#which could have caused him to flunk | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

samthestrangerthingsfan · 11 months ago

Text

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Reader

Summary: frienemies-to-lovers, kinda mean!Eddie? shy!reader, swearing, a lil smoochin', mentions of lack of confidence and poor self image, cute nicknames

a/n: hi bb, will you be my valentine? I don't love writing mean!eddie but its okay because we can always fix him :)

Valentine’s Day.

A day which the Hawkins High elite are positively buzzing over the plethora of cheap red and pink decorations.

Cheerleaders swoon over poorly constructed cards from their popular boyfriends, while dozens of obnoxious mylar balloons take up way too much space in the already crowded hallways.

Beyond the 14th of February, the reason for all the excitement was the annual Hawkins High Valentine’s Day dance—of which you were head of the committee.

Was it because you were the only Senior to volunteer their time to coordinating it instead of attending it? Maybe, but at least it gave you a reason to show up to the dance without a date.

...and avoid looking like the pitiful wallflower you are.

You also knew you’d have no time to rush home and get ready after your last class, so here you are. Standing outside of the AV Club door, decked out in your new crushed-velvet dress. It's ruby red and dangerously short.

This was definitely out of your comfort zone. You typically preferred to be invisible. It’s easier that way; no one can hurt what they can’t see. Right?

But when this dress caught your eye in the mall shop window, it was the first time you could ever remember wanting to be seen. Wanting to try to look like the pretty girls who walk the halls everyday vying for the attention of others.

The dance gave you the perfect excuse. Sure, it’s not like you had a date or anyone asking you to go, but you felt so beautiful. The way the dress hugged your body made all the staring and whispering as you walked down the hallway so, so worth it.

“Hey—whoa…” Dustin’s voice dropped when he walked around the corner, arms full of equipment. “Y-you look fantastic!” He said proudly.

Dustin was your favorite Freshmen, always kind and happy to see you.

“Aw, thanks Dusty! You don’t think it’s too much?” You lifted your boot, inspecting it falsely.

Dustin smiled, “It’s too much for 6th period Spanish, but not for Valentine’s Day that’s for sure.”

He unlocked the door, and held it for you.

Dusting grabbed a pen and paper to write down what you’d need the AV Club’s help with after school.

With hands on your hips, you looked around the room. “Okay, so I definitely need the projector, and if you could set it up before—“

An annoying, loud, cocky voice cut you off. “Henderson! What the hell is takin’ you so long?”

Eddie fucking Munson.

You watched as he sauntered into the room, DIO jacket and all. He clapped Dustin on the shoulders before turning his gaze to you.

“Holy shit. That you, Mouse?”

Mouse. A nickname you loathed.

You’d made the mistake of sitting at the Hellfire table your Freshman year, and he’s never let let you live it down. Once Eddie saw just how shy you were, he made it his mission to get under your skin.

He'd plopped down into the seat next to you, assuming you were there to cause him and the guys trouble. “New girl’s trying to get in good with the freaks, hm?”

You jumped and began to frantically pack your belongings, “I-I…I didn’t know. I’m sorry, I’ll just go—"

When he realized you were nervous, he changed his tone. No longer was he on edge, but rather trying to make you laugh. Show you it's okay to give him a taste of his own medicine. “No no, little mouse. You’re not scurrying away that easily.”

Four years later, you’re both still here and Eddie’s been a thorn in your side ever since. You thought you'd be rid of him once he graduated, but he flunked--twice. Condemning you to another year full of his nonsense.

His obnoxious, overly-confident, doe-eyed nonsense.

“Munson.” You couldn’t help the eye roll. “Dustin and I are working on something so,” you flicked your hand toward the door. “Skedaddle.”

“Oof,” he teased. “You kiss your mother with that potty mouth?”

Eddie walked past Dustin, hands on his hips as he took you in. “Why, may I ask, are you dressed so fancy, princess? Hot date with a frog?”

Okay, guess we’re playing this game.

“The only frog I know is you, Munson.”

His hand flew to his heart. “You hear this, Henderson? Who knew Mouse could be such a brat?”

“If you’ll excuse me,” you attempt to sidestep him, but he blocks your path. Big brown eyes watching your every move. “Don’t you have anything better to do than push my buttons?” It’s a pitiful gripe. You know he enjoys this far too much.

“C’mon, sweetheart. If I didn’t talk to you, who the hell would?”

Ouch.

Something no doubt said in jest, but it hurt to realize just how right he was. You had tons of acquaintances, and you got along great with the teachers. As for friends, the well's a bit dry in that department.

You cleared away the tightness in you throat. “Yeah, I don’t have time for this. I’m actually contributing to society. How about you?” Your face was twisted into a sarcastic smile, attempting to hide the hurt.

Eddie on the other hand thought the two of you were simply playing your favorite game. Seeing just how flustered he could make you before you gave him a taste of his own medicine.

“Yeah, you’re a real Nancy Reagan.” He laughed, gesturing to your dress.

Your eyes honed in on him. “What the hell does that mean?”

“It means,” he reached out, sweeping a piece of hair off of your cheek. “If you wanted a little attention, you didn’t have to do all this.”

This.

Said as if the word tasted rotten. Disgusted by what you’d considered to be you at your most beautiful.

I must look like a fucking fool.

The stinging in your eyes got stronger every second you stood in his presence. Your gaze locked onto the floor, following your feet as you left. “Bye, Dustin. I’ll see you later.”

Dustin protested, calling you back before turning his disappointed glare to Eddie.

“Dude…” he chided.

Eddie scoffed, “What? Henderson I was joking—she knows that, okay? That’s our whole thing.”

"Eddie, she was crying!"

Were you? No, no way. This is what the two of you do.

"No, she wasn't." He said unconvincingly. "You don't know her like I do, little buddy. She's a good girl, loves the cat-and-mouse of it all." Eddie wasn't sure if he was trying to convince himself or Dustin.

Eddie had a fuck of a time in O'Donnell's class, and now on top of all of that, he's late to set up Hellfire.

He moved a bit quicker down the hall, easy enough since most of the school left to get ready for the Desperate Dance. He intentionally always schedules DND on nights like this, that way he'd never have to be caught dead--

Eddie's stopped in his tracks at the sight of the trashcan at the end of the hall. He spots a familiar piece of red fabric hanging out of the bin.

He pulled it like a magician, revealing more and more of the velvet clothing until its fully removed,

A dress.

Your dress.

Why the fuck did you throw it in the trash? You we're the most confident Eddie had ever seen you while you wore this thing.

...and you looked drop dead gorgeous, but that's beside the point.

He heard your voice coming from the gym, and abandoned all thoughts of DND.

Eddie burst through the double doors, ignoring the frilly pink and red decorations for the dance. He weaved between the underclassmen carefully setting up the tables and backdrops to make his way over to you.

You, who now instead of being in your beautiful fucking dress, are in you school-supplied gym uniform. Your hair was pulled back, no longer falling in the perfectly natural way you had it earlier. Your makeup was gone--Eddie didn't mind that, he didn't think you needed it anyway.

But you'd never looked so small to him.

He called your name more gently than you've ever heard him speak. When you turned and saw your dress in his grip, you wanted to disappear.

Had he come to gloat?

"Why the hell was this in the trash?" he's not smirking, or sarcastic when he says it.

"Didn't like it." It's all the pain in your throat will let you get out.

You walk away from him, hurrying to find something else to do beside stand there and be made fun of by Eddie Munson.

"Bullshit," he calls after you, quick on your heels. "You don't wear a dress like this and look the way you look in it and just decide you don't like it."

You could feel the tears returning as soon as you stopped walking. "I don't know what you wanna hear," your back was to Eddie, but you felt his gaze regardless. "I just didn't like it...anymore, okay?"

The fake organization of the ribbons in front of you didn't deter him, he remained behind you in silence until he couldn't take it anymore.

"Did...did I say something? Earlier, in the AV Club." He spoke so softly, and with such sincerity, you'd never know it was Eddie talking to you.

You sniffled, angry at yourself for letting him hear how upset you were. "I don't know what you mean."

"Henderson," He's quick on your heels. "Henderson said you were crying when you left."

You don't--can't say anything. Trying desperately to will the tightness in your throat to go away and the tears to dry before they fall from your eyes. A small, shaking breath passes your lips.

"Please look at me, Mouse." His voice is hushed when he calls out to you.

You turn to him begrudgingly. Hoping if he saw the mess he made he'd leave well enough alone.

But when he sees your face, with red eyes and damp tear-stained cheeks, his heart falls into his stomach.

"Oh, oh sweetheart--"

You beat him to it. "I'm fine, Munson. Just...just give me the stupid thing, okay? I'm better off invisible, anyway."

"You've never been invisible to me." Eddie hands you the dress, and watches as you wring it between your hands. "I'm sorry, Mouse."

You scoff, "You didn't--"

"Yes I did," He says firmly. Eddie steps into you, closer than he's been before. "I made an asinine comment thinking we were playing our little game, but it's not a game if someone gets hurt, especially you."

Eddie swipes away the tear on your cheek with the pad of his thumb. "You looked beautiful. You're always beautiful, but that dress? Honey, I couldn't think straight. I'm a dumbass half the time, but I turned into a god damned Neanderthal when I saw you in that."

Your brain couldn't process what was happening. It almost sounded like Eddie...liked you?

"I thought," You looked down, embarrassed to even say it out loud. "I finally felt pretty, pretty enough to be seen and not just in the background."

Eddie's brow softens at your words, "Mouse, I see you. You're one of the only things I look for throughout the day. Always lookin' out for the pretty shy girl with the smile that makes me go weak in the knees."

You laugh at that. "I guess I always look for the obnoxious metal head that's way too good at getting under my skin."

Eddie chest rumbles with a laugh, too. "You're too good at calling me on my crap, what do you expect me to do?"

A comfortable silence falls between the two of you, and it has Eddie clearing his throat. "Can--can I give you a hug? Hate that I made my favorite girl cry."

The smile on your face speaks volumes, but you nod anyway.

When you're wrapped in Eddie's arms, his warmth seeps through your bones, relieving any tension or nerves. His scent invades your senses, warming your belly and heart. You melt into him completely.

Eddie can't believe how well you fit in his arms, like a damn puzzle piece if you asked him. He smells you shampoo, and memorizes the fragrance, filing it away in his mind as his new favorite smell.

When you pull back, he leans his forehead on yours. "I'm sorry I hurt you. I really am."

You nod, moving his head a bit as it rests on yours. "I know."

Eddie steps away, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Ya know, uh, if you're not busy, I'm running a DND campaign tonight. I'd love it if you sat in and maybe after...I don't know, maybe I could take you to Benny's?"

You smirked, eyes narrowing at him. "You asking me out, Munson?"

His eyes widened in sheer panic, "Oh--oh my God, I read this all wrong, huh? Please just forget--"

You're quick to ease his worry. "I'd love too."

Putting the dress on the table, you offer Eddie your hand. "Show me the way, Dungeon Master."

He takes it eagerly, but doesn't walk anywhere yet.

"Eddie?" You giggle.

"One second, princess. Damn knees turned to jelly again."

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson angst #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson

807 notes · View notes

sunflowersandsapphires · 27 days ago

Text

Be still my foolish heart

Of Oak and Ivy, Chapter 10

Series Masterlist Next Chapter

pairing: Matt Murdock x fem!reader

summary: In college, Matt Murdock had two best friends, Foggy Nelson and you. However, life had no intention of letting you graduate with him. When he reconnects with you in adulthood, he is troubled to see the hand God has dealt you and vows to use every tool at his disposal to save you from damnation.

warnings: swearing, angst (resolution at end), discussion about money and struggling financially, continuing sexual thoughts, MINORS DNI, sad matt (as if that needs a warning)

a/n: Sorry for the sporadic posting everyone, the past few weeks months, years have been crazy. Here is the resolution for the spicy angst in chapter 9! I hope you all enjoy.

w/c: 6k

Running your thumb over the crease you’d inadvertently made in the page, you worried your bottom lip as you tried to press it flat beneath the pad of your finger. This book was a rental and you could NOT afford to pay for it if it wasn't returned in pristine condition. Bills had been piling up this semester. In itself, being broke wasn't a new problem. Your inability to cope with said bills, however, very much was.

You'd been treading the poverty line since you'd left for Columbia. School was expensive, your mom wasn't there to buy groceries, and the company managing your gas bill had increased their rates, meaning your previous budget was worthless. The high cost of heating, combined with the fact that your dad was once again flaking on his contributions to your mom's rising medical debt... It was adding up.

Sure, it was stressful. Money was the biggest cause of your anxiety most days, with your difficult curriculum following closely behind. But you'd been coping well enough.

Until your subconscious decided to pile more weight onto your already struggling psyche.

The image of Matt's pompous smirk hovering over you had been haunting you all week. Every time you closed your eyes, his deep rasp rumbled in your ears–praising you for your tenacity, your performance. Even days later, the thought was thrilling. And that made you feel unbelievably guilty.

Though nothing had actually happened between you and Matt, your brain was determined to brand you as an adulterer. Any time you heard from Everett, even if it was just a text, your stomach rolled with intense regret. You felt dirty and ashamed. For needing the thought of another man to get you off, for mentally cheating on Evs while being beneath him, and for exploiting your friendship with Matt by crafting this sinful image of him.

You’d unintentionally dragged your boyfriend onto the emotional rollercoaster you were stuck on, swerving between desperate lust and distant tension without a warning. One day, you’d need to be on top of him, lips locked, and the next you couldn’t stand being within ten feet of each other. After a week of continuous flip-flopping, Everett had reached his limit, telling you sternly to figure out what you wanted before teasing him further. The brief argument only added to the embarrassment you’d been wading in.

Sighing roughly, you pinched the bridge of your nose. Humiliation bubbled in your stomach, churning around your day-to-day anxiety. Your brain felt like it was being slapped around like a tennis ball, jumping between various reasons to spiral. You had no money. You were going to flunk out of school. You were unable to hold a relationship. You'd never be satisfied in love.

Groaning, you rubbed at your temples, the pads of your fingers flickering as your pulse pushed at them. You needed to fucking study, which seemed impossible when your brain would not shut up.

“Doin' ok there, bug?”

The familiar voice startled a shriek from you, your hands flying to grab the counter as you nearly toppled out of your seat. Wide eyes flying up from your textbook, you felt heat rush to your cheeks when you saw Foggy standing there. Foggy's brows were raised, an amused smile directed at your frazzled state.

“Jesus Christ, Fog. You're gonna give me a heart attack one day.” You grumbled, shaking off the lingering fear and smoothing your clothes in an attempt to regain your dignity.

“You sure that day isn't today?” The blond asked innocently, eyes twinkling with the jest.

Huffing, you raised the heavy text you'd been pretending to read, hiding behind it as you muttered, “Shut up.”

Foggy cackled, striding behind the counter and hopping onto a stool. “What’s so interesting? You clearly didn't hear me come in.”

“This stupid Contracts assignment.” You huffed, absently running your thumb over the corner again. “I can’t get through it and, trust me, I’ve tried.”

“Hamer v. Sidway?” Foggy clarified. When you nodded, a sly grin slid over his face. “Well, wouldn’t you be lucky to have a certain handsome friend who has already digested that opinion! If only you were in a study group with him…”

You shook your head as Foggy tapped chin thoughtfully, a smile breaking through your stony expression despite yourself. “Oh are we disbanding the 3 Musketeers? I wasn’t notified.”

“You missed the public hearing.” Foggy shrugged, sighing with exaggerated weariness. “With no opposing testimony, the vote was unanimous.”

“Mr. Nelson, you aren’t suggesting that I missed 10 days worth of public notice, are you?” You raised an eyebrow, tension rolling off your shoulders in Foggy’s presence. “Because I’d have to live under a rock to overlook those signs in my most frequented areas.”

“Oh woe is me!” Foggy crooned mournfully. “Losing my beloved Musketeers to a default judgment.”

“Your Musketeers?” You scoffed out a laugh.

“Well, as the founder of our little band of misfits–” Foggy puffed out his chest, barely stifling his grin as you protested incredulously.

“Excuse you!” Crossing your arms, you forced a scowl onto your face as Foggy giggled beside you. “The 3 Musketeers of Columbia will go down in history as nothing short of a team effort. Mark my words, Franklin: if you so much as insinuate–”

Holding his hands up in mock surrender, Foggy’s laughter was infectious. “Ok, ok! I concede. This ruse was a test of your loyalty, my fair lady. One that you’ve passed excellently, I might add.”

“A test of my loyalty? I’m not the one trying to break up the crew, Fog.” You narrowed your eyes at him, your smile most definitely undermining your ability to look threatening.

Averting his gaze as his expression softened a bit, Foggy kicked his feet like a child on a swing, scuffing them lightly on the ground at the low point of their respective arc. “Fair enough. It just…you haven’t been around this week. Thought maybe you’d found better people to study with.” All humor had drained from his face, his brow slightly pinched with anxiety as he continued to avoid eye contact.

Frowning in lieu of a response, you stood from your seat at the counter, snatching Foggy in a bear hug. Relievingly he chuckled, leaning into the embrace. Resting your chin on his beanie-clad head, you squeezed him tightly. ‘Listen here, Nelson. You and Matt mean too much to me for me to even consider replacing you as study group co-founders. Not to mention that 99% of the other students here don’t hold a candle to the pair of you in any respect.”

Releasing your friend from your hold, you dragged the empty stool closer. Your shoulders brushed Foggy’s as you plopped back on top of the chair. “I promise, Fog. I’m not leaving the group.” Your voice was grave as you made the vow, the seriousness apparently escaping the man next to you who, of course, laughed.

“Christ, bug, you make it sound like we’re a middle school band on the verge of collapse.”

“And what if we are, Fog?” You threw a hand over your chest dramatically. “You know your heart ain’t in it anymore. And Matt’s kazoo work hasn’t been the same since the tour.” Breaking off into a forced voice crack, you chewed the inside of your cheek to keep from smiling when Foggy snorted.

“Ok, Matt would never step foot into a room with a kazoo in it, let alone select it as his instrument of choice.” He grimaced, no doubt imagining the assault of a kazoo on his roommate’s delicate senses.

“Well you’re lead vocals and I’m tambourine, so he doesn’t have many other options.” You explained, no longer hiding your grin as Foggy cackled.

“I’m vocals!? Ugh, we’re DOOMED!” He groaned, running a hand over his throat as if it was sore from imaginary over-exertion.

“Are we? I’ve heard legends of the Siren deep in the showers of Jay Hall.” You smirked as his jaw dropped.

“Oh that little–Doesn’t he know that making false promises is, like, unholy or something?” Foggy scoffed with embarrassed frustration. “I should’ve known he’d tell you. He can’t keep anything from you.”

Heat rose to your cheeks at the reference to your and Matt’s close relationship. Your brain began to spiral as you remembered the image of his smile hovering above you.

“Hey, I'm not actually mad, bug. It’s alright.” Foggy elbowed you, studying your face.

Nodding uneasily, you gave a weak chuckle. “I know, Fog. Sorry.”

“Did Matt do something stupid? Is that why you haven’t been around?” Foggy asked, turning his body to face you as his concern piqued.

“No!” You squeaked out in a rush, shaking your head furiously. “No, he didn’t do anything, Fog. I’ve just been stressed about school and my mom and stuff. I’ll make more of an effort to tell you guys when I need space, ok?”

The long-haired man didn’t seem to fully buy the excuse, but he swiveled back towards the counter. “Mmmhmm. Sounds plausible, but you know you can always come to me if something happens, right?”

There was clearly more to that promise than he was trying to let on, but you were too frazzled to decipher what the hidden meaning was. “Course, Fog. You too. With me, I mean.”

Knocking his shoulder against yours, Foggy’s nose crinkled as he smiled. “I know, jitterbug. Now stop worrying over me. My ego will get too big.”

Snorting at the thought, you linked your arm with his. “I’m going to ignore the slightly insulting nickname in favor of asking you how it went with Marcia the other day.”

“Marci, not Marcia. And it was AWESOME!” Foggy squealed, face lighting up as he began recounting his evening with her the weekend before.

Homework entirely forgotten, you were enraptured as Foggy animatedly walked you through his eventful evening with his bombshell classmate. Ignoring the fact that he was certainly embellishing the story for your benefit, but he'd clearly had a good time.

Just as he began to narrate how the night eventually ended, your phone buzzed.

“Saved by the bell!” You shuddered comically, smirking when Foggy scoffed in offense. Flipping open your phone, you tried not to cackle in Jen's ear as Foggy pouted beside you. “Hey Jen, what's up?”

“Did you see the email?” Glossing over pleasantries, Jen was obviously annoyed, sparking a rush of worry in your gut.

“Um, no? What happened?” You frowned, chewing the inside of your cheek as your brain began to spiral over the numerous mistakes you could've made that would result in a pissed off roommate.

“Our building won't have heat for the rest of the month.” She grumbled, definitely rolling her eyes on the other end of the line.

“The rest of the MONTH? You're fucking kidding.” Anxiety quickly turning to shared frustration, you held up a finger when Foggy looked at you quizzically.

Your building was ancient and the baseboard heaters were probably older than you, which meant they'd stood no chance against the bitter New York weather this winter. The heat had sporadically given out over the past few months, resulting in half hearted promises from the owner about new systems being installed–so this news wasn't necessarily surprising, but that didn't mean you wanted to deal with it.

