#t: rager teenagers

[stevesgother]

Take It Off - S.H

Pairing - Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader

WC - 2.4k

Warnings - THIS CHAPTER IS 18+ MDNI, ONE use of Y/N (pls give me a break it was essential to the plot), swearing, drinking, angst

AN - the 3rd and final part to the Dress mini series! I’ve never written anything smutty or remotely spicy so I hope this doesn’t read as awkward as it felt to write. i appreciate all the support on my first fics i’ve ever written. love , emma <3

Now

New Years Eve

1987

The Harrington residence had always been the go-to for ragers in high school. Devoid of parents, unlocked liquor cabinets and plenty of unoccupied bedrooms for steamy teenage rendezvous’; but this party would be different. Smaller and more intimate.

Nancy was helping you unload the groceries you had bought for the party tonight when she noticed a shift in your demeanor, you seemed on edge. It took her an entire year to stop staring daggers at you in public, making group settings tense. Nancy knew that Steve had the hots for you. As a matter of fact, it seemed like everyone knew, everyone except you. It was in his lingering touches and the longing glances. She had always known.

Now, the tension between you had withered and snapped like nothing more than a frayed rope pulled too taut. She wasn’t your best friend, and you weren’t hers; but there was a mutual respect. There was civility. She had Jonathan now, and they were happy.

“Do you think it’ll be awkward?” you ask, scared to know her answer.

Then

December 1987

The sun was shining through the windows in thick, golden beams that highlighted the slope of Steve’s cheekbones and the moles that dotted down his neck and disappeared below the collar of his t-shirt. Little specks of dust float through the air, illuminated by the light seeping through the curtains.

You take a moment to admire how ethereal he looks like this. You’re a tangle of limbs when you look down; even in your subconscious you long to be close to him. A sudden melancholy washes over you as you realize this would likely be the last time you ever wake in this position. Nose to nose, his arm strewn haphazardly across your middle.

He must sense your staring because slowly, he starts to peel open his eyes. It takes him exactly 4 seconds to realize he is in fact, not dreaming, and has accidentally enveloped you in his sleep. 

“Oh--” he startles groggily as he hurriedly pushes himself away from your side of the bed. “I’m sorry, I- I must’ve-” you want to protest at the lack of warmth his absence brings.

“No, you’re okay! I didn’t notice. Honest.” he looks skeptical; afraid that he might’ve crossed a line he can’t uncross. You reach a hand toward him, “Steve, it’s alright. You kept me warm actually,” you chuckle, “it’s freezing in here.”

He nods, clumsily stumbling out of bed and the tangle of sheets you two had found yourselves in. Too late, he realizes his rather compromising position. More specifically, the state of his dick directly after waking up.

“Oh my God!” you shout, moving quickly to cover your eyes and turning your entire upper body away from him. You already knew Steve was…well endowed. Girls love to talk, and those tight, light wash Levi’s don’t leave a lot up to the imagination; but now, with it literally staring you in the face, there’s not a doubt in your mind that that your best friend is absolutely hung.

“Ah! Jesus-” he grabs one of the sheets off the bed to cover his lower half. You realize just how hot you feel in contrast to the chilly air of the cabin. 

“Okay you can uh,” he trails off, “turn around.”

When you face him, Steve’s tomato red with a blush that reaches all the way from his cheeks to the tips of his ears. Still not daring to make eye contact with him, “Jeez, Harrington. You got a permit for that thing?” A poor, ill-timed attempt at a joke, but he chuckles nonetheless.

“Sorry I- uh forgot I went to bed without pants on,” he smiles sheepishly, “I’m gonna hop in the shower before we leave.” You reply with a two-finger salute, finding the loose threads of the sheets suddenly very interesting as he disappears behind the bathroom door.

The drive home was awkward to say the least. Eddie, Robin and Vickie all sensing the tension, but knowing better than to bring it up in front of you. When you arrive back in Hawkins, Steve drops everyone off at their respective homes, saving you for last.

“Thanks again for offering to drive,” you move to open the door but are interrupted by Steve, “Here, let me help with your bags. I’ll walk you to the door.”

You don’t fight him as he takes every bag from you, not even allowing you to carry your own purse. He stands on your porch with you, clammy hands shoved tightly into his pockets, for an uncomfortable amount of time.

“I’d better…you know, get going,” you nod in the direction of your house. “Yeah, yeah okay,” he pulls you into a warm bear hug; his specialty. The gesture feels different. An air of bashfulness radiating from both of you. When you pull away, he has an indistinguishable look in his eyes as he tucks a stray piece of hair behind your ear. His gaze flits quickly from your eyes, to your lips, and back again.

You fear that he might kiss you. That he might change everything. That you might let him.

Clearing your throat abruptly, it seems to snap him out of whatever trance he’s in and he looks just as startled as you do, taking a step back.

“Alright! Bye Steve! Love you!” you rush out as you practically shove your bags inside your foyer and slam the door. As you lean against it, you hear a muttered ‘shit’ as he makes his way back to his car.

Now

New Years Eve

1987

Despite the party being relatively small, just your friend group and a few friends of friends, the house was lively with music and laughter. On the television inside Steve’s entertainment center was the CBS broadcast of the New Years Eve ball drop in New York City.

A game of ‘spin the bottle’ was being played on the floor of the living room. “For old time’s sake!’ Eddie had claimed. You were skeptical, but a boy in the group whose name might have been James, had caught your eye earlier in the night. You thought maybe this could be it. After years of pointless or just downright awful dates, maybe this would be the ‘meet-cute’ you’d been waiting for.

‘Little Lies’ by Fleetwood Mac was playing distantly from the speakers in the kitchen, and then it was finally your turn to spin. You glance up at James before you take your turn, watching him throw a smirk in your direction. What you can’t see, is Steve in your peripheral glaring daggers at him. He’d watched him flirt with you all night, whether you’d realized it or not. It had completely soured his mood, and edged him to pick a fight even if he knew it wouldn’t be fair.

You give the empty coke bottle on the carpet a tentative spin, making it clear who you're aiming for; and when it lands on James, no one’s surprised. Slowly, you rise onto your knees and crawl forward with your hands, just far enough for you to reach out to him. The vodka in your stomach makes you brave as you reach for his face with both hands, and kiss him deeply. He tastes like cigarettes and spearmint gum when he licks into your mouth, earning the two of you wolf whistles and hollers from your surrounding circle of friends.

When the adolescent game is abandoned, your friends opting for one that gets them drunk faster, you decide to sit out for a round. Steve had been muddling around the kitchen for the past 30 minutes, pretending to clean up nonexistent solo cups and dishes.

‘Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies’

“Hey,” you say lightheartedly as you sit down on one of the stools surrounding the island. If Steve heard you, he didn’t acknowledge your presence.

“So, are you two together?” he still doesn’t bother turning to look at you when he asks.

“What?”

He finally looks at you, expression is unreadable, “You and fuckin’ Bruce Springsteen over there. Are you together?”

What? Dude no-- I barely know him,”

“Sure looked like you knew him with his damn tongue down your throat.” he spits, turning back to the nearly empty garbage bag he had been pretending to throw things in to busy his hands.

He could count on one hand the amount of times you two had genuinely argued, and the heat crawling the back of his neck was starting to feel an awful lot like guilt.

“I’m sorry, what the hell is your problem?” you spit back at him, getting defensive now.

He glares at you, long and hard, “Nothing just-- nevermind. Forget it,”

What's that saying? ‘Loose lips sink ships’? You think what might sink this ship is you, and too much alcohol.

“No. You do not get to do that,” your words slur together ever so slightly, alcohol churning in your stomach, “that’s not fair.” Tears prick the corners of your eye, your voice wobbling at the end of your sentence. It practically tears him in two.

Before he can get a word in edgewise, you’re vomiting a drunken confession. One you swore you’d never make, on the basis that it could change everything you and Steve worked so hard to build.

“God forbid I get to be happy right? That after years! Fucking years, Steve, of pining after you, that someone might like me! That someone might give me the goddamn time of day. That I might love someone who isn’t you!”

“What?” The sincerity and the slight quiver in his tone is almost enough to completely extinguish your anger. If you were fire, Steve was water. He was your Achilles Heel.

The realization of what you just confessed hits you a second too late, and even though you’re practically shouting, you have no one's attention except for Steve’s. Swiping your drink off the granite countertop you storm through the sliding glass door that leads to the Harringtons’ spacious backyard, deciding you need some air. Need to be anywhere except in that stifling kitchen with Steve.

“Wait no– please,” you hear Steve call after you. You don’t stop, you don’t turn around. Beelining for the gate that leads to the driveway, and then to the road. The January air was frigid; it gnawed and bit harshly at your exposed skin but you didn’t care. You just needed to be home.

You could hear Steve’s heavy footfall not far behind you, he was jogging to keep up. Not a chance that he was letting you walk home alone. Someday the world will end, and it will feel just like this does. You spin around to face him, cheeks stained with black streaks of mascara and nose bright red from the cold.

“Y/N!” He sounded desperate calling after you. He felt desperate. Standing there in the middle of his empty, suburban street – Steve felt terribly, consumingly desperate.

Throwing all caution to the wind, Steve strides towards you with a determination you’ve never seen in him. Before you can blink, his warm hands are grasping both sides of your face and his lips are crashing into yours with a passion that only comes from longing. A fervor that only comes from pining and anticipation.

When he pulls away he looks frightened; like he had come to his senses. Before he can start to ramble apologies, you throw your arms around his neck and kiss him back with the same ferocity he met you with moments ago.

He stumbles back with you, only separating for measly gasps of air between kisses and suddenly you feel the cool metal of his BMW against your exposed back. Strong arms cage you in as he fumbles with the door to the backseat. You don’t hesitate to climb in after him when he finally manages it open.

Straddling him on soft leather, your thighs bracketed each of his. His lips move south as he presses hot, open-mouthed kisses to the column of your neck, to just below your ear, to your collarbones.

His hands travel slowly up your thighs, and just before breaching the hem on your dress he pants, “Is this okay?” You relish in how wrecked he sounds already, barely having touched you yet. You respond with a breathy ‘yes’.

His nimble fingers find the zipper of your dress in a blissful sense of deja vu. This time though, there’s an eagerness in his touch. A need to map every inch of your skin like he’s committing it to memory.

He slows for a moment, like you both remembered the situation you’ve found yourselves in. His usual hazel eyes have darkened to a deep brown that sucks you in; their very own gravitational pull. He pulls the sleeves of your dress slowly down your shoulders and glances up in a silent ask before letting the fabric fall the rest of the way; exposing your breasts. Just as his eyes are raking over your newly exposed skin – as if he has a sixth sense for being cockblocked – he reverses his action; making an effort to cover you before you hear a ‘tap tap tap’ on the fogged window. 

Behind the glass is a blurry picture of Robin and Eddie. To say they look smug is an understatement.

“Fucking finally,” Eddie says, exasperated. You try to hide from your embarrassment in the crook of Steve’s neck, like a kid having been caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Robin sends you a poorly concealed wink as she elbows Eddie’s ribs – even more poorly concealed.

“C’mon. You owe me ten bucks,” you hear her mumble as the pair saunter away from the BMW, leaving you and Steve back to your ‘nefarious activities’ as Robin would say.

You try to protest at Steve rezipping your dress but he cuts you off before your complaints, “I’m not having sex with you for the first time in my car,” he tucks a stray piece of hair behind your ear.

“If you insist,” teasing him a little, you poke his chest, “Bruce Springsteen,”

“Not funny,” he tries to deadpan, but the smirk permanently on his lips gives him away, “You know I'm way more of a Tom Cruise.”

[gingenr]

URL Song Game

Thank you @simvanie for tagging me! 🌙 🌒

C - Copycat - Apink CHOBOM

R - Rager teenager - Troy Sivan

E - Everyday I Love you - Loona

S - Salt In the Wound - Boygenius

C - Crossroads - Gfriend

E - Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard's wife - LE SSERAFIM

N - Nothing Matters - The Last Dinner Party

T - The Deal - Mitski

S - Silver Spring - Fleetwood Mac

I'm tagging @warmsol @ruthplaysthesims @fleeblesim @nusims @javatrait @elysiantrait and anyone who sees this !!

[requin-requin]

merci !!

t = tous les mêmes par stromae

h = helena par MCR

e = elle me dit par mika

s = sunlight par hozier

p = parfum d'été par maxence

i = i don't love you par MCR

d = dopamine par madelline

e = enfant de par pierre de maere

r = regrets par pierre de maere

s = soleil soleil par pomme

h = heroes par david bowie

a = a kind of magic par queen

r = rager teenager par troye sivan

k = killer queen par queen

j'ai personne à ajouter

Rules: pick a song for each letter of your URL and tag that many people.

Tagged by @sailforvalinor, and thank you this looks like fun!

