#round: 005.

[indigenous-character-tournament]

Inkarmat is canonically Ainu.

Geronimo Jr. is canonically Indigenous. The tribe is not specified.

[mingos]

" AT LEAST MY HAT IS FILLED WITH LOVE!! "

　　　　❝ yeah, well it's certainly not filled with brains, bounce boy. ❞

[themagnustournament]

Redemption Round 2 - Match 53

Just like those bags of teeth, we threw out Thrown Away with only 88 votes in Round Two and 244 votes total! The Processing Line got 180 votes in Round One.

MAG 005 - Thrown Away | Spotify - Acast - YT | Wiki | Transcript

Statement of Keiran Woodward, regarding items recovered from the refuse of 93 Lancaster Rd, Walthamstowe.

MAG 178 - The Processing Line | Spotify - Acast - YT | Wiki | Transcript

An examination of industrial meat processes. Audio recorded by the Archivist, in situ.

[catloverkid00]

ratio (tumblr version)

ROUND 1, MATCH 17

NO MAGIC, POWERS, OR WEAPONS

Elon Musk:

“I just wanna watch him get beat up”

“I want to watch him lose every fight”

“Wouldn’t it be funny if everyone who went against him beat him?”

“He would get his ass beaten by anyone and everyone, including Conan Edogawa”

“I just want to see him get punched, repeatedly, by real and fictional people.”

Groundskeeper Willie:

“Because he's ripped and clearly willing to go to insane lengths to win. This guy will punch you in the throat, he doesn't give a shit.”

“There ain’t nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased Scotsman!”

[icejjfishesz]

rock the boat ! ,, ml (completed)

summary: after getting unexpectedly left by your roommate, you find yourself in need of a replacement.

contents: reader is down bad. paige in a situationship. kinda angsty.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

000. ༺ROCK THE BOAT༻∘ (prologue)

001. ༺...OR JUST LOOK LIKE ONE༻∘ (reader)

002. ༺ONE MORE ROUND༻∘ (reader)

003. ༺RED HANDED༻∘ (paige)

004. ༺BUT WITH EASE༻∘ (reader)

005. ༺WORDS ARE EMPTY AIR༻∘ (reader)

006. ༺NO LOOKING BACK༻∘ (paige)

007. ༺ASUNDER༻∘ (reader)

008. ༺AND I LOVE HER༻∘ (paige)

009. ༺ALWAYS, ALWAYS༻∘ (paige)

[loveharlow]

SEVEN - 005

PAIRING ‧₊˚ JJ Maybank x Fem!Reader

SYNOPSIS‧₊˚[6.2k] based on 1x05.

WARNING(S)‧₊˚ swearing, mild violence, detainment, mentions of child abuse

NOW PLAYING‧₊˚

A/N‧₊˚ here's how I imagine TR's midsummer's outfit, also shoutout to Chris on the tumblr support team and bigger shoutout to @thepoguelife101 for helping me to get this uploaded.

˗ˏˋ series masterlist ˎˊ˗

PETERKIN SLAMMED HER OFFICE DOOR SHUT. You sat in the chair across from her personal one, avoiding her eyes as she sat on the wood of the desk. “Y’know, I expected to see your friend in here. But not you.” The woman started. “Especially not with a felony as your first offense. Felony destruction of property could get you tried as an adult.” 

You remained silent, fiddling with your fingernails as she tried to intimidate you with an unwavering stare. A common interrogation tactic, you learned that from your mother. 

“Unlawful discharge of a firearm, trespass on protected habitat, felony destruction. Those are all Maybank’s charges, your little partner in crime?” She listed off. “I want you to take a trip with me into uncharted territory — your future. Picture this,” She started, leaning in further. “You, six months from now, sittin’ in juvie in Wadesboro, just a cell block away from the Maybank boy.”

You cringed at the thought, eyes finally looking at the Sheriff in front of you. She pulled out two papers from a manilla folder, laying them out in front of you. “You seen these guys? You know ‘em?” She inquired, crossing her arms over her chest as your eyes scanned the pictures.

They were mugshots of the square groupers. But you remained silent, jaw clenched and eyes stoic. “Do I need to repeat myself?” Her voice was lower now. You pondered for a few moments, should you tell her or keep quiet? But you figured the damage was already done.

“They…broke into John B’s house, trashed the place. They chased us through The Marsh, too.” You told her, making eye contact with the older woman now and scratching the back of your neck. 

She huffed under her breath, pulling more documents from the folder. “Here’s a more recent photo.” She laid them out, the photos presented to you almost made you gag. They were autopsy images of the groupers — deep slashes, pale skin, and bloated bodies. “Somebody gaffed ‘em, then used ‘em for chum. Whoever killed these men is still out there, and I got pretty solid reasons to believe their next target is that friend of yours. John B?” She told you. 

Then, she was leaning down so close that her lips were right next to your ear but you didn’t move. “You kids don’t think you’re the only ones after the Royal Merchant, do you?” Your eyes flicked over to hers, staring at the woman through hooded lids. “Yeah, I know about that, too.” She muttered before getting up and rounding the desk again, placing herself behind it.

“He isn’t looking for it, anymore.” You blurted, straightening in the metal chair. “Okay? He’s done.”

“Yeah, your friend said the same thing when I had him in here. I’m just tryna keep him safe. So, I’m gonna tell you the same thing I told him. See if your friend John B is interested in talkin’ to me and maybe we can keep you out of Wadesboro.” She snipped, shuffling the documents back into her folder and leaving the office.

“ARE YOU HER GUARDIAN?” The officer behind the reception desk asked, your mother shuffling with her purse angrily on the other side of the glass as you stood behind her. 

“Unfortunately. I’m her mother.” She snapped, sending a nasty glare your way that you rolled your eyes in response to. 

“Hearing will be in two weeks. If you fail to show up, you forfeit your bail.” The lady-officer informed, not even offering up a glance. “The restitution will be based on the average of three outside estimates of the cost of the damaged article. Sign right here, please...” She instructed, shoving the clipboard through the glass-slot.

You squinted your eyes harshly and sighed. You didn’t even think about restitution and your were praying that Topper’s boat wasn’t crazy expensive. You could faintly hear your mother muttering under her breath as she absentmindedly scribbled her signature on the bottom of the papers, spinning the clipboard back around to the officer before turning on her heels to face you.

“Let’s go. Now.” Her pumps clacked against the precinct floors, the woman practically throwing the Sheriff Station doors open. You followed closely behind, throwing your slightly matted hair into a ponytail. The jailhouse look was not your best one. “So, when I told you about the Thornton’s boat you just neglected to mention that you were the one that did it?”

You yawned as you tried to keep up with her pace, too tired to respond sensibly. “Yeah, I guess…”

She chuckled with no humor behind it. “The least you could do is pretend to care. The only reason I’m not going to make you pay this restitution your damn self is because I don’t need this becoming a bigger issue than it already is. Do you think I need the entirety of Figure Eight knowing my daughter’s facing a felony charge against one of the most prominent families on the island?”

“Right…” You dragged out, licking the bottom of your front teeth. “Because God forbid the Cul de sac finds out I sunk a boat after getting roundhouse kicked in the ribs...”

Your mother sighed, stopping on the driver’s side of her sleek, black SUV as your rounded the passenger side. Just then, you spotted JJ walking with his father, who you hadn’t seen in God knows how long. Your mother seemed to follow your line of vision, wagging her finger from the other side of the car.

“No. You?” She pointed. “You stay away from that boy, do you hear me? You stay away from all of those pogues.”

“Are you serious? He’s my best friend.”

“Yeah, well not today, he isn’t. Get in the damn car.” She spat, yanking her own door open and jumping inside before slamming it shut. You stood with your hand on the handle, watching JJ hesitantly get in the car with his father. Reluctantly, you opened your own passenger side door and got inside. Your mother nearly broke the key with the aggressive that she started the car with.

Your eyes were glued on Luke’s vehicle as your mother drove off but you could’ve sworn their car was shaking a crack-addict. And if you weren’t crazy, you saw a fist connect with a face through the back windshield. Your back straightened in your seat. “Wait, mom-”

“You mind your business.” She warned, looking between the road and you. “What happens between that boy and his father is none of your concern...”

YOU PRACTICALLY BOLTED UP TO THE COMFORT OF YOUR ROOM WHEN YOU WALKED THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR. Marley was sitting on your bed. You felt bad for being away from her so often recently, but you knew she could entertain yourself. You always left her three bowl of food and water when you had a feeling you’d be gone, knowing your mom didn’t care for the dog as much as she used to. Or at all, really.

Your mother had stopped her yelling and berating about ten minutes into the ride home, receiving a phone call from Shoupe. Even with the device to your ear, you could still make out what the man was saying.

He and Peterkin sent out units to basically spy on John B ‘s house, planning to wait until the boy appeared and make their move. Moments like this made you despise living on an island that was hit by frequent hurricanes, unable to warn any of your friends about what was happening, especially not knowing when John B would pop back up after his run from DCS.

The animal jumped off the bed at the sight of you, jumping on you as you knelt down to her height.

“Hey, Marls.” You cooed, scratching the retriever’s neck as you wiggled up underneath you. “I know, I miss you too. How you been, girl?”

“...Thanks, Anna. I’ll let her know..” Your mothers voice rang in your ears as she stopped in front of your open door, ending the call she was on. Her attention was directed towards you now as she rolled up the sleeves on her blazer slightly. “Clean yourself up. You’re going dress shopping with Kiara.”

“For?”

“Midsummers. You’re going.” You groaned, you’d never been to Midsummer’s because this was your first-year as a Figure Eight resident. With the help of Mrs. C, Kie’s mom, your mom managed to wiggle her way into the Island Club, scoring you an place at Midsummers. Kie described it as the ‘Met Gala from Hell’.

“Wouldn’t a better punishment be not allowing me to go?” You tried, even though you knew she’d never go for it.

“No because that’s exactly what you want, both you and Kiara.” She said, so you assumed this was a small punishment for your best friend, too. “Shower, buy a nice presentable dress, and be there. On time.” Was all the woman said before she continued down the hall to her own room.

Your eyes drifted down to the dog as you pouted, she was staring up at you cutely, mouth open and tail wagging. “I’ll steal you some sliders”

“SERIOUSLY, YOU LOOK GREAT.” Kie gushed beside you, eyeing your hair as you walked into the dress shop. “Like, I know neither of us want to go but you look like a goddess. For real.” 

You couldn’t help but giggle, bell jingling above the door as you both entered the small corner shop on the mainland. “I won’t say I don’t want to go just yet. I’ve never been...” You told the brown-haired girl. 

“Anything I can help you ladies with?” An employee approached with a bright smile, hands clasped in front of her. She looked so well put together.

“Oh, we’re okay. Thank you.” Kiara politely declined, leading to the racks in the back by your arm. “Everything in here is so hideous but there is a gold mine in the back. No pun intended.” She whispered as she tugging you towards racks you wouldn’t even know were there without her.

“Sometimes, people try and hide their shit on the clearance rack so no one will take it and they can come back and buy it later.” She told you.

You eyed a couple of dresses that peeked your interest — a slim black one, a floral green one, a lacey blue one. There were so many. You plucked up at least five dresses from the rack, Kie’s arms just as full as you both silently search, the shop music playing in the back.

When you were both satisfied, you rushed to the dressing rooms. Kie went first and you almost forgot how picky she was. The girl looked good in almost anything but when she walked out in a purple, cowl necklace, satin dress, you both knew it was the one.

“Oh my, Kie, you look so good!” You exclaimed, squealing like a school-girl. “The purple makes your skin look amazing, Kie, you have to get it.”

“I’m not leaving the shop without it.” She said like it was the most obvious thing in the world, a smile on her face. “Okay, let me change so you can try yours on.” She said, slipping back into the dressing room as you gathered your hangers of dresses from the seat beside you and entered the room after she left.

The first couple of dresses were just not your thing. It was either too loose or unflattering in color. You were about to give up and head back to the racks until you realized you still had one more dress to try on — a mulberry colored dress with a sweetheart neckline. Slipping it on, you stepped out of the dressing room and did a twirl for a Kie.

“...If you don’t buy it, I fucking will.” She looked you up and down with wide eyes.

“Is that a yes?” You questioned.

“It’s a hell yes.” She scoffed. “You look stunning in that dress, Y/N.”

“Need any help in here?” The same employee from earlier came in, stopping in her tracks when her eyes landed on you. “My God, it suits you so well.” You weren’t sure if she was just doing her job but her compliment was all you needed to decide that this was your Midsummers dress, for sure. “Oh! I have just the thing to compliment it.” The woman gushed, rushing out of the fitting room and returning within seconds, a flower-band hairpiece in her hands. 

She placed it gently atop your hair, adjusting it until it sat right. She told you you looked beautiful and left you and Kie to yourselves once more, not before bringing a matching hairpiece for Kie that suited her purple dress. The employee took all of your unwanted dresses back for you while the both of you re-dressed and went back out to search for shoes.

With Kie’s help, you settled on a pair of block-heel pumps that closely resembled the color of your dress. The woman at the register happily rung you both up, offering you a friendly smile on your way out the door. You were maybe five feet from leaving when a familiar head of blonde hair entered the shop as you and Kie were leaving, bumping in between the middle of both of you.

“Oh! I’m so sorry-” She stopped mid-apology when she realized who she was apologizing to. “Oh. It’s just you two.” Sarah’s tone wasn’t as cheery as she eyed you both up and down. “Midsummer’s?” She asked, motioning towards the bags in your hands.

“Yep.” Kie gave the girl a fake smile. “How about you? Out for prey?”

“Okay, you know what, Kie?” Sarah started, causing a scene in the small shop as you tugged on Kie’s arm.

“We should just go…” You whispered.

“Oh! And thanks for sinking my boyfriend’s boat, Y/n. Real classy.” You couldn’t help but scoff, edging in front of Kiara.

“Which boyfriend? I mean, it’s clear that Top isn't your main man anymore, so when’s the next guy gonna pop out?” The blonde girl smiled, licking the bottom of her top teeth before speaking.

“Be careful what you wish for.” She spoke in hushed tone, your eyes pinching in on each other.

“The hell’s that supposed to mean?” Kie jumped in.

“Is there a problem… over here?” An employee came over, a much older woman. The manager you assumed.

“No.” You replied, winding your arm through keys before pushing the store door open. “No problem at all.” You told the lady, eyes mugging Sarah as you left.

“EXCUSE ME SIR, DO WE HAVE TO SHUCK THESE OURSELVES?” Kiara put on a fake accent as you both snuck up behind Pope, the boy turning around with an irritated expression before realizing it was you two. “‘Cause it might mess up my costume.” Kie laughed.

He smiled and pulled you both into a tight hug. When he released you both, he turned to you first. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve never-”

“Pope, don’t. It was my idea.” He swallowed his pride, accepting that you wouldn’t allow him to apologize.

“Have you seen JJ? Since the arrest?” He asked, voice laced with worry.

You nodded. “We spent the night in the holding cell together. Last I saw him was when he left the station with his dad…” You told him, the events of this morning flashing in your mind. You knew JJ’s dad was a little off his rocker but now you were wondering just how bad it’s gotten. 

Pope’s mind seemed to wander after that. You wanted to ask if he knew anything, if you were right to be worried but you decided to just wait until you saw JJ. 

“You ever seen this many kooks in one place?” Kie cut in, staring at the growing crowd of people.

“Yeah,” Pope replied, standing next to her. “Last year.”

“We’re in the lion’s den.” She said solemnly, eyeing Topper and Kelce from across the field.  Applause broke out prompting your attention to turn to the family entering the party — The Camerons. Rose, Ward, Rafe, Sarah, and Wheezie descended the stairs in typical Cameron fashion. “Here come Lord Capital and the Exploiters. This is gonna be fun…”

IT’D BEEN A COUPLE HOURS SINCE YOU’D ARRIVED AT MIDSUMMERS. You and Kie had been sneaking Pope drinks as he worked, almost getting busted by Heyward. 

“Y’know, I’ll admit,” Kie started as you both leaned against each other while Pope continued preparing food in front of the grill. “This is a lot more fun with you guys here.”

“Aww,” You cooed, rubbing the girl’s arm. “We love you, too.”

She giggled. “Are you tipsy?” You looked up at her through your lashes as you leaned on her arm. You held up your hand, hovering your index finger and thumb in front of one another.

“Jus’ a little.” You whispered, eyes drifting around the party. You watched the party-goers dance and drink and socialize. But your eyes managed to land on a familiar head of scruffy blonde hair. “Is that JJ?” You perked up, taking your weight off of Kiara. You hiked up your dress slightly in order to speed-walk across the lawn and reach the boy, Kiara calling out behind you. “JJ!” you whisper-yelled, catching the boys attention.

He looked star-struck for the briefest of moments and he still hadn’t spoken when you reached him. You waved a hand in front of his face, snapping him out of it and watching a small smile edge on his features.

“It’s so good to see you, princess.” He cheered quietly pulling you into a tight bear-hug, lifting you a few inches off the ground. You didn’t hesitate to hug him back, wounding your arms around his neck right before he put you down. 

But your smile dropped when you got a good look at his face. “JJ..” You whispered, fingers tracing the bottom of his lip where a large cut sat, a large bruise on his cheek. “Did your dad do this?”

His blue eyes met yours, pulling your hand from his face and holding it in his own and edging closer to you. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.”

“What do you mean don’t worry about it, JJ? He can’t hit you like that-”

“It’s nothing that hasn’t happened before.” He cut you off. “Okay? Just keep it to yourself. Please, Y/n.”

You looked between both of his eyes — they were pleading with you to just drop it. To let it go. And you didn’t want to. But JJ did. You nodded, squeezing his hand. “Okay…” you agreed. “Don’t worry about all of this, okay? My mom’s gonna pay the restitution, so if that’s why your dad’s mad just let him know-”

“It’s okay.” The blonde. “John B and I, we have a plan. We’re back in the G-game.” Your eyes went wide.

“But there was nothing there. The wreck was empty, JJ.” 

“John B will explain everything, alright? But I have to do somethin’ really really quick.” He backed away, walking backwards from you, basically skipping. “And you look gorgeous, by the way! Prettiest Pogue Princess there ever was!” He mildly-shouted as he walked away, a bright smile breaking out on your face. 

