#the options are plentiful. Just a short drive away

[sim0nril3y]

Meet the Family

Pairing: Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Civilian!Reader Scenario: Simon has the joy of meeting your family and finding out why don't you see or talk about them all that much. This brings up some unwanted memories and feelings for him too. Warnings: No mask Simon (It's my personal headcanon in his regular life he probably wouldn't wear it), family drama, shouting, very small mention of Simon's childhood, family disapproval, family arguing, reader has family, reader has siblings, family names are established but no descriptions, canon-typical swearing.

It appeared that your phone was making more of a ruckus than usual later. It seemed to buzz and beep much more frequently, each time your eyes cast down to check it they narrowed, then rolled before you pushed the device far, far away from where you had to interact with it. Yet still it actively vied for your attention. “Everything okay, babe?” Simon quizzed, pulling the cork out of the wine he’d chosen and beginning to pour you a glass. “Fine.” You short answer replied, picking up the glass and taking a large gulp.

Taking a seat opposite Simon battled internally about whether to push this conversation anymore. He wondered, if the situation was reversed if you would have tried to get more information out of him. Bloody hell. You would. “I just couldn’t help but notice you seemed a little… upset by your phone.” Nodding his head in the direction of the device. “Is something up?”

For a moment you paused, mauling over the situation for a moment before letting out a low huff and answering. “My sister is having a ‘get-together’ for her anniversary…” You announced with a heavy amount of disdain in your voice. “We’ve been invited.” Of course, you’d mentioned your family before but until this point Simon had never met them and the opportunity had never been there. “Honestly, I’m surprised I’m invited Anna said it’ll just be close family…”

“Well, I guess you count as close family considering you’re her sister, love.” Simon pointed out and you let out a low huff again. “Who else is going to be there?” “My mum and dad. My little brother Peter. Obviously, my older sister Anna, her husband Barney and their son Hunter.” Simon couldn’t help but frown at that. It would be a lot of your family to meet at once. “And do you… want to go?”

Again, you didn’t have a response right away, eyes darting away before back towards him. “I… I don’t know…” Then shaking your head. “Anna is begging me to come, but I know that is only to get the heat off her because if I’m there then all my parent’s attention will fall to me and they will explain exactly where I’ve gone wrong with my life.” Simon couldn’t help but frown at that comment, he didn’t like the thought of your family speaking poorly of you. A heavy sigh escaped your mouth. “Would… you want to go?” The question came out tiny and vulnerable, like you might scare him off with that alone.

“They know about me?” Simon quizzed, he’d never met them and he’d never really pressed to do that, he was in love with you and that was all he needed in his life. “They do…” You replied evenly. “They don’t approve... It isn’t because of you.” You quickly add with wide eyes. “They don’t approve of anyone outside of the family. They hated any girl that Peter brought home and they tolerate Barney, but that is only because they gave them a grandchild to fawn over.” You explained before frowning. “Si, I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t want to come…”

For a moment he mauled over his options, he could go and accept whatever snide comments and berating came from your family, or he could send you to the wolves and stay home like a coward. Simon Riley was not a coward. “Tell her we’ll be there.” He leaned over to clink his glass against her own.

It was a bit of a drive to Anna’s home she shared with her husband and their son, but that gave you plenty of time to fill in all the dirty details about your family. You had started with your older sister, she was seen as the golden child and your parents bragged about almost everything that she did, her perfect marriage, her perfect children, her perfect house and her perfect holiday home. You explained, Anna had gone to a top University to study finance, but during her gap year galivanting about the US she’d met Barney who’d promptly fallen in love with her and got her pregnant. This wouldn’t typically be too big of a problem, apart from the fact that Anna been engaged before setting off and in a desperate need to escape the monotony of her relationship and her perfect life she’d thrown it all away from another lad.

It was a blow to her parents that their perfect eldest daughter had this mishap, however the fact that Barney came from an incredibly wealthy family and owned his own tech company certainly helped ease him into the family. Then their grandson Hunter came into the picture and everything was a perfect ending from there.

On the other hand, there was your younger brother Peter who had barely scraped by in his school and your parents had to persuade Universities to accept him. He spent more times in clubs than in his classes. Your parents saw him as a typical boy, causing some trouble and chasing the ladies. Boys will be boys; they’d excused with a hearty laugh as Peter would be trotted to the cells for indecent exposer or public indecency. Still even after all the trouble he’d caused Peter was still the apple of their eyes, your mother fawned over him and your father tried moulding him into his protégé.

Then there was you. With a sister that was perfect and a brother that they dotted on that left very little time or energy for you. It seemed like you just slipped through the cracks. Even when they did have time spare for you every decision, you’d made they hadn’t approved. In their eyes, you were simply the wild little fuck-up. It pained and riled Simon that anyone thought of you as anything but perfect and good and kind.

Once they arrived at your sisters’ home Simon was surprised to find that it was an expensive looking townhouse that had been renovated to have some modern features. This strangle matched the dreamhouse that you’d muttered to him one night in your post-sex chatter, it made Simon wonder who had desired the house first, maybe it was you and Anna had simply stolen that dream to taunt you. Approached the modern frosted glass door, it opened and out stepped an older woman with a disguised smile on her face, dressed in a smart, conservative dress with sharp kitten heels. Your hand squeezed his own as you approached, announcing nicely. “Mum…” Ah, your mother, Cynthia…

“Hello darling.” Her voice was soft but hiding something, like a sickly sweet venom that was encasing you both. You had mentioned that she was high strung and highly critical, that remained to be seen. If there was one thing that Cynthia enjoyed in life it was gossiping, followed by bragging about her family, or at least some of her family members, certainly not you, you’d joked to Simon but there was a pained reality to that snide remark. “Look at you, that is certainly an interesting dress…” She observed, cupping your face then. “You look very tired, are you sleeping well?” The snide remarks had already begun, Simon observed.

You complained lowly. “Mum…” Then looked towards Simon, eyes pleading for some form of help or safety or escape but only found his own dark set that matched your own fear. “This is-” Cynthia cut you off and turned her viper grin towards at him, those dangerous eyes scanned him and searched for any little weakness or vulnerability. “This must be Simon.” Cynthia let out an almost cynical laugh. “Now, I must ask your sister to set another place, we weren’t sure that you were real…” It was another little dig that made you wince.

Cynthia then allowed the two of you to follow her further into the house, a lounge area stood before them and three men lingered inside of it. An older man sat on the sofa, drink in hand and head drooping, another around Simon’s age stood behind a small make-shift bar, cleaning glasses and straightening bottles of the labels faced out and proud and then across the room a younger man was texting on his phone. “Simon, make yourself comfortable with the men. That is my husband, Harold. This is my son-in-law, Barney.” Cynthia even gifted him a snide smile, the same she had done to Simon, they were outsiders after all, not as important as blood, simply there to give her grandchildren. “And that is my son Peter~”

Turning to you and lowering her voice, Cynthia said. “Darling, don’t worry that you didn’t bring a present, your sister understands that you don’t make a lot of money-” “N-no, I just left it at home.” You attempted to explain but your mother just chortled lowly and squeezed your shoulder. “Oh, I’m sure… just like how Peter ate all your Christmas chocolate when you were 10, hmm?” Then she poked your tummy in jest. “But I think we all know where it went.”

Simon forced himself to grit his teeth, looking between and watching you purse your lips, accepting the vicious attack with a tight smile and glossy eyes. “Now, don’t make that face~” Cynthia smirked directly at you, as if knowing she was pushing your buttons. “Come, your sister will want some help in the kitchen, I’m sure you’ll survive being apart from your boyfriend for five minutes, hmm?” Then looking towards Simon and asking. “You won’t mind if I borrow her, will you?”

More than anything he wanted to deny her, snatch you up into his side and away from anymore of her cruel remarks, but her claw-like hands were already circling you and tugging you from the room before he had a chance. The next moment, a presence walked up behind him and Simon turned to see a very happy looking man stood there. “Hey man…” A thick American accent rolled from him. “My name is Barney, you must be Simon, right?” He was quick to shake his hand and comment. “Quite the grip there, you play golf?”

Shaking his head Simon followed him back to where he’d been lingering (or probably hiding) behind his bar. “Do you drink, man? What’s your poison?” Barney asked enthusiastically, very proudly gesturing to the array of bottles that were placed behind the bar, squeaky clean but hardly used. “Whiskey. Neat.” Then leaning against the bar and waiting for it to be made. Another approached, this time your brother, tucking his phone away into his pocket as he sidled up beside him, elbows resting on the bar too, matching him stance for stance. “Simon, right? The latest addition to our fucked up little family.” Peter commented, his tone just as snide as his mother’s – the apple didn’t fall far, he supposed. “I’m sure my sister told you all about me…”

“She mentioned a few things…” Simon answered evenly, reaching out to take the offered drink from Barney, drinking it down a little too quickly to appear casual. Bloody hell, he’d been on battlefields and felt less anxious. “Well, I’ve got a few stories about my sister that I’m sure you’ll want to hear too~” The young lad began before Simon glanced in his direction, testing and bothered by his presence.

Sensing the impending tension Barney let out a hearty chuckle and said. “Maybe another time, huh?” Then giving Peter a pointed look. “Simon… what do you do for a job?” He asked in a friendly enough way, this seemed to catch the attention of Harold who actually glanced in his direction, quietly accessing and judging, it felt like you were the only normal one to actually come out of this family. “I’m in the special forces.” Simon explained, keeping his answers short and sweet, not allowing too many details to slip out, it wouldn’t be professional. They all had different reactions to this little piece of information. Peter quirked a brow whilst Barney grinned and nodded. “That’s tight. Respect, man.”

“A solider…” Peter muttered. “Lieutenant, actually.” Simon corrected in a sharp tone. There wasn’t many things in life he was proud about but you and his career were among the only few.

Again, your brother seemed to stir from beside him. “So…” Looking at him, wanting to judge Simon’s reaction. “How many people you killed?” The question was so crass that it actually made Barney gasp before letting out a nervous laugh and saying. “Pete, I’m not sure you can ask questions like that, man…” Then another laugh before giving his brother-in-law a soft punch on the shoulder, followed by a pointed look, don’t push.

There was this clear power struggle that Peter was trying to win. This happened often with rich boys like your brother, they saw Simon as a threat because he was physically much more impending than them, feeling even worse when they discovered that Simon wasn’t as dumb as they thought he looked.

“Not something that I keep count of…” Simon answered keeping his face straight, remaining unbothered. It was a good answer, it was formal and dignified, not to mention filled with some honesty. It wasn’t like Simon could even keep count anymore, even if he had wanted to. Peter seemed unimpressed with that answer and simply huffed before saying. “Bet you could think of at least five different ways to kill me in here, right?” Again, this spiked the interest of Harold, glancing in their direction.

Another challenge. Another prod. Another opportunity to attempt to make Simon look unhinged. Attempting to break the tension Barney laughed awkwardly. “This joker-” “I could think at least ten.” Simon retorted, dark eyes watching Peter to see that smugness falter for just a moment as true fear sank in. From across the room for just a split second Harold smirked then it washed away as he finished his fifth drink of the night.

The room was thick with an air of tension as you stepped inside looking completely flustered. “It’s uh… it’s time for dinner.” You informed them, frowning as you tried to access the atmosphere, approaching Simon to rest a delicate hand on his forearm, wrapping yourself around the limb. The room cleared out as Barney escorted his in-laws to his dinning room. Gazing up at Simon, you asked. “You alright?”

Simon’s eyes seemed to focus on where Peter had been escorted from the room, watching that area on alert for a few moments before his gaze flittered back in your direction. “Told your brother I could think of ten ways to kill him in this room alone…”

You blinked. Slow and calculating. Attempting to understand the words that Simon had just rushed in your direction. “Excuse me?” You muttered, staring up into his eyes in confusion. “Why… why would you say-” “He was pushing me.” There was an edge of frustration to his tone. You brother had gotten under Simon’s skin a lot more than he was willing to admit aloud. Reaching up you cupped his face and looked into his eyes with such care and sincerity, it really did pain you to witness your family treating him in a way that left him so anxious and wound up. “I believe you.” You whispered. “I believe you. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. My fucking family… It’s my family, they make it their mission to push and prod and make your life misery. I’m sorry-”

A short huff came from Simon, leaning in to kiss your forehead gently and replying. “You don’t ever apologies for any of them.” He told you, voice firm and sure. There was no part of this that was your fault. You were born into a family of cynical fakers, wanting to make everyone else’s lives as miserable as their own. He hadn’t even been around them for an hour yet, but Simon could see that you were the only good thing to come from your family. He could force himself to survive the rest of the dinner party for you… but when this was over, he never wanted to see these people again.

“Come on, now…” Your mothers voice entered the lounge and she lingered in the doorway, big fake smile on her lips and glass of wine in hand. “You were late to the party and now you’ll be late for dinner too…” Cynthia chortled, clearly still holding that grudge. “I swear, my darling girl would be late to her own funeral too…” The comment was made as she swayed down the hallway towards the dining room, Simon simply grit his teeth and continued to bite his tongue. A few more hours, he reminded himself constantly.

The dinner that was severed was nice enough. Honestly, the only cooking that you actually enjoyed nowadays was anything that Simon served up for you and it was something he was more than happy to take care of for you. It was mundane and simple and peaceful, just for some time he could force his noisy brain to shut off, it simply wasn’t warfare.

You sat beside him, food pushing around your plate, probably each little biting comment from your mother stripped away any hunger from you. Cynthia had persuaded your siblings to list all their recent achievements to you, which they seemed all too happy to do. Maybe they knew that if all that vitriol that poured from your mother was aimed at you, then they’d continue to escape it… or maybe they enjoyed it because they were just as cruel as she was.

“Are you enjoying the food?” Cynthia quirked a soft brow at Simon, it was a strange observation but Simon noted that your mother wore a face so similar to your own, maybe more than the rest of your siblings but not even one of your expressions matched. There was so much pure and true joy and easiness in your smile, but each time your mother did the same it seemed like it might crack her face into tiny pieces. “I’m sure you aren’t used to a good homecooked meal, hmm?” Then laughing lowly. “Especially with this one’s cooking…” Pointing a fork in your direction.

“It’s fine.” Simon responded evenly, clearly not to exaggerated praise that your mother had been expecting, simply narrowing her eyes and taking back another gulp of wine. “I like to cook for us…” His hand then rests on your knee beneath the table, reminding you that you weren’t alone facing your horrid family, but that Simon had your back. “Between the two of us, I have more time to cook, anyway.” Then he shrugged, gazing in your direction and seeing your desperation to find safety and warmth within him. “With all the hours that she works and then the time she spends on her art, I like to keep her fed…” Too afraid to continue aloud, Simon thought, keep her warm, provided for her, keep her happy, keep her satisfied. Just… keep her.

A deep scoff came from Cynthia then, another big glug of wine until her glass was empty. It seemed that Simon had given Peter the opportunity to speak then, smirking from across the table. “Speaking of work…” Those dangerous eyes loomed as you sat a little straighter in your chair. “Heard from a friend that you missed that interview dad set up…” The comment was thrown out there so casually but you were left reeling as you knew the chaos that simple comment would cause. Besides, how did he even know that? There wasn’t a chance in the world that Peter had friends to be able to tell him that information, so what? Was he following you? Keeping tabs on you? Before you even had the chance to interrogate him Cynthia spoke first.

“No, no…” Placing down the wine bottle onto the table with a heavy thud, eyes fixed on you. “Please tell me that isn’t true.” Raising her brows, as if waiting for you to deny Peter’s allegations but you remained sheepishly quiet. “You lied to me.” There was a fiery rage in her eyes now and you knew that you were in for it. “You told me that you went. I can’t believe you would lie to your own mother…” Your mouth opened then, as if to defend yourself but Cynthia was much too quick to continue her tirade. “We have spoken about this again and again… I made it clear it is time to give up on this silly little fantasy that you’ve been holding onto. It is time to grow up and join the real world. You need to be more like your brother and your sister…” Gesturing wildly to them as Anna sat almost ashamed with her gaze down to her lap and Peter sat there with a smarmy smile the instigator of this.

Again, you opened your mouth, but her hand came up sharp in your direction. “Do you know the strings your father had to pull to organise that interview?” Then gesturing towards Harold who seemed completely unphased, cutting his steak into another bitesize piece whilst his wife continued to berate their daughter before the audience. “You are such an ungrateful brat and you always have been. When will you understand? You have absolutely zero desirable qualities so finding a decent job will be very difficult for you… who in their right mind is going to want to hire someone like you, hmm?”

Everyone apart from Cynthia and Peter appeared mortified, Anna looked to you with horror on her face and then Barney spoke, careful smile on his face. “She still had plenty of time to figure out what she wants to do, right? Anna took a gap year during college… Pete did the same… So, she isn’t going abroad or whatever, instead she’s trying to… to… figure out if she can follow her passion, I think it’s-” “Be quiet.” Cynthia growled at him then, teeth grit. “Don’t talk such nonsense… Peter and Anna were working hard at college and needed a break to find themselves and after returned to college and get their degrees. What does she have? Nothing. I couldn’t even convince her to apply to any colleges… She is a lazy, stubborn, silly little girl and you are chasing a hopeless dream-” “Enough.”

Every set of eyes then turned to look at Simon who sat with a furious look present on his face. At the beginning of the evening, he could maybe accept those biting little comments, he could certainly accept the way that Peter had provoked him, Simon could even accept the way that your mother had sat there bragging about your siblings but he wasn’t going to allow her to utterly humiliate you like this. “You don’t fuckin’ talk to her that way.” Carefully from beside him, you muttered his name, a soft plead to try and calm the fight that seemed inevitable now. “No.” He told you firmly, quietly, gazing down at you with a set jaw and narrowed eyes. “I won’t just sit there and let her fuckin’ talk to you like this… I wont… I can’t…”

It wasn’t like Simon had grown up in a good household. It was clearly different from your own. Simon had witnessed his father completely decimate any good in his family and he was too young and too small and too scared to stop him or do anything. This is why he is the man he is today; he wouldn’t allow that again and seeing your family ripping you to shreds, tearing apart any good and hope and light inside of you was too much for him. Not you. Never you.

“Simon, please. You simply don’t understand...” Cynthia began. “My daughter lives in this word of make believe where she thinks she is going to become and artists and be able to make money and buy big houses like her sister. It’s just ridiculous. I’ve tried getting through to her, but-” “Your daughter is a fuckin’ adult.” Simon growled then, leaning into the table slightly so he could talk across at her. “She doesn’t need you to find her a job and she doesn’t need you to approve the choices that she makes in her life.” Simon growled, feeling this need to protect you and keep you safe, that very same one that had grown for his mother in his childhood. Different, but… the same. “Your daughter… your daughter is fuckin’ amazing. There isn’t a thing about her that needs to change. She’s intelligent and she’s soft and kind and she’s really fuckin’ talented and I wonder how all of that managed to happen when she grew up around you cunts-” The entire table seemed to gasp in unison.

There seemed to be this stunned silence before everyone erupted, Peter almost fell off his chair laughing, whilst baby Hunter wailed from the commotion. Cynthia stood stark upright, jabbing a finger in his direction. “Unacceptable! Disgusting! Unacceptable! He’s an animal! He’s feral!” Stalk through the house on a tirade of insults aimed in his direction with her husband trailing behind her. Anna was trying to hopelessly clean a puddle of wine from where it had teetered over onto the table. “It’s fucking vintage!” There were real tears in her eyes, much to Simon’s surprise.

Just then Barney stood up, bouncing his son in his arms and looking between you and Simon. “I think… I think it would be best if you guys left.” There was sorrow in his eyes as he suggested it, not wanting to be unkind but just not wanting anymore drama. It was probably for the best even if Simon did have a few more choice words for them.

The entire car ride home you were unusually quiet beside him. He was actually a little lost on how to handle this situation. There weren’t a part of him that was sorry for what he’d said to your family, or more specifically your mother. Simon just couldn’t handle the fact that she could talk to you in such a vile way. There was only so much that Simon was willing to take and he’d lost it. Fuck, had he scared you? Were you mad at him? Were you sad for causing a rift in your family? Had he even caused a rift? Clearly, they hadn’t thought very much of you before he’d been there…

A small sniffle from beside him caught his attention, glancing in your direction and under the glow of the streetlamps Simon saw your face wet with tears. Without hesitation Simon signalled and pulled his truck onto an empty road, clambering from the driver’s seat and around to yank open your door. A moment later his arms were around you, hand supporting the back of your head burying your face into the crook of his shoulder. “You’re alright. Shh. You’re alright, babe.”

After a few moments of allowing, you to just sob into his shoulder, your voice muffled against his shirt. “Don’t ca-care what they s-say about me-” “Well, I do.” There was a thick edge to his voice, pulling back to cup your face and looking for any sign of fight towards your family but you seemed defeated, you seemed emotionally drained. Where was that witty girl that had corned him on a night out? Where was the one that had to almost twist his arm to open up? Where was that fight for her own pretty self? “I care about what they say about you because they are dead fuckin’ wrong, babe. No one deserved to be talked to like that. I won’t allow it.”

There was something deeper simmering here behind all this. There was something that Simon didn’t want to confess or discuss. The berating. The belittling. The treatment of less than… This was something that Simon wouldn’t allow for you because he had experienced it and much worse. “You don’t deserve it.” It was like Simon was talking to all the people in his life that hadn’t deserved the fate they were given. You. Him. His mum. His brother. His friends he’d lost. The soldiers that had died in his arms. “Okay?” “Okay.”

Masterlist | Ask | 04-02-2024

[munsonhoneybaby]

Sweet Leaf | Eddie Munson X F!Henderson!Reader

Summary: Finally starting to spend time with Eddie outside of your bedroom, everybody seems to know about the two of you but Dustin. 

