#thoughts bouncing about this prompt and it had me curious

[evielmostdefinitely]

slightly odd request but i’ve LOVED cold tonight and the others in the mini series and i was wondering if you could write something where reader gets into a disagreement with the caption wife of a politician snow HATES and reader does everything correct and is ‘well behaved’ for snow so when he gets her home she sort of breaks down in concern he’ll punish her and she’s worrying he’s mad at her but instead he just comforts her and tells her how good she is etc etc , maybe some praising smut if you fancy ? totally ok if it’s not your cup of tea !!!!

bitter cold |young!coriolanus snow x capitol!reader|

prompt: as requested above :)

contains: alludes to dom/sub themes but not super heavy. possessive, dark snow. reader gets hurt (not by snow). slight smut at the end but not super graphic.

“Mrs. Snow,” The snarl in her tone, you could practically picture the baring teeth, lips pursed in a forced smile that resembled more of a grimace waiting behind you; Cypher Crane. 

You turned, a polite smile on your lips- years of training. These dinners weren’t new to you by any means. You had grown up attending numerous socialite events such as this, only now, you were the President’s wife. 

“Cypher,” You greeted the brunette woman with a clenched grin. “Lovely to see you.” 

“Yes,” She hissed, eyes trailing down your figure, over your outfit with a flare of her nose in disapproval. “I’m sure it is.” 

You winced, sucking in a breath. And so it begins, you thought. Cypher was your age, you’d grown up going to school together, school yard friends even, at one point. Until you married Coriolanus. Since the death of her elder sister, Arachne, the entire Crane family had blamed Coriolanus. It was his idea that they go see the tributes, and therefore his fault she died. It never bothered Corio, he’d roll his eyes and wave it off, “The family is grieving. Let them blame me if it makes them feel better.” He’d scoff. Still, it upset you, their constant provoking. 

You cleared your throat lightly, scanning the room for Coriolanus on the other end, desperate to be away from Cypher, the tension already too much. “If you’ll excuse me, my husband needs me-” 

“-No, I need to have a word with you.” Cypher blocked your step easily, clutching her champagne flute. Your heart hammered, trying to stay calm, cool. 

“About?” You lifted a brow, tone lifting to stay light and casual- unbothered, hoping you would stay the same. 

“The games,” Her eyes narrowed, lips fixing in a tight line. 

Your heart dropped. Corio had made a number of changes to the games. Alongside Dr. Gaul, the two were working to gain more and more viewers. His first games, and he wanted them to be perfect. The changes had been announced to the sponsors council only a few days prior. You were sure that was why Cypher wanted to talk to you.

“Your husband,” Her words drenched in venomous disgust. “Made changes to the games.” You sucked in a breath as she took a step closer to you. “To the tributes.” 

Your eyes darted around. Where were your friends? Where was Corio? Tigris? Anyone to help you. 

“Yes, he has.” You nodded, swallowing the growing lump in your throat. “Dr. Gaul and Coriolanus thought it best that the tributes be welcomed and celebrated for their sacrifices-” 

“-I fucking know what he said.” Cypher snapped, her voice bouncing off the marble of the room, catching the attention of the guests around you- maybe the whole room. You were too scared to look, truthfully. Coriolanus’ icy, curious gaze had found yours, brows furrowed. 

“I was there when this ridiculous idea was presented, and quite frankly I’m surprised at you.” Cypher sneered, finger jabbing dangerously close towards your face. “Your own daily endorsing this-this monstrosity. Treating tributes as heroes? Funding new trains and tearing down the tribute zoo? Giving them this pedestal to parade around on?” 

“Darling,” Coriolanus’ tone was tight, it made your heart skip. You looked at him, eyes rounded in fear, pinned against the wall. Cypher close to you, Coriolanus behind her. “Is everything alright?” You knew he was upset about the commotion, the improperness of it. 

Your words jumbled in your mouth, fumbling over a calm, collected response. Cypher never turned, never moved, kept her furious gaze on you. “You know my sister was killed by one of those tributes?” Cypher sneered. 

The room stilled, Coriolanus’ eyes falling to you. You weren’t sure what to do, uncomfortable and a little frightened. “You do know it, and now you want to reward them? Reward the rebellion? That’s what you’re doing aren’t you?” 

“No.” You shook your head. “No, never, I- we would never-” 

“-Liar!” Cypher roared, lunging at you. She shoved you against the wall, your head smacking the heavy marble, wincing through clenched vision, waiting for the strike. 

Instead, Coriolanus had her, arms wrenched around her shoulders, shoving her with such force to the ground before the Peacekeepers drug her away. “You killed my sister! You did, Snow! And now you’re rewarding the ones who killed her! Her blood is on your hands, you rebels!” 

“Move,” Corio shoved the Avoxes out of the way, eyes scanning over your features furiously. “Are you alright? Are you hurt?” He whispered, jaw clenched in fear, maybe rage. 

“I-I’m alright.” You took a shaky breath, reaching to the back of your head, rubbing the forming knot. Corio’s grip tightened around you.

“Take her to my lab.” Gaul commanded the guards, bright eye wandering wickedly Coriolanus’ way. He nodded, lips pursed furiously, one arm around you. “Clear everyone out.” He commanded with a sharp jerk of his head. 

“Corio, I-I’m fine.” Your breath shuddered, gripping his arm to steady yourself. “Everyone doesn’t have to leave-” 

“-I’m taking you to be examined.” Coriolanus’ jaw was tight, pulling you down the Capitol’s steps with a fury. 

“I don’t need that, darling, I promise. I-I’m alright.” Your heart beat furiously. You had ruined his event. You knew how important this was, and you let it get out of hand. Now, Corio was furious, and why wouldn’t he be? 

“You need to be examined.” Coriolanus’ tone was sharp, leaving no room for argument. Instead, his hand wrapped tighter around your bicep, hauling you to the private wing of the Capitol’s mansion- your shared wing. 

You didn’t fight, sure if you opened your mouth, you might be sick. Instead you sat obediently, letting the doctor examine you, avoiding Coriolanus’ intense, watchful gaze on you. Your fate was sealed, you knew it. Knew that he was upset with you- that he’d punish you for such a display.

The doctor checked you, wrote it off as a mild concussion with orders to not sleep. Coriolanus’ response of “I will ensure of it,” in such a cutting, firm tone, made you shiver. 

The room was eerily still when the doctor left, just you and Coriolanus residing in your bedroom, a thick tension in the air. 

“How are you feeling?” You jumped at the sound of his voice, sharper than normal, though his brows were furrowed with something softer. Concern, perhaps? 

“I-I’m ok, Corio.” You swallowed your nerves, clutching the duvet of the bed. “Just an ache.” 

“How bad of an ache? You didn’t tell the doctor this.” Corio huffed, standing quickly, crossing the bedroom with a fury. 

“Corio, don’t. I’m fine.” You shook your head, moving off the edge after him.

 Coriolanus turned around, frowning at you. “You’re not supposed to be up.” He huffed, harsher than he meant to. “Sit down.” 

You flinched, scurrying back obediently. “I’m sorry. I-I just, I’m fine. I promise. I’m ok.” You stuttered, stomach dropping and twisting with fear. 

Corio paused, watching you with careful eyes. He’d written off your skittish behavior as fear from the situation, fear from being hurt. Now, he watched you cower before him, eyes peering at him the way those he executed did, trembling with pure horror. 

An unpleasant heaviness settled in his chest, sinking to his stomach. “My love,” Corio frowned, stepping towards you. “Are you alright?” 

“I’m ok, Corio, I promise. I-I’m just-just…” You looked at him, head turned down, curled into yourself. 

Coriolanus knelt in front of you, between your legs, taking your face into his hands gently, stomach lurching at the way you tensed. “What’s the matter?” He whispered, blue eyes scanning your face for a sign, any indication as to why you were so fearful. 

You hesitated, lip rolling between your teeth. You wanted to stay silent, be obedient and not further him any more. His gentle touches were lulling you, coaxing your own anxieties out of you. 

“Corio, I swear, I-I did not mean for that conversation to get out of hand as it did.” Your eyes met his gaze hesitantly. “I tried to excuse myself. I tried to de-escalate it, and-and move away, but she was so… determined.” 

Coriolanus waited, blinking, still in his own confusion. Your hands twisted in your own clammy grip. “I didn’t mean to ruin your event. I-I was just trying to be polite and-and it got out of hand-” 

“-I know that.” Coriolanus tilted his head gently. “Darling, this isn’t your fault.” 

“She approached me, and-and I should have walked away or-or called you over-” 

“-You did what you should have done.” Coriolanus said firmly, lips pressing together. “I need to know who is with me and who is against me. There are far too many rebels, unscared and ready to strike. Clearly, the Crane family is one and will be dealt with.” You shuddered at the sneer in his tone, the venomous threat ominous of what was to come for the Crane family, what Cypher was already experiencing in Gaul’s lab. 

“I wish that would have been done without her laying a hand on you,” Corio grit, anger flashing through those dazzling, blue eyes that had you swooning when their gaze met yours. “But, I can assure that will not be possible for her to do. Not for much longer.” 

Your grip tightened this time, clutching his hand fiercely, like a lifeline. “You’re not angry with me?” 

“I could never be.” Coriolanus shook his head. “You defended me, I heard you- others heard you.” His lips curled in a soft smile. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better.” 

You beamed under his praise, relaxing into his touch. Corio’s fingers brushed over your knuckles carefully. “Are you feeling ok?” He asked, softer now. A touch of… worry in his tone? 

“Yes,” You nodded, pressing your forehead to his, your noses touching. “It’s just an ache.” 

Coriolanus’ hand tightened in yours. “I should have her whole fucking bloodline removed for that. For putting her hands on you.” 

“Don’t.” You whispered, shaking your head gently. “She’s upset. She lost her sister.” 

“She’ll be losing more than that tonight, my darling, rest assured.” Corio hissed, that cloudy darkness seeping back into his gaze. “I will make sure of it.” 

You didn’t fight him, didn’t try to sway him. You didn’t want to upset him further, there was nothing that could change Cypher’s fate anyways. 

Instead, you let him dote on you. You let Corio’s fingers brush through your hair, parting your scalp, running lightly over the small knot there. His lips were soft, pressing a gentle kiss to the sore area, before replacing it with ice. He even held the ice pack in place when your arm got tired, like a true, doting husband. 

Your eyes would droop, a soft pat to your leg waking you, a stern stare that had you blushing bashfully, thighs pressing together. 

“You have to stay awake, my love.” Corio reminded with a soft grumble, rubbing your scalp gently. 

“So keep me awake.” You purred, pressing up on his chest lightly, body between his legs. Corio grinned, hands cupping your cheeks, pulling you into him, lips hungrily devouring yours. He moved you gently into the goose feather pillows, lips dragging down your cheek, jaw, biting at your neck. He was so sweet to you, fucking you how you liked- on your stomach, his body folded on top of yours, hands intertwined, hot breath grunting and moaning into your ear.

[melobin]

innocent 𐙚 anton lee

warnings. best friend!anton x female!reader, virgin!reader x experienced!anton, virginity loss, nipple sucking, hair pulling, oral (f receiving), unprotected sex, pulling out method, quite light-hearted, eludes to a corruption kink.

wc. 4k

summary. anton comes home for the summer and the two of you find yourselves having a deep conversation.

part of my late 2k prompt event

2. “let me take care of you”

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

“how’s idol life?”

“tiring” anton shrugged as he responded to your question, hands resting on his stomach as he laid on your bed “i love what i do but sometimes i miss being back here” he turned his head to the side to look at where you sat on the bed next to him, back against the head board with with yours in his hair.

“at least you’re back for a few weeks” anton smiled softly at your reply, fingers pushing through the soft strands of his hair. his eyes were tired and he felt them begin to shut, yet he didn’t feel like sleeping yet. he found himself sitting up next to you instead.

“how have things been here? anything new? any boyfriends i need to beat up?” you laughed as your hands dropped to your lap.

“no one”

“and why not?” you shrugged at his question, paying no mind to how nosy your best friend was.

“i mean, the girls have been encouraging me to find someone over the summer but i don’t know how likely that’ll be”

“they want you to get into a relationship?”

“they want me to lose my virginity, tonnie”

“ah” the topic of your virginity wasn’t a sore one, the two of you just never discussed it “do you want to?” you shrugged again.

“yeah” you sighed for a moment, looking over at anton “but it’s okay it’ll happen one day”

“why do you want to lose it?”

“i just wanna know what it feels like, the girls are always talking about how good it is and how it feels so much better than when they do it themselves and i’m just curious i guess. there’s only so much a girl can do before she needs more” anton watched you carefully as you spoke, head tilting to the side as he thought.

“i get it, i was the same”

“how do you feel now you’re not a virgin?”

“the same, just hornier”

“oh that’s not good” his fingers found themselves tracing mindless patterns against the skin of your thigh “i don’t need more horniness”

“it gets that bad for you?” anton wasn’t sure why he was asking such questions, neither of you had ever delved into such a realm together before.

“yeah, sometimes i’m at it every night trying to get some sort of relief, most are filling with mediocre orgasms that barely make me feel anything”

“i didn’t realise you struggled so much” you laughed at his choice of words.

“i’ll be fine once i get some help”

“do you want some now?” anton was, well anton. he wasn’t bold, he was quiet, kept to himself, anton had absolutely never forwardly asked a girl if she wanted to sleep with him. until now, at least. he panicked for a moment, not knowing how you’d react to his sudden question.

“you want to take my virginity?”

“do you want me to?” silence filled the air as you looked at each other, his fingers paused their patterns as his hand flattered out on your thigh. it was in the moment that you realised just how close together you were, his hand on your skin sent heat to your core.

“yes”

“are you sure?”

“one hundred percent” anton nodded and squeezed your thigh. he moved himself, kneeling back so he could position you to lay on the bed, his fingers trailed along your thighs whilst he looked down at you.

“then let me take care of you, i’ll give you what you need, okay?” you nodded, eyes seemingly gazed over at the tension that had formed around the two of you.

anton could never have admitted his attraction to you out loud, part of him thought maybe he was being selfish by taking your innocence but the other part of him knew you wanted it too. anton could recall the first time he had a wet dream about you, how you bounced so prettily on his cock and cried out his name. he remembers how quickly he darted to the shower when he woke up and how even though he tried not to, he ended up with his hand flat against the tiled wall with his other tugging at his cock quickly, images of you flooding his mind as he came.

it was the start of a vicious cycle for anton, he felt like he’d just hit puberty by the way he was growing hard everytime he was around you, dreaming nightly about having your precious cunt wrapped around his cock whilst he drilled into you. sure, anton had girlfriends and one night stands and they usually took his mind off of things but once he saw you again he folded.

he wasn’t sure if having sex with you would make the dreams better or worse, but he guessed there was only one way to find out. one thing he knew though, was that you were even prettily in real life than in his dreams. your lips parted as you looked at his face, eyes focused on him as you let out a deep breath. beauty was subjective but anton believed anyone would’ve been blind to not see beauty in you.

focusing on the moment at hand, anton laughed lightly,l as he leaned over you, feeling one of your legs hook around his waist and your foot rub against the back of his thigh.

“what are you thinking about, tonnie?”

“how we ended up here” you frowned slightly as you looked at him.

“we don’t have to do this if you don’t want to”

“no no i do i promise i do, there’s nothing i want more than this. i know no one will give you the experince the way i can, love” you smiled lightly at him, hand reaching up to hold his cheek, thumb rubbing over the skin as your other hand pressed against his clothed chest.

“i trust you more than anything, i want this” anton sighed as he leaned closer to you, lips barely touching yours as he tested the waters. he pushed them a little further against yours, kissing you softly. the kiss only lasted for a short moment, a peck that confirmed to the both of you that this is what you wanted.

it only took a second of your lips to be parted for him to lean in again, lips pressing softly against yours as he brought you into a slow kiss, it made you feel dizzy as it grew deeper. your hand fingers their way to the strands of hair he had sitting at the back of his neck, breathing getting heavier as he continued to kiss you.

this was one of the things you craved most, the intense making out that left your cunt throbbing for attention. you weren’t sure on how to portray your need to anton without whining, the whine slipped out once he broke the kiss. his cheeks were flushed as he looked at you, his knee slipping in between your legs and pressing against your core, you gasped at the feeling.

“how are you feeling?” his voice was soft as he asked, barely speaking above a whisper.

“i need you” you believed the whimper that fell from you as you spoke was pathetic, but anton thought it was the hottest thing you’d ever done.

“need?”

“so bad tonnie, please” he could never deny anything you asked for, especially this. one final, gentle kiss to your lips was all it took before he knelt up once again. his fingers pushed under your shirt, looking at your face for any sign of discomfort or hesitation. “you can take it off, it’s okay” he nodded at your confirmation, fingers gently brushing against your skin as he pushed your shirt over your head and dropped it onto your bedroom floor.

he wasn’t expecting for you to be bare under your shirt, yet he was pleasantly surprised to find out you were. he couldn’t help but admire you, every skin was so soft as his fingers traced over it, nipples so hard as he thumb brushed against them. he took note of the way you squirmed as he brought his hand to cup your breast, your nipple being rubbed between his thumb and index finger before he leaned down.

as his hand squeezed one of your breasts, his other hand held the underneath of the other, pushing it up so he could wrap his lips around your nipple. he let his tongue glide over the hardening bud as he sucked lightly, letting your fingers lace them through his hair and pull gently as you whined at the unfamiliar feeling.

he savoured the feeling of your nipple on his tongue, already adoring the way your body reacted to him sucking on it. he released it from his lips before moving to the other one, this time his tongue poked out of his lips, flicking over the nub a few times before leaving open mouthed kisses against it. he felt his cock twitch in his pants when you moaned and pulled a little harsher on his hair.

he pressed a final kiss to your nipple before kissing along the valley between your pressed, lips parted leaving wet spots in his path as he made his was down your body. his fingers hooked over the the waist line of your trousers, catching your panties with it. he looked up at you for a moment, lips still attached to your skin as you nodded to him.

he hummed against your skin as he slowly pulled them off of you, head lifting as he dropped them to the floor, fingers curling around your inner thighs to part your legs for him. he groaned at the sight of you bare in front of him, opting to pull his own shirt over his head so you didn’t feel alone.

“you’re so pretty” he admired you from head to toe, your body made his heart flutter and the sight of your cunt glistening under the light left his cock fluttering too. he noticed the way your eyes lingered on his body, tracing every detail of his abs as he knelt before you. your fingers reached out to touch them, nails lightly raking against his skin before you looked at his face.

“so are you”

anton’s fingers trailed up your inner thighs before they reached your pussy, his thumbs pressed against your lips as he held them apart and looked at you. his mouth watered at the sight of your slick cunt.

“let me eat you out baby” you whined at the way he was looking at you and how he spoke to you, his words went right to your core.

“please” he moved back until he was laid on the bed, he looked up at you as his thumb brushed over your clit.

“have you ever been eaten out before?” you shook your head and whimpered, the situation growing intense and overwhelming you. there wasn’t a word you could think of to describe the way you felt toward anton in that moment, just primal need for him to touch you. anton found himself loving your answer, his mouth watering as he thought about tasting your untouched, innocent cunt.

he leaned forward, parting his lips and breathing over your slick folds before he placed a wide, open mouthed kiss over your pussy. he let his lips drag along your flesh before he done it again, being gentle as he kissed you. his hands hooked under your thighs so he could pull you closer to his face, tongue peaking out of his lips so he could press it against your slit, dragging it along your core before circling your clit with it.

he groaned as the taste of you filled his mouth, lips closing around your clit as he heard you whimper and felt your fingers grip at his hair. you were so sensitive, so sweet and whiny at every little touch. even with the small amount of stimulation anton had began to give you your hips were squirming under him, your shut as you took in the feeling of his tongue.

he was slow, not wanting to overwhelm you by going too fast. his tongue circled your clit, lips kissing over the top of it repeatedly, lips only wrapping around it and sucking on it when he thought you were ready. anton felt an intense spark run through his cock when you moaned a little louder at the feeling, the sound of you becoming breathless and moaning because of him made his cock leak.

he sucked a little harder on your clit, tongue flicking over it a little faster as he was determined to make you cum. somewhere during his actions, his middle finger found your sopping hole, the tip of it carefully circling it before he pushed it inside of you. you gasped as you felt it, his finger was longer than yours, thicker too. along side his tongue flicking over your clit, you felt as if your body was beginning to fall apart.

for a moment he released your clit, head lifting up to look at you as his finger curled inside of you. “how does it feel, baby?” you whimpered when you parted your lips, gimping as you felt another finger being pushed into you.

you were a stranger to fingering, yet it felt different having someone other than yourself do it to you, especially anton. “it’s good” your voice was weak, it was all anton needed to hear, the shaky, whiny undertone of your words had his heart melting. he smiled at you before ducking his head back down, two fingers curling inside of you as he wrapped his lips around your clit once more.

you couldn’t explain how you felt, there was an intense feeling running through your clit as anton sucked on it. you struggled to keep yourself quiet, couldn’t keep your eyes open nor could you stop your legs from shaking. the mix of his tongue with his fingers left you a wreck, unable to find a way to tell him that you were about to cum.

“cum when you’re ready baby” you whimpered hearing him talk against your cunt, his fingers speeding up their movements inside of you as he drove you to your orgasm, wanting nothing more than to feel you spilling onto his tongue and giving you your first ever orgasm from someone else.

the feeling of your orgasm hitting you was like nothing you’d felt before, you weren’t sure how to react as it ran through you. moans left you instinctively, anyone name slipping out without you realising as you came on his fingers and tongue. letting him drag out every last drop of your orgasm until you could give him anything more.

anton’s lips were slick when he lifted his head from your cunt, slowly withdrawing his fingers from your hole before looking down at you. he admired the way you were breathing heavily, how your eyes looked tired and how you struggled to keep them open as you attempted to regain your breathing. there was a subtle smile on your lips as your eyes opened, anton returned your smile as his hands soothingly rubbed your thighs.

“do you want to continue?” his question was simple but he needed to know, not wanting to give you too much all at once.

“please”

“i don’t have any condoms”

“i don’t either” you started, looking down at the bulge that had formed in his pants before looking back at his face “but i trust you, plus you can pull out right? i can get the morning after pill tomorrow just to be precautious” anton looked at you, fingers creeping up your skin before lacing with yours.

“it’s completely your choice baby” he lifted your hand and brought it to his lips, pressing then softly against the back of it “i’m okay with whatever you want to do”

“then please tonnie, i need you” he nodded before kissing the back of your hand again, letting go of it as he stood up to remove his sweats and briefs. you never knew what to expect when seeing antons cock, the size being unknown to you until he revealed it. the thickness of his cock intimidated you slightly, it looked heavy as it weighed itself down, the tip red and slick, leaking slightly.

you watched as anton knelt up between your legs, his hand wrapping around his cock as he laid it against your stomach. your eyes stayed glued to it, fingers itching to wrap around it so you could feel it in your hand.

“go on, it’s okay” it overwhelmed you how easily anton could read what you were thinking. you let your hand fall to your stomach before you reached down to wrap it around his cock, it did feel heavy in your hand. anton groaned as he felt your soft skin glide against him, your hand feeling gentler than his ever had as it ran along his cock.

“is it going to fit?” your question was genuine and innocent, slight concern lacing your tone as you looked up at his face. anton almost hated the way his cock throbbed at the sound of it.

“it will” he nodded before continuing “but you don’t have to take all of me angel. i’ll be gentle with you and you can decide how much you want to take. if it’s too much we can stop okay? all you have to do is tell me”

“i love you tonnie” anton has heard you say that multiple times in the past but it felt different in this moment, your voice appeared more vulnerable as looked down at you. his hand reached for your face, thumb brushing over your cheek as he leaned down to kiss you softly.

“i love you too baby” his face stayed near yours, hand moving to lace his fingers through yours and press them down against the mattress near your head, letting you dig your nails into the back of his hand as he replaced your hand that was wrapped around his cock with his own.

“are you ready, love?” you gulped at his question, eyes watching his. he looked at you with a gentle gaze, never taking his eyes off of yours.

“i’m ready tonnie” he watched you for a moment, tip of his cock pressing against your soaked clit. your lips parted at the feeling, breathing growing a little deeper as he dragged it down your slit.

he was focused on you when he pressed the head of his cock against your inviting hole, he felt you clench before he properly pushed it in. his thumb rubbed against the back of your hand, lips pressing against your temple.

“you can relax baby, it’s okay” you took a deep breath as you tried to let your body relax, allowing yourself to sink into the sheets under you. anton paid mind to the way you gasped when the head of his cock shifted inside of you, pressing slightly deeper as his girth stretched you out.

you opened your mouth, wanting to tell him how big he felt but all you could do was whimper. it didn’t hurt the way you’d first believed it would, but the stretch was overwhelming. it wasn’t painful but there was an ache in your cunt that you couldn’t shift, the only way the ache hurt was because you were aching for something more, but you weren’t sure what that something more was.

“is it too much?” anton wasn’t all the way inside of you, the parts of himself he did give you were slowly being dragged in and out of you. letting you adjust to the way you were taking him. you shook your head at his question, gulping before trying to respond.

“i want more” you sounded broken when asking for more, anton groaned a little louder as he shifted more of himself inside of you, watching your face carefully as he slowly pushed the rest of his cock into your welcoming heat.

anton felt overwhelmed but he didn’t want to show it. you were wrapped tightly around his cock, your slick making it hot inside. he wanted to make you feel good, wanted you to feel safe and comfortable under him whilst you took his cock but you just felt so good, too good, it took a lot in him to not go dizzy because of it.

he kept himself still once his cock was seated completely inside of you, looking at you as you clenched around him. your eyes opened gently as you looked back at him, his cheeks were flushed and his eyes were wide, he looked like a mess. a pretty one, at least, but a mess. you wondered just how much he was suffering from this.

anton’s free hand laced through your free one, both of your hands now intertwined as he pulled his hips back before pushing them forward again. it was a smooth, slow motion. his cock filled you up incredibly well. the ache you felt in your core was beginning to fade, having every inch of him inside of you only increased the pleasure you felt inside of you, rather than an ache.

“it’s so good tonnie” your voice broke mid sentence, eyes not being able to stay open as he fucked you slowly, stretching out your cunt with each soft thrust forward. whine-like moans fell from your lips as you took him, anton found himself groaning during it too.

“you feel so fucking good baby” anton moaned as he spoke back to you, his forehead pressing against yours as he basked in the way you felt around him, finding himself quickly becoming obsessed with how perfectly your cunt molded around him.

within a few moments one of his hands let go of yours, soon enough you felt his thumb press against your clit, small circles being rubbed against the slick, swollen numb as he continued to fuck you slowly.

“wanna make you cum” he told you, head lifting from yours so he could look down at you, thumb speeding up as his thrusts stayed the same “want you to cum around my cock, baby” you nodded and whined a little louder at his words, already feeling your body heat up a little more as he continued pleasing you.

“i don’t think im gonna last long tonnie” you whined through your words, back arching up, chest pressing against his as his cock slipped a little deeper inside of you, head seemingly finding a spot inside of you that had moan after moan slipping from your lips.

“it’s okay baby you can let go whenever you’re ready” he treated you so well, cared for you as if you were going to break apart at any second, you were fragile under his touch. all he wanted to do was make you cum around his cock and bring you to heaven.

bringing you to your second orgasm brought anton joy, but also left him tilting toward the edge. he let you fall apart under him, feeling your legs shake and your fingers dig into his hand and back as he fucked you through it. only pulling out once he knew you were done. anton quickly found himself kneeling up over your body, hand jerking off his cock as he released himself over your skin.

looking down at you, anton couldn’t help but admire the way his cum covered the skin of your stomach and how tired your pretty face was. he kissed you again, lips barely touching yours as he let you relax under him. it took him a few moments to get the courage to stand up and leave you, almost rushing to find a towel to help you clean up, gently dragging it along your flesh to help you before letting it fall onto the floor. caving the moment he heard you whine for him to come back to you.

once he did, his fingers raked through your hair as you laid against his chest, arms wrapped around his body tightly as if he was going to disappear within seconds. he could feel your body growing heavy against his, breathing steadying out as you allowed your exhaustion to take over your body.

anton wasn’t sure how the following day would play out for the two of you and how this would affect your friendship, he could only pray that any change that was incoming would be good.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨♡୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

tag list. @ma-riiii @zombyjuice @addictedtohobi @strayghibli @seokeuns @productiwity @swaggyjinnie @kvstjwonnie @xushigyu @daebin @lavscene @hyucksdelicate @shotaroswifeyily @imthisclosetokms @wccycc @gyuvision @seotired @starrypen @llearlert @yeolwrld @snowyseungs @shawnyle @bbg7mae @hwhjsthetic @cysier @lilriswife4life @riizenextdoor @revehosh @kpxpseoul @emoseob @sashasbluehair @ohmykwonsoonyoung @https-yangjungwon @nctxtrash @sacrificialsim @lunicho @pnkified @hyneyedfiz @astrotrilogy @linloveoneonenine @bludzk1llzyuzu @enha-cafe

[sorrowsofsilence]

Diagnosis • Sebastian

Pairing: Noah Sebastian x Fem!Reader

Words: 4.1k

Warnings: Smut (18+, fingering, female!receiving), PnV pls wrap it b4 u tap it, male!recieving, choking, doctor x patient (uncomfy situation so pls don't read if the idea of a doctor being unethical isn't your vibe- it is also not my vibe but yk, Dr. Davis can do anything to me lol)

Prompt: You had no idea your past highschool school hook-up would be your substitute doctor during your annual check-up; but let's just say you were in desperate need of a physical.

Author note: LOL I AM GOING TO HELLLLL - but also I've seen so many Dr. Davis ideas I had to create one myself; so thank you to especially (@valiantroeagleangel) whose work inspired me. You are wonderful. And shout out to some sexy phrases by @loveisanimaginarydagger3000 - I’m weak

THIS IS A FANFIC USING REAL PEOPLE IN A FICTIONAL SITUATION! I AM NOT IMPLYING THAT THIS PERSON WOULD DO THIS IRL OR ACT LIKE THIS! ITS FICTION!

Tags: @sammyjoeee @cookiesupplier @th4t-em0-k1d  @dsireland86 @whenthesummerdies @spicywhenspeaking @gretaswhore28 @veronicaphoenix @lma1986 @calleyx13 @somewhere-diamond @talialovesmiw @auratheopossumwitch

(I wasn't sure who I should tag, and if you would like to be tagged in one-shots please let me know! If you’d like to me to remove you as well pls also let me know!! I just took some tags that I've had in past one-shots, and those I think would enjoy! <3)

You picked at your fingernails nervously as you sat in the waiting room, your leg bouncing up and down rapidly.

Something about Doctors’ offices always made you nervous, especially when it involved a doctor that wasn’t your own. You were getting a routine check-up and your first pap smear, scheduled with your regular doctor, but she had a last-minute family emergency. This meant you were going to be inspected by someone else, and that thought made you slightly uneasy.

