#uncle rob rambles

[anexperimentallife]

Pain meds have kicked in, so I apologize if this ramblea.) Had a couple of people ask why we're not actively fundraising for my surgeries and the debt accrued because of our personal Series of Unfortunate Events* (especially now in the aftermath of an unprovoked attack that did irreparable damage to my eyes--the vitreous humor is separating, which they say cannot be fixed, and the pre-existing retina separation on my right eye is also inoperable) or for trying to move back to the US where I could use my medical benefits.

The short answer is that although of COURSE we appreciate the people who donate, there are so many folks in worse positions than us (in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, Congo, etc., not to mention folks even in developed countries lile the US whoin danger of losing their homes and so on) that I cannot in all good conscience ASK for money.

So like, yes, I still need the throat(!), foot, and joint surgeries (among other things), and yes, we've had to go deeper in debt for disability aids and my replacement teeth (which I should have sometime next week!).

BUT... my heart is apparently getting better!

That was the thing we were most worried about (so worried we started to fundraise to move back to the US to use my medical benefits) so if those other things get put off for another couple of years, so be it. The eye doc says I'm eight years away from cataract surgery. We have enough to pay our bills and give ourselves the occasional treat while paying down debt, and that's going to have to be enough for now.

*If you're new here...

You may not know that @thesurestthing amd I are a disabled, neurodivergent US couple living in the Philippines, where an issue with our daughter's birth certificate left her stateless in the middle of COVID travel restrictions just as our visas were expiring, and kicked off an expensive two-year bureaucratic nightmare about the same time the company I was licensing game rights to for an old story declined to renew the contract--that, plus me getting COVID four times and suffering mega-complications that involved--among other things-- multiple hospitalizations, me being on an oxygen machine for a month, long covid that has deatroyed my immune system, a persistent two-year foot infection that required surgery and specialized antibiotics, plus there was our daughter's medically complicated birth requiring a c section, and a few other emergencies that put us into the hole we're currently clawing our way out of.

(As an aside, if you and your partner give birth in the Philippines, make DAMN sure you triple-check the birth certificate before accepting it--the bureaucracy here is so intense that making ANY corrections can take literally years; we have a friend who was born and raised here who cannot get a new passport because his birth certificate still lists his name as "Baby Boy," and he finally--in his forties--has almost given up trying to get it fixed.)

[foundfamilymylove]

Imagine the chaos if the people in the indignity test suddenly came into the LCF world-

Dodam calling Cale 'the terrible bastard' while everyone is confused

Raon is happy knowing that even in another world, his human will always save him, just like he promised

Maybe even them fighting for Cale's attention

Both CHs look at each other warily but bond over the confusion that is known as Cale Henituse. Also, CH promises to teach indignity test CH how to become stronger to protect his new-found family. Cale is scared at this, as always

Alver laughing with a refreshed smile, while the younger him wonders if he's gone crazy when he sees how much paperwork he has.

Tiny Alver being happy when he sees that the dark elves, and them too, have been accepted by people. It only reaffirms the fact that he didn't make the wrong choice.

Baby KRS who is wary at first and sticks to CH like glue, however soon opens up with the help of the children. I can imagine Alver going 'Aigoo, why can't I have such a cute dongsaeng?'

However it's ruined when they teach baby KRS how to scam with a bright smile to get money (a critical hit to Alver)

(If you want angst then they wonder why KRS is here when he's so young, however they see how skinny he is still, his footsteps too quiet to not have been learned, the way his eyes were always looking for escapes and he hated people getting too close. The way he dissociates sometimes, just staring blankly at the wall. It's... unnerving, to say the least, to watch a child go so blank and unmoving.

It's clear that something terrible had happened, but both CH, KRS and Cale (to Alver) hold their silence, so all they can do is treat him with care.)

Tiny KRS and the children bonding.

Raon being taught by Eruhaben and Rosalyn.

If they still had the cintamani, maybe they could also dote on baby KRS and how cute he was as a kid, asking 20yr KRS why couldn't he smile at them like that and how such a cute kid turned into such a grump- (tsundere-

Them helping each other out for the future, and sharing concepts/ideas from their worlds.

Vicross having to babysit but he doesn't mind

Ron noticing the similarities between KRS and Cale and deciding to pay more attention to the two of them

Anyways, wow. This got way longer than I expected-

[doomstonee]

Smash Hit as the Warner siblings’ strange uncle that accidentally confesses his crimes to

[dennisboobs]

i think some people watched a different version of frank shoots every member of the gang

[undreaming-fanfiction]

Steve and Chrissy as two internet-famous chefs/bakers, Steve with a channel focusing on (not always) easy homemade and nutritious meals, Chrissy with a baking channel full of body positivity to spite her mom.

They both get invited to something like Phoning It In from the Try Guys - a baking/cooking competition where they have to guide the actual chefs only through a pay phone. As the TG's show says: "the mind of a chef paired with the hands of an idiot". And the idiots in question are their best friends - Robin and Eddie. Which shouldn't be that bad, but then...they actually have to swap them. And they can't tell them what they're making.

It's a holiday episode so the theme is gingerbread.

Steve is slumped in the phone booth, sometimes covering the receiver and asking Chrisy why, why would her best friend refuse to measure ingredients in anything more precise than "a bit", "a bit more", "kinda enough", "oooh might be a bit too much" and "a fuckton".

Chrissy tries very hard to explain to Robin that artistic expression is an amazing thing, but hot sauce and gingerbread might be too artistic for the judges. Robin disagrees. Chrissy pleads with her and eventually talks Robin into just including some chilli flakes in her batter and not the hot sauce as a topping.

Eddie spends half of the prep time complaining to Steve that a gingerbread house is lame, it should have been a gingerbread castle. Robin agrees.

Robin deciding to give her tiny gingerbread men flannel shirts and spending way too much on decorating them. She runs out of time very soon and just writes "THIS IS FLANEL" into a shirt-shaped blob.

Steve and Eddie shamelessly flirting despite having never met each other and then threatening violence in equal measure to get the other one do what they want. "I bet your eyes are more beautiful than the entire sky full of stars Stevie, also I might have dropped one extra spoon of spices into the gloopy thingy and I don't want to get my hands more dirty than they are so I'll just leave it in-" "Eds, you vile seductress, your voice could charm many a seaman but if you don't get that spicy glob out of the batter I swear I will shave your head."

Robin somehow going from following the instructions into a full rambling mode and before they know it, she's just cutting hipster-shaped gingerbread flanelmen and telling Chrissy nearly her full life story, basically turning the prep into a therapy session. Chrissy listens and nods and just sometimes interjects with "people can be such jerks just because you're different, can you just quickly check that the temperature is still the same? Thank you Robs, now back to that asshole in your uni class-"

In the end, they finally meet at the judging table and present their work, bullshitting their way through explanations of many choices that were made (because the two actual chefs are not permitted to speak, only the great minds).

Steve almost sobs when he sees piped (and very melted) bats on toothpicks around the gingerbread castle, because of course Eddie made a castle. "I meant for that to happen, for the shock value" he announces when one of the bats starts a domino effect and knocks down the rest.

Chrissy's smile gets a little bit stiff when she sees attempted man buns on the gingerbread men's heads - ones which have unfortunately melted and they now have flowing ponytails. Slightly burned.

Steve confidently claims that the reason why his gingerbread house is black and has spires is because his little brother adores Dungeons and Dragons and he wanted to give him a cool prop for the final encounter with the big evil. When the castle crumbles because Eddie didn't bake it long enough, Steve just dramatically stands up and announces that the evil warlock has been defeated. Eddie almost faints behind the screen and unceremoniously asks Robin if that gem of a man is taken.

Chrissy explains how the gingerbread men are wearing flanel in honor of her best friend's uncle who is the flanel overlord. When the judges bite into the figures and taste the chilli flakes, Chrissy earnestly tells them that Eddie's uncle is a man with hidden depths and spicy personality (Eddie chokes on his own tongue at that) and Robin was kind enough to reflect that.

In the end, it doesn't matter who won. Eddie asks Steve (after he tastes the gingerbread bat, gingerbat) if he's still about to shave his head and Steve says it would be a shame, but he can make it up to him by inviting him for coffee. Robin awkwardly thanks Chrissy for listening to her and Chrissy admits she loved her rambling, that she hates it when it's quiet.

It all ends well (except for the gingerbread).

[bumbldee]

Uncle Nikoli Au

Where Gristol was also mind wiped and was implemented into the Aquatos

As usual, read under cut for more ramblings. (send an ask if you wanna ask anything i love rambling)

PERSONALITY

Suprisingly very similar to how he is in canon, he comes off as pompous and egotistical, but it's mostly pretend to hide how insecure he is. Despite his pride, he cares deeply for his family and is somewhat of a people pleaser. Unlike the rest of his family, he downright just denies the existence of Psychics, but likes to humour them.

Fucking loves eggs, esp boiled eggs

RELATIONSHIPS

Absolute Mama's boy. Does everything he can to curry her favor.

Difficult relationship with Augustus, who he believes is the favored son, where Augustus thinks he is too pompous. He is on good terms with Donatella however, as they enjoy discussing about ideas for upcoming acts.

Seen as the silly uncle and somewhat respected by his nephews and nieces, however they aren't afraid of making fun of him. He let's them get away with a lot due to his spite for his brother.

TIMELINE JUNK

Alternating from events of the original timeline, Gristol was abandoned by his family when they fled + Lucrecia was his god mother. Ford was concerned due to reports of how Gristol was coping, and out of guilt he reconditioned Gristol, along with Agustus into believing Lucrecia was his mom, Agustus was his brother + forgetting about his old life.

Didn't get the Aquato prowess for acrobatics or strenchiness, was relegated to other jobs like creating props, concessions or sometimes clown duty (which he refused to do unless absolutely necessary). Very insecure about this.

A year before the start of Psychonauts 1, he began traveling the world due to feeling alienated from the family, like Nona he started feeling off, as in something was "missing" in his life. He would send post cards from where ever he was and might've done some marketing hehe

He comes back to stay with the family when he learnt Raz got into the Psychonauts, saying that he wanted to rest after traveling for a year and to support Raz's joining of the psychonauts. His family however does find his behavior quiet odd after traveling for so long.

He does definitely visit Grulovia during his travels and does figure out about Maligula / his past, problem is i don't know HOW he handles it, some ideas:

His care for his family outgrows his curiosity, he comes back but ignores what he learns, however Delguionists recognize that he is the missing heir to Grulovia's throne, they follow him to his family and research.

He secretly begins to work with Delugionists, because he feels betrayed and that he was "robbed" with wanting his throne back.

Has no interest in the throne , does research himself to get rid of Maligula, probably uses his stay with the family as an excuse to get close the Psychonauts to gain further information.

Either path, he is still absolutely shaken by learning about all this (obviously). He never forgives Ford but is confused on how to feel about Nona.

[thistle--bug]

I ramble about the Untamed

I just finished watching the Untamed with my sister (it took roughly 3 months lol) and I just wanted to write down a barely coherent collection of thoughts I had about it

This was my first c-drama actually! I feel like I started with the finest one

When I started, I thought "how could you possibly need FIFTY episodes for this story?" and as it went on I kept thinking "how can this take ONLY fifty episodes?". Still now I think they could've used a few more episodes to flesh out some arcs better and the last arc did feel a little rushed

Although I get what happened and where it was left at worked for the story, we were ROBBED of more Husaisang content. I want to see him do necromancy and be clever!

