#v. another nightmare in hawkins [ STRANGER THINGS ].

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

for the first time in michael’s life, he has a friend. steve harrington started off as someone michael disliked and avoided in high school, to someone that worked at the same mall as him, to a casual acquaintance…. to a friend, to something that feels more than that. they're not dating, of course not, they haven't even kissed yet, but the way they look at each other and pine aren't signs of a normal friendship... but then again, what would michael know? steve has been his first for many things, so michael has nothing to compare their bond to.

earlier today, though-- he heard robin bring michael up while in conversation with steve, and though he couldn't hear the entire thing, it was clear it was a slightly uncomfortable thing to discuss. michael can't help but wonder why, and the worry of it gnaws at the back of his mind all day. "steve-- can we talk?" he doesn't like how steve seemed to just be going home instead of hanging out with michael after closing like he typically does. it's not a good sign, but it could just be a coincidence. // @hairoic

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

“i know,  but if you do that,  it’s going to cause more problems...  especially considering our reputation.”  this is why michael didn’t want gareth to see the bruising on his face and the rip on his shirt.  too late to do any hiding now,  though.

“i don’t want to be the bigger person,” he’ll even use air quotations. “i want to punch them in the fucking face,” // open rp

[stranger-fanfiction-n-things]

CHAPTER 2: THE WEIRDO ON MAPLE STREET

This is an Original Character fanfiction. All Stranger Things characters and content are owned by Netflix and The Duffer Brothers.

a/n: I accidentally deleted the original post. :( But we move! Here we have (again) another Eddie and Diana moment. Slow Burns FTW. What do you guys think about the Uptown/Downtown scene? Foreshadowing anyone?

Word Count: 3633

Masterlist

PART I || PART II || PART III || PART IV || PART V

CORNWALLIS AND KERLEY 

When I told Barb I was going to walk home, I really didn’t think about how far the walk would be, especially in the cold. I tuck my chin beneath my coat bracing myself against the wind. I have been walking through the neighbourhood for what feels like an hour but is probably only 20 minutes, based on the fact I passed Barb’s car not too long ago. The neighbourhood is quiet, apart from the wind rustling through the trees in the surrounding forests. I speed walk pass the large, extravagant houses with my hands bunched into tights fists inside my pockets. 

Tonight was a nightmare. I still can’t believe the way Nancy was acting in front of Steve and his friends. In front of me and Barb…to blatantly dismiss us like we were servants done with our nightly duties is so…I don’t have the words. To top it off, Barb still stayed behind to make sure Nancy doesn’t do anything stupid, meanwhile I’m walking all the way home in the middle of the night, at god knows what time. Will is still missing and whatever is out that may have taken him— A sudden gust sends a flurry of leaves spiraling upwards off the ground. I flinch, tripping over my foot. 

This is so stupid, Diana.

I push my legs to walk faster, nearing Benny’s Burgers. There are no police officers lingering around the premises anymore, but the diner is still closed. I slow down, lingering in front of the building wishing I could use the phone to call my parents to pick me up. It would take hours for me to walk back uptown. I take a deep breath and count down from five to calm myself down. I was stranded. Frustrated tears brim my eyes. I should’ve been home or actually at the assembly on the field for Will. I wipe my tears with my cold hands and continue to walk. 

Maybe this was karma for lying. 

Ten minutes later I am approaching the intersection of Cornwallis and Kerley. My ears perk up as I hear a low rumbling sound in front of me. A jolt ripples through me. I see a large van driving and I squint, covering my eyes at the headlights. The van stops at the stop sign before driving down the street behind me. I release a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and continue to walk. After a few minutes I hear the same low rumbling behind me. I turn my head and realize it’s the same van that passed me not too long ago. 

A tight knot forms in my stomach, but I push it down and walk faster. The van lights grow bigger and bigger on the pavement as it draws closer. I want to run but I would be foolish to think I can out run a moving vehicle. And where would I go to hide? There are no houses between here and the train tracks. I bite my lower lip hard to stop my chin from trembling. I hear the van drive up until its beside me. I pretend not to notice and continue walking straight. Maybe if I pay this person no mind, they’ll leave me alone. The lights turn off and I hear the window roll down. 

“Diana?” A voice says from inside the van. 

I let out a high-pitched scream and quickly cover my mouth. So much was happening in town, I didn’t want to add to it. My heart is beating so fast in my chest and so loud in my ears, I feel like I might pass out. 

“Oh, shit. Sorry,” the person giggles. Giggles! “It’s me, Eddie.” Eddie? 

I press a trembling hand to my chest as if that would do anything to slow my racing heart. Bracing myself, I take a cautious step towards the van. I peer through the open window. Sure enough, it’s Eddie, from Hawkins High. The boy I bumped into in the hallway yesterday. 

“Oh, h-hi, Eddie.” I sniff, wiping the tears from my cheeks.

“What are you doing out here?” he asks, brows furrowing in concern. 

“I was on my way home.” 

“Home? You live around here?” 

“N-No,” I stutter. “I live on Dearborn and Maple.” 

“Are you walking to your car?” 

“I-I don’t have a car.” 

