#It's now Bev... BUT IT WAS NICE WHILE IT LASTED

[sky-swimmer]

Good morning to the bravest warrior who changed Dev's fandom wiki page

[cardiohiphopgroovesitisthen]

Never drink alone.

Eddie x reader

Angst, slow burn 🔥

Part 2

Master list here

Your back is turned to the bar as Eddie clinks and pours and scrapes and…lights something on fire? He told you that he’d have a surprise after work, and that it would take a few minutes to prepare, but your excitement is slowly turning to worry as the sounds behind you get more difficult to discern.

“Is that squelching? What is squelching? Why are things squelching back there?”

“Hey, mind your business.”, Eddie says in mock admonishment. “And eyes forward.”

“You are not the boss of me.”

“Yeah? Then why the hell do you listen so well?”

This was the last straw. You whip around to scold him but then you see a tray with sparklers and 5 little glasses all filled with different color liquids and fruits. Some have granules on the rim, one has a small stock of celery and, yup, one is on fire. Eddie is standing behind the bar beaming at you, his arms outstretched. “Surprise.” His voice is still that monotonous drone, but there is energy radiating off of him. As he wrings his hands waiting for your response, you can tell he is just as excited as you are.

“What…” You laugh in excitement and hurry over to the bar to take your seat and admire his work. “What is this? Why did you do this?” Your voice is all awe and giddy.

“You told me yesterday that you don’t know what liquor you like. And I thought it was a nice thing you did, for Bev. Making her think you like everything. But I thought it would be good to actually try some of the classics.”

You stare in amazement at the whole scene. “Are you going to drink with me?”

“Oh I already know what these taste like.”

“Yeah, but it's a bad habit to drink alone.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Mhm, don’t drink when you’re alone and don’t drink when you’re sad.”

“Hmmm. Is that why you've never used your bar?”

You look at him, at first genuinely affected by his jab. But he laughs before you can get mad at him. “Why do you make these jokes? Who keeps telling you that you’re funny? They’re lying, you know.”

“Oh no. Are you sad? Man, that means you can’t drink any of these drinks I made. Because, you know, that would be against the rules.” He says, literally tongue in cheek.

“Pleased with yourself?”

“Yup. So, where do you want to start?” He eagerly postures behind the tray of drinks.

“I mean, that one is on fire, so probably get that out of the way before we make more work for ourselves.” You point at the glass with a brown/orange liquid and you can see now that the thing on fire is a lime shell floating on top of the drink, itself filled with alcohol and lit aflame.

“Excellent choice! But first, watch this.” He sprinkles cinnamon over the drink and the flames spark and dance. He lets you take a moment to appreciate it. “Well, go on!” You lean your face in, ready to sip the drink. “Whoa! Are you nuts?”

“What?”

“It is on fire. Blow it out, you maniac.”

“Well you didn’t tell me!”

“Yeah, I thought you were smarter than that! Won’t be making that mistake twice."

You scrunch your nose at him and look at the flame. “So do I have to make a wish or something?”

“It’s not customary, but it never hurts to try.” You look at him for a couple of moments. “Well are you gonna blow it out or what?”

“Shush, I’m making a wish.”, you say, eyes still studying him.

“You’re being weird.”

“I’m gonna have to start over if you keep talking.” He folds his arms and tries his best not to look uncomfortable. His best was, alas, not effective. You give him one last smile, blow the flame out and take your first sip. It’s not what you’re expecting at first. It’s smokey, more savory than a drink this pretty should be. But then the sour sinks in. And it’s quickly quelled by the smooth almond liqueur and bubbly soda. Your eyes go wide. “Oh my gosh. This is so good!”

He just smiles. “Okay, how about this one?” You do this for the next four drinks, sipping one while he watches and waits to hand you the next. He studies your face while you sniff and swish. He asks you if you’re familiar with any of the drinks before you try them, asks what you liked most, what was too strong and what flavors stood out in good ways and bad ways. Once you’ve sipped all of them, he starts to clean up behind the bar.

“Nope! Mm-mmm. Get over here.” You tap the stool next to you.

“I have to clean.”

“I’ll help you clean after. Come on.”

“I can’t relax with a dirty bar.”

“Then let’s finish these drinks so we can add these to the dishes!” He hesitates for a moment. “I don’t want to force you to get tipsy if you don’t want to. But, if you wouldn’t mind it, I would like to avoid drinking alone. Because that would make me sad. And then I’d be breaking two rules.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I don’t make the rules.” He scoffs out a laugh and walks over. When he sits beside you, you turn to him.“This was extremely kind of you.”

“Oh god I can drink or I can be sappy, but I cannot be both.”

“Who’s being sappy? You’re the one making a big deal, not me.” You try to nudge him with your shoulder but he slyly dodges in the other direction. You take the hint and keep your extremities to yourself. “I’m just trying to tell you, this was extremely thoughtful and you didn’t have to and I appreciate it.” He just nods, eyes squarely focused on nothing at all.

“We talk, you know? All of us. Johnny, Cam, Rebel, Volt, everyone who’s ever set foot in here. We all see what you’re doing - helping, I mean. It’s just right that we do something for you... And honestly it was weird to know that you didn’t even know what drinks you liked. Like you were putting yourself away…trying to make all of us happy. It…it felt wrong.”

“It doesn’t feel wrong to me. You all have been helping me since I moved here. I don’t think I’ve ever said thank you to any of you…I’ve definitely accidentally started fights with Dorian. And I straight up abandoned Keyes. I feel like I’m just doing the decent thing.”

“Yeah, decent is nice, but you should still care about the things that you want every once in a while. It’s like you said, we’ve been here since you moved in, most of us even before that. You don’t have to change completely just because you can talk to us now. That’s crazy.”

“It’s not crazy. And it’s actually easier to lose myself because there are just so many big personalities in here and all of them demand that I be just the right person and some of them are seriously not open to negotiating that.”

“Fuck them.”

“Dude, no.”

“I don’t mean like-“

“Well that way too. But that’s not what I’m talking about. There’s more at stake now. It’s not just dating. It’s a chance at a good life. A REAL life. And if I give up on them, then that’s it. They get one chance and I’m the only person who can give it to them.”

“You make yourself sound like a god”

“I don’t feel like a god.”

“How would you know?”

“Ooookay, mister, ‘I can drink or be sappy but not both.’”

“You can’t keep letting people pull parts off of you for their comfort. You’ll have nothing left for yourself.”

“Speaking from experience?”

He’s quiet for a moment. “The opposite.” You can see him debating whether or not to say more. “When Volt’s here…emceeing, greeting, wining, dining, he looks like he never has to worry about who he is. Everyone is always happy to see him, and every second this place is open, he’s…he’s with someone. Even when the doors close, he’ll leave to go to whatever the next cool thing is he’s invited to. The Hanks, Dunk, Rainey, everyone’s got time to spare for him. He never lets anyone tell him who to be, and they…love him for it.”

You try to choose your next words carefully. You don’t know much about Eddie and Volt’s relationship, but you get the feeling that it’s not open for criticism. “You know, Volt is a really nice guy. Super charming, just like you said.”

“Yeah, well-“ He tries to speak but you cut him off.

“I honestly…can’t help but feel bad for him.”

Eddie shows more emotion than you’ve ever seen from him. Your words rattle in his ears and give him whiplash as they settle. “You? Feel bad for Volt? Why the hell would you feel bad for Volt?”

“Because of everything you said. MC of the party. Beloved by all. Never goes where no one knows his name. It sounds exhausting.” Eddie is silent. “He doesn’t even get to enjoy his own party. It makes me wonder who he throws them for.” Eddie is motionless. “It just feels…like Volt’s confident around other people because he might only know who he is when he’s with other people. Maybe me and Volt could learn a lesson from you in self worth, huh?”

The silence is thick between you. You feel heat rising up your back and through your ears with every second. Finally, you can’t take the silence. “You know what, this was none of my business, I’m sorry. You opened up a little and I shoved my entire opinion in there so I’m just gonna… reel it back.” You find you’re unable to look at him. You pick out the drink with the edible glitter and pink sugar on the rim. “This one was my favorite.”, you say before you drink. The glasses are barely larger than shot glasses. It takes you two gulps to finish the whole thing. You fish around for the berries in the crushed ice and sit in silence with Eddie.

“So these rules about drinking when you’re alone…where’d you get them?”

You’re startled to hear him talk, but grateful for the subject change. “Oh, just the classic way - hard earned lessons.”

Eddie nods. He grabs the glass that had the flaming lime and dunks the lime in the drink. He takes a couple of gulps and places the empty glass on the bar. “Good rule.”

You nod, stabbing at blackberries with your cocktail straw. “I can come in…and drink with you. You know, like a weird support group where we watch each other drink instead of discourage it.”

He chuckles and you wonder why it lifts so much weight off of your chest. “That would be okay.” You give a small smile. “You don’t have to drink to come here.” You don’t know why but it means a lot to hear him say it.

“Thank you. You don’t have to do anything either, by the way. I…I’ll always have time to spare for you.”

He doesn’t say anything. He just looks at you. And there it is again, the copper sparking in his eyes, the low buzzing of electricity. Sitting this close to him, you can feel it like static in the air. And just as soon as he looks away, it’s gone. Not totally silent, but quieter.

You take turns baby sitting your mini cocktails for a little while. You hope you haven’t crossed a line with Eddie. You’re almost sure you haven’t because he’s still talking to you. But there’s something heavy in the silence, between every word for the rest of the conversation. It’s not hatred. But whatever it is, it’s strong. And it’s bubbling just below the surface.

Part 1 … Part 3

[lavenderstobins]

It's the third day in a row that Wayne Munson has seen the girl in the diner.

Usually, he doesn't pay attention to new faces. He's been frequenting the diner for some years now and there's often ones he doesn't recognise: people passing through Hawkins, visiting family, etc.

The girl has caught his attention, though. She's sitting tucked into the far corner of the diner, a glass of water in front of her and nothing else. She's wearing the same t-shirt and flannel shirt she'd been wearing yesterday, and the day before, he's pretty sure. She didn't order any food yesterday; she hasn't ordered any food today.

Bev likes to joke he has a sense for kids who need help. Says there's an alarm in his head that makes him worry himself sick whenever there's a waif in need.

She's sitting next to him now, one eyebrow raised. He sighs. Waif in need alarm, indeed.

"What's the deal with the kid?" he murmurs, nodding subtly in the girl's direction.

Bev shrugs. "Beats me. That's Robert's girl, that's all I know."

He frowns. "Robert?"

"Nurse. Took good care of me when my knee went bad." She takes a swig of coffee, her eyes going sad. "Died, oh, maybe eight months back."

Wayne looks back at the girl. She's staring down at her half-empty glass of water. Tucked under the table there's a bulky-looking backpack.

"She got family?"

"Just her mother, far as I know. Met her a couple of times, too. 'Nother nurse. Seems nice enough."

"Hmph." Wayne turns back to his coffee. Ain't his business, he tells himself firmly. He should focus on his lunch.

When he gets up to pay, he glances once more in the girl's direction. He'll give it a couple of days, he decides. If she's still here then, still in the same clothes, he'll see if she's alright.

—

Wayne doesn't even last the day.

He's on his way home from work when he sees movement in a phonebox on the side of the road. The road's empty aside from him, and it's raining, and the sky's getting dark, so it immediately strikes him as odd. When he sees it's the teenage girl from earlier, he nearly crashes his truck with how hard he hits the brakes.

She's huddled down in the phonebox, clasping the backpack he'd noticed. She looks sodden. It had been raining heavier earlier; from the looks of it, she'd been caught in it. Her hair's plastered to her face and she's shivering.

He's winding down his window before his brain's even caught up to the movement. He's actually not sure how to go about it, very conscious of the fact that it's just the two of them out here and she's a teenage girl while he's an old man.

Feeling very much like he's approaching a wild animal, he clears his throat. "You okay, miss?"

The girl jumps, her head jerking up. She looks at him with wild eyes, wide and afraid. She reminds him of Eddie the day he showed up on his doorstep, timid and small.