You played with the mask that covered your nose, pinching at the metal band that rested on the bridge before tugging at the string.

The old woman next to you watched your anxious wading with curious eyes, and you simply shifted in your seat, avoiding her gaze.

Your name was finally called and you followed the nurse, allowing her to check your height, and then leading you into a room located at the end of the hall.

She sat you down, your legs crunching beneath the paper as she placed the blood pressure bump along your arm, squeezing until it tightened and let go.

“Your blood pressure seems to be a little high?” She said, eyebrows furrowing.

You rubbed your hands nervously between your thighs, “I’m just a little anxious.”

Her eyes smiled, indicating a soft grin beneath the mask she wore, “You’ll be just fine. Dr. Davis is a fantastic doctor.”

His name rang off her tongue, piquing your interest. Davis. You knew someone with that last name in high school.

“You can take your mask off in here by the way. Just set it on the side.” She nodded before leaving and you sat there for a few more moments, nervously shifting in your seat.

After a few minutes, you heard a soft knock on the door and you sat up straight, anticipating the man who would be taking care of you today.

The door opened and a man with soft chestnut hair that fell slightly in front of his face walked in, thin-framed glasses sat promptly on top of his nose, covered by a black mask. He hadn’t looked up from the clipboard that was in his hands as he kicked the door closed with his foot gently, tattooed fingers holding up the top page as his eyes skimmed rapidly over the words.

“How’s it going? I’m Dr. Davis.” His voice fell from his lips in a firm but gentle tone and your eyes widened in surprise as you remembered the faint lisp at the end of his ‘s’, and the twang in his accent.

“Hi,” you whispered as you absorbed his image, eyes skimming over his white coat that draped down his long body. The light-blue button-up sat tightly against his neck. You swallowed gently at the ink that crawled just above the collar, sinched between a black tie traced with binary code as the pattern.

“Y/N Y/L/N?” He asked with a curious tone, gaze immediately leaving the page as his orbs met your own, and your heart raced as his ochre eyes bore into yours.

His professionalism dropped slightly as his eyes skimmed over your face in recognition, and your lips parted slightly. He stood still, frozen in remembrance before he coughed, setting the clipboard on the counter and taking a seat next to his computer.

Noah Sebastian Davis is your doctor.

He immediately avoided your gaze as your face began to warm, and you crossed your legs, feeling vulnerable under his authority as he sat there, distracting himself with his computer.

Your high school hookup is your doctor.

“Well,” He began typing, a soft waver barely evident in his voice, “It’s been a long time.”

“Thirteen years,” You licked your lips quickly, smiling shyly as you stared at your legs, glancing up every so often to steal a look at your doctor. You felt even more nervous than before as the man who sat in front of you eventually turned, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he watched you intensely.

“Look, let’s just keep this professional. If you’re more comfortable with someone else I can get another doctor in here.” He said monotonously, leaning over his lap as his elbows rested on his knees.

You mustered a small smile as your chest hammered, eyes grazing across the tattoos embedded into his fingers Memories of the way they used to dance along your skin left your stomach swirling.

“It’s alright, I don’t mind…” Your thoughts trailed off as you looked at the ground, “if you don’t mind?”

Dr. Davis maintained strict eye contact, his voice proper and fixed, “It’s my job to remain professional and competent. I strive for nothing but efficiency, and I’ll have you in and out Mrs. Y/L/N.”

“Miss,” You corrected quietly, picking at your nails again.

Something flashed across his eyes at the realization, and your ears flushed as you adjusted yourself on the examination table.

He turned on the chair again, fingers tapping on the keyboard.

“Let’s go through some medical history to clarify things under your files. It seems you usually have Dr. Thomas, am I correct?”

You hummed in confirmation, nodding along.

“Any health concerns to bring up in your visit today?”

You shook your head, “Just a routine check-up and a pap smear.”

Dr. Davis nodded along, shifting in his seat at the mention of a pap, his hand reaching to pull against his collar as if loosening the tension that was building within the room.

“Any issues regarding mental health?”

You shook your head.

“Eating and drinking well?”

You nodded.

“Any allergies?”

You shook your head.

“Sexually active?”

You noticed his voice hither slightly, as he glanced over at you briefly, before fixating his eyes on the computer again.

“Not like, regularly.”

He shifted in his seat, nodding.

“Multiple partners?”

“Uhm,” you began to stutter nervously at his questions, “A few. Not frequently changing.”

It was a routine check-up, you reminded yourself. Doctors asked these questions.

You shrugged, eyes skimming up towards him again as his eyes bore into you once again, your abdomen clenching as his gaze darkened.

“How many since me?”

You coughed, caught off guard as you stared at him in disbelief, “P-pardon?”

He didn’t repeat the question, but instead continued typing, clicking away at your file.

“Three,” You then said, watching him carefully and he hummed in response.

“Anything else you think I should know?” He asked, returning to his cool, professional composure.

You shook your head again, watching as his chest heaved slowly as he stood up. He grabbed the stethoscope that hung around his neck, and you watched as he placed the ends in his ears before standing in front of you, maintaining a distance.

“Let me check your lungs… can you take your jacket off?” He asked, watching you carefully as you peeled off the layer, placing it to the side.

Dr. Davis then sat next to you on the examination table and your heart began to pick up pace at the proximity of his body, his cologne melting into your senses.

His shoulder brushed against yours as he leaned behind you to place the end of the stethoscope on top of your back.

He asked you to take in a deep breath, and you inhaled swiftly, attempting to exhale in a slow, controlled pattern; but the breath that left your lungs was shaky and uneven.

“Sorry,” you whispered, and he ran the stethoscope across your back again, this time placing it underneath your shirt, the cold metal causing a shiver to run down your body.

“Three more,” He asked gently and you obliged, each breath faltering again as your heart raced.

There was no doubt he could hear the thump of your heart pick up as his warm fingers gently skimmed your skin as he controlled the stethoscope; knowing how nervous his proximity made you.

He pulled away, staring at your flushed face before leaning behind you to grab an ear otoscope.

“Just going to check your ears,” he said as his warm hands pulled along your ear, his warm breath creating goosebumps along the skin in your neck as the hairs stood up.

Your stomach butterflied as he then grabbed a wooden popsicle stick, standing in front of you now, placed between your legs.

“open,” he commanded and you obliged, sticking out your tongue and making an ‘ah’ sound.

Dr. Davis held underneath your chin to look up at him as he placed the wood on top of your tongue, pressing down slightly. Your abdomen clenched as a rush of emotions ran through your body, making eye contact with the tattooed doctor as he stared back, not even looking at the back of your throat as your mouth was agape, open widely for him.

You wanted nothing more than to reach up and pull against the fabric of his mask, greedily wanting to expose his lips to see the rest of his face and smile, to see how handsome he had gotten with age.

Your chest heaved as his fingers slid from underneath your chin, trailing down your throat with firm but gentle fingertips, the tension between you building as seconds passed by. He pulled back his hand, along with the popsicle stick, and your mouth closed slowly as he took a step back.

As he turned from you, the way he slid his hand into his pocket to readjust himself didn’t go unnoticed, before he faced you again, nodding curtly.

“I’ll let you get undressed from the waist down. You can place this blanket over yourself, I’ll be back in a few minutes.” He averted his gaze as he opened the door, closing it gently behind him.

You let out a breath as your mind began to race. The way your mind kept tracing back to years of messing around with him in high school sent your stomach into a lustful spiral, the warmth of his inked fingers relighting years of memories he engraved into your skin.

Noah had given you years of orgasms, some of the best you ever had. None of your other lovers had compared to him, and your body knew this, sparking complete excitement at his presence once again.

You shifted on your feet embarrassed at this, peeling off your jeans as you folded them neatly on the chair. You slid off your black panties, placing them on top of your pants before lying down on the bed, the cool air causing you to shiver.

Or perhaps, it was the fact Noah was going to be extremely close to your intimate space after so many years of deprivation.

You two hooked up on and off for years during adolescence, never forming a relationship beyond that; even though you always wanted to.

You always had feelings for Noah, but you knew he wanted nothing more than to fuck you senselessly, and then part ways. No strings attached.

After high school graduation, you two parted, never speaking to each other again. You had always wondered what he had gone off and set to do, and being a doctor was honestly the last thing you’d think he’d do. Noah had always been extremely smart, but it still came as a complete shock when he was the one who walked through that wooden door just fifteen minutes prior.

You covered yourself with the thin blanket and a moment later Dr. Davis came through the door again, glancing at your exposed legs before turning to grab a pair of gloves from the counter.

You watched him intensely as he pulled the latex over his fingers, almost drooling at the thought of them running along your folds. You shook away the thought, knowing that you would be completely dripping by the time he would be sitting between your legs, examining you.

The last thing you wanted was for him to know the effect he still had on you, even after all these years.

He made eye contact with you again, tugging at the tie around his neck once again as he took the chair, rolling it to the edge of your feet. Before sitting he pulled out the stirrups.

“You can rest your heels on here,” He pointed to the plastic, and you noticed how his ears began to flush red, his chest rising and falling quickly as he glanced into your eyes once again.

When he looked away you glanced down at his black slacks, swallowing harshly at the bold outline of his erection that was extremely evident, through his tight pants.

You swallowed as you slowly lifted your legs, exposing yourself to the man who now sat at the end of the bed, the thin blanket sliding down your thighs gently, leaving your body on display for Dr. Davis.

“Fuck.”

The word was barely audible. He had whispered it so quietly through gritted teeth, but you still managed to hear the four-letter word, and it sent another rush of warm lust through your body.

“I-I’m just going to examine you before inserting the speculum.” Dr. Davis’ professional tone faltered briefly, and you wanted to look down at him so badly.

You knew that he was aroused, but you had no idea how badly Noah wanted to tear into your pussy right then and there.

For years Noah wondered what happened to you. After years of dedication to med school, he didn’t have much time to form relationships, and he usually had a quick fuck here and there to tie over his cravings. He reminisced frequently about how good you felt wrapped around his cock, all of his past flings never making him feel quite how you did.

This morning when he agreed to substitute at the clinic he had no idea what to expect. You were the last thing he thought would happen, and the second he read your name on that piece of paper as he entered your room he felt his mind begin to spiral.

How was he supposed to remain professional around you?

His biggest regret was never pursuing anything further with you years ago, worried that if feelings got involved he would lose the best thing he ever had. In turn, he fucked himself over in the end, because he had lost you either way; but now, you were right here in front of him, naked and on display.

The second he saw you sitting on the exam table he felt an immediate rush to his pants, his mind racing as he began to sweat, the room suddenly feeling stuffy and tight. He couldn’t help but watch your lips as they parted when you talked, memories of them wrapped around himself as your tongue slid up and down his length leaving him unable to concentrate as he attempted to read your file.

He watched as you shifted nervously in front of him when he checked your lungs, heart racing rapidly under his touch. He wanted to rip your thighs apart, slipping his fingers into you, wanting to leave you begging.

Noah wanted to pull his name from your lips; leaving you worshiping him, needing him.

He kept reminding himself that he was a professional now and that it was unacceptable to push the boundary of client-patient professionalism. There was a code of conduct and ethics he was required to follow; but he wanted to forget years of practice, just to get a taste of you.

You lay there, trying to keep your heavy breathing quiet; but you immediately gasped as one of his covered fingers spread you open, barely touching your skin, afraid to go further.

You closed your mouth tightly, biting the inside of your cheek as you scolded yourself.

Don’t fucking moan, don’t fucking moan. He barely touched you.

“I’m going to insert the speculum now,” He said quietly, and you heard him whisper another sentence to himself, “God, you don’t even need lube…”

You knew that he knew how turned on you were by just his presence alone, and you closed your eyes as Dr. Davis inserted the plastic into your body, the feeling of fullness causing you to chew on your bottom lip.

Dr. Davis clicked the hinges as the speculum opened you up, and you covered your mouth with your hand, something Noah had noticed.

“Are you in pain?” He asked gently, and you shook your head.

“N-no, I-I’m okay.”

He hummed again, and it was quiet for a moment.

There was a lack of movement for a second until you felt a gloved finger brush across your clit slowly, and you furrowed your brows in anticipation.

Fuck, that had to be an accident, right?

You tried to think rationally about the situation, but your thoughts trailed to dirty places, silently pleading that Dr. Davis would press against your intimacy again.

Noah had listened for your reaction as he sat before your legs that held you splayed open for him, his mind battling. He swallowed hungrily.

You felt his fingers brush against you again and your thighs jolted to his touch, before you felt the pad of his finger press firmly against you, tracing small circles as he tried drawing a moan from your lips.

Your mouth fell open in satisfaction as your body clenched, Dr. Davis’ fingers rubbing faster and faster.

You couldn’t help it as a gentle whimper crawled from your chest, and with furrowed brows, you bucked your hips into his touch; giving him the permission he desperately wanted.

You felt the speculum being removed, and seconds later a wet swipe trailed up along your folds.

“Oh my god,” You whispered and Dr. Davis hummed, his lips latching onto your sweet spot before two gloved fingers slid into you, curling upwards.

You began to moan again, pulling the blanket away to see the brunette devouring your body. He looked up at you with lustful eyes, his mask pulled underneath his chin.

You ogled upon seeing his entire face, brows furrowed with desire as he remained stone cold.

“If you moan loudly one more time I’ll stop.” He said as he began licking your body once again, eyes fixated on your own.

“Y-yes.”

“Yes, what?” He said, pulling his mouth away as he continued to pump his fingers in and out rapidly, taking his thin glasses off and placing them on the table.

“Yes sir.”

“Good girl,” he praised, burying himself between your legs again in famish, devouring you feverishly with complete craving.

Your legs began to shake from his praise and you covered your mouth with your hands as your hips pushed into Dr. Davis’ touch, completely engulfed with euphoria.

You didn’t know that he was palming himself through his slacks as he ate you out, desperate for friction, desperate for you to be the one touching him instead.

“Cum.” He demanded, and in a second his tongue swiped along your folds you felt the knot that he built release, elation washing through you as you choked back a desiring cry.

Your free hand gripped Dr. Davis’ hair as you pulled him closer, rubbing yourself along his face as he ate you until it became too much, pushing him away.

He stood up, mouth agape and wet from your release as you watched him with yearning, both your chests heaving.

He hastily began pulling off his white coat, throwing it to the floor as you watched him loosen his tie. Sitting up you beckoned him over and his fingers gripped your throat, pulling you towards him as his forehead rested against your own.

You looked into each other’s eyes as unspoken words danced between you, both of you needing each other but too afraid to speak.

He held you firmly for a moment before pulling your lips to his own, kissing you completely with need and hunger, forcing you to taste yourself

You groaned quietly into his lips as your tongues ran along each other, your fingers shaky as you began unbuttoning his blue dress shirt.

His fingers tightened around your neck as your hands trailed to the hem of his black pants, tugging at his waistband as you pulled apart his belt, sliding the zipper down slowly.

He moaned softly as your fingers slid along his abdomen, threatening to dip in to grab where he needed you.

“You’re in no position to tease princess, remember that,” He squeezed your neck again as he towered over you in authority, and you smiled.

“This is wrong.”

“So wrong.” He mumbled before kissing you in desperation again, your minds fogged with nothing but lust and arousal.

Dr. Davis’ hands pulled your shirt over your head as he pulled back, taking in the image of your exposed body, ready for him.

His covered fingers found their way to your core once again, slipping in and out as you pulled down his underwear, his body hard and ready to devour you.

You licked your fingers, smiling up at him as he watched with lustful eyes, before grabbing hold of his erection, pumping up and down as he thrust into your hand in eagerness. He pulled his fingers in and out of you quickly, your mouth falling open as you watched each other, pleasing one another.

“Spread your legs, baby,” Dr. Davis pleaded, and you opened your thighs farther.

“That’s it… Wider,” He whispered, before pulling his hands away from you, wrapping them around himself as he positioned his body to yours.

Dr. Davis didn’t hesitate any longer before he pushed into you, a loud whimper leaving you. His eyebrows furrowed angrily as his gloved hand covered your mouth, pushing you back into the wall.

“Be fucking quiet,” He said through gritted teeth, his chest heaving as he continued to thrust into you, filling your body, claiming you as his own.

He tore into your skin with his motions, the feeling of him pulling out before pushing back in deeply causing your legs to clench shut. He pushed them open with the hand that wasn’t covering your mouth.

“I said to spread them,” He scolded, fingers digging into your thigh before he slapped the top of your intimacy, earning a yelp from you as your body jolted from the contact.

He remained cold and composed, attempting to keep up his professional facade that was beginning to crumble before you. His eyes squeezed shut as he pushed your thighs back towards your chest, opening you as he fucked your body with possession.

You watched his head tilt back, exposing the tattoos on his neck as his lips fell open in complete satisfaction.

Your body felt perfectly wrapped around him, years of need ready to release into you.

Dr. Davis wanted to flip you over so you stood in front of him, one leg lifted onto the bed as he gripped your ass and pounded you; but he knew that right now, he needed to watch your face contort in pleasure for him, from him.

Your body clenched around him, “Dr. D-Davis,” You whimpered, still trying to remain quiet so as to not be heard by the rest of the clinic.

“Noah,” the brunette growled, bringing you into a kiss and you nodded, murmuring his name back to him against his lips in a plea.

He was close to his release, but he held back, waiting to pull another orgasm from you before he would bring you to your knees, ready to cum down your throat.

“You can do it, that’s a good girl.” He praised and you melted at his words, letting go as he thrust into you one more time, your body completely enveloping him as your mouth was covered by his hand once again to mask your screams. Your body shook through the orgasm Noah offered you.

He slid in and out slowly, before pulling away. His fingers were threaded through your hair as he guided you to the floor, placing you on your knees.

You took him into your mouth mercilessly, sucking and bobbing along his length before he gripped your face, pulling you closer.

You gagged along him, tears forming as a deep growl rumbled from his chest, signalling he was close.

Seconds later Noah’s release coated the back of your throat, and you swallowed his orgasm, looking up at him in commitment.

“You’ve always been mine to ruin,” He said, panting as he pulled you off of him, and you sat on the ground, smiling up at him.

The two of you got dressed in silence, the hormones lingering in the air as he pulled off the gloves, grabbing his prescription notepad and a pen.

“I wasn’t able to get a good enough sample to send off to the lab,” He said, scribbling away, “I’ll need you to meet me at my office this weekend.”

Dr. Davis handed you the note and you looked at the paper, staring at the phone number and address as he nodded toward you, opening the wooden door and leaving the office.

hshshgsghshghsshgh ok i am a mess

[barcaatthemoon]

Can I please get an Emily Engstler blurb with the prompt "A little bird told me you're a really good kisser." please?

chirp || emily engstler x reader ||

your welcome to the league came early. while your former syracuse teammate was drafted to the fever, you went to the mercury. there, your veteran teammates were sure to get you ready for every aspect of the game that they could. their favorite just happened to be trash talking you during practice. anybody should have been able to say anything to you without phasing you, but emily wasn't just anybody.

you had admittedly been so deep in the closet that you thought it was just another room in college. it seemed that everybody except for you had seen the revelation of your homosexuality coming. and so, maybe emily had felt a bit slighted when she saw you run around with your now ex on social media just before you started playing in your first season.

she hadn't said anything too personal, but emily's words bounced around your head all game long. "i guess that dani was wrong." it was so smug, and you knew exactly what emily was on about when she had said it. the first little seedling of doubt in your straightness had come when you kissed one of the volleyball players at a frat party to help her get a boy's attention. you were still friends with that girl, and she had jokingly said that you were the best kisser she knew.

"what the hell was that game?" emily asked you. it wasn't syracuse by any means, but she always knew where to find you. tough games were a part of everybody's career, and you always put in some extra practice after yours. "i know you play better than that."

"shut up em" you told her. emily didn't listen as she took your ball from you and held it in her arms. "what do you want?"

"you know what i want, what i've wanted since we met on the campus tour. come on, you know you like girls now. besides, a little bird told me that you're a great kisser, and i'm curious." emily's words were teasing, but you knew that she wasn't just joking around with you. emily wanted to kiss you, she had been trying to get with you since you met on your first campus tour.

"what makes you think that you're my type?" you asked. emily scoffed at that, rolling her eyes. she had seen the girl you dated, a former player whose career was cut short. the girl had a story that had melted your heart, and she also just happened to look a lot like emily. you couldn't deny the blonde hair, soft eyes, and tattoos drew you in just like the rasp in her voice kept you in a metaphorical chokehold.

"fine, be like that. i'll see you in indiana in a couple weeks then." you sighed as emily passed your ball back to you. she was nearly halfway across the court when you dropped everything and sprinted towards her. you crashed into emily's back, but not hard enough to knock her over.

"fuck it, you've waited long enough," you said softly. emily looked like she couldn't believe you were really going to kiss her until the moment your lips were on hers. you clung to emily tightly, like you were afraid that you'd float away otherwise. her lips were so soft that you might as well have jumped into the clouds. emily was gentle with you in a way that you hadn't expected. "fly back safe, and find somewhere good to take me when i'm in your city. i don't mean fancy em, i want a good time. you don't have to impress me."

"anything and everything you want," emily said with a dreamy look in her eyes. you gave her one more quick kiss before you turned back to your practice. emily stayed to watch you for a couple more hours before she absolutely had to get back to pack her things up at the hotel.

[irisintheafterglow]

You Are In Love (Gojo Satoru x You)

summary: you can't stop dreaming about him, and your friends start to notice a change in your behavior. (2.4k words)

cw/tags: mild angst to comfort, friends to lovers, pining, idiots in love, profanity, elder sorcerers being assholes, pet names (doll, gorgeous, etc), uhh gojo loses his cool and blows up a building lol, kissing, one instance of foreshadowing manga spoilers but only if you squint

note: HELLOO GOJO NATION. ok so i'll be so honest with you, this stupid man was my #1 for so long and i think those feelings resurfaced so i got a little carried away with writing this (it's my longest fic so far, my bad). but yk something about gojo, hawks, and kuroo all being played by the voice actor just gets me. the prompt for this is from the AMAZING @creativepromptsforwriting and was supposed to be a drabble but turned into a full fic. anyways, hope you enjoy it!!

likes/reblogs/feedback are always appreciated!

“It’s too quiet. Can I tell you guys a joke I heard on TV?”

“Mmm, please don’t.”

“But it’s funny!”

“Satoru.”

“Ooh, using my first name. Something’s up with you.”

“Something is not up with me, weirdo.” 

“No, something is definitely off with you today.” You thought Suguru and Shoko had stopped listening, but they chimed in with evidence of your odd behavior.

“You said good morning differently,” Shoko added, casually taking a sip of her soda and peering at you over the rim. Her hair sways gently in the breeze outside of the convenience store you four had stopped at before heading back to Jujutsu Tech. You glare at her and open your mouth to defend yourself when Suguru adds his two cents. 

“You tripped up during that last mission that should have been a cakewalk,” which was true, but you thought your mistake had gone unnoticed. The truth was, the spirit had caught you off guard with a simple teleport trick. It warped behind you and unlatched its grotesque jaws to end your life faster than you could blink. You should have been able to predict the movement with your eyes closed, but you’d been too focused on making sure a certain white-haired sorcerer was alive after your group had been ambushed several hundred feet underground. Suguru had given you a curious look after one of his demons saved your ass, and you’d flipped him off hoping that would be the end of it. “And you also flipped me the bird instead of saying thank you,” he shrugged.

“You also finish your food the fastest out of all of us, and today you haven’t even taken three bites,” Shoko says, finishing her drink and standing to toss it in the trash bin. “Something’s going on with you, and I, for one, am incredibly curious as to why.” Satoru watches you with a smug glint in his eye, and it takes all your willpower not to strangle him. 

“As glad as I am to know that you all pay such great attention to my habits, I promise there’s nothing wrong.” The three of them stare at you skeptically but thankfully decided to drop the subject, instead pivoting to who’s most likely to go to jail first (it’s Gojo). 

After the late lunch, you begin the walk back to Jujutsu Tech as the sky transforms into faded shades of orange and pink. The vanishing sun casts shining reflections on the surrounding skyscrapers, bouncing off the windows of speeding cars and zooming trains. Satoru and Suguru walk ahead, playfully shoving each other and almost falling over doing so. 

“Alright, are you gonna tell me what’s going on now that Dumb and Dumber aren’t here?” Shoko asks as she falls into step with you. The sides of your mouth turn down, realizing that she didn’t forget about your conversation at lunch. It wasn’t that you didn’t want to tell your closest friends what was going on; you just didn’t know how to explain what you had dreamed about the previous night and the night before that, and all the nights the past two weeks. 

It began with a look he had given you after a meeting with some higher-ups in the sorcerer world. They had visited Jujutsu Tech unexpectedly, stating that they would be evaluating the skill levels of random students. Out of your group of friends, only you and Satoru had been pulled to be tested. Principal Yaga had instructed both of you before entering the room to give the evaluation your best effort and to not become indignant if they judged you poorly. 

The brass declared your evaluation to be first, and you poured all of your energy into showcasing the power of your Cursed Technique. You even managed to pull off a few strikes of extension techniques that you’d been perfecting for months. Though the entire performance lasted less than ten minutes, you were breathless and light-headed when the panel told you to stop. After bowing deeply, you moved to exit the room, desperate for fresh air, but they stopped you and began listing every single reason why your demonstration was unsatisfactory. Besides “inefficient technique, predictable attacks, weak offense, insufficient defense,” and a general lack of power compared to that of other sorcerers at your level, they informed you that your Cursed Technique was obsolete and would eventually render you useless as more innately talented sorcerers take your place. You were speechless at their blunt criticism of your effort, on the verge of breaking down, but you managed to nod in acknowledgment as you stepped out of the room.

But then you saw him sitting there, waiting on his phone and looking up at you with a bright smile as he stood to greet you. A confusing blend of disappointment, anger, sadness, and loneliness panged in your heart and spread to the rest of your body, and you rapidly tried to blink away the moisture welling up in your eyes while Satoru approached. He was halfway through a snarky remark about you blowing away their expectations when his smile dropped and his eyebrows furrowed with concern. Shit, he’d noticed you crying. 

“Hey, hey, hey, look at me. What the fuck did they do to you?” Dashing blue eyes found yours through the clouds in your vision, and his thumbs gently brushed away stray tears that escaped down your cheeks. 

“Do you think I’m weak, Satoru?” Your voice cracks when the words finally spill out, swallowing hard to push down the sobs threatening to break loose from your constricted lungs. Satoru freezes, eyes searching yours. He doesn’t answer your question immediately, but instead asks again. 

“Doll, what the fuck did they do.” You can’t get a reply out in time before his focus snaps up to behind you, and a second later you hear the door roll open, one of the officials commanding Satoru to enter for his evaluation. His large hands hold your face and turn you to look up at him, and you move unconsciously to cover his hands with yours. “Stay here for me, okay?” He glanced at the official waiting in the doorway, blue eyes dark with suppressed rage. “This won’t take long.”

His evaluation lasts two minutes and four seconds. At first, the room was silent and you couldn’t hear any demonstration of Satoru’s technique, almost as if the panel was having a conversation with him before they began. Then, at two minutes on the dot, the room was blown to splinters. The door, the ceiling, the porch, and all of the furniture inside were violently thrown outward in an explosion that made the ground beneath your feet tremble. Curiously, none of the debris had hit you, but you coughed through the dust and saw that the panel hadn’t been so lucky, all of them buried under shredded beams of wood and canvas. And, standing at the center of the room’s remains with a satisfied grin plastered on his beautiful face, was Satoru. He found his way over to where you stood in disbelief and took your hand in his, interweaving your fingers and guiding you away from the ruined building. 

You two walked hand-in-hand in silence back to your dorm, where he seemed reluctant to let go of your hand. Before he walked away, he finally answered your question from earlier. 

“I tell you this not just as your friend, but as another sorcerer. You are not weak. Your technique is special and something that those shithead elders haven’t seen in decades, and they don’t like what they don’t understand. I know the thought of leaving Jujutsu Tech crossed your pretty little mind, but you shouldn’t. People need you here, Shoko, Suguru, Mei Mei...” He hesitated, taking a shallow breath and reaching back for your hand. 

“Me,” he said, his voice low, and his voice got even softer until it was almost a breath. “I need you here.” As quickly as the fondness in his voice appeared, it disappeared. “And, plus, you definitely can’t leave us here with ol’ Yaga. What the hell am I gonna do if I can’t hide in your room while he’s trying to beat my ass?” 

You laugh, and the feeling makes you feel better. He makes you feel better. You smile back at him and finally bid him farewell, and he raises your hand to his lips as he says goodbye. 

After that, he’d appeared in your dreams for two weeks straight. The dreams started as a continuation of what would have happened if you didn’t just say goodbye to him, if you’d invited him into your dorm, or if you’d let him pull you into his. They transformed after the fourth day into what it would be like to love him and receive his love in return: stolen kisses, flirty whispers, and movie dates to name a few. All these dreams added up to the previous night’s nightmare, where a mission had gone bad and he’d been imprisoned with no hope of breaking him free. You’d startled awake covered in sweat, and barely fell back asleep before your alarm forced you to start the day. 

“It’s… hard to explain,” you reply apologetically, and Shoko looks at you with so much skepticism written on her face that you have to turn away and look in the other direction. 

“So something is bothering you.” 

“Yeah, there is. I’m sorry; it’s just really, really hard to verbalize.”

“Can I take a stab at what’s bothering you?”

“If you could actually stab it that’d be great, but sure. Knock yourself out.”

“It’s Satoru, isn’t it?” You stop mid-stride and her face lights up with amusement. “Holy shit, it’s Satoru. You like Gojo Satoru.”

“Jeez, Shoko, go ahead and say his name four hundred million times, why don’t you? But really, what tipped you off?”

“Ten seconds ago when you asked me to stab your problem, I figured it out,” she chuckles, bumping her shoulder against yours playfully. “If it’s any consolation, I’m 99% sure he’s felt that way about you for a while.”

“Really?”

“Yep.”

“How do you know?”

“Would you let me off the hook if I said it was hard to explain?”

“Har, har, very funny. Could you at least try?” 

“Mmm, I think it’s better if he explains it himself.” 

“You’re no help, Shoko.”

“Yes, and you love me anyway. But not as much as you love Sa–” You groan, covering your burning face in both hands and increasing the speed of your steps to escape your friend’s teasing chuckles. 

When you finally arrive at school, the stars have started rising and the moon hangs in the sky. You walk in the direction of the dorms when Shoko suddenly unlinks her elbow from yours, winking at you over your shoulder. 

“Suguru, can you help me move something from the gym real quick? I forgot a few things over there.” 

“Sure, but why do you need my help?” Shoko gives him a pointed look and realization quickly washes over his features. “Oh, OH. Okay, of course, sure.” Suguru turns on his heel awkwardly, briskly walking in the direction of the gym.

“Satoru, walk them back to their dorm. Don’t want anything happening to them after their little slip today,” she adds before heading in the other direction with Suguru, who tries and fails to communicate something to Satoru with a nod of his head. 