“So, you were—” Eddie stops. He licks his lower lip and rubs his chin. “You were going to walk all the way to Dearborn and Maple from here?” 

I shrug my shoulders, crossing my arms above my chest. “It’s not that bad.” It’s actually much worse. 

“Not that bad?” He looks at me like I’ve grown another head. I notice by his tone he seems…upset. “Do you know what time it is?” 

I pout shaking my head, feeling like I’m being scolded. I never checked the time when I left Steve’s house. It must’ve been after 10pm now. Eddie looks at me, dark brown eyes roaming up and down and side to side. If my cheeks weren’t cold from the wind, it would be on fire. I shift from side to side, biting my lower lip.

“You know what, never mind.” He says, shaking his head. “Just get in.” 

“No, really. It’s okay, I can walk.” 

“I’m not going to let you walk all the way home by yourself in the middle of the night. Especially with that kid missing.” He says reaching over to open the door. “Get in. I’m taking you home.” 

I slide inside the car closing the door behind me. I quickly roll up the window savouring the heat. The van is wide and spacious from the inside and I feel extremely small. I secure my seatbelt on, pulling my hood off my head. I shiver, defrosting under the newfound heat. 

“Are you okay?” Eddie asks. I nod my head, sniffing softly. “I’m sorry about the mess.” He says, putting the car in drive.

I look around the van. It looks pretty clean to me. The trunk had an array of pillows and carpeted flooring. It felt homey and personalized. 

“It doesn’t look a mess to me.” I say, quietly. “Thank you, for doing this.” 

Eddie nods his head and I lean back in the chair playing with my fingers. The van is quiet apart from the heater blowing. I’ve seen this van around in school—well I heard it before I saw it because of how loud it was. Never did I think I’d be inside the car with a boy I met 24 hours ago. 

“Where are you coming from?” 

“A house party.” 

Eddie wrinkles his nose. “On a Tuesday?” Exactly what I said. He takes his eyes off the road for a moment to look at me. “I never took you to be the partying type.” 

I’m not sure if I should take offence to that remark or not, but nonetheless, I shake my head. 

“I’m not.” 

“Why did you go then?” 

The question weighs heavy in my chest. From the embarrassment to the shock of what happened tonight. I don’t know how to answer Eddie. 

“I went for…” I think of the right words to use. “Moral support.” 

Eddie nods his head, leaning back in his seat. One hand remained on the wheel while the other stayed perched on the centre console. I envy how relaxed he looks while driving. I had to have two hands on the steering wheel at all times and I sat so close to the dashboard, Dad asks me if I’m trying to drive or go through the windshield. 

“Where was this party? I didn’t see any cars parked on the road when I was driving down the street.” 

I rub my lips together, sinking deeper into the chair. 

“Steve Harrington’s.” I mutter. 

“Hm.” 

I don’t know what’s worse. Telling Eddie I went to Steve Harrington’s house or Eddie’s response. 

“I-I honestly wouldn’t call it a party. It was more of a hang out.” 

“Did you have fun as at least?” 

I shake my head. Eddie snorts. 

“Figures.” He says. “Why not?” 

Everything that happened tonight flashes in a blink of an eye. I take a deep breath and speak. 

“Tommy H and Carol were there. I don’t feel comfortable around that group, but my best friend, Nancy does. At least I think she does—” I frown shaking my head. “I don’t know…it was all so bizarre. I want to be there for her. We both did, Barb and I, but I couldn’t stay there any longer.”  

“They’re still at the party.” I nod my head. The weight in my chest feels heavier. “Why would they stay knowing you felt uncomfortable being there?” 

The car is quiet again as we pass over the train tracks. I turn to Eddie; he’s looking straight at the road. Again, I don’t know how to respond to him. It’s a question I honestly don’t have an answer for. I swallow down the lump forming in my throat. 

“I don’t know,” I respond. My voice sounds hoarse. “It’s complicated.” 

Eddie shakes his head. “Doesn’t sound complicated to me. You didn’t want to go to the ‘party’ but did anyway to support Nancy. I’m sure she seen how uncomfortable you looked, but still decided to stay and left you to walk across town in the middle of the night by yourself.” He sounds upset again and I’m not sure why. 

“Well, I wanted to leave and Barb wanted to leave too. I know she did.” 

“If Barbara wanted to leave, she would’ve. With you.” He was right. Barb would’ve, but I don’t need to confirm that. 

“But then Nancy would be by herself.” I answer, with the same approach as Barb. 

Eddie glances at me. “Trust me. Nancy would not be by herself.” 

I frown at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“She’s with Steve Harrington.” He said, matter-of-factly. Though I know what he’s alluding to and I go over what he asked and how I replied. Did I suggest Nancy is having sex with Steve? 

“Nancy isn’t like that.” I defend.

“You don’t sound too sure.” Eddie responds. 

I open my mouth to speak, but the words don’t come. I close my mouth and look at the road. I feel like I’ve betrayed Nancy’s trust, even though I know I didn’t say anything. This is the first time I’ve spoken to Eddie and he’s managed to read my mind in the matter of minutes. Was it written all over my face? Or was I just that easy to read? I pout, removing my hair from inside my jacket. My waves fall down my front and the faint smell of coconut and vanilla lingers in my nose. I decide to change the topic of conversation. 