"I'm f—fine." Her teeth chatter as she speaks. Where is this girl's mother? Where are her guardians?

"You need to call someone? I got a couple o'quarters, I think."

She shakes her head. Wayne frowns. Something ain't sitting right with him.

"You waiting on your ma?"

To his horror, her face crumples, and she buries her face in her arms. He's out of the truck like a shot, rushing over to find her shoulders heaving.

"Now, now—" He's panicking, admittedly. She can't be much younger than Eddie is.

"She—She—" the girl sobs. "She kicked me out and I—I don't have anywhere to go and it's so cold and wet and—and—"

A bout of rage washes over him. He pushes it down, tugging his jacket off and draping it over her shoulders. It doesn't have a hood, but it's dry. Christ, she must be soaked to the bone.

"Listen," Wayne starts, hesitating almost immediately. It's an insane suggestion from a strange man; he doesn't want to scare her off, but he doesn't want her spending the night in this phonebox, either. "I got a kid about your age. My Eddie. You come to mine and we can get you sorted out, okay? Or—Or I can find you a motel room, or something."

Sniffling, the girl looks up at him, wrapping herself up in his jacket. "Is that... is that okay?"

His heart breaks. "Yeah. Yeah, 'course."

She stands, wobbly, still clutching her backpack. She's soaked through like he'd thought, and she shivers once she's in the front seat. He's quick to turn the heating up, starting the truck again, and for a moment he's furious: her immediate agreement, the lack of hesitation about getting into a vehicle with a strange man, makes him boil with hatred towards this girl's mother.

The journey's quiet and, thankfully, not too long. Wayne ushers her into the trailer, already preparing to make a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Eddie's out at Jeff's for band practice, so he says, but Wayne knows him well enough to know he'll come home stinking of weed.

The girl stands awkwardly in the living room, still shivering. It occurs to him, suddenly, that he doesn't even know her name.

Still. An issue for later. He focuses on the hot chocolate. Once it's ready, he hands it over to her, and doesn't miss how eagerly she accepts it.

Only then does he broach the subject. "What's your name, miss?"

She's quiet a moment, cradling the mug in her hands. "It's Robin. Uh, Robin, sir."

"None of that 'sir' business," he says gruffly. "Name's Wayne. Eddie'll be home later but you can have his bed if you need a place to stay for the night."

This might be the most he's spoken in years, trying desperately to come across as reassuring. It breaks his heart how trusting she's being, though.

"Thank you." Robin goes quiet, her fingers curling around the handle of the mug. "I, um, I can pay you back for the ride—"

He waves a hand, frowning. "None of that. I'd like to think if it were my Ed in your shoes, someone would be there for him like this."

She manages a small smile. She's still in her soaking clothes. He hustles over to Eddie's room, raiding the drawers for whatever looks most comfortable. Eddie won't complain, he knows.

Robin gratefully accepts the clothes. He goes back into Eddie's room to give her privacy, unsure exactly how long to wait. There's that stereotype that women take forever to change, right? It must hold some truth.

He gives it an hour, just to be safe. When he emerges, he finds that she's curled up on the couch, out like a light. His jacket's pulled up to her chin like a blanket.

Waif in need alarm. He sighs. Bev's right after all. He won't be surprised if this situation resolves with him having another kid in his care.

Well, Eddie always wanted a sister, anyway.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

In Bloom 5

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, allusions to trauma, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: After wasting much of your youth in a toxic situation, things are starting to look up. That’s until you meet a certain flower seller.

Characters: Cole Turner, short!reader

Note: My sweet pathetic man.

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

You’re silent as you walk next to Cole. He’s so much taller than you. The sun beats down and adds to the heat beneath your flesh. You fold your hands together as your eyes scan the fields and pollen tickles your nostrils. 

“So... you have a good week?” He asks, his voice crisp yet brittle. 

You nod, “mhm.” 

“Everything okay now?” 

“Uh...” you blink and shake your head. “I guess.” 

“Just that last time, you sort of... ran away from me. So if I did anything, I’d like to know so I can apologise,” he explains. 

“Oh no, you didn’t... do anything. It’s just me.”  

Another lull rises around you. You twine your fingers together and wring your hands until your knuckles hurt. He steps ahead of you as you approach the greenhouse. 

“It’s hot inside so if you need a break,” he says. “Let me know.” 

You nod and go through first as he waits. He follows and you look around at the tables full of long planters. Some are just sprouting, others are about to bloom, while others are overgrown. He points you along a row and you gratefully latch onto the distraction of the flowers. 

“You know, I was really looking forward to this,” he says. You glance at him in surprise. He grins and his blue eyes meet yours. “Really. I’m not just saying that. I don’t meet a lot of people very interested in all this. Or who know so much.” He turns and puts his hand on the table, “Maybe I forgot to say but your garden is beautiful. I can see all the care you put into it.” 

You look back to the pansies, “it’s Aunt Bev’s.” 

“Yeah, but she said you do all the work.” 

“She’s nice that way,” you shrug. 

“You’re too humble.”  

You shake your head and look closer at the petals. 

“You can touch. It won’t hurt them.” He says. 

“Oh, no, it’s...” you sniff. “Smells nice in here.” 

“Yeah,” he wipes his forehead, “but hot as hell.” 

“Ha, yeah,” you tug at the collar of your shirt. “A little.” 

“Well, you can look around as much as you like. And after, I’ll show you the loft.” 

You keep your eyes on the table, “the loft?” 

���Yeah, sure, it’s neat. You’ll like it,” he says. 

You continue to wander down as you admire all the different species and stems. Cole gives you your space. You’re thankful for that. Not just because it’s warm but because you’re not quite sure about all of this. He’s nice, his Aunt Jill too, but you’re just not used to all this. 

The longer you linger, the thicker the sheet of sweat that drenches your body. You feel it seeping into your clothing. You head back to the door and peer around. You don’t see him anywhere around.

Did he leave? Why would he do that? You don’t know where to go? You could get lost here! 

He pops up from behind a table, “oop, you all done?” He asks as he swipes back a shank of hair from his forehead. “I was just transferring some bulbs.” He bends and lifts a large planter up beside the others. The strength in that act further echoes your size difference once more. 

“Mhmm,” you confirm. “It must be a lot of work doing all this.” 

“I have help. Ma and Dad. They do what they can, you know? But I wish they wouldn’t. They deserve to enjoy their retirement.” He goes to the door and pushes it open. He holds it for you again. Outside, a breeze cools you. 

“Right,” you agree. 

“You know, if you got the time...” he begins then waves away his words. “Nah, you know what? I was just thinking out loud. Never mind.” 

“Wh-what?” You ask nervously. 

“Really, it’s nothing. I don’t wanna be too much. You know,” he hooks his fingers in his pockets and pushes his shoulders up. “I’ve been told I can be.” 

“Ah, er, right. Well... okay.” 

“Look, I should just ask,” he points you along, past the greenhouse. “I could use some help so you could maybe stop by and—I'd pay you. Obviously. It’s work. Is it like rude to offer you a job?” 

You stare at him. It’s unexpected but not really rude. It does make you feel lesser. You know it’s not his intent but you can put the puzzle together. He knows you don’t work, that Bev takes care of you, and a few extra bucks would be a help. Plus, it will get you out of the house. 

“Can I think about it?” You ask. 

“Oh, yeah, sure,” he agrees eagerly. “Take as long as you like.” 

“Erm, thanks. It’s nice of you to... ask.”  

The wind rustles the green grass as you sink back into nervous tension. He guides you along to a barn and you near curiously. He steps ahead of you and slides open the large door. He turns back and smiles at you. 

“Come on,” he beckons you with his hand. As he enters, he shrugs out of his denim jacket. He hangs it on a peg. “How about you? You wanna put your sweater up?” 

“Oh, I guess,” you look down at the crochet; it’s itchy from the heat. You slip it off and hand it over. His fingers brush yours as he takes it and hangs it over his jacket. 

“Just up there,” he points to the ladder. 

“Oh? Okay,” you eye the rungs and rub your palms together. 

“Need any help?”  

“Um, no, I can...” your voice trails off and you reach for the ladder. 

You climb and your uncertainty ascends with you. What are you doing here? You’re suddenly afraid at the realisation that you’re all alone. That you don’t know how you could get out if you need to or if anyone would hear you cry out. 

No, this is Cole. You don’t have any reason to expect that. Aunt Bev says things are different now. Not all people are bad. Not like your mom. 

Cole follows you up. You stand and look around the loft. You see the dim shapes of furniture set across the wooden slats. 

He shuffles by you and opens the window, pushing the doors outward. The sunlight streams in and limns the space. There’s a day bed on a worn rug right in the center, a table to one wall with chair, a basket of apples on top, and a shelf of books.  

“Sometimes I just need a space of my own,” Cole says. “I thought, I don’t know, you might like it. You seem like the type to appreciate solace... you’re so quiet.” 

“I’m sorry,” you murmur. 

“For what?” He blinks at you. His eyes catch the sun with a twinkle. His hair curls with the humid sheen on his skin.  

“For... being quiet.” 

“I don’t mind. I’m sorry for talking so much,” he grins. 

You nod and bite your lip. You look around and pace along the floor, each step creaking. You go to the shelf and browse the book spines. 

“Do you read a lot?” He asks. 

“Sometimes,” you answer. “More now...” More now that you don’t have to hide your books. 

“You got a favourite?” He comes up next to you. Close. Too close. You don’t want to embarrass him by stepping away. 

“I don’t know. I read... I read Murder on the Orient Express. It was interesting.” 

“Wow, that’s a good one,” he praises. “I’m kinda into anything. Don’t get much time to read but I take my moments.” 

“Mmm, yeah.” 

Again, silence. You look down. You don’t know what to do or say. You feel like you have to explain yourself. You’re making him uncomfortable. Your mother always told you how weird you are. 

“I--” 

“You--” 

You both try to speak at the same time. He gestures with his hand, “you first.” 

“I...” you breathe. “I only really hang out with my aunt so... so... so...” you start to panic. You’ve already said too much. 

“Hey, it’s fine. I spend all my time with plants and at the market. By the time I’m done selling, I’m too exhausted for friends,” he says. “So, no pressure. You never have to talk for no reason. It’s always quiet out here. It’s nice.” He stares at you a moment before he looks back at the shelf, “I’d say it suits you.” 

You exhale. You feel a little better but still on edge. You teeter on your feet. 

“Can we go back inside? I don’t want Aunt Bev to worry.” You utter. 

“Sure, of course,” he answers, “you’re gonna think about it? Working with me?” 

“Yeah, I’ll think.” You agree. 

He moves first. He goes the ladder and turns. He starts down as you approach. You follow as his boots hit the ground. You descend, rung by rung, but you can’t find the next as you get halfway. You slip and gasp, Cole echoing you. 

He catches you as you fall and flail. You let out a squeak as he holds you in his arms, hiking you up so you don’t drop. Your shoulder is crushed to his chest. He’s touching you. Your hair feels like it’s going to fall out of your head. 

“Um, sorry!” You squeak. 

“Don’t be. That was close,” he sounds breathless himself. “I’m just happy I caught you. You okay?” 

“Y-yeah...” you stutter. 

He stares at you and you gulp. You stare at the collar of his shirt. His throat bobs and you squirm. 

“Oh, yeah,” he chuckles and sets you on your feet. “There ya go.” 

“Thanks,” you cling to his arm as you steady yourself. You let go and fold your arm against your chest, hugging it with your other. 

“Come on,” he says and puts his hand behind you, not touching you.  

You emerge from the barn back into the yellow daylight. There’s a steady hum of insects and the soft flow of wind. You follow the beaten path back to the house. He lets you up the steps first and you go inside. He’s right behind you as you enter. 

“Sweetie,” you aunt surprises you as she appears in the archway to your left. “There you are! Did you see all the pretty flowers?” 

“Mhmm,” you nod and give a tight-lipped smile. 

“Everything alright? You look flustered?” Jill nears from behind her. 