“Alright, pretty girl, you heard Shoko. C’mere and let me walk you home before she beats my ass.”

“I think you have too many people on this planet that want to beat your ass. And, for the record, I’m one of them.”

“It’s the price of being this gorgeous, gorgeous.” A soft laugh escapes your mouth, and you swear Satoru’s smile gets a little wider. The rest of the short walk to your dorm is just as easy and comfortable, Satoru making stupid comments and you replying with a quick remark over and over until you’re back in the same situation you’d been in two weeks ago. But, this time, you realized that Satoru was a lot closer to you, leaning back against your door with your hand touching the handle but not opening it. You both spend a few moments there, just looking at each other, and his mesmerizing eyes flicker to your mouth when you unconsciously lick your lips. He opens his mouth to say something smart, but you beat him to it. 

“If you’re gonna look down at my lips and say something stupid about it, you might as well do what I’ve been wanting you to do for ages.” 

“Oh? And what’s that, pretty girl?”

You sigh in mock disappointment and look up at him through your eyelashes. “If you don’t know what it is by now, then I guess… you don’t deserve to do it.” His pupils are blown wide with desire, and you resist the impulse to laugh. 

“God, you’re intoxicating,” he says, before pressing his lips to yours. Your eyes flutter shut and you melt into him, arms snaking around his neck while his hands find your waist and hold you up from your knees that have turned to jelly. The first kiss is gentle and experimental, but having the flirtiest asshole in the country chasing your lips as you briefly pull away gives you a newfound wave of confidence, pulling him closer and closer until his body is flush against yours. When you finally pull away from each other and catch your breath, he doesn’t go very far, resting his forehead against yours. 

“You know, I wanted to kill them. Those wrinkly assholes two weeks ago that had the gall to call you weak. And I would have, you know I would have, but you were outside… and you were crying… I just didn’t know what to do. I saw red, and, uh, then the building exploded.” You chuckle at his confession and he presses a kiss to the corner of your mouth, rubbing his nose against yours. 

“I had a dream about you. Well, a lot of dreams.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“Really?”

“Mhmm. Got a little nervous today when I heard you talk with Shoko about liking a boy, but it helps knowing now that the boy is me. And, hopefully, it will only ever be me.”

“You pretentious asshole.”

“You know it.”

“You’re a dork.”

“Yeah, but I’m your dork.” 

“I know you are.”

“And I’m never going anywhere.” He kisses your forehead sweetly, and it’s just like the dreams that had plagued you for weeks before. “Ever.”

if you enjoy my writing and would like to support me, you can buy me a coffee on my ko-fi! you can also check out my full masterlist here :)

[grandline-fics]

Forget-Me-Not

DESCRIPTION: Sometimes things happen beyond our control. After an accident occurs your relationship with Zoro is turned on its head and changed forever.

WARNINGS: nothing too bad in this part

CHARACTERS: Zoro

WORDS: 2,094

A/N: Chapter three is here, this one is a bit slower paced but hopefully you all like how things are progressing. Thank you all for your response to this so far, it means a lot.

*REQUESTS ARE OPEN*

MASTERLIST | PROMPT LIST

Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three(here) | Chapter Four | Chapter Five | Chapter Six | Chapter Seven(coming soon)

———————

Your plan to escape the ship was easy in theory but slow to even begin to execute. Since you were still heavily injured from the ‘accident’ you needed to rest. So far you could manage getting in and out of bed and walk a little but anything more strenuous than that left you exhausted and sore even with Chopper’s medicine. As much as you were reluctant to compliment a pirate you had to admit the little reindeer knew his stuff and he had helped you considerably. So far since waking on their ship, he was the one you had the most contact with. 

The only other person so far you dealt with was Sanji who brought you your meals. He didn’t speak much beyond a greeting and explaining what was in the food. You knew there was more he wanted to say but he didn’t. While you slowly picked at and ate the food given you would observe Sanji talk happily with Chopper, giving him his meal before leaving again. 

You found it peculiar that the others you could hear moving around the ship were so hesitant to come and try to convince you they were your friends. As you ate with Chopper one afternoon you finally asked him about it. Your question seemed to surprise him but he explained. “Everyone knows how much you hated pirates until you joined us so they’re giving you the space you want. Even though they miss you and want to visit you, they don’t want you to feel crowded.” 

It was convincing, you weren’t going to lie. Whatever these pirates wanted from you, they were doing their best to get you on their side. Still though, to believe you would willingly join a pirate crew was idiotic. You chose not to make any comment to Chopper’s explanation but after a moment you caught him staring at you, clearly wanting to say or ask you something but was deliberating the decision. It amused you to see he was so uncertain around you. “What is it Chopper?”

“Wo-would you…would you want to have some visitors now?” You could hear the eager, hopeful tone in Choppers voice and saw the way his eyes all but sparkled. Who was it specifically he wanted you to talk to you wondered. Or was he hoping to get a break from his obligations to taking care of you? You were curious about the other inhabitants of the ship so you gave Chopper your best tiny shrug and small smile. “Maybe one or two would be okay…” You barely finished the sentence before Chopper excitedly bounced to his feet and hurried out of the room, his speed startling you. 

You had no choice but to wait for Chopper to return and at the sound of footsteps coming from the hallway you glanced up to the door he’d left open during his quick exit. However it wasn’t Chopper that appeared like you were expecting. The green haired man that spoke to you when you woke passed by and at first you thought he was going to keep walking but on seeing the door was open he glanced in out of idle reflex and seeing you he stopped immediately. He turned his head to face you properly but made no further move to enter the room or speak. Instead he watched you carefully. “You coming in?” You asked evenly.

“Do I need to?” He asked, his voice as deep as it had been the day you woke but the concern was gone. He seemed to be on guard and you couldn’t help but tilt your head curiously at the sudden shift in attitude. 

“Didn’t Chopper go get you?” You knew the answer was no from the way his eyebrows furrowed and shoulders tensed. Still you continued to clarify. “I told him I’d let some of you visit me.”

“Even with no memories?” He asked and you scowled at the suspicion in his tone, your jaw clenching when he even went so far as to fold his arms across his chest. His good eye scanned you critically and you bristled. How dare he judge you? He was the pirate here, not you. “Why would you want to be in the same room as the people you hate?” 

“Well according to Chopper we’re all one big happy family and for a moment I wanted to see for myself if that was true.” You drawled sarcastically as you pulled yourself out of the bed and slowly shuffled towards the doorway as you glared up at him. Your actions weren’t any of his business anyway. “So, you going to come in here and fill my head with stories of adventures and friendship that’ll withstand anything?”

“Not with that attitude I’m not.” His answer made your eyes narrow. Before you could grit out a reply, hurried footsteps sounded and you looked into the hallway to see Chopper, a woman with orange hair and a male with black hair and a straw hat appear. The trio came to an abrupt halt when they saw you and their friend, all of their expressions differing from the other as they took in the scene and tension. Finally the green haired man broke the silence. “Enjoy your visits.” He muttered and was about to walk when you seethed, refusing to let him have the final word. 

“I’ve changed my mind.” You snapped, slamming the door sharply and returning to your bed while you listened to the two new strangers shout. 

“Goddamn it Zoro! What did you say?!” The female’s voice came angrily. So his name was Zoro, you thought as you settled against the pillows. 

“Were you annoyed we were going to see them first?” You bit back a scoff and rolled your eyes at the second voice. As if he wanted to be part of the visiting crew, his whole presence told you he didn’t want to see you and that suited you fine. The less pirates you had to see and make nice to the better. “If you say sorry they might change their mind.”

“Just drop it Luffy.” Zoro’s voice spoke clearly but you could hear the tiredness in his tone as his heavy steps grew fainter. “Saying sorry won’t change anything.” You tried to listen for more but he’d gone with the others following him closely. 

—————

In the middle of the night you felt too restless to even try and sleep. Nothing you’d thought of had helped and now you were just frustrated. Giving up you pulled yourself out of bed and followed the hallway until you were on the Sunny’s deck. It’d been a week since your confrontation with Zoro and since then your recovery had progressed at a decent pace that you could now walk further without feeling the strain. In that time each of the Strawhats had come to see you. 

Luffy and Nami got a second attempt the day after the disaster. You found their dynamic amusing but Luffy’s boundless energy and extreme optimism that your memories would definitely return was exhausting. Thankfully Nami’s sterner approach to her Captain helped rein him in when his enthusiasm was clearly getting to be too much for you. Sanji began to stay a little longer between your meals and you found it slightly easier to talk to him since you were more familiar with him just as you were with Chopper. 

Usopp surprised you by telling about his friend back home who was sick often and relied on him for stories to distract her and keep her spirits high. He gave you the same treatment, telling you stories of the ‘great captain Usopp’ all of them over embellished and having nothing to do with you or your connection to the crew. Robin was quieter and for the first couple of visits didn’t speak much, merely bringing a couple books in case you wanted to read while she brought one for herself to pass the time when you weren’t in the mood for conversation. Thankfully she was similar to Usopp, not forcing the conversation of your past or prodding into your lack of memories. 

Franky and Brook unnerved you on your first meetings with them. A cyborg and a talking skeleton were huge things to have to absorb for anyone. You managed to force yourself to push through that adjustment. You kept telling yourself that you wouldn’t have to be dealing with this obscure crew for long. You’d overheard Nami mention an island coming up and that would be your chance at getting home. Your patience would be rewarded, you just had to hold out a little longer. 

For now though, your focus was on your lack of sleep this night. You weren’t in the mood to stay out on the deck so you climbed the extra set of steps and walked into the galley, not surprised to see it empty and quiet. Flicking on the light you approached the cabinets and let out a small laugh to see the prominent lock on the fridge. Chopper had told you Luffy liked to steal food and Sanji had taken precautions to keep him away. Since you weren’t exactly hungry and didn’t know the code, you turned and flicked the light off again. You were about to leave when you heard two voices coming from the mast leading to the Crow’s Nest. 

“You’re an even bigger dumbass than I originally thought, you know that?” It surprised you to hear Sanji speak so coldly. “What are you trying to prove by being the only person to not see them.”

“Keep you stupid face out of my business and stick to what you do know.” Ah that explained it, Zoro was the reason. 

“Look we’re not stupid…well most of us aren’t stupid.” Sanji growled out as though his less aggressive tone was causing him harm. He was desperately trying to get his rival to see sense but it was next to impossible. “We know they don’t know us anymore and it’s hard but we’re all still trying. Just because it’s not the same doesn’t mean we just throw it all away. Not when it’s possible we can create a friendship with them again.”

“Well if you want to try that then you go right ahead.” Zoro’s tone was sharp and dismissive. “The first chance they get, they’ll be gone. If they’d half their strength back they would have already tried to steal the Mini Merry by now.”

“I’m not disagreeing but can’t you at least-”

“Look I’ve said it before and I’m saying it again. Back off and leave me to deal with things on my own.” With nothing more to say Zoro stalked away to his room while Sanji let out a sigh and climbed the Crow’s Nest to start his watch.

Thankfully you managed to make it back to the medical quarters while Sanji’s back was turned to you. Silently you processed the conversation you’d unintentionally listened in on. There was no denying the sincerity and insistence in Sanji’s voice as he tried to convince Zoro to not distance himself. Zoro’s cold demeanour was something you couldn’t really decipher because you knew nothing about him. You knew nothing of these people apart from what they allowed you to see in your brief interactions. Sharply you sighed and sat on your bed, this wasn’t the plan. Trying to work out these people was a complication. Over and over you told yourself that home and only the home you remembered was your goal. 

You were certain you wouldn’t get any sleep now so you reached over and turned on your bedside lamp and looked at the small pile of books that had gathered. According to Robin these were your current favourites or at least they were before the knowledge of them were erased. Your eyes were drawn to one near the bottom. Its cracked spine showed it had been reread countless times so you reached out and lifted it. 

Blankly you studied the cover, not surprised but still disappointed that it gave you no emotional response, no familiarity or fondness to be holding it again. As you settled back in your bed you opened the book to the first page but your movement made something appear between the pages towards the end of the book. A small card had been used as a bookmark and curiously you pulled it out to inspect it. It was for your birthday and your eyes locked in on the short message beneath your name. “Love always, Zoro.”

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

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[bweeeb]

JEALOUS

Part two

Theodore Nott x Y/n Millicent reader

Friends to lovers- ANGST

Summary: The morning after the damage has already been done is always the hardest to fix things between two best friends who feel more than friendship.

The feeling of discomfort was the second worst feeling for Y/n because the first was feeling strange in a place she used to feel good. And Y/n was almost certain that at that moment, the two feelings were very close to each other.

The morning after, the group skipped breakfast and went straight to lunch. One thing everyone at the table could agree on was that the Slytherin elite seemed very uncomfortable. Sitting on the opposite side of the table from Theodore, Y/n's leg bounced up and down. The image of waking up naked in Mattheo's bed, with Theodore coming out of the shower, remained vivid in her mind as a source of discomfort. It felt strange for both of them not to be sitting side by side, especially after a party, a time when they would typically look out for each other.

Y/n felt herself sink into the bench, and her appetite diminished immensely. Thus, she pushed her plate away and stood up, anguished.

— Where are you going? Pansy asked, attracting the attention of all her friends.

— I've lost my appetite.

— But where are you going? Daphne asked with concern, her expression resembling that of a child inquiring about their mother, prompting Y/n to offer a weak smile.

— I have things to study. See you later. Everyone agreed with a deadly silence that embarrassed the group but left the rest of the students curious.

— Is she okay? Draco asked Pansy, who showed him the middle finger and got up angrily.

— This is your fault

— I didn't know that….

Daphne sighed and rested her head on the table, feeling a migraine starting to creep in. In a sudden move, Theodore got up from the table not long after Pansy and left the Great Hall quickly.

��� Teddy! Anastasia called out. — Teddy bear! Anastasia, who had risen from the Gryffindor table, called to Theodore. He turned to her, much as Y/n had upon entering the Great Hall.— I missed you... I thought we'd see each other later.

— I don't have time for this, Anastasia. Last night was a mistake. Theo gestured with his hands in front of her face, glancing back where Y/n had left as soon as the nickname he used for her in their third year allowed her to call him.

— Fuck.

— Teddy?

— Don't call me that.

Theodore said rudely, and Anastasia grimaced.

— Who do you think you're talking to?

— Apparently you, but I wish it weren't.

— Excuse me? The girl stopped in front of Nott, and he, impatiently, placed his hands on her shoulders, not caring if he caused a scene. He needed to get to Y/n and make it clear that what he had done was foolish

— Listen to me, I've fucked a lot of people here and you were just another one. It won't happen again because you're the girl who hurt my best friend, so stop. He growled in her face, and the innocent look faded from Anastasia's expression. She stomped away.

— Oh, Theodore, believe me, no one hurt her more than you did. — she rolled her eyes — She was dying for you to fuck her, that's why it was so fun for me. I could see in her eyes how desperate she was, she seemed like a desperate slut. The redhead smiled maliciously and slapped the boy's face. He snorted and left the Great Hall without worrying about the whispers. He needed to apologize to his girl.

Theodore run as fast as he could to catch up with Y/n, who was still walking slowly down the hallway.— Hey! He shouted and saw the girl shake her head.

— What about our Italian lessons ? — Theo sighed, hating that if he allowed it, tears would fall from his eyes, and those tears would make his father call him ridiculous — Dolcezza…

— I think I'm dead, Theodore, I can't. Y/n rolled her eyes as her voice faltered.

— Don't call me, Theodore, mi amore.

— What should I call you, Theodore? Y/n mocked the boy while trying not to cry.

— Y/n… don't be dramatic, mi amore.

— Dramatic? I'm not being dramatic, Theodore. — Y/n turned abruptly to look at the boy not as far away as she had imagined he would be — Then tell me, tell me what I should call you.

— You should call me... Y/n interrupted Theodore before he could finish his sentence and shook her head with the same whispered tone as his.

—No, I shouldn't. She swallowed hard and looked at him with sad eyes. It was almost inevitable for her to wonder if she was being too dramatic, but that thought soon passed when she remembered her psychology lessons emphasizing the need for time to think.

— Go back to the Great Hall. Her anger softened in her voice when she saw him approaching.

— You are mad at me. — I'm fine!

— You can't be mad at me for what you did too! Theodore frowned and shrugged eagerly.

— You slept with the only person who really hurt me, she killed my cat when he was the only thing that calmed me down because I was away from home. My parents didn't see me for four months. FOUR MONTHS because they believed Nino had a communicable disease and he had nothing and you know it because you heard me cry every night without stopping because I was feeling alone. Y/n clenched her jaw and walked towards the Italian with her finger pointed at his face, which was pushed away when he retorted.

— You fucked up with Mattheo, damn it! Y/n mocked Theodore's argument and rolled her eyes as she walked away again while he followed her frantically.

— Go fuck yourself.

— You slept with Mattheo in my bed! You woke up in MY bed with him by your side. Theo shouted as he stepped in front of the girl, preventing her from continuing her walk.

— And since when do you care about that, Theodore? You fucked every single girl in this fucking school and now when I slept with ONE person you're get mad? — a sob escaped from Millicent's lips as she wrinkled her nose uncomfortably — You can't do this. Her voice became quieter and more vulnerable. — It should have been you, but you decided to sleep with her on my birthday.

— You sat on him in a way that I thought... I thought. Theodore's voice had also lowered in tone, and he looked at her seriously for the first time since the beginning of the discussion.

— It was a damn truth or dare game, we always did stupid things and we both know it means nothing, you fool. If I knew it would hurt you, I wouldn't have done a damn thing… — she murmured — But apparently you don't think the same way.

She turned away again, but this time Theodore just stood there, looking at her back, disappearing down the hallway.

— I would never do anything to hurt you, Y/n. I love you.

Theo shouted from afar, afraid to see her leave. He didn't want her to go like this, but he didn't know how to fix that mess.

— I can't believe you, Theodore, you lied about the dress. About her being at the party and wanting her there, maybe I'm being dramatic, but I can't believe you love me rigth now.

_____

So dramatic, I love it😍

Requests are open, message me if you have any ideas💞

Read the last part here

[necroromantics]

hello, this is only a suggestion about something you could write someday only if you like it. I'm really curious about this: imagine toby has a s/o before becoming a proxy, so how would he behave after his disappearance? do you think he would stalk them? maybe he would plan some kind of encounter or get caught stalking them (if so, how it would happen)? idk, i recently found your blog and I just love your Toby and I was wondering what your headcannons could be on this scenario.

🪓 — Ticci Toby + Old Friend

we’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when. but i know we’ll meet again some sunny day.

AN: my bad if this kinda sucks, im not used to writing prompts like this also i wrote this in point form, but if you’d like a oneshot instead let me know 🙏

- i cant imagine toby having the emotional capacity or social skills for a proper relationship prior to becoming a proxy, though i can see him having something of an unspoken mutual love with a childhood friend

- but once he lost lyra, he isolated himself so heavily from everyone and everything, which ended up with him pushing away the only person who treated him like a human being

- a couple of years had passed until he saw them again, and when he did, he couldn’t catch his breath. it happened completely by chance. to be honest, dealing with everything he did, and with the effects of slender sickness, their existence completely slipped his mind until that fateful night.

- it was late, and dark, they were walking home from a particularly rough shift and toby caught a glimpse of them from his spot standing under the flickering streetlight.

- he almost yelled out after them when it processed in his brain where he recognized that face and stride from. once it clicked, toby took a moment before moving from his spot. he needed distance to be able to follow them home without being caught.

- when they approached their dimly lit condo, they fumbled with the key to the front door for a moment. taking the opportunity, toby quietly snuck up behind them and snaked his hands around their waist.

- “found you”

- their first reaction was to spin around and clock him in the face, and of course their fist bounced off like nothing. he didn’t flinch, he even chuckled a bit.

- when they saw his face, they gasped.

- “i thought you died in the fire???”

- “yeaah about that…”

- from that point on, toby would sneak into town just to visit them. he would rarely enter through the front door, he much preferred to enter through the bedroom window his old friend made a note to keep unlocked. it was what he was used to. he was a peculiar boy grown up to be an even more peculiar man.

- but they continued with each other as if there was no time apart. like a missing puzzle piece finally finding its way home. his lost friend would question him, but learned quickly it got absolutely nowhere. asking him was futile. they knew better.

- toby would come to them, they weren’t ever allowed to know where he was, or what he did when he was away.

- they were kept under lock and key. his secret. prized possession.

- on particularly bad days, he would show up to their place and just silently lay in bed with them, allowing his prize to run their fingers through his messy brown hair and let the chaos of the outside, and his job, slip away for a moment.

- the light in his otherwise dark and twisted world. a part of him was so scared of getting them hurt, or even worse hurting them himself.

- but he was still the same unstable, angry boy he always was. and though he tried, he wasn’t cut out for being a good partner to his long lost. there would be fights, threats, hatchet marks on the walls and doors.

- they would learn soon that he wasnt the same boy he was.

- toby could never really shake the feeling that his lover only looked at him with eyes that screamed ‘what have you done?’

- if they ran away, he would kill them. or keep them locked up in an abandoned cabin off somewhere in the forest for the rest of their miserable life.

- and if they chose to stay, they would have to spend all their time and energy being disrespected and drained. there was no fixing things. he wasnt a kid that meant well anymore, he wasnt a victim. whether they knew it or not, he was a cold blooded serial killer.

[bradshawsbaby]

the christmas gift

pairing: rhett abbott x wife!reader

author’s note: based on this adorable anonymous prompt about telling rhett you’re expecting!

lots of love to all the rhett sister wives out there, and all of you who have made me feel so welcome in the rhett abbott fan club™️

warnings: pregnancy and tooth-rotting fluff

“Want to know the first thing I’m doing when we get home?” you asked with a grin, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between you and your husband as you drove home through the gently falling snow.

“What’s that?” Rhett asked, the corner of his mouth quirking up into a smile. He took his eyes off the road for the briefest of seconds to glance down at where you were sitting curled up against his side in the cab of his truck.

“Putting on my Christmas jammies,” you laughed, resting your cheek against his shoulder and gazing out the window at the snow that swirled and danced in the bright beam of the headlights.

Rhett chuckled in response, and you could feel the vibrations of it coursing through your body.

“And you’re putting on yours, too, mister,” you informed him, poking him in the side with one very emphatic finger.

Your husband groaned in response, keeping his eyes fixed ahead on the dark winter road as he turned the wheel slightly in the direction of the cozy little cabin that awaited you, the one that you and Rhett had been turning into a home since the day you’d moved in.

“Honeybee, are you really gonna make me wear those itchy flannel pants with that damn button down shirt?” he demanded, feigning annoyance even as his indulgent smile told you that he’d gladly wear whatever you asked him to.

“Hey, you knew when you married me that you were in for a lifetime of matching Christmas pajamas, buddy. I don’t want to hear it,” you teased, nudging him playfully and giggling in open merriment.

“Yeah, yeah,” Rhett smirked, turning his head to drop a quick kiss to your forehead before locking his gaze on the road once more. ��I don’t remember that coming up in the vows, y’know,” he added, turning the truck down the lane that led to home.

“Hmm, it was definitely in there,” you replied, tapping your chin as if in deep thought. “You must have been too blinded by my beauty and missed that part.”

“Well, now that is entirely possible,” he laughed, nodding his head slowly. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll wear the damn itchy pajamas,” he assured you, grinning widely.

“That’s the spirit,” you giggled, pressing an affectionate kiss to his shoulder.

“And after the Christmas jammies? What then?” Rhett asked, arching a curious eyebrow.

“Well naturally I’m going to make us the biggest mugs of hot chocolate that I can,” you told him. “And then…maybe we can open a couple presents?” you hinted with a big smile, looking up at him with your best puppy dog eyes.

“Too impatient to wait for Christmas morning?” Rhett laughed, shaking his head as the truck bounced along the final stretch of road.

“It’s after midnight, so technically it is Christmas morning,” you countered, trying to make your case.

You and Rhett had spent Christmas Eve on the Abbott Ranch with his family, enjoying a nice dinner and getting the chance to exchange some small gifts with each other. You’d be back again for Christmas dinner, and Cecilia had even suggested the two of you spending the night, but Rhett had wanted to get home.

“Want to wake up on Christmas morning, just the two of us,” he’d whispered to you, peppering your cheek with kisses.

You wanted that, too. Especially with the gift you were planning on giving him this year. Smiling to yourself, you pressed a hand to your stomach and felt the familiar butterflies of anticipation.

Or maybe it was the flutterings of the new life that was growing within you, the one that you and Rhett had made together.

It had been so hard to keep this secret. You’d been desperate to tell him the minute you held that first positive test in your hand, but you knew you wanted it to be special. Rhett deserved for the moment he learned he was going to be a father to be a special one.

So you’d waited, albeit a little impatiently, for Christmas to arrive. And now it was finally here.

“Alright, honeybee, how about one present each before bed?” Rhett suggested, turning to look at you.

You’d been so caught up in your thoughts that you hadn’t even realized he’d pulled the truck up in front of the house and put it in park.

“Perfect,” you nodded with a grin. One present was all you needed.

Rhett smiled, pushing open his door. “Come on, let’s get inside before we freeze to death out here,” he murmured, sliding out of the truck and then reaching up to help pull you down from the driver’s side.

As soon as you were both inside, shaking the snow from your hair and coats and boots, you were shedding your outer layers and dropping them by the front door, hurrying upstairs with a childlike grin and a determined sense of purpose.

“I’m gonna start a fire,” Rhett called up to you as you stripped out of your clothes and changed into the soft, cozy pajamas you’d picked out over a month ago—the ones that were very much not itchy, no matter how your husband protested.

“Sounds good! I’ll be back down in a minute!” you called back.

Before stepping out of your bedroom, you took one quick glance in the mirror of your vanity, fixing your hair and wiping at the small smudge of lipstick at the corner of your mouth. Your lips had thankfully managed to maintain the red hue of your lipstick, even after the four-course Christmas Eve meal Cecilia had prepared. You knew it was silly, what with it only being you and Rhett, but you wanted everything to go perfectly.

By the time you made your way back downstairs, a toasty fire was blazing in the stone fireplace, and Rhett had turned on the lights on the Christmas tree, which cast a warm and festive glow over the living room.

“Here you go, cowboy,” you teased, tossing him the plaid Christmas pajamas that paired with yours.

He rolled his eyes playfully as he caught them. “Only because I love you so much, honeybee,” he told you, wagging a finger as he dropped them onto the couch and began stripping right there, in the middle of the living room.

The sight of your husband standing half-naked in front of the Christmas tree, the light from the fireplace painting his skin a soft golden hue, was one you knew you wouldn’t soon forget.

Clearing your throat, you nearly tripped over your own two feet as you began moving towards the kitchen. “I’m gonna go make that hot cocoa now,” you told him, the warmth rising to your cheeks having nothing to do with the heat of the cabin.

A few minutes later, as you stood over the stovetop whisking together milk, cocoa powder, and sugar, you felt a strong pair of arms wrap around you from behind and your husband’s lips pressed against your shoulder.

“Almost ready?” he mumbled in a low voice, nuzzling his cheek against yours.

“Who’s the impatient one now?” you laughed, tilting your head to the side as you stirred the hot chocolate in the saucepan so that Rhett could press soft kisses to your cheek and jawline.

“Well now you’ve got me excited for presents,” he smirked, nipping lightly at your throat.

Your stomach did a pleasant little flip at the thought of the gifts that were soon to be exchanged—one gift, in particular.

“Five more minutes,” you told him, smiling. “Go get settled and I’ll bring it in.”

“Don’t keep me waiting too long,” he whispered in your ear, pressing a kiss to the shell of it before reluctantly releasing you and heading back into the living room to put another log on the fire.

Five minutes later, as promised, you walked into the living room with two large, steaming mugs of hot cocoa in hand. Rhett rose immediately to take his from you, resting his hand on your lower back as he guided you to the chair near the tree.

“Alright, now it’s time for presents,” you announced with a giddy smile, settling comfortably into your chair and taking a sip of hot chocolate before setting your mug down.

“Remember, honeybee, just one each,” Rhett teased with a wink, bopping you on the nose with a finger as he reached down for one of the gifts that was sitting wrapped underneath the tree. “I’ll give you mine first,” he said, handing you a flat, square-shaped package and then sitting back eagerly on his heels.

You couldn’t help but smile at the excited look on his face as you unwrapped the present, which looked to be a jewelry box if the black velvet was any indication. You let out a surprised gasp as you opened it up and saw what lay inside.

“Baby!” you cried, carefully lifting up the delicate bracelet and admiring the way it caught the lights on the tree. The gold chain was simple and dainty and exactly what you had wanted. You hadn’t even realized Rhett had noticed you admiring it when you passed by the jewelry store in Laramie. “Oh, but it’s so expensive!”

“Doesn’t matter,” Rhett insisted, resting a hand on your thigh. “Do you like it?”

“Oh, honey, I love it! Thank you!” you exclaimed, throwing your arms around his neck. You kissed him soundly to show your appreciation, and then held up the bracelet again to stare at it some more.

“C’mere, let’s try it on then,” Rhett said, taking it from your hand and gently wrapping it around your wrist, dropping a tender kiss to your arm as he clasped it. “Beautiful,” he grinned, his gaze locking with yours.

“Thank you, baby,” you said again, reaching out to touch his cheek. “It’s just what I wanted.”

You hoped your gift for him was just what he wanted, too.

“Now it’s your turn to open a gift,” you told him, your heart suddenly beating much faster inside your chest. Rising from your chair, you ducked around behind the tree and picked up the box that you’d carefully packaged and wrapped just the other day, while Rhett had been busy working with Royal and Perry. “Here you go, baby,” you murmured, handing the gift to him.

Rhett smiled as he took it from you, waiting until you had settled back down in your seat.

“Hmm, I don’t know,” he smirked, shaking the box ever so slightly. “Feels kind of light,” he joked, his blue eyes crinkling in the corners as he laughed.

“Oh, shut up and open it,” you laughed in return, squeezing your hands between your legs to hide the fact that they were suddenly trembling.

Chuckling, Rhett tore off the wrapping paper and slowly opened the little box that was revealed beneath. Watching him carefully, you saw his face slowly transform as he took in the present that was resting on a bed of sparkly white tissue paper.

His mouth morphed from a teasing smile to a slack-jawed “O” and his blue eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as he stared down at the tiny knitted booties, designed to look like a pair of mini cowboy boots, that rested on his lap.

You noticed the way his throat tightened and convulsed before he said anything. “Baby,” he rasped, lifting one little bootie up into the air. It looked so tiny in his large hand. “Baby, does this—I mean, are you—”

“Merry Christmas, Daddy,” you whispered, tears brimming in your eyes. When he just continued to stare at you, wide-eyed, you felt your stomach do another little flip. “Are you happy?” you asked softly.

“Am I—am I—oh, God, honeybee,” he gasped, placing the baby bootie back into the box and laying it to the side as he launched himself up off the ground and pulled you into his arms. “Am I happy? I’ve never been happier in my life,” he told you, squeezing you tight and spinning you around.

