#we used to live in a trailer when money was easier to come by

[waxydoll]

I think denji is the kind of character most kids wont understand unless youve lived, or been close to someone who has lived a very similar life. Im not saying like, "oh orphan who has to kill for a living and eats one slice of bread a week" but somone who was abused, under socialized, undereducated, and then thrown out into the world with nothing and has to struggle for every little thing they get, yeah your motovations and feelings may look alot like denjis. He just wants a warm bed and food, he dosnt care much beyond that. Fucking relate.

Denji is a super unreliable narrator, he says one thing, does another, and is constantly confused by his own feelings and actions. Its so obvious he loves power, despite the fact that he says he dosnt like her and wouldnt care if she died, he puts his own wants on the back burner for her constantly. He always makes sure she is taken care of and okay. Thats the biggest proof right there.

Despite how jaded he is and how much he represses his own emotions, he really does have a big heart. That dosnt always show from an outside perspective (like that time he prioritized the life of a cat over multiple peoples) but if you think about it, he probably had alot more empathy for animals than the people who keep systematically hurting and abusing him.

Idk denji just makes alot of sense to me, his stupid, half feral, simple self is extremely relatable to me.

is csm good?

yeah

I read it about a year ago, and pretty quickly, so I've forgotten a lot of the specific details. I also wouldn't put it in my list of all-time faves. But it does something very different and refreshing for a shounen series which really sticks with me.

Let's see if I can figure out how to phrase this - but it allows itself to be a tragedy in a way most typical shounen don't. Having characters with tragic backstories is a common staple in shounen. Having bad things happen is common. But most of these series have a veneer wrapped around it--someone's tragic backstory is just the motivating fodder so they can go out and kick ass and save the world (and maybe get the girl.) Things like Naruto, BNHA, Demon Slayer, HxH have that vibe for me. It's not bad. But it's expected.

CSM does something different, especially with the handling of sexuality. From the first episode it kinda looks like CSM is planning to follow the typical path--main character Denji is an orphan with a tragic backstory, fights devils to survive, gets chainsaw powers so now he can epically kill devils and--what's this--there's a girl he's interested in! Maybe he'll get Makima in the end!

Then the rest of part 1 (I haven't read part 2 yet so I can't comment on it) plays out as a tragedy for Denji. He's the victim of systems manipulating him--as a street rat who's never really been socialized, and just wants food, shelter, love, (and yeah, sexual attention)--and he doesn't have the autonomy or maturity or awareness to stop it.

There's so much less "now that the backstory is out of the way, let's kick ass and have fun" and way more "oh, the tragedy matters. the powerlessness matters. the human fallibility matters." It's not a mega-dark torture-fest but it's grounded, in the way I like.

I've stayed out of The Discourse:tm: because everything is better that way, but I at least know there's some gripes from people angry that "The main character's motivation is he wants to touch boobs? Gag. Creepy anime shit." without paying close enough attention to realize the execution is wildly different from most anime fanservice.

And I'm saying this as someone who hates anime fanservice. I just kinda hold my nose whenever anime has *wink wink, nudge nudge, isn't this saucy and exciting, audience? ;)* kind of fanservice. I'm a long-time Hater of Mineta, and everything that goes with it.

But CSM's portrayal is... not fanservice. If you look up clips from the show, the female characters' designs are all extremely grounded. Denji's sexual motivation is for Denji. It's clear that this is a shallow and immature pursuit, and it's fascinating to watch how Denji's expectations don't meet reality. How he ends up feeling lost and confused when his pursuits turn hollow or hurt him, and then he gets strung along by manipulative institutions promising there's something better at the end of this all, if he just does these things for them. He's a victim of grooming, and that feels so rare for the shounen genre where the main character is almost always celebrated for achieving any kind of sexual goal.

[jo-harrington]

Freaky Friday - A Stranger Things Story (Part 4)

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5

Word Count: 13.8k

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader, Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader, Eddie and Steve (Enemies to Friends)

Summary: Eddie thinks that Steve has everything in life handed to him on a silver platter (including his new girlfriend who Eddie has a crush on). And Steve just can't believe that the kids look up to Eddie the Freak, or that he lives his life without giving a single fuck.

Must be nice. But you know what they say, the grass is always greener.

Warnings/Themes: AU with no Upside Down. Angst, body swapping, dark magic/alchemy, unrequited love, mutual pining, fatphobia (if you squint?), Babysitter Steve, unresolved feelings, manipulation/deception, Things That Require Communication (Too Bad There Isn't Any), Reader gets a nickname (Honey), no Y/N if I can help it, brief mention of suicide, self hatred, loss of identity, oral sex (f receiving), vaginal fingering, dry humping

Note: Ok this one...took a while. And after 3 rewrites and me coming to a 3 am epiphany that I'm a better writer than I give myself credit for, here we are. Shout out to @ghost-proofbaby @trashmouth-richie @br0ck-eddie @big-ope-vibes and I'm sure a lot of other people for getting me through this. My computer is currently running like a potato and doesn't want me to add more to this text post.

You can find my masterlist here.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

"What do you guys think he's doing?"

"He seems pretty focused. New lyrics?"

"Nah, he has to be planning something really messed up for Friday's session."

"Or, instead of lurking around and gossiping like old biddies," Steve raised his voice to add to the commentary. He glanced up from his notebook and passed an expectant look at the rest of Corroded Coffin as they hovered a few feet away, lunches in hand, hesitant to join him at the lunch table. "You could just ask. Now are you guys gonna just stand there looking like nerf herders or are you gonna sit?"

The boys immediately jumped and shuffled to the table to take their seats.

"Uh, so...Eddie," Jeff began hesitantly as worked on the latch of his lunchbox. "What, uh, are you writing?"

"Miller wants an essay about the Constitution," Steve explained and scratched his forehead with the worn-down eraser of his pencil.

"Oh shit, and it's due today?" Dave went wide-eyed.

"Nah, not til next week," Steve shrugged, and then looked up to see the dumbstruck expressions on Eddie's friends' faces. "What?"

"You're...doing homework that's due next week?" Gareth laughed. "Who are you and what've you done with Eddie?" The other boys chuckled and Steve couldn't help but crack a secret smile.

If they only knew.

It was another hour, another day, another week in the body of Eddie Munson.

For the most part it had been bearable, and Steve wondered if it was actually getting easier or he was just getting used to it. He really hadn't realized how many plates Eddie kept spinning though, and when he initially questioned how Eddie continued to fail senior year...well he quickly changed his tune.

On top of the Hellfire Club, Corroded Coffin gigs and practices, and the endless parties that he seemed to be invited to deal at, he seemed to take care of everyone.

He made sure the kids and the guys were all protected from bullies, which meant Steve had to perpetuate the whole Satanic facade--he was getting pretty good at the devil horns and tongue. The money he made dealing immediately got split between various stashes around the trailer, then his and Wayne's wallets, which made Steve extremely guilty about the allowance his mother bribed him with gave him. And if that wasn't enough, Eddie was the one who shopped and made meals for Wayne and, surprisingly, Reefer Rick.

Steve had only seen Rick a handful of times over the years before Eddie had taken over as the designated dealer at all the high school and college parties. More recently, Rick would only make a trip into Hawkins to stop by the VFW and then swing by Family Video. He never questioned why...and he almost felt ashamed that he never did before now.

He got too hung up on rumors and jokes. About Rick. And about Eddie.

Steve had promised to play the part though, and he did...but it was really starting to wear him out.

Still...Steve figured that he would make the slightest bit of an effort on Eddie's school work. For all the glory days of high school that Steve had...he was getting pretty sick of Hawkins High. At the very least, he could help Eddie get out of here. And at the most, if he was stuck in Eddie's body forever...well, he didn't want to be a 50-year old high school senior.

Jeff and the guys had mocked Eddie's speech about flipping Higgins off during graduation...and damn if Steve wasn't going to make that happen, come hell or high water.

The younger boys finally took their seats at the table, Dustin practically bursting with frantic energy, as usual, and Mike extra glum.

"What's got you down Wheeler?" Steve asked, throwing a pretzel at Mike's head. "I know it's only Monday but..."

"Someone's keeping my birthday present a secret," Mike groused and Dustin rolled his eyes.

"Here we go. He's been complaining about it all day," he explained. "Lucas and I literally can't have a minute alone to discuss it."

"You know I hate secrets."

"And he tried to bribe Will."

The two of them squabbled back and forth and Steve grinned fondly.

He might've loathed the homework but he was glad he got to see the kids more. More still, he was...almost grateful that Eddie had been there to guide them through the minefield of the first few months of freshman year, since he couldn't.

"Alright, that's it. Shut up!" Steve finally shouted. "You're just gonna have to have a little patience, Wheeler. Just cuz your mommy still says you're special, doesn't mean everyone else is gonna let you walk all over them."

The guys all snickered and made quiet jabs and kissy noises at him, calling him Mama's Boy and the like, as Mike turned red.

"Shut up I don't--hey, how did you know about that?" he narrowed his eyes. Steve's eyebrows jumped in challenge and Mike backed down with a sigh. "Whatever. Fuck you guys...anyway, Eddie, my sister wants to talk to you," he announced in a bored tone.

Now that piqued Steve's interest; he sat up straight and glanced around the cafeteria for her.

As though he didn't know exactly where she and Jonathan Byers sat.

He felt his heart speed up when he met her eyes and she waved him over.

Steve had done his best over the last year-and-a-half to get over Nancy. He'd gone to prom solo, asked new girls out left and right...shit he'd even tried to get her back once or twice. Or at least get her to dump Jonathan. He wasn't entirely proud of it but...Robin had really been the one to set him straight.

He'd faced a lot of bitter realizations but he thought he'd been through the thick of it. Seeing Nancy in passing now and again at school though...well it wasn't doing anything to help that.

And now Nancy wanted to talk to Eddie? Why? They didn't have any classes together--she had practically all Advanced Placement classes and Eddie obviously didn't. Aside from his association with Mike, Nancy steered clear of Eddie.

As Steve got to his feet--ignoring Dustin's cry of "hey can you meet me in the library after school"--a laughable thought struck Steve.

First you had confessed your crush on Eddie. What if Nancy was next in line?

He faltered in his step as he made his way across the cafeteria.

Maybe it wasn't so laughable after all.

Since you had made that little confession to "Eddie," Steve had gotten half-the-idea in his head that...well Eddie wasn't that bad of a guy, what if he could find Eddie a girlfriend or something? He'd tried to ask out a few of the cheerleaders who had approached him about dealing at a party but was promptly laughed at.

And he wasn't gonna even bring up that one girl who was lingering in the theater department last Friday after school, as he went to set up for Hellfire with the kids. He was lucky she didn't just die of fright as he said hi.

What if the answer was Nancy all along?

It almost made him feel a little sick.

Except...

She liked...weird guys like Jonathan...and Eddie was certainly a weird kind of guy. And one of the things Nancy had liked about Steve had been his cool personality. Sure Eddie was sort of a loser...but she was popular now thanks to Steve...what if she liked the cool, bad boy and was getting bored of Jonathan.

As he continued on his journey he mentally calculated the distance between Will and Nancy. Their table was pretty packed--filled with their friends from Newspaper--and there was more distance between them than there had been between him and Nancy right before they broke up.

"Hey, uh, Byers, Wheeler," he greeted awkwardly and crossed his arms over his chest and devoted his attention to Nancy. "You wanted to talk?"

"Yeah can we..." she got to her feet and motioned toward the door.

Steve's heart pounded in his ears as he followed.

"Listen, Miss O'Donnell was a little worried about your grade and she asked if I could maybe...tutor you," Nancy explained, then paused pensively. "Actually, I asked her for a letter of recommendation for one of my applications and she said she would if I tutored you ahead of the midterm. Sorry. I-I do think she's really concerned about your progress though."

"I think the more accurate statement is that she doesn't wanna see my ugly mug in her class again next year," he joked and she gave him a tight-lipped, sympathetic smile.

"I didn't want to agree if you weren't open to it," Nancy sighed. "But I really need that letter. You'd...you'd really be my hero if you did this."

Steve stared at her for a moment, his thoughts racing at all the possibilities.

It didn't really sound like she was tempted to leave Jonathan in the first place but...that didn't mean he couldn't turn on the old Harrington charm. She had fallen for it once...maybe she enjoyed the charm just in a different package. And yeah, he had you waiting for him if he ever made it back to his body. But...if he didn't...

"Listen, I want out of here as much as the next person," Steve finally replied. "So, uh, I'm game if you are."

"Great!" Nancy placed a hand on his shoulder excitedly and Steve could practically feel the warmth of it despite the layers of denim and leather. "Uh...I have some free time after school today?"

Steve vaguely remembered Dustin wanting to meet him...he was sure it had something to do with the spell and he certainly didn't want Nancy to find out about that.

"I, uh, have a Hellfire thing," he lied. "How about Wednesday? I always study better with a few snacks. We can meet at Benny's? 5 o'clock?"

Nancy nodded and confirmed the time and place. She placed her hand on his shoulder again, then went back into the cafeteria.

It took a second, but Steve suddenly felt like all the wind was knocked out of him.

"Eddie" had a study date with Nancy on Wednesday.

He had a date with Nancy.

Eddie was halfway through his shift before anything exciting happened.

Sorry, halfway through Steve's shift.

He really wasn't trying to be bitter but...

Eddie had spiraled for a few days after the unfortunate mishap while he was trying to...relieve himself. Sure, it started with "Steve's" relationship with you, but it was almost like Pandora's box; once the box was opened, everything flooded out. He couldn't sleep without thinking of it, and every waking moment, he was consumed by the blaring differences in their lives.

He wasn't himself and it was driving him crazy. Making him sick.

The smell of the laundry detergent Mary Harrington used, the taste of the tap water in their hose, the softness of Steve's bed.

He'd tried to get comfortable in someone else's skin but the truth was that he wasn't going to fit in it, even if he wanted to.

However, in order to get back to his own life, he needed to keep playing the part of King Steve Harrington, keep stuffing himself into a place that didn't fit. Ignore the stifling tightness, the bulges, and the stretching at the seams of his very being.

That didn't mean he had to give up everything that made him Eddie.

He'd had a day off last Tuesday, and he'd just...spent it trying to reconnect with himself.

He'd stopped by Rick's for weed--and also to check on him, even though Rick wouldn't realize he was Eddie--drove up to Fort Wayne to get high and walk through the conservatory, buy some concert tees at the second hand shop.

By the time he arrived at the Hideout for Corroded Coffin's gig, he felt almost whole. And then he had one of the best performances of his life.

Only to realize that he couldn’t fully enjoy it.

Which led him to skip out on Benny’s with the guys after the set, because as much as he wanted to see you, he knew he couldn’t stand to witness the way you would be indifferent to “Eddie” only to dote on “Steve.”