“Super wanted us to know so we could 'make the necessary arrangements'. Piece of shit.” She sulked.

“Fuck, Jen, what are we gonna do? I can't afford a space heater.” Scrubbing a hand over your face, the resilient debt-induced panic that had faded to the back of your mind reared its mangey head.

“Well, good news and bad news. Good news is Oscar's parents are willing to loan us a pair that they have in their garage so we won't need to buy or rent any.” She trailed off, clearly not excited about the latter half of the plan.

“C'mon Jen, break it to me.” You huffed, not at all willing to let her ignore the less fortunate piece of the situation. If you wanted to prevent your impending nervous breakdown for another few weeks, you'd need to act on this issue immediately.

“Wewon'tbeabletograbthemuntilaftertheconference.” She muttered in a rush.

Drawing in a breath to extend your waning patience, you asked again. “Jen, in English please.”

An uneasy groan came across the line before she clarified. “We won't be able to grab the space heaters until after the conference.”

Shit. That was bad news. Most, if not all, of Columbia's 3Ls were at the Tri-State Justice Conference in New Jersey until Friday—three days from now.

“I'm sorry, but we both need the attendance credit and—” Jen explained, sounding like she was about to cry.

“Hey, it's ok, babes. I'll figure it out. Don't worry, ok? Just enjoy the conference as much as you can and I'll find a place to stay.”

“I'm really sorry, I—” She stammered.

“I promise I'll be ok.” Your throat felt tight, your efforts to stave off a breakdown over this clearly failing. ”I'll talk to you soon.“

Hanging up the phone, you dropped your head into your hands, digging your fingers into the bridge of your nose in an attempt to collect yourself.

Hesitantly, Foggy called your name. “Everything ok?”

“Uh, not really...but when is it ever?” You chuckled bitterly, your words muffled by your palms.

Two arms wound around your shoulders, pulling you into a hug that mirrored the one you'd given Fog earlier. Your face met his sturdy shoulder, and it took every ounce of your resolve to not let yourself dissolve into tears.

“What happened, bug?” Foggy asked, holding you tightly as you inhaled shakily.

“Apparently our heat went out. Again. And, uh, I don't really know what to do, Fog.” You admitted, craning your neck to look at him. “Everett, Jen, and Oscar are all out of town and I–”

“You can stay in our room.” Foggy stated simply, as if it was the obvious solution to the problem. “We don't have much, but we DO have heat.”

“Fog, you don't have to–” You protested, but he cut you off with a wave of his hand.

“I know I don't have to, I want to! It'll be a study group sleepover!!” He rubbed a circle into your back before taking his seat once more.

And that was that. The long-haired boy had already turned back to the book he’d pulled out while you were on the phone, considering the matter resolved. Sitting there dumb founded, you stared at him for a moment, half expecting him to yell “Psych!” and leave you to sort your own shit out. But he didn’t.

“Do Frodo and Sam kinda give you a gay vibe?” He asked suddenly, jarring you out of your anxious stance.

“What?” You blinked, trying to process the jump to a completely different topic while you were still thinking about a sleepover in Matt and Foggy’s shared room.

Giving a shrug, Foggy turned the page. “I mean, they’re soulmates for sure. But sometimes it seems like Tolkien did not mean for it to be platonic, ya know?” Glancing up at you with a grin, he giggled. “What? Is there something on my face?”

“Fog,” You chuckled in exasperation, shaking your head at his unfailing positivity.

“What?” Raising the book as he threw his arms up, Foggy’s smirk made you laugh harder. “See this is precisely why you need to sleepover. Matt never finds me this funny.”

“You were serious about that?” You asked hesitantly, fisting the cuff of your sweater sleeve in one hand, toying with a loose thread along its edge.

“Uh, yah? Why?” Foggy snorted, still reading and no doubt hosting a heated internal debate over one or more hobbits’ sexualities.

“I mean..I dunno, wouldn’t that be…weird?” Heat was clawing at your face, your insecurities making you cringe sheepishly.

“Ah, I suppose I’ve neglected to consider all the facts.” Sticking a folded gum wrapper in the joint of his book, he let the cover flap shut, crossing his arms as he pondered. “You are a girl, and the latest studies suggest a correlation between your gender and high levels of 'cooties'.”

Expression utterly serious, you couldn't help but dissolve into giggles as Foggy tapped a finger on his chin in deep contemplation. “Shut up, you know what I meant.”

“I'm not sure I do. Unless you DO in fact have cooties. In which case Matt and I would need to draft a contract to distribute liability in the event that we CATCH your cooties.”

“You know what,” You laughed. “Let's all be honest about who is catching 'cooties' from who. I have fantastic hygiene, counselor.”

“You're right. It's Murdock we need to worry about.”

Looking at each other solemnly, you and Foggy broke at the same time, cackling over the ridiculous notion.

“Of course I was serious, dude!“ Foggy kicked your shin lightly as you wiped a tear from your cheek. ”Did you really think I was just going to let you freeze to death? That Matt would allow that to happen?”

“No,” You murmured, tucking the toes of your sneakers behind the legs of your stool. “I guess not.”

Mouth squishing to one side with his skepticism, Foggy leaned closer to your hunched form. “In case I am not making myself clear, let me lay it out for you, jitterbug. Neither Matt nor I would ever object to you staying over if you wanted to, let alone needed to for your own safety. We care about you and we would never jeopardize a fellow Musketeer.”

Nodding bashfully, you linked your pinkies together, dropping them into your lap. “Ok. Thanks, Fog.”

“Anytime, bug. How much longer are you chained to this counter?” He frowned at the offending furniture with distaste, laying a palm over his stomach. “I'm getting hungry.”

Rolling your eyes, you glanced at the clock behind you. “About another hour. But you are more than welcome to venture out for a meal before that. Only one of us is contractually obligated to be here.”

“NO MAN LEFT BEHIND” Foggy declared, saluting you before turning back to his book diligently.

Biting your cheek to stifle a grin, you turned back to your own homework, grateful for the two men keeping you sane as your life crumbled into chaos.

Swallowing as your throat constricted with nerves, your knuckles hovered an inch away from the nicked wooden door. Your adrenaline-soaked subconscious was buzzing, telling every cell to enter “flight” mode, but your feet felt glued to the dingy carpet.

What are you so afraid of? You chastised yourself. It's just Fog and Matt. Not like you're about to have open heart surgery or something.

Tilting your entire body forward until your knuckles brushed the surface of the door, you'd barely made a sound before it opened, revealing a confused Matt and a beaming Foggy.

Greeting you simultaneously, Matt's perplexed tone didn't match his roommate's joyful one in the slightest. “Are you ok?”

Despite being evidently baffled, Matt ushered you into the room.

“Um, yes? Why…” Looking to Foggy questioningly, you watched as the long-haired boy grimaced apologetically. “Ah, I see someone did not fill you in on the situation.”

“I forgot!” Foggy smiled sheepishly.

Exhaling with a frustrated huff, you shifted from foot to foot as the ball of nervous energy fueling you tumbled around your body. “Um, my building has no heat for the rest of the week so Foggy said I could stay here? But if that's not ok with you–” You took a small pace backwards, giving you the option to completely eject from the situation, but Matt carefully reached for your arm.

His fingers brushed over your wrist, gently clasping around your arm. At his cautious touch, the air flew out of your lungs, your eyes widening as they focused on his face. Lips turned down ever so slightly, his brow was furrowed with his classic Matt Murdock concern. Whether you'd given yourself a papercut or received news of your mother's recurrence, Matt's worry and desire to fix whatever he could was etched deeply in his expression.

“Of course that's ok, sweetheart. The heat's out again? Did they say they were going to replace the baseboards?” As he asked his follow-up questions, his free hand came up to cup your other elbow, until he was practically cradling you in his arms.

Sighing, you didn't fight him as his grip tightened, morphing into a full body embrace. Hands spread over your back, Matt's chin landed over your head like it belonged there. Anxiety fading, you shrugged against him with a bitter laugh. “Sure, but they say that every time.”

Planting a kiss against your hairline, and coincidentally reigniting the swarm of murderous butterflies in your stomach, Matt withdrew his arms and stepped aside to wave you into the room. His mouth was still curved into a frown, the wheels in his head clearly turning as you set down your backpack and hopped onto Foggy's mattress.

“Thank god you're here, bug. I desperately need someone to read through my legal writing assignment. She only drops the two lowest and I need a decent grade in this class.” Foggy rummaged through his bag, yanking out a few pages filled with illegible handwriting and margin doodles, dropping them in your lap.

With a giggle, you made a show of copying Foggy's movements, dropping the assignment back into his possession. “Yah, sorry bud but you're going to need to read that to me if you want my help.”

“Oh come on, my handwriting isn't THAT bad.” Foggy protested, squinting at the essay.

“It might not be the worst print in the world, but I'm not a grade school teacher. I'm not practiced at–” You explained, smiling innocently as Foggy grew more affronted by the accusation.

“Woah, woah, woah, GRADE school–”

“Ok, you're right, 7th grade maybe?” You shrugged, laughing as the blond shoved you in response. The two of you were grinning at each other when Matt's question burst out of him.

“Have you complained to the board of health? Or the HPD?”

Meeting Foggy's gaze, you both blinked owlishly before turning to face Matt. The dark-haired boy was staring blankly at the pair of you, his face flitting between dark concern and pure fury.

“What?” You asked, eyes drawn to Matt's fists as they flexed at his sides.

“About the heat. It's..it's not safe for your landlord to be leaving his tenants without heat. Not when it's this cold.”

“Matt, buddy,” Foggy interrupted placatingly, throwing an arm around your shoulders. ”That's why she's here, remember? Problem solved.“

“Until it goes out again next month.” Matt growled.

Squeezing Foggy's leg, you shot him a knowing look. “Matt, I'll call HPD tomorrow when they open. Promise. You can sit with me to listen, if you'd like.”

Pursing his lips, Matt considered the suggestion. With a weary exhale, he nodded, his fingers sliding out of their rigid curls. “Ok.”

“Right, well, now that we've settled that, let's listen to Foggy read his essay aloud—since neither of us will be able to look it over otherwise.”

Grumbling, Foggy flopped onto his stomach, resolutely ignoring your chuckles as he cleared his throat. “Prepare to be dazzled—”

As much as you wanted to help your friend out with his assignment, Foggy’s words flew into one ear and out the other, briefly tapping your brain like a small steel sphere on a pinball bumper. Once you'd seemingly put his mind at ease, Matt had joined the two of you on the opposite side of the room, Snuggling in close and sandwiching you between the pair of men.

On any other day, the position would be comforting. Your limbs cloaked with their combined body heat, their soothing voices overriding the anxious buzzing in your brain. Today, the invisible swarm of bees in your skull only became more enraged. You felt trapped, cornered by your friends and your own tattered feelings.

Matt's shoulder flanked yours, his body pressed in so tightly to you that the thin hairs on your cheeks and neck fluttered with his every exhale. A small vibration in your pocket pushed you over the edge. Had Everett finally responded to your apology? Was he still upset? How could you accept his forgiveness when you were practically sitting in Matt's lap?

Shifting your weight uncomfortably, you tried to keep yourself separate from Matt, digging your shoulder into the wall rather than leaning it against his chest. Another buzz from your pocket had you gritting your teeth. It was too much, it was all too much. Foggy was talking so loud and the temperature of this room was stifling and how on earth could he sleep in these sheets–they must have the thread count of a fast food napkin.

Choking in a breath, you dove off the bed. “It sounds great so far, bubs. I have to check my phone real quick, someone is calling me.” Nearly toppling over in your haste to escape the room, the door shook as it closed roughly against its frame. Shakily pulling your phone from your jeans, you opened it, trying to get your breathing under control. It was like you'd been shoved underwater with a dwindling oxygen tank–given the sudden atmospheric pressure and your inability to take a full breath.

One text was from your father, reminding you to pay the most recent medical bill. I'll get right on that. You rolled your eyes, deleting the message.

The other message was from Everett. Your body went rigid as you read his name, your finger inching towards the button that would open it up, revealing whatever he'd sent you. As the screen flashed, pixels shifting to spell out the five words he'd deemed important enough to send, your heart momentarily stopped.

Talk when I’m back.

Nothing else. No indication of how angry he was, what the talk would be about, if you would still be together in a week. Fuck.

Behind you, the door creaked open, a worried Foggy appearing from the shadows. ”Everything ok?“

”Yep!” You squeaked, snapping your phone shut with a force that made you grimace. “All good.”

Sending your friend a smile that you hoped looked more honest than it felt, you shuffled back into the room, sensing that the energy had changed. “Sorry, just Everett and my dad bothering me.”

In your absence, Matt had returned to his bed. His posture was gracefully straight, a book lying across his lap beneath his fingers. If his stance hadn't clued you into his mood, the lenses now propped on the bridge of his nose had. Something was up, but you weren't in any state to handle both of your emotions right now. Foggy gave a weak smile, hopping back onto his bed.

“Matt pointed out that you might not want to think about homework all night. I actually rented some movies on my way home! I was thinking we could watch one.”

“That sounds fun, Fog. Matt are you–”

“No.” His answer was curt, pitched low. He must've sensed your surprise because the edges of his expression immediately softened. “I have a headache. Don't want to spoil the fun.”

“I'm sorry! We probably aren't helping. Did you want us to go to the lounge?” You asked, fingers grasping for your bag in case you needed to switch locations.

“No need. I'll put my headphones on if I need to.” Matt's lips flickered with the barest hint of a smile before settling back into the neutral expression he'd originally had on.

“Let us know if you change your mind, buddy.” Foggy chirped, opening his laptop. “Ok, bug. Take your pick.”

With a wave of one hand, Foggy displayed three DVD cases as if they were a winning poker hand. “We've got: National Treasure, Happy Feet, and The Ring.”

“What an eclectic bunch.” You snorted. “Scary movie first, Nick Cage last. We'll scream, cry, and laugh in that order.”

“Genius. She's a genius!” Foggy remarked, cracking the first plastic sleeve open. “This girl is going places, Murdock.”

Matt smirked, but said nothing, his fingers still dancing over the raised dots on the pages.

Lying on his side, one ear turned out to the rest of the room, Matt's own skin prickled sympathetically as you rolled over on the grimy carpet–each plastic fiber screeching as it dragged across your skin. The sound made him cringe, far too similar to fingernails on a chalkboard.

It was late. You and Foggy had indeed made it through all three movies, only pausing to run to the bathroom and the corner market for more snacks. Matt couldn't help but feel like he was intruding, eavesdropping on a sweet moment between friends and existing where he wasn't welcome. While Foggy was glued to his computer screen, your attention was sporadic, heart rate spiking whenever he so much as shifted on his bed.

You were paying more mind to him than the entertainment you were pretending to enjoy. Which was irritatingly amusing given how little you'd wanted to do with him recently. Something deep inside him was crying out in warning, telling him just how close you were to slipping through his fingers and disappearing forever. But how could he steady his grip when every pump of his heart had you spooking like a prey animal.

The rustling of fabric from your body on the floor nettled at his conscience. Your breathing was shallow, your vocal chords emitting small aggravated groans that should've been imperceptible, if Matt was a lucky man. Inches away from his bed, you were writhing in discomfort, lying awake just as he was—unlike Foggy who was snoring away, dead to the world. That couldn't be helping your frustration, it sure wasn't doing him any favors.

The tiniest of sighs slipped through your lips, wafting the scent of salt into his space. Frowning in concern, he set aside the pity party he'd been throwing himself and swallowed his nerves.

“Can't sleep?” His voice was barely a whisper, but you startled anyway, shooting up into a seated position.

“Christ, Matt.” You chuckled feebly.

“Language.” He joked, lips curving as you laughed again.

“Forgive me, Saint Matthew. I was taken by surprise. Thought you might be that little girl from the ring coming to get me.”

“Is my voice that feminine?“ He wrinkled his nose, feeling a bubble of pride when your heartbeat began to slow, his distractions working for now.

“No, but when you're expecting a ghost, everything seems ghastly.” You shuddered.

A jumble of words sat at the tip of his tongue, an accusation he needed to make if he wanted to get any rest tonight. It was as though you were expecting it, aware you'd done something wrong. Awaiting your punishment without a word.

“You don't have to sleep on the floor, you know. My mattress won't bite.” Avoiding confrontation for as long as he could, he attempted for another quip. Unfortunately, you'd picked up on his barely concealed aggravation, if your flinch was any indication.

Huffing out a laugh, you craned your neck to face him. “I know, Matt. But I'm not going to put you out like that. You didn't even know I was coming.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about your heat?” He couldn't stop himself. He needed to know. He needed to understand why you were pushing him away.

“I mean, I only found out this afternoon–”

“I could’ve helped you report them.” He explained, still thoroughly confused.

“You still can!” Your muscles creaked as your arms tightened around your shins, instinctively defending yourself from his questioning.

“You just..showed up. And I had no idea what had happened.” His voice sounded hollow, even to him.

“I figured Fog would ask you, I'm sorry.” That was truthful, but it still didn't answer anything.

“So you're still avoiding me, then.” Your breath was cut short, fingers digging into your flesh. His own body was eerily still, trying to hold the immense guilt he'd been feeling back until the conversation was over. Until he knew what he'd done.

“Matt, I'm not—”

“No? Then why does it feel like you're trying to constantly escape me?” Snapping his mouth shut before his words revealed just how hurt he really was, he forced himself to take a deep breath.

“What are you—”

“When I hugged you earlier, you went all stiff. You’re clearly upset about something on your phone, but you refuse to tell me about it. And you keep calling me 'Matt'.” His throat constricted, fists clenching around his blankets.

“That's your name–” You reasoned desperately, but your heart gave you away. He wasn't crazy. It was deliberate.

“Not to you!” He hissed. Sitting up slowly, he dug the heels of his hands into his eyes, trying to force the pain in his skull to subside. “You always..you used to call me Matty or trouble or bubs. Recently, I've just been Matt. I just..please tell me what I did so I can fix it?”

“Matt,” You sounded mournful. Defensive stance abandoned, you crept closer to his bed, falling into a sloppy heap beside him, still on the floor. “Trouble, you didn't do anything. I've been jumpy and in my head recently because of my own shit, not because of you.”

The steady thump of your pulse echoed in his ears. It didn't waver. Not once.

Blinking rapidly, Matt shoved his hands against his face again, this time to rub away the tears forming before you could see them.

Reaching one hand up, you brushed a knuckle against his rightmost calf. “I'm so sorry that I hurt you. It was not intentional. I care about you so much and I...” You trailed off, drawing in a ragged breath before speaking again. “I care about you. I always will.”

“I care about you too.” Tangling your hand with his, Matt ducked his head, feeling incredibly exposed. “You scared me.”

“I'm sorry.” There it was again. The consistent beat of your heart. Even as the patter of rain. He squeezed your fingers.

“I know.” Trailing a thumb over the back of your hand, he felt another icy current of fear in his veins. “And I’m serious about reporting your building. We can always host you but what if you get snowed in or something? If you’re stuck there with no heat..I don’t want that to happen to you, bug. I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to you.”

Grabbing his bed frame with your free hand, you hauled yourself up and onto his mattress, collapsing into his open arms. “I'm sorry.”

“Don't be. I've already forgiven you. But I just needed you to know that it matters. That you matter.”

“Fuck, trouble. You're gonna make me cry harder than that stupid bird movie.” You laughed, the puffs of air tickling his neck as they left your lungs.

“That one did seem especially sad.” He hummed.

“Don't know why they had to rip my fuckin' heart out. Seems a little unnecessary.” You scoffed, body slowly melting against him as he rubbed circles over your back.

“Definitely unnecessary.” He agreed, loosening his grip on you. “You should get some sleep before classes tomorrow.”

He started to unwind from you, intending to take your place on the floor, but you caught his waist with your arms, tipping you both onto the mattress. “If I'm not sleeping on the floor, neither are you, bubba.”

With a single hand, you grabbed the spare blanket off the floor, moving away from him as you bundled yourself up, a happy exhale tumbling out of you as you relaxed into the cocoon. Though you seemed to have worked through whatever mental block had existed before, Matt wasn't quite convinced.

“Are you sure? I don't want to make you uncomfortable.”

“You wouldn't.” Was your sleepy response. “Besides, if that little bitch crawls out of Foggy's computer screen, she can take you first.”

A startled laugh escaped him and he shook his head. “Sure she can, bug. Sleep well.”

“You too, Matty.”

Taglist: @eugene-emt-roe @abbyhaslongshorts @mrs-bellingham @abucketofweird @yeonalie @spider-murdock @0ctober-writes @danzer8705 @supervoldejaygent @dorothleah @zomtart @marytheweefrenchie @cheshirecat484 @siampie @silas-aeiou @rev-glut @screechingphantommaker @spiderstyles04 @paradox-brody-chase @blue-devil-of-the-lord @pigeonmama @yarrystyleeza @cometenthusiast @harleycao

56 notes · View notes

guardianspirits13 · 5 months ago

Text

So. Moon Knight has been on my mind recently, in the midst of my woeful Dead Boy Detectives hyperfixation. And of COURSE it got me thinking as things always do, and it crossed my mind how similar Charles’ and Marc’s home lives were as kids. Like one parent who actively hated them and that they could never do any good by (who beat them regularly), and the other parent simply passive, sympathetic but demure.