“Where are you coming from?” 

“The Hideout.” I arch my brow and Eddie smiles. “It’s a bar on Mulberry and Cherry Oak.” 

“Aren’t you too young to work at a bar?” 

“If you wanna get all technical, yes. But, it’s the only place in this town that’ll let me and my band play.” 

“You have a band?” I say, smiling. “That’s cool. Really cool actually.” He looks like he’d have a band. “What’s the name of your band?” 

“Corroded Coffin.” 

“Does it mean anything?” 

Eddie approaches a stop sign and looks at me. “It’s just metal, sweetheart.” He says softly. 

My heart beat picks up speed. Sweetheart. My mom calls me sweetheart all the time, but hearing Eddie say it, makes me feel airy and light, yet heavy and fast. I don’t know. Eddie’s eyes roam my face again and I wonder if there’s something on it. The back of my neck feels hot and I break eye contact, playing with the ends of my hair. 

“What instrument do you play?” I ask, breathless. Eddie continues straight. 

“Lead guitar. I also sing a little.” 

“Oh wow! Do you write your own songs?” 

“Not really. Just sing covers. Judas Priest, Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, KISS. All the greats.” 

“I’ve never heard of them.” 

“What kind of music are you into? Actually, let me guess. Madonna. Cyndi Lauper. Billy Joel—” 

“You name these people like they make bad music.” I interject. 

Eddie wrinkles his nose, shrugging his shoulders. My jaw drops. 

“They all make good music!” I defend, sitting up. “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun? Holiday? Uptown Girl!” 

“Meh.” I gawk. 

“I bet your sister likes Uptown Girl.” 

“Sister?” Eddie queried. I suddenly feel cold. Eddie glances at me again and smirks. “Do you know something I don’t know? Find out I have a secret relative lurking around Hawkins.” 

“Oh, I-I thought the girl you’re always with was a relative. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have assumed.” 

“Ronnie?” Eddie makes a left turn on Cherry Oak. I nod my head. 

“You both look alike.” 

“Yeah, we get that a lot,” his eyes light up. “But no, she’s not my cousin. She’s my best friend, like a sister to me.” 

“She’s very tall.” 

Eddie laughs and my stomach feels like it’s full of butterflies fluttering all at once. “That she is.” 

“What’s wrong with Uptown Girl?” I continue. “A sweet downtown man trying to court an uptown girl. I think it’s romantic.” 

“It’s cliché. In real life, an uptown girl would never pick a downtown man.” 

“You don’t know that.” 

Eddie gives me a look. “If an uptown man was trying to court her as well, she’d pick him instead of the downtown man.” 

“You don’t know that either.” I counter. 

“Would you date a downtown man?” 

“If he was sweet and kind. Why not?” 

“Even if he couldn’t afford to buy you pearls?” He arches his brow playfully. I grin.

“So, you’ve listened to the song.” 

Eddie smiles back, his dimples appear on his cheeks. “I never said I didn’t.” 

I ignore the butterflies. “Admit it. You like the song.” 

Eddie shakes his head, but his smile remains. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, sweetheart.” Sweetheart. 

“I wouldn’t discriminate a person because of how much money they don’t have. It’s not about the money. It’s about love.” 

“It’s always about the money.” I shake my head. “You’d live in a box with a downtown man, all for love?” 

I scrunch my nose, shaking my head. “No…”  

“Exactly. It’s all a cliché.” 

“If I had a house, he’d just move in with me and the house will become ours.” 

The expression on Eddie’s face makes me wonder if he’s trying not to laugh at me or not. It reminds me of Erica yesterday at breakfast forcing herself to refrain from laughing out loud when Lucas teased me about my driving. 

“What about everyone else?” 

“What about them?” 

“Assuming you’re the uptown girl, what if your uptown friends disapprove of the downtown man?” 

“If the downtown man treats me well and loves me as much as I love him, their opinions won’t matter.” 

“Hm.” 

I don’t know if hm is a good or bad.

“So, what about you?” I ask. Eddie looks at me with a slight frown. “Would you date an uptown girl?” 

The frown smoothens between his brows and Eddie’s eyes roam my face again. I don’t know if I’m overheating or not, but my cheeks feel hot and I want to ask him to turn down the heat. His dark brown eyes linger on my lips for a split second before flickering to my eyes. I rub my lips together to feel if something were on them. I feel nothing. 

“If she’ll have me.” he murmurs. 

“Maybe she can buy you pearls.” Eddie laughs and I laugh too. 

“I wouldn’t mind. Enough about me though. Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do?” 

“Um…Dance. Ballet to be specific, though sometimes I want to try jazz.” 

“Explain jazz to me. I only know it to be a music genre.” 

“Jazz is like…a mixture of ballet and modern dance. That’s the best way I can explain it.” 

“Are you going to do it? Jazz dance, I mean.” I shrug my shoulders. 