The juniors were genuinely the BEST addition to the story. Not only did it let us see how Lan Zhan was bringing about the future of his clan and raising them with less restrictions, but they were just so cute. They helped the old stubborn cultivators accept change and trust Wei Wuxian more as well! And of course I adore Jin Ling. His relationship with Jiang Cheng may not be the typical sweet and warm uncle-nephew relationship but there is so much love and care there. Jiang Cheng may disguise his care as anger, but because Jin Ling is the same way he sees through it. He tells Wei Wuxian immediately that Jiang Cheng would never hurt him, even if he promises to break his knees every day.

Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan have the central romantic relationship, sure, but the show writes every relationship with care and importance. Friendships like Wei Wuxian's and Wen Ning's are extremely important, as well as familial ones like Wei Wuxian and his Yunmeng siblings. With that, I think the sibling relationships are done exceedingly well. They are loving but complex and turbulent. Like I don't know any personal details but I bet you that MXTX has siblings 100%.

Honestly my favorite dynamics were Jiang Cheng and Wei Wuxian, the three sworn brothers (they FASCINATE ME), the whole messy ass Xueyang trio, and Wei Wuxian with the Wen siblings

Is Jin Ling leader now? I hope not, he's too young!

Obviously Jiang Cheng is my favorite. This man can't express any emotion in a healthy way to save his life and I, for one, find it endearing. I don't understand how people genuinely dislike his, especially considering how he was 18-19 when he became leader like.... do you realize how young that is and what that does to someone!!! Anyways, yeah, I don't care, I support his every action even when he's being a bitch

I wasn't expecting him to become so important tbh but I really adore Lan Xichen. He's genuinely the kindest. He is Wangxian's #1 wingman, even when they both threaten the image of his entire clan that he leads. He extends nothing but pure kindness towards Jin Guangyao even when he was at his lowest rank. Sure, his trust may have been his downfall at the end, but I admire him for it all the same

You know who else I admire a lot? JIANG YANLI!!!! Her blind 100% complete trust for Wei Wuxian even at his very worst moments is so commendable and I adore her for it. He NEEDED that

The music in this show is so damn good. Both the score and the character theme songs! My favorites have to be Wei Wuxian, Xueyang and Jiang Cheng's theme songs, because the voices are so pretty! And Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng's actors sang it themselves too :)

While it has a huge sprawling story, the actual message they tell over and over is quite simple: Kindness is essential. Like, we are given characters like Xueyang and Jin Guangyao that had a similar childhood to Wei Wuxian. Without a parent, abandoned, poor, and looked down upon because of their low status. The reason Wei Wuxian grew up to be a good person is because over and over again, he was treated kindly. Jiang Fengmian brought him into his family and he had siblings that adored him. Jin Guangyao and Xueyang weren't given that kindness and therefore weren't able to give any of it out either.

The golden core transfer reveal was so well done. I knew what had happened but I was SO curious how Jiang Cheng would finally find out. Bless Wen Ning for spilling everyone's tea lol. The way Jiang Cheng and Lan Zhan both had flashbacks to moments where Wei Wuxian was seemingly arrogant made them look cruel now. Everyone acted that scene out so WELL

I appreciate the efforts to push against censorship as much as possible. The actors added their own little flavor, small details like Wangxian bowing thrice as married couples do in front of ancestors, framing of certain scenes, and more...

The pacing and set up of this show were done really well! I think starting us out with the post-death Wei Wuxian era worked out so well because we knew some huge details of what had happened, but it left me itching and burning with the need to know how all this could possibly unfold and it really kept my attention the whole time

the distinct architecture and scenery of each clan was so beautiful!

Although I got truly hooked a little later on, I am so fond of the simple times of the Cloud Recesses. They were so young and carefree and that's the only time we really got Huaisang and Wuxian bestie time (which I really miss)

Okay I think that's all I got for now. This show unleashed the unbridled love and obsession for a piece of media I haven't felt in a while

[mugloversonly]

Fresh Meat?

This was inspired by a post by @piratefishmama

Summary: Eddie goes to a gay club for the first time and gets unwanted attention. Steve steps in.

WC:4110

Steve slid into the booth with a round of drinks and passed the around to the group. Beers for him, Nancy, and Johnathon, a lemon drop for Robin, and a coke for Argyle. Steve was the designated driver, but Argyle didn’t cross-fade...in public anyway. He came back in the middle of a conversation.

“King Leer was a tragedy.” Johnathon was saying.

“Yes, and there is a common theme in Shakespeare’s tragedies vs his comedies.” Robin insisted. Great, a literature talk. Steve loved listening to them go at it, but sometimes he hated that he couldn’t contribute.

“The kings are the main characters in the tragedies?” Johnathon asked. Nancy let out the most put upon sigh and Robin face palmed.

“In the tragedies the ignored the women my man.” Argyle said with a slap to Johnathon’s shoulder.

“Thank you!” Robin yelled. Steve could practically smell the ramble coming and needed to change the subject quickly.

“Robs, that girl is looking at you.” He pointed to a pretty blonde across the bar. She whipped her head around so fast it was a surprise it was still attached to her neck. When she spotted her, she chugged her drink before standing up.

“I’m going in.” She said as she moved toward the blonde. As she walked off, it was like a dam opened up. Nancy and Johnathon took the dance floor together. Argyle slid out of the booth with a pat on Steve’s shoulder. He watched him go and saw him start dancing alone. Argyle was ridiculously confident. If Steve could bottle that confidence he would make billions.

Steve drank the rest of his beer and grabbed another by the time the others came back. He wasn’t much of dancer, he liked to come along for the atmosphere and to make sure his friends got home safe.

When Robin got back, she was alone. But Steve noticed a number on her arm. With a pointed look he lifted his hand for a high five. She blushed before reciprocating. Now that everyone was having a good time, conversation turned to more mutual interests.

Steve glanced around the bar and saw something that unnerved him. There was a guy on the other side of the bar gesturing broadly. His shoulders were relaxed, his long curly hair flew around has he talked. The man he was talking to was not backing down. The man turned towards the bar as if to dismiss the other guy and Steve nearly spit out his beer. He grabbed Robin cutting her off mid-sentence.

“Is that Eddie Munson?!” He asked pointing. Robin turned and followed Steve’s gaze.

“It is! The kids have a campaign this weekend?” Robin asked. The rest of the table looked over. Even though he wasn’t in high school anymore, Eddie still came around to Hawkins quite frequently to play D&D with the kids and visit his uncle.

“He looks good.” Argyle said. “Like living in the big city really works for him.” The others nod in agreement. They watched as the guy he was talking to took the hint and backed off. Not long afterwards, another guy came up and started chatting him up. Everyone else moved on from Eddie, but Steve couldn’t.

He watched as Eddie was flirted with left and right. Multiple guys bought him drinks and even one guy boldly grabbed hand as they talked. Eddie was blushing, obviously a bit nervous and overwhelmed with all the attention. Steve wasn’t jealous. He wasn’t. Just because he had a small crush on him after the few interactions they had didn’t mean he cared who talked to him.

They guy kissed Eddie and Steve tore his gaze away. It wasn’t his business. Robin locked eyes with him and glanced at Eddie over her shoulder. She winced sympatheically and pat his shoulder. “You okay?” She asked.

Yeah. It’s not my business. We barely friends.” Which was kind of true. The kids made sure they were civil with each other and they may have hung out with them at the same time, but they never had any one on one time.

As they are talking, Steve watches Eddie push the guy away and turn away from him. His shoulders are tense and pulled up to his ears. Steve watches as he fiddles with his glass, very obviously uncomfortable. The guy grabbed Eddie’s shoulder and forcibly turned him back to him, his anger palpable even from this distance. Eddie goes to stand up but the guy crowds him against the bar. Steve’s eyebrows furrow as he looks for the bartender. Unfortunately, he’s busy on the other side of the bar. His intense gaze causes the others to follow it.

“Hey, that doesn’t look good.” Johnathon said what they all were thinking.

“Go save him.” Robin said, nudging him and wiggling her eyebrows. “Don’t the kids call you a paladin? Go do your paladining.” She said. Steve rolled his eyes and raised his hands in surrender. He stood and made his way over to the men. As he got closer he could hear Eddie.

“I told you man! I’m here with someone, leave me alone!” He growled out, the frustration clear. Steve never knew Eddie well in school, since he was a year ahead initially. But due to the little butt heads, they knew each other a bit now and knew how to read him. And although Eddie was acting tough, Steve could see his hands shaking slightly. This guy was bigger than him and it was clear he knew he couldn’t win if they fought.

His eyes darted around the room frantically and Steve picked up the pace. He ran up to Eddie’s side sliding an arm around his shoulders.

Eddie tensed as he glanced at Steve. He saw as Eddie finally recognized him and relaxed. He leaned back into Steve’s chest. “Hey baby.” Steve said dropping a kiss to the other man’s cheek. He hoped Eddie’s DM skills would kick in and he’d play along.

“Hey love, there you are!” He exclaimed sliding his hand around Steve’s waist. “I was just about to order us another round.” He turned his back to the other guy, attempting to dismiss him.

“Hey! I was here first.” The guy turned on Steve. “Back off.” Steve snorted and put on his bitch face.

“Are you still here?” He raised an eyebrow. “Not only, is he taken, by me I might add, but he’s way out of your league.”

“This freak? He’s lucky to be noticed by me.” The guy sneered. Eddie stiffened at the word freak and Steve felt his protectiveness flare up.

“If he’s so lucky, why are you acting so desperate? Could it be that you know your comb over is super obvious?” He asked pursing his lips. The guy’s eyes hardened. Eddie snorted. “Or maybe it’s that you’re LARPing as a well off man. What with your knockoff Rolex? Seriously, you’d be better off not wearing anything. That’s not even to mention your smell. It’s called a shower. Or if that’s too confusing, deodorant.” Steve sneered.

“The fuck is your problem?” The guy spat.

“My problem is that you’re still here. Seriously, I’ve seen garbage cans with more appeal. Buh, bye.” Steve threw one last bitchy look and wiggled his fingers while gesturing away from them. The guy looked like he was going to try one more time before he stomped off. “Are you alright?” He asked, turning to Eddie.

“Yeah, thanks for the save.” He said shyly. “He just wouldn’t take no for an answer. I told him I was here with someone but he wouldn’t back off.” He took a big sip of his drink.

“Are you here with someone?” Eddie shook his head. Steve glanced over his shoulder at his table and made the decision to invite Eddie to join them. Eddie finished his drink then the two of them made their way over and everyone exchanged pleasantries. They spent the next half hour catching up, turns out Argyle knew Eddie from his drug dealing days, which was a surprise to absolutely no one.

“Looks like you’re pretty popular.” Nancy said with a wave around the bar.

“I think it’s just obvious that I’ve never been here before. Or anywhere like it.” Eddie admitted.

“This your first time in a gay bar?” He asked. Eddie nodded and took a sip from his drink.

“They can smell fresh meat.” He gave a self-deprecating laugh. Steve didn’t like that.

“I mean, sure but guys are probably lining up to talk to you.” He argued. At Eddie’s incredulous look, he continued. “Come on, Eds. You’re ridiculously attrative. It’s almost offensive.” Eddie blushed and glanced away, pulling a lock of hair over his mouth.

“Thank you.” He mumbled. Steve’s heart raced as he realized what he just said and he looked at Robin for help. Like the best friend she is, she stepped in and changed the subject.