Word Count: 10.3k

Warnings: 18+ mdni, eddie’s never-ending pet names, frequent drug use (marijuana), smut, lots of high sex in the whole series idk what to tell you lol, tiny bit of dry humping, eddie’s fishnet fetish?, skinny dipping, fingering, p in v (unprotected but he pulls out), sex in an empty parking lot, squirting, pretty heavy subspace, not angst but crying after sex, eddie’s a little fucknasty sometimes but he worships his lady, cheesy ahh ending

A/N: just two emotionally damaged stoners trying to figure out how to love each other, what more can i say? the length of this one just kept getting away from me lol i’ve loved writing this series and even though the main storyline is over i’d love to keep writing about these two if anybody sends in blurb/headcanon requests or anything like that !! i had plenty of little ideas i had to leave out !!

part one | part two | tmic masterlist

Eddie paused in the mirror, fixing the hair laying on his forehead. He fidgeted with his shirt, trying to get it to sit right on his shoulders– it was an old Kill ‘Em All t-shirt he’d cut the sleeves off of ages ago. He huffed and did one more frantic scan of his bedroom, hands fluttering uselessly at his sides as he was sure there had to be something he’d missed. Bed made, laundry done, and messes cleared away, his room looked cleaner than he’d seen it in probably two years. Deciding it wasn’t gonna get any cleaner in the next fifteen minutes, he dashed down the short hallway to double-check that the living room was spotless.

He’d draped the nicest blanket they had over the back of the couch and even specifically bought a few candles to light around the room just for the occasion. A few pre-rolled joints sat out on the coffee table alongside the selection of horror movies that Steve definitely didn’t let him sneak out of Family Video for free; he wanted to give you options, so he settled on The Thing, A Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining, and The Evil Dead. He would have happily taken you to see a movie, maybe even a drive-in, but you’d said you’d rather it be just the two of you.

Three knocks sounded at the door, making him jump. You were four minutes earlier than he expected. Stepping to the door, he glanced around the room again and blew out a heavy breath before he opened it.

And there you were. Black shorts peeking out under your baggy Dio tee and a bag of snacks in hand from the gas station a couple miles off, you smiled at him. “Hi.”

Eddie couldn’t help his cheesy grin as he replied, “Hey.” Something about you was so enrapturing to him. He could have just stared at you, standing in the afternoon sunlight shining on his doorstep, forever.

“You gonna let me in?”

“Oh! Uh– right.” He moved aside, opening the door wider. “It’s not exactly the Ritz, but uh–”

“Oh, knock it off. I don’t care about that shit.” You looked around, taking in the collection of hats and mugs lining the walls. The warm light outside made the closed mismatched curtains glow. “I think it’s perfect.”

He cleared his throat to overcome the warmth in his chest before he spoke. “I got a few different movies if you wanna pick.”

“Ooh, can we watch The Shining? It’s been a little while since I’ve seen it, it’s one of my favorites.”

“Sure thing,” He nodded. As he turned on the TV and put the tape in the VHS player, you found a seat on the couch and grabbed a joint off the table to light up. While you seemed totally at ease in his trailer, he was as nervous as the first time he met you. First date jitters, he supposed. You looked so comfortable curled up and smoking in the corner of his couch that, as he settled at the opposite end, he couldn’t help but feel like you belonged there.

Your legs stretched into his lap as you scooted down a bit to pass him the joint. He rubbed his free hand back and forth along your calf absentmindedly. “I don’t know how long you were planning on staying– if you wanna stick around after this movie, I could make a frozen pizza and we could watch another or something.”

“Sounds good to me,” You hummed in return.

Forty-five minutes into the movie, the first joint was gone and Eddie was focused intently on the television screen. You started to get fidgety though, foot nudging against his thigh. “What’d you sit so far away for?”

“I dunno, just thought I’d give you your space I guess? I didn’t wanna make you uncomfortable or anything.”

“C’mere.” Pinching at his shirt, you tugged until he scooted himself to you. Your legs lay completely over his lap as you rested your head against his shoulder. “I don’t need space, I came here to be with you. It’s cute you’re taking this whole ‘first date’ thing so seriously, though.”

His cheeks flushed a little pink and he fiddled with his rings over your lap. “Sorry, I just– I want this to go well.” He laughed nervously as he continued, “I want to keep seeing you outside your bedroom, y’know? I want you to come to my shows, and I wanna take you to the diner, and I wanna kiss you goodbye after Hellfire sessions.”

You gave him a little smile, turning his face toward you to plant a soft kiss on his lips. “I wanna do that stuff too, Eds. You know that you mean something to me, right? I just wanna go slow in the Dustin department. He has to be okay with this.”

“Okay,” Eddie nodded instantly, “However you wanna go about it. I swear, I’ll even ask the little loudmouth for his blessing when you want me to. I mean, I love that kid too.”

For a split second you just took in his features, and those big, earnest eyes were impossible not to believe. The material of his shirt scrunched between your fingers as you drew his lips to yours again. “Thank you for being there for him. And for me. You don’t know how much it means.”

He brushed a strand of hair back from your face with a little smile. “I think I do, sweetheart.”

“Hey, so where’s your sister?” Mike asked, shoveling a handful of popcorn into his mouth. “She’s like…always home.”

“I don’t know,” Dustin frowned, “I guess she just told Mom she was going out. Maybe I should call Robin and ask if she’s with her.”

“Dude, she’s an adult,” Lucas shook his head slightly. “She probably doesn’t need you to check in on her, I’m sure she’s fine.”

“But what if she isn’t?” As he continued, he paced the length of the basement, hands gesturing wildly with his words. “And what is she doing? ‘Going out’? What does that mean? Why is she trying to hide where she’s going? What if it’s somewhere sketchy?”

“You need to calm down,” Mike insisted. “It really isn’t that serious, she’s probably with Robin and Steve or something.”

“Right, so I should just call Robin and make sure!”

Lucas still rolled his eyes, but Dustin was already dashing up the stairs to the phone. “Great, now he’s gonna lose it if she’s not with Robin.”

“Where else would she be?”

“Literally anywhere, man. She could be at the record store, or with Nancy, or maybe with...”

“You don’t think she could be with Eddie–” But Mike was cut off by footsteps thundering down the stairs.

“She’s not with Robin, Steve, or Nancy which means I’m out of people to call which means I’m officially concerned. Do you think we should go out and start checking places? I mean, what if she smoked like– like– bad weed or something? I don’t know how that stuff works! Why wouldn’t she tell me where she’s going? She should know I’m worried sick!”

“Oh my god, would you relax? Did you talk to your mom?”

“Well, of course she thinks everything’s fine! She trusts us both implicitly when she obviously shouldn’t!”

Mike pinched the bridge of his nose and blew out a breath before he looked at him. “I seriously think you’re overreacting. Like Lucas said, she’s an adult; she doesn’t have to tell you everything. She’s allowed to have a life.”

Having returned to his pacing, Dustin halted and looked at him with an offended expression. “Are you trying to say I’m clingy? I’m not clingy!”

“I’m not saying you’re clingy! I’m just saying that you do your own shit, she probably does her own shit too. Maybe she’s taking time to herself or maybe she’s out with a guy or something.”

“There’s no way she’s out with a guy. She would tell me if there was a guy! And where would she even meet a guy? Work? She barely talks to anyone, you guys know that!” Mike and Lucas shared a glance before looking in different directions.

“Look, if she’s not home in an hour we’ll go check a couple places, alright?” Lucas finally sighed.

“An hour? It’s already a quarter after nine!” Then they heard the front door close and Dustin was racing back up the stairs. There you stood, kicking off your shoes beside everyone else’s, a smile on your face that you were trying to bite back. Until your brother and his friends burst out of the basement. “And where on Earth have you been?”

You looked at him questioningly. “Enjoying my day off?”

“By yourself? Until nine-thirty at night?” He placed his hands on his hips, scanning you with a scrutinizing gaze. “What were you doing?”

“What’s with the third degree? I stopped at the bookstore, then I went out in the woods and read for a while. Is that okay, Mom?”

“Don’t condescend to me, you had me worried half to death!”

As you replied, you ruffled his hair. “Aw, well that’s very sweet, Dusty. I’m fine though, you don’t need to wait up for me.”

“See? We told you there was nothing to worry about,” Mike chimed. When he and Lucas gave each other another pointed look, however, he knew they’d both seen the faint hickey peeking out from your shirt collar that Dustin had apparently missed.

“Goodnight, boys. I’ll make you guys some breakfast in the morning, alright?” They all called back their own goodnights as you headed down the hallway to your bedroom and they made their way back into the basement.

Later that night you were dozing off, still dressed and on top of the blankets, when you jolted back to full consciousness at the sound of the phone ringing in the living room. Grumbling a little under your breath, you rubbed your eyes.

You were halfway down the hall when you heard the basement door creak open, and suddenly you were wide awake. At half past midnight, there was no way anyone other than Eddie was calling and there was definitely no way Dustin could answer that call. Increasing your pace to a slightly-panicked speedwalk until you were in the room with him, you just barely made it to the phone before him. You pressed the receiver into your chest to muffle your voice as you practically whispered, “Don’t worry about it, Dusty, it’s for me.”

“Who is it?”

“Nancy, she wanted to talk about what I got from the bookstore but she was busy with Robin and Steve,” You answered easily. He nodded and yawned out another goodnight before booking it back downstairs. Letting out a relieved exhale, you finally raised the phone to your ear. “Sorry, Dustin almost picked up. Everything okay?”

“Shit, I’m sorry, baby. Everything’s fine. I tried not to call, I swear I did, but–” He laughed a little embarrassedly, “Fuck, when can I see you again?”

“Eddie,” You whispered through a little giggle. “You had to call about that now?”

“I mean, I could always come over so we could talk about it in person instead,” He teased.

“I just left your place three hours ago.”

“Should’a just stayed the night, babe,” He sighed regretfully.

Clutching at non-existent pearls, you replied, “Stay the night? On the first date? Eddie Munson, what kind of girl do you take me for?”

“Of course, sweet thing, you’re right. You could never do anything so scandalous as sharing a bed with me before we’re really goin’ steady.” You could picture that smirk on his face as he spoke. “Guess that means we’ve gotta plan a second date, huh?”

“Guess so,” You hummed. “Have anything in mind?”

“Well, I was thinking,” He began slowly. “Maybe you could come to one of our shows? I know that’s not a super great date idea since I’m gonna be on stage pretty much the whole time and everything, but–”

“No, that sounds great,” You interrupted. “When’re you guys playing next?”

“Friday night at eight.”

“Alright, I’ll see you at The Hideout on Friday then.”

“Alright,” He cooed back playfully. “G’night, baby.”

Standing in front of your open closet, you rustled through all your clothes in indecision. “I don’t know what I should wear.” Nancy, Robin, and Steve sat side by side by side on the edge of your bed, peering into the closet from behind you. The latter opened his mouth to share an opinion but held his tongue as your younger brother leaned in your door.

“What’re you doing?”

“Uh– just trying to find something to wear, I’m going out later.” You shrugged off his question and continued shuffling through your hanging shirts.

“Again with this ‘going out’ stuff! With who?”

“Us,” Nancy interjected casually.

“Thought we’d go check out Eddie’s show at The Hideout tonight,” Steve added. “Show him some support since it’s usually just the drunks there.”

Dustin eyed you for a split second but seemed to move on from whatever suspicion he had toward you quickly. “Cool, I’ll let Mike and Lucas know. We were gonna hang at Mike’s, but we can all go to the show together instead.”

“You can’t come, Dusty. That’s not a kid-friendly environment,” You told him apologetically.

“What? Come on! We’re not kids, we’re in high school! We wanna see Eddie perform too, he’s our friend!”

“Oh, so now he’s just your guys’ friend,” Steve chimed. “Before, you were practically begging us to get along.” He stood and crossed the room to ruffle Dustin’s curls. “Seriously, dude, your sister’s right. This place is nothing but adults drinking, I doubt they’d even let you stay if you came in with us.”

“See? Your mother says no,” You confirm. “Sorry, Dustin, really. Maybe we could all do something together as a big group though soon, yeah? All of us and the Hellfire club. We could sit in on a session or take you all to the movies or something, okay?”

He paused, fidgeting with one of the buttons on his undone, patterned overshirt. “That’d actually be pretty cool. You’d do that?”

“Yeah, kid, it’s no problem.” You walked over to give him a side hug before nudging him out the door. “Now beat it, I’ve gotta get ready.” It took another minute or two of brainstorming before you decided to snag Dustin’s Hellfire t-shirt from his laundry basket– thank God you had just done his laundry for him. You thought it’d be the best fan attire since Corroded Coffin wasn’t exactly selling merchandise.

Once you were ready to go, Robin called shotgun as the four of you piled into Steve’s car. “Sorry that you guys have to tag along now, but you know how Dustin gets.”

Glancing at you briefly in the rearview mirror, Steve replied, “It’s no big deal. Sorry I told him you were going to see Eddie.”

“It’s fine,” You shook your head. “I wanna lie to him as little as possible anyway, I just haven’t figured out how to bring it up yet.”

“I know he wants you to, but you don’t always have to tell him everything right away,” Robin reminded you. “I mean, what were you gonna tell him– that you were fucking one of his best friends? He doesn’t need to know that. It’s not like you guys are actually together yet–” She was interrupted by a punch in the shoulder from Steve.

He gave her an incredulous look before Nancy took over, reaching over and squeezing your hand. “What she means is, you guys should take your relationship at your own pace and tell Dustin when you think the time is right.”

“Right, that’s exactly what I was gonna say,” Steve added.

Robin rolled her eyes. “Oh, shut the fuck up, Harrington.”

“What? I was!”

When you were finally standing in the parking lot of The Hideout, you let out a deep breath you hadn’t realized you’d been holding. Robin hooked an arm around your shoulders and started for the door. “Come on,” She drawled. “Let’s catch ‘em before the show starts, you’ll be okay.”

They weren’t hard to find, setting up on stage front and center. You could see Eddie kneeling down to plug in the amp until Gareth lightly hit his arm and pointed in your direction. A grin stretched across his face as his stare dragged over your frame, taking in your fishnets, short skirt, and Hellfire tee. He excused himself to the rest of the guys before jogging over to you. “Hey, I didn’t realize you guys were coming along.”

“Yeah, I’m really sorry I didn’t give you a heads-up. Dustin found out where I was going and I didn’t want him to get nosy–”

“Are you kidding? This is the most sober people we’ve ever had in an audience, don’t sweat it.” He briefly squeezed your waist then let his hand settle on your back, fingers drumming impatiently. You looked at him questioningly, but he didn’t meet your eyes just yet. “I appreciate you guys coming, I know it’s not really your kinda music.”

Steve waved him off. “Nah, man, I’m sure it’ll be great.”

“Thanks, Harrington.” His arm moved from your waist to your shoulders, “I’m gonna steal her from you guys for a couple minutes if you don’t mind. I wanted to show her some of the equipment.” Robin opened her mouth to make a smart remark but was stopped by another punch from Steve.

He guided you to a nook behind one of the walls in the far corner of the bar. Humming lowly, he cupped your face so you’d look at him. “You really dressed for the occasion, pretty girl. You look fucking incredible.”

“Well, I haven’t gotten my exclusive Corroded Coffin t-shirt yet, so I figured this was the next best thing.”

“My apologies, babe, I’ll get right on that.” He dipped his head to press a long, slow kiss to your lips.

“Somebody smoked a joint without me,” You teased.

With a good-natured smile, he rolled his eyes in false exasperation. “Sorry, should’a gotten here earlier. We can smoke all you want after, alright? Pothead.”

“What’s that thing people say?” You asked sarcastically. “I think it was something about a pot, maybe a kettle?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” He laughed. A whistle from Gareth called his attention to the stage and he exhaled heavily. “Okay, that’s my cue. Wish me luck?”

“Like you need it,” You pecked his lips. “I’m really excited to hear you play. You guys are gonna do great.” Eddie smiled and stole one last quick kiss before darting back to the stage, leaving you to make your way back to the others.

“We may have taken the liberty of getting you a drink,” Steve said as Robin pushed a glass across the table toward you.

“I would be offended if you hadn’t.” Taking a few swigs, you looked over to where Eddie was finally settling the mic into its stand, his guitar hanging from his shoulder. They didn’t bother with grand introductions given the small crowds that gathered weren’t exactly there to see Corroded Coffin; they simply started into their set.

The boys mostly stuck to covers of semi-popular songs– sticking to their roots with Metallica and Black Sabbath, but appeasing the bar patrons with some Led Zepplin and a grudging Bon Jovi song. A few pieces they’d weaved in were their own and you could tell, but they certainly weren’t out of place. You could see where their inspiration came from.

You caught up with Nancy, Robin, and Steve between songs, but they mostly carried the conversation as you watched Eddie. Anyone really paying attention would be able to see that he was in his element. Sweat matted his bangs to his forehead, fingers moving masterfully over the strings as he powered through Trapped Under Ice with incredible accuracy. While you had heard the dramatic voices he put on during Hellfire, you hadn’t known that he could also mimic James Hetfield and Ozzy very impressively. He wasn’t perfect, but what little he lacked in refinement and precision, he more than made up for with passion. 

The middle-aged drunks occasionally gave some muted applause for the songs they recognized, but otherwise ignored the free entertainment. He really was underappreciated here. In front of a real audience, you couldn’t imagine the kind of stage presence he’d have.

Over the next two hours, you worked your way through a couple drinks. You hoped the frequent crossing of your legs could be attributed to the short skirt you were wearing rather than your dwindling patience and self-control as you waited for Eddie to finish his set. When they finally wrapped up their last song, you made your way up to the stage. He was lowering the mic stand when you got to him, holding his gaze as you dropped a twenty in the guitar case in front of him. There were only a few other bills and some loose change inside.

“God, please don’t. Seriously, that’s insulting.”

“Are you kidding? That’s an investment. I expect it back with interest when you guys make it big.” He held a hand out to you as you joined him on the stage. “Really, I thought you were amazing. You’ll see when you get outta this place.”

He just gave you a small smile and brushed his thumb over your cheek, eyes sweeping over your face briefly before he took both your hands. “So I really do wanna hang with you, babe, but I absolutely have to move all our gear first. Is there any way I can convince you to stick around?” His lips dragged over your knuckles, leaving a few kisses as he spoke. “Have a li’l smoke sesh in the back of the van once it’s empty. Promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

Your chest warmed at the attention he was lavishing you with in front of all of his friends– Dustin’s friends– and you tucked your chin a little bashfully. “That’s fine, Eds.”

“Awesome. We’re gonna finish loading the van, then you can ride with me to Gare’s to unload everything there, then I’m all yours. Cool?”

“Sounds good to me, rockstar.”

Holding your face in one hand, he squished your cheeks and shook your head back and forth lightly. “Always makin’ fun ‘a me, aren’t you?” He landed a kiss on your puckered lips and subtly patted your butt. “Go sit with your friends and I’ll let you know when I’m finished, okay? So glad I had my best girl cheerin’ me on tonight.”

As he went back to helping the guys pack up, you went back to Robin, Nancy, and Steve who paused their conversation when you sat down.

“Swooning already?”

“Somebody’s definitely looking a little starstruck,” Robin added. “Ready to ask him to sign your boobs?”

“The way it’s sounding, he might later,” You replied before taking a sip of your drink.

“I’m proud of you,” She nodded and took your hands dramatically over the table. “At least one of us is leading a successful love life. We will live vicariously through you.”

“Well then, let me know when we figure out how to tell our little brother that we’re dating his male mentor.”

“Wait, did Dustin say Eddie was his male mentor?” Steve interjected. “That’s so not true–”

Robin shook her head. “Steve, shut up.” She smacked your hand and nodded behind you just before you felt hands settle on your chair.

“Hey, you guys enjoy the show?” Eddie’s rings clinked against the metal of the chair, his voice not far from your ear making your heart rate pick up.

“Yeah, you guys were great. We’ll have to come again sometime,” Steve replied.

Nancy politely asked, “How long have you been playing, Eddie? Some of those songs seemed pretty complex.”

“I started playing with the guys when I was in eighth grade, but I started teaching myself around sixth. So, I guess about…nine or ten years?” He shrugged, thumbs drumming against the chair.

“You’re really talented,” She commended.

“Thank you, that means a lot to me.” His hand shifted to your shoulder before he continued on playfully, “Your guys’ friend here gets a backstage pass though, which means she gets to come watch us unload equipment at Gareth’s mom’s house and smoke my weed.” He took your hand as you stepped down from your high-top chair, pushing it in for you and grabbing your purse as you said goodbye. “Thank you guys again for coming. I’ll see you around soon, yeah?”

Steve gave him a one-armed hug as he nodded, “Definitely, man.”

The two of you walked back to the van, hand in hand, your steps echoing in the mostly-empty parking lot. The others were already waiting in Gareth’s garage passing around a joint when you pulled into the driveway. You followed Eddie around to the back of the van as he opened one of the back doors. Gareth got up to open the other one, handing you the joint as he passed you. 

“Alright, boys, think we can manage our fastest unload yet?” Eddie asked, cracking his knuckles.

“Yeah. As long as you don’t tweak your fuckin’ back again, old ass,” Jeff scoffed in return.

“Seriously, dude. Lift with your legs,” Gareth chimed.

Eddie made a talking motion with his hand and mumbled mockingly back before grabbing one of Gareth’s drums. “Start moving your shit or I’ll stop discounting your weed.”

“Oh, yes! Forgive me, master!” Gareth snarked, voice quavering with feigned fear.

They all got to work on moving the drum kit out first before moving on to the other equipment. Not knowing what to do with your hands, you took a hit and sat on the edge of one of the chairs they had out. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I mean, there’s a fridge in the corner, you wanna grab a few beers?” Jeff asked, getting a grasp on one side of an amp.

Gripping the other side of the amp, Eddie gave him an unimpressed look. “Dude, did you seriously just send her on a beer run?”

“It’s literally the other side of the garage. Shut the fuck up and bend your knees.”

You grabbed a beer for everyone– except Eddie, who was stuck with cherry Coke until he was done driving– and passed them out when they were done moving the amps. Then, to kill some of the time, you sat in the van and packed a bowl to smoke with Eddie later. When the equipment left in the back started to dwindle, you, Jeff, and Barry made conversation while Eddie unloaded some of the lighter equipment with Gareth. Keeping his voice low, the drummer suddenly spoke. “You know you have to like– marry her, right?”

“What’re you talking about?” Eddie chuckled, though his face and neck warmed at the mental image.