This was so fucked up. He didn’t know how much longer he could take it.

It was as he had that very thought that his beloved van pulled up right outside the store and “Eddie” and the kids piled out, looking frantic and excited.

Dustin caught Eddie’s attention and quickly waved to get him to come outside.

“I thought you were the babysitter Harrington,” Keith sniffed judgmentally from the front of the shop where he was stocking a display. “What’s Munson doing here with your kids?”

“He got custody in the divorce,” Eddie snarled and vaulted over the counter. “I’m taking my lunch.”

“Wh-hey?!” Keith stuttered as Eddie strutted out the door purposefully. “You forgot to clock out!”

Steve and the kids were all talking over one another excitedly by the time he reached the group.

“They wouldn’t tell me shit until we got here,” Steve grinned. “But apparently they figured out how to fix this.”

“What?!” Eddie’s eyes went wide, the prospect of being back in his own body too monumental to not be excited. “That’s great!”

“We’ve translated the passage!” Dustin announced.

“We?” Lucas asked skeptically.

“Lucas translated the passage,” Dustin amended.

Before Eddie knew it, he and Steve were sitting in the back of the van as Dustin, Lucas, and Will went back and forth over their findings.

He felt like he was in an episode of Columbo for a minute. The kids being detectives who solved a great mystery and were reliving their investigation step-by-step. Lucas did most of the Latin translation, but part of it fell on Will’s shoulders. It wasn’t your run-of-the-mill Latin they learned in class but some obscure dialect.

“Which, uh, I coincidentally have a book about because I have actually been coming up with that one-off campaign for Mike’s birthday,” Will confessed and reached up to scratch the back of his neck as he turned red. The other boys whooped and patted him on the back and Eddie couldn’t help but feel proud of him too.

Eddie always said these kids were the future of Hellfire, but truly he couldn't see them having a better DM than Will Byers.

"Anyway," Dustin returned to the topic at hand. "This is what we ended up with." He pulled a crumpled up piece of notebook paper from its place within his backpack and handed it to Eddie.

The page was covered in crossed out words and different scribbles in each of the boys' incredibly distinct handwriting.

"Jeez, you couldn't have at least rewritten it on a fresh piece of paper?" Steve asked critically. Dustin simply rolled his eyes and grumbled something along the lines of "next time you're cursed, you're on your own" as Eddie and Steve leaned together to read the translation.

A journey soon begins, its prize reflected in another's eyes. If what you see is what you lack, then selfless love will change you back.

Eddie felt his throat tighten as the guilt washed over him.

Sure, he had accepted that the fault lay entirely with him--he already vowed not to use any occult books for future campaigns again--but seeing it there on paper just solidified it.

A prize reflected in another's eyes. You. But you weren't some prize to be won. Sure he...he wanted you to be his but you weren't some object. And to think of you that way...well...he knew enough about magic to know that it didn't happen by accident. He had to believe that you were a prize, at least a little bit, to make something like this happen.

He rubbed a hand over his eyes wearily.

This wasn't what he wanted at all.

"Alright, so what does it mean?" Steve questioned.

"It means you two are jealous of each other," Lucas explained.

Both Steve and Eddie stiffened.

"What?" they exclaimed in tandem. They looked at each other and Eddie laughed while Steve simply looked horrified.

"What do you mean, jealous of each other?" Eddie scoffed.

"Oh, come on Munson," Steve rolled his eyes. "Of course you're jealous of me, this entire predicament we're in is because of you and because--."

"No, no," Eddie held out a hand to stop him from continuing. "Shut up. I'm jealous, alright? Jealous that you seem to get everything handed to you. Anything you want? It's yours. Is that what you wanna hear Stevie?

"But," Eddie paused and narrowed his eyes. "Why are you jealous of me?"

"W-what?" Steve coughed awkwardly. "I'm not--"

"Why did you say that Sinclair?" Eddie jumped to his feet and pointed at Lucas. "Why did you say that we were jealous of each other?"

"Uhhh..." Lucas squirmed a little under the intense scrutiny of the older boys. "W-well...it's about the way the sentences were structured. I'm not...I'm not an expert or anything but it's referring to you in plural. If what you, vōs, seek is what you lack. Not you, tu."

Eddie then turned back to Steve and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Well?" Eddie asked expectantly.

Steve was still for a moment before he began fidgeting. He fumbled over his words--a bunch of well-you-sees and you-don't-understands--as he pinched the bridge of his nose and ran a hand through his hair. Eddie watched, almost sympathetically knowing how hard it was for him getting used to Steve's unfamiliar body, as Steve faltered with his longer mane.

"It's...I...it doesn't matter!" Steve finally shouted. He jumped to his feet and put his hands on his hips; he began pacing back and forth, one arm occasionally flailing as he gesticulated. "It doesn't matter why I'm jealous of Eddie? So what? We need to figure out how we can fix this.

"Selfless love? For what? For each other?" Steve blew a raspberry childishly. "Fat fucking chance. There has to be another way. I don't care what we need to do. I just want to change back."

"Change back from what?" a light, raspy voice sounded from over their shoulders.

The entire group stiffened and turned toward the voice and, lo and behold, there stood Robin. Shuffling her feet back and forth restlessly, frozen in place as she tugged her family video vest from her backpack. The moment everyone's eyes were on her, she grinned bashfully and waved at them all.

"Well, shit," Steve cursed in the most Eddie-like fashion.

If it had been up to Steve, Robin would never have found out about the whole...switching bodies...curse...spell...thing...

But when did something he wanted ever be taken into account by the universe, huh?

As soon as the group had realized Robin was there, all of the deflection and anger drained from Steve's body. He felt guilty for another one of his friends getting dragged into this mess. Because as much as he was happy to let Eddie take the fall, the fact of the matter was that Steve was just as jealous of Eddie.

As much as Eddie had admitted to being of him.

Steve had wanted to give her an explanation right then and there, and he would have if Keith hadn't chosen that moment to be his usual effervescent self.

"I'm closing the arcade tonight," he opened the door and glared across the parking lot at "Steve" and Robin. "So you need to clock in Buckley, and if your friends are still here by the time I take my break later, your hours are getting cut."

If there was one thing Steve had to choose that he didn't miss about his own life, it would be his boss.

So Steve brought the kids home and then returned to the Family Video parking lot to endure panic-inducing silence as he waited for Eddie and Robin to close the store. He could have listened to one of Eddie's endless tapes or smoked--Eddie's body was constantly craving one thing or another: cigarettes, sugary or salty snacks--to kill the time. He simply couldn't bring himself to do it.

It was a literal out-of-body experience. He watched himself and Robin talk and laugh as they went back and forth, helping customers and cleaning up once the store was empty. He knew his friend, knew that she was stronger and smarter than other people gave her credit for.

But this? This made him feel dizzy sometimes if he thought about it too hard.

He hoped they wouldn't get too far, so he could at least...have a decent conversation with her for the first time in a few weeks. Short of seeing her in passing at school...well...he hadn't gone this long without talking to Robin since they became friends.

And he really needed his best friend right now.

Eventually the lights in the businesses of the strip mall began to click off, one by one, and Steve practically held his breath until Family Video's lights finally shut and Eddie and Robin exited the building.

Eddie slapped a hand on Robin's shoulder and said something that made her roll her eyes before he got into Steve's car and drove away.

Robin made a beeline for the van and silently hopped into the passenger's side. Steve's hands--Eddie's hands--gripped the steering wheel tightly enough that he could feel the rings cutting into the creases of his fingers.

The atmosphere in the van was heavy as he sat under Robin’s scrutinizing gaze.

"I knew something was up," Robin finally announced as she slammed the door closed. Steve looked at her as though she had grown a second head.

"What do you mean ‘you knew?’” Steve asked incredulously.

She sighed and began counting on her fingers.

“You’ve been a real grouch when you’ve picked me up from class lately and I know you’re a morning person. Which sucks, by the way. You asked if I wanted to skip home room and get McDonald’s breakfast with you, you hate McMuffins—”

She went on and on, and Steve melted. Yeah, he could admit they had their squabbles and they didn't always see eye to eye. But at the end of the day, no one really understood them like they did each other.

And it felt really good to be understood as Steve Harrington right now.

"--and then you're always complaining when your mom doesn't cut the crusts off your sandwiches and lately you've just been eating them. Also I mentioned something about Vickie the other day and you just ignored it, so I figured that you were just annoyed with me."

She heaved a little bit at the end, having said the last bit in one go without stopping for air. Steve reached across the console and flicked her ear, causing her to slap at his hand.

"Ow, butthead! What was that for?" she exclaimed.

"Are you fucking kidding me Rob?" Steve burst out laughing and Robin chuckled along with him. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"How was I supposed to know you switched bodies?" she slouched into her seat. "Here I was thinking that you just didn't wanna be friends with me anymore. Which, you have to admit, is a more likely explanation."

Steve was about to protest but he stopped mid-word and frowned.

"You know what? You're right."

"I know," she grinned smugly. "Now what have you been up to and how much help do you need with this whole 'switching back' thing? Because Eddie isn't that great at being Steve, which means you must really suck at being Eddie."

They went back and forth as Steve put the van into drive and regaled Robin with stories and mishaps in the short time he'd spent as Eddie Munson, and she laughed at his stupidity.

After he left Family Video, Eddie found himself driving aimlessly through the streets of Hawkins. He thought a weight would have lifted off his shoulders after he explained everything to Robin, but everything was...almost a little worse now.

She'd had questions, like any normal person would. Actually, a normal person would have just had them committed. Robin was special though; her own brand of freak. And she was quick to adapt.

Eventually though...the topic turned to you.

When was Eddie gonna tell you what happened? Did you already know? You deserved to know before you fell too hard for Steve; otherwise, you'd be heartbroken if you ever found out that he was actually Eddie.

Of course, that only fed into all of Eddie's insecurities and self-hatred. All of the doubts he had spent days trying to stuff into the furthest corner of his mind returned with a vengeance.

You wouldn't feel the same thing about him if he was actually Eddie Munson.

Robin didn't know exactly what her words had done to him; she was fully oblivious to his real feelings for you. So he'd done his best to keep those thoughts at bay, and resolved to treat himself to a drive around with the windows rolled down and headband to Metallica as he smoked.

But then Robin opened her big mouth as they locked up for the night and it sent him into another spiral.

"You know...with a little more time, I would have probably figured it out," she chuckled. "You're not as good at being Steve as you think."

At first he wondered if that meant you might figure it out with a little more time. You were sharp, especially when it came to other people; what if one day he did something so inexplicably Eddie that you simply refused to believe he was Steve anymore. Sure, you probably wouldn't be able to guess that he actually was Eddie but...he wouldn't be the Steve you liked anymore.

If he did tell you the truth, would you break up with him? Would you hate him? He'd gotten close many times...but it was just so...ridiculous.

But then Eddie realized that he had been banking on the fact that he was doing all sorts of lovely things with you, had such a deep connection with you--he thought so, at least--and that Steve himself could never live up to it if they switched back.

What if he had you wrong all along? And it wasn't the deep connection that you both built? But just...the fact that he was Steve? You really hadn't had many .boyfriends during school, when you hung around with Mickey's sister. Or any, actually. What if you had a crush on Steve all that time and now...

Eddie felt sick.

Sicker than he was the other night. Sicker than he felt after a bad high. All he wanted was to go back home; not the empty Harrington house, but home. Back to the trailer and his stupid bed and to Wayne, who would give him a stiff hug once he saw Eddie was feeling so down.

But he couldn't.

So he went to the place that felt the next closest to home as he could get right now.

To Benny's.

Benny's had always felt like home to him. When his mom was still alive, waiting tables. She'd pick him up from school and sometimes bring him to work with her. He'd sit at a table in the very, very corner scribbling in his notebook or reading; she'd always scold him to do his homework but Benny would bring him a milkshake and tell Eddie that if he never finished school Eddie didn't need to either.

And to you.

You'd become more home than he ever realized before. Faced with the thought of losing you, he knew he would get over the pain if he absolutely had to. He could move on. But something would always be missing. If none of this had ever happened, the home that you were to him would have stayed cherry pie slices on Tuesday nights and the scribbles in his old notebooks.

But now he knew the taste of your kiss and the weight of your hand in his. He couldn't pretend anymore. He had to know.

Eddie didn't hesitate as he pulled into the gravel parking lot. He was out of the car and headed into the diner as soon as the keys were out of the ignition.

It was almost closing time, so the diner was pretty quiet save for a family finishing up a late supper and Chief Hopper who sat at the counter with a slice of apple pie, chatting with Benny through the serving hatch. You were hunched at a table--the very same table his mom would sit him at--rolling silverware; your eyes darted around the diner every so often to make sure your customers were taken care of, and they immediately sparkled when they landed on him.

The motivation he had to make it into the diner was immediately replaced by those stupid nerves.

"Hey honey," Eddie greeted nervously once you crossed the diner and stood before him. The courage momentarily gone, especially as you made it to the door to greet him. "Uh...table for one?"

"We're about to close," you frowned and glanced over your shoulder. "Uh, but I can ask Benny if--"

"Wait, no," Eddie stopped you before you could go anywhere. "I was just kidding. I really wanted...to see you. I missed you."

"Oh! I missed you too," you grabbed his hand in yours and squeezed. "It looks like you came here straight from work. Everything ok Steve?

His ears started ringing; there it was again.

Steve, Steve, Steve.

The name he had gotten so used to and so sick of. The person he had gotten so sick of being.

"What do you like about me?" he sought suddenly, desperately. "Like...really, why did you agree to go out with me when you could have...dated any other guy?"

Your eyes went wide and you began squirming nervously. He couldn't quite place it but there was something there...something that made him even more nervous.

"Uh, hey Ben, can I take a quick 5?" you asked over your shoulder and Benny poked his head through the window. He narrowed his eyes at "Steve" momentarily but nodded.

"No funny business kid," Benny warned. "She's the best I've got."

You pulled Eddie out the door and to the side of the building, where you took your breaks. Where he had danced with you last week.

"So?" he began impatiently. "Why do you like me?"

"Where is this coming from?" you questioned quickly. "Did...I don't know...did Eddie say something to you?"

"Eddie?" Had you...told him something? Something that would upset "Steve?" What would you tell him? And why hadn't Steve mentioned anything about you talking to him.

Eddie tried to rationalize it. You saw him as a friend, and Steve knew you thought Eddie was a friend. Steve still saw you as his own girlfriend. Maybe you were trying to...Maybe you...Maybe he...

Fuck it was really confusing if he really thought about it. He just needed a straight fucking answer. Otherwise he was gonna go crazy.

"No," Eddie shook his head. He would have to go out on a limb here. "No Eddie didn't say anything but I...I don't know. We've been going out for a little while I guess...even when I first asked you out, I never asked why you said yes. And I just...don't know why you would even want to go out with me."