Remember and Proclaim (Andrew Peterson)

All I Ask of You (Jackie Evancho)

Innocence (Nathan Wagner)

Níl Sé'n Lá (Celtic Woman)

I Still Need a Savior (Billy Sprague)

No Strings (Ed Sheeran)

Take Me Back Road (Tim & the Glory Boys)

How Great is Our God (Chris Tomlin)

Everything Sad is Coming Untrue (Jason Grey)

El-Shaddai (Amy Grant)

Voice of Truth (Casting Crowns)

Endlessly (Amaranthe)

Not Alone (Red)

I'm an Open Road (Paul Brandt)

Never Leave Your Side (Sam Tinnesz)

Good to Be Alive (Skillet)

Hoo boy, can I think of sixteen people?

@griseldabanks @kraytwriter @kingofattolia @catkin-morgs @clawedandcute @nerdychristianfanboy @steampunk-archer @sergeanttomycaptain @smhalltheurlsaretaken @scribblermerlin @authortobenamedlater @stainedleather @mrtobenamedlater @mrgartist @get-loved-nerd @a-fount-of-blessings (Ignore if this is a repeat tag. Unless you want to do it again. Up to you. :)

[skinnyducky]

best night ever // v.h.

a/n contrary to what you might think reading this, this isn’t a 1950s au. i’m just a whore for diner culture. n e ways, i hope you all enjoy this one. it’s got a bit of a sad start but i think you guys will be pleased with the ending (or at least i hope so). AND i am so happy to be posting again. i felt like i was neglecting you guys for a min there, but i’m here n i can’t wait to post more n see what my mutuals post n yada yada... now back to our regularly scheduled program :))))

vinnie hacker x fem!reader 

Word Count: 1.6k, edited

WARNING: language, y/n being stood up, and i think that’s all.

---------

"Hey kid, you ready to order now?"

Y/n pursed her lips, taking her eyes off the half-empty milkshake to look up at the smiling waitress. "No, not yet. Still waiting on someone." She replied, giving the waitress a weak grin. The older woman nodded, sending the teenage girl an apologetic look before moving over to the next booth.

It wasn’t the first time she’d gotten that look tonight. She got it from the elderly couple a few tables down, one from the cook behind the diner counter, and another from a kid dressed as Cinderella—which hurt the most out of all of them.

The more time passed, the more she felt like an idiot; an idiot for believing someone like Ryan Sanchez would even be interested in her. He was Mr. Popular, a star baseball player. Hell, he drove a Porsche, for crying out loud. He was way out of Y/n’s league, and regardless of whether or not he was the one to ask her out, she was a fool for even thinking he was serious.

Glancing down at her phone screen, Y/n felt a pang in her heart as she looked at the time. It had now been an hour, and it was clear that Ryan wasn’t coming. She started contemplating if she should leave or if she should stay. If she left, maybe she’d still have a little bit of dignity left. But if she stayed, she might be able to get a free meal if someone felt bad enough. In the end, she decided that leaving would be the best option. She just needed to keep her head high and wait until she got into the car to start crying.

Waving her hand frantically in the air, the waitress acknowledged her, mouthing, "one minute" before she continued taking orders for the family of four.

While waiting, Y/n listened to the sweet melody of Billie Holiday’s "Easy Livin’" mixed with the dings from the bell of the diner entrance. Since she was fairly close to it, she watched as people passed in and out, all wearing giddy expressions. That’s what Freckles’ Diner will do to you. Some of the locals call it "magic," but it was just a rumor. However, rumor or not, Y/n wasn’t feeling it at all.

With her eyes still on the entrance, one stranger in particular caught her attention. She didn’t catch his face since he was quick in moving up to the counter, but there was something about him that felt familiar. Was it the lengthy locks or curls peeking out from under his hat? Could it be his well-sculpted back that showed from his form-fitting black t-shirt? It wasn’t until her eyes landed on the guy’s snake tattoo that she realized this wasn’t just any guy.

"Vinnie?"

The boy turned around, and his face lit up the second he laid eyes on her. "Hey, Y/n!"

Vinnie and Y/n were quite the pair. The two had grown up together, their moms being childhood friends and whatnot. Contrary to what most believed, their relationship was merely platonic. Well, except for that one time when they gave each other their first kiss. Then there was that time when Y/n developed a light crush on him after he walked her home when the cops came and ruined Sally Matthews’ rager of a party. But that’s just what friends do, right?

"What are you doing here?" She laughed, watching as he sat down across from her in the ruby red booth. "You picking up something for the fam?"

"Nah, I had been craving chicken tenders all day and decided to stop by and pick some up on my way home from work." He then nodded towards Y/n. "What about you? What brings you here on this fine Friday night?"

As much as Y/n didn’t want to share with him the fact that she’d been stood up, he was her best friend. He’d find out sooner or later. "I’m on a date. Well, at least I’m supposed to be on a date, but I think the other person would have to be here in order for it to be considered as such."

"Wait, you’re joking." Vinnie gasped. "Don’t tell me you got stood up. By who?"

"Your teammate," answered Y/n.

"Was it Jeffery?"

Y/n shook her head.

"Nick?"

Once again, Y/n shook her head.

"What about Tyler? He’s a bit of a dumbass, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he forgot."

"No," Y/n replied. "It wasn’t Jeffery, or Nick, or Tyler. It was Ryan."

"Ryan Sanchez?" Vinnie nearly gagged while saying his name. "You were supposed to be on a date with that dickwad?"

Y/n agreed. "Yes, but obviously he didn’t show up."

"That’s because he’s with Angel."

"Wait huh? What are you talking about?"

"Yeah, he told us after practice that he was going over to Angel’s house to hang out. He didn’t say anything to us about going on a date or anything." Vinnie explained.

Y/n felt her heart sink even lower. Now, Ryan did say he’d be a few minutes late, but he never mentioned why. While she wanted an explanation, Y/n felt it best not to pry in case it was something serious. But to find out he was with some other girl while she was sitting here waiting on his ass, made her feel so much more pathetic.

She threw her head back and let out a loud groan. "This night just keeps getting better and better. I swear I’m such a fucking idiot."

"What? How are you an idiot?"

"I’m the idiot because I thought I actually had a chance with him," Y/n said. "I spent an entire hour trying to figure out what to wear, doing my makeup, and hyping myself up just for this to be the worst night of my entire life."

Just as Vinnie was about to respond, the waitress came wandering up to the table. "Are you ready for the check now, kid?"

"Ye—"

"Actually, can we get another strawberry milkshake? Also, I would like a basket of chicken fingers with extra fries." Vinnie ordered. He paused for a moment and looked over at Y/n. "And for her, the classic bacon cheeseburger, well-done with no pickles and extra bacon."

Y/n sat there both in shock and confused. "What the hell is he doing?" she thought to herself.

"Will that be all," questioned the waitress.

"Yes ma’am."

The waitress slipped her pen into her apron pocket and went on to give the cook the order. The second she left, Y/n looked over at Vinnie. "Why’d you do that, Vin? I was about to take the check."

"Because you deserve better, Y/n."

The girl bit back the urge to smile, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. "You’re my best friend. You’re forced to say that."

"But I truly mean it," he replied. "You shouldn’t feel like an idiot because some asshole decided to go get his dick wet. If anything, he’s the idiot. He’s the one who missed out on a date with the most amazing, most beautiful, and most caring girl in the world."

At this point, Y/n was so hot in the face that her cheek could melt an igloo. Something about Vinnie’s words just plucked all the right strings. She didn’t know if it was because he was her best friend or if it was her feelings playing tricks on her, but whatever it was, it completely rid her of all the hurt she had felt moments prior.

"Vinnie, I—"

"Shush." He laughed, reaching over and taking her hands into his. "Look, it’s alright if you don’t want to stay. You can take the burger and go, I won’t be mad. But I would like you to stay. I just wanna fix what that asshole broke. I wanna give you the best night of your life if you’ll let me."

Y/n let out a soft sigh as she allowed herself to smile. "Okay."

"For real?" Vinnie nearly leaped out of the booth.

"For real."

With that, the pair sat and chatted, talking about everything from school to family life and even delving into topics like manatees and other sea critters. And as they sat there, enjoying themselves, Y/n couldn’t help but think about how this night would’ve gone if Ryan had shown up. Would she be this happy? Would she be laughing this much? Would her heart be beating at a ridiculous speed? The answer was no, none of that would’ve happened because Ryan is just a placeholder. He’s the guy you giggle about with your friends, the one before the one. He’s not someone you stick with for the long run. Now Vinnie…Vinnie was more than that. He’s the guy you take home to meet your parents, the one you take cute prom pics with, the ideal high school sweetheart. And as Y/n listened to him go on and on about his dog, Poncho, she couldn’t help but envision a future with him. He was more than just the one. He was forever.

It was nearing ten when the teenagers stumbled out of Freckles, both hysterical from the joke Vinnie had just said.

"You’re hilarious," Y/n chuckled, wiping away a stray tear. "I, uh, I had fun tonight. Thank you for this, really. It means more to me than you know."

"No problem. I’m just happy to see a smile on your face."

As the two awkwardly stood there, Y/n jingled her keys in the air. "I should probably get going. I know my mom is going to want to hear all about how my date went tonight."

"Cool, cool. Tell her I said ‘hi.’"

"I will, and make sure you send my greetings over to the other Hackers too."

"For sure." He smiled. "Maybe, um, we could do this again? Maybe Monday after school?"

"Yeah, I’d like that."

"Cool, well…I’ll see you."

"See you."

As Y/n hurried to her car, she couldn’t help but look behind her, finding Vinnie violently fist pumping the air.

---------

tag list: @barbietiingz @hwrteye

[goldenroutledge]

teenage fever— place i belong.

pairing(s): jj maybank x reader

word count: 2.0k

summary: thanks to jj, you remember there’s no place like home.

a/n: this is the prologue to my jj series! i’m so excited to start it and i really hope you guys like it. don’t be shy— let me know your thoughts <3

teenage fever masterlist

© goldenroutledge || do not plagiarize, repost, or translate my work in any way

They say there’s no place like home.

A quick lesson to learn after weeks on “vacation”. Because let’s face it, after a while, the thought of sleeping in your own bed sounds exceptional. Not to mention the uncomfortable feeling of wearing out your welcome in someone else’s home, because they also say fish and guests harbor the same policy; they start to smell after three days. You were glad to be back.

During your trip to Charleston to look after your smaller cousins while their parents went on a Caribbean cruise, your dear friends anxiously awaited your return before starting any big summer plans without you. Or as JJ would reassure, ‘there’s no party if you’re not there, honey.’

Trudging straight to your bedroom once you entered your house, you didn’t feel like you’d be in much of a party mood this weekend. But as soon as you woke up after some much needed uninterrupted sleep and remembered your plans for the day didn’t involve slicing food into small pieces or partaking in any kids tea parties, your spirits lifted immensely.

The ride to the Chateau seemed like it would never end judging by the way you couldn’t stop tapping the top of the steering wheel with your thumb, excited to see your people again. Maybe one just a smidge more than the rest— a certain blond pogue that caused your heart to beat a little faster. But for now, it could be pushed aside.

“Welcome!” John B called out as you parked and got out of your car, his arms up in the air for a dramatic effect. Pope, Sarah, and Kiara were all in tow with smiles on their faces as they made greetings of their own one by one.

“Salutations, my friends!” You embraced John B first, matching his demeanor before going down the line to give out more hugs.

“It’s good to see your face again, Y/n/n. Did you have fun?” Kiara queried.

“As much fun as I could have babysitting for almost 3 weeks.” Your lips pursed together in a tight-lipped smile after answering, your eyes now scattering the yard in discontentment. “Where’s JJ?”

“Inside.” Pope responded. “Did you get home okay last night? How was the drive back?”

“Long. But yeah, I just knocked out right after. No use in announcing my arrival when-”

“Did you miss me?” JJ hollered in your direction, the sound of the screen door shutting behind him interrupting your sentence as he sauntered over.

“JJ?!”

Instantly, your eyes lit up when they landed on him, clad in a faded turquoise t-shirt as he held out his arms for you. Your lips pressed to his cheek in a sweet peck before accepting his enveloping embrace without a doubt, the two of you spinning slightly upon impact. You both allowed your eyes to flutter shut for the moment being, holding each other close.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that question?”

“I guess so.” JJ muttered. “But you already know I missed you, didn’t think you needed to ask.”

“Did you, now?”

“Sure I did.” He confirmed, stepping back with a nod. “I mean nobody would let me throw any wild ragers that you would miss out on so..”

“Well, you’ve got me for the next few months. Now you can throw all the ragers you want.”

JJ’s eyebrow quirked, trying to detect sarcasm anywhere in your statement. “Don’t tempt me, baby.”

“Ahem.” John B coughed under his breath, alerting his two friends that he was still very much present, along with 3 others that felt too awkward to speak up.

“How about those milkshakes we talked about, guys?” Sarah suggested, dangling the keys to the Twinkie between two fingers. “My treat!”

“Are you tired?” JJ asked you. “I can pick yours up if you wanna stay here and rest for a bit.”

“No, no! I haven’t seen my best friends in weeks. And you think I’m gonna turn down a milkshake date with Sarah Cameron?”

“Hey, this is a milkshake date with all of us!” JJ argued.

“Well, she is paying...”

“Just wanna do something special for my lady.” Sarah commented, holding out her hand to which you accepted.

“Your lady…?”