Transitioning from ballet to jazz was going to be an adjustment and a big step outside of my comfort zone. Sometimes before rehearsals, I’d watch the other classes of the girls and boys dance to funk and pop music. I am always in awe of the way they moved their bodies. It looked so…free and unrestricted. Less technical than ballet. I dance to Prince and Rick James in my room all the time and these classes immolated what I felt when I do. But telling my parents I want to switch over to jazz would be another hurdle to jump over. I will need to ease them and myself into that. 

“If you’re interested in it, I think you should.” 

“Maybe one day.” 

“What’s stopping you?” 

 “The Nutcracker season.” 

 “The Nutcracker?” 

Unlike Tommy H, Carol and Steve. Eddie didn’t make fun. He seems genuinely interested in what I had to say. And for the first time, I don’t feel…embarrassed to talk about myself. 

“Every year at my dance studio, we perform The Nutcracker. It’s a two-act play by Tchaikovsky and this year I got one of the leads in the second act.”  

“Congratulations.” He says with a smile. 

“Thank you.” I blush. “All my time and energy is put into the performance but with Will’s disappearance, classes are cancelled.” 

Just like that. All the light and life in the van disappears like blowing out a candle. I breathe deeply, sitting back into the seat. The car is quiet for a few minutes. I’m lost in my thoughts of Will, Lucas and the boys; Miss Byers and Jonathan. I need to talk to Jonathan tomorrow and check in with him. 

“Do you know Will?” Eddie speculates. 

“He’s my little brother’s best friend.” 

“I’m sorry.” I blink and glance at him. It’s the first time anyone said that to me and I realize, I never thought about how I’ve been affected by Will’s disappearance. 

“I just hope we find him.” 

“Me too.” Eddie murmurs and deep down inside me, I know he means it. 

I peer out the window just as we pass Dustin’s house. I pray I don’t see three boys on bikes riding down the street and tell Eddie to make a right on Elm Street and then another right on Gloucester. As we approach my neighbourhood, I begin to take my keys out of my pocket. 

“My house is just around the corner near the end of the cul-de-sac. Blue with white shutters.” 

Eddie eases inside my driveway. Thankfully the house lights are off which meant everyone was asleep. It would be easier to sneak in. I can’t believe I’m plotting how to get inside my own house.

“You don’t have to drive me to my door. I can walk from here.” I say, taking off my seatbelt. I don’t want to draw too much attention to the house in case my parents are awake for some reason. 

“I already drove across town to get you home, the least I can do it drive you to your front door.” 

“No, it’s okay. I’ll be fine.” I assure him with a smile. 

Eddie reluctantly puts his car in park and shuts off the car. I am surprised when he takes off his seat belt to twist his body to face me. It creates a little distance between us. 

“Why?” he asks, somewhat defensively. I don’t want him to feel like I’m using him so I tell him the truth. 

“I’m not supposed to be home,” I answer, sheepishly. “I’m supposed to be at Nancy’s house up the street but—” 

“You were at Harrington’s.” Eddie finishes. I nod my head. 

Eddie relaxes his stance, resting his arm on the steering wheel. He gestures to my front door. 

“I’ll wait here and watch you walk to your door.” 

“Thank you for driving me home.”

“Please don’t walk around at night by yourself again.” 

I tuck a loose curl behind my ear. “I won’t, I promise.” 

“I won’t leave until you’re inside. 

I open the door, stiffening at the cool wind blowing past. Closing the door, I begin to walk towards my front door. I am just passing the front of his car when I hear my name. 

“Yes?” I say, approaching Eddie. 

“Listen to “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS. It’s a hard rock song with disco influences. I think you’ll enjoy it.” 

I blink, not expecting him to say that. “Okay!” I answer with a smile. When he smiles back and his dimples show, I can’t help but grin and lean forward. 

“Listen to “Candy Girl” by New Edition. It’s my favourite song right now.” 

“Candy Girl,” he muses. I notice a slight flush in his cheeks and lean back. “Okay.” 

I bite my lip, tucking my hair behind my ear. I know I have to go inside, but part of me wants to stay with Eddie and talk all night in his van. I enjoyed our short conversations and how at ease I felt talking to him. 

“Thank you again, Eddie.” 

Eddie looks in my eyes this time and I force myself to keep eye contact. “You’re Welcome, Diana.” 

“See you tomorrow.” 

“See you tomorrow.” 

I feel his stare at the back of my head, as I walk to my front door. I quietly enter my house but don’t close the door all the way, peeking through the crack. As promised, Eddie pulls out of my driveway and even kept his headlights off until he was out. I close the door completely and lock my door, but instead of walking through the foyer, I linger, touching my lips. I can’t hide the smile on my face even if I wanted to. 

CHAPTER 3: HOLLY, JOLLY

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

cont. from x,  @losesfights

michael does not forget faces,  ever.  especially not if the face belongs to the best friend of his high school bully,  tommy.  of course,  michael was bullied and harassed by many different students of hawkins high,  but none of them were ever quite as bad as tommy and his girlfriend,  carol.  it’s nothing that left an impression on michael,  their insults at the time having meant nothing to him but a mere annoyance.  he remembers steve sometimes being there--  standing off to the side,  looking amused or uncomfortable,  depending on the day.  sometimes,  he’d look distracted,  completely unfocused on the situation at hand.  either way,  steve never harassed him directly,  so michael holds no ill intent towards him.  not a fan either,  but he is...  curious about steve.  how does the king of hawkins high end up working at an ice cream shop wearing a uniform like that?  