Hear me out- Charles and Edwin as a DID system. Two souls one body, the same as it is in Moon Knight. As ghosts they are two separate apparitions (for the most part) but they firmly believe that they lived separate lives, and it takes a psychic and a long-winded investigation to realize that perhaps the reason they are so inseparable is because they lived the same life.

Charles is the protector, at least physically, but Edwin takes on the emotional trauma and serves to compartmentalize and do homework and keep up appearances when Charles does not have the capacity to do so. But, as the bearer of emotional trauma, Edwin is also attune to their attraction to the same sex, which Charles must not know about for his own physical safety.

Charles thinks back on his life and remembers mostly his parents and his childhood. He knows he played cricket in highschool and had a couple flings with girls, but he’ll tell you it’s a miracle he didn’t flunk out given how little he remembers doing schoolwork.

Edwin vividly recalls his school life and although he was tormented by his peers, his teachers are fond of him and he’s incredibly intelligent and hard-working, even if a couple of assignments fall through the cracks. However, he couldn’t tell you what his parents looked like. He has a vague recollection of a distant, vaguely considerate relationship with them, but nothing too vivid.

Also, whenever Charles is fronting, Edwin feels trapped in a liminal space that he can’t ever seem to break free from. He has terrible nightmares of pain and torture but no idea what causes it, as he remains unaware of Charles’ physical trauma.

Just… augh. The more I write the more I realize how unexpectedly well this concept works for them. I already have three fanfics and an animatic on my plate but PLEASE if anyone wants to this concept is entirely up for grabs.

#dead boy detectives #dbda #payneland #dbda fic #dbda meta #moon knight #marc spector #crossover #au #dead boy detectives au #did #dissociative identity disorder #did community

80 notes · View notes

it-happened-one-fic · 2 years ago

Text

Thats How You Know - Leona

Author Notes: This fic is actually for the @briarvalleyarchives "Anthems of Old" event. It was inspired by its namesake song, "That's How You Know" from the Disney film Enchanted. It's surprisingly nerve-wracking to be posting a fic for an event, but I had fun writing thing and had to curb the urge to not just rip of the scene from the film. As per usual, reader is gender neutral. I hope you enjoy.

Type: Fluff/ romantic/ gender-neutral reader/ sfw

Word Count: 1782

“You know he likes you, right?” Ruggie had leaned over to look you in the eye better as he voiced his question, but you looked away as soon as his words registered.

His question drew a sigh from your lips that didn’t quite match the odd smile on your face as you kept your silence. You weren’t quite able to answer his question, even as Ruggie frowned at your silence.

The truth was that, in a lot of ways, you felt like Leona did like you just as much as you liked him. But he never really did anything to show it if he did, which left you with questions.

How could you really know if he did like, much less love, you?

Despite what others said, you weren’t certain. You knew you liked him. After all, you’d taken to picking up on his interests, worries, and other such little tidbits that made up the individual that was Leona. They’d affected you, becoming interests and worries of your own.

What had started out as curiosity and wanting to get to know him better had swelled from there. You’d fallen in love with Leona. And while you knew that Leona didn’t hate you, the matter of romantic interest was….. Well, it was a whole other can of worms that you weren’t nearly as confident about.

Or at least you weren’t until recently.

It had started out simply enough, with a small note being left on your desk on top of a stack of books. The note itself was pinned in an elegant but largely unfamiliar hand and mentioned the upcoming practical magic test.

Something you knew you were going to flunk, what with your lack of ability to practice magic.

But after just a little bit of studying, it became clear that maybe you had a better chance of passing than you had thought.

The books in the mysterious stack handled the subject well, showing intensive instructions for how to draw an appropriate magic circle that would help you pass the test without having to actually use magic.

That wasn’t what really caught your attention, though. What caught your attention was the signature on the reverse side of the note, which you hadn’t found until you’d given it a closer inspection.

Elegant and small-lettered, the signature was barely noticeable but easily capable of causing a smile to appear on your face.

Leona Kingscholar.

You’d known he’d helped Ruggie get caught up with the rest of the school in terms of tutoring and having uniforms when he’d first come to NRC, but you’d never expected him to help you.

Perhaps he did care a bit more for your concerns and troubles than you’d thought….

You’d thanked the Savannaclaw housewarden after you’d passed the test, but he’d brushed off your gratitude with an almost trained ease.

“You help Jack out with his work, so if I give you stuff, I don’t have to tutor him myself,” A lazy smirk had spread across his features. He’d looked over his shoulder at you as he’d walked off, throwing a final comment back at you, “Less work for me that way.”

His words had caused you to frown slightly, but you shrugged them off. He wasn’t wrong after all. You and the other first-years often studied together to help each other with your problem subjects. If you could teach Jack things, then Leona wouldn't have to worry about it. Though you were pretty sure he’d never bothered with that in the past either.

But what followed the next day had you forgetting your previously dismissive thoughts.

You and Grim both stared down at the bright yellow flowers that greeted you from your doorstep. At odds with the otherwise dreary day, they smiled brightly up at you from the discolored wood of your porch. They were one of your favorite flowers from the ones you’d seen since coming to this world, simply due to how happy they looked.

You frowned at the blooms even as you knelt to collect them. They were tied with a rough cord, an oddly rugged touch to such a sweet sentiment.

You fingered the cord slightly before taking them inside to plop in a glass of water before heading off to the botanical garden for Potionology class.

Except when you at last reached the botanical garden, you froze. Staring at the familiar yellow flowers that greeted you, yet again, with smiling faces from alongside jaggedly cut stems that had no doubt been where your little bouquet had once resided.

It could have been a coincidence that Leona spent large amounts of time in the botanical garden where these pretty little flowers, that perfectly matched the color of yellow he wore on his dorm uniform, grew.

It was a color that was slowly becoming one of your favorites as the days wore on and was possibly one of the reasons you did like these flowers so much

Either way, the oddness of it all was enough to make you wonder and smile to yourself at the possibilities.

You were still smiling as you were chopping the potion ingredients and you almost missed the grin Ace was wearing when he leaned over closer, “So, anything interesting today?”

You frowned, immediately suspicious since you knew good and well that Ace didn’t bring those flowers when he’d just claimed they aggravated his allergies mere seconds ago.

His question, though, was incredibly fishy considering that getting a bouquet of flowers from an unknown sender was definitely an interesting start to your day.

“I got some flowers this morning…. Some of those yellow ones you said you were allergic to,” You eyed him skeptically, but he merely snorted.

“Ooh, got an admirer, have we, Prefect?” He bounced his eyebrows at you before laughing at your eye roll and continuing on.

“My day had a weird start too. First thing this morning, Deuce informed me that Jack apparently overheard Ruggie telling Leona that you couldn’t read minds.”

The redhead’s grin was sly now as he shouldered you playfully, “Weird, huh? Would’ve thought everyone knew that. After all, if you could read minds, you wouldn’t have needed those books to help you with the practical magic test, right?”

You blinked in surprise at the redhead, ignoring the teasing tone he used in favor of thinking about this new information.

The rest of class went by in a blur until Ruggie came trotting over, an exasperated expression on his face, “Y/n, hun, help a guy out?”

You sighed almost immediately at his wheedling tone but found yourself turning to face him anyway, “What is it, Ruggie?”

You were fully prepared for some sort of grand tale about how he had too many jobs and needed help running something to a class or that he’d found some sort of new couple deal and wanted to go on a fake date in the name of sales.

But it was none of those things. Instead, you were met with a sandwich being shoved into your hands, “Give this to Leona for me. I haven’t got the time, and he’s miffed with me anyway. You’re a real pal, bye!”

He was skittering away, waving with his signature snicker, before you even had a chance to object. You glanced Ace’s way only to be met with a rapid head shake, “Oh no, he gave that to you. You’re on your own, Prefect.”

The redhead backed away like you were carrying a bomb and quickly abandoned you to your newfound work. You rolled your eyes at both of the men’s dramatics but turned on your heel, striding towards where Leona always napped with a sandwich in hand. You had some questions you wanted to ask him anyway.

You stepped into the clearing to see him sitting there with some food already in front of him, causing you to frown at the sandwich in your hand.

He looked up at you with his tail flicking in an oddly energetic fashion behind him. Unlike you, he didn’t seem to be surprised in the slightest bit. In fact, he almost seemed amused by your confusion.

“About time you got here. I’d almost begun to suspect that Ruggie had somehow missed you,” His words were delivered with the customary smirk, and all of the various pieces snapped into place.

“So, the flowers were from you?” You grinned slightly as you sat down across from him and started unwrapping the sandwich in your hand, only to find that, rather than his preferred variety, it was your favorite kind of the sandwiches offered by the cafeteria’s deli. A rare luxury that you couldn’t usually afford.

Leona looked down at the food in front of him and, instead of answering your question, posed one of his own, “So, have you got an answer for Ruggie’s question yet?”

Your eyes widened slightly at his nonchalant question, and your mind went racing back to just a couple of days ago, when Ruggie had been questioning if you knew how Leona felt about you. “You heard him?”

Leona grinned outright at your shock, “Oh yeah, I heard the whole conversation.” He looked up at you, ears twitching almost pointedly as he leaned back. Totally relaxed despite your own embarrassment.

“You ought to pay better attention to your surroundings. Herbivores like you have to be careful if you don’t want someone catching you off guard.”

He was so smug, but you found yourself recovering from being flustered as a thought registered, “But that’s how you came to know how I felt. Right?”

He snorted before leaning forward, entering your personal space with a single easy motion that had your previous confidence failing you, “I already knew. You’d already proved that plenty of times.”

Mercifully, he leaned back, “So, have you got your answer?”

You found yourself smiling slightly at his question this time despite how pleased he seemed with himself.

Because of course you had your answer. After he’d done so much to prove that he did care and that he paid special attention to you, how could you not?

He’d known that you’d needed help on a test, that you liked those flowers in that specific color, and that you liked this sandwich. They were all little things, but those little things made up who you were. And he’d taken the time to do all of those things just to show you that he did care and did like you because he’d overheard Ruggie’s question and correctly interpreted your own concerns even though you hadn’t voiced them.

Paying attention to little things like that and taking the time to reassure you…. That's how you know that someone loves you.

559 notes · View notes

queen-of-writing-bad-things · 1 year ago

Text

Henry Danger Reader Insert | Captain Man x Reader: SEASON 1

Episode 1: The Danger Begins Pt.1

~Henry's House~

~Third Person PoV~

It was another typical day in Swellview. As usual, Henry Hart, Charlotte Page, and Jasper Dunlop were at Henry's house, trying to finish their homework. Henry and Charlotte sat on the sofa, focusing on the algebra questions in front of them, but Jasper quickly grabbed their attention as he stood with his PearPad and read the latest Swellview news.

"Hey, did you guys see what Captain Man did yesterday?" Jasper said excitedly, showing the device to Henry, who was now ignoring the math he was supposed to be doing in preparation for the upcoming math test.

"Can we focus on algebra?" Charlotte was exasperated. She had always been the smartest of the three friends and preferred to get her homework done quickly and correctly, unlike the two boys with her.

"There was a fire at a pet store, and Captain Man ran inside, right through the flames, and saved all the animals!" The curly-haired boy told the story to both of them.

"And he didn't even get hurt!" Henry looked over at Jasper.

"Captain Man never gets hurt. He's a beast," He replied, returning his focus to the website on his screen.

"Y'know, someday when you guys are cleaning my swimming pool 'cause you failed this algebra test, then flunked out of school, I hope you remember this moment, 'cause I will." Charlotte sassed them both, knowing that she would be prepared for the test, but the boys would have nothing but Captain Man's heroic actions in their brains.

Henry clicked on another advert and quickly skimmed over the advertised information.

"Hey, here's a cool job I could do," He slammed his shoe onto the coffee table in front of Charlotte, even though she was still trying to work out her sums.

"Foot model," Henry stated, which caused Charlotte to look up at her blond friend with a confused and weirded-out expression.

"You guys, could we go over the list for my birthday party?" Jasper interrupted them with an excited tone from his place at the kitchen bar.

"Sure." Henry gave him a friendly smile.

"No." Charlotte quickly shot down Jasper's request, looking up from her homework.

"No." This time, Henry changed his answer to match Charlotte's annoyed tone.

"But I invited 52 people, and nobody's texted back yet. What does that mean?" Jasper asked them with a confused voice.

"That people have been to your parties before?" Henry joked, looking at Jasper and recalling all of Jasper's disastrous parties he'd attended.

"Oh, come on, my parties aren't that bad." Jasper shrugged off Henry's comment, trying to defend himself, but Charlotte quickly jumped in.

"Christmas three years ago, 15 kids ended up in the hospital." The dark-haired girl said, remembering one of the worst ones.

"'Cause of your raw turkey." Henry chimed in.

"It was turkey sushi." Jasper tried to tell them, even though his actions couldn't logically be explained.

"A boy almost died." Charlotte reasoned exasperatedly, trying to get to Jasper and make him see why giving people raw turkey is bad.

"Almost!" Jasper quickly retorted, putting a chip in his mouth, thinking he'd won the argument.

"Okay!" Henry threw his arms in the air. "First person who helps me find an after-school job gets this bowl of pine cones." He picked up the large bowl and offered it to his friends, which caused Jasper to gasp in excitement.

"Wow. Why do you even need a job?" Charlotte asked with scepticism from the ridiculous offer of pine cones.

"Y'know, to learn responsibility, challenge myself..." Henry replied, listing all of his aspirational reasons, but Jasper was quick to interrupt him with the real reason why he was so desperate for a job.

"He wants money."

"I want money," the blond boy agreed, looking back at Charlotte, who was walking towards the kitchen.

"Money's good." She agreed.

"Can we please talk about my birthday?" Jasper brought up his party again, much to the annoyance of his female friend.

"Am I gonna have to slap a boy?" she sighed sarcastically, but there was also some truth in her voice. Jasper annoyed her sometimes. The curly-haired boy at the bar looked back at her with panic, but the comment made Henry smile down at his computer.

"Henry, can you please tell me how in the wor--" Kris Hart, Henry's mom started as she appeared from upstairs and walked down the stairs. When she looked across the room, it was only then she noticed her son's best friends were also in the living room.

"Oh, I didn't know Jasper and Charlotte were here." She smiled, looking cheerful with her laundry basket under her arm.

"We're studying." Jasper smiled back.

"Are we?" Charlotte retorted, knowing they hadn't done much actual work.

"Mom, we're right in the middle of something." Henry tried to get her to leave, not wanting to have his mom around his friends.

"I'm not interrupting." She said, plopping the laundry basket down on the coffee table.

"Okay, thanks."

"I just have a question about your underwear," Mrs Hart said, holding up a pair of blue underwear, which embarrassed Henry.

"Mom!" Henry exclaimed with a horrified voice, as his friends were now laughing at what his mother was holding.

"I'd like to hear the question." Charlotte teased, walking behind Henry and resting her hands on the couch.

"What is the issue with Henry's underwear?" Jasper joined in, smirking at Mrs Hart to make his oldest friend blush. He, too, was now resting his arms on the couch with Charlotte.

"Mom!" Piper, Henry's little sister burst through the front door, stealing everyone's attention away from the underwear situation for a minute.

"Mom, I'm not okay," Piper shouted the phrase that she often did, making Mrs Hart turn around to face her. Henry also looked over, trying to use his big brother status tocalm his bratty sister.

"Piper, we're trying to study here."

"I'm talking to my mother." Piper sassed back with irritation evident in her voice.

Henry decided he couldn't deal with her, so he rolled his eyes and looked back down at his PearBook.

"What's wrong, baby?" Mrs Hart looked at her only daughter with a sympathetic expression.

"Jessica unfollowed me!" The 9-year-old showed up again with an angry expression. She showed her PearPhone to her mom.

"No one cares!" Henry said back, clearly not understanding why the tiny issue so worked up Piper. He stood up with his laptop and walked off.

"Henry! Why would Jessica unfollow you?" Mrs Hart tried to keep the situation between her children calm.

"'Cause she posted a picture of her with me and Allison, so I posted a comment that said, "OMG, you look gorgeous." Piper started to explain.

"Well, that's nice." Her mother interrupted in a pleasant voice.

"No. 'Cause Allison thought it meant she looked gorgeous, so she posted a comment that said, "Thanks, ILY." And so then Jessica got jealous and unfollowed me, and now I hate myself, and I'm gonna die!". The young girl failed to see how silly and superfluous her problem was, much to her mother's confusion.

"I'll call Jessica's mom and talk to her." Mrs Hart reasoned, picking up her basket and walking off, which upset her daughter.

"No! That's not okay!" Piper followed her mom, shouting at her from behind.

"Dang it! All these jobs say I've got to have skills." Henry slumped back into his seat at the kitchen table in defeat from not finding a job he liked.

"So? You got tons of skills." Jasper looked at him and tried to cheer him up.

"Name one."

"You're a great dancer." Henry looked at him with a confused face.

"Not I'm not."

"You could take lessons," Jasper said back, waving his finger at his friend as he sat down on a stool.

"Oh my gosh." Henry suddenly looked worried and stood up from his chair.

"What?"Charlotte asked with a curious tone.

"I'm-- I'm not great at anything. This is tragic." He replied with a sad voice.

"Here, let me see." Charlotte wandered over to his computer and combed all the job adverts listed on the site whilst Henry was still complaining about himself.

"I'm just a big pile of average." He glumly exclaimed as Charlotte busily typed away.

"Okay, here's a job." Charlotte smiled with success, and Henry's attention was quickly on the screen as Jasper came up behind them.

"At a store called Junk-N-Stuff. It says, "Needed: part-time helper for various duties." Charlotte read out to the amusement of Jasper, who was giggling to himself behind her at the word 'duties'. The other two kids looked at him with a 'seriously?' expression on their faces before returning to look at the ad.

"And see? It says, "No special skills necessary." She added to Henry's delight.

"That's me. I've got to go get that job." Henry said with excitement, running towards the couch, grabbing the bowl of pine cones, and running them back to Charlotte in his hands.

"You get the pine cones." He said with a cheerful voice.

Charlotte took them from him with a bemused look on her face. Jasper looked disappointedly between them. He desperately wanted those pine cones.

"Sweet." Charlotte took them, rolling her eyes. After she had received them, Henry ran to the door, eager to get to Junk-N-Stuff before anyone else could apply for the job.

Good luck, Hen!" Charlotte called after him sweetly.

"Thanks!" And with a slam of the door, he was gone.

"If you give me a pine cone, I'll lick my elbow." Jasper offered the girl, who looked at him like he was insane. He tentatively reached for one of them, only for Charlotte to smack his hand away sharply.

~Junk-N-Stuff~

Henry entered the store he saw in the ad. Immediately after he oped the door, a giant T-Rex head on the wall breathed fire, causing him to look at it in wonder and amazement. An Indian man sat at the cash register, suspiciously looking at the boy who had just entered. Another man, wearing dark clothing with a black hat, was busy browsing the wacky junk that was up on the shelves.

Taking a closer look at the dubious man, Henry noticed that he had a distinct tattoo on his neck, but before he could properly inspect it, the man caught him staring.

"What are you looking at?" He said in a harsh voice, which caused Henry to stutter a little and look away.

"Uh, nothing. Just, uh, this turtle's butt." His answer seemed to make the man back off, and with a quick apology, he continued browsing.

Taking another look around the shop, Henry noticed the cashier was letting a huge Venus Fly Trap drink from an M-shaped straw. Clearing his throat, he introduced himself to the odd man.

"Um, my name is Henry Hart. I'm here about the job."

"The job?" The man said slowly, as the plant next to him burped.

"Um, did that plant burp?" Henry asked.

"Go back," The cashier said mysteriously, which confused the boy even more than he already was in the kooky store.

"Um, what? Come back?"

"Go back." He repeated, saying nothing more, not a single detail.

"Where?" Henry pressed as the man continued to drink through the curly straw.

"To the back."

"Oh, go to the back." The blond boy finally understood.

"Take the elevator down." The man explained very slowly.

"What floor?"

"Down." Was all the man had to say, which made the plant squeak, adding to Henry's bewilderment.

"You too." He pointed at the flytrap and started to make his way to the back of the store slowly.

Walking through the back, he came to a rusty-looking elevator, but the phone in his pocket started to ring before he could press any buttons.

"Hey, what's up?" He answered, finding it was Jasper on the line.

"Does my basement smell like chicken poop?" Jasper started with. Of all the questions he could ask, this was the one he asked when Henry was trying to get a job.

"Yes." He could hear Charlotte say in the background. He pressed the elevator button before replying.

"What?"

"I'm down in my basement with Charlotte, and she says it smells like poop from a chicken." He explained.

"A sick chicken!" He heard his other friend exclaim in the background again.

"Uh, what are you and Charlotte doing in your basement?" Henry was so confused as he stepped into the elevator.

"He wants to have his birthday party down here in this chicken toilet." He could tell Charlotte was annoyed with Jasper again, and he continued to listen to them argue."

"This is my home." Jasper protested in an offended tone, and Henry wanted the conversation to end as he pressed the down button.