When your feet finally touched the floor again, his lips were on yours, kissing you with a mix of tenderness and raw desire. He pulled back after a moment or two, brushing your hair back from your face with a look of such deep love in his eyes that you momentarily forgot what it was to breathe.

“I’m so happy,” Rhett whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion and thick with unshed tears. “This is—this is the best gift anyone has ever given me.”

You grinned, realizing out of the blue that your cheeks were wet, though you weren’t even sure when you had started crying. “Well, it’s a gift we sort of gave each other. So we can go halfsies on it,” you giggled softly.

Rhett laughed at that, brushing your tears away and kissing you gently. His hand brushed down your body until it was resting over your stomach, his gaze shifting downward.

“So there’s really a baby in there? Our baby?” he asked, almost in disbelief.

“That’s what they tell me,” you laughed, resting your hand over his.

Beaming, Rhett knelt down reverently in front of you, pressing a loving kiss to your stomach through the fabric of the Christmas pajamas he’d teased you so mercilessly over. “Hey there,” he whispered, resting his cheek against your belly as you ran your fingers through his soft, honey-colored hair. “I’m your daddy. It’s nice to meet you.”

You laughed softly, your heart bursting with joy as you gazed down at him.

Rhett looked up at you and winked before adding, “Enjoy your time in there, little one. Come next year, your mama’s gonna make you wear some horrible pair of Christmas pajamas.”

He laughed loudly when you swatted the back of his head.

Rising back up, Rhett wrapped his arms around you and held you close to his chest, dropping a kiss to your forehead before resting his chin atop your head.

“I love you so much,” he breathed out, his hands warm and comforting as they held you tightly. “Merry Christmas, honeybee.”

[havecourage-darling]

That boy is mine now // Eddie Munson

Prompt: “Apparently all of our friends have a bet going on when we’ll get together.”

A fic that absolutely no one asked for based loosely around Avril Lavigne’s song sk8r boi (our boy gets his heart broken but lucky for him you’re there to pick up the pieces, strangers-friends-to-lovers, slice of life vibes)

wc: 26k (i dont know what to say lmao)

*as always, adopted female reader with (hopefully) no references to race or weight. Masterlist || AO3

He was a boy, she was a girl, can I make it any more obvious? He was a punk, she did ballet, what more can I say?

The first time you saw Eddie Munson you were hiding in the trees on your first day of school.

Despite protesting the entire month, your parents had decided to uproot your whole life and drop it in this middle of fucking nowhere town, Hawkins Indiana. Your father had decided it’d be good for you all to be by family. Hilariously ironic considering both your dad and your aunt and uncle were never around anyway.

Taking a deep drag from your cigarette you rubbed your temple, a desperate attempt to assuage the migraine that was building. You weren’t used to being the center of attention – your old school was too big and got new students almost every semester – but you guessed it made sense, considering the population of the entire town rivaled the one of your old neighborhood. Kicking a few leaves around, you frowned. It was so fucking quiet here at night.

“Who leaves New York City for Indiana?” You huffed to yourself, already missing your best friend so much it’d felt like someone had amputated a limb. You two had known each other since kindergarten – besides, she’d know how to handle the stares you’d gotten all day.

You’d taken two steps into the hallway, one of Steve’s friends guiding you to the office, and it’d felt like the metaphorical crowds had descended. To be fair, Robin had tried to warn you that everyone would be curious – she’d even offered to have you sit with her at lunch but the need for a cigarette had been clawing at you from the moment you’d woken up. God this was a shitshow.

The constant questions about what New York was like, what music did you listen to, were those real tattoos? Were endless.

It didn’t matter, you told yourself, it was your senior year and you just needed to make it through before you could make your own way back to the northeast. Back to your real home.

The sound of crunching leaves brought you out of your depressive spiral and you instinctively dropped behind the trunk of the tree you were leaning against. “Shit,” you hissed, throwing the cigarette onto the ground and stubbing it out. Great, it was the first day of school and you were already about to earn a detention. For smoking. Your mother was going to strangle you.

Then, you heard giggling. Peeking from around the tree, you watched as a blonde cheerleader bounced in front of a boy you faintly recognized. Robin had waved to him in first period, Marty? Mason? The only reason he’d stood out was because he didn’t look like a carbon copy of everyone else. He’d had an old Metallica shirt on and wild curly hair – you thought you’d seen a tattoo peeking out from his collar.

“Eddie, you know we can’t – Jason would kill me. The girls, they would never…they wouldn’t understand,” the girl sighed.

“Yeah, I know,” Eddie said, wincing, “but the concert is two towns over. I could drive us and no one would recognize us.”

Guilt flashed across the cheerleader’s expression before schooling it into a pleading one. “You said you wouldn’t push me when it came to this.”

“I know,” Eddie sighed, running a frustrated hand through his hair, “but it’s been almost four months Chrissy.”

Well shit, you thought, catching yourself leaning forward and feeling conflicted at the accidental eavesdropping. It’s too late now, you were in this.

Chrissy’s face softened into something real and she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Be patient with me, please. I like it when it’s just us two, in our own world. Don’t you?”

You cringed, you had an inkling about what was happening and you felt for Eddie.

“Yeah,” Eddie said, his voice sounding defeated. “Of course I do sweetheart.”

“Great, shoot, is that the time? I’m going to be late. I’ll see you after Hellfire, okay?”

You watched her reach up and kiss him quickly before darting up the hill towards the football field you’d crossed. The muscles in your legs ached from your frozen squat and you needed Eddie to run along after her so you could finish your smoke break in peace.

Instead, he walked over to the decrepit looking wooden bench and slumped onto the table.

“Fuck,” you muttered to yourself, the beginning of a cramp building in your left calf. Crab walking a few yards away, under the cover of a few trees, you finally stood and shook out your leg. If you crouched down far enough, you’d be able to sneak away through the side of the parking lot-

“Who’s there?” Eddie’s voice cut through the silence of the forest.

Shit. Well, there was no point in running away, your lungs weren’t built for that anyway. Acting oblivious and oh-look-I-didn’t-see-you-there it was.

“Uh, sorry,” you said, stepping out from behind the trees, adding some confusion to your expression. “I came out for a smoke and got a little lost.” You lifted the pack of cigarettes in your left hand as if he’d been asking for proof.

Eddie straightened, eyes looking a little panicked as they darted to where the cheerleader – Chrissy – had just disappeared through. When his eyes shot back to you, you tried your best to keep your expression neutral.

“Are you a student? I don’t know you and everyone here knows everyone,” Eddie said and you noted the bitterness in his voice.

With a tentative step closer, you pushed your pack into your jacket’s pocket and shrugged. “I’m new,” you said, not being able to help the sad sigh that came after that.

At the sound, the corner of Eddie’s mouth tilted up. “You sound excited to be here.”

“We moved from New York City,” you explained, “no offense to your little town here but it’s got nothing on the city that never sleeps.”

Eddie’s eyes widened, his brown eyes flashing. “New York? Dude, no way! I’ve always wanted to go there. What’s it like?”

You walked over to the table, sitting carefully across from him on the splintering wood and dropped your weight onto your elbows. “It can be shitty – dirty and loud but man, it’s home, you know?” Your gaze drifted over his shoulder, imagining what you’d be doing if you were back. “My best friends and I would get breakfast at a bodega by our apartment building, best bagels in the city.”

Something like recognition lit up his face. “Wait, you’re the new girl…you’re Harrington’s cousin, from France or something,” Eddie said, eyes trailing down your face. “You two don’t look related.”

Snorting, Eddie’s neck went splotchy as he winced. “I didn’t mean for that to sound that way.”

“It’s fine,” you said, waving him off, “I’m not from France. I told one of the preppy girls who wouldn’t leave me alone that we’d just gone to Paris over the summer and apparently that makes me French.”

Eddie snorted. “That’s small towns for you, news travels fast and it’s not always correct,” he said, definitely bitter this time.

“What, so you’re not actually a devil worshiper?” You asked, eyes widening for effect.

At that, he rolled his eyes. “Dungeons and Dragons is a game. I don’t know why everyone thinks we’re worshiping Satan. And even if we were, technically it’s no one’s business.”

“Oh shit,” you sputtered, realizing you’d hit too close to home by accident, “is that actually what people say? I was just fucking with you.”

Eddie chuckled, shaking his head. “Well, when you eventually hear all about it – know that only half of it is true.”

“The Devil worship part?” You teased, wanting to help the defensive glint in his eyes.

Eddie finally smiled and nodded. “Obviously,” he said and nodded to your black jeans and jacket, “although considering we’ve got pretty similar style if you’re not careful their wrath’ll turn on you.”

You looked down at your usual outfit for the fall: t-shirt, denim jacket, ripped jeans, and your all-stars. Eddie definitely wore his style with more grunge than you but you were far from a metalhead back home. Clearly, that was something to avoid here. Your school had popular kids but no one was overtly in your face about it – shit, is that something you had to worry about now? You groaned internally.

“I’m adopted,” you said, wincing at the awkwardness that settled after that. “That’s why we don’t look alike – me and Steve.”

“Oh,” Eddie nodded, noting your subject change, “that’s cool.”

“It’s not when they drag you over state lines in your senior year of high school,” you huffed, “I wanted to go to prom with Kevin Singh.” You thought back to the boy in your class.

His brows rose, a smile teasing as he leaned in. “Boyfriend?”

You smiled, scrunching your nose at him. “No, I wish. He was my lab partner in Chemistry last year. He didn’t know I was alive, much less interested.”

“I know the feeling,” Eddie muttered, hands opening the lunch box near him and pulling out a joint.

Eyes following his fingers, you noticed something and perked up. “What do you play? Guitar? You guessed.

Eddie paused midway to lighting his joint and eyed you. “How’d you know?”

“Calluses on your fingers, guitar pick necklace, Metallica t-shirt, not hard to spot a metalhead when you see one,” you said, resting your chin against your palm.

“You play?” Eddie asked, smiling.

Shrugging, you eyed the flame from his lighter. “Shouldn’t you already know, considering small towns and all?”

Eddie tossed his head back and laughed. That, out of everything, struck you. He had a nice laugh.

“Fair,” he said, snorting once more and you hated how endearing it made him. Eddie offered you the joint and you glanced back at the school. What the hell, your parents wouldn’t be home to hear the message the school left saying you’d missed a few periods anyway. With a shrug, you grabbed it and took an inhale. “Wait,” you grunted as you exhaled, “I’m going to reek of weed and I don’t have anything to cover it up.”

“I got it,” Eddie said, rummaging around in a metal lunch box. He popped out a small body spray, looking confused, and his face flushed. He tried to quickly shove it to the bottom of the box but it’d been too late, you’d seen the label.

“Cinnamon Sugar Cookie scented?” You asked, a smile growing despite your attempts to smother your laughter.

“I-” Eddie sputtered, clearly not knowing how to admit that it wasn’t his, “I could like Cinnamon scented things.”

You laughed harder at his defensive tone and by habit reached out to smack his shoulder as tears almost leaked out your eyes. “You should’ve seen the horror in your face,” you snickered, reaching out for the body spray. “Oh, come on,” you said when he stayed frozen, “I already saw it. Just hand it over, I’d rather smell like a preteen girl than like I just came out a frat party. I’ve still got like two periods before I can go home.”

Eddie reluctantly handed it over to you, his eyes looking panicked again.

“I promise I won’t tell anyone,” you said, avoiding his gaze. Your mind flashed back to the tiny cheerleader and her arms wrapped around his neck. If New Yorkers knew anything, it was how to mind their business.

“Tell anyone about what?” He asked, cautious.

Forcing your eyes to meet his, you chewed on your cheek before taking another drag and handing him the joint back. You thought back on your dad, his disappointment in you, your interests, hobbies, grades, and you felt for Eddie – you knew what it was like to have someone wish you were something else.

A memory of Steve a few years ago, hair shorter and a sneer etched onto his face, eyes always darting to your uncle. Yeah, you thought, your family was intimately aware of what it felt like to crave approval like oxygen. To want to mold yourself so you could get just a scrap of affection.

“Anything that happened here,” you said, nodding to the joint and standing up with the spray in hand, “or anything I may or may not have heard.”

Eddie’s face blanched. You sprayed yourself a few times and instantly started coughing. “Jesus, that's some strong preppy ass perfume,” you waved your hand in front of your face, trying to get the smell out your nostrils. “What I’m trying to say is that maybe small-town people like to talk shit but, where I’m from – we know how to mind our business. So, you don’t need to worry about me, okay?” You grabbed your backpack from the ground and pulled it over your shoulder.

Realizing you meant it; Eddie shot you a grateful look. “Thanks.”

Waving it away, you motioned to the school. “Don’t mention it, Sugar,” you said, winking when his expression shifted.

As you walked away, Eddie’s laughter rang through the trees – following you as you walked further away from him. Your heart sputtered awake and you slapped it back into place. He clearly had some complicated things going on. Not the right person. Especially not in this tiny ass town. You refused to be stuck here, no matter what friends you made along the way. Glancing back at his smiling face, you sighed.

Shit, he really did have a nice laugh.

He wanted her, she'd never tell, secretly she wanted him as well. But all of her friends stuck up their nose, they had a problem with his baggy clothes.

You were starving. Grumbling as you pulled your backpack over your shoulder, you hurried down the hall and towards the cafeteria. Of all the days to have one of your teachers hold you back – to ask about how you were adjusting no less. As if any of them cared.

Hawkins was the worst, you grunted, almost colliding with a jock who glared at you. Shooting him a withering look back, you sidestepped his posse.

“Hey Harrington!” Jeremy, your partner from theater called out. You smiled and waved at him as you jogged towards the double doors.

“See you last period sunshine!” You replied, laughing when he stuck out his tongue at the inside joke.

Okay, so, maybe Hawkins wasn’t the absolute worst.

You weren’t sure if it had a lot to do with the fact that you were new but you’d managed to make a few friends in most of your classes. Bursting through the doors, you hurried towards the food and sighed when you finally grabbed one of the last normal looking sandwiches.

“Hey, sitting with us today?” Brianna asked, bumping her hip with yours. Smiling, you bumped her back and grabbed an apple before walking backwards towards your usual table.

“Tomorrow? I promise?” You laughed when she rolled her eyes, knowing that while you bounced around – you usually sat with –

“Harrington!” Dustin’s voice called out for you, hand waving in the air like he was hard to miss.

Brianna smiled when you shot her an apologetic look. “Go on,” she said, “see you after school.”

You’d met Brianna at band practice – where you sat on the bleachers and waited for Robin – the entire band had welcomed you into their circle, thanks to Robin. Jeremy, and the rest of the theater club, had also befriended you after you’d defended them against some stupid jock with an inferiority complex.

“I’m coming Henderson!” You shouted back when he called you again. You waved to Brian and Amanda, those two had pulled you into the book club with them after you’d gotten a job at the arcade and were surprised to see them working there too.

While you did have to admit, you had made friends a lot faster than you’d thought you would – your dumbest decision was managing to migrate into Eddie’s world. Not because he did satanic rituals like Jason loved to boast, but because you loved to make your life complicated and had managed to develop an incredibly soft spot for him.

You’d barely put a foot in the door on your second day of school and he’d tucked you under his arm, promising to show you where all the cool kids hung out. And, well, shit – you might’ve gotten a little addicted to the sound of his laughter and the way he enthusiastically poured himself into everything he did.

So, here you were, two months into having moved to this shithole and you managed to spend most your time with the entire Hellfire club. Eddie had wasted no time dragging you to the Hide Out for his performances and to his trailer to meet his uncle Wayne.

Letting your backpack slide off into your lap, you tossed an arm around Dustin and Jeff. You bit back a smile when they eyed you suspiciously. “Who do you two love most in the world?”

“Suzie.”

Jeff nodded, “My dog.”

Rolling your eyes, you elbowed them both. “Wrong answer, you’re meant to say me,” you said, rummaging around in your bag. You handed Jeff the book you’d found last night and Dustin the comic he’d been looking for.

Both of them squealed, startling you, and you found yourself smushed between them in a massive hug.

“Revising your previous answers?” You asked smugly.

“Yes!” Dustin said, shaking you. “I can’t believe you’re just giving this to me? Are you sure?”

Jeff was more awed, his eyes sparkling. “Dude, this is a first edition.”

Your dad had an extensive library but you knew it was born out of wanting to have things to show off rather than any actual interest in literature. Jeff had practically salivated at a familiar book downtown when you were out together last weekend and you had sworn that you’d recognized it. Dustin had been searching for a limited-edition X-men comic and almost cried when every store you took him to was sold out. Both of which, you managed to find in boxes hidden away in the basement. Since your dad wouldn’t miss it, you’d handed them to people who would.

“Why are you two screaming like little girls?” Eddie asked, shoving Jeff away and sitting down next to you. Ignoring the way your heart picked up its pace, you smiled when he leaned into you. From the first day that you’d sat with them, Eddie had made it a point to always sit next to you.

“We’re best friends now, Harrington, there’s no use fighting it,” he’d joked when you pointed it out.

Dustin and Jeff rushed to explain, both of them already looking through their gifts, when you felt Eddie elbow you. “That was nice of you.”

“I’m a nice person, Munson,” you said with a pointed look, “besides, my parents won’t even know they’re gone. The books should be with people who appreciate the real worth of it, not hide them away in a basement - you know?” You took a bite out of your sandwich, wincing when you felt the wilted lettuce hit your tongue.

At the lack of response, you glanced up at Eddie and realized he was staring at you meaningfully. Your eyes widened when you realized how backhanded your comment had sounded. Freezing, you swallowed around the bite of food.

“What if they’re not worth much?” Eddie asked quietly, eyes shifting over your shoulder, to where you knew the jocks and cheerleaders sat.

Angry at this thing you both knew about but never mentioned, your eyes drifted over to Chrissy’s back – her ponytail high with a bow tied securely at the base. You hated how small Eddie seemed to get at any reference to her. You hadn’t known him for long, but you knew a great person when you saw one – and your dislike for Chrissy only grew every time you saw the kicked puppy look in his eyes.

Moving without thinking too hard about it, you tapped Eddie’s jaw - ignoring the zing it sent down your hand - and waited until his eyes came back to yours.

“Those books are priceless, okay? And their worth shouldn’t be dependent on what others think, especially not ones who…put books down in the basement, hidden away.”

Dustin’s curls shifted in your peripheral. “I mean, it’s a limited edition but it’s not priceless,” he whispered to Mike, who was eagerly looking through it too. Eddie, however, knew what you weren’t saying – especially considering how his eyes softened into something that resembled gratitude. Your heart thumped against your ribcage, like it always did when his eyes were on you.

Feeling mortified at your lack of subtly, you stood quickly. “Well, I promised Robin I’d sit with her today,” you lied, scrambling onto your feet.

A hand on your wrist stopped you. The warm metal of his rings made you glance down at his fingers. Eddie’s nails were still black, the polish chipped at the edges, from when you’d painted them when he’d been over your house last Saturday. His gaze on you was unreadable and a little guarded. “Only a few months in and already such a social butterfly?” Eddie smiled, teasing. “I didn’t know we had such a hot commodity gracing us for lunch.”

Gareth snorted and you shot him a glare. “I can’t help it if people find my presence fun,” you joked, starting to sweat. Dustin’s eyes caught yours, a knowing look in them.

Fuck, you needed to get the hell out of here.

“Remember, I stumbled onto you first,” he joked, eyes flashing a little and you hated how you wanted to preen at the fact that he seemed protective over you. Get it together, you screamed at your heart, he’s not interested.

With a small smile, you took a few steps away and watched as his hand fell away. “Don’t worry Sugar,” you said, biting back a smile when he laughed at the now-familiar nickname, “I won’t stay away for too long.”

The first inkling that maybe Eddie was the only one blind to your feelings came a few weeks later, when you were sitting on the counter next to your grumbling cousin.

“Do you guys think I’m overreacting?” Robin asked, hands on her hips.

You shook your head and pointed at her. “Definitely not. If she asked you to call her later and you waited a day, that’s like – later, right?”

“That’s what I said!” She exclaimed, throwing her hands up in the air.

Nodding emphatically, you let her ramble her most recent encounter with Vickie out her system. She’d never calm down otherwise.

“Don’t you have a job, like a few yards to the left?” Steve asked, as you stole another fry from his lunch.

“What would our parents say if they heard you, Steven?” You gasped, hand clutching your chest dramatically.

Steve snorted, elbowing you gently. “Nothing, considering they barely see each other.”

“Which is hilarious considering they dragged me down to this hellhole because we needed to be by family,” you said, bursting out laughing when Steve cracked a smile.

“Why is that funny?” Robin asked.

Steve put a hand on his stomach, looking like he was about to tear up – which in turn, only made you laugh harder. “B-because,” you stammered around your laughter, “we live right next to each other and the only people in our houses are us.”

“Now, at least, we can grab dinner for two most days,” Steve said, grunting when you grabbed another fry. “Harrington families like to forget they have children. I think only cousins and siblings really like each other.”

“Ironic, considering they picked me out,” you joked morbidly. Robin looked at you horrified but Steve just laughed, used to the adoption jokes. You snorted, chewing on the salted goodness thoughtfully. “Which reminds me, wanna just order pizza today?”

Steve nodded, guarding his fries more fervently.

“You guys aren’t normal; you know that right?” Robin said, shaking her head.

Sticking out your tongue, you had a quip ready when someone interrupted. “That’s what makes her so intriguing,” a new voice said, startling the three of you. Snapping your head back to glance at the door, you grinned when you saw Eddie standing there.

“Hey Sugar,” you said, tilting your head back as he reached out to steady you, “thought you had band practice?”

“Gareth’s parents came home early, ripped him a new one for failing his English test,” Eddie explained.

You sighed. “I told him! But he refuses to let me help him study.”

“I know, Jeff said the same thing.”

Throwing a hand up in the air. “Yeah, I helped Jeff pass his midterm – I know what I’m talking about! I’m in AP English!”

“I know,” Eddie smiled, laughter trickling down into your hair and onto your skin. You shivered, gaze going up to him as he teased Robin after running into her that morning with Vickie.

Releasing his hold on you, he grabbed a few tapes from the romantic comedy section and watched Robin raise her brows. “That’s a new one,” she said, shooing you off the counter to check him out.

Eddie’s face turned red and you felt your chest constrict. Eddie liked to watch horror or cheesy action films. So, you knew who these were for.

“I’m a man of many interests,” he said, avoiding your eyes. You busied yourself with taking a sip of Steve’s milkshake.

“Right,” Robin said dryly, hanging him the tapes. “See you Monday?”

“Yeah, see you Harrington,” Eddie said, stepping forward as if to reach for you. Steve, however, stepped forward and offered him an awkward fist bump. You stared at Steve’s back, recognizing the protective action for what it was, and waved at Eddie as he walked out.

Robin pulled her vest off and pointed to Chinese takeout restaurant at the end of the strip. “I’m going to grab my lunch if you guys want anything?”

“No, I’m not hungry – I’ve got Steve’s lunch, thanks,” you said, laughing when Steve glared at you.

“So,” Steve hummed, eyes avoiding yours.

Realizing the time, you stepped around the counter and pulled your bag onto your shoulder. Brian’s break was up next and you knew he wanted to return a few books to the library across town. “Spit it out Steve,” you said.

“Eddie’s complicated right now,” he said quietly, tone unsure, “I see how you look at him. How he acts around you – it’s not…he may like you too but it’s just…bad timing. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Equal parts mortified that he’d seen through you so easily and touched that he cared enough to mention something, you hugged him as you passed by. “I know,” you said, not wanting to go back on your promise to Eddie, “his sights are set on someone else, and I’m painfully aware of that.”

Steve shot you a knowing look and you realized he probably suspected. “Thanks, for warning me though,” you said, bumping your shoulder with his affectionately.

“He’s a good guy, he’s just got shit to figure out first and I don’t want you to get caught up in it.”

You pulled the door and smiled. “I know, see you for dinner Stevie?”

“Yeah – and stop calling me that!”

“Is that Eddie?” Robin asked you, both of you cutting through the football field to get to the parking lot. “Shit, that’s Gareth on the floor.”

Your head whirled around towards the far left and you growled when you saw a sprawled Gareth bleeding on the floor. Eddie managed to dodge the first swing but you quickened your pace when he doubled over with the second one.

Robin broke through the throng of people and immediately walked over to Gareth, who looked like he’d taken a punch to the nose. Liam stood, frozen, in the clutches of a football player. Behind both of them you saw Jeff, Dustin, Mike, and Lucas looking worse for wear by the bleachers. Furious, and mostly acting on instinct, you shoved Jason hard and he stumbled back.

“Don’t know how to pick on someone your own size, Carver?” You asked, making sure the guys were okay. Dustin nodded, his eyes flashing.

Ignoring you, Jason laughed. “Oh look, your girlfriend’s here to save you Munson,” Jason snapped, hard glint in his eye. His gaze trailed down your body and he shook his head. “Such a shame to see another Harrington be such a loser.” Eddie used your outstretched hand to steady himself. He clamped down on your arm when you hissed at the sight of the blooming bruise on his jaw.

“Shut the fuck up, you moron,” you hissed back at Jason. His groupies all laughed, as if amused, and you felt your temper flare.

Eddie’s grip on your arm was tight, trying to pull you back but you shook him off. “Don’t,” he whispered, “it’ll only get worse and they’re not worth it.”

At that moment, a blonde curled ponytail caught your eye. You watched as Chrissy chewed on her nail, eyes worriedly darting up to Eddie’s split eyebrow. Of course, this was about her, it always had something to do with her. “You can’t be serious,” you said, eyes still on Chrissy. Hers snapped up to you, guilty expression rearing as she ducked her head.

“Let it go,” Eddie said again, grip on you tightening when he saw who you were glaring at.

These were your friends and you weren’t letting anyone fuck with them. “They might not be worth it, but you are,” you snapped at him, yanking your arm out from his.

Cracking your fingers, you stepped up to Jason. “I’ll give you one free punch,” you said, “then we’ll go for it.”

His posse laughed like you’d told the most hilarious joke in the world. “What? How precious, his little girlfriend is going to fight his battles for him. You’re both fucking garbage – but I gotta tell you sweetheart, you can do so much better than him. Just say the word and we can work something out,” his eyes lowered onto your cleavage and you fought the urge to gag.

“Not even in your fucking dreams Carver.”

Eddie growled, straightening at the implication but you held up your hand. His stupid friends chuckled, like he’d told the funniest joke ever and you shrugged. Clenching your hands and steadying your feet like your friends back home had taught you, you lunged forward. Your knuckles creaked painfully as you collided with his stomach, but you grinned triumphantly when Jason doubled over; groaning, and his lackeys scrambled to his aid.

“You bitch,” Jason shouted, voice shrill, as he clutched at his stomach. “You fucking worthless grunge bitch!”

“Don’t talk to her like that!” Eddie shouted, swinging and landing another punch on Jason. They both went down tumbling, when Patrick reached for Eddie. You shoved him, feet coming out to kick the other idiot who was inching towards a stumbling Gareth.

Eyeing a discarded bat from baseball practice earlier, you lunged for it and raised it up.

“You wouldn’t,” Chase said, brows rising as he froze in his spot. Chase was the most tolerable of Jason’s friends – he’d never been outright mean to you and you felt a twinge of regret before tightening the grip on the bat.

“Try me,” you sneered.

Chase stepped back, arms up. “Hey, I know Harrington guys – she’s not fucking around. Let’s just go,” he said, pulling Patrick back by the jacket.

Realizing it wasn’t an easy fight like he’d thought Jason spat out blood and wiped his mouth with the back of his wrist. His gaze went around to you all but your blood froze when it lingered on Eddie. Fuck.

“Whatever,” Jason said, turning to you, “watch your back bitch.”

The guys stalked off but you saw a few cheerleaders hesitate. Chrissy’s worried gaze bounced from Eddie’s to you.

“Chrissy, come on!” One of the other cheerleaders hissed at her. “Who knows what they’ll do.”

“Yeah, right,” she said, letting herself be pulled away.

Eddie’s eyes fell to the floor as she said nothing but turned to walk away. You watched her glance back a few times, having at least the decency to look ashamed.

Not wanting to spare her any more effort, you turned to see your bloody friends and sighed when Jeff groaned from the bleachers. Robin’s fingers tentatively took the bat from your tight grip and you let her. Loosening your hold, adrenaline crawling back, you winced when at the blooming ache in your knuckles.

A cold hand came up to take yours, Eddie’s expression both grateful and a little sad. “I’m going to have a bruise tomorrow,” you sighed. His mouth turned down, thumb coming to caress your swelling knuckles. Remembering Steve’s warning, you pulled your hand from his and walked over to check on Gareth. You felt Eddie’s eyes on your back as you leaned over him, checking his nose. “It’s not broken, but you’ll have a hell of a bruise.”

Gareth groaned as you touched it softly, his hand fisting your jacket in pain. “At least you’ll look badass,” you whispered. Jeff, seated next to him, snorted and groaned – a hand coming up to his ribs.

Standing up, you dusted your palms on your thighs – ignoring Eddie’s searching eyes – and grabbed your backpack. “Let’s get the hell out of here. I got room for three more in my car.”

Lucas, Mike, and Dustin immediately followed you and Robin like ducklings. Eddie cleared his throat but you didn’t turn around.

“Thanks,” he said and you knew Robin was rolling her eyes. Her hand reached out for your unbruised one and she squeezed.

“Anytime,” you called back, continuing on towards the parking lot. You were fuming, not at anyone in particular but – just at life. Why did Eddie let himself be shoved aside by someone who wasn’t worth it? Your feelings aside, Eddie was your friend and it hurt you to see him clearly so into someone who wouldn’t fight for him.

The group was silent until you were out the parking lot.

“Well,” Dustin said, breaking the silence, “at least one Harrington knows how to win a fight.”

At that, you finally smiled.

He was a skater boy, she said, "See you later, boy.” He wasn't good enough for her. She had a pretty face, but her head was up in space. She needed to come back down to earth.

It wasn’t exactly a secret that you didn’t like Chrissy Cunningham. You knew she was the school’s darling, with her wide pretty eyes and bouncy blonde hair – honestly, how was that fair? How did anyone compete with that? Even her stupid eyelashes were pretty.

She’d been perfectly nice to you the few times you’d interacted, even after you suspected she knew that you were aware of whatever she and Eddie had. You only shared one class with her – your second period AP English class. She was smart and always kind to anyone you saw her talking to – alone. Ironic, considering she tended to keep to the back whenever Jason was tormenting someone.

Somehow, that infuriated you more. She could be perfectly normal with everyone but the one person you knew craved her attention the most. Sometimes, when you felt her eyes on you in class, you got the feeling that she liked him just as much as he did. You could see it in the way her eyes searched him out first, the way she ducked her head when anyone was rude to him, or the way she shot you grateful looks when you defended him.

