you’ve done so much for us,” Blake answered this time, pressing Weiss back against Yang’s powerful body, “you’ve been so helpful, for so long. You even brought us together.”

“So we wanted to thank you for that,” Yang continued, strong hands running up Weiss’s arms, “together.”

Really?

They really waited until they got together before starting to take some initiative with this kind of stuff? Not that Weiss had any right to complain, not when she was the one that got them like this, when they did this for her and…her alone.

“What do you think?” Blake asked, so close now Weiss could feel her breath on her skin.

“I think…” honestly she could barely think. She just wanted to whine, and beg them to leave her a wreck, but if she was gonna ask for it, the least she could do was ask with some dignity, “that you two better ravage me right now, or I’m kicking you both off the face of Atlas.”

Blake smiled, and she heard Yang chuckle. “Since you asked so nicely.”

And what followed was bliss.

[myspecialinterest]

magi characters on the beach hcs!

modern au! cuz i think going w them all would be super fun and a mess

aladdin this dude is so so excited to be here w all the people he cares about !! probably brings games to play and also loves playing in the sand w anyone. prefers going at sunset time. if pisti came along they're usually together and making puppy eyes to kouha so they can borrow more of his sand toys

i think water is a bit overwhelming for morgiana so she probably would stay w masrur whenever he's at the beach and if he goes in the water aladdin, baba and hakuryuu rotate so she isn't alone! likes playing beach volleyball and watching yamuraiha surf

im going to say alibaba is a bad swimmer just cuz i think that'd be funny as hell, he just gets his feet in because he gets scared. hakuryuu, ja'far and sharrkan have offered to teach him but his pride makes him stubborn. he hangs around yamuraiha because she protects him from everyone's pranks and doesn't tease him about it

hakuryuu we get it you know how to swim since you were two /lh loves the idea of teaching baba how to swim, always has at least two drink by his side cuz he gets very thirsty and offers to pay for all the food

kougyoku probably brings like three umbrellas and she invites alibaba over cuz she gets really hot easily but doesn’t want to stay alone,, omg such cute swimsuits:(she color codes everything from her sandals to hat and fights w judal about wanting to choose the music

of bloody course sinbad is the one who drags the generals to the beach "so what if we went last week! come on, im paying for everything" sin, my beloved, people have jobs and things to do other than enjoy getting tanned... he also loves just going by himself to read some books or scape from ja'far.

ja'far actually loves going from time to time cuz sinbad does most of the planning himself and for once he gets to lay down and rest.

sharrkan surfs!! he has done it since he was a kid, loves just floating in the sea, is probably friends w a lot of the safeguards cuz he's always around. is the one who usually gets to pick the place they go to. absolutely loves spending hours w yamu and masrur picking the weirdest swimsuit and if u buy him stickers for his board he won't stop jumping around until he puts it on. his board has a name probably something like diana and will correct u everytime if u say it like "diane" and says she's his only girl smh we get it you like men.

yamuraiha also surfs!! sharrkan gets jelous of all the attention she gets because she always gets at least a couple of girls numbers and he can't even get spartos to come to the beach w him. she reminds everyone to put on sunscreen but forgets herself. both her and sharrkan have a little rainbow flag on their boards and yamu has the lesbian one sharrkan got her

flash round judal my dear, please put some sunscreen on. no, no i don't care ur skin is already brown u need sunscreen u will burn yourself... hina lets his kids bury him in the sand drakon loves making big holes in the sand for no reason koumei has sensitive skin so he doesn't get out of his ubrella a lot therefore debarely goes to the beach kassim would definitely tease alibaba about not knowing how to swim only to hide he is scared of the ocean and lastly kouha has all of the beach toys and extravagant swimsuits u can dream of

[meadowclarke]

Charlie Prince ❦ Fairest

"Oh, I can't give you this," Charlie said, reaching behind herself to leave the script on a side table, "are you kidding? That's only for people in the show. Are you a people in the show?" "You play dirty, Charlie Prince." Ivy chuckled, and for some reason she didn't lean back when Charlie moved even closer than before. "All's fair in love and war, right?"

❦ THE BASICS ❦

Full name: Charlotte Floriana Prince.

Known as: Charlie, almost exclusively, since she chose her stage name at 18. Her parents and siblings still call her Charlotte.

Age: 32.

Birthday: August 15.

Zodiac: Leo �� Creative, passionate, generous, warm-hearted, cheerful, humorous, arrogant, stubborn, self-centered, lazy, inflexible.

Sexuality: Lesbian. Out and proud since high school.

Hometown: Greenwich, Connecticut

Family: parents, four siblings (she’s the middle child, and A Middle Child), her dog/soulmate Irish Wolfhound aptly called Horse.

Occupation: actress. She used to be a dancer, but that's been set aside to focus on her acting career. Her online D&D guild friends have no idea TheTiddyPaladin is actually the Charlie Prince.

Height: 5'4''

Build: Naturally slim, though she couldn't tell you if it's genetics or the fact that she's been constantly on the move since she learned how to walk. She's a professionally trained dancer and has the muscle definition to show for it. She will neither confirm nor deny she sticks her favorite thirsty tweets from fans to her bathroom mirror to get an ego boost in the morning.

❦ THE BACKSTORY❦

Charlie Prince is the apple of Hollywood's eye. She showed up seemingly out of nowhere, wearing a spandex suit and a cape for what was supposed to be a minor (very minor) appearance in one of the biggest superhero franchises in the world. Her character was so inconsequential she wasn't even given any rules or recommendation as far as PR and her public image. After all, why would anyone even interview someone who was in the movie for a grand total of five minutes?

Charlie flew out to Vancouver, shot her scenes, and immediately went back to her job at the NYC Ballet. She was almost twenty-five, and she was so close to her first solo at the ballet she could almost taste it. And then the movie premiered. Charlie was invited out of politeness and (she suspected) a need for the cast pictures on the red carpet to look a little less male and white. Charlie was walking the red carpet, happy as a clam to enjoy the glamour of a premiere as one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, when a journalist stopped her to ask her a question: was the handsome gentleman by her side her boyfriend?

Charlie laughed and then laughed some more, and then she said the words that would turn her life upside down:  "No, no, that's my brother, and I'm really gay. If you wanna come to the after party, though, hit me up."

The flirty wink that followed those words went viral within minutes. By the time the premiere ended, Charlie Prince had become an icon, a social media sensation, and a very real problem for a very large media empire. Her acting career (what acting career?) was on the line, they said, and Charlie nodded politely and went back to her pointe shoes and her rigorous work schedule. Hollywood had been fun for a night, just like the nice reporter whose name she couldn't quite remember anymore. But she was now ready to go back to real life.

But Charlie's words and her wink and her five minutes of screen time simply refused to go away. She started rehearsing for her first solo one week before her action figure hit the shelves of all major retailers. There were petitions for a solo movie, invitations to talk shows and podcasts and fan conventions. An ever-increasing amount of fans -- fan-fans, mind you, not ballet aficionados -- crowding around the stage door every night. The most surreal experience of her life in the form of her own face printed on the lunch bag of a little girl walking to school. 

Charlie Prince was famous, and she still had no idea how.

The months that followed were a flurry of experiences Charlie honestly wasn't prepared to process. Everyone knew her. Most people loved her. Some people hated her. Both groups were loud and relentless and seemingly everywhere. She took a leave of absence from her job to spend some time holed up in her family home back in Connecticut with her parents and siblings, who were delighted to remind her she was still the same old Charlotte. Still getting into trouble for not thinking before she spoke. Still so very different from her quiet, academically-oriented family.

When her agent called her to talk about a solo movie and a recurring role in the big franchise crossovers, her parents laughed and told her to not be silly -- ballet was her life. She'd devoted twenty-five years of her life to it. She had the skill and drive to make it. Who in their right mind would give up a chance to become a soloist at the New York City Ballet for the glitz and glamour of a Hollywood life?

Charlie Prince, as it turned out.

Once she made her choice and jumped fully into acting, Charlie was an instant star. She was flirty and witty and naturally charming in a way that made every talk show appearance go viral within minutes of it landing on YouTube. She was bold and confident in a way that would absolutely have come off as arrogant in most people, but she somehow made it work. She led blockbuster after blockbuster, and her name became synonymous with box office hits.

If there's one thing Charlie's missing, it's that feeling of being respected for her craft. Superhero movies may make billions, but they're not exactly the kind of credits that give you Serious Actress points. So when they offered her a chance to work in a Broadway show, opposite legendary actress Rhiannon Braeburn? Charlie didn't even think twice.  Live theater is serious enough -- prestigious enough -- to push Charlie from superhero actress to actress actress.

And if it helps distract people from that pesky little lesbian heartbreaker reputation she's earned (and deserved, if she's being perfectly honest) over her seven years in Hollywood?

Well. She's definitely not going to complain.

❦ THE TAGLIST❦

[Please let me know if you’d like to be added or deleted!]

@howdywrites  ❀ @aziz-writes  ❀ @musicofglassandwords  ❀ @ladywithalamp  ❀ @tiredlittleoldme  ❀ @wildswrites

[leatherdykelust]

7, 8 and 21? Please?

7: What is your favourite sexual scenario you’ve ever come up with? Not sure if I have one favorite, but there are a few I'm very fond of and plan to write up more fully this year:

Topping a very baby trans girl (like "just came out to herself 36 hours ago, doesn't know her own name yet, I'm the first person she's talked to about the gends" baby) who's horny and scared and really going through it, and trusts me to take the lead but has NO IDEA that trans dyke fucking is qualitatively different from cishet sex

A thirsty midwinter vampire party in which places in line to enjoy the opening entertainment (who's never been to a thirsty vampire party before) are auctioned off, and some vampires use themselves as collateral in said auctions

A thirsty late summer vampire party, much less formal and more primal than its winter counterpart, involving an outdoor hunt through a cornfield which provides privacy to enjoy the prey once it's caught

8: Are you into more taboo kinks (watersports, feet, cnc, etc?) I thought I just answered that.