You turned back around to find Kie just standing there. “What was that?” She inquired as you both walked back to Pope. 

“What was what?” You asked, plucking a shrimp off the scorching grill as Pope swatted your hand away with the tongs.

“You and JJ…” She trailed off. “You don’t think that was weird?”

You scoffed, looking up at her through your lashes. “He’s one of my best friends, Kie. Plus, we’ve been through a lot in the last 24 hours. Why are you making it weird?” She didn’t respond after that, just giving you an odd look. You only spoke again once Pope asked what happened. “JJ says we’re back in the G-game.”

“How?” Pope asked, still paying most attention to the food in front of him.

“Not sure. He says John B will explain it all later.” You pulled your phone out of your bra, looking at the time. “Shit. I need to go find my mother before I become the next thing on the grill. She wants me to meet some business partners of hers.” You dismissed, waving goodbye to your two friends.

You weaved through the crowd, spotting your mother at one of the decorated table talking to a much older, elderly couple. She spotted you and pointed before motioning you over. You stood next to her, smiling at the couple.

“Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty, this is my daughter, Y/n.” You shook their hands, told them it was nice to meet them. Your mother had explained that these were the people that helped her succeed in law so she wanted you to meet them and get their advice, despite your several protests that law was not your desired career path.

She kept trying to fit you into her shoes knowing they would never fit. But you listened to their takes and advice, mostly for their sake. You’d been idly engaging until you saw JJ bolt into the clubhouse, Rafe and his crew hot on his tail. Your plastered smile dropping for the smallest of moments.

“I’m so sorry,” You chuckled awkwardly. “You wouldn’t mind if I used the restroom, would you?”

“Not at all, darling-” The old woman told you but your mother was quick to add in her two cents.

“You can hold it, can’t you?” She fake laughed, eyes going back and forth between you and her mentors. “I mean, you wouldn’t want to be rude.”

“I didn’t know peeing was rude, Mother.” You cocked your head, lifting the skirt of your dress as to not trip over it on your way into the clubhouse, looking at the Daugherty’s once more before you left, offering them a smile. “Excuse me.” 

You walked as fast as you could into the building, accidentally bumping guest after guest on your way in. You no longer had sights on the group of guys, following the trail of shocked guests and shifted furniture that they left behind. 

To the people around, you probably looked a little crazed but this wasn’t like at The Point or at The Golf Course or during The Movie. Rafe would have JJ cornered with two guys behind him. You knew that realistically you stood no chance against a trio of guys but you weren’t about to leave JJ to fend for himself.

You searched the place up and down, stumbling towards the restrooms, immediately heading into the men’s one. You ignored the wold-whistles, protests, and men peacefully using the urinals, following the sound of hushed voices into the connected locker room. 

“Actually, there is an issue,” You heard JJ’s voice as you got closer. “We got a criminal trespass in progress here. Blatant disrespect for private property, I’m in violation of all kinds of shit here, sir.” You shook your head at his words, knowing he was seconds away from getting thrown out. The Island Club’s security was tight. 

“Excuse me, miss,” a voice startled you from behind, causing you to whip around. “You can’t be in here.” You opened your mouth, stuttering to find an excuse as the other security stared at you but you just settled on throwing your arms up. Clearly, JJ was safe, even though he was getting kicked out. 

As you were being led out, you looked behind you to see that the other officer had a hold of JJ before Rafe’s voice sounded out. “Hey, tell Y/n she looks hot in that dress! But she looks so much hotter out of it, trust me!” The Cameron boy laughed out and you watched as JJ snatched himself out of the guard’s hold and charged back into the locker room. The action made your heart jump but you weren’t sure for what reason as the other guard continued leading you out into the main hall of the clubhouse. 

You weren’t sure which exit the other security guard has escorted JJ out of so you made your way back to the deck of the clubhouse, head whipping left and right until you spotted that familiar head of blonde hair. JJ was reckless and chaotic but he was still your friend.

You weren’t gonna watch as they practically threw him out an event when he didn’t even instigate anything. “It’s okay everybody! Do not panic.” He shouted with his hands up in the air, the majority of the party’s attention now on him. “Leave it to the men and woman in uniform. Let’s hear it for them! Rose, you look like lady liberty.” 

“You can let go of him!” You called, skipping down the steps and into the grass. “He doesn’t have to be manhandled, he didn’t do anything!” The security turned to you, still gripping JJ by the upper arm. JJ took the opportunity to shove the man off of him, his blue eyes on yours across the lawn.

“Hey, mandatory power hour at Rixon’s, princess!” He pointed at you. “Kie? Pope?” He motioned to them as well. “Rixon’s Cove. Let’s roll! Throw off your chains!” You watched as Kiara snatched away from her parents and Pope ran away from his dad. You were making a move to follow them when a hand gripped your upper arm, your mother coming into view.

“We talked about this.” She said firmly, fire in her eyes. “Do not embarrass me, right now.” The woman warned.

“I don’t think there’s any way for me to make you proud anymore, Mom.” You told her sadly in a hushed tone before snatching your arm out of her grip, running towards your friends. You could hear her calling out your name behind you but you ignored her, jumping into JJ’s open arms and leaving Midsummers. 

CICADA’S CHIRPED IN THE MIDDLE OF RIXON’S COVE AS YOU ALL SAT AROUND A RAGING BONFIRE, waiting for JB to speak. “So, like, my dad’s already gonna kill me.” Pope started, sat on a log in front of the fire across from you and Kie while JJ and John B stood, throwing rocks. “So, what’s this mandatory meeting about?”

The two boys sat down, eyeing each other before JJ spoke. “Might as well tell him before we’re gaffed, man.” He said, the statement mainly directed at John B.

“...The gold never went down with the Royal Merchant. It’s been here the whole time.” The brunette said, a small victorious smile on his face.

“Here?” You exclaimed incredulously from where your head laid on Kiara’s shoulder. He just offered up a simple nod.

“It’s on the island.”

“I would like to voice my skepticism.” Pope raised his hand.

“I’m sure you would, Pope, but can I please present you my evidence, sir?” John B spoke mockingly as he got up to speak at the forefront of the group.

Pope motioned with his hand. “Proceed.”

“In my backpack, I have a letter from Denmark Tanny. Denmark Tanny was a slave that survived the Royal Merchant wreck. Check it,” He handed Kiara the letter as you eyed it as well. “Slaves weren’t mentioned as crew members on the ship, but my dad found the complete manifest. That was his big discovery. Tanny used the gold from the Merchant to buy his freedom, and then his farm.”

Kiara passed the paper across the fire for JJ and Pope to see as John B continued. “And that farm is, drumroll please…” Kiara patted her thighs rapidly, shaking your frame back and forth which prompted you to sit up straight. “Tannyhill Plantation.”

You blinked hard, craning your neck forward. “Tannyhill?” You and Kie exclaimed simultaneously. Like, the Cameron’s Tannyhill?

“Yeah. After that, he used the money to free even more slaves, and then he sold a shit-ton of rice, which pisses off all the white planters, and they decide to lynch him. On the day they were coming to get him, he writes a farewell letter to his son and in the last line of that letter, he leaves a coded message about the gold’s location.”

“Where?”

“Harvest the wheat in parcel nine, near the water. Except, there’s no wheat. Wheat is code for gold, seeing as the gold has the wheat symbol engraved into it.” He slapped Pope’s shoulder with a smile.

“Holy shit...” The dark-skinned boy said. 

“All we need is an original survey map of the property, and we’ve found the gold.” John B concluded, small smiles on the faces of the entire group.

“So, whats the plan?” You asked, and you figured it was nothing good when John B had his attention fully on you and Kiara, his shoulders square. “Well, Sarah Cameron’s coming tonight-”

“Hold on...” Kie was the first to speak.

“She’ll bring an original survey map.” 

“Why Sarah?” She asked.

“This is gonna be good…” JJ muttered, looking down at his feet.

John B sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. “She… got me into the archives at Chapel Hill yesterday. That’s where I got the letter.”

“You were at Chapel Hill with Sarah Cameron?” Kie spat out unbelievably.

“He was mackin’ on her.” JJ added in quickly, avoiding all eye contact.

“Of course...” You muttered disappointingly.

“I wasn’t macking on her, okay? I was… using her for access.” 

“Did you tell her about the treasure?” Kiara inquired, an undertone of hurt laced in her voice. 

“I was trying to get into the archives!” JB argued back.

“Is that a yes?” You chimed in, truly not believing John B could be that idiotic. But you guessed that was the Sarah Cameron effect.

“I was just using her for information. I’m trying to make us filthy rich here. Okay? So, that we can pay off a boat, or send Pope to autopsy school so he can study dead bodies. Look, you guys know me.” He continued talking, looking around at the group. Kiara was visibly uncomfortable. “Do I look like the type of person to fall for Sarah Cameron?”

“Yes!” You exclaimed with scoff. 

“Look, you guys don’t know her yet, I do!”

“John B, we do know her. A hell of a lot better than you ever will,” You started, anger and betrayal in your voice. “For the last time, you can’t trust her. With the gold or your feelings.”

“Her brother did hit me in the back with a golf club...” Pope reminded, massaging his shoulder with a grimace.

You blew out a breath of air. “Yeah, her brother’s done a lot of things…” You quipped underneath your breath. 

“What’d she do to you both, exactly?’ JJ aimed the inquiry at you and Kiara.

“She’s like a spitting cobra.” Kie spat out. “First, she blinds you and then- and then she-”

“This is a bad analogy…” The blonde muttered.

“Listen to me!” Kiara pleaded. “Whatever we get, she’s going to try to take...”

“I THINK I’M GONNA DO THIS ONE BY MYSELF…” John B told the four of you who were crowded in the back of The Twinkie. Kiara rolled her eyes and the rest of you sighed unbelievably. “I don’t wanna spook Sarah with the peanut gallery.” 

“I just don’t understand why we’re involving her at all.” Kiara snapped, throwing her shoulders up.

“Kie, we’re not involving her, okay? It’s just, like, a business…meeting…thing.”

“A business meeting between their tongues…” You muttered as JJ made kissing motions with both his hands. 

“Look, once we get what we need, we cut her loose, alright?” John B reaffirmed the group, dismissing your suspicion and doubt. 

“...Promise me nothing is happening between you two.”

“Nothing is happening, Kie.” The boy sighed. 

“I’m being serious. This isn’t about you and this isn’t about us,” You, JJ and Pope shared a tense glance.  Was Kiara sure she didn’t have a thing for him? “Dude, she’s gonna get inside your head. Just promise me nothing’s happening between you guys.” She spoke solemnly.

“I…I promise.” John B told her. “...Anyways, I’m gonna go.” John B said in farewell, opening the van door and exiting.

“We’ll just sit here…in this hot ass car.” Pope said as he shut the door.

“...Can’t believe he’s been seeing Sarah Cameron.” You thought aloud, disgust filling your words.

“You guys do know that holding onto your grudge is like drinking poison and hoping Sarah will die, right?” Pope threw out. 

“‘Hope is the companion of power and mother of success.’” You quipped back, remembering the quote from a random in class. 

“Seriously, what went down between you three? This is like some deep-rooted hate.” JJ added.

“Does it matter? We’re supposed to be a team and John B jumping ship to mack on the Kook Princess doesn’t exactly scream teamwork.” You told them. “We all know that deep down, when we find this gold, John B is going to have fallen madly in love with the serial cheating, two-faced snake that is Sarah Cameron and she’s going to break his measly little heart and steal what we find and then we’ll be left gold-less and picking up the pieces of John Booker Routledge’s little broken heart.” 

The space fell silent after your small rant, wide-eyed glances exchanged between the three. “Okay, I was wrong. That is some deep-rooted hate.”

“We shouldn’t have let him go out there alone…” Kie muttered, staring out of the window, thunder clapping outside. It was a thought shared amongst you all, a silent agreement. The van fell into a comfortable silence for a few moments.

Until it was broken.

“...help!”

Your eyebrows pinched together, lifting your head from JJ’s shoulder. “Did you hear that?” You asked looking up at the blonde. 

“Hear what?” You all sat silently for a few more moments, the only sound being the howling wind and the thunder booming until you heard it again, this time you all did.

“Somebody please help!”

You all didn’t wait to sprint out of the van, almost knocking one another over on your way out. You don’t even know how you and Kiara managed to run in heels without tripping. The four of you bolted in the direction of the tower, following the path that John B took and reaching the end of it to find Sarah cradling his unconscious body.

“Sarah! What happened?” Pope questioned as you all came to an abrupt stop in front her.

“He needs help. I don’t know what to do. Topper shoved him.” She cried, rocking back and forth with John B in her arms.

“From the top of the tower?! What the fuck was Topper doing here?” You spat out, head whirling left and right looking for any sign of the aforementioned boy.

“Where is he, now?” JJ interrogated.

“Please get help, I don’t care who. Just call someone.” Sarah bellowed as JJ urged Pope to run for help, especially with all of your phones being abandoned in the Twinkie.

“John B, stay with me…” The blonde girl cooed, running her fingers through his hair before planting her lips against his. You glanced to the side, not missing the absolute look of betrayal in Kie’s eyes and maybe you would’ve found the same emotion in your own.

John B lied, to all of you. But that was the least of your concerns now.

YOU HATED THE FEEL OF HOSPITALS. They were stale and sterile and boring. But most importantly, they made you anxious. The four of you sat in the waiting room, they wouldn’t allow you in the actual hospital room because Ward had paid for it and he wanted to give Sarah a moment with John B when he woke up.

“This is such bullshit.” You said unbelievably, tapping your foot incessantly. “She cheats on her boyfriend and gets our friend thrown from a tower but we can’t even sit in his hospital room? She’s probably holding his hand and praying like some widow…”

“Let’s just be glad that John B’s okay…” Pope tried to reason.

“No, Pope,” Kiara rolled her eyes. “He lied to us. Did you see the way she was holding him and-” She cut herself off, throwing herself back into the chair. 

“Look, we can be mad when he wakes up, but let’s just chill right now, alright?” JJ snapped, basically telling you all to shut it and you only then took notice of how tense he was — biting his fingernails, his hands visibly shaking. You took his unoccupied hand into yours, giving it a squeeze. He absentmindedly returned the gesture. “When I find Topper, I’m going to kill him. I should’ve done it on the beach…”

“Don’t say that.” You told him firmly. “That’s how they want you to think, JJ. Don’t feed into it, otherwise they win.”

“They always win, anyway.”

“Only if you let them.” You concluded, letting the hospital noise fill the silence — telephones ringing, patients coughing, nurses walking, family members crying. 

Taking in the scene around you, where you had all landed, you were starting to wonder if finding gold was really worth the trouble.

next chapter >

feedback is appreciated! thanks for reading.

SVN Taglist; (let me know if you'd like to be added!) @esquivelbianca @fallingwallsh @calmoistorm @i-love-ptv @liability28 @rivaiken @sophiahristov @rafxcameronss (striked means i'm unable to tag you!)

©loveharlow.

[seeingvivianne]

Vivianne smiled gently. "For what it's worth, I think that despite what you've done your heart remains in the right place. I hope your friend finds it in herself to forgive you, but I more so hope that you find it in yourself to seek understanding and forgiveness for yourself." She leaned forward slightly. "I know how it feels to make a mistake but you are not a bad person, Emory. You were suffering." Vivianne smiled lightly again. "And I think the people in your life are very lucky to have you. So go on and be there for them."

"I'm hoping she'll come around after this, after her humanity is restored. Not even to me, but to just....Adjusting. She's been through so much, she deserves to be happy." Cursed as as child to be the one to only be around at night, to only exist by the light of the moon. And then when things had finally started going well for her, she'd fallen ill and died. August had pulled her from the pearly gates, the torment just didn't end and Emory had a hand in it. In the twins having to flee Colorado to begin with and her rebirth. "Thank you though, I know I can come to you." Looking over at her, her remembers how it felt to look at her the first time, to meet her. How everything had been so warm, how the Dahlia house had felt like home. He'd lost a family long ago, perhaps cast them off before they could really officially denounce him. But he'd found one here in her and Abel, Marco, the regulars at the shop.

[madelynraemunson]

CALL ME WHAT YOU WANT 𓆩♡𓆪

(Book #1 of the Hellfire Gentlemen’s Club series)

strip club owner!eddie x fem!exotic dancer!hargrove!reader

𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐀𝐔 18+ MDNI

Chapter 020: ‘Red Thong, Party’s On!’ (Epilogue)

a/n: pov you’re back at hellfire, but this time you’re sharing the stage with eddie, stripping while he plays a song for you to dance to 🤭🤭♥️ (SURPRISE AT THE END) it’s been a WILD ride my loves, thank you all so much for the support for CMWYW. i hope we all continue to create more beautiful things together. readers, writers, artists, creatives of all kinds keep the world going round. 🤟🏼💋 all my love, maddy

MESS WITH HER? SHE’LL FUCK YOU UP

↳ chapters: 001, 002*, 003** , 004**, 005 , 006 , 007* , 008**, 009, 010, 011, 012* , 013**, 014** , 015, 016**, 017, 018, 019, 020*

CW: strip club behaviors hehe, grinding, pole-dancing, ass-shaking, all that hellfire goodness, implications that shy girl c*me on eddie's guitar

word count: 990 words

���

Mom always used to say, "Inside of you, there are two wolves: a good one and a bad one. Depending on which mouth you feed, one will triumph the other.”

She left out one thing, however: sometimes being bad feels so fucking good.

“We’ve got a verrry special treat for you tonight folks!” the DJ announces. “She took a break for a little while but now she is BACK… and here to stay with us, FOREVER! Put your hands together for the ONE, the ONLY — Hellfire’s Princess — SHYYY GIIIIRL!”

And the crowd goes wild.

You emerge from the side stage in your glimmering scarlet set, flipping your plump, bouncy locks around as you dip your hips to the beat. Your regular customers swoon as you blow them kisses, and the petty kisses you issue to the Hellfire Girls (they came to pick up their severance checks) leave them shaking in their stilettos.

"WOOO, HARGROVE!" Nancy cheers for you backstage, dancing to the song as she curls Nina's hair.

"LET 'EM KNOW, BABY!" Nina shouts after her.