Gareth jabbed a thumb over his shoulder in your direction. “Dude, she’s over there talking to your nerdy loser bandmates about Judas Priest’s influences on Iron Maiden’s first album. And she’s actually invested. You’re not gonna find another girl like that in Hawkins. Not to mention how you talk about her–”

“Alright, shut it,” He huffed. “Just help me get this shit out, it’s getting late.”

When the last of it was finally tucked away in Gareth’s garage, Eddie checked his watch and sighed. Eleven-thirty. “Damn.” Your conversation with the boys had drifted to your opinions on heavy metal power ballads when his hands settled on your waist. “Sorry that took so long, you ready to get going?”

“Don’t worry about it, Eds. I’ll see you guys later though, alright? We should really head out.” The three of them thanked you for coming and said their goodbyes before settling back into their fold-out chairs, presumably to keep getting fried.

You and Eddie climbed into the van and he started it up before looking over at you. “It’s not the first date anymore. Any chance I can convince you to stay the night?”

“No convincing needed. I didn’t know how late I’d be home so I already asked Nancy to cover for me if Dustin calls.”

“Wait, you really want to?”

“Of course I do. Will Wayne mind me staying there?”

“Oh, he wouldn’t care. He works the night shift and sometimes he works overtime, so he usually isn’t back until six or eight in the morning. And occasionally he’ll even stop for a drink with a couple guys from work and that could take ‘til ten,” He explained with a little crooked smile. “He’d love you, though.”

You noticed him freeze up a little as he registered his own words, so you took one of his hands and laced your fingers through his in your lap. “I’m sure I’d love him, too. He must be a great man if he raised you.”

He squeezed your hand lightly as he relaxed. “Yeah, he’s pretty cool.” There was a moment of quiet, just the low hum of the radio and the roar of the van until Eddie spoke again. “You wouldn’t wanna go to Lover’s Lake, would you?”

“Sure.” His hand settled on your thigh and your lips curled down as you repressed a little smirk. “I didn’t take you for the type.”

“Hey, I can be romantic,” He defended lightheartedly. “I just prefer places like these when they’re less populated.”

“Why? So you can smoke and have sex in them?” You asked with a joking scoff.

“No, I just like my privacy. It’s more intimate without a bunch of obnoxious people around.” He paused, then conceded. “But yes, I like to have a range of recreational activities to choose from. Is that so bad?”

You shifted your leg so his hand drifted further up your thigh. “You wouldn’t happen to be taking me there to do both, would you, Eds?”

“I’m taking you there to do whatever you wanna do, sweet thing.” His tone remained casual, but his hand slowly crept higher and higher. “We could lay down and look at the stars…Maybe go for a swim…” Goosebumps rose on your skin as his short nails dragged across it, fingers catching on the loops of your fishnets. “What d’you think?”

“We didn’t bring swimsuits,” You remind him.

“So?” He asked as he pulled into the small gravel lot hidden by the trees. Looking over at you with a smirk, he continued, “There’s no one else here.” He got out of the van and came around to open your door as you unbuckled your seatbelt. “We don’t have to if you don’t want to, though.”

After grabbing a couple of blankets from the back of the van, he took your hand and lead you out away from the trees. You helped him lay out the blankets, crawling onto them and kicking off your shoes. Eddie lay down beside you and you looked over at him, “I don’t think I’ve ever actually been out here at night. It’s really pretty.”

“Can’t believe you think so when you get to look in the mirror every day,” He shot back without effort, giving you that goofy grin of his.

Lightly smacking his arm, you fought back a big smile of your own. “That was terrible, you know that, right? That was actually so bad.” Your combined laughter sounded loud in the near-silent clearing of the lake; your voices were only accompanied by the constant chirping of crickets and the occasional owl’s hoot. 

He rolled onto his side, resting his head in his hand as he looked down at you. “You’ve gotta get used to taking my compliments, babe, even the corny ones. ‘Cause soon they’ll be comin’ non-stop.” You simply hummed in response, your hand finding the back of his neck to pull him into a kiss. He didn’t hesitate to shift over you, arms on either side of you to support himself as his knee braced between your legs. Lips sticky with your lip gloss, his mouth made a path to your neck. “Y’really do look so pretty tonight, baby. Never seen you in a skirt before, I could barely pay attention to our set.”

“I thought you did amazing.” His hot breath on your neck made you squirm, grasping at his shirt as your hips wound against the firmness of his thigh. “Had me wet the whole time.”

“Fuck, wanted to get my hands on you so bad. Just performing had you all soaked for me, huh?” Your skirt rode up toward your waist until Eddie decided it was unnecessary, leaning back to yank it off. “Jesus H. Christ, fucking look at you.” Lying beneath him, fishnets stretched taut over your spread thighs leading up to your Hellfire tee, you were his fucking dream. It wasn’t hard to tell he wasn’t a religious man but, at that moment, he wished he was because he felt like he needed to thank somebody for your existence. It was like every fantasy he’d ever had simply walked out of his head and into his life. “Seriously, I might need to take a minute.”

“Can you help me out of these while you do?” You ask, curling your legs up to your chest.

He guided one of them up to his shoulder, running his hand down your outstretched leg and eyeing the tights before he looked at you. “Am I in trouble if I say no?”

“If you take them off now without ripping them I’ll wear them for you again sometime,” You bargained teasingly.

“I’ll do it if you let me eat you out through them next time.”

You shoved lightly at his chest with your foot, trying not to laugh. “You’re such a freak.”

Eddie narrowed his eyes at you playfully, but you could see he didn’t take the name to heart coming from you as his hips pressed into your ass. “Careful callin’ me names, babe. I’m starting to like it when you’re mean to me.”

“Pervert.”

He hummed, trailing kisses down the inside of your leg and finally hooking his fingers into the waistband of your fishnets. “Only for you, sweetheart.” His short nails scraped gently along your skin again as he carefully drew the tights down your legs. The second they were off, you sat up to pull him into another hungry kiss.

Deepening it, he started to ease you onto your back again but was shocked when you pulled away. With a coy smile, you asked, “How ‘bout that swim?”

Baffled, he was unable to come up with a response before you were standing and whipping your shirt off. His brain kicked back into gear when you dashed away from him toward the lake. Then he was running after you, fumbling to kick off his shoes and strip in the process. He froze as he watched you take off your bra and jump in wearing nothing but a skimpy pair of panties. You’ve gotta be fucking kidding. Finally kicking off his jeans, Eddie dove in after you.

Attempting to wipe the water from your eyes, you looked around for him in the water. Just as he breached the surface behind you, though, he grabbed your waist and shouted. Your squeal broke into a fit of giggles as he squeezed your sides and pulled you into his chest. “You’re such a dick!”

“That’s what you get for bein’ a tease.” Staying close to shore, the water came nearly to his shoulders. He urged you to wrap your legs around his waist, his hands settling under your butt to hold you comfortably.

Arms settling loosely around his neck, you looked away pointedly, that mischievous little expression finding its way to your face again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Of course, you don’t. ‘Cause the sweet girl I know would never do a thing like that, right?” He asked sarcastically.

You shook your head and answered in a falsely solemn tone. “Never.”

He chuckled softly until you leaned into him, nipples hardened from the chill of the water and pressing into his chest. Faint smiles never left your faces as you shared a few messy kisses. His hand rubbed soothingly up and down your spine while you pushed a strand of wet hair from his face. Swept off his shoulders, his soaked hair allowed you to see his whole face more clearly than ever. He started to feel self-conscious as your eyes drifted slowly over his features, taking him in, your thumb stroking over a spot beneath his ear that gave him chills. “You’re so handsome, Eddie.” He opened his mouth slightly like he was going to respond, but he couldn’t seem to think of anything so you changed the topic for him. “It’s nice here at night, we should come back again sometime when we don’t have any other plans.”

Eyebrows furrowing, he frowned in confusion. “What do you mean ‘other plans’?”

Untangling yourself from him, you faced him and swam backward toward the dock. “Hotboxing the van and having amazing sex, obviously. C’mon.” Climbing out, you held your arm tight over your chest as you snagged your bra off the dock and ran to the blankets still on the ground.

Eddie was close behind, picking up his trail of abandoned clothing. He started to apologize for the lack of towels, but you quickly waved him off and you both dried off as well as you could with one of the blankets. While you wrapped yourself in the dry blanket, he gathered your things with his to carry it all back to the car. “Go ahead and get in the back, I’ll start it up and get the music going.”

Opening one of the back doors, you found that the floor was already covered with other blankets. Climbing inside, you felt the van rumble to life. You could hear Eddie rustling through cassettes in his console as you peeled off your sopping-wet underwear and curled up with the pillows and blankets he’d put back there. The bowl you’d packed in hand, he finally joined you in the back. When he climbed in he paused to fidget with something you couldn’t see and suddenly the back doors were illuminated by little twinkling lights. He swung the door closed and tugged off his boxers before you asked, “When did you have time to do all this?”

“Hm? Oh, it’s all been back here for a little while. I just laid the blankets out in here when I grabbed the other ones to lay down by the lake.” He settled beside you, the top half of his blanket bunched in his lap leaving you free to ogle his tattoos– a favorite pastime of yours. “You want the first hit?”

You shook your head with a small smile, eyes tracing his features like they had in the lake. His hair was still heavy with water, but his forehead was hidden again and his curls were starting to come back. With nothing but moonlight, his eyes had looked black; in the glow of the fairy lights, you could see their warm cocoa-brown color again. His pretty lips formed an O as smoke billowed out of them. Their blushy-pink color nearly matched the flush on his cheeks, which you knew would spread to his neck and chest soon enough. He was beautiful, really.

He offered you the bowl and it stayed quiet, excepting the Master of Reality album playing softly, while you took a few long rips. You passed it back to him and let the silence continue for a moment before you finally said, “I’m gonna tell Dustin.” Unintentionally hitching in a breath, he choked on a throatful of smoke. The resulting coughing fit was so intense it brought tears to his eyes and you couldn’t help but laugh as you rubbed his back. “Are you okay?” He nodded, but you still leaned over the console to grab the bottle of water from the cup holder. 

Taking a few swigs, he cleared his throat. “Okay, sorry,” He let out a big breath before he looked at you again. “You’re ready to tell him?”

“Yeah.” Too nervous to hold his gaze, you curled into his side. He welcomed you, of course, tucking his blanket around the both of you and kissing the top of your head. “I just feel like things have gotten…real. You try to take care of me in ways no one else has before and everything feels so easy with you– and honestly, both of those things scare the shit out of me ‘cause that usually means everything is absolutely going to go to shit…But you look out for my brother, and I feel like I can trust you, and everything we do together just feels so intimate…” You huffed embarrassedly and buried your face in the crook of his neck. “I think Dustin deserves to know that I care about you so much.”

“That we care about each other,” He corrected you. Hand framing your jaw, Eddie made you meet his eyes. “I’m gonna be there with you when you tell him. I don’t want you to do it alone, we should do it together. I still have to get his blessing, right?” He added jokingly. Before you could say anything, he started to ramble a little nervously. “I feel like this is real. I’ve never felt this way about anybody. I’ve never had the chance to have anything serious before, but you…You’re all I think about now. That first day I met you, it was like I had this ‘Where have you been all my life?’ moment and you’re all I’ve wanted since, and I know that sounds really cheesy and dramatic but–”

Your mouth on his cut him off, which seemed to be a habit you were forming. He didn’t mind though, he’d been told to shut up in much less pleasant ways. When you pulled away, it was only enough to murmur, “I know the feeling.” Your nose nudging his was enough for him to keep it going, hand hooking under your knee and drawing you to straddle his lap.

The blanket slumped to your waist leaving your torso bare for his eyes and hands to wander. “You’re just so fuckin’ beautiful. My pretty girl, right, baby?”

Toying with one of his damp curls, you held his gaze as you agreed, “No one else’s.” At your answer, he pulled you in for a much more desperate kiss. His fingers pressed into your back while the others slipped beneath you to find you soaked, your chest flush with his as his tongue passed your lips. 

He pressed two fingers into you easily, slowly massaging your g-spot until you were whining into his mouth. “Feels like you might not even need me to stretch you out, sweetheart.” Hips canting forward involuntarily, your clit ground into the thick base of his cock. Finally letting you catch your breath, he withdrew his hand from between you and looked down to watch how your slick spread on his skin as he rutted against you. “Mmm, gonna let me show you how bad I need you?”

You brushed his hair back from his shoulders as you breathily replied, “Condom?”

“Wallet,” He answered. Leaning over his shoulder to grab it off the console put you in the perfect position for Eddie to mouth at your tits, lips wrapping around one nipple while the roughened pads of his fingers found the other. You moaned quietly and tugged at his hair, but grabbed the wallet and rifled through it. 

“Eds, there isn’t one in here.”

“Fuck. Glovebox, maybe,” He suggested.

Huffing impatiently, you began to wind your hips against his again. “D’you promise to pull out if I let you fuck me raw?”

He looked up at you with wide eyes. “Really– I mean, are you sure? You don’t have to.”

“Need to feel you now, Eddie,” You insisted.

“Alright, sweetheart, I promise.” He lovingly pecked your lips before grasping your waist, helping keep you steady as you slowly sank down on him. Fully seated in his lap, a gasp rose in your throat. “There you go,” He murmured comfortingly. “I know, baby, but you’re so good. Can finally feel how wet you really are. Takin’ me so deep.”

Your voice was nothing but a high-pitched, airy sigh. “Feel you everywhere.”

“S’Cause I’m made for you.” Your forehead rested against his as he continued. “I was made to fill you up, pretty girl.” His words provoked a pathetic moan from you, spurring you to lift your hips fractionally just to ease back down again. Supporting yourself with your hands on his shoulders, you tried to start up a steady pace, but your thighs trembled with every motion. The moans and whimpers you let out started to sound quiet and watery and it worried him, but the determined rocking of your hips never ceased. “You doing okay, baby?”

Not lifting your head, you sniffed frustratedly. “Need help, Eddie.”

“Oh, baby, why didn’t you say so?” He cooed sympathetically. “S’okay to need my help, c’mere.”

Arms around your waist, he guided you up and down on his cock at a careful speed until you were grinding down on him again. “Eds please, I need more,” You whimpered. Rolling his hips to meet yours, he didn’t hesitate to tighten his arms around you and quicken his pace. The way he was hitting every possible spot inside you had your eyes squeezing shut to keep them from crossing. Thighs trembling, you shivered as he rubbed and squeezed at them.

Eddie’s shoulders rolled back as he leaned against the console, hands running slowly over your hips and across your stomach to palm at your tits. “Look so pretty on top’a me, sweet girl. Might have to make you ride me more often.” His thrusts into you sped up, the console against his back giving him more leverage. One of your hands rested lightly on his lower abdomen to steady yourself but once his thumb found your clit, you were practically writhing in his lap. He rubbed it in firm, precise circles and felt you squeeze around his cock uncontrollably. “That’s it, baby, come for me. Can’t wait to feel you soak me for the first time.”

Something felt different than usual as that coil wound tighter in your stomach. It was hotter, like flames were crawling across your skin. It felt like your bones shook and your eyes swam with stars as you cried out his name. Your nails dragged down his stomach, those of the other hand doing the same to his thigh, trying to anchor yourself with your head in the clouds.

It wasn’t until the ringing in your ears cleared that you heard Eddie’s feral groans, making you look down. Everything was drenched; your thighs, his cock, his stomach, and his chest glistened wet in the warm lights. The sight made you register the sloshing sounds of your dripping wet pussy as he started to slow his thrusts enough to pull out. Arms enclosing around your waist again, he all but pinned you to his chest as he rutted between your stomachs. Lips molding to yours, he kissed you sloppily before his gaze wandered your body in awe. “Can’t believe you fuckin’ squirted f’me. Fuck–” Cut off by his own moan, his forehead fell to your shoulder as his eyes squeezed shut, his hot spend painting both your skin and his. 

After he pressed a sweet kiss to your temple, he eased you onto your back, watching the filthy mixture of your come drip down your used cunt. “Eds, what’re you doin’?” You asked timidly as he lowered himself between your thighs, voice coming out in a barely-there squeak.

“Wishin’ I could take a fucking picture, sweetheart. I was gonna clean you up. Want me to use the blanket instead? S’okay if you’re too sensitive, especially after all that.” You nodded and he kissed the side of your knee with a smile as he grabbed the soiled blanket and quickly wiped himself off. Your legs flinched as he patted you dry and his eyes filled with concern as he murmured your name. “Did I hurt you? Did I do too much?”

“No,” You struggled to raise your voice above a mumble. “I’m okay, Eds, I’m jus’ all sensitive.”

“Promise me that’s it?” He asked, running his hands comfortingly over your legs. Pointedly avoiding his gaze, you huffed through your nose and your eyes brimmed with tears. “Baby, c’mon, what is it? What’s the matter?”

You answered him in a whimper, sniffing back tears every few words. “I jus’ made a mess ‘n I’ve never done that before ‘n now everything’s all yucky–”

“Aw, baby,” He chuckled through a sympathetic pout. Lying down and drawing you to his chest, he wiped your tears and kissed your forehead. The two of you curled up under one of the clean blankets. “Nothing’s yucky, sweet girl. Just gotta wash the blankie, no big deal.”

“But ‘m still all sticky,” You pout up at him. “C’n we take a bath when we get home?”

“Home?”

“Your trailer, Eddie,” You whine. “Wanna take a bath.” Lids heavy with exhaustion, your eyes slowly fluttered closed repeatedly before they’d snap open again.

“You’re so sleepy, sweet girl.” He brushed your hair back from your face. “Think you can take a little nap back here while I drive us home?” You nodded dreamily but still clutched at him whenever he tried to get up. “I know, baby, just twenty minutes and we can take a bath. Okay?” When you finally conceded, he tugged on his jeans and made the short drive home. 

Once you were bathed and dressed in nothing but a borrowed Metallica t-shirt, he tucked you into his bed before crawling in beside you. You dozed off easily with your head on his chest, but he stayed up just a little while longer. Palm rubbing circles on your back, his lips ghosted over your forehead. “I love you, baby,” He whispered almost silently. Closing his eyes, he focused on the feeling of your heart beating against his side, counting them like a child would sheep until he fell asleep.

The next morning, you woke up first, Eddie’s arms around you and his chest molded to your back. You scoffed and rolled your eyes but you couldn’t help your tiny smirk as you registered the feeling of him squeezing at your tit, his even, heavy breaths against your shoulder telling you he was fast asleep. Slowly rocking your hips back, you bit back a laugh when it made his grasp tighten while he nuzzled into your neck. He rutted against you, half-hearted and arrhythmic in his unconscious state. It wasn’t until you reached back to hold his hip and grind directly against his cock, separated only by his boxers, that he finally grunted himself awake. “Mmm, g’morning t’you too, gorgeous.”

“You’re a perv even in your sleep, you know that, Munson?”

He mouthed at your neck with a sleepy grin, “I could’a told you that. How’d you know I was dreamin’ about you?”

“Well, your right hand was my first clue.” You pointedly ground your hips into his again and looked back over your shoulder at him, “Wanna guess my second?”

“Can’t help but get ideas, babe. You’re sleepin’ in my bed, in my shirt, no panties…” His fingers walked a path down your stomach, stopping just after your belly button. “Promise I kept my hands to myself, though– while I was awake, anyway.”

His hand drifted leisurely between your legs but you groaned. “Eds, what time is it?”

“I don’t know, almost nine? Why?” His lips never left your skin, still working over your neck and shoulder without leaving obvious marks.

“We can’t, we have to go. Dustin’s at Mike’s and I wanna make sure we get back before him. I’ve still gotta make myself decent and figure out what I’m gonna say to him.”

“What we’re gonna say to him,” He corrected. “And can’t you stay indecent a little longer?”

“Wayne’ll be home anytime,” You remind him, “If he’s not already.”

He pouted, “But how often do we get to have great morning sex after a night together like this, baby?”

“Any morning now that I’ll be staying over whenever you want,” You point out.

“Hmm, I s’pose that’s true,” He agreed contently. Stretching out beside you with a loud groan, he pecked your cheek before he got out of bed. Yawning, “I’ll be right back,” he headed for the bathroom. 

Rolling over, you buried your face in his pillow and breathed in. Old spice shampoo, weed, and Marlboros filled your nose and it made every muscle in your body relax. Him. You wanted to bottle the scent, soak every pillow and blanket and sweatshirt you owned with it. You’d never have another restless night again. Lifting your head slightly, you left your nose against the fabric but allowed your eyes to flicker around his room. 

A bottle of lotion sat on his nightstand, he didn’t seem to bother with tissues though. You weren’t surprised. Handcuffs hung on the wall, also not surprising, but they still made your thighs twitch. There were more band posters than in your room, including a hand-spray-painted one for Corroded Coffin. He had three guitars, his prized possession– his other sweetheart, as well as another black and white electric, and an acoustic painted to say ‘this machine slays dragons’. An amp sat across from the bed and his dressers were strewn with clothes and beer cans. It was easy to imagine him existing in here. Playing guitar in bed in his boxers or planning the party’s next campaign at his desk.

Your eyes snapped to the door when it finally opened again. “Still in bed, huh?” Nodding with a small smile, you watched him rummage through his dresser for today’s band tee. His hand settled on Slayer before he thought of running into your mom, and opted for the much tamer Deep Purple one beneath it. “Well, you should probably put somethin’ else on before I take you home. What you’ve got on might get a little breezy.”

“Bite me,” You yawned, flipping him off as you got up.

“I didn’t think we had time for that,” He replied snarkily. He finished getting dressed as you slipped on your skirt and balled up your fishnets to put in your purse.

When you were both ready– or as ready as you could get for now– you headed for the van. “I’ll make coffee when we get to mine,” You offer. “My mom should be at work, so I’ll make breakfast. Food might help soften the blow.”

“God, you’re acting like we killed his cat or something,” He laughed. “We’re not breaking bad news, babe.”

“It’s still a shock, alright? And Dustin has big feelings, you know that. I just don’t wanna make him feel uncomfortable or lied to. Me and him don’t usually keep secrets, so this is a big deal.”

“I can be tactful, alright? But I’ll let you do most of the talking if that makes you feel better, I know you’re worried about him.” His fingers laced through yours and brought the back of your hand to his lips. “It’s gonna be okay though, sweet girl.”