“Sorry, J. Maybe it’ll be your date next time.” You shrugged with a wink, already headed for the Twinkie.

-

“A vanilla for Pope, and chocolates for John B and JJ?” Sarah listed off the orders to double check, her head peeking in through the open door.

“Isn’t it strawberry for JJ?” You piped up before he could answer, glancing at him to either confirm or deny.

“Yes please.” He grinned politely.

The boys stayed in the van while the girls went in to order the shakes, figuring that some time together in the Twinkie without any noise from other customers would be the best place to indulge in the sweet treats.

“Man, where were you when Y/n pulled up?” Pope interrogated his friend who was in the passenger seat, fidgeting with a pen and it’s cap.

“I was like one minute late, relax. Had to fix my hair n’ shit.”

“Aw. So cute.” John B cooed. “I could tell she was kinda freaking out when she didn’t see you, y’know.”

“And then that long ass hug, straight out of a movie? What’s up with that?” Pope chimed in with a question of his own.

JJ shrugged. “Nothing’s up. Not sure what you mean.”

“Oh? How about the part where she kissed you? You gotta know what that means.” John B protested.

“She kissed me on the cheek.” JJ corrected his friend, biting back a smile as he chewed on his bottom lip.

“Hm. She didn’t kiss any of us on the cheek, dude.”

“Maybe because y’all have girlfriends..? I mean it wouldn’t even be that weird cuz we’re all close friends and stuff. You’re just reading too much into it.” JJ ranted, cheeks burning.

“Oh JJ, I missed you so much.” John B mocked, voice falling softer.

“I missed you too, baby.” Pope added, making kissy faces that JJ caught sight of in the rearview mirror, deadpanning.

Meanwhile, Sarah and Kie happened to be grilling you on the same topic. The list of orders ahead of you happened to be long, leaving you three to sit and wait at one of the tables.

“You missed us too, right? Or were you just daydreaming about JJ the whole time?” Sarah implored.

“Of course I missed you! Those kids were driving me insane.”

“You know who else was going insane without you?” Kiara questioned, ready to respond to her own rhetoric. “JJ.”

You shot the brunette a glare, to which she only put her hands up in surrender. “I’m just saying! He just wasn’t himself.”

“I second that.” Sarah agreed. “He asked when you were coming back like, I don’t know… a thousand times?”

“Doubt it. It was way more than that.” Kiara reckoned.

“Mhm. Sure.” You nodded, appeasing their unlikely observations.

“It’s true! He was just like a lost puppy all those weeks, all alone… no one to turn to.” Kiara quipped.

“And are we going to ignore that kiss?! I’m kinda mad I didn’t get one… but I know he’s extra special to you so I won’t feel slighted.” Sarah dramaticized.

“Order for Sarah?” An employee called out, disrupting your bubbling thoughts as he placed two cup holders of milkshakes on the counter.

You hurriedly got up to disengage from whatever conversation Sarah and Kiara wanted to have, two of you picking up one cup holder each while the third held the door open. With a brisk walk across the street and back to the Twinkie, you just hoped you were free from this interrogation. For now, at least.

-

By the time the stars came out, most of the pogues lay asleep, dispersed in different rooms of the Chateau. The sugar intake must’ve taken its effect on their bodies, leaving everyone a little drowsy and lethargic.

JJ's offer to join him in the hammock was one that couldn’t be refused, especially now that your friends weren’t awake and more than ready to tease you about it. Spending time with the pogues may have been euphoric, but being alone with JJ may have been unmatched. Just the two of you.

In the hammock you faced one another, legs outstretched and parallel to his as there was a leisurely swing to the netting of fabric. The silence was comfortable, some of the best silence you’ve experienced in weeks due to your other obligations keeping you busy.

“Did you have fun on your trip?” JJ rasped, looking up at you from the soda can he held in his lap.

“Sort of, if that’s what you call cleaning up Spaghettios, watching Doc McStuffins, and living with a constant screaming-induced headache.”

JJ chuckled softly at your take on babysitting, knowing you’ve never been a fan of unruly children.

“It was a nice break I guess.”

“Then I hope you’re not all worn out. This summer’s gonna be so great that you won’t even remember all of that.”

“I better not.” You bargained. “I need to wipe that trip from my memory. Fast.”

“I’m your guy, then. If anyone knows how to forget a bad memory, it’s me.” The blond jested, chuckling to himself inwardly.

Your lips settled into a slight frown, unaware of any specifics he was referring to, but it hurt to hear JJ make those kinds of remarks. “So.. what’ve you been up to?”

“Waiting patiently by the window for when you come home, of course.” He quipped, earning an eye roll in return. “Where else would I be?”

“I should’ve known.” You mumbled, matching his sarcasm. “I didn’t hear from you so I was just wondering. Feels like you disappear sometimes, J.”

“Then I’ll tell you what…” JJ began his proposition, making slow movements in the hammock to sit up and meet you in the middle. He snapped off the tab of his soda can, his hold tight on the small piece of aluminum before it could slip away.

His fingers glided up to the back of your neck, brushing your hair to the side to find the clasp of the simple silver chain you wore. JJ remembered you had some philosophy about finding a charm for it someday, making it your own without paying more money for something that held no emotional value.

“Wear this, and you can have a piece of me wherever you go.” JJ whispered, breath fanning your ear as he dropped the soda tab down the chain to hang from the lowest point of the necklace.

His words made you both chuckle breathlessly at their banality, something JJ would never admit to saying in the presence of anyone else.

“Why, thank you. That’s really sweet.” You beamed, feeling much warmer inside at the gesture. Butterflies, maybe?

The boy took it upon himself to now lay beside you, arm swinging around your shoulders as you laid back as well, fiddling with one of the rings on his fingers.

“Happy to be home, Y/n?”

“Mhm. I missed you.”

His lips curled into a soft smile, finding it hard not to for some reason. The feeling was almost nerving as his heart pounded in his chest. “Yeah? Y’know they say there’s no place like it.”

“They also say home is where the heart is.” You added, turning on your side to trace heart shapes on the blond’s chest.

“Who’s they again?”

You pushed him lightly at his urge to always crack a joke, but you couldn’t help but love that about him. “I actually don’t know. Just go with it.”

“Whatever you say.” He surrendered, yawning shortly after. His words were soft and full of somnolence, telling that he wasn’t far from drifting off to sleep. “As long as home for you isn’t somewhere super far away, then we’re good. Don’t go runnin’ off on me.”

“Don’t worry, J. My home is a lot closer than you think.”

a/n: let me know your thoughts pretty please! i would really appreciate it <3

tagging my regular taglist, but let me know if you’d like to be added/removed for this series.

taglist: @ilovejjmaybank @missevi @nxsmss @cameronsrafe @msgorillagripcoochie @bibliophilewednesday @tovvaa @rudybarnes @annab-nana @babeyglo @reawritesthings @moniamaybank @outerbankspreferences @laneybobeczko-g @jjpouggues @j-j-may-bank @httpjolyne @eifhames @outerbankies @pogueslandia @k-roleplay20 @mildkleptomaniac @professional-busboy @mrs-cameron @maybanksslut @it-was-never-meant-to-be-boys @alanniys

[peterpparkrr]

the lost boys (ch. 2)

Series: the lost boys

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Eddie Munson

Summary: Steve takes Eddie home with him. The gang begins to form a plan.

Word Count: 1.4k

A/N: Remember when I said I was going to figure out the lore of this world and explain all of Eddie’s cool powers? Yeah, that’s gonna happen next chapter lol.

previous chapter // next chapter

Steve likes to think that by now he’s pretty used to weird shit happening to him. But even after fighting demon creatures something about driving Vampire Eddie Munson back to his house seems to take the cake as a bizarre feeling settles in his stomach as he watches Eddie fiddle with the radio as they drive along in silence.

“You have to invite me in,” Eddie explains as he stands on the Harrington’s stoop. Awkwardly left behind as Steve walks into his house, turning in confusion when Eddie stops suddenly.

“Oh, uh, right. I grant you permission to enter my house,” Steve says as he awkwardly flourishes his arm out behind him in a broad sweep, ushering Eddie inside.

“Okay, freak, it doesn’t have to be weird like that,” Eddie mutters as he steps over the threshold and moves past Steve as he shakes his head.

“How do you know?” Steve protests as he follows Eddie down the hallway. “Have you been invited into anyone else’s house? You wouldn’t know if it only works if you use old-timey talk.”

“Yeah, no,” Eddie replies. “That’s definitely not how it works.”

Eddie wanders into Steve’s house. He’d been here before, one time, a few years ago for a rager. Not that Steve had been the one to invite him, Tommy H. had probably begged Eddie to come with ‘party supplies’ and, well, when King Steve threw a party, people showed up. 

Eddie had always looked back fondly on that night, he’d made absolute bank off the throngs of teenagers that were desperate to try a joint.

But devoid of the throngs of teenagers, Harrington’s house was surprisingly… empty. 

Utterly lacking in personality, the walls were various shades of beige and empty other than a few frames filled with staged family photos of Steve and his parents. There was plenty of carefully selected, matching furniture, but it looked like a showroom, not like anyone actually lived here. 

“What?” Steve asked as he watched Eddie study his house with a level of intensity that Steve found deeply disconcerting. He’d never liked people prying into his life, around his house.

“I’m just soaking in how the other half live, King Steve,” Eddie quipped as he glanced back at Steve.

“I’m gonna call Henderson and Robin, let them know… well,” Steve says awkwardly as he heads towards the kitchen. “You keep… snooping.”

Eddie grinned. 

Steve’s voice faded as Eddie shuffled out of the living room and made his way up the stairs, poking into the doorways as he made his way along the hall.

A bathroom.

The master bedroom, which looked exactly like the rest of the house. 

And then at the end of the hall, he found the only room in the house with any personality at all. 

Steve’s bedroom. 

The wallpaper was ugly as shit. And it matched the curtains which felt deeply irresponsible. 

But there was a bookshelf full of trophies. Basketball trophies, swimming trophies, and even a few T-Ball trophies. 

There was a pile of Family Video VHS tapes stacked on the desk topped with a sticky note with what looked like Robin Buckley’s handwriting in all caps proclaiming “WATCH THESE, DINGUS”. 

A framed photo of a sports car on one wall. 

A Farrah Fawcett poster on another wall. Tasteful.

The closet was full of preppy clothes that Eddie would rather die than be seen in, and a bat covered in nails which was… strange but understandable.

He found a box of condoms in the drawer of the bedside table but that was by far the most scandalous thing he’d found.

The room might have been bland to anyone else, but Eddie appreciated the glimpse into Steve Harrington’s psyche. It was weirdly fascinating to learn that Steve Harrington, or whoever did his laundry, folded his socks, and that they were organized by color. Or that what appeared to be the only book in Steve Harrington’s possession was The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. 

“Finding anything interesting?” Steve asked as he leaned against the door frame. He wished he knew what Eddie was thinking, he didn’t know why exactly he suddenly cared what Eddie Munson thought of him, or of his belongings, but he couldn’t help feeling curious.

Eddie whipped around. Maybe he should have felt guilty, or at least like he’d been caught. 

“You are painfully boring, Harrington,” Eddie replied. “Seriously, how can someone so hot be so lame?”

“Whatever, the others will be here any minute,” Steve replies with a roll of his eyes before he pushes off the door frame and into his room, flopping down on his bed as he looks up at Eddie who’s suddenly very busy studying Steve’s cassette collection.

“Don’t you have any real music?” Eddie scoffs as he thumbs through Steve’s cassettes.

“This is good music! Just because it’s not heavy metal doesn’t mean that it’s bad,” Steve argues

“Sure, but this is decidedly not good music,” Eddie counters. “Wham!? Seriously?” He scoffs as he holds up the offending tape.

“I like it,” Steve replies defensively as he snatches the tape out of Eddie’s grasp, curling his fingers around it protectively.

“You are an enigma, Steve,” Eddie replies, shaking his head. “Don’t worry, It’s not too late for you, I’ll get you onto the good stuff.”

Steve’s about to protest when the doorbell rings. 

And then keeps ringing.

“Dustin,” Steve explains over the incessant ringing.

“Alright, I get it! Give me a sec!” Steve shouts into the air as he pushes back off the bed and down the stairs, Eddie trailing behind him.

Steve opens the door to find both Dustin and Robin standing on his doorstep, Dustin’s finger still jamming at the doorbell.

“What the fuck happened? Why were you being so weird?” Dustin asked, clearly annoyed as he pushed past Steve, only to stop dead in his tracks when he saw the figure behind Steve.

“Eddie?” Dustin choked out.

“Oh shit,” Robin muttered as she followed Dustin inside, stopping beside Steve at the door.

“Surprise,” Eddie replied weakly as he waved his hands awkwardly at his sides.

“Holy shit I thought we lost you,” Dustin muttered into Eddie’s chest as he hugged the older boy tightly. 

“Yeah, me too,” Eddie replied as he squeezed Dustin back.

“I’m so sorry, I thought you were- I didn’t feel a pulse- did I leave you for-“ Dustin begins to ramble out his apologies as he takes a step back from Eddie, his eyes never blinking, like he’s scared Eddie will disappear. 