You acknowledge them with a wink, giving one to Chrissy as well as she cheers for you on the opposite side of the stage, bouncing up and down in her sexy Hellfire cheer uniform.

“Let’s go, Shy Girl!” ‘Cherry’ cheers as she waves her pom-poms in the air. "LET'S GOOOO!"

She's hot! Can’t stop! Up on stage doing shots!

You shake your ass when the song calls on it, grinding your hips to the beat to match the lyrics as they come. The crowd hoots and hollers as you dance, showering you in dollar bills as you make the pole your bitch for the night.

“YEAAAH!” Max cheers. “That’s my sister!”

As you glide down the cylindrical silver steel, you wave to the crowd and thank them all for coming out.

“Thank you! Aww, thanks so much! OMG, how are you? Long time no see!”

But just because you’re doing your thing on stage doesn’t mean you aren’t paying attention to the happenings beneath you. Because while you have a bird’s eye view of Vecna’s Lair, you can’t help but fix your gaze on Lucas, who is dressed rather sharper than usual tonight, going up to Maxine in attempts to ‘rizz her up’.

“I see spiciness runs in the family,” Lucas remarks to her as they stand beside each other in Vecna’s Lair.

The self-proclaimed 'Dark Chocolate' shoots her an awkward wink, to which Max responds with a grimace on her face.

“Genetics wasn’t playing ‘bout y’all,” Lucas continues. "You're looking mighty fine tonight, Max."

“Thanks. I guess,” Max shrugs, refusing to entertain it. “But, if you knew anything about family dynamics and DNA, you’d know she’s my step-sister."

"Psh," Lucas scoffs. "Yeah! Yeah, I knew that."

"Course you did," she jeers. "Stalker."

“Stalker?! I thought we were friends.”

Max rolls her eyes. “Whatever this is, is far from platonic.”

She begins to strut away, giving Lucas the opportunity to race after her. And Sinclair wastes no time, pushing himself past the sea of sweaty men to catch up to the beautiful redhead in front of him.

“So there’s a chance we can be more than friends?!”

You chuckle as you watch it unfold from the stage. Then you turn to everyone else.

Argyle and Jonathan give you two stoned-filled waves hello. You wave back. Henry whose the designated bone-snapper bouncer tonight blows you a kiss. You catch it and return the favor. Mike and Will don't even give you the time of day.

You then turn your attention to Dustin who is both head-banging to the song, and holding up a lazily written message on the black screen of his phone: “I AM LOOKING RESPECTFULLY”. You can't help but giggle. It's like he's a mini Eddie.

Speaking of your boyfriend, your eyes dart back to the side stage where you meet Eddie’s gaze.

She likes to pull my hair when I make her grind her teeth.

You watch as the curly-haired, metalhead-turned-strip-club-owner eyes you steadily, situating his guitar around himself, giving the body of his NJ Warlock one more wipe down with a cloth.

He smirks to himself, satisfied at the thought that only you two know why that guitar needed wiping down in the first place. But he’s mostly pleased with the fact that, despite the long list of handsome, eligible bachelors after your heart, the passionate, down-to-earth, sexy, siren of a woman that is you, is all his.

My girlfriend's a dick magnet. MY girlfriend…

Eddie then takes to the stage, using the same fingers he’ll use to ravage you tonight to strum the chords of the sexy guitar solo of the song — you know, the song about a guy…..with a hot stripper girlfriend…..whose seducing everyone around her while she does her thing…..in that beautiful red set.

“HOLY SHIT!” someone from the crowd raves, causing Eddie’s eyes to light up like a little kid. “DUET OF THE CENTURY!”

You’ve healed so many parts of Eddie that he was too scared to explore: Love after Isabelle. Showing him that self-care is just as important as caring for Wayne. Encouraging him to find a hobby outside of Hellfire that didn't include doing payroll or grocery shopping. And healing his inner teenager by letting him play on stage with you, as he relives his glory days as the guitarist and frontman of Corroded Coffin one last time.

And as Eddie continues to strum, he stays thinking of you. He couldn’t wait to heal more parts of himself…with 'Shy Girl' Hargrove by his side.

“So,” you pant, edging closer to your boyfriend as the music draws on. "What's next after this?"

Eddie smirks. As the instrumental allows, he presses you against his body, kissing you softly against the lips before trailing all the way down your neck. Your breath hitches in arousal as he hums against you.

“Whatever you want.”

The End

SIKE! King Steve has entered the chat… 😉

CALL OUT MY NAME ♛

(Book #2 of the Hellfire Gentlemen's Club Series)

CEO!bachelor!steve × fem!college grad!reader

MODERN AU • 18+ | BOOK #1 (e.m.)

slight age gap (Steve is 31, reader is 23); reader goes by the nickname "Sweets"

*loosely inspired by sara cate’s salacious players club*

Summary: 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐀 𝐆𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄. Steve Harrington has the WORST luck with the ladies. His high school sweetheart left him for another dude, his former fuck buddy is dating his roommate, and his dream girl is a lesbian. King Steve is losing hope. That is until he meets you — a newly graduated university student from Seattle — when your paths cross on a fateful night in Sin City. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas... that is until your risky business trickles over to Hawkins, Indiana, a town your best friend knows of a little too well.

theme song: call out my name by the weeknd

tag list is open 💌✨

PREVIEW

♛

Winter 2024

“WATCH OUT INDIANAPOLIS — you're about to get... absolutely SOAKED!”

The booming voice of a man in Steve’s bedroom stirs him awake.

Letting out a ferocious yawn, The King rubs his eyes free of the annoying crust in the corner of his sockets, flopping around one more time before doing his routine stretch.

“Google,” Steve commands. “Turn off the TV.”

The TV immediately switches off. It’s nothing personal to meteorologist Marcus Bailey, but if Steve ever needed an accurate forecast of Indianapolis, all he would have to do is look outside his penthouse window. And that, after brushing his teeth, is just what he does.

"G'morning Indy,” he sighs happily on his balcony before going back inside.

Steve then makes his way over to the kitchen to fix himself some breakfast.

“Google,” he calls out again. “Open the curtains, please.”

Google replies:

“Opening curtains. Good morning — Steve.”

"Google, what's my schedule looking like today?" "Google, text Dustin." “Google, what is the weather looking like in Nevada?” “Google, turn on my shower tunes.”

The best thing about not living with Eddie Munson anymore, is that Steve can shamelessly sing Amy Winehouse in the shower without being hounded about it.

“We only saaaid GOODBYE, with WORDS!” Steve sings, confidently off-key. “I died a hundred times! You go back to her, and I goooo baaack toooo…”

"Scanning fingerprint...”

an automated voice announces at the entrance of Steve's walk-in closet.

Swish...

The door slides open. Sauntering his way inside, Steve ventures for some slick black athleisure down to the shoes, his usual musky cologne, and some matching sunglasses (despite the gloomy forecast prediction).

Black. 🎶

Steve Harrington is ready for the day.

---

"Google, make reservations for 3 people at Tony's Steakhouse at 7pm please."

All Steve had left to do for the day now was grocery shop. Which was always a hassle. Because sometimes, the store doesn't have the specific brand he's looking for so the shopper has to opt for an alternate version. Or sometimes, the shopper assigned to him that day chooses produce that is nearing its expiration date making every fruit in his bag a mushy mess. It doesn't happen too often, but it sure feels inconvenient as hell when it does. There are worse problems in life though, so Steve really can't complain.

*Ring, ring. Ring, ring*

The very distinct and custom ringtone has Steve bolting across the room to answer the call. One of his best friends was on the other line.

"Yello?" he says into the phone.

"Hey, it's Shy Girl," comes a voice. "Eddie and I are pulling in."

"Pull off to the side. Valet's got it. I'll send you guys up."

A bottle of cabernet sauvignon a la Steve awaits the pair when they make their way over. Consider it a Tony's pre-game.

"GameWorld stock is up 4% today,” Steve's buddy, and owner of Hellfire Gentlemen's Club Eddie Munson announces as the two clink glasses. "I don’t have much faith in it though, figure I’ll get my pie slices from actual grocery stores. Like Meijer.”

“Everyone's always gonna need groceries,” Steve points out. "Definitely. Just don't day trade. Not now."

"Ooh, you hear that, Eds?" Shy Girl nudges him. "You gotta be careful where you put your money."

"I gotta be careful with my money, period," Eddie smirks. "You're a danger to my pockets, angel."

"Oh but you love me," she says.

"Yeah," Eddie gives in, grabbing his lover's dainty digits, trailing his fingers across hers, and rubbing the glistening rock that took up most of her left hand on the distal side. "I sure do."

"I'm just... so proud of us," Steve sappily reflects. "So much has happened over the past two years and we've all come so far."

"Yeah," Shy Girl agrees. "And it's about fucking time we celebrate."

"I agree," Eddie chimes in, raising his glass once again. "This weekend trip is going to be... one for the books."

"Viva Las Vegas," Steve toasts. "Cheers."

"Viva Las Vegas!"

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Black and red.

They're the two colors that occupy your closet the most. But of course, after graduating from Washington State University (or Wazzu, for short), you expected nothing less.

You could do with some more sequins though, you think to yourself as you pack your bags.

"What do you think of this, Sweets?"

Peering over your shoulder, you see that your best friend, Elle has started festivities early, managing to hold two glasses of champagne in one hand, and six-inch stilletoes in the other.

"Can't take the party out of the girl, that's for damn sure," you respond.

When you left Seattle to attend WSU Pullman, Elle was your only friend in business class. Mainly because the class was predominantly for dudes, but eventually you found out that you two have a lot in common.

Elle is everything you would want in an older sister figure: she is both book smart and wise, she is sexy, and she eats men for breakfast. And, now that she's about to celebrate the launching of her lingerie business (along with her Dirty 30s Era), and you're about to enter your new-grad era, you two are hitting up Las Vegas to go ham together one last time.

It's all so bittersweet. You owe everything to the Warrens, having taken you in when you were a lost undergrad. It also sucked quite a bit not having a support system after graduating high school. You and Elle were all each other has. Which makes this inevitable separation so much more painful.

"Are you sure you're okay with Vegas by the way?" you question. "I know since the split, being surrounded by gorgeous girls 24/7 can kinda be triggering.”

"Don't worry about it, love," she shakes it off. "The past is in the past. This is a new era of me."

Cheers to that. Clinking your airport-pregame champagne glasses with one another, you raise a toast to yourselves, celebrating how far the two of you have come over the past four years.

"To friendship."

"To friendship."

"To being elegant and educated."

"To elegance and education."

"And to being girl-bosses for the rest of our lives."

You giggle as you raise your glass of champagne even higher.

"To being girl-bosses for the rest of our lives," you two take a sip at the same time. "And no matter how near and no matter how far, we're always gonna be besties."

"I love you, Sweets."

"I love you too, Isabelle."

🏷️ tag list: @chrrymunson , @the-fairy-anon , @ali-r3n , @corrodedcoffincumslut , @bebe07011 , @mmunson86 , @eddiesguitarskills , @chelebelletx , @imonhereforareasonsadly , @eddies-trailer-babe @motherfckerr , @jxpsi , @sidthedollface2 , @manda-panda-monium , @elvendria , @micheledawn1975 , @hereforshmut , @siriuslysmoking , @mediocredreams @nymphetkoo , @m-chmcl-rmnc , @ahoyyharrington , @keepittoyourselftellnobodyelse @kellyxo1 @emsgoodthinkin @winchester-angel @chloe-6123 , @redbarn1995 @angietherose @kiyastrf94 , @purplewitchcauldron @kellsck @joyfulfxckery @munsons-mayhem28 @dragonfire @emma77645 @drivelikenina @livosssblog @thinkingth0ts @hugdealer @ellielunamckay @xblueriddlex @maskofmirrors @babyloutattoo89 @queenofhawkins @feral-pumpkin-energy @bl0ssomanddie

divider from: @plum98

[dailymagpod]

The top 4 episodes will advance to the next round.

[prisoner-000]

UNDER - Doltish, 001, Parasite

The chess piece's head has been ripped off and crushed.

UNDER - Obscene, 002, Slut

The chess piece's base has been ripped off, but a small round part remains. Yuno's 'murder'.

UNDER - Incessant, 004, Phony Queen

The chess piece's headpiece, its crown, has been removed. A queen piece. It almost looks twisted in its main body.

UNDER - Doomed, 005, Dissection Pawn

The chess piece's headpiece has been removed(?). Either that, or the figure's head has been removed, while another figure's main body remains.

UNDER - Concealing, 007, Deceiver

Headpiece, base and middle part all ripped apart? Or multiple pieces with a strange fragment piece in the middle.

I think all of these are representative of the prisoner's murders in some way. Yuno's is the most obvious, but Shidou's is also fairly obvious if you interpret the piece above as the body of another chess piece (his comatose wife)? Haruka and Muu I find difficult to crack. Kazui's as well.

[fullscoreshenanigans]

#this all makes my head hurt #especially since I'm trying to plan some things out for a fic but how can I when we don't even know when Leslie died? X'D #I understand an author changing things along the lines but that's insane (via @officersnickers)

The conclusion you came to is very reasonable.

The Doylist explanation is Shirai let Nanao have free rein in the second light novel published in January 2019 regarding the timeline with Leslie's shipment and Isabella finding out the truth, and then by the time the mystic code book with the character profiles was published in December 2020 it was a similar situation to the conflicting information we received about who names the children at the Grace Field plants.

Us: Shirai, what do you have to say about these little contradicting facts of ultimately zero consequence on the story? 🤔🤔🤔 Shirai in December 2020: y'all i am so fucking tired my body nearly gave out on me because of the strain of publishing a series in Jump; choose your own answer

I prefer what's presented in the light novel so Leslie and Isabella have a little more time together and Isabella spends less time agonizing over the truth (small mercy), but with your fic I maintain the stance that besides the most pedantic of sticklers, readers won't care about minor factual changes to canon—especially those confirmed through supplemental material the majority of people haven't read—if it’s in the name of delivering an emotionally resonant story.

Also I can confirm it goes to 2024 for his age in my copy of the mystic code book and that there was a hiccup with the 2045 on that edit:

#also Leslie my boy - your favourite food are figs? seriously? #almost as bad as... oh I shan't say it

soon

I have the headcanon that Leslie lived until 11, even if he had not super good scores, because he was a little genius of music.

Not everyone can create a song, not everyone can learn super quickly to play a music. I don't remember which song he wanted to learn before his deparature, but i think that it was a difficult one (we don't see him train a lot in the story too) and he plays it before going to the gate, without any partition to help him and without doing any mistake.

I headcanon that she demons keep all the little genius, even if they not have good scores and are genius in other ways, because they think that it worth to keep them.

A kid has not good scores but it a genius with drawing and creates super beautiful things? It's worth to keep him until the age limit.

Leslie is super good in music, learn quickly song and has not need of a partition when he plays? it's worth to wait until he's 11 (close of 12). It could also be a kid who has a beautiful voice ansd sings super well for exemple.

etc....

Norman was a genius in studies and stuff so they keep him beyond 12 by sending him to lambda but people can be genius in other ways that in studies. A genius can be super good in something but kinda bad in another things.

I feel like this is essentially canon, no?

The only birthdays mentioned in "The Starry Sky and Leslie’s List" are Isabella's twelfth birthday and Ray's sixth birthday, so contrary to what the wiki currently says, it doesn't look like Leslie was shipped out exactly on his twelfth since they don't celebrate or even mention it.

(Leslie's page on the TPN Wiki | TPN Light Novel 2: Moms’ Song of Remembrance - “The Starry Sky and Leslie’s List” Chapter 1)

They are among the oldest though since Isabella turns twelve within a year of his shipment while not being physically able to jump atop the wall as we see her do in chapter 37/S1 episode 12 yet due to the sprained ankle she sustains over the course of the light novel, in addition to spending weeks to months writing him letters that never received a response and what finalized her decision to make the jump in the first place.

(TPN Light Novel 2: Moms’ Song of Remembrance - “The Starry Sky and Leslie’s List” Chapter 8 | Chapter 9)

But it's still soon enough that she discovers the truth of the house during the night of the first snowfall of the year, which could be anywhere from late October 2025 to January 2026 (since the full score trio deduces in chapter 5 that Grace Field is located in [the demon world equivalent of] the northern hemisphere, in addition to "The Guiding Star" short story mentioning them planning on using Polaris to find each other again after they go off to foster homes, winter would be during this time of the year).

I'm inclined to go with January 2026 since we don't see snow on the night of January 15, 2046, and also because I feel there's some poignancy in what would have been Leslie's twelfth birthday month getting to Isabella as the final push to make her seek him out. He surely would have written her in response to the birthday wishes she mailed him. (This is also why I feel his shipment was after September 9, 2025 because him not sending her any birthday well wishes would have tipped her off sooner, too).

(TPN Light Novel 2: Moms’ Song of Remembrance - “The Starry Sky and Leslie’s List” Chapter 9)

This could be an oddity in the translation, but Isabella also mentions how her her twelfth birthday was close enough that they could mark it on the calendar while the snow was piling up outside. Assuming they put up a new calendar at the start of January, she discovered the truth only in 2026, and then spent over half a year trying to come up with some sort of plan to escape (and isn't there a wealth of potential there, thinking of the adversarial atmosphere between her and Sarah during those few months and how that would be replicated in the next generation between her and Ray, although not 1:1.)

I don't remember which song he wanted to learn before his departure, but i think that it was a difficult one (we don't see him train a lot in the story too) and he plays it before going to the gate, without any partition to help him and without doing any mistake.

He learned to play Nocturne No.2! Though c72684, who translated the light novel, wasn't entirely certain the larger body of work it belonged to.

(TPN Light Novel 2: Moms’ Song of Remembrance - “The Starry Sky and Leslie’s List” Chapter 2)

[quickstappen]

track 005: this is for the best

A/N: we are slowly getting to the plot guys ;)) (also!! lando norris is a race winner! fucking finally) ignore the dates, also there might be some typos, sorry

A/N: i am so fucking sorry guys, but! as of today, i officially passed all my exams and now i have the whole summer to do absolutely nothing, no studying for me (fucking finally) so i'm actually gonna start updating, i already have a first part of a OP81 smau lined uo ready to go ;)

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liked by charles_leclerc, lance_stroll and others

marcilazzaro1 life lately ;) thank you for waiting, i am back and happier than ever, it's good to see Monza again

tagged: scuderiaferrari, charles_leclerc

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shithappens SHE IS BACK!!