“Another drink Eddie?” She asked.

~~~

A few rounds later, and it was Argyle turn, but as he got a count, Eddie started to sway. “Are you a light weight Eddie?” Robin joked. Everyone chuckled, including Eddie, but he suddenly grasped the table. His face paled and he turned to Steve.

“I don’t feel so good.” He said.

“How much have you drank?” Steve asked. Eddie held up two fingers. Steve may be the keg stand king, but Eddie Munson was known to be able to hold his liquor. Steve looked into his eyes and they were glassier than they should be after two drinks. Shit. “Nancy, get the car.” He said tossing Nancy the keys, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I think you were drugged, Eds.” Steve said as he wrapped an arm around him.

“Yeah, that’s what it feels like.” He said, slurring. “I need to go home.” He stood as if he was going to get there on his own. He made it two steps before he stumbled. Steve caught him and gestured to Argyle. The two each got on one side of Eddie and helped him out of the bar. Robin and Johnathon ran ahead to meet Nancy at the curb. The three men slid into the back of the BMW. Steve fished in Eddie’s pockets for his van keys. “Hey, buy a guy dinner first.” He said. Still, he pulled his car keys out of his jacket pocket and handed them to Steve, who handed them to Johnathon.

“I’ll follow you.” Johnathon said. Robin went with him stating that if Eddie decided to throw up she didn’t want to be here for it.

“Where to?” Nancy asked.

“My house.” Steve said. He knew his house would be empty. It would be the perfect place for Eddie to sober up. As Nancy started driving, Steve did his best to keep Eddie awake. Thankfully, Steve didn’t live far from the bar and they were soon pulling up to the house. Eddie was having a hard time staying upright so Steve carried him into the house.

“Carrying me over the threshold, Stevie?” He asked. “Don’t you need to give me a ring before that?” Steve’s face heated and he had to remind himself that Eddie was drugged. “Or am I a damsel in distress?” He bopped Steve’s nose as he said this. As he carried Eddie to the living room, he saw Robin trying to hold in a laugh out of the corner of his eye.

She’s never going to let him live this down. He laid Eddie down on the couch and ran to his bedroom to get him some pjs. He dug through his drawers to find something with an adjustable waistband since Eddie significantly thinner than him. He grabbed his softest shirt and ran back down the steps. When he got there, Nancy was forcing Eddie to drink some water and Argyle and Johnathon were in the kitchen cooking something for all of them. Robin, was anxiously rambling about side affects that could indicate that it’s getting worse not better. Eddie was nodding along with a serious expression, but it was obvious he wasn’t really paying attention. When Steve came in the room, Eddie’s eyes found him and his face lit up.

He gave him a tiny finger wave, a blush creeping across his cheeks. “I found some clothes for you. The sweats have a cinched waist so they should stay up.” He said, handing over the clothes. Eddie’s smile turned into a pout when he saw the shirt. “What? Not metal enough for you?” Steve joked. Eddie looked at him with those big Bambi eyes.

“I was hoping you’d let me borrow one of your sweaters. They always look so soft.” Eddie whined. Steve laughed and that made Eddie jut out his bottom lip even further. He crossed his arms over his chest and turned away.

Steve sighed and dashed back up the steps. He returned with his soft yellow sweater and handed it over. “Is that better, Eds?” He asked the older boy. Without a care in the world, Eddie stripped down to his boxers and pulled on the clothes. If sunshine could be a person, that was Eddie when he pulled on the sweater. It was a bit too big for Steve, so Eddie was practically swimming in it.

“Way better, Stevie. Thank you.” He said shyly. Robin gave Steve a knowing look and mouthed Stevie. She knew about his small crush on the boy and he knew she would be relentless later. Before Steve could respond, Eddie let out a jaw cracking yawn and his eyes began to slip shut. “Can I go to sleep now?” He asked. He laid down and curled up, seeming to not care about the answer.

“Do you want to sleep in a bed maybe?” Steve asked. Eddie shook his head.

“You can sleep in Steve’s bed.” Robin goaded. Eddie sprang up and nearly fell of the couch in his excitement.

“Lead the way to your rich people bed, big boy!” He shouted. The teens giggled at his antics. Even drugged up, he was still the life of the party. He tried to stand up but he was still a little wobbly so Steve gave him a hand up to his room. He tucked Eddie into bed and made sure he had everything he needed. He snuggled under the blanket on his back.

“Sleep well, Eds.” Steve said as he made his way to the door. He went to close it, but he heard a soft sniffle that gave him pause. “Eds?” He asked. He turned back to the bed and saw that Eddie was now laying on his side with his head buried under the blankets. Steve rushed back to his side and knelt down. “What’s wrong?” He asked, pushing his hair off his face.

“I’m sorry.” Eddie whispered wetly as tears fell over his lashes. Steve shushed him quietly.

“You have nothing to be sorry for.” Steve reassured. Eddie shook his head.

“I ruined your night. You had to leave the club all because I was too stupid to pay attention to my drink.” He said wetly. “Sorry, you can go, I shouldn’t drop this all on you.” He rolled over so he wasn’t looking at Steve anymore.

“Eddie,” Steve began stroking the other boy’s hair. “You didn’t ruin anything. In fact, I liked seeing you.” He said. Eddie rolled back to him, a small glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“Really?”

“Really. I like seeing you Eddie.” Steve took a deep breath and decided to be brave. “I just like you actually.” He said. Eddie’s eyes shined.

“Will you stay with me?” He asked hopefully. Steve smiled.

“Let me tell the others and I’ll be right back.” Steve did just that to the catcalls and wolf whistles of the others. He went back to his room and changed into his pjs. Looking at Eddie, he asked “do you want me to sleep on the floor?” Eddie grabbed the edge of the blanket and pulled it up, gesturing for Steve to slide in. Once he did, Eddie cuddled up to him and wrapped his arms and legs around him, like an octopus. “Goodnight Eddie.”

“Goodnight Stevie.”

~~~

The sun shined through his window right into his eyes, causing him to jerk awake. For a moment Steve was confused by the pressure on his chest, but when he glanced down and saw Eddie, the night came back to him. He gently shook Eddie awake. “Good morning sleepy head.” Steve whispered. Eddie shuffled around before opening his eyes.

His confusion quickly turned to panic and he jerked back from Steve. He frantically looked around before sitting up abruptly. He tilted to the side as the world spun and slapped a hand over his mouth looking at Steve.

Steve jumped up and opened the door to the bathroom and Eddie rushed in. He emptied the contents of his stomach and Steve rushed in to hold back his hair and rub his back. When he was finished, Steve handed him a cup of water and helped him sit back against the tub. After a few minutes, he spoke.

“Not that I’m not grateful for the help; but, what happened?” The panic was coming back. “How did I get here? Did we…” Eddie’s eyes grew impossibly wide. “Did we fuck?” He asked. Steve reared back and held his hands up.

“No, no. What do you remember?” He asked. Eddie closed his eyes tight.

“I remember, guys coming up to me and buying me drinks, um..a guy being pushy, and you coming over. But everything after that, is a blur.” He said shaken.

“There’s no easy way to say this. You were drugged at the bar last night.” Steve said. Eddie recoiled and slammed back into the wall. Steve leaned closer but Eddie shrunk back, so he pulled back again.

“Did you drug me?” He asked. At first Steve was offended. What kind of guy did Eddie think he was? But as he looked at Eddie, he saw that he didn’t really believe it, he was just scared and confused. In a bathroom he didn’t recognize, after having puked up his guts, with no memory of how he got here. Steve took a beat to calm down before responding.

“No, I didn’t. I was with Nancy, Robin, Johnathon, and Argyle. They can all tell you. We saw that guy crowd you against the bar. We think he drugged you.” He said, his hands held up where Eddie could see them. Still Eddie was tense.

“Where are they? Can I ask them?” Steve nodded. The group had spent the night and if he was right about the time, the boys would be in the kitchen cooking breakfast as the girls kept them company. Steve helped Eddie stand and they made their way downstairs.

The closer they got, the voices of the group filtered to their ears.

“Do you think Eddie’s going to freak out when he wakes up?” It sounded like Johnathon said. Eddie snorted behind him as they heard the group’s conversation.

“You’re worried about Eddie?” Robin snorted. “You know Steve has a huge crush on him. It’s him I’m worried about, hopefully he doesn’t embarrass himself too badly” she giggled. Steve felt his face heat as they stepped into the kitchen. No one spotted them at first as Eddie slid up next to Steve and gave him a look.

In the end, it was Argyle who spotted them. “Hey, man! How you feeling?” He boomed. The rest of the group turned towards the kitchen door.

“Like I woke up with a major hangover.” He replied. “Stevie said I was drugged?” He asked. The group all nodded.

“Yeah we think it was that asshole who was hitting on you at the bar. Nancy got his license plate number.” Johnathon said. Eddie looked impressed with Nancy.

“I figured if you wanted to take action, you’d need some information.” She blushed. Eddie walked over and gave her an exaggerated kiss on the forehead in thanks. He sits in the free seat next to her and Robin jumps up to run to Steve.

“How much of that did he hear, do you think?” She asked, doing her best to be quiet during her panic.

“I’m pretty sure he heard the last thing you said, at the very least.” He whispered back. He glanced at Eddie and found the other man’s eyes already on him. Shit. He glanced away quickly and moved to the kitchen to get some coffee. He made himself and Eddie a cup and took his own seat. Argyle and Johnathon plated the food and set it in front of everyone.

Eddie moaned at the first bite. “Holy shit pattern man! This is awesome.” He exclaimed. Argyle thanked him genuinely and jokingly blew him a kiss. Eddie caught it and put it in his pocket. Steve was not jealous, he wasn’t. The two men were just flirty in nature.

The group laughed and joked through the meal and by the end, Eddie was sure he could trust this group. The boys were the first to head out stating something about needing to help Joyce with household fixes. The girls followed, but were less subtle about why, what with Robin throwing an exaggerated wink at Steve and Nancy giving him a thumbs up. Steve loved his friends, he did, but god they were embarrassing.

As he closed the door behind him, he took a deep breath before turning back to Eddie. He jumped as he realized the man was right behind him.

“Thanks for the rescue, Stevie.” He said. “If you hadn’t been there, I’m not sure where I would have woken up this morning...if I would have woken up.” He admitted.

“It’s no problem.” Steve said. Eddie softly smiled at Steve.

“I heard what Robin said.” Steve stiffened.

“Oh..she was just...just messing around.” He hoped Eddie would believe him.

“Through out breakfast I started to remember last night.” He paused. “Including what you said to me before we went to bed.” No such luck, he knew Eddie knew he liked him.

“I’m sorry.” Steve began, squeezing his eyes shut. “I shouldn’t have told you. But especially when you were vulnerable like that. That was such a dick move, I…” he cut off when he felt lips on his cheek. “Why’d you do that?” He asked opening his eyes.

“Because I knew you wouldn’t.” Eddie replied with a smirk. Steve stared at him incredulously.

“Did you just quote The Breakfast Club?” Eddie cackled and nodded. “I thought you’d never seen it.” He accused him. He distinctly remembers the conversation about this while Steve was waiting for the kids to pack up.

“I hadn’t when we talked about it. But you mentioned it was one of your favorites so I rented it the next day.” He admitted. “It wasn’t too bad.”

“You rented it because I said I liked it?” Steve asked with a shy smile. Eddie looked away and blushed a pretty pink.

“You’re not the only one with a crush you know.” He said looking at Steve through his lashes. “Now that I know you like me back, I was wondering if maybe you’d like to take me on a date?” Eddie challenged.

“You’re asking me to take you out?” Steve teased. Eddie grabbed his hair and pulled it in front of his face.

“Sure am, big boy. The kids rave about your dating prowess.” He dropped his hair and stepped closer to Steve. He leaned forward and whispered in his ear, “I want to experience it for myself.” Steve had to suppress a shiver. Eddie pulled back and flashed a cocky grin. “Or I could take you out. Treat you like you deserve. What do you say, sweetheart?”