21: What is a popular kink that you hate/don’t Get™? Breeding kink. I get how it works in too many ways — and can talk about it; it worked differently for gay men in the Bush era, sleazy maledom tumblr, and trans girls — but I'm not sure what makes it tick for cis lesbian tumblr in 2022. Also there are a fair few kinks I think of as French vanilla, but suum cuique.

[skullhaver]

It's 2021, and I'm watching Buffy for the first time.

The Virgil on my Buffy journey is my long-distance girlfriend, who has loved the show for years. We just finished season 4, and I wanted to write about my favorite episodes so far. I suspect some of my faves are beloved by most fans, but others are weird, personal picks. Buffy fandom, please don't come for me.

I thought this post would be short but I was wrong.

Hono(u)rable Mentions: "Band Candy" S3E6 and "Halloween" S2E6

Both these episodes have fun premises where the Scoobies run around Sunnydale after it was upended by zany, chaotic dark forces. "Band Candy" is fun for devil-may-care teen Giles. "Halloween" is fun for 18th-century-ditz Buffy. These are both very good, and are the sorts of episode I can imagine happily rewatching in the future. I just have more to pontificate upon for the other episodes on this list.

10. "Ted" S2E11

I can’t say I enjoyed this episode, but it did take me for a wild ride. Probably nobody else has strong feelings about this weird story where Buffy's mom dates a stereotypical cheesy family man, who turns out to be a controlling abuser, who turns out to be a robot. I remember shouting at the screen, "Did Buffy just kill a human man?? Is it okay in the moral logic of this show for Buffy to kill a human if he's a direct physical threat to her??" I knew Buffy would have deeper stories than the monster of the week formula we'd seen so far, but this early in season 2, I had no idea when or how that would happen. This was the episode that finally taught me that Buffy is largely not interested in moral ambiguity, or in exploring what it means to be good or bad. Except for season-defining exceptions like Faith and Angel, evil characters are simplistically, essentially evil. But it was wild to believe for a moment that Buffy murdered her mom's abusive boyfriend and would have to live with the consequences.

9. "Helpless" S3E12

When Buffy tries to be genuinely scary, it succeeds with aplomb. The premise of this episode is dumb and contrived ("Giles has to remove Buffy's powers without her knowledge for a seeeecret test by the Watcher's Council") but the chase and fight in this episode are some of the most tense and spooky scenes of the whole series so far. Buffy's vulnerability makes the stakes feel real in a way few other episodes manage. And Buffy's victory is all the more satisfying because she can't punch her way out of this problem, she has to be smart and creative. The fridge horror, of course, is that Giles would endanger her like this in the first place, but that gets sorted out over the emotional arc of the next few episodes.

8. "I Only Have Eyes For You." S2E19

Another spooky episode, this one a classic ghost story of forbidden love ending in murder - but with the twist that the ghosts possess people's bodies to have them reenact their final moments. I love stories about breaking a doomed-to-repeat cycle. I love weird shit like the snakes manifesting in the cafeteria. And I really loved the choice to have Buffy and Angel come to understand their feelings about their own relationship by embodying these ghosts - especially how they embodied different genders than their own to better fit the "roles" of the haunting story, thus subverting the expected pattern. I found this episode clever, poignant, and effective.

7. "Who Are You?" S4E16

"Faith and Buffy switch bodies" is a wild premise, but the real joy of "Who Are You?" is watching Sarah Michelle Geller being an extremely talented actress for 45 minutes, portraying a totally different character. Watching Faith confronted by kindness and love from Buffy's mom, Riley, and her friends, then getting launched into an existential crisis over it is so great. Also, I just dig a good church fight.

6. "Hush" S4E10

As stated above, love an episode that reminds me that these people are talented actors! Featuring demons that render all of Sunnydale unable to talk, we get to watch great physical comedy right next to tense, silent fight scenes. The visual creepiness of the Gentleman and their straight-jacketed weird little helpers is hard to beat. "Hush" is such a clever episode that it ascends monster of the week status to become almost Twilight Zone-esque. Also, for the first time, Buffy sees Riley doing his Initiative thing, and Riley sees Buffy being the Slayer, but they can't talk about it?? That's good shit.

5. "The Wish" S3E9

Both "Something Blue" and "The Wish" feel like the writers decided to use fanfic premises on their own show... so obviously I like them a lot. But getting to watch a dark timeline AU with interesting world-building and attention to detail, a hilarious and horrifying Cordelia POV, AND a smirking kinky vampire Willow? Hello?? And the fact that the Wishverse comes up again in "Doppelgänger" (another truly fun episode) only improves my opinion. I imagine this is the kind of episode fans simply love coming back to.

4. "Restless" S4E22

This David Lynch-ass dream sequence was a weird choice for a season finale, but an extremely ambitious and cool episode. I should say up front that I love David Lynch-ass dream shit. There were creative and well-executed scene transitions as characters moved seamlessly from one dream room into another. Several memorably neat shots - Willow running between endless curtains as she tries to get onstage, Buffy alone in a vast desert with a weirdly high camera angle. And I got myself all excited thinking that the First Slayer would maybe become a different kind of antagonist - maybe not even fully revealed in this episode, or maybe an Id-like aspect of Buffy herself. But I forgot Whedon gonna Whedon, so the First Slayer had to be someone Buffy could punch in the end. And the First Slayer is sadly yet another primitive-themed, emotionally-stunted character of color for this show. Most of her lines in this episode are literally voiced by a white woman speaking for her, and of all the dumb quips to make, Buffy had a line about her hair being unprofessional? Also, I'm a lesbian, so the fact that the most explicit act of intimacy between Willow and Tara this show has allowed us to see occurs in Xander's horny dream sequence... it’s unforgivable, Joss. This episode was one of my favorites ever, deeply marred by some bad writing choices.

3. "Lovers Walk" S3E8

Spike, perhaps the best non-Willow character in this show, is back in Sunnydale, a hilariously heartbroken mess of a man, hell-bent on getting his former girlfriend Drusilla back. (Drusilla left him for a fungus demon.) So Spike breaks into a magic shop to get ingredients for a love spell, where he runs into Willow, who is getting ingredients for a de-lusting spell, because she is worried she and Xander will be too thirsty to behave appropriately in public with their actual partners, Oz and Cordelia. This is a hilarious moment just to exist. This is all the episode needed to do to satisfy me. But the fact that Spike then kidnaps Willow, and it ends with tragic stakes of everyone's relationships coming apart, not to mention me genuinely thinking Cordelia was dead for a minute there - wow. Chef’s kiss. The episode is balanced shockingly well between Spike being an ominous villain, and being the sort of lovable semi-evil (more gremlin-like) side character he'll become in season 4. What a wild ride.

2. "Graduation Day" S3E21-22

I'm counting this two part season finale as one because it's my list and I'll do what I want. "Graduation Day" feels like a quintessential Buffy episode executed to perfection. It has Buffy reaffirming her position as a moral heroine, sacrificing her own blood to save Angel's life even when she thought she had to kill Faith to save him. It has Buffy and Faith (or Buffy/Faith, as I prefer to think of them) getting to square off in a dramatic, tough fight. It has a lot of Mayor Wilkins, a character I truly adore for some reason. Nothing like a public administrator who plays mini golf in his office, wants you to chew with your mouth closed, and will kill a graduating class of high schoolers to gain immortality. The catharsis of the whole school getting to fight back against evil, instead of just Buffy against the world - a real joy. This episode misses the top spot for two reasons. "A special vampire poison and the only cure is the blood of a Slayer" is too contrived for me to let slide, and also I had to see Cordelia and Wesley kiss.

1. "Becoming" S2E21-22

Buffy’s season finales really do have good stories and satisfying payoff. First off, Buffy starts this episode by punching a cop and fleeing from the law. Later, Spike also punches a cop. A.k.a., Buffy said blue lives don't matter. Second - I haven't gotten a chance to comment on this yet, but all throughout season 2, evil Angel is such a joy to watch. As regular Angel, David Boreanaz makes exactly one face ("I am a kicked, angsty puppy") and bless his heart, it gets so tiresome. As evil Angel, he is so expressive, dynamic and terrifyingly creative in his badness. And I love his weird threesome energy with Spike and Drusilla. But also, it's so hard to watch Buffy suffer as she deals with her evil boyfriend doing evil things. Her ultimate choice in this episode, to kill Angel even as Willow's spell restores his soul, gave me some real big feels! Also, this episode marks the first moment of Willow doing big, plot-shifting magic on her own, solidifying her transformation from computer nerd to witch! 

Also, shout-out to the many good smaller moments in this episode: Spike making awkward small talk with Buffy's mom, Buffy constantly dunking on Principle Snyder, and Giles being tortured by visions of Miss Calendar (RIP Miss Calendar, I was your biggest fan.)

"Becoming" is an excellent season finale and the kind of Buffy episode I imagine I will want to re-watch in the future just for nostalgia's sake.