“Hey, hey, it’s okay, I’m not mad,” Eddie is quick to console him. Assuring Dustin that it’s not his fault. “And I was, y’know, dead,” He adds with a shrug.

“Oh,” Dustin replies quietly. “Okay.”

“I’m sorry, what?” Robin questions.

“Let’s sit down,” Steve says as he gestures for everyone to move out of the entryway.

“I’m a vampire now, Robin,” Eddie explains once they’re all sitting down in Steve’s living room, on the furniture that doesn’t look like it’s supposed to be used.

“Holy shit!” Dustin gasps as he gapes at Eddie, his mouth hanging open.

Robin’s wide eyes found Steve and it was all Steve could manage to shrug half-heartedly and nod to her which she, for some reason accepted. 

“What does this mean? How did that happen? Was it the bats?” Dustin starts questioning. “We need to tell the others,” He adds.

“Woah, woah, woah, slow your roll, kid,” Eddie replies as he holds up his hands. “I’m still a wanted man, I can’t just waltz back into town.”

“People thought I was a satanic cult leader before, now I am literally a monster, I think suddenly reappearing is just about the worst thing I could do,” He adds. “No one else can know, at least not yet.” 

“Okay,” Robin replies, slowly nodding. “Then what’s the plan?”

“Eddie lays low,” Steve says. “And we figure out how to clear his name.”

Eddie’s gaze flies to Steve’s in surprise.

“You deserve to have a life, just because you’ve got weird powers now doesn’t mean you can’t have some sense of normalcy,” Steve tells Eddie with a shrug.

“I mean, if El can come to school I don’t see why we can’t figure it out for you too,” Dustin replies as he starts to nod in agreement with Steve. “But we’re gonna need some help.”

“I mean, El and Hopper, right?” Robin replies.

“I’m sorry, police chief, Hopper?” Eddie clarifies. “That’s your plan?”

“His daughter’s got freaky superpowers, if anyone is gonna be able to help us, it’s gonna be him,” Steve assures him.

“Fine,” Eddie replies. “Who cares if I get impaled on a stake? Let's go talk to the police.”

“Former police chief, he lost his job when everyone thought he died,” Dustin points out

“Oh, well that makes me feel so much better.”

[s0lit4ir3]

yay i haven't done this one in a while i love it

s: sweater weather - the neighbourhood

0: out of my league - fitz and the tantrums

l: l'amour de ma bie - billie eilish

i: im not okay (i promise) - my chemical romance

t: things to do - alex g

4: 4am - girl in red

i: if looks could kill - johnnie guilbert

r: rager teenager! - troye sivan

3: 3 day headache - noah finnce

@yelenapines @heartstopper-lover123 @charlies-corner22 @sunbeammmm @plumspider and anyone else /nf

rules: pick a song for each letter of your url and tag that many people (if you can):

tagged by @sapphire-to-the-rain !!

cell block tango

little lotte / the mirror

eat your young

aristos achaion

ruler of my heart

curious

loveless

o’ icarus

uninvited

death respect

lower one’s eyes

everything goes on

smiling

sign of the times

stop this flame

killer queen

yume no kanata

i’m not even going to try to tag my url lmao

@sneebl @glcive @pinkrosylux @catinasink + open

[aftgficrec]

hello! any frat / college aus you could recommend? thank youu

This fandom loves its college aus, and we have already recommended a fair number of them. You might want to take a look at the following list, comprising some previous posts and recs.  In addition, we’ve put together some fics that focus on college life from previous recs and some new ones. - S

Long fluffy college aus (various pairings) here

Cliche college aus here (also various pairings)

Foxes as normal teenagers here

‘Taller than giants’ here

‘Singularity’ here

‘maybe we could’ here

‘Catfish’ here

‘Bigger Than A Hexidecimal’ here

‘sixth magnitude stars’ here

‘When You Assume…’ here

‘The Duality of Neil Josten’ here

better than nothing by Stjosten [Rated T, 9174 words, complete, 2020]

For Andrew college is a means to an end. There is no real need to try too hard or get too attached to his daily activities but Renee meets with him once a week for lunch, Kevin shows up and bothers him whenever he has a chance, his cryptid roommate leaves him strange post-it notes, and a red-headed bartender, with a thing for street art, may or may not be flirting. Andrew wanted nothing until he decides that he kind of wanted something.

Or the College AU where Andrew is studying journalism, Kevin is an academia nerd, the foxes are constantly drunk, and Andrew's roommate is a cryptid.

tw: alcohol

Feels Like Wasted Youth by conniptionns, exybee [Rated M, 10170 words, complete, 2018]

Neil’s current living situation is … complicated.

Between his roommates’ badass rager parties and his neighbors’ constant barging into his apartment, Neil’s sure he can handle anything junior year throws at him

That is, until someone leaves a passive-aggressive noise complaint on his door. Unfortunately for the second floor, Neil has skipped the passive and gone full aggressive.

Or the Neighbors AU featuring post-finals parties, ill-timed fire alarms, and helpful campus squirrels.

tw: alcohol, tw: drug use

Twenty Something: Frat Boy Remix by 1032am [Rated M, 9982 Words, incomplete, last updated Sept 2020]

A Friday night in a college town really only called for two things: alcohol, and a place to get fucked up.

Enter: Andrew Minyard, head of Alpha Sigma Phi and notorious for hating every party he threw.

Enter: Neil Josten, campus player and notorious for showing up where he wasn’t wanted.

(or, the frat au no one really asked for)

tw: alcohol

i just wanted you to know (this is me trying) by teen_content_queen [Rated T, 19019 words, complete, 2020]

Neil Josten has one best friend, a roommate he likes enough to eat dinner with regularly, and a track scholarship at Palmetto State University. He's nothing and he's okay with that. Until Andrew Minyard shows up and Neil thinks that maybe together, they could be something.

tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced rape/non-con, tw: scars

If you’re looking for something in a more unusual format:

Post Its and Missing Persons by nerdzeword [Rated T, 6303 words, complete, Aftg Bingo 2020]

In which they are grad students trying to stop the rise of the old ones.

College AU for the AFTG BINGO blackout with the crew

tw: kidnapping

[psycho-mocha]

Rager Teenager , Serendipity , Spring Day, Dis-ease , 9 And Three Quarters , Still With You , Let's' Fall In Love For The Night , Easy <3

rager teenager is a song you don't expect to hit as hard as it does and that just adds to the beauty of the song

sERENDIPITY is SUCh a beautiful song!! it is so filled with love. it has very comforting, lovey vibes I would love to be sung serendipity to sleep <3

SPRING DAY IS MY GO TO CRY SONG AND it's also very very yearny. like yearning for memories you don't think you could ever have back. very hyyh, much loml song

DIS-EASE OKAY JOW THIS IS SUFNWJDUJXNACKIKANFJNANFJEJZNE I don't have the words to describe DIS-EASE I just <3<3<3<3 both bridges are loml but also the original bridge is probably the best bridge BTS have ever produced <3

9 and three quarters is SUCH a sad song but the feeling of wanting to run away from your problems and wanting to be free (in a way) hits hard. let's not forget the bibbidi bobbidi part, I get literal chills each and every time.

STILL WITH YOU I AJNFISCJWNFJRJ okay now I think people really underestimate how much I love still with you. I love that song. so. much. it's. unhealthy. still with you is the kind of song you can listen to no matter what emotion you're feeling. the lyrics are so yearny (once again I'm a hoe for yearny stuff) and it makes you feel oddly loved. like being admired from afar. let's not forget the piano solo just before the first verse it's so WELL EXECUTED I WANT TO SLAM MY FACE INTO A WALL I love it. the jazzy genre adds to the Listening-To-The-Song-In-A-Bar-As-You-Fall-In-Love vibes I just love it a lot. the lyrics are so pogchamp I would literally entirely cry if anyone ever serenaded me to the song uwu. TL;DR I love still with you

LETS FALL IN LOVE FOR THE NIGHT IS SUCH A VIBEY SONG?? like holy fuck I don't think I can deal with the emotions which come with the song. (not me being a hoe for lovey yearny songs <3)

easy by Camilla Cabello(?) I'm not sure about this BUT HOLY FUCK Camilla's voice is so beautiful in this I love it so much also her n o t e s are beautiful she hits them so effortlessly. lyrics are 🤌. I would love to hear that it's easy to love me I would actually melt <3

[queenies-of-the-universe]

Thanks for the tag Kathrin!!! @freddie-moments this was super hard! Hahaha

Q- Que Será Será (Doris Day and Frank De Vol)

U- Under Pressure (Queen and David Bowie)

E- Earned it (The Weeknd)

E- Easy (Troye Sivan)

N- Now I'm here (Queen)

I- It's Late (Queen)

E- El último vals (La oreja de Van Gogh)

S- Seven seas of Rhye (Queen)

O- One Vision (Queen)

F- Fat bottomed girls (Queen)

T- Tear it up (Queen)

H- Hammer to fall (Queen)

E- Evil Woman (ELO)

U- Un hombre de verdad (Alaska y Dinarama)

N- Nevermore

I- It's a hard life

V- Voy a pásamelo bien (Hombres G)

E- Excuses (Morning Benders)

R- Rager Teenager (Troye Sivan)

S- Sweet talking woman (ELO)

E- Ease (Troye Sivan)

[kozutenshi]

Precious have i told you ur event is so a e s t h e t i c a l l y pleasing? ✨If not, forgive me! 😤 May I join your event? 🥺 👉👈 I think this is under Rager Teenager? I'd like Oikawa; Rager, p. 10! But if it's closed and I'm a tad late, feel free to delete this! Congratulations on your 350 again, BB! 🥰✨

AAAAA THANK YOU BBY I GOT IT BEFORE MIDNIGHT SO IT PASSED BEFORE DEADLINE LMAOOOO and lez be honest here i'll probs post this after midnight so it doesnt rlly makes sense.

anyway!!! you have flipped the book rager open to page 10. enjoy!!

★| hailstorm

falling for him can be compared to a tropical hailstorm. you won't know until you feel the hail stones fall, burning your skin lightly with its cold mark.

and like every storm, it will eventually dissolve to nothing but gray clouds and the faint smell of the rain.

it had been years since you last saw him and honestly, you had thought you'd moved on. but as he stood with his circle of friends, entertaining the people asking him for his autographs and attention, you were reminded of the time you had with him in high school.

and when the nostalgia had hit its peak, you couldn't take it.

tears pooled in your eyes as you tried to turn away from the reunion, walk back to your car. a hand tugged you back, lacing your fingers together, stopping you entirely from taking another step as he pulled you towards him, your body relaxed instinctively as you felt his familiar warmth. "y/n, damn it. why did you leave?" the break in his voice made you burrow your face on his chest. you can hear his heart beating fast, his shallow breaths as he looped his arms around your waist and stroked your spine up and down.

"why're you acting like a stranger?"

his soft voice, whispering on your ear, made you look up to him. his eyes were glassy, the pain evident in his eyes. he slowly brushed the tears off of your face.

"everything's changed, tooru. we can't- we can't go back, not after all this years. i- i couldn't take-"

he soothed you with a soft shushing sound, his smile soft and bittersweet.

"who said we should go back to what we were? but fine, if you insist."

he stepped away from you and held up his hand, doing a friendly wave. despite the pain, he flashed his signature playful smile that, you noticed, didn't change overtime. the same grin you fell for except it had a hint of pain. "hello! im oikawa tooru. may i know your name?"

you giggled at his attempt to start over as strangers, but you replied and took his hand nonetheless. "l/n y/n. nice to meet you, oikawa-san."

bonus:

from afar, the three, makki, mattsun and iwaizumi, watched the scene unfold, the two trying to hide their snickers as iwaizumi glared at them to keep silent.

[choicesruinedme]

Easy (Part 1/?)

Book: My Two First Loves

Pairing: MC (Esme Price) x Literally everyone, probably

Rating: T, for this part at least

Summary: Tequila shots, stare-downs, and a little more attention than she bargained for...

-- -- --

“This looked like it went from zero to one-hundred, real quick,” Esme commented under her breath, surveying the rapidly unfolding mess that was Gunner Hayes’ Back-to-School Rager.

Red cups were strewn about on the marble flooring, streamers haphazardly hung from the staircase bannister in the foyer, and more than half of the 2020 graduating class filled the grand rooms of the Hayes’ “modest” mansion, with Mr. and Mrs. Hayes on a couples’ retreat in Bora Bora for the weekend, blissfully unaware of the inebriated teenagers roaming their halls.

“It’s lit!” Iris exclaimed, clapping her hands together and bouncing into the kitchen.

“Iris, honey, not the wine coolers; you know you drink them way too fast because they taste like candy, and then you end up with a nasty tummy-ache,” Ava chided, scurrying after her.

Esme, Mason, and Lauren followed suit into the kitchen, to the massive island in the middle, over-crowded with liquor bottles of varying sizes and colors.

“Yeah, Iris, sweetie,” Lauren chimed in, a half-smirk on her lips, “please don’t turn tonight into a babysitting job I clearly will not be paid enough for.”

Iris pouted, and Ava slipped a red cup into her hands, smiling softly.