Steve made a bold move and grabbed Eddie by the hand, pulling him chest to chest. “I say, all of the above. But before all that, I have a question.” Eddie wrapped his arms around Steve’s waist.

“Shoot.”

“Can I kiss you?” Eddie glanced away shyly. When he met Steve’s eyes they were shinning and his smile was making his dimples pop.

“No one’s ever asked before.” Steve tensed, how dare people disrespect Eddie like that? Before he could get too riled up though, Eddie said “Of course you can.”

Steve leaned forward and closed his eyes. He gently pressed his lips to Eddie’s. It was a chaste thing, but intense. A promise for more.

When they broke apart, their eyes locked and Steve wished he could kiss Eddie like that forever.

Spoiler alert: he got his wish.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/54545650

[ilovecupcakesandtea]

Chapter one Chapter three My Master List

Title: Chapter two

Word Count: 1010

Archive Warnings: Smut in future chapters. Slight angst. Alcohol misuse.

Rating: E

Pairing(s): Eddie Munson/Steve Harrington Robin Buckley/Chrissy Cunningham

Character(s): Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, Chrissy Cunningham, Benny, Uncle Wayne & The Party

Tags: Smut. Angst. Steddie. Buckingham. Steve Harrington. Eddie Munson. Robin Buckley. Chrissy Cunningham. Band AU. TW Alcohol use.

Summary (optional): Two different styles of music, two boys that really don't like each other. What could possibly go wrong?

Beta Reader: Thank you so much to my beautiful beta readers @slippy-slip @ladydarklord & @dontwasteyourchances

Art link and credit: Art is by the wonderfully talented @pink-luna-moth (as is the banner)

Fic link and credit: Ao3 Link

AN: First off thank you to Alex for the art and being just amazing to work alongside. Thank you to Slip for dragging me back from the edge so many times over this. I really am so excited to have this out here!!

I wrote this for the @strangerthingsreversebigbang event and had a lot of fun doing so!!

Divider links: reblog and music notes

"So you and Robin, ay?" Eddie asked as he and Chrissy sat around scribbling into notebooks one evening.

"Oh hush, it's nothing, just a handful of dates is all" Chrissy blushed.

"Yeah, sure, a handful of dates. We both know what that means for lesbians. You'll be married by the end of the week." Eddie laughed, poking her side.

"I'm bisexual you biphobic ass" Chrissy responded. "But yes, only a handful of dates."

"You clearly like her, Chris, you need to ask her out officially. Do something romantic and ask her the next time you go down on her or something" Eddie shrugged, picking up his dragon slayer and strumming out a few chords.

"Eww! Dont be so crass." Chrissy squeaked.

Eddie laughed and continued to go between playing and writing for a few more minutes.

"Chris, we need to be playing to people, we need a band" Eddie sighed.

"We do, we really do. We need a few more people. Robin can play the guitar really well and it would be a good excuse for me to pick my bass back up, I really should play it more."

"Ok, so we have 2 guitarists and a bassist, as well as 2 singers." Eddie counted on his fingers.

"I'll speak to Robs tomorrow and see what she says if you want?" Chrissy said as she continued to write lyrics in her notebook.

The following day Chrissy was sat out by Lovers Lake with Robin, something they did most days after school. They spent time talking about their days, working on homework and making out as much as they could.

"Birdie, me and Eddie were doing some songwriting last night when we discussed being in a band. We were wondering if you wanted to join us and start a band. I can play bass, you and Eddie can play guitar and Eddie can sing." Chrissy asked.

"Oh, that could be so fun! I would love to bunny" Robin answered kissing Chrissy.

"Steve can play the drums so I could ask him to join too if that's ok? It could be even more fun with him in the band too. We need a place to practice and we need to start getting gigs and then keep working our way up!" Robin rambled making Chrissy giggle.

"Sure baby, we can ask Steve to join. I'll let Eddie know when I see him next. It'll be great. We can do band practice at mine, we can use one of the garages." she smiled at the girl in front of her.

"I spoke to Robin, she's excited to join us and she's suggested Steve joins as well, I've said it's ok but that I would tell you when I next see you." Chrissy told Eddie later that week when they met up again for their weekly movie evening.

"Steve?" Eddie questions as he sets chips into a bowl.

"Harrington, yes" Chrissy replied as she picked the bowl up and curled into the corner of the couch with it.

"Absolutely not, not that top 40, granddad rock-listening jock." Eddie huffed and went to grab another bowl for more chips, knowing full well he had no chance of getting the others back from Chrissy. He was secretly happy about this though, she was eating much better recently.

"He plays the drums and is into punk you ass, can we at least try with him?" Chrissy asked, looking up at him with her big bright eyes that she knew worked.

"Fine," Eddie grumbled "but I'm not happy about it at all."

"Just see how it is at mine next week." she smiled as Eddie got comfy and they started the film. "Not to mention I remember you having a crush on him all those years ago." she winked. 

"Oh hush you, you menace of a pixie" Eddie laughed, reaching for the remote and pressing play on the film they had set up to watch. 

"So," Robin started as she slid into the dining booth opposite Steve for their weekly fries and milkshake bitchfest. "I was talking to Chrissy the other day and she and Eddie are starting a band, I'm joining them. I want you to join us too. It could be so fun."

"Munson?" was all Steve said looking at her.

"Yes, Munson." Robin sighed. "Will you at least think about it?"

"Yeah ok, anything for you and your little girlfriend," Steve said, sounding very falsely put out by this.

"She's not my girlfriend" Robin hissed at him. "Just come to hers next week and see how practice goes please."

"You know I'll be there, you'll need a lift there and back. I'm not trusting Munson in that death wagon to keep you safe." Steve replied, starting to eat the food that had been placed in front of him.

"Oh dingus, I remember you used to have a crush on him, what happened to that?" Robin cackled. 

"I never had a crush on him, don't be stupid." Steve replied unconvincingly. 

"Steve said he'll join us in the band," Robin announced to Chrissy as they sat down to eat lunch together a couple of days later.

"Is he as excited as Eddie is?" Chrissy giggled, picking at her salad.

"Oh yes, very," Robin laughed. "They'll be fine when we can get them together and playing some music"

"I can't wait to get playing and be able to spend more time with you" Chrissy blushed.

"Me neither, it's going to be so fun. I really hope we make it big. It would be so awesome to make our dreams come together." Robin smiled.

"Urg stop being so cute when I can't grab you and kiss you, got to save that for later. Want to stay over mine tonight?" Chrissy asked.

"Erm, yeah, of course" The other girl stuttered.

"Good, we can have loads of fun," Chrissy winked. 

"I'll need to head to mine for a little while after my last class, let my parents know, and grab a bag of things," Robin said, trying to hide behind her food.

[the-danmei-multiverse-and-angst]

Working on another MDZS fic ☺️

I literally just wrote this yesterday. WIP MDZS fic, based on some prompts I've been talking about. Something I am going to work on.

 It has been two and a half years since Wei Wuxian has come back thanks to the sacrifice of Mo Xuanyu.

  Wei Wuxian and Jin Ling stood side by side after finally conquering the yao during their night hunts together, also after a nearly fatal hit to Wei Wuxian because he had jumped in the way of an attack meant for Jin Ling. 

Jin Ling and Wei Wuxian had been spending a lot of time together, with the others, and most of the time Lan Wangji. Jin Ling had also learned many more tricks and tips from Wei Wuxian (when Jiang Cheng was too busy to help him or join them both); Wei Wuxian and Jiang Cheng were still slowly patching their relationship as best as they could. Baby steps and all. Jin Ling still kept night hunting a lot of times with the Sizhui and the others and training outside of his sect duties, and always learning from Wei Wuxian and learning more about the man who he had been taught to hate when he was growing up, learning he killed his parents.

It had never been that simple or clear cut. 

Jin Ling regretted stabbing him two years ago and felt deep remorse. Wei Wuxian would laugh it off but…Jin Ling knew it could have been very, very bad. 

Jin Ling decided then. “I have something I want to say. And don't…don't say anything. Don't be…you for just one moment. Even though I know it's a difficult task for you.” Jin Ling muttered the last part under his breath. 

“I know an apology can't change what happened, or erase it and I know you…you just pretend or say that it was nothing..or whatever. But..ah..” Jin Ling cleared his throat, looking down at his feet nervously, and felt his cheeks reddening. 

Wei Wuxian chuckled slightly at that. “What's this? What's got you all worked up, Jin Ling?”

“I'm sorry!” Jin Ling burst out. “I'm so sorry for stabbing you at Koi Tower that day!” 

Wei Wuxian flinched back a little at the reminder, also recalling the after image he saw in that moment. He was also shocked. 

“Jin Ling, no. It's fine. I deserved it and besides, it was nothing. I'm fine, am I not? I'm still here, Jin Ling.”

“-Don’t. Don't do that. Please.” Jin Ling held up his palm facing out, tears springing to his eyes, his expression part angry and solemn. “Don't brush what I did off like that! That's not okay! Why do you-? Just…don't. It doesn't change the fact that I did stab you and things could have ended up turning out very badly, and I was almost the cause of it. And you and HanGuang-jun…I almost.. I almost took you away from him again, and away from Sizhui and everyone. From…me and uncle. I would have robbed everyone of a second chance. And-” Jin Ling was starting to shout and was rambling but he couldn't stop.

Wei Wuxian just stood there staring at him, slack jawed as he ranted. 

“I know, I know it's just how you are…but do you think, even when you brush it off and say it's okay, it magically makes things better? Because it doesn't. I know it's partly to reassure us, or for us to not blame ourselves and it's what you were taught. If I was the one to get hurt or Sizhui, or even your precious husband, you'd have feelings about it right? You'd be worried, angry, and protective, and looking for ways to make it better. That goes for us too. When you get hurt…seeing you hurt..it's not just painful to you but to us. You care so much more about everyone else than you do about yourself. But I..we care about you.” Jin Ling’s voice started to lower and crack, tears streaming down his face. 

“I-Jin Ling-” Wei Wuxian took a step towards him and paused, a pained look on his face.

Wei Wuxian had been horrified as tears fell from Jin Ling’s eyes and he reached out his hand, no longer smiling. He worried about him but he was also listening. 

Jin Ling paused, taking in a shuddering breath to try and calm himself down and instead of pushing Wei Wuxian hand away, he took a hold of the other's wrist and pulled him closer. Jin Ling's lips were trembling, holding back sobs and his eyelashes wet with tears. 

“You're so brilliant but also an idiot, Wei Wuxian.” He laughed a little, his voice hoarse. “That night hunt the year before for last year…was a really close call. You were in a really bad way. We almost thought you wouldn't make it. After seeing you like that, after protecting Sizhui and me that time too… and spending so much time roaming around together and the stories you told me of mother and father, and you, Jiujiu and A-niang-” He choked a little, sniffling. 

“For so long, it was just me and Jiujiu.. and then you came back and turned everything upside down and…you opened my eyes. And I also not only heard the truth after not knowing what happened but saw it through empathy on the night hunt you nearly… I know how much you loved my A-niang, Jiujiu and…I know everything about what happened and the choices you were faced with. And I want you to know…I don't think A-niang hated you, even after..I think she just wanted her little brothers back and to know what went wrong and why you pulled away. She knew you, that you wouldn't have intentionally hurt her like that. It would break you and it did…in the end. The first siege…”Jin Ling paused, and swallowed after seeing Wei Wuxian face go extremely pale. 