[anestheticrage]

Be me: Japanese honor student🎓, 15, with half a brain and even less of a plan. Hunting bitches by day and witches by night. Livin that dank only child✌️ life while mom n dad yeet all over the globe, leavin me plenty of time to forget not to make 2 lunches for myself #quirky 😜

no time for socialization or basic electronics skills ???📱??? when your best friends are an alien demon rabbit🐰👽 and the inexplicable Hole ™ in your brain. lmao, btw did i mention im ✨M✨A✨G✨I✨C✨A✨L✨

dreamin bout my 2D waifus again when familiar pink haired cancer patient dances through my brain passin out fliers: Kamihama Meguca Dating Service: Sponsored by Cult of the Magius. 250 stones per session 🤔

seems legit, Mr. Moneybags. wasn't spending my unwieldy sack of gemstones on anything else anyway. lets pull 💎💎💎

first up we have Redhead Radagast and her plethora of plants. 🌿☺️🦎

anndd, nearly dies immediately. 

well not off to a great start but i guess shes pretty cute at lea- oh FUCK its her girlfriend, Tsundere Poseidon😒🔱💦, and their exasperated, straight and single Sword Mom 😔🗡️🔥. fml gonna have to save up for the next pull. might as well play a few rounds with what i got tho. 

get in some good girl talk about things like school, color coded hair styles, body count, permanent soul damage, and our personal demon pacts. ya know, the usual 😚 . realize my dark backstory seems to be missing, so the girls take me to Ketchup Queen Sappho 🍅🥧 (wtf?) to molest my glowy egg stone. whatevs, more action than ive had since Kuroe 🖤 got added to the story anyway

the gang agrees it's time to hunt down the cutest rabbit pimp 🕶️🐇💵 in the city. >> say 🎵mukyuuu🎵 one more time and ill hug you so hard my backstory will pop right out, you adorable fluffy bastard. plz be my new best friend 💕

Form brand new friendship pact with Kyubae, and remember that my lil Sis 🐥 was always the best wingman for pickin up magic chicks, and kept her side of the room so spotless i forgot she existed. whoops 乁༼☯‿☯✿༽ㄏ Maybe if I find her i can stop paying these exorbitant pull fees.📵💎

speaking of which: hot damn this week's featured bachelorette is a 19 year old model and magical detective🔎 with massive levels of PTSD and self loathing 🥵💙💦 more likely to stab you or dramatically jump off a rooftoop than utter a single positive comment. wow, maybe i really COULD find true love…

... if i had MORE THAN A 1% FUCKING DRAW CHANCE. 😡 smh

hard to make much progress finding sis or winning the broken heart of a hard boiled detective amidst the never ending lover's quarrel of the Trident Vine Lesbians. 💔 Sword Mom tells them if they don't behave a monster will take them away. LOL classic mom 🤣

>>>HOLY FUCK IT DID

declare all-out war on urban legends, starting with staircases ⚔️ to reunite the dysfunctional trio, and hope that I net a way better lineup with the next 10x pull. at least sad sleuth lady came to help out. they say combat is the best way to bond wi-   and there she goes off the rooftop again 🙄 fml

alright that got way off track, we need a fresh start, away from all the loli drama. how bout a little B&E🔓🔨🤷🏻‍♀️ at the local house of worship to clear my head. ahh nothing like the unanswered prayers of the masses to get you in the mood for another wasted pull, and the 🔥 MIGHTIEST 🔥 headache you could ask for with a side of Double Cooked Pork 🐖🍜 (meh 5/10🧾)

venture forth into the spiritual unknown with your new human flamethrower🔥🌻🧡 and ask your favorite private eye to please, for the love of Eve, trade Meguca accounts with me~~~ Head through the eastern spirit portal to meet up with hologram propaganda sis and detective crush's evil ex, who joined a dating-app cult (#fuck) and also turned into the moon?🌕?(that's rough buddy)

get ambushed by Acid Horse on Wheels 🌈🐴 and vomit up my soul so hard that its time for a crossover episode. T U R F F F   W A R R R *que operatic harmonies* 💛 Blondie with the hair drills and enough attitude and guns to fill up a noble phantasm tries to ban my account permanently, but PI heartthrob denies her admin privileges. aww babe i didn't know you cared. 😭♥️

get kidnapped by my new true love and go back to her place 😏  defs enough empty rooms to house five emotionally traumatized girls and at least two ghosts hehehe👻 XD 💚🃏💜🎸 decide to form the anti-gossip brigade and recruit my blazing sunflower after getting ambushed by the witch living in my fruit loops🥣

❌outvoted 2:1 that cults are bad. mf. fiinneee one last pull to round out the team and then I'll delete the app. cmonnn Karin 🎃~

OH HELL YEAH TWO FOR ONE.

Always wanted a daughter 💜🔨🐄 with a penchant for pissing off the local Martial Arts & Books Club and drinking suspicious liquids offered by total strangers. Well if it's good enough for her AND the sexy mayadere with enough game to seduce a mermaid, might as well get in on that myself. 

#curseddrank 🤢 0/24 would not recommend to a friend, 'cept maybe Ria

win alot of cash 🤑, blow up a fountain, meet the pied piper²🎶🖕, moon cult, monochrome feathers, something about liberation✊🏻; adopt temper tantrum cow girl. aces 💜🥩

Next up!!! skydiving with DJ Hammer! Jump to apparently-not-certain death after suicidal A.I. 💚💾🗼 tells you to rescue her hostage before they run out of Radiohead albums and have to move on to Thom Yorke's solo discography. save the invisible shield kitten 💚👑😿 from happiness and get chased through the internet by the sexiest homicidal Paint Pallette 💚🎨😈 since Caravaggio. (apparently green is the color of the digital apocalypse. i’m deleting Kako from my friend's list)

that’s it, fuck this app. 250 stones 💎 per-life-threatening-experience is more than i’m willing to deal with 😓 don’t wanna mess with the perfect nuclear family anyway. we've already got: 

✔️the two emotionally traumatized moms with memory and commitment issues

✔️the adhd daughter with anger management problems and a giant hammer

✔️the psychologically abused scizophrenic cat

✔️and the eccentric aunt with crippling anxiety

#squadgoals

now that were done hoarding bitches, its time to hunt the witches. and the bitches makin the witches. btw did i mention the witches ARE the bitches! AND WERE ALL GOING TO DIE!? 📽️⁉️💀 wait fuck lets back up a second

This is Nemo📕 and Token🧪 and they have all the answers but prefer if you only ask vague questions in exchange for vague responses so they can fill in the rest by discussing their superior intellect 🧠 at length. not to mention they built that dating app, so of course everyone in my harem decides to be a FUCKING. TRAITOR.🤬

cept waifu prime ofc 🥰💙. [PTSD > brainwashing] 'yOu CaN bE tHe LeAdEr NoW'. i have been from the very beginning you traumatized Hinedere nightmare. maybe if you weren't so caught up collecting surrogate daughters you would've noticed IM👏THE👏ONLY👏 ONE👏PROGRESSING👏THE FUCKING👏PLOT✨

rescue the rest of dysfunctional found-family™ from selves before my adorable firebender burns down Disnihama🎡🔥😱 during her weekly anxiety attack. (love the makeover T B H) 

CHAPTER 8: Magical Girl Massacre🩸🗡️

   - everyone has like, the shittiest day ever

   - the new Pope really needs to be extradited from the church

   - make friends with a really pretty tree 🌺🌲✨

i swear, if i don't finish this god damn story in time to get that free pull im gonna beat the shit out of every mirror i find in that giant mansion that i haven't even had any time to even mention yet. 🖕🏚️ let alone EVERYTHING happening with the prequel [fuck you, I'm the star] girls 💗💜💙💛❤️️ and their multidimensional melodrama. We don't need that many repetitive af episodes to emphasize that Homo-ra is a shitty person. we've all seen Rebellion. 🙄

NO, I DONT CARE IF YOU WANT SAPPHO'S BACKSTORY, I ONLY HAVE 79 STONES LEFT AND IF YACHAN FINDS OUT I HAVEN'T DELETED THE APP YET IM GONNA HAVE TO GO SLEEP IN WITH SANA 😭💎💸😠

uhhhggggg where were we… Topple a cult and burn down Hotel Denoument only to realize that Sis was fused with the dating app servers this entire madokafuckin time (told ya she was the best wingman 😊). 

Dilemma: Sis =🥚, Triumvirate of Trouble want 🐣. What do? vote now:

Help Hatch - IIIIIII

Not Do That - IIIII

What The Actual Fuck Is Going On - IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Lets just fight everyone until something good happens.

🔥🔫🔥🗡️🔥😱🔥🌆🔥😱🔥🛡️🔥💣🔥

Kill (???) the artist-in-chief of the italian reindeer murder police after teaching her the true meaning of Christmas 🎄 hatch 🐣lil Sis and realize she WAS your wingman all along🐰 MUKYUUUU! we're just gonna ignore how much trouble it would have saved if you'd just mentioned that. "yOu DiDnT aSk..." 

FUCK YOU SPACE BITCH. ONCE AN INCUBATOR ALWAYS AN INCUBATOR 🖕🐇🔪

anywho, somewhere along the lines we of course summoned the Antichrist ⚙️ because why not raise the stakes to max and still not kill off a single character. Madofuckinkami, can we PLEASE wrap this up. 😩💤

feathers (not the culty kind, tfm) rain from the sky, and the power of friendship and not having the Urobutcher 🔪🩸as a lead writer saves our peacefully sectioned off alternate reality 😇

TL:DR fuck cults, real life waifus DO exist, don't sell your soul to space rabbits, or your stones to megacorporations. Enjoy arc 2 on the JP server with your shitty translation patch you filthy fuckin weebs 

Yours Truly, 

- Thirsty Weeb Eroha 💗💎😘 

[a-jynx]

𝙰𝚗𝚍 𝙸𝚏 𝚆𝚎 𝙼𝚎𝚝? |

“Sometimes I feel like I’m stuck on a Ferris wheel. One minute I’m on top of the world and the next I’m at rock bottom.” ~ Love Simon

Official Tags; @harringrovetrashh, @myboyfriendsteve, @trashmouth-hargrove, @greys, @gideongrace, @bakausagiwithwings, @yikesharringrove, @negativenuggetz, @panikyu, @lostnoise, @turtlesmultimusehub, @hrngtons, @may-the-moon-love-me-back, @memes-saved-me, @trashycatarcade, @jackhargrove, @amidstardust, @your-pretty-bambi, @ifuwannabemydingus, @crybbybilly, @harringrovisms, @dyslexicdyke22, @littlewonderlandd, @madformadderton, @bisexual-cupcake, @froggish-lesbian, @strangergrove, @billysdanglyearring, @silentlylovingyourwork, @kaamilama, @thevipsupersecretsupperclub, @ilasssstuff, @ihateitheredude, @lostnoise, @stranger-steeb, @bewires, @stevefuckingharrington, @ghostofjellyfishforgotten, @irishbeings, @takemebythehand-andsetmefree, @jai-ah, @thesummerof84​, @steve-bambi​, 

I hope you guys enjoy the official fic! <3 

_____________

“Robin, this is stupid.” Steve hissed, watching as the app finished downloading onto his phone. Robin shushed him, slapping his hand away and setting up his email and password - he’ll have to change it later.