"Guys, I can't talk right now. I'm at a job interview, so I gotta go." The second his fingertip left the button, the elevator fell down the shaft, causing him to shout and scream in fear. As he continued to fall with the elevator, he could hear his best friends express their concerns over the phone, but he was too busy failing to reply.

When he finally came to a stop, the doors opened to reveal a bright room filled with cool gadgets and rock music playing loudly.

"I'll call you back."

~(y/n)'s PoV~

"So tell me again, why do you need a sidekick?" As usual, I asked Ray, who, was excitedly walking around the Man Cave. He turned to me and began to talk to me in his 'Captain Man' voice.

"Because, my cute little helper, I realised I'm not getting any younger, and need help when I'm out doing cool superhero stuff." He came to a stop next to the couch where I was sitting and leaned on the back of it.

"Right, it's taken you 25 years to realise that." I retorted, which only made him roll his eyes at me. We often bantered with each other, being the best of friends, even though I've been in love with him for most of the seven years I've known him.

Y'see, I met Ray when he wanted a helper to look after the Man Cave when he was out and about as Captain Man, Swellview's beloved resident superhero. Gooch stays upstairs in Junk-N-Stuff, and I monitor the supercomputer for any emergency calls. I keep Ray in check when he lets his childish nature get the better of him. After being hired when I was 20, we worked to keep the safe city safe, and before I knew it, those beefy arms and that floppy brown hair had me head over heels. Not that I'd ever tell him.

In the last few years, I've been determined to maintain a professional streak in our friendship. That and his constant interest in all the pretty girls Swellview has to offer; I've been firmly in the friend zone since I moved in. Now I'm at the ripe old age of 27, and it seems that Ray is insistent that he introduces a new face to the Man Cave.

"Look, smarty pants, I put an ad online, and now I'm waiting for Gooch to send down an applicant." He had circled the couch and was sitting next to me while I was scrolling through a playlist of our favourite rock music.

"This ad you posted online. Can anyone apply for it?" I paused for a second after I processed what he said.

"Well, yeah, I guess. Anyone who saw it." I looked up at him with a slight scowl on my face.

"Wait, so we could have any weirdo come down the elevator into your super-secret hideout, and you're going to give them a job? And, you're going to trust them with your identity?" He had that stupid, but the loveable expression on his face told me he knew I'd caught him out.

"Yeah, but I can always use the memory wiper." He smirked back, making me scoff and remove myself from his side. I climbed over the back of the couch and walked to the automatic snack machine for some popcorn.

"Don't come crying to me when shit goes wrong, Raymond." I tried to tease him, but he had already put my headphones on his head and made the couch spin around the room. He was oblivious to the rest of the world, now jamming to some rock.

I was just about to order my popcorn when the elevator dropped, and a dazed, skinny, blond kid stumbled out. He looked around the Man Cave in amazement, quickly becoming confused when he saw Ray in his little music world.

'Huh, this could be interesting.' I thought to myself.

~3rd Person PoV~

The couch came to a stop, and Ray noticed that he now had a teen boy in his Man Cave. (y/n) looked on from the computer area, and the boy didn't seem to notice her, as Ray's exuberant personality quickly caught his attention.

"Hey! How are ya?! Cool. Thanks. Great to meet ya!" He exclaimed quickly, not giving Henry any chance to greet him back. He yanked off the headphones and chucked them to the couch, which caused (y/n)'s eyebrows to fly to her hairline, mainly because they weren't his to throw and also because he hadn't let the poor kid get a word in.

"I'm doing good. What's your name?" He said quickly, walking over to the boy and finally giving him a chance to speak.

"Um, I'm Henry Hart. I'm here about the job." To say how overwhelming the situation was, Henry did a good job of keeping his voice steady.

"Age?" Ray started his quizzing.

"13. I'll be 14 on my next birthday." Henry explained to the large man in front of him.

"Ahhhh. So, you're ageing sequentially. I like that." Ray placed a hand on his chin as if he was thinking.

"Thanks." Henry looked a little nervous as Ray offered him his hand and enthusiastically introduced himself.

"My name's Ray."

"Hi, Ray." They shook hands, grinning at each other.

"You ask a lot of questions." A baffled sense came over Henry as he took in Ray's statement.

"I don't think I've asked any questions." Henry stuttered out, which made the woman observing the pair wander over.

"Ray, you're confusing him. Hiya, I'm (y/n)." She came over to Henry, offering her hand and a calming smile, which he returned as he shook her hand.

"Chocolate or vanilla?!" Ray suddenly asked, causing (y/n) to throw her head back with a sigh. He couldn't be serious about stuff like this, and asked the most ridiculous stuff, but secretly, she loved that about him. It was cute, not that she'd ever admit it.

"Here we go." She braced herself for the weird questions Ray was asking poor Henry.

"Vanilla."

'Not a bad answer.' (y/n) thought to herself.

"Helicopters or kangaroos?" Ray pointed his finger at the teenage boy.

'Oh god.' (y/n) continued to stay silent.

"Helicopters," Henry answered with a slight tinge of reluctance, but Ray still accepted his answer.

"Love it. Scrambled eggs or dynamite?" He walked behind Henry, who was struggling to answer.

"Okay, Ray, what have you been sniffing and should I get my first aid kit?" (y/n) joked. Any average person would think Ray was insane, but (y/n) knew that that was just Ray's way.

"Both." Henry's answer distracted Ray from his best friend's comment. His eyes lit up as he contemplated the idea, making the young lady smile at him with fondness.

"Maybe. Complete this sentence, "I'm sorry, mother, I didn't mean for my elephant to blank." Ray quickly came up with a random sentence for Henry, curious to see what he would say.

"Uh, lick dad." Henry smiled as he thought of his parents in the ridiculous situation. He laughed along with Ray and (y/n) as they were all amused by the funny scenario.

Ray suddenly clapped his hands, and they all stopped laughing.

"Well, that's not funny." He said with a frown on his face.

"No." Henry's face had dropped too.

"Not at all." (y/n) muttered as she looked at Ray as he popped a 'special' gumball into his mouth and walked to the supercomputer.

"Um, is this the job interview?" Henry asked, completely lost with what was happening.

"Just wait and see, kid." (y/n) smirked at him and went to where Ray was now sitting, but her answer didn't help him.

"Do you want it to be the job interview?" Ray asked.

"Um, what is the job?" Henry was desperate to know. Suddenly, Ray leaned closer to him with a very excited face.

"What do you think the job is?" He asked back.

"Hey, genius, stop answering questions with questions." (y/n) had a bored expression on her face, but Ray knew she was entertained by what was happening.

"Shut up!" He held a finger up in her face, which she slapped away, giving Henry a chance to answer.

"Um, well, the ad said part-time helper, so I'm thinking maybe you need someone to help you, you know, part-time." Ray was squatting up and down as Henry moved his hands as he described his job interpretation.

"Do you ever dream about sleeping?" Ray asked in a severe voice, pointing the finger (y/n) slapped at Henry.

"No."

"Good. If you did, you'd be dead." (y/n) said, giggling, which made Ray smile at her. Deep down, she had the same silly sense of humour that he did.

Ray walked to the middle of the room, (y/n) understanding what he was about to do. Henry, however, did not.

"I'm so confused." Henry spoke truthfully, but then again, who wouldn't? The Man Cave always had that effect on people when they first came down, and when coupled with Ray's eccentricity, it made for a dazing experience.

"David?" Ray started.

"His name's Henry." (y/n) reminded him.

"Can I trust you?" The large man looked intensely at Henry, who looked to (y/n) for reassurance. She gave a slight nod and a smile.

"Sure."

"Can you keep a secret?" Ray continued.

"Totally," Henry said confidently.

"So I can trust you to keep a secret?" Ray moved back and forth as he enunciated each word, which made (y/n) look at him with impatience.

"Yes, sir," Henry said curtly. Accepting his answer, Ray took a few steps back from the boy and woman, who were both waiting for his next move. (y/n) placed a hand on Henry's shoulder, not wanting the teen to faint or overreact from Ray's theatrics. Henry looked confused but didn't say anything as he watched the older man.

"I'm gonna blow a bubble," Ray explained to him.

"You're going to blow a bubble?" Henry questioned exasperatedly, clearly not understanding the situation.

"And I'm going to blow your mind," Ray said excitedly, which fuelled (y/n)'s smile.

He began to blow his bubble, (y/n)'s heart thumping for what came next. The bubble popped, and in a flash of light, Ray changed his civilian clothes to his super-suit, finally showing Henry that he was Captain Man. (y/n) eyes raked over him, admiring how his costume fit him, but before he could notice her staring she looked back at Henry, who was about to lose his mind in excitement.

"You're Captain Man!" He shouted, his hands on his head in disbelief.

"That's right, Henry." Ray replied in his 'Captain Man' voice, enjoying the attention.

"Oh, hold on a second." His voice was a little embarrassed as he noticed his zipper was halfway down. His gloved fingers fumbled, trying to get the darn thing to do up properly.

"Stupid zipper. Always sticks. Com-- Ow! That's my skin!" He jumped up and down in an attempt to let the momentum fix the zipper, but it seemed to be well and truly stuck.

"Come here, Captain Doofus, let me do it." (y/n) sighed and walked over to the man.

His hands, previously tugging on his costume, came up to rest just a couple of inches from her face. Her tongue poked out as she worked on wriggling the stubborn zipper up the jacket. From that angle, he could analyse her delicate features as Henry watched and saw the chemistry between the two.

With a little more muscle and some help from an old bottle of oil, (y/n) was finally able to get the zipper to slide smoothly up Ray's chest. With one last pat to his pectoral, (y/n) stepped back in success.

"Who's a genius? All you need is a little lubrication." She bantered at him, putting the oil bottle on the couch table.

"Say until you believe it, small fry." he shot back.

"Muscle beanstalk." She stuck her tongue out, which made Ray return the gesture.

"I-- I can't believe I'm standing here talking to Captain Man!" Henry still couldn't believe what his eyes were seeing. This was a dream come true.

"Why, are you a fan? Do you like me? Most people like me but not everyone." Ray smirked at the thought of all the people who adored Captain Man.

"Yeah, I'm a huge fan." (y/n) was used to the praise heaped onto Ray, and over the years, she'd tried to keep him even a bit humble.

"Watch out, kid. You'll stroke his HUGE ego." She giggled at him and his enthusiasm.

"Oh man, I've gotta tell Jasper about this. He's going to freak when I tell him I'm standing next to Captain--" Henry reached for his phone in his pocket, but before he could start typing, Ray took his laser remote from his utility belt and zapped the PearPhone from his clutches. The burn from the laser on his fingertips caused him to drop the fried phone to the floor.

"I could've just taken his phone from him, but your way works too." (y/n) looked at the superhero, shocked that he'd just destroyed a teenager's most prized possession.

"Sorry, but you can't tell your friends about this," Ray stated sheepishly, telling Henry his most important rule.

"Yeah, sorry, kid, but he's right. You can't tell anyone about what you've just seen." (y/n) agreed, thinking that Ray's secret identity was the most essential thing in his life. The phone on the floor was short-circuiting on the floor as Henry went to grab it.

"Okay, but did you have to melt my phone?" He asked in irritation.

"I'll get you a new one," Ray promised, which prompted (y/n) to reply with joy in her voice.

"Oh yeah, big spender, it's not like we need the money for other things. Stop destroying little kids' phones." She commented, leaning against the couch.

"Hey, I'm not a little kid. But really?" His attention switched between the two.

"No," Ray said shortly before walking across the room and sitting on the back of the couch across from where (y/n) was leaning.

"So, Henry, tell me why you want a job." Now that was an interview question (y/n) that could get behind.

"Well, y'know, to learn responsibility and challenge myself," Henry explained, relating what he had said to his friends earlier, but (y/n) saw straight through the teenage boy, knowing exactly what all kids his age were after.

"So, you want money?" She proposed, smirking as she guessed correctly. Every kid was the same; always trying to get enough to buy what every other kid on the playground had, and this guy was no different.

"Lots of money." Henry quickly agreed with her because it was the truth. He did want money, and he was 13, and he wanted to buy what 13-year-olds buy!

In the middle of their conversation, the elevator dinged, and the doors opened to reveal an 'old woman' who staggered out into the man cave. Henry looked between the weird lady, the superhero and the young woman, wondering what on Earth could be happening now.

Ray and (y/n) knew what to expect. They had arranged the exercise that morning, but regardless, (y/n) was nervous as to how Henry would cope with what was going to happen next.

"Is this the ladies' room?" The 'woman' asked in a stereotypical British old lady voice. Henry was beyond confused now, but Ray maintained his calm demeanour.

"No, ma'am, you're not supposed to be down here." He said to the intruder, who started to look around.

"What an interesting place." 'She' complimented.

"Thank you, but we're conducting a job interview, and you're very old, so can you please just get back in the elevator?" (y/n) pointed back to where the 'old lady' first emerged, and directed 'her' to leave, as according to the plan.

"Oh, I'll just take me phone out of me purse and call me nephew." 'She' chuckled, rummaging through her bag.

"Great, I'll just turn around and look at something." 'Wow, smooth Ray, way to keep things subtle in front of Henry.' (y/n) mentally rolled her eyes as she lowered her gaze to the floor.

As the 'British' woman searched through 'her' purse, the tattoo on 'her' neck was exposed, making Henry realise that something wasn't right. He remembered when he had first entered the store above the hideout and recalled the same tattoo on the scary man from before. Watching the man/woman scowl, he shouted at Ray and ran to the intruder to try and stop them.

"Captain Man!!" Ray turned around for the man/woman to blast him in the chest. He clutched at where he was hit and cried out in fake pain before falling onto the couch. (y/n) ran to him, pretending to tend to the wound.

"Captain Man! You gotta stay with me!" She acted, trying to sound worried. Henry had begun to wrestle with the 'old lady' to get the blaster out of their hands. The 'old lady' hit him with 'her' purse, causing Henry to fall back from the impact. Taking advantage of Henry being on the ground, the 'woman' strode towards the pair on the couch, pointing the weapon at them simultaneously putting their fake boob back into place.

"Goodbye forever, Captain Man." They said in a more manly voice, as (y/n) tried to shield Ray from the laser, even though she knew he would be okay if he were hit.

Having recovered quickly, Henry saw the peril his possible bosses were in, and in the act of bravery and desperation to save them, he jumped on the attacker's back, causing the blast to miss Captain Man. They started to struggle across the room, but Henry clung to him.

"Get off of me!" The man swatted at him and spun around, trying to get the boy off.

"Quit talking like a British Lady." Henry quipped back, fighting the man with all his strength.

"Stop pulling me wig over me eyes." The man complained in a fake British accent. Henry jumped off his back and opened the elevator door whilst they couldn't see. Ray was still 'injured' and (y/n) was still trying to help him as Henry slammed his body into the guy, causing him to tumble into the open elevator. Thinking on his feet, Henry pressed the button, sealing him in, allowing him to look over and see the supposedly hurt superhero and his helper.

"Captain Man!" He panicked, seeing his hero sprawled out. He sprinted over to where (y/n) was 'checking' his pulse and other vital signs, which worried Henry more.

"Is he okay?!" He was panting, but (y/n) stayed calm, feeling his steady pulse under her fingers, and she knew he was alright.

"Captain Man is always okay!" Ray suddenly sat up with a cheery voice and clapped Henry on the back, making (y/n) remove her fingers and sit back on the couch. The game was up.

The elevator opened, revealing the man removing his wig, but Henry was letting the sensation of relief wash over him.

"Nice work, Boris." Ray smiled at the man in makeup, establishing a friendly tone between them, which puzzled Henry.

"The boy did good job." Boris congratulated Henry.

"Woah, woah, wait, wait. You know the--" He started.

"That's Boris. He works for Ray." (y/n) explained to the younger boy, smiling because Boris was right. Henry had done an outstanding job.

"What?" Boris walked over to the three.

"How'd you know he wasn't really an old lady?" Ray looked down at Henry, wanting to know how he'd spotted Boris' real identity.

"Uh, 'cause of the tattoo on his neck. I saw it on him up in the store. And his boobs are too wobbly." (y/n) nodded along with Boris, liking how observant the kid was.

"True. Get those under control." Ray joked, looking at Boris with disgust. Giving him a mini salute, Boris took off into the back of the Man Cave.

"You've got a sharp eye, good instincts and --" Ray started.

"And a nice shirt, and you're brave." (y/n) interrupted with a grin on her face, watching Ray analyse Henry.

"Thanks," Henry said appreciatively.

"Do you know how to make sandwiches?" Ray said, back to asking his weird questions.

"I do!" Henry realised, looking up at the superhero.

"Then you have all the qualities I'm looking for." He smiled down at him, making (y/n) smile too.

"But I--I don't..." Henry started, still confused, but he was beaten to it.

"You're the one, Henry." Serious moments like this allowed (y/n) to admire the older man in his real light. Yes, he was immature, but he was also a calm and brave man who took his job protecting people very seriously.

"The one to make you a sandwich?" Henry still didn't get it.

"No, no, no, I have (y/n) to do that." Ray retorted, but (y/n) punched him on the shoulder with some offence.

"Last sandwich I'll ever make you if you keep ordering me about!" She punched him again so he'd get the message.

"Everyone gets old someday, even Captain Man. I can't do this forever." Ray wandered over to the supercomputer with Henry and (y/n) in tow.

"Yeah, life gets real hard when you're pushing forty." The young woman decided to bite back at Ray.

"Hey! I'm still young!!" He shouted without turning around at her, which meant he didn't see her smirking.

"Doing what?" Henry brought them back to the original conversation.

"Protecting SwellView from bad guys, bad things, bad smells." Henry looked confused at the last bad thing.

"Smells?" He queried.

"You want to be horrified?" Ray turned back quickly and dramatically.

"No!" Henry rapidly said, not wanting to see anything too graphic.

"Watch this." Ray turned back to the computer, where his (your/colour/hair)ed friend pressed various buttons and controls to bring up a video.

The three watched as a small, but grown man in a baby's prison outfit grunted and danced weirdly in front of the camera.

"Who's the freak in the diaper?" Henry asked, clearly repulsed at what he was seeing.

"The Toddler, and don't let the diaper fool you, kid, he's pure evil." (y/n) said as the video got a close-up of the creepy criminal.

"Wow." Henry watched as the man-baby growled on the floor like an insane child.

"I'll show you, now watch this secret video that was intercepted by my people who intercept secret videos," Ray exclaimed, making (y/n) question his logic, but she pulled the video up nonetheless with a few clicks of the control panel.

"You were supposed to bring me my applesauce two minutes ago." The Toddler said onscreen. His henchman tried to apologise, but the Toddler wouldn't accept it.

"Sorry, don't make baby happy." He growled, blowing a long raspberry in the henchman's face, but he was interrupted by another man in an adult onesie.

"Toddler, good news. The radioactive Zenite is here." He said, and this seemed to put The Toddler in a happier mood.

"Really? Whoo-hoo!! That means we can begin phase 2 of my plan." The man-child said excitedly

"Will someone wipe my face?" The tied-up man asked timidly.

"NO!" shouted The Toddler, making Henry grimace, but Ray and (y/n) kept their grave faces. The Toddler complained about how hard it was to blow raspberries in his minion's face, so he ordered the big one to make a device that could do it fot him. The sight of him getting saliva all over their faces made Ray groan in disgust, which prompted (y/n) to shut off the video before he was sick quickly.

"You see that?" he asked Henry.

"He's a maniac!" Henry agreed with the two.

"And there's more maniacs like him, all dangerous to the good citizens of Swellview," Ray explained as he walked back to the centre of the room, causing Henry to turn around and (y/n) to swivel on the chair she was in.

"Well, yeah, but we've got you to stop them," Henry stated, knowing how devoted Captain Man was to Swellview.

"True. But I'm not as young as I used to be." Ray sighed, feeling depressed over his age.

"I'm almost thirty-four!" He looked down in pity, but (y/n) snorted in laughter at how ridiculous he sounded.

"Hey, don't laugh! You're six years younger than me!" He said, pointing at her, but she continued to laugh.

"I need help, and someday someone's gonna have to take over for me." Ray looked at Henry expectantly.

"Like?" The kid still didn't get it, which made (y/n) spell it out for him, not wanting it to drag out any longer.

"Like you, Henry." She said, walking over to them and gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

"What do you say, Henry?" Ray put his hand over hers.

"Do you wanna be my sidekick?" Henry scoffed in disbelief, his biggest dream about to come true, but first, he had to get his priorities straight.

"How much does it pay?" He added in.

"$9 an hour." Ray offered, which delighted the young boy.

"Whoa!!" Ray shared his excitement.

"I know, right?"

"Not even I get that!" (y/n) told the young boy,

"That's 'cause you get to live here." Ray pointed out, and (y/n) nodded with a roll of her eyes.

~Junk-N-Stuff~

Back up in the store, Charlotte and Jasper had come to see if Henry had been successful with his job interview. They opened the door and were struck with the same sense of wonder that had filled Henry when he first got to look around the shop.

"Whoa!" The curly-haired boy gasped at the cool gadgets/junk on the shelves.

"Check this place out." Charlotte shared his amazement.

"Hey, look at this thing." The excited chatter from the two teens made Gooch press a button on the side of his desk, switching the computer down in the Man Cave to the security cameras placed throughout the store.