“Here, it’s a vodka cranberry. Start with this for now, okay?”

Mason nudged Esme gently with an elbow. “Something to drink?”

“Um, maybe a beer?” Esme shrugged noncommittally. “Sorry, you know I don’t drink enough to know if I have a preference.”

Mason smirked, heading towards the fridge, “One extremely-enthusiastic beverage, coming right up! Babe?”

“Whatever you’re having,” Ava replied, moving to stand next to Esme. “You look cute tonight.”

“Oh?” Esme glanced down at her outfit – dark skinny jeans, a white, cropped tank top, and a camo jacket tied around her waist. “Thanks. Didn’t really put much effort in, if I’m being honest.”

Ava kept her eyes locked on Esme’s, as she reached out and brushed a stray hair from Esme’s forehead, sweeping it behind her ear in any easy and affectionate gesture. “You look totally hot. Sure you’re not trying to impress anyone?”

Esme swallowed and willed herself not to steal a glance in Mason’s direction, while simultaneously trying to convince herself of her own response, “Who would I even want to look good for?”

The corner of Ava’s mouth turned up slightly, but she leaned back and away from Esme against the granite countertop, crossing her arms as Mason strode up next to the two of them. He offered each of them a bottle of Heineken, then slung an arm around Ava’s shoulders. “What’re we talking about?”

Without missing a beat, and without breaking eye contact with Esme, Ava responded, “How cute Esme looks tonight.” Esme flushed, busying herself with taking a sip from her bottle. “Don’t you think she’ll be turning heads all night?”

Mason smiled softly, “Yeah, you look nice tonight, Es.”

Esme couldn’t help but notice Mason tighten his arm around Ava’s shoulders as he complimented her, and she didn’t quite know what to make of it.

“Alright, guys,” Esme huffed, embarrassed. “Can we please talk about something – literally anything – else?”

“How about the fact that the cheerleading funds are being unfairly redirected to support the football team?” Lauren interjected, glaring pointedly in Mason’s direction.

“Aw, come on,” Mason groaned, throwing his free hand up in defense. “That’s totally alleged!”

“I’m just saying,” Lauren pursed her lips. “One minute, we’re being told that we can expect a new shipment of foam mats in the next month, and the next, we’re being apologized to with no new mats and the sore sight of you guys training with brand-spankin’-new speed hurdles.”

Esme found herself tuning out the voices of her group, instead continuing to survey the groups of her peers scattered throughout the house. In the main living room, the sectionals and sofas had been pushed back to allow for a makeshift dancefloor, with the flatscreen television playing looped graphics to match the steady bass of the music thumping out of the surround sound speakers. The French doors leading out to the backyard were opened, and Esme could see even more people milling around the pool and patio. The floral, pungent scent of marijuana mingled with sweat and body sprays settled over the partygoers like a light fog.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Mason scoffed quietly.

Esme, pulled out of her reverie, followed his disdainful glare. Her stomach fluttered, involuntarily, as Noah Harris wandered into the foyer.

“Who even invited him?”

Noah’s unimpressed gaze roamed over the sea of teenagers briefly, before finally settling on Esme. She perked up, giving a tentative wave, “I did.” Noah smirked, making his way over. “Is that a problem?”

“Hey, troublemaker,” Noah said coolly, approaching the group.

“I resent that,” she shot back, crossing her arms. “Looks like you decided to show up after all.”

Noah’s eyes raked over Esme’s small frame smoothly, too quick for her to determine whether or not he was checking her out. “I had a feeling it’d be worth it.”

Esme was grateful for the dimmed lights as a blush colored her cheeks under his intense stare. She was able to catch her breath, admittedly in relief, when Noah turned his attention briefly to her group.

“Evening, Esme’s friends,” he nodded.

“Noah Harris,” Ava addressed him, not unkindly. “Thank you for gracing all of us with your presence.”

“I aim to please,” Noah bowed slightly, smirking.

“What do you want to drink?” Esme offered, moving towards the kitchen island, grabbing an empty plastic cup from the stack.

“He’s fully capable of pouring himself a drink,” Mason interjected, his brow furrowed and his hardened eyes on Noah.

“Oh, don’t be like that, doll,” Ava chided, shrugging off Mason’s arm, moving to join Esme at the island. “How about a round of friendly shots?” She reached behind a bottle of Jack Daniels and plucked a small stack of plastic shot “glasses”. Without waiting for an answer, she set the cups in a row and drummed her fingers together excitedly.

“What do you think, Esme? Tequila?” Ava smiled wickedly, reaching for a bottle of Patron.

Lauren passed around a bowl of lime slices while Ava filled each small cup. Esme picked a lime slice from the bowl and handed it over to Noah, who put his hand on hers over the bowl.

“Careful,” he leaned in conspiratorially, his eyes shining, “tequila makes my clothes fall off.”

Esme snorted and shook her head, swatting him on the chest playfully. “For the sake of everyone here, let’s keep the nudity to a minimum.”

“To us,” Ava cheered, raising her shot glass in unison with the group. “The graduating class of 2020.”

“If all of us graduate,” Lauren muttered pointedly, eyeing Noah. Esme narrowed her eyes, but he didn’t cast Lauren a second glance, just smirked and shook his head, toasting his shot.

Ava continued, “May this year be filled with all of the badassery and recklessness a senior year should!”

“Cheers!”

Everyone downed their drink. Esme’s eyes squeezed shut and her nose scrunched in distaste as she forced the shot down her throat. She shook her head forcefully, moving to suck on the lime to abate the burning in her mouth.

“Bleh,” Mason frowned, tossing his empty cup into the trash bin as Ava whooped.

“Hated that,” Lauren tossed the whole lime slice in her mouth and bit down.

Noah silently gathered Esme’s empty cup and tossed theirs into the bin. She smiled up at him appreciatively, “Thanks. I’m glad you came.”

“Yeah?” He leaned his elbow onto the counter she stood against.

“Yup. Wasn’t sure you’d be… up for it,” she didn’t have to look at her group of judgmental friends for him to understand what she meant.

“Yeah,” Mason agreed. “Doesn’t seem like your kind of thing.”

“And what is my kind of thing, Jennings?” Noah asked, sardonically, not moving away from his spot by Esme. “A shady basement in some halfway house? Some deserted back-alley? Prison?”

Mason scoffed, “You said it – not me.”

“Believe it or not,” Noah said, his eyes on Esme’s, and her eyes on his. “I’m adaptable.” He smiled at her, adding, “And I bribed my parole officer for a night out.”

Esme shook her head, stifling a giggle. This is what she liked about Noah – how easy it was for him. In her world, this small bubble, maintaining her image of a straight-A student and vice-captain of the cheer team, dealing with a nearly absent dad-in-mourning and a misguided sister with pure intentions, her ever-looming and suffocating feelings towards Mason, her desire to keep fitting in with a group of girls she was slowly realizing she had nothing in common with… it was all very much not easy.

“So, it’s true then?” Iris asked, eyes wide. “You were in jail?”

“Iris,” Ava chastised, her gaze falling on the bottle in Iris’s hands. “And when did you get that wine cooler?!”

“Are you even surprised, Iris?” Mason asked, his question clearly rhetorical. Esme shot him a disapproving glance, but his attention was on Noah’s lax, yet imposing frame, as it had been the moment he walked in. “It’s the image he tries so hard to put out there, isn’t that right, Harris?”

Noah straightened beside Esme, crossing his arms, but his demeanor remained light and amused as Mason continued.

“The motorcycle, the leather jacket, the whole ‘lone wolf’ act,” Mason shook his head. “Iris shouldn’t feel bad about asking. It’s exactly what he wants people to think.”

“What is your problem, Mason?” Esme pushed off from the counter, moving so that she was facing Mason. “Seriously, cut it out.”

“And what image are you trying to put out there, Jennings?” Noah countered, placing a soft hand on Esme’s shoulder, easing her back. “Star quarterback? Golden Boy, son of Principal Golden Boy? Boyfriend of the cheerleading captain, which – don’t get me wrong, looks great and all, but – is a little cliché?”

Mason’s jaw ticked.

“It’s why you wear the Letterman’s all the time, right?” Noah gestured towards Mason’s sports jacket. “Gotta remind everyone who’s on top.” Noah stepped closer, his hand on Esme’s arm, moving her just slightly behind him. He lowered his voice, so that his message was heard clearly, “Or is it yourself you keep trying to convince? What are you trying to prove?”

Mason took a step forward, his fists balling at his sides. Noah noticed, glancing down, scoffing as he shook his head. “See what I mean? Whose point are you proving when you’re so quick to start a fight to ‘defend your honor’ against some criminal nobody?”

Before Mason could take another step, Esme moved to interject, but Ava beat her to it, pulling Mason by the arm and putting herself between the boys. “Alright, easy now, tigers,” she said coolly, “It’s a party, not a boxing ring, so gloves down. Besides, you’re both making Esme uncomfortable, right, hun?”

Everyone turned their attention to Esme, who shrunk back involuntarily with embarrassment. “I—I’m not… it’s not… you guys are just acting dumb,” she said, cursing her voice for sounding so small, so lacking of the confidence Ava’s always projected. “Especially you, Mason.”

“Esme, I—” Mason started, moving to reach for her.

Esme stepped back, grabbing onto Noah’s sleeve, “Let’s go get some fresh air. It’s too warm in here.” She relished the apologetic look on Mason’s face as she turned towards the French doors, pulling Noah outside.

Esme pulled in a lung full of the cool, fall air, plopping down on an empty lounge chair by the pool. She blew her breath out through pursed lips, puffing away strands of hair that had begun to stick to her face.

Noah chuckled, taking a seat next to her. “Sorry ‘bout that in there.”

“Why?” She asked. “He was the one being a dick. They were all being dicks.”

“Yeah, but,” Noah raked a hand through his hair. “I didn’t mean to put you in a predicament. Or embarrass you.”

“You didn’t,” Esme huffed, crossing her arms. “Ava just loves to treat me like a child.”

“You make it easy for people to want to take care of you.” Esme glanced sideways at Noah, who had the corner of his mouth turned up in a smile. “It isn’t a bad thing.”

Noah sighed, shifting so that he was laying across the lounge chair, one hand behind his head. He tilted his head up towards the sky, his eyes roaming across the constellations. The corner of his white shirt rode up slightly, so that a sliver of his hip peeked out behind the fabric. It was at this moment that Esme realized that the tequila had kicked in, a warmth spreading throughout her body, starting and blooming at her cheeks.

“You really don’t care what people think about you, do you?” She asked, leaning forward towards Noah, her chin cupped in her hands and her elbows on her knees.

“What’s the point?” He chuckled. “Especially now. In a few months, I’ll never see any of these people again.”

Esme deflated slightly, “You’re gonna leave?”

“You aren’t?” He countered, turning to face her.

“I… I dunno. I guess I haven’t thought about it as much as I probably should.” She sighed, the realization of her own words settling in a ball in her stomach. “What about Mackenzie? And my dad? They don’t understand one another. I can’t even imagine the tension at home if I were to leave.”

“Seems like a pretty sad reason to stick around,” Noah remarked, no hint of judgment in his voice.

“Sure, but,” her words spilled out, uninhibited, “how would I be able to even focus on a life of my own when I’m so worried about my family? This life is all I’ve ever known and Mack and my dad are all I’ve ever known, and, yeah, I mean, we held it together for a long time but that was before my mom died, and to be honest, I don’t know if they’d be able to handle another loss—”

“You’re not dying,” Noah clarified. “You’re growing up. You’re building a life for yourself.”

“I don’t even know what that means.”

“Do any of us?”

Esme breathed out through her nose, matching Noah’s gaze and, consequently, wilting under it. She could hardly stand to be the subject of his intense, concerned focus while sober, let alone while somewhat intoxicated. She buried her face in her hands, willing the tears pricking at the corner of her eyes not to fall. She heard him shift, and she peeked through her fingers to see him mirror her position, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

“It’s alright to be afraid,” Noah said softly, putting a hand on her arm, but making no move to pull her hands away. He allowed her to continue to hide as he went on, “My point was that your opinions and your feelings about yourself matter way more than whatever bullshit anyone else thinks or says.”

After a beat, Esme dropped her hands, sighing as Noah smirked. “I’m curious about the bullshit you have to say, though…”

“About you?” He chuckled.

“About me,” she nodded, leveling her gaze at him. She waved her hand in an attempt to seem indifferent. “I get that it ‘shouldn’t matter’ and all that, but I still want to know.”

“I’ve told you what I think about you,” he countered, his brow quirking.

“Okay, but I’m buzzed and I’d thrive on the attention.”

Noah laughed then, throwing his head back. Esme’s hazy, lustful eyes fell on the curve of his throat as her own smile widened.

“Alright, Price,” he conceded, shaking his head. “I’ll bite. Only once, ‘cause I like you.”

Before she could process what was happening, Noah gently grabbed Esme’s chin as he pitched them both forward. Her breath caught audibly as his eyes searched hers.

“I think that you need to stop comparing yourself to Ava, Lauren, whoever else in your group of girlfriends that you think you don’t hold a candle to, because it’s the only thing stopping you from accepting how great and beautiful and individualistic you are.”