   “Trust me, Dingus, you’re so going to thank me for this later!” She grinned, stretching her legs across the sofa, her feet landing on his lap as he scoffed, shaking his head. She typed away at his screen, the tip of her tongue poking out of her lips while her brows knitted together. Steve blinked, looking back to the TV playing some movie they decided on, it was free movie day on one of the channels, so why not? However, they ended up finding themselves lost in conversation thanks to the strawberry wine Robin had bought.

   “Hey, Dingus, what’re we looking for here?” She kicked as his thigh, making him scoff while rolling his eyes.

“I… Hell, if I know, Robs. Really it’s fine, can we please delete this app now? You had your fun.” He pushed as she snorted, sitting up and flinging her legs onto the floor as she shouldered next to Steve, showing him his newest app addition; GayWay.

   “Are you kidding me!? After all this hard work I just completed? As if.” She scrolled all the way, showing one of Steve’s Instagram photos they had taken not even a week ago. Scrolling down he could see a few more, one shirtless - rare occasion - one with him smiling, and one that showed him cooking, how Robin got that, he had no damn clue.

   “Holy shit.”

“Told ya I was a god at making gay profiles.” She smirked, shrugging as she placed her hands behind her head, grinning as Steve thumbed through his profile, frowning slightly at the description she had typed up.

   “The biggest bottom to have ever bottomed, are you fucking with me?” Steve gaped as she arched a brow, shaking her head.

“Nope, face it, dingus, you’re a bottom-”

   “I didn’t even know I was gay until like three weeks ago! What do you mean ‘face it’!” He laughed, shoving her over as they both busted out laughing, only for it to cease as a few loud dings came from his phone.

“Oooh~ look who’s mister popular! Ten messages within two minutes of having the profile, damn, I am good.” Robin reached up, patting her back as Steve began to look through each message; cringing at each one and practically gagging when one asked if he was free, and if so he wouldn’t be for long.

   “These are all horrible! Besides they’re all from older men, I’m not looking to be a sugar baby.”

“And this could hurt, how?” Robin frowned as Steve rolled his eyes, deleting each message, only for more to roll in.

   “Because I’m not… I don’t want money, or just dick, I want an actual relationship.” Steve mumbled, shrugging a shoulder as Robin’s lip twitched down. She reached over, snatching his phone and turning it off before tossing it onto the loveseat.

“Robin-”

   “We - mainly you - don’t need to worry about all that right now, alright? We’re supposed to be having movie night and getting drunk, but we’re not, so let’s change that!” She smiled, patting his shoulder before pushing up from the couch, walking towards the kitchen with a sway in her step. She’d always been a lightweight. Steve rose as well, snatching his phone and slipping it into his pocket as he followed after her, grinning as he rounded the kitchen corner to see her dumping the last of the wine into two large glasses.

   “To being gay,” she smiled, lifting a glass and setting the purple-ish red-stained bottle down as Steve picked up his own, smiling as they clinked the glasses together.

“To being… Gay.” He licked at his dry lips, lifting the glass and swallowing down the bittersweet liquor. It painted his tongue and swirled down his throat as he lowered the glass, staring at the painted sides, flicking his tongue out and licking up the few drops that smeared across his lips.

   “Hey, seriously though, dingus, don’t feel forced into that whole app, okay?” Robin muttered as Steve looked up, squinting at her as she swirled some of her wine around, smacking her lips together before looking at him. “I just wanted to help.”

“You are just by being here, Rob. I mean, you’re the only person who knows about my little…” He paused, frowning as he sighed. “My little problem.”

   “It’s not a problem, Steve. It’s who you are, or at least a part of who you are. You’re learning to accept yourself, and that’s okay.” She gave him a soft smile, making his shoulders drop gently before nodding, a soft smile tugging at his own lips.

“Thanks, Robin, seriously…”

   “It’s not a problem, dingus. Now,” she paused, swallowing down the rest of her wine and setting the glass into the sink with a clink; Steve following suite. “Let’s get this movie night going!” She rounded the corner and plopped back onto the couch as Steve leaned against the kitchens’ archway, frowning.

Problem. That’s what this all of this was starting to feel like. A problem that had no solution in sight and it fucking sucked. Steve frowned at his own thoughts, reaching up and scratching at the back of his head with a groan. Maybe I should’ve just kept it locked away and kept thinking it was wrong. Strange.

   He jumped at the feeling of his phone buzz again. Reaching down, he tugged it from his back pocket and unlocked, not bothering to stare at the notifications before blinking at the number of messages that suddenly pilled up into his private messages. However, one stuck out like a damn sore thumb.

Billh_rgrove;

   Biggest bottom to have ever bottom? And I thought I heard you liked being on top.

Steve blinked, his mouth running dry as he stared at the message. Swallowing thickly as he opened the app, staring at the message and the taunting, blinking cursor as his thumb hovered over the keyboard.

   “Dingus! Let’s go- what happened?” Robin frowned from the couch as Steve looked up, his lips parted as he shook his head, grinning as he closed his phone and slipping it back into his pocket before moving towards the sofa, settling into his usual spot as he waved off her concerned look.

“Nothing, just another thirsty asshole.” He laughed as she chuckled, still her eyebrow was cocked but she turned back towards the movie. Steve thought she could hear his heart pounding against his ribs, he couldn’t hear the movie over his own blood and heart as they invaded his ears as he tried to focus on the show in front of him.

   Jesus. What has he gotten himself into...? 

“I can’t believe you’re actually signing up for this,” Max snickered while glancing over Billy’s shoulder, making him shrug inward, growling.

   “Piss off, shitbird! None of your business anyway.” Billy growled, holding his phone close to his chest. Max rounded the kitchen table, smirking at him as he rolled his eyes, chewing at his lip. She moved into the small kitchenette, moving around and grabbing things for her breakfast as Billy frowned, spooning some of his cereal up and into his mouth, chewing at it thoughtfully when Max suddenly spoke.

“Seriously though, why are you signing up for that?” She asked, moving to pour herself some orange juice, looking back at him as he scoffed, turning off his phone and lifting his mug, sipping at the bitter coffee.

   “I’m not… Listen, shitbird, this doesn’t mean anything.” He bit as she held up her hands in defense, the stupid smirk never leaving her face. She settled into the chair next to him, making him arch a brow and glared at her.

“I never said it meant anything. I mean, everyone downloads a gay dating app at some point in their life.” She shrugged, blowing at her oatmeal before taking a large bite. Billy sneered at her, mocking her slightly before opening his phone again and finishing his profile.

   “Billh_rgrove? You just took the A and Y out of your name.”

“No shit, Max.” He deadpanned, side-glancing her as she rolled her eyes, tucking a piece of fiery red hair behind her ear as she ate at her breakfast quietly. Billy rolled his tongue over his dry lips, frowning as he stole glances at her before sighing. “Listen… I just… I’m looking, alright? This whole hick town doesn’t have-”

   “Options?” Max tested, taking another bite as Billy smirked, reaching over and ruffling up her hair as she groaned, moving out of his reach.

“Right. Options.” He grinned, sitting back and scrolling through the possible matches that popped up on his possible interest list. A lop-sided smile tugging on his lips as an odd amount of dick-licking promises came pouring into his DM’s. Scrolling through, he sent winky faces to ones that piqued his interest, however, scrolling down his interest list, he came across a good-looking man. Deep brunette hair scrapping his forehead, large doe-like, chocolate-colored eyes and the pinkest tinted lips on a man Billy had ever seen. He looked almost fake.

   “Whose that?” Max asked, leaning into Billy’s shoulder, making him scoff as he shouldered her back, rolling his eyes.

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for school?” He frowned, arching a brow while his lips were pressed into a thin line. Max’s blue eyes widened as she shoved her chair back, the legs squealing angrily against the tile flooring. Billy couldn’t help but laugh as she rushed towards her room, watching as her long, red braid flying behind her.

   Turning his attention back towards his phone, he chewed on his bottom lip before clicking on the brunette’s profile. Steve_TheDingus. What sort of username is that? Billy scoffed, scrolling through the photos while biting on his lip before clicking the small envelope. He rolled his tongue over his teeth, grinning as his thumbs worked over the small keyboard, humming to himself as he hit send.

   “Billy! I can’t find my skateboard, have you seen it?!” Max shouted, stumbling into the kitchen, her hands fiddling with her hightops laces before slamming her feet down and holding onto her backpack.

“Did you leave it at El’s house?” He asked, angling himself to see her as she opened her mouth, only for it to snap shut.

   “Shit.”

Billy scoffed, pushing back his own seat and slipping his phone into his jean jackets’ pocket, snatching his keys from the ceramic bowl of Susan’s. “Come on, shitbird, I’ll drive ya.” He shouldered her to where she stumbled in front of him, his steps following as they exited the house. The doe-eyed brunette still locked into Billy’s mind.

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

“Why does that name sound familiar? Like, scary familiar?” He murmured, shelving the newest movies. His brows knitted together as he thumbed through them, settling on his calves as his thumb dragged over the plastic-wrapped cover.

“Hey, earth to dingus,” Robin leaned over the counter, poking at his cheek. Steve flinched, blinking as he dropped the DVD in his hands, huffing gently. “What’s up with you? You keep mumbling to yourself and you’re getting weird looks from the customers.”

   “Nothing. It’s just… Nothing, never mind, it’s stupid.” He sighed, sitting back and rising up from the carpet floor as Robin arched a brow, frowning. She moved around the rack of movies, crossing her arms over her chest with an even more prominent pout.

“It’s obviously bothering you because you keep muttering to yourself.” She pointed, as shrugged with the shake of his head. His fluffy hair falling into his eyes, making him huff up and blow the ends out of the way. “Does it have to do with the app?” She murmured, making Steve blink as he slightly shrunk in on himself.

   “Oh, my God, it totally does. Did something bad happen?” She sat up, her lips parting in shock before reaching forward, dragging him close. “Something did happen?” Her eyes searching his as he shook his head quickly, his eyes growing wide.