↳ ilpredestinatox i am so normal about this

nyoomf1 oh god, mother is back

charlies_sun good to have you back, this was getting ridiculous without you

↳ elplanxincoming so true!

madi_races don't fall in love with Marceline challenge (level impossible)

↳ strollingaway mate don't call me out like that

gorgeous_aa23 I'm sorry but that picture with charles?? what are they doing???

↳ cuddlyxricc it looks suspiciously lot like they're doing a hot lap

↳ gorgeous_aa23 that's what i meannn!!

↳ carrie_on no cause i'd literally die if they did that

redleclerc i am so not surprised that her first post in months is at monza

↳ redmilton_ the ferrari genes are strong i fear

quickstappen marci behind a camera?? does this mean... new projects?

↳ screwderriaf1 i want you to be right, i also don't wanna clown

↳ quickstappen does that meant that there's two wolves inside you mayhaps...?

↳ screwderriaf1 i hate you.

hammertime_1 i feel like we skipped over the whole "news of the season" way to quickly,, like... that happened??

↳ ilpredestinatox i also feel like it was important, let's talk

↳ hammertime_1 i wanna know what blondecedes thinks about this

↳ blondecedes i try not to think generally

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marci's messages

mick's messages

liked by sebastianvettel, clairobernie_x and others

marcilazzaro1 I have been a part of this sport for 185 Grand Prix weekends (counting the COTA GP weekend that's starting today), I spent the last 123 in Rosso Corsa. I have missed only 8 race weekends during the whole eight years that I have worked in Formula 1. I've never had to take any extended leave. That's why this next months are gonna be so different, maybe difficult, but I'm ready for this next challenge.

Don't worry, I'll be back, you won't even notice that I was gone ;)

thank you for the memories scuderiaferrari, I'll see you soon.

see all comments...

blondecedes EXCUSE ME?? what is happening, i don't understand

shithappens what-

clairobernie_x you need to visit me now that you won't be going 'round the world every other week!

↳ marcilazzaro1 or you could just come to Switzerland and we can hang out?

↳ quickstappen i'm sorry, switzerland??? since when??

albono_23 what do you mean extended leave?? we just got you back??

brunolazzaro_03 workaholic

↳ marcilazzaro1 shut up

charles_leclerc I'm so happy for you! Can't wait to visit my favourites 🤍

↳ marcilazzaro1 Charlie 🥹 we'll be waiting

↳ ilpredestinatox GIRL- who is we

sarah_scott Can't believe my girl is so grown up, and it's all thanks to me

↳ marcilazzaro1 don't flatter yourself darling

↳ lance_stroll I strictly remember you claiming no involvement in this whole situation

↳ lewibear what is happening, why is my favorite f1 content creator catching strays form lance stroll of all people?

↳ zoebryne_x in Marci's comments section too lol

scuderiaferrari See you soon mama, the kids will miss you!

↳ byelandoo mama?? what do you mean ferrari admin?

lewishamilton Don't worry, we'll be back together in no time 😉 in the meantime enjoy your break, I have a feeling the peace is not gonna last that long

↳ redmilton sir, what do you know

gorgeous_aa23 girlll im so tireddd, just tell us what's going on

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brunolazzaro_03 visiting my soon to be niece in fucking switzerland (since my sister decided to go and move in with some random guy??)

tagged: marcilazzaro1, federrere

(this is a private account, you cannot reply to this post)

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charles_leclerc Niece? It's a girl? 🥹

↳ marcilazzaro1 Bruno! It was supposed to be a surprise...

↳ brunolazzaro03 oops, sorry?

↳ oscarpiastri ha landonorris! i win

↳ marcilazzaro1 did you... bet on my baby?

↳ landonorris ...maybe?

↳ lewishamilton and you were wondering why you're not the godfather

federrere pregnant sister is very moody and insufferable, 2/10 would not recommend

↳ marcilazzaro1 guess who's not gonna be the favourite uncle

sarah_scott i live for your commentary, please keep it up

mickschumacher excuse me, random guy? it's 4 time worlds drivers champion Sebastian Vettel for you

↳ brunolazzaro03 yeah yeah, the bee guy has a name and all

lewishamilton did you at least make sure that the "random guy" was being social?

↳ brunolazzaro03 he showed us his chickens

clairobernie_x i'm gonna spoil this baby so hard

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madi's radio: hello, long time no see, marci's getting a baby! is Lewis playing cupid? idk idk we'll see

click here to be added to the carved my name taglist!

taglist: @sunny44 @rockyhayzkid @biancathecool @unluckyyoshi @woozarts @janeholt3 @celestialend @formulaal @d3kstar @yoremins @rd1410-blog @mess-is-my-aesthetic @callsignwidow @blaaahblubb @evans-dejong @lwstuff @emilyval1 @r0seandth0rns @fletchingarcher @blaaahblubb @notyaslol @dear-fifi @zimm04 @thewritingofspencerrose @elliegrey2803 @anthonykatebridgerton @firetruckstuckley @casperlikej @anephemeralwoe @vroomvroommuppett @taytaylala12 @kuskumu @clemswrld @bella-1 @leclercdream @evie-119 @tallrock35 @dannyleclerc @charkachow @flusteredmoonn @beslerek (xxx - couldn't tag you)

DISCLAIMER: i do not know anything about this people, this is not real life, this is just something for fun, i do not know anythings about their life or personalities!

[iamumbra195]

I've been thinking for a while... are the numbers split by specializations?

In chapter 96, Ijin says that 005 is specialized specifically in assassinations and then he mentioned kidnapping and blackmail. So I've been thinking that certain numbers, because of their abilities, attitudes, or even their preferences specialize in certain things.

Let's take 004 and 006 for example. 004, while I believe he's fully capable of these things, doesn't specialize in info gathering or blackmail of any sort. I don't think he'd enjoy it and he's very temperamental. He even says at one point that he likes risking it instead of playing it safe and efficient the way Ijin did. He kinda seems like a loose canon. So like 005, who while incredibly intelligent is still reckless and gets angry very easily, I'm going to lump him in the area of assassination, specifically using closer combat like hand-to-hand, knives, and pistols. 006 on the other hand, is very well-suited for info-gathering and maybe even infiltration given all that we've seen from him in canon.

I'd like to say that Ijin and 002 are relatively on similar grounds and are very well-rounded in nearly everything which is why they're given the numbers they have and are regarded as the overall leaders.

So basically I think the numbers are split based on what they specialize in, whether that be intelligence, assassination, kidnapping, infiltration, maybe even robbery lol? What do you think?

[hippiegoth97]

Into the Fire: An Eddie Munson x Reader Story Pt. 18

Collage by me :)

Master List

Part 17

Tag List: @keikoraven @ar-jupiter @alcielo1438 @cairro-xx @stolen-in-moonlight

@micheledawn1975 @janiejenn @rafescurtainbangz @melodymunson @spacedoutdaydreamer

@veemoon @sariahs-stuff @feral-pumpkin-energy @comeonatmebruh @munsoneightysixx

@morgthemagpie @josephquinnsfreckles @jenniquinn @usergeta @cometzombie

@spookybabey @daggerdaggerkitten @nina6708 @sanctumdemunson @yourdailymemedelivery

@person-005 @slowandsteddie @gri959 @elegantkoalapaper @letitgoandletlive

@loserboysandlithium @costellation-hunter @leelei1980 @h-ness1944 @pretendthisnameisclever

@ohmeg @stalactitekilla @hellfirenacht @birdysaturne @oneforthemunny

@prettyboyeddiemunson @eddievanmunson @msgexymunson @rattkween86 @violetpixiedust

@bimbobaggins69 @angel-munson @eldermayfield @munsonsbtch @babygorewhore

@mediocredreams @xxbimbobunnyxx @taintedcigs @ali-r3n

Content Warnings 18+ Only, Minors DNI: swearing, teasing, mentions of smut, mentions of drugs, arguing, anger, angst, self-destructive tendencies, fluff, crying, smut, drug use, groping, fingering, handjob, oral sex, praise/degradation, choking, role-swapping, mentions of suicidal thoughts/ideation, mentions of drunk driving, mentions of vomit

Word Count: 16.3k

divider by @strangergraphics

Part 18.1 Inside Out

Friday, June 2nd, 1989

You've worked with Eddie at The Hawk for a few weeks now, putting you exactly halfway to your six-month relationship goal. You have plans to celebrate the three-month mark with Eddie tonight, after your shift and a late birthday party for Dustin. Neither of you were able to get the day off to celebrate on the actual day, so your brother insisted on throwing the party today instead. 'It's only a week's difference', is what he told Mom when he begged to hold off on the festivities. You're surprised that Dustin would postpone his own birthday just to have you two there, but you find the sentiment very sweet.

"Hey, Y/N. We're almost done here, can you take the trash out back for me?" Jamie asks from behind the concession counter.

"Sure thing!" You reply, grabbing the big black bags gathered by the employee doors and pushing the metal bar with your back. You step out into the warm air of the early evening, making the short trek to the dumpster. You toss the bags in, wiping your hands on your pants afterwards. You're just about to turn around and go back inside, when you hear a small mew coming from underneath the metal receptacle. You get down on your hands and knees, peeking below the rusty bin to see where the sound came from. You find a tiny kitten hiding under there, staring at you with its perfectly round eyes. "Aw, hello there, little guy!" You coo, reaching a hand under the bin to coax the cat out.

"Mew." It says, inching towards you cautiously.

"That's right, it's okay. C'mere sweetie. You're safe." You continue to draw it out, wiggling your fingers playfully to maintain its attention.

"Mew." It speaks again, eventually coming close enough for you to scoop it out from there and into your arms.

"Hi there, it's okay. I'm gonna take care of you. You poor thing, how'd you end up out here?" You take a moment to have a good look at the little thing. It's all black, with piercing gray eyes, and so soft and fluffy despite being rather dirty. It's very cute, purring incessantly as you stroke its head. It's been years since you've owned a cat. Your previous one, Mews, died a few years ago. Your whole household was very sad when he had to be put down, he'd gotten attacked by a stray dog after escaping from the house one day. Mom couldn't bear to replace him, but maybe she'll let you keep this sweet little stranger you've found.

"You alright out here, sweetheart?" Eddie says from behind you, the heavy door shutting loudly after he steps outside. You turn around, and his eyes widen when he sees the cat cradled in your arms.

"I found this puffball under the dumpster. It's so precious, and it seems to like me." You say, absolutely smitten.

"Oh my god! Aren't you just adorable! Hey there, little kitty. Did Y/N save you from the garbage? You poor baby. It's okay, we'll take good care of you." Your mouth falls open at Eddie losing his mind over the kitten, you've never heard him baby-talk anyone or anything before. He has his face level with the cat, smiling wide as can be. His eyes catch yours for a moment, and he realizes how ridiculous he's acting. He stands up straight, clearing his throat. "Yeah...it's uh, pretty cute. I guess." He shrugs, playing it cool. But all you have in reply is uncontrollable laughter. He scowls at you, crossing his arms to demonstrate how unamused he is.

"Eddie, I'm sorry. I've just never seen you do that before! But it's really sweet." You reassure, giving him a kind glance. "You wanna hold it?" You offer, extending the feline towards him in your hands.

"You're damn right I wanna hold it! This is fuckin' awesome!" He exclaims, wiggling his fingers as he waits for you to give him the cat. You pass it over, and watch as Eddie carefully cradles it in his arms. "Aw, it's so soft. And all black, too? I've always wanted a cat, ever since I was a kid. Wayne's allergic, so he wanted a dog. But those kinda scare me, I got bit once and never trusted one since." He says solemnly, assuming there's no way either of you can keep this new friend.

"We can let it live at my place, if you want. I used to have a cat before, so I know all the ins and outs. And you can visit whenever you want." You explain, and he nods in agreement.

"You sure your mom won't mind, princess?" He asks, his eyes refusing to leave the bundle of joy currently vibrating in his gentle hold. He strokes its head and ears, making its eyes close blissfully.

"No, as long as I take care of it." You reply, and he finally looks in your direction again.

"What should we name it?" He asks, lifting it up to see if it's a boy or girl. "I dunno what it is, though." He says, goofily checking all angles to figure it out.

"A vet could tell us, we'll have to get it looked at before taking it home anyway." You reply, giggling at the puzzled expression on his face.

"Oh, okay. We'd better hurry, Dustin's party starts in a couple hours." He lowers the cat once more, keeping it nice and safe. You make a move to take it back, but Eddie turns away. "Nuh-uh! You can hold it in the van!" He protests like a child who doesn't want to share his new toy.

"But I'm the one who found it!" You huff, rolling your eyes. It's not fair, Eddie's hogging all the cuteness to himself.

"Don't care. My cat now." He says simply, walking back inside without holding the door for you. You scoff, following behind to gather your things from your shared locker.

"What is that...thing doing in my lobby?" Mr. Biggs bellows when he sees you leaving the break room. His arms are crossed over his chest, and he's practically glaring at the tiny kitten.

"We found it under the dumpster, but we were just leaving." You explain, your words coming out far more shaky than you'd like.

"Alright then, hop to! And get that pest out of my theater!" Biggs shouts, making you jump. You nod silently, pulling Eddie by the arm to get away from this awful man.

"I'm sorry, little fluffypants. Mr. Biggs is a mean, mean man. But we won't let him hurt you, will we? No we won't!" Eddie says to the kitten in the infantile voice again, which makes you smile. He's always been a gentle soul, but this is a whole other level. You walk together across the street, and Eddie puts the cat in your lap once you slide into your seat. "Here ya go, 'lil cutie. Y/N will keep you safe." He gives it a final pat, running around to the driver's side.

The vet visit is brief, no more than an hour. You find out she's a girl, about two months old. She's free of fleas and worms, perfectly healthy besides needing a warm bath. You'll have to return in a few months to get her spayed and vaccinated, but the vet says you're free to go. You pay the bill, and make a quick stop at the Big Buy to get some food, litter, a few toys, and a collar for your new pet. You wanted to get a pink collar, but Eddie insisted on gray to match her eyes. "So, what should we call her?" You ask as you approach the checkout with your supplies. Unnamed Girl Cat sits in the child's seat of your cart, sleeping soundly on your theater vest.

"Hmm, it should be something cool. A name no other cat has." Eddie says, racking his brain while peering at the kitten.

"Definitely, something original. Like Madonna." You add. Eddie scoffs at that, hoping you're not serious. You roll your eyes, explaining yourself. "Not exactly like that. It's just an example, jeez."

"Good, because I'm not gonna name our cat after a popstar." He chuckles. "What about....Ozzy?" He suggests.

"If we can't name her after a popstar, we can't name her after anyone from a rock band, either." You retort.

"Ugh, fine. Would be pretty kickass, though." He grumbles, crossing his arms. He thinks about it some more as you put your items on the conveyor belt to be rung up. Suddenly, a light bulb goes off in his head. "Oh, I know!" He exclaims, making the cashier glare in your direction. "What about Arwen?"

"Like Lord of the Rings?" You question, remembering hearing that name quite often when Eddie read the books to you. You recall the character being described as a beautiful elven woman, with pointed ears, dark hair, and gray eyes. Much like your four-legged friend, coincidentally. You glance at the kitten, saying the name in your head a couple times to see if it fits. You smile affectionately as it rings through your brain, deeming it the perfect title for her. You look at Eddie, giving an approving nod. "Arwen it is. It suits her."

"Yes!" He jumps and punches the air, ecstatic that you've agreed to go along with the rather nerdy name.

"Shh, you'll wake her up being so loud like that." You say in a hushed tone, nudging your head at Arwen slumbering on your clothes.

"Shit, sorry. I'm glad you like the name, though. This is the perfect three-month anniversary present, by the way. We have a cat...together." Eddie gushes, speaking lowly in your ear.

"Well, I certainly didn't plan on it. But she's ours now. Our own little furball. We're almost like parents now." You giggle at his breath tickling against your skin, letting him leave your side to pay for your supplies. You load the bags back into the cart, trying your best to not disturb Arwen's nap.

Eddie chuckles. "I suppose we are. Arwen couldn't have picked a better woman to be her 'cat mom'." He says sweetly, taking his change and shoving it in his pocket.

"And you're gonna be a great 'cat dad'." You reply, taking his hand as you push the cart through the automatic doors. His thumb runs over your fingers, a simple affectionate gesture. "I just hope Dustin won't get jealous."

"Nah, he'll be excited enough to be Arwen's uncle." He smiles.

"I feel a bit bad, though. She might distract everyone from what we're supposed to be focused on. Dusty already postponed his party for us, how's it gonna look when we show up with a damn kitten?" You feel rather torn on the subject. On the one hand, it wouldn't be right to leave Arwen out on her own. But on the other hand, the timing isn't exactly convenient.

"Baby, relax. It'll be fine. We'll go to your house, get her settled. And then we'll celebrate your brother with cake and presents. And after all that, we'll finally have some time for ourselves." He reassures you, closing the back doors to the van once your purchases are safely inside. You scoop Arwen out of the cart so Eddie can return it, which unfortunately rouses her out of her peaceful sleep.

"Mew." Arwen whines in protest.

"I'm sorry, little one. We're gonna take you home now." You speak sweetly to her, scratching behind her ears. She starts purring again, which makes your heart melt. Eddie returns to your side, helping you get into the van. Arwen quickly falls asleep in your lap, lulled by the smoothness of the road beneath the van's tires. You pull into the driveway, finding a few more cars and some bicycles out front. It appears you're running a little tardy to the party. You've lost track of time taking care of the cat. "Shit, we're late. Mom's gonna kill me." You groan, dreading walking through that door.

"Y/N, relax. It's just a birthday party, which Dustin's a bit old for, if I'm honest." He chuckles, reaching over to stroke your knee. He leans across the console to give you a comforting kiss. "C'mon, let's go inside. You take Arwen, and I'll bring in her stuff and the gifts. 'Kay?" He offers, doing his best to put you at ease.

"Okay." You nod, hopping out with the kitten. You wait to walk in with Eddie once he retrieves everything from the back, leading the way to the front door. You go inside, finding a rather crowded living room. "Hey everybody, sorry we're late. We found a certain somebody under the dumpster at work." You announce, letting everyone take a moment to notice the ball of fluff sitting in your arms.