“thank you,  steve,”  he says calmly,  baby blues briefly glancing down at steve’s chest as he takes the sample.  “your name tag is missing.”  still,  he knew his name.  he tastes the ice cream and though his expression remains uncomfortably unreadable,  it’s clear he liked it by the look in his eyes.  “i like it.  can i buy a large one of it?  can you put...”  he glances over at the toppings list.  “sprinkles,  oreos,  m&m’s,  cookie dough and...  gummy worms on it?”

[eddycurrents]

For the week of 24 June 2019

Quick Bits:

Action Comics #1012 keeps a number of plates spinning with the Invisible Mafia, Leviathan, and tying in events in Superman, while bringing back a character who we’ve not seen for some time in the DCU. Some great layouts and art from Szymon Kudranski and Brad Anderson.

| Published by DC Comics

Age of X-Man: X-Tremists #5 is the explosive conclusion to this mini from Leah Williams, Georges Jeanty, Roberto Poggi, Jim Charalampidis, and Clayton Cowles. We get Jubilee’s perspective on the end, as they all collectively remember what came before, what was taken from them, and the nightmare that they’ve been placed in and forced to participate. Damn good stuff.

| Published by Marvel

Amazing Spider-Man #24 is a lot of Peter avoiding dealing with things in a rational adult manner and some weird stuff with Mysterio and the new villain who has been haunting the series for a while. My guess is that it’s Ned Leeds, but his true identity is still hidden for the moment. Pretty good for a buffer issue.

| Published by Marvel

Angel #2 is another entertaining issue from Bryan Edward Hill, Gleb Melnikov, Gabriel Cassata, and Ed Dukeshire. There’s another nice split as we see a bit of Angel’s past as he reforges a slayer as his “axe” and then a dive into the current evil plaguing the kids in social media. Wonderful reveal of Lilith’s “true form” as well, great design by Melnikov.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Ascender #3 is harrowing and breathtaking. While Andy and Mila try to run in the present, we get more information on what happened with them and Effie in the time between Descender and now. Gorgeous, stunning artwork from Dustin Nguyen.

| Published by Image

Bad Luck Chuck #4 concludes what has been a fun, but weird, series from Lela Gwenn, Matthew Dow Smith, Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Frank Cvetkovic. And it ends with a pretty epic battle between cops and nuns.

| Published by Dark Horse

Black Panther #13 begins the next arc of “Two Thousand Suns” and T’Challa’s attempts to contact anyone back on Earth. Daniel Acuña returns to provide the art and it is beautiful. The effects as T’Challa attempts to calculate a communication path to Earth with the various planets and such are amazing.

| Published by Marvel

Detective Comics #1006 begins a new arc guest-starring the Spectre, with art from Kyle Hotz and David Baron. The Corrigan/Spectre joining sure works different than it used to. Interesting mystery with the Spectre cult and great art.

| Published by DC Comics

Ghost Tree #3 takes a few nice moments of quiet introspection and reflection from Brandt and Arami, as well as exploring more of Brandt’s grandparents life, before ramping up the tension with the demon. Beautiful artwork from Simon Gane, Ian Herring, and Becka Kinzie.

| Published by IDW

Justice League Dark #12 has huge ramifications as “Lords of Order” rages on. Stunning artwork from Alvaro Martínez Bueno, Raul Fernandez, and Brad Anderson. Also Tynion gives us a fascinating rumination on magic between Batman and Wonder Woman.

| Published by DC Comics

Killer Groove #2 continues this excellent crime drama. The little pieces of interaction and tiny character stories throughout this issue are wonderful. Ollie Masters’ approach to the narrative reminds me a lot of Robert Altman. 

| Published by AfterShock

Road of Bones #2 leans hard into the brutal survival aspect of travelling across Russia in winter, without much idea or sense of where you’re going. Wonderful art from Alex Cormack.

| Published by IDW

The Silencer #18 concludes this series with a kind of stock-taking story from Dan Abnett, V. Ken Marion, Sandu Florea, Mike Spicer, and Tom Napolitano. There’s some bits about the reconciliation between Blake and Honor, but a large portion of this is Honor trying to find out information on what’s happening with Leviathan. 

| Published by DC Comics

Stranger Things: Six #2 continues to flesh out the time before the first season at Hawkins Labs as we continue to follow Francine through her past and experiences there. There’s a wonderful feeling of dread with the glimpses of the Upside Down.

| Published by Dark Horse

Thor #14 builds on events in War of the Realms #6 with a story that is concurrent with what happens in that book diving into the younger Thor’s perspective. Great art from Scott Hepburn and Matthew Wilson.

| Published by Marvel

Transformers/Ghostbusters #1 is a great debut from Erik Burnham, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado, and Tom B. Long beautifully integrating the two properties here. Cybertron as destroyed by Gozer is just wonderful, and there’s a nice bit of humour that fits well with Burnham and Schoening’s other Ghostbusters work.