“No! No, Rob, nothing happened. I just… I thought I knew someone on there and it freaked me out, okay? Nothing bad happened.” He slipped away from her, crossing his own arms over his chest, frowning.

   “Steve, seriously? It’s been three days since we’ve gotten you that app and that damn thing seems to be the only thing taking up your thoughts lately.”

“Only because I get notifications every two seconds! And like I said, I thought I knew someone on there-”

   “So what? There’s probably a lot of Hawkins hidden gays on there.” She scoffed, waving her hand slightly, moving around, snatching the stack of movies from the floor next to Steve’s converse. Shuffling through the DVDs with little interest while Steve blinked, his lips falling open with a frown.

“Then, why aren’t you on the app?” He pouted, leaning against the counter as Robin arched a brow, looking at him through her long lashes. Setting the stack down, she huffed out a laugh, smirking at her friend.

   “Because I’m not a desperate buffoon.”

“You’re the one who signed me up for it! And you somehow knew about it, so, who’s the desperate buffoon here?” Steve huffs, jutting his lip out more with a pout as Robin rolls her eyes, frowning.

   “You. Because, here you are, three-days later with it still installed.” She shot, smirking as Steve’s mouth fell open, quick to try and defend himself, however, his voice fell short in his throat. Robin couldn’t help but grin as he scoffed, flinching when his phone vibrated from his jean pocket. Slipping it from there, he swallowed thickly at the text alert.

Billh_rgrove What’s wrong, princess? Don’t like being top anymore? Want to try being a little bottom for once?

Steve_TheDingus

You’re such a crude joke. Why are you still messaging me?

   Billh_rgrove

He speaks! Where’d you go, sweetheart? Missed you.

   Steve_TheDingus

You’re sickening, besides I’m at work, shouldn’t you be doing the same?

“Steve, Dingus, who the hell is that?” Robin peered over his shoulder, making him hiccup as he held his phone close to his chest, frowning at her.

   “Just a guy.” He murmurs, shrugging gently. The sentence felt like bile in his throat, the words wormed up from his stomach and tried to gag him. Yet, here he was slinging the world around freely - it made him feel sick.

“Steve? Hey, you’re getting teary-eyed.” She whispered, stepping closer, gently grasping his shoulder as he frowned, closing his phone with a huff.

   “I’m fine.”

“Stop saying you’re fine when-”

   “Hey! I’m not paying you two to just stand around, get to work!” Keith abruptly yelled from the back, making Steve flinch. Robin merely frowned before yelling a compliant “okay!” Back to him.

“This conversation isn’t over, Dingus. We’re talking about this.” She pointed, snatching the stack from the counter and leaving Steve to dwell in his thoughts - turmoil. He huffed, turning his phone on with pinched brows and pursed lips, re-reading the messages before typing out the three words he’d never thought he tell someone on a dating site…

   Steve_TheDingus

Leave me alone.

_________

The words echoed in Billy’s mind. Leave me alone. Leave him alone? Yeah, fucking right. Billy couldn’t help but scoff as he pulled up to the garage, huffing to himself as he climbed out and started towards the office. His stomach knotted in on itself. He wasn’t actually going to keep up with this… Princess, right? No. No! He wasn’t going to be some… Man in waiting, right?

   “Hargrove! You’ve got a few customers waitin’ on ya, let’s get a move on, yea?” Rodney shouted from the garage, making him roll his eyes, smirking. He didn’t wait on people, they waited on him. That’s how it goes.

Billh_rgrove You don’t want to be alone, Princess. That’s why you’re on this little app - I can read you as a book split open in front of me.

He hit send with a shit-eating grin forming on his lips; he knew. He understood what… Steve needed. Why he was searching on a gay app so suddenly. Maybe it was a prank, maybe it was a joke, but right now? He seemed to be taking it all pretty damn seriously, so Billy would be right behind him.

_______

Steve_TheDingus

   You’re disgusting. You don’t know anything about me, Bill.

Billh_rgrove

   Oh, please, you love that! And I know enough

Steve_TheDingus

   You don’t know what I love. Oh, really? What do you know?

Billh_rgrove

   You live in Hawkins, Indiana, you graduated two years ago, you’re twenty years old, and apparently still discovering yourself because you’re denying yourself of being… Open? But, I learn more as we go, Princess.

Steve_TheDingus

   Jesus, you’re a fucking stalker!

Billh_rgrove

   Nope. I can just read.

Steve blinked at the message. What? He can- his breath caught in his lungs as he exited the messages and clicked his profile, grimacing at the bio.

   Steve_TheDingus

Bottomest bottom to ever bottom.

Hawkins, Indiana 20

“Jesus, I’m so going to kill Robin.” Steve hissed as Dustin came rounding the corner, the Party trailing behind him. Clicking off his phone, he tossed it into the cupholder as they all piled into his BMW. “God, did you guys rob the convent store?”

   “Don’t be such a mom, Steven! We used our hard-earned cash!” Lucas grinned, squashing himself next to Will while Mike snuggled himself into the door, trying to tuck his long legs from cramming themselves into Steve’s back.

“From mowing lawns? Good on ya, Lucas. At least one of you work for your pay.” He mumbles, eyeing Mike and Dustin as they pretended to not notice the motherly glare. “Anyway, am I taking you guys back to Mike’s or Will’s?”

   “Neither!” Will spoke, grinning into the rearview mirror. “We’re meeting Max at the arcade.”

“Wait, Max? Who’s Max?” Steve shot, furrowing his brow as all the boys groaned, making him shrink down into his seat slightly.

   “Y’ know? Max?” Dustin emphasized the name, making Steve arch a brow and scoff.

“Dustin, I don’t know who you’re talking about just because you emphasize their name.” He rolled his eyes as Dustin gaped, rolling his own.

   “To be fair,” Lucas spoke up, making Steve glance up through the rearview mirror. “Steve has been working a ton.”

“Exactly! Thank you, Lucas.” He beamed as they pulled into the arcade parking lot. They all clambered out, grinning as they popped open their drinks and snacks, chattering as they walked towards the darkened building. Steve grinned, only for it falter, watching as the group stopped greeting a fiery redheaded… Girl?

   “Dustin, who’s that?” Steve shoulder the curly-haired boy, making him hum.

“That’s Max, short for Maxine but do not call her.” He warned, his eyes wide while Steve frowned, blinking as they walked up to the chattering group.

   “Is there security now, or what?” Steve flashed a friendly grin as the girl spun, meeting his eyes with large blue ones - they seemed… Oddly familiar.

“Who’re you?” She spat, arching a thin brow and pursing her lips as she crossed her slender arms over her chest; eyeing him. Studying him.

   “Steve, local babysitter for these hooligans.” He smiled again, relaxing, trying to show that he was just there, not a threat.

“Steve? Well, it’s uh… Nice to meet you, I guess.” She flashed a quick smile before glancing back to the boys, smirking. “I didn’t know high schoolers needed a babysitter.” Steve couldn’t help but snicker when all of the boy’s faces fell. They all began to spat out about how they didn’t need one, Steve was just tagging along. Max and Steve merely laughed as they lead the group inside, Steve finding himself a place to settle in while the party rushes around, playing the old games and the newest ones added to Keith’s place.

   Max and Lucas came over, settling across from him as he sipped at his soda, scrolling through his messages. He’d left Bill on read and he didn’t feel like trying to apologize… Just didn’t have the damn energy to try and fight back with the flirty asshole.

   “Anyway, I can’t stay for long,” Max abruptly spoke, making Steve glance up from his screen, noting how close Lucas and Max were sitting. “My brother is picking me up-”

“Brother?” He asked, cocking a brow as the two teens looked to him.

   “Uh, yeah, I’ve got an older brother. He’s only in town for a little while, at least until the Hawkin’s Festival.” Max shrugged, sipping at her strawberry Fanta. Steve blinked, nodding with a hum.

“Where’s he from?”

   “Why does it matter?” She shot back, furrowing her brows when Lucas gently nudged her, giving her a soft look. Her thin brows slowly relaxing as she sighed. “It’s nothing against you, Steve, but... He’s not exactly someone like you should get friendly with.” She mumbled, finishing her drink while Steve did as well, scoffing at her words.

“What do you mean, ‘someone like me?’ I’ve dealt with a ton of shit, so, whoever the hell your brother thinks he is, I can handle him.” Steve gently spat, going to move out of the booth, only for Max’s hand to shoot out, snatching his wrist and making him sit back down slowly.

   “I didn’t mean it like that, Steve. I just… He’s hard to understand. He doesn’t get that you can’t just flirt with everything that walks and get your way with it.” Max sighed, releasing his wrist with a frown as Steve sighed.

“I know you didn’t mean anything by it, Max. But, seriously, I’ve dealt with worse.” Steve muttered, thinking back to his phone, which has yet to go off. Strange. Usually, Bill is blowing up his phone asking where he went… Wait, why does he miss that?

   “I highly doubt it. But, to answer your question, he’s from California. He came down since his dad passed and he just wanted to be here, I guess, surprising since he hated his dad.” Max huffed, seeming to hold a grudge against her brother’s father as well.

“You don’t sound fond of him yourself, Red.”

   “I’m not. I’m sort of happy the bastard croaked. He was a dickhead and he deserved what got to him.” Max spat, her blue eyes narrowed with hate as she tapped her fingers against the wooden top, making Steve’s frown deepen.

“Well, if you didn’t like him, then I’m glad to have never met the bastard.” Steve shot her a soft grin, showing his teeth as she blinked, looking at him with a gentle smile.

   “Hey, Lucas, could you go get me another drink?” Max suddenly asked, turning to the boy who flinched, blinking as he flashed a lop-sided smile.

“Uh, yeah, sure!” He chuckled, sliding out of the booth, flashing her another grin as Steve chuckled, shaking his head gently.

   “Alright, Steve, I know we just met and shit, but… You seem really familiar.” She plopped her chin into her palm, staring at Steve, who went wide-eyed before released a breathless laugh.

“You’re kidding, right? Because I thought the same thing about you!”