"Aw, it's so cute!" Max says, walking over to see the cat up close. She looks to you, asking permission to pet Arwen. You nod your head with a smile, and she reaches a hand forward to stroke the kitten.

Everyone else gets up from their seats, coming over to have their turn admiring the cat. "Alright, don't crowd her. She's a little skittish." You say calmly, letting each guest have a chance to say a brief hello.

"What the hell is that?" Mom asks as she walks in from the kitchen. Her eyes widen when they fall on Arwen, before flicking to you in accusation.

"This is Arwen. She's our new cat. I found her at work." You explain, swallowing hard. You were worried she'd react like this. Mews' passing was the hardest on her, he was her best friend after Dad left.

"Oh, I don't know, Y/N. Do you really have time for a cat? You've got work, and Eddie. I'm not going to take care of her for you." She says sternly, crossing her frosting-splattered arms.

"I wouldn't ask you to, Mom. Me and Eddie are going to look after her together. She's our cat. We'll make it work." You reply, rolling your eyes at her being so averse to Arwen's presence.

"Wait, Arwen? Like Lord of the Rings?" Dustin asks.

"Yep! She's got dark hair and gray eyes, just like the character in the books." You chirp.

"And how do you know that?" He questions, quirking and eyebrow.

"Because Eddie read them to me. You're not the only nerd in this family, you know." You retort, your eyes rolling in their sockets beyond control once more.

"Jesus, Eddie's really done a number on you." He laughs, and the others join in. You can't stop the blush that colors your cheeks. You do find it a little frustrating, however, that your brother thinks these interests hinge on Eddie being in your life. As if you have no individual thought, molding yourself into an extension of your boyfriend.

"Whatever, I've gotta give Arwen a bath. She's covered in garbage juice." You huff, leaving the room abruptly to tend to your pet.

"Ew!" Everyone squeals, rushing to get to the kitchen to wash their hands. Eddie follows you down the hall, noticing your upset.

"Sweetheart, are you alright?" He asks, setting the bags down on your bed. He digs out the pet shampoo, bringing it into the bathroom where you've got the water running.

"No. But I'm not gonna make a big deal out of it. It's his damn birthday, it's not about me." You say flatly, checking to make sure the water isn't too hot. Arwen sits patiently on the fuzzy bath mat, looking at you with her ashen eyes. She's calm now, but you're sure she'll object to being put into the shallow bath once it's ready.

"I know, princess. But you can still tell me, while we're away from everyone else. What's bothering you?" He continues, sitting cross-legged with you on the bathroom floor. He sets the shampoo bottle on the edge of the tub, putting his hand on your back to rub back and forth.

"I just find it annoying, what Dustin said. Like I'm only interested in D&D and the books you've shown me because I'm with you." You say grouchily, resenting the idea. "I've always liked plenty of geeky shit on my own. Star Wars, Labyrinth, things like that. And I asked for science kits and mythology books as opposed to Barbies and makeup at birthdays or Christmas." You continue to rant, with Eddie listening intently. "Not to mention, I'm an even bigger bookworm than he is, and that's saying something." You sigh, shaking your head as it falls to look at your feet. "I dunno, maybe I'm being overly sensitive. But as much as I'm borderline obsessed with you, I'm still my own person." You shut the water off once it's deep enough and the right temperature. You lift up Arwen, setting her carefully into the water.

"I don't think you're being sensitive, love. Look, I don't think Dustin necessarily meant it that way, but he could've been better about it." He watches as you carefully wet Arwen's fur, continuing to talk while you clean her up. "As a lifelong nerd myself, I've seen many geeky girls get treated differently than the guys. I've always found it a bit silly, but it happens." You open the shampoo, squeezing a small amount into your hands to lather it. You bring it to the cat's fur, massaging it in throughly. "But I want you to know that I see you as a major nerd, regardless if we're together or not. I know you're not my 'clone' or anything. I probably wouldn't go out with you if you were. I'm not that vain." He jokes, making you giggle.

"Thank you, Eds. I'm glad you understand." You allow the smile from your laugh to remain on your face, relaxing as you finally get to rinse Arwen's coat. "She's very good in the bath, which is odd for a cat. Mews used to scratch the shit out of me to get out of the water." You observe, giving the kitten a sideways glance.

"It's because you're her mother now, sweetheart. She picked you, so she trusts you." He speaks in your ear, his breath fanning hotly over your skin.

"Is it weird that I find it really hot when you say that?" You ask, biting your lip.

"Not at all, babydoll. You're such a responsible young woman, more than capable of caring for a cute little creature like this." He says, leaning into your well-documented attraction to praise. He's not even saying anything particularly dirty, and yet you find yourself getting warm under the collar. You suppose it's due to the constant self-doubt you hold inside your head. To have Eddie quell your anxieties in this way is oddly erotic.

"Mmm, keep going." You sigh blissfully, reaching for the towel you set aside for Arwen. You lift her as carefully as you can, bundling her up like a burrito to dry off. Eddie scoots to sit behind you, spreading his legs apart. You lean against him, holding the cat in your arms.

"You're so smart, and independent, and mature." He continues, planting blazing kisses on your neck as he speaks. "You're your own person, angel. You can do anything you set your mind to." He nips your sweet spot with his teeth, drawing a light moan from you. "Damn, you're really into compliments, aren't you?" He smirks against your skin, loving every second of this.

"Only from you, Eds. They're so sincere when they come out of your mouth." You exhale, remembering what you're meant to be doing as opposed to this. "We should finish getting Arwen settled, we're neglecting the party." You can't help coming off a bit whiny as you speak. But you made a commitment to be here for your brother, and you plan to stick to it. He only turns eighteen once.

"I suppose you're right, sweetheart. We'll pick this up later." He agrees, helping you stand up while holding Arwen.

"We better. I'm gonna be thinking about it all night." You say lustfully, handing Eddie the kitten for the time being. He follows you to your room, eyes widened at the thought of you craving him for hours on end. Just waiting for the right moment to take what you want. You both take off your matching vests, bow ties, and shoes, leaving the rest of your uniform on for the time being.

You set up Arwen's litter box, setting her inside to see if she'll use it. She stands awkwardly on her tiny paws, looking to you for guidance. You figure it'll take a few tries to get her to understand what the box is for, but you let her get acquainted with it in the meantime. You open the cat food, pouring it into one of the bowls you bought for her. You ask Eddie to fill the other with some water from the sink, setting it on the floor beside the food. Everything else you bought can wait for the time being, and you sit on the floor for a few minutes with Arwen still standing in the litter box. "How long do you think it'll take?" Eddie asks, his eyes watching the kitten curiously.

"I dunno, I'd like her to try to go before we get back to the party. It's not exactly pleasant to have a cat piss on you, no matter how cute she is." You reply, looking for any change in expression or stance from Arwen.

"We could keep her on a towel if it's taking too long. It's also a little weird to wait for a cat to poop." Eddie chuckles, his shoulder brushing yours as he leans on his hand.

"I agree. Towel it is. Worst case scenario, we throw it in the wash." You nod, taking Arwen out of the box while Eddie retrieves a dry towel. You walk back down the hall to rejoin the party, taking one of the spare chairs. Eddie sits first, with you on top of him with the cat in your lap.

"You guys didn't wanna change clothes?" Steve asks, scrunching his nose at how uncomfortable your uniforms look.

"Nah, they probably won't stay in them very long after the party anyway." Robin quips, making everyone laugh.

"Ugh, please don't talk about my sister like that!" Dustin shouts, covering his ears.

"Alright, alright. That's enough now, it's time for presents." Mom says, shutting everybody up. Dustin sits in a chair placed across from everyone else in the room. Mom holds the camera ready, waiting for someone to give Dusty his first gift. "Who wants to go first?" Mom asks, glancing around the room.

"How about I start with the package from Will and Jane?" Dustin suggests, getting up to grab it from the kitchen counter. It's been sitting there for the entire week, calling his name to open it. But since he begged Mom to let him postpone the party, she said he'd have to wait.

"That's a great idea! I know it's been hard to be patient with that one." Mom replies, waiting for him to reveal what's inside the box. He cuts it open with a small knife from the kitchen, and pulls out the packing paper. He reveals a lemon-yellow Surfer Boy Pizza t-shirt, presumably from Jane. And the other item in the box is a folded up piece of canvas. He carefully unfolds it, his eyes widening as he finds a highly-detailed portrait of him and all his friends in a huddle. From you, to Eddie, to Hopper, even the twins, the gang's all there in perfect likeness.

"Wow, this is amazing." Dustin says, a single tear falling down his cheek. He turns the canvas around to show everyone, and you all gasp in turn at how gorgeous the painting is. Will has always been an incredibly skilled artist, which he plans to turn into a career illustrating for comic books.

"Damn, everybody's in it! I wish Will was here so we could tell him how awesome it is." Steve says, smirking at his signature coif of hair captured in an uncanny swoosh in the picture.

"I'll make sure to call him later." Dustin replies, suddenly missing his friend very much. He sees something else in the box, a blue envelope. He tears it open, and he reads the card inside aloud. "Happy 18th birthday, kiddo. Sending love and hugs from California. We wish we could be there to celebrate with you and the gang. But we're there in spirit, today, and every day. Hope to see you soon, love Joyce, Hop, Jane, Jonathan, and Will. P.S. Here's some cash to soften the blow of our absence, don't go blowing it all on nougat!" His breath shudders on the last couple words, and you can feel everyone's hearts swell in an overpowering, bittersweet fashion. "Fuck, maybe I should've saved this one for last." Dustin jokes, wiping his eyes.

"No shit! That's gonna be tough to follow." Mike quips, drawing light-hearted chuckles from everyone in the room.

"Okay, hold up the painting, Dusty. And then we'll move on." Mom says, sniffling a little herself. She clicks the camera, and the photo spits out a moment later. "We'll have to get a nice frame for that. Okay, who's next?"

"I'll go." Steve says, handing Dustin a raggedy bundle of red wrapping paper and scotch tape.

"It's from both of us." Robin chimes in, a bit embarrassed at her lack of gift-wrapping skills. Dustin tears open the paper, and finds a Family Video vest underneath. There's even a tag with his own name on it clipped to the breast. "We know you've been begging us for a job, so we thought you could work with us over the summer." She explains, smiling wide.

"Hell yeah! I can't wait!" Dustin exclaims, holding up the green uniform for Mom to snap another photo. The next gifts go as follows. He receives a hardcover compilation of all the Watchmen comics from Lucas and Erica, an Oingo Boingo cassette tape from Mike, a Walkman from Max, and a case of 3 Musketeers bars from Ian and James. Dustin thanks every single one of them for the presents, and Mom takes a photo of each item.

Next up is Nancy, who bestows him with a Caltech sweatshirt. She had Jonathan send it over all the way from California, as it is the prestigious school Dustin has chosen to attend in the fall. "I know you'll fit right in the second you walk through the door, but I figure this should help, too." She says sweetly.

"I'll wear it as much as I can, Nance. Thanks." Dustin smiles, and it's now Eddie's turn. He hands Dustin a large gift bag, which houses a black leather jacket that matches his own. "Oh, wow! This is so bitchin', Eddie!" He cheers, standing up to give him a high five.

"You know it, man. And just a heads up...total chick magnet. You wear that, and you'll be beating them off with a stick." Eddie says cooly, and Dustin nods in understanding.

"I don't recall you exactly drowning in girls, Eddie. Hell, you're lucky to have Y/N sitting in your lap right now." Steve interjects, slightly offended at not being the one giving dating advice.

"Maybe not, but Dustin is also a lot more...approachable than I am. If he has the badass look to go with it, he'll be unstoppable." Eddie retorts, narrowing his eyes at Steve.

"Okay, I don't think I need to hear anymore of you two trying to corrupt me sweet baby boy. Y/N, it's your turn." Mom cuts in, gesturing for you to keep things moving.

"Mom!" Dustin whines, embarrassed at your mother calling him such childish things. She just shoos her hand at him, and you carefully pass Arwen over to Eddie to present your gift. You gingerly remove the item you purchased from the greenhouse box you've kept it in, bringing it over so your brother can see. "Oh, wow! A Venus flytrap! I've always wanted one of these!" Dustin cheers, smiling ear to ear as you give him the carnivorous plant.

"Now, be careful with it. There's instructions in the box on how to water and feed it properly. But I know you've begged Mom over and over for one. And now you don't have to." You explain, returning to Eddie's lap after taking Arwen in your arms once more.

"I just think they're creepy, that's all." Mom says, but she can't necessarily argue against you gifting him one. "Okay, my turn!" Mom claps her hands in excitement, picking up the box beside her. She lays it in Dustin's lap, taking her seat a second later.

Dustin opens up the box, finding a brand new Nintendo Gameboy inside. It comes with Super Mario Land, Baseball, Tennis, and Alleyway. "Whoa, a Gameboy! That's frickin' sweet!" Lucas says, totally jealous of his friend's new present.

"How'd you get one? They've barely been out and most stores sold out almost immediately!" Dustin asks, looking at Mom with amazement.

"Angie happens to have some connections, people she met after moving in with your father. She managed to snag one just for you, so I suppose this also counts as her gift." Mom explains, taking one last photo before everyone makes their way to the snack table.

You're about to stand up, when you notice a small brown pile on Arwen's towel. "Oh, well, looks like she finally went to the bathroom. I'm gonna grab a fresh towel." You say to Eddie who's still sitting beneath you.

"No problem, princess. I'll tell them to wait before lighting the candles." Eddie says, getting up after you. He heads for the dining room, while you go down the hall to freshen up Arwen's make-shift restroom. You return shortly, standing beside Eddie as Mom begins to ignite the candles on Dustin's cake. Eddie wraps an arm around your waist, holding you close. His free hand briefly strokes Arwen's head, drawing a small, happy meow from her.

"Alright, here we go, Dusty." Mom says, before leading you all in the traditional birthday song.

"...Happy Birthday to you!" You all cheer as the song ends, watching Dustin blow out the candles to make a wish. Everyone claps, and the candles are removed so the cake can be sliced up.

"Can I hold Arwen for a little bit, Y/N?" Dustin asks, pleading with his eyes.

"Sure! Just keep her bottom covered with the towel, she's not box-trained yet." You instruct, before allowing your brother to hold her.

"No problem." Dustin replies, giving Arwen's head the gentlest of pats.

"Y/N, can I talk to you for a minute?" Mom asks, nudging her head for you two to talk in the kitchen. You nod, leaving the party behind to see what she wants.

"What's up, Mom?" You ask, leaning against the counter with your arms crossed. Your eyes flick to Eddie's across the room, and he silently checks with you to make sure you're okay. You nod, and he moves on to talk to Steve and the others.

"What the hell were you thinking bringing that kitten here?" She asks, trying her best to hide her annoyance.

"I found her out in the alley all by herself, Mom. And we would've had her live at Eddie's, but his uncle Wayne is allergic. But like I already said, we..." You point your finger at yourself and in Eddie's direction. "...will take care of her. What's the big deal?" You ask, not even attempting to control your attitude.

"The big deal is that this is still my house, Y/N. You could've at least run this by me first, but you didn't. You just stroll in here with a filthy cat, drawing the attention away from Dustin on his birthday..." She rebuttals, her voice raising slightly.

"I didn't plan on this happening. I would never want to steal his spotlight, Mom. And he seems to really like Arwen, so can you lay off a little bit?" You reply, matching her volume. You notice a couple pairs of eyes flicking in your direction, you really don't want to turn this into a fight. But Mom seems to have other ideas.

"No, I can't! You can't just make decisions like this without asking me!" She gets a little louder, drawing a small crowd. Perfect, a dreaded mother-daughter showdown on Dustin's special day.

"I don't need your permission for every choice I make! I'm twenty-one, for crying out loud! I'm not a little kid anymore! I said I'd take care of her, and that you don't have to do anything! You're being totally unreasonable!" You shout back, killing any and all outside conversation. Everyone is looking at you now, watching silently as your faces scrunch in anger.

"I don't appreciate you talking to me like this, Y/N! I'm your mother, and it wouldn't kill you to check in with me once in a while! But you're so concerned with work, and Eddie, and now this damn cat! I barely see you around anymore, and you have the nerve to say I'm being unreasonable?!" Claudia yells.

"Forgive me for wanting to have a life of my own, Mom! I've barely dated or had any friends my entire life, always staying home and studying! I'd think you'd want me to get out of the house! Eddie makes me happy, my job makes me happy, and Arwen is a part of that now. You used to be so supportive of me, and now you're getting on my case about everything!" You're almost screaming by the end, heart pounding and chest heaving as you feel your skin turn red. Your stare breaks hers, trailing around the room to find the gobsmacked faces of every party guest looking at you. No one says a word, and you're absolutely mortified for making a scene. This is the last thing you wanted to do, and yet you've managed to do it anyway. You stand in awkward silence, before deciding to flee to your room. You walk briskly down the hall, hoping nobody is following you. You shrink into your room, slamming the door shut and clicking the lock.

You slide down the wooden wall you've put up to keep everyone out, sitting with your knees tented in front of you. You pound your fists into the carpet, needing a way to release your frustrations. The shag below stings your flesh as your balled hands collide with it over and over. You let out small, stunted grunts through clenched teeth in an attempt to keep the noise down, allowing a few tears to fall hotly down your cheeks. If it wouldn't make this situation worse, you'd bang your head backwards against the door.

You can't think, or speak, all you can do is be angry. Angry at your mother for berating you like a child, for doubting your capabilities as a person, in front of everyone. "Y/N." You hear a muffled voice speak from outside your window, and you look up from your fit to find Eddie standing outside. Arwen's nestled calmly in his arms, her teeny tiny face showing an absurd amount of concern for you.

You sigh, getting up from the floor to open the window. You slide the pane along its track, sniffing harshly. "What?" You say flatly, not particularly in the mood for company.

"Can we come in, sweetheart? I noticed you locked the door." Eddie asks cautiously, as he can see you’re boiling mad inside, threatening to blow your top at any moment.

"Why? You gonna yell at me, too?" You ask, unable to control yourself. You know he only wants to help, but something inside you wants to spit venom at anyone and anything that comes across your path.