Pulling into your driveway, you let out a heavy breath before you got out and lead him inside. As you got dressed, you tried to practice what you’d say, rambling your thoughts aloud. He left you to your process, only stepping in for you to bounce thoughts off of or to keep you from getting lost in your concerns. You only paused once you made your way into the kitchen. Putting a pot of coffee on, you asked, “Chocolate chip pancakes okay for breakfast? They’re his favorite. I’ll probably make a little of everything else too; eggs, bacon, sausage, there’s fruit in the fridge.”

Eddie had to bite his tongue to keep the words ‘marry me’ from rolling off his lips. “Sounds incredible, baby. Anything I can do to help?”

“No, it’s okay.” Watching you methodically gather everything you needed from the fridge and cabinets, he figured he’d just get in your way if he tried to lend a hand. While you cooked, you mumbled through your prepared speech again, knowing it would never go so smoothly in actual conversation. Thinking about it more, you just hoped Lucas and Mike didn’t come back with him.

By the time he made it home, leaving his bike in the yard, you had made more than enough food and Eddie had already eaten his. Dustin was talking the second the door was open. “What’re you doing here, Eddie? Something going on with Hellfire?”

“Nice to see you too, Henderson.” He retorted, standing and flicking the bill of your brother’s hat into his eyes. “Your sister made you breakfast. I hear chocolate chip pancakes are your favorite.”

He eyed both of you suspiciously as he started toward the kitchen. "Yeah, what's it to you?" Eddie shared a confused look with you, but decided not to say anything. After he’d made his plate and sat down at the table to dig in, Dustin spoke again with a mouthful of food. “So, what’s with the special breakfast? Why’re you guys being weird?”

“We’re not being weird–”

“You’re alone at the house together,” He pointed out, still shoveling food into his face. “That’s weird.”

“It’s not weird– would you just listen? It’s not a big deal, I just wanted to run something by you, alright?” Eddie could tell you were fumbling, forgetting everything you’d planned to say. His hand itched to reach out for yours on the table, but he knew you wanted to get the words out first. “I’ve been–”

“Seeing Eddie?” Dustin interrupted. When the two of you shared a glance and you opened your mouth to question him, he continued. “Mike and Lucas told me last night.”

“How did they–” Eddie began, but Dustin cut him off.

“Apparently, everybody knew but me! All the guys in the band knew! Steve, Nancy, and Robin knew! How could you leave me out of the loop like this? You know I hate not knowing things! I have to know everything!”

“Dusty, calm down,” You said softly. “I wanted to wait until I actually had something to tell you. He’s your friend, I didn’t want to change the way you look at him just to go on a couple dates and decide it wasn’t gonna work.”

Nose wrinkling, he asked, “So, what? You guys are like– boyfriend and girlfriend now or something?”

You snorted and Eddie couldn’t help the small, smug smile creeping across his face. “Yeah, are we boyfriend and girlfriend?”

Back of your hand hitting his stomach, you tried not to laugh as you answered. “Yeah, I guess we are.” Turning back to your brother, you added, “Only if you’re okay with it, though. I don’t want you to be uncomfortable or feel like you can’t trust Eddie anymore.”

“It’s kinda weird, but I guess I don’t care as long as you don’t make out and all that gross shit in front of me. And you’d better treat her right or me, Mike, and Lucas are all leaving Hellfire,” He tagged on pointedly.

“You don’t have to worry about that, you have my word.” He looked like he was about to say more, but opted to stay quiet.

“Okay, well, I think I’ve lost my appetite for now.” Dustin stood from the table, “I’m gonna go back to Mike’s and tell them they were right.”

Rolling your eyes, you started to clean up. “Be safe, I love you.” 

“Love you, too!” He shouted back just before he yanked the door shut.

As you started rinsing dishes in the sink, Eddie’s hands found your waist. “I think that went well.”

“Hopefully it doesn’t stay awkward for long,” You sighed lightly. “I guess Lucas and Mike did the hard part for us.”

“Guess so,” He drawled in agreement. “So, what now?”

“Now? Hmm…” Drying off your hands, you turned to loosely wrap your arms around his neck. “I guess now we do whatever we want, no more sneaking around.”

“I hope that’s not gonna suck the fun out of it for you.”

“‘Cause watching you Tetris yourself through my window is such a turn-on,” You scoffed.

He gave you a look of mock offendedness. “Good thing I won’t have to do it anymore, since you clearly don’t appreciate the athletic prowess it takes to climb through that window without waking your mom up.” 

Halfheartedly rolling your eyes yet again, you let your fingers dip past the neck of his shirt, fingers grazing along the top of his spine. “How about you roll us a joint and then I’ll show you how much I appreciate your ‘athletic prowess’?”

“You drive a hard bargain, babe,” He sighed theatrically. “But you know it’s an offer I can’t refuse.”

“Obviously,” Lacing your fingers through his, you dragged him toward your room. “That’s why I offered.”

As the three boys gathered at Mike’s house again, he asked, “Wait, we were right?”

Lucas stood, pointing at him. “I TOLD YOU, MAN!” 

Mike tried to argue, “I NEVER SAID–”

“I TOLD YOU!”

“GUYS, SHUT THE HELL UP!” Dustin interjected.

Lucas cleared his throat as the two of them settled back into their seats. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

“So, you’re really okay with Eddie dating your sister? I mean, it’s not gonna make Hellfire awkward or anything, is it?” Mike questioned.

“I don’t know, it’s weird. It’ll definitely be nasty seeing them all lovey-dovey or whatever, but they’re still just Eddie and my sister. As long as they don’t act different, I won’t act different.” Turning on the TV, Dustin flopped onto the couch next to Mike. “Besides, I think part of me knew they’d hit it off– I’m like a natural matchmaker. They just have too much in common, ya know?”

part one | part two | tmic masterlist

tags: @adequate-superstar @akiratoro420 @bbciwp @trixyvixx @yujyujj @nope-thanks @broccolisoupy @spookybabey @comboboo @thecraziestcrayon @mommybaby-witch @imvirginia17 @therensistance @peacheskiwi @skyfullofsong123 @hcneyedsstuff @aysheashea @prestinalove @ungracefularchimedes @psychospore @bellaisasleep @untoldshortsofthefandoms @ficsaremylife @ohmeg @twirls827 @bellasfavoritesweatpants @sebastiansstanswhore @444aslut444 @ourautumn86 @dream-a-little-nightmare @extrainsanity @poniesandcupcakes @trln @cantreadbutcute @kennedy-brooke @navs-bhat @sluggzillaa @whatwedontdointheshadows @saayanaaa @depressedacidtest @unholyyylita @m-chmcl-rmnc @pullhisteeth @vivalasv3gan @a3trogirl @thesagewitchh @djoseph-quinn @darlingdixon

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[transmate]

in the night, i am real.

Summary: 18+ readers ONLY. NSFT Imagine. you needed to find a safe and isolated location to endure your unexpectedly sudden heat for the night. thinking you had found the perfect place, you were then met with sweetly monstrous company. it was not unwelcome.

Kink List: teratophilia, size difference, dom/sub undertones, omegaverse influence, praise/degradation, worship, size difference, breeding, possessiveness, voyeurism (not really, accidental).

Author's Note: this is a story of the lycanthrope variety. it's werewolf smut, to keep it simple. nonhuman genitalia warning. the protagonist is intended to be transmasculine. i use only words i feel comfortable referring to my own anatomy with. please enjoy, and tell me if you do~ 🤍

you'd been running for what seemed like an endless stretch, dipping around corners and under passageways. your legs were starting to burn. you knew it wasn't just due to the strain of your muscles, but another rather humiliating reason too.

see, you'd agreed to go out clubbing with a couple of coworkers on a whim for what had seemed like the first time in months, feeling lonely due to your new schedule. after a frantic trip to the restroom past midnight however, you left the club with your hoodie zipped up tight, friendless and phone battery-less. you were an entire half-hour drive away from your apartment and couldn't hail a ride. not even due to the lack of your phone of course, any reasonable person would ask someone for help. you just couldn't trust the crowd you were in not to pick up on your scent and very well do something about it instead. you'd forgotten to take your endorphins inhibitor after finishing your shift, thinking you would only need it once you returned home that night. what a fickle thing lack of hindsight was.

thus here you were, sprinting to what you hoped was a truly abandoned sector of the city, trying to see if you could find a phone booth on any dimly-lit corner. your fever was starting to pick up. the few strangers either out on midnight runs or drug store errands were starting to turn their heads in your direction. your own head was starting to dizzy in your dehydrated state. the final person to catch your eye seemed to avoid you, scurrying across the dark street before it became eerily quiet. regardless of the newfound isolation in this precinct, you weren't going to allow yourself to catch your breath and risk falling to your knees on the sidewalk. mouth now feeling like cotton, you decided to take your chances at the first "no trespassing" sign plastered on any wall.

once you saw it, you simply hopped the fence. and now you were breaking the law. better than to be broken by your own biology attracting any low life. crouching under creaking doorframes, you entered what appeared to be an abandoned office space. thankfully there were plenty of wide windows to give you a clear view of one of the streets outside, granting you the advantage of escape in the case any law enforcement were alerted to your presence. but all you could look towards was the moon staring at you, a bright light shining down and leaving you feeling even more exposed than you already felt. you were burning, and decidedly stepped away into a corner behind concrete walls and pallid desks.

leaning back and finally allowing yourself to slide onto the floor, you took your first steadying inhale for what had seemed like an eternity. you were drenched in your own sweat, thanks to the previous dancing and running. taking off your layers of clothes and pulling them underneath you as a comforting barrier seemed like your best option as the heat fever only continued to spread underneath your skin. you decided to keep your bottom half of underwear on as your final straw of dignity, unfortunately very aware that you were already starting to soak through them. the feeling of your sex starting to harden and rub against the cloth was causing short whimpers to rumble at the bottom of your throat.

it was past midnight, and you knew a few orgasms wouldn't exactly satiate the breeding your body was craving, but it would be enough to get you through the hours before the sunrise. once the sun hit your skin, the fever would quell and you could shakily make your way back home after charging your phone at an internet cafe. this situation was not inescapable. you could do this. you'd simply call out and lock yourself in your apartment for the remainder of it.

as you began taking in your own lustdrunk scent and letting your fingertips roam over the skin of your chest, down your abdomen and into the bones of your hips, you allowed your eyes to close. the goosebumps that raised all over felt exhilarating. you couldn't remember the last time you had fully experienced one of your own heats. once you presented, you were strict on the pills for each cycle. but this felt so liberating, you began to wonder how you could go back. your hand dipped beneath the waistband and played around in the fur above your tcock, tugging the flesh around before fully sliding two fingers around and jerking it. there was an almost white hot burning around the tip, making your head loll back before whining out pitifully. suddenly, the feeling of having a terribly empty cunt slammed into you. oh. this was why you avoided it. you scurried tightly against the wall, lifting your other hand to force your mouth shut so you wouldn't moan out through your hyperventilation.

in your frenzy, you thought you heard the rattling of a chain and blamed the belt buckle you were sitting on moving underneath you. keeping your eyes closed and your hand over your mouth, you finally fully sunk into the feeling of being a wanton cockslut and felt your cunt drooling out under you. as you rubbed your dick's hood against your palm, you felt unable to control the impulse of your fingers reaching over your entrance. your blood was boiling as you slowly entered your heat, dipping two fingers in immediately wasting no time to satisfy the yearning to be stretched. you fingerfucked your cunt dutifully for a couple of minutes, searching in a frenzy for your most pleasurable spot. your underwear became an unbearable sensation and you decided to start shimmying it off. one hand wasn't enough to get the fabric off fast enough however, and you had to let go of your mouth to help yourself. it was when you finally glanced down to slide them past your ass, that you caught something shifting in the doorframe away from you.

you fully froze. your heart slowed to a near stop and movements stilted. your skin, still hot, allowed you to feel a cold sweat building on your forehead. for any other reason, the temperature difference would be a respite. someone was clearly here with you. you would have to either build up enough strength to fight and escape or try and speak calmly with them past the wad of dryness taking residence in your throat. neither options were viable and you knew it. so you simply stared at the darkness past the doorway as your heat slowly but surely ate away at your rational reaction of panic.

two white eyes, or rather the light from the moon outside refracting off of them, slowly appeared in your field of vision. then you heard it again, the rattling of a chain, heavy, much clearer. you cursed yourself for ignoring it earlier before fully diving into your own pleasure. the figure in the doorway stepped slowly towards you, a broken ankle buckle dragging across the floor. you could only press your head to the wall behind you and do your best to not move a single muscle.

as it stepped into a few moon rays, you gawked in a horrified awe at its form. impossibly tall for a human, yet unlike any hybrid you had seen before. thick dark fur was scattered roughly along its arms and legs, with a mane crawling down its neck and back. pointed ears stuck out under a mess of human hair, and amber eyes focused in on you over the length of a canine muzzle. it took another step, or rather crouched down to meet your eye level, and you watched as its long bushy tail curled around itself.

"i'm sorry, i didn't mean to alarm you."

it... spoke? you felt the ringing in your head start to flit between panic and relief, not being able to discern yet if this... thing was a friend or foe. you could only blink at it.

"i- i tracked your scent from the alley. it was panicked, and i was worried someone was in danger. i don't want to hurt you, but someone else- might. this is not a friendly area of town. i don't want to leave you alone... but i can stay hidden in the street instead so i don't intrude."

you blinked once, twice. then rapidly shook your head, trying to force yourself to think rationally again, past the heat and embarrassment of being mostly nude. this creature was not... acting the way you thought it would. and now it was offering to keep you safe.

"what are you?"

"me? oh- i only take on this form on certain nights. i try to keep myself locked up as to not scare others but... i crave freedom under the moonlight too strongly." it pointed a clawed fingertip at the broken chain dangling from its ankle brace.

you felt your heart tremor slightly at the admission of being able to break away from iron bonds. that kind of power was... definitely an asset you were missing at the moment. feeling slightly dizzy again, you allowed your eyes to take in the creature's own bared skin and felt warmth coil in your underbelly, your heat reminding you how terribly you could use of a specific kind of company. you squeezed your knees together and ducked your head in an audible grimace.

"i know you're in one of your most vulnerable states, i can step a-"

not being able to stand its calm tone, you practically spit out your next words as you kept your eyes closed. "how aren't you reacting to it?!"

its head perked up, ears flitting forward at your tone. "i... i am. reacting. but i've sworn to make others' safety my priority in this form. i won't act out of turn."

"show me." the demand slipped out between your teeth before you could clench your jaw shut. your eyes flew wide open and you made eye contact once again with the being in front of you, both of your faces flushing red.

"i- are you sure? i can just leave, i promise." the tip of the creature's tail twitched in a subtle wag, betraying its owner's words.

the fever was picking up again, and your pulse found quicker footing like a horse whipped on the tracks. was your body really allowing itself to confide in this... chimera in front of you so soon? you took in a deep breath and reassured yourself that you could still reject any advances. but you knew you wouldn't. you had already found yourself adjusting your lust to its inhuman image, entranced by the sharp eyes in front of you. so you nodded.

"please show me."

its eyes flickered wide in shock- or perhaps delightful surprise- for a split second. it licked out around its lips, nodding after you. "alright, as you wish."

the creature adjusted its posture onto its knees as it slowly crept its tail away behind itself. you kept your eyes intensely locked on the movement, watching as not only strong thighs were revealed, but also a thick tapered cock peering out from a shaggy patch of fur. you finally let out a high pitched sigh at the sight of it, understanding there would be no holding back from your most base instincts any longer. a shiver zipped through your legs and you realized after a moment that you had also revealed your soaked cunt to the creature as a mirrored reaction.

"oh... you're so lovely... may i?" its eyes were now a tone darker, pupils dilated at the gorgeous sight of your sex. it raised a gnarled hand towards you, asking your permission to crawl closer to you. the question made you keen, and all you could feel yourself able to do was give it a few more nods, albeit much more desperately. it caught on to the switch in your disposition and eagerly met you at your place against the wall, gently cradling your cheek with its extended claw, wiping your sweat-licked hair from your face. "i'll take good care of you. i swear it. whatever you need, all you have to do is ask."

"then- please- please take these off already." you quirked your brows in amusement, motioning your chin in the direction of the underwear still clinging to the ends of your legs. the beast followed the path of your eyesight and did not hesitate to slice the fabric clean off of you. the swift movement stole your breath, your eyes darting back to its face as you felt the much larger body settle between your newly accessible thighs. now that it was just a whisper away, you could see the litany of scars trailing up and down its furred skin. at a moment's weakness, you reached out to settle your hands softly on its chest, tracing what appeared to have been a wide gash along its ribs.

the creature quelled its ferocity to fully allow itself to feel your touches, shivering from the unfamiliarity. "does it terrify you...? knowing i'm just as able to cause you the same hurt?" the question caused your thoughts to stutter. perhaps you felt a sympathy, or a muted relatability to the location of the closed wound. in an impulse, you leaned forward to kiss at the scar and wrap your hands behind the creature's maned neck, lingering there to fully revel in the warmth emanating from its body. all you knew was that fear no longer had place in your scent. there was naught but admiration and infatuation.

"no. i like everything i see." your words brought out a low whine from the creature's throat, and you rested your head back against the wall to stare into its amber eyes as you said your final coherent thoughts. "i want you to give me everything. all of you. don't hold back, please."

in a split second, the creature's gaze on you transformed into a ravenous determination. "so be it." you felt its claws swarm both sides of your waist as it lined up its groin right against yours, the tip of its length nudging and swirling your own tcock around in what you could only imagine were both of your slicks. the white heat was back with a vengeance and the overwhelming sensation ripped out a nearly painful sounding whimper from you, fingers gripping tightly onto the fur under your hands. drops of spit from the beast's maw plastered themselves onto your chest as it growled, spurring its hips forward to slightly inch its cock into the pool it had made of your cunt.

"you're already so opened up for me, precious thing. it's like you were already thinking of a wolfcock like mine sliding right in before i caught you." the creature's voice infiltrated your mind and you felt yourself go completely lax, barely managing to babble out your agreement in your dizziness. you bit your bottom lip, nodding and spreading your legs further out to the sides as a response, pathetically pulsing your own hips forward to try swallowing up more of its length into you. if the creature seemed like it grinned down at you, you weren't able to tell past the rows of already bared teeth. "well, i suppose i should give you exactly what you need for being so flattering."

then there was a short circuit.

your head was no longer against the wall. rather than looking forward into nonhuman eyes, you now stared up at them. your hands grasped at the skin under the creature’s fur like it was made of rope. your body was being rocked back and forth onto the floor as if it had turned to waves in the ocean. there was an indescribable stretch of painful pleasure at the entrance of your cunt. your breath was coming out ragged, scraping past a scream escaping from a part of your soul you weren't even aware existed.

your hips had been pulled up onto the creature’s kneeling lap when it sheathed its cock inside your drooling hole, and it was now thrusting into you relentlessly. there was barely the possibility of a single gasp to process how full you had become, how quickly you allowed this creature to defile you. you felt the end of its tapered cock twitching against your cervix as it slapped the bulb of its knot over and over into your swollen tcock. the beast’s face rounded in on your own, opening its mouth to lick into yours at an attempt to muffle your ongoing cries. the filth of this action finally made you come back to, and you wasted no time reciprocating. bringing your hands down to cradle the sides of its scruffy face, your screaming ceased as you felt your tongue swirling around the other’s, drawing out groans of ecstasy from both of your chests.

once you both broke the ravenous kiss for air, you felt your blood surge into your vision. you had a near laser focus on the sight of the monster's length pummeling in and out of your cunt as its claws began to scratch into the skin around your hipbones. it had noticed you watching and slightly slowed down, nearly pulling out. the thought of losing the burning flow inside of you made your stomach flip and you reached out to painfully grip the hands holding onto your body. "no! nonono please don't! keep destroying my hole. you feel so-" you'd never heard your voice occupy such a hoarse tone before. desperate? sure. but not as if your lifeline had been threatened. you struggled to clear your throat and the last of your sentence came out cracked. "so fucking good- sososogood please give me more-"

the rutting stilled to a total stop and you received a low chuckle above you. the sound of it almost made your eyes start to water, unsure if it was cruel. "sweet human... don't fret." it released one of its claws to once again caress the side of your flushed face, comforting warm fuzz making your head drop into the touch. you peered up at it under your eyelashes, awaiting another thrust into ecstasy. what you received was much more unexpected. "i just wanted to make sure you had a better view, since i can see that's what you crave." your mouth went slightly agape at the response when you suddenly felt the hand on your cheek move to cradle the back of your neck. your entire body was marionetted upwards as the creature grabbed around under your waist with its other arm and unhinged its knees, throwing both of your weights backwards, the crash thundering around the exposed concrete of the room.

the creature braced the majority of the fall, yet your smaller frame still shook the most from it, feeling its length once again bottom out deeply into you at the new angle. your arms were now braced on a partially furred abdomen, and your legs splayed out lamely on the sides of its hips. your head swam in the rapture of the pressure against your insides, and you threw your head back as an unholy moan left your lips. you were only half conscious of the fact that you were the one to restart your dance of sin with this inhuman thing, bouncing and rutting down onto its cock. clawed fingertips roamed down your chest and played with your newly hypersensitive nipples, whipping its hips upwards to meet your movements. you continued to grind down even further to rub your smaller cock into its knotted shaft, chasing the high you had been deprived of since the very moment you realized what was happening to you in the mirror of the club's restroom.

a bark of laughter made your head snap back downwards to meet the creature's own lustcrazed gaze. "your sounds are exquisite, little pet... but you're missing the show you desired, aren't you?" two claws gripped at and forced your chin fully down to have you stare where both of your crotches met, your eyes going wide as you saw something stirring under your skin. you had to conjure a nearly unfathomable clarity in your mind to comprehend what you were watching. that with each thrust, you could see the bulge where your womb was being fucked into. in the haze of your heat, knowing your cunt was truly being molded for this creature's cock alone felt so grand, so much more than you could have ever asked for, you were overcome with emotions and sensed an odd moisture trail down your face.the beast released its grip from your chin as it continued pounding upwards, wiping the tears that were dripping from your eyes. "that's it, precious one. yes, you're taking me so well. feel all of it." your hole clenched down tightly at the low rasp of its praise, and your moans descended into fully inhibited sobbing as you lost all feeling besides the need to climax. twitching with you, the creature brought down its now tear drenched hand onto your tcock and began rubbing you off with its knuckles. it craved the feeling of your cunt swallowing down around its knot with nearly as much fervor, your heat damn well contagious. it was only by a few threads that the monster under you didn't allow itself to succumb, one being a silent promise it had made to you.

once you had exposed your slick cunt to this creature, it knew it had to not only quell your need, but have you for itself as well. it had sworn to bring you to ecstasy first so that all it was left to do was plug your hole and truly claim you.

with the new stimulation of your tcock being jerked off in the creature’s rough grasp, piled on top of all the sensations you were already experiencing, it was no wonder you felt your core buckle as you began to scream silently. at the forefront of your pleasure, you felt the coil inside you wound itself tighter and tighter until it became downright unbearable. opening up your throat with a gasped inhale, you let a stream of consciousness flow out from your lips as you locked eyes with the beast once again.