Your eyes got sad, and took a breath, almost relieved, as your fidgeting stopped.

"I mean, I guess...I've had crushes and stuff before," you began.

Crushes? Oh god, what if you were about to confess you had a crush on Steve. Steve...well he understood, Steve was handsome...not his type...it would hurt but he understood.

"N-no one ever...ever really wanted to ask me out for more than...than a party or something," you chuckled. "I mean they did but...high school right? Everyone kind of sucked. You kinda sucked too Steve.

"And I really wasn't...ok it's funny because I was actually planning to break things off with you." You chuckled and Eddie perked up a little. "You were kind of...self centered, and you...you kept...I don't know. I know you had that breakup with Nancy, so I didn't want to be mean, but you just kept bringing her up!

"But then you...you really surprised me. I told you...you're not...not anything I expected. You don't even seem like you were when you first asked me out. You're...caring and you listen. You're funny, and you like classic horror movies? And then you--"

You went on and on, eyes getting brighter with each word. Eddie felt lighter. Everything you said that you liked about him, well they were all about Eddie. Not Steve.

He was...he was getting in his head for nothing. That's all it was. It was just...nerves and...and...he had nothing to worry about. He could have you, when all was said and done. Hell, he could probably tell you right now once you were finished; tell you the truth about the spell, tell you that he was Eddie, tell you that he...liked you and that you were the thing that kept him going all this time.

You'd probably be...confused. But you knew him. You knew Eddie. It would all make sense in the end. And hopefully, you wouldn't turn him away.

In that moment, however, seeing that pride and confidence take over you as you listed all the reasons you liked him--the way you were so sure of your feelings--made Eddie's own confidence falter. He wasn't an idiot, he knew that telling the truth felt freeing. To you, you were just confessing how much you liked "Steve," and while all of the things you just said made him...so incredibly happy...he couldn't help but wonder...

What if you were angry that he kept this secret from you? What if you...hated him for lying?

Robin said it herself, you deserved to know the truth, before you fell too hard. He should have told you immediately. He shouldn't have acted in his own interest. You were...you deserved so much better.

The doubt you just helped brush away began festering inside of him again.

You deserved to know the truth, but he couldn't hurt you more now. And as much as he wanted you to...to love him, to love Eddie Munson he knew that you would feel too betrayed to ever trust him again if he told you.

"--and it kind of helps that you're really cute too." You finally finished with the brightest, most tender smile he ever saw. "Sorry I guess that's just the long winded way of me saying...I really like you Steve."

And as Eddie ignored the twist in his gut at Steve's name--as he kissed you--he decided that he simply couldn't tell you the truth. Ever.

Eddie felt bad just leaving after he barged into Benny's like that, and to be completely honest, even though the guilt was eating at him he didn't want to leave your side. He convinced you to go out with him for a late night snack and then he followed you home where he gave you another sweet kiss on your front porch.

"You're spoiling me," you giggled as you fiddled with your keys.

"You deserve a lot more than I can give you, Honey," he told you truthfully. "So much better than someone like me."

"Impossible."

It was close to midnight when he pulled into the Harrington's driveway, and Eddie cursed when he noticed the two expensive cars parked beside each other and the lights on in the house.

He hadn't had the misfortune of encountering both of Steve's parents at the same time yet. His dad was usually at work and mom usually just...gone, so the few times he did see them...they were just on their own and he could dodge any questions or conversations.

"Whatever you do, just don't talk to them," Steve had told him. And Eddie had kept up that end of the deal so far. He couldn't be so sure now. He would just have to try his best to get up the stairs and into bed before they noticed their "son" was home.

Eddie turned the key in the lock as quietly as he could, entered the house and closed the door behind him without more than a click. He avoided dropping his keys in the little dish on the table in the hall--

There was chatter coming from the living room, quiet laughter. That was odd. From what Steve made it sound like, his parents always fought.

--but he couldn't avoid running into the table itself. The table wobbled and the other keys in the dish clattered and caused a commotion. The laughter stopped abruptly.

"Steven?" Mary's voice sounded frantic and alarmed.

Shit.

"Yeah mom, it's me." Eddie winced and tried to steady the table.

"I didn't think you'd be home tonight, it's already so late." She was immediately in the hall, eyes darting around, arms crossed over her chest. Her makeup was smeared and hair disheveled. Even her clothes looked in disarray.

Gross. Eddie didn't want to think about the Harringtons fucking on the couch he took a nap on the other day.

"Worked late," Eddie answered dismissively, wanting desperately to get out of this situation. "Just like dad does."

Eddie tried to take a step around her--if they knew he was home, he might as well grab some water or a pop before he went up to bed. Maybe a beer if he had to think of Steve's parents like that. Mary immediately stepped in front of him and blocked his way.

"I was worried," she stated blankly, eyes dead on him now.

"Clearly not, if you thought I wasn't coming home," Eddie snarked, annoyed now that she was making this difficult for him. Here was the bitchy PTA mom Mary Harrington he knew and loved. "I just want to get a snack and go to bed."

"It's late, just go to bed Steven."

"No, I--"

"Now is that really any way to talk to your mother?" a deep voice sounded from behind Mary.

Eddie rolled his eyes, now ready for a fight with Big Papa Harrington--

The thing about the Harringtons was that they looked like something out of a Sears Catalog. Tom was tall with salt-and-pepper hair that coiffed perfectly on his head, bright blue eyes, and a firm, trustworthy voice that always meant business. Mary was a petite brunette with warm hazel eyes, impeccable taste in clothing, and a sweet voice that went shrill when she was upset. And Steve was a good mix of the two; the perfect poster boy for their coveted suburban life.

--only to freeze in surprise when an older man with blond hair stepped out of the living room. His necktie was in his hand, lipstick was smeared across his mouth, and he was shrugging on his suit jacket. The flag pin on his lapel glinted in the hall light, like the unspoken warning in his eyes.

Eddie's mind raced as he tried to make sense of it all.

Steve asked him not to talk to either of his parents very much, to keep their interactions with him short. How he got bitter at even the mention of his parents. The lunches, the calendar, the laundry. The allowance money that she gave him, even though practically everyone knew Steve had been cut off from his dad's wallet. Eddie thought that the allowance money was the secret they were keeping from Tom.

"You can't be mad at me forever, Steve," she had told him the other day.

"It's good to see you again, Steven," he smiled his election-winning smile and put a protective hand on Mary's shoulder. "We were just discussing how the historical society is contributing to the--"

"Larry was just leaving," Mary announced and glared up at Mayor Kline. The Mayor nodded and patted his hand on her shoulder once again before he slunk between them and out the door, Eddie's eyes following him until he was gone.

For all the gruff manner about him, Eddie's uncle Wayne was a bit of a gossip monger. Always had been. He got most of his gossip from the ladies around the trailer park that would offer a cup of coffee in exchange for some handyman repair work that they couldn't do themselves. So Eddie had become quite adept in Hawkins gossip. Rumor around town was that Tom was the one cheating. It was why Mary had the nicest car and the most expensive jewelry. It was why she went on all of his business trips and was treated to lavish weekend getaways.

No one expected that...

"You're cheating on dad," Eddie practically spat at Mary. She heaved a heavy, tired sigh and rolled her eyes a little bit.

"Yes Steven," she agreed. "We've been through this all before. I'm ruining the family, your father is going to be heartbroken, but I don't think I see him here." She waved her arms out and looked around.

"It's past midnight and he's still at the office crunching the numbers," Mary continued. "There are things you just don't understand and you won't until you're grown up and married. But seeing how late you're coming home. Working late. Just like dad.

"So I don't want to hear it from you. I already made you a deal. You got your allowance back. I get to keep my secrets."

She waved her hands dismissively then turned back into the living room, leaving Eddie behind in the hall to process the entire conversation.

He went through the motions as he trudged up the stairs and got ready for bed. As he went to brush his teeth...he stared at his reflection. At Steve's reflection. Stared into tired eyes with purple circles underneath them and a gauntness that hadn't been there earlier.

On top of all the other shit he was feeling...this especially was heavy, and sickening.

Not because Eddie was fond of Mary or Tom or douchebag Mayor Kline.

Not because he was under some illusion that marriages were supposed to be perfect and families were happy.

Not even at his own partial triumph that the perfect Harringtons were truly about as far from perfect as one could get.

But at the realization Steve had to live with the truth that could break up his family.

Steve's visit had you practically floating through the next few days. It was unexpected and so...perfect.

You had gone a few days without seeing him. Not that...you were trying to be clingy or anything. But for the past two weeks he had been consistent in his attention and affection for you...and for it to suddenly stop the day after you tore up your diary and resolved to get over Eddie?

After you told Eddie about your crush in the first place?

It had you in a panic. And, of course, instead of try to communicate and reach out at all, you internalized it and catastrophized.

What if Eddie told Steve? What if Steve hated you now? What if that's why he hadn't called? Or come in with the rest of the guys after their next show?

You thought it all came crashing down when Steve had stopped by and asked you why you went out with him. You thought he was trying to get the truth out of you and for a moment...it felt like the worst thing in the world.

Losing Steve felt like the worst thing that could ever happen to you.

But when he asked again, seeming so lost and insecure. God, it just cut you, because...how could he not see how great he was? Why did he doubt that you liked him?

You relived it after you got home that night. Went over every moment, tried to make sense of it all. Tried to pinpoint anything you had done. And really the only thing you could think of was telling Eddie about your crush.

But...the good definitely outweighed the bad. Your little self-pity and worry over Steve's abandonment of you had vanished and...even now, you were still giggling over him. Over the happiness you felt that you liked him so much, that he liked you back. Liked you enough to worry that you might not like him.

You had to admit that it all felt silly. All of the back-and-forthing, all the doubt. But silliness was good, and it just made the days pass by swiftly. Benny had kept grumbling good-naturedly at your bright smile. He teased you and asked if you needed a quick 5 minute break later and if Steve would be waiting outside for you after close.

Hell, even Lynn's bitterness wouldn't ruin your good mood.

"Alright, Sunshine," she groused at the start of the early dinner rush, just as you came back from your break. "Better hike up that skirt a few inches. Your boyfriend's here, so you gotta look extra cute if you want a good tip. God knows your serving isn't good enough for it."

You felt yourself getting hot from embarrassment; not for Lynn's rude comments but because she said boyfriend, the fact that he was so recognizable now.

God, if Steve was here, Benny would never let you hear the end of it. But how did she know? Steve had work on Wednesdays...

You subconsciously touched your hair and adjusted your uniform before stepping into the dining room. Your eyes swept over the tables, looking for his familiar fluffy head of hair...only to come across another incredibly familiar head.

Your boyfriend. Lynn thought Eddie was your boyfriend.

Eddie's long, curly mane took flight as his head was thrown back, his laughter lost over the din of chattering customers. For a second you assumed he would be there with Jeff or Gareth--hell, he might even be there with Mickey catching up--until you saw the ultra-styled brunette perm that bounced with every motion.

In that moment, you either turned to stone, or you fell into a deep, dark abyss. It was hard to tell. It could have been both. Or neither. But something happened to you and you ceased to exist as you did just seconds before. Benny's little bell in the service hatch sounded flat and distant. The grumpy old man demanding coffee simply melted into the floor. Lynn became a blur in your peripheral vision and phased between tables like a phantom.

And Eddie and Nancy remained in perfect, painful focus.

Nancy Wheeler. Nancy Wheeler. Nancy Wheeler.

The bell in the window dinged twice and Benny shouted something to Lynn, effectively breaking you from your trance. You wiped your now-clammy hands on your apron and quickly approached the table.

"Hey, how's it going today? Can I get you guys something to drink?" You forced a polite smile onto your face and glanced between them.

This was the closest you'd been to Nancy...possibly ever; she was a year younger than you and aside from your interactions with Steve now, you really never had any business hanging near him when you were still at Hawkins High. She was really pretty. Her blue eyes sparkled, her smile was cute, and her voice was sweet and soft as she asked for coffee, please. Some dark part of you that made you hate yourself though that she was everything you weren't, and you couldn't blame it because Eddie was looking at her like she hung the stars.

"Eddie, are you gonna order?" Nancy's eyebrows jumped expectantly. "It's busy, I'm sure she has other people to help."

"Oh he's a regular he gets--" you started to defend him but Eddie cut you off.

"Just ice water." He didn't even look at you. "Thanks honey."

Your throat got tight and you shot them both a tight smile with a quick "be right back."

How did she do it? How was she...how did she get everyone? She had a boyfriend right? Unless they broke up. But still...she had Steve hung up on her for God-knows-how-long, and now Eddie was like a lovesick puppy.

Your mind raced as you retreated back to the kitchen and went through the motions of your job. Lynn was terrible about starting a fresh pot and you were relieved that you'd have an extra minute of respite to think before you did something stupid like spill hot coffee in Eddie's lap.

What were they doing here? Was this a date? You thought...you saw textbooks on the table. Were they just doing homework or...did they have class together? You'd offered a study session with Eddie once. Not a date. And it was in the library and not Benny's. Fuck. Was it a date? Fuck. And he never looked at anyone like that, let alone you.

Your movements were jerky and full of emotion. Coffee grounds spattered as you scooped them into the brewer, you slammed Eddie's water glass onto the counter, and by the time you were halfway bent inside the ice maker, taking out your frustrations on frozen water, Benny had enough.

"You need a different weapon to stab that ice kid?" Benny chuckled. You stood straight and faced him with, what you were sure was, a pathetic expression.

"I'm sorry Ben I--"

"You just came back from break," he stated matter-of-factly and crossed his arms over his chest. "What's got you all worked up already? Someone out there harassing you? Need me to kick 'em out?"

"I mean, unless you wanna fire me," you replied tiredly, knowing you were more frustrated with yourself than with Eddie or Nancy.

"Ah," he nodded sagely. "I got it. Yeah, I go 8 rounds with myself sometimes too. Wanna talk?"

Did you want to talk to your boss about silly boy trouble? Trouble that you were trying to work through yourself? Because you were supposed to be getting over your crush on Eddie. You were with Steve...and you just needed to remind yourself of that.

Every time you walked out there and saw them talking. If their heads got too close as he whispered something to her over their homework. On the off chance you looked outside and saw them kissing in the parking lot after they left.

You thought...distance from Eddie would work. But you were friends with practically the same people and he always came into Benny's.

Maybe the answer wasn't trying to push Eddie away? Maybe it was just to get closer to Steve?

You ignored the roiling in your stomach and sighed. Either way this wasn't something Benny could help you with.

"Thanks Ben," you responded weakly. "But it's just...I think I have to work it out myself."

Before Eddie knew it, it was Friday and time for Hellfire.

It was weird now, having Robin know the truth about him and Steve. She was having a hard time adjusting to calling him Steve, knowing he was Eddie. Despite the fact that she had been calling him Steve the whole time.