Which, annoyed the shit out of you. Because it meant she clearly cared for him, she was just too scared to show it. And you couldn’t help but have a little sympathy for her – you knew what it was like to feel trapped by people and expectations you didn’t meet. It could be debilitating.

���Harrington,” your teacher called out, “you’re with Cunningham.”

Groaning internally, you startled when you saw her already settling in the chair next to yours. “I wasn’t paying attention,” you admitted openly, “I have no idea what we’re partnered for.”

Chrissy laughed lightly and you frowned. Even her fucking laugh was pretty.

“It’s just a in-class assignment. Here,” she showed you her notes and you nodded.

Pulling your book out from your backpack, you made a face at it and laughter fell from her lips.

“What?” You asked, thumbing through to the chapter you needed.

“Nothing, it’s just-” Chrissy cleared her throat, voice softening, “your expressions, you’re like – an open book.”

Trying to remain neutral you rose a brow at her.

“It’s refreshing,” she admitted, “sometimes it feels like everyone has a hidden agenda. Since you moved here, you’ve always been brutally honest. That’s why…Jason wanted you to join us at the beginning of the year.”

At that, you snorted. “Right, because I look like someone who Jason Carver would get along with.”

“No, I suppose not,” Chrissy admitted and you rolled your eyes. “But you did catch his eye, if that’s something you’d like.”

Not able to help your laugh, you smothered it quickly. “Most people aren’t attracted to those that bully their friends, Cunningham. I wouldn’t let Jason touch me for all the money in the world.”

She fell quiet.

Taking the next few minutes, you wrote out the answer to the first three questions and handed the paper off to Chrissy. She nodded, scribbling in the last bit at the end and passing the paper back.

You both sat in silence for a while, as you edited through the few paragraphs you had, but you could feel her stare on your face.

“Just say what you want to say,” you said without missing a beat.

“I want to thank you, for being his friend,” Chrissy said, “for standing up for him.”

A spark of anger burned in your chest and you tried your best so it wouldn’t take over you. “I’m not doing it for you, or looking for any gratitude. I’d do it for any of my friends. Ask Chase, he was being an asshole to the band kids last month and I threw my textbook at his head. Had detention for a week. He bitched about it for weeks.”

“I know,” she said quickly, “I just – I…I do really like him.”

Fighting the urge to roll your eyes, you nodded. “Sure.” She really had one hell of a way to show it. If that’s what liking someone looked like, you hoped to never fall in love in this town.

Her brow twitched in annoyance and you felt a little proud of yourself for breaking through her façade. “You don’t know what it’s like for me,” she snapped, “what my life is like.”

“You’re right,” you said, turning to finally look at her, “but I do know that regardless, it makes you a liar.”

Her eyes flashed. “No one would approve of him. Not my parents, not my friends, no one,” Chrissy said, her tone angry. You froze, panicking. You’d never spoken openly about this – to anyone. Certainly not to Chrissy fucking Cunningham. “I can’t ruin everything I’ve built for something fleeting. He’s…you know how he is.”

Fleeting? What a bitch.

“Then let him go,” you hissed back at her, “stop prolonging the inevitable. You just stood by and watched as they beat up him and his friends. Who does that? Who lets that happen to someone they care about?”

Chrissy frowned, petulant. When she didn’t answer, and avoided your look, you sighed.

“That’s what makes you a bad person,” you said, “you’re not thinking of him. You’re only thinking of yourself. What you want. What you get from him. You don’t see how you drain him. You’re turning him into someone I don’t recognize. He wouldn’t ruin anything. He’s-” perfect the way he is, you thought, bringing your gaze up to her. “He’s a good person and you just take and take anddon’t care. You might be a decent person going through a shitty situation but so is everyone else. Be fucking honest with yourself and go sell your ‘poor me’ story to someone who cares.”

With that, you ripped out your paper and handed it to the teacher. He nodded approvingly and you stalked out of class. Running off towards the bathroom, you locked yourself into a stall and rubbed at your head.

Shit, what had you done?

“Holy shit, I’m so drunk,” Steve said sloppily, drink sloshing out his cup. You laughed, happy that Steve had finally managed to loosen up. Searching out for the redheaded girl he’d come with; you saw her dancing with her friends – looking just as drunk.

“Robin?” You called out, her frizzy hair popping out from around the corner where she was waiting in line to the bathroom. “We need to remember to drop off Steve’s girl – she’s wasted too.”

“Jesus Steve,” Robin admonished, “we’ve been here for like an hour.” She fixed her cowboy hat and disappeared from sight.

Steve just smiled dumbly at you, chewing absently on some chips he’d found in the kitchen. “Okay, stay here,” you told him, “I’m just going to go to the bathroom really quickly and I’ll be right out.”

He nodded, grinning and you sighed when you stepped into the bathroom after Robin. She hopped onto the counter as you disappeared into the room with the toilet – honestly, what house was so big it had a room inside the bathroom for the toilet? And that was coming from you. “Did you see Eddie?” Robin called out.

“What?” You sputtered, hurrying out. “I thought Jason and company was here.”

“They are,” she sighed. “They tend to avoid parties the other will be at but…”

Of course, you frowned. “Adam asked him to come by to sell,” you finished for her.

Robin nodded, watching you as you washed your hands and shrugged. “So far there’s been no incidents. You’re having fun, right?” She asked and you smiled. You knew she was worried she’d dragged you along to Adam’s Halloween party for nothing but you had already promised Adam you’d come. He was the tuba player and he’d been anxious that no one would show up considering he was hosting it a week before Halloween. Unfortunately for him, half the school had descended.

“Come on, let’s go before Steve starts anything,” you said, pulling her out. The second you rounded the corner you groaned.

“What? What?” Robin asked, peeking over your shoulder. “Ugh, Dingus.”

Steve had disappeared, the hallway empty save for three girls waiting for their turn.

“You take the basement?” You asked her.

Robin sighed, “Yeah. You take the main floor – I’ll meet you in the kitchen in a few.”

“Alright,” you said, marching out into the chaos. You searched for Steve’s costume – a store bought Indiana Jones – and winced when someone smacked into you.

“Sorry!” The person slurred, jumping along to the music. You rubbed your shoulder and came up empty. Weaving your way through the crowd, you tried to make your way towards the kitchen – maybe Robin had more luck.

“Oh my God!” A loud shriek startled you. “You clumsy bitch! You ruined my fucking costume!”

Startled, you turned to glance at the sound and saw a cowering girl you faintly recognized from the theater club. Courtney? Claire? You squinted again as a cheerleader stomped forward, shoving the girl back into a corner. The small girl cried out, hand shooting up to her shoulder. “I’m s-sorry! It was an accident!”

Without thinking twice, you walked over to them and placed yourself in front of the freshman. “Alright, everyone, take a breather,” you said.

The girl behind you clutched at your shirt, hands shaking. “Of course, it’s Harrington – you never know how to mind your own business, do you?” You quirked your brow, recognizing Brittney instantly.

“Hey Brittney,” you said, rolling your eyes, “always a pleasure. I’m going to guess the poorly dressed nurse is Linda? Yep. What would you two ever do without each other?”

“Shut up,” Linda snapped, chomping at her gum. What a cliché.

“What’s going on?” A third voice joined. You glanced to the side and saw Chrissy, dressed as firefighter. “What happened?”

“Your two friends don’t know how to pick on someone their own size. Claire here – it’s Claire, right?” She nodded, eyes wide and terrified. “Claire accidentally spilled her soda on Brittney – who doesn’t know how to take an apology without being a bitch,” you said, shooting her a fake wide grin.

Brittney’s face twisted and you knew this was far from over. “Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?”

Snorting, you crossed your arms. “Alright relax terminator-”

“Come on guys, let’s just go,” Chrissy said.

Her sharp blue eyes whipped to Chrissy, who seemed to flinch at the sight. “No, I’m tired of you always letting these losers get away with it,” Brittney said, her gaze turning apprehensive. “Remember what we talked about, Cunningham.” Chrissy frowned, looking a little panicked, before nodding.

Chrissy’s eyes looked a little worried before steeling into something hard. “Well, if she ruined your costume, then it’s just fair if we do – this.” In a move you hadn’t seen coming – and one you had no room and no time to avoid - Chrissy dumped her drink on your shirt. Before you could say or do anything, Brittney and Linda followed her lead.

Anger bubbled to the surface as you felt the sugary red drinks sink into your white shirt. Clearly not enough, you felt a hand reach out and tug at your vest until you heard the fabric rip.

“Stop!” You said shoving the person away from you. Chrissy stumbled back and the other two wisely stayed where they were. Before you could think of anything to say, you felt a pair of hands slam you into the wall. Groaning, you winced when the meat of your shoulder hit the corner of a shelf and you knew you were going to have a bruise.

“Don’t fucking push me,” she hissed, the venom in her voice almost unrecognizable. Alright fine, she wanted to fight – you could fight.

Narrowing your eyes, you took a step forward, doing your best not to show the pain thrumming on your left. “I wasn’t afraid of your little cult leader, I’m certainly not afraid of you,” you said, hands clenching. Uncertainty flickered in you when Brittney and Linda stood at her shoulders. Before you could make the fist move, Chrissy’s hand came out and you presume to think she was aiming for your cheek but managed to slap your jaw. It still stung like a bitch, Chrissy had sharp nails, and you launched yourself at her.

A pair of arms pulled you into a chest a millisecond before you could gouge her eyes out. “What the hell is going on here?” Eddie’s voice cut through the music.

Claire, surprising you, grabbed your hand and pushed you both out of the corner. Brittney stumbled, shouting something, but you couldn’t hear anything past your own pulse. She shoved you behind her small frame and frowned. “I spilled my drink on them by accident when they shoved me out the way and Harrington came to my defense.” You tuned out the rest of the recap and glanced down at your torn vest and ruined costume.

Dustin and Steve had helped you sew this. He was going to his own party - dressed as Princess Leia, and you’d decided to go as Han Solo. Both of you had found it hilarious and promised to take photos next week. Dustin had spent almost a month, most of his allowance and your paycheck, getting everything to look as authentic as possible. He’d even biked a town over to get you the right fabric for your vest.

Without waiting to see what was happening, and slightly afraid Eddie wouldn’t believe Claire, you slipped through the crowds in the house. Running out the front door, you darted towards the side of the house and to your horror you felt tears burn your eyes. What the hell was wrong with people? You dabbed at the huge stain fruitlessly, feeling a lump form in your throat. By the stinging in your cheek, you knew you’d have a bruise tomorrow.

“Harrington?”

You closed your eyes. Of course he followed you out, you shouldn’t have expected less. “I’m fine,” you said quickly, willing the tears to disappear.

“I know you are,” he said quietly, his hand coming up to your elbow, not turning you around yet. “It takes more than some cheerleaders to take a Harrington down.”

You huffed a weak laugh and felt a hand try to pull you into his arms. “I’ll get you dirty,” you said trying to step away.

“Harrington, I don’t care. Just let me hug you.” He wrapped his arms around you and sunk into his hug.

A wave of emotions welled within you and you realized then, a moment of clarity, why you’d gotten so upset. Because this is what Eddie felt, every time she pretended not to know him, or sat by and watched them bully him or his friends. They were awful, vain people and you couldn’t do it anymore. You really couldn’t stand by and be the shoulder to cry on any longer.

Swallowing around the lump in your throat, you looked up at him. “She hit me first,” you said, “I swear.”

Eddie’s eyes lowered to yours and you realized they were red. They went soft and fuzzy, like he wanted to say things you weren’t in the mood to hear. As if already knowing, he nodded. “I know she did, I saw her. I had to struggle through the dancing X-men to get to the kitchen. Even…even if I hadn’t seen it. I would’ve believed you.”

Surprise, you glanced at him. “Yeah?”

You watched hurt flash across his face before disappearing. “Yeah, Harrington. You’re my best friend.”

Placing your head against his chest, you sighed. “I’m telling Gareth you said that.”

Eddie snorted. “He knows, they all know.”

What the hell did that mean?

You didn’t get the chance to ask because Robin’s shrill voice broke the silence. “What the fuck dude? Claire found me and told me you needed me. Aw man, the vest is ruined,” Robin’s face twisted into something sad, knowing how hard you’d worked on it. “Whatever, we’ll fix it. I’m going back in with Vickie and we’ll find the redhead and Steve. Fuck this party. You go home, Vickie will drop them off and she’ll take me to your place for the night. Okay?”

Robin’s indignance on your behalf made you smile.  

“Thank you,” you said, stepping back from Eddie and tugging the hem of your ruined shirt. You felt silly being this upset over a costume.

Eddie’s fingers twitched like they wanted to reach out to you but you took another step towards Robin. “Do you want me to come by-”

“No,” you said quickly – too quickly. Avoiding his eyes, you knew he was hurt by your answer but after the night you’d had it was for the best. If Chrissy was who he wanted, then it was his life. Who the hell were you to criticize?

With a faint wave in his direction, you all but ran to your car.

You managed to avoid Eddie for a whole week before he set his kids on you. Despite it being definitely too cold to eat outside, you’d spent the week’s lunch period between your car and hiding in the library.

Which, coincidentally, was where Dustin found you.

“Harrington?” He called out, wincing when the librarian whirled around to glare at him. “Sorry!”

Hurrying towards you, he plopped down next to you – seated between two old forgotten and unused aisles. “What could you possibly need from the Korean dictionary aisles?” You asked him.

“I could ask you the same question,” Dustin said, brow raising.

With a wiggle at your homework in your lap, you shot him a look. “I’m doing my homework, all the tables are full so I found a quiet area to sit,” you said, the lie well-practiced and on the tip of your tongue.

Dustin deflated and you only felt minutely bad that he’d bought your lie. “Well, Eddie is looking for you,” he said, a knowing glint in his eye.

You knew, he was who you were dodging all week. “What for?” You asked, eyes immediately going back to your textbook. Dustin huffed and you knew he heard the wobbling in your voice.

“He’s got something he wants to give you,” Dustin said, trying to catch your eyes.

“Tell him to hand it over to Steve or something, it’ll probably be easier.”

Dustin crossed his arms and you frowned. “Harrington. Why are you avoiding Eddie?”

“I’m not avoiding Eddie.” Lie. You lying liar who lied.

“Which is why you haven’t eaten lunch with us all week?” Dustin flopped over. “Eddie looks like someone killed his puppy – please, for me, can you just talk to him?”

You chanced a look at Dustin’s pleading face and cursed internally. What a rookie mistake. “I’m busy,” you insisted, sticking to your guns.

Dustin sighed dramatically and you had to tighten your grip on your notebook to keep from rolling your eyes. Clearly Eddie’s dramatics were rubbing off on them.

“Fine,” he grumbled, opening his backpack and pulling out a carefully folded top. Your eyes widened when you realized it was your Han Solo vest.

Hands shooting out to grab it, you ran your fingers over the previously torn fabric. It’d been stitched up carefully, looking exactly like it had before. “Dustin, how?” You stammered. Robin, who was the best at sewing, had said it’d take a lot of fabric to fix the tear and stains.

“Eddie found a store a few hours away that sold the same fabric. He helped me fix it,” Dustin explained. “The shirt is a lost cause but that’s easier to get. I knew you wanted to wear it for the trick or treaters tonight so, we worked quickly.”

Tears sprung to your eyes, overwhelmed at the idea of these two rushing to try and fix something just because it meant something to you. “Dustin, thank you,” you said, voice even more shaky.

“It was Eddie’s idea,” Dustin said, “I don’t know what happened between you two at the party, but Eddie’s trying. I promise, he’s trying to fix it. Give him a chance.”

You rubbed his head, not answering. Damn meddling kids.

Living next to your cousin, one you actually liked and got along with, had its perks. It also had a downside.

“Steve, I will be fine handing out candy alone. If you stay here, they’ll egg your house – go hand out candy and I promise I’ll come over at the end of the night,” you said, shoving Steve out the door.

“Are you sure? You’ve been mopey all week and I don’t care if they egg my house!”

Rolling your eyes at the stupidly protective older brother that you didn’t have, or want, you squeezed his arm. “I swear, I’m not moping, I’m fine.”

“Alright fine,” Steve sighed, “but you better come over for the movie. And you are moping – you’re both moping.”

Pushing him out the door, you ignored the last mumbled part of that sentence and shut the door in his face. “Good bye Steven!”

“That’s not my name!”

Snickering, you set up camp in the living room. You wondered how long it’d take for you to get your first trick or treater – and pretty quickly got your answer.

The next three hours flew by and you’d managed to be completely out of candy. Which, considering how much candy you and Steve had purchased – was saying something. You’d seen a very spooky looking vampire, a dinosaur, some Mike Myers, and most notably, some adorably dressed pets.

After a half hour had gone by since your last visitor, you’d ordered pizza to Steve’s. You knew if you didn’t go over, he’d drag you himself.

The doorbell rung just as you’d made the move to change out of your costume. Shit, you thought, gathering up the last old pieces of chocolate you could find in the kitchen. “Hi! I’m sorry but I’m out of candy for the night except for these choco-” You blinked when you saw Eddie standing at your door, bag in his hand.

“Eddie,” you said dumbly, the doorknob creaking under your grip. “What are you doing here?”

He smiled, eyes taking in your costume and he nodded towards the vest. “It looks good.”

“Oh,” you said, stepping back so he could walk through, “I’m sorry – I wasn’t expecting you. Yeah, thank you…really, I hadn’t expected it and was going to talk to you Monday since I had to rush home to change-”

“-I broke up with Chrissy at the party,” he blurted out. Your teeth clinked together as you shut your mouth and you blinked at him.

“What do you mean you broke up with Chrissy?” You asked, feeling like the ground was folding beneath you.

Eddie scuffed his food against the brick in your doorway and shrugged. “The last time we were together was back in September. She hadn’t had a lot of time in October and when she was free, I had something to do, it’d gotten messy and too complicated to handle.”

Say something! Your brain shouted, noting his slumped shoulders.

“Was it because of what happened at the party?”

Jesus out of everything to ask, that’s what you end up with?

Clearing your throat, you spoke quickly. “I meant – I don’t want you to think it has to be me or her. I just…it was…I don’t mind. You didn’t have to break up with her.”

Eddie smiled, watching you flounder and you fought the urge to punch his shoulder. His smiled widened as if he knew. “I did, have to, I mean,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair.

“Sorry,” you jumped, realizing you hadn’t let him in, “come in.”

“Are your parents home?”

Shooting him a look over your shoulder, you dropped the candy bars you’d scrounged up by the door. “Yeah, that was a dumb question, sorry,” Eddie said, sighing when he sat in his favorite chair in your living room. “It’s not about what happened at Halloween. At least not only that. Seeing her treat you – our friends – that way made it real. What I felt, pissed, was what you guys were feeling when it was happening to me.”

“I wouldn’t go that far-”

This time, Eddie shot you a knowing look and you quieted.

“I could see you. All of you giving me these looks-”

“-I wasn’t giving you looks-” you quieted when you saw his glare.

“It was a shitty situation, but…someone really important to me told me that I was priceless once,” he said and you wanted to sink into the dirt.

“She was right, sort of,” he laughed self-consciously and your heart slammed against your chest.

Needing to break the tension, you joked, “She sounds like a really intelligent and super wonderful, pretty smart person.”

“Yeah, she is. I should’ve listened to her – to everyone – sooner.” Eddie sighed and let his head fall back onto the edge of the chair. “I knew but I didn’t want to accept it – not until I had to.”

Not wanting him to feel bad, you stepped forward. “There’s nothing wrong with that,” you said, sitting on the coffee table in front of him.

Sitting in comfortable silence for a moment, you watched Eddie’s chest rise and fall. “She’s not a bad person, you know. She doesn’t have the best family,” Eddie said quietly, “I’m not defending her – it’s just…it’s hard to explain.”

You did know. And somehow, that made it all worse. It was easy to hate someone who was a villain. But you learned a long time ago that people weren’t black and white – they were grey and a mix of colors with a million tiny little pieces that made them…well, them.

“I suspected,” you said quietly, “but I still don’t like her.”

There was a beat of silence before Eddie burst out laughing. He sat up straighter, shaking his head at you. “I know. I know you don’t.”

Thinking about Steve, you motioned to your backyard. “Want to go over Steve’s and eat some pizza I ordered then smoke?”

“Fuck yes,” he said, dragging himself up to his feet. You hesitated for a second before pulling him into a tight hug. His arms immediately wrapped around you, his face burying into your hair. You felt him shiver and you squeezed tighter. “I know it needed to happen but, it still hurt.”

“I know,” you said quietly and the faint memory of your ex’s face swam into the forefront of your mind. Shutting your eyes, you fought the image of Chrissy and Eddie kissing from floating to the surface. “But it won’t hurt forever.”

You hoped.

What the hell?

Cracking an eye open you groaned when you caught the time. Who the fuck was calling you at three in the morning? As the phone stopped ringing, you closed your eyes and slowly drifted back into sleep when – again? You threw your covers off and stomped across the room.

“What?” You tried to shout, your voice coming out more groggy than angry.

“Harrington?”

Rubbing a knuckle across your eye, you grunted. “Yeah, who the fuck is this?”

“It’s Gareth – I’m sorry for calling you so late but, I really need your help.”

“Gareth?” Your brain struggled to catch up. “Are you okay?”

“It’s Eddie.”

It took you twenty minutes to get to the Hide Out. The bartender narrowed his eyes at you when you walked in. “We’re closed sweetheart; besides you look too young to be in here.”

“Harrington!” A loud voice boomed, echoing in the mostly empty bar.

With a wince, you motioned to the drunk Eddie and sighed. “I’m here to take him home.”

“Ah, you’re the ex-girlfriend?” The bartender asked, demeanor softening when Eddie tried to stumble his way over to you.

With a sputtering no, you pointed to Eddie. “We’re just friends.”

“She moved here from New York City, Rick,” Eddie said, hiccupping.

A weird expression came over Rick’s face and you couldn’t make out what it was. “Oh,” he said, appraising you with a soft smile, “you’re the new girl.”

“I…think so? I moved back in the summer,” you said, reaching out to steady Eddie. You wrinkled your nose, “Jesus, Munson, you smell like the inside of a liquor bottle.”

“I haven’t seen you in forever,” Eddie said, burying his cold nose in your neck and you yelped. “Hmm, you smell nice.”

Rick snorted and you shifted your hold on him. “You saw me two days ago at school, you weirdo,” you said, hand coming up to scratch at his scalp. He mewled, leaning into your touch like a sunflower turning towards a sunbeam.

“That’s too long ago,” he said, “I always miss you.”

You laughed at his cross-eyed expression and pulled his leather jacket on. “Come on drunky, it’s almost three thirty and I’d like to get some sleep before school tomorrow.”

“Do you need any help with him?” Rick asked, eyeing Eddie’s stumbling walk. “I can help you drive him home.”

“I’ll be okay,” you said, grateful for the offer.

After struggling a little to buckle him in, you made sure you had his keys and a bag in case he got sick. “Don’t puke inside my car, okay? Nod if you understand.”

Eddie’s head bobbed up and down, his eyes hazy but faintly focused on you. “I meant it,” he said, as you started the car.

“Meant what, Sugar?” You asked, watching a small smile grow on his face.

“I love it when you call me that, you know?”

You did. He’d roll his eyes and be his usual dramatic self about the nickname but you’d always known that he liked it.

“Yeah, I did,” you said quietly.

A few blocks away from his trailer, you felt his eyes back on you. “Are you listening to Madonna?” Eddie asked, nose wrinkling and eyelids drooping.

“Are you drunk off your mind and half asleep and criticizing the music?” You asked, laughing incredulously. “It’s the radio, asshole, I didn’t pick the song.”

Eddie laughed, eyes back on you. “You're so close but still a world away, what I'm dying to say, is that I'm crazy for you. Touch me once and you'll know it's true,” he sang and you hated how he could still sing despite his inebriation.

“Eddie Munson,” you gaped, “do you know the lyrics to a Madonna song?”

He giggled, actually giggled, and you felt your jaw drop. “Oh my God, I’m telling everyone,” you whispered to yourself.

“Come on, sing,” he said, poking your cheek.

Sighing as he begged, you relented once the song was coming to a close. “It's all brand new, I'm crazy for you. And you know it's true, I'm crazy, crazy for you.”

Eddie’s hand almost smacked your face and you ducked. “I am driving, Munson, keep your limbs to yourself!”

“Harrington, you can sing – like really sing,” he gaped, eyes awed. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

You pulled your car into Eddie’s regular parking space and sighed. “Because you never asked,” you said, walking around to his side of the car. “Now come on, we need to get you into bed.”

“I am a lady,” Eddie said, faux-scandalized, and voice a touch too loud for how silent the trailer park was. “I don’t get into bed without being taken out to dinner!”

Grunting under his weight, you elbowed him. “Stop screaming.”

“I’m not screaming,” he shouted and you sighed.

As you rounded the trailer you noticed a green pick up on the other side and winced. Shit, Wayne was home. Being as quiet as possible, you walked past a sleeping Wayne and rushed Eddie down the hall.

He threw himself onto his bed, bouncing a little and immediately knocked over a pile of books beside his bed. Wincing, you quickly shut his door and pulled Eddie’s shoes off. You helped get him out of his jacket and rubbed a hand down your face.

“Eddie, why were you at the Hide Out drinking alone on a Sunday night?” You asked quietly.

His head lolled to the side, eyelids drooping and you chewed on your bottom lip. “Can I tell you a secret?” He asked.

“Always,” you crossed your legs, settling in next to him.

“Even though we broke up last week, it’s been a month and half since I’d really spent any time with her,” Eddie started, your heart breaking at the sad expression on his face, “but I miss her sometimes. Maybe not so much her, but the fact that someone was there.”

You pushed the hair away from his face and you smiled down at him. “It’ll take time, Sugar, but you’ll get there. We all do eventually.”

“She was mean sometimes,” he whispered, words slurring together as his eyes closed further, “I didn’t like how she made me feel.”

“I know,” you said, because you did.

“I never told anyone. It’s embarrassing…” he trailed off as he fell asleep.

Standing, you made sure you placed a trash can by his side and filled a glass with water. You scribbled a note and left it on his nightstand before creeping out his room.

You’d made it to the door when a lamp illuminated the living room. Wincing, you turned slightly and waved to Wayne. “Hi Mr. Munson,” you said quietly.

“Good evening,” he said, dipping his head to look out the window, “or should I say good morning?”

“I…uh,” you scratched the back of your neck, “I was just dropping by…and now….I’m leaving!”

“Thank you,” Wayne said, eyes on you, “for bringing him home.”

Shit. Of course, he heard you – the whole trailer park probably heard Eddie. “It’s nothing. He’d do the same for me,” you said, smiling a little.

Wayne seemed to eye you, weighing something in his head. “He just needs time,” he said eventually.

“I know,” you said, crossing your arms, “I’ve been through it. Time usually is the only thing that helps.”

Smiling, Wayne shook his head and you got the feeling he wasn’t talking about Chrissy.

“He sees you too, you know.”

What? You furrowed your brows, confused, but Wayne kept talking.

“He’s felt guilty since September. I know he thinks I don’t notice things but I knew that girl was hanging around here in the summer. I’m old, not blind.”

You laughed, covering your mouth when it came out too loudly. Wayne smiled and it made face light up. They had similar smiles, you thought.

“Ever since you started coming around, things shifted. I think he felt guilty,” he said.

At that, you straightened. “Mr. Munson, I swear nothing has happened between us-”

“I know. Or else you two wouldn’t be dancing around each other like this but - I wanted to tell you that he’s coming around. He has been since you moved here.”

Shifting your weight, you felt uncomfortable. “I…don’t know what to say.”

Wayne nodded. “You don’t have to say anything - just, accept an old man’s gratitude for helping his kid realize he doesn’t need to change for anyone. I know he ain’t perfect, but he’s a good boy.”

You glanced at the door to Eddie’s room and nodded. “Yeah, he is.”

December crept up on you slowly but surely. As you stepped out your car in the music store’s parking lot, you couldn’t help but feel excited at the sight of all the Christmas decorations.

You loved downtown Hawkins. It was a bit busier, stores littering the main street, and a lot louder than the suburbs but – you really did love it. Trying to remember Eddie’s instructions, had he told you that the album Steve wanted was in the back of the store or to the front?, you avoided a small patch of ice.

Maybe it’d be obvious once you were inside. Taking a few hurried steps through the cold air, you sighed in relief when the warmth from the store helped defrost your fingers. Clenching them together, you started browsing.

“Crap, I’m never going to find this stupid tape,” you sighed, squinting to see the back of the store.

“Can I help you?” A voice asked.

Jumping nearly out your skin, you whirled around and smiled sheepishly at the sight of an amused employee.

“Sorry,” he laughed lightly, “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Flustered, you tugged on your jacket and bit back your own smile. “No, it’s totally on me. I can sink into my own world sometimes,” you said.

“Same,” he grinned, eyes trailing down your body. Suppressing the urge to run a hand down your hair to tame any fly away pieces, you couldn’t help but smile at his blatant interest.

“Uh, I’m doing some last-minute Christmas shopping,” you said guiltily, “I know it’s like…in four days, but hear me out – I’ve had a really busy week at work.”

You glanced down at his name tag – David – and smiled when he waved your excuses off. “Trust me, I get it. What are you looking for?”

“Oh! I’m looking for David Bowie’s new album,” you said, “and Iron Maiden’s second to latest one.”

David led the way towards the back left corner and grinned. “That’s a curious mix,” he said, handing both tapes to you and walking back to the cashier. He rang them up slowly, his blue eyes darting up to yours. “Are they a gift for your boyfriend?”

“What?” You squeaked, hating how high your voice got when you were nervous. “N-no! One is for a friend and the other is for my cousin.”

“Ah,” he said, smile widening. “Good choices.”

“Thanks,” you said, handing over the money, “they both managed to break their copies so I thought getting new ones would be a good gift.”

“Thoughtful too,” he teased and you felt yourself get lost a little in his eyes. “Are you from around here?”

You fiddled with the end of your scarf and shook your head. “I moved here last year from New York, we have family in town,” you leaned forward, feeling a little bold, “but, Hawkins is growing on me.”

“Is it?” He asked, smiling hopefully. “I’m glad. It’s probably not much in comparison but I’m sure it’s glad you’re here.”

David handed you the bag and you blinked when his fingers bumped into yours. “Oh, well, um – thank you for your help,” you said, tugging your scarf around you tighter, “Merry Christmas!”

You’d only taken a few steps away from the counter when he called out, “Wait!”

Whipping around, your eyes widened as he hopped over the counter. Jesus, those jeans were tight. “What’s your name?” He asked.

You introduced yourself, smiling when he shook your hand formally. “Well, now that we know each other, officially, would you happen to be free tomorrow for dinner? I know it’s a few days until Christmas Eve and you don’t really know me, I’m a freshman at Indie State, but-”

“-yes!”

David trailed off and grinned so wide it almost split his face in two. “Cool, I’ll pick you up?”

“Yeah, yeah, sure,” you said, scribbling down your number on your receipt. You handed it to him and he pocketed it quickly. “Call me?”