| Published by IDW

War of the Realms #6 is the conclusion to this event with Jason Aaron, Russell Dauterman, Matthew Wilson, and Joe Sabino giving us a “storm of Thors”. It’s fairly epic as Thor and Malekith meet in the final confrontation, capping off one of the longest narrative arcs in Marvel that began back in Thor: God of Thunder #1 years ago. There’s more to come, but this is a very satisfying end.

| Published by Marvel

The Weatherman #1 is a welcome return for the second volume of this series from Jody LeHeup, Nathan Fox, Moreno Dinisio, and Steve Wands. The story shifts as the team search for the clue to unlocking Bright’s memories on the one place we thought previously was all dead...Earth. Great stuff.

| Published by Image

Wolverine: Exit Wounds #1 is another of Marvel’s 80th Anniversary one-shots, this one presenting three stories from some of the luminary creators that have worked on Wolverine before. The standout for me is the Wolverine/Venom story from Sam Kieth and Ronda Pattison. It’s a simple Vs. story, but the artwork is gorgeous. Larry Hama, Scot Eaton, Sean Parsons, and Matt Milla & Chris Claremont, Salvador Larroca, and Val Staples provide the other two stories giving a glimpse into other stages in Logan’s past. Joe Sabino provides letters for all three stories and it’s nice to see how he adapts for the tone and style of each tale.

| Published by Marvel

Wonder Woman #73 is a fill-in from Steve Orlando, Aaron Lopresti, Matt Ryan, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Pat Brosseau giving us a story of Diana’s past in an alternate reality. It’s a decent tale on its own, giving a hint at something important for the ongoing story.

| Published by DC Comics

Other Highlights: Avengers #20, Battlestar Galactica: Twilight Command #5, The Beauty #27, Bone Parish #10, Books of Magic #9, Canto #1, Conan the Barbarian #7, The Crow/Hack/Slash #1, Dark Red #4, Deadly Class #39, Diabolical Summer, Dial H for Hero #4, Dick Tracy Forever #3, Doctor Strange #15, Eve Stranger #2, Fantastic Four #11, Fight Club 3 #6, The Flash #73, Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man #8, GLOW #3, The Goon #3, Head Lopper #12, High Level #5, Invader Zim #44, Isola #8, Kick-Ass #15, KISS: The End #3, Magnificent Ms. Marvel #4, Major X #5, Marilyn Manor #1, Martian Manhunter #6, Marvel Comics Presents #6, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #40, Mr. & Mrs. X #12, Punk Mambo #3, Punks Not Dead: London Calling #5, Redneck #21, Rick & Morty #51, Runaways #22, Spawn #298, Spider-Man Annual #1, Star Wars: Age of Rebellion - Darth Vader #1, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge #3, Steel Cage #1, Stone Star #4, Summit #15, Superior Spider-Man #8, Teen Titans: Raven, Thanos #3, Thief of Thieves #43, War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #4, War of the Realms: The Punisher #3, War of the Realms: Uncanny X-Men #3, X-Men: Grand Design - X-Tinction #2

Recommended Collections: Breakneck, Coda - Volume 2, Fearscape - Volume 1, Hardcore - Volume 1, HP Lovecraft’s At the Mountains of Madness - Volume 1, Interceptor - Volume 1, Joe Golem: Occult Detective - Volume 3: The Drowning City, Man of Steel, Old Lady Harley, Outcast - Book 3, Relay - Volume 1, Shock - Volume 2, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra - Volume 5: Worst Among Equals, Starjammers, Tony Stark: Iron Man - Volume 2: Stark Realities, Usagi Yojimbo - Volume 33: The Hidden, Wasted Space - Volume 1, West Coast Avengers - Volume 2: City of Evils

d. emerson eddy enjoys frozen cheesecake bites.

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐍𝐒

What Does Your Muse Smell Like?  michael is very sensitive to strong,  fake fragrances and is typically not a fan of colognes or perfumes for that same reason.  he doesn’t wear any cologne but he does wear deodorant and showers once or twice a day.  most of the time he will smell like coconut oil because his shampoo, conditioner and soap all have that ingredient.  when he starts working as a custodian he will smell like cleaning products as well,  but coconut and tree oil are the most prominent.  also weed. 

What Do Your Muse’s Hands Feel Like?  he’s got rough,  dry hands.  lotion wasn’t exactly a priority to give to patients during his time at pennhurst,  and the winters have always been cold and dry.  he also lifts weights so that’s caused some callouses,  and with how many cleaning chemicals he uses at his job and all the scrubbing/mopping/sweeping,  his hands get a bit worse.  big and rough and not gentle at all...  though he tries to be gentle w people he cares about!

What Does Your Muse Usually Eat In A Day?  michael has a terrible,  unhealthy diet,  which is surprising considering how fit his body is.  in his defense,  the last time he had a home-cooked meal he was six,  and then from the ages of six to fifteen he just ate whatever food was given to him in pennhurst.  pudding,  suspicious looking meat loaf,  milk and juice,  frozen veggies.  after beginning to live on his own,  he started eating out every single day.  fast food three,  four times a day,  and an excessive amount of junk food.  candies especially,  because he’s always craving sugar.  he does not eat healthy AT ALL and has the appetite of a growing teenage boy even though he is very much done growing.  