"I'm just going to call you both Dingus," she reasoned. "That way there's no chance of messing it up."

She actually...had been pretty handy the past few days, trying to find the way for the two of them to switch back. She had checked out a bunch of books from the Hawkins Public Library and brought them to Family Video for them to scour through, had apparently taken to sitting with the Hellfire Club at lunch to prevent Steve from making a fool of himself--fat chance--and grilled both Steve and Eddie on every aspect of one another's lives that might be relevant to their switch. More importantly, the switch back.

"What is selfless love? Is it supposed to be...you doing a selfless act for one another? Because I saw this one test Steve took for you last week. He got a B! And you know he's purposefully having tutoring sessions for you? Must suck for him; he aced O'Donnell's class last year."

She had even been a listening ear after Eddie had found out about Steve's mom, and didn't know the best way to get around to talking to him about it.

It had to be eating Steve up inside...hell, Eddie didn't even like the Harringtons and he felt guilty for not telling Tom that his wife was ruining their family and hurting their son by bribing him to keep it all a secret.

Fuck. Were...were he and Steve friends now?

Eddie normally would have shivered at the thought but...actually it was kind of wholesome...to think that King Steve would slum it with the freaks.

But the line would be drawn if he ever had to admit that Steve was a nice guy. Even if it was the only thing that he had to do to get back into his own body...yeah wasn't happening. Guess he would be Steve Harrington forever.

He was currently waiting at the side entrance to the High School for Steve and the others to get back from picking up snacks for their session.

He actually managed to piece together a semi-decent looking outfit. The last few gigs at the Hideout and Hellfire meetings, he had shown up in Steve's signature polo-and-jeans look. But after digging in a box labeled "donate" at the back of Steve's closet, Eddie found what he was pretty sure was Steve's halloween costume a few years back.

A black t-shirt and some...dark grey blazer that Eddie spent his lunch break adding safety pins too--more punk rock than metal but it would do. Pop those on with some black jeans that he also zhuzh'd up...aka cut holes in...perfect Hellfire look.

He wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb at least. Maybe he could ask Steve to bring him an extra shirt next week.

Eddie's van swerved into the parking lot and as soon as it stopped, the back doors swung open and Gareth jumped out with a whoop.

"Harrington, are you ready for carnage tonight?" he shouted at "Steve" and hauled a case of Mountain Dew over his head. The rest of the Hellfire club filtered out and greeted Eddie before helping unload their purchases.

Steve finally joined them and clapped Eddie on the back.

"Glad you could make it, Harrington," Steve winked and looked down at Eddie's clothes. "Slumming it again? What are you wearing?"

"I don't know, Munson," Eddie ran his hands down the front of the blazer. "Just something from the back of the closet."

"The safety pins are pretty cool," Dustin commented with a wink as he and Mike headed in.

Once the guys were inside, Steve hissed in Eddie's ear.

"What did you do to my jacket?"

"Dude you need to stop trusting your mom to buy your clothes," Eddie laughed. "I'm gonna go cross-eyed with all of the stripes."

"You're one to talk," Steve rolled his eyes. "It's a wonder your knees aren't permanently frostbitten. All of your jeans have rips in them."

Eddie shook his head. Asshole.

"Heard you're getting help in O'Donnells," Eddie remarked.

"News travels pretty fast," Steve kicked his feet, spraying the guys with gravel. "Which of you idiots blabbed. Gare?"

"Yeah he's been making kissy faces," Dave coughed and cleared his throat. "I mean...yeah he's been getting special tutoring sessions."

Kissy faces?

"From Nancy Wheeler!"

Wheeler?

"Mike doesn't know his ass from his elbow but even he knows you're crushing on his sister," Gareth teased, earning a high five from the others.

"Lay off," Steve preened in front of the others. "We've only had two study dates."

"Two days in a row!" Jeff protested. "That's your girlfriend."

"She's not my girlfriend...yet."

Eddie felt dizzy; what was even happening. Steve was...Steve was dating you, why the hell was he talking about Nancy like...like he was gonna ask her out. Why was he trying to get him to date Nancy?

He grabbed Steve's arm as the other guys headed in.

"Are you...kidding me Harrington?" Eddie hissed. "I don't need a girlfriend, I just need to be back in my body. Jesus H. Christ."

"You don't...listen Eddie, you don't understand," Steve sighed.

"I think I do, you're obsessed with Nancy and you know she isn't gonna get back with you as yourself so you're trying to get her back as me." Eddie punctuated his words by jamming his finger into Steve's chest.

"She likes bad boys," Steve explained with a shrug. Eddie scoffed.

"Jonathan Byers isn't a bad boy. I'm not a bad boy. You're gonna make me look like an even bigger laughing stock than I already am."

"Well it's a good thing that I'm still you then, you get to enjoy life on top," Steve held out his arms. "It's a win-win. I get Nancy, you get not to be an absolute loser."

"Well what about your girlfriend?" Eddie asked. "You asked me to keep her warm. She's a good one. Don't scare her away."

"You can break up with her if that's your problem," Steve said dismissively. Eddie let out a noise of disbelief. "What? Isn't that it? You're tired of going on lame dates? Listen, we're no closer to switching back than we have been. Why can't you just...accept the inevitable."

"So you just...give up?" Eddie asked. "Because...I dunno, it just sounded like you want to be stuck as me for the rest of time as long as you can be delusional about Nancy."

Eddie realized that he was being thebiggest hypocrite right now.

He just didn't care.

Every day he made himself sick with worry that you were going to find out and hate him. Guilted himself over the fact that he had to lie and deceive you. Every day simply got harder, and as much as he reveled in your affections...he knew it wasn't right.

Eddie had gotten them both into this mess because he couldn't build up the courage to own up to his feelings for you...and now Steve was doing the same thing. Who's to say that if Steve--if "Eddie"--had a chance with Nancy, they might never be able to undo this spell at all.

"I'm not giving up, I'm just..." Steve ran a hand over his face. "Wouldn't it be easier this way?"

There was a second of silence as Eddie connected the dots.

Maybe he wasn't the only one to blame here either. They were both jealous of each other. Eddie jealous because Steve was dating you. But Steve was jealous...because Eddie lived a supposed carefree life. Right? Wasn't that what Steve had said? And...and did Eddie not just find out how un-carefree Steve's life was?

"I get it now," Eddie muttered. "It isn't...it isn't just about Nancy. It's all of it."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"If you're me...then you don't need to worry about keeping mommy and daddy's marriage happy," Eddie explained. "You don't need to...work with Keith. You don't have to worry about living up to expectations when there are none."

"You talked to my mom?" Steve narrowed his eyes, his tone full of betrayal. "What the hell man?"

"I didn't but thanks for the warning man," Eddie scoffed. "Walked in on her and the mayor practically hanging off one another. Ah look at you, see? You look sick to your stomach. Don't worry, I didn't tell anyone. But I bet it's felt good the last few weeks, not having to think about whether or not your dad is gonna find out. That your perfect life is gonna be ruined."

"My life isn't perfect!" Steve exclaimed.

"Neither is mine! If you didn't notice, it's as far from perfect as you can get. Maybe you've just been oblivious to it so far. A few weeks is nothing compared to 20 years man.

"What's gonna happen when the state pen calls on my birthday because dear old dad wants to chat. Or..or when you go to Rick's house to restock your supply and he's having a really bad day. You know how many times I've talked him out of just...ending it? It used to be easier when my mom was around but...guess what Steve? She's dead too.

"My life isn't easy," Eddie concluded. "Isn't perfect. So don't act like everything's easier just cuz you want to get in Nancy Wheeler's pants."

"You don't fucking know what you're talking about," Steve rumbled. "Nancy...shit she's the only person who I've ever loved. Who has ever loved me. Maybe my parents did a long time ago when I was still young enough to be my dad's little buddy and my mom's dress up doll. But not anymore. But Nancy? Nancy got me. She understood me like no one else did."

"What about your friends? What about Robin?"

"What other friends do I have besides Robin?" Steve asked. "They're all gone. They left. Even before graduation."

"And that's what you want now? You want Nancy and my friends too? To help fill your lonely little life?"

"My life is lonely? Please. You're playing a make believe game and wannabe rockstar twice a week with a bunch of kids. All your real friends left you behind too. And I might not know what my future holds but at least I have a future Munson," Steve huffed. "If this spell bullshit hadn't have happened, it isn't hard to guess where you would end up. Still living in that trailer park 20 years from now, fixing toilets, and fucking your fist because who would ever wanna be with someone like you? Who could ever love yo--"

Steve couldn't finish that sentence because Eddie's fist was rocketing into his face. The force of the punch made him fall to the ground.

Eddie felt empowered, filled with righteous anger and self hatred.

There was nothing worse than being faced with the hopelessness of his life, the pointlessness of his future...until those facts came from his own mouth.

"You're on your own Harrington," Eddie shouted as he turned on his heel and walked back to the BMW, not stopping for a second to look back, even as Steve called after him. "You wanna fix my life? You wanna be Eddie Munson? Be Eddie Munson. You don't need my help. Good fucking luck."

“Well here we are, Honey,” Steve announced as he pulled up to the curb in front of your house. “End of the Line. Home Sweet Home.”

It was the perfect date. Again.

Let the record show that Steve was the best at planning dates.

Honestly sometimes...it just seemed too good to be true.

There had been the night when he stopped by Benny's right before closing, and you had that chat outside. Even though you had an early class the next morning, he lured you out to the line of fast food places near the highway on an impromptu date and created ungodly mash ups with different sandwiches.

Or Thursday, he asked if you wanted to have a movie night and you suggested your place since Starcourt was always so packed. He had brought a ton of treats and extra supplies to build a blanket fort in your living room. He stole a few kisses when your hands met in the popcorn bowl. And you had gotten caught making out in the fort by your mom.

Then today--a Saturday of all days--he'd surprised you.

You’d walked outside, running late for your shift, only to find him parked at the curb, leaning against his car with a huge grin on his face. Told you that he had begged Benny to give you the day off to take you for a surprise.

"I have the day off from Family Video," he explained. "Figured I could use a little day out. Thought I could convince you to tag along."

As if a Saturday off wasn't surprising enough in and of itself.

It was honestly like something out of a John Hughes movie.

He had driven you into Indianapolis to go to some outdoor flea market. Played whatever music you wanted on the drive there and back. Got you all the roasted pecans and sweet confections from the vendors at the edge of the market had to offer. Made you fall for him more and more as he talked shop, laughed, and bartered for vintage records and cool sunglasses and a handful of pinback buttons.

"'Get Stoned?'" You laughed and picked out one rather large button.

"Like the Rolling Stones."

"I get it," you laughed. "Just didn't think you were into them enough to get a button."

"Oh...they're the Stones," Steve shrugged. "But, uh, figured...Eddie might be into it."

You really tried not to wince at the mention of Eddie’s name. You smiled and nodded but it just had you thinking back to Eddie and Nancy at Benny's. You knew you had to stop thinking about it...especially in comparison with Steve, and it was getting increasingly more difficult when Steve was the one who brought him up in the first place. Hell, when you stopped at a little drive-in outside of Marion for dinner, Steve even ordered, what you recognized as, Eddie's usual from Benny's.

It honestly threw you for a loop and made you feel a little crazy.

Just weeks ago you would have thought…well you wouldn’t have considered them similar at all.

And now…

Now you weren’t so sure.

You had spilled your heart out to Steve the other night, told him all the things that you liked about him. And it wasn't until you got home from work after seeing Eddie and Nancy together that you realized...a lot of the things you liked about Steve were also things you liked about Eddie.

Sure, Eddie and Steve were hanging out more after all, so they had to have something in common. Maybe hanging around each other brought out the best in one another. The glimpse of Steve you got after that third date…that genuine sweetness…was now only amplified by Eddie’s genuine personality.

Then you had Eddie…his seemingly endless confidence was more of a defense mechanism. Behind closed doors or with your heads leant together over homework he was more vulnerable. Sweeter. But now the confidence had almost made way for cockiness and indifference...which you really had never associated with Eddie before.

So the way he smile and looked at Nancy, the softness he freely gave--

The way you always wanted him to look and smile at you. The way that still devastated you not to be on the receiving end of.

—you rarely saw him show that soft side of himself so freely.

Even if Nancy had a boyfriend…well, it was a hurtful sight to witness and you truly hoped Eddie wouldn’t be hurt if she turned him down.

Huh. Eddie pining after Nancy and Steve being…just a sweetheart. A sweetheart you were falling for. It’s almost like they traded places or something.

You pondered the thought for a second and couldn’t help but laugh at how silly it all was.

“What’s got you laughing?” Steve’s voice broke through your fantastical thoughts and you shook your head.

“Nothing,” you dismissed. “I’m just…just happy.”

Steve smiled that million dollar smile of his--bright and sparkling--and tucked his head into his shoulder a little before glancing back at you.

“Really?” He questioned.

“Yeah.”

“Cuz you had a good time?”

“Well yeah, I always have a good time with you.” You shuffled in your seat a little, tugged at the seatbelt and scuffed your feet against the floor mat. “You, uh...you wanna come in?"

"Uh, is your mom home?" He chuckled nervously. "I don't want a repeat of last time."

No. That was mortifying.

"She's actually out with some coworkers. They got some big contract. Some international account blah," you waved your hand dismissively. "Kinda boring but she doesn't get to go out too much. I dunno.

"But uh...if you did want to come in...we could avoid a play by play. If you catch my drift?" You raised your eyebrows seductively and you thought you made the right reference--he was a sports guy after all. But he just looked like a deer in the headlights.

That was just the natural progression of dating right?

You kiss a little or a lot...and then you make out on your couch...and then...so why did he look shocked. You didn't wanna push him...but he was also Steve Harrington. You honestly thought he would have made a move by now.

Some wicked voice in the back of your head piped up.

Maybe the problem wasn't Steve; maybe you were the problem...

"It's ok if you don't want to," you backtracked, suddenly self-conscious. "Because I know you...you probably work tomorrow or something."

"No!" he shouted, the volume of it a little shocking thanks to the close proximity in the car. "Yes that's...no I...we can go in."

You held back a sigh of relief and smiled shakily.

The walk inside was unremarkable, but every second that passed was filled with more anticipation than the one before. Steve teased you for fumbling with your keys, enough that you dropped them, and he gave your butt a little pat. You grabbed him around the middle and waddled him back from your mother's steam-cleaned carpets so he could kick off his shoes, all the while running your hands over his toned chest. You asked him if he wanted something to drink, like a good hostess would, and he simply quirked a brow and said there was only one thing that could quench his thirst.

But before long it was all just a vague blur because he pushed you up against the wall in the front room and eagerly fused his lips to yours.

Steve was always a little noisy, always humming, but his noises became needier the longer you went. His hands gripped your waist and he thumbed the softness there consistently, as though he needed to prove to himself that you were truly safe within his grasp.