“I know.” Jin Ling spoke gently, after a long pause. “You-” 

Wei Wuxian vehemently shook his head and backed up. “Jin Ling.. you should have never been forced to see any of that.. and empathy..of all things. Jin Ling, that's not a technique you should have done and you-”

Wei Wuxian's memories of that time of last year was vague and blurry, he remembered saving Sizhui and Jin Ling and hearing his husband call out to him, hearing the worry and fear in his voice before Wei Wuxian passed out. 

As far as geniuses go, sometimes his rationality goes out the window when he sees the people he lives deeply in imminent danger, and he takes action without thinking during some of those times, instinctively. After everything in his first life…he couldn't bear to lose any one of them. 

Jin Ling gripped his wrist a little more firmly when Wei Wuxian attempted to pull back. Jin Ling refused to let go.

“The point is, is that…I'm sorry. And I'm so grateful.”

Wei Wuxian blinked, “what?”

Jin Ling smiles, tears still in his eyes, but no longer falling like they were. “I know you didn't ask or choose to come back. I'm glad you're here though. I got to know my Dajiu, the little didi my A-niang loved and risked her life for. And I know she would have done the same for Jiujiu. She would be sad if she saw the state of your relationship now though. But things are slowly getting better between you two, finally. Thanks to me, of course. Because you and Jiujiu are both idiots.” Jin Ling rolled his eyes. 

“Hey, you brat!” Wei Wuxian exclaimed with an obvious playful pout, back to trying to lighten the mood, and ruffled Jin Ling’s hair with his free hand. 

“I'm grateful to Mo Xuanyu too. Even though he had other reasons and possibly pushed into it, if he hadn't done the ritual…you wouldn't be here right now. And I can't imagine Jiujiu and I going back to the way things were now, not when I'm used to you being in my life. I like having you in my life, a part of my life. And I'm sorry we were both robbed of that chance by Grandfather and-” Jin Ling winced. It was still difficult for him to bring up Jin Guangyao. 

“Well.. anyway, try not to get yourself hurt all the time, okay? I know you attract trouble and all, but at least try.” Jin Ling complained with exasperation.

“I'm more than capable of handling things, Jin Ling. I've even been practicing again with my sword and thanks to..well let's just say this body's golden core has gotten much stronger.” Wei Wuxian winked. “And I still have-”

“Yeah, yeah. I know, the ghost path. Even then, you're still powerful but having power doesn't make you invulnerable, nor does being a genius since things will happen in life that we can't control. You are the inventive genius here. Instead of rushing to injure yourself for our sake, if it's possible then don't forget to try and find another way first. It's okay to put yourself first, Dajiu. I know that's easier said than done, because we tend to lose it when we care about others. I know it's easier said than done but…just try…please.” Jin Ling finished.

“Mmhm. And don't forget I remember the stunt you pulled to save your friends, Jin Ling. If anything has happened to you, Jiang Cheng-” would have never recovered. Wei Wuxian didn't finish that sentence. Wei Wuxian spoke seriously this time, scolding him in the same manner but more firm. 

Jin Ling looked down, and scuffed his foot across the ground. “I know. Fine. We will all try.”

Wei Wuxian smiled at him. “Jin Ling, both of your parents would be so proud of the man you're becoming. Shijie would be especially.”

Jin Ling stared at him in shock, tears trying to spill from his eyes again. “Do you mean it? Do you think A-niang would be proud of me?” Jin Ling’s voice sounded small and unsure. 

Wei Wuxian pulled Jin Ling into a firm hug, much like that time in the temple. “I know so without a doubt. Jiang Cheng too. He might not say it, but I've seen it.”

Jin Ling wipes the tears from his eyes, and gazing at him hesitantly. “And you? What about you?’

Wei Wuxian laughed. “You have to ask? Of course I am proud of you, Jin Ling. Absolutely.” Wei Wuxian grinned. 

Jin Ling blushed and turned his nose up haughtily, getting embarrassed and overwhelmed. “Whatever, Wei Wuxian! I have to go. I promised Zizhen I would meet him at the inn he's staying at when we were done.” Jin Ling turned and ran off in a rush.

Wei Wuxian laughed, watching him go.

Dajiu. Jin Ling had called him that. More than once. It made warmth flare in his chest and he was touched. He never thought Jin Ling would really want much to do with him, much less call him Dajiu. But it had been Jin Ling to reach out first on his own, to try night hunts with the two of them, and more with the other little ducklings that seemed to appear when he and Lan Zhan were roaming around. Especially his little radish Sizhui, Jingyi, and Jin Ling. 

Wei Wuxian gave a fond sigh. 

Look, Shijie, your son is growing into a fine man. I wish I had been there from the beginning but I'll do my best to be here for him from this moment onwards and Jiang Cheng. 

Always. 

Wei Wuxian turned, starting to hum the tune of his and Lan Zhan song.

The moon gazed down from above, the rays of light beaming from it seemed to glow even brighter for a single moment, like the beam of a smile before fading into a softer stream of light, lighting Wei Wuxian’s path home to his husband. 

-until next time (will be continued, angst ahead) and here is a link to the MDZS fic idea. Inspired by two Fics I've read by two separate writers. The latter half is stated but I forgot the first one, but well it's in the doc. It's about post canon MDZS post canon AU WWX gets his body back but...not in the way anyone expects. It will have a lot of angst and some fluff and healing and bonding moments and danger and all that. And I've been searching for fellow artist beta readers that may be interested in helping me edit seeking solace and help me plan out this fic and possibly help write it if I need some input and fresh ideas. ☺️.

I'll make another post later and add more songs that I feel fit the fic vibe and all that, Wei Wuxian's character, and etc.

[theupsidedownsrealestateagent]

June 1986

Eddie Munson lived by the skin of his teeth, or rather the skin of whatever those demon bats didn’t chew like he was a discount steak at the worst grocery store in town. The healing process was exhausting, and humiliating. For his entire life he’s been able to be independent with just Wayne seeing his most vulnerable and carefully hidden parts of himself. The problem with fighting an evil wizard from hell isn’t the chronic pain and constant nightmares, but the ragtag stubborn family that follows after

While the Byers-Hopper family was in California packing to move back to Hawkins (why they would do that Eddie has no goddamn clue) Nancy, Robin, and Steve made Eddie’s and Max’s recovery their personal missions. Red he gets, she’s just a kid, a kid that’s been through this shit three times with them compared to Eddie’s measly one. Of course Eddie’s only Upside Down encounter would be the one that almost took him out. Even baby Wheeler hasn’t been this close to Death’s door. There was no reason for these former classmates to care this much. And yet they practically never left his side. He’d like to complain about it, but them helping out had taken a lot of the pressure off of Wayne’s shoulders, and that was the most important part of it for Eddie

If you told Eddie a year ago he’d be becoming close with King Steve himself he probably would’ve hissed at someone or just spoke some broken latin and let the general pop believe he was a demon. In hindsight that didn’t make it easier for Hawkins to believe he wasn’t a satanic serial killer. The point is he’s not supposed to be friends with people like Steve. Robin he gets, they make sense. His friendship with Nancy was surprising but after getting to know she was a complete and major dork, they clicked in a really cool way. But Steve? Steve was funny in a way that was different from anyone else Eddie knew. Steve cooked for him and his uncle during the toughest part of Eddie’s recovery, not well, but it was hot and filling. Steve held him as he cried from nightmares and when he was completely exhausted from his physical therapy appointments.

Eddie was in love with him and completely fucked.

***

The June heat was sweltering, Wayne was on a fishing trip, it was one of the first nights being left to his own devices since he could get around a lot better now. He was spending his solitude getting acquainted with his Darling, since his Sweetheart was destroyed and honestly now associated too much with death and near death experiences alike. The phone rings, Eddie grunts, stands and makes his way over to the phone, it takes him an embarrassing amount of time to get there with his aching knee, but he manages.

Before he could even get out a greeting the caller was already speaking, “Eddie hi! Hey Eddie, it’s me. Um me being Steve. Harrington. Shit you probably knew that–”

“Stevie, you have a shift with Robs today?” Eddie grabs a bit of hair to twist around his finger, lip bitten to hide his smile. No one’s home but him whose he trying to fool? Himself mostly. It’ll go away repeats in his head over and over waiting for Steve’s reply.

Steve chuckles into the line, Eddie’s heart is about to burst out of his chest Alien style. “Yeah we did have a shift together which I guess explains my totally out of character rambling. Don’t let that keep you from remembering what a cool and not dorky guy I am.”

“Hm sorry, but that’s not ringin’ any bells over here sweetheart, you sure we’re talking bout the same Steve? Steve Harrington? You know the major dork who babysits all these kinda freak kids who are definitely too old for babysitters?” Sweetheart? Sweetheart? Did he really just call his strictly platonic, straight friend sweetheart? It takes all of Eddie’s self control (which is admittedly extremely low already) not to brain himself with the heavy phone receiver.

Steve laughs a real genuine laugh at that. The rollercoaster of emotions Eddie is navigating through is enough to make his stomach hurt. “Apparently one in the same then.” He quiets after another small chuckle, and takes a deep breath, “Listen Eds I was wondering if you wanted to get out of the house for a bit? With me?“

"You know I actually am capable of taking care of myself for a few days even without a babysitter on standby? Just because Wayne’s not home doesn’t mean I’m about to croak in the night” Eddie huffed suddenly annoyed.

Steve lets out a tired sigh. Eddie’s gut twists in guilt at the sound. “Yeah I know that you drama queen, but um my parents are home actually. For once, and I. I just don’t want to be here tonight.” His voice goes even quieter, softer now, and filled with shyness, “I like spending time with you Eddie, even when I don’t have to make sure you aren’t dying in your sleep.”

“Give me twenty minutes to get ready.” Eddie goes for casual, he doesn’t think it works, given how fast the words leave his mouth.

***

If he didn’t die and come back a few months before today, he’d surely think he’s dead, or at least dreaming this moment, he’d sooner believe in a hell dimension… Damn he’s gotta get a new improbable scenario to describe the insane situation this moment absolutely is.

Okay so maybe it’s not as improbable as he’s making it out to be. Because obviously it is indeed happening.

Every summer Eddie always feels like a drowned rat, which is true today. His hair is frizzing everywhere, just sitting is causing him to sweat profusely. Steve however looks the best he’s ever looked, golden skin, perfect hair, his sun kissed face bringing out his freckles. He wants to reach out and touch, to stop himself he grabs his rubs at the twinge in his left knee. Steve clocks that action annoyingly quick. Maybe if he’s lucky Steve won’t call attention to it.

And because he’s a Munson the universe holds a giant middle finger to his prayers.“

How’s your knee today?” Steve asks him obviously trying to make it sound like a casual question, when they both know this is a long standing argument neither is backing down from.

Since he came home from the hospital Wayne and Steve have been conspiring to get him to use a cane. Which okay. Whatever. But at what point was using the cane just admitting defeat? He’s supposed to be getting better. Is getting better. Adding a cane to the mix was like adding a crutch (ironic but it emphasizes the point) he didn’t want or need. So sure, sometimes there will be days he can barely get out of bed to take a piss, but maybe if he kept at it, he’d be able to play, and jump around on stage like he’s always dreamed of.

“Fine, Steven,” Eddie bites out, because he’s nothing if not petulant.

Steve barks a laugh, Eddie’s heart drops into his ass, “Aw c’mon don’t Steven me, I just told you my parents are home.” He pouts but his eyes are shining so brightly with mirth.

Eddie scoffs and takes a piece of his hair to give his fingers something not stupid to do, like grabbing Steve’s lip and giving it a tug. “Yeah, I know, you good though? Or should I go grab Nancy for a little chat with good ol Rich Harrington?”