   “But, where?! I haven’t met you until today, and yet you look so… Familiar.” Max’s voice trailed as she looked at Steve, his head ticked to the side and his lips pursed with pinched brows making Max blink and her lips part. They both jumped at the sound of a car horn blaring from outside. Max looked up through the window, coughing as she quickly got up, gathering the little stuff she had with her before turning to Steve.

“I’ll see you later, babysitter. Make sure they get home on time, got it?” Max shot him a large smile, as he mirrored it, smirking as he waved behind her, watching as she darted outside and climbed into an electric blue Camaro. Steve narrowed his eyes, he could see the bunch of blonde hair from the windows’ being rolled down, he could also see the caramel-toned skin resting against the steering wheel.

   “That must be her brother... Damn.”

“What’re you staring at?” Steve jumped when Lucas came back, a strawberry Fanta in his hand when his brows furrowed. “Where’d Max-” his question was easily answered by the rev of the engine and squealing of wheels against tar from outside. “Go. Let me guess, brother?”

   “Yeah, I guess. Hey, you go round up the others. I got stuff to do-”

“It’s only been an hour!”

   “Hey, I never said I would stay for long, but I said I would bring you guys. So, either get them and let’s go, or you’re all walking home.” Steve bit, scooting out of the booth as Lucas frowned before turning on his heel and rushing to get the rest of the party. Steve watched as he disappeared before pulling out his phone, staring at the blinking cursor before allowing his thumbs to glide over the keyboard; forming something into a sentence.

Steve_TheDingus

   So, you’re allowed to know everything from my bio, but I can’t know shit from yours? Seems kind of mean, Bill

Steve hit send, a knot forming and a bubble gurgling in his stomach, feeling it pop and spread a slight shiver across his body as the party came into view, making him smile as he slipped his phone away, holding up his car keys with a smirk.

   “This is a new low for you, Steven! Ditching us for - wait, why are you making us leave?” Dustin glared, pouting as Steve rolled his eyes, reaching forward and ruffling up the teens’ hat and hair as he growled and pulled away.

   “I have some stuff I need to get done.” Steve shrugged, twirling his keys as they all exited the building, walking towards the car. Everyone climbed in, making Steve grin to himself when he felt his pocket vibrate. He was going to change his feelings; one text at a time.

________

“Who were you sitting with?” Was the first thing out of Billy’s mouth as Max clambered into the Camaro. She glanced at him, shutting the door behind her before shrugging with a grin.

   “Party’s babysitter,”

“Seriously? You’re all freshmen in high school, why do they need a babysitter?” Billy couldn’t help but scoff out a laugh. Max rolled her eyes, fighting back her own grin.

   “I mean, he’s pretty cool,”

“Don’t tell me you’re gonna fuck the babysitter-”

   “EW! As if, he’s way too old for me!” She gagged, rolling her shoulders with a huff as Billy smirked, slipping out a cigarette from behind his ear, sticking it between his teeth as Max continued to blabber on about ‘he’s too old! And besides, I’m pretty sure he’s gay-” and that had Billy slamming the brakes.

   “Max!”

“What!?” She went wide-eyed, her hands still in front of her and pressed into the dashboard.

   “You... You can’t just go around saying that you’re pretty sure someone’s gay!”

“Why not? His phone kept buzzing the same way yours does-”

   “That doesn’t mean he’s… Are you seriously guessing some guy’s sexuality based on how his phone vibrates?! Maxine, I thought you were better than that.” Billy shot as she sat back, scoffing at him.

“I’m - Okay, first off, I am better than that, asshole. Second, I only know he’s gay because I’ve seen him on that dating app you installed!” She fired back, seething as Billy blinked, his mouth parted enough for his cigarette to cling to his wet lip. Max sat back, huffing with a pout as she turned to look out the window. “I’m not like most people in town, Billy…” She mumbled, curling into herself as Billy sighed, pressing the gas gently to start moving the car again.

   “Yeah… Yeah, I know Max.” He whispered back, his voice slightly muffled from the unlit stick. “I know.”

Once they arrived home, they separated, not speaking of the app, nor the “gay” babysitter, none of it once they stepped foot inside. The feeling of Neil’s presence still inked itself into the walls around them; Billy could feel nausea and constant anxiety welling-up in his chest, just preparing him for his dad to appear. Even with the man dead, his conscious still tells him he’s there. He’ll appear and ruin everything, just like he did in Cali.

   He jumped at the feeling of his phone vibrating from his pocket, pulling it out, he grinned his princess has finally answered.

Billh_rgrove

   Well, what do you want to know, princess?

Steve_TheDingus

   Anything? Maybe everything…

Billh_rgrove

   Alright, I’ll give you a small taste… I’m 20, I live in California but I’m stuck in a hick town for some… Festival my sibling is in.

Steve_TheDingus

   So, a 20-year-old surfer boy who’s a good brother? Cute.

Billh_rgrove

   I’m anything but cute, Steven.

Steve_TheDingus

   You traveled halfway across the states to be here for your sister because she’s in some hick town festival? That’s pretty cute, Bill. Besides, that sounds like my hometown.

Billh_rgrove

   Shut it, princess, or I’ll make you. And oh, yeah? You do live in a little hick town, don’t you?

“Billy! I need to get to Mike’s house!” Max suddenly yelled, making Billy groan as he threw his legs over the side of his bed, opening his door to a stressed redhead.

   “Why?”

“You need some insider information-”

   “What’re you talking about?” Billy leaned into his doorway, frowning as Max huffed, rolling her eyes as she abruptly shoved in back into his room, making him growl as she shut the door.

“I’m talking about operation babysitter! I’m hooking you up!” She threw her arms up, dropping them only to cross them in front of her chest as Billy stared at her, brows furrowed and lips parted. He settled onto his bed, resting his elbows against his knees with a frown.

   “You? You’re hooking me up with the babysitter?” Billy merely snorted, rolling his eyes in the process. “That’s hilarious, Max-a-million, but let’s be serious-”

“It’s Steve!”

   The bedroom grew abruptly tense. Both siblings staring at one another with wide-eyes and an agape mouth. Max’s eyes were filled with terror as Billy’s filled with… Glee?

“What’d you mean?” He breathed, slowly standing from his bed as Max, swallowed thickly, her lips twitching to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. “How do you know about him?” Billy slightly growled, stepping closer as Max stepped back.

   “I… I just - I recognized him, alright! I… That day you messaged him, I saw his profile picture and… And I recognized him back at the arcade, but I didn’t mention you! I didn’t mention the app or anything to freak him out.” Max quickly added, waving her hands to try and save herself from a heavy yelling session with him.

“What do you get out of this?” Billy glared, his arms crossing over and ticking up a brow. Max blinked, grinning as she took a step forward, realizing Billy meant no true harm.

   “Nothing except you being happy, plus gives you another reason to come to Hawkins.” She shrugged, smirking when Billy blinked, frowning before sighing. He returned to his bed, settling there as she clapped her hands together, grinning. “Besides, he’s an actual sweetheart and I think he’d be good for you.”

   “Who says he’d be willing to even give me a chance.” He scoffed. Max couldn’t help but frown. She moved across the room, settling next to him and gently shouldering his, making him look at her.

“Hey, he’d be an idiot to not give you a chance, Billy.” She grinned, as Billy flashed her a small grin before reaching over, tugging her into a tight side-hug before reaching up and messing her hair with a ruffle. “Hey!”

   “Alright, shitbird, what’s your little scheme here?” He smiled, settling back onto his bed as she huffed, rolling her eyes and fixing her hair with steady hands.

“Well, the festival is in town,”

   “No shit.” He rolled his eyes.

“Anyway! With the festival being in town, that could help us! You could try and invite him,”

   “Max, he’s made it pretty obvious that he has little to no care about this festival. I mentioned being in a hick town for my sister to go to a festival and this… God, he’s lucky he’s gorgeous because he didn’t put two-and-two together.” Billy groaned, flopping backward onto his mattress when Max rolled her eyes, leaning over her brother.

“Hey, genius, the party owes me a favor, so I can have them convince Mr. Babysitter to drag their asses to the festival that night. But, you have to work with me, deal?” Max sat back, allowing Billy to sit up as she stuck out her hand. He eyed it for a moment before slapping his palm against hers, shaking it once.

   “Yeah, alright, shitbird… I’ll work with you, but how do we know that this “party” isn’t going to be a total ass about setting up gay men?” Billy dropped his hand, frowning at the mere mention of people being angry about “gays entering their town.”

“They won’t, okay? And if they even try to, I’ll give them hell for it.” Max shrugged, grinning as she stood up before nodding for him to follow, which he did. “Now, come on, I need to get to Mike’s so we can throw this plan into action.”

________

   “So,” Mike begins, making Max and the rest look at him. They had gathered in his basement, El unable to attend since she was behind in Ms. Bridges’ class. “Why are we gathered in my basement when we’re supposed to be at the mall?”

“Because you guys owe me a favor.” Max shrugged as Mike scoffed, glaring at her while the others shrugged as well.

   “For what?!”

“Back two weeks ago, the public pool.” Max tested, arching a brow as Mike’s protest slowly died. She nodded once, glad for him going quiet. “Anyway, I need help. I’m setting up my brother with Steve.”

   “Wait, what?!”

“Steve’s not gay!”

   “Really?”

All of the boys jumped at her, making her frown and huff. Everyone stood around her, circling with constant questioning and slight anger in their voices as she rolled her eyes, shoving past them.

   “Are you guys serious right now? I thought you’d all be helpful not… Homophobic!” Max growled, folding her arms as they all went wide-eyed, shaking their heads as their words spilled over, sputtering and stammering.

“Now, wait for a second-”

   “It’s not like that, Max!”

“Woah, Woah, Woah, we’re not like that-”

   “Alright, shut it!” Max yelled, scoffing at them as she shook her head, frowning more.

“How do you know Steve’s gay?” Will asked, frowning at his friends as Max huffed, dropping her arms from her chest.