He swallowed the giggles that softly escaped you when his fingers found just the right spot.

"Ticklish?" he broke away and pulled just far enough back to grin through those kiss-swollen lips. You whined impatiently in response. "I think I found my lady's weakness...it's ok. Your secret is safe with me."

A voice echoed in your head, soft and sweet. My lady. Gravelly with sleep in the morning before class, accompanied by a bow, as you passed by Hellfire Club on the way to homeroom

No, no, no. Not again. You were here with Steve. Steve. Not Eddie.

"Mmmh, and what about you?" you muttered petulantly, pushing the thought away. He surged forward for another peck but you kept your hand firm on his chest to hold him back. "Isn't it fair I learn your weakness too?"

"I've gotta have some secrets don't I?" He pulled one of your hands away and pressed feather light kisses to each of your fingers, then the back of your hand.

An image was summoned in your mind's eye, the feeling of lips on your hand as you practiced some sort of Shakespearean reenactment for English class.

Eddie needed to get out of your head. Out of your heart.

You batted Steve's hand away, grabbed his face and mashed your lips to his urgently.

There was a build of anticipation; it was frenzied but it didn't feel rushed. Now that you two had a moment alone--truly alone to explore one another without a nosy neighbor or a potentially wandering police officer or a well-intended parent--it was clear that you both wanted this and wanted to savor every minute of it. Memorize every dip, every curve, every plane. Paint the taste of one another on the canvas of each other's tongues.

He tasted like...

Cherry Pie and Cigarettes and Juicy Fruit Gum.

But he didn't chew Juicy fruit. But he did. But he didn't. Steve didn't. Eddie did.

Steve chewed Big Red. He told you so on your first date when you asked for a stick after the bitter taste of coffee lingered in your mouth.

"I only chew Big Red, is that ok?"

But he had chewed gum in the car after you left the diner. He had his pie, he smoked really quick--a habit you vaguely remembered him saying he was quitting--and he had offered you a piece of Juicy Fruit as he turned the key in the ignition.

You compared Eddie and Steve in the car before, chalked it up to them being friends. But now here he was again and it was driving you crazy. You just wanted to fall for Steve in peace. And you were, you really were, but you were also getting sick of Eddie popping up at the most inopportune times.

You pushed Steve away from you and panted heavily.

"You wanna go to my room?" you asked abruptly. Your eyebrows shot upwards expectantly as Steve stared at you with big, dumb eyes and a shocked expression.

"Yes," he nodded eagerly. "Uh, yeah...yes."

Eddie didn’t know how to feel being in your room.

On the one hand…he doubted whether he should really be here. This was everything he had just condemned Steve for. On the other…it really had been the perfect day with you. You quieted the doubt in his mind. All of Steve’s cutting words about…being alone and never knowing love…they didn’t matter when you held his hand and looked him in the eyes and kissed him.

All of the sweet things you said to him the other night flooded his mind and made him feel like he was underwater. Submerged in your love.

If he closed his eyes and imagined the world was perfect, it did feel like love. He could convince himself that you loved him too. 

The minute your bedroom door was closed behind him, you had grabbed Eddie and pushed him onto your bed. The plush comforter cushioned his fall and your pillows had all bounced around him and he chuckled.

He craned his neck to get a look around your room—white walls decorated with some posters and cutouts from magazines here and there, a small desk, a bookshelf that was so full it was more book than shelf. He’d learned so much about you the past few weeks, more than he had over the past few years of knowing you, but this…aside from the fact that you had crawled onto his lap and we’re nipping at his neck…this was the most intimate he would ever get to know you. Not your body. But your soul, your mind, your light.

If this was his last glimpse of you he ever got in his life, he would die happily. He didn’t need to pretend things were perfect to acknowledge that he was in love with you. It was a fact of his existence at this point. And he needed to show you.

“H-honey?” He asked softly. “Stop.”

“You don’t like this?” You laved at the point where his jaw met his neck before sucking a bruising kiss there. His nerves were alight at the sensation and blood rushed south.

“Where did you learn to do that? Hmm?” He asked teasingly as his hand gripped your waist. You pulled back and grinned like the cat that got the cream. “Oh? You’ve got secrets? Well I’ve got a secret too.”

Something akin to worry flashed behind your eyes and he reached up to caress the side of your face.

“Don’t worry,” he reassured. “It’s not bad. Let me show you.”

Eddie pulled your mouth back to his and you fell into him, obviously enjoying the soft attentions of his kiss. From there he eased you onto your back, happy to hover over you and press his body into yours. He grinned as you made a needy little noise.

More? He could give you more; he was planning on it. More importantly, you were eager to have him take.

You were soft and pliant against him, malleable, as his mouth traveled from yours, down your neck, and further down still. His hands antecedent of his descent, they prepared you for what was to come, gave you every opportunity to push him away, though you never would. He grasped your wrists and pressed them to the soft mattress above your head, rucked up your shirt so he could attend to your breasts.

Fingers deftly peeled away the cups of your bra and as he suckled and venerated, he found that the little strumming motion he liked to do when he played with himself was also one that made you whine deliciously;  calloused pads oscillating over supple fullness and hardened peaks.

Eddie abandoned his paltry devotions to continue onwards. He knelt back and quickly began removing your skirt and underwear, cute little things that would serve no purpose if you were to let him proceed.

“Is this ok Honey? You can tell me to stop,” he assured you. You bit your lip and your bliss-filled face became bashful, but you shook your head anyway. “No? You want me to stop?”

“Don’t stop,” you replied breathily. “Please.”

“I won’t. I’ll give you whatever you want. I promise.”

He ushered you to scoot further up the bed so your head could be cradled by the plush pillows. He couldn’t resist dropping another kiss or two to your lips, to sooth the sting that your teeth were inflicting. Your little needy noises were cute, but you were holding back and he simply couldn’t let that happen. 

“I want to hear you,” he muttered, running his thumb over your lips. “It’s just us. No one will hear. I need to know if I’m doing something you don’t like. Or something you really like. Then I know to do it again next time.”

“Next time?”

“Yeah…this isn’t some quick romp at a party or outside a concert, sweetheart. I want to make you feel good again.” He pressed a kiss to your lips for emphasis. “And again.” Another kiss to your breast. “And again.” One last kiss against your stomach before he settled himself in the cradle of your thighs, hissing the slightest bit as his hips came in contact with your mattress.

He was throbbing, aching for his own pleasure, eager for a release that he’d been ignoring and denying himself. He shifted and found a little friction, the mattress and his jeans doing just enough to sate him while he took care of another hunger.

Never let it be said that Eddie hadn’t met a pussy that he didn’t think was pretty but you—open for him and wanting--were gorgeous. Tempting. Eddie clicked his tongue as he finally got a good look at you, fluttering with want, dripping with ambrosia.

“Why didn’t you tell me you wanted more?” He admonished with a smirk, looking up at you with hooded eyes as he settled your leg over his shoulder, nestling in for an extended, more comfortable time. “I wouldn’t have made you wait so long.”

“I didn’t…I…” Your excuse was cut off by your combined moans as he latched onto you, immediately finding the swollen button at the top of your sex. He laved back and forth, teasing you until you whined. The taste of you, the smell of you—the earthy sweetness that bloomed on his tongue and settled at the base of his throat—caused his hips to jerk against the bed and he pulled back a little, eager but ready to let you feel good for as long as he could. He rotated his attention between your clit and your lips and your neglected little hole, kissed and nuzzled and lapped up whatever slick you gifted him. 

Eddie moved his hand from where it was caressing your thigh so he could ramp up the fun. You jumped as he caressed your lips, played with the spit and slick.

“Do you touch yourself honey?” You covered your face. “Didn’t I just tell you that I wanted to hear you? So tell me, do you touch yourself?”

“Yes,” you threw your hands down and grasped the plush comforter.

“Do you think of me?” You nodded. “I can’t hear you. Do you?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want me to touch you? Do you want more?” He blew a soft breath across your thigh and you shivered.

“P-please, more.”

Eddie slid his fingers over you, watched as you shuddered and twitched, basked in your wanton little noises. With his other hand, he shifted slightly and undid his belt and the fly of his jeans, pushing them down just so, so he could rock against the bed, seeking more physical relief. He dove back in with kisses and licks and nips, getting adventurous as he slid a finger into you. You stiffened up for just a moment before he took you to higher heights. 

"Uuhnnnhhh, yes," you moaned breathily. Beautifully. "Right there. Yes!"

The tightness was luxurious and his head spun, imagining what the rest of the night might bring. He could feel you panting, getting closer and closer to your peak. He would get you there. Gladly. Again and again. Over and over until you couldn’t take any more.

“Please!”

“What do you want, honey?”

“Please I’ve—“

“You wanna cum sweetheart.” He grinned against you. “I’ll get you there but you have to beg. Come on.”

"P-please S-Steve!"

Eddie froze.

His ears started ringing. His entire body was numb. He couldn’t…couldn’t breathe. It all came flooding back, the realization, the hatred, the resentment. The want to be with you and the fact that he couldn't.

"W-what's wrong?!" you stammered and pushed yourself onto your elbows to get a better view of him. "What happened?"

Eddie couldn't answer. He could barely look at you.

He pushed your leg off his shoulder, and as he did he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror beside the bed—

The freckled skin, the fluffy hair, the rumpled polo, the hazel eyes staring back at him smugly.

--he couldn't even look at himself.

“Please, talk to me. What happened? Did I do something wrong?"

"I just...I..." he choked at the sound of his voice. But not his voice.

He shook his head and pushed himself off the bed. He ran a hand over his face and ignored the questions that came out of you. He quickly yanked up his jeans and barely fastened them. He ignored the belt.

He quickly turned on his heel and ran out of your room. He jammed his feet into his shoes and fumbled with the jacket he had hung on the coat hook by the door to get his keys. 

Not his keys. 

Steve’s keys. Steve’s car, Steve’s body, Steve’s life, Steve’s love.

Not his.

He let the jacket fall to the floor, abandoned, as he quickly made his escape.

All the while you called and ran after him.

"Steve?! Wait! Steve!!"

Tag List is currently suspended.

Freaky Friday Chapter 5 will be uploaded by Sunday, May 21st at 7pm CST.

[clarkes-and-god]

"So, how come Tobias hasn't moved to Evergreen Harbour at the same time as you and the kids?"

"He's just busy at the moment, he'll be with us soon."

"Is he working?"

"I mean, not exactly. it's kinda complicated."

"You don't have to explain if you don't want to."

"No, it's ok. The rest of the family knows and I guess you'd figure it out too. We put the kids in public school, which wasn't the best idea, looking back. Mandy said something to her teacher, and I think the teacher just made it into a bigger issue than it was. They sent a social worker to our house and he got mad because he thought they were gonna take the kids. So he punched the social worker, and they called the cops. Now he's in jail for six months."

"That sounds really stressful, hun. How have you been holding up?"

"I just think this wouldn't have happened if I had done better. If I had managed the money better and made it work then I'd never have had to get a job, so the kids wouldn't have been in school, and this wouldn't have happened. And Tobias is so sweet to me most of the time, I just say stupid stuff sometimes and it upsets him. People are gonna think he's a bad guy now he's in jail but he's really not."

"Yeah, I see how it could feel like that. I'm not trying to say anything bad about him, he is my brother, but you've gotta remember Tobias is an adult and you're not responsible for what he did. Punching that social worker was his choice, not yours."

"Huh, ok"

"And I think you're doing a great job. You've moved houses by yourself, to somewhere new where you don't know many people. You're working and you're caring for your four kids, and I bet that's hard even when Tobias is here. Not many people could manage all of that, I don't think I could."

"Really? That's nice of you to say. I just want everything to be better when he gets back, I think it'll be easier if it is. We were in a trailer when we lived in Brindleton, that's why I moved, so we could get an apartment. It's easier when the kids have more space."

"I see. It sounds like you've got a lot on your plate. If you ever need anything, me and Bowie would be happy to help you out. I work weird hours, I could look after the kids for a morning if you want. Or you could come over for dinner if that'd make things easier for you."

"Thanks, I'll think about it."

[laughroditee]

Thinking about the COD urban fantasy AU that I will be writing a fic for. I have a background in fine art and comics and have experience with video editing, so because of this, this fic came to me as a movie trailer, which I plan on making an animatic of. (If I can get my husband to learn how to voice the characters, I may include voices as well.) But it came from the idea:

What if there was a necromancer who would raise your loved one, but if you didn't pay them, they'd take control of them?

And that leads us to the

"Repossessed" Trailer Script, starring necromancer!graves

(please note that I do not have any formal training in actually formatting scripts so these are just my notes for the animatic. Filmmakers, don't come for me.)

(OPEN on a cityscape at sundown, cue music, if any.) Voiceover: "The name's Graves."

(NIGHTTIME. cut to a scene of a man, back to us in a cemetery. Close in on headshot, he turns to face the camera.) V/O: "Phillip Graves."

(INTERIOR OFFICE, DAYTIME. Graves is seated behind his desk, feet up, leaning back in his chair, maybe playing with a Rubix cube or something, speaking with a client, whom we can't see yet.)

Client: "Phillip Graves? As in 'fill up graves?' That's a bit… on the nose isn't it?"

Graves (smirking bc he's a cocky mf): "I don't so much fill ‘em up as I do empty ‘em out nowadays."

(Cut back to scene of Graves in the cemetery where a green, eldritch light glows from his hand.) V/O: "As a necromancer, I can bring anyone back from the dead."

(Cut back to Graves in office, looking at client.) Graves: "For a Price."

(Graves leans forward, cocking his head): "What would you pay?"

(Flashes of the deceased, happy.) V/O: "What would you do...?"

(Flashes of the deceased and the client together, loving etc huehuehue) V/O: "...To have them back with you?"

(Cut to Graves sitting behind his desk, holding up photo of the deceased between two fingers, looking at his client, cocky and eager.) Graves: "Pretty little thing like this? What's it worth to ya?"

(Cut to John Price seated in the chair opposite the desk, looking grief-stricken, desperate, and determined): “Everything.”

(cut to black, dramatic pause if there's music)

(Cut to first person POV, looking up at Graves, giving you a hand.) Graves: “Welcome back, darlin', to the land of the living.”

When I post the art (storyboards and eventual video) for this, it will be on my art blog @momokeen and reblogged from there. (I try to keep my 18+ stuff here separate from my main blog, even though I update more here, currently.)

Issues I know I will have:

Time - my chaotic brain always has a billion projects going at once, which is why I wanted to at least put this much out. I have at least four other fics that need attention, not to mention actual real life, and running a small business. I will be doing it though. It may not be good, but it will be done, eventually.

Finding the right music. Currently I'm looking for good epic trailer music. I have zero money to commission someone to compose something custom, otherwise I would ask my friend if he'd take the job.