“Oh my god, you’re a menace. Did you know that?” Deflecting, Eddie notices.

“It’s been mentioned, alongside satanic cult leading murderer, but you know I get menace every now and then.

”Steve’s brows furrow, he looks at Eddie almost like he’s searching for something, he must’ve found it because he shakes his head and moves their conversation along, “Well I happen to know you’re innocent, and I also know your dinner order at Flo’s place. One grilled cheese with tomato, pickle on the side, curly fries, and mostly because I think you’re special, a strawberry and mint chocolate chip milkshake.” He holds the cup and wags it a little before putting it in what has become Eddie’s dedicated cup holder.

Eddie gasped, and his eyes started to take up most of his face, “No fucking way man, there’s no way you swung that. I’ve been begging Flo to do that for years! How the hell did you manage that?”

“Okay so I know this totally sounds like a cool line but I promise you it's the truth, but Eds, if I told you I’d have to kill you, then probably myself.” Eddie starts to laugh and Steve can only roll his eyes. “Flo is scary dude!”

“Says Hawkins residential monster hunter, huh a little waitress is scarier than a full grown Demogorgan?”

“No contest! I’d even take the junkyard ‘dogs’ a hundred times over before double crossing Florence Foster. And anyone who says otherwise has a death wish.” Steve starts pulling out his own dinner, his sun pink cheeks matching the setting sun. He must catch Eddie staring because he clears his throat and gestures for Eddie to fiddle with the radio.

It takes him a few minutes to settle on a station, but then he just ends up on his go to metal station. 102.9 The Metal Shop hosted by none other than the annoying Master Metal. Like seriously, he couldn’t come up with anything better? But it gets the job done. Plus it’s normie enough that Steve’s able to tolerate and even like some of it.

So they talk, and the night is warm but there’s a breeze now so they’re able to roll their windows down. Steve’s hair is lightly blowing around every few gusts. He looks so beautiful, and Eddie can feel his cheeks getting hot, he’s choosing to blame it on the heat. He’s also choosing to believe the swooping feeling in his gut every time Steve laughs is due to the greasy take out.

Before he can start believing in any other of his made up bullshit Master Metal cuts in declaring that for the next sixty minutes will be the dreaded Dedication Hour. He groans and goes to change it, but his wrist is now caught in Steve’s hand.

“What’s your problem? You love this station.” And Steve’s head is tilted in that way where he looks exactly like a dog in one of those shelter commercials.

Eddie is kind of baffled by this whole interaction, so he says exactly what his problem is, “Yeah of course I do, but it’s the Dedication Hour, they’re going to play the same bullshit non metal love songs, because people think they have a better chance to get their song on than all the other appropriate stations for their pedestrian tastes. No offense I'm sure that’s very much up your alley Romeo. You got a song on there for one of your many conquests eh Casanova?” Jesus Christ, even he knows he’s laying it on thick.

“First gross don’t call them conquests ,” He throws a fry at Eddie’s face, who in turn picks it up and dips it into his milkshake and laughs at the revolted face Steve makes. “Second, no I didn’t. That’s too romantic, maybe I would've for Nancy, but that wasn’t really her thing anyway.” His eyes stay on his hands, he takes a shaky breath, looks up at Eddie through his lashes. “Eds I’ve got a confession.”

All of the air gets punched right out of his lungs, he has to basically wheeze out an okay Stevie, eyes hopefully conveying to Steve to continue.

Steve sighs, tan hand scrubbing at his jaw, clearly nervous. He’s avoiding Eddie’s eyes, “My parents aren’t home Eddie.” He pauses, in that pause Eddie’s heart crumbles of course that’s what it is. So he’ll sweep up his heart to be put back together much later, and instead comfort his friend. Because at the end of the day, as much as he wants Steve, he’ll also take what he can get, so if Steve only ever offers friendship he will happily take it.

“Oh Stevie–”

“I just wanted to spend time with you Eddie, and I thought if I told you I needed a distraction from my shitty parents, it would’ve hid what I want to say, what I’ve wanted to say since fucking April.” He’s running a hand through his hair, completely flushed now. He’s never been more beautiful.

For the first time in his life Eddie doesn’t feel the need to run in order to avoid inevitlby fucking up what could be a good thing, a great thing. “Eddie Munson, I am so unbelievably infatuated with you, I want to kiss you so fucking badly baby, and and if I’m overstepping you’ve got to tell me Eddie because I’m two seconds away from just doing it even if you end up punching me.” His hand comes up, his thumb brushes away tears Eddie didn’t even know he was shedding.

“Steve Harrington, you are something special.” With a watery laugh Eddie’s hands are now cupping Steve’s face, his eyes are taking in every single detail, before he knows it they are both leaning in.

The kiss is soft, slow, and more tender than it has any right to be. They both took their time, afraid to break this delicate bubble they found themselves. This goes on for a few minutes longer until Steve, reluctantly, and annoyingly pulls away. Eddie huffs, and Steve has the nerve to fucking giggle.

Grabbing Eddie’s hand, he plays with the rings on his fingers, “I have one more thing to say.” He is quiet now, almost shy as if they weren’t just swapping spit two seconds ago. “Um so, this isn’t a casual thing for me Eddie. I like you in the way, where this has the potential for me to be forever, and I don’t want to lose you for being too much too fast, but this is something I can’t negotiate on. If we do this, it has to be the real thing. And if you don’t feel the same, we can forget this and pretend I didn’t ruin our friendship.

Eddie’s shocked that Steve could think he wouldn’t, couldn’t, feel the exact same way, if not more. “I don’t want to forget this Steve, this could be my forever too, I want it to be forever. I think we should do this, I’m all in big boy.”

They laugh, they kiss, and eventually Dedication Hour is over. Hand on his sore knee rubbing soothing circles that ease the pain a bit, Steve suggests going back to Eddie’s to have a real adult conversation about what they’re starting. To which Eddie agrees so long as after they’re done talking they can have an adult conversation with their bodies, and Steve pushes him back in his seat rolling his eyes before enthusiastically agreeing.

December 1986

It’s freezing out and yet Eddie couldn’t be warmer if he tried. There they sat in Eddie’s van, two pizza boxes between them, because according to Steve, Eddie’s preferred pizza toppings are abhorrent. Eddie has tried to argue but almost everyone he knows complains about his pineapple, peperoni, and mushroom pizza. A heavenly combination, especially when he compares it to Steve’s ham and extra olive monstrosity.

“You know babe, when I said we should grab dinner tonight, I was thinking something a little, I don’t know… balanced.” Steve sighed, while shoveling another bite in his mouth Eddie notices. Eyes squinting at his boyfriend’s hypocrisy.

Eddie opens his mouth to argue, “Steve, Stevie, Sweetheart. It’s Pizza Hut, it even has a salad bar.”

“Eds we got takeout.” Steve deadpans.

“Yeah but the salad is out in the open air getting its nutrients on the pizzas by osmosis.”

“There’s no way that’s true.”

“What, you don’t trust me?” Eddie asks, feigning shock. “Don’t forget I’ve taken biology three times.”

“Even if you were right, this definitely is not covered under biology.”

“Well what the hell do I know anyways? I had to take biology three times.”

“Oh my god.” Steve’s trying to sound annoyed but the fond smile on his face is betraying him.

Seeing that look on Steve’s face nearly melts Eddie. In the last six months of dating Eddie’s sap meter has gone way up, and like the sap he’s turned into (ignoring the fact Wayne keeps wrongly insisting Eddie has always been a sap) he can’t help but lean into it. Steve makes him want to be that guy, that boyfriend. Which is why Eddie set up this whole night.

Eddie spent his whole childhood being told by his sperm donor that the Munson Curse existed and that’s why their lives were so bad. Absolutely nothing to do with Al’s poor life choices, that long effected his son even after getting locked up. But nights like this, with the snow falling, with Steve’s pink cheeks, and warm laugh, it has to mean something. It has to be the universe’s way of apologizing for all the bad shit. His mom dying, his ‘dad’ being a piece of shit, his near interdimensional death, having to now use a cane to get around, and not to mention all of the horrible stuff Steve’s been through, maybe it all wasn’t in vain.

So maybe the universe wasn’t so bad. It’s not great, every day is still a fucking struggle to get through. But the man next to him, made the hurt a little more dull.

The low radio pulls Eddie back to the present. Master Metal in the middle of announcing the dedication hour, when in the corner of his eye he sees Steve hands reach to change the station. Without thinking Eddie grabs Steve’s hands and entwines their fingers.

Steve turns toward Eddie, brows lifting with a questioning tilt. “I think I’ll survive one night of cheesy love songs sweetheart.”

“Uh huh, who are you and what did you do with my boyfriend?”

Eddie rolls his eyes, “I contain multitudes.”

“Since when?”

“April.” Which silences Steve who is very much biting his lip to avoid smiling.

In the brief silence that follows their conversation Master Metal is speaking again, “And now for the first dedication. For Big Boy,” Steve’s eyes shoot to Eddie, he goes to speak but Eddie just squeezes his hand, and whatever Steve was about to say dies on his tongue. “The last six months have been the best of my life. The fact that I’m even still alive is all because of you with the help of the family we’ve been able to build together. I love you, with every fiber in my being. I used to be so scared of loving anyone, running at the first sign of a good thing, but you are the best thing, the only thing. And I’m done running, so I’ll love you as long as you’ll let me, even while trekking back into Mordor. Love forever and always Joan Jett. Now here’s Journey’s 1982 hit Open Arms. ”

Steve is crying, big, fat tears, looking at Eddie almost in disbelief. He takes a grounding breath before frantically throwing the pizza boxes in the back. With the boxes out of the way Eddie finds himself with a lap full of Steve, which he’d never complain about.

With a hand gently stroking Eddie’s hair, and the other hand cupping his jaw, Steve leans in and gives Eddie’s forehead a kiss. Then both his eyes, his nose, his cheeks, finally his lips. Steve basically breathes his next words, “I love you too, so fucking much.” A pause, then a smirk flashes across his face, “Joan.”

Eddie’s eyes are now misty, but that doesn’t stop him from groaning at Steve’s response. “I confess my love for you and you tease me for my alias. For shame Steven for shame.”

“You’re right I’m sorry, this is genuinely the most romantic thing anyone has done for me you know.”

“I know it baby, but you Steve Harrington, you deserve all the big gestures. And I’ll spend the rest of our lives proving to you just how easy you are to love.”

Steve doesn’t even say anything to that, just lets his body do the talking, he’s attempting to pour in every last bit of his love for Eddie into the kiss, while not so subtly tugging his boyfriend into the back of the van.

Eddie’s laughing again, “No way gorgeous, I’m taking you home so I can show you just how much I love you. We are not going to defile the van after confessing our love to one another.”

“When did you become sensible?”

“I’ve been keeping company with some good influences.”

“I love you, Eddie Munson.”

“I love you, Steve Harrington.”

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Whores Worshipping on Weathertop

18+ MINORS DNI

Steve was yet again complaining about another failed date to Robin at Family Video.

"I don't know what to do, Rob. This is the third girl that only wanted me for sex," Steve said with a pout. "Not that sex isn't great. I just want a connection, you know. Hey, maybe you should just make all of my dating decisions for me. You know what you want, maybe you should decide what I want."

"You want me to pick your date for you?" Robin asked, panicking. "I don't know, man, that's a big decision, and what if I pick wrong? You know what?! Just date the next person that strolls through here! There we go!"

As she slapped the counter, the bell above the door rang, and Eddie Munson strolls in like he was Willy Wonka.

"Have no fear. The best part of your day is here!" Eddie exclaimed with a cheeky grin.