You keep nodding. Cole laughs softly, “she had a bit of a slip but she’s okay. Maybe a bit of the heat getting to her too.” 

“Oh yes, it’s so hot today,” Jill agrees, “honey, how about something to drink? Maybe one of those delicious muffins you made?” 

She comes to you and squeezes your arm. You flinch and pull away. You’re still tense from falling. Right into Cole’s arm. You swear you can smell him.  

“Mom,” he warns. 

She looks down at her hand and retracts it, “sweetie, I’m so sorry. I forget. I can be so touchy-feely.” She shows her palms. “I’m surprised Cole’s keeping his hands to himself. He’s the worst for it, you know?” 

“Ma,” he coughs again. 

“Oh, that sounds worse than it is,” she cackles. “No, what I mean is he’s just a hugger, you know? He’s always been one. And he does give the best hugs.” 

“Ma,” he says a third time. 

“Right, right,” she huffs, “so, how about some iced tea?” 

You look at her, then Aunt Bev. You’d hate to be rude and you are a bit thirsty. Especially after being out in the dry heat. 

“Yes, please, thank you,” you say. 

“Not at all, sweetie,” she smiles, “Cole, would you like some?” 

“Sure, ma,” he says, “thanks.” 

Jill preens and struts away. Aunt Bev comes closer, “I am so happy you two are getting along. Oh, Cole, thank you for showing her around.” 

“Not at all. You know, I don’t get to show off very often.” 

“Really? But this place is so pretty. Isn’t it, dear?” She asks. 

You blanch then nod vehemently. You just want to fade into the background. You’d hope with your aunt and Jill, it’d be easier to do that. 

“Oh, and your muffins are fabulous. You really should have one,” she insists. 

You try to smile but your cheeks pinch tightly. 

“You know, I might just do that,” Cole intones. “Can I get you one?” 

You shake your head. He lingers, waiting for an answer. You choke out your voice at last, “no, thanks.” 

“Right,” he accepts and turns away. 

You peek over at Aunt Bev as she smiles after him. She likes him. If she likes him, he can’t be very bad. She’s not always so happy either. Especially since you came around. More often, she’s worried. You don’t want to always be a problem for her. 

“Um, Aunt Beverly,” you say, “I... Cole said I could come help out. He’ll pay me.” 

Her brows rise and she turns to you, “oh, really? And you want to?” 

You stare at her. You don’t know that you want to but you know you should. 

“I’ll do it,” you say at last. “I like the flowers.” 

[seenoversundown]

Insidious : Eight

Jake Kiszka x Rory (Fem OC)

Warnings: 18+ Smut, some cute banter, fluff, intrusive and suggestive thoughts, pet names, flirting kind of if you squint really, smut warning time- look away now if you don’t wanna see it- masturbation, suggestive language, slight praise kink, special pet names.

Word Count: 2.9k

Author's Note: grab a cold bev and a sweat towel, babes! 🤭

Albuquerque, New Mexico | Day 2 | Show #2

I spent the bulk of the day running around to make sure everything was ready for the show tonight. Choosing to not stay out was probably for the best, considering how busy I ended up being today. 

Once I get the rest of my shit back onto the bus since we’re leaving after the show tonight, I run into the bathroom to touch up my makeup real quick before it’s time to go inside the venue. 

“You’re beautiful enough!” Josh sings as he wanders through the bus. 

I laugh, turning my head to holler back, “My husband could be in there, ya know!” 

“And he should love you regardless of your appearance!” He hollers back. 

I will say, despite the situation the other night, I do really enjoy my friendship with Josh. I haven’t been ready to bring it up to him yet, but I wish he had been the one to tell me what happened. 

Obviously, Jake was really the one who handled it, which I still don’t know what happened fully and frankly, I don’t think I want to know. But Josh was right there when I woke up and he could have easily told me what was going on. Maybe I’m overthinking it, but I digress. 

We definitely had fun together and I’m trying to focus on that. Even the other boys have lightened up toward me and it's a nice feeling like I’m just part of the group. Hoping that it sticks throughout the tour, but I can’t imagine anything that would really make me question them. 

“You ready to go inside?” Sam asks, leant against the doorframe as I’m dropping my mascara back into my bag. 

I smile at him as he gestures for me to walk past, “Now, I am.”

Once they’re all happy and situated, I decide to go watch the band that’s on for a few. I figured if we’re gonna be doing this for a while, I may as well go listen to the rest of them too. Plus, having the ability to stand side stage, rather than out front, I’ll take any opportunity for that. 

There was always something about live music that truly just felt different to me. Getting to watch everyone on stage having the time of their lives and the crowd being just as into it. I always felt really lucky that I managed to get into the industry and now I get to witness it all the time. 

“Hey,” being whispered close to my ear making me jump. My head whips to the side, seeing Jake laugh as he stands next to me. 

I lean over closer to him, “Warn me next time, Jesus christ.” 

We both stand there for a few minutes just watching them, until I have questions for him. Leaning over to ask them where he can actually hear me. He returns the gesture so he can answer the question, but his hand sitting on my lower back had me a little distracted. Not that I necessarily wanted him to touch me, but I’m definitely a physical person and it’s been a while since I.. anyway. 

He pulls me out of the way of someone, and I knew it meant nothing, but the way he left his hands on me for a split second longer than he had to, my stomach was turning. I need to calm down, good lord. 

The band starts their last song of their set and I feel an arm plop down over my shoulders, glancing over to see Sam smiling at me. I don’t know why him hanging on me doesn’t give me the same feeling but, I’m not going to think that hard about it right now. It’ll only make things worse. 

“I’m heading back,” Jake says close to my ear and I just glance over at him and nod. Leaving me there with Sam, who is just happily vibing to this bands closing song. He pulls me with him as the set ends, so we can get out of the way before they start swapping out gear. 

Oddly enough, all the boys were in an eerily good mood today, but if we’re being honest, I wasn’t going to question it. Something must have happened at the bar for them to all be like this and that is a story for another time. I’m just grateful that nobody seems angry or needing me to really organize them at all now that we’re here. 

I follow them as they walk out for their set, sitting off to the side as they walk on stage. It’s still wild to me that Josh can do what he does on stage, considering what a bundle of joy he is off stage. 

The show today felt a bit better, and I don’t know if it was the good mood they all were in or if the crowd was better or maybe I was less nervous this time since it wasn’t the first show anymore. Regardless, it was more fun to watch them this time. 

They’re all pretty energetic on stage which definitely helps, and I know that it gets the attention of people in the crowd for sure. It makes me laugh when they acknowledge me off stage though, even if nobody else can see who they’re looking at. But watching the way Sam would point his bass at me while playing and then laugh, he really was a precious man. So carefree and goofy when he wanted to be, it was admirable for sure. 

Danny was way too locked in for him to be looking over, but the twins definitely took their turns. Josh walking closer to me, but I was hidden enough that the crowd wouldn’t know who he was screaming to. The big smile on his face as he lets out these foul sounds is hysterical to me. Making dumb faces as he faces me and then clocks back in when he turns back to the crowd, it’s like i’m getting my own personal show really. 

Jake would occasionally walk back to his amps and usually that is when he would either mouth something to me or widen his eyes, never anything crazy. I found myself watching him intently when he would go back though because he kept a few things sitting on his amp. But, mostly because he would pull up the bottom of his shirt to wipe his face quickly and just the glimpse of his hip tattoos would make my mouth run dry. It’s a shame he’s as hot as he is, really. Or I’d watch him drink from the cup he had sitting on the floor, and just being able to see his jaw flex while he did was really doing a number on me. 

I hadn’t realized how long I had been watching them when I recognize the song they started. Well, I may as well stay for the last song then. Tonight’s show definitely made me more excited for the rest of tour, which is a relief after the first few days. 

Joining them as they leave the stage, following them back to the greenroom to grab all their stuff before we had to pile back into the bus again. Rowdy as hell, they are all having a good time as they cool off for a minute before we get out of here. 

“Where are we going boys?” Danny hollers. 

A jumbled response from a handful of them, some of the opening band members also joined us in there. Hard to believe any of them actually formed a plan, but they must have with the way they all rotated through the showers and got dressed again. 

Being one of a few women in the back stage area, it was absolutely wild to be surrounded by all these musicians. Most of them half dressed and just wandering about. A handful of the girlfriends had joined them backstage and I was lucky enough to say ‘hello’ to them finally, and they all seemed sweet– which is great for me, because I’ll have more people to talk to at shows. Thank god. 

“Are you gonna come with us, love?” Josh asks me as we walk out of the venue finally. 

I shake my head, telling him, “I think I’m gonna pass tonight. Just kind of want to lay in my bunk for a bit before all of you pile in there.” 

He laughs at me for a second, but then admits, “We are a bit rowdy sometimes. I don’t blame you, get some rest!” 

I walk over to our bus, and our driver is so sweet. Saying my nightly ‘hello’s to him as I get on. Chatting with him for a minute about his day, he really was such a good dude. Sam sneaking past me to grab something from the back before he quickly comes back up.

“Josh said you’re staying here?” He asks, a small pout on his face. 

I breathe out, “Yeah, I’m taking the night off from drinking, I think.” 

“Okaaay! Well, enjoy your nap then!” 

The driver looks over at me, “You’re staying here?” 

“Mhm,” I hum out. Realizing that he probably takes advantage of this time if the boys want to go out for a bit. “Oh, don’t let me stop you. Feel free to do whatever, I just want to lay down anyway.” 

“Works for me,” he lets out. Holding up some over the ear headphones and shaking them, “I will just watch my movie with these so I don’t bug ya!” 

I chuckle to myself, “Perfect.” 

Laying in my little bunk felt so good tonight. Something about how small it was just made it more comforting to me. I scrolled on my phone for a bit, just one of my headphones in so I could hear if anything happened. I did hear the doors open and close a few times, with footsteps in there. But the bus had been quiet for a while and all I could hear was the occasional quiet laugh from the driver, which had slowly turned into light snores. He really is such a cute older man.  Deciding I should put on a random playlist that spotify suggested, trying to give myself something to focus on that wasn’t his snoring. 

My mind wandered as I lie there, thinking about the way Jake’s hands were on me earlier today. Remembering the first night I met him and how smooth he was, god if only Georgia hadn’t knocked. I hadn’t been touched by a man for a while before that night and I haven’t since then either. 

The way he looked on stage, sweating and the facial expressions he would make while he was playing. And lord, don’t get me started on how nice his hands are– made my knees weak to watch him. But that could have been a combination of not getting laid for a while. 

Either way, as I lie here and he floods my mind, I reluctantly slip my hand under the waistband of my shorts. Turning my music down so I can hardly hear it, but I can definitely hear if anybody is trying to come onto the bus. Once I hear another snore from the driver, I let my hand wander down. 

Lightly running my fingers over my clit, which barely even touching it, I was fighting a moan. Taking a deep breath in as I finally add a little pressure, slowly and gently playing with it. The thought of Jake that night in the bathroom plays in my mind. The way he was so gentle to hold my leg as he cleaned me off but then pulling me off the counter with my legs wrapped around his waist. I would have let him do whatever he wanted. It’s like I can almost feel how soft his lips were against mine, the feeling spreading through my body as I sit on that thought. 

My hand adding a bit more pressure now, my throat letting a quiet ‘mmm’ slip out. But thankfully, the sound of a light snore still graces my ear right after so I know it’s safe. Letting my mind wander back to Jake, curious of what would have happened if we didn’t get interrupted. Those hands all over me and sliding into my shorts, I can’t help myself when another moan comes out, a bit louder this time. My eyes shut tightly as I lie, wishing I hadn’t played so hard to get that night so I could be day dreaming about so much more. 

Every moment feels better and better, fighting moaning too loud but I had to let some out because the pressure was killing me, but nothing would have prepared me when I heard, “Mhmm, how good does that feel?” 

Oh my god, Jake. 

Pausing my hand for a moment, just letting out shaky breaths until he says, “Keep going.” 

