#Steve needs a hug. or 12

[estrellami-1]

Keep Me (And I’ll Keep You)

Ao3 Link

Eddie hums contentedly as he sits on the couch, beer in hand. The couch is cotton, a soft brown that matches the rest of the living room. It’s one of those fancy sectionals that, up until knowing Steve, Eddie had only seen in catalogs. It’s a comfy couch, and he hums again as he settles in, wiggling his butt and shoulders, doing his best to let the couch envelop him.

Steve, to his left, snorts as he sits down. “Looks like you’re trying to become one with the couch.”

“Hey, it’s comfortable,” Eddie says, giving an aborted shrug and leaning his head back.

Steve chuckles, then sobers. “Y’know, sometimes I think when I move out, what’s the one thing I’m gonna miss the most? What’s the one thing I want to bring with me? And nine times out of ten, it’s this couch.”

“What’s the other one?”

“The microwave.” Eddie snickers. “Hey, you laugh, but those things are expensive!” Steve defends himself, also laughing. He’s got one knee up on the couch, turned to face Eddie, leaning sideways against the back of the couch.

A shout startles them both, and Eddie whips his head around to the dining room, where the Party is gathered. Will is DM today, after a long brainstorming session with Eddie. He’d brought the kids here and is available in case Will gets stuck, but Eddie silently thinks Will downplays his abilities. He’s a damn good DM, especially for his age, and Eddie was actively considering joining in.

Ultimately he decided to let the kids have this one. Erica, no doubt, would’ve joked (at least, he thinks it’s a joke) about Eddie cramping their style.

So here he is, relaxing on the couch with the man of the house, who’s relaxing now that he knows there’s no actual danger, only imagined.

Steve sighs, leaning forward to put his beer on the coffee table. “One of these days I’m gonna wake up and find a grey hair, and I’m gonna know it came from them.”

Eddie snorts. “Oh, man, you think that’s bad,” he jokes, and continues on to tell a story about something the kids had done involving Dustin’s second cat, a balloon, and a car tire. He leans forward to put his beer down, too, and when he leans back again Steve slides forward, head coming to rest on Eddie’s shoulder.

And here’s the deal, right? They don’t do that. They don’t casual touch like that. Eddie does, with most anybody, but Steve is in a class of his own, one that Eddie knows not to mess with for his own heart’s sake.

Said heart rabbits in his chest as he freezes, words drying up. He slowly looks over at Steve and sees closed eyes and open mouth. “Oh,” he whispers, cataloging the soft wisp of eyelashes resting on cheeks, the crinkle on his nose, scrunching up his moles, the lips slightly parted, driving damp puffs of breath to land on Eddie’s arm.

The next thing Eddie notices is Steve’s neck is at a weird angle. If he were to guess, he’d say Steve hadn’t been sleeping very well, and waking him is the last thing he wants to do. He tries to shimmy down the couch a little, to relax Steve’s neck some, but Steve’s upper body moves with his head, and now Eddie thinks the crick in his neck is more severe. “Fuck,” he mutters, shimmying down more, because surely it’ll work this time.

Something happens. He doesn’t know what, exactly, just knows that as he shimmies down Steve’s head slides down his shoulder, down his chest, to land on his stomach.

Steve murmurs something and shifts, turning his face into Eddie’s stomach as he stretches out, still asleep.

Butterflies awaken with a vengeance.

Shifting down his body means Eddie’s arm is free. He lifts it up nonsensically, as if not touching Steve of his own will is better than whatever the fuck is happening, but he can only hold his arm up for so long, so he eventually, gently rests it over Steve’s back and side. “What the fuck,” he mouths to himself.

It’s quiet and comfortable, though, the low murmur of voices in the other room doing nothing to keep Eddie awake, so it’s not long before he begins to drift off, too.

Sue him, he hasn’t been sleeping all that well, either.