"Huh, alright," Steve said. "Hey, Munson, you want to go on a date with me?"

The smile slid of Eddie's face as he and Robin stared at him.

"Wait - no, that's not what I -," Robin started.

"Are you serious?" Eddie asked.

"Yep!" Steve exclaimed.

"Um, yeah, I would like that," he replied, his cheeks tinted red and the smile returned to his face. "When are you thinking?"

"I'm not doing anything Saturday, what about you?" Steve asked.

"Nope! Wait - I just remembered! I am doing something that day. I am going on a date with the prettiest boy in all of Hawkins! That's you, silly," Eddie said, flouncing over and kissing his cheek. "Now, excuse me, I need to go shopping for new clothes. I have to impress my date!"

Steve watched him leave and turned to Robin, who was gaping at him.

"What? You told me to ask out the next person who walked in here, and that was Eddie," Steve said to her.

"Yeah, but you're not -," Robin said.

"I don't know if I am or not, Robin. I do know that I have a connection with Eddie, and I would like to see if that leads anywhere. That's kind of what dating is, isn't it? To find a connection, to see if it leads anywhere and if it doesn't, then I will try to let him down gentle. I have had no luck with girls lately, and I just - I have always had these thoughts about guys, and I've always wondered if they're what I think they are. I'll never know unless I try, right? I know this probably all sounds horrible - I have to know, Robin," Steve said.

"Holy shit, you're rambling. You are turning into me. Maybe that's what those thoughts are - you're picking up stray transmissions," Robin replied.

"You too are having gay thoughts about men?" Steve asked.

"Shut up, you know what I mean."

It was silent the whole car ride over. Saturday had rolled around, and Steve was taking Eddie to Weathertop for a picnic under the stars. The weather was cool enough to not worry about breaking into a huge sweat while climbing the side of the hill but not too cold for them to shiver to death. Steve took his hand as they began their trek up the hill, lacing their fingers together. He laid out the blanket and patted the spot next to him, unloading the basket in front of him.

"I swear to God, if you have wine in there, I will kill you," Eddie said.

"What happens to me if I have beer?" Steve asked.

"You'll get this," Eddie said, placing a lingering kiss on his cheek. "What else you got in there, Stevie Poppins?"

"I have these!" Steve exclaimed as whipped out a couple of sandwiches.

"Peanut butter and bananas!" He exclaimed with a gasp. "My favorite! However did you know?"

"I may have called your uncle. I was super casual because I wasn't sure if -," Steve trailed off.

"My uncle knows that I'm gay, Steve," Eddie replied. "And he knows about you because that's all I would talk about when you asked me out. And that's so fucking cute that you called my uncle to ask about my favorite sandwiches. Gah!"

Eddie unwrapped his sandwich and began to eat. They ate in silence as they watched the stars in the sky. Every so often, Steve would look at Eddie. He was currently trying to get a piece of banana off his face with his tongue. Eddie would move his head back as he whipped his tongue against his cheek and attempted to get it without using his hands. When Eddie finally got it, he let out a whoop and went back to eating his sandwich. Steve couldn't help but think about how cute this man was and how that was such a strange thought. After a while, they finished their food and turned to each other.

"Dustin told me that you like the Hobbit and that you've read it so much that you could probably reenact it by yourself. Did you, I don't know, want to do it for me?" Steve asked.

Eddie gaped at him, getting on his knees.

"Are you asking me for a reenactment of the Hobbit?" Eddie asked and Steve nodded.

Eddie launched himself at Steve and kissed him. He had thrown his entire body on top of Steve’s, kissing him hard and fast. It was over before Steve could return it. Yeah, Steve had definitely liked that. He opened his mouth to speak, but Eddie had jumped up to begin his reenactment. Steve was immediately enraptured in the story, especially with the way Eddie told it. Steve loved it when he did the voices, and he loved the way his hips moved. He couldn't help but watch his lips as he talked, and he realized how much he's done that before the date. The more he thought about it, the more he realized how much he's watched Eddie. All these dates he's been going on, the reason they didn't work out was because he's been unknowingly looking for Eddie. The metalhead eventually finished the story and sprawled out on the blanket beside Steve.

"So, what did you think?" Eddie asked, sipping his beer.

"I really loved it, I can see why the kids do too," Steve said. "I love the way you tell it."

"Yeah?" Eddie asked, blushing.

Steve moved closer to him, laying on his side, and placed a hand on Eddie's hip as he placed half of his body on top of Eddie's.

"Yeah," Steve said softly.

Steve leaned down and captured Eddie's lips with his. His lips were as soft as he thought they would be. . . nice and plump. He took Eddie's bottom lip and started to gently suck on it. He smiled when he felt Eddie groan against his mouth. Eddie grabbed his hips roughly and pulled Steve completely on top of him, making Steve straddle his waist. He rocked his hips against Eddie's, causing a loud moan to erupt from the metalhead. His mouth opened, allowing Steve to slip his tongue inside while continuing to grind his jeans against Eddie's. Steve wasn't sure he'd be able to last. He was going to combust. It was Eddie that had broken the kiss.

"Steve, you should know that I am not a slut and I do not put out on the first date," Eddie told him, breathlessly.

"Yeah, me neither," Steve scoffed. "Those were just rumors."

"But I would totally be a slut for you, Stevie, if you wanted me to," Eddie replied. "I came prepared. Just in case."

"That depends. Do you want to be my little slut, baby?" Steve asked and moved against him again.

"Fuck, yes. . .Daddy, please."

A few moments later, not putting out on the first date was no longer true for either one of them. Both of them were stripped naked with Eddie on his hands and knees while Steve was busy pounding away behind him. Eddie had been nervous at first because - holy shit, he wasn't sure that Steve would fit. However, Steve fit so well inside of him that Eddie never wanted him to leave. They both knew the risks they were taking by fucking out in the open like this but that was the part that also made it so exciting. The stars were twinkling beautifully in the sky, and the cool night air felt great against their now sweaty skin. Steve let go inside of the condom while Eddie came undone onto the picnic blanket he had been gripping in his fists.

"Shit, sorry about your blanket," Eddie said.

"It can be washed, Eddie," Steve asked, chuckling.

They collapsed their naked bodies onto the blanket, breathing heavily.

"We should probably get dressed," Eddie said with a giggle and Steve giggled with them.

They laid there for a while, with Eddie curled up on Steve’s chest as they looked up at the stars. Steve was rubbing Eddie's back and arms in a soothing manner, occasionally reaching down to squeeze Eddie's butt causing the other man to squeak everytime.

"So, Steve Harrington's an ass man, that's good to know," Eddie giggled.

They could have stayed like that forever, but it eventually grew a little too cold, and they had to get dressed. They packed up the picnic and went back to Steve’s car. Steve went to turn on the car but stopped and sat back, turning to Eddie.

"Uh, I am going to say something, and it's not bad, I swear. It's just going to sound bad because I'm really bad with words and shit. I just want to tell you how much this date means to me and explain some things. Can you please just let me say all this and not say a word until I'm finished, okay?" Steve asked nervously.

"Okay," Eddie said softly.

Steve told him about all the dates he had been on and how they were not going anywhere. He told him about he had thought it had meant that he was still hung up on Nancy, thanks to Eddie's conversation. When he told him what he asked of Robin, Steve nearly lost him on that one.

"I started to get to know you, Eddie, like really know you. I thought, somewhere in the back of my mind that if I let my feelings for you in, it would be really scary because it was bad enough that my heart had gotten broken by Nancy but I don't think I could have handled being heartbroken by you. I never felt this way way about anyone before, and I thought for sure that it would be scary. I let those feelings in today, though, and turns out: liking you is not so scary," Steve said.

Eddie sniffled and cupped his cheek, tears pooling in his eyes.

"Oh, baby, you have no idea how scared I was, too, not knowing if you felt the same way that I did. It wasn't just that, either. It's the fact that I have feelings for Steve Harrington that was too hard to believe. I mean, not only are you blindingly beautiful on the outside, but you are equally beautiful on the inside. You are like an angel, and I swear that I will spend every day worshipping your body along with worshipping this. Praise Satan," Eddie said with a grin and placed a hand over Steve's heart.

Steve laughed, sniffling, and pulled Eddie into a sweet kiss.

"Does this mean you're my boyfriend?" Steve asked.

"Damn straight, I'm your boyfriend," Eddie replied.

A few days later, they told Robin just how well the date had gone while over at Steve's place.

"I can't believe you guys put out on the first date," Robin said with a shake of her head, and she said the next part with great affection. "Whores."

[halfbakedspuds]

OC in fifteen

Thanks for the tag @illarian-rambling! This'll be fun to do.

Rules: pick fifteen or less quotes that ideally capture the essence of a character. Add a little beat of action or context if required

For this, I'm going to use Maire Aitkin from Echoes of Shadows because that WIP needs more love, and she's my favourite character to write.

If A' couldnae see shite, 'twould still be brigh'er than this fecking tunnel.

Johan. A' thought ye knew tha' blood belongs inside of th'body?

Holy Bozhe, lord o' heav'n and ward'n o' the nine hells, what th'fuck is tha'!? (First time seeing a demon)

With ye lot 'tis always, "Oh Maire, A' done screwed it, aye? Be a dearie an' heal me up, would'ya?" Well what if A' need healin' an' A'm tae burnt out tae patch m'self up? Already lost an eye an' a leg tae tha', thankya kindly. If ye ain't already dyin' or a hinderance in your current state, wrap it up an' walk it off.

Well A'm so bloody sorry tha' ye blitherin' fecks bleed out faster than A' can plug th'holes.

Oh, so terrifyin', A'm a-quakin' in my wee boots! Oh wha'ever shall A' - have fun breathin', jackass (Said while collapsing a cultists lungs with magic)

People forget tha' us bioworkers are incredibly aware o' ev'ry wee movement people 'round us make. Ev'ry time Johan sees ye, his muscles relax, an' he feels more comfortable - in all fairness, he feels more comfortable 'round all o' us - but A' find it curious that his heartrate also picks up a wee bit only when it's you he sees. And e'en more curious that yours does th'exact same thing when ye see him.

Wow, right fascinatin' story, mate. Hey, A've heard tha' th'Green Rooves are wonderful this time o' year. (Said the first time she hears Johan and Anastasia discussing demons. 'Green Rooves' is Ost-Rietland slang for a mental institution)

Ha! Ye think this is cold? Go spend a month in Northern Rostov. Nae, e'en better, go spend a month in th'Angeheim wilderness. Then ye can talk 'bout the cold.

Always wanted tae go sightseein' in Genesh. A' probly wouldnae survive a day in th'desert but A' always wanted tae go. Maybe Neureich would be a good place tae visit, too, but wha's really over there anyways? Thirteen bombed out cities 'long th'coastal forest followed by Bozhe knows how many miles o' e'en more desert? Nae, thanks, A'll stick tae ma books.

Righ' then, hands up an' arses on the ground, this is a robbery! We're nae here tae rob any o' you's tho', so dinnae try bein' no hero 'till we have wha' we came for.

A' sometimes hate that A' can feel everything yer body does. A' can feel yer desire tae throttle me an' now A' have tae ask m'self wha' A' said that could've warranted it. Why d'ya force me tae introspect an' grow as a person? How dare ye? (Said with the express purpose of annoying the hell out of an already livid Hans)

Pffff-fucken, sacred hells, when last did anyone clean this place up a bit, 'tis rank! Hey ghosts! Open a window from time tae time, a wee breeze is good for th'soul. Or... souls, in this case.

Rostovan is such an easy language, though. Just get drunk, shove half a potato down yer throat an' make whatever noises come tae mind. Bob's yer uncle!