He smiled bashfully, ears red, and you couldn’t help but find it endearing.

“Definitely. See you tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow,” he echoed, waving as you scurried out.

You all but ran to your car and threw yourself into the front seat. Hands on the steering wheel, you glanced back to the store and grinned. The bag in the seat next to you crinkled as the heat blasted and you looked down at the tapes. Eddie, your mind reminded you and the smile slipped off your face.

Shaking your head, you put the car into drive and sighed. You couldn’t always be trapped by your crush, eventually you’d need to move on. Eddie had never been yours. Just because he’d broken up with Chrissy almost two months ago now didn’t mean he’d be interested in you – or anyone. In fact, he’d probably never be. Eddie Munson was your friend. Besides, there wasn’t anything wrong with liking the attention someone else gave you. At least considering how fast your heart was beating.

Nodding to yourself, you turned onto Riverside Drive and decided to go to the mall. You’d need Robin and a new outfit for tomorrow.

The first signs that Eddie was slowly coming back to himself was the sudden resurgence of energy during campaigns. His smiles were easily given, eyes always flashing with mischief – and if you were being honest with yourself, you were relieved to see him finally revive.

“You’re still coming over, right?” Eddie asked, voice eager and loud.

You pulled on your new platform boots and smiled at the boost they gave you. They definitely weren’t walking shoes but they made your legs look longer. Robin had all but threatened you if you didn’t keep them. “Yes,” you said for the thousandth time, your phone cradled between your neck and your shoulder, “I’m just getting ready!”

“For what?” Eddie grunted; his voice muffled but clear. “Wheeler if you try to look at my notes one more time, I’m going to break your arm!”

Snorting, you looked at yourself in the mirror and nodded, satisfied with the meticulous planning you’d done. A small sigh escaped when you realized you were going on a date, an actual date. It’d been a while and you were excited.

Brushing your fingers along the soft fabric of your dress, you nodded to yourself. “The longer you bug me, the longer it’ll take me to get there,” you told him. Even on winter break, the guys got together to finish up the campaign they’d started weeks ago. You’d started sitting in on them in the hopes of getting used to how the game was played – although, even after all the times you’d sat in, you were still mostly confused. It didn’t matter, you were invested in the story and didn’t want to miss any twists.

“Don’t forget to bring your notebook, and a sweater – Henderson’s house is freezing,” he muttered.

“I will, Dad,” you huffed, picking up your bag, “I’ll be over in like twenty minutes.”

“Fine, ignore my worries. Freeze to death. Who am I but a stranger?” Eddie sighed dramatically.

You rolled your eyes and Eddie huffed. “Don’t roll your eyes at me young lady.”

Laughing at the drama in his voice, and happy it’d come back, you said goodbye and hung up. You knew he’d never let that go, which is why you were completely unsurprised when you knocked on Dustin’s door, he’d opened it with arms crossed.

Pushing past him, you shivered as you tugged your coat off and hung it up by the front door. “You hung up on me, Harrington,” he said, eyes narrowing playfully before they widened. You watched as they trailed down your new dress. You’d tried to steer a little away from your normal black wardrobe – Robin had been the one to pick the maroon color and insisted that David would love it.

“Anyone would,” she said, waggling her brows at your cleavage.

“Are you wearing heels?” Eddie asked, voice sounding strangled.

You glanced down at your shoes and nodded. “They’re boots,” you said, motioning to the light snow that was falling. Eddie’s face looked like you’d struck him over the head with a hammer. “What’s wrong with you? Does it look that bad?”

“I just didn’t know you were dressing up for campaigns now,” he stuttered, eyes still roaming. “You look great, you always do.”

Pleased at the unexpected compliment, you grinned. You grabbed your small notebook out of your bag, pulled your sweater around you, and nodded towards the basement. “Everyone else here?” You asked, walking down the steps without waiting for an answer.

A loud cheering greeted you as the guys grinned at your arrival. “Harrington’s here!” Jeff shouted. Mike held up his fist and you bumped it as you took your usual seat towards the end, next to Dustin and Gareth.

“I’m back, I’m back,” Dustin said, smiling when he saw you. “You’re here!”

“Hey Dusty,” you said, bumping your shoulder against his affectionately when he glared at you for using the off-limits nickname. “Merry almost Christmas!”

Dustin’s eyes narrowed as he took in your outfit but you just smiled. Eddie sat at the head of the table, as always, and avoided your gaze. “Everyone ready?”

“Let’s kick some ass,” Gareth said, slamming his hand onto the table.

Since you’d only started sitting in on the most recent campaign, so you were nowhere near ready to create a character – much less play – but you’d always known Eddie was a great DM. He lived for the theatrics of it, played into it entirely earnestly, and his excitement was contagious. You were sure it was mostly due to his effort that you never realized how much time had passed until you glanced at a clock.

“Fuck,” you said, scrambling to stand. Your back cracked as you stretched, having been leaning in while the group decided whether to proceed into the forest or through the mountains. Damn it, you were going to miss the big climax you knew Eddie was building towards.

“What? Snack break?” Jeff asked, blinking like he’d too been pulled out of a dream.

Feeling a little awkward, you chewed on your bottom lip before just deciding to be honest. “Uh, I actually have plans – soon. I didn’t want to miss this so I just came over already dressed.”

“You have plans during a campaign?” Gareth asked, looking mildly offended.

“I’ve got a date,” you said, feeling oddly bashful. Instead of the teasing you’d expected, you realized everyone’s eyes had darted to Eddie. Who, in turn, hadn’t noticed the looks and was blinking at you blankly.

“A date?” Dustin said eventually, clearing his throat. “Like a romantic date?”

Glancing at the group, all of them who were still watching Eddie warily, you hesitated. “Yeah?” You were confused now, brows furrowing. “You know, with dinner, kissing – hopefully.”

Jeff winced, eyes darting down to his notebook and you felt even more confused.

“A date?” Dustin repeated, sounding like a broken record.

Shit, why was it so tense? You smiled, pretending to joke, “Right, so when a boy likes a girl-”

“-who?” Eddie asked, reanimating. “Is it someone from school?”

At that, you snorted, “Absolutely not.  It was actually at the store you suggested!” You said, pulling your sweater on. “The one downtown?”

Eddie’s eyes narrowed. “The cashier? David? You’re going out on a date with that – with David?”

“Yeah!” You exclaimed. “He just sort of asked me out. I guess I’m a little nervous for it. Either way-”

“That’s why you’re all dressed up,” Mike said, eyes still darting towards Eddie. You rolled your eyes.

“Why did you say that like I look horrible normally?”

Mike straightened, looking panicked. “No! That’s not what I meant.” You laughed, only teasing, as you reapplied some of your lipstick in the nearest reflective mirror.

“So, how do I look?” You asked, twirling jokingly. The guys all blinked at you and you had to fight back a laugh at their awkward compliments. God, guys really were clueless about all this.

Well, that’s what you got for being the only girl of the group. “You look beautiful,” Eddie’s compliment rose above the rest. Your eyes snapped to his and you fought the sheepish smile that wanted to grow on your face. Of course he wasn’t making this easy for you.

“Yeah?” You said instead, transfixed by his guarded gaze.

He nodded, hair shifting as he did, and you smiled. “Thanks guys,” you said, clearing your throat. “I’ll see you guys at Eddie’s on Monday? To exchange gifts?”

They all nodded dumbly and you started for the stairs. Pausing at the top, you pulled your jacket on and made sure your hair was still in place. A flurry of sudden harsh whispers floated up the stairs, making you pause.

“You aren’t going to say anything?” “What the hell do you want me to say?” “Dude, you’re just going to let her go? After everything?” “What do you want me to do!”  “I don’t know, something! Anything!” “It’s gone on for too long man, if this isn’t a sign – I don’t know what you’re waiting for!” “It’s no use-”

The sound of your boots against your driveway felt very solemn. David’s car puttered as he drove off and you gave the car a last wave before climbing the rest of your way up to your door.

You sighed, rubbing at your temples. It hadn’t been a total disaster but, definitely not what you’d hoped. Flashes of him snapping at the waiters and theater usher made you wince. There were more than a few times where you’d gotten close to snapping at him for staring obviously at your chest. It was nice to be appreciated but Jesus, look at someone in the eyes when you’re talking to them.

Whatever, you thought, nothing gained, nothing lost. Ugh, all you wanted was a warm shower, some hot cocoa, and your bed. Walking up your long driveway, you startled when you saw someone sitting on your front porch.

Your parents weren’t home, they were off somewhere with your uncle until Christmas morning, and you were sure Steve had said something about dropping by some band party Robin was going to. The figure shifted and you realized you recognized the long hair.

“Eddie?” You called out, struggling to see him clearly in the dark. “Are you okay? What are you doing here?”

His head snapped up at the sound of your voice. “Hi,” he said, jumping to his feet and bouncing up and down. “Do you mind if we go in? I’ve been waiting for a while and I’m pretty sure my hands are frozen.”

“Shit, yeah, of course,” you opened your door and ushered him in. “Is Wayne okay? You knew I wasn’t home – why were you waiting?”

Eddie didn’t answer you, instead he ran a hand through his hair and you sighed. You knew his tells and he was nervous. Fuck, you hoped this wasn’t a Chrissy problem – he’d been getting better.

Shrugging your coat off, you hung it up in the front closet and groaned when you pulled off your shoes. Wiggling your toes against the cold floor, you sighed at the comfort of finally taking off heels at the end of the night.

“While you think this through,” you said, waving to him, “I’m going to go make us hot chocolate.”

You’d only taken a few steps towards the kitchen when Eddie’s hand shot out to yours. “Wait!”

“Eddie, please, it’s been a long night,” you sighed, really not sure your heart could handle hearing about girl problems right now, “if no one’s dying, you’re lucky I’m not drinking after that date.”

His eyes darted to yours. “It didn’t go well?” He asked, no longer pacing or jerking around like a live wire.

Shrugging, you perched on the edge of the sofa. “It wasn’t bad, he was just – a little rude to be honest,” you said, shaking your head, “definitely no second date but dinner was nice. I might make Steve take me back to try the carbonara.”

A tense silence followed your admission, most of it rolling off Eddie in waves. Shifting, you brought your hand up to your chin and frowned. What was so urgent that Eddie looked like he was ready to pass out? His eyes were focused on your shoes that you’d left haphazardly in the doorway. The sound of one of your neighbor’s garage doors opening was faintly audible and you tilted your head, realizing it was coming from Steve. Speak of the devil.

“I could take you,” Eddie blurted, eyes wide and panicked.

Not wanting to spook him even further, you nodded slowly like you were approaching a wild animal. “Yeah, sure, we could all go. I think Robin would love the tiramisu; it was amazing-”

“-I like you,” Eddie said, cutting you off. The Christmas lights he’d helped you hang in the living room bounced off his wide eyes and gave the room a warm glow. You hadn’t turned the main light on and you loved how cozy it made the house feel.

You blinked when Eddie repeated himself, like you hadn’t heard him. What was going on? You just wanted hot cocoa. “I like you too, weirdo,” you said, still half-thinking about the dessert and Christmas lights, “you’re my best friend.”

“I’m telling Robin you said that,” Eddie said automatically and you smiled. He shook his head suddenly. “Wait, no – I’m not, I don’t want to chicken out this time. Harrington, I like you.”

Eddie’s eyes finally met yours and you were struck by the severity of it. He swallowed visibly, his hands twitching like they wanted to reach out for you – for something – and he spoke again. “I like you.”

The words floated into the air and you watched them disperse. You knew Eddie better than anyone, you knew what he was saying and felt your heart drop into your stomach.

“Harrington, I like you.”

He really needed to stop saying that.

Because every time he did, you felt like someone was slapping you across the face. “That’s not funny,” you said, serious. Ignoring the fact that you knew Eddie wasn’t cruel enough to joke with you about that. Your brain couldn’t handle logistics when your heart felt like it was about to beat right out your fucking chest. Standing, feeling the itch to pace yourself, you mumbled, “That’s not a funny joke, Eddie.”

“I’m not joking,” his eyes softened like he knew you were panicking and you didn’t know what to do with that. You weren’t entirely sure you hadn’t entered an alternate dimension. “I think I always have, at least a little bit of me, since the first time we met. You’re so…you. It’s like you radiate fucking sunshine – I’m pretty sure that’s why everyone is drawn to you. I can’t believe you never noticed; the way people just gravitate into your space.”

Shocked into silence, a rare moment really, you sat back onto the sofa. What the hell was happening? He couldn’t be…he couldn’t.

Clearly unnerved by your sudden silence, Eddie continued. “I know it’s weird because we’re friends but I just, I can’t keep it in anymore. It’s selfish and Dustin told me that I needed to say something before you ended up engaged to some quarterback – Steve, well shit, don’t get me started on Steve. He said he’d kick my ass if I ever hurt you, which I understand – I’d say the same to any asshole trying to date someone who was like my sister-”

Quarterback? What? Steve? Dating?

“Eddie, I – I don’t know what you’re saying.”

He shook his head, as if that would stop the rambling. “Right sorry, the point is, I like you. A lot. A scary amount.” Your heart lurched forward, slamming against your ribcage.

You felt like someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over you. He wasn’t joking. Eddie wasn’t fucking joking. “Why didn’t you tell me?” You croaked.

He shot you a look and well, duh, you knew why. “The last girl I liked didn’t want anyone to know that we breathed the same air much less that she liked me too.”

You scrunched your nose, immediately offended. “You can’t possibly believe I’d be anything like her,” you said, not able to keep the venom out your voice. A little embarrassed at how easily it shot out, you wrung your hands but caught the amused glint in his eyes.

“No, you’re nothing like her,” he said quietly, “but it’s an explanation, why I kept quiet for so long. Why I let her stay in my orbit when I just wanted to spin around in yours. I thought I had time. I had planned – I wanted to – but then I pictured you driving off with that – that, cool sports car driving hair spray wearing guy and panicked a little.”

Still feeling like you were on one of those teacup rides, dazed and dizzy, you blinked up at him. “Eddie, are you sure?” You immediately heard how stupid the question sounded but, Jesus Christ, you really weren’t expecting this tonight.

To his credit, Eddie smiled at you patiently. His fingers inched towards yours and you let your hands unfurl from where they were clutching at the hem of your dress. You watched him trace the lines on your open palm, the touch sending shivers up your arm. His rings pressed comfortably into your skin and you fought to keep your breath even.

“You’ve always seen me, the real me, and made sure to let me know that you liked what you saw. Everyone else sees me and makes assumptions-”

“-to be fair we do have similar style-”

Eddie shushed you and you shot him an amused look.

“-but you never did. If you knew…the way you make me feel. I shouldn’t have stayed with her for so long, not when I’d already started to drift away. She made mistakes but, but I fucked up too,” he sighed, and you winced – the reality of how complicated this was hitting you. “Do you know that you mouth along to the words when you’re reading a book?”

Confused at the sudden turn of topic, you shook your head.

He smiled, eyes darting down to your lips and you felt something in your stomach curl. “There’s this little sigh you do, it’s my favorite one, when you sit on the picnic tables outside the cafeteria. You’ll prop your feet up and turn your face to the sun, close your eyes and sigh. Or this smile you have whenever you’ve helped us study and we get a good grade – it’s like you’re so proud of us, you have this innate ability to make people feel like they matter,” he laughed, eyes unfocused like he was lost in a memory. “Or the way you never walk by and let anyone who needs help be ignored. The way you’re just so fucking reckless and swing before thinking it through.”

Eddie’s thumb swiped across the back of your hand and you tightened your hold on him.

“You’re an enigma, a tornado that burst into Hawkins and completely upended my life. You’re one of my best friends and I can’t imagine life without you in it,” Eddie said, smiling at you like you weren’t two seconds away from a heart attack, “so yeah, Harrington, I’m sure.”

The quiet after his declaration was less tense but still heavy. Your eyes darted between his and you watched him as he waited patiently for you to gather your thoughts. Eddie never rushed you, not even in the small moments. You brought your finger out to trace his jaw and his eyes fluttered closed at the feeling of your touch. His skin was soft, stubble catching against your thumb as you brought it down to his bottom lip. Something in your stomach clenched when his eyes opened, pupils blown as your thumb caught his lip and pressed down lightly.

“Eddie,” you said quietly, as if afraid you’d shatter the moment with your volume.

He hummed, the sound so familiar and comforting, you couldn’t help but smile. Wetting your lips, you watched his eyes follow the motion and you felt a small ember ignite in your chest. If he was brave, you could be too.

“I like you too,” you said, feeling your heart crack open at the sight of his beaming answering smile. It reminded you of a sunrise and you felt it settle between your ribs, a feeling of permanence washing over you. This was going to change everything. And yet, despite the fear of being in freefall, you said it again. “I like you.”

Eddie’s shoulders dropped in relief, his sigh the loudest noise either of you had made since the start of this conversation. His forehead pressed against yours, eyes closing as he inhaled.

You exhaled, the anxiety in your veins ebbing away, returning back to its cave. With a small huff, a thought floated to the surface of your mind. “What?” Eddie asked, leaning back just a little.

“I’m pretty sure everyone knows already, about me at least,” you said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

“What?” He asked, confusion evident.

“Steve told me, a week into having moved here, that I needed to steer clear from you because you weren’t available. A week.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah.”

Eddie crossed his arms, teasing glint rising in his eyes. “Why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“You were obviously preoccupied, I’m not blind,” you said, not able to keep the jealous hint out of your voice. Wincing at the sound of it, you sighed when Eddie smiled, looking pleased.

“We broke up on Halloween,” he said, taking your hands between his, “it’s almost Christmas.”

“Well, you could’ve said something too,” you huffed. Eddie shot you a look and you frowned. “I…if she was any indication of your type then I surely wouldn’t qualify,” you mumbled, you motioned to your dress, “I had to go out and buy this. I – you know what I look like normally.”

“You’re beautiful always,” Eddie breathed and you felt yourself grow flustered at the honesty in his eyes. A sudden thought bubbled to the forefront of your mind and you squeezed his hands.

“Eddie,” you said, watching as he intertwined your fingers together, the knot in your stomach taking root, “I can’t be the pit stop before you find someone else – someone like Chrissy. Our friendship won’t survive me being your rebound. I might not survive it.”

He shook his head before you stopped speaking. “I don’t want someone like Chrissy, I want you, exactly like you are,” Eddie breathed, his other hand coming up to your cheek, “I have for a while. If you…if you want me too, I’m in this. Totally, completely, head first.”

Eddie must’ve seen the hesitance in your eyes because he reached for your arm and tugged you into his. “Trust me to know what I want, trust what I’m saying – trust me,” he said, fingers tangling with your hair. “You’re not my rebound. Everyone else in my life was yours.”

At that, it finally sunk in.

Eddie liked you. Eddie liked you. Eddie liked you.

Shit, he might’ve broken your brain. This was a lot to process; a lot had happened today. “Eddie, are you sure?” You asked again, sounding like a skipping record.

Smiling patiently at you, he nodded. “Yeah, I’ve never been surer of anything.”

Despite your stomach feeling like it was at the top of a rollercoaster, you already knew your answer. “Okay,” you said. Because it really was that simple. It’d always been him.

“Okay?” Eddie echoed, confused.

You nodded. “Yeah.”

At that, a grin slowly grew on Eddie’s face. “So, I like you and you like me?” He said, the joke breaking the tension. Of course, you couldn’t expect anything less from him.

“This feels like we’re in middle school,” you huffed, amused.

He wiggled his brows. “Check yes if you want to go on a date with me?” Eddie teased again.

You planted your forehead on his chest and groaned. Eddie laughed, the vibrations of it crawling down your skin and sinking into your bones. He had a beautiful laugh, you thought.

Eddie pulled you closer into him, arms wrapped around your torso for a moment before he started nosing at your temple. “Can I kiss you?” He whispered.

“Hell yes,” you said, surging up and pressing your lips against his before he could move. You felt his answering smile against your lips and soon you had to lean back because you were both grinning. Eddie’s grip didn’t let you get too fair. 

“Not so fast,” he said, pulling you back into him, “that didn’t count.”

Before you could make a joke, Eddie’s lips descended. He herded you towards the nearest wall and you shivered against the sudden lack of warmth. With a sharp nip to your bottom lip, he swallowed your gasp and used the moment to slip beyond your lips. You playfully fought for the upper hand but was quickly pressed harder into the wall. Eddie’s hand on your hip gripped you tightly, like you were the only thing anchoring him to the moment. His other hand slid up the length of your body and settled at your neck, possessively.

Your fingers were wrapped around the lapels of his leather jacket, clenched tightly as his leg slipped between yours and you groaned when he pressed into you. Not wanting to be left behind, you released one fistful of leather and snuck a cold hand underneath the hem of his Hellfire shirt. He hissed as your hand warmed from his heated skin and you let your nails scrape lightly against his waist. “Ah, alright, you win,” he said, eyes wild. You grinned; a little punch drunk off the fact that you had this effect on him.

“Can I ask you for a favor?” Eddie said. Nodding, you brought your lips down to his neck – tongue lapping at the muscle like you’d always wanted to do. Shuddering, Eddie’s grip turned vice like and you laughed lightly. “It’s hard to formulate thoughts when you do that.”

“Is it now?” Eddie shot you a heated look and you leaned back. “What did you want?”

“Could we…keep this a secret until we’re back at school next week?”

And just like that, your heart dropped to your feet. Pushing him away, Eddie scrambled forward, already realizing his mistake. “Wait, no, that came out wrong.”

You tried to shake off his hold but you’d reacted too slowly. Within seconds you were back, entangled in each other, with Eddie’s chest rising quickly.

“I’m sorry, I should’ve said that better,” he said, ducking to catch your eyes. “Our friends have a bet going on when we’ll get together. Robin and Max are the last ones at New Year’s. I don’t want to give any of them the satisfaction.” He shrugged, looking a little pink. “I know they’ll be relentless too, insufferable really, and I want it to be just us just for a little. Without our friends being assholes.”

“Oh,” you breathed, relief evident.

Eddie’s face softened into something apologetic and he bumped his nose with yours. “I’d let everyone know that I like you if I could,” he said, “but considering we were the last to realize, I wouldn’t be surprised it they all already knew.”

Your heart jumped into his hands willingly, you watched him curl his fingers around it, like he’d protect it with his life. And you…trusted him to. Smiling at his earnest expression, you nodded. “Yeah, Eddie, I don’t mind.”

Sorry, girl, but you missed out. Well, tough, luck that boy's mine now. We are more than just good friends. This is how the story ends.

You’d barely managed to make your way down to an empty kitchen when the phone rang. Wincing, you glared at it from across the room. Why had this phone always had such a shrill sound? As you padded towards it, you glanced out the west window to see Steve’s curtains pulled tightly. Maybe you should bring him some breakfast.

“Hello?” Your voice sounded like gravel.

“Hey.”

Eddie, your heart jumped in recognition. “Good morning, Sugar,” you said, leaning your hip against the wall.

Eddie’s chuckle warmed you and you closed your eyes. “I miss you,” he said without preamble and you bit back a grin.

“You just saw me a few hours ago,” you reminded him. After your disastrous date last night, and the subsequent make out session you’d had, Eddie hadn’t left your house until two in the morning.

“Doesn’t matter,” he insisted and you could see him huffing in your mind, “I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to be cool and wait two days or something before calling the girl you’re trying to ask on a date.”

Laughing, you could feel his answering grin from over the phone. “Being cool is overrated,” you said.

“That’s what I thought too. Besides, when the girl you’re dating has already witnessed most of your embarrassing moments, what’s the point in playing it cool?”

“I wouldn’t say most, you still have room for a few more,” you teased, grinning when he protested. You tightened your grip on the phone and glanced at the clock. “How much time do I have before you’re in my driveway?”

“Is two hours too soon?” He asked a little hesitantly and you shook your head like he could see you.

“No, that’s actually perfect.”

“Great,” he said, “see you soon.”

An hour and half later, your doorbell echoed in the empty house. You gave your hair one last glance before hurrying down the steps. Flinging the door open, Eddie wa leaning against one of the columns.

“Hey beautiful,” he said, eyes meeting yours. You beamed, reaching for his hand and pulling him into the foyer.

Giving him a short kiss, you let him pull you into his arms for a hug. Tucking yourself into his neck, his black scarf soft and warm, you smiled again. “What?” He asked.

“Nothing, I just missed you too,” you admitted, laughing when he exclaimed. Extracting yourself from his hold, you pulled on your warmest boots and coat. Hesitating at the sight of your scarf, you turned to Eddie. “Want to swap?” You asked.

He raised his brow and you motioned to your light gray knitted scarf. “I like the way yours smells,” you admitted, liking the way Eddie’s face flushed – pleased.

“Sure,” he said, unraveling the garment from his neck. As he looped it over yours, you let him tuck it tightly against you, a kiss pressing to your temple before stepping back.

“Holy shit, what – are those-”

Eddie’s hand came up to pull the neckline of his shirt down further and you followed the expanse of his once pale skin. Bruises mottled the column of his neck and you gaped. “Did I?”

“Mark your territory?” Eddie joked, breath going shallow when you trailed your fingertips over them. “Yeah. It was fun explaining them to Wayne this morning over breakfast.”

“Oh my God,” you whipped your eyes to his. “Does he know-”

“-that you were the one staking your claim? Yeah.”

“Eddie!”

At that he laughed, that stupidly beautiful laugh and you felt your organs turn into mush. He shook his head and wrapped your scarf around his neck, hiding away the evidence of last night. “He spent most of the morning telling me not to mess it up,” he said, pulling you in by your belt loops. “Apparently, you have my uncle’s full approval.”

Flustered, you fiddled with the scarf around his neck until Eddie pressed a quick kiss to your lips. You chased after him, feeling lightheaded and filled with butterflies.

“We’re going to miss it if you don’t stop tempting me,” Eddie said, nipping at the sensitive skin underneath your jaw a few frantic minutes later.

“Miss what?” You breathed, eyes fluttering.

Eddie exhaled deeply, pulled his hands out from under your sweater and smoothed it against your torso. With fumbling fingers, he zipped you up tightly. “Come on, you’ll see.”

You laughed as he pulled you eagerly to his van, nose turning red in the cold weather. A few minutes later you blinked as you passed the ‘You’re leaving Hawkins, visit us again soon!’ sign.

“Is this all an elaborate plan to kidnap me?” You asked, eyes turning to his profile.

“Obviously,” Eddie answered, grinning. “It’s only a few minutes out of town – you’re right at the edge of it.”

True to his word, a few minutes later, Eddie parked next to what looked like a massive Christmas festival. As soon as you opened your door, the smell of peppermint and gingerbread wafted over to you. “That smells amazing,” you said immediately.

“Wayne used to bring me here,” Eddie said, intertwining your fingers. He brought your cold hands between his and rubbed them. “I loved looking through all the stands. My mom she – uh, she loved Christmas.”

“I love it,” you said, grinning brightly before pointing to a cookie stall. “Can we go there first, please? The smell is killing me.”

Eddie laughed, pulling you along towards the crowded vendor. “The sugar cookies are the best ones,” Eddie said.

“What?” You sputtered. “Chocolate chip cookies are a classic, who are you?”

“Sugar cookies are underrated!”

You rolled your eyes. “How did I not know this about you? I’m on a date with a sugar cookie apologist.”

Eddie clutched as his chest, eyes bright, and mouth twisting into a dramatic gasp. “Take that back!”

Ready to quip back, you heard someone call your name. Turning to your left, you smiled when you saw your classmate. “Hey Brian!” You waved. As he broke off from his group, you felt Eddie drop your hand as he came closer.

Frowning, you looked up at him, mildly confused, when you saw a flash of panic bleed into his gaze.

“Oh my god, it’s so cold,” Brian said, hugging you in greeting. He waved at Eddie a little sheepishly. “Sorry for interrupting, I just haven’t seen you all break! We wanted to go to the new bookstore downtown remember?”

Leaning over to tuck yourself under Eddie’s arm, you picked up his left hand and brought it around to your left shoulder. “I know! I’m so sorry, can I call you tonight? We can bring Amanda and see if we can find that book she wanted!”

“It’d be a good present,” he whispered, leaning in, “I haven’t gotten her anything yet!”

You laughed. “Brian!” You both knew she’d bought him his favorite album last month.

“It’s been a long month,” he said, grinning, “anyway, I’ll see soon!” He jogged back to his friends and you turned back to the line.

“So, we were talking about how wrong you were about chocolate chip?” You were met with an amused silence and you could feel his eyes on you.

“I know what you’re doing,” Eddie said, amused, pulling you in tighter to him.

With a small smile, you reached out to pick up a few wrapped cookies for Steve and Robin. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you said, paying and putting them gently into your bag.

If you needed to cling to his side the entire year to help him realize you didn’t care, in fact, you actively enjoyed it – it was a cross you were willing to bare.

“Mhmm,” Eddie hummed, kissing your temple, “did you want to stake another claim or was that one enough?”

Ignoring his teasing, you pulled him along to the next stall. “I do have a question though,” you said, slipping your gloved hand into his. “Did you want me to stop calling you Sugar?”

Eddie frowned. “No, what? Why?”

You hesitated. “Well, because of how it came about,” you said tentatively, “I was always just teasing when I used it.”

Eddie’s face looked a little flushed as he avoided your gaze. “I like it,” he admitted, “it doesn’t have anything to do with anyone but us. It’s our inside joke and I wouldn’t want you to change it now.”

“I just wanted to be sure,” you said, squeezing his hand.

“I do – but – I also want something to call you,” Eddie said, tugging you along to the next vendor.

You wrinkled your nose at him. “Isn’t my name good enough?” Eddie rolled his eyes.

“What about one that matches yours? Cupcake? Cookie?” Eddie snickered at the sight of your expression. “My little honeybun?” Eddie said, barely containing your laughter as his options got more and more ridiculous.

“Oh my God, if you call me honeybun I will never speak to you again,” you threatened.

Eddie laughed and you stuck your tongue out before approaching a flower stand. The red roses were beautiful, reminiscent of the ones you knew your dad gave your mother at every holiday. A flash of purple caught your eye, hidden beneath a bunch of lilies. Reaching for the smaller bouquet, you realized they were wildflowers.

They were a little wilted, small, but the purple and orange petals stood out amongst the red of the Christmas themed flowers. A short, older woman sitting in a chair wrapped up in blankets smiled at you. “Those arrangements are left over from an order we had that fell through. They’re not worth much, I’ll give you a good discount if you want.” Fingers tracing the bloom of the small orange flower, you nodded. They’d look nice on your desk. You reached for your wallet but Eddie was already handing over money.

“Eddie, wait, no-” Eddie waved away your protests and dropped a few bills into the tip jar. The woman beamed at him and you sighed. “I was going to buy them for myself.”

“Too slow,” Eddie teased, kissing your cheek. When you opened your mouth to protest, Eddie sighed, “Don’t deny me the right to buy you flowers.”

“The right?” You repeated, raising a brow.

Eddie nodded, carefully packing the flowers into your tote bag. “Just say thank you.”