Voices (because I want them 😩)

The decedent. I had planned on writing the fic as a "x you" POV, but if I'm including a visual trailer, done in the way that I want, obviously I have to pick one way the decedent looks, which I know will leave many people feeling left out. This is why I tend to make OCs, as it's easier for me to make decisions that my OCD and trauma brain won't let me make otherwise, because "this person is their own person and this is how I've developed them." (Also I'm new to fanfic, pls forgive me. I know OC x Canon is the less-liked option here. I really struggle with trying to make everyone happy, to the point that it's debilitating and I honestly don't know what to do.)

And finally, ✨mental health✨.

But yeah, that's it. That's a thing I'm gonna make. This was step one. Thanks for reading. 🖤

[delopsia]

how much of the truck do you think Rhett has replaced over the years? (maybe the better question is what hasnt been replaced at this point) like do you think hes completely rebuilt the transmission and engine? is there a point that he will give up on it? or do you think hes the person that will say that as long as the seat is the same one its the same truck? cuz it isnt going to last forever because that truck is how old and its also been a farm truck all its life. regardless of what state we are all living in now its safe to say that the Wyoming winters have taken a toll on the truck in the form of rust and wear and tear. if he rusts through the frame (a death sentence for vehicles) will he buy the same make in model that has had an easier life and just take his transmission and engine (he just put those in less than 80,000 miles ago god danmit!!) out and put it into the one with the good frame. i think if he ever does throw the towel in on the truck hes going to keep the seat and put it in his room in the house because theres too many memories on that seat for the thruple

I am so happy that someone is asking me about the trucks because I have put so much unnecessary thought and work into them. But Rhett's truck... Jesus Christ, it is the bane of my existence. I cannot figure out what year it is, and it's been driving me up the wall, but I'll admit I've been using this sale listing as a reference.

I'm in trouble if this truck ever sells.

That old truck has close to 225,000 miles on it at this point; it's practically gone everywhere, and for some damn reason, it's still alive and kicking. Had about 100,000 miles when Rhett bought it, and he's driven it to all hell ever since.

He's replaced the front and rear wheel hubs three times now. Had to put in new ball joints, and rust essentially forced him to replace the transmission, fuel, and brake lines after a couple of years. Shortly after that, the transmission failed and forced Rhett to gather a few buddies to help him rebuild it. But it's been a lot of small fixes here and there, the forgettable things that take an afternoon, and that's it.

The old truck was built to last, and even though nobody is 100% sure where it spent its early years, it's been well taken care of. If there's an odd noise or it starts to act out of character, the problem is located and found within the week. It's always best to fix the issue when its small, rather than wait until it gets worse.

Trucks last on the Abbott ranch. Royal's vehicle is older than Rhett's, and it's still alive and kicking! I haven't done a ton of research into what Royal drives, but I think it's an '80s GMC C/K Sierra Classic.

Honorary comparisons.

Nifty how Rhett and his Dad both seem to have Sierra's, lmao.

Regardless, it's an old truck. If Royal's truck can make it, so can Rhett's

Unless it becomes a money pit that can't stand to run for more than a few hours at a time, then Rhett's going to be hanging onto it. He could replace the whole vehicle over the course of time and still believe it's the exact same truck. But if it does fail, he'd likely go with another older-model truck with a bench seat. Maybe not the same make and model, but he'd be happy to bring home another in a different color.

As of the "current time" in the story, the Sierra is living herself a nice little life in the garage. Her Pavement Princess era, if you want me to start sounding cripplingly Gen-Z. Rhett's new work requires a lot of trailer pulling and things that the Sierra just couldn't keep up with, which means a new truck!

In Whispers In The Dark, I vaguely hinted that Rhett left the Sierra in Wyoming for a period of time because he'd bought a new truck after moving out.

This was the truck!

A 2019 Ford F-350 that I picked out back in February and simply never mentioned to anyone 😭 it never made sense to mention the exact make and model, so it got reduced to "Rhett's other truck."

After the Sierra comes home, she gets to become the official date night vehicle, alongside Bob's. It's her only job now!

I haven't mentioned a ton about Bob's truck, but since we're already on the topic, he's got a 2021 Toyota Tundra in the color Midnight Black Metallic. I exclusively picked this truck for him because some models come with a front-row bench seat.

Who would have thought that I'd have so much truck lore 🧍‍♂️

[denimbex1986]

'When Andrew Scott and Jessica Gunning met on the set of British comedy drama Pride in 2014, little did they know that a decade later they would both be celebrating Emmy nominations – Andrew for Ripley and Jessica for Baby Reindeer. Nor did they anticipate that they would remain such great friends. “The film really bonded us together,” grins Andrew, as he joins Esquire and Jessica to discuss the film’s 10 year anniversary. “I know both your sisters,” Jessica says, affectionately.

Friendship is at the heart of what Pride is all about. Written and directed by Matthew Warchus, it tells the uplifting and boisterous true story of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM), an activist group founded in 1984 in London to raise money for the Welsh miners. The film shows how both LGSM and the miners overcome mutual prejudices through a common goal of solidarity, at a time of raging homophobia and class division. Andrew plays the real life Gethin Roberts, a gay man from Wales living in London who forms a part of LGSM. Jessica is Siân James: a housewife, volunteer, and later a trailblazing politician, who encouraged the miners and the activists to join forces. “What’s so wonderful,” Andrew says, as he looks back on Pride’s impact, “is that it’s not about gay people or their sexuality but about their humanity and what [this group] did.”

The film has genuine cult status. No Pride month goes by without a string of London screenings, where the sound in the cinema is a mix of belly laughs and sobs. “To watch the movie is to love the movie,” Andrew explains. And indeed, Pride’s reputation as a family friendly crowd pleaser has a real-life impact: “So many young people still come up to me and say it helped them come out to their parents,” says Jessica. “As soon as you show someone being humanised, it’s easier.”

Like the best ensemble movies, Pride is a broad church. There are moving performances from Brit stalwarts Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton (the famous “sandwich scene” both actors portray is a notorious tearjerker), but Pride also features an assorted biscuit tin of fresh-faced British acting talent: Freddie Fox, George Mackay, Russell Tovey, and… well, Jessica and Andrew, all had defining roles.

Even though it was starry, the film was shot on a low indie budget between London and Wales; there were no actors hiding in their fancy studio trailers, Andrew recalls. Nor, Jessica adds, was there a separation between the youngsters and the established actors. “That’s what I remember: everyone just talking all of the time.”

It’s no wonder that they both remain such great friends – filming Pride sounds like it was brilliant fun. They fall into laughter discussing anecdotes from behind the scenes, especially over a much loved segment where Dominic West flaunts his disco moves. But some of their fondest memories are from attending “fancy parties” while promoting the film. “We celebrated several times,” says Jessica. “We still are!” Andrew replies, with a sheepish grin.

With the success of Ripley and Baby Reindeer, there’s every reason to. Both actors’ performances are nominated at the upcoming Emmy’s: Andrew as Patricia Highsmith’s mysterious character Tom Ripley and Jessica as troubled stalker Martha in Richard Gadd’s black comedy. “There’s a kind of blankness to that character,” Andrew says, on portraying his version of Tom Ripley. “He’s an unreliable hero, and so part of it was to just embrace that chasm and that became sort of enjoyable to play.”

For Jessica, playing Martha in Baby Reindeer was the role of a lifetime. “Richard’s writing of Martha was so nuanced, I just connected with her,” she says, on first reading Gadd’s script. “Not to be too cheesy, but Andrew played a massive part in terms of how I approached the part. I remember we had a chat, and when I got the job, you were like, ‘go for it’… I remember your passion.”

It was the sort of role that she had been fighting for, Jessica explains, and this was her chance. But Andrew already knew the genius of Jessica Gunning. “She's been a sort of stalwart of our stage and screen for so many years, but now everybody knows how amazing and brilliant and beautiful she is,” he says, with a broad smile. Those Emmy nominations are just another part of a journey they’ve shared since meeting on the set of Pride a decade ago. “And the fact that we get to experience that together is just so magical, isn't it?”

[catonator]

Marketers are Morons

E3 is dead, but suits still need to get their fix for both their crippling gambling addiction and their exhibitionist fetish somewhere, so you know what time it is! It’s… a random weekend in June.

That’s right, with no real reason or cohesion to onlookers, this just happens to be the exact moment when all the executives could no longer hold it in and had to bust all over Twitch, which is much easier nowadays thanks to the camwhore apocalypse. As such, we have a fuckton of new trailers and other assorted trailer-like homunculi to pour over as the good little consumer piggies we are.

But the past few years, the ads have seemed increasingly unlikely to stir any excitement. Trailers are more cookie-cutter than ever, and actual gameplay reveals are a disappearing art. And much like last time when I complained about gaming news, all the developers actually making the games are mysteriously absent. Yes, you read that right, this blog has continuity now! Look forward to the blogomatic universe announcement later this year.

Looking back at E3s of old, these new events are cheaper, more condensed, more accessible and entirely controlled by the corporations and not vulnerable to the oh-so-familiar gaffes of live shows. Yet they still happen just as rarely as E3. Somehow the genius executives at the top have decided that, you know, instead of letting people know what’s happening more often and spreading the games accordingly to give them all room to breathe, we stuff even more crap into a shorter timespan and as a result nobody even remembers what we saw two days later.

Confoundingly we’ve decided that now gameplay reveals are also trailers. Both Perfect Dark and That Indiana Jones Thing Because Disney Has To Stay Relevant™ had “gameplay reveals”, but both were some sort of amalgamation of gameplay clips strung together and overlaid with the same piano-inception horn trailer music trash every other trailer was full of. Why even bother? Just cut out the middleman and show us a CGI video clip at that point for all the difference that makes.

I’m honestly a little confused about what all the suits even do all day. They’re paid exorbitant sums of money and all they can come up with is the same shit all their friends and THEMSELVES have been doing for years. Does the marketing team also double as the company’s cocaine quality assurance wing? Presumably the business school all these clowns come from is equally tilted in their goals, since I’d imagine “don’t immediately shoot your product in the foot” and “don’t make your product look as undesirable as possible” would rank fairly high on a business 101 class’ Don’t-Fuck-It-up-o-meter. Alongside wisdom like “don’t burn all your money like Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight”.

I feel the early onset Old Man Syndrome setting in again. Last time it was gaming magazines/news, this time it’s gaming events. There’s another one about marketing and gameplay gifs on social media that I think I’ll save for later. It’s a little frustrating that consistently I hit the same issues with the consideration of “it worked so much better before, what the fuck happened?”

Many complain about E3 et al. being just loaded advertising breaks, but the truth is, even in a moneyless society marketing would still be needed to let people know your artwork exists. A marketing campaign doesn’t just exist to sell you on something monetarily, but also timewise. Even if a game was free, the time commitment still means that you’ll filter out a lot of art unless you know it’s worth your time.

It’s a little disappointing that a theoretically better and more accessible system still makes me miss the haphazard cringefest that was E3, but a well oiled marketing machine also completely lacks the humanity that this medium so sorely needs right now. So please, bring it back. E3 needs to exist for this industry’s long term survival.

And also the E3 bingo cards. Those are the most important bit.

[happy-hectic-life]

A Final Note To Bran

Bran . . . 

After a few years of therapy and months of moving away from everything to heal I can say I finally see things as they were. 

I would dwell in my feelings and try to cloud my mind with the good and happy memories because it was easier to try to take the blame then to be mad at someone. But then the reality of the situation would bleed in and it was a chaotic mess of feelings, so I’d just refuse to think about it or heal.

But what hit the hardest is I stayed to fight for the version of you I imagined. But I should’ve left because of how you are. 

How your ex fiance moved back in with you for 6 months and the only way I could see you was a few weekends here and there you would come to my house. But If I came to yours we had to stay in the dirtiest and cheapest little motel. The one in the run down part of Rochester where I was catcalled and followed the whole way from my car to the room, holding a small pocket knife up my sleeve. The same room that I would sit at alone when you were at work or class where I’d get occasional knocks on the door by the same group of men until their work crew finally left. 

Then after she was gone for another 6 months, I rented us a single wide trailer where I was going to school and where you decided to continue your education. But, less that a week before we moved in, you decided to fuck your ex and claim you were so sad you couldn’t function. As you were someone who served in the military and had PTSD and depression, I came because I was worried. I drove 3.5 hours after cutting a visit short with family from out of state. Then when I got there you lied and said you were playing video games, then 4 hours later of sitting in your dark living room hearing occasionally how the ‘games’ were going I told you that I was there. You screamed at my on the phone, you threatened me and degraded me. You told me not to leave. But I was afraid to stay, I was afraid of you. But after a year of your manipulation, I stayed. 

Flash ahead, we move into our new place. A few weeks pass and I’m running low on money as I’ve payed the move in cost and all of our bills that month. I needed you to find a job so you got an interview. Then stood it up to go to a cabin and party with your family. I was invited, but you told me to stay and work overtime so I could get the bills still. I called you an ass and slammed the front door. I made it through the living room and heard you slam in and I’ve never seen such a menacing glare. I sprinted to the bathroom which had a lock. I sat with my back against the door as you kicked and shoved it. Told me I better come out right now, I stayed in there until you gave up and left. Then another hour afterwards crying. It was dark by then so I could see you headlights if you came back. You didn’t for days, of course.

Over the next month that became my hiding place from your yelling and cornering. But eventually, my mother surprised me with a used washer and dryer, but we had to get an accordian door then. With no where to hide again, I learned to stand up for myself. You’d go to corner me and threaten me, I would run. The first time I didn’t get away, I panicked and threw a piece of silver ware at you. Then you threw a heavy container of sugar at me. It was my first week of class. I wasn’t able to get ready because you screamed at me all morning, and I was awake all night at work. My coffee splashed all over me and I had a light shirt on. I ran out, I knew you would do more if I stayed. I was a wallflower in that class because of everyone’s look the second day of class in that first week. That’s how all my classes ended up eventually because of you. 

Then there’s the open relationship stage, open on your side. I was disgusted by you. But since you were the first person I consensually slept with, I stayed. Did you know that’s the only reason I stayed so long? Because how would a husband want me if I was tainted. Religion that was shoved down my throat made me stay in that environment. In the years to come you were angry, degrading, manipulative, disrespectful, unloyal, unloving, and undeserving of my devotion to the relationship and ignorance of your down falls. 

Now, when I look back. I see both good and bad. I realize I can not get my time back and try to think I learned something from you. But I won’t spend more time thinking deeper into it, because my time now is only dictated by me.

[ego-morior]

LX:

April 30, 2024.

Yesterday was the first time I used my lunch break to cry because of my job.

When I first started, the supervisor of the customer service desk at the time, looked me in the eyes and warned me that this position was for those with a strong sense of holding their own against angry strangers who will see you as a target for all of their problems with the company. She told me, “you’re either going to cry every day because of this job or you’re going to do it once a week, but either way, you are going to cry, can you handle that?”