“pleaseplease i’m gonna come- i’msoclose oh fuck! yes fuck me hard fill me up letmecomepleasefuckfuckfuck-” your words brought out the most uncanny growl you had heard from the creature yet and it pulled your body down onto its torso with an arm wrapped around your waist. suddenly your back was the one flat on the floor, the hulking figure now above you. in your drabble, you had not realized your positions had been flipped and the utter helplessness of it made your legs shake as the coil inside you sprung free. there was a serene whisper in your ear as you lost all reasoning to your climax shredding through every nerve in your body.

“oh you feel so deliciously tight around me. fuck it, i need you too- hold on tight, my dear. i’ll make sure you’re mine-”

your legs were then hiked higher up than you understood possible, and with a single shove from the hips above you, your cunt fluttered through your orgasm and accepted the creature’s knotted cock pulsing into you. with the loudest cry of the entire night, you closed your eyes and felt the darkness of the room disappear. your vision was gone and you saw nothing but the white burn of your heat’s absolution. it felt purifying, knowing this beast’s seed was spilling into you with no abandon, no way to back away from it. you were locked together, and you were truly marked and bred.

your breathing seemed to take hours before it slowly returned back to its usual rate. you heard the rush of blood retreating from your ears and reopened your eyes to the wild sight of the moonlit locks atop the creature’s head. your stiff muscles around the figure on top of you all seemed to twitch simultaneously and you heard a grunt from over your shoulder. you were weak, but you didn’t want to let go anytime soon. there was a euphoria coursing through your body so unparalleled that you nearly thought suffering through each heat naturally could be worthwhile if this was your reward. you tentatively licked your lips and mumbled out for the creature, needing to look at its eyes as it filled you.

you blinked and then its gaze was upon you again, eyes shining golden in your mutual afterglow. you felt an electric comfort zip through you once you realized you were being looked upon with a fawning admiration. “you were… so good, darling… still feel so perfect around me…”

of course. you had nearly forgotten the creature’s knot would bound your cunt to it for much longer after your climaxes. you breathed out a chuckle, rasping out a response. “you were too, i’ve never been fucked as perfectly as you just did. please… don’t leave.” you clenched around its bulb and the action made the thick seed inside you slightly slosh. you felt as it dribbled out into your puffy folds, and the creature nearly whimpered. so it was possible to overstimulate such a monster, you figured. how exciting.

“please, my sweet tempter. tell me your name?”

you stretched your body languidly as you were overcome with a pleasant drowsiness, bringing a hand over to pet at the fur around its neck. you whispered out your answer and fought against your eyelids fully closing. then you saw, rather than felt, as an extremely fluffy shape waved around behind the beast. you giggled and let the movement of the tail wagging trance you into a steady sleep.

when you would come to, there was an immediate protest to any movement using your sore body. regardless of such a heavy fatigue, you felt… lighter. you felt freed. you felt… mysteriously soothed and cozy. it was as if you had been transported to a sunny cloud, an entirely different landscape from your dreams. in your confusion, you peered out from behind your fingers and realized you in fact had been moved. it was bright out again with the sun having risen, and your surroundings were no longer cold in both form and temperature. you were swaddled up in a litany of bedsheets and covers, plenty of pillows around your head and feet. alas, as amazing as it all felt, a twinge of distress formed in your chest due to the unknown location of this comforting haven. rubbing your eyes awake, you were soon met with your answer.

down on the floor besides the bed you had found yourself in, you found another person laying in a seemingly makeshift cot of their own. it was naught but a singular throw blanket draped across their chest and legs, with a large full length pillow cradled under their arms. their head was partially covered by a hand as they slowly breathed into the fabric, well and truly passed out. how odd, you thought, not being able to recognize someone who supposedly helped you through your heat. had your fever raised so high your mind created its own fantasy around the possibility of a perfectly mundane event- someone, simply human, picking you up at the club and bringing you home for a night of fun?

you shook your head and decided to become in tune with your body, sliding out of the covers and gently landing onto the carpet. you padded quietly and found the clothes you had worn the night before slightly organized onto a lounge chair across the room. remembering how terribly you had sweat, your throat lurched with a parched feeling. you were awfully thirsty. you turned back around, praying for any possible drink somewhere in the room and found an oasis. there seemed to be options for you on the nightstand, though some of them were questionable. you opted for the simple water bottle and unscrewed the cap, throwing your head back to gulp the liquid down.

that was when you felt it. a soreness beyond muscle, beyond tiredness. a feeling hot and deep over the skin of your neck that made you whelp with pain. after you swallowed, your free hand shot up to feel what you thought must have been an open wound around your jugular. when your fingertips made contact, they felt nothing but smooth skin. confused, you pressed in further and then felt that burning yet again, like a pulse affected by movement alone. your phone was dead on the nightstand left charging, but you worried turning it on to use the camera might cause noise and disturb the other person still fast asleep.

you quietly cleared your throat and decided to step towards the mirror resting on the wall nearest to them, careful on your feet. from this point of view, you could slightly make out the features of their face better. a rounded chin, deepset yet closed eyes. slight scruff on their jaw. you wondered what their name was, why you chose to be vulnerable with them. you turned into your reflection and slightly stretched out your neck, hoping it didn’t look as bad as it felt.

you were unfortunately found very mistaken. seeing a wide gnarling rosy mark, akin to rows of pointed fangs having bitten into your flesh. there was only texture to it under the skin, the purpling of your broken capillaries like exploding fireworks around each imprint of a tooth. you couldn’t help the loud gasp that escaped your mouth, suddenly understanding why this bruise felt the way it did. it was no ordinary hickey caused in any passionate tumble. you had entrusted this person with your body and went so far as to give them your life as well. you had been bred. marked. mated.

you heard their breathing pick up behind you, letting out a muffled hiss at your noise and shifting over to the source. you knew all they wanted to do was understand what had woken them up.

but when you looked towards the reflection of them besides you on the ground, you were met with the same heart in your throat feeling you had felt when you first saw a towering figure in the doorway of that condemned building. your mouth remained agape when their stare met yours. it had all been true. none of last night had been your feverish imagination. you belonged to them. to it.

the amber eyes looking up at you were real.

[soobadnoonecanstopher]

Can I Stay? (A Baekhyun Story) Part 4.

Pairing: You x Baekhyun

Rating: M

Word Count: 6.8K

Warnings: UNRESOLVED sexual tension (shhhh I promise you will be okay), an unspecified age difference, an English story that uses the word Noona for lack of another word in English that carries the same feeling, if you don’t like this, then don’t read this story.

Author‘s note: remember all those years ago I said I’d write a Baekhyun x Noona fic? This is that fic.

Inspired by the Ray LaMontagne song Can I Stay?

Tag List: @andimoon @his-mochi-cheeks

Links: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

Baekhyun was on his way over to your house. You had no way of knowing how far away he actually had gotten before he turned around but you figured you had maybe 20 minutes. Maybe longer.

Did you have enough time for a shower? You felt the grime and the dirt of the day still all over your skin and your favorite way to start the weekend was with a long soak in the tub. Obviously that wasn’t an option right now but you found yourself racing into your bathroom for a shower instead. At least it would be a way to use up the waiting time instead of sitting on a bar stool in your kitchen and staring at the front door until the doorbell rang. It wasn’t like you could get much work done without the blue harddrive anyway.

Your shower broke speed records. You did what you could with the wet hair and quickly contemplated redoing your makeup. How ridiculous of an idea, putting on makeup right now. But to face this man bare faced with nothing? You opted for just a little. And what to wear? You knew you were overthinking this. You had no control over your overthinking and you had no time for it ether.

He was going to, at most, drop off the blue harddrive and then leave, right? Maybe he would come in just to make sure you were actually able to get the task done, since he’d come all the way over maybe he should stay for a while. Had he eaten dinner yet? Of course he wouldn’t have eaten. A million thoughts were racing through your mind and you quickly reached for just something ultra casual but still kind of cute from your closet. Comfy shorts and a soft top. You didn’t need to always look the part of the ultra professional manager, just because your assistant was ringing your doorbell right now, right?

The sound of that bell sent a jolt of nerves through your belly, you swore you even saw a flash of light somewhere, and in your mind flashed your options for answering that door.

Work, work, work, strictly business mode? How dare you keep my precious blue harddrive young man, don't you know what you almost did? No, no. It was kind of your fault too. You always checked for it before leaving the office. Why you didn't check this time? You’d had plenty of opportunities to check before and the fact that he happened to be carrying it with him instead of being left behind at the office was a blessing because instead of being there, you were home. You’d showered and changed and you were comfy and happy and there was no reason at all for you to be upset about Baekhyun coming over.

So did you go the ultra casual route instead? Welcome to my home. Let me give you the tour. Here is my loveseat — maybe you’d like to sit on it with me. It’s perfectly sized for two consenting adults to sit on together. Here is my kitchen, sorry I only have ramen. Would you like to share some with me tonight?

Maybe ultra casual was a bad idea.

You were out of time for your silly scenarios and when you pulled open your front door you caught a view of the top of Baekhyun’s blonde head. He was bent at the waist and lifted both hands with the hard drive lifted on top. It took only a second for your eyes to catch on to the rest of his appearance.

His hair was wet. His suit jacket had dark water stains on it as well and his slacks were also darker at the bottom legs with very obvious wetness.

“Noona, it didn’t get wet. I protected it with my body.” It took another half second for your ears to catch on to what had to be the sound of heavy rain falling outside. Your floor was a bit high and pretty well insulated from the world but it was odd of you not to notice the rain. You’d been so preoccupied with other things.

“Baekhyun, it’s raining? You should have told me, I would come down with an umbrella.”

You were pulling him inside now. He was a little bit drippy. You were careful to grab the hard drive first due to the sheer importance of its safety, but with it carefully set down next to your work laptop you rushed to the bathroom for a towel and handed it to him.

“I parked kind of far away in a secure lot down the street. There was a big truck right in front and they were—” his face had a wince now and as soon as he lifted the towel to his head his eyes seemed to focus on you for a second as he stopped explaining his reasoning for not just parking outside on the street; his reasoning for why he was so very soaked by the rain right now. You pictured him stuffing the precious hardrive deep inside his coat pocket and fighting the elements with it as he ran through the downpour.

His mouth hung open just a little and you caught the moment he must have registered that yes, you were home, and yes, you maybe had just showered, didn’t have on the usual office attire, nor work makeup on, maybe you were wearing something soft and comfy and so what? You were home. This was your home. It was your favorite place to be, why be uncomfortable at home when you spent 10 hours of every day uncomfortable at the office?

Something about his eyes on you though made you second guess the outfit. Maybe a pantsuit would have been more appropriate. Maybe you should have done something other than just comb your hair. The shorts you were wearing were pretty high cut but they were your absolute favorite to sleep in. The shirt was thin but it wasn’t like it was transparent. This was a normal at home outfit, right? Had you lost your mind completely?

“—they were…?” You spoke out loud, drawing out his last words spoken, trying to get him to continue what he was saying and in the process, interrupting his strange silence.

“Who was?” He whispered and his face dipped forward as he wrinkled his eyebrows in complete confusion.

He was gone somewhere else. You opened your lips to speak and then closed them again. Finding no response for him that was safe enough.

He was standing just inside your doorway and after a few seconds you knew you had to move before the motion light turned off. So you moved — pushing a set of house slippers closer toward him with your bare foot, his eyes looked down catching the motion and without saying anything to him you turned and retreated back inside your apartment.

He could come in. You’d made that invitation evident with the house sippers. It wasn’t like you should be expected to say it out loud right? Some things were so very hard to say out loud.

You quietly settled onto your sofa with your laptop on the coffee table and connected the hard drive; waiting for the happy little notification sound to tell you that everything was going to be just fine — all the while watching the entryway out of the corner of your eye.

When you finally did see him, he had moved up just until to the threshold and he’d removed the wet coat. He found a coat hook and hung it there. The resourceful man could manage well enough on his own. You pulled your eyes to the laptop screen and blinked them purposefully and slowly, willing your focus to stay there. You even furrowed your eyebrows in some attempt to get them to stay put. File folders and dates. Revisions, and final versions. A silent grunt from the back of his throat and slim fingertips that pulled at the top button of a white dress shirt; popping it open with what you thought was much more force than was necessary. The slide of a long black necktie out of its knot and then pulled with force out of its collar until the silken fabric whipped free and hung toward the floor. Checking email attachments. Checking email recipients. Double checking email attachments and checking email recipients. Undoing buttons on cuff sleeves and rolling sleeves up, dear god, forearms with defined muscles— triple checking attachments and recipients and attachments and recipients.

He was moving inside now; wearing your pink slippers on his sock covered feet. As he moved just inside the space so he could place a duffel bag carefully down onto the floor, he squatted in front of it and he was digging inside. Raindrops rolled down the sides of the bag and he used the towel to blot up the moisture.

“Noona, would it be weird if I changed? I don't like being wet.” The second he turned toward you to speak, you shot your eyes to your laptop screen with impressive speed.

“No, it wouldn't be weird, why would that be weird? We are no longer at work, you are off the clock. I also hate being w-w…like that. Nothing weird about that — ” You recognized the telltale sounds of panic in your own voice and you stopped the next words from coming out of your mouth with a deep shaking inhale through your open mouth, “—at all.” You breathed out the last words to make your sentence complete and you vowed, swore, begged, and pleaded for yourself to calm down and just be normal for once in your entire goddamned life, please — please. Your face felt like it might be on fire.

You lifted a finger and you pointed toward your bathroom door. Maybe you had something that could be considered a non threatening smile on your face. The door was already open and there was no need to point it out. It was very obviously a bathroom. He had already been walking in that direction.

Baekhyun was watching you from about halfway there. He’d stopped his forward progress the second you started rambling and his eyes were wide and his lips were shut. After what felt like about 10 minutes of staring, but was probably only 10 seconds in reality, his eyes bounced around somewhere above the ceiling above your head and he nodded his head twice with his eyes way up there.

Then he swallowed, inhaled a half breath and he let out a high pitched, almost painful sounding, “Yep…Okay,” with a very definite wince on his face. He turned and went into the bathroom, closing the door behind him.

After at least a minute you heard the click of the door being locked.

Well.

That went…bad.

You closed your eyes and groaned out loud. Resting your head in your hands, you wondered if it really came down to it and you had to vomit, would you just do it in the kitchen trash can, or the kitchen sink and risk clogging the pipes, or maybe you’d run to the balcony and puke over the railing. That might be the best option actually because you could also just hurl your body over the railing too and see which hit the ground first.

Your money was on the vomit, but some distant memory from one of your high school science classes brought the words terminal velocity flashing through your head and before you knew it you had a google tab opened up, reading the FAQ page from some reputable science website.

Your curiosity was satisfied. You stared ahead at the closed bathroom door with a decision to make now.

Would you be normal?

Or would you splatter onto the pavement at the same time as your vomit?

These were the only two options you gave yourself. Because the second option sounded just so very bad, you really had no other choice.

You had to be normal. You lifted yourself onto your legs and made your way into the kitchen. Baekhyun had arrived as your assistant but could your assistant also not be a guest in your home? An assistant guest deserved a beverage. Your fridge had a few options. And when you heard the bathroom door open you called out over your shoulder from somewhere inside the fridge.

“Do you want anything to drink? I have some teas, some water, some juice…” You did not mention the beer that sat in the back of the fridge. He had to drive back home later and you weren’t sure what his tolerance might be like.

“Tea is fine,” his voice came from right beside you in this kitchen and you steadied your face with a pleasant smile for him before you turned to face him.

He was watching you with an equally pleasant smile on his own face. He wore a plain white t-shirt now, some light gray sweatpants, and clean white socks on his feet. He’d abandoned your light pink slippers it seemed. You tried not to linger on him for too long. Of course he looked beautiful in his gym clothes. You allowed your eyes half a second max to look at him. Any longer than that was superfluous and unnecessary.

Your smile was slipping and you strengthened it.

“Green, black, or a citrusy one?” His eyes slipped down the length your face when you spoke again. But he was quick with an inhale and he also matched your smile before he responded.

“Surprise me.” He bit down on his bottom lip and you reached a blind hand into the fridge grabbing randomly.

You came out with the green tea and held it out for him to grab, reaching a second hand for the same for yourself, you quickly made an escape back to the safety of the work. The work would save you, as it often did when you were faced with having to look too closely at Baekhyun.

This time instead of sitting on the sofa, you opted to sit down on the floor in front of your coffee table. The floor had plenty of space for him to also sit beside you without it being on the loveseat, which you right now decided was off limits to the both of you.

“Noona,” Baekhyun said after a while of watching you stare at your screen as you worked harder and better than you’ve ever worked in your entire life.

“Hmm?” You didn’t look over at him when he spoke, but you did stop the typing and you did raise a single eyebrow as a cue that yes, you responded to him and yes you were giving him enough of your attention to say whatever he had wanted to say.

He didn’t speak right away though and eventually the curiosity about his silence grew.

When you found him he was watching your face and his head lifted ever so slightly to have your actual attention.

“You’re different at home.” It was a quiet observation this time, and behind his eyes you could see the smile there. He lifted the bottle of tea and took the smallest sip. He wasn’t looking at you anymore but you wondered what he meant by different.

“Like bad different?”

He swallowed the tea and was looking across the room at a wall of art you had assembled there.

“Nope,” he said cryptically, drawing out the vowel sound in the word and letting his lips pop with the P at the end and he pushed himself off the floor to his feet and made his way across the space to look at each piece you remember carefully hanging up the week you moved in. It was all silly art. Nothing valuable but every single bit of it made you happy whenever you looked at it.

“Different how?” It was probably the clothes. You were way too dressed down and you probably seemed like a different person to him. You couldn’t quite help the slight upset that you felt somehow. Like maybe you should have put on a little bit of makeup, or done something with your hair before he came. Maybe you should have put off the shower altogether. You held in the strange negativity you felt by his comment and held your breath when you saw the inhale he took as he turned away from the brightly colored hand painted horse wearing an eye patch painting he had been looking closely at.

“Different, different,” he said cryptically and you groaned out loud at being baited by his non answer.

Damn him. You heard the giggle in response and he shook his head at you with a tiny pop out of the tip of his tongue. This would not do.

“Just tell me, like different in a bad way or a good way?” you felt yourself being tricked by this but you felt so powerless. He was very good at it and he had seemed to have perfected his skills over the course of working with you.

“It’s not bad,” he said after a while of looking at you and there was a slow and steady sinking of his playful smile as he did it.

“You can have next Tuesday afternoon off if you just tell me,” you said it flippantly and you were almost completely finished with your work. An entire hour before the deadline. You could feel the end nearing. You could almost taste the bubbles of the beer you would sip on and you could already hear the music you would play on your speakers as you settled into the warm comforting pillows and fluffy blankets of your bed.

“The whole afternoon?” His eyes widened and his eyebrows lifted at the promise you apparently had just made to lose your assistant for an entire afternoon. At least you’d picked one of the less busy days to offer.

You casually shrugged and hit send, submitting everything you needed to submit, you saved your work on the cloud database that management all used and you began to close out all of those damned tabs that kept you chained to this work life.

“Okay, well, at work you're super professional and kinda scary and very intimidating,” oh boy he was talking now. Did he just call you scary? You could feel yourself making a face. It wasn’t one of your best. There was a pout involved.

“But here, you’re like,” his confidence seemed to falter and his eyes didn’t look at yours but rather did a little dance off to the side, “d-different.”

“I know you didn’t just use the exact same word I’ve asked you to define three times now, Byun Baekhyun.” You’d had enough and you snapped. It wasn't your finest moment.

You saw him physically flinch and then he started talking fast. In your defense you did feel a little bad when you saw the flinch.

“Different like, soft and cute different. Soft and cute, like a girlfriend would be different. That kind of different, Jesus.” He said all so fast and you could see the tension in his jaw as the words came out. “I mean, but not right now, you were very much exactly the same as you are at work, just now.” His eyes were wide and his finger was pointing as he spoke his last bit. Not that that part mattered because your mind replayed the parts he said before.

You saw sparkly little starbursts around the letters as they danced inside of your head.

Soft and cute.

Like a girlfriend.

“Oh,” was all you could manage to say. A slight flush crept up your cheeks and you focused all of your attention on unplugging cords on your laptop and oh so carefully putting everything in its rightful spot in the bag.

“I’m done,” you said softly without looking into Baekhyun's face. If he had anything further to add to that description of how very different you were at home, he didn’t offer it freely and you also didn’t ask a single follow up question.

You could feel a moment approaching. A kind of do-or-die moment. A speak-now-or-forever-hold-your-peace moment.

It was still raining outside. You could hear the steady drops hitting your patio through the sliding glass door and the nighttime city lights blurred as the falling water pulled the city view into a distorted and warbled mix of bright colors.

“It’s still raining out,” you said softly in his general direction and his eyes pulled up from where a comfortable stare had kept him looking into your eyes. He did not ask anything from you that required an answer. He looked at you and his eyes blinked but he didn’t speak. You could see that his drink was almost finished now, just as your work had been.