“Thank you, Eddie,” you said with an eye roll. You glanced at the bits of purple peeking out from the top of your bag and smiled. You’d never had anyone buy you flowers.

“They’re pretty,” he said with a smile, his eyes lighting up, “what about Petal?”

You scrunched your nose but laughed at Eddie’s eager expression. “Isn’t Sugar embarrassing enough? You want to add calling me Petal to that? You want to be that couple?” You asked, exasperated.

“Yes! We’re steering into it,” Eddie said, clearly having made a decision. Petal, you thought over, liking it but not wanting to give him the satisfaction of giving in too easily.

“Most boyfriend’s call their girlfriend something cute like baby, darling, sweetheart,” you said, turning to pretend and read a vendor’s signs to hide your smile.

Instead of the returning quip you expected, you turned to see Eddie staring at you meaningfully, a brow quirked. “Boyfriend, huh?”

Jesus Christ Harrington, you groaned internally, eyes closing. It was your first date for fuck’s sake. You hadn’t even gotten past first base and you were already fucking it up.

“I’m just messing with you,” Eddie hurried to promise, realizing you were curling into yourself in mortification. “I swear.”

“I’m sorry?” You stammered, unsure and not knowing how to get yourself out the hole you’d dug.

“Don’t be,” Eddie assured you, looking hesitant. “I’d…like that if you would.”

You opened one eye. “Really?”

Eddie laughed, arm coming back around your waist, both of you getting as close as you could with all the layers you had on. “Yeah, your ability to always say exactly what’s on your mind is one of the things I like the most about you,” he explained, smiling when you raised your brows, “and it’s us. We’re still just us, making up the rules to whatever we want. Yeah?”

Something that felt a lot like relief bloomed in your chest. “Yeah,” you said.

“Good,” he said, “cool.”

“Cool.”

Without hesitating, you pulled his face down to yours and kissed him soundly. “Was that clear enough?” His eyes stayed closed, a little dazed, for a moment.

Eddie pretended to think before shaking his head. “Not yet, let’s try a few more times so it can be really clear.”

You laughed and let him kiss your jaw, head tilting to give him more space. His lips landed on your ear, his teeth nipping at your earlobe and the coil within you standing at attention. “You’re cold,” he said, voice low. You watched him pull his beanie off and pull it over your own head.

He pulled you towards a hot chocolate stand. “Hi! What would y’all like to order?”

Eddie turned to you, brows rising. “Petal?” He asked, wiggling his brows, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

You grinned, shaking your head at his blatant amusement at the new cheesy nickname. “A peppermint hot chocolate please, with whipped cream.”

“Now that winter break is over, does that mean we win the bet?” You asked Eddie, his fingers intertwining with yours as you both emerged from his van and crossed the parking lot. The skin on your neck stung as the cold air rushed to meet you, Eddie’s teeth had no doubt left a mark. You’d barely gotten out your car when Eddie pounced on you a few minutes ago. “We could go to dinner with the winning pool.”

Eddie laughed, “I like the way you think,” he said, squeezing your hand and using the other to tighten your scarf – it was still wrapped around his neck. You’d both had conveniently forgotten to return them, since his was tucked into your bag.

“Who do you think is going to make the biggest deal about it?” You wondered out loud, already knowing the answer.

Sharing a look, Eddie snorted. “Henderson’s locker is right by yours. I wouldn’t be surprised if-”

“Eddie!”

You grinned. “Speak of the devil,” you said, moving to let go of Eddie’s hand. With an exaggerated pout, he reached for your hand and pointedly intertwined your fingers together.

“Where the hell were you going?” Eddie asked, tugging you closer. Laughter spilled from you, surprised and caught off guard.

“I thought you’d want to head over to him while I went to my locker. Our first periods are on opposite ends of the school,” you reminded him, bringing your joined hands up to kiss his knuckles.

His eyes softened from teasing into something that made the butterflies in your stomach swarm. “What’s one more tardy?” He said, kissing the corner of your mouth. Eddie’s hand came up to the back of your neck and pulled you in closer until –

“Holy shit, holy shit, YOU GUYS IT FINALLY HAPPENED,” a very Dustin-sounding voice shrieked.

Eddie laughed and his breath minty from the gum he’d stolen off of you. “Henderson.”

Dustin skidded towards you, his eyes wide and shocked. “I win!” He pumped his fist into the air.

The rest of them followed, looking annoyed. “You couldn’t have moved faster?” Gareth grumbled, sliding a victorious looking Dustin a ten-dollar bill.

“I’m sorry, what’s happening here?” You asked, narrowing your eyes at them. “You were betting on us?”

Eddie buried his face into your hair and you felt his silent laughter as everyone sputtered. 

Everyone started backtracking, gazes avoiding you, mumbling together. “In our defense, you two were the only blinds one here,” Dustin said, crossing his arms. “Even the Drama club asked me if you two were dating.”

“What?” You said, genuinely floored.

“Duh!” Mike said, throwing his hands up.

Jeff nodded, pointing at Eddie. “Since the day the new year started, he’s only ever been able to focus on you in a room.”

“Hey,” Eddie huffed. “It’s not my fault I have a small attention span.”

Gareth snorted. “Yeah, that’s why you couldn’t take your eyes off her bu-”

“Alright!” Eddie snapped.

Amused beyond reason, you turned to Eddie who was flushed a brilliant red. “Edward.”

“I plead the fifth,” he muttered. You squeezed his hand, wanting to tease him further when Mike snorted.

“She’s not any better,” he said, crossing his arms. “Have you tried to get her to study effectively when Eddie was there? She spent half the time staring at him.”

You felt Eddie’s gaze on you but you were too busy glaring at Mike, who had the decency to look a little worried. Lucas snorted.

“Whatever, he’s hot, I can stare at my boyfriend if I want to,” you said petulantly, ignoring Eddie’s delighted laugh.

“Say it again,” he said, a little too zealous – you almost tripped as he pulled you toward him.

Confused for a moment, you smiled gently at him when you realized. “Boyfriend?” You said quietly. “I can stare at my boyfriend whenever I want to.”

“Yeah, you can,” he said and you rolled your eyes. Pulling him down for a kiss, you ignored your friends’ gagging noises - and for their sakes - kept the kiss short.

“Which reminds me,” Eddie said, leaning over to rip the money from Dustin’s hand.

“What! Hey! Give that back!”

Eddie tucked it into his jacket and shook his head. “We didn’t start dating until right before Christmas. So technically, you were all wrong. And shitty for betting on your friends.”

“Nancy was in it too!” Mike said, ever the younger brother.

Max grinned, her nose turned up into the air. “I wasn’t.” You shot her a grateful look.

Eddie shot him a glare and the group looked chagrined. Their gazes downward and wide, you rolled your eyes. “Alright, enough with the sad puppy looks.”

The bell rung, startling you all, and you frowned. “I’ve got to get my English textbook,” you said, “I’ll see you for lunch?”

Eddie sighed when you nudged him in the opposite direction. “How will I ever survive?”

“God, they’re nauseating.” You whipped your glare around to Mike, who scurried away.

“Yeah,” you said, “meet by my locker?”

Eddie nodded, kissing your cheek once more before jogging after Mike.  

Despite Robin and Nancy’s endless teasing, you managed to make it to lunch. Shoving your bag into your locker, you struggled with your Physics textbook – grinning in triumph when it finally fit into place. A pair of arms snaked around your waist and pulled you backward. Caught totally off guard, you shrieked, smacking the arms when you recognized Eddie’s laughter.

“You scared the shit out of me,” you huffed, pushing your hair out of your face.

“Aw, did little Harrington get scared?” Eddie teased, tilting your chin up so he could kiss you. Letting him, because you didn’t hate yourself that much, you nipped at his bottom lip in retaliation.

Eddie snorted, leaning against the locker next to yours, watching you organize everything for your last few classes. He was mid-story about a student getting kicked out of his second period class when you almost went flying into your locker. Eddie’s hands came up quickly to steady you, his eyes narrowing. Whirling around, you caught a familiar blonde head snickering with his two lackeys.

“I see you two finally decided to make it official, can I ask – how do you decide who gets to bottom?” Jason sneered.

Without thinking twice, you grabbed the baseball you had sitting at the bottom of your locker and launched it across the hallway towards his head. Shrieking, Jason jumped out the way at the last minute and the ball slammed loudly into the wall behind him.

“Nice arm,” Eddie whistled, appreciative eyes falling on you.

“Thanks,” you huffed, shoving your hair out your face. “Keep fucking with me, and I’ll rearrange your goddamn face, Carver. That goes for all of you,” you hissed.

Swinging his arm around your shoulders, Eddie straightened to his full height. “I wouldn’t mess with her if I were you,” he added.

“Whatever, fucking weirdos,” Jason spat, stalking down the hallway towards his own locker.

Jesus, what an inferiority complex.

Before you could go and recover your baseball, the bell rang and the hallway flooded with students running to the cafeteria. Eddie wasted no time in herding you towards your locker, his shoulders blocking out the rest of the busy hallway and you tilted your head up to look at him.

“Any regrets yet?” You asked, rolling your eyes at the idea of Jason and his entourage.

Eddie grinned, his eyes darkening. “Considering that was pretty hot, no. I’m good,” you laughed, “I mean besides being interested in a girl who doesn’t like Iron Maiden obviously.”

You pinched his side and he jumped, rubbing at the skin “I’m joking! Don’t bully me next!” Eddie pretended to cower but stopped to quirk his brow. “I mean, if you’re into that I don’t mind being the bottom…”

“I’ll accept an apology,” you interrupted him, ignoring his wiggling brows, your own growing interest, and his widening smile.

Eddie placed his hands on either side of your neck and tilted your head up. His swiped his tongue along your lip, his chest pressing against yours the deeper the kiss got. Your hand had started to wander when a loud wolf whistle broke you apart. Without looking, Eddie flipped off two grinning faces as they walked past you both. “When you come up for air, remember we sit at the back of the cafeteria,” Gareth joked, laughing with Jeff as they disappeared around the corner.

Nodding towards the corner, Eddie did a poor job of hiding his grin. “Let me put some books away and we can go get lunch?” You nodded, out of breath, and realized that most of the hallway had emptied while you’d been preoccupied. Eddie kissed you quickly once more before jogging off.

Smiling to yourself, you placed a hand to your lips and glanced around the hall. Your eyes caught a set of familiar blue ones staring at you. Chrissy startled, her eyes widening when she realized you were staring back. Despite everything, you couldn’t help but feel a little bad. Just a little. She glanced over her shoulder before shooting you a small, sad, smile.

You looked down the hall for Eddie and when you didn’t see him, you nodded at her. After a second, she nodded back, the grip on her books tightening before she was tucked under Jason’s arm.

“Ready?” Eddie’s voice scaring you. He raised a brow at your sudden jumpiness and you huffed.

Turning back around to see her blonde ponytail swishing as she walked towards the cafeteria, you turned back to Eddie, his eyes on you. “Yeah, I’m starving – let’s go.”

“You know, I didn’t think I’d be hauling music equipment into a dirty bar for our two-month anniversary,” you told Eddie, wiping your forehead with the back of your hand.

Freezing, Eddie raised his head to look up at you from where he was squatting by the amp. “Uh-”

“I’m fucking with you,” you said, laughing at his blatant relief, “we’re not the type of people who celebrate monthly anniversaries.”

“I mean,” Jeff said, looking at you both doubtfully. You narrowed your eyes at him and he shrugged. “What? You two are practically fused at the hip.”

“To be fair, they were like that before,” Dustin added, Mike and Lucas nodding next to him. Max pushed the front door open and waved to Rick. He pushed a Dr. Pepper onto the bar and she grinned.

“Hey Eddie!” Rick shouted, waving the phone at the bar in the air. “It’s Gareth!”

You exchanged a look with Eddie. Gareth had said he felt like he was catching something but promised he’d make it to the show tonight. Rick had managed to print a few flyers and the Friday slot seemed to always get the most attendances now. There was no way they could miss one.

“Fuck,” Eddie said, hanging up and leaning his head against the bar. “Gareth’s got food poisoning.”

Jeff’s shoulder slumped; his groan audible as he pinched the bridge between his eyes. “Shit, what are we gonna do?”

“What about his brother? Isn’t he in town?”

You shook your head. “John knows how to play bass not drums!”

Eddie swore again, slumping down into the seat next to Max. She patted his shoulder awkwardly when he groaned.

“We have arrived for your transportation needs,” Steve said, Robin rolling her eyes at his side.

“Technically we’re a little late to being early but we’re still here before opening,” Robin said, teasing tone trailing off when she noticed Jeff, Gareth, and Liam’s slumped figures. “Uh, what happened?”

“We don’t have a drummer, he’s sick.”

Robin whistled. “On a Friday? Fuck.”

“I know,” Eddie said, voice muffled from where he had his face buried in his arms.

“Can’t you do it?” Steve asked, his gaze turning to you.

You widened your eyes, shaking your head and freezing when Eddie popped his head up. “You who? You me?”

Steve rolled his eyes. “No, you – her,” he said, pointing to you despite your clear glare.

“You can play drums? I thought you knew some guitar,” he said, brows rising in genuine surprise.

Everyone’s heads whirled around to you and as the only one left on stage, you felt your shoulders rise up – tense. “Uh, no, you assumed I played guitar. I just told you I played an instrument, like in September.”

“Dude,” Dustin snorted, “you don’t know what instrument your girlfriend plays?”

Eddie bristled. “She never mentioned it!”

“That’s true,” you said, backing him up, “I haven’t played since…”

Steve snorted and you shot him a death glare. He immediately silenced, raising his hands up high. “I was laughing at a joke Robin said,” he said lamely.

Robin quirked her brow, crossed her arms and shook her head. “You’re on your own, Dingus.”

“Doesn’t it take like a few weeks at least for a musician to learn a song? Even if she can play, she can’t just do it,” Max said, smiling when you shot her a grateful look.

“I mean, if she’s been at all their practices, she’d probably know them well enough,” Dustin said.

You did know them, at least most of them. They had a few new covers that were too advanced for you but Gareth had always let you sneak in a few minutes during break for you to play on his set. Eddie’s hand came out to touch your ankle and you looked down. “Hey, it’s okay, you don’t need to.”

Shit.

“Okay, full disclosure, I have pretty bad stage fright. I played at a talent show,” you shot Steve a murderous look, “and it didn’t end well. Let’s just say, I may or may not have puked on my guitar player who then slipped and knocked over our lead singer.”

“Like bowling pins,” Steve whispered, “in front of the whole school.”

You closed your eyes and tried to stomp down on the memory of you running off the stage and crying in the bathroom. Steve, who had been visiting, with your other cousin had been the ones to find you and eventually coax you out. “You don’t have to,” Eddie said, climbing up onto the stage with ease. His arm wrapped around your back and you let him pull you in close. “Seriously, it’s not the end of the world if we miss one night.”

Inhaling deeply, you eyed the drum set behind you and cursed. “Fuck it, I’ll do it. I’ll need to run through the set list and tell you which ones I don’t know.”

Jeff, Liam, and Dustin – as Corroded Coffin’s manager – all scrambled to help. While they ran circles around you both, Dustin screaming for some drummer sticks, you felt Eddie’s lips on your shoulder. “Petal, I’m serious. You don’t have to.”

“I know,” you said, turning to wrap your own arms around him, “but I want to.”

You were rewarded with his sunrise smile and soft kiss. “How have we known each other for this long and I didn’t know you played drums?”

Shrugging, you pulled him back in for another kiss by the collar and sighed. “Because it’s mortifying. I get all sweaty and nervous, wait, is what I’m wearing okay?”

Eddie laughed, the sound going straight to your stomach, and nodded. “You look beautiful.”

“Alright,” you huffed, pulling up every ounce of courage from deep within you, “fuck it, let’s do it.”

“Wait,” Liam said, waving a hand up, “Gareth did backup vocals on some of the covers. Do you want Jeff to pick those up?”

Eddie nodded, turning to Jeff who now looked a little nervous himself.

“I can do it,” you sighed, again.

This time, everyone balked. “You can sing?” Eddie added, looking like he was trying to remember the numerous car rides where you both screamed along to the radio.

“Barely,” you said, walking towards the drum set. “I sang with you once.”

“With me?” Eddie squawked.

“Back in early November, I picked you up – piss drunk, remember?”

Eddie squinted. “I remember Wayne telling me you’d dropped me off but uh, no. I’d remember if you sang to me.”

“We sang along to the radio, Sugar,” your mouth twisting into a smile, “Madonna. You knew all the words.”

Jeff snorted, quieting when a red-faced Eddie turned to glare at him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Eddie said, swinging his guitar over his torso.

You glanced towards Liam and both of you looked like you were ready to bust into laughter. “Sure, Munson, suuure.”

“I don’t!”

He's just a boy, and I'm just a girl. Can I make it any more obvious? We are in love, haven't you heard? How we rock each other's world.

“So, are we going to talk about it at some point?” Eddie asked, his foot coming to nudge yours.

You knew what he was talking about but you turned to smile at him. “About how embarrassingly into me you are?” You teased, kissing the edge of his jaw.

Eddie rolled his eyes and tugged you closer onto his lap. “About that Columbia application I saw you pretend not to fill out that day in the library months ago.”

Shit.

“Jeff’s acceptance to Hofstra was sent out last week and you’ve been acting weird since two weeks ago so I’m assuming…”

Feeling guilty for having hidden it from him, even if it was just until you could wrap your own head around it, you jumped up from his lap and plucked the papers from between your bookshelf. Handing the envelope to Eddie, he read through the first page and beamed up at you. “Petal, you did it, you got in!”

“I know,” you said, smile creeping out from beneath your anxiety. “I got into Indie State too and a few others closer to Hawkins.”

Eddie’s brows pinched together when he glanced at you. “Why?”

Because you’re here. The words went unsaid but you knew Eddie had heard them anyway.

“Oh, hey, no,” Eddie tugged on your arm until you went tumbling into his lap and sighed. “One of the first things you ever told me was that you hated it here.”

“I didn’t know I’d end up actually liking it!” You defended quickly. Eddie shot you a look and you grumbled.

His fingers danced across your cheekbone, his eyes flickering back and forth between yours, and sighed. “I guess I should’ve told you about this sooner but it felt a little like I was being smothering-”

“Eddie.”

He let his eyes lower to your intertwined fingers and chewed on his lip until you elbowed him. “Wayne says he knows a few people out there who’d give me a job if I wanted one. He used to live in Connecticut because of his old job.”

“Out there?” You asked, confused. Did he mean in New York?

Eddie smiled, curling one of his fingers around your hair gently. “I got in to a community college there too.”

Mind blank, brain frozen, your hands scrambled for his own. “Are you saying you’d move with me?” You couldn’t ask him to do that, there’s no way. You’d known that showing your parents your acceptance letter would solidify their desire for you to go – especially your dad. There would be no way he’d let a chance like that slip by. His only daughter at an Ivy League? Your fate would be sealed. But, you knew your new life here was special, something you’d never expected. And Eddie…

“What about Corroded Coffin?” You asked quietly, nerves twining up your legs like vines. “I can’t let you leave that behind for me.”

“It’s not a permanent good bye,” Eddie assured you, “Gareth is going out to California, Jeff will be a few hours away from us, Liam’s a train ride away in Baltimore. They said they were willing to make the trip in if whenever we decided to start up again.”

“But Gareth-”

“-said you could take his place until he’s back,” Eddie laughed when you scrunched your nose. “Hey, he’s not wrong – that song you wrote for us last month was a big hit at the Hide Out.”

Crossing your arms, you turned your scrutinizing glare towards him. “Eddie, are you sure? I don’t want you to end up regretting this. Regretting…me.”

“Hey, that’s not possible,” he assured you, his nose coming up to nudge yours. “You’re one to talk. Indie State? This town will snuff out that light of yours. No way I’d let that happen. Besides, I’ve always wanted to go to the Big Apple.”

“What about Wayne?” He was the only stable, present, family member either of you had at this point.

Eddie grinned, his hand inching up to your neck. “He said if I show him a diploma after four years, he’ll consider making his own way up there. Said something about not wanting to miss his only son’s life.”

Happiness burst within your chest, its tendrils reaching out towards Eddie and pulling him in tightly into their hold. How could your life have flipped completely around in just under a year? You released Eddie from your tight hug and leaned back to search his face for any hesitation.

“If you want to stay, we’ll stay,” Eddie said softly, his lips reaching up towards you for a kiss. “We can do long distance for a while if you want, I don’t mind. You’re…”

Eddie’s expression morphed into something serious and a little hesitant. His fingers dug into your thigh, bruising almost. “I love you,” he said, his brown eyes burning you, “I love you and even though it’s only been a few months, I know we have something special. I’ll be wherever you want me to be, until you don’t. Okay?”

“Yeah,” you said, feeling tears burn at the back of your eyes – no one had ever told you they loved you before - “okay.”

With a beaming smile, Eddie surged up and captured your mouth with his. The kiss turned heated quickly, both of your hands scrambling and tugging at clothes. It wasn’t until hours later, both of you sprawled on your bed, skin sticky and hearts full, that Eddie huffed.

“Again?” You asked incredulously, eyes half closed. “Let me take a nap first and I promise I’ll do that thing you like.”

Eddie’s laughter filled your room, and your chest, and you couldn’t help but smile at the sound of it. You never could. “What?”

“I was going to say that I just realized you didn’t say it back,” he hummed, fingertips trailing down your spine.

You knew he’d been waiting to bring that up. With a smile, you lifted yourself up onto your forearm and looked at him.

Eddie’s hair was damp, bangs stuck onto his forehead, the curls wildly sprawled onto your pillow.  His gaze was soft, teasing, and held enough interest in them to make heat pool in your stomach.

“I love you, Eddie Munson, how could I not?”

You had first fallen a little bit in love with Eddie because of his laughter but the brilliant smile that beamed at you now let you know it was racing against the former for the special spot in your heart. It made you feel like you’d burst at the seams, like it wasn’t possible to be this happy.

“We can nap when we’re dead,” Eddie said, his hands pushing you onto your back and his hair curtaining around you.

“Eddie,” you gasped, his fingers already pressing lightly at the bruises on your thighs. He dropped open mouthed kisses to your neck, his teeth scraping against the sensitive skin at the corner of your jaw. Your skin felt like it was on fire, his trail of kisses making the butterflies in your stomach flutter frantically. His lips swallowed down your moan and his hand trailed up higher. The coil within you tightened with every move, your eyes starting to roll when his mouth joined his hand. He lapped at your center, fingers twisting, rubbing just right -

Then, he stopped. “Say it again,” Eddie teased, fingers stilling. You grunted, annoyed at the edge he was holding you over. “Please, Petal? For me?”

Desperate, you whined. “I love you, I love you so much,” you said, words stumbling over each other. “I think I’ll love you forever.”

Eddie leaned back, eyes a little surprised, and you felt suddenly a lot more vulnerable than you’d meant to get. Then, like a man starved, he pulled the sheet from between you.

“Fuck, I love you.”

You were almost positive, considering Steve’s disgusted expression that night at dinner, that the whole neighborhood had heard your screams.

The joints in your knees cried for relief as you climbed up the third-floor walkup towards your apartment. The street one block from yours had yet to be shoveled and you’d spent the entire walk tense and trying to avoid slipping on the ice.

“Hello?” Eddie called out as soon as he heard the door close behind you. “Petal?”

“Hi, I brought us dinner,” you answered, smiling when your clingy black cat came running at the sound of your voice. “Hello baby, I missed you.” You hurried to drop the bags onto the kitchen counter before picking her up and pressing kisses to her pink nose.

Eddie leaned against the kitchen doorway, arms crossed and expression amused. “Why does Midnight get a kiss but her dad doesn’t?”

“Because she’s the baby of the family,” you said, snickering when Eddie pouted. “Hi Sugar,” you relented, giving him a kiss.

Happy with your affection, Eddie helped unpack the takeout and groceries. You stepped out the galley kitchen and into the foyer, knowing Eddie hated how crowded he felt in the small space. Despite his frustrations with it, you both knew it was a major step up from the shitty studio you’d both managed to live in for a year and a half when you’d first arrived. Eddie had hated your noisy neighbors and lived in a state of anxiety when you had night shifts and had to half run from the train station.

Eyeing the last remaining boxes in the spacious living room, you promise yourself you’d unpack them in the morning. A soft thump from below, and a subsequent scolding, made you smile.

This time, after years of saving, you both found yourselves on a quiet street, living below a widower and above a single father. Matilda, his daughter, was a sprightly fourth grader. She loved the music Eddie played for her on Friday afternoons, when he watched her until her dad could make it home through rush hour traffic.

Matilda had greeted you both with tight hugs and homemade cookies when you had returned yesterday from your yearly Christmas trip to Hawkins. Snow sprinkled the street, the trees bare, streets slippery, and air crisp. You and Eddie had already agreed to skip most of the invitations you’d received from your friends for New Years and opted to stay in instead.

Refreshing Midnight’s water, you left her in her little cat tower, content and purring. Stripping out of your snow damp clothes, you switched into one of Eddie’s old t-shirts and thick warm socks. Glancing at the time as you searched for your pajama bottoms, you winced. That fifteen-minute pick up from your favorite restaurant had turned into a thirty-minute trek.

“Sugar?” You called out, almost tripping on a pair of Eddie’s discarded shoes. Closing your eyes and asking the universe for patience, you couldn’t help but smile when you heard a sheepish apology from the doorway.

“Are we sure those are mine?” Eddie asked, already whisking them away and back into the small closet.

You quirked a brow. “Am I sure the combat boots that are twice my size are yours? Maybe not.”

“Here, to make it up to you,” Eddie said, producing two mismatched glasses with a red tint that you knew was more vodka than cranberry juice. “Presents time now?”

Laughing, you put your drink down – after a burning sip – and dug out a small bag from underneath your vanity. Excitement bubbled up within you as Eddie eyeballed it curiously before handing you a thick envelope. Not one to wait, you ripped it open and snapped your eyes up to Eddie’s smug ones. “Two, floor tickets, to Fleetwood Mac. They’re passing by DC at the end of next month and Liam said we can stay with him.”

“You said they were sold out!” You jumped up and down, clutching the tickets to your chest. “You fucking liar!” Laughter bubbled out of you as you peppered his face with kisses.

“Yeah, yeah,” he grinned, eyes teasing, “let’s see if you can beat that.”

Rolling your eyes, you sat down at the edge of your bed. “Despite how happy I am, I think I just might…” Eddie furrowed his brows at the sight of the band t-shirt. You knew he’d spotted the signatures when his entire body froze.

“H-how?”

Entirely too full of yourself, you crossed your arms and grinned. “One of my TA’s best friend’s dads knows the tour manager for them. I owe about fifty people favors and maybe an organ but, I know how bummed you were about missing out on the concerts. I thought an autographed t-shirt would make it up to you.”

Eddie held out the signed Iron Maiden t-shirt in front of him, jaw hanging. The last-minute tickets to Hawkins for Christmas had cost you both a little more than expected and while Eddie swore that he didn’t mind, you knew he was little torn about missing their New York tour dates.

“Happy Anniversary Sugar,” you said, head swimming when Eddie shot you that same illuminating smile from years ago.

Pressing a quick kiss to your forehead, Eddie shook his head as he padded out to the kitchen. “I’ll get you one of these years!” He shouted over his shoulder, his voice bright. You followed him out into the living room, sitting on the soft sofa that had cost a small fortune, and grinned when he came out with a huge cupcake, a tradition now, with a candle shaped in the number three.

“Cheers,” you lifted your glass, the drink watered down and much more palatable, and Eddie grinned. “To our new home.”

“To loving each other for forever,” he said, kissing your palm.

Your heart galloped, its little hands reaching out for him like they always had. Feeling your own expression soften into something indescribable, you smiled. “To loving you, Cinnamon Sugar Cookie, for forever.”

Eddie’s nose wrinkled, eyes sparkling. “Don’t use my full name.”

Tossing your head back, you laughed loudly, squealing when Eddie tackled you onto the sofa. “Don’t get food on the couch!” You said between laughter, wrapping your legs around his hips.  Eddie tasted like vanilla frosting, shitty vodka, and…like home.

I'm with the skater boy, I said, "See you later, boy.” I'll be back stage after the show, I'll be at a studio, singing the song we wrote, about a girl he used to know.

“Oh,” you crooned, looking at the free drinks in the green room, “this is nice.”

Liam, already reaching for a bottle, grinned. “Right? I guess once you’ve got a song that’s reached the top hundred people start giving you free shit.”

You nabbed a bag of pretzels and chewed on one absently. “Where’s Jeff?” You asked, double checking everyone’s personal bags had been brought in.

“Here,” he said, walking in with Eddie hot on his heels. “Sorry, we were making sure the lighting director had the right notes.”

“Hi you,” Eddie said, bending down to give you a quick kiss, “you ready?”

Nodding, you chewed on another pretzel and glanced up at him. “I always get nervous when I’m going out on stage, you know that,” you said wringing your hands together.

“But you always kick ass,” Liam reminded you, shooting you a grin.

“Besides, you’ve been joining us like this whole tour,” Jeff added, grabbing a water bottle.

“Yeah, but we’re in Indiana, it’s always different when we’re back here,” you said, feeling a bit more pressure.

Dustin breezed through the doorway, VIP pass swinging from his neck. “Plus, there’s a ton of people from Hawkins out there. It’s insane, have you seen?”

“Jesus,” you said, feeling your anxiety swell.

Eddie’s comforting hands cupped at your jaw and you tilted your head up so he could see your eyes. “Hey, you’re going to do great, okay?”

You nodded, his thumbs caressing your skin. “What if I mess up?” You whispered.

“Impossible, but if you do,” he leaned down, “then no one who matters will care and you’ll still be one of the best drummers I’ve ever heard.”

“Kiss ass,” you teased, feeling a little better.

Eddie’s mouth stretched into a wide grin. “Only yours,” he whispered, hand inching down to said ass until you smacked it away. “If you’re so tightly wound, I know something that could help…”

Before you could tease back, Eddie had pressed his lips to yours, biting softly into you. Sighing, you sunk into his hold, world muting around you.

“Jesus, it’s been seven years, shouldn’t you two have calmed down by now?” Gareth’s voice asked. You broke away from a disgruntled Eddie and beamed at your friend. He’d just arrived, bag still slung over his shoulder.

“Gareth!” You cried, happy to finally see him.

Eddie tugged at your chin. “You saw him last week at rehearsals,” he reminded you, chasing your lips.

Gareth gagged and you rolled your eyes, indulging him with another kiss.

“I’ve been asking them that for years,” Steve said, voice a little out of breath. “Henderson, you run fast.”

“Holy shit have you guys seen the crowd outside?” A third new voice asked. At that, you pulled away from Eddie and stood – ignoring his grumbling.

“Robin?” You said, in disbelief. “I thought you said you couldn’t make this one!”