Is he also or.. My hand is moving a little faster this time. The sound of his voice makes my thighs tense up. Knowing he can hear me, I choke back the noises trying to escape. It only takes a minute before one sneaks out of me, and I can feel my face redden at the sound. But only until I heard the rustling sound coming from the bunk next to me. 

A low, ‘Mmm,’ hits my ears, and my mouth falls open at it. He’s.. 

Just the thought of him stroking himself six feet away from me, I can feel myself inch closer to an orgasm. Seeing him walk around in his boxers, I know that he’s blessed and then picturing that in my mind as I play with myself– my subconscious betrays me, “mmm Jake.” 

My eyes shoot open when it comes out, oh no. But I can’t stop my hand at this point, I’m too close. 

“Yes, baby,” his voice low, and the sultry tone to it making everything overwhelming. “I wanna hear you.” 

My breath falls out of me at his voice, the feeling getting stronger. Trying not to overthink the situation, I keep going. 

“Come on, Rory,” he starts. “Need you to come for me, I know you want to.”

My head is spinning as he’s talking me through it. 

“Just let it go,” he groans. “I just know you’re so fucking wet right now.”

The feeling starting to trickle through my body, my breathing picks up and I can’t help myself when I let out, “Fuck me, Jake.”

“That’s my girl,” he moans. “Fuck.” 

I can still hear the light sounds of him stroking himself, as I lie here trying to breathe through what just happened. Something possessed me when I whispered, “You sound so sexy, Jake.” 

His little groans littered the air. My legs tightly crossed as I kept teasing him. 

“Please, come for me,” I start. “I was so good for you.” 

“Fuck,” he mutters under his breath. 

The smile grew on my face, knowing he had to be almost there. Taking a deep breath and then pulling out the only move I felt like I could in this position, when I moaned, “Mm yes, daddy.” 

His breath hitches at my moan, the rustling from his bunk stops. I lie there in silence when I hear the light snore from our driver again, and I try not to laugh at it. Finally, hearing him get up and the bathroom door shutting rather quickly. 

How am I supposed to look at him?  

What felt like hours, was maybe another forty-five minutes, when I hear the bus door open and the rest of them stumbling onto the bus– I know that’s my cue to get up. Going up to the front and plopping down in my normal spot next to Josh, his arm hung over my shoulders. 

They recapped how the night went as the bus driver got situated and got us back on the road. I giggled at the stories that they have from the maybe two hours they were out. Sam telling us all about this girl that he almost brought back but then he realized she looked a little too much like his ex and got the ick from it. 

It was only a few minutes before Jake finally joined us and the two of us avoided eye contact. At least it isn’t just me. Trying to look at him, and he’s shirtless, which is already difficult for me, but then I realize he's in some joggers, sat low on his waist. 

“Jake, what did you end up doing?” Josh asks. “You don’t usually turn down going out.” 

I decide to be brave and look over at him, my heart pounds as I do. His eyes met mine for a second and there’s no way my face didn’t flush a little. 

“Oh, just hung out,” he says casually. “Needed to take a load off, y’know?” 

I almost choke on my drink when he says it. Feeling his eyes on me, looking back at him, he slowly winks at me. 

This is going to be a long fucking tour. 

Seven

Masterpost

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@justwantjosh

[genesis-otto]

If there is one thing that I'm sure of, it's that the losers club always bake cakes for their birthdays. But as we all know, they are iDiOtS. And their cakes are just...bad. I don't mean the taste, the cake always tastes good cause there are some responsible people in this group who somehow manage to do this part right. It's the visual that is horrible. Like do you imagine them trying to decorate the cake without fucked it up on purpose (or not) ? Yeah me neither. So here is what I imagine all the cake that the losers have done one year :

This one is for Bill, it was the first time that they actually made a real cake so he is ugly as fuck. Bill is born in january which makes him the oldest of the losers and I would imagine the losers always making fun of Bill for being old. And since he is the first to celebrate his birthday, the others will totally tease him all the time with the fact that he has now like 15 while all of them are still at 14. This nightmare will last until Beverly finally celebrates her own birthday in february. One entire month of torture for Bill Denbrough.

Bev is the only girl of the group and I'm sure that sometimes she's just so done with the bullshit of the other losers. She always reminds them that "boys are trash, but no offense guys." So it was obvious for them to make her a cake ridiculously girly with that beautiful sentence on it. (The cake is way better than Bill's cause they eventually did practice for it to be perfect. 'Bev deserves a perfect cake' they all said. It took them at least three tries before to manage to make it look good).

This one is obviously Richie's. They did it the year when Richie officially came out to them. They wanted to make a trash cake at first (Eddies and Bills idea) but Stan thought that making a gay joke was funnier. Mike agreed saying that it would show that they truthfully support their gay favorite trashmouth <3. (Eddie still used colors that didn't match together cause he wouldn't let go the trash idea).

(I don't know who are the people on the pictures, but let's just pretend that there are the guys of the new kids on the block). So this one is Ben's. It's Bev that came up with the idea and all of the others followed her cause they like to make fun of Ben for his, as Richie says, bad tastes in music. Ben still was happy when he saw his cake (and he ignored the comments of his friends) cause he thought that his cake was matching with Bev's.

This is Stan's cake. Who is surprised ? Not me. It was a collective message of all the group and Stanley flipped them off when he read what they had written (even if he found it funny, which he will never tell out loud). He also tried to say that he didn't need to go to therapy that bad but they're all traumatized, Stan fooled no one. (Bill promised him that they'll make him a bird's one for the next year so Stan was happy).

Mike is a sweetheart and they all know that. So they HAD to make him a cool cake. They know that Mike LOVES the animals at his farm so they wanted to make him a cute cow. They eventually manage to not completely fucked it up and Mike, very happy with his cake, give it a name. So when Bev tried to cut the cake for eating it, Mike took it away from her because "YOU CAN'T EAT JOHNNY, HE'S MY CHILD."

Eddie is the youngest, born in september. And oh god you don't know how long it seemed for Richie who was waiting for this moment all the year. Since the first time making a cake for Bill, he already knew what he wanted to do for Eddie's when it'll be his turn. The losers all made the cake and it was pretty nice. They left it one moment without supervision and it took only one minute to Rich to fuck it up. He was very proud when the others came back with Eddie and saw the note. Richie died this day.

[edgessunflower]

Can I try again?

Pairing: Beverly Marsh x Fem reader

Description: The group is reunited after twenty seven years leading to a new start for you and Bev

Warning: Mentions of suicide, abuse, and spoilers for IT chapters 1 and 2

Life suddenly changes when you get a phone call from your long lost friend Mike Hanlon saying that it's back and your heart sank knowing immediately what he meant. You felt like you were in a dream as you walked past your old house now that you were back in Derry after so many years, memories flooded your mind of your childhood from many moments in your small garden in the backyard to running around town with your friends in the losers club there were memories you had forgotten or hadn't thought about in years that flooded your mind as you looked at yourself in the mirror wearing a yellow sun dress with your pixie cut hair combed nicely as you put a flower in your hair and put your shoes on before walking out of your room slowly driving to the Chinese restaurant to meet up with the rest of the group of dear and forgotten friends that you hadn't seen in twenty seven long years. "Y/N/N?" you turned around at the familiar voice behind you only to feel your heart quiver to see Bev who looked even more beautiful than the last and first time you saw her as a large smile formed on your face before the two of you were laughing while holding each other like the two of you did as teenagers, "Bev my God you're so pretty" the two of you smiled before hearing another voice only to see Ben making you both smile more as the three of you walked in followed by Richie as the four of you spot Bill and mike making you all smile and all of you stood silent when everyone turned around at the sound of Eddie's voice leading to everyone laughing as they shared memories, drinks, and food with all of you feeling as if you had never left or not seen and spoken to each other in many years secretly watching eddie and richie out of the corner of your eye knowing there was something between them that was rekindling until ben spoke, "You guys remember that one time when Y/N kissed Bev's shoulder after our blood pact?". The rest of the night your mind was filled with the memory of the blood pact the eight of you made years earlier as you grieved for Stan after all of you learned that he had killed himself after getting the call from mike that it was back in derry, you turn when a knock sounds against your hotel room door opening it only to see bev who said that she needed someone to talk to leading to the two of you pouring out everything that had happened to both of you over the years being away from derry being surprised when you found out that bev was married only to learn that he was abusive making your heart shatter knowing she had already been through so much in her life after what her father had done to her for years before the two of you fondly talked about the blood pact until the kiss you placed on her shoulder came up again leading to your heart to flutter non-stop, "I did it wrong....can I....can I try again?" she looked confused before slowly nodding leading to you slowly leaning closer to give her time to stop you or pull away but she didn't leading to your lips pressing together leading to slow and paused soft kisses as you held each other tightly before caressing her face. "I want this with you, I have loved you....for so long since we were kids" your heart swelled at her words since you thought she liked bill for a long time then ben later on in the years until now as you poured your hearts out to each other in between kisses and caresses leading to the two of you holding each other under the covers in your bed as you slept tangled and intertwined together which officially began the new start and chapter for both of you in the most wonderful and unexpected way at the start of the journey of defeating it again and saving possible future child victims of it and resparking the family bond between you and your friends.

[sondheim-girly]

@outsidersweek submission for day six!! Here's the masterpost for this fic

September 1967

Marcia 

Marcia had never been in an east side house before. It was very small, but for some reason she liked it. It felt lived in, whereas soc houses were so pristine they seemed as though they were only there for display. She sat Two-Bit on the worn down couch, and he grunted in pain as he tried to adjust himself into the most comfortable position.

“Will your parents be home soon?” Marcia asked, the weight of her situation starting to dawn on her. She wasn’t a doctor! How was she supposed to help him?

“My ma’s off with my sister, and well, that’s what we’ve been asking about my dad for the past 7 years, isn’t it?” Two-Bit joked,

“Are there any friends I can call?” Marcia asked anxiously,

“Why? Don’t wanna deal with me yourself?” He teased.

“I took a class on medical health with Cherry last year so I know some basics, but I’m not sure if I’m the most equipped for the job.”

Two-Bit grinned, “I’ve been busted up like this tons of times, I know what you need to do. I think my ribs are bruised, and there isn't much for that other than pain meds and icing it, and there are supplies in the bathroom to clean and bandage up cuts.”

“Alright! I uh…”

“Bathrooms there,” He said, pointing down the hall.

“Thanks,” she said awkwardly, before scurrying away. 

Once she reached the bathroom, she closed the door behind her and took a moment. What the hell was she doing? Here she was, in an east side house, helping some greaser who she hardly even knew, to try and heal all the damage her friends caused. Trip would kill her if he knew what she was doing. Bev would- god she didn’t want to think about them right now. Cherry would be proud, Marcia realized. Cherry would know that this was the right thing to do. Even if Cherry probably hated her right now, as she should. Besides, it was much too late to turn back now.

Two-Bit

If someone had told Two-Bit Mathews that he’d be sitting in his living room, waiting for a soc girl- and not just any soc girl- but Marcia from the drive-in whose last name he didn’t even know, to come and patch him up after being jumped? He would have laughed in their face. Maybe he’d even have joked that it was ‘a nice fantasy.’ But while in all this pain, he struggled to believe that there was anything about this that could classify it as ‘nice’ or ‘a fantasy.”

But when Marcia walked back into the room with bandages, ice packs, and a wet cloth in hand, he decided there was definitely something fantastical about her. Because god he needed those ice packs more than anything.

“Hey,” he greeted her with a slightly forced grin.

“Here,” she said as she handed him ice packs to put on his chest. He pulled the remaining strap of his overalls off his shoulder, and peeled off his dirty tank top before pressing the ice to his bare chest. He looked up at Marcia, and golly her face was red. He smiled in spite of himself.

“You just gonna stand there?”

Marcias cheeks somehow turned even brighter, but she cleared her throat and said, “no. Can you scoot over?”