"No, princess. I just want to be here for you, like always. And Arwen misses you." He replies, lifting her slightly to emphasize his point.

"Ugh, fine. But I don't wanna talk. I don't wanna do anything." You step aside, taking the cat so Eddie can climb into your room.

"That's okay, baby. I just didn't want you stewing all alone." He speaks gently.

"I don't need a babysitter, Eds." You snap, sitting on your bed with your back turned to him.

"I know you don't. I didn't mean it like that. But I can go if you want...wait with the others until you've calmed down." You can hear Eddie gaining some frustration of his own, and you don't blame him. You're not being very nice, quite the contrary. He's the one person you should never treat this way. You know that. But you feel like shutting everyone out, you can't handle being around people right now.

"Please do." You regret the words the second they leave your lips, deep down you want him to stay. As awful as you're being right now, you want him to talk you down, to make you okay again. 

His breath catches slightly, you've never told him to go away before. His heart aches at hearing you say that, but he nods. He supposes you don't need him to fix all your problems, or to hold your hand through every little thing. But he wants to, so badly. And to have you deny him, it definitely hurts. "Okay. We'll be waiting for you, Y/N. I love you." He says glumly, heading back to the window to climb out again.

"I love you too." You reply, not wanting him to leave without hearing you say it back. You listen to the window shut once more, leaving you and Arwen all alone in your room. She stares at you, her pupils following the tears falling freely from your eyes. "I know, kitty. I've made an ass out of myself, huh?" You say to her, letting out a weak chuckle at the thought of talking to your cat.

"Mew." She replies, but you have no idea what it means. You don't speak feline, unfortunately.

"I'll take that as a 'yes'. What am I gonna do, Arwen? I yelled at Mom again, and I made Eddie go away. I feel like I'm back at square one. The same girl who locks herself away from anyone that wants to help her." You sigh, bringing your hand up to pet the kitten's head.

"Mew." She says again, no change in tone or inflection whatsoever. A low purr comes from her at your soft touches, and she tilts her head to allow you better access to her left ear.

"Well, you're certainly making me feel better with how cute you're acting right now." You giggle, allowing a chunk of the wall you built up be chipped away by the magic of an animal bonding with their human.

"Mew." Arwen meows again, still as one-note and shrill as every meow before it.

"Yeah, I'm gonna have to go back out there sometime. Hopefully I haven't killed the mood too much. It's also meant to be mine and Eddie's anniversary today, you know." You continue conversing with the petite kitten before you, but you don't imagine she's listening all that well. Her eyes are held shut as she enjoys the scratching of your fingertips along her cheeks and neck.

"Mew." She replies, rolling onto her back to expose her tummy. Her paws stand straight up into the air, and she looks at you expectantly to grant her request.

"Alright, you spoiled little thing. I'll rub your belly, and then we go back to the party, okay?" You offer, taking a page from Eddie's book to speak childishly to Arwen.

"Mew!" She says enthusiastically, louder than before. You giggle again, bringing your fingers to the soft flesh of her stomach. You give her some tickles, which she reacts to in the most adorable way. Her paws come down to encapsulate your hand, the claws digging in slightly. You don't mind, she's just being playful. You continue like this for a while, letting the stress of the day gradually evaporate.

"Okay, Arwen. We've had enough alone time, I think. I've got some apologizing to do." You state, rolling the cat onto her stomach once again before heading for the door.

"Y/N!" Everyone cheers from their seats as you re-enter the room. You allow a small smile to creep across your face. You're surprised they've missed your presence, and that they aren't totally pissed at you. You notice your mother is missing from the group, wondering where she went off to.

"Where's Mom?" You ask, the smile fading slightly at the thought of how you spoke to her earlier. Sure, she started it. But you certainly took it upon yourself to end it poorly.

"She, uh...decided to go to the Hideaway for a bit after you stormed off." Dustin explains uneasily. "Don't sweat it, though. She needs to cool off, she'll come around." He says, a bit more cheery now.

"You want some cake, sweetheart?" Eddie asks, bringing a paper plate with a large slice of Dustin's chocolate cake to you along with a plastic fork.

"Yes, please. Some empty calories would be great right now. And I'm sorry for being so awful earlier, you were just trying to help." You say apologetically, leaning into him to plant a warm kiss to his lips. He happily meets you halfway, earning 'OOH's and grotesque noises from the others.

"It's alright, love. I know you didn't mean anything by it." He grins, moving closer to speak in your ear. "We're still on for later, right, princess?" He smolders, making your cheeks heat up.

"Always, Eds." You reply, eyes meeting his with burning intensity.

"That's what I like to hear. Eat up, darling. You're gonna need all the energy you can get." Eddie instructs, exchanging the cat for the cake. You take the flimsy plate in your hands, and promptly dig a large bite out of the slice. You bring the fork-full of fluffy cake and thick frosting to your lips, opening nice and wide as he watches you put it in your mouth. His smile grows wider, and he doesn't have to utter another syllable. You know exactly what he's thinking, two simple words meant just for you: good girl.

"Ugh, can you guys stop flirting for five minutes? We're trying to have a party here." Erica expresses her disgust.

"Sure thing, Lady Applejack. My apologies." Eddie replies, bowing dramatically. You giggle at his antics, following him over to the couch to finish your cake.

"You sure you're alright, Y/N? Things got pretty nasty earlier." Robin inquires. She unsuccessfully attempts to lick some icing from her upper lip, her eyes crossing as she tries to find its exact location.

"Yeah, I'm alright. And I'm sorry for making a scene. It was really embarrassing." You sigh, keeping your eyes on your plate as you wait for forgiveness.

"It's fine, Y/N. Everyone fights with their parents sometimes, no biggie." Steve assures you, walking over to clap a hand on your shoulder. You meet his eyes, finding kind understanding there. The others nod and verbalize their agreement. You let the tension slip away, allowing yourself to sit closer to Eddie and fully relax.

"Okay. I'll try not to overthink it." You reply, shoving another large bite of chocolate overload into your mouth.

"You? Overthinking things? No way!" Dustin quips sarcastically. You all share a hearty laugh at this. It's a well-known fact within the group at this point that your brain works overtime in every aspect of your life.

The remainder of the party goes smoothly. You play a few rounds of charades, and Dustin sets up his Gameboy. Lucas, Max, Erica, and the twins watch over his shoulders as he tests out the games. You talk casually about work and life in general with the other adults, which you find a little mind-boggling. A couple of years ago, you were a bunch of crazy kids worrying about prom, and graduation and college applications. And now here you are, talking about video rentals and annoying customers. The majority of you still live at home, however, which just adds to the awkward confusion of this transitional time in your life. 

"So, it's your anniversary today, right?" Nancy asks.

"Yeah, three whole months with this nutcase." You joke, giving Eddie a quick peck on the cheek. He shoots you an offended look, but you just roll your eyes. "You know I wouldn't have it any other way, Eds." You giggle, and his smiles too.

"It's alright, princess. I'll get you back for that later." He replies, wrapping an arm around your shoulders.

"So you're halfway there, then?" Robin asks, not fully realizing that she's potentially spilled the beans. Your eyes widen, and the others fall silent.

"Halfway to what?" Eddie questions, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing!" You exclaim, trying to save your ass. You don't want to spoil the surprise, but it might make Eddie suspicious that you're up to something bad.

"Okay, I can see there's something I'm not supposed to know yet. It's a good mystery, though, right?" He looks at you to cast his fears aside. He has no idea what Robin is referring to, but he's had an inkling that you've been planning something for him.

"Yes! I swear that it is, but I don't wanna say just yet. I'm not so sure it'll happen now." Your tone falls sullen, remembering how angry Mom became earlier. If she really thinks so little of you and your choices, especially regarding Eddie, she might just snatch her promise away in the blink of an eye.

"I'm sure it'll be fine, Y/N. Don't worry about it." Robin insists. "And sorry for my...loose lips." She bows her head like a scolded dog, feeling guilty for almost ruining your plans.

"It's alright. I'll just have to deal with three months of Eddie trying to guess what it is now." You laugh, picturing him writing down a laundry list of ideas, begging and pleading with you to tell him 'yes' of 'no' to every single one.

"And I won't rest until I figure it out! It must be pretty good if you're trying so hard to keep it from me." Eddie replies, nudging your shoulder with his own. The motion startles Arwen out of her third or fourth nap of the day.

"Mew!" She shouts, growling lowly at being woken up.

"Aw, I'm sorry little baby. I didn't mean to wake you. Will some belly rubs make it all better?" Eddie coos at the kitten in his silly voice. The cat rolls over, accepting his apology. The others' jaws drop at seeing him talk this way. Even Dustin and his friends stop paying attention to the Gameboy to confirm that the founder of the Hellfire Club was, in fact, speaking childishly to a small animal. They've never seen Eddie be so soft before, except when it comes to you. He notices their staring, clearing his throat. "Um..." He tries to come up with a cover, but nothing springs to mind. "Shut up." He says, not wanting to deal with being ridiculed for this.

"Who the hell are you, and what have you done with Eddie?" Mike asks, utterly stunned at what he's witnessed.

"Don't listen to him, baby. It's so sweet that you love Arwen as much as I do. She likes it when you talk like that, it's cute." You try your best to comfort Eddie as his cheeks burn bright red.

"More like nauseating." Lucas says, scrunching his face.

"Lay off, guys. You're just too immature to understand." You warn, glaring at the kiddos to intimidate them into behaving. They stick out their tongues in response, effectively putting an end to this conversation.

"Alright, well I think we're just about done here. Robin, Nance and I will take the kids home. Thanks for having us over, we should do it again sometime." Steve says, attempting to corral the younger party guests towards the door. They whine and groan in protest, but he hears none of it. They don't call Harrington 'The Babysitter' for nothing.

"Bye guys, see you 'round. Thanks for coming." You reply, watching as they march out the door to load into their various vehicles. Dustin follows them to give more thorough good-bye's, closing the door once he's finished.

"Thanks for hanging out tonight, guys. It means a lot." Dustin says, walking over to you. He bends down slightly to pet Arwen for a moment. She purrs at his touch, her eyes closing in contentment. "She really is adorable, I'm glad you guys found her. I know you'll be amazing parents for Arwen." He says sweetly, making your heart swell.

"It was a lot of fun, Dusty. Well, besides the fight earlier. And yeah, we're glad we found her, too." You reply with a blissful smile.

"Well, I'm gonna go to my room and enjoy my gifts. Goodnight, guys." He says, standing upright once more.

"'Night, Dustin. Happy birthday." You say softly.

"'Night. Happy birthday, buddy." Eddie replies. Dustin leaves the room clutching his gifts, and it's just the three of you now. "Looks like we're on our own now. You wanna put Arwen in her cat bed and go outside with me?" Eddie asks, noticing the kitten in his lap has fallen asleep yet again.

"What's outside?" You ask, unsure what Eddie's talking about.

"Your anniversary present. Well, it's actually in my pocket. But we'll have to go outside to use it." He shuffles around as carefully as he can, not wanting to wake the cat up again. He manages to pull a blunt out of his pocket to show it to you. "I figure we can finally try fucking while we're high. I know you've been wanting to, sweetheart." He says, using his dark tone to tempt you.

"Mm, yes please." You coo, leaning in to give him a hungry kiss. You pull away a moment later, resisting the urge to tear his clothes off right here and now. "C'mon. Let's put her in my room." You stand up, waiting for him to follow you. You can't hide your enthusiasm, you need him as soon as possible.

"As you wish, darling." He replies, eager to get your anniversary celebration into full swing.

Part 18.2: Dazed and Confused

"You feelin' it yet, sweetheart?" Eddie asks as you inhale the final drags of your anniversary present.

"I think so, only one way to find out, though." You say through a giggle, obviously staring at his lips. You've been sitting barefoot in your backyard for a while, smoking the joint Eddie showed you earlier as the sun begins to set. Mom still hasn't come back yet. You're not sure when she'll return, or what particular mood she might be in when she does. You don't really care at the moment, however, as you're about to kiss your handsome boyfriend while under the influence of marijuana.

"My thoughts exactly." Eddie chuckles, leaning over to press his lips to yours. Immediately, you can tell that the drug has begun to take effect. This kiss feels absolutely amazing, all warm and fuzzy. You both let out low moans at the sensation, opening your mouths to play around with your tongues. You instinctively lay down in the grass you've been sitting on, allowing him to hover over you. His hands drag slowly up and down your body, lighting fireworks beneath your skin through your clothes. You do the same, starting with tangling your fingers in his hair.

You scratch your nails around his scalp, and he breaks his mouth away from yours to kiss your neck. "Fuck, Eds. This is incredible." You sigh, in total awe of how powerful everything feels. Your hands leave his thick locks, running down his back until you reach his ass. You squeeze the firm rounds of it, causing him to groan as he bites harshly on your throat. "Everything feels so fucking good, baby. We should go to my room, I need to feel you. All of you." You hate how goddamn needy you sound, but you can't help it. Every rush of hot breath or graze of fingers over fabric is amplified immensely.

"You sure we can't just stay here? I don't wanna leave this spot." Eddie says in an attempt to convince you to stay put. If it weren't for potential nosey neighbors peeking from their windows, or grass stains ruining your uniform, you'd absolutely let him take you right here.

"We can't, Eds. We'll get all dirty, and someone might see. C'mon, I also have a twig poking into my ass." You tap his shoulders, waiting for him to get off of you. He whines petulantly in response. But he knows you're right, despite his drug-addled brain telling him to keep going. He backs off, inelegantly standing on his own two feet before assisting you. You make the ill-advised decision to forgo walking through the whole house, opting to make an attempt at climbing through your bedroom window instead. You slide the pane along its track, and almost fall flat on your face as you clumsily climb over the sill. "Oh, fuck!" You yelp, catching yourself just before your head smashes onto the carpet. You laugh at your silly display, and how wobbly your body is.

"Take it easy, sweetheart." Eddie chuckles, enjoying your ass on full view for him as you haven't gotten up yet. He climbs in after you, lifting you off the floor. You both slump onto the bed, him laying behind you as your legs hang sideways over the edge. "I hope we don't wake Arwen again, I don't want her to see what I'm gonna do to you." He says breathily, trying to contain his laughter at the bumbling nature of your movements.

You poke your head up to look over at the kitten's bed, finding that she hasn't stirred one bit through all your racket. "She's still asleep. Can you shut the window, Eds?" You ask, beginning to undo the buttons of your dress shirt.

"Sure thing, doll." He replies. He hops off the bed with a grunt and slides the glass over to close you off from the world. You lay down flat on the bed, scooting yourself backwards with kicking feet as your fingers pop each button through their holes. By the time Eddie returns to you, you've got your shirt open, the sides splayed loosely on the bed. A sexy, pink lace bra you bought for this very occasion is on full display, making his eyes blow wide with lust. "Damn, princess. You wear that just for me?" He asks in a cocky tone, knowing full well the answer to that is a big, fat 'yes'.

"Mhm." You nod, biting your lip. You beckon him over with your finger, and he takes this as his cue to crawl across the bed like a prowling animal. "I wanted to wrap myself up all pretty for you, Eds. Even though I know you'll take it all off pretty quickly."

"Don't get me wrong, angel, I love the way you look in lingerie. You're absolutely gorgeous. But I enjoy what's underneath so much more, because it's you. Just you, baby, that's all I need." He says as he crouches over you now, his thick tresses hanging down on the sides of his face.

"Oh, then I guess you won't be needing the other present I got for you." You reply with a cheeky grin.

He scoffs, giving you a curious glance. "Hey, I didn't say that. What'd you get me?" He bites his lip, eager to know what your brilliant mind cooked up this time.

"Well...I guess you can have it, since I put in so much work to make it happen." You say in faux-defeat, reaching up to undo Eddie's shirt buttons as you speak. "I convinced Mr. Biggs to let us have a private screening of Heavy Metal after hours next Saturday. Just me and you, all alone, watching a silly, sexy movie together. Sound like fun?" You quirk an eyebrow, pulling the final button through its sewn loop.

"Sounds perfect, sweetheart. I look forward to it." He smirks, bringing his lips to yours in a thankful kiss. Your eyes slip closed, and you push the fabric of his shirt to shuck it from his shoulders. He tosses it away, and it lands somewhere nondescript on the floor. "How'd you know about that movie anyways?" Eddie asks, bringing a hand up to cup your breast as he waits for your answer.

"Well, I didn't...at first. I know you like those magazines, and I was asking Robin and Steve if there was anything similar in film form. Now, there's no VHS of it, apparently. But Robin said she'd been to a couple random screenings of it in Indianapolis before." You explain, gasping at Eddie's hand massaging your tit. He nods, wanting you to continue. "Then, I asked Milo if there was a copy laying around at The Hawk. He said it's one of his personal favorites, so I was in luck. All I had to do after that was promise Mr. Biggs that we would clean any mess we make, and lock up afterwards. And voila! Perfect anniversary present." You grin in satisfaction, moving to discard your own shirt. You awkwardly shuffle your arms, pulling the sleeves down to throw the garment away.

"I can't believe you went to so much trouble, just for me. You're the best girlfriend ever, you know that?" Eddie asks, cupping your cheek once you lay back down.

"Oh, I know. But it's only because you're an amazing boyfriend, too." You giggle, rolling your bodies over so you're on top. You're straddling his lap, and you can feel his stiff cock straining through the layers of fabric between you. You grind yourself against him, letting out a breathy moan at the friction between your legs. You're already so wet, and you can barely think straight. Eddie's hands move to your ass, massaging the flesh roughly through your slacks. "Fuck, Eddie." You whine, your head falling forward as you continue to roll your hips. He leads you to go harder in his grip, drawing more noises from you. The weed is taking full effect now, and you feel as though you're moving through molasses.

"You're so beautiful, angel. A perfect, moaning mess for me." Eddie coos lazily, barely keeping it together himself. He doesn't like to get high without you now, not since that first time at your father's funeral. He used to do it almost every day, trying to numb the loneliness he felt so strongly until he found you. It's something you get to share now, something you can use to enhance your closeness and intimacy.

"All for you, Eds. We're still wearing waaaaay too many clothes, though. I need to touch every last inch of you, feel your gorgeous body with my hands...and my mouth." You're surprised you can manage to be so coherent as a thick fog surrounds your mind.