In a way, she was ultimately right, I did end up crying, but it finally happened two weeks before my first year working there.

I’ve worked at the customer service desk every night for a home improvement store for the past year. Some days are easier than others, but every shift will have two or three guaranteed problem customers. At this point, I’ve been able to handle it... mostly.

During the winter hours, locals living in the mountains were fine to handle. Their rudeness stems from a place of ignorance and not understanding. A great example of this kind of interaction was a man who slammed his wallet onto the counter and demanded I order him a gas heater and have it delivered to his trailer sitting at the end of an unmarked road only he knew the name of. After finding the correct heater, I asked him for his delivery address, which he promptly (and very aggressively) responded with, “why does this company need to know so much of my personal information?” I properly reminded him if he wanted it delivered, we would need his delivery address. He changed his mind swiftly, “just have it delivered to the store then.” And when it came to purchasing the online item, he opened up his wallet and threw two crumpled fifty dollar bills onto my keyboard. I tried to let him down gently and told him online orders have to be purchased with a card. I should have expected the following response; “I don’t believe in banks, I’m giving you cash, that should be enough. That there holds the same value, don't it?” The order never went through, and he fussed until his cheeks burned red with anger that he would be going to our competitor store instead from now on.

As infuriating as those kinds of interactions are in the moment, they’re funny to retell the next day.

When spring nears summer, the vacation homes and airbnbs in the mountains start getting occupied again by hundreds of visitors from elsewhere. Their rudeness, however, doesn’t stem from an ignorance you can laugh at the next day. 

“Well, what do you mean you can’t deliver it to my house? Jacksonville does it.” You can tell them certain trucks can’t make it up the steepness of their thin mountainous driveway, but it won’t matter, because another city in Florida can do it just fine. The other day a woman came in to return a light fixture that couldn’t be found on her credit card. She accused me of accusing her of not being able to afford the item, and hastily opened her checkbook and tossed all of the American Express, Skymiles, and other fancy weighted credit cards onto the counter. “I’ve got real money honey, I can afford everything in this place twice over, can you?” Not sure why but I kept thinking about that statement even after I had clocked out that night. I think I even took a shot before going to bed in her memory.

A gentleman once came in, dressed in ironed out khakis and a polo shirt. It was painfully obvious that he was not local. He approached the desk and very calmly and matter of factly announced to me, “I am having a dinner party tomorrow at my second home in front of the lake. I need several outdoor patios delivered there and I want a crew to come and assemble it on my property by 3pm.” Telling him that couldn’t be possible was harder than swallowing a spoonful of nails from aisle 15.

More and more of these out-of-towners, as the locals call them, are arriving in droves, and are being salt and peppered into the mix of already disgruntled locals. It’s fine to handle in batches but for some reason, it’s been affecting me more lately than it should. Even the pleasant customers wanting to purchase the right cushions for the lounge chairs on their balconies overlooking the blue ridge mountains have left a bitter taste in my mouth after every interaction.

I’m 31. I’ve worked hard for years now, making the most I’ve ever made and yet I’m still a paycheck away from financial instability. My savings could be gone from a sudden maintenance on my car or an unexpected trip to the doctor. I own nothing but the clothes on my back that I wear for my next shift. I go to work every day hoping I only get two ads instead of three during my short drive to work because I can't decide if I can afford spotify premium yet. And here I was, ordering a $200 pillow online for a woman that wanted to make sure it matched the ones she already owned in her Florida home. It’s disheartening to see it and witness it in person every day, y’know? A generation that will never properly understand how lucky they truly are to experience something so many born after them won’t be able to in their lifetime.

The unproblematic out of town customers smile wider, they laugh a little heartier. Even if you try to follow suit, you can just tell their biggest worry is whether or not they need to call a pool maintenance company this week or the week after.

And then there’s others that will threaten your entire career because they didn’t get the discount they felt they deserved. They have so much and yet they can point a finger at you and threaten your entire livelihood, just because they can, just because they've got a little extra time this afternoon. I can't imagine being so miserable when money isn't a worry. Once in a while I'll get ready in front of the mirror and think about how the rumor ever even started. Whoever said the phrase money doesn't make you happy, must have been talking to one of our loyal customers.

I don't think I was born to have an occupation in the customer service industry. Even now, I don't think I was born to do anything other than write.

I love writing. I think I always will. I think I was made to do this, and anything else will feel just as comparable as getting Martha’s third outdoor patio set to match her other two homes by the sea.

[the-firebird69]

Land of Bad - Official Trailer (2024) - Russell Crowe, Liam Hemsworth, M...

To find out that they are terrible people they find out this is one way they're fighting each other to the last man over having some area and they're fighting over a little islands and this is one of them and it's going on now it's already started they're trying to evacuate and gets a little islands and they try to live there and hide and build bunkers and things that they're going to sit there and wait it out when they're the ones who go after each other. The title is fitting because wherever you go it's bad and people here don't like each other it's a nuisance it's a pain they're very ugly and you can't negotiate with anybody about anything and this movie proves it and the star is Jason and his are trying to establish and all these other people are showing up including his own crew he's trying to have them hit each other so he can take a few Islands and it's happening very soon that they actually have to leave and stay there for a while and that's for damn sure people are going to go through them already

-the Nicholas Cage movie doesn't make sense to him there breaking out their own cars from their own facility but he says probably to try and take them to New Zealand however in this case it looks like bja having them do it in order to move them to a certain spot and in the movie bja just not succeed and Nicolas Cage loses the firebird too and it goes to Mexico and people are shocked and people go after it and there's a war and the minority warlock are crushed and the pseudo empire brings the car out and they were going to bring it here and then they get kicked out

-so you hold it where they are and attempt to threaten to get our son out and it's sitting here stranded and doesn't like to hear much still but foreigner us a movie in and it's easier and we are too it says and it's slightly easier but it's still kind of crappy and they're trying to get him money cuz they're not here and it's a chore and they are drastically unmanned and outgunned. Finally bja try as his idea and our son has no choice mostly all these things are Max for the most part and it's not really true but that's what it looks like it's still a bunch of pseudo empire but it's really foreigners in disguise Max and us but the majority here in Charlotte would be Max and it's a problem and we are forced to move in and foreigners too and we do it doesn't take long with their jerks too and do the same stupid s*** and they get beat up a lot and it's round two but really that is the pseudo empire. The max or jerks but a different way and it's more pervasive. It's going to start this week that the pseudo empire kicks out the warlock.

-the pseudo empire is beginning to move out on the West Coast north of Tampa and there are four diamonds on the west coast and three of them are excavated and one of the three is up there and they have their equipment coming down from Alabama and I'm going to start plowing in probably 4 hours. And they want to take the peninsula and it's a way to do it and to hold off a perimeter and that's another thing and so they're going to bring more and more equipment to push the stuff out and they're pretty big they're probably a mile long and a half mile high and it can go underwater for a little bit and I have to they're going to push the soil from 30 miles out to about 150 they said to 100 and the sun said why not use barges and they have machines that can load and they thought about that and thought it'd be too much work but this is easier he says you plowed into a pile you're sitting on a barge and you just push it off the barge and or submerged the bars it depends how it works some barges are like machines and they do have some of that where you can stick half the barge and dumps it in and it makes me waves but they're far away and then thinking about it right now they're getting going on it and with the barge idea you can bring it to 160 mi and dump it and nobody would ever know it was ever there but the other idea that kind of spray it out spreading it out and it's in the way again but they want to do that so that's what they're going to do they say but when it comes to being a problem it isn't going to affect you that much and they're going to find the diamonds out in the soil will drop regardless and it's not that much soil it might comparison of the to the area and it's going to move the manure All along The edge and those places pretty good bunch of it's probably going to be about 20% of the area will be cleared if manure and it makes it healthier and the rest of it will clear because of it and I know but it will be a better place so that's going on today and when they're coming in to do that work they're taking over the shorelines and the warlock can be pushed out and their beginning evacuation about an hour ago and the warlock will probably evacuate to 1% or less and it'll probably be people here which is probably 0.1% a little bit less than that it's close 0.08% and they're not far from that now there's probably 4% left in moments they're all getting up at least only about 3% and those 3% are in Miami and the coast of the West all which are going to be gone through today because of the equipment and they'll probably be gone today

-they fully intend to remove the contract and we checked and he's been checking and it's not too worried it's just young and they're moving on it shortly and they're going to somehow bring it over and it might be within a couple days there are other things happening this area is shaking up politically and and socially people are very sick and tired of hearing from John remillard about anything and they want him out and they're organizing to get him out of here and very soon more shortly

Thor Freya

Olympus

Zues Hera

[focalagent]

Just launched FocalAgent and Alto Integration!

When it comes to buying and selling property, the process can often feel overwhelming and complicated. Fortunately, FocalAgent, the UK’s leading visual content partner for estate agents is here to help. With our innovative digital products, FocalAgent is on a mission to transform how people buy and sell property.

From professional photography and floor plans to virtual viewing technology, FocalAgent offers a range of tools that make the buying and selling experience smoother and more efficient.

What is Alto?

Alto is a property management system owned by Zoopla, one of the leading property portals in the United Kingdom. This software is specifically designed to assist estate agents in managing their day-to-day operations, such as property listings, leads, and enquiries.

By integrating with Alto, we offer our customers the following benefits:

This all-new integration is set to revolutionise the way customers order and manage their marketing needs. This integration will benefit customers in several ways, including speeding up the ordering process, simplifying order tracking, eliminating the need for re-keying of information, and enhancing the user experience.

One of the most significant benefits of the Alto integration is that it streamlines the ordering process. Customers will no longer need to log in to FocalAgent’s system separately, instead, they can order marketing packs directly from the Alto system with just a few clicks. This not only saves time and effort but also reduces the chances of errors by ensuring that the information used for marketing materials is accurate and up-to-date.

In addition to simplifying the ordering process, the integration also provides live updates on orders, making it easier for customers to track the progress of their marketing pack orders. This ensures that customers are always up-to-date with the status of their orders and can plan accordingly. Another benefit of this integration is that it will enhance the user experience for customers. It makes the ordering process more seamless and convenient, providing a better overall experience.

It is a significant step forward for FocalAgent and its customers, offering a more efficient and effective way to manage their marketing needs.

Why is reducing errors so important?

Reducing errors is particularly important when it comes to Alto integration and FocalAgent because the accuracy of property and keyholder information is crucial in creating effective marketing materials. Inaccurate information can result in wasted time and money, as well as negative impacts on the credibility of the marketing materials. The integration with Alto reduces the need for re-keying of information, which not only saves time and effort but also reduces the chances of errors.

Additionally, reducing errors can also help to enhance the customer experience by ensuring that the marketing materials accurately reflect the property and its features, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Why choose FocalAgent?

We’re transforming the way people buy and sell property with our innovative digital products including professional photography and floor plans, Matterport 360 tours, video trailers and virtual viewing technology.

Contact us to activate alto today!

[chaoscoffeeandbaddays]

I haven't forgotten. Since my last post, my sister boxed up all my stuff from my parents house so she can move in there, and under the cover of night without a word to me, dumped 5, yes FIVE, SUV carloads of my stuff in my driveway. And when I called her out on how shit that was to do without texting me, she sends this whole effing diatribe on how me being on a single income isnt her fault, me being a hoarder isnt her fault, me being LAZY isnt her fault. Apparently, leaving my stuff there when I was forced to move into a TENT was TAKING ADVANTAGE of my parents. I started moving stuff into a storage unit and even though Dad told me not to and that it could stay, I still did move out what I could fit in the storage unit. I continued paying board for MONTHS after I left because my stuff was still there, until Mum DEMANDED I stop. But yes, I'm 'taking advantage'. She decided she wanted to move in by the end of July but renovate first and I told her straight up that I had my first house inspection June 28th and couldnt move anything before then, I was still unpacking and cleaning my new house right up until the moment the agent arrived for the inspection. I even called in sick the night before and worked through the night to have it ready. My fibro and arthritis make me epically slow. I try my best but I cant just try the pain away.

Anyway, she 'gets' that I have pain but that doesnt excuse me 'making other people wait until I can be bothered'. I dont have a problem with her boxing up my stuff. So its out of her way. I dont have a problem with her bringing it over. I have a big problem with her not saying a word and sneaking over in the middle of the night to leave it all in my driveway. The driveway of my rental, on a main street where my landlord could drive past at any time. Just a simple text it would have been fine and she could have saved both our backs by not bringing the stuff that was to go in the trailer for the tip ( a trailer I couldnt fill with my stuff myself because it was still full of HER stuff).

Mum and Dad are putting the house in mine and my sister's names with a granny-flatting clause, so we can inherit the house while they are alive, not have stamp duty or capital gains tax on it, but we have to keep a roof over their heads the rest of their lives. It doesnt have to be THAT roof, we just have to house them. It surprised me when my sister said she wanted to buy ME out because she had always been clear that she didnt want it. But I'm glad because I could no longer live with Dad and wasnt in a position to buy her out. She asked if she could not pay me out until next year when she came back from Japan and I was like "hey thats fine" she was putting a lot of money to the renovations before moving in so why not have her being able to live rent free for a few months to save up for a nice holiday before having to buckle down under a mortgage. See, once the house is in joint names, if one of us is living there, the other is entitled to their half of the rental value. But she's my sister, I wasn't going to ask her to pay rent to me just because my name is on the title. Besides, I knew it would take me a long time to finish getting my stuff out. I even offered to leave the bed, TV, and a couple of cabinets, so my old room would already be set up as a guest bedroom. She never said no thanks, she actually said "ok, cool." Then, when she dumped everything here, it included those things, things she KNEW were never coming here. But I digress. Half rent for my parents' place would be about what I'm paying for rent in the tiny house I'm in now. It would make my life so much easier. I would be able to afford the physical therapies that I haven't been able to in a long time. It would do wonders for my life and my health. But it was money I wouldn't have had anyway, so I could wait another year to get my health back on track, if it made it easier for her. My only sister.

She doesnt think she's done anything wrong. And is now saying she doesnt want to move in there and she'll tell our narcissistic father that I'm coming back. I dont think that apple fell far from the tree. I cant get it through her head that ALL SHE HAD TO DO WAS TEXT ME TO ASK WHAT TO BRING AND WHAT TO PUT IN THE TRAILER INSTEAD OF SNEAKING AROUND. Now, according to my father and her partner, I'm the one in the wrong. Because I said that's shit and disrespectful behaviour and if she doesnt have enough respect for me to send me a simple text message, why should I give up a year of rental income that's almost as much as I earn in a year. Oh that's right, because it's not HER fault I'm poor.

[agribegri]

Tarpaulin Sheets: Versatile Covers for All Your Needs

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What are Tarpaulin Sheets?