He shifted, and they managed to find a position so that she could use her cloth to try and clean up the bloody wound on his cheek. He studied her sick expression, and remembered that it had been her boyfriend who had given him that specific wound. She squeezed her eyes shut, and when she opened them again she went to work, doing the best she could to wipe the blood away. God she was beautiful, he thought. He watched the way she bit her lip, and how her brow furrowed in concentration. And he realized how she was much more than just beautiful. She was brave. She’d abandoned all of her friends to help someone she hardly knew. He didn’t know many people who would do that. 

He was still gazing up at her when her eyes dropped down to meet his, and suddenly Two-Bit wasn’t entirely sure if his heart had stopped, or if it was beating way too fast. Then her eyes flickered down to his lips and her hand was brushing his cheek and they were leaning into each other and Two-Bit could probably think up a million reasons about why this was the worst decision of his life but hell, he thought, he’d made a thousand bad decisions, so what was one more?

He was saved from that decision however, by the door crashing open. Marcia practically jumped five feet in the air to get away from him, and he glanced over to see who had entered. It was Steve, standing there with his jaw on the floor.

“Heya Steve,” Two-Bit greeted, wondering how his voice came out sounding so normal, his heartbeat still felt all messed up. He glanced over at Marcia, and she had the look of a deer caught in the headlights. She turned to him, her eyes terrified. She was trying to say something, but there weren’t any noises coming out of her mouth. 

She finally managed a “bye!” Before pushing past Steve to get out the front door, and practically sprinting down the street to get back to the west side. He remembered then, that it didn’t matter what her friends did. It didn’t matter what he did. Marcia was gonna go running back into Trips arms every time.

[princess-glassred]

I have an idea for a dark Cannibal! Ben Hanscom au, because ben is such a nice lad i think he deserves to just go ape shit and do something really heinous.

Basically, the idea is that when Ben is thirteen and going through all his usual self doubts and home troubles he gets visited by a being that is very akin to pennywise. It has seen how insecure ben feels about his weight and wants to help cure his ailment through a mutually benificial agreement. This monster is very hungry, and it wants a home- so it was thinking that ben's big ol stomache might just make the coziest nesting spot ever. So this monster wants to live inside ben and be fed forever and ever and in exchange it'll make him thin. He can eat whatever he wants and never gain a single pound, because the monster will eat it all. And he won't suffer any health complications or anything, it's a perfect symbiotic relationship. It even uses example from the animal kingdom to put it into a better perspective for him since it knows how logical ben is. The one and only caveat to this arrangement is it's hunger is ben's hunger and that means he's gotta eat what he wants. Ben says no at first for obvious reasons and the monster disappears into the night, but after a heinous day of getting picked on and beverly accidentally ignoring him to fuss over bill, Ben caves and agrees.

Things go just as they were promised, Ben naturally slims down over time, getting thinner and thinner until he's fit as a fiddle and everyone is really impressed. Arlene is exceedingly happy for him, as well as all the losers. Until one night Ben comes home from a late track meet and finds he has the most insatiable, raw, stomach churning HUNGER for something they don't have in the fridge. He eats a raw steak and it almost fills his craving but not really, and that's when the monster inside informs him that it never told him exactly what it was going to make Ben eat. Ben throws a fit over this not being fair, to which the monster says he can just leave right now if Ben wants it to. However, that means breaking their deal, and that means Ben will just plump right back up again. No more Mr. Handsome for you. Bev will just be soooo devastated.

So Ben relents and agrees to get some humans to chow down on in the most ethical way he can manage. He goes down to the town morgue and lies about doing a project on decomposition and the morticians give him a whole tour. He ends up stealing a body and taking it home. It probably helps that the monster in him gives him some very solid directions on how to get it out undetected. When he gets it back home it's mercifully late enough nobody in the house is awake to see him lug it in. Ben cannot decide what was more disturbing in the end though- the fact he only managed to make that whole adult mans body last him one night, or the fact he could confidently say it was the most delicious meal he'd EVER had. He managed to eat the whole guy, as in- bones, eyes, muscles, everything. He didn't waste a thing. The morgue asks ben if he had anything to do with the missing body and he casually invites them to look around the house since they can't find anything of he ate it all.

After a little while Ben became ambivalent about the whole thing. It's whatever. He ends up having to eat a body about once every few days, it's surprisingly easy to get away with this kind of stuff in derry. Everyone's always looking the other way to kids and ignoring who goes missing. If Patrick can get away with his fridge ben can get away with a few missing dead bodies. Arlene, however, is slowly starting to lose her grasp on reality the longer Ben stays thin. At first it just seemed like a happy accident but now she's getting seriously freaked out. It doesn't matter what she feeds ben, fried chicken, soda, cakes, cookies, pies, literally just a bowl od sugar, ben could eat it and he'd still look like a super model. It freaks her out, enough to accuse him of having an eating disorder and purging after every meal. Ben reflects on this later and considers that he does have an eating problem, but definitely not one his mom can understand.

The first person ben ever killed for a meal was the track coach that he humiliated when he won that track meet in the book. After the asshole got fired Ben cornered him in a parking lot and attacked him with a tire iron. Ben doesn't even remember what happened during the attack- just that he was so flipping hungry he could have eaten the coach whole right then and there. He basically black out until he woke up with the coach on the ground and his fingers already in his mouth for a snack.

His mother and him moved away after that, which was fine for Ben because moving meant a fresh start and fresh starts mean your hard to track. Ben even thinks that it might have been handy if his dad were still alive, because being a military kid meant you moved around a lot.

When he's an adult Ben has an even easier time with keeping his diet plan. He lives alone so no one can catch him. His house is big enough he can keep a basement with a meat locker in it. He's rich enough he could pay someone to kill someone else and sweep it under the rug. He's public enough no one would ever suspect something so heinous. And he's detached enough from the superficial rich fucks around him that he doesn't care too much if he kills one of em. He stays away from people with children or anyone under the age of 18 tho.

When the losers reunite at the jade of the orient they're all disturbed by how much Ben eats. He's so hungry, but he's trying to resist all his cravings in the presence of his friends because they are literally the only people he cares about finding out about this. So he eats and eats and eats all he can order, even asking his friends if they're going to finish their plates when the restaurant deny him more. He's eating rather messily too, looking almost animalistic with the way he just casually tears meat off of the bones and stuffs it in his mouth while he talks. It's like eatings not even an action for him anymore, it's just second nature. The losers begin to wonder what arlene started wondering all those years ago- how ben can be so fit when his diet is so wack? Eventually it all comes to a head when Henry gets killed and Ben really can't resist his hunger pains anymore. He explains everything, using the metaphor of a tapeworm to illustrate his point better. He admits he did this mostly for all the aesthetic reasons, but now it's more of a force of habit. Even if he could stop after 27 years, which he doubts, it'd be useless considering all the people he killed- and that's not even getting into all the potential side effects of getting rid of this thing.

So the losers are at an empasse, they're undoubtably horrified by this, but there's also not much to do. They have other more pressing matters to attend to, and ben clarifies over and over again that he'd never eat one of them. He's still the same sweet friendly ben they all knew, he just has this one really fucked up secret. And besides... Henry is dead... they can't exactly leave him lying there on the ground. Someone could find him. Maybe it would be a good idea to... get rid of the evidence. I mean... it's not like anyone will notice he's gone... right? So Ben politely asks everyone to turn around while he does his thing and they resist the urge to peek. Only richie glances back for a moment and throws up on sight. That shit left him scarred 💀.

[operationslipperypuppet]

Headcanon question: What do you think Martha Toegold does after the end of campaign 1?

oooh now this is interesting

i’d like to think she has a nice quiet life after the cataclysm. that she’s able to relax in hill home. i think i’ve said this before but i think bev lives with her for a while, and that they kind of fall into patterns of him being an actual kid for a while. instead of summering in hill home, she summers at the crick, her son’s newer home. she spends time with jolene, and they have dinners where they talk about their crazy kids. she goes all out when it comes to bev’s wedding, and is pleasantly surprised by her husband showing up, a gift from some gods who owe the boobs 10,000 favors. it’s the last time she sees him while she’s still alive, but they don’t dwell on that. they have a wonderful day.

the rest of her life isn’t what she expected when she married a man on the track to become captain of a major paladin order. but it was full of life and love and happiness. and it was a perfect kind of imperfection.

[lostbookwyrm]

The It/Deltarune AU lives!!!

Have some very basic plot!

Like barebones, backstory, pre-game type shit

Derry is supposed to be a multi-racial town where anyone is welcome, be they human or monster. What this manifests as is a town with a wide variety of monster species and one, lone, human. Bill, who was adopted by a family of fish monsters before he could even talk.

Derry is also supposed to be your run of the mill, middle of nowhere town. Normal. What this manifests as is a town that is quietly known to it's inhabitants as the Missing-Child-Capitol-Of-The-World and barely even known to anyone else. Derry doesn't talk about it's child-disappearance problem, and if it does then it's usually the kids making light of their low life expectancy or the police announcing a new member of "The Derry 56" (named for the mean number of Derry citizens who go missing each year).

Three years ago, Mike joined The Derry 56 and everything went to shit. The Losers (age: 10-11) scattered to the winds. Something they thought was unbreakable, broke.

Three months ago, Georgie joined The Derry 56 and everything, again, went to shit. Bill's parents took it... differently... and it lead to a divorce. Bill's mum shut down while his dad wanted to move on asap, and Bill (age: 13) was left in the middle: no brother, no active parents, no friends and no clue what to do. His stutter had gotten worse when Mike disappeared, this time it was so bad that he simply chose to go mute.

Three weeks ago, Eddie moved back to Derry. Bill had, just a little bit, expected things to go back to how they used to be. Things definitely did change, but not in the good way. Eddie was different now, just like the Losers who'd stayed were, and he wanted absolutely nothing to do with anyone - Bill especially.

Cue scene one/the opening of the game.

Some lil character bios below the break, cause this is already long.

Character bios are from Bill's pov, since he's our Kris in this scenario.

Eddie: "Moved" back to town recently, after moving to Ebott City two years ago. Judging from his uncut hair, messy clothes and general demeanour, practically everyone in town knows that the "move" back to Derry wasn't his mother's idea. You saw him hiss at one of your teachers last week.

Richie: The class clown, known for his over-the-top antics and his top-of-the-class grades. His mum is your teacher, she lets him get away with a lot of his shenanigans (some people think she bumps his grades as well). You've known each other since forever, though most people wouldn't know it. He tries to check up on you when you look down, but you always look down these days.

Stan: Notorious as Derry's golden boy. He's the leader of the local scout troop, has the second highest grades in the class, volunteers at the Librarby and the Hospital, gets along with the adults and is the son of the mayor to boot. He lends you pencils and paper a lot, at this point you should just buy him a new stationary set.

Beverly: People say awful things about Beverly and everyone knows they aren't true. She's dating Ben. They clearly love each other. You suppose it's because she lives with the local bar-owner, but that isn't really her fault. She's doing costumes for the school play this year, but they don't even have a script yet so she's really just winging it.

Ben: Being Bev's boyfriend is his only real claim to fame at school. Ben sits quietly at the back of the class or in the Librarby, most days. He still lets you sit with him, if you ask. It's nice.

Mɨꝁɇ: Gone.

[eddi3spaghetti]

Birdie!!

Little!stan, CG!ben and CG!Bev

Stan was a shy little, always was. He hid behind a pillow sucking a binky playing hide and seek with ben. He was curled up in a ball hoping ben would find him, he didn't want to be forgotten. Ben knew stan was behind the pillow.

"Come on stanny, i know you somewhere."

The petname "stanny" made stan giggle. Ben lifted the pillow and picked up stan.

"Found you, stan! Aww you're so cute"

Stan was pretty much non verbal when little, sure he could babble but he couldn't really speak much. Stan didn't regress much but when he did, it lasted for multiple hours or weeks. Bev walked in while stan was babbling to his heart's content. 

"Hey ben, hey stan. Whatcha guys doing?"

"Just playing with stan, he seems quite chatty today." 

Stan looked at bev and hid his face, a bit embarrassed she saw him

"Did i do something???"

"No bev i just think stan's shy right now"

Stan then glanced up snd babbled happily seeing a hawk fly by. Bev took a picture and put the print aside. 