Does Your Muse Have A Good Singing Voice?  michael has never sung ever,  because...  he does not listen to music,  not really.  so he’s never had the urge to sing.  he has a nice voice but he talks too softly/quietly for him to be considered a good singer,  so...  no.

Does Your Muse Have Any Bad Habits Or Nervous Ticks? bad habits...  well,  the junk food eating is definitely one of them.  he also is an obsessive watcher with people,  something that has deemed him a stalker throughout his high school years.  it’s not really a “bad habit” but it is a habit--  michael smokes weed a lot,  but hey,  it’s better than having to take the super strong medications given to him by pennhurst.  as for nervous ticks,  even with his autism,  michael is a very still person and does not express his anxiety.  he’s incredibly difficult to read and is just...  incredibly stiff and does not make it clear when things or people are bothering him.  the most he does is shove his hands into the pockets of his sweater and fidget with his fingers,  but that’s really it

What Does Your Muse Usually Look Like/Wear?  during his high school years,  michael wears a lot of black.  band shirts of bands he doesn’t listen to,  chains and boots and jeans.  after dropping out and becoming more comfortable with himself,  he starts wearing loose hoodies and plain t-shirts,  pastel colors or plain white.  sweatpants or loose jeans.  lots and lots of sweaters and when he starts working he’s seen in his custodial jumpsuit like 90% of the time bc it’s comfy.  he wears big headphones a lot though there’s never any music playing,  it’s just to block out the loudness of the outside.  floofy brown curls that always sway over his forehead too <3

Is Your Muse Affectionate? How So? he is not affectionate at all until he gets shown affection constantly.  michael spent nearly a decade under heavy observation and heavily medicated and the last time he was embraced or kissed anywhere was when he was six.  he feels extremely awkward and uncomfortable with the concept of affection and cannot fathom anyone wanting to be physical with him in any possible way.  he’s the type to pull away from hand touches or hugs until he really,  really warms up to the person,  but if he has a crush on someone he will crave affection,  even though he doesn’t know it’s what he wants.  if he is close with someone though,  he will initiate affection sometimes,  though he still usually waits for the other person to make the first move.  he is,  however,  a huge weakling for sleeping together with someone he loves,  in the sense of them sharing a bed and cuddling or just being close to each other while they sleep.  he also remembers dates and information of the people he cares about.  will never forget an anniversary,  a birthday,  their favorite color or favorite food,  what they dislike,  etc.  

What Position Does Your Muse Sleep In?  if sleeping alone,  michael sleeps on his back with his arms to his side and does not move at all the entire night.  he’s got that corpse stiffness syndrome lmaoooooooo

Could You Hear Your Muse In The Hallway From Another Room? absolutely not.  people can’t even hear michael when they’re standing face to face with him because of how quiet he is.  not just verbally,  but even for his massive size,  he moves extremely quietly.

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

“Do you have a problem with me?”  //  @gareththegreat​

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

“You can’t laugh,” Is what Billy leads with, because well, she doesn’t do this shit. The most she gets away with primping is when she’s pretending she’s a boy, she’s a boy and she likes real girls, and Neil is satisfied with that. This is not that, this is real makeup, lipstick and gaudy eyeshadow because the only thing she has to go off of is the girls at school. The kind her mother would wear on dates when she was sane and her father was happy and life was simple.

She’s hiding behind the bathroom door because well, she worries. Sure, Michael likes Billy, but that’s Boy Billy, the one who lifts weights and smokes Marlboros and wears his bloody knuckles like trophies.

“If you laugh, I will beat your ass.” Pulling the door open feels like the ending of something.

michael is unsure of what billy is going to show him, but clearly, it's something that means a lot to the other. so of course he isn't going to laugh. not like michael is the laughing type anyway, typically not one to find humor in things others do. he has a stiff personality, which is why it surprises him every day billy ended up liking him as much as he does. he has no complaints, of course. how could he? billy is the only one in hawkins who likes michael. he won't question it.

"you always threaten to beat me up. you've yet to do it," he bites back playfully, staying seated on billy's bed. billy's family is gone to a vacation for the weekend so it's just the two of them in the house. he waits and waits until his boyfriend comes out of the bathroom, and he's not sure what he's expecting to see, but it isn't this. billy with makeup, a dress and heels that look a little too tight on him. it's an unexpected sight -- a little odd, but michael doesn't think negatively of it. billy looks... natural. uncomfortable to be seen like this, yes, but nothing seems out of place.

michael blinks, red rising to his cheeks at the full sight. he takes a moment before he stands up, walking up to @antithesederzeit to close the distance between them. his fingers brush over his boyfriend's cheek, tucking strands of curls behind his ear. "you look beautiful ... why would i laugh?"