He opens his eyes to Will walking into the room before seeing them and freezing. Eddie forces himself more awake, blinking rapidly until some of the fog lifts. He gestures Will closer with the hand not on Steve, and Will shakes his head, smiling. “We’re done,” he whispers. “I’ll call Jonathan.”

The words take a minute to make sense in Eddie’s brain. When they do, he shoots Will a thumbs up.

Will leaves, and Eddie succumbs to the siren call of sleep once more.

When he wakes up, he’s alone.

It’s morning, he can tell by the light in the room, natural now instead of artificial. His back is screaming at him, and his neck isn’t too happy either, so he takes his time sitting up and stretching, imagining the jokes Wayne would throw his way.

“Oh,” someone says, and Eddie looks over to see Steve, pink-cheeked, holding two mugs of coffee.

He seems to make a decision and crosses over to the couch, handing Eddie one of the mugs. It’s blue-and-white checkered, like Dorothy’s dress in The Wizard of Oz, and something about it makes Eddie smile even before Steve says, “Here. Enough sugar to give a bull a heart attack.”

Eddie takes a sip and hums gratefully. “Thanks, man.”

“I, uh. Think that’s my line.” Steve’s cheeks are even pinker now, and he’s studiously not looking at Eddie. “And sorry. For falling asleep on you.”

There’s about a million things Eddie wants to say that he bites his tongue on. Ends up with, “Actually, I slept really well last night.”

Steve’s cheeks are still pink, but he at least glances at Eddie when he says, “Yeah. Me too.”

In for a penny, in for a pound, Eddie thinks. “I haven’t been sleeping super well, actually. You know how it is.”

“Yeah,” Steve agrees. “I do.”

It’s silent for a second, long enough that Eddie begins to inanely suggest, “Maybe we could-”

At the same time, Steve starts, “What if we-”

They break off at the same time, blinking at each other before laughing. “You first,” Eddie says.

Steve’s cheeks burn again. “What if we did it again?”

Eddie grins. “I was gonna say maybe we could do it again,” he admits.

Steve giggles, and Eddie has to work to not stare at him with actual hearts in his eyes.

“Not every night,” Eddie hazards. God knows he wants to do it every night. God also knows it’s the fastest way to break his own heart.

“No, of course not. Just- when it gets bad?”

It’s bad every night, Eddie swallows, chokes on. “Yeah,” he says quietly.

“And- we’ll just call each other, I guess.” Steve runs a hand through his hair. “You- you’re welcome to call whenever. Day or night. Doesn’t matter.”

“Same for you.”

“What about Wayne?”

“Works nights. And I’m home during the day. If I’m not, I’m with you guys. No chance of waking him up.”

Steve snickers. “Unless you sleep through the phone ringing.”

Eddie snorts. “Fat chance. Every little sound wakes me up, now.”

Steve really looks at him. “Yeah,” he finally murmurs. “I know how that is.”

They finish their coffee, Eddie leaves, and Steve heads into work.

That night, four seconds before Eddie gets up to call Steve, the phone rings.

He bolts down the hall, grabs it so hard he hears the plastic casing creak. “Hello?”

“Eddie.” Steve sounds… small. Relieved, like he wasn’t sure Eddie would answer. “Thought-” Eddie can hear the crease between his brows. “Dream, I guess.” He sniffs, clears his throat. “Sorry.”

“No, hey,” Eddie tells him, “that’s why we’re doing this, you don’t need to say sorry. D’you wanna stay on the phone for a few more minutes? Or can I go for, like, ten minutes?” Usually the drive to Steve’s house is more like fifteen, he knows, but like hell is he following the speed limits when they’re both feeling like this.

“No,” Steve murmurs. “I can- I can go, sorry, you should- you were asleep, I bet-”

“Nope,” Eddie tells him cheerfully. “I wasn’t asleep and I actually was about to call you. I’m gonna hang up so I can drive over, Steve. Are you at a place where you’ll be okay if I hang up?”

Steve hums. “Think so.”

“I’m not getting off until that’s a yes.”