Esme felt her cheeks grow impossibly warmer, and wondered if Noah could feel them, too.

“Do you want to kiss me?” She blurted out, her own inebriation catching her off guard.

Noah chuckled again, his eyes trained on hers. “You want me to kiss you?”

“I mean, obviously,” she slurred, furrowing her brows.

“It’s tempting, Price,” he started, but instead released her chin and leaned back on his lounge chair comfortably. “But I’d like to take you on a real first date before that.”

She could feel herself pouting, and he laughed again, placing a hand over his heart. “Hey, I may be a criminal, but I’m still a gentleman!” Esme rolled her eyes. “Besides, it’d be nice for you to make that request when your head is completely clear.”

She huffed, falling back against the lounge chair, her knees knocking into his. Ava’s upside-down frame filled Esme’s view once her head hit the seat.

“If it’s requests we’re making,” Ava smirked, one hand on her hip, and the other held out expectantly, “Accompany me to the little girls’ room, Esme?”

-- -- --

A/N: So, here’s the thing - I used to write a ton of fanfic when I was in middle/high school, a decade ago, so putting myself out there again is a little more than unsettling. I’ve had this story, this dialogue, in my head all night last night, though, and I found it so easy to write every character’s interactions. Hopefully y’all enjoy it.

[iiiloveu]

@markschucks tagged me to list 13 songs i currently vibe with!! gonna out myself as a white women and gays music stan :/   

1. sour candy by lady gaga & blackpink 

2. in my room by frank ocean

3. chanel by frank ocean

4. tiger inside by superm

5. tio by zayn

6. neon by dpr live

7. rager teenager! by troye

8. you sad by tkay maidza

9. peace by taylor swift

10. aqua man by beenzino

11. this love isn’t crazy by crj

12. this is what they say by crj (only started listening to her discog and im obsessed with dedicated side b... LOVE ?! [heart clenches])

13. why so lonely by wonder girls

tagging @curryaboo ​@devnaoki @professionalbeard​ @loveclubs​ @chaer​ @redvelvt​ @neoangelis​ 💜

[thinger-strang]

Singing in the Shower and Other Sins (aka three times Steve was caught singing and the one time he wasn't)

@gideongrace this is for you 😚

(link to the version on ao3 https://archiveofourown.org/works/21394876 )

i.

Steve sings all the time. Loud and off key in a goofy sort of lovable way. He jams with Dustin on their way to school, dances around Scoops and Family Video when it's slow, uses anything and everything as a mic.

Which made it so weird when Robin walked into work to find Steve singing like, good.

He had his back to her with an armful of tapes. His voice was soft and he was gently bopping (so he didn't drop all the videos). But his voice was so good!

Robin leaned against the wall and just observed Steve for a moment. It was weird, almost wrong, to hear the correct sound notes come from him.

"Having fun there, Springsteen?"

She shouldn't have scared him, she knows that. But his face was so funny when spun around, barely holding onto his stack of tapes.

"Jesus, warn a guy, Buckley!" He snapped, running his free hand through his hair.

"You can sing."

"What?"

"You always sing bad when I'm around, but you can like actually sing! Like sing really good!"

"Oh, no I wasn't singing? That was...that was definitely just the radio, I can't sing for shit, you know that--"

"Nuh uh Harrington, I know your dirty little secret now! You've got pipes!"

Steve rolled his eyes.

"Rob." He started putting stuff away again. "You of all people know I can't sing to save my life."

"I just heard you, don't know why you're denying it."

"Whatever, go get your vest before Keith gets here." Steve nodded towards the break room door but smiled at her knowingly.

"Fucking knew it!" She shouted as she went to put her vest on. "Why are you trying to hide this magnificent gift God herself has bestowed upon you?"

Steve shrugged and handed her half his stack once she got back.

"Don't tell anyone, don't need you messing up what little cred I have left."

She flipped him off.

He stuck his tongue out at her.

Life went on.

ii.

Steve made the mistake of telling Dustin where the spare key to his front door was. Under the ceramic frog in the planter left of the door. But the kid was basically his little brother and he'd shown Steve where his spare key was the week before. So they were even now.

So Dustin let himself and the rest of the party into Steve's house for an impromptu hang out sesh. Mike, Lucas, and Max made a beeline for the kitchen to drop off the arm fulls of snack they had while Dustin showed Will and Jane around.

Jane had started going by "Jane" full time since the Hopper-Byers move and the party was supportive as always. And since their move, the party had had three? maybe four hang outs at Steve's. So a tour was necessary since they missed the preliminary Casa de Harrington party.

"Holy shit do you guys hear that?" Will whispered once they got to the second floor's landing.

The other two stopped and listened. They heard a shower running and a radio going. Nothing special. Dustin strained his ears.

"No way."

"'No way' what?" Lucas asked as he, Max, and Mike joined them.

"That's Steve singing in the shower!"

"What's so bad about him singing in the shower?" Jane asked.

"Steve can't sing to save his life!" Mike said, incredulously.

"He's not that bad guys," Max tried to defend him.

"Okay, I love the guy like a brother but he drives me to school everyday and no, he cannot sing." Dustin explained as they crept closer to the bathroom door.

The shower shut off and his voice became clearer. The party continued bickering until the door swung open. Steam billowed out and Steve sang a line until he noticed the gaggle of teenagers in his hallway.

"What the fuck guys."

"What the fuck yourself Steven!" Mike shot back.

"Yeah, are you serious? For like, almost a year I've had to listen to you screech along to the radio when you've had the voice of an angel this whole time?! That's just plain rude." Dustin crossed his arms dramatically.

"Angelic's a little generous, Henderson."

"Your voice is really pretty," Jane said in awe.

Steve blushed and wrapped his arms around his torso.

"Thanks kid. Hey, how's Missouri treating you guys?" Steve pulled his shirt from the floor and put it on.

"Pretty good, the school has a huge library and Will joined an art club!" Jane said excitedly.

Will nodded along with her, putting his hands into his hoodie.

"Oh that's awesome! Glad you guys like it up there--"

"Can we get back to the whole 'Steve can actually sing' thing? Because that's still blowing my mind," Lucas interjected, flailing his arms a little.

"Yeah, can you sing Whitney? Because those were some pretty high notes if my ears don't decieve me." Max grinned evilly.

"No, I can't sing Whitney, I can barely sing, remember?" Steve sounded like he was talking to toddlers.

"Dude, none of use are deaf, we all heard." Mike gave him an unimpressed look.

"Yeah, and that was Queen and you definitely hit all those high notes. You can totally sing Whitney!" Max laughed and nudged Will when he stifled a giggle.

"I can't believe I'm being mocked by a bunch of 10 year olds!"

"We're fifteen, Harrington," Dustin said sarcastically.

Steve rolled his eyes.

"Okay, can you shits get out of my room so I can get dressed? Don't feel like spending the day in a towel while you make fun of my singing abilities."

He started to herd them towards the stairs as they protested, claiming they weren't making fun, just confused as to why he would torture them with a fake awful voice.

When Steve came downstairs, Max pushed play on the tape player in the living room. "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" started playing and Steve turned red.

"This isn't fucking karaoke night you dweebs!"

But he started laughing when they all started throwing popcorn at him and he proceeded to dump snacks onto everyone else, starting an epic pre-movie night food fight.

iii.

Robin's parents were going to be out of town for the first time in a thousand years so, naturally, she was throwing a party.

It wasn't a typical high school rager, more like a get together between friends and absolutely no children, Steve!

So really it was just Steve, Nancy, Jonathan, Barb, and Billy.

Steve and Billy came over early to help make food. Which translated to Steve making food while Billy sat on the couch and read, using the "I died for you bitches" excuse for the millionth time.

And ever since Robin had caught him singing at work, he became more and more comfortable singing around her. She didn't ask about him singing around Billy. So here he was, singing while mixing something together in a bowl. Like a goddamn housewife.

"If my parents were here they'd be so pleased I found a nice boy who knows what he's doing in the kitchen." She said as she measured some milk out for the brownies.

She could hear Billy snort from the living room over the "knowing what he's doing in the kitchen" comment.

Steve laughed and kicked at her shins.

Wham! came on and Steve's face lit up. And it was the yo-yo song, the best freaking one. And Robin was in band so her inntonation wasn't like awful, she definitely had the lungs for singing.

So they were singing along to George Michael in the Buckley's colorful kitchen while making brownies when the other three showed up.

"You can sing?" Barb asked with big eyes.

"You act like I've never sung in front you you before." Steve replied while hunching over, self conscious.

"Yeah but normally it's more...pitchy," Nancy offered.

"We're not judging your anything man, you've got a great voice," Jonathan filled in quickly. "Didn't really believe Will when he said Steve could sing."

He said that last part mostly to Nancy, but everyone heard it.

And Robin was kind of done. Because Steve told her, one time when they were hotboxing his car, that he sang bad on purpose because his dad thought it was "faggy" to be able sing that well. That he sounded like Freddie and George and Bowie in the worst way. And she knew he was bi, knew he got embarrassed when people started talking about him singing because of what his dad said.

She was about to call them out when Billy flipping Hargrove beat her to it.

"Leave him alone, you're just jealous your pipes aren't as good," Billy said in a monotone voice from the couch.

"It's fine, Billy, they're--"

"No he's right, lay off."

Nancy and Jonathan at least had the decency to look embarrassed. Barb walked into the kitchen to help out.

"Your voice really is good. Didn't mean to sound so shocked before. You were just...really good. And I totally remember you singing into a hairbrush that one time? And your voice cracked all over the place?" Barb bumped her hip into Steve's, wiggling her eyebrow.

"Oh my god, I almost lost my voice from that! God, that was forever ago, cannot believe you remember that."

"Yeah that's what made me realize 'King Steve" was like an actual human boy, not this entity the entire school and Nancy made you out to be."

Billy migrated from the couch to the counter when he heard the words "King Steve" and put his book on the counter top.

"When was this?" And thank god for Billy because Robin wanted to ask so bad what they were talking about.

"Oh Steve threw a little party back in junior year to woo Nancy and he was a little buzzed and was trying to make her laugh by singing along to, what was it?" Barb turned to smirk at Steve.

"ABBA, it's was ABBA."

Billy rolled his eyes and mumbled "of course" as Robin cackled.

"Very on brand, dingus."

"Yeah but he overexaggerated the awfulness and his voice cracked, like, painfully. Like, I felt it, it was so bad!"

Steve scrunched up his nose at the memory and laughed. Robin and Billy started laughing too and Barb continued telling embarrassing stories about Steve that the other two had never heard before.

+i.

Steve jolted awake to a loud clattering sound coming from the other end of his room.

"How many times do I have to tell you to clear off your fucking desk, Harrington," Billy stage whispered angrily.

"How many times do I have to tell you to use the fucking front door, Hargrove."

Steve hopped out of bed to meet Billy by the window. He scanned his face for bruises which made Billy rolls his eyes.

"Can't a guy just visit his boyfriend in the middle of the night without anything being wrong?"

"Yeah but you only sneak in through my window when you've had a bad night, you dramatic fuck." Steve cupped Billy's face with one hand and let him lean into it.

Comfortable silence enveloped them before Billy broke it.

"Couldn't sleep," he mumbled.

"Okay." Steve let Billy drop his head into his shoulder. " Do you wanna talk about it or go to bed?"

Because "couldn't sleep" is generally code for nightmares.

Billy shrugged, shoulder bumping Steve's chin a little, and Steve nodded, tugging him towards the bed.

He helped Billy get down to just his boxers and a tee before getting under the covers. Steve positioned them so that Billy was half laying in Steve with his ear over his heart and their legs tangled. Because Steve liked the pressure and Billy liked listening to the steady thrum of his heartbeat.

They laid like that for a minute, getting comfortable and used to each other's warmth.

And Billy had told him, a long time ago, that his mom used to sing to him when he couldn't sleep. And that was before Billy knew Steve could actually sing. That was what made Steve sing for real in front of him.

So, on nights like this, Steve sang.

He started humming the intro to "Going to California", moving his fingers in time up and down Billy's back. Billy let out a sigh and pressed himself closer into Steve's chest.

So Steve sang into the dark of his bedroom, chasing away monsters; the kind that live in your house and the kind that live underground, until Billy drifted off and pulled Steve with him into a warm and deep sleep that only comes when wrapped around someone you love.

[mpregwrites]

Pop That Lock

rated: g/soft t for swearing words: 2302

@soukokuweek​ day one: “trial and error”

--

***

The only thing that kept Chuuya from launching his phone full-force against the nearest wall was the fact that he was a reasonable person who could control his temper when dealing with shithead Dazai and all of his stupid ass shit. Definitely not because he did that exact thing last week and had to make a very embarrassing trip to the service provider with the barely-recognizable smashed remains of an iPhone X that probably deserved better. He refused to go back for at least the next month or they were going to start worrying about him and his tendency to go through thousand dollar phones every couple of months at best.