~The Man Cave~

"Wow, a bucket of swords!" (y/n) saw two kids walking around the store.

"What are they doing here?" Henry said, not wanting his friends to ruin his chances of working with Captain Man.

"Friends of yours?" Ray asked with his arms folded.

"Uh-huh." They all continued to watch the screen, seeing how Jasper was entranced by one of the items on sale.

"Jasper, please don't embarrass me." Charlotte pleaded with him, giving (y/n) the idea that this kid was strange.

"Excuse me, sir."

"He's gonna do it." this made (y/n) bite her cheek to stop smiling at the girl's reaction.

"Yes?" Gooch elongated in his Indian dialect.

"How much?" Why was this kid so interested in a rusty, old barrel of swords?

"Each sword is $100." Gooch named the price.

"No, no, no, how much for the bucket?" 'Okay, this kid is really weird.'

"The bucket?" Gooch didn't understand either, it seemed.

"That's not a bucket. That's a barrel." Charlotte tried to tell him, but Jasper didn't care.

"It's close enough to a bucket. I collect buckets." He said with a proud smile on his face. 'Who the hell collects buckets?' (y/n) thought in her inner monologue; she didn't understand modern kids' obsessions.

"Don't say it." Poor Charlotte always got embarrassed by Jasper and his antics with buckets.

"I'm a bucketeer." And he said it.

"Well, they seem like nice kids. The boy's a bit weird but nice." (y/n) mentioned, leaning her arm on Ray's shoulder and looking over at Henry.

"Yeah, their names are Jasper and Charlotte. I've known them ever since--" He told them, still watching what they were doing upstairs.

"Get rid of them." Ray interrupted him, as he didn't want any more kids discovering the Man Cave or causing problems.

"I'll get rid of them." Henry quickly said and ran towards the elevator as (y/n) grabbed some popcorn from the auto-snack machine.

"You really have a way with children." (y/n) noted sarcastically, not loving how Ray spoke to Henry, but their attention was soon back on the screen and the bucket kid. Ray sat in the chair with his feet on the control panel, and (y/n) put her arms around his neck from behind, letting him reach the popcorn if he wanted it.

"Wow, what a bucket."

"Huh, kid sure loves that bucket," Ray said, looking up at her.

"Can't we just give it to him? Might make him leave faster." (y/n) pondered with a piece of popcorn in her mouth, not seeing how Ray gazed up at her.

"What? No! No free gifts to weird bucket kids."

They saw Henry run in from the back room, and he went over to where Charlotte and Jasper stood next to the sword barrel/bucket.

"Hey!" He greeted them.

"Hey Henry, did you get the job?" Charlotte asked him hopefully.

"Yeah." Ray grabbed the popcorn bucket from (y/n's) hands and started munching away.

"Cool." Charlotte congratulated him.

"Does that mean I can get a discount on this bucket?" Jasper asked him, really wanting the barrel/bucket, which irritated Ray a bit.

"I still say we just give him the bucket." (y/n) said, which caused the man sitting in front of her to throw a piece of popcorn up at her face.

"Dude, it's my first day here. You-- you guys gotta--" Henry tried to make them realise that they needed to leave, but when it came to buckets, Jasper Dunlop did not give up easily.

"Excuse me, mysterious foreign man, do Henry's friends get a discount here?" Jasper asked a perplexed Gooch, who only shook his head, along with his flytrap.

"That plant just shook its head!" Charlotte noticed in disbelief.

"Wow!" Jasper ran over to where the plant was kept, wanting to see if it would move again.

"Will you get him outta here?!" Henry shook her by her shoulders, trying to get the message across.

"How much for the plant?" Jasper asked Gooch.

"Like Gooch would give Omar to some kid." (y/n) giggled, taking more popcorn.

The flytrap squirmed and squealed at the thought of being bought, but Gooch quickly calmed it down.

"The plant is not for sale." He said seriously as Henry tried in vain to get them to leave.

"Come on. I'll give you seven bucks for it and one Canadian loonie." Jasper emptied his pockets and put all his money in front of the cashier. Not liking that the kid still wanted to buy him, the plant opened its mouth and squirted Jasper in the face.

"Ahhhh, it spat in my eye!" Ray laughed along with (y/n) at the sight of Jasper with his face screwed up. It was pretty hilarious.

"Hey, that's my popcorn, don't eat all of it." She said, trying to take the box back, but Ray was too enthralled with the kids onscreen.

"I told you Canadian money upsets people." Charlotte chastised as Jasper panicked from the spit in his eyes.

"You guys, you've got to go now." Henry started pulling his friends towards the front door, not wanting them to upset anyone else in the store.

"Wait, what about my bucket? I want the pretty bucket!" Jasper wouldn't let it go. Charlotte, too, was protesting why they had to leave so abruptly, but Henry still shoved them out of the door.

"Will you shut up about that bucket?" (y/n) heard Charlotte faintly shout from the street as Ray sipped on his drink that he reached for from the auto-snacker.

"Come on, get up, Henry will be back down here any minute, and he needs a costume if he's gonna be your sidekick." (y/n) patted Ray's shoulder and walked over to the couch.

"Yeah, yeah, but first, I want a banana," Ray said to her.

"All you ever do is eat." She joked.

"Just wait for the kid." He told her. The elevator dinged, and Henry came back into the Man Cave. Ray grabbed his banana and sat down next to (y/n), who started to tell Henry about what they were going to do.

"In that room, you'lll find loads of costumes about your size. Try them on, and we'll see what's best." She smiled, and Henry nodded in understanding.

"I gotta wear this?" Henry asked in horror, as he was wearing an American flag-inspired costume that was frankly hideous.

Ray sat munching his banana, looking at the teen in deep thought as he took in the outfit.

"All good sidekicks wear costumes." He told him.

"Yeah, but not like that. Take it off, Henry." (y/n) hated how bold it was.

"Yeah, I agree. This is bad." Henry nodded with her, looking at himself in the mirror.

"I have more options." The superhero said with a mouth full of banana.

This time, Henry was wearing a bright purple glitter jacket with matching pants and silver sparkly boots. It wasn't any better than the last outfit. He gave a twirl so the two adults could get a 360º look at the awful costume.

"The whole point of being a superhero is subtly. Why do you even have that?" (y/n) indignantly asked Ray, who was now eating another piece of fruit.

"Yeah, too sparkly."

The following costume wasn't any better, either. It was mainly red, with a hooded cape and a tight, shiny bodysuit. Nope.

"No capes!" (y/n) exclaimed. She hated them, knowing how they could be pulled and trapped during battle.

"Eh, it's a little Broadway." Ray wasn't keen on it either, this time eating some watermelon.

Okay, this one made (y/n) laugh loudly at how silly Henry looked. It was bright gold and too tight as Henry shuffled towards them, and at least he could make the criminals laugh at it.

"Too tight," Ray said, sitting on the couch with a half-eaten pineapple.

"Uh, way too tight." Henry squeaked out.

"Oh man, I ate a lot of fruit." Ray moaned in pain from his full stomach, but (y/n) had little sympathy for him.

"I told you not to eat all of it, but did you listen? Noooo." She said to herself, which made Ray place a hand on her head to steady himself.

This one was perfect. It matched Ray's suit, with silver, red and blue making up the jacket. Everything suited him like it was tailor-made. The two adults observing him smiled and nodded at the new costume.

"Hey! I like it." Ray said with glee as he stood up, his fruit-induced stomachache now subsided.

"I like it." Henry agreed.

"But it takes a lot of time to put on." He mentioned.

"Which is why you'll be needing this special bubble gum." (y/n) said, holding out a tube and passing it to Henry, who didn't understand its significance.

"Special?" He said, feeling confused again.

"Read the instructions." She pointed out.

"Chew gum, blow bubble, fight crime." He read aloud, looking up at Ray.

"Now, you'll be needing one of these too," Ray said, kneeling in front of him and placing a bracelet on Henry's wrist. (y/n) took Ray's laser remote and lowered the lights in the Man Cave because Ray wanted the next bit of the conversation to be dramatic.

"What's this for?" The boy questioned.

"It means we're engaged." He joked, making (y/n) giggle at him.

"What?" Henry's eyes grew wider.

"He's kidding. It's how we'll contact you." (y/n) reassured him before he could panic.

"Why can't you just call me?" Henry asked.

"I melted your phone." Ray reminded him in a monotone voice.

"Right." Henry nodded along with him.

"Now, listen closely. That wristband flashes." Ray started to explain.

"It flashes." The teen understood.

"A triple flashing light means emergency, like "major sitch going down, so get here fast." (y/n) finished for him.

"Right."

"A double flashing light means it's important." Ray continued.

"And what does a single flashing light mean?" Henry looked up expectantly.

"Just to, you know, shoot us a text whenever." (y/n) piped up in a casual voice.

"Got it."

"Now, raise your right hand, spread your fingers. Turn your head and cough." Ray said, doing the same.

"Oh god, here comes the oath." (y/n) mumbled under her breath. Henry mimicked Ray's actions.

"What?"

"Haha, joke." (y/n) rolled her eyes again at Ray's childishness.

"Place your left hand over your right lung, and repeat after me." He said as Henry slapped a hand over his chest.

"I, Henry Hart--" Captain Man started.

"I, Henry Hart--" The teen repeated.

"Pledge to be an awesome sidekick to Captain Man--" Again, (y/n) rolled her eyes. Most oaths didn't go like this.

"Pledge to be an awesome sidekick to Captain Man--"

"And to never ever, ever tell anyone that I am Captain Man's secret sidekick." Ray focused his eyes on Henry.

"And to never, ever tell anyone that I am Captain Man's secret sidekick." Henry smiled back.

"You left out that last ever." (y/n) butted in with her humour.

"Ever." Henry finished.

"It is done." Ray ended the oath, lowering his hand.

"Feels good," Henry said, smiling at the two. However, before they could celebrate more, the alarm went off, telling Ray and (y/n) that there was an emergency. The lights went back on, and they ran over to the supercomputer.

"What's up, Gooch?" (y/n) said, sitting down and opening the camera between the Man Cave and Junk-N-Stuff.

"Someone sabotaged the bridge over the Jandy River." He explained, looking worried.

"The bridge is down?" Ray asked in concern.

"Affirmative," Gooch confirmed.

"That means yes," Ray whispered to Henry.

"I think he knew that doofus." (y/n) whispered back.

"Situation?" Ray concentrated on the situation at hand.

"Cars in the water. Lives in danger." Gooch relayed the message.

"Understood," Ray said.

"Okay, from here to the Jandy River, tell them Captain Man's ETA is about 15 minutes, Gooch." (y/n) told the man before closing the link.

"Phase two of The Toddler's plan." The superhero said with his fists clenched in anger.

"Let's ride." He said to Henry, running over to grab a weapon from the bench.

"Wait, where?" Henry asked.

"We've got people in the Jandy River that need saving. Come on." Ray exclaimed in a hurry, running over to where the tubes came down.

"You mean we're going there together, like right now?" Henry wasn't up to speed with what was going on.

"Yeah, get under your tube," Ray said to him, wanting to get out as soon as possible.

"Good luck!" (y/n) shouted over to them with a grin from her place at the computer. Ray returned her smile briefly before looking back to Henry.

"Ready?" He asked him.

"For what?" The 13-year-old asked, not knowing what was coming next.

"Up the tube!" Ray shouted after hitting his belt. The suction started, and he shot up the tube and out of the Man Cave.

"I don't know how to--" Henry panicked. He started jumping up and down, hoping his tube would do the same.

"Just tap your belt buckle." (y/n) explained. Henry did as she said, causing his tube to come down.

"Up the tuuuuuuube.." Henry shouted as he, too, was drawn upwards.

~(y/n)'s PoV~

I sat down in the Man Cave, just lying on the couch like I usually did when Ray went out. I was scrolling through my phone when the news flashed on the computer. Noticing it was about the Jandy River incident, I swiftly gave it my full attention.

'--Take you live to the Jandy Bridge, which mysteriously collapsed over an hour ago." The female news anchor reported.

"Mysteriously, my ass." I snickered to myself. Like Ray, I had no love for The Toddler or any criminal.

"We understand there are several people in cars in the water. People are injured." The on-scene reporter said.

'Come on, get to the Captain Man bit.' I thought to myself, as I already knew all the details about the bridge collapsing.

I got up to grab some ice cream whilst they talked about the rescue operation. However, I soon ran back to my seat on the couch, nearly spilling the frozen dessert, when they finally mentioned Ray.

"Luckily, Captain Man arrived on the scene, leapt into the water, and saved the endangered citizens from drowning." I couldn't help but smile to myself at how selfless Ray was.

"And Ron, is it true that for the first time, Captain Man wasn't working alone?" The woman asked the reporter.

"Damn straight, lady! Go, Henry!" I shouted with a mouthful of ice cream, happy that Henry was being recognised for his actions.

"That's correct. It appears Captain Man has teamed up with a new sidekick, who apparently goes by the name Kid Danger." 'Huh, glad we discussed that one, Ray.' I monologued, but in truth, I wasn't angry or anything. 'Kid Danger' was a pretty sick name for a sidekick.

"Well, once again, Swellview owes a big thanks to Captain Man and, apparently, Kid Danger." The news anchor smiled as the report ended, so I turned off the screen. As soon as I did, a tube came down with a filthy Ray, which made my eyes widen in shock and laughter.

"Sweet cheese, what happened to you?" I said, running to grab a towel from the back of the Man Cave.

"Justice. That's what happened." He said from behind me in his Captain Man voice. I returned with a towel that Ray took from my hands and immediately wiped his face, letting out a sigh.

"Still no sign of the Toddler, then?" I asked sympathetically. He let out a long groan.

"Dang it, no! That piece of filth got away as soon as the bridge collapsed." He said, tiredly going over to the computer chair.

"Don't sit down! You're covered in river gunge and debris and stuff." He looked at me with puppy eyes, which melted my heart, but I wasn't about to spend an hour getting the dirt and smell off the chair.

"Look at me like that all you want, but you need a shower 'cause you stink." I push him towards the sprocket, where our rooms and bathrooms were.

"Leave your suit in the laundry basket, and I'll wash it!" I shouted to him, which he acknowledged with a wave of his hand behind his back.

"Thank you!" I chuckled after him. For all his craziness, I wouldn't give up working with him for the world.

126 notes · View notes

piracytheorist · 1 year ago

Text

Episode 29 thoughts

I made some passionate statements about the first part. Now it's time for a bit of analysis.

So I had seen the trailer where Anya looks sad after having failed her tests and it kind of struck me how she reached the point of crying alone in her room. And well, now I know it was because she was scared of being separated from Becky.

And because I can't keep my mouth shut about this, one of the reasons Anya's friendship with Becky helps her - probably without her realizing it - is that she has someone to back her up when Damian and co. bully her. Becky is always on her side and losing that could cause her severe stress. Sure, they'll still be in the same school, but when your school environment is so toxic and also demanding, losing the constant presence of a friend in the class can be devastating. Trust me, I know of toxic environments in class, and I know of not having someone to back you up. I don't call Damian a bully just to spite fans.

At the end, Damian, despite willingly choosing to let Anya win, he inwardly accuses her of manipulating his feelings - when in fact Anya was simply terrified of losing Becky as a classmate, and that's why she cried. He's still not ready to confront his feelings. He showed sympathy to Anya and then told himself that she manipulated him into that. It shows that he has potential but in no way does it justify the way he makes fun of her - as well as practically encourage Ewen and Emile to jump in on the bullying.

Anyway. Tests go bad, and Anya despairs that she'll be separated from Becky. Becky however, continues believing in Anya. I wonder if Becky would ever consider purposefully flunking her tests so that she can stay as Anya's classmate. She's not doing that well in the friends department either.

Twilight notices her achievements in ancient language (jesus what are they teaching those kids) and is surprised, searching for a reasonable explanation.

We are reminded that he doesn't know anything about her past, can only speculate about it, and decides that since he doesn't have the full info there is no point to do that. The dutiful spy regaining control after the still-in-development paternal feelings got him trying to make sense of his daughter's mind?

Despite her failing scores, Loid still announces to her he made her favourite dish, which instantly fixes her mood.

I think, when in the first episode Anya heard Twilight's thought about how he wants a world where children don't cry, it gave her the impression that he would provide her with an emotionally safe environment - something that was solidified when he was ready to punch Swan for making her cry. Even if she doesn't realize it fully due to her young age, she chose to stay with him and do her best to get into Eden because she trusted that in his heart, he truly wants her to be happy.

So one could argue that Anya is very lucky that despite the levels of Twilight's emotional constipation, he really has the heart to comfort her after she's had a bad day. But it's not really a matter of luck, when she chose to stay with him after she saw what he hides beneath all the spy front, is it?

Warning for blood under the cut.

I gotta say, the transition to the second part was way too jarring. Since the last sight of the first part was a background, the second part should have slid in with another background - like for example, the busy city around Franky's kiosk.

I feel like an idiot, having spoken about the Cyrillic sentences in the previous episode, and now we get this.

I... What even are some of those. Why so many alphabets. Where are those even from and what do they have to do with the Ostanian culture. Does anything make sense anymore. What is life.

Anyway. Anime-onlys are finally introduced to the name Garden and What. The. Fuck.

This image isn't in the manga. I think it's the first time the anime shows more violence than the respective manga chapter, lol. Where did they even get that much blood and how did they get it so high on the wall? Asking the real questions here.

"They eliminate one traitor after another on the shadow government's orders."

That is extremely interesting! Shadow government? Employing an independent assassin group to clean out their traitors?

... Traitors, a group which would include Twilight and Franky?

Franky immediately describes someone fitting Yor's fighting abilities and Twilight is like "No such thing!" shaking his head even. The denial runs deep already, lmao.

Honestly, a bit of a shame we were robbed of Twilight's face as he walked away.

"This isn't worth any intel you might promise me."

Franky puts his skills and connections to use and it was cool to see him in his natural environment, being so smooth and certain in searching around for information.

The part of Franky working with Yor could be summarized with "expert meets expert but they're both such idiots they do not immediately suspect each other". Like Yor I understand being naive and so trusting she sees all those contraptions Franky creates and immediately believes he's all legal about his business. Now how Franky saw her demolish his decade-old work and was like "I shall not question this" beats me. Guess he was also lovestruck for that Kacey woman, and like Loid, he sees a clear spectacle of extraordinary physical strength and goes like "Everyday occurrence. I'm just sad my invention is gone."

That cat is traumatized for life.

Yor's coworkers are... a bunch. We got some sympathetic moments from Camilla in episode 16 but she's still the mean girl type in the office. Yor's naivete truly protects her sometimes from having her feelings hurt, doesn't it?

I think this will play a role in identity reveals. When it comes to everyday civilians, Yor sees the best in them and assumes they have the best intentions. When she kills, she considers her victims bastards and traitors. Right now, Yor has an amazing impression of Loid... how will that flip when she finds out about all the lies he's told and all the ways he's been using her and Anya?

The change in her expression though, when she realizes she's getting a call from Shopkeeper!

I wonder what client was so important that he had to call her in the middle of her workday. Hopefully the plot kicks off from the next episode and this thirsty anime-only shall find out!

#Spy x Family #sxf reaction

61 notes · View notes

verosvault · 10 months ago

Text

🚨SPOILERS FOR FANTASY HIGH JUNIOR YEAR EPISODE 6🚨

Dimension20 "Fantasy High Junior Year"

Episode 6 "Party Politics"

Timestamp: 1:41:19

Video Length: 4min. & 56sec.

Riz's Pass-Fail theory gets debunked + Ragh reminding everyone about dinner with his mom + Fig saying she might not wanna be a bard anymore

Riz: "I also think we have to be really careful going forward, because Kipperlilly's team is trying to get us kicked out of school or get us to flunk. I think we need to find out what happened to Lucy Frostblade, if Lucy actually died. But I do know that you switch to pass-fail if somebody from your team dies."

Kristen: "Right, did they need to switch to pass-fail?"

Riz: "But if Kipperlilly were to-"

Adaine: "But it's only for the year, right?"

Riz: "-become class president, maybe she could change that rule. Maybe they just need good grades to get into whatever school that they're trying to get into."

Kristen: "Why does she want to be president? Yeah."

Riz: "That would be, that's why they need-"

Emily: "But, Ivy didn't act like...I mean, yes, it's possible that she saw, but she would have to be able to... It's not like I rolled a bad Deception."

Riz: "Either way, even if Lucy left the party, if your party is incomplete, you switch to pass-fail. So if any of them can't afford to go to school or something, they can't get scholarships now."

Brennan asks Riz for a history or investigation check and he gets a 28! 😁

Brennan: "As you're speaking, you remember that slip in the yearbook and you know that yearbooks come in time for graduation. But you suddenly remember that there's usually about a week or two weeks in between when your final exams are."

Murph: "Right."

Brennan: "And there's no more things that affect your grade after that. Having done all that research beforehand, the majority of the pie chart of when Lucy could've 'disappeared' that they wouldn't have been able to include it in the yearbook is actually in a period of time where there wouldn't have been grading. It would've been after finals."

Murph: "So if you start a new year, you can have a different adventuring party?"

Brennan: "Yes, basically you can't swap in ringers in the middle of your school year."