"What bird was that, ben?"

"I think that was a hawk, i'm not sure tho" 

"Bubba! Hawk!"

It was kind of cute to see stan smile it was a rare aight to see but it was nice to see. Beverly patted  his head. Stan looked at the print out of the hawk. Ben showed to him.

"This is a hawk- hey no eating the card"

Stan looked kinda pissed he couldn't eat the  card. He stretched out his arms to be picked up by beverly. 

"Nana, up!"

Beverly picked up stan and the regressed boy just passed out in her arms. Beverly sat down as stan snuggled into her. Ben sat sown and put his arm around bev's shoulder. 

"You're cute bev, how about tomorrow at the cafe?" 

Beverly was pretty flustered, she always had a crush on ben. A cafe date did seem nice. A little latte with a side of corny poetry seems like a good time. 

"Uhm sure, thanks ben." 

Ben gave a little peck to bev on her cheek. 

[whatthefuckisasweep]

okay i’ll ask you, when did you first get into It? was it the novel or another adaption? what do you think it is about the story that you love so much?

omgg!!! thanks for the ask joeover!!!!!!!! this is very cool i feel like im being interrogated in a good way

this is actually a really interesting story. so it was october and me and my roommate and my friend were doing a study session, but we also wanted to watch something for the season. watch some spooky movies, as you do. and my roomie was like, "oh have you seen IT (2017)?" and i was like, 'no". and so she was like, "it's pretty good. the second one is weird though"... and put it on.

now, dear asker, i'm not one to be into horror movies at all. im also not one to like a media like IT that much - most of the stuff I'm really in love with is mostly meant to be a comedy. i wasn't even paying that much attention to it at first while it played (i even made a really mean joke about not knowing who stan was cause he had such little lines). but when im exposed to a new media, i can't NOT put my attention on it if it catches my eye and consume it and have thoughts about it. so i started paying attention and i really liked the movie.

more than that though, i could already feel the potential of a fixation coming on. it was at the tail end of my asssassins creed fixation, so it was almost perfectly timed. when i get these sensations, i can never predict like what it's going to be, and i can almost NEVER go into something knowing im going to fixate on it. it just happens at random. and i guess i can choose to indulge or not, and my brain was like - "you heard about richie tozier being gay. watch the second one". and i did. and that's when i launched into the full fixation.

after that, i bought the novel (and read the whole thing jesus christ) and got involved with the community. i joined a reddie server and met Angel and Sunny who are honestly some of my best friends and the most talented people ever... I mean, you guys probably know Angel's comic Out of the Blue - and Sunny writes for their ORIGINAL comic. and i also met River, Reb, Bear, and Moony - we formed our fake little "losers club". everything i talked about, they matched my energy. we were always on the same wavelength and they were always incredibly kind people, and we STILL talk everyday as part of our routines. i know so much about them now. i 've even seen their mug collections and know all their pets by name haha. I EVEN GOT TO GET A BEAR HUG FROM IRL BEAR!!! seriously got besties for life from this stupid movie.

to answer that last part of the question - i think what intrigues me about IT is simply the Losers dynamic. Usually a story is about dynamics where one relationship is more important than the others. Typically it's the romance. but in IT, you get 7 people deeply in love with each other with all different but ALL VERY INTEGRAL dynamics. bill and eddie, bev and richie, stan and bev, mike and bill, ben and eddie - like every dynamic is SO juicy and also EQUALLY as valued. that type of found family where nobody in the canon plays favorites is incredibly rare. I think that's why my love for reddie started to fade, honestly, because i felt like a lot of people valued their romance higher than all the other dynamics. and that's my FAVORITE part of the series and what generally fuels my art. : )

hope this was interesting to you! : D thanks for the ask and letting me talk about myself for a little bit. was very nice of you. <3

[cursed-elo-images]

INCORRECT ELO QUOTES PART 5

Kelly: It's alright, we have salt packets.

Richard: Not the ones that snap in half, but sure.

Bev: What’s wrong?

Melvyn: I have to write a whole paragraph for school.

Bev: That’s not so bad; I write entire books.

Melvyn: Yeah, but this has to be good.

Melvyn: Last night, I had a dream about sandwich pizza.

Bev: What?

Melvyn: It was pizza with bread on the top and the bottom.

Bev: So a calzone?

Melvyn: You can’t just name things I dream up.

Bev: I know how this must look but I can assure you we have a perfectly logical explanation.

Melvyn: Yeah! We’re cowards!

Melvyn: Bev told me to stop being immature, so I told him to get out of my fort.

Hugh: Bev likes to say ‘you can be part of the problem or part of the solution,’ but I happen to believe you can be both.

Bev: You disgust me.

Melvyn: *eating a kitkat sideways* I realize this and don’t care.

Melvyn: The universe is cold and unfeeling. The only constant is chaos.

Bev: Was that place out of chocolate-chip pancakes again?

Melvyn: What are you eating?

Bev: You wouldn't like it, it's really salty.

Melvyn: I like you, don't I?

Melvyn, holding in his laughter: Hey, how do you ask a glass of water what it’s doing?

Bev: A glass of water is an inanimate object. Therefore, it's incapable of having a thought process or understanding basic human language.

Melvyn:

Melvyn: Water you doing?

Bev, playing a video game: This game is so frustrating! I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!

Melvyn: Ok, I think it’s time to turn off the game for a little while.

Bev: But I’m having fun!

Bev: I know this isn’t going to end well and I don’t care. So don’t you try and stop me, Melvyn!

Melvyn: I wasn’t stopping you. I was asking if you had a spare camera so I can record this.

Melvyn: Hey guys, I’m making french toast sticks in the oven. I’m gonna take a quick nap, so wake me up in 5 minutes to flip them over.

*5 minutes later*

Bev: Melvyn it’s been 5 minutes, time to flip your sticks.

Melvyn: snnnzzzz...

Bev: MELVYN YOUR STICKS!

Bev: Do you even know what an amulet is?

Melvyn: Of course I do! I eat amulets sometimes. I like the ones with cheese and onions!

Bev: Melvyn, those are omelettes.

Melvyn: Oh. Then I’ve got nothing.

Melvyn: Here you go, Bev, a nice hot cup of coffee!

Bev: It's cold.

Melvyn: A nice cup of coffee.

Bev: It's horrible!

Melvyn: Cup of coffee.

Bev: I'm not sure if this even IS coffee.

Melvyn: C U P.

Bev: Hey Melvyn, can I get some icecream?

Melvyn: Only a spoonful!

Bev: *Proceeds to pull out a comically large spoon.*

Melvyn: If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're impressed.

Bev: But you do know better.

Melvyn: You know what I’ve realized?

Bev: Some thoughts are better left unsaid?

Melvyn: Nice try, anyways-

Bev: You know, there’s only one person in this world who can tell you what you are.

Melvyn: Me.

Bev: No.

Bev: Me.

Kelly: You know, on second thought, Gum would be perfection.

Bev: *Gives him a strange look and hands him a piece of gum*

Kelly: *Thinking* Gum would be perfection. Gum would be perfection. I could have said gum would be nice, could have said I'll have a stick. But no no no no no, for me, gum is perfection. I loathe myself.

Kelly to Bev: Turn that frown upside-down!

*a little while later*

Kelly: What are you doing?

Bev, trying to do a handstand: You told me to “turn that frown upside-down” but it’s not working .

Bev: Thought I was meowing back at my cat for the past hour, but it was just me and Kelly meowing at each other from different rooms in the house.

Bev: You made enough pasta that you could take it to lunch tomorrow. Put it in a container.

Kelly: Shovel the pasta into your face. Do it. Put it in your face. The future is meaningless but the pasta is now.

Kelly: I’m so excited!

Bev: We’re gonna have the best costumes, get the most candy...

Kelly: And have the biggest stomach aches ever!

Bev: Yeah!

Bev: As a responsible adult-

Kelly: *chuckles*

Bev: … As a responsible adult—

Bev: Can you be serious for five minutes?

Kelly: My record is four, but I think I can do it.

Bev: Why are there little handprints all over the walls?

Mik, whispering: Why are there little handprints all over the walls?

Kelly, whispering: Because I have little hands.

Mik: Because he has little hands.

Mik: Bev! Kelly got that thing on the control panel working!

Bev: Wow! That looks pretty impressive.

Mik: Yeah!

Bev: Any idea what it does?

Mik: Not a clue.

Mik: What would Bev think?

Kelly: Ok, that’s an interesting thought, but hear me out: what if… we ran an experiment where we spent the rest of our lives finding out what happened if we never told him?

Bev: I don’t know the first thing about clothes. Pretty much all I can do is look at something and tell you if it’s clothes or not. This chair? Not clothes.

Bev on Monday: *glues a dime to the sidewalk* Heh heh heh.

Bev on Wednesday: *walking down the street* Ooh hey! A dime!

Bev: We got a free day now. What do you wanna do? Eat? Sleep? Nap? Snack?

Hugh, after getting a library card: Now I know what true power feels like.

Bev: I have passed the transitional stage of internet geekhood.

Bev: I was cashiering at work today, and was punching in the code for plums, which is 4040, and the 0 key doesn't work this well, so I punched it in wrong. And the machine flashed up "Item Not Found: 404".

Bev: And I actually laughed out loud.

Bev: ATTENTION: I HAVE BREACHED CONTAINMENT.

Bev: DO NOT PANIC, I AM SIMPLY GETTING A SNACK.

Bev: I scare people a lot because I walk very softly and they don't hear me enter rooms. So when they turn around, I'm just kind of there and their fear fuels me.

Bev: Theater kids are just choir kids who joined forces with the band and strings kids.

Richard: Raisins. It's nature's candy

Bev: We always used to do the Wordle rather than take notes in class.

Bev: To stop us the teacher would always threaten to tell us the answer if we didn’t pay attention.

Bev: My favorite outdoor activity is going back inside.

Mik: Please could you go to the shop and get a carton of milk, if they have avacodos get six.

Bev, coming back from the store with six cartons of milk: They had avacados!

Mik: Bev, you’ve tried 37 times and you’ve failed every time. Give it a break.

Bev: DO I HEAR “FIRST TRY PART 38?”

Mik: I did it! I memorized everything in the book! I'm gonna ace this test!

Bev: Ok, Mik, I'll give you one more question before you go. What ended in 1918?

Mik: 1917.

Bev: ...You're ready.

Bev: Aww, what's your dog's name?

Jeff: Spartacus.

Bev, yelling to Mik: TRY SPARTACUS!

Mik, on the computer: DIDN'T WORK!

Jeff:

Bev: What's your favorite number?

Mik, to Jeff: If Bev doesn't say "I'm King of the world" within an hour on that boat, I will give you my next pay check.

Bev, within 5 minutes of getting on the boat: I'M KING OF THE WORLD!!!

Jeff, pointing to Hugh’s empty room: YOU LET HIM ESCAPE?!?

Mik: I WAS ON BREAK.

Mik: What’s your greatest weakness?

Melvyn: Interpreting the semantics of a question, but ignoring the pragmatics.

Mik: Could you give an example?

Melvyn: Yes, I could.

Bev: I hate to disagree with you, but-

Hugh: Please, you love to disagree with me. Its your favorite thing to do.

Bev: I don’t mean to be rude—

Kelly: Yet, sadly, accidental rudeness occurs alarmingly often.

Kelly: We'll talk about this later.

Bev: Fine, I won’t be listening.

Kelly: :)

Bev: >:(

Kelly: Turn that frown upside down!

Bev: ):<

Kelly: Not sure what I was expecting…

Jeff: We wouldn’t last two minutes without Hugh.

Jeff:

Jeff: Don’t tell him I said that.

Jeff: You know, I really wish you’d just admit you made a mistake sometimes.

Melvyn, stirring his coffee: I prefer it with salt.

Bev: Can I go to the pool?

Kelly: Sure, we’ll go as soon as I’m free.

Bev: No, can I go by myself?

Kelly: You don’t want to go with me?

Bev: You just go around challenging random people to cannonball contests.