When he finally did speak it was after you’d both been watching the other for too long, wondering who would break first. It kind of seemed like his turn now, you’d managed the comment about the rain.

“Noona,” he said from the spot beside the horse.

I should go. I should leave. I have a long drive back home.

It’s getting late and the roads are wet, Baekhyun, you should stay at least for a while longer. You haven’t had any dinner have you? Let’s eat together. Don't go just yet. You only just got here.

“Hmm?” You hummed in response to him and your voice got halfway caught in your throat, making it come out as mostly air.

“Noona, I think—” He stopped speaking. He was looking ahead of himself holding on to the empty bottle of processed sugary green tea and he stood there with his eyes blinking faster now than when he started speaking to you.

And then his smile came. Oh it was bright and it was lovely, that smile that filled up his face, it didn’t reach his eyes entirely because he was shaking his head back and forth with the smile on his lips.

“Nevermind, Noona. I should go,” He said it softly and cheerfully and then he was moving. “Your Assistant has to leave.”

His smile was so bright and whatever he had been about to say to you was snuffed out instantly by the brightness and the forced cheerful way he declared his intent to leave this place; to leave you.

You had to respond in kind. You stood up quickly and you hid away every little bit of evidence of disappointment you might have betrayed and you played along with happiness about his departure. Maybe he really was glad to go. Maybe he was exhausted from the very long day and longed for the peace of his own home.

This was for the best, of course it was.

“Oh, okay.” You said. It came out a little bit like a whisper, but you still had that smile on your face so that meant something.

He was gathering his things and he was leaving. You couldn't blame him. He had done his part and completed the job needed today. He made sure to bring the blue harddrive to you and he saved the day, just like a good assistant did. The best assistant.

Baekhyun left quietly.

When the door closed there was a new silence in your home that you instantly hated. It was thick and it coated you from the top of your head down our shoulders and made you feel heavy. Lightning struck somewhere in the distance and it was loud enough for you to subconsciously begin counting the seconds to see how far away it was.

A few seconds later you heard the boom and you wished you had made him take an umbrella with him.

You wished he had stayed. You wanted him to stay. You wanted him to finish his thought. What was he about to tell you?

‘Noona, I think-‘

You’d give him a whole week off if he could come back and finish that sentence.

Your feet weren’t quite working. That claggy feeling that had taken over your body made your legs sticky and heavy and you were still standing by the door obsessing over those three words you heard repeated again and again in his voice for how long, you weren’t certain about. Through at least a few more thunderclaps though.

Just when you’d worked up the nerve to walk away from the door you heard an impossible sound ring out in your apartment.

It wasn’t thunder, but it hit you with just as much of a shock that you jumped and yelped in surprise from it.

It was the doorbell.

Someone was ringing your doorbell and it took you a few seconds to recover from the shock. You leapt forward and put a hand on the doorknob.

What if some crazy person had just seen Baekhyun leave and was waiting to hack you to bits with an ax?

You were cautious with it. It was close to midnight now and outside there was thunder and lightning, the perfect kind of weather to hide some poor woman’s screams as she was chopped to bits with an ax.

You tiptoed just enough to see through the peep hole and you could clearly make out the familiar blond head of hair and bright waving smiling face of your very own Byun Baekhyun. He held up his hand, displaying a plastic bag from what you assumed was the convenience store downstairs and you turned the handle and pushed it open.

“Noona!” He shouted as soon as the door was open. “Noona, you will not believe the day I have had at work.”

You were absolutely positive that your face looked only like wild with genuine shock and confusion, which he was flat out ignoring it right now.

“Baekhyun, what—” You began as you pulled the door open. He had a forward momentum about him though and you had to step aside to avoid being bumped as he walked right into your house, for the second time tonight, only this time, doing some sort of a bit. He walked with confidence and with purpose as if he had been here many, many times before.

“I just had to come and visit my favorite Noona to tell her all about my insane day,” he swallowed in the middle of his explanation. His eyes had a frantic look to them. “—my insane work day where I work with my manager?” His eyebrows were lifted in your direction expectantly and you watched his face with much of that exact same look of shock and confusion on your face. Only there was a bit more acceptance beginning to grow.

His bright smile did not quit and you found yourself betraying the tiniest hopeless laugh as you merely followed his steps inside your kitchen where he plopped down a six pack of beer and several bags of what looked to be snacks and assorted instant noodles.

Something felt different this time. You didn’t know how in the hell he did it but maybe it was because he was referring to your job and your manager title in the third person now, you really felt so much more at ease watching him walking around your kitchen doing things like putting some water on to boil in the kettle and reaching for chopsticks from your utensil drawers.

“So…” he began after opening two beers and handing one of them to you. He didn’t speak right away but he did lift his beer up and clink it against yours ever so slightly. You found an easy spot to sit and watch whatever this show he was putting on was from the bar stool on the other side of your kitchen counter. You had to admit, your mood was miles away from where it had been before your doorbell rang. The smiles felt natural and came easily to you now. This version of Baekhyun was the best one yet.

“So,” you lifted the beer to your lips and took a sip. “Tell me about your day.” You somehow felt that this was the right line for you and you reached for a bag of chips and ripped it open. This felt like exactly what you needed actually. A little gossip with a friend who thinks of you as his favorite Noona. The strangest excitement was building inside of you as he sighed dramatically and lifted his hands to his face for the sake of the story.

“It all started this morning Noona, I fucked up. I fucked up big time,” your mouth was full of chips and you crunched through the revaluation of this big mistake he had made.

“It can’t have been that bad,” you said through bites, faking ignorance for the sake of this game.

“So you know this big presentation that has been coming up? Like weeks we’ve been working our asses off, my manager harder than anyone? Well right before the presentation I made a huge mistake. Huge. Like world-ending.”

Your mind flashed back to the morning of this very long day. You knew the exact mistake he was talking about but he seemed to be working toward something here so you took another sip of your beer and ate some more chips as a response.

“Can’t have been that bad,” you repeated again. Your acting skills were always a little bit lacking. “What did you even do, it’s not like you did something like…kissed her right before she went on stage, right?”

His hands were covering his open mouth and you heard a dramatic gasp. “How did you know?” He said convincingly and you felt a big laugh escape.

“Wild guess, Baekhyun,” you said through laughter. Never in a million years did you think you would be talking about this with him and actually enjoying yourself. What kind of magician was he?

“So what did she do? What about the presentation”

“She fucking killed it, of course. I knew she would though, she’s incredible. I’m not kidding, she’s like,” his eyes were full and wide and he threw his head back and looked up at the ceiling, “like no one else.”

“So, it wasn’t that bad then, right? Why did you do it?” The fun on the surface game took on a slight feeling of trouble with your next question. You reached for another chip and Baekhyun turned his back on you to grab the screaming tea kettle from the stove.

“Why else does a guy kiss a girl?” You heard him say with his attention down on the boiling water that he was pouring into a single large sized bowl of instant ramen.

You bit down on your bottom lip and you watched the slight wobble in the water as it went into the paper bowl. His grip on the kettle seemed just a little unsteady now.

“Could there be lots of reasons why?” You began as unsteadily as the stream of water poured into the ramen bowl.

“Like maybe you just made a mistake, or didn’t mean to do that, or—”

His eyes looked up into yours with as much disbelief as he could manage and he exhaled a hard breath out of his nose and you pulled your lips closed quickly before you could come up with any more nonsense reasons for that kiss.

You knew with that single look from him, just how full-of-shit he found every single one of your reasons for the kiss. Still your mind had trouble connecting his intentions and the action itself. It was as if you’d been so far into the pit of denial now that you were having trouble finding the footing to crawl your way out of it. Baekhyun was trying to throw you a rope but you missed catching it every single time.

“Well, what did she say about it?”

His hands lifted the ramen and he put it up onto the counter beside you so the noodles could soften and you watched as he grabbed his beer and he walked around the kitchen island to take the bar seat right beside you.

He was very close to you now.

You could feel his arm against your shoulder when he sat down and his brows furrowed as he looked down into the covered bowl that sat between you both.

“She got mad at me after that,” he said softly, aiming his little pout toward the noodles instead of at you. “I don't think it was because I kissed her, but maybe it was. I don't know.” From his chest came a big sigh that absolutely did not feel like part of this whole act. In fact, every single thing he said had just enough of a touch into your eyes that you knew he meant every word he was saying to you now.

“This is why I’ve come to you, my very favorite Noona, for advice.”

He propped an elbow up on the counter and tilted his head, leaning against his hand. His eyes were watching you and he had just the smallest smile on his lips as he did it. His eyes sparkled in your direction and you felt the air around your head take on a static tingle the longer he looked at you like this.

This Baekhyun was so very dangerous simply because he was so disarming. All you wanted was to look into his face and to answer each and every one of his questions. All you wanted was to tell him the truth of it all.

It was terrifying.

“Maybe,” you began cautiously and his eyes blinked at you expectantly as you began to speak, practically rooting for you to go on with their eagerness. You had to bite down on your lip to keep from laughing. How could he have managed to pull this conversation out of you? You were falling for it so easily. You even found yourself wanting to fall for it as easily as you were. You felt bewitched and beguiled and you realized that you might have actually lost this battle a long time ago.

“Maybe?” He urged softly and he broke eye contact to open the lid and check on the noodles.

“Maybe she was mad at how you acted after the kiss?”

This suggestion brought a tilt to his head and he furrowed his eyebrows and searched his memory for a moment.

“How I acted? How did I act? Because I was nervous? Does she only like super confident guys?” You caught a souring of his face for a moment. “Maybe that’s why she liked Chet. All of that undeserved and unearned confidence. Ugh”

“Hey, she never liked Chet. Not like that. Chet was okay to work with, but that’s it.” You lifted your hands to draw a hard imaginary line in the air to emphasize your point.

“And besides, it might not have been about confidence or being nervous, Baekhyun. Maybe she got mad because you immediately switched from calling her something sweet like ‘Noona’ to something cold and sterile and ultra aloof like ‘Miss Manager’ and she thought that maybe you instantly regretted kissing her because you didn’t even mean it and you wished you could take it back and leave and never ever come back.”

Now you had done it. You could feel every cell in your body alive and on full alert from this sudden confession you had somehow been tricked into spewing out all over this countertop and Baekhyun was watching your face very closely for every single word of it.

He stared at you for a long time in silence and there was a slight sinking of his eyelids as he did it. After a while he inhaled a slow and steady breath that must have made his head feel too heavy because he tilted his head a tiny bit to the side and swallowed.

You could feel the time passing through this. You could feel every raindrop that fell on your patio outside. You could count the beats of your heart that echoed inside your ears and he wasn’t speaking at all.

Until he spoke at last.

“Nah, that’s not it.” He said after a deep inhaled breath and you swear to god you felt the earth open up below your feet and swallow you up. Or maybe you just wished it would.

Your eyes opened wide and looked up into the ceiling. You could feel the saliva inside of your mouth refuse to go down even though you swallowed like five times in rapid succession. Finally you couldn't stand to witness any more at all and you closed your eyes up tight and tried to focus on getting your heart rate or your breathing to calm down. It didn’t help much.

It felt horrible and humiliating. You were too close to being overcome. How could he…did he really intend to let you say all of that, admit to all of that and just…laugh at you for it like this? You felt close to an upset. You could feel the heat building behind your eyes and you knew you couldn't do this for very much longer and keep in control of your emotions. You’d already given way too much away.

It was two or three fingertips and that touched over the side of your face that first did it - that brought you out of it. Someone was touching you. Someone was begging you now. You felt the warmth on your face.

Those two fingertips on your cheekbone and you allowed your eyes to open just a little and you turned your focus over to face him. His eyes were on you now and you felt more of his slim fingers slipping along your face until you had turned into him and between the tremble in your lips and the warmth you felt all over your face; it must have felt like a fever with his hand on you like this.

“I’m kidding. I’m kidding. It was a bad joke, baby, I’m sorry,” he was whispering now but he had moved in so close to you that everything he spoke was like headphones sending his whispered words directly into your chest. The new name he called you in that careful cautious whisper of his spread through your chest like wildfire and you were consumed by it. It called to you again and again.

baby

Did he really just—

Did he really call you that with his hand on your face and the warmth of his own forehead leaning against your own and your whole body nearly ready to burst into flames under the heavy weight of his hand on your face?

You felt his other hand now, landing on the other side of your face and there was a pull to look up into his eyes. You had been avoiding them until now.

The pressure of this room made it hard to breathe with him so close to you and with the ghost of that ‘baby’ was still dancing around behind your eyes.

“Noona, I think,” he spoke softer now and your mind sharpened to the words he had told you earlier, the words he tried to say before he left, before he left as your assistant and came back to you just as Baekhyun; as just your Baekhyun. You must be dreaming. This didn’t feel real.

His words, the familiarity of them and desperately you repeated them to yourself after he left, these words once again teased on the tip of his tongue, they pulled your eyes into his and he was watching you from much too closely for you to really be able to focus on anything but the deep brown color of his eyes.

“Noona, I think we like each other.” He was looking into your eyes when he said it and you had no words to refute it. It was true for you and it must also be true for him.

You felt the warmth of his breath that came in short bursts from his parted lips against your face and when you leaned into him. You felt the softness of those pink lips mold into your own when you kissed him.

You felt the deafening silence as every single voice of reason and each and every alarm bell inside of you went still when you kissed him.

You felt the lighting strike hit close enough this time to send a bolt straight through your chest when you kissed him.

[To Be Continued]

Links: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

[002yb]

i keep thinking about someone buying jason one of those 'i <3 dick' shirts and/or booty shorts when dick and jay first start dating and jason is very gruff and little bit blushy about it but brushes it off and never wears it. then it's laundry day or something and dick comes home to see jay wearing it and ... that's as far as i get tbh. just cycling through all of dick's possible reactions. amusement? endearment? possessiveness?

Jason is petulantly resigned as he pulls the shirt over his head and down his torso. It's a tight fit, the 'i <3 dick' print stretching obscenely over his pecs. The matching booty shorts are no better. Fuck, they're more panties than anything. That Jason used to run around in something just as short a lifetime ago is wild to him - he can't stop trying to pull them down to try and get more coverage.

It's not even hot in their apartment, but Jason feels flushed from embarrassment alone. He chides himself for getting so caught up with work that laundry became an issue.

Never again, he swears, but then the door to their apartment opens and Jason doesn't have to worry about 'never again' because he's dying again right then and there. The damage is done. From across their apartment Dick sees the print stamped across Jason's chest and Dick cackles.

Jason is quick to spit and sputter, adamant in his defense over not having any other options than this abomination of a gag gift. When he crosses his arms over his chest, it only serves to bolster his tits up and draw focus - of which Dick gives him plenty. More than usual, even. The pervert.

Dick shuts the door behind him, fighting to stifle his laughter. When he raises his gaze to look at Jason again, it's with a smile so charming and brilliant and adoring that Jason would be disarmed if he didn't know better. As it stands, Dick and he have been together too long for Jason not to anticipate the pure menace coming his way.

'It's cute,' Dick teases him. 'Darling, even.' And to drive everything home, 'I love you, too.'

To that, Jason scowls and flips Dick off. Skulking off to take his hamper of clothes to the wash, shifting it away from where it had been hiding him to balance it between his hip and arm, instead. He doesn't think anything of the silence that follows - more than content to return to his chores and debate the value in wearing dirty laundry if it means getting out of this embarrassing monstrosity of a-

The sound of a phone's camera goes off.

Slow and foreboding, Jason turns to look over his shoulder with a petulant scowl and sees Dick crouched on the floor, his back to Jason and posing as he continues taking photos of what's soon to be Dick's own demise.

And then Jason remembers it - the 'i <3 dick' stamped across his ass.

The pictures that follow are a sequence: Jason flustering, scowling, raging as he moves to bury this cheeky bastard he calls a boyfriend; another of Jason unwittingly smothering Dick in his pecs, another a blur of motion that might be them roughhousing or making out or trying to, at least - too caught up laughing to do much more than crowd one another's space.

So of course it ends up like this: Dick pushing Jason back against the washer. A hand on Jason's hip, his pinkie catching along the hem of Jason's shorts and hiking them up just enough that Jason shivers with anticipation, an eager and biting smile pulling at his lips.

======

Extra NSFW:

Dick and Jason fucking against the washer

Jason flustering and hiding his face in his arms when instead of sliding the shorts down, Dick pulls them to the side and fucks Jason that way because the 'i <3 dick' really is some sort of thing

A low whistle because no panties, J? Dick is a lucky man.

[apuckishwit]

For five sentences thingie: Steve/Eddie - “How do you want to do this?”

“How do you want to do this?”

Steve stands back from the open passenger door, glancing between his open front door and the passenger seat’s occupant. Dustin and Mike have already stampeded into the house, shouting about getting things “ready” like Steve hasn’t had that covered for the last week, ever since they got word that Eddie was being released from the hospital. His…friend? They’re friends, now, aren’t they? You can’t really go through the things they’ve gone through together and not come out the other side being friends…stares at the short walk to the door as though it’s the first leg up Mt. Everest. He’s dressed in a simple black button up and sweatpants (the best Steve could do under the circumstances—it’s not like there’s a lot of stores still open in Hawkins, and the trailer park is squarely a no-go zone), but underneath Steve knows he’s still wrapped almost head to toe in bandages. He’s pale and sweating just from the effort of sitting up in the car for the drive from the hospital, and Steve would bet money if he tries to stand unassisted, he’ll just keel over.

Damn, maybe he should have listened when Mike suggested they steal the wheelchair they’d rolled Eddie out to Steve’s car in.

Eddie sighs, raking a hand back through hair that hangs in greasy clumps around his face. He probably hasn’t bathed properly the entire time he’s been in the hospital. “I can make it,” he says, and Steve very politely ignores how completely unbelievable that sounds. Eddie’s lips twist unhappily. “Uh…maybe if you help me?” He looks away, embarrassed. Steve keeps his expression neutral, remembering very well how much he hated constantly having to ask for help while his own bat bites were healing. Thank God for Robin.

Robin had kept up a steady stream of complaints and insults while she helped him in and out of his shirts, helped him rebandage his wounds, helped him wash and disinfect the mess of his back every night, her touch always quick, gentle, and completely impersonal. He doesn’t think he and Eddie are quite at the point where he can distract the other man with a well-timed “oh my God, this looks like raw hamburger! I thought you said it was better!” but he can certainly provide a brisk, neutral touch.

“You want me to carry you, or you want to just lean on me?” he asks, and waits patiently while Eddie chews over the options before finally sighing, his shoulders slumping.

“Much as I would love to macho it out—you think you can just, uh, piggy-back me in there?”

He snorts, despite himself. “You sure you want to let Henderson have that visual?”

Eddie groans, but smiles a little. “If he gives me a hard time, I’ll just slaughter his character next campaign. Ugh, if there is a next campaign.”

“I’m sure you guys will get to play your nerd game plenty more times.” He tries to feel as confident as he sounds. He doesn’t think he quite succeeds. “All right, just let me do all the work.”

That earns him another weak snort of laughter. “Any time, big boy,” Eddie murmurs as Steve turns and crouches down. He lets Eddie kind of collapse down across his back and carefully, so, so carefully, slides his hands under the backs of his thighs. Eddie’s arms slide around his neck, the soft grunt of pain impossible to miss this close, with Eddie’s hair tickling the back of his neck, the puffs of his breath warm against Steve’s throat. It’s strangely intimate, and he feels oddly humbled that Eddie’s trusting him this much, is willing to show this much vulnerability to him instead of trying to tough it out the way Steve knows he would have.

“Ready?” he asks and waits for Eddie’s hesitant nod to stand slowly. He leans forward rather than straightening his back, so Eddie doesn’t have to work as hard to hang on. He won’t say carrying Eddie is no effort—they’re basically the same height and while Eddie isn’t as broad as he is, he’s not exactly a string bean—but it’s not as difficult as it should be. Eddie’s lost a lot of weight in the weeks since Steve literally dragged him out of the Upside Down.

“Hey, uh, I don’t think I ever said—thanks for doing this,” Eddie says softly as they make their way up the short walk to the front door. His voice is already strained, a tinge of pain to the words that makes Steve want to move faster, but he doesn’t want to jostle his wounds further.

“Carrying your ass? Kind of becoming a regular thing.”

Another huff of laughter, and the arms tighten slightly around his neck. “No, just…all of it. Pulling me outta there. Hanging around while Hopper was getting my name cleared. Fuck, letting me stay in your house. Hell, Henderson told me you plugged my fucking femoral artery with your hand while Wheeler was getting us to the hospital.”

Steve swallows hard, remembering the gush of hot blood over his fingers, the pulse of it getting weaker and weaker as Dustin screamed and cried and begged Steve to do something. “Don’t worry about it. You’re one of us, now.”

And it’s as simple as that, for Steve. Eddie’s in the Upside Down shit now, and he’s refused to take the very sensible out that was offered to him and leave Hawkins on the government’s dime. He’s determined to help them against Vecna, determined not to run away from the horror that they’ve all been dealing with for so long. He’s one of them now. That makes him one of Steve’s people. One of the people he’s responsible for. One of the people he has to protect.

He comes to the first step up to his front door and hears Eddie hiss softly. He slows his steps even further, tries to make his movements as smooth as possible. “Almost there. I gotcha,” he says.

He feels Eddie press his head against his shoulder for a moment, and there is something warm and soft in his voice when he replies, “I know you do.”

[alittlextrathatway]

"Wonder how many girls he had loved and left haunted" -any location

Going back to visit the High School AU.

Location: Library

You can find part one: here.

***

It didn't take Matt long to realize he and Sylvie had the same free period. She typically spent hers in the library either getting a head start on homework or studying for her next class. Like him, her grades were important to her. For different reasons, he's sure, but it didn't really matter why. It only mattered that they had that in common.

And that it meant he knew he would always have at least a half hour of one on one time with her every day.

He's leaving his AP English class, after an impassioned lesson from Mr. McHolland. Matt never really enjoyed reading, especially not fiction, but when Mr. McHolland teaches it he has to admit he can see the appeal.

Normally, he can zip out of English and make it to the library before Sylvie, but today Dawson decides to get in his way.