Lou: "But it makes sense that they would want to bring in a ringer like our not bad baby, Buddy, who is the backup team chosen one of Helio. They see a chance to bring him in, you kill Lucy."

Emily: "'Cause Lucy Frostblade, I'm almost like, was she not healing-focused enough?"

Brennan: "It's not listed in the yearbook, but finding out what domain she was associated with-"

Emily: "Me, I'm thinking war domain when I hear Frostblade."

Siobhan: "Right, and if he's Helio, he's a light domain cleric. Right?"

Lou: "We shouldn't be prejudiced like that."

Brennan: "Yolanda would've taught Lucy, so your cleric teacher-"

Ally: "Okay, great."

Brennan: "Your cleric teacher would've taught Lucy."

The bad kids have their egg slurry! 😭😭💀💀

Brennan: "And then Ragh wanders out, and you can see that he's scraping butter and sweat off his body that's been there all night."

Ragh: "Um."

Gorgug: "Were you supposed to take a shower a while ago?"

Ragh: "I did." 😭😭😭

Gorgug: "Really?" 😭💀

Adaine: "Wow, did you use soap?"

Ragh: *rolls eyes* "****!" *turns around*

Fabian: "Which shower did you use?" 😭😭😭

Brennan: "He[Ragh] turns around. 20 minutes later, he comes back out" 😭

Ragh: "Mom's making lunch."

Everyone remembers 😂🤣💀

Riz: "Okay, yeah, we're gonna go have lunch with your mom. Let's go do it."

Kristen: "Before we go, does anyone else have any big 💩 weighing on their hearts and minds?"

Fig: "Um, I think I don't wanna be a bard anymore."

Kristen: "Really?"

Fig: "I went to warlock class, and it just clicked."

Kristen: "Dang, okay."

Fig: "It clicked."

Fabian & Riz: "That's cool."

Adaine: "For warlock class, did you have to buy like 10 barrels of diamonds?"

Fig: "No, we just talked about the power of relationships, and I just feel like that's my 💩."

Adaine: "That's so interesting to me."

Zac: "But we now are locked in our classes, right?"

Brennan: "It's already been the first week of classes, yeah."

Zac: "This sucks."

Brennan: "But! There are offices. The vice principal's office is there. If you guys wanted to switch classes mid-year or do other stuff, you can submit that. It was due on the 1st of the year, but you've seen there's a lot of loopholes and interesting things. Arthur Aguefort, over hundreds of years of running this school, has said a lot of contradictory stuff, and one of his rules is that anything he verbally said became school canon."

Emily: "So we can pick and choose quotes of his."

Brennan: "Yeah, exactly, so there's a lot of wiggle room if you wanna switch a class, right?"

Riz: "Maybe if Kristen becomes school president, maybe we make some of this stuff a little simpler. I feel like we've been doing a lot of stuff, some practical application of our classes, and I feel like we haven't gotten credit for like half the stuff we're doing. We're having to destroy ourselves to pass these classes."

Gorgug: "This is a good platform."

Kristen: "Okay, yeah, right."

Riz: "And this works for everybody."

Kristen: "Can you write a little speech about this?"

Riz: "Of course."

Adaine: "World saving should count more than rat *******."

Kristen: "That is perfectly put."

Brennan: "You head to Mordred Manor. As you do so-"

The dome turns REALLY BRIGHT! 😂😂💀💀 Big color change! 😂🤣💀

Ally: "OMG!"

Brennan: "It's so bright!"

The amazing caption team: "(Zac croaking)"

Ally: "I'm wearing two pairs of sunglasses."

Murph: "Yeah, Riz is also wearing sunglasses."

Adaine tries to cast "Dispel Magic" at the sun! 😭😭✋✋

Brennan and Ally's laughter! 😂😂 Dispel Magic at the sun was funny fr! 😂🤣💀

26 notes · View notes

fantasy-mixtapes · 10 months ago

Text

Gorgug Thistlespring Junior Year Playlist: Side A

Heres Gorgug's playlist! Literally the sweetest ever, deserves the world and more. Spoilers for Episodes 1-10

Genres Include: Alt Rock, Anti-Folk, Punk, Metal

1. Dashboard, Modest Mouse

Well, it would've been, could've been worse than you would ever know Oh, the dashboard melted but we still have the radio Oh, it should've been, could've been worse than you would ever know Well, you told me about nowhere Well, it sounds like someplace I'd like to go

Ok nothing made me laugh harder than the image of the Hangvan beat to shit and Gorgug still having to drive it back for two days straight. TWO DAYS STRAIGHT. Despicable. Deplorable. Hilarious.

2. The Best Ever Death Metal Band in Denton, Laura Jane Grace

When you punish a person for dreaming their dream Don't expect 'em to thank or forgive you The best ever death metal band out of Denton Will, in time, both outpace and outlive you Hail Satan, Hail Satan, tonight Hail Satan, hail, hail

This song is less of a 1 to 1 representation of Gorgug's situation and more like a song that, if he heard it at this specific time in his life, would utterly destroy him. I am really never gonna forgive Porter for the way he treated Gorgug, and as an educator, I never ever want to make anyone feel the way these fake people felt in their fake game. While this song is originally (and famously) by The Mountain Goats I really like the Laura Jane Grace cover. And I love it for Gorgug as a kind of wink to @rabdoidal 's transfem Gorgug hc, which is another thing I absolutely love.

3. Overbite, Sincere Engineer

Could have been a doctor if I really cared enough But I didn't have it in me I got distracted by a bunch of stuff I'm so stupid and empty My mind just wasn't in it And neither was my heart ... I'm not basing my intelligence on some fucking letters And now that it's over I did what I was told I had to do But I still feel just about as dumb as I used to I still feel just about as dumb as I used to

Gorgug Thistlespring took FOUR YEARS of classes. He did that. He did it and he fucking crit. He fucking got straight As on Artificer and didn't flunk Barbarian, which is basically a genius-level thing to do. Fuck Porter, and honestly? fuck Henry Hopclap for letting a 17-year-old do this to himself when he could have just confronted Porter himself LIKE HE WAS SUPPOSED TO LIKE AN ADULT

4. Dragged Across the Finish Line, Sincere Engineer

I'm not trying to win I'm just trying to finish I don't know when it ends But I'm counting the minutes And I'm counting on you Yeah, I'm counting on you I remember when I knew it 'cause I saw it in your eyes And I did what I had to, I dragged you across the finish line It would be so nice If you could do that for me this time

Is this the second song in a row by Sincere Engineer on this 6 song playlist? Yes, it is, and I am not apologizing for it because it's perfect. Also, Sincere Engineer sounds like a band name that Gorgug would think of because that's what he is. Also I really like the way this kind of makes a parallel to Gorgug helping his friends (it's gorgug keep going) and them helping him do well in his classes with studying and everything.

5. Terrifyer, AJJ

Then it got personal, I saw my rage I just wanted to rage, but all I got was tired I tried to walk to the building, but the beauty it brittled me I tried to talk to the waiter, but the beauty gentled me I ran away from the security guard Because security guards dishearten me I said goodbye to my dignity Said goodbye to my dignity

I know that the structure of an adventuring school is different than something in the real world, and if we were to apply the current utilitarian models of education towards a system that prioritizes people who freak out and fight stuff and not just people who can churn out content and do services, it would make sense that teachers in this system can freak out on students and that's like normal, but I'm gonna say the most lukewarm take ever and say it's fucked up that Porter kept bending the rules for Fig and didn't do fucking anything for Gorgug, just to say that it was to "make him embrace his rage"

Like if we're gonna prioritize class excellence, then Porter should have been more than happy to help Gorgug find a class in which he felt more comfortable, even if, at the end of the day, Porter thought Gorgug should ultimately drop Barbarian.

6. St. Anger, Metallica

And I want my anger to be healthy And I want my anger just for me And I need my anger not to control And I want my anger to be me And I need to set my anger free And I need to set my anger free And I need to set my anger free Set it free

I have mixed feelings about the way Gorgug finally got his MCAT signed, because, like - yes, anger and rage aren't necessarily bad, and while Gorgug initially was repressing his anger in season 1, I really think that isn't the case anymore. And yet we have Porter pushing rage so hard in the "corrupting rage" season.

I truly believe that anger can be a beautiful and natural thing, that it keeps you safe in certain situations, that it shows you when you are being mistreated and lets you advocate for yourself. And I think that that is a lesson that a lot of the bad kids need to learn, specifically Kristin, Riz, and even Adaine (with the transition to using a sword and also the whole deal with Adaine's furious fists). But Gorgug already learned that lesson. Sometimes you don't have to be angry????

#dimension 20 #fantasy high #fantasy high junior year #d20 #d20 fhsy #spotify #fantasy mixtapes #gorgug fantasy high #gorgug thistlespring #d20 spoilers #fhjy spoilers #Spotify

25 notes · View notes

rottenpumpkin13 · 2 years ago

Note

seeing as I've just flunked my driving test, how do all the gang do at different driving?

Choose Your Fighter - Driver's Edition

• Angeal, the anxiety prime™ driver - Naturally the most responsible driver of the group, so much so that it comes off as paranoia. He feels the most comfortable driving in country roads and places with very little traffic and pedestrians. To drive in the city he needs complete silence and no distractions while he goes painfully below the speed limit. Seriously the man drives like a snail.

• Zack, the "What do you mean I get distracted easily!? Ooh! A squirrel!" driver - Is a pretty decent driver BUT gets distracted by any and everything. He has a nasty habit of turning around to chat with whoevers in the backseat, causing said person to have a heart attack and scream "EYES ON THE ROAD!" He also loves listening to loud music in the car, doubling the distractions. Zack also enjoys doing "cool tricks" on the road to impress people. He gets a lot of tickets.

• Cloud, the "motorbikes, cars, what's the difference?" driver - When he does drive a car he still maneuvers it like a bike, in which he'll stubbornly fit it through tight spaces and cut through traffic to save time. He's still responsible though, just a tad reckless.

• Genesis, the got his license revoked but still drives because "NO ONE CAN STOP ME!" driver - Road rage 101. He's the guy who will roll down his window to scream at other people, give them the finger, and has even gotten out of the car to fight another driver. He insists the traffic laws are BS and that his methods are the correct way to drive. He lost his license after acquiring too many speeding tickets, all of which he claims we're wrong because "I wasn't speeding! Everyone else was just going too slow!" He will also turn his music up to maximum volume, annoying the surrounding vehicles. And of course he's also gotten in a chase with the Midgar PD because he thought he could outrun them. He could not. He threw the car into a ditch.

• Sephiroth, the "Why are you all screaming?" driver - Sephiroth got his license later than most due to the war taking up his youth. He learned to drive during the war, and has since kept the tactical driving knowledge he attained and applies it to driving in the city. Driving with him is like Mario Kart. He will make the most outlandish maneuvers and cuts thorough traffic all in the name of "proficiency." He's very calm and collected, abides by the laws and still manages to pull shit like avoiding obstacles at the very last second.

#ffvii #ff7 #final fantasy 7 #genesis rhapsodos #sephiroth #angeal hewley #zack fair #ff7r #ffvii crisis core #final fantasy 7 rebirth #ever crisis #cloud strife #in all seriousness good luck with your next driving test #you'll do gr8 i believe in you #headcanons

135 notes · View notes

voidfell · 5 months ago

Text

I should give Gary and Timmy 'A New Wish' verses. Cause there's so much potential for growth for both of them.

Timmy being a mildly put together adult with kids of his own. He wanted to be a lawyer but flunked out of law school because he Don't School Good and is instead a successful upper manager at a company owned by the Dimmadomes. I bet Dale doesn't like him for Reasons. (Timmy probably has a better relationship with Doug then Dale does and Timmy's got a better personality and eye for loopholes. Dale would be pissed.)

Still remembers his fairies, he just has to pretend like he doesn't to protect his fairy family and himself. He was the one who sat down and helped rewrite Da Rules to close out some of the more dangerous loopholes that he himself abused as a kid, though.

Gary would be a freelance mechanic and overall kind of a bum. Still very close with Anti Wanda and is the guy Irep goes too when he doesn't want to go to his parents. Cool uncle to Timmy's kids and has absolutely encouraged their irresponsible behavior just to stress out Timmy (with the full knowledge that he'd step in if the twins ever got into any real trouble and Timmy wasn't around.)

I could also see Gary as a booking agent, which would fit his slightly aggressive and charming personality. Sometimes he takes people for a ride, other times he finds legitimate talent. It depends on his mood. He has the Anti-Fairy influence from his fairy family and that does mean he's kind of an asshole and causes bad luck on purposes.

Gary and Timmy would have patched up their problems decades ago and just refer to each other as brothers fully. They joke about trying to kill each other as 'just sibling things'. With Tammy and Tommy being twins, and also black haired and brown haired to boot, people just assume it runs in their family. I don't recommend trying to figure out their family tree though, once you include Tootie and Vicky and Peri and Irep and the fairies it get's messy.

#(this is based fully on my headcanons with the verses I've developed with my Gary and Anti Wanda ngl so it might not make sense)#✧˖*°࿐ Imaginary Gary About // i’m a DISAPPEARING act done POORLY.#✧˖*°࿐ Timmy Turner About // an AVERAGE kid that NO ONE understands.#✧˖*°࿐ AU IDEAS // cursed ALL OF THEM. cursed.#✧˖*°࿐ OOC // ROAD WORK ahead? uh i sure HOPE so.

9 notes · View notes

hchollym · 2 years ago

Note

random fic idea that has no real purpose or anything it just popped up in my head

Fred and George have a transfiguration project due soon (for the sake of this lets say the project is to turn an object into an animal and back again) but they’ve put it off for so long and they have absolutely no clue what to do.

So they ask for Percy’s help.

He tries to help them but no-one is listening to each other and all the chaos and stress ends in the result of one of the spells being butchered and shot straight at Percy.

He ends up being turned into a dog or something (just any household pet really, but a cat or a dog would blend in better(for this ask im just gonna stick with a dog)) and cue the panic. They try to reverse it but they can’t and Percy in his dog form is absolutely freaking out. He’s running about, jumping on everything, barking and howling and whining and just all out causing a ruckus which human Percy would be absolutely horrified off.

Anyways, after many botched attempts, in a final act of desperation they wrap him up in a blanket and attempt to try and smuggle him to Professor McGonagal’s office.

They eventually get there (whether it was a smooth journey or full of absolute chaos is up to you) and they explain the situation to McGonagall. She does a little check up etc. and (for the sake of plot) she tells them that the spell would last anywhere from a week to a month (i’d say like a week or two).

Because the spell was meant to turn something into an animal the animal is just a blank slate, so basically unlike an animagus (at least i assume animagi dont have this issue), Percy is just in the body of a dog. Which currently occupies the mind of a dog. So he’s freaking out trying to keep tabs on his human brain and trying not to slip to far into animalistic behaviours.

Anyways, so they come to the conclusion that the twins can get away with not doing the project , but as punishment? (i guess? or like a substitute project) they have to look after dog!percy until he changes back. Obviously no-one is happy about this but there’s not really anything else they can do

that’s all i got so far, but the basic plot would be something like:

Things start to slowly fall apart without Percy to hold it together. Nothing too chaotic, but definitely noticeable.

Students failingc classes or flunking tests cause Percy isn’t there to help them study. More fights and arguments because Percy isn’t there to break them up. More people doing things they shouldn’t because Percy isn’t their to stop them.

Slowly but surely, the twins start to notice these little differences and throughout the story, the learn how much their brother is responsible for and they learn to appreciate him better (idk how that would show in a story like this. ideas?)

Meanwhile, Percy is having his own issues. Battling between his now two minds and adding on the fact that he has practically nothing to do for the next two weeks or so since he’s a dog. His story would focus on him learning to relax a little bit and allow himself to indulge in the things that make him happy (again, not sure how this would play out. ideas?)

maybe the other weasley siblings find out and join in as well in lookinv after Percy. It starts off as teasing but by the end of the story they all appreciate him better and Percy learns how to appreciate them a little more as well since they’re taking care of him.

You could even throw in the Golden Trio as well. Maybe the Gryffindor Quidditch team, including Oliver Wood (he is Percy’s roommate so i’m sure he’d notice somethings up when Percy doesn’t come back to the dorms one night). Maybe Marcus even joins the journey somehow

It could even tie into some Third Parent Percy as well. Such as the Weasley siblings start to feel a little bit off as the days go by and eventually they realise it’s because they don’t have Percy checking up on them everyday and even though they’ve complained about it, the start to miss it.

Anyways, yeah.

Thoughts?

You should write the fic! I love the idea - Percy as an adorable dog and learning the relax, the twins taking care of him, things slowly falling apart, the younger Weasleys realizing how much Percy actually does and learning to appreciate him more. 🥰

Like when Fred and George actually do well on an assignment, their parents don't congratulate them because they expect it from all the kids anyway (whether it's realistic or not), whereas Percy is always the first person to congratulate them and say "Well done." They used to grumble about it not mattering, but they secretly liked it because it made them feel cared about, so when they don't get that anymore, they're pretty disappointed.

I think it'd be great if this took place in Percy's 7th year (Book 3). We'd see the prefects not functioning as well either; they're disorganized and stressed because Percy usually makes sure that things run smoothly. I also love the idea of Oliver and Marcus' fights blowing out of control because Percy isn't there to act as a mediator, so maybe they get threatened by McGonagall that they're going to be suspended from a Quidditch match, which has everyone panicking.

Plus, Percy could meet Sirius in his Animagus form and not realize it's him. Like Percy goes running through the woods - trying to embrace being a dog and find a way to relax - but he gets lost and doesn't know how to find his way back or feed himself without magic.

Sirius finds him and is intrigued by this cute - but rather pathetic - dog, and he takes him under his wing, because he figures he's just a young stray, and Sirius is obviously a dog lover. He shows Percy how to find food and a safe place to rest, and even though the twins are freaking out that Percy is missing, Percy's getting more unconditional attention from a parental figure than he's ever gotten. 😭

If you write it, let me know! I'd love to read it. 🥰

Thanks for the ask! 😊

#Ask me #anon ask #percy weasley #percy weasley defense squad #Weasley family dynamic #Percy & the twins #Percy & Sirius #Dog Percy #Hp #my thoughts #my opinion #my headcanons #weasley family critical #anti molly weasley #anti arthur weasley #just to be safe

101 notes · View notes

sabbathbloodysabbeth · 2 years ago

Text

Bark At The Moon

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | you are here | coming soon

Tw; brief mentions of blood but nothing in detail (also contains Billy, but he is a asshole in this but only plays a minor role, I just really really wanted Steve to put him in his place)

Words of this part: 10k

Words total with fic: 40k

Tags; #wolf! Steve Harrington #EddieMunson has a great relationship with his uncle #MonsterAu #Steve goes disappearing like Will does in season one but instead he turns into a wolf

Part: 4/9 (5 and 6 will be up soon)

Summary; Hawkins, Indiana is thrown into a panic when High-school prince, Steve Harrington goes missing. With no trace of what happened to him and no hope that he'll ever be found, he suddenly reappears naked in a snow bank. One Eddie Munson may or may not be curious as to what happened all while trying to figure out what is wrong with the white female wolf near his trailer, who by the way saved his life. Now Eddie wasn't much for gossip, nor was he a fan of trains. What he was very into though was conspiracies. Was JFK really assassinated? Or was the CIA trying to cover up their asses for the Bay of Pigs situation? Questions like those intrigued him in ways that thousand-piece puzzles didn't. As conspiracies could be interpreted in any way you wanted them to, unlike puzzles that were made to create only one understanding and one understanding only. The process of getting to the finished product always the same for each puzzle. Which is how he found himself infatuated with the disappearance of one senior high king, who now would be a super senior high king. Forced to repeat the year that he had missed, along with Eddie who had been there the entire year but just flunked all of his classes.

Note; Hey, so with everything happening with ao3 I decided to make sure that my fic would be easier to read on here instead of being lost in all of my posts. So if you are looking for a steddie fanfic in these dire times I have part 1-3 linked to this post. This part is part 4 which I never posted because I didn’t think of doing it. I was also planning on doing a surprise double update with 5 and 6 but as ao3 is down I’m going to finish them and post them on here as well. Most likely before ao3. The parts are not short, 10k words each. They were made for Ao3 specifically but with the circumstances I didn’t think anyone would really mind. As a writer I’m currently very anxious about receiving the small list of comments that were left on this fic over on Ao3 so as a writer to a reader (you don’t have to for me) go and leave long ass comments on everything a author gives you. It would mean the world to them.

Also the other parts are not organized in the same set up as this one. So you will probably have to come back to this one to get to the other parts. Sorry.

Plant your feet; November 2022

Steve's feet slip from underneath him, the loud squeak of the rubber part of his shoe sliding on the gym floor catching everyone's attention. His footing is lost as his right foot slips further ahead than the other causing him to lose balance. He proceeds to then fall on his ass, he's not embarrassed. It happens. Not like there weren't accidents in basketball. Quite the opposite really. The number of times a kid took a basketball to the face was far more than what Steve could count on one hand.