Kelly: It’s the only way to establish dominance.

Melvyn: I’m sorry for being annoying.

Melvyn: It will happen again.

Bev: So jellyshish-

Kelly, laughing: JELLYSHISH!?

Bev: You know what I meant!

Kelly: Why don't humans have a specific noise that means "there are bees here, let's leave immediately." Why are elephants more advanced than us.

Bev: We do have a specific noise for it. It sounds like this:

Bev: "There are bees here, let's leave immediately."

Kelly: Someone care to explain why we have 6 dogs in our apartment?

Bev: They're golden retrievers, dude. They retrieve gold. I did this for us.

Kelly: It's not our fault!

Bev: Yeah, but... Come on, the least we can do is talk to them.

Kelly: No, the least we could do is nothing!

Bev: "I lost a bet."

Bev: The second-most ominous phrase in existence.

Kelly: What's the first?

Bev: "Let's make a bet.

Kelly: Have you heard of Murphy’s law? The one where if something can go wrong, it will go wrong?

Richard: Yeah, I have.

Kelly: Have you heard of Cole’s law?

Richard: Is this a joke about coleslaw?

Kelly: …maybe.

Richard: How petty can you get?

Kelly: I once edited a Wikipedia article to win an argument I was wrong about.

Richard: We just ate. Why are you making pancakes?

Kelly: For the dogs.

Richard: Why are you making pancakes for the dogs?

Kelly: They don't know how.

Richard: What do we say when life disappoints us?

Kelly: Called it!

Richard: No.

Richard: Are you going to sleep?

Kelly: I can't. This is important.

Richard: What?

Kelly: Someone is wrong on the internet.

Kelly: Might I make a suggestion you possibly won’t like?

Richard: Do you make any other kind?

Kelly: This was almost a great idea.

Richard: You just described 90% of our stuff.

Kelly, carrying a box: What would you say if- if I, hypothetically, came home with 7 kittens one day?

Richard: …

Richard: What’s in the box?

Kelly: What woul-

Richard: Kelly, what’s in the box?

Kelly: I think you know.

Kelly: You... you said I could trust you!!

Kelly: You said you were a GAMER!!!

Richard: Kelly... I only play mobile games.

Kelly: NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Kelly: My goal is not to be the best, but to inspire someone enough to one day surpass me.

Richard: YOU CAN'T JUST SAY THAT EVERY TIME YOU BEAT ME AT CONNECT FOUR!

Richard: What's two plus two?

Kelly: Math.

Richard: ...I will accept that answer.

Richard: Who's in charge here?

Kelly, shrugging: Usually whoever yells the loudest.

Kelly: I wish I could help you, but I shorn’t.

Richard: Kelly, please!

Kelly: What part of shorn’t don’t you understand?

Richard: I need life advice.

Kelly, sipping Gatorade and eating cookie dough: You came to the right person.

[angiezidler205]

The Proposal

Rockbert Fanfic

Rocko paced around the living room while reading the script. Heffer, Filburt, Bev, Rachel, Doctor Hutchison, and Spunky were there watching as he paced. “Ok. L-Let me start from the top. N-Norbert Foster Beaver. We've k-know each other for so l-long it feels like t-time flew by. We've been t-through so much a-and still stayed by e-each other's side. I want to stay by y-yourside longer. S-So will you D-Do me the honor and M-Marry me?”, Rocko said as he read the script while feeling a bit flustered. He looked at everyone, “How was that?”. Everyone was there cringing a bit by his nervous pacing and how he stutters all the time. Yet they couldn't say that to the Wallaby. He's been nervous ever since he bought that engagement ring.

“It's Lovely sweetie but you gotta stop pacing and stuttering. You need to calm down ok? I'm sure he'll say yes!”, Bev said as she gave him a reassuring smile. Rocko nodded and looked at the script, “I feel like. I-I need to add more stuff into this!”. Heffer got up and patted his back while taking the script, “Come on Rocko you've already used all the paper you can find. You're literally using the back of the receipt from the pizza place.”. Rocko looked to notice that he was in fact using a receipt. He clutched his ears, “I just want this to be perfect! Norbert deserves the best proposal I can ever make! I want him to have more of a reason to say yes and no thought about saying No.”. 

“Rocko, you told me last time that you accidentally proposed to him. He said yes sweetie!”, Bev said while everyone was surprised at this. Rocko then looked down, “Yes but.. That's when one of us is ready. I mean I'm more than ready! But.. I don't know if-”

“-He's ready Dag!”, Norbert said as he paced around the room. Daggett was sitting there watching his brother pacing around the room for a while. “I've had this engagement ring for almost a year already and I've been wanting to propose to him already! Yet everyone is telling me to let Rocko propose first. What if he isn't ready? What if he actually doesn't want to get married?”, Norbert said as he held onto the ring that had an engraving. Daggett rolled his eyes while he grabbed Norbert's shoulder, “Look Norb. Rocko loves you more than anything. Just be patient and who knows. Maybe it'll happen!”. 

Norbert looked at him sadly, “But what if he doesn't propose? What can I do? I wanted to propose to him for years Dag but I've been trying so hard to wait until he feels ready!”. Daggett rolled his eyes and sat him down and placed the ring on the side, “Norbert. You and Rocko have been together for almost Nine Years. Those years you two grew closer and closer together. Everyone already called you two a married couple or husbands! Did Rocko disagree? No! He couldn't stop turning redder and redder!”. 

Norbert remembered that day. Their family kept asking when they will marry and Rocko couldn't stop blushing up a storm. Their friends already claimed that they're married which made Rocko redder. Norbert sighed and nodded, “You're right. I just. I feel like he isn't ready but. I do remember that he accidentally proposed to me before. I said yes but only when we're ready.”. He remembered that day and how it made his heart sore. He wished that he knew what Rocko was thinking now. Yet he doesn't because he wanted to be surprised. Daggett on the other hand knew that Rocko planned on proposing today but can't tell his brother. He's been trying so hard not to spoil the surprise. Rocko has already gotten the ring and plans to propose today. Right now he's just waiting for Heffer to call and let them know when to get ready. 

“Ok look Rocko you have only today to propose! You said you've been planning this for months already! Just go get ready and I'll let Dag know ok?”, Heffer said as he shook Rocko. Rocko nodded and Bev picked him up, “Now go shower that way once you're done I'll make you look nice and handsome!”. Rocko nodded and rushed upstairs to get ready. Everyone listened until the door shut and then huddled together. “Ok so once they get to the restaurant we gotta make everything super romantic. Set the mood when Rocko goes down on one knee, and then use all the confetti to celebrate Norbert saying yes!”, Filburt said as he held up the to do list. Everyine agreed and Heffer quickly ran to the phone and called Daggett.

“This is Daggett speaking.”, Daggett said on the other line. 

“This is Heffer, get ready we'll be there around an hour!”, Heffer yelled before hanging up. He gave a thumbs up to everyone and they all got to work. Filburt and Doctor Hutchison left to get the supplies, Rachel called the restaurant early to make sure the table is set at the window with a better view, Heffer used the other phone to call every family member to get their seats situated and try not to make it seem like they're there to surprise the couple. Once everything is situated they heard the door open upstairs and Bev immediately ran up there to get Rocko ready. It's almost time. 

Daggett just finished getting ready and waited downstairs for Heffer to arrive. Norbert looked at himself in the mirror nervously. He feels like he dressed too much and thought about wearing something else. He sighed and clutched his hair, “It's just an anniversary date. Rocko doesn't care what you wear! He'll always think you look beautiful and handsome in any outfit.”. He nodded to himself and stuck with the red suit and combed his hair a bit. He thought about styling it again but knowing Rocko, he'll definitely play with it and it'll become a mess again. He left it the way it was and rushed downstairs to wait with his brother. Rocko soon looked in the mirror to see his hair all styled like how Bev’s hair is. His outfit looked too flashy and colorful. “Hmmm I think we need a bit more color. Don't you think?”, Bev asked while looking at him. Rocko messed up the hair and hid his face in his hands, “I'm going on a date Mrs. Bighead not a catwalk stage to model! I just. Want to look nice for Norb. I.. I don't know!”. Bev nodded and patted his back, “Listen darling I know it's a huge step but you two have been together for years! How about this? I'll fix your hair again and you'll wear your usual green dress shirt.”. 

Once the time came Rocko waited at the table with his hair all styled like Heffer's. He tried so hard not to think about the proposal by reading the menus. His mind flooded with the worst case scenario he hasn't noticed Norbert sitting in front of him. “Happy Anniversary Rocky Road!”, Norbert said, startling the poor Wallaby. Rocko slammed the menu down and smiled nervously, “H-Hi Norbert! H-Happy Anniversary!!”. 

Norbert's eyes widened at the hairstyle and giggled at this. Rocko felt his face flush and Norbert went close to him, “Rocking the do honey, but I honestly preferred your usual style.”. Rocko smiled and messed his hair up a bit and put it to how he liked it. Norbert smiled lovingly and leaned on his hands, “That's better. The cutest Wallaby I ever seen.”. Rocko blushed more at this and noticed Heffer and Filburt dressed as waiters. They were coming towards them. His face paled a bit and he took Norbert's face and smiled, “Norbert honey. The love of my life. The beauty in every way.”. Norbert stared at him while his face flushed more red. Rocko continued, “I just need to uhhh. Keep staring into those beautiful amethyst eyes before-”.

“Thank you for choosing Chokey Chicken - I mean the fancy restaurant! I'm Heffer and I'll be your server today!”, Heffer said smiling. Norbert looked at him and then Filburt. He looked at Rocko confused and Rocko hid his face behind the menu. Filburt held up a bottle of wine, “Why not settle in for some refreshments?? We have red wine!”. Norbert was even more confused and tried not to chuckle. He held out his glass and let Filburt pour the wine in there, “Thanks Filburt and I guess Rocko and I will share a Spaghetti with some garlic rolls.”. The boys left and Norbert looked at Rocko amused, “Didn’t know your friends are working here Rocko.”. Rocko groaned and covered his head, “I didnt know either.”. Norbert was a little bit concerned for Rocko but ignored it and held his hand. Rocko looked up and noticed how Norbert smiled at him softly. He took a breather and intertwined their hands. 

“Sorry Norbert I.. I'm just feeling a little bit nervous.”, Rocko confessed. Norbert tilted his head and rubbed his hand with his thumb, “Worried about what Rocko?”. Rocko looked at Norbert's hand and felt the urge to ask. He looked at Norbert and reached towards his pocket, “W-Worried about. What will h-happen in the future. W-With uhhh. I..”. Norbert tilted his head again and noticed him fumbling with something. Rocko looked at him in the eyes, “Norbert. I wanted to ask you-”.

“Hello Rocko! Fancy seeing you here and Norbert! Hello!”, Heffer's mom interrupted while holding her husband close. Rocko stared at them shocked and Norbert smiled nervously. “Hi uhhh Fancy seeing you here too!”, Norbert said as he waved a bit. Heffer's dad immediately noticed Rocko putting away the box and grabbed his wife, “Oh Look honey they got out table. Why don't we Leave Them Alone and let Rocko say Something!”. Heffer's mom immediately knew and looked at Rocko apologetically, “Oh I'm so sorry dear. I didn't noticed I uhh-”. Heffer dad took her away from them leaving a very confused Norbert and a frustrated Rocko. Norbert watched as they leave and looked at Rocko, “Ooookay. Uhhh. What were you going to say Rocko?”. Rocko looked at him and felt more nervous, “I-I was uhhh. G-going to ask if you-”.

“What is Rocko doing here! I thought it was a private date with Us Bev?!”, Ed interrupted while Bev ran towards him angrily. “It was a coincidence now get to your Seat you green buffoon! Sorry Rocko Ed had a rough day today. Oh Hi Norbert! You look fantastic!”, Bev said happily while pushing Ed away. Norbert smiled even more confused and waved at them, “Nice to see you too Bev. I like your dress!”. He looked at Rocko and noticed that he's getting more and more fustrated. “Rocko? Are you ok??”, Norbert asked concerned and Rocko immediately got in front of him. “Listen! I don't got time but I just wanted to say that! You are the most amazing beaver I ever met and nothing in this world will ever change that. You are the love of my life! The star in the sky! The one I want to spend the rest of my life with!”, Rocko said as quickly as he could. 