Tarpaulin sheets are made from durable materials such as polyethylene, canvas, or PVC, and are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. These sheets are available in various sizes, thicknesses, and colors, allowing you to choose the perfect tarpaulin for your specific requirements. With their water-resistant, UV-resistant, and tear-resistant properties, tarpaulin covers provide excellent protection against rain, sun, wind, and other potential damages.

Versatility and Applications of Tarpaulin Sheets Tarpaulin sheets find application in a wide range of industries and scenarios. Here are a few common uses of tarpaulins:

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Transportation and Logistics: Tarpaulin covers are commonly used in the transportation industry to secure and protect goods during transit. Flatbed trucks, trailers, and containers often utilize tarpaulins to shield cargo from weather elements.

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AgriBegri is your trusted source for high-quality tarpaulin sheets. Here's why our tarpaulins stand out:

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Conclusion:

When it comes to protecting your belongings from the elements, tarpaulin sheets are an excellent choice. At AgriBegri, we offer a wide selection of tarpaulins for sale online, ensuring you find the perfect cover for your specific needs. Experience the durability, versatility, and value of our tarpaulin sheets by visiting our website and ordering your preferred tarpaulin today. Safeguard your investments with AgriBegri's top-quality tarpaulins.

[airqualityexpresstw]

How To Have A Stress-Free Move To Houston, TX

Moving is stressful, but it doesn't have to be. If you follow these simple tips, your upcoming move to Houston will be stress-free and even enjoyable.

Know your budget.

You can't move if you don't have the money, so know your budget and stick to it. Set a realistic figure for your moving expenses and don't spend more than that amount. If something costs more than what you planned on spending, then either try negotiating with the seller or wait until later when you have more funds available.

You should also keep in mind that when buying a house in Houston, TX make sure not to spend more than its value! This will ensure that there are no surprises later down the line when it comes time for repairs or renovations (which happen all too often).

Get an estimate.

The first step in planning your move is getting an estimate. A good estimate will help you determine how much money you need to save up before moving, which will make it easier for you to plan and budget for the big day.

Once you have an idea of how much everything is going to cost, consider whether or not it's possible for your current living situation (and income) in Houston. If so, great! You can start saving up now by cutting back on small expenses like eating out and buying new clothes on occasion instead of replacing old ones with worn out items from Goodwill stores--or whatever other ways people choose these days when deciding what they want their lives look like when they're done being poor college students/students who haven't yet graduated school but still want accesses certain luxuries that come with adulthood such as having friends over at least once every two weeks without feeling guilty about spending too much money on food/drinks because everyone knows alcohol makes everything better anyway so why not splurge while we can?

Pack yourself.

Packing yourself is the easiest way to ensure that you don't forget anything. It also saves money, since you won't need to pay someone else to pack your things for you. You can even save on shipping costs by using a moving truck or trailer, if available in your area (some rental companies offer these).

Here's what I recommend packing:

Clothes - Pack all of your clothes into suitcases or duffels, and then put those suitcases/duffels into large plastic bins for extra protection during transit. If possible, use clear plastic bins so that someone else can easily see what's inside without having to open them up! If this isn't possible (or affordable), go with black ones instead--they tend not as much light leakage through them as other colors do.* Shoes - Pack each pair individually inside its own shoe box so they don't get mixed up with each other during transit.* Kitchen supplies - Make sure these are packed securely in sturdy containers such as Tupperware containers or Ziploc bags.* Toiletries - Include all kinds here: toothbrushes/toothpaste/mouthwash; shampoo/conditioner; shaving cream; lotion... whatever seems necessary!

Be organized and leave a detailed note.

Organization is the key to a stress-free move. Make a list of items you want to take with you, and then make another list of items that can be left behind. If there are any important documents or personal items, consider storing them with friends or family members who live nearby.

Make sure that everyone knows where they can reach you in case they need anything during this big transition period! Leave detailed notes on both your new and old addresses (including phone numbers), plus email addresses if possible; don't forget any other pertinent information like birthdays or anniversaries!

Have a moving buddy or two.

Moving is a stressful process, no matter where you're moving to or from. You'll have to pack up all of your belongings, find a way to transport them and then unpack them once they arrive at their destination. It's also important not to forget about the cost of hiring movers as well as any fees associated with having them do so (like fuel costs).

If you don't have any friends or family members who can help out during this time, consider hiring professionals instead! Movers in Houston TX are available 24/7 so there's no reason why anyone should have an excuse for not getting things done quickly enough before their move date arrives..

Get a good mattress protector to keep your mattress clean and protected.

A mattress protector is a thin, waterproof layer that sits over your mattress to protect it from dirt and stains. It also helps keep allergens like dust mites at bay.

While sleeping on an old, soiled mattress can be uncomfortable enough, imagine all the things that could go wrong if you were moving while still lying on top of it: ripping off the new sheets you just bought because they're caught in between two mattresses; spilling something onto your brand-new mattress before even having had time to set up house; getting blood stains from carrying heavy boxes across town (or country). These are just some examples of how damaging an improperly-protected bed can be during a move!

The best kind of protector is one that has multiple layers--a waterproof outer layer with another layer inside made out of soft fleece fabric for added comfort and warmth at night when temperatures drop down into single digits outside! And remember: always make sure there's enough room between whatever surface you're moving across (be it carpeting) so nothing gets stuck underneath as well!

Ross Dress for Less

Welcoming people from all backgrounds, Ross Dress for Less is an equal opportunity employer committed to appreciating and developing every individual we hire. At each step, we take the opportunity to ask ourselves, "What can we do better?" By asking, testing and learning, we continue to grow. Here, you will have the opportunity to learn, take on new challenges and grow your career.

Ross Stores, Inc. is committed to being a diverse and inclusive Company, where we treat each other with dignity and respect. All Associates, managers and vendors are expected to foster a professional environment where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, communication is open and civil, conflict is addressed early and respectfully, and there is a culture of support and cooperation. Creating a respectful workplace – where we treat each other with dignity and respect and can expect to be treated with dignity and respect ourselves – is everyone’s responsibility.

At Ross Stores, we give back to local communities by supporting programs that enrich the lives of families. We provide support through the engagement of Associate-volunteers and charitable contributions. We also recycle, partner with EPA-certified transportation providers and utilize energy-efficient technology.

The Home Depot

Chain home improvement retailer for tools, appliances & other products (some offer truck rentals). Welcome to the Pin Oak Home Depot. We're ready to help you start your next home improvement project. Whether you're looking for gardening supplies or closet organizers, your favorite hardware store has you covered. Our trained associates can help you find the products you need for your project. You can buy online and have your items delivered from the store using our product locator app.

At Home Depot, getting involved in our local community is important to us. We support North Lamar, Paris, Chisum and Roxton High Schools, Paris/Lamar County Habitat for Humanity and transitional housing. We also offer hands-on learning that covers a variety of topics tailored to everyone in your family, including monthly kids workshops.

Air Quality Express LLC is the leading duct cleaning near me. We offer high quality service at affordable prices. We specialize in mold removal, duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning. Our technicians are all licensed, insured and bonded to ensure your satisfaction.

Air Quality Express LLC is a full-service duct cleaning, mold removal Houston TX and air quality services company located in Houston, TX. We have been serving the community for over many years and have won multiple awards for our work.

If you are looking to hire a company near me that will provide you with top quality service at affordable prices then look no further than Air Quality Express LLC.

Air Quality Express LLC 8990 Park W Dr Suite F1, Houston, TX 77063, United States (832) 734 8631 https://www.airqualitytech.com/ https://www.google.com/maps?cid=8642530759986204188

[alfastorage]

Importance of storage companies in Dubai

Storage is one of those services that most people take for granted. After all, it’s just a place to put things until we can find a more permanent home for them. But what most people don’t realize is that Storage companies in Dubai play an important role in our economy. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of Storage companies in Dubai and how they help to shape the way we live and work. Not only do they provide essential storage space for items like furniture and cars, but they also play a crucial role in the distribution sector. By understanding how these companies work, you can better appreciate their importance in our economy.

Storage companies in Dubai Are Important, And You Might Not Know It!

Storage companies in Dubai are important, and you might not know it! They are essential for businesses of all sizes and can help keep your valuable data safe and organized. Here are four reasons why Storage companies in Dubai are so important:

1. Safely store your data: Storage companies in Dubai can help protect your data from damage and theft. They offer reliable storage space for your files, ensuring that they stay safe and secure.

2. Organize your data: Storage companies in Dubai can help you to organize your data in a way that makes it easier to access and use. By organizing your files into categories, you can easily find what you need when you need it.

3. Save time and money: Having an organized storage system will save you time and money by making it easy to find the information that you need. Plus, by storing your data in a secure location, you can avoid costly mistakes or losses due to accidents.

4. Keep up with technological advances: As technology evolves, so too does the way we store our data. Storage companies in Dubai understand this and are always updating their systems to accommodate new trends and standards. This means that your data is always safe and accessible no matter what happens.

What Do Storage companies in Dubai Offer?

There are a lot of Storage companies in Dubai out there, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That's why we're here to help!

When it comes to choosing a storage company, your first priority should always be price. Most Storage companies in Dubai offer competitive rates, so you'll definitely find one that fits your budget.

Another important factor to consider is the company's location. Make sure the storage facility is close to your home or office so you can easily access your belongings when you need them.

Finally, make sure the company has a good reputation. Talk to some friends or family members who have used the company before to get some unbiased feedback.

The Benefits Of Using A Storage Company

There are a lot of myths out there about Storage companies in Dubai, and it's important to be aware of what the benefits really are before choosing one. Storage companies in Dubai can offer a number of valuable services, including:

1) Storage for your belongings - if you don't have a place to store your things, a storage company can provide you with a secure space to keep your belongings safe.

2) Security - having storage space secured by security cameras and locks can help protect your belongings from theft or damage.

3) Easy access - having storage close at hand allows you to easily get to your possessions when you need them.

4) Convenience - renting storage space from a storage company means that you don't have to go through the hassle of moving all of your belongings yourself.

How to Choose the Best Storage Company for Your Needs?

Storage companies in Dubai can be a great way to store your items, but it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Here are four things to consider when choosing a storage company:

Location: Consider where you'll be storing your items and whether you have access to a truck or trailer.

Size of Storage Unit: Storage units’ range in size from 5 feet by 5 feet up to 10,000 square feet. Make sure you're able to fit all of your items in the unit.

Monthly Rates: The monthly rate includes space, utilities, and security. It's important to find a storage company that has rates that fit your budget.

Accessibility: Make sure the storage company is accessible at all times and has personnel who can help you move your items in and out of the unit.

Conclusion

Self storage solutions Dubai can be a great way to declutter your home and make it easier to live in. Not only do they provide storage for your items, but they also offer professional packing and shipping services. If you are looking for ways to improve the functionality of your home and make it more livable, consider working with a storage company.

[taleofharrison]

‘86 baby

A/N: Third and final part of the small accidental series I started. I think this one can also be read as a stan alone. This is also a fix it fic so volume one is canon and episode 9 never happened.

Part 1 | Part 2

Warnings: fluffy you might cry. Gender neutral (no pronouns used jus you and Y/N) Also I changed the format so we can give it closure.

Summer 1986, after two failed attempts of graduating and leaving Hawkins High for good, Eddie Munson had finally made it out of high school and was more than ready to leave Hawkins as well, live with you in Indianapolis while you finish college.

True to his word Eddie snatched that diploma and flipped Higgins. His eyes were bright, Eddie felt at the top of the world. After the ceremony everyone had gone to your house to celebrate Eddie. Your new friends Dustin, Mike, Lucas, Max and even Steve Harrington were invited. What could you say? Near death experiences and solving supernatural mysteries cand really bring people together.

Wayne had to hold back some tears during the whole day. He was so proud of Eddie, and he was so happy for him, but he didn’t want to cry in public.

“I found an apartment” you told Eddie after everyone had left “it is small but cheap and it’s close to my school. I think we both can afford it if we get part time jobs.”

“Sounds good” Eddie hummed.

“We can start moving our stuff this summer” you told him. Finally, distance wouldn’t be an issue for you both.

“Yeah, I’d like that” Eddie replied, “just one thing.”

“What?”

“Want to make sure this is forever” Eddie said pulling away from you.

“What are you talking about?” you asked. You’ve been friends for more than half your life by now, dating for 2 years now, and went through hell and back, what other confirmation did he need?

It all made sense though when you saw him pulling out a ring from his pocket. It was like the one he wore, like the one you had a necklace but this one looked a little bit different. This one was smaller.

“I know this isn’t an engagement ring” he began “but you know I don’t like to be conventional, I just after everything we’ve been through…I want to make sure this is actually forever.”

“Yes!” you knew what he was trying to ask. There was no other answer for you.

Eddie smiled putting the ring on your hand. “Fits perfectly” he mumbled before kissing you. This was it.

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By the end of the summer, you were ready to move out with Eddie and say goodbye to Hawkins for good. The hardest part was saying goodbye to everyone. The town might not have been the kindest to your boyfriend but still you managed to find some good friendships.

They had all come to the trailer park to say goodbye to you.

“Promise you’ll visit” Dustin warned you. He was making it hard not to leave.

“I promise” you laughed.

“I have to make sure you keep on with my legacy Henderson” Eddie teased.

“And the wedding will be here” you added “during winter break. You all must be there.”

You and Eddie had agreed that big white wedding wasn’t something you wanted but still both of you wanted your friends there, so you’d figured it’d be easier to get married in Hawkins rather than bring them all to Indianapolis with you.

“Eddie!” Wayne called him out from the trailer’s door “I need to talk to you”.

Eddie excused himself for a second as you said your goodbyes.

“What’s wrong?”

Wayne didn’t reply, he just gave Eddie an envelope.

“Wayne…this is a lot of money” Eddie said once he realized what was inside “I can’t accept this.”

“Take it as your graduation present.” Wayne insisted.

“But you need the money” Eddie argued back. After all his uncle had to do for him, he just couldn't bring himself to just take it.

“Son” Wayne sighed “I’ve seen you and Y/N grow up, and I’m so proud of you both. The least I can do is give you both a head start in your new life.”

“I-I…” to stunned to speak Eddie hugged his uncle “thank you.”

Both men had tears in their eyes. They both loved each other so much but of course they didn’t say it often. Eddie, who lived most of his childhood with his dad who wasn’t exactly dad of the year, and Wayne, who didn’t have know how to raise until Eddie showed up, weren’t the best ones at expressing their affection but they knew, and it was all that mattered.

“Eddie” you called out “we have to go if we want to make it before dark.”

“Yes…uhm I have to go”

It was definitely harder to leave Hawkins than you thought it would be, but it was something you had to do. Both of you had big plans and dreams and now it was your time to make them happen, it was almost as if it was meant to be, you were meant to be together and Wayne Munson was the first one to know that.

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Tags: @natashaashleymarvelromanoff