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

cont. from x, @hawkinshellraiser

with michael's massive size, it's no surprise he's constantly left hungry after lunch at school. he has a quick metabolism and he typically tries to get a second serving of lunch, either by taking whatever someone doesn't eat or as of late, he'll take whatever the hellfire club members don't eat. he doesn't think they like him very much -- gareth especially, but they keep it civil because eddie likes michael and well, at the end of the day, michael doesn't look for problems. they certainly look for him, though.

"thank you," he responds softly, eyes warming up with affection. he takes the pudding and eats it quickly, sucking on the spoon after. his hand moves slightly, wrapping over eddie's thigh, thumb caressing above his knee. "i don't know ... you live kind of far." the joke is that they live in the same trailer park. he smiles at eddie. "i'll make the trip for you."

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

...Okay,  so she’s in a mood.  One of the reasons they’re able to get along so well is because they both have thick skin and don’t have to lie to each other to keep themselves happy.  But a downside to both of them being so blunt is it makes anger rise all that easier.  He swallows up his arguments and does as he’s told,  eating from the tupperware she slides over to him.  Potatoes,  vegetables and salmon...  it tastes delicious,  so he has no qualms with finishing it all,  even after she takes his milkshake.  “Max--”  baby blues glance up at her,  guilt showing in his brows.  “You think I can’t deal with your brother?  Of course I can.  I just do not want him to be an issue to you.”

continued from here. @pumpkinstabs

"Eating better isn't only for growing. It's to stay healthy, and I want you around a while." She admitted, arching an eyebrow slightly. "You don't like how small I am? -- What if I stay this little forever? What then?" She asked, as she crossed her arms over her chest, slightly insulted, but she knew he was blunt.. Why was she so surprised now? Scooting the leftovers in front of him, as she slowly took the milkshake. "Please, just eat a little.-- It's delicious." His words continued to upset her, only this time, they made her stand defensively. Ready to bolt at any second. "My brother? You don't want problems with my brother? If I am going to cause problems --- I can just not come around. I wouldn't want to be an issue..."

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

cont from x, @hawkinshellraiser

michael wraps his arms around his books a little tighter, baby blues glancing off to the side, because even after everything they've done together, michael still struggles making eye contact with eddie. which is a shame, because eddie has some beautiful eyes. "yes... of course i want to. if it means spending time with you," he says bashfully, having always been curious about how eddie gets during his hellfire club games but never having been bold enough to ask.

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

"you don't have to lie to me, you know..." michael can't even pretend he knows why steve has been hiding his outings with his friends from michael. yes, he knows steve and nancy dated in the past and he doesn't really care about it, but maybe... he should care about it. at least, that's what the voice in his mind tells him. the strange, unsettling voice that has been getting louder & louder over the past week. steve has been looking at him strangely and has been spending more time with that nancy girl and the kids he calls his friends. michael can't help but wonder if he did something wrong. because he always does something wrong, doesn't he? he can't even understand how steve is still with him, especially considering how odd and tense the past week or so has been. time has been slipping past without michael noticing.

the distress is visible in michael's face as he moves closer to @hairoic, the sweat clear on his brow. he almost looks sick, which for michael, is unheard of. "are you avoiding me?"

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

bites his arm

michael looks down, way down at gareth, confusion shown in his face as he tries to move his arm away because ouch. that hurts, gareth, and not exactly in the good way because it's his arm. "um... is this your way of saying hi?"

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

if not for the girl, for the very girl that has michael's heart so warmly held in her small hands, the girl who michael would do anything for-- he'd be the perfect tool for the mindflayer. the flayer dislikes chrissy greatly, not just because she's the one who got away from its grasp but also because now she's in the way. and of course, michael refuses to get rid of her. he would never harm her in any way... much to the flayer's dismay. "i think it would be best if you just left, chrissy." his voice is so soft as he speaks because of course he doesn't want her to leave ... but he doesn't trust himself right now. she's safer the further away she gets from him, from this town.

---☁︎｡⋆｡ Chrissy looked at Michael; Eyes wide and searching him out as eyebrows drew together, and her head tilted to the side. He had never been anything but patient with her, so to see @pumpkinstabs be anything other than gentle with her threw her for a loop. "I wanted to spend the day with you before we leave on vacation tomorrow," the blonde quietly explained as she fiddled with her fingers.

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

“You don’t have anything better to do than hang out with the mall janitor...?”  Michael asks,  baby blues looking up at the redhead as she welcomes herself to his personal space.  He’s on his lunch break right now,  eating a variety of junk food on one of the empty,  hidden away tables in the food court.  He doesn’t mind her at all,  asks her that in more of a teasing manner.  If he was her age,  though...  he thinks he’d prefer to hang out with those her age.  Especially since he knows she has a good group of friends.  //  @zoomingupthathill​

[pumpkinstabs-moving]

“It’s fine,  Chrissy...  it’s nothing,”  Michael didn’t want her to see the bruises on his face,  but they’re rather difficult to hide.  Jason and his pack of friends still hates Michael for “taking Chrissy away”,  even though he didn’t do it maliciously and it’s not like he forced her to start dating him.  It just happened.  They managed to corner him and get a few punches in and though he’s had worse,  it still aches.  //  @havvkinsqueen​