“What? And miss your first performance back home? What kind of friend would I be?” Robin asked, cocking her hip. Both of you paused for a beat before running towards each other with loud screams. She slammed into you, her longer hair tickling your skin as she squeezed her arms around you.

“Where’s Lauren?” You asked, looking for her girlfriend.

Robin winced. “She couldn’t change her flight, she’s still back in London but sends a hug and her good luck!” She said hugging you again.

Your hand came up to her arm, tears burning your eyes. “I can’t believe you’re here. I’ve missed you Buckley.”

“Aw, shucks,” she said, waving away your emotional smile. “I’ll be back by early next year, we finally managed to get a transfer to the New York office so Dingus and Munson will have my scintillating presence again.”

Eddie’s arm swung around her shoulders and Robin smiled up at him. “It’ll be like high school all over again,” she said, wrinkling her nose at him.

“Considering these two still go at it like they’re teenagers, that’s fitting,” Gareth complained.

Flipping him off, Eddie snorted and Robin shrieked.

Everyone jumped as she lunged towards you. Her cold fingers wrapped around your left hand. “Let me see, let me see!” She whistled, shooting Eddie a teasing look. “That’s a nice rock Munson, black diamond huh?”

Eddie smiled, cheeks pink and expression pleased. You rolled your eyes at his endearing reaction. He always seemed to get a little awed and loved retelling the story of how he’d proposed – despite it being almost six months ago. “I always said that she had my heart, just because she has it doesn’t mean it’s not black like my soul,” he said, giving himself devil horns.

Steve snorted but you laughed. “It’s perfect,” you said, kissing him.

“It better be, he spent like two months panic shopping and I couldn’t handle another week,” Dustin grumped.

Robin smacked him in the back of the head and turned to Eddie. “I can’t believe you proposed when I wasn’t here. I demand another party.”

“The engagement party is next month,” you promised, “I waited until I knew you’d be back.”

She turned to Steve. “See that, that’s true friendship Dingus.” You knew she was referring to having missed his recent graduation.

“I can’t control when I graduate Robin!” Steve defended, the both of them bickering.

After making sure everything else was in line, you found their manager and assured her you’d confirmed with the stage hands for the last song. You were on the way back to the green room when a familiar face was waiting for you outside.

His arms went around you, pulling you towards his chest. “How are you feeling?” He asked.

Nosing at the crook of his neck, you inhaled deeply. Eddie’s scent was always calming, his leather vest soft, and hands warm.

“Apparently half of Hawkins really is out there,” you told him and you knew he picked up on your anxiety.

Steve shrugged, mouthing at your neck and placing a kiss at the base of it. “Anyone that matters will be waiting for us off stage.”

“Are you sure we want to sing that last song?”

“The only one that you’re willing to join us on stage for and the one that went viral? Absolutely. Besides, after we visit your family for an awkward dinner - where they no doubt will ask a thousand questions about the wedding – we’re back to Brooklyn for the next set of dates so we’re not staying long anyway.”

“You just miss Popcorn,” you teased, thinking about your small fluffy dog that worshipped the ground Eddie walked on. Him and Midnight were being watched by Wayne’s dutiful eye.

“She’s my daughter,” he said, exasperated, “we’ve never left her for so long.”

“Midnight always does fine whenever we’re on tour, we were in Europe for two months last year,” you reminded him.

Eddie frowned. “Pops is just a baby!”

“Wayne is watching them,” you sighed, for the thousandth time, “he loves her more than he loves us.”

“Okay, okay!” Eddie pouted, ever the toddler. “Matilda and Jack did say they’d visit if they had time.”

Rubbing a hand up his back, you smiled. “You see? They’re fine.”

“I feel like maybe I might need a distraction,” Eddie said, eyes wide in faux innocence.

“Really?” You said, biting back your smile. “A drink maybe?”

Eddie’s lips were already returning to your neck, tongue lapping at the bruise he’d left last night. “Something stronger, more effective.”

You pretended to think for a beat too long because you knew the moment Eddie’s patience had snapped. Herding you towards a corner, his lips pulled you in – like they always did. His wandering hands slipped under the hem of your t-shirt and yours clenched around his.

“I found them!” A disgruntled voice called out. Eddie unlatched himself from you and dropped his forehead to your shoulder. “Hello! We have a concert to put on? For shit’s sake, you’ll have alone time after!”

Snorting, you brought your hand to the back of his neck and waved to Jeff.

“Can’t a guy make out with his fiancé in peace?”

“Apparently work calls, come on rockstar,” you said, kissing him one last time.

Dragging a pouting Eddie towards the green room, you let the guys have their few minutes before walking with them towards the stage. Most of the party had managed to make it, all of them talking excitedly behind you. “I’ll see you in a few,” he said, kissing you one last time – for good luck, he’d always say.

The first familiar chords of their opening song caused a wave of cheering unlike you’d heard before. You peeked out at the massive crowd and felt a surge of pride. The past year had been big for Corroded Coffin, two songs breaking into a few major charts. Venues started selling out, tours had been planned, and more money had come in. There was talk of possibly booking bigger venues and larger festivals. Crossing your fingers, you hoped so because you didn’t know anyone more deserving.

Dancing along with your friends, you sang the lyrics you knew by heart. At one point, you and Robin had gotten lost in the music that a nervous stage hand had to tap you on the shoulder. “Ms. Harrington? Your cue is coming up.”

You startled, not having realized the hour having gone by. “Oops, I’m ready!” You said, letting him help you set up.

“Good luck!” Steve shouted as you walked off, waving.

Then, Eddie was doing crowd work. “We’ve got a special guest, which I’m sure some fans will recognize,” Eddie announced, the crowd’s screams intensified and you grinned. The flutter of anxiety calmed as Gareth darted off the stage and gave you a high-five before you ran out.

Waving to the audience, you grinned when their cheering went up another level. “Since we’ve got Harrington here, I know you guys know what that means.”

You sat by the drums, eyes on the crowd, and adjusted the mic to your height.

Eddie shot you a proud look and you smiled. “Hello Indianapolis! I think you all know the words to this song, so don’t be shy!” You said with a wave. Eddie took a step back from the mic, standing with Jeff, closer to you. At the opening chords, the crowd went wild.

“He was a boy. She was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious?”

The crowd almost drowned you out at one point, their heads bopping as they jumped. Adrenaline rushed through you, your pulse matching the drums you bent to your will. With the guitar solo coming up, you grabbed the mic from it’s stand. Jeff’s strumming softened and you grinned, a well-known announcement by now.

“This one goes out to all the blondes who missed out - you have my eternal gratitude,” you said, winking at a laughing Eddie. He always did like when your occasional flare of jealousy came out.

“Too bad that you couldn't see, see the man that boy could be. There is more than meets the eye, I see the soul that is inside!”

Standing, you always felt a bit extra nervous at this part. The crowd screamed as you walked over to the left where a stage hand quickly helped you sling the guitar around your neck. Hurrying over to Eddie, who was hopping place, you couldn’t help but watch him perform. He had beads of sweat on his brow, hair frizzy, and chaotic energy radiating off of him. His eyes turned to you, expecting your arrival, and he grinned as Jeff started his guitar solo.

‘I love you’ you mouthed. He beamed, beckoning you closer and you lead them into the last chorus. Your fingers strumming to the song’s melody – just the way Eddie had taught you.

“He’s just a boy,” Eddie sang and you leaned in to share his mic.

“And I’m just a girl, can I make it any more obvious?”

Together you sang, “We are in love, haven’t you heard?”

“How we rock each other’s world?” Eddie grinned at you, bopping as you took a few steps back, letting the guys take over, and watching the crowd eat it up.

You helped with back up vocals on the last few lines and grinned when the second of silence transitioned into deafening cheers. Liam urged you forward, stumbling into Eddie’s arms. Sheepishly, you let Eddie pull your hand into the air, waving at the crowd as they screamed.

“Give it up for my girl everyone,” Eddie said into the mic, kissing your cheek before you darted off towards your friends waiting by stage left.

“That was awesome,” Robin shouted, “you kicked ass!”

Adrenaline pumping, you shook your arms and let one of the assistants carry off your guitar. “Thanks,” you said to both of them. “I need a drink!”

Steve handed you his and you shot him a grateful look. “I can’t believe that you being dragged to Hawkins ended up with you becoming a semi-rockstar,” Steve teased, bumping your shoulder. “And to think, you didn’t want to move in the first place.”

“Yeah,” you said, remembering your massive meltdown all those years ago.

The beginning notes of a fairly new song, one Eddie had written about you over summer break, came on and you bit back a smile. Selfishly, this was your favorite of the upcoming album.

Eddie’s voice softened, lighter than before, floating over and kissing your skin as it washed over you.

“I've always been yours, only yours,” Eddie sang, turning to look at you, winking once before turning back to the crowd.

“I didn’t know I’d ever say this but, thank shit for Hawkins,” you said, Robin and Steve laughing. As you watched Eddie shine under the spotlight, you looked down at your ring and smiled.

Thank you, Hawkins.

A/N: 1) I know Eddie doesn’t technically fall under the skater boy emo vibes but if you squint one eye and tilt your head we can soft of pretend that means metalhead. 2) I would like to formally apologize to Chrissy Cunningham for making her into the mean girl in this because she deserves the world. Also, headcanon for this is both reader and eddie are 18+ at the start. This really wasn’t meant to be as long as it got. Over an Avril Lavigne song. But, well, c’est la vie.

[v3nusxsky]

First your writing is incredibly amazing and I love them so much and I do have a request, so I was thinking like Larissa Weems X half deaf young reader which I want to be mother X daughter relationship and I was think that Larissa is trying to teach young Reader ASL and now Reader signing "I Love you" or "I love you to the moon and back" or "Your the best momma ever" the rest are up to you😅

I'm sorry if it is too much😅

I just never read a fan fic with a deaf or half deaf (which is hard of hearing) reader😅

The first time| fluff

*Authors note~ A fluffy little Drabble for our darling Larissa weems also this is an important topic so I hope my research is correct and please let me know if I get anything wrong*

Trigger warnings~ hard of hearing reader adopted r past trauma

Prompt~see ask^^^^^

✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿✿

You'd been hard of hearing all your life, in fact it's why your biological parents gave you up. You'd bounced around foster homes all your life, being used and abused because you were different. No one even bothered to teach you ASL, so you'd always found it difficult to communicate. In fact you had became selectively mute by the age of five years old to protect yourself from the laughter and cruel actions of others.

At the age of thirteen your Florakinesis began to thrive and become more obvious to the Normies, that's why it made since to let the Principal of Nevermore adopt you. Due to your past you we're hesitant which was understandable and especially living in a school with other children opened you up to a variety of abuse. Little did you know that decision would be the best thing to ever happen to you in your life.

Larissa was nothing like your previous Forster parents. She was kind caring and patient with you. You could tell she had oodles of motherly love to give to anyone who was in need of it. Larissa loved her job and cared for all her students, that much was clear by how she spoke. You were still cautious and skittish for a while, wondering what would happen if you let your guard down with her. What if that was all a facade to lure you into a false sense of security.

It had been six months of living with Larissa now, you seemed to fit into Nevermore life perfectly and were smashing your classes so you and Larissa had some private ASL lessons after school hours.  You'd picked up the basics, and got some special books from the library in order to surprise your now adoptive mother. You'd been working hard on learning some new words. Knowing how well your adoptive mother treated you and loves you made you emotional to think about.  You were so grateful for Larissa Weems and you desperately hoped she knew how much love and care you held for her.

After school hours you made your way to your adoptive mothers office, following your usual routine of dropping your bag and kicking off your shoes. Normally you'd go lay down on the sofa but today you had plans. You brought yourself to stand next to your mother. Slowly and gently you brought your shaking hand to her cheek, your signal to her that you needed her to look at you. Larissa did so with concern filling her eyes, "darling are you okay?"

You signed the word stop which Larissa did instantly, her curious eyes trained on your hands as the shook. You slowly and carefully signed "you're the best momma and I'm lucky to be your chosen daughter. I love you momma" by the time you finished tears sprang in your eyes as you saw Larissa sob. She signed back "I love you baby, thank you for this precious gift" which caused you to blush and immediately come to settle in her lap. It wasn't something you thought you'd ever do but allowing your momma to love you despite your hearing issues was one of the best choices you made.

Word count~ 689

[allyheart707]

So my sona hasn't really made an appearance due to me not being much of an artist or posting my own stuff very often, but the pfp on my writing blog is kind of an early version of her. She's a humanoid Gold Cross variation nine-tailed fox, (because Gold Cross foxes are gorgeous and I love them), and she has the ability to turn into a human when she needs to. This is the human:

Because of course it is I use her image for almost all my main characters because she resembles me so it's just easy. I'm also goth so of course she is too. When in human form her eyes are blue but in her fox form they're red-orange. She also usually only has one tail out unless she needs to use a lot of power for something and they all come out, and her eyes glow blue when she's using her magic in human form and red in fox form. And she can shrink down to a normal four-legged fox as well if she wants to. And she has mental powers because I love giving characters mental powers so at points where it seems like she knows what other characters are thinking it's because she actually does know. But she doesn't intentionally read minds unless given permission or prompted by a dire need. She just knows surface level thoughts because she can't control seeing those most of the time.

Anyway sorry for the info dump I just really love my girl and sorry this took me a bit I've had an interesting day. Here's my girl trying to rescue some turtle babies! Starting out in her human form because how else can she infiltrate a top-secret high-security government building?

"Well, I do love kids. And I have been told I'm good with them."

I turn away from the scientist to look in the window. The four mutant turtle children I was told about are bouncing around what looks like an interrogation room, climbing over the table and running around it. One of them is even making faces through the window.

"So, hopefully that'll work in my favor...." I'm suddenly concerned with the fact that these are actual children thrown into an interrogation room like crime suspects.

"Hopefully," the man rolls his eyes, moving past me to open the door. "We're running out of options here."

"Can I ask a quick question though?" This is a bad idea. I shouldn't do this.

He turns to me, glaring, obviously just wanting to get this "interview" over with.

"What?"

Just do your job, May.

"Is there possibly somewhere else I could take them? To make them feel more comfortable?"

Dammit.

He squints at me, not understanding why their comfort would even be a thought on my mind.

"This is an interrogation, not a playdate."

"They're children. What if a playdate is what it takes to get them talking?"

He thinks for a moment, glancing towards the kids in the window.

"Well, there's their bedroom, I suppose. They're not allowed many places. For obvious reasons."

Don't you dare ask.

"What if I took them around the facility?"

Stop it!

This earns me another glare as he whips his head back towards me.

"Why would you do that?"

"Well, they've gotta be curious, right? Don't worry! I won't be taking them anywhere they absolutely shouldn't go! Just, like, the hallways in the main area and places other agents don't frequent. And places they can't mess with or break anything important. They don't know what they're missing, right? Since they've never seen it before? So they won't know I'm not actually showing them anything important."

He ponders for a moment, turning the idea over in his head and going through all the pros and cons. He seems to be leaning towards a negative response when he suddenly sighs and shakes his head, clearing all the thoughts away.

"Fine. But remember, there are cameras everywhere. If you do anything against protocol or allow them to do anything damaging to the building or the project, you're fired."

"Of course! I would never."

He studies me again for a long moment before opening the door and motioning for me to enter the room.

"Hi boys!" I greet cheerily once I can see all of them. "How are you all doing today?"

"Great!" The little box turtle exclaims, jumping up onto the table. "I've never seen this room before!"

"You haven't?" I ask, patting his head, much to his delight. "What do you think it's for?"

"Games?" He asks hopefully.

"It's an interrogation room," the softshell states, sitting in a chair next to the table. "Like I told you. It's where they ask people questions."

The slider leans against the wall and crosses his arms with attitude.

"I'm not telling you people anything."

"Oh, I'm not here to ask those types of questions," I explain.

"What are you here for, then?" The softshell asks, skeptical.

"I'm your new teacher!"

The little turtle lights up at this, eyes growing as wide as possible as he leans forward in the chair. The others seem confused.

"What's that?" The snapper asks.

"A teacher is someone who helps you learn things you don't know," I explain. "We're in this room because they didn't have any other rooms prepared, but hopefully one day we can have an actual classroom!"

"Yes!" The softshell jumps up and down in excitement, waving his hands around. "And we can learn things properly, just like the people in my books!"

I have to smother a laugh at that. I wasn't expecting them to be this cute.

"Pft," the slider scoffs. "What can you learn from books? Can you teach us how to fight? That would be useful."

"I can," I lean down to his level and whisper in his ear. "I happen to be a very strong ninja who trained under the greatest ninja master of all time."

His eyes widen, and I see a glimmer of his own excitement shine in his eyes as he looks to me with a new sense of awe and admiration.

Straightening back up, I look around to all of them.

"Now! My name is May. Before we get started, I would like to know all of your names as well."

The box turtle and softshell give each other a strange look, but the snapper jumps forward excitedly.

"I'm Raph!" He answers me with his tail wagging happily behind him.

"Hi Raph," I pat his head, and he squeaks in delight.

"Heishi..." The slider says quietly.

"Nice to meet you, Heishi," I hold my hand out to him. After a quiet moment of staring, he tentatively takes it, shaking it slowly.

"We don't have names," the softshell tells me.

"Yeah we do!" The box turtle jumps back up from having sat down on the table. "Raph told us!"

"Shh!" The softshell scolds his brother, pulling his arm to have him sit again. The box turtle does so, pouting.

"If you don't want to tell me your names, how about I just call you Orange and Purple? Because of the colors of your markings."

The box turtle looks down at his arms as if he's never seen the spots before while the softshell scrunches up his nose.

"It's just for now, anyway," I reassure them. "Just until you're comfortable with telling me your names or you come up with your own."

The orange one turns to his brother with a questioning look, and receives a shrug in response. He then turns back to beam at me and nods.

"Alright then!" I clap my hands together. "Let's get started. Today, we're going on a tour of the facility!"

Why must I always try to rescue animals I find? I mean, I know these are kids, but they belong to the government and are kept in a high-security building.

The plan I have is a good one, but it could end up putting the boys in danger if it goes wrong.

Heishi lights up at the prospect of seeing the rest of the building. He turns towards the door and looks back to us over his shoulder.

"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

Donnie was fairly certain that something was up, though he didn't have enough of the pieces to figure it out just yet. Why would they take them to a brand new room just to take them out again? And especially when they knew how much of a flight risk Heishi was.... was she trying to give them a chance to escape?

Well, he wasn't going to jinx it, so he simply followed behind her quietly as she led them out of the interrogation room classroom?

In the map he had studied during their first failed escape, he had learned that there were six halls- all with different purposes. Hall C, however, was reserved entirely for them. It was the only hall they had ever been in and it was so alluring to know that there were six whole halls that they had never seen.

And then, outside of those halls...?

Not that it really mattered, because unless their new escape plan worked out better, Hall C was all he would ever see.

"This room is-" "The testing room. We know." He mumbled, rolling his eyes- The only reason they were having the tour was for their new subjects. Him and Mikey new everything on this hall by heart, and there was no way this stranger would be approved to take them out of it. "Yeah, but please, bare with me on this. I promise this tour will be a lot more interesting soon." She asked kindly as her face scanned the hall, looking for... something? What was she looking for?

Her eyes seemed to light up as one of the scientists in the hallway walked by Dr. Meanie-pants, striking up a conversation.

It wasn't going to keep him distracted for long, but it seemed a few seconds was all she needed for... whatever her plan was.

"Okay, follow me. Oh, and uuuuh, be prepared to run." She winked at them as she pulled Mikey with her, speed walking down the hall, past the testing room, then the meeting room, and Hall C's storage-

wait

Were they leaving hall C?!

[erisenyo]

If you're still doing the prompt game: "Please, put it DOWN" ft. my girl Suki and Ty Lee

For this prompt game!

“I’ll just grab it real quick, you can just—oh, yeah, come in!” Ty Lee chirps, pasting on a smile as she lets Suki into the room after her. The room she didn’t clean, or think about anyone seeing, let alone Suki.

Suki glances around, aura curious even though Kyoshi dorms all look the same. “I like what you’ve done with the place.”

“Thanks!” she says, beating back the urge to flush and glancing around at the gauzy lengths of pink fabric and the candles it didn’t feel like home without, all the bright sparkly things tucked into corners to brighten up the place. “I’ll just grab my practice fans,” she says, trying to be brisk, “I know I left them here somewhere.” She knows exactly where, she just needs something to busy herself with for a moment to settle before the sustained, focused attention that comes with sparring.

“Take your time,” Suki murmurs, absent, drifting over to the dresser and shelves. “This is neat,” she says, head cocking. “What’s—”

“No! Don’t—” Ty Lee catches herself, correcting, “Please, put it down,” and not quite managing to modulate her tone with the way Suki freezes, aura going dark with alarm.

She gives Ty Lee a startled look before quickly and carefully setting the crystal back down, Ty Lee trying to put the usual bounce in her step as she darts over and carefully sets the little stone back into alignment with the others.

“Sorry,” Suki says, wide-eyed, “I didn’t mean—”

“It’s okay!” It is now.

“What is it?” Suki asks after a pause, cautious, eyeing her and then the stones again, taking in the little arrangements across the shelves.

“Protective crystals,” Ty Lee says, making her voice bright and refusing to cringe. “This arrangement brings health, happiness, and protection,” she says, pointing to each stone and relaxing a little when she sees that they’re still in tune with each other, working together.

“There’s more than one,” Suki says, slow, glancing across the shelves.

“That one’s for Mai,” Ty Lee explains, lips quirking into a genuine smile. Nice big ones, especially for happiness. “And these are for my sisters,” she explains, pointing to the identical array of six little ones, skipping over the one tucked in the back for Azula.

“And this one?” Suki asks, nodding and pointing to the other one Ty Lee had strategically skipped over.

Ember and ash. “That’s for you!” she says, and Suki blinks, her aura going yellow-orange with surprise.

“Oh,” she says, taking another look. “It’s...not the same as the others?”

“You have happiness and protection and strength and wisdom,” Ty Lee rattles off, resisting the urge to fiddle with the three she has for Zuko—ease, wisdom, happiness, she thought that would be enough but it feels like one is still missing—as she explains, “Because you’re in charge of the Warriors.” She peeks out of the corner of her eye. “And you want to be good at it.”

“Oh, that—” Suki stops, clearly digesting that, finally giving her a quick sideways look. “Where’s the one for you?”

“Oh,” Ty Lee says, surprised. “I don’t have one.”

Suki chews on her lip a moment. “Can I buy these?”

“No,” she shakes her head, “You find them. The ones that speak to you, and you can feel from their aura who they’re meant to be for.”

“I don’t know how to do that,” Suki frowns, aura going a bit blue and Ty Lee doesn’t entirely manage to hide her surprise.

“I can do it for you,” she says, cautious. She was expecting ridicule, or—maybe not expecting it, but—used to it. “If you tell me who they’re for, I can make sure it feels right for them!” she offers, excitement fluttering in her chest over the idea.

Suki gives her another sideways look, longer this time. “It’s for you.”

Ty Lee blinks, opening her mouth and then closing it again.

“Does that work?” Suki asks, almost…shy? Anxious? Ty Lee can normally tell, she’s just…

“Oh, I—I don’t need that,” Ty Lee fumbles, automatically making her tone bright and trying—she didn’t expect—and Suki—

“Why not?” Suki frowns, brow crunching in concern, and Ty Lee replies without thinking:

“I have you.”

And it’s Suki’s turn to blink, and fumble, blushing, her aura suddenly going very, very pink, and Ty Lee can’t help but smile back, small and genuine and pleased. Pink is her favorite color, after all.

[briwates]

when he gets the photo, he has to sit down. roly poly baby with the sweetest eyes staring at the camera out of focus.

from this asks game

Thank you for the ask !! i've thought all day about how to write around this prompt, and I finally found my answer :D it got a little long so fic under the cut

yohan was out of town for a work placement when isaac had called him. their much anticipated addition to the family was coming earlier than expected, shortening at once the number of days he was checking off the calendar since the big announcement.

An emergency c-section. heejin had been rushed to the hospital in the early evening, two weeks before the planned due date. yohan paces with frustration in the break room, wishing he could be there with his brother and sister-in-law to welcome this baby. The first yohan would get to see and hold up close. damned mandated overtime.

"i'll send you her picture" isaac had said over the phone. small consolation for missing the event. yohan would have to hold onto that until he could hold his niece, tiny and solid and real.

throughout the evening, he refreshes his email again and again, sneaking away from his colleagues on "coffee breaks" to the computer room, necessity of late afternoon work. the overtime was killing him even more than usual today, cases that usually piqued his interest now made pointless in the face of what he was missing at home. or at least, the closest thing he could call home.

the clock displays 10:03pm when yohan's phone rings again, right after the last of his coworkers wave him goodbye and shut the door. alone in the office, he jumps off his seat to grab the device, scrambles to pull at the charging cord and press the "accept call" button on his Samsung Eternity, fingers shaky.

"hyung ?"

"she's here" isaac tells yohan between sniffles when the phone is against his ear. "elijah is here. yohan-ah, i am a father."

"congratulations hyung" yohan manages to croak out. the excitement materializes like a ball in his chest that is about to burst. he feels ready to start bouncing off walls. "how is noona ?"

"she's tired, but happy. she's feeding elijah. nanny is with her" there is a pause, another sniffle before isaac adds sheepishly, "the emotion overtook me so strongly that they sent me to wash my face, i am calling you from the hospital hallway"

yohan chuckles. it is just like his brother to burst into tears at emotional moments

"who does she look like ?" he asks, curious to know. they had a bet.

"hmmf" isaac blows his nose "i think she takes after heejin the most, but you should see her for yourself"

the email. yohan runs to the computer room again with the phone against his cheek, praying, hoping no one has locked it for the night. the door creaks as he pushes it open for the nth time in three hours, the first desktop displaying bouncing bubbles as a screensaver.

"i have sent you her first picture." isaac's voice gets watery again "i will hang up now, yohan-ah. they both need me."

"okay" yohan breathes, hastily typing his password for the second time, urgency and and impatience making him fail the first. "take care hyung. say hi to noona for me. i will be home soon"

isaac hangs up shortly after, leaving yohan to stand over the computer again, clicking refresh incessantly.

when he gets the photo, he has to sit down. roly poly baby with the sweetest eyes staring at the camera out of focus. elijah is swaddled and wearing a hospital beanie, as pink as her pudgy little face.

yohan takes in her features. her bright eyes. her tiny nose. her round cheeks and sweet little pout. the ball about to burst in his chest only gets bigger, he cannot take his eyes off the screen. his niece. born into the world, precious and perfect.

yohan ignores the sting in his eyes and opens another tab to book the first train tickets to Seoul the coming saturday, the wait for the birth now replaced by counting down the hours to holding elijah in his arms, real and solid and forever his to protect.

[ghostofskywalker]

Hey hey! Congratulations on 3k followers! That’s absolutely amazing! I’m so happy for you! And happy early graduation! Also!! Thank you so much for all of your fics, they bring me so much joy to read!

For your celebration can I request a fic where they meet in a bookshop going for the same book on the shelf and are surprised to see the other? I want to leave the character up to you.~ Curious Curios

@curious-curios you are so sweet, thank you so much for all your support :) i went with natasha romanoff for this prompt, and honestly i don't know why but i think she fit it!

words: 860

natasha romanoff masterlist || join my 3k celebration!!

How to Invite an Avenger to Join Your Book Club

You were on a very specific mission, and the website of this shop said that it was in stock. 

It was a tiny store, tucked away between two office spaces on the busy streets of New York City, and you would have never even known it was there if not for the many hours you had spent scouring the internet for a list of places that may be carrying your prize. Everyone you spoke to thought you were crazy for caring as much as you did about one specific book, but you didn’t care what they thought. 

It wasn’t even a popular bestseller or a hot new trending title, just a book you had read at the library a little while ago and were now hell-bent on acquiring a copy for yourself. But out when you started to look for it in the chain bookshops and other stores in the city, you had little luck. 

It was pouring rain as you stepped out of your apartment and headed down to the subway. The station smelled like sweat and wet dog, and the train was over 5 minutes late. Your leg bounced anxiously as you waited for the car to pull away from the station, hoping that no one had bought the single copy that the shop said it had in the time it took you to get there. 

Even with your umbrella helping shield you from the torrential downpour, you were sufficiently drowned by the time you set foot in the shop, but you didn’t care about your appearance, there were more pressing matters at hand. 

Your shoes squeaked as you purposefully walked across the floor. You would have been fully prepared to shove your way through a crowd, but that wasn’t a problem at this moment. 

But when you finally found the section that your book was in, you ran into a new problem. 

Your hands had just curled around the spine of your prize when you felt an unknown force pull it in another direction. 

“Wha-” 

“Sorry!” someone else said, pulling their hand away. When you turned to see who apparently had the same taste in reading as you did, you nearly forgot how to breathe. 

Natasha Romanoff, an actual Avenger, was standing there. You weren’t sure what the ethics were when it came to crushing on superheros (is it objectification if you thought about kissing her senselessly every time she was on your TV screen?), but you couldn’t deny the fact that she was ridiculously attractive. 

Suddenly, you were very much aware of how much you looked like a drowned rat. 

“I’m so sorry!” you said suddenly. When you woke up this morning, you had been fully prepared to pick a fight for this book if your life depended on it, but now you would rather get struck by lightning than punch Natasha Romanoff (also, you were sure she could probably kill you in about 0.3 seconds if she wanted to). “Here,” you said, holding out the book to her. “Is this what you were looking for?” 

“Yes, but it’s really not that big of a deal,” she said. “I can wait for the next shipment to come in if that’s what you were here for too.” 

“No, I couldn’t do that to you,” you responded. “Please, don’t worry about me.” 

The two of you went back and forth for another minute after that, and it was getting ridiculous at this point. “Okay, you know what?” you said. “I’ve already read it, but if you haven’t, why don’t you just read it first, and then you give it to me?” 

You had no idea what possessed you to make that offer. Maybe you wanted the chance to see her again when you didn’t look like you had been pushed into a swimming pool, or maybe you were just really tired of the constant “no, you take it!”

Natasha stopped, mulling over your offer. “How do you know I’ll actually return it to you and I won’t just keep it for myself?” she asked playfully. 

“I don’t,” you said. “But I trust that a superhero would make the right decision.” 

She laughed, and eventually stuck her hand out for you to shake. “Alright, you have a deal. But you need to give me your phone number so we can set up an exchange.” 

You nodded. “Of course.” 

“And maybe a book club.” 

That part caught you off guard. “What?” 

“Well, if this book is as good as I’ve heard, I’m going to want to talk about it with someone,” she said. “And if I’m returning the copy to you anyway, we could just chat then.” 

Desperately, you tried to keep your cool. You were sure that this “book club” wouldn’t be a date, but just the fact that she wanted to see you again (for longer than the three seconds it took to exchange a book) was exhilarating. “I think that sounds like an excellent idea,” you said. 

You may have walked out of the bookshop empty handed that day, but you weren’t too bothered about it, because you had just made plans with an actual superhero. 

- the end -

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