"Does that mean you're gonna kiss my ass?" Eddie jokes, making you both burst out laughing.

"Maybe!" You cackle, letting yourself fall over him. The two of you continue to giggle like children as your mouths find each other again. You hum into a clumsy kiss, the laughter soon forgotten as you melt into one another. Eddie unclasps your bra, tossing it aside.

"Fuckin' gorgeous." He praises as he takes hold of your beautiful tits, rolling your nipples between his fingers.

"Oh, Eddie. That feels so good." You moan, breaking your mouth away from his. You lower your lips to kiss and suck his neck. He groans at the contact, pinching your sensitive buds a bit harder in response. "Jesus, everything shouldn't feel this fucking good. I can see why weed isn't legal, nobody would get anything done." You observe with a light laugh, reaching to open your pants to discard them. You undo the button, and slide the zipper down. You struggle to get them all the way off, unsure how you actually figure it out a moment later. You're left in nothing but a tiny thong that matches the bra you had on before.

"Damn, sweetheart. I've seen you like this at least a hundred times, but I swear each time always feels like the first." He says in a husky tone, licking his lips at how delicious you look now that you're pretty much naked.

"You always know exactly what to say to make me feel special, baby. I love you." You reply, blushing wildly at his words. He's quite the charmer, but nothing he says ever feels like a line, unless it's a genuine joke. You wonder every day how this is actually happening, how Eddie is truly yours and treats you like a queen. It all feels like a dream sometimes, but you're so grateful that it's real.

"I love you too, princess. Wanna help me with the rest of my clothes?" He asks with a kind smile.

"Don't mind if I do." You giggle, fiddling with his belt to get it open. You flick open the button and zip, yanking the pants down his legs. You remove his boxers afterwards, his dick smacking against his stomach before standing at attention. You take off your thong as well, leaving no barriers between you. You follow what your delayed mind demands, straddling his thighs as you lean down to kiss him again. Eddie's tongue slips into your mouth shortly after your lips meet. You want to take your time, to enjoy every single second of this.

Eddie breaks the kiss when he thinks of something that could enhance your experience even further. "Should we put on some music, sweetheart?" He asks, stroking your sides with his large hands. The metal of his rings drags cooly against your bare skin.

"Sure thing, Eds." You reply, understanding why he's asking. Having steady sound in the background can lead you through every touch and kiss and as the weed tantalizes your senses. You reach over to your bedside table, flicking on the radio. It just so happens to be set to the rock station from the last time you and Eddie listened to it, and the opening notes of "Dazed and Confused" by Led Zeppelin begin to fill the room.

"Mmm, perfect timing." Eddie chuckles, before rolling you both over onto your side. His lips meet yours again, following the echoing strums of guitar to roll his tongue against yours. You moan into his mouth, arousal spreading rapidly between your legs. His hand drags along your silhouette at the same time, making the skin of your shoulder, elbow, waist, stomach buzz. As Robert Plant begins to sing, Eddie wanders between your bodies to feel your slick folds.

"Eddie." You whimper, a shock of pleasure jolting through your body. Your pussy is very sensitive, and wetter than ever before. You can feel your juices dripping down your thighs and onto the blanket. You lift your leg to lay over his, allowing him better access. He grins at you, stroking your cunt in slow, exploring circles. "Feels so good, baby." You sigh as your heart rate picks up. The languid yet foreboding music intensifies every sensation, sending pleasure signals to your brain in rapid succession.

"I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, angel." He speaks lowly, eyes glued to your face to watch your every reaction. "I love making you cum, watching all the pretty faces you make, hearing all your filthy noises. It's one of the most beautiful things in the world. You're such a good girl for me, my perfect little slut." He pushes two fingers into your pussy on his final word.

"Oh, fuck." You gasp, arching your back instinctively.

"God, you're fuckin' soaked, Y/N. Already making a mess, just for me." His cock throbs against your stomach, the slightest amount of friction making his head spin.

"Just for you, love. Shit, I feel like I'm dissolving or something." You observe dumbly, unable to keep your eyes open at how amazing this all is. It's overwhelming in the best possible way, you swear you could lose it any second now.

"You gonna cum for me, darling? I can tell you're already so close, makin' it hard for my fingers to move inside you." He's absolutely right, your walls have begun to flutter around him, threatening to strangle his digits altogether. You can't help it, everything just feels so good.

"Uh-huh. Keep going, Eds." You moan, needing him to push you over the edge. You wonder how he's able to stay so articulate, saying dirty things to you to spur you on. You can barely string two words together as your mind is mixed up by electric beaters with every swell of the music. Eddie does as you ask, even increasing his pace. He wasn't moving very fast to begin with, which only proves beyond a reasonable doubt, that what you're doing right now is a fantastic idea. "Can't believe I'm gonna cum when you've barely touched me. You sure there wasn't anything else in that joint?" You ask through a lustful whine.

"I promise there wasn't. I'd never give you something without you knowing, sweetheart." He says calmly, finding entertainment in your disbelief of your own reactions to the pot. His free hand takes hold of your tit, massaging the flesh to give you even more. You moan loudly at the sensation, arching your back again. Your abdomen brushes against his dick, making him groan. A streak of precum rubs onto your skin, the idea of Eddie marking you with his release pushing you over the edge.

"Oh, god! Eddie!" You cry out, losing all control you once had over your body. You convulse around his fingers, trapping them inside as fluids spill out of your pussy. It runs down either side of your thigh to soak through the top layer of your bedding. Your eyes roll back into your head as you let out truly unholy noises. Your orgasm works its way through you mercilessly, and all Eddie can do is watch every second unfold in slow motion. If he didn't know any better, he'd blow his load all over your stomach at the sight before him.

"That's my good girl." He praises, caressing your sweat-drenched face with the back of his hand. He pulls you into a kiss, setting you on fire again before you've had a real chance to cool off. He removes his fingers from your cunt, bringing them up to your mouths. He sticks them between you, allowing you both to lick the sweet nectar from the moisture-wrinkled flesh.

"Mmm." You moan simultaneously at the taste, frantically licking every last drop away. Your teeth and tongues clash against one another repeatedly, though neither of you care how clumsy you're being. You just want to keep touching, and kissing, and devouring each other. When the musky flavor of your release has gone, you push Eddie's chest to make him lie down. He bounces harshly on the bed from the force, smirking at how aggressive you've become. You straddle his lap like before, bringing your hand to his throat. You wrap your fingers around his neck, not yet pressing down.

"You gonna choke me, baby?" Eddie asks, absolutely loving the idea.

"Do you want me to?" You ask, smiling ear to ear at the concept. You've never done it before, you only hope he'll let you try. But even more than that, you want him to like it.

"I would love it, sweetheart. Go ahead, I know you're dying to try it." He bites his lip, waiting for you to follow through on your promise. You gently start to squeeze the sides of his thick neck, cutting off the blood flow ever so slightly. "Fuck. Harder." He begs, groaning as his head lightens at your touch. You do as he asks, overtaken by a dark thrill as you increase the pressure. He moans again, but it comes out a bit garbled from you choking him.

"Such a good boy for me, I think you deserve a reward." You say darkly, leaning to speak into his ear. "You wanna fuck me, Eddie?" Your hot breath flows against his skin, turning him on even further. You loosen your grip a bit so he can answer you.

"Yeah, I wanna be inside you so bad. You're so hot and wet, shit, I can feel you dripping all over me." He replies desperately, dying to have his dick plunge deep into your velvet insides.

"That's right, Eds. I just can't help myself, you make me feel so good." You let out an exaggerated whine, rolling your hips once across his torso. Your clit rubs against him, smearing a trail of your arousal on his stomach. "You want me to ride you, love?" You ask in that same seductive tone.

"Please. Let me fill you up, angel." He begs, you've got him wrapped around your little finger at this rate.

"You got it, babe." You briefly bite his earlobe, shifting your lower half downwards. You take Eddie's length in your hand now that you can reach, working him painfully slow.

"Shit, you're always such a cock-tease, Y/N." He breathes out with a grin as he tries not to cum. You frown at his words, wanting him to submit to you completely. You squeeze his throat again, harder than before. Another strained moan leaves his lips, and more of your juices trickle from your pussy at the sound.

"Naughty boy, you know better than to talk back. I'll fuck you when you've earned it." You say through gritted teeth. You stroke him faster, noticing his stomach already beginning to tense. "Gonna cum so soon, baby? You wanna make a mess all over me?" You question mockingly, aiming his tip towards your stomach as you continue to pump him. Eddie only manages to nod, your grip on his throat makes it impossible to speak. His eyes stare deep into yours, wide and doe-ish as his release takes over.

"Fuck." He barely squeaks the word out, his mouth falling open helplessly. His hips buck upwards, and his sticky load lands in hot spurts all over your tits and belly. It drips down sloppily, the white droplets gleaming in the light. His toes curl as he empties onto you, and his large hands bunch the blankets below in sweaty fists.

"Mmm, good boy." You grin in satisfaction. You let his throat and softening cock fall from your grasp, and you look down your body to see the evidence of his orgasm splattered all over you. You wipe up one of the streaks from your breast with your middle finger. You bring it up to your lips, accepting the entire length of it into your mouth. You moan at the taste, keeping your eyes on Eddie the entire time.

"Fuck, that was hot." He pants as his chest heaves, struggling to catch his breath.

"Sure was, baby. You wanna clean me up until you can go again?" You ask politely, slipping off his body to lay beside him.

"Of course, sweetheart. Trust me, I'm just getting started." Eddie chuckles, angling himself so his mouth can reach every bit of the sticky mess he left on you, while keeping his legs next to yours. He leans over your torso, dragging the flat of his tongue over each streak of his release to wipe them away. He licks one off your nipple, playfully biting the hardened bud afterwards.

"Fuck." You murmur. You follow his head traveling downwards while he cleans every last drop of cum off your body. It's such a filthy sight. Whimpers and moans leavE your lips at how warm his tongue feels against your skin. He keeps going, putting himself between your legs as he spreads them. It seems he's had an ulterior motive to doing as you commanded, secretly wanting to make you cum on his face. "You sneaky bastard." You laugh, rolling your eyes at his unrelenting sexual appetite.

"Don't pretend you aren't loving this, babydoll. Is it so terrible that I wanna please you?" He asks, teasing you while his hands grip your thighs.

"Not at all, Eds. Knock yourself out." You lay your arm under your head to prop it up, wanting to see everything he's about to do to you. The song changes, a glam rock tune that you recognize instantly. "Lady Grinning Soul" by David Bowie, naturally. It appears whoever is in charge of acting as local radio deejay tonight, has taken part in the same substance as you and your boyfriend. They may or may not be a bit horny, as well. Eddie's eyes meet yours, and he brings his mouth to your drenched pussy to lick a small stripe along your slit. "God, that feels amazing, baby." You sigh, legs twitching at the overwhelming sensation.

"You're so unbelievably pretty like this, sweetheart. I don't think I'll ever get enough of you." Eddie speaks sweetly. He takes his time, pressing wet kisses to your inner thighs at random intervals between slow strokes along your clit and entrance. He's playing around with you, but in a most pleasurable way. It's far from teasing, as everything he does has an intense impact on you. He's savoring it, savoring you. The saccharine tang of your arousal coats his lips, his teeth, even his throat as he swallows every last drop. You're an ever-flowing fountain to him, your offerings slaking his thirst for love and companionship. "You're everything to me, Y/N." He says earnestly.

"You're everything to me, too, baby. You doin' okay down there?" You ask in kind concern, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah! Yeah...I'm fine. I just一" His breath catches, almost like he might cry. He shakes his head, keeping the tears at bay. "You're just perfect, that's all." He says with a smile, rubbing your thighs to ground himself. This never happens when he's high, but he can't shake the dialed-up emotions swarming over him. It certainly doesn't help that his brain is twisting and turning, due to certain mind-altering drugs you both smoked earlier.

Eddie's been on his own in almost every way for as long as he can remember. Sure, he has the club, and Wayne. But when he's not leading a campaign, or his uncle is sleeping or away at work, he's left alone with his own thoughts. The dreadful, awful thoughts of not being good enough, of being a worthless asshole who doesn't deserve love or happiness. Booze and drugs can only do much to block said thoughts out, often leaving him immobile in bed for hours on end. Staring at the wall or ceiling, his heart aching in his chest for something more. He never once thought he'd be so lucky to have someone like you in his life.

"You're perfect, too, baby. C'mere." You beckon him to you, wanting to hold him close. You can see it in his eyes that he's feeling so many things at once. He crawls back up the bed, laying on his side next to you. You mirror his position, his face just a couple inches from yours. You watch his troubled expression, knowing he's holding back from you. "Tell me what you're thinking." You coo, cupping his cheek.

"I-I didn't think I'd meet anyone like you, princess." He stutters at the thought, recalling how unpleasant life is without you in it. "I didn't think I'd meet anyone at all, really. At least, nobody worth...sticking around for." His eyebrows knit oddly at those two words in particular, his voice dipping to an ashamed whisper. 'Sticking around'...

"What do you mean? Like...staying in Hawkins?" You ask, confused as to why he'd say it like that. Nobody thinks all that highly of this sleepy little town, most plan to get out by the age of five, and give up by the time they're thirty.

"No." Eddie replies, his mouth staying open as if he's going to say something else. He closes it again, averting his eyes. He shakes his head, he can't possibly tell you this. You'll hear him say this terrible thing, and you won't love him anymore. "Nevermind, it's not a big deal." He says shakily, wanting to drop the subject.

You're watching closely as fear, almost panic spreads over his features. He's breathing unevenly, his heart pounding in his chest. He can't possibly be saying what you think he's saying. But given his behavior, you suspect the worst. Regardless of what it is, you intend to stay by his side and support him. You take his hands in yours, reeling him back to you before he disappears inside his head. "Eddie, please tell me. I'm here for you, you know that. Don't hide this from me, you promised we wouldn't do that." You say as calmly as you can, not wanting to scare him away. His pupils flick to yours again, finding your empathetic face. This makes him relax a little, and he nods. He takes a deep breath before continuing.

"I'm sure it's no surprise that I've always been...kind of a loner, Y/N. I'm not a popular person, friends are few and far between for me. I dunno if Dustin told you, but after we graduated, and my bandmates moved away, I've been on my own a lot." He pauses, feeling the sting of tears pricking his eyes. "And, uh...that's not great for me. I don't think very highly of myself, quite the opposite, actually. I won't bother you with the details, I'm sure you can imagine." He chuckles dryly, clearing his throat after. "So, being alone leads to lots of...dark thoughts. Thoughts I've never shared with anyone. Not Wayne, not the kids in Hellfire, nobody." He sniffles, a couple salty drops rolling down his cheeks.

"Would it help if you told me, Eddie?" You ask, offering every ounce of comfort you can give.

"I have a feeling you already know what I'm getting at, sweetheart." He says, his tone stiff and unwilling. He doesn't want to say the words aloud. He's never dared to do such a thing. It's like they're forbidden to fall from his lips.

"I think I can hazard a guess, love. And I'm sorry you've felt that way. No one should have to go through that. Especially not alone." You squeeze his hands and wonder if you should ask the question bubbling inside your head. You don't want to push him too far, but it's only natural to be curious. "Did you ever try to一"

"No." He cuts you off, shaking his head emphatically. "I couldn't do that to Wayne, but I thought about it all the time. How I'd do it, when, where, what my 'last meal' would be, of all things." He explains, his eyes squinting shut as more tears fall. He opens them again, red and glassy as they gauge your every reaction to his words. You keep yourself calm on the outside, but internally your heart is cracking at the seams, breaking for the crying man before you. You've known about his rough childhood, and the bullying through school and afterwards. But the idea of Eddie being suicidal, it just makes everything else all the more harrowing.

"Do you still think about doing it, Eddie?" You ask, willing to accept whatever the truth might be. You'd love to think that being present in his life has helped him feel better. And you're sure it has, to some extent. But it's unfair and unreasonable to think he would be one-hundred-percent 'normal' all because he started seeing you. You of all people know that love can't magically make your problems go away.

"I'm not gonna lie, Y/N. I still do sometimes, but a lot less than I used to. You've helped me feel so much better than before, I promise you that. But I'm fucked up, angel. I'm not sure it'll ever fully go away." He sighs, hoping he hasn't disappointed you. "Do you think less of me? I understand if you do." His thumbs rub mindlessly over your knuckles, steadying his state of mind while he waits for you to answer.

"Of course not, Eddie. I would never judge you for something that isn't your fault. I love you so much, baby. And nothing is ever gonna change that, okay?" You give him a gentle kiss, bringing a hand up to stroke his hair. He softens against you, his tense body loosening to accept your affection. You can feel more of his tears raining onto your skin, and you just let him work through everything he's feeling, kissing him tenderly and repeatedly through it all.

"I love you too, Y/N. Thank you for being here for me." He wipes his eyes, letting out another deep sigh.

"Any time, darling." You flash him a kind smile.

"Fuck, sorry for ruining the mood." He groans, flopping onto his back in annoyance with himself.

"It's okay. We've fucked many times before, and I'm sure there'll be many more opportunities after today. But for now, we can put some pj's on and watch a movie if you want. We can eat some cake, cuddle with Arwen on the couch." You suggest, sitting up in bed.

"That sounds perfect, babydoll." Eddie replies, getting off the mattress to get some pajamas from his bag. You do the same at your dresser, the sound of which disturbs Arwen's nap.

"Mew!" She cries as her eyes open to blink at you.

"Aw, poor little baby. I'm sorry we woke you up, but we're gonna cuddle and have cake." Eddie coos at the kitten, slipping on his lounge pants and an old band tee before scooping her up into his arms.

"You're so sweet with her, it's fuckin' adorable." You giggle, watching the cat's eyes close blissfully while Eddie scratches behind her ears.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. Further evidence that I'm a big softy. I can't believe I talked like that in front of everyone at the party." He laughs, rolling his eyes. He has a reputation to uphold, and here you are making him so vulnerable, even in public.

"Yes, you are a very soft man." You start, making his head whip to you in offense. You continue, explaining what you mean. "But that's not a bad thing, Eddie. It just means you're a good person. You're loving, kind, and understanding. Those are things most people struggle with, and it comes to you naturally." He nods in response, realizing you were only giving him a compliment.