There was still a pressing matter at hand: Kouyou’s birthday party. He had already requested leave for the rest of the day starting at noon but that didn’t do anything to mitigate the issue of Dazai most definitely showing up just to ruin it, and Kouyou deserved better. In the past year or so he had installed seven more deadbolts on his apartment door and started locking them at random in the vain hopes that it might deter Dazai from just breaking in whenever the hell he felt like it, but Dazai’s lockpicking abilities were second to none in the worst way. He could put up with having his furniture moved two inches to the left but he drew the line at crashing Kouyou’s birthday party.

He tapped his foot quickly on the ground, arms crossed over his chest. There had to be some way to keep Dazai from showing up uninvited and eating all the crab. It was rude to keep excusing himself from the festivities to re-lock the door every couple of minutes, not to mention how fucking annoying that would be. Sometimes it felt like Dazai hadn’t really outgrown all of his 16-year-old mischief.

Regrettably, though, Chuuya was far too mature these days to match all of Dazai’s nonsense blow-for-blow, and he was fresh out of teenagers to ask for tips and tricks. Maybe he could hire one for the night—

He smacked himself in the forehead. The answer was staring him in the face the whole time.

Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he opened his contact list and pressed ‘call’ on Mori’s contact info, not even bothering to hide the mania of the grin cracking across his face as it rang. Gin only raised an eyebrow at him before going back to sharpening her knife with extreme prejudice, because Gin only knew how to do things with extreme prejudice and Chuuya appreciated such an honest and straightforward approach to life.

Finally, Mori answered the phone. “Hello, Chuuya-kun. Did you need something?”

“Apologies for bothering you, Boss,” he replied, bowing slightly even though Mori couldn’t see it. “I have a, uh… peculiar request to make of you pertaining to the festivities tonight.”

“Oh? I’m intrigued.”

Chuuya shifted the phone from one ear to the other so he could grab his wallet out of his pocket and rifle through the bills in the fold. “In the interests of keeping unscrupulous characters from disturbing said festivities, I was wondering if it would be okay for me to borrow a certain asset for the night.”

Mori chuckled, amused. “They’ve been in a bit of a mood lately, you know. Are you sure you can handle that?”

“I’m sure.”

“Alright, then. I leave them in your capable hands.” And with that, Mori hung up, leaving Chuuya with a rising giddiness under his skin that thrummed warmly. Kouyou was going to have a fantastic birthday party because he was finally, finally going to be able to outsmart Dazai after ten years of knowing each other and a lot of mortifying losses taken.

Everything was going perfectly.

***

Q removed one earbud from their ear and looked Chuuya up and down from where they were perched on their bed. “I don’t want to, though.”

So things maybe weren’t going perfectly, but Chuuya wasn’t going to admit defeat to a fucking teenager. He ground his teeth together tightly and counted backwards from ten in Japanese, then French, then Russian, Italian, Spanish, and eventually English before he felt like he could open his mouth without screaming obscenities. “You will notice that it wasn’t a request and I specifically phrased it as such to avoid confusion, Kyuusaku.”

They rolled their eyes and a vein started throbbing in Chuuya’s forehead. After the heavy traumatization they received during the entire Guild bullshit three years prior it had been decided that maybe locking them up like an animal wasn’t exactly welcoming to the development of a healthy mental state, so Chuuya and Kouyou both lobbied for at least humane treatment. They were given their own room and the periodic ability to head out into the dregs of normal society, provided they behaved and were accompanied by several mafiosi.

Unfortunately, this also meant that they had the chance to develop a personality, and mixed in with the dangerous cocktail of hormones running through their pubescent veins, it meant they were kind of a snarky shithead. God, he hated dealing with teenagers.

“What do I even get out of this?” Q asked, reclining back onto their elbows and crossing their legs at their ankles. “It sounds boring with no payoff. No thanks! I’ll just read manga here instead.”

More than he hated dealing with teenagers, he hated dealing with mouthy teenagers with zero work ethic, and—holy fuck, 16-year-old Q was just a repackaged version of Dazai at 15. Chuuya wanted to scream.

“Look,” Chuuya said, trying to level with Q as best as he knew how. “I’ll give you $500 and a PS Vita with three games of your choice if you just sit by the front door and flip locks all night. A monkey could do this.”

“Then hire a monkey to do it.”

“I’m trying.”

Q frowned. “I said it sounds boring and I don’t want to do it. It’s not worth the effort.”

“I’ll give you an extra $100 for every time Dazai gets frustrated and swears.”

They sat up straight, pulling their legs in to sit cross-legged on the bed. “I guess… it doesn’t sound that bad when you put it like that.” Q tapped a finger on their chin thoughtfully, humming a long tone that only got longer the more Chuuya’s foot started involuntarily tapping out of irritation. “Okay, fine. I’ll do it. But I want one of the new Vita models. None of the crappy older ones. And let me use your Amazon Prime account to order figures.”

Chuuya sighed. “Deal.”

***

Dazai whistled a happy little tune to himself as he walked by the doorman and the person manning the front desk of Chuuya’s apartment building, waving at them. They waved back. All was right in the world.

The elevator ride was the longest part of the job every single time he came here, and he was running fashionably late to his already fashionably late lockpicking session. His lockpick set bounced against his leg in his jacket pocket as he shifted from side to side to stretch out his back for the crouching hell he was about to endure. Soon enough, the elevator slowed to a stop, dinged, and the doors opened.

Chuuya’s apartment was more than one apartment. The hat rack decided years ago that one apartment wasn’t enough for him, so he bought half a floor’s worth of apartments and had it remodeled into one massive living space, complete with multiple bedrooms for guests, an entertainment center, a full library, two different kitchens, more bathrooms than any person with one ass could ever need, and several other luxuries he definitely didn’t need. He liked to throw his fancy executive paycheck around as much as he could, and it was kind of cute.

He also refused to give Dazai a spare key to it, not that it ever stopped him. Eating all of his crackers and leaving crumbs on the couch was part of the experience of their relationship, after all.

The party was clearly a rager from what he could hear from behind the closed door. Surveying the eight deadbolts between him and Chuuya’s home cooking and absurdly expensive alcohol collection, he whipped out his lockpicking set and got to work.

The first bolt gave easily, and the next two weren’t locked. The third was, as was the fourth, but the fifth wasn’t set. The sixth and eighth were, the seventh not. It was easy enough to fiddle with the picks to get them open, and all in all it took less than ten minutes to get through all eight. He stood up, brushed himself off, and then grabbed the handle and turned it.

Or, well, he tried turning it. It didn’t budge.

He stared at his hand, still around the doorknob, and said, “What the fuck.”

***

Senbonzakura faded out and Fukagyaku Replace started up, but Q had their other ear trained on the door. Every time they heard a lock click out of place, they would either lock it back up or lock one of the ones that hadn’t been locked. It was mindless work, but at least they were going to get free food out of it once the party was over on top of the other agreed-upon spoils.

They heard Dazai swear again outside the door and added another tally to their list.

***

Three hours of hosting later, Kouyou was pleasantly tipsy and ready to go home. The consensus among the rest of the guests was much the same, and they all thanked Chuuya in turn as he escorted them to the door, undoing all the locks in one swift motion and letting them out. When the last of them had left, he stood in the threshold and looked down.

On the floor outside the apartment, Dazai sat with his knees to his chest and a pout on his face. It was equal parts hilarious and adorable. Chuuya kicked him with the toe of his house slipper. “Get up, asshole. There’s leftovers.”

“I think I’ll just sit out here until I die of starvation instead,” Dazai replied, the pout infecting even his voice. “Since you clearly don’t want me around. This is a pretty cruel method of torture, even for you.”

“In case you’ve forgotten, you were the torture specialist, Demon Prodigy,” Chuuya said back flatly, kicking Dazai again. “Stop pouting and get in here already and fucking eat something. I’ve gotta get Cinderella back before midnight.”

“I don’t want to now. McDonald’s wouldn’t treat me like this.”

Chuuya snorted, leaning back into the apartment to address Q from where they were still sitting on the stool they had been provided at the start of the party, one earbud in as they played Snake on the shitty Nokia flip phone Mori allowed them to have. “Honor system, but how much do I owe you for this one?”

Q pursed their lips and did some quick mental math. “Well, you said $100 every time he swore, so with the $500 you started with… $2000?”

“I’ll make it $3000 because he’s pouting like a goddamn child.” He pulled out his wallet and selected the appropriate amount of cash before handing it to Q. “Go ahead and grab some food before I take you back to headquarters. You’ve earned it.”

Almost immediately after the words came out of Chuuya’s mouth, Q vacated their seat with enviable speed and scurried over to the spread of leftovers on the dining room table, loading a plate up with everything they could see. With that problem out of the way, it was time to get his stupid manchild of an ex-partner to stop throwing a silent fit on the floor outside his apartment.

He put his hand on the top of Dazai’s hair and gave it an affectionate ruffle he would deny until his last breath. “I made crab. Just the way you like it.”

Dazai looked up at Chuuya, the angle accentuating the way his bottom lip was dramatically sticking out. He sniffed. “I guess if you make it up to me with a romantic dinner I can get over the pain you’ve caused my poor heart.”

“Yeah, yeah. Get in here, stupid.”

***

Q stuffed another bread roll into their mouth, glancing back and forth between Chuuya—his mouth so impressively turned down into a frown it was a wonder his lips hadn’t fallen off yet—and Dazai—currently holding his fork so tight it was threatening to bend in his hand—while chewing. They swallowed. “Are you guys gonna eat?”

“You know, Chuuya,” Dazai said, icicles forming on the words, “when I say ‘romantic dinner,’ it usually means just the two of us.”

“I don’t think they could pick up a hint if you dropped it right at their feet and literally fucking pointed at it, Dazai.”

They took another bite of the roll and chewed slower this time, more deliberately. They were pretty sure there was some kind of tension in the room over something, but knowing Dazai and Chuuya it could easily have been over just about anything under the sun. It wasn’t worth worrying about it, not when there was so much food ready to be eaten. And why would they eat in the living room when there was a perfectly good table begging to be dined on?

Chuuya put his face in his hands and sighed deeply. Dazai’s top lip twitched violently.

After about five minutes of that, Q swallowed, drank half a glass of water, and pointed at Dazai’s plate before saying, “Do you want that or not?”

The fork finally gave out.

[theinkquiry]

Wei Wuxian's New Year's Eve Plan!

Pairing: WangXian (Wei Wuxian X Lan Wangji)

Prompt: Nie Huaisang is hosting a New Year’s Eve party, and Wei Wuxian finds himself the only one without someone to kiss at the end of the night. It’s a good thing he has a plan to get himself results by the end of the night. But really, there’s only one person he wants a kiss from…

A/N: Alright... here it is everyone. I’ve exposed myself. Welcome to a new era. A light and fluffy Modern AU piece to ring in the new year the WangXian way. Happy New Year everyone!

support me on twitter and Ao3!

The party was in full swing by the time Wei Wuxian arrived with his siblings in tow. New Year’s Eve traffic had been insane. Poor Little Apple almost broke down twice on the way over. Music was blasting out of overhead speakers, and a whole group of people were dancing like it was the end of the world. Drinks sloshed around in fancy champagne glasses and strobe lights swept the floor.

Navigating the crowd would have been a nightmare, but Nie Huaisang was at the door like clockwork to greet his new guests.

“Hey guys! You made it!” The youngest Nie brother handed each of them a drink. Wei Wuxian finished his in one gulp while his siblings wondered how the glass got in their hands so fast. “What took so long?”

Wei Wuxian chuckled. “Oh you know me. I always arrive fashionably late and fashionably dressed.” He pulled at his sparkly red zip-up, layered atop a tasteful black t-shirt.

“Oh, please!” Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “We were late since you spent ten minutes crying because you couldn’t find red sneakers to match with your pants!”

“It’s important that they don’t clash with my color palette!” Wei Wuxian motioned to his footwear, which paired well with his jeans.

Jiang Yanli put a hand on each of their shoulders. “Enough, you guys. It’s a new year!”

After making them both promise to be on their best behavior, she left them to find Jin Zixuan. The guy was probably off somewhere flexing his latest watch purchase or whatever else it was peacocks were so fond of doing. Wei Wuxian still had no clue why his sweet elder sister would go for a pretentious guy like him, but the universe worked in mysterious ways.

“Sorry I was late,” Jiang Cheng mumbled into Nie Huaisang’s hair. Huaisang shook his head, whispering something in his ear and kissing his cheek.

Not a second in, and Wei Wuxian cooed at how quickly his younger brother’s resolve crumbled around his boyfriend. Jiang Cheng was blushing, most likely thankful for the dark atmosphere so that no one would be able to see him.

He must have sensed the mental camera Wei Wuxian was wielding to capture the moment for later teasing purposes, because Jiang Cheng shot him a glare. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

“Oh yeah!” Nie Huaisang cut in before the two could engage in another sibling argument. “Who’re you going to kiss at midnight, Wei-ge?”

Wei Wuxian put his hands on his hips. “I have no clue! But don’t worry, there’s a plan!”

Jiang Cheng scoffed. “Please don’t tell me you were serious about that ludicrous idea you were telling A-jie and I about in the car.”

“What’s so bad about it?”