"We should probably figure out when we're gonna work on our group project," she says, crossing in front of him and planting her feet.

He skids to a stop, just short of running her over. "Don't you need to leave for City College so you can make your next class?"

Gabby is dual enrolled at City College in an effort to get her freshman humanities courses out of the way. He admires her drive. Like many of his friends, college is only option if you work exceptionally hard. For Gabby that means reducing the amount of years she'll need to be in college to earn a degree. For him, it means needing scholarships.

"The professor cancelled class today," she says, shrugging. "Besides, my early college courses aren't gonna matter if we don't nail our Senior Project. It's twenty-five percent of our grade."

"We have the whole semester, Gabby. We have plenty of time. I've gotta go, I'm running late."

She smirks and lifts a brow at him. "Isn't this your free period? What are you running late for, exactly?"

He winces. He really tried to keep his interest in Sylvie away from Gabby. He knows he's no good at being subtle. He can't hide it, but he can avoid talking about it with her. He knows Gabby still has a thing for him almost a year after they broke up. If he's honest, until Sylvie, he always assumed he and Gabby would get back together eventually. But now...

Well, the new girl changed everything.

"How much do you know about her, really?" Gabby asks, seeing straight through his hesitance to answer her question. "I've seen her around talking with that Junior on the football team -- Grainger? And at lunch yesterday that Sheffield Kid came up to our table to talk to her about joining Key Club. She's got plenty of options. How do you know she's not one of those people that just likes to flirt? The farm girl act is cute and all, but that doesn't mean she's the right fit for you. I mean, I like her. I do, but how sweet and innocent can she be, really? She might have left a trail of broken hearts between here and Indiana, for all we know."

He can't tell if Gabby's jealous or genuinely looking out for him. She seems to get a long well with Sylvie. She and Shay have welcomed her into their group. But her speech reminds him of all the reasons they broke up. Gabby cares about the people around her. She's very protective. But she can also get wrapped up in her own interests and dive so far down into self involvement that she becomes petty and vindictive. She seemed to be that way with him when they were dating more-so than anyone else they knew. He loves her as a friend. She's been by his side through a lot of tough times. But, as a couple, they bring out the worst in each other. That's the last thing he needs right now.

"That's kind of the point, isn't it?"

"The point of what?" She asks.

"Of getting to know her. That's all I'm doing right now, Dawson. So far, I really like what I've seen and I'm excited to learn more. That's enough for now."

"For now?"

"Yes, for now." Because he's almost certain he's going to ask Sylvie to be his date to the homecoming dance. Which he needs to do sooner rather than later considering, as Gabby mentioned, he has plenty of competition.

"Do what you think is best, I guess," Gabby tells him, her tone flat and hard.

"Gee, thanks for your permission," he snaps, shaking his head as he side steps her and leaves her standing alone in the hallway. "I'll see you for our stats class at three."

By the time he reaches the library Sylvie's deep into her history homework, making notes out of a resource book for a paper that's due at the end of the week. She looks up and smiles at him as he approaches their usual table.

"I was about to send out a search party for you," she whispers as he sits down next to her. "You're never late for free period."

"Yeah, sorry about that. Got a little tied up after English." He gets out his stats book and notes, deciding to double check his homework before he turns it in later. He did it in a rush late last night.

"Everything okay?"

The concern on her face runs deep as if his potential problems are the most pressing issue in her world right now. Gabby was way off base in her assumptions about Sylvie. He doesn't know how he knows, he just does.

"Yeah, just Gabby being Gabby. No big deal."

She bites her bottom lip, apprehension suddenly shining in her baby blue eyes. "Ah, okay. So, are you and Gabby -- I don't know -- a thing, I guess?"

Does she think he would flirt with her so blatantly if he was still into Gabby? God, he hopes not. "No. Not anymore. I mean, we used to be, but we weren't good together. We're much better off as friends."

"Oh, right." Wincing while amusement overtakes her apprehension, she says, "does Gabby know that?"

He laughs at her sympathetic expression and shrugs. "I have no idea what Gabby thinks. Never did. She doesn't exactly put her cards on the table most of the time."

"I've noticed that," Sylvie replies. "I wonder why that is?"

He can tell her interest is earnest. She's wholeheartedly trying to fill in the puzzle that is Gabby Dawson, hoping she'll end up with a better understanding of why Dawson is the way that she is. "If you figure it out, let me know. I could never get to the bottom of it. Did I miss anything in the last few minutes?"

"No, not really. Just Grainger asking me to the Homecoming Dance." She shrugs as if that one sentence doesn't crush every bit of hope in his chest.

"Oh?" He asks, cursing inwardly as his voice pitches up an entire octave. Being outwardly disappointed won't help his case. It'll only hurt Sylvie's feelings.

"Yeah, but...I said no. He's a nice guy, for sure, but I don't feel like it would be fair to him to say yes. There's plenty of other girls who would be thrilled to go with him. I am not one of those."

He had to have heard her wrong or hallucinated or something. "You said no?"

She twists her watch band, looking away from him shyly as she nods. "I'm sort of holding out for someone else. It probably won't happen, but I don't think I could go with someone else and not feel like I was leading them on or something, you know?"

Dammit. Of course she already has someone else in mind. And he has a feeling he knows exactly who she's waiting on. But also her reasoning speaks exactly to Gabby's concerns, not that Matt ever doubted Sylvie in the first place. "I get it," he assures her. "So, who are you holding out for? Sheffield?"

Looking up and meeting his eyes again, she blushes. "No, not Kyle. He's okay, I guess. But I don't know him that well."

"Then who...who else is there?" He asks, confused.

"Oh my god," Sylvie says, rubbing a hand over her face with a grimace. "Am I really that bad at this?"

Ms. Platt, the no nonsense librarian, glares over at them from where she's leaning against the circulation desk. "Pipe down over there, will ya?"

Sylvie's eyes widen and she immediately returns to her notes. "Sorry, Ms. Platt."

"No," Matt whispers, leaning closer to her. "Wait. We're not done with this topic yet. Who else is there, Sylvie?"

"Matt," she pleads, face red with embarrassment. "Just drop it, please. Pretend I never said anything."

The blushing, the embarrassment, the hesitant way she looked away from him earlier...

"Holy shit."

"Matthew Casey," Platt huffs, crossing her arms over her chest. "Don't make me send you to Grissom's office. I'll do it."

He winces and holds his hands up in surrender. "No more outbursts. I promise."

"If you're gonna curse, whisper at least. My god," Platt mutters, forcefully unloading books from a nearby cart.

When he looks back over at Sylvie, she's slid down in her seat and hidden her face behind her book. He cranes up to look up and over the book and notices her face is somehow an even deeper shade of red.

"You meant me," he whispers, sliding his chair over to hers to joining her in her hiding spot.

"Forget it," she urges him, speaking softly. "I thought--I thought you knew that I was -- or that you were flirting back with -- but clearly I was wrong."

He ignores the fact that she didn't finish a single sentence. To him, her meaning was clear. "No, I don't want to forget it. Sylvie, I have been flirting with you. I'm not very subtle. Never have been. I'm positive you read everything accurately. But I thought maybe you were just being nice or polite and then Gabby mentioned she'd seen you talking to Grainger and Sheffield so I just--"

"You assumed instead of asking me?"

He nods, running a hand through his hair while meeting her eyes with a sheepish expression. "Yeah, I kinda did."

"Well, if it helps," Sylvie supplies, leaning so close her forehead brushes against his. "Nothing's changed. I'm still waiting to be asked to the dance by a particular person."

He beams at her, so wide his cheeks begin to hurt. This is his moment. Before he even begins to ask, her face transforms into one as joyful as his. He's sure they look like idiots -- huddled behind a shared book and grinning like creeps -- but he can't help himself.

He really likes this girl.

"Sylvie Brett, will you go to Homecoming with me?"

"Why, Matt Casey, there's no one else I'd rather go with than you."

"Took you long enough," Platt mutters as she snatches the book out of Sylvie's hands. "If you're not gonna read this, then I'm putting it back. It's a shared reference book. Not an invisibility shield."

"Sorry, Ms. Platt," Sylvie replies, barely stifling an elated giggle.

Platt rolls her eyes and meanders by them to reach the reference section. As she passes them she murmurs, "you're a terrible liar."

"You wanna get out of here?" Matt asks, eying Platt warily. "We should make official plans without an audience."

Sylvie finally releases her giggle and the tinkling sounds causes a weird fluttery sensation in his chest. God, she's so damn cute. How is she this cute?

"Sure, the choir room should be empty right about now. Is that okay?"

"Sounds perfect."

[chanis-banani]

SF9 - submissive headcanons

concept: what I think each member would be like when letting you dominate them

genderneutral reader

mentions: dirty talk, brat behavior, praise, degradation, overstimulation, hair-pulling, marking, spanking, swearing, bondage, masturbation, tickling, choking, biting, blindfold, temparature play, oral, voyeurism, teasing

Youngbin

a gentle and charismatic leader - but what if you take the lead?

Youngbin would get flustered pretty easily when you do stuff to him, but he would like it

rather than feeling weird or embarrassed about being so vulnerable for you, it would make him excited

a very vocal sub - he would make lots of nervous little noises as you toy with him

wants you to be vocal too - moaning his name and praising him

is a slut for dirty talk

like when you put your lips closely to his ears, so he can feel your breath on his skin as you whisper dirty things to him

it will give him goosebumps and send shivers down his spine

will definitely beg for lots of kisses and whine when you pull your lips away from his

3 step plan to make Youngbin lose his mind: 1) stroke your fingers through his hair - 2) moan his name against his lips in between kisses - 3) continue doing step 1 and 2 while you fuck him - bonus step) have fun watching how he becomes a little mess for you

would love to fall asleep in your arms after you've finished

Inseong

a brat, but not a very brave one

will rile you up - then act all innocent like he didn't do anything, in the hopes of getting away with being disobedient

most of his bratting would be all talk anyway because this man talks a lot in general

he would surrender very easily once you physically overpower him

you don't even have to tell him when it's time to start begging, because he will easily start doing it on his own

loves attention, whether it's by getting praised or degraded

also hates loves to get overstimulated

when he cums and you keep sucking until he screams for mercy >>>

speaking of screaming, Inseong is LOUD

he will whine, moan, beg, tease, scream and cry out your name until it drives your neighbors completely crazy

I don't care that he's tall, Inseong is the small spoon

make sure to stroke his head as he falls asleep

Jaeyoon

the switchiest

so when he's being dominant, he will do a lot of dirty talk and leave plenty of marks, etc

but when he wants to get dommed, he makes sure he gets dommed hard

like Inseong, Jaeyoon will talk back at you a lot and then act all innocent

but while Inseong would act innocent so he can safely surrender, Jaeyoon just acts innocent to catch you off guard

just when you're about to go easy on him, he jumps up and pins you down beneath him, laughing at you for being a weak dom

he gets hard just from seeing the frustration on your face

and even harder when you spank him with your heart-shaped paddle to get revenge

likes to be degraded

a very short scenario: Jaeyoon is kneeled down in front of you, breathing heavily. You hold him tightly by his hair, forcing him to look up at you. "Why did you try to overpower me just now, you filthy bitch?" you ask him with a low voice. He blushes and bites his lip a little. "Because I like it when you get angry..."

Dawon

yet another brat

I really mean this with lots of love, but this man is so annoying

and probably even more so in bed, because he will do anything to get a reaction out of you

he will mock you when you threaten to punish him

and even during his punishment, he will make kissy faces at you to show that you're not punishing him hard enough

aside from slight scratches and hair-pulling, actual pain isn't really his thing, so there are only two good options for you to get your revenge in a fun way:

option #1: tie him up and make him watch as you start masturbating on the other side of the bed/room

option #2: tie him up and tickle him until he can no longer breathe

and to top it off: make him say "thank you" for being punished

wants you to be rough with him nonetheless - pushing him around, tugging his hair, rough kisses and light choking

Zuho

a good boy

it takes a little while for him to get fully comfortable with the situation, but once he's relaxed, he can completely lose himself in your touches, forgetting about the world around him

once you get him in that state of mind, new doors will open for you to play around with him

he will completely surrender himself to you on a very intimate level

slow, deep movements are the best way to drive him to his limit in no time

and if you play around with his neck in the meantime, he will just melt in your arms

pressing kisses on his adam's apple, licking his neck just below his jaw, and especially biting are some of the things that will make him feel overwhelmed with bliss

biting the side of his neck like a vampire, to the point that tooth marks are still slightly visible the next day >>>

Rowoon

not the submissive type initially, so it takes a lot of convincing before he agrees to getting dommed

actually he mostly agreed because he was sceptical about how dominant you could really be in the first place

even while he's getting tied up, he makes some teasing remarks at you like: "are you sure you can do this?" and "ppfff, I could easily untie these ropes, but I'll let you have your fun"

man, what a mistake...

the next day you send him off to practice with hickeys all over his body

because of this event, you had discovered something that neither of you expected... Rowoon liked being tied up

the thought of him, a very tall and strong man, being dominated by somebody smaller than him turned both of you on

most of the time, he still takes the dominant role

but since that little experiment, every once in a while you would get this very specific look from him, telling you it was time to get the ropes out

Taeyang

two words: sensation play

just wearing a blindfold alone will make him twice as horny and you can continue to build from there

stroking a feather along his chest to give him goosebumps

dripping hot candle wax on him to make him arch his back

dragging ice cubes along his thighs and lower belly to make his entire body shiver with pleasure

just watch him buck his hips in the air while you drag the ice cube along the base of his cock

these types of play do more for him than the idea of the power exchange itself

but there is one way of making him feel like a submissive little toy that gives him butterflies in his stomach

when you grab his chin and lift his head up, forcing him to make eye contact with you

he doen't get shy that easily, but when you do that....

Hwiyoung

most of his submissiveness just comes from how whipped he is for you

if you order him to go down on you for two hours, he will do it without whining and without asking questions

in fact; he will gain lots of pleasure from it

but his favorite thing might just be to watch and admire you

you could stand still in front of him without doing anything and he would get on his knees and praise you for how gorgeous you look

he would even enjoy to watch you masturbate, delighting in the sight of you and the lewd noises you would make

loves it when you perform oral on him as well

when you push him firmly into the mattress and tightly hold his hips as you suck him off >>>

only cums with your permission and doesn't mind if you tease him first

will be the big spoon afterwards

Chani

acts tough at first, but very easily reaches his breaking point

all you have to do is squeeze his nipple once and he becomes a squirming little sub for you

is overstimulated very easily

but hates to be teased at the same time

one thing you like to do to him a lot is bringing your hips very close to his, but just out of reach - and it drives him absolutely crazy

has a habit of clinging on to you

another short scenario: Chani had his arms wrapped tightly around your neck while he desperately kept grinding his dick back and forth against your pelvis. His tight grip and heavy breathing against your neck told you exaclty how needy he was for any friction at all. "Aww, what's wrong baby?" you chuckled at him, making him loosen up his grip a little to look at you. "Please, I'm so horny. I need you." He gulped when he saw the smirk that grew on your lips. "Alright then," you replied as you pushed him into the mattress, getting ready to fuck his brains out.

[clearholidaysindia]

Chaugan Tourist Spot in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh

Chaugan is the lively center of Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, and a must-visit spot for travelers exploring this beautiful region of India. This spacious green meadow, surrounded by important buildings and a historic shopping arcade, offers a perfect mix of culture and nature. For those looking for offbeat places near Chaugan, this area is a great starting point to discover the rich history and stunning landscapes of Chamba.

One of the top places to visit near Chaugan is the old Akhand Chandi Palace. Just a short walk away, this palace showcases the region's royal history and architecture. Visitors can wander through its beautiful grounds and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills. Another nearby attraction is the Bhuri Singh Museum, which holds a fascinating collection of local artifacts and artworks, giving you a deeper understanding of Chamba’s culture and traditions.

If you’re interested in nature, don’t miss the chance to visit the scenic Khajjiar, often called the "Mini Switzerland of India." Just a drive away, this lovely meadow surrounded by pine forests is perfect for picnics and hikes. For those seeking adventure, trekking in the nearby mountains is also a great option. With so many wonderful places to visit near Chaugan, you’ll find plenty of experiences to make your trip unforgettable and immerse yourself in Chamba tourism.

[beatsboy]

7.15.24 / day 22 of romanticizing my life until i love myself again

today was my dad’s birthday, and it marks about 4 years since we’ve been in each other’s lives. and it’s still so hard for some reason.

i say some reason, yet i know why i cry on days like these. i spent so long being angry at him, and i think i needed to, in order to get out of that situation, i just never really spent any time actually mourning our relationship, feeling sad for the fact that i don’t really have a dad anymore.

it feels stupid to complain or even be emotional about it because i know people in my life who don’t even know their dads, and plenty of friends whose dads are dead. my dad is alive and an hour drive away from me, and i’m the reason we don’t talk. and going no contact with him was one of the best things i could have done for myself, so why do i still feel empty in the place where family used to be?

why does it still feel like the relationship i have with my mother is more akin to that of a distant aunt or a college, rather than a mother and child? why is it that i still feel like i’m walking on eggshells trying to prove that i am a functional, moral adult every time i talk to my brother, who i swore would never grow up to be like my dad, but straw man argues me every time i say something contradictory to the acceptable opinion of all the other fuck alls in our family just because he can? he’s “just playing devil’s advocate” but that’s exactly what my father would say to mask his shitty opinions too, or when he just felt like shitting on me to make himself feel better.

i know i did the right thing, i never doubt this, and yet, i wonder if there were other options. if there are, if there ever will be. i miss having an adult in my life i could go to for advice and wisdom, even if that advice and wisdom was not very good for me. i’ve somehow become that person for people, and i feel so lost not having someone like that myself.

you become a trans/queer elder by surviving, by growing, by living. by refusing to give in and become a statistic. i know this. and yet, i am still such a child, such a baby in this world, in my journey. af expects me to be empowered unapologetic tboy number one and im sitting here, shaking in my shorts like, 2.5 years into being out, 1.5 years on hrt, and i know that might seem like a lot for my eggy friends who are just starting to hatch, but that is not!! a long!! time!! like i am literally not even done with my second puberty yet. i am still figuring this shit out. and i love how i have been there for people in their journeys, but i need a sage wise trans wizard elder to help me too. and if i don’t i fear i will literally imprint the wrong wisdom on people, thoughts borne of dysphoria and fear, and yet, i also want to teach them to be safe and cautious because life is so different when you are no longer cis passing, and that i something my early egg cracking friends just don’t understand yet. perhaps they will, and perhaps they never will. and perhaps their journeys aren’t my responsibility and i should truly just be focusing on my own.

[rahilask]

Discovering the Arcomagno Beach San Nicola Arcella

Hidden gems are the best kind of treasures, and Arcomagno Beach in San Nicola Arcella is no exception. This secluded paradise in Italy's Calabria region is a must-see for anyone who loves stunning natural beauty and tranquil settings. Ready to dive into an adventure? Let's explore what makes Arcomagno Beach so special!

History and Background

San Nicola Arcella is a charming town with a rich history that dates back centuries. Its historical significance adds a layer of intrigue to any visit. But how did Arcomagno Beach get its name? The beach is named after the grand archway (Arcomagno) that majestically frames its entrance, creating a natural portal to paradise.

Geographical Location

Where is Arcomagno Beach?

Arcomagno Beach is tucked away in San Nicola Arcella, a picturesque town in the Calabria region of southern Italy. The beach is located on the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering stunning views and crystal-clear waters.

How to Get There

Reaching Arcomagno Beach can be an adventure in itself. You can drive to San Nicola Arcella and then follow local signs to the beach. If you're using public transport, buses and trains connect to nearby towns, and from there, local options or taxis can take you to your destination.

Natural Beauty

Description of the Natural Archway

The beach's most iconic feature is its large, natural archway. This rock formation isn't just a backdrop; it's a dramatic entrance that sets the tone for the entire experience. Imagine walking through a majestic stone arch to find a hidden beach – it's like stepping into another world.

Scenic Views and Landscapes

Beyond the arch, Arcomagno Beach is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. From lush greenery to rugged cliffs, the views are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're a nature lover or a photography enthusiast, you'll find endless inspiration here.

Crystal Clear Waters

Water Quality and Clarity

The waters at Arcomagno Beach are incredibly clear, offering vibrant shades of blue and green. It's like swimming in a giant natural pool. The clarity of the water makes it an ideal spot for snorkeling, allowing you to see the underwater world in all its glory.

Perfect Spot for Swimming and Snorkeling

If you love swimming, you'll be in heaven at Arcomagno Beach. Snorkeling here is a must, with plenty of marine life to discover just beneath the surface.

Secluded Cove Experience

The Tranquility and Privacy of Arcomagno Beach

One of the best things about Arcomagno Beach is its sense of seclusion. Nestled in a hidden cove, the beach offers a level of tranquility that's hard to find elsewhere. It's the perfect spot to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Ideal for Relaxation

Looking to relax? Arcomagno Beach is your answer. Whether you're lounging on the sand, dipping your toes in the water, or simply taking in the views, the peaceful ambiance is sure to rejuvenate your spirit.

Hiking Trails

Scenic Hiking Paths Leading to the Beach

The journey to Arcomagno Beach often involves a scenic hike. The trails are not only beautiful but also offer a sense of adventure. As you make your way to the beach, you'll be treated to stunning views of the coastline and surrounding nature.

What to Expect on the Hike

The hike to Arcomagno Beach can be steep and rocky in places, so proper footwear is a must. Along the way, you'll encounter breathtaking vistas and maybe even spot some local wildlife.

Rock Formations and Caves

Interesting Rock Formations to Explore

Arcomagno Beach is surrounded by fascinating rock formations that invite exploration. These natural sculptures have been shaped by centuries of wind and water, creating unique and intriguing shapes.

Small Caves Around the Beach

In addition to the main arch, there are smaller caves around the beach that are perfect for a bit of adventure. These hidden nooks add to the sense of discovery and wonder that makes Arcomagno Beach so special.

Flora and Fauna

Local Vegetation and Wildlife

The area around Arcomagno Beach is rich in local vegetation and wildlife. From Mediterranean shrubs to colorful flowers, the flora is a beautiful complement to the beach's natural beauty.