Norbert stared at him and he began to smile wide. Hoping that what he's thinking is actually coming true! Rocko reached towards him pocket and Norbert's heart raced faster. Rocko then began to get down on one knee. Rocko felt his heart race and then.

“Dinner is Serve-Woah!!!”, Heffer cried out as he tripped on Rocko's foot. He slammed against the table making both the wine and the spaghetti fly. The spaghetti hit Filburt on the face, which made him scream in pain and tried to open the champagne fast. It popped and it got all over Norbert's face. Rocko panicked as he witnessed Norbert getting soaked and felt the wine fall on his head and the glass break beside him. Everyone got up in shock and ran towards them,

“I'm so sorry guys! I didn't mean to trip on Rocko's foot!”

“I didn't mean to soak you with champagne!!”

“Oh dear are you two alright!? Let me get the napkins!”

“I told you that beaver was gonna mess up!”

Rocko got up angrily, faced them, and yelled loudly, “Will You Stop Helping Me!?! I'm Trying to Propose Over Here and you all done Nothing But Interrupt and Ruin it!!!!!”. Everyone looked at him shocked and Rocko slapped his mouth shut. He looked at Norbert, who looked at him shocked, and felt his heart clenched. “N-Norbert I…”, Rocko tried to speak but noticed Norbert tearing up. He began to panic and held his head, “No No Norbert P-Please don't cry! I-I didn't mean to! I tried to make it nice but-”. 

He heard a small laugh and looked up. Norbert was wiping his tears and he began to laugh more. He grew confused until he noticed Norbert holding a small box in front of him and his eyes widened. He began to tear up and looked at Norbert with hope. Norbert looked at him and nodded while smiling wide. Rocko laughed and hugged him tight. “Y-You’ve tried too!?”, Rocko asked excitedly. Norbert laughed and nodded while crying, “I-I wanted to w-wait until you're r-ready Rocko!”. Rocko kissed his sticky hair multiple times. He held onto his face and kissed all over it. Norbert laughed as Rocko smothered him with kisses. Rocko kissed his lips with more passion then got on one knee again. Not caring that everyone is recording them. 

Rocko pulled out the box and opened it, “Norbert F-Foster Beaver.”. Norbert chuckled with a watery smile and opened his, “Rocko Wallaby R-Rama.”. They both laughed and looked into each other's eyes. 

“W-Will you Marry me?”, They both said while laughing. They held onto each other and kissed. Everyone threw confetti at them and Daggett finally spoke up, “Man!! That was Nuts!!!”. Norbert laughed and felt the ring slip on his fingers. He smiled wide and put Rocko's ring on him. Rocko loved the ring and grabbed Norbert and spun him around happily. Everyone was cheering and watched as Rocko carried Norbert away bridal style. They looked confused but looked at the messy table. Heffer then pointed out, “I'm not paying for that!”. 

Rocko barged inside his home kissing Norbert with so much passion. Norbert kissed back and tasted the red wine on his lips. They both rushed upstairs to the restroom and Norbert pinned Rocko to the door and made out with him. Rocko opened the door and they both fell on the floor. They laughed and got up to take a bath together. Once they finished and dried off, Rocko and Norbert cuddled in bed and admired their rings. “I can't believe we proposed on a bad moment.”, Rockosaid while chuckling. Norbert laughed, “The way Heffer flew with our food and landed on Filburt? I thought it was gonna be Dag dealing with this!”. 

Rocko laughed harder, “I thought so too! But he was just hiding in the back with our family!”. Norbert laughed and then realized something. “Rocko.”

Rocko looked at him confused, “Yes honey?”. Norbert smiled, “We forgot to get food on the way back”. Rocko paused then they both got up to get some fast food.

[petty-crush]

Notes on the New Bev Horror a thon 2024

-/—

Before the night started, I meet a woman who had been to every iteration of this annual Halloween marathon. Her joy was still that of someone first entering a new world. I second that emotion.

////-//-

This was an especially strong and highly competitive collection

1-Out of the Dark (Michael Schroeder 1988)

2-The Four Skulls of Johnathon Drake (Edward L Cahn 1959)

3-The Rift (Juan Piquer Simon 1990)

4-Rituals (Peter Carter 1977)

5-The Breed (Nicholas Mastandrea 2006)

6-Eyes of a Stranger (Ken Wiederhorn 1981)

-//-/—-

All of these films were first time watches. All of them had an audience giddy with anticipation.

-/-//—-

“Out of the Dark” left a furious impact, a rip roaring opening film.

The cast for this film is pretty incredible: Divine, Karen Black, Paul Bartel, Tab Hunter, Geoffrey Lewis, Bud Cort, Tracey Walker and so forth.

Each of the names got big cheers.

The late 80s horror era can be ether highly saccharine or wonderfully sleazy. Definitely the latter here.

A masked killer in a clown mask stalks girls from a phone sex (oh, pardon me, phone fantasy) company.

Murder at 4 dollars a minute.

The kills are quite good, but the film largely wins with moments of character interactions.

Karen Black has a nice scene with her on screen child daughter, sympathetically but honestly telling her that “daddy isn’t here because sometimes people need to go away”. It’s rather charming.

She has a more reserved, no nonsense but still caring attitude towards her work daughters.

Paul Bartel has great fun fussing with a wig as he tries to scope out why someone is trying to stay all night in a sex motel.

Divine’s moment (and sly fake mustache) is short but cutting, noting that his rival cop “couldn’t find his pecker in his pocket”.

I think this is the largest role, certainly the most action packed, I’ve seen for actor Tracey Walker. His moments of snooping while trying to avoid bullshit are delightful.

I really can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this film. It is a middleweight class, but does everything with verve. A fun party.

-///—/—/-

Equally lovely was “The Rift”, and while “Dark” was cult actors enlivening potentially stock characters with their outward charm, this film has R Lee Ermey fleshing out his acting range, clinically dissecting his character and his chain of command relation with his other actors.

This film is not above noting his ultra famous role in “Full Metal Jacket”: someone does indeed repeat the notion of a golf ball going through a garden house.

[an aside; reels 2 and 3 were originally switched. The film was restarted with a correct running order, but not before a few minutes into the third reel. Thus, the unusual sight of seeing that line murder the audience the first time, and then smirking appreciation the second time]

Helping smooth the reference is the deft timing by actor John Toles Bey as officer Skeets. This is the rare (intentionally meant) comedy character that is truly funny, as opposed to fucking annoying.

Bey somehow manages to make lines like “you’re my kind of white boy” and moments such as using magnifying glasses to stare at an ample female ass charming in their ornery way.

I like a good underwater film, especially in a submarine, and even more so when shooting a squad of penis shaped monsters. Win win win.

What exactly they are researching under the sea is a mystery, but actor Ray Wise has good moments of misdirecting weasel ness.

-///-/—////—-

This is first time in several years where the film did not end on a mid 90s and beyond (later 2000s these last few years) film. Instead it was the second to last.

“The Breed” has the amusing goal of making teens scared of and battling genetically altered dogs.

Now, I can see why a casual cinema goer may have recoiled at this idea and its execution. People generally don’t like thinking dogs will harm humans and they really don’t like seeing dogs get killed.

However, this is a horror film, and this is a screening for mega hyped cinema enthusiasts, so of course all the canine deaths and attacks were met with wild applause.

Another case of an audience at the right place ramping it up.

Speaking of, that arrow in the leg scene..ouch!

Michelle Rodriguez is the most accomplished actor here, although the most dramatic meat is between two in character brothers and how they learn to trust each other despite seeing the sibling as a fuck up.

Rodriguez is the current lover of one and the former of another, to really drive home the awkwardness.

I gleefully admit, seeing two rabid dogs chilling on the airplane wing then diving in the water to murder the male lead is pretty funny. Has a “oh, are we on camera now?!?” vibe.

-/-/——///——

The black and white classic horror spot was “Four Skulls” this year, and it hit that spot firmly if not vividly.

The finger prints that are shaped like tiny skulls result had the audience giggling.

What a strange notion to have a white head sewn onto an Indian body. Brown…chest? (As opposed to brown face).

-/-/——

I’m really torn on “Rituals”. On one hand it clearly had the best acting of the night(by Hal Holbrook & Lawrence Dane), at other times it greatly meandered, not helped by the outdoor night photography being too dark to see at times.

I had a pretty good chuckle at a character thinking his life is over because he’s “38, drunk and my last boyfriend who wasn’t in an asylum was five years ago”.

Who considers 38 old, the middle schoolers who will never watch this film?

-/———///——-/—

“Eyes of a Stranger” is also an example of a good film at maybe not the best place.

It’s a slow burn that really explodes at the end, but putting it last doesn’t do it any favors. The first five films felt of a unity, but this has an ever so soft aroma of stapled to the rest.

It’s my only real critique of the night, albeit in hindsight.

“Breed” wasn’t a better film but it was snappier paced, and a worthier stinger to end the night on.

-///-///—-

An interlude

It occurs to me now how each half of the marathon had two similar bookends separated by a palette change.

“Skulls” was a leisure 50s ride sandwiched between two goofy and highly entertaining late 80s/early 90s schlock fests.

Meanwhile, “Breed” was a teen romp n stomp between two very deep dive atmospheric moody tales from the late 70s/early 80s.

Amusing.

-/-////——-/

Anywho, back to “Eyes”.

It actually really surprised me that it’s from the beginning of the decade of greed. I would have guessed 1973 at most before knowing the true answer.

It certainly doesn’t feel like a film that was post John Carpenter’s “Halloween” and its codification of the slasher genre. Very “let’s heat up the ‘Psycho’ leftovers one more time with salt” vibe.

There is a child character that is dealing with lack of seeing and hearing after a traumatic rape. She’s not an object of pity (clearly her big sister character is more shamed than her) and this is a fine line confidently walked by a young Jennifer Jason Leigh.

She really had the stuff even at an early age. What a casting coup.

The fact that the main killer looks like Peter griffin from “family guy” doesn’t even matter. It’s all expertly and grisly directed.

The aforementioned big sister character feels like she really let her younger sibling down by her being abducted by a stranger in a car. This is a good dramatic angle for her to relentlessly pursue this murderer far beyond the normal. It’s personal and aided by guilt.

The scenes of her clinging to the balcony of an apartment, hoping dually she won’t get caught or fall to her death, are excellent.

But the real fireworks come at the end. The killer taunts the blind n deaf girl in her apartment (rented with her sis but she’s out) by moving knives, plates, and other objects she knows she just put there.

There is no sound during this sequence, only eerily silence.

The kid catches on, runs around the apartment, is chased into master bedroom, and hit repeatedly. The shock is almost overwhelming.

And then she starts to see.

Fuzzy at first, shapes and colors come into play (we see from her POV) then she hits her 2nd attacker and wanders to the dresser where the gun is.

She shoots him.

Her clothes torn, her breath short, she wanders into the bathroom and starts to see more.

For the first time, she sees her teenage self

The camera lingers on her. It is a generally moving scene.

The killer lunges from off camera.

Finally the big sister returns. Grabs the gun. Shoots in the head. Crying. Stops at the young girl talking for the first time in years. A tender embrace.

Emotionally devastating, and richly rewarding after wandering with the film at a post midnight hour.

It all comes together.

-///——//—-

On the way out of the theatre I received my “I survived the whole night” gift; a sweet patch to sew on.

With or without it, the memories from tonight will remain. The sharp sense of triumphant joy and oooing outlines of shock.

Like any festival, of any art, it varies from year to year. But the accumulated effect, the greatest highs, remain.

I actually, overall, liked this one better than last year. And that was also a good one.

Like the woman who has seen all these nights of horror mystery, I add it to the deep treasures of my experiences. I am open to new things, and I am rewarded for that.

Can’t ask for anything more satisfying.