Shut it, or next time A' put ye back tae-gether, A'll leave an earing in yer colon.

Open tag for whomever wants it

[good-realtor-bad-realtor-dynamic]

First thoughts from just one watch under shitty circumstances with bad internet and worse sound:

RAMBLING FRANK vs RUSSIA THOUGHTS

I was very worried about this episode with how sacred the S5 DENNIS System episode is to us all. Didn't want a Thunder Gun 4 situation on our hands and thankfully they avoided it so hard! I think having the plot with Charlie, Frank, the mums, Uncle Jack and chess really helped out to make it feel more than a direct sequel.

SINNED -> DENNIS -> SINNED -> DENNIS — I'm so impressed with this. How did I, a wholeass Sunny fan, miss this for so long?! Three cheers to whoever came up with that inversion, really! Definitely something that happened in the writer's room and made everyone lose their shit for sure. I wonder who it was, could be Meg or another writer too, given how collaborative they all are!

And can I just say, Dennis the Restaurant Manager... oh how I love you so much! The Waitress is Getting Married is a personal favourite of mine and I wasn't expecting a bit of a redux of that whole situation.

I was so worried about all the "Mac getting a boyfriend and it being Ryan Reynolds" theories and I absolutely wanted none of that. Everyone had speculated it to death and it wouldn't have been fun anymore (not to mention I do not care for RR in my Sunny, I'm sure he's fine, but I don't need his and Rob's PR relationship filtering through into my dickandball show no I don't "find them cute" and I won't elaborate here anymore).

I know we'd guessed that Johnny could've been Dennis catfishing Mac, but it definitely felt like we were doing an Insane Fan Speculation more than anything — and for it to turn out to be correct! And in the best way, because we never could've seen the vibrating anal beads coming!! That's the best kind of "called it but it's still unpredictable".

It really broke my mind, this episode did. And don't even get me started on the Macdennis and queer Dennis of it all! As a longtime believer in Bisexual Dennis, I won so hard! All of us Queer Dennis Truthers won so fucking hard!

[Unpopular Take incoming] This is the first Sunny episode credited to Meg for writing that has felt so wholly "Classic Sunny" and super fuckin hilarious to me. I always appreciated her understanding of the characters and she's always a very solid writer, but this is the first time where I felt myself thinking ok, you she write RCG/Hornsby/Marder-Rosell/Chernins-level of an insane chaotic Sunny episode with multiple belly laughs and not just slightly Community-fied versions of the gang.

The closest her writing has felt like true Sunny to me before this was Dee Day, so I'm glad to see her grow and improve too, and I wonder if the podcast rewatch has helped in that regard! Must also help to have a classic S5 structure to play off in The D.E.N.N.I.S. System! (And ofc writing is collaborative, so well done to RCG and all the writers who pitched ideas and rewrites that ended up shaping this episode!)

I knew Heath Cullens directing meant a good chance of some interesting camerawork (and I've gotta say that even The Gang Inflates had some more dynamic shots than we've been getting in some of the later years and it's got to be the Cullens directing), but I wasn't expecting a whole visual callback to Being Frank! Loved it.

And the editing! The DENNIS System has always been great for cutaway gags and fun little inserts, so I loved seeing that carried out here with the cuts to Mac and Dee fucking up their dates and then finally pulling out the Magic Tissue of Mummy Issues (oh the potential for meta especially with the twins!). The pacing was so good!

Sunny pacing needs to feel like Mac crashing Dee's car into a wall while we are all Charlie watching it in real time and screaming when it's over.

Random strings of words because I'm too excited to be coherent:

Glenn's acting. His faces. His eyes. His range in this episode. Glacting. Juilliard. All the hits. All the big ones.

Mac and Dennis have canonically had sex in two different ways now, and yes, I'm including their sex tape/porn viewing sessions where they both masturbate together

Did Dennis pull out Mac's anal beads when he was asleep?

Vibrating fucking anal beads what the ACTUAL FUCK!

How many people did the gang drug again?

Danny DeVito with a vibrating asshole comedy acting 12/10 he's an international treasure for a reason

Dee stealing people's phones she's so stupid and bad at men. Never change Dee.

Uncle Jack though, pls change plz, I'm an IASIP loving degenerate so I laughed in horror at his creepiness ofc as I have since 1x7 but fucking hell man, can he be in his jail era already! Poor Charlie!

Hey, Charlie's got new America's just as we were promised on the pod

Oh I should make a post about everything we saw in this episode and that episode of the pod where they gave us all those hints, especially Meg talking about struggling with this cold open — added to the never-ending list of drafts and posts that will hopefully one day make it onto the blog yeah I'm lying to myself now

Parental issues everywhere this season, especially with the mums. Reynolds kids, I can't wait to lovingly put you under my microscope. Once I've rewatched this episode with good sound.

Also just in general, the SINNED system just says SO much about our babygirl's psychology, does it not? Why did so much of it sound like self-insert speeches, like he's been doing this to Mac or smt? Don't even talk to me about The Gang Chokes!

What does r/iasip have to say about— no, I'm in my happy place, I'm not even gonna go there.

Mrs Mac and Mrs Kelly watching TV together like that, they really are lesbian life partners.

Dennis blue shirt with top-stick between those buttons, my beloved. I am looking, respectfully.

And can we talk about the "opening the ketchup bottle" scene? We have to take about that scene! Dennis... he's ruining me... need to gnaw on him and suck on his fingers wait I'm browning out...

Sidenote: I love whenever the show references news stories which were super fucking big at a very specific time in a very specific niche, especially with my whole family being so chess-obsessed. The cheating scandals and anal bead… never thought I'd see a Sunny crossover but can't say I'm not loving the shit out of it!

[horror-princess-2002]

(My normal blog is @zombiie-teeth )

Hello, I’d like to request a slasher pairing, please!

Firstly, I’m a girl. I’m an INTP, Virgo Sun/Capricorn Moon/Sagittarius Rising. I have Asperger’s and PTSD. I’m 5’6, pale, blonde and blue eyed. My hair has bangs, and goes down to my mid back. I’m about 175lbs.

I love to paint, draw, and do just about anything artistic. But there is nothing that I love more than music. I’m constantly wearing my headphones (as soon as one pair breaks, I head into town to get another pair) and I wouldn’t be caught dead without them. I can play piano, guitar, and the kazoo (because I think it’s funny). My favorite bands/musicians are The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Rob Zombie, Falling in Reverse, Daft Punk, Skinny Puppy, The Cornbugs, and “Weird Al” Yankovich - fun fact, I was in Weird Al’s top 2% of listeners last year. 

I’m definitely an indoor person, but I love the weather when it’s cool outside or raining. I love sitting at home, laying in my bed, and listening to music/watching my favorite horror flicks. It’s not that I dislike the outside, but I like it better when it’s quiet out there. I love rural America, though. I constantly visited my uncle’s farm as a kid, and I loved it. 

I don’t really say much. I’m a pretty quiet person for the most part. However, if you’re close to me, I can ramble on and on about the things/people I’m passionate about (like horror flicks, I **love** a good piece of cinema). I’m pretty clumsy, and my movements are pretty awkward. I have zero social skills, especially when it comes to social cues (thanks to the autism). I’ve been told that I can be really intimidating to people, though. Which makes sense, because I used to instruct kick boxing. Nowadays I work as a Starbucks barista (which is awesome because I get to listen to music as I work). I usually speak with my body language more than anything - I love to talk with my hands. My favorite signs are the one-handed devil horns and the peace sign (followed up by me saying “Woah, that’s metal.”)

I dress pretty unusual, I suppose. Imagine if a hippy had a baby with a metal head but her favorite color was pink. I love to wear overalls, as I can store little things in the front pockets (and don’t have to worry about a stupid belt). I usually wear my pair of brown farming boots. I also wear brown, octagon shaped glasses (because I need them). 

Hey you honestly sound so cool and super nice and I hope you enjoy this

I ship you with Chop Top Sawyer

[hermitcraft-8]

lights of the city mini fics: ruby's story

...

Coming out to Casey was the easy part.

She was already a lesbian herself, and had actually been the one to suggest the nickname ‘Ruby’ ages prior, so chances were pretty good this wouldn’t be a problem. And it wasn’t! Ruby simply offhandedly mentioned she was a girl now, and she was also a lesbian, and Casey just nodded, a sort of smug, imperious look on her face, and moved on, unphased.

The hard part was coming out to her uncles.

It’s not that she was afraid of them, not at all, they were good men, regardless of their criminal enterprise. Mickey always took her shopping for new suits, even if he didn’t particularly care for fashion. Danny let her tag along when he went on walks, and explained the history of the hidden city as he went. Leonard- as much as he complained- still taught her to cook when she was bored as a child. As for Heinous Green, granted, he wasn’t exactly the most chatty man alive, but he was always willing to listen to her ramble about whatever wrestling move she’d picked up from her favorite human wrestler Ghost Bear. They were all good men.

But she really wasn’t sure what they’d think of this.

She knew that Mickey, at the very least, didn’t mind trans people. It’d come up during one of their dumpster diving trips, and he had, in his own way, admitted his support of the community.

“I mean,” He’d said, picking up a bag of chips and sniffing it. “‘S long as it don’t hurt me or mine, ‘s none o’ my business, bro. D’you think Leonard would eat salt ‘n vinegar if we told ‘im it was just salt?”

And that was it.

So, he at least didn’t have a problem with them, but that didn’t mean he’d be fine with his nephew becoming his niece.

It was harder than she would have expected to get the four of them in a room together. Leonard was always sulking around and trying to look cool in some corner, Danny was generally pretty busy with something or other, and if you looked away from Mickey for five minutes he would generally disappear under your nose. Heinous Green was easy, though, he had a soft spot for Ruby, and always had.

And so, after a good hour of effort, she got them all to sit on the couch, and she stood in front of them, and she took a deep deep breath.

“I have… I have something to tell you? And… and you have to wait until I’m done to talk, alright?”

Mickey made a zipping motion across his lips, and the other three nodded, and she sighed, sitting up a little straighter, balling her hands in her lap.

“I think- no. I am a girl. My name is Ruby, and I use she/her pronouns,” She said, before hesitating, trying to think of anything else to say. “I… I have always been a girl, but I didn’t figure it out until like a month ago. This doesn’t change who I am, I’m still the same person, I’m just… I’m just a girl now.”

She finally focused on the expressions of the men gathered in front of her, and- oh. Oh that was unexpected.

Danny was grinning widely and sharply at her, Heinous was nodding slowly, Leonard looked wholly unsurprised, and Mickey… well, Mickey looked absolutely befuddled, which was hardly anything new.

“I could have sworn…” He muttered, shaking his head. “We looked it up and everything-”

“She’s trans, dipshit,” Leonard rolled his eyes. “She’s sayin’ she’s transgenda.”

“Ohhhh,” Mickey’s eyes went wide. “I thought-”

“Ruby,” Danny leaned forward. “Do you want to try estrogen?”

“Uh,” She blinked. “I don’t… I don’t know, should I?”

“It’s up to you,” He said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “But I have been wanting to rob a pharmaceutical company for months now, and-”

“-And what he’s saying is, we support ya.” Leonard said, huffing. “If you’re a chick, then you’re a chick. Good on ya. You can still drive, right?”

“Yeah?”

“Then we have no problems with it. Right Green?”

Heinous nodded.

Ruby sniffed. “You guys… you guys mean it? For real?”

“We mean it,” Danny smiled. “For real.”

She launched herself forward, and Heinous caught her easy, picking her up and swinging around, just like he had when she was a little girl.