"It's nice that you think so, sweetheart. I don't always feel like a good person." He says sadly, pulling his eyes away again.

"I've found that the best people typically put themselves under a lot of scrutiny. Any little misstep, and it makes them question everything. But that's good, because bad people never really think about their actions, or how they affect others. People like that go through life justifying every move they make, as opposed to weighing the consequences." You explain, trying to get through to him that he's not as bad as everyone says he is.

"You know, you'd be great at public speaking, baby. You're very convincing, and smart as hell. I could listen to you talk all day long." He smiles, turning this conversation back onto you. You can tell he still doesn't quite believe what you've told him, but self-esteem can't be rebuilt in a day.

"Thanks, Eds. But I don't think my anxiety would allow such a thing." You giggle, reaching for his hand to walk down the hall together. He gives it to you, holding Arwen up in the other to go sit on the couch. You cut two more slices from the cake, bringing the plates over while Eddie picks out a movie. You're both still a bit stoned, but you sense you're on the precipice of the come-down. You plop down beside the kitten, who's waiting for you and Eddie to shower her with attention. "Hey there, furry little thing. You're just too cute, it makes my heart wanna explode." You say to her, in that same silly voice only meant to be heard by her fuzzy ears.

"Mew." She replies, her tiny mouth opening briefly to let the sound out.

"She's very talkative. Have you noticed that?" You ask Eddie as he pulls his choice of VHS from the drawer below the TV.

"Yeah, she's got a bit of an attitude, too. I imagine she's very smart, despite being just a baby. How's this one? I figure we could use something comforting tonight. It's been a long day." He says, showing you the worn paper cover of Labyrinth.

"That's perfect, Eds. Pop it in and get over here." You smirk, patting the spot next to you on the couch. He slips the tape into the VCR, hopping enthusiastically onto the sofa once it begins to play. You hand him his slice of cake, and the two of you dig in as the movie starts.

About halfway through the film, there's a knock at the door. "Ms. Henderson, this is Chief Powell. Can you open up, please?" You hear the man speaking sternly on the other side of the door. You and Eddie look at each other, wondering what he wants. He could be here for Eddie regarding the fight with Jason, or if something happened to your mom. You swallow hard and pause the movie. You go to the door, opening it slowly.

"What's this about, Chief?" You ask, keeping the door mostly shut to block Eddie from his view.

"It's nothing serious, Y/N. We've got your mother in the back of the squad car. She tried to drive home drunk from the Hideaway. Jack, the owner, called us to stop her." The chief explains, giving you a comforting look. He knows you're worried about Eddie's standing in the Carver case, thankfully it hasn't become an issue. Not yet, anyway.

"Oh my god. Is she okay?" You ask, looking around him to see Mom slumped in the backseat. The red and blue lights flash on the roof, shining brightly through the darkness of the night.

"She's fine, and we'll have her car towed back here. But um... her license has been suspended. She managed to drive a few blocks before we stopped her, and she almost hit a couple teenagers crossing the street." He sighs, regretting every word coming out of his mouth. Claudia hasn't been this bad since George left, he can't imagine why she'd do something so stupid.

"Jesus christ. Well, I'm sorry she caused you trouble, Chief. I'll get her in bed, and I can drive her to work until the suspension is up." You reply, subtly rolling your eyes. You're absolutely pissed. What the hell was she thinking? She could've killed someone, or got herself put in the hospital or a body bag. And then where would that leave you? Or Dustin? It's also really fucking rich that she had the nerve to yell at you only hours ago about how irresponsible you are, and then she goes and does this? What a fucking hypocrite.

"It's no trouble at all, Y/N. I'm just glad nobody got hurt. We'll bring her inside for you." Powell says calmly, reading the anger all over your face.

"Great." You say flatly, opening the door all the way so the officers can escort your mother inside. You sit on the couch beside Eddie, shaking your head with pursed lips.

"Is everything okay?" Eddie asks, putting a hand on your thigh.

"No. Mom got wasted and tried to drive home. She almost killed someone before she got pulled over." You state, avoiding his eyes.

"Shit. I'm sorry, Y/N." He tries to relax you, but you can't stop the boiling rage.

"Don't be. If anyone should be sorry, it's her. She could've gotten hurt, or died! And then me and Dustin would have NO parents!" Your volume rises, almost shouting. Dustin's bedroom door opens at the sound, and he comes down the hall to see what the ruckus is about.

"What's going on?" He asks while rubbing his eyes. Fuck, he was sleeping. And now you're shouting and Mom is drunk off her ass with a DUI.

"Shit, Dusty. I'm sorry I woke you. Mom's drunk, that's all you need to know right now." You say as Powell and Callahan bring Mom inside the house. She's barely conscious, more drunk than you've ever seen a human be before. "Are you sure she doesn't have alcohol poisoning? She looks awful." You ask the cops, wondering if they got her any medical attention.

"We had her checked out, they said she should be fine. Just keep an eye on her, I'm sure she'll have one helluva hangover tomorrow." Powell replies, struggling to keep a hold on Mom. Her eyes flutter open a moment, and she looks at you.

"I'm sorry." She slurs, her face scrunching into what looks like sadness and regret. That is, until she vomits onto the carpet. It lands a few feet away from you, stinking of booze and chocolate cake.

"Jesus christ." Callahan exclaims, adopting a look of utter disgust.

"’Kay, safe to say I'm not hungry anymore." Eddie grimaces, putting his half-empty plate down.

"Maybe a stop to the bathroom would be beneficial." Powell suggests, looking to you as a way to ask where it is.

"Yeah. It's just down the hall, the last door on the left." You say, glancing at Mom in pity. A dribble of vomit sits on her bottom lip, a translucent dark brown. The officers take her down the hall, and you hear more vomiting that hopefully all lands into the toilet this time. You sigh, letting your head fall into your hands. "Great, now I gotta clean up puke tonight. That's the last thing I wanted to do." You groan, your own stomach turning at the acrid smell filling the room.

"We’ll help out, sweetheart." Eddie offers, rubbing your back with his hand.

"Yeah, you shouldn't have to do that all by yourself." Dustin chimes in, heading into the kitchen for the cleaning supplies.

"Thanks, guys. Let's take care of it before it soaks in too far." You get off the couch, slipping on some rubber gloves your brother hands to you. First, you soak up as much fluid with paper towels and toss them away. Next, pour carpet cleaner on the spot, letting it foam up for a few minutes. Then comes the scrubbing, you scrub the fibers of the carpet until you're sure there's no barf left clinging to them. After that, you wipe away any excess cleanser and let it dry. Easy peasy.

"Okay, safe to say I never wanna do that again." Dustin says as the three of you thoroughly wash your hands.

"Same here." You and Eddie reply at the same time. It really was far from pleasant, the smell alone made you wanna add to the mess. Thankfully you held it together, save for a couple compulsive gags. The officers are finally leading Mom to her room once you finish, she's been puking this entire time. She must have racked up quite the tab at the Hideaway.

"Shit, you guys work fast. Your mom must be thankful to have such helpful kids." Powell comments when he returns to the livingroom to find the mess already cleaned away.

"You'd think so, right?" You retort, still quite peeved at needing to do so at all.

"Right." He clears his throat, visibly uncomfortable. "We'll get out of your hair. Just make sure she has water and aspirin, and a wastebasket by the bed wouldn't hurt." He gives a weak smile, turning to leave.

"Will do, Chief. Thanks for bringing her home." You follow behind him, closing the door once he steps outside. "I am sooooo gonna tear her a new one tomorrow. What the fuck was she thinking?!"

"I don't think she was, angel." Eddie says quietly.

"No shit! God, I'm still high. I shouldn't be this angry!" You keep shouting, pacing around the floor wildly.

"I think you're being a bit hard on her, Y/N." Dustin says, coming to Mom's defense.

"No, I'm not! You wanna know what happened? She got absolutely wasted because of our stupid fight! And then she tried to DRIVE HOME! She almost hit some teenagers, she could have killed them! Do you understand how pissed she'd be if some drunk asshole almost hit one of us in the road like that? She'd be calling for their head and you know it! So now, her license is suspended, and I'll have to drive her to work like she's a goddamn child!" You're practically screaming now, going red in the face as you try to get Dustin to understand the gravity of the situation.

"I can drive her if一" He replies, focusing on the wrong thing. As if you actually think having to cart her around is the issue.

"That's not the damn point, Dusty! Did you not hear what I just said?" You question in disbelief. Neither of them have much to say about Mom's reckless behavior, more so they seem to want to justify it. And you'll hear absolutely none of it. "Ugh, whatever. I'm going to bed. Eddie, you can come if you want and bring the cat. Or not, I'm too pissed off to give a shit." You say with a resigned laugh, your arms clapping at your sides as you give up. You storm off down the hall, slamming the door to your room shut as hard as you can.

You flick off your bedroom light, and flop face first onto your bed. You press your head into the pillows, screaming into their fluffy bodies to muffle the sound of your frustration. You yank the blankets over your head, hiding away from the world. You don't care if Eddie comes to bed, he honestly might stay on the couch with how angry you've become. Maybe that's best, you don't feel all that deserving of comfort or cuddling at the moment. You know you're not wrong in your sentiment towards Mom's actions, but you definitely flew off the handle a bit. You groan loudly, rolling over to stop suffocating on the pillows. You face the window, letting your eyes peek out to look at the moon outside. The glowing orb in the sky gazes down upon you, the craters on its surface seemingly forming a look of shame and disappointment in your direction.

"Y/N?" Eddie says, quietly opening the door to your room. He tiptoes in with Arwen, hoping you're still awake. He feels awful for coming off like he wasn't supporting you. Of course he thinks Claudia was being an absolute idiot. But he doesn't think it's his place to say anything about it. He's certainly no angel. Who is he to judge someone else for their mistakes?

"Yes." You whisper, unable to say anything else.

"I'm sorry, love." He replies, crawling into bed with you. You turn to look at him, finding Arwen laying in the small space between you.

"For what? You're not the one with a DUI." You sigh, trying to stop a bout of tears.

"I know, baby. But I shouldn't have made it seem like I don't care that your mom was being reckless. Of course I do. Claudia's like a mother to me, despite the fact that she doesn't seem to like me much anymore." He lets out a light laugh at that. "And I know you love her so much, and you're worried about her. I'd be just as pissed as you if the roles were reversed." He scoots closer, putting the kitten into a warm cuddle sandwich. She mews happily at the coziness, nuzzling her head against you.

"It's fine. I didn't exactly let you have a chance to speak. She just一 I can't believe she'd do that. Like...what the fuck?" You say, looking to Eddie for the answer. That's the thing, more than anything else, you're utterly stumped as to why she would do this. Given the fight earlier today, and the constant lectures she's bestowed upon you and Dustin about the dangers of drinking and other serious topics. She rejected her own advice, and did something that has left you dumbfounded.

"I dunno, princess. I wish I had an answer for you. I guess you'll just have to ask her tomorrow." Eddie says sadly, tonight was supposed to be your night. Just the two of you, enjoying a nice time together. But no, instead it became about him telling you more of his deep dark secrets, and your mother throwing up all over the carpet. "You gonna be okay, love?" He asks, taking your hand in his.

"I'll give it my best shot, Eds. At least I have you here." You reply, giving him a chaste kiss. Arwen squeals in protest, annoyed at you squishing her. "Sorry, little one. I just had to kiss your daddy goodnight." You pat her head to put her at ease, and she lies down, placing herself into your touch. She purrs against your palm, settling in to go to sleep. 

"Take it easy on your mother, Arwen. She's had a very long day." Eddie says to the cat, smiling at how silly the idea of talking to an animal like it's a person is. It feels right, though, natural. Arwen is essentially your child, and you both want to love and take care of her the best you can. "Goodnight, sweetheart. I love you." He speaks to you now, taking your free hand to hold.

"Goodnight, Eds. I love you, too." You reply, closing your eyes shortly after. You really hope tomorrow pans out better than today did, but would it really be your life if things didn't go sideways?

To be continued...

[stariikis]

𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 | 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 005

synopsis ; based on the Chinese Drama, 'When I Fly Towards You', in which you, a going-on-high-school English genius named Huang Yuting meets the Mathematics genius of the 10th grade, Nishimura Riki, underneath the rain.

Another C for English. Riki is hardly surprised. He sighs heavily and tosses his half-crumpled paper aside, wishing the language never existed. Why learn it when it’s not like he’s going to England to ride scooters around? And even if he does, why would he need to know a thousand different types of sentence structures and spelling rules? As long as the point is carried, right? 

He never has been a language boy, anyway. 

Suddenly, a familiar voice sounds from outside their classroom, and Riki has no idea why it sounds sweet as honey to him. 

“You wanna bet on that?” Huang Yuting whips her head towards Moka challengingly. 

In return, her best friend sticks out her tongue and teases, “Yeah, I bet you he won’t wanna. He’s too smart for that!” 

Yuting lets out a betrayed grumble, two hands reaching out to mock-strangle her, and that’s all Riki’s able to catch from their conversation. A few steps and they’re already out of earshot. He doesn’t know why his eyes continue to follow her down the hall; his head turns to aid his view; a dreamy smile begins to lift the corners of his lips… 

“Riki-ya!” 

Jungwon smacks the back of his head with his rolled up English paper. From beside him, right next to the corridor window, he looks absolutely befuddled. “Is it just me, or have I never seen you smile like that before?” 

“Maybe I just don’t like being around you,” Riki mutters back, and it’s got to be the longest sentence he’s uttered today. Turning back his attention to the class, even though he hardly understands a thing, he tells himself he has to. Perhaps he’s recently been distracted so he can’t perform as well as he would like. 

His mind unconsciously flashes back to Yuting squatting under the rain, and he has to scold himself for his brain to properly get the memo. Anyway, it can’t be her fault. He has never gotten anything higher than a low B for English, no matter how late he stays up to study and down cup after cup of coffee. He absolutely does not get distracted by her presence. 

“No but I think I’m going to fail Maths this time.” When Yuting’s voice rolls around once again, Riki has to physically restrain himself from staring out the window. He forces his ears to concentrate on the lesson, and locks his eyes on his exam paper. Smoothing out the crumples, he takes a while to process all the red markings on just the first page. Of course, in sloppy Japanese characters, his teacher asks to see him in the staff room after lesson. He’s used to this, after every single English test is returned. 

He’s used to being known as the smart kid, who cannot for the life of him get a good grade for second language. The pretty face with a pretty report card — if you cover up the English grade. He’s also known for being pretty well-rounded; he’s a good mixture of academically inclined and sporty, has been attending a dance academy since age five, and knows how to play a handful of musical instruments. And he draws and paints for fun. 

But being good at something doesn’t mean you excel at it, he has learned that the hard way, and he will continue to, over and over again. 

When the bell finally goes off to signal the end of class, he gathers his papers and makes his way to the staff room. Jungwon calls out behind him, but he doesn’t bother to respond. Much less stop to listen to what nonsense he has to say this time. 

“You’re joking.” 

A big fat F stares back into your face the moment you receive your Maths paper. There isn’t even a moment for you to compose your thoughts and slowly unveil your result. It’s just a huge symbol of failure, a handwritten bold letter that digs into your skin and rattles your sleeping brain cells awake. 

Why do you even bother flipping through the pages when all you’re greeted with are red crosses to match the F on the cover? You may not be the brightest student in the room, but you’ve never tasted this kind of failure before, and you can’t even speak because there’s a sour taste lingering on your tongue. 

Diagonal from you, Moka taps your shoulder in concern, seeing your bitterly disappointed expression. But you don’t bother to answer. You always knew you were bad, but when did bad turn into terrible? 

Even though you know you should be paying close attention to the lesson after messing up this badly, you can’t seem to get your head out of a daze. It feels too fogged up, too hazy. All you can think about are red strokes striking out your incorrect answers, a short but terrifying message from your Maths teacher, and Riki. 

He’s going to think you’re so pathetic, considering he’s never gotten anything below a ninety for Maths in his entire academic journey. You can already imagine the shock on his face morphing into utter disgust… and a hint of scorn crossing his features…

You tilt your head to the side as if emptying your brain of these thoughts; they’re not helping you in any way. However, the action doesn’t work, and these thoughts plague you even until the end of class, even when you take a step towards the staff room door and give it a little rap with your knuckles to seek permission to enter. 

However, the curious pair of eyes that meet yours as the door is opened for you… they are definitely not one of a teacher’s. Riki blinks slowly at you from the other side of the doorway, a crumpled paper clutched close to his chest. Upon realising it’s you, he folds the paper once more and hides it behind his back. 

“It’s you,” you mutter, in no mood for his usual silent antics. Breaking the highly eye contact, you brush past him coldly and head towards where you see your Maths teacher’s nameplate. For some reason, Riki follows close behind, and you can hear him playing with the creases on his papers. 

You whip around accusingly. “You’re being weird. Why are you here anyway? You can’t be here to see a teacher, your grades are so good.” You then gasp and cover your mouth, realisation striking. “Or did you do something wrong? Are you in trouble?” 

He frowns and rolls his eyes in response, before tossing the paper onto the teacher’s table. His English paper looks pretty similar to your Maths one, only that his C is significantly better than your F. By a large margin, in fact. Shame then swamps over you because you know your previous words must have stung, to someone who usually tops in everything. 

“Sorry…” and shit, you can’t meet his eyes again. Why do your interactions with him always turn out like this? 

In return, he throws you a mere shrug, and it just makes you feel worse. So you present your own Maths paper to him, letting him flip through it. His eyes widen slowly, as if he can’t believe you could ever score this low. And he probably does think that, and refuses to say it. As he refuses to say anything. 

Then, once again, he proves you wrong. “Your problems are conceptual. If someone could help you understand, I’m sure you’d do pretty well.” 

The way you feel completely and utterly stunned by his words is off-putting. Every time Riki opens his mouth, he never fails to make a lasting impact on you. No wonder he is one of the smartest boys in the whole school, despite being in the lowest level. 

“Maybe you should help me,” you jab teasingly, and not to mention, jokingly. You would never have expected him to actually agree with this proposition, even when he turns his head and smiles gently. 

“Maybe I should.”

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[bestmiisongs]

Best Miitopia Song - Round 4