   “I … Billy has been talking to him on a dating app-”

“How do you even know if it was Steve? It could’ve been any brunette!” Dustin argued, stepping closer to her as her brows twitched and knitted together. She opened her mouth, only to go quiet when Lucas stepped in front of her.

   “Leave her alone, Dustin. She’s just trying to be a good sister.” Lucas growled as Dustin took a step back.

“Or, maybe she’s trying to help Billy force his sexuality onto Steve!” Mike suddenly added, stepping up to Lucas as Max grabbed his bicep, growling at Mike before she waved her hand around, stepping around her boyfriend’s body.

   “Are you fucking with me?! Billy is practically in love with Steve, and you should see how he gets all smiling and happy just from messaging him over that stupid app, and these idiots have no idea who each other are, even though they graduated together and have fallen in love!” She breathlessly laughed, a small smile on her lips as she looked up, seeing the boys all looking at her. Max cleared her throat, pursing her lips as she stepped next to Lucas. “So, please, help me.”

   The party grew quiet, no one spoke and no one dared to move until Dustin cursed under his breathe. He took a step towards her, suddenly hugging her tightly before leaning back, a toothless grin soothed her as she mirrored the smile.

“If you think it’s the right call, then I think it’s the right call.” He smiled as Max’s smiled widened, she shot forward and latched onto him as Lucas and Will suddenly added themselves to the group hug. They each stepped away and looked to Mike, who stood there with his arms crossed before he huffed.

   “Okay! Okay, fine, yeah… Count me in.” Mike sighed, as the rest fist-bumped the air as Max clapped her hands together smirking. “So, what’s the plan?”

“So, here’s the plan.”

_________

Shitbird

   Okay! Get to flirting, loverboy.

Billy    Shut it. Let’s hope this works.

Billy swallowed thickly, not waiting for Max to text back as he opened the dating app, frowning as he began to text out something - anything that could hopefully pique Steve’s interest…

   Billh_rgrove

How do you feel about festivals?

   He hit send. His heart throbbed against his ribs as he watched the three dot-filled bubble pop up, then away, back up, and away - the pit sitting low in his stomach grounded itself and growled against his soul.

Steve_TheDingus

   Oh. Well… They’re not my favorite thing? I mean, it’s all overpriced, greasy foods, the rigged games, it’s all just one large money trap. But, supposedly they can be extremely romantic, with its stupid Ferris wheel and firework shows at the end of the night…

Billy blinked, his lips splitting into a wide grin. Flicking the tip of his tongue over his bottom lip, he began to type.

Billh_rgrove

I can agree there… But, uh, if I didn’t know better, it almost sounds like you like that rom-com gooey shit, princess.

Steve_TheDingus

   Oh, please, anyone would like that rom-com gooey shit, Bill, even you! Hell, I feel like I would only like it if I were to go with you… But, we both know that shit won’t happen. But it would be a blissful thing.

Billh_rgrove

   Well… What would you say if I asked you to go to one? And if we met?

The bubbles popped up again, disappearing again, appearing again, disappearing and reappearing - it made Billy’s chest and stomach ache with a dull roar. His hand gently shook as he sucked at the cigarette butt, glaring at the glowing cherry as the sun sat in front of him, the cool air wrapping around Hawkins while the Camaro sat quietly in the road.

   Steve_TheDingus

I would say… You’re insane, Bill, completely and utterly insane. But, I would ask where and what time? Because this is apparently some gross rom-com gooey shit

   Billy felt the world burst into a million colors around him; the cooling air became electric as his breath caught in his throat. His blood rushed through his ears, his heart thundered against his ribs and the large smile that split across his face made Billy feel as if he were on top of the world, and he didn’t plan on coming down.

Billh_rgrove

   Hawkins Festival, Ferris wheel, 9 o’clock sharp. Don’t stand me up after getting my hopes up, princess

Steve_TheDingus

   I’ll see you there on top of the world, Billy boy. And like I could stand up someone like you.

Billy shut off his phone, sitting in the seat next to him before sucking down the last of his cigarette, flicking the butt to the asphalt with a grin plastered to his lips. His ocean eyes glanced at his clock, the blocky red numbers flashing, 7:40. He had a few before he would rise onto the top of the world with his princess right next to him. Sighing happily, he turned on the Camaro before arriving at Mike's house, his heart pounding in his chest when Max came sprinting out.

   “So? How’d it go?” Her eyes were big - bright - as she leaned in, grinning as he flashed her a large smile.

“Get in. Brother’s got a date at nine sharp.” He winked as she climbed in, holding up her fist for him to pound, which he accepted with a small smile. “Your party ready for this?” He glanced at her as he pulled away, frowning as her face slightly fell before replacing it once more with a grin.

   “They’re fine. They said they’ll help us.”

“You don’t sound too sure…” He trailed as she shrugged, humming some.

   “They were worried for Steve,”

“Because of me?” He shot, making her huff out of her nose, shaking her head. The kinked up hair around her face swept and brushed gently against her cheeks as she looked out the window, rolling her eyes slightly.

   “A little? They remember you from year ago, Billy, what would you think if the guy who threatened to beat Mr. Babysitter’s face in and then tried to fight Lucas?” Max scoffed when Billy side-glanced her, his own frown deepening.

“That… I was an asshole back then, alright? I mean, would you have been if your father beat you everyday for being a faggot-”

   “He’s gone. So, the asshole you is gone, too, right?” Max whispered, her voice slightly shaking as Billy came to a slow stop in front of their house. They sat in the gentle rumbling from the Camaro’s engine, the sun was steady in sinking to the earth. Billy sighed, reaching over and mussing Max’s hair, grinning as she shouted out a protest and batted away his hand.

“Yeah, shitbird… Asshole me is gone.”

   “Good. Now, come on, we need to get you ready for tonight!” She yipped, punching her fist into Billy’s shoulder, making him growl as she quickly ran out and towards the house, making him roll his eyes.

_______

“I can’t do it! I can’t do this, I… The entire town is going to be at the festival tonight, and he’s wanting to go now?! After all the shit he’s put me through-”

   “Dingus, breath!” Robin grabbed his shoulders, dragging him to a stop as he frowned, his eyebrows knitted together with worry lacing his features. She gave him a soft smile, patting his shoulders before giving them gentle, comforting squeezes. “You’ll be fine, alright? Nothing is going to happen to you or him. Hopper is going to be there with Joyce, and besides, I know you still have that nailed bat in your trunk from last year’s Halloween party.” Robin smirked, making Steve snort as he nodded, reaching up and gripping her wrist gently.

“But what happens if I mess this up, Rob? I… I actually like him, even after all the shit, I like him.” Steve breathed, his heart in his throat and he swore Robin could hear it by the way she gently released him, her lips breaking into a large smile.

   “You’re not gonna mess this up, Dingus, okay? With how highly Heather speaks of him now, there’s no doubt that the moment this boy lays eyes on you that he’s not going to fall ten-times-fold.” She winked, making a hasty pink settle over his porcelain skin while heat crept up his throat.

“I can’t believe you got a girlfriend out of helping me find a boyfrie- partner.” Steve stumbled, swallowing as Robin gave him a small smile, nodding with a shrug. She was too proud of herself.

   “What can I say? A matchmaker like myself deserves some good gay love too! Now, hurry up and find an outfit! It’s already 8:30 and I’m not about to let you be late to your first rom-com gooey shit date!” Robin called, exiting his room with a wave of her hands, only to pause and answer her phone with a soft “hello,” which broke into a small giggle and “hi, babe” following it.

Steve couldn’t help but smile at her back, watching her shut the door with a quiet thump as he sighed, settling on his bed and staring at the small closet, containing a few good outfits. “Alright, what to wear, what to wear, what to weaaaar,” his voice trailed off as he flopped backwards, rubbing his hands over his face as a deep groan erupted from his throat. Sitting up, he threw his legs over the edge of the bed before striding towards his closet, pulling out his best ass jeans and just a simple long sleeve, he nodded once. Slipping on the clothes, he stepped into his bathroom, grinning as he noticed the slight glow he had. He looked… Happy. Excited.

   “Dingus! Come on, we gotta go!” Robin shouted from downstairs as he scrambled, slipping on his white converse before shrugging on a simple lightweight jacket, rushing down the hall to see Robin standing with a dark haired girl.

“Heather’s driving us.”

   “Oh, so you’re the girlfriend! Nice to meet you,” Steve grinned, slipping out his hand as Heather grinned, shaking his hand.

“And you’re Dingus, nice to meet you as well. Now! Let’s get going on this festival date!” Heather grinned, wrapping her arm around Robin’s as Steve grinned, smiling at how happy the pair looked. They trotted ahead, holding each other as they piled into Heather’s car, Steve obviously opted for the backseat, his smile never faltering as his eyes glanced over the girl’s hands linked together.

   “Are you two having your own rom-com gooey shit date tonight or something?” He teased, plopping his chin into his palm as Robin scoffed, her cheeks turning rosie while Heather merely smiled, giving Rob’s hand a small squeeze, glancing to Steve in the rearview mirror.

“Let’s go with or something.”

   Steve grinned, he found himself doing that a lot more now… He didn’t feel the twist of hatred in his gut, nor the welt of guilt swelling and growing in his chest as he thought about Bill, the anger he’d roll in and break down while holding his pillow close. No one knew. No one would ever know because if they did, he’d be weak.

“Dingus! Hey, you’re not getting cold feet, right?” Robin asked, turning in her seat to look at Steve. His face broke into a grin, a little forced, but other than that, normal.

   “Never.” Robin gave him a look; an arched brow, pursed lips, and a look of ‘are you sure?’ Resting in her eyes.

“I’m serious, Rob, I’m good.” He nodded as she nodded once, turning back as Heather turned up the radio, leaving them in a light trance of comforting Dodie. He rested his elbow against the window, watching as the town grew darker, the street lights flickered to life. He sighed, this was his rom-com gooey shit moment and he wasn’t about to let it get ruined from the personalized homophobic nature that had swelled and rottened his brain from the inside out for the past twenty years. It was his time. And he was more than ready.