Nie Huaisang tugged on Jiang Cheng’s sleeve, leaning his head on his shoulder. “What happened in the car?”

Jiang Cheng groaned while Wei Wuxian’s eyes glinted with mischief. “I was telling them about the plan where I stand on the balcony and wait for my one true love to plant one on me!”

“It’s so dumb!” Jiang Cheng insisted. “Who in their right mind would do something like that? Besides, it’s not like you want just anyone to waltz up to you. You want… what?”

Wei Wuxian was giving his brother a look like he knew something the other didn’t. The older brother may be single, but even he still had more tact and charm in the romance department than poor Jiang Cheng. His attention was drawn to the shorter man who was on his shoulder.

The look on Jiang Cheng’s face was priceless when he saw Nie Huaisang’s signature panicked look. “H-Huaisang? What’s wrong?”

Huaisang wiped away imaginary tears. He crossed his arms with a hmph! “I gave Wei-ge that idea! D-do you think I’m dumb?”

Wei Wuxian cackled the entire way towards the drinks bar as he heard his little brother try and do damage control behind him. He squeezed his way through the crowd as their bodies pulsed to the blaring bass. This wasn’t his first time around at one of Huaisang’s parties, so he knew what to expect. Despite carrying two bottles of Emperor’s Smile in his hands, not a single drop spilled.

He made it to the other side. His legs stumbled a bit as he pulled himself apart from the last dancer. Though he was a “people person,” Wei Wuxian found it much more fun to sit back and watch the action.

Besides, this gave him the perfect chance to scope out his potential New Year’s kiss. There was no way he was ending this night solo. What kind of world would it be if Jiang Cheng got a kiss but he didn’t?

But the party was swarming with couples. Everyone he knew was there! His sister was hanging out with the peacock crew, outclassing them as usual. Mianmian was dancing off to the side a bit with her girlfriend. Nie Mingjue and Lan Xichen stuck out as the two tallest people in the room by the bar. Though the Lan didn’t drink, he was having fun watching his boyfriend show off his arms as if they were meeting for the first time. He even spotted Xiao Xingchen and Song Lan on the couch looking quite comfortable laying next to one another.

What kind of party was this? There were no fish left in the sea! Well, that wasn’t entirely true, but to be honest Wei Wuxian was being rather picky with his options. The girls he usually had flirtatious conversations wouldn’t do. He wasn’t there to lead them on, and everyone involved knew it was just for a good laugh. And there was no way in hell he was going to kiss someone like Jin Guangyao. All that was left was…

“Lan Zhan!” He greeted the quiet man who had materialized next to him. “I didn’t realize you came to parties like these.”

And he didn’t, at least not often. Whatever the reason was for Lan Zhan’s presence, Wei Wuxian wasn’t complaining. The Lan wore a light blue turtleneck and white scarf. Somehow not a drop of sweat was on him despite the packed room. His composed stance and neutral expression made it seem like he was in a library rather than the hottest New Year’s Eve rager in the city.

“You look great!” Wei Wuxian shouted though they were right next to one another.

Lan Zhan nodded. “You too.”

Wei Wuxian felt his heart skip a beat at the compliment. Discreet as it was, it was a far cry from the disdain Lan Zhan used to have for him as a teenager. Nowadays, they didn’t see each other often. But Wei Wuxian felt inexplicably drawn to the man, and always ran into him when he least expected it.

They had a bunch of impromptu lunches together. Wei Wuxian would talk about everything going on in life and Lan Zhan would sit in silence and pay for all the meals. No matter what Jiang Cheng said, it did not count as a date. They were just… hanging out! Catching up! No way did Lan Zhan want to be with someone like Wei Wuxian.

He was loud, gaudy, and Lan Zhan’s uncle had a grudge against him since forever. So no matter what, Wei Wuxian tried not to think too much about how Lan Zhan always smelled amazing. Or how he was hilarious if anyone bothered to pay attention to the lines of his face (which Wei Ying always did). Or even how he was surprisingly great with kids. Wei Wuxian was lucky to be able to have Lan Zhan as a friend. It would be unfair to push for more.

“What’s….” Lan Zhan started.

Wei Wuxian raised his brows. Lan Zhan wasn’t the type to start talking first.

He must have noticed the other’s intrigue. Lan Zhan cleared his throat and began again. “What’s your New Year’s Resolution?”

“That was such a stiff question!” Wei Wuxian almost choked on his beer. Why did Lan Zhan have to be so cute even when he was awkward? Still, it would not be fair if the question was unanswered. Lan Zhan was doing his best! Wei Wuxian had to support him. “I don’t have one.”

Lan Zhan tilted his head. It was clear he was out of conversation topics. That was alright, Wei Wuxian was never one to leave silence between them.

“Why, what’s yours? Wait! Let me guess… you want to… get a girlfriend?” Wei Wuxian grinned, elbowing Lan Zhan’s arm.

The man frowned.

“No? Then let me guess. Probably something that you already do perfectly. Like work, right?”

He shook his head.

“Still no? Haha, don’t worry. I’ll get it soon. I don’t have all night, though.” At this, Lan Zhan’s interest was piqued. Bingo! Wei Wuxian congratulated himself on the inside. “You see, I don’t have anyone to kiss at midnight. But not for long!”

Now Lan Zhan was very interested. Wei Wuxian couldn’t for the life of him figure out why, though. It’s not like Lan Zhan to show jealousy. Though, out of all their mutual friends, the two of them were the only single ones left. Lan Zhan probably didn’t want to be the last one left.

“Huaisang helped me come up with a plan. I’m going to stand on that balcony over there.” Wei Wuxian pointed towards the spot. It was empty, as if waiting for him to go over. “Then at midnight, I’ll close my eyes and kiss whoever is out there with me.”

Lan Zhan had the funniest look on his face. Through the flashy lights, his golden eyes widened. Mouth agape and looking a little lost, Wei Wuxian wished he could take out his phone to freeze this moment in time. He felt a little bad, though. Maybe Lan Zhan wasn’t the best person to tell.

Still, a part of Wei Wuxian wanted to in hopes that Lan Zhan would sweep in at the last moment and confess his feelings or something. It was a ridiculous thought. Lan Zhan would never do something so brash.

Wei Wuxian scratched the back of his head. “D-don’t worry! Huaisang promised that he’s gonna personally send someone out for me. On scout’s honor!”

Lan Zhan blinked. “I did not know Nie Huaisang was a scout.”

Wei Wuxian paused for a moment. Holy shit Lan Zhan just made a joke! A melodious laugh burst out of Wei Wuxian. He steadied himself against the wall. It was always when he least expected it.

“Don’t you worry, Lan Zhan. Who’s the worst person he could send in? Jin Guangyao?” Wei Wuxian continued laughing, but his friend did not share the same enthusiasm. He stopped. “Just to clarify, I am not kissing Jin Guangyao.”

Why did he have to say it like that? Now Lan Zhan was going to think he was even more of a shameless deviant than he already was!

Before he could ruin things even more, the world granted him a break in the form of a drunk Jiang Cheng stumbling over their way. Nie Huaisang trailed after him, phone held up against his lips. Oh he was definitely recording to tease his boyfriend later.

“Looks like you two made up,” Wei Wuxian observed. “What did you make him do?”

Nie Huaisang shrugged. “Not much. Three shots. In a row. He’s a little tipsy, but I’ll take care of him. Won’t I, A-Cheng?”

Jiang Cheng murmured something in a voice that could be described as whiny before pulling Huaisang into a hug. He peppered kisses all atop Huaisang’s head. The host put his phone away, reaching up to pat the taller man’s cheek.

“What’re you two up to?” Huaisang asked.

“I’m telling Lan Zhan about the plan!” Wei Wuxian answered.

“Oh? Is that so? And what are Wangji’s thoughts?”

Jiang Cheng slurred, “It’s s-so dumb… L-Lan Wangji’s right! There!”

Lan Zhan huffed. He thought for a second before replying. “Ridiculous.”

Wei Wuxian laughed at the predictability of the answer, but Huaisang kept his knowing smile. “Interesting you say that.”

The three of them plus a tipsy Jiang Cheng kept on chatting for a little while. It was mostly Huaisang and Wei Wuxian talking while taking an occasional break to mess with the drunk Jiang brother. The whole exchange, Wei Wuxian couldn’t help but notice that Huaisang’s eyes kept sliding to the side. It wasn’t enough to call out, but enough to make Wei Wuxian wonder what the man had planned for him at the end of the night.

But Wei Wuxian was glad to have Lan Zhan to keep him company the whole night. Even though he didn’t drink, his presence was one of Wei Wuxian’s favorites. When asked a question, the man was precise; he didn’t put on any airs. And he never left when Wei Wuxian began to blather on about something wild and out there. In fact, getting those exasperated sighs and eye-rolls was a bit of a guilty pleasure for Wei Wuxian (minus the guilt).

It wasn’t hard to have chatted the entire evening away.

Before long, it was the last few minutes before midnight. The mood of the entire room changed. The lights dimmed to a low orange glow, and voices began to quiet down.

“Ah, it looks like it’s almost time.” Wei Wuxian gave Lan Zhan a sympathetic smile. In truth, he was sad to leave the man’s side as well. But a plan was a plan, and he still wanted that New Year’s kiss. Maybe next year, he’d be able to get the man he wanted. “We’ll see each other soon for food, right? My treat this time, I promise!”

“Mn.” Lan Zhan nodded. He looked a bit down. Wei Wuxian tried not to let it bother him as he turned away and headed for the balcony.

Winter air hit his face as soon as he stepped outside. It was cold as hell! As great as he looked, his sparkly red jacket did little to pack in any insulation. Wei Wuxian wrapped his arms around himself, rubbing up and down to generate some heat. Puffs of his breath were visible as he willed himself to stay still.

The city was quite dazzling. There were people all over the streets. The world froze as the countdown began. A couple of snowflakes began to fall from the sky. Each soft white drop landed with grace against his skin.

He shivered. Through the sliding door, he could hear the partygoers inside count down.

Five!

He closed his eyes.

Four!

He heard the door open.

Three!

Footsteps came towards him.

Two!

Strong hands held his arms.

One!

Lips crashed into his, and Wei Wuxian had to open his eyes.

When he did, his legs almost gave in. Little bits of snow clung onto black hair. A white scarf billowed through the city air. And warm lips captured his in a searing, intense, heart-racing kiss. Wei Wuxian’s eyes blinked once, and Lan Zhan’s warm golden ones met his.

He let go, and it was cold again. Wei Wuxian felt his face heat up. Lan Zhan- it was Lan Zhan who was his midnight kiss!

“It’s you!” Wei Wuxian was shocked to the core. He was so happy, he couldn’t even move. There weren’t enough words he could come up with to express how he felt.

Lan Zhan stood there, looking quite sheepish all of a sudden. That wouldn’t do. Wei Wuxian took a step forward and used his hands to cup the Lan’s face. He could almost cry out of relief. “It’s you…”

Lan Zhan moved his hands to hold the ones on his face. “Wei Ying…”

No words sufficed, so Wei Wuxian closed his eyes and leaned in once more. This time, he really savored every sensation that flew over his body. The enveloping smell of sandalwood, the feeling of Lan Zhan’s strong arms around his body, the way he would pant a little bit when the kiss deepened.

Wei Wuxian lost count of how long it had been the kiss concluded. “God, Lan Zhan.” He giggled, unable to resist another quick kiss. “I love you so much, you know that?”

Lan Zhan’s whole body froze for a moment. He looked into Wei Wuxian’s eyes, looking for a sign of joking or shiftiness. But all he saw was Wei Ying. His beautiful, unrestrained, thoughtful Wei Ying. “I… I love Wei Ying as well.”

At those words, Wei Wuxian gave him the most dazzling smile. Fireworks bloomed in the sky. Wei Wuxian cozied up to Lan Zhan’s sweater, basking in the warm wool as a wintry mix swirled around them.

“Resolution.” Lan Zhan murmured.

“What?”

“My resolution. Ask Wei Ying out.”

Wei Wuxian had to process the words for a minute. A smile spread across his face as he threw his arms around his love. “Hahaha! Oh, Lan Zhan. You are just…unbelievable. You’re going to need a new resolution since you finished that one so fast! Hey hey! Don’t worry, I’ll help you think of one. What about, take Wei Ying to bed every day? Is it too soon for that? Are we there yet? Nevermind, okay. How about, pay for all of Wei Ying’s meals? Wait, you kind of already do that one. Hmm, let’s keep think-”

Lan Zhan sighed, pulling his Wei Ying in for a longer kiss to shut him up.

Music rang from the streets below, and fireworks rained down from the sky above. Surrounded by the one he loved most in the world, Wei Wuxian let himself melt away. All words left his mouth after Lan Zhan pulled away. Their breaths mingled with the frigid night air.

Lan Zhan took his scarf off for a moment to wrap it around them both. Wei Wuxian took the opportunity to press a few lazy kisses to the side of Lan Zhan’s mouth before wrapping his body around him. He leaned in close to his ear.

“Happy new year, Lan Zhan!”

Lan Zhan’s hold tightened around his waist, and he no longer felt cold.

“Mn. Happy new year, Wei Ying.”