What was embarrassing was the fact that he fell because of a new kid. Hawkins Highs star athlete fell on his ass over a new kid, who could barely dribble the ball between two hands. The same guy whose greasy curls fell past his shoulders and stuck to his forehead as he held the most obnoxious grin known to man. Licking his lips in a way that was way too much, and maybe a tad suggestive. Steve's heart was racing, anxiety going through him. His representation would be absolutely fucked if he let Billy Hargrove one-up him in basketball as well. Already beating his record at the keg during a party the other night. That he didn't care about, he wasn't getting a scholarship for being able to drink so much beer in one sitting.

He's still frozen to the ground, sweat pooling through his shirt as his breathing stays heavy. He was a bit lightheaded, but he assumes that was from dehydration. Sometimes he couldn't keep up with the amount of water his body needed. Though he isn't completely sure he could rack up all of his symptoms under being dehydrated. It was that time of year again which meant he was going to be coming down with something any day now. Normally the flu hit him a couple of days after Thanksgiving, but this year it didn't seem to be all that forgiving.

There was a dull sore ache in his body, a slight pinch of pain whenever he tried moving his joints. That was probably one of the reasons why he didn't plant his feet well enough when Hargrove came out of nowhere jabbing his ribcage with a dirty hook from his elbow, nearly knocking the wind out of Steve and causing him to lose balance. Making the dirty play more obvious as Billy nearly fell on top of him in the process.

Steve moves sitting up a little with a wince, fighting back the urge to stand back up and start swinging at the culprit who did this. The small ache that had been dull, was now blooming into something far worst. The reason behind the permanent scowl aimed towards Billy, who was currently taking it upon himself to bend down to take his hand and pull him to his feet. "Think you need to learn how to plant your feet, King Steve." He hisses in the most obnoxious tone ever. God, Steve really should have started to swing right then and there. It would bite him in the ass later but at least he would feel better knowing he wiped that cocky smirk off his face.

Steve rolls his eyes in response. Gaining balance as he hears the school bell ringing. His eyes never move away from the other guy as he taunts him, afraid that if he even flickered his eyes from the other, he would only shove him back down on the ground. This is why he stays frozen in his spot watching the other take a step back, still looking Steve up and down like he was the unpredictable one in this situation. The guy was confusing the hell out of Steve. He's never dealt with a guy who's acted like Billy Hargrove. Who constantly held a condescending tone, a flirtatious look, and judging eyes all at once. It was a very confusing combo, normally Steve could read people but that was not the case here.

Steve runs a hand through his hair, feeling his shoulders more tense than normal. He was probably going to have to spend longer in the shower in hopes of the hot water to loosen up some of the knots that stuck themselves to his muscles. Similar to Billy, who has decided to stick himself on Steve's ass like a leech for everything. He wonders if the stress that he has been feeling so much more lately was causing him to feel like shit. With schoolwork, his job, and the anxiety about what Billy Hargrove was going to do he just couldn't catch a break.

Billy was everywhere he went, not giving him a moment's peace. Not even in the showers, where Steve finds himself now. Feeling as if a daze washed itself over him in the gym turning his brain into autopilot and walking him into the locker room and all the way into the next room. Where only a select few were allowed in. He really should be on high alert instead he is naked, sweaty, and focused on not passing out.

The wave of dizziness came out of nowhere. Which was odd. Steve has randomly come down with many things, but not once has he ever felt like this. His stomach was acting like a Ferris wheel, constantly going around and around on repeat. He even drank almost an entire bottle of water before stepping into the shower room, he doesn't understand why he's feeling this way. This was not dehydration.

He has a slight sway to his walk, moving his way to the back of the room to the furthest shower that was hidden mostly. Doing this as he knew the other guys would avoid him, not wanting to piss off their captain. Sighing, he lets his body relax a bit as he realizes that he is finally alone for the first time that day. Rubbing his face, trying to wipe the stress away as he moves forward turning the nozzle on cold, unsure if more heat would help the light headiness.

He doesn't even realize how warm his skin was until he compares it to the cold water, one hand on his shoulder as he tilts his head back in relief. His skin was scolding hot, he wonders if he was running a fever. He would have to check and see when he went home. Not wanting to stay any longer than he had to in this stupid school.

His breathing picks up again, moving his hands onto the wall in front of him to get a better balance. Little stalls next to him on both sides, only covering the bottom half of his body. Shaking his head, a little, and wiping his face he hears footsteps coming in his direction. Then the shower to his right turned on. Glancing over annoyed Steve isn't shocked that Billy Hargrove is staring right back at him with a taunting smirk. "What? Can a guy not shower Harrington?" He tries to sound sarcastic but only comes off as mildly amused. He really doesn't understand what the other was trying to get at, or even what his goal was.

Steve shakes his head with a grumble, "Whatever man." He huffs not wanting to start a fight that he was unable to win. Moving his hands up he begins to play with his hair a bit. Rubbing against the back of his neck as he focuses on cooling down and gaining some control over his body temperature. Proceeding to then reach over to where he had sat his soap. Grabbing his bottle of shampoo and pouring it into his hair. Beginning to scratch at his scalp, determined in getting the sweat out of his hair along with getting the hell out of there as fast as possible.

He was going to take his time in the shower, but his plans had obviously fallen short with the presence of another boy. Who was constantly making some form of noise, whistling a tune loudly, making some form of a comment here and there, and even at some point the guy decides to be an ass a reach over when Steve had soap in his hair unable to see, and shuts his shower off.

Steve's normally a levelheaded person. He really is. But this was pissing him off. He doesn't mean to let it show, but he was starting to feel off, and caring about how he was coming off was his last concern. His hand fly's out and he's turning the nozzle back on, nearly snapping the handle off in the process with brute strength he didn't even know he had.

He could feel how looser it was now, as his agitation starts to Rince from his body, teeth unclenching as he quickly rinses soap from his eyes so he could inspect the damage. He opens his eyes quickly only to close them again when he sees that his vision was spinning causing him to press his palm against the shower wall. His ears were starting to ring a bit, breathing picking up as he focuses on not falling. His heart was racing as he was overwhelmed with nausea.

"Knew you had it in you Harrington. Seems like the king isn't as perfect as he seems." Steve doesn't look over at him. Afraid that if he turned his head he was going to throw up. It was only his luck to get sick on Thanksgiving break. The shower next to him stops, and he can hear Hargrove moving around. Grabbing a towel, and laughing a little as he does. Before he's walking out of the area. Most likely with no towel wrapped around his waist, only in his hair. The guy seemed like one of those guys who wants everyone in the locker room to know he has a big dick.

Steve's heart is racing, and he can feel his hands starting to shake as he finally feels how cold the water really was. Must have been some weird heat flash. He turns his own shower head off, moving and drying off as he moves off to one of the benches. Where he set his bag of clothes. Most of the guys did this, but others also left their stuff in the locker room. Not trusting the other teammates not to steal their clothes. But everyone knew better than to steal Steve's clothes. Only one who didn't have just walked out of the room, and thankfully didn't decide to be a huger dick and steal his clothes.

Twenty minutes later as Steve's parked outside of his big house. It was ugly as fuck, but he had no say. Even though he lived in it more than his parents, who decided how the house was to look. He's a bit light-headed and has to take a moment in his seat to catch his breath. Even though all he did was drive, which possibly might have been a mistake with the way his vision kept blurring randomly, head pounding as he could feel sweat forming above his brow. He was overheated, must be another hot flash. He's never had many of them, except that one time he had food poisoning. Which was why he was confused as to why he was getting them now. This didn't feel like food poisoning. It was worst.

He glances out of his side window, catching sight of his neighbor who was currently watering plants. It felt like something from a movie. But then again no one around this neighborhood was original when it came to being nosey. Grunting, he feels that wave of agitation goes through him again. Like earlier. He grips his steering wheel, for a second wishing that he didn't have eyes on him constantly. His body relaxes after a second, his hands loosen around the wheel. He puts his best smile on and lifts his left hand up and awkwardly waves at Debra. (Of course, it's a fucking Debra, like their decorating skills no one in this neighborhood had original names)

He moves stepping out of the car, legs feeling shaky as he turns shutting his door and locking it behind him. Glancing at the driver's wheel for a second and mumbling a few curse words under his breath when he notices he clawed up the fabric cover. That was definitely going to be a problem for another day as he starts walking up the pathway, to his door. Debra, of course, decides she wants to get his attention when he's one step in the house and one step out. He felt like shit and just wanted to go in and curl up in a ball in his bed.

"Hey Steve, everything okay?" Her tone is sweet, but her voice is way too high as if she was talking to a five-year-old. It felt patronizing and if Steve didn't know he would get his ass chewed out he would snap at her. Tell her to shove the tiny shovel in her hand up her ass. No one was gardening in November, she had only decided to gather up that ruse after Steve had spent longer than five minutes in his car. Which wasn't normal for him in the slightest. Steve tenses up a bit, putting on his best fake smile. Flashing his teeth, knowing that normally did the trick. It was the same trick he learned from his Dad growing up.

"Yeah, just not feeling well." He yells back. The amount of energy it took just to do that nearly knocked him over. Causing him to lean against the doorframe as he could feel his heart beginning to race more in his chest. Vision tunneling a little, going black around the edges. He felt as if the blood was draining from his face, when in reality there was not one cold part of his body. The heat was leaving him in waves, and he was going to have to pull out his AC just for tonight. Something he had put in the box and carried into the basement just at the end of last month.

"Oh? Do you need anything dear? Me and the girls can bring some soup over? It's that time of year again." She smiles tightly. Though Steve was seeing through her. She would set the dish of soup on his porch, ring the doorbell and spring back to the safety of her yard. Not wanting to catch anything with it being so close to Thanksgiving. Which was only a few days away now.

Sure he didn't blame her, but her condescending smile was what really pissed him off. He shakes his head no, hiding his irritation the best he can as he puts the same smile on. Copying the expression of the other on purpose. Watching the same flicker of irritation flash through her eyes. "No, I'm fine. I can make myself something to eat, thank you." Steve says a little too tightly. Quickly walking in the rest of the way before she could keep him any longer, he's confident that if he had stood on that doorstep any longer he genuinely would have passed out. He nearly falls on his face, stumbling forward as he drops his keys in the small bowl on an equally small desk. Leaning his weight against the wall as he quickly starts to pull his shirt up and above his head. Along with sliding his pants off, groaning as a cold draft hits his skin.

It doesn't last for long, as he quickly bends over and grabs the small pile of clothes off the floor and moves them to toss them down in the basement, where the washer and dryer were. He normally wasn't that lazy, but due to the circumstances, he was unsure whether or not he physically could walk down those stairs without falling down them and breaking his neck. That would be all he needed for his sports career. Then again he would most likely wouldn't be alive to enjoy much of a career.

He closes the door with a click, pausing in his steps as he tries to figure out his next plan of action. Either climb in the freezer, curl up, and hope for the best. Or go upstairs, not push his body any more than what it could take, and sleep it off with a fan blowing on him. This was just a heat flash. That's all it was. Moving and walking up the steps, he gives up on using the railing and pretty much crawls up the stairs. Regaining some balance at the top and walking to his room. Face flipping down on his bed, not even bothering with the fans. All energy was wiped out of him, along with any ounce of motivation he had to keep himself cool.

The panting of his breath never silences down as he quickly drifts to sleep only to sit up with a loud cry a few hours later as his body starts to burn from the inside out. Similar to that of growing pains in a sense. His breathing is still heavy as he turns his head to the left, seeing the moon staring back at him. He rubs his face as he feels tears forming in his eyes. The worst form of pain blossoming and spreading through his veins. Causing him to lurch forward again with a soft sob. Rolling off the bed, slamming into the floor. Trying to grip onto anything as something inside of him takes over.

His limbs are moving without his say so, he felt like he was having a out of body experience as he crawls to his door. Groaning gently, before fighting to stand up. Moving back to the staircase that he had walked up just a few hours prior. Tripping over his feet and landing on his ass halfway down, gritting his teeth even in more pain. His body seemed to be on autopilot, however, it was controlling itself and didn't seem to understand the concept of walking on two feet that well.

Steve blinks as he felt so lightheaded, feeling a little better when the faint light of the night sky dims on his skin. It satisfies whatever itch he's had, as he stumbles dumbly to his back door that leads to the pool. Which has a pool cover over it, to leave it protected from the season that was slowly coming closer and closer. That and the leaves, that were slowly starting to die in piles surrounding the pool.

His hands shakily move on the plastic of the door, opening it with a soft creak, before pulling it shut behind him with a clicking noise. He blinks, eyes adjusting to how dark his surroundings were. Breathing heavily still as his muscles relax, feeling the cold night air hitting him. He tilts his head up, still on autopilot, looking up at the stars with glazed-over eyes. Standing just a few inches away from his house, glancing over at his neighbors instead quickly catching onto the fact that there were no lights on. He doesn't even know what time it was. He moves to check his watch when he feels something snap. Which was strange, and he barely even moved from his spot. His mouth opens up, trying to yell out for help as he falls to his knees.

No sound comes out, as he lands on the palms of his hands. His back burned as he whimpers, the only sound his throat was physically capable of handling. His heart is racing as he feels his jaw locking into place as if something was keeping him silent. The pain is so excruciating that he doesn't notice anything else that happens with his body until a sense of relief hits him. He's exhausted as he comes to. Still feeling off as he pushes himself off the ground. A blissful feeling hits him and once again he's no longer in control.

There was no way to explain what he was feeling. All he knew what that he wasn't alone, and instead of being afraid a calm wave hits him stronger than before. What shocks him more was the fact that he was more excited about not being alone, not afraid that he had little to no control over his body anymore. The only description that could be used for what he was feeling was dissociative. He felt disconnected from himself but knew he was there all the same. He's sure there were better descriptions but for now, he watches through the eyes of the being that he was tagging along with.

Turning his head to the right slightly, he catches his reflection. Wanting to gasp when he sees the most beautiful wolf in front of him. White fur, brown eyes, and a small frame. The creature walks forward, looking at itself curiously. Moved a little too close to the glass and bumped its snout against the glass, causing a soft sneeze-like sound to come out of it. Eyes never break from the glass. It takes longer than it probably should have to realize that the wolf was Steve. And Steve was the Wolf. When the discovery finally dawns on him, he feels more like himself than he's ever been. It was all a strange and crazy feeling, and if the creature would allow him to panic about being a wolf, he would be doing so at that very moment.

Instead, he turns, facing the woods. Silently trying to chant no over and over again at whoever or whatever and fully reign over his body. That same being not listening as they start to run, sprinting into the woods. The wind hits their fur as they race into the woods, the freedom of it all hitting Steve as he relaxes once more. Quickly giving in, he moves into the woods with such happiness he never wants it to end. His emotions were all over the place but that was as expected.

The woods were gorgeous at night Steve quickly discovers. He should come out more when he - if he shifts back to being human. He's never felt like he's given up so much control before in his life and it was addicting, very addicting. He lets whatever that's controlling him keep on doing whatever they wanted, they both seemed more content that way. Even if that choice lands him sniffing in the garbage next to a beat-up trailer. It was disgusting, but he wasn't going to tell his wolf no (who was currently wagging her tail like crazy). He thankfully could drift off and zone out as she digs her snout into the numerous bags searching for something.

A door slams open, and both Steve and the wolf jump frightened. Steve knows he would have still been there, frozen in his place if he currently held the reigns to his body. But thankfully the animals' first instinct was to run, paws kicking up dirt as she does. Entering the safety of the woods within a few seconds. Proceeding to lurk in the shadows, curious as to what scared them Hearing a soft, "Damn Raccoons." Grumbled in their general direction soon after. It was only one of the trailer park residents. (Not shocking, considering the fact that they were indeed in a trailer park at the moment.)

They move to the outskirts of the trees, not wanting to be too far in the opening. Hoping that whoever came out to yell at them would go back inside. They were hungry and Steve's pretty sure that there was a half-eaten pizza in one of those trash cans. He doesn't know how he can smell it from all the way over here, but he wasn't going to let it go to waste. Not with his stomach growling the way it was.

They wait for a bit; Steve is unsure how long he can't really tell the time right now. Mentally cursing when he realizes that he had been wearing his favorite watch when he shifted? Whatever he did to turn into this thing, he tore his watch apart. A fact that he was very not pleased with.

When the wolf thinks they are in the clear, they start to sniff out for that pizza. Nose stuck to the grass like a hound dog as they move to every trash can that they could find. Taking one sniff and quickly moving on to the next when they didn't smell what they were looking for. Steve inwardly groans when he realizes that the pizza was coming from the trash can that the older man had come out from. Well- who he assumed was older. But this fact doesn't stop the wolf from getting back into the can. Hopping up on its back legs and clumsily flipping the trash can lid up and bend halfway into the can.

Teeth biting into cardboard as they pull the pizza out. Getting into it within seconds and having most of the pizza wolved down in half the time. (Steve snorts a little as the pun was very much intended.) He was still hungry, stomach growling to eat something when they both heard something moving to their right. And yes, Steve knew that Wolves ate animals, but he still wasn't fully prepared for the animal to move with lightning speed to clench its jaws tightly around a raccoon's neck. Stifling its screams before it could alert the neighborhood. The taste of blood filled his mouth.

Distractions, September 2023

Steve knew the risks of coming to the trailer park during this time of day. The residents were starting to grow more protective of their park, afraid that if they let a wolf run around more would soon follow. Their thought process wasn't wrong, if Steve wasn't whatever he was he wouldn't want a random Wolf lurking around his home. Afraid that it would eat a pet or be feral to the point of attacking at random. This was why he had stopped coming around nearly as much as he used to. As much as his Wolf needed to check and see if Eddie was okay.

Today though, he finally gave in. That was a lie, he couldn't gain control nearly as fast as he normally could. It was like he was a new shifter all over again. Unable to control anything he was doing, letting the animal take complete control. Which was very risky as the wolf was intelligent, but not people smart. Steve wasn't sure he could fully explain it.

His normally white paws were a light grey, and dark brown from running around the woods for so long. Moving a bit too close to a trailer on his way to see his boy. No, Eddie was not his boy. That was just his Wolf's thoughts leaking into his. The line between their consciousness always blurring. Even when he was in his human form. The animal was so excited to see the other boy that she doesn't pay nearly enough attention to the other people around her. Accidentally bumping into a can, knocking it over.

It was like the guy was waiting for her to show up. Flinging out of his door, as if the trashcan was some form of trap to let him know when she had gotten there. Rifle in his hand, shooting before he could fully process that what was in front of him was not a raccoon. Steve processes the loud bang first, before the excruciating pain in his side that was beginning to grow damp from blood. Dying his fur red.

The switch from the wolf to him happens fast, his first instinct is to run. Like he had done months before when he first encountered the Munson family. Paws moving his body as fast as he could with his injury, Wolf gets excited in the worst moment when she sees Eddie stumbling from his steps. As if he was coming down to check on her. She can't stay as they sprint right by him, brushing against his leg gently. More concerned about not hurting him when she was currently in so much pain.

Steve is in full control when they make it a few inches from the tree line. He nearly pisses himself when he hears another gunshot, the loud snap of the bullet hitting the tree bark close to his body. He wants to stay and make sure that Eddie was okay, but he has to worry about himself. Even if that means running through the woods with blood dripping down his fur, anxiety higher than it has ever been. Knowing that the guy had taken the shot even though Eddie had been so close to the firing range. The thought that the other took a bullet for him was nerve-wracking.

He stumbles into his backyard careful to sneak his way to the back door that leads to the pool. No one should see him, but with the blood lost he isn't thinking clearly. Normally he would stay hidden in the trees, find the bag of clothes that he left out there and change quickly before walking out of the woods as if he only went on a short run. Which was not a complete lie, he did technically go running in the woods.

Instead of doing his normal ritual, he pushes himself through the doggy door that he had installed just the other week. Blood smearing over the side of the doggy door, his paws meet the hardwood floor and start to slip as he falls hard onto the side that was injured. A loud cry leaves him as he does. He hopes that none of his neighbors heard him, or else he was going to have a lot of explaining to do. Something he would much rather avoid when he felt so dizzy and like he was going to throw up.

The shift back was far more difficult than what he would have thought it to be. The mental toll of demanding it to happen causes his brain to go fuzzy from exhaustion. The shift isn't as painful as it once was but the changing of fur to skin was extremely excruciating around the area that was skimmed. His joints were snapping into place as his human hand grip to his side, trying to stop the bleeding. Blood was all over the place, the floor, his hands, and somehow smearing more across his naked body. He blinks, still in the slight daze of transitioning like that as he tries to come back down to earth. To force himself up and to help himself before he bled to death.

He knows that Billy saw him, and watched the whole situation unfold in front of him. It was only a matter of time before he came over to check on him. Not because he wanted to, but because it was a part of being in a pack. Something that Steve was still trying to wrap his head around. They weren't really a pack, just a duo who so happened to be able to shift into wolves. Steves is the Alpha in a way.

He whines in pain as he sits up, tossing his head back as he fights to breathe like a normal person. His chest heaves out and in as he forces himself to stand. Stumbling and nearly falling on his face. He looks down at the floor, knowing he would have to clean the blood up later. For now, he would have to focus on patching himself up.

Steve proceeds to the kitchen, grabbing his first aid kid off the fridge. Placing himself down in a chair before he starts to improv everything that he was doing. He knew that he would heal a lot faster than most humans did but he needed something to clean it up with so that his side didn't grow infected. Ten minutes later he looks a bit paler but at least his side was cleaned and wrapped up with a medical wrap.