_______

   “What am I supposed to do if he doesn’t show up! Or what if he thinks I’m someone else? And just leaves me there? What… What if he’s disgusted?” Steve mumbled, nibbling at his thumbnail as Robin gently sat him in the Ferris wheel seat, it gently rocked as he sat, making him tense gently. Hopper had made a few… Calls and got the Ferris wheel rented out for Steve and his date, as long as he and Joyce could get an opportunity on it later.

“Steve, Dingus, Steven, what did I tell you earlier?”

   “He was going to fall ten-fold…?” He mumbled as she grinned, patting his cheek gently before pinching at the bridge of his nose, making him huff.

“That’s right, and he is! He’d be an idiot to not fall for you, so, Heather and I are just going to be walking around but we’ll be here the moment you get off the ride, alright?” She shouldered him as he snorted, nodding gently.

   “You’re talking to me like I’m five.”

“Well, I am technically you’re lesbian mother, so,” her voice trailed as Steve shouldered her, making her chuckle before standing back up.

   “Robin! Hey, it’s nine! Come on,” Heather rushed up, grabbing her as Robin waved, a quick “good luck!” Being thrown over her shoulder as they ran off. Steve felt his heart thump against his chest, hammering at his ribcage as he huffed out a breath. Tugging out his phone, he thumbed through the messages. The beginning started out… Rough. Steve didn’t know what he wanted - he didn’t want anything to do with Bill. He wanted to be “normal”. But, then Bill started showing his colors. Started letting Steve know him, understand him and Steve did the same. The late night text, the late night “help me, please”, and the drunken text asking if the other would run away after they met. Each conversation burned Steve’s throat because… He wanted this. He wanted him and Bill to work out.  

“Jesus, I’m in too deep…” Steve murmured, running a hand down his face with a groan as the crunch of autumn leaves came closer, making him glance up. The sun had set, leaving Hawkins dipped in the flickering street lamps, the rainbow light's glittering around him from the other rides and stands.

   “Uh, can… Can I help you?” He muttered, feeling his heart in his throat as he looked up, squinting some as the figure sucked on whatever was in their mouth before the bright cherry of a cigarette made Steve shiver.

“Depends. Can I sit?” He flicked out, making Steve gulp as he slowly unlatched the gate, watching as the stranger flicked the cigarette butt, smothering it into the mist soaked earth. Steve cleared his throat, gently stuttering.

   “I… I mean, sure? I was waiting on someone though.” He whispered the last part, feeling his heart gently break as he glanced at his phone, 9:30. Jesus. He thought sickly. I really am an idiot.

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.” The stranger shot him a large grin before settling in next to Steve, pressing their shoulders tightly together. His jean jacket rubbed against Steve’s lightweight, it whined as they settled in, the man latching the gate closed as Steve felt his heartbeat pick up, stammering and slamming into his ribs as he glanced towards the man, who shot him another large, and somehow comforting smile.

   “You… Know?”

“Names Billy Hargrove, princess, and I do believe I asked you for a date at the Hawkins Festival, on the Ferris wheel, at 9 o’clock sharp.” The blonde - Billy - grinned as Steve’s lips fell open, his voice caught in his throat as they began to go backwards.

   “Hargrove? As in Hargrove that tried to beat my ass back in senior year of high school, Billy Hargrove?” Steve all but growled as Billy blinked, a sheepish smile breaking across his face as he nodded gently.

“Listen, Stevie,”

   “No! No, you listen here, you fucking dickwad, why in the widespread of hell would you ever think this would be okay?! Leading me on, letting me open and let you get to know the deepest part of me when I don’t even understand it myself?! What kind of sick fucking game are you playing here-”

Billy slammed his lips into Steve’s, cutting off his rant easily. He fought back, leaning away, but Billy followed, both of their hearts pounded and wretched against their ribs as he slowly let Steve escape, swallowing thickly as his eyes fluttered back open; meeting the large, doe-like chocolate colored irises, the same ones that he tried to bloody and bruise way back when.

   “Steve, you… You have every right to be angry at me, but - but I want you to know that I do want to know you! I want to know the parts of you that no one else does and I want to be the one to help you understand the parts of you that you don’t quite understand yet,” Billy trailed, swallowing as the ride rounded, still going as Steve blinked, staring at him with parted lips and wild eyes, frantically looking into Billy’s. “I’m sorry for what I did senior year, okay? I… My life was shitty and I became the largest asshole to everyone because I was scared. I was scared that I would never amount to anything, and that my piece of shit dad was right. Right that I was just another faggot that would end up dead in a back alleyway, and I’m sorry.” Billy whispered the last part, barely hearing the carnival music anymore from the blood rushing in his ears and the humming of his heart against his sternum.

Suddenly, Steve reached out, slamming his fist against Billy’s chest, making him groan and cough, gripping the area with a groan.

   “Okay, I deserved that.” He sputtered, only to be silenced as Steve grabbed the ears of Billy’s jacket, tugging him close and slamming their lips together. Billy sighed into the sweet kiss, attempting to ignore the dull pain that settled over his breastbone. Their lips moved together, dancing as the ride came to a slow roundabout once more - their last ride.

“That’s for being a dickhole back in high school, and that second one? That one was for letting me in. But,” Steve trailed, his hand slowly moving down and resting on top of Billy’s, gripping it gently. “I want to stay in, if you’ll let me?”

   Billy pressed another kiss to Steve’s temple, followed by a cheek, then nose, and then lips. Smiling as he leaned further into Steve’s side.

“Do you remember what I asked you?” He breathed against Steve’s neck, grinning gently as Steve chuckled, somewhat curling against Billy’s side.

   “About us meeting?” He murmured as Billy nodded.

“Y’ know I actually live in California, that’s a little bit far, ain’t it?” He whispered, angling himself to look into Steve’s eyes, which were slightly watering as he squeezed at Billy’s hand.

   “Yeah, it… I bet it’s beautiful though.”

“Come with me.” Billy spoke quickly, making Steve practically snap his neck to look at Billy. His eyes were bugged and lips parted as he huffed out a small sigh, licking at his bottom lip gently before turning and swallowing thickly.

   “Bill, Billy… I just - what about the kids? Or, or Robin? Hopper and Joyce? I… I can’t just up and leave them.” Steve whispered, his voice shaking as he stared into Billy’s bright, blue eyes. Billy flashed an innocent smile before gently grabbing both of Steve’s hands before the Ferris wheel came to a slow stop, and Steve felt tears well-up in his eyes. They climbed out and there stood… Everyone. The kids, Hopper and Joyce, Robin and Heather - all of them stood around the Ferris wheel, sad smiles on all of their faces.

   “Guys? What’s… What’s going on?” He murmured, wiping gently at his eyes as the party rushed forward, wrapping their arms around his waist, making him sniffle gently as Billy stood off to the side, whispering to Max.

“It’s okay, Steve. It’s okay that you go with him, you guys belong together.” Will grinned, small tears dripping down his cheeks as Lucas and Mike nodded, all smiling at him as they gently untangled themselves from him. Dustin stood there, his lips trembled while his eyes stayed glued to his busted sneakers.

   “Dustin? Hey, are you-” Steve grew quiet when Dustin slammed himself into his stomach, wrapping his arms tightly around Steve’s shoulders. A shuttered sigh leaving his lips as he sniffled against Steve’s shoulder.

“God, I don’t want you to go, I don’t want you to, but you deserve to get out! You deserve to get out of this small ass town and be happy.” He broke down, tears cascading down his cheeks he pulled back staring at Steve, who smiled sadly, reaching up and messing with Dustin’s ball cap and hair, sniffling.

   “I… I won’t be gone for long, alright? I’ll come visit, and… And you and the rest of the party can come visit us.” Steve grinned, shooting a look to Billy, who nodded with a large smile on his lips. Steve turned back to the sad party, smiling at them. “I’ll expect updates on anything, got it? And I’ll… I’ll try and call every Friday to see how you guys are, or if you need anything,”

“Steve! They’ll be okay,” Robin appeared next to him, smiling as she sniffed gently, stepping up and wrapping her arms around his neck as Dustin took a step back, disappearing into the festival with the rest of the party. “We’ll all be okay, you can always come see us, Dingus.”

   “Oh, yeah? And you’ll be able to handle Scoops without your Dingus around?” He tearfully laughed as she grinned, shaking her head.

“Yeah… Yeah, I’ll be able to handle it, maybe it won’t be as fun, but… I can do it.” She murmured as he nodded, sighing through trembling lips.

   “I know you can. I’ll miss you, Rob.”

“You pity me, Dingus, but… Fuck, I’ll miss you, too, Steve.” She gave him a tight hug, before stepping back, disappearing with Heather into the carnival. They both waved behind them, as he sighed, wiping at his face gently. Steve glanced up to see Joyce and Hopper saying good-bye to Billy, then walking by and giving Steve a quick squeeze and murmuring “be safe” as they moved towards the Ferris wheel.

   Billy walked up, wrapping an arm around Steve’s waist while pressing a soft kiss to his temple.

“Fuck, I’m going to miss them…” Steve sighed, snuggling himself close to Billy’s side as they turned and began walking towards the parking lot. Billy sighed, nodding as they rested their shoulders against each other, Steve entwining their hands as they swung gently between the boy’s bodies.

   “Yeah… I think they were the only good thing that came out of Hawkins, Indiana.” Billy scoffed and chuckled when Steve elbowed his ribs, making him scoff.

“Asshole, you realize we’re walking out of Hawkins, Indiana, right?”

   “Princess, I said they were the only good thing,” Billy’s voice trailed as they stopped at the Camaro, Steve leaned against the cold metal, grinning as Billy caged him there. “You’re the best goddamn thing to have ever happened to me.” He leaned in, pressing his lips to Steve’s as his hand trailed down from the roof, caressing Steve’s side and thumbing at the skin that peeked out from underneath his long sleeve and jacket.

“Jesus, you really do make this the cheesiest, shittest and gooeiest rom-com ever.” Steve giggled against his lips as Billy smiled, nodding some.

   “Only for you, princess… Only for you.”  ________