Marine Life in the Area

The clear waters are teeming with marine life. Snorkelers can expect to see a variety of fish and other sea creatures. It's like having a front-row seat to an underwater show!

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Recommendations

While Arcomagno Beach is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit is during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. This is when the weather is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the beach to its fullest.

Weather Considerations

Weather can be a factor in planning your visit. Summers are warm and sunny, perfect for beach activities, while spring and autumn offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter visits can be peaceful but may not be ideal for swimming.

Activities to Enjoy

Popular Activities at Arcomagno Beach

There's no shortage of things to do at Arcomagno Beach. Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring the rock formations and caves. For the more adventurous, hiking to and from the beach is a highlight in itself.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

To make the most of your visit, come prepared. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. A good pair of water shoes can make exploring the rocky areas much more comfortable.

Conclusion:

Arcomagno Beach in San Nicola Arcella offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and tranquility. Whether you're a nature lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this hidden gem in Calabria is sure to leave a lasting impression.

[velvetdivinity]

EXHILARATE

Ch. 1 — Madelyn

“Oh — em — gee, have you seen Ryder lately?!” Masie gasped. Madelyn studied her best friend as Masie continued her usual gossip. She was beautiful. Long blonde hair, a pointed perfect nose, slender shoulders. Nice tits, small waist. She was the epitome of the all American girl. She was what every man wanted, what every woman aspired to look like. Madelyn was nothing like her. Actually, quite the opposite. Dark hair, an exotic look some would say, tan, dark eyes. She looked more like the mistress where as Masie was the perfect Kate Spade wife.

Madelyn didn’t mind though. She was never jealous, she admired Masie.

“Maddie??” Masie snapped, literally, fingers snapping in Madelyn’s face.

“What?”

“Are you even listening? Have you seen Ryder?”

“No, I haven’t”

“Well he’s totally hot now AND he is single! Right on time for school starting back” she giggled.

Ugh, she had to remind her. In just a few days they would be starting class again. Juniors. Not that this summer break was interesting though. Masie and Madelyn both spent it binge watching Euphoria and wasting their lives away on social media. Instagram mainly.

“Well … why don’t you DM him? See how he is” Madelyn suggested.

“You’re joking. There’s no way — ”

“Girls!” Madelyns mom interrupted, walking into the room. She continued, “are either of you hungry?”

Her mom was beautiful. She resembled Masie, but older.. laugh lines from aging. She was a little taller.. Madelyns dads genetics won, clearly.

“No thanks” they synchronized.

“Anyways” Masie continued, “There is no way I’m going to message him and ask that. Besides,” she paused to finish off her lipgloss, “I’m sure he has plenty of other options that are better than me now anyways.”

Madelyn rolled my eyes, saying nothing. As much as She loved Masie, she know how much masie loved complements just as much. She has the need for validation and Madelyn wasn’t giving in. She was hot and she knew it. But, she was her best friend. She loved her. She always would. Madelyn scooted close to her and put her head on Masies shoulder, looking at her in the little hand held mirror she was holding for her lipgloss.

“Are you nervous for school?” Madelyn asked quietly.

“Babe, we have been over this. There’s no need to be nervous. You’re so smart Maddie. You’re going to kill it this year. We are going to glow up, be hot ass bitches.”

Madelyn could only let out a sarcastic laugh, imagining herself as a ‘hot ass bitch’ was comical to say the least.

An hour later Madelyn and Masie were finally done getting ready. Masie, per usual looked like she was going to a rooftop bar in Atlanta. A short pink dress with a white blazer and white heels. Maddie dressed well also but in her own way. She was wearing a black and white plaid skirt, with a black tee that read “Nirvana” and biker boots. Her tan showing through her fishnets. She touched her neck imagining how good this outfit would look with a choker, but her mom said she was too young to wear those. She disagreed, being almost 17 literally next week was plenty old enough.

“Let’s go girls” Masie sang. A Miranda Lambert dupe. She acted like they were going to a club but really they were just heading to lunch with two of their friends.

20 minutes later Maddie and Masie were in the car singing to Billie Eilish. Masie had been driving for quite a while, at least 15 minutes. She loved to drive ever since her mom had bought her first car for her; a 2016 Nissan Altima. Sure it was used and the mileage was getting up there, but it was hers and she loved it. She took care of it. It smelled like her favorite black ice air freshener and a faint hint of Marlboro blacks that she often stole from her dad. The amount of perfume the girls put on overwhelmed those smells though.

“I’m a baddddd guy” “duh!” They sang. Madelyn watched out the window, admiring the view. Well not necessarily a nice view. They lived in Nashville, Tennessee. Their once underrated town was a now a bustling and lively city. Tourists roamed the streets and live music seemed to be on every corner. It may be a fun place to live, if they were 21 and able to partake in the partying and alcohol. But they weren’t. So it seemed there was simply never enough to do here. Madelyn’s mom moved here after her parents divorce when she was 3. She couldn’t remember her parents ever being together since she was so young, and her dad basically dipped and never came back. His name was Ray, he was a musician and he liked motorcycles was all she knew about her dad. On the other hand Madelyn adored her mother. Sure she wasn’t the best but she was there. She tried. She did the best she could do under the circumstances of being a single mom in a quickly growing — including costs- economy. She made sure Madelyn was taken care of. Sure they wore secondhand consignment clothing and Maddie didn’t have the nicest car, but she made sure they looked more expensive then they really were. Mary, Madelyn’s mother, worked from home just to ensure she was always there when her father couldn’t be. She was responsible. Loving. Kind. Analytical and decisive. She was strong and independent. Everything Madelyn aspired to be but clearly took after her dad in more ways than just her appearance. She was artistic. She loved to write. She loved creating something from nothing and Maddie was abrasive and short tempered. She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder at just 16. She just felt so deeply and her emotions would take the best of her.. but when she loved someone, she loved to the fullest extent, and she only truly ever loved two people. Her mom and Masie.

“We’re here — FUCK” Masie gasped. Gaping out the window. “Oh my god oh my god Maddie look that’s him!” Madelyn followed her stare, and sure enough it was. Tall, athletic, tan, muscular. Ryder clearly hit puberty late and it was damn good to him. There he was, walking in with a girl who was about 5’1 and had hair that reminded her of the girl in Game of Thrones. Daenerys, she thought.

“Damn he’s actually.. really hot” Madelyn mumbled.

“Right?! Told ya! Come on let’s go”

They walked into the little eatery. It was one of the only ones left that tourists hadn’t totally taken over. Lockeland Table, the sign read. Here you could find all American cuisines, chill vibes and locals. Unfortunately that meant running into acquaintances from school but the fact was the short waiting times and atmosphere was just too good to pass up. A rarity in Nashville that had became.

They sat down at their table and right on time Astrid and Heat came walking in. Odd names I know. Astrid was born with her name. Her mom just was in a hippie phase. Heat chose his name a few summers ago because nobody could pronounce his actual name, Bartolome. Apparently everyone pronounced it wrong and he just got kinda tired of it, so he decided to change it. That’s about the time he came out as gay. He really just wanted a new identity, a change. So Bartolome became Heat and it stuck ever since.

Madelyn studied them as they came walking to the table. Astrid was a heavier set girl. Short. But she pulled it off nicely. At 180lbs and 5’2 she really looked more like 160. It was how she dressed and also her stunning facial features really took away from any extra weight she had. Not only that but Astrid was heavier in all the right areas. Her breasts and hips. Her thighs. Her stomach was average and her arms were just a little chubby. She flaunted a crop top showing some cleavage and high waisted skinny jeans. Her long brown hair flowed in waves and her makeup was an entire mood. Smokey eye, her favorite.

Heat looked just as amazing. A white jacket that had flames coming up it. Black jeans and a Calvin Klein t shirt underneath. His highlighted hair perfectly gelled up and a little bit of lipgloss on.. they looked fantastic, nothing new.

“Hey bitches, you guys look amazing. Are we going to a bar or eating here?” Heat looked, mainly at Masie. She rolled her eyes.

“No this is my new style. My mom said to dress for the life you want, not the life you have.” She flipped her hair and flaunted her outfit.

Astrid smiled, “I like that. You guys look great. Missed you girlies. I know it’s only been like a week but I have so much to tell you both!”

“Oh God what now?” Madelyn laughed. Astrid’s stories were always wild, like her. If she were to ever write a book on a persons life it would for sure be Astrid.

“She’s selling feet pics to horny old men” Heat gagged.

“WHAT” Madelyn and Masie gasped at the same time.

“You we’re supposed to let me tell them! Fuck, Heat. Remind me to never tell you anything again”

“Couldn’t help it sis” he rolled his eyes in response.

“Wait but what” Madelyn said, urging her to complete the story.

“So — ” Astrid began, grabbing her phone out of her light blue purse. “Yeah technically he’s right. I am. BUT, it isn’t as bad as it sounds. I met this man online and he is paying me $30 just for a single picture of my feet. No nudes, nothing. Tell me you guys wouldn’t be doing the same.”

Maddie and Masie looked at eachother and shrugged their shoulders. She was right, they’d be doing the same. Clearly something Heat disagreed with as he looked at them in disgust and disappointment.

They continued chattering and that’s when Madelyn noticed him. There he was, in all his glory. Ryder was sitting there, now alone, and he was staring directly at her.

[avrahamglattman]

Best Cities for Renters in 2023

Best Cities for Renters in 2023 http://avrahamglattmannewyork.com/best-cities-for-renters-in-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-cities-for-renters-in-2023 In 2023 more and more people are choosing to rent instead of buy. Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a young professional just starting out, or simply someone who values the flexibility and freedom that renting offers, there are many great cities across the United States that cater to renters. Here are some of the best cities for renters in 2023. Denver, Colorado Denver has been a hot spot for renters for several years now, and it’s not hard to see why. The city offers a perfect balance of urban convenience and outdoor recreation, with plenty of parks, hiking trails, and ski resorts just a short drive away. The city also boasts a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as a vibrant nightlife. Seattle, Washington Seattle is a hub for innovation and technology, with many young professionals flocking to the city for job opportunities. The city is known for its stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, as well as its lively music scene and great coffee shops. Renters in Seattle can enjoy a range of housing options, from cozy apartments in the city to spacious homes in the surrounding suburbs. Austin, Texas Austin has long been a favorite among young adults and creatives, thanks to its laid-back vibe and thriving arts scene. The city is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW), as well as a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking. Renters in Austin can enjoy affordable housing options, as well as a range of food and drink options. Portland, Oregon Portland is a popular destination for renters who value sustainability and community. The city is known for its bike-friendly streets, local food scene, and commitment to environmentalism. Renters in Portland can choose from a variety of unique housing options, from tiny homes to converted warehouses. Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis has a reputation for being a friendly and welcoming city, with a thriving arts and culture scene. The city is also home to many parks and lakes, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Renters in Minneapolis can enjoy affordable housing options, as well as a variety of ethnic cuisine and craft breweries. These are just a few of the best cities for renters in 2023. Whether you’re looking for an urban adventure, a nature getaway, or a mix of both, there’s a city out there that caters to your needs. So pack your bags, find a great rental, and start exploring all that these cities have to offer. The post Best Cities for Renters in 2023 first appeared on Ray Glattman Real Estate.

[the-orion-group-of-hotels]

Couple Friendly Hotel in South Delhi: Discover Comfort and Privacy at The Orion Express

When it comes to finding a couple friendly hotel in South Delhi, The Orion Express in East of Kailash stands out as an excellent choice. Known for its warm hospitality, modern amenities, and strategic location, The Orion Express offers couples a perfect blend of comfort, privacy, and convenience. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a peaceful retreat in the bustling city of Delhi, this 3-star hotel caters specifically to couples seeking a relaxed and cozy stay.

A Perfect Location in South Delhi :- South Delhi is a vibrant area filled with cultural landmarks, shopping centers, and top-notch dining options. Nestled in the heart of East of Kailash, The Orion Express is ideally located for those who want to explore the city while enjoying a comfortable stay. The hotel is just 1.7 km from the iconic Lotus Temple, a serene and beautiful architectural marvel perfect for an afternoon visit. Additionally, the ISKCON Temple is within walking distance, providing a peaceful space for spiritual reflection. For history enthusiasts, India Gate and Purana Qila are a short drive away, making The Orion Express a central hub for exploring some of Delhi’s most renowned attractions.

Comfortable and Cozy Accommodations for Couples :- At The Orion Express, comfort and privacy are prioritized. The hotel offers 20 well-appointed rooms designed to meet the needs of modern travelers. Each room is tastefully decorated with soothing colors, comfortable furniture, and ambient lighting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for couples. The beds are plush and fitted with high-quality linens to ensure a restful night’s sleep. The rooms also come with a range of modern amenities, including

Free Wi-Fi

Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Air conditioning

24-hour room service

Complimentary toiletries

Mini-fridge

Tea/coffee maker

These amenities make The Orion Express a top choice among couple-friendly hotels in South Delhi, offering both relaxation and convenience.

Privacy and Safety for Couples :- One of the key aspects couples look for when choosing a hotel is privacy and safety. The Orion Express places a strong emphasis on ensuring that guests feel secure and at ease during their stay. The hotel’s check-in process is discreet and efficient, catering to couples who value privacy. The staff is trained to be courteous and non-intrusive, providing a welcoming atmosphere without compromising your personal space.

For couples who prefer to spend more time in the privacy of their room, the hotel offers in-room dining services with a variety of options, allowing you to enjoy a quiet meal together without interruption. The Orion Express also ensures that all necessary protocols for guest safety are followed, offering secure accommodations and a safe environment for all guests.

Proximity to Transportation and Local Attractions :- One of the biggest advantages of staying at The Orion Express is its proximity to key transport hubs and local attractions. The hotel is just 950 meters from the Kailash Colony Metro Station, making it incredibly easy to get around the city. Whether you’re heading to Connaught Place for a shopping spree or planning a visit to Humayun’s Tomb, the well-connected metro ensures you can reach your destination in no time.

For those who prefer to travel by car or taxi, The Orion Express is also close to major roads and offers convenient on-site parking. The Sant Nagar bus stop is within moderate walking distance, further enhancing the connectivity to different parts of Delhi. Additionally, Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station is just 5.3 km away, making it convenient for those arriving by train.

Explore South Delhi’s Vibrant Dining and Shopping Scene :- South Delhi is famous for its eclectic mix of shopping areas, markets, and restaurants, offering couples plenty of activities to indulge in. The Orion Express is strategically located near popular shopping hubs like Lajpat Nagar Market, where you can explore local boutiques and pick up unique souvenirs. For a more upscale experience, the nearby Select Citywalk Mall in Saket offers luxury shopping and gourmet dining options.

When it comes to dining, East of Kailash is home to numerous cafes, street food joints, and fine-dining restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for authentic North Indian cuisine, international dishes, or a romantic candlelight dinner, you’ll find plenty of choices just a stone’s throw away from the hotel.

Experience Warm Hospitality at The Orion Express :- What sets The Orion Express apart from other couple-friendly hotels in South Delhi is its focus on delivering a memorable guest experience. The hotel’s staff is known for their friendly and attentive service, ensuring that all your needs are met during your stay. From assisting with travel arrangements to providing local recommendations, the team at The Orion Express goes above and beyond to make your visit special.

Conclusion: Why Choose The Orion Express? :- If you’re searching for a couple friendly hotel in South Delhi, The Orion Express is an ideal option. With its prime location, comfortable accommodations, privacy-focused services, and proximity to transport and attractions, it ticks all the boxes for a delightful stay. Whether you’re visiting Delhi for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, The Orion Express ensures that you and your partner have a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

Contact Us:

Phone: +91 742–8555–990 Instagram: @theoriongroupofhotels Website: www.theorionhotels.com

[pinewind-liberty]

Convenience Meets Comfort

When it comes to Charleston SC townhomes for rent, having extra space can make life so much easier. At Pinewind at Liberty Hall, you’ll love the spacious backyard that’s perfect for relaxing, hosting a BBQ, or letting your pets play. Need a spot for holiday decorations or sports gear? The attached storage unit gives you room for everything you want to keep organized but out of sight. These homes offer flexible layouts with options for both 2 and 3 bedroom floorplans, so you can choose what fits your lifestyle. It’s all about convenience and comfort, giving you plenty of room to live the way you want. Find the perfect blend of style and practicality right here.

The Transportation System in Goose Creek, South Carolina

Getting around Goose Creek is pretty easy. While the town doesn’t have a public bus system, the roadways are well-connected, so driving is the most convenient option. You’ll find main routes like US-52 that lead directly into Charleston, making commuting simple. Traffic is usually light, which is a plus for getting from place to place without delays. If you don’t have a car, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, making it easier to get around. For longer trips, Charleston International Airport is just a short drive away, connecting you to major cities. While it’s not a walking-friendly town in some areas, having a car really gives you the freedom to move around with ease.

Stones Throw Brewing in Goose Creek, South Carolina

Stones Throw Brewing is the place to go for a local craft beer experience. The brewery has a laid-back atmosphere where you can kick back, try new brews, and enjoy some good conversation. They have a rotating selection of beers, so there’s always something new to try. If you're a fan of unique flavors, this is the spot for you. The staff is friendly, and the vibe is relaxed, making it a great place to hang out after a busy week. Plus, you can often find live music or food trucks around, which makes it even more fun. It’s a local gem, for sure.

Popular 90s Hitmakers To Perform At Goose Creek Amphitheater

It’s awesome to see Goose Creek bringing back some 90s nostalgia with C+C Music Factory and Tag Team. If you grew up listening to their hits, this concert is a chance to relive some great memories. The fact that the tickets are free makes it even better. It’s not every day you get to see these iconic groups live without breaking the bank. The whole 90s vibe is going to be perfect, from the music to the fashion, so get ready to throw on your best throwback look. Plus, with the concert being in the Daning Amphitheater, it sounds like the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy a night of classic tunes. If you’re a fan of 90s music, you won’t want to miss this one.

Link to map

Stones Throw Brewing 101 Button Hall Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445, United States Head south toward Button Hall Ave 125 ft Turn left onto Button Hall Ave 0.2 mi Turn right onto N Goose Creek Blvd 0.2 mi Turn left onto Liberty Hall Rd 1.9 mi Turn right onto Pinewind Wy 226 ft Turn left to stay on Pinewind Wy 381 ft Turn right to stay on Pinewind Wy Destination will be on the right 75 ft Pinewind at Liberty Hall 147 Pinewind Wy, Goose Creek, SC 29445, United States

[meaganjimboomba]

What Makes Nth Maclean a Desirable Location for Home Buyers?

When searching for a property for sale Nth Maclean, it’s important to understand why this area is becoming a sought-after destination for home buyers. Nestled in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Nth Maclean offers an appealing combination of natural beauty, convenience, and growing community amenities. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a family home, Nth Maclean provides a range of benefits that make it a top choice for those looking to invest in real estate.

A Picturesque and Peaceful Setting

One of the most attractive features of Nth Maclean is its stunning natural environment. The area boasts scenic views, lush greenery, and a peaceful atmosphere that appeals to home buyers seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With its proximity to the scenic Clarence River, residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and bushwalking. The wide open spaces and rolling hills create a serene backdrop, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate nature.

Proximity to Essential Amenities

Despite its peaceful rural charm, Nth Maclean offers easy access to essential services and amenities. The nearby Maclean township provides residents with a variety of shopping options, schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational areas. Additionally, the bustling regional city of Grafton is just a short drive away, offering even more shopping, dining, and cultural experiences. This blend of convenience and serenity makes Nth Maclean an attractive location for families, retirees, and professionals alike.

Strong Community Spirit

Another key reason why property for sale Nth Maclean is in high demand is the strong sense of community in the area. The region is known for its friendly and welcoming residents, which fosters a supportive environment for families and individuals alike. Community events, markets, and local festivals provide opportunities to connect with neighbors and build relationships. The tight-knit nature of the community helps to create a sense of belonging, making it a place people are proud to call home.

Affordability and Investment Potential

Compared to other areas in the Northern Rivers region, Nth Maclean offers competitive property prices, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter the property market. The region is still relatively affordable compared to more developed areas, but it is experiencing growth, which means that properties are expected to increase in value over time. This makes Nth Maclean an appealing option for those looking for a solid investment in the future.

Growing Infrastructure and Development

Another key factor contributing to the desirability of Nth Maclean is the ongoing development of infrastructure in the region. Plans for new roads, public transport options, and amenities are underway, making the area even more accessible and convenient. As the infrastructure continues to improve, the value of properties in the area is likely to rise, making it a wise choice for buyers looking for long-term growth potential.

A Range of Property Types to Choose From

Nth Maclean offers a variety of properties to suit different buyer needs. Whether you're looking for a large rural property with plenty of space for a hobby farm or a smaller suburban home, there are options available. The diversity of properties in the area allows buyers to find something that suits their lifestyle and budget. With the combination of spacious homes, modern designs, and picturesque surroundings, Nth Maclean offers a range of real estate choices for those seeking to buy in the area.

Ideal for Families and Retirees

The tranquil environment and range of amenities make Nth Maclean an ideal place for families and retirees. For families, the area offers safe streets, good schools, and plenty of recreational activities for children. For retirees, Nth Maclean provides a peaceful lifestyle with the benefits of modern conveniences, making it the perfect location to enjoy a relaxed pace of life. The variety of housing options also means that individuals in different stages of life can find a home that suits their needs.

Access to Beautiful Beaches and Outdoor Activities

The beauty of Nth Maclean extends beyond its rural charm. The area is within driving distance of some of the most beautiful beaches in the Northern Rivers, such as those in Yamba, which are renowned for their pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. Home buyers can enjoy the best of both worlds—rural living with easy access to coastal escapes. Additionally, Nth Maclean’s location provides proximity to national parks and nature reserves, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and birdwatching.

Conclusion

For those considering property for sale Nth Maclean, the region’s combination of natural beauty, strong community, affordable housing, and growing infrastructure make it a highly desirable location. Whether you're drawn to the area’s peaceful lifestyle, the investment potential, or its proximity to essential services and stunning natural landscapes, Nth Maclean has much to offer. As the area continues to grow and develop, now is the perfect time to explore the opportunities available in this charming corner of New South Wales.