He fights to stand up, his head spinning as he tries to keep his balance. Moving his way to his basket of clothes that sat unfolded in front of the basement door. He had no strength in walking up the steps to his room. His hands were shaking just trying to keep a good grip on his shirt as he pulled it over his head. Fighting to step into his boxer shorts without falling, quickly decided he didn't need pants on.

That thought is quickly thrown out the door when he hears his doorbell continuously going off. As if the person was pressing the button nonstop, which was very much the case. He groans as he waddles his way to the front door, his right hand holding onto his side as he hides behind his door so that whoever it was didn't see that he was only in a shirt and no pants.

His shoulders sag in relief when it was only Dustin. His eyes move out a bit paranoid as he pulls the boy in. Who was rambling out a lot of things that were not yet sticking to Steve's brain? The slight buzz in ears was too loud to really catch what the other was saying. The sudden lightheadedness strikes again as the buzzing turns to ring and he nearly falls face-first into the ground. A soft whimper leaves the back of his throat and he can hear his wolf starting to panic as he nearly loses consciousness. But forces himself to stay awake as he blinks confused as he watches Dustin move closer to him.

Hands gripping onto his shoulders in an attempt to push him back against the wall, to give him more balance. His mouth is still running a mile per minute and Steve wasn't processing anything as his mind and body started to melt from exhaustion. The adrenaline rushes no longer there as if his body knew that he was finally in a safe place.

He slouches a bit forward, nearly tumbling and taking Henderson out with him. He's fighting to take back control over his body again, but this was different compared to sharing with his wolf. This he wasn't sure he could fight dominance over. His body needed rest and he was fighting against what his body wanted. His eyes glossed over as he feels more like shit watching Dustin's eyes widen and look like he was on the verge of tears. Obviously begging for something and close to a panic attack. The kid was barely fourteen and he was having to deal with Steve's bullshit.

Bullshit.

God, only if Nancy was here. She would know what to do.

He's barely conscious when he feels an arm wrapping itself around his waist. His surroundings were nonexistent to him as he starts to mumble random things under his breath as he finally laid carefully on his back. Laying as comfortable as he could on his mother's couch.

"Can't get blood on the couch..." he mumbles starting to drift to sleep, a hand carefully starting to slap the side of his face in an attempt to wake him up more. It wasn't working, but his eyes do open a bit more, focusing a bit more as they land on Billy Hargrove's face. "My moms going to kill me if I get blood on the couch." He groans trying to sit back up and get off the couch. Only to be lightly shoved backward again.

Billy's face pinches up in irritation as he shakes his head no. Steve catches sight of Dustin behind his shoulder faintly freaking out. Cursing as he walks back and forth across the living room, with his hand close to his mouth. Hargrove must have caught onto his distraction, turning his head to look over his shoulder. Obviously snapping at Dustin to knock it off. The boy listens, stops in his tracks but proceeds to sass the other back. None of the words are comprehensible for Steve to understand as he lets his head lull back. Giving into sleeping on the couch, deciding just a few minutes wouldn't hurt.

And that is the last thing he remembers before he is sleeping.

When he comes back to, Dustin is curled up in one of his mother's side chairs with a blanket tightly wrapped around him as he sleeps. Steve can't help but smile a bit at the image before he moves to sit up. Whining a bit as he does. His side still ached but not nearly as badly as earlier. He keeps his noises down the best he can as he sits up, letting his feet touch the carpet. Lifting the arm that wasn't affected by the wound up to sweep his hair out of his face. Not bothering to use any product anymore. Not because he didn't want to but because it bothered his wolf when they shifted.

Standing up, with a slight sway to his feet he works his way to the kitchen. In hopes to get something to eat and drink. His throat was extremely dry, and he really wanted to change that. When he reaches the doorway to the kitchen he freezes. The wrinkles on his forehead pinch together as he looks at the sleeping figure for a moment. Billy Hargrove was not nearly as endearing as Dustin Henderson when he slept. His curls fell over his face growing matted the longer he slept. His face was relaxed, something that was a rare sight, and his mouth was open a bit. In the process of drooling a small puddle onto his table.

Steve creeps forward as silently as possible. Making a face as he touches the other's shoulder lightly, not missing the way the other jolts up in a flinch. Eyes glossed over with sleep slowly growing more alert as time went on. His back and shoulders grew stiff as his body prepares to defend itself from any harm. Steve didn't like Billy Hargrove and thought the guy was a royal douchebag. But he had to admit the other came through for him today and he can't help but feel bad for waking him up. Normally he didn't care, the guy was too much of an asshole to earn his empathy but today was an acceptance. The guy looked like a walking zombie. Obviously not getting enough sleep at home. For what reason, that was unknown.

"I have guest rooms if you want to just stay?" Steve comments. Looking at the other a bit wary. Unsure if his invitation would be considered by the other. "Don't really think it's a good idea that you drive like this, you look like a fucked-up Zombie dude." Steve tries to joke as he moves to his sink. Reaching up to one of the cabinets carefully as he pulls out two glass cups for water.

"No," Billy says a bit short. Standing up as he starts to stretch his back out, little popping noises are heard throughout the kitchen. He then moves to leave the room in an attempt to leave but before he passes a threshold a look flashes over his face. Before it fills with agitation. Steve simply glances at the other, not wanting to be caught staring. Recognizing the way, the other try's to push his body forward to only be forced to a stop.

"Wolf causing problems again?" Steve asks carefully. Not wanting to hit a trip wire or something with the other. The topic of their wolves scarcely coming up together. Seemingly sensitive with the other still. He moves his eyes away from the other quickly when the other turns to look at him, trying to act nonchalant about the whole situation.

He turns the faucet on, filling both glasses up with water before setting one on the sink and turning his body to lean on the counter. His free hand moved and held onto the edge, careful not to strain his side too much. Allowing his eyes to land on Billy after a moment of silence. Watching the other's face contort into frustration before he gives in to his wolf. Walking over, his presence was a bit anxious inducing as Steve never knew what the other was going to do. Billy was his own personal wild card if you will.

Billy gets a little too into his personal space, blue eyes skimming Steve's face for any sign of weakness. This was an intimidation tactic, both Steve and his wolf could recognize that from a mile away. Before whatever the hell happened to him and Billy he would have stepped back, would have let the other think he was In control if that meant there was no conflict. Now, his wolf refused to give in. Some hidden meaning to it. Steve assumes that it would be a bit more harmful to give in now than when they were humans.

He watches in real-time as the other's eyes soften along with his tense shoulders and back. As if he had been testing to see if Steve was strong enough to handle him a few moments ago. Lifting the glass from the counter, his eyes never leave Steve as he takes a slow sip from his water. Before setting the glass back down on the counter with a soft dinking noise. Some weird interaction was happening between the two, which seems to be the first positive one since they were forced to hang around each other by the whole weird wolf thing.

Billy steps back, turning around as he helps himself to the refrigerator not answering Steves's answer. The whole exchange seemed to be the answer. Billy takes out the hamburger Steve and pulled from the freezer from the night before. Enough there to feed the two of them and Dustin.

Shit, Steve was going to have to call Claudia before he was arrested for kidnapping. Better yet, he was going to wake Dustin up and force him to call Claudia to either let her know that he was spending the night or on his way home. Most likely the rather as it was growing closer to eight o'clock and the sun was almost down entirely. Soon to be replaced with the moon.

"What is it and your weird obsession with the freak?" Billy asks. Pulling out a pan, seemingly knowing where everything was in Steve's kitchen. That was a bit concerning, but Steve did give the other permission to come here after a night of shifting. So it was no shock the other would actually follow through.

Steve raises his eyebrow as he moves to go sit down at the table. Felt the already familiar dizziness begin to hit him. "You mean Eddie?" he comments.

"Yeah, Munson," Billy says in a sarcastic tone, refusing to call him by his first name. "Now answer the damn question, your stupid obsession nearly got you killed. " He says annoyed as he forms one patty. Placing it on the pan. Starting to make two more but leaves them separate from the other one. Not bothering to season any of it. Probably did not care to do so.

"Why didn't you walk out the door like you wanted to?" Steve asks with a raised eyebrow. There was a point to be made here, and he wanted to make sure the other caught it. Even if that meant agitating him a bit. Watching the way Billy's jaw clenches a bit from irritation only amuses him a bit as he knew he was right about earlier.

"So it's your wolf?" Billy asks tightly. Being a bit snippy as well but Steve chooses to ignore that. Not wanting to put fuel on the already smokey fire.

"Yeah," Steve answers gently. "Don't really have control over it," He admits. His arms stay crossed over his chest as he talks. Letting the silence fall over the both of them with the accepting of the light sizzling of the meat cooking. Cooking the meat all the way through so that Dustin could eat it, while Billy leaves theirs slightly pink in the middle but cooked enough to pass them as normal.

"I'm going to go wake the kid up," Steve grunts a little as he moves standing up from his chair. Feeling his knees popping a bit. Making a few more questionable noises before walking his way out to the living room.

Obsession; September 2023 (two days after being shot)

Steve knew that the people knocking on his door had their hearts in the right place, but he was growing annoyed by the number of people randomly dropping by to check that he was okay. Even Chief Hopper had dropped in, admitting that he had received numerous wellness checks from concerned neighbors and or fellow people in town who had noticed he missed a day of school.

Steve had decided that with his wound the way it was that he wasn't going to school. Too afraid that If he did go that he would accidentally pass out or something. Or he would reopen the wound up. Which was already starting to heal faster than Steve thought. He can't even imagine what it would have been If the bullet actually hit him. He would not have been capable enough to pull a bullet out of his body. Nor would he have been able to run through the woods back to safety.

The reality that he could have died had started to set in when the first of many knocks started against his door. Now, over thirty knocks later he was ready to shoot himself if it meant getting these people to leave him alone. Constantly forcing him to get up and off his couch to answer the door, interrupting whatever he was watching so many times that he has been stuck on the same movie for nearly six hours. (The movie was only a two-hour film) Not only was that a problem but he could barely walk outside without feeling someone's eyes on him, or getting called to.

He had only missed one day of school and this was the reaction of the town. It was overbearing and he wished there was something he could do about it but there was nothing. He had finally gotten them mostly off his back and now here they were again, worst than when he had first come back home. Sometimes he wishes that he wasn't found. Then he would still get away with running around the woods as a wolf twenty-four-seven. Now he had responsibilities, like Billy and friends that would miss him too much. He's sure Robin would personally pick up hunting and kill him for trying to leave her behind. God only knows how Dustin would react. (Hint; it would not be good)

So when the next morning finally rolls around he forces himself to get out of bed, to slide on clothes. His side was still not in tip-top shape and his skin was itching to shift but with all of the attention on him the day before he didn't dare risk it. His hair was a mess and he couldn't bring it in himself to really care. The day before had been so miserable and exhausting that he didn't even feel like trying too hard for today. Which meant his grey sweatpants and yellow sweater would have to do.

There had been another reason why he had been so interested in going to school. Eddie Munson was its name. He was so worried about him being injured that his wolf was beginning to stress out with the fact they were unable to just strip naked and shift into the woods and find themselves in the trailer park. Where they would only lurk on the edge of the woods for hours, watching Eddie do whatever mundane task. But Steve quickly learned that there was no mundane task with the Munson boy. Everything was done with such craziness that watching him simply bend over and tie his shoe was hilarious. It was hard to explain and Steve didn't have the energy to do so. He did feel like a stalker, but he didn't have much control over his wolf when it came to this area.

Billy had made it very clear to him that Eddie was fine the night before. Said Munson was a little shaken up but no mark was left on him. Though the guy that pulled the trigger had a broken nose from Wayne Munson who immediately punched him the second Steve was gone. Something that brought a bit more enjoyment to Steves's evening.

Going to school in the condition he was in was probably not a good idea, but staying inside all day answering numerous phone calls and knocking at the door sounded more painful. That and his wolf just needed to have one glimpse at Eddie to feel better, after that if he was still not feeling great then he would leave school early. That was the deal he makes with himself as he gets into his car. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes before turning the key in the ignition.

Looking out of his passenger side window catching sight of his nosey neighbor, once again holding a small shovel. This time though she was actually gardening, even though her eyes were trained on his car. She puts on that cheery smile that Steve hates so much and lifts one of her gloved hands up and waves at him. He's tempted to ignore it, instead, he bitterly raises his own hand and waves gently at her with a tight-lipped smile as he begins to pull out of his driveway.

Turning the radio to the same station that had been set in the tow truck that Eddie had driven him in. He doesn't even know whos playing, but he does know that this was one of those songs that Eddie had on repeat in the privacy of his own room. The familiarity of it eases his wolf to a more relaxed state as he drives, more carefully than he typically would. Parking in his normal spot he unbuckled, grabbed his bag from the back of the vehicle, and tosses it over his shoulder carefully. Ignoring all of the eyes that were still more interested in him than the conversations that they were having or the teacher's words, who most times would get irritated with the lack of attention and assign more homework. All because everyone wanted to look at the boy that was supposed to be dead. (A lot of kids were going to get held back at this rate)

Walking through the halls of the school that he shouldn't even be in right now, he heads toward his locker. Taking a long way round so that he could pass Eddie's locker in hopes of seeing him. His eyes skim the crowds as well, stomach doing flips of excitement whenever he sees a head of curls. Only to be disappointed when it's just some girl. When he gets closer to the other locker, he slows down on purpose. In hopes that the other would just come in out of nowhere. His eyes land on the locker that had stickers all over it, wolf keening in disappointment as he heads to his locker to drop off some books to lighten his load, but to also pick up some of his folders of work.

Ten minutes later and he finds himself doing loops around the area trying to see Eddie. He hopes he isn't being too obvious, but the look he receives from Billy says that he was as he meets the other boy near the doors to figure out a plan with getting Steve the ability to go and shift after school. Which was apparently swapping clothes, both of them deciding to wear a hoodie to cover their faces. It would be a bit risky for Steve to shift so close to school but if he didn't do it then he was definitely going to accidentally shift at home. And with the number of eyes on his house he didn't want to risk somebody getting suspicious of the white "dog" running into the woods and trying to drop in to let Steve know his dog escaped only to find Billy there and Steve nowhere in sight.

"You look like a fucking creep," Billy grumbles under his breath for only him to hear. Steve rolls his eyes as he takes the sweater from the other hand. A black zip-up that was going to be baggy on him but should work. He drops his bag to the ground slipping it into the bag before putting it back on his shoulder with an eye roll. Trying to ignore the other's comments.

"How many times are you going to circle his locker before the first bell rings?" Billy scoffs, arms crossed over his chest. Glaring holes into whoever dared look at them longer than a few moments. The guy was back to being a dick full-time as his eyes kept shifting back from Steve to the other kids.

"I don't know, now will you shut up," Steve growls a bit. Wolf grew agitated with the other. Billy's posture goes rigid as something flashes through his eyes. It wasn't fear but it was something that Steve has never seen the other hold in his expression before. It was a bit unsettling knowing that he got Billy of all people to listen to him.

Both of them snap out of whatever heated moment they have as Steve asks, "Did I just-?" He asks unable to finish his sentence before Billy grumbles and starts to turn around to leave.

"Shut up, your stupid boyfriend is on his way. Was just hopping in his van when I left." Billy snaps. Not bothering to be soft with his words. Agitated with whatever just happened between the two of them. Saying it loud enough in an attempt to embarrass Steve. In response, Steve just rolls his eyes and turns his back on him, and starts to walk forward going over the scene that had just taken place.

Steve was slowly starting to realize that he had a bit more control over the other than when they first met. As if their dynamics suddenly shifted and all because of their wolves. His shoulders relax when the other is finally gone and he turns to do one final lap around the hall. Lost in thought trying to figure out how he was going to control his wolf from just snapping Billy's head off like he has done before. Even though he did kind of deserve it.

They were still coming up with theories as to why they suddenly started to shift into wolves, but even that was hard to pinpoint down let alone why Steve was the "Alpha" of the"pack" when Billy probably fit into that role way better than him. Steve had always been more of a follower throughout high school, with the image saying he was the leader of most of the bullying when in reality that had been Tommy. Who was still pissed at him for dropping him the second he came back home.

His wolf forces him to snap out of his thoughts when they smell the familiar scent of weed and horribly cheap knock-off Axe. His lips pull up in a relieved smile when he finishes his last lap of the hallway. Eyes looking at the frantic figure of the boy, not stopping to check if he was okay. No matter how much he wanted to.

The bell finally rings a few seconds later giving everyone their first warning to head to class. This time instead of taking a turn to the right like he had numerous times before he takes a left heading to his first-period class. Wolf was somewhat pleased and his tense shoulders sagging with relief

After School, September 2023

Steve was really nervous about this plan. If Billy somehow messed this up they were both so screwed. It would only take one person seeing Billy's face to know something was off. It would also take one person to see Steve shifting for everything to go wrong. He would have to do this quickly or else it was all over. Grunting he holds the plastic bag, wearing the hoody Billy gave him. It smelt like cigarettes and booze. Though when he pressed his chin against his chest in an attempt to hide his face better he could smell that familiar Billy scent. That overwhelming scent of old spice makes him want to gag but smell more because he just couldn't stop sniffing at it out of curiosity.

It was like spoiled milk, you would smell it to check if it was bad and nearly throw up in the process. Getting your answer. But still going in for a second sniff just in case you were smelling wrong. It was kind of like that for Steve, who knows that after all of this, he was going to have to scrub the scent off his skin. He honestly didn't mind the smell it was just the thought that he was sharing a smell with Billy Hargrove that made his nose scrunch up in disgust.

He's in the process of walking down the small trail that leads through the woods behind the school, trying to get far enough that no one would be able to find his bag of clothes or see him doing something unnatural that would leave to a witch hunt. Or some poor innocent person being locked up in an asylum. He passes the picnic table, stopping when he catches the familiar scent that he had spent twenty minutes that morning searching for.

He stops in his tracks, listening for anything that seemed off. Catching some commotion happening to the farthest left hidden in the trees. If his instincts were correct there were at least three people gaining up on Eddie. It concerns him that he could know all of that just from his ears. When it should be physically incapable to hear something that was so far away. Before his brain can think logically about being seen in the woods, breaking his plan of not being caught

Cramming the plastic bag into a nearby tree he jogs over to the place he knows Eddie is. His wolf was seeing red when he catches sight of Eddie hunched up on the ground holding his stomach with Jason Carver standing over him rambling about something that Steve really didn't give a shit about. He only cared about getting the group of jackasses off the scrunched-up boy.

His side was burning from the extra strain but he doesn't let that stop him as he runs tackling Jason into the ground before he could get another kick in. Steve wasn't too worried about losing, a monster wolf thing against three human teenagers? The fight was pathetic as he holds back. Letting the two guys pull him from Jason before he is elbowing one in the stomach and tossing the other into a tree with a little too much ease. Regretting his decision on doing that as he moves a hand down to hold onto his side. Wincing a bit, showing a sign of weakness. But the boys were way too slow to even get a hit against him.

It takes giving Jason a bloody nose and injuring one of the other's wrists for them to back off. Cursing him out calling him a spew of nicknames that didn't bother him that much. Steve would give some sass back but he was too busy catching his breath. Panting like a dog as he feels his skin doing that telltale itch, where he knows he's close to shifting any second. Clenching his jaw as he bends over a bit, curling into himself with a soft pained wheeze. Nearly losing balance as he grows a bit pale again.

"Shit dude, are you alright?" Eddie's voice rings through his head for a few seconds as he nods his head with a groan. Billy was so going to kill him. The one thing he had to do he failed. How typical of him. He tilts his head to the side to look up at the other a little as he nods his head. Not ready to use any more oxygen than he had to. Wincing a bit when he feels the other hand reaching over to his left shoulder to carefully lead him to sit down against the tree.

Steve was already making a mental note to allow his wolf to piss on Jason Carver's porch. Something that was very disgusting but so going to be worth it. He's in a bit of a daze, fighting back from shifting. He was there but not fully. His wolf slowly grabbed more control over his body and mind. This whole situation was similar to that of Dustin the other night. He could see Eddie's mouth moving but couldn't hear what he was saying.

He allows his eyes to skim the other, catching the way he similarly grips his side. He takes back allowing his wolf to piss on porches, he's going to allow her to drag a dead animal on the porch. That would get his point across. His ears are ringing as he blinks, trying to come back to earth when he catches sight of it. Well, he shouldn't say it, but her.

His anxiety raises, not liking how close the wolf was getting to Eddie. Her fur was a dirty blonde almost. It wasn't white but it wasn't a dark brown either. His eyes meet her and there seems to be a bit of familiarity in her eyes as they move from him to Eddie. As if she was there for the same reason as Steve. He scrunched his face up a bit still looking at her and not Eddie, who finally turns around to see what he was looking at. Still looking a bit stressed out about the entire situation that was happening right now. When Eddies back faces him Steve hopes the other wolf could understand him.

"Go, he's okay." he mouths. Watching in real-time as the creature freezes like a deer in headlights in front of Eddie. There must be something about him that got reactions like this from wolves. It wasn't natural. A second later and the wolf is sprinting away disappearing into the woods.

Now that was going to be added to a mental list of things to do. What the hell was going on with Hawkins and why was wolf skin becoming the new fad?

27 notes · View notes