Steve huffs out a breath. “No, it’s- ‘m fine, sorry, you can- if you wanna go-”

“Steve. You’re kinda proving that you’re not okay right now.”

“Oh.”

Eddie huffs out an approximation of a laugh. “Yeah. Think you can take some deep breaths for me?”

Steve takes a shaky breath. “Yeah.”

“Okay. I’ll do it with you, ready?” He coaches Steve through a breath, then through three more, until Steve’s able to inhale without it sticking. “Good. How’re you feeling?”

“Better,” Steve admits. “You don’t have to come over if you don’t want to.”

“Stevie, baby, I don’t have to do anything.”

He’s grinning, hamming it up for Steve, and can hear the smile in return, the little huff that means a laugh. “But you’re coming over? Because you want to?”

“Ding ding ding, that is correct!” Steve giggles. When it dies down, Eddie quietly says, “I’ll see you in ten, okay?”

“Fifteen,” Steve counters, “don’t speed.”

“Five,” Eddie says nonsensically.

Steve giggles as he says, “You’re already here?”

“I’m already in your bed, are you kiddin’ me? I got there half an hour ago.”

Steve laughs again. When he sobers, he says, “Fifteen. I’ll unlock the door in thirteen, not a minute sooner.”

“You drive a hard bargain,” Eddie says, “seven,” and hangs up to Steve’s laughter.

He’s smiling as he pulls shoes on and grabs his keys and wallet. He’s out the door in two minutes, locking it behind him and hopping into his van.

He makes it to Steve’s in twelve minutes, hoping the door’s unlocked so he can walk in.

Steve opens it before he can even get there. “What happened to fifteen?”

Eddie shrugs, smiles. “You know me.”

Steve rolls his eyes, but he’s smiling as he moves to let Eddie in. “Unfortunately I do.”

“Hey,” Eddie says, affronted, “what’s that mean,” and pulls Steve into a hug before he can say anything.

Steve stiffens for a second, not expecting the hug, but then relaxes into it so quickly Eddie’s almost sure he imagines the stiffness. “Thanks for coming,” he whispers.

“Thanks for calling,” Eddie whispers back, pulling away with a smile. “Bed? Or not yet?”

“Bed,” Steve agrees, leading him upstairs before stopping halfway. “Or- would you prefer the couch?”

“Why the hell would I prefer a couch over a bed,” Eddie demands, nudging Steve to keep him moving. His words are soft, though, as he says, “Wherever you want.”

“Bed,” Steve agrees, just as softly.

They climb in then stare at each other. “How do you wanna do this?” Steve asks him.

“However you want.”

Steve shakes his head. “I’ll take too much,” he whispers.

Eddie thinks, privately, Steve’s more fucked up than anyone knows. “Not if I’m willing to give you everything,” Eddie swears, heart in his throat and on the line. “C’mon. You called me. Help me learn how to help you.”

“You’ll tell me if it’s too much?”

“It won’t be,” Eddie swears, “but yeah. I’ll tell you.”

Steve looks at him for a long moment. Eddie does his best to keep his expression open and willing. He’s not sure how he’s doing, but it must be good enough for Steve, because he burrows in, tucking his face into Eddie’s chest, throwing an arm over Eddie’s waist and relaxing.

Eddie responds in kind, laying an arm over Steve’s, around his back, and pulling him in that little bit closer. “Sleep,” he whispers, even as he succumbs and his eyes close.

When he awakens in the morning, it’s still dark, but Steve’s getting up. He makes a questioning noise, reaching out for him.

Steve squeezes his hand before placing it down again. “Just going to the bathroom,” he whispers. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

He falls back asleep.

When he wakes up again, Steve’s back in bed, curled up against him, breath whiffling across Eddie’s chest.

Something in his chest cracks open as he lets himself study Steve. There’s a slight furrow in his brow, like even in sleep he’s still holding onto stress. Eddie wants to hold him by the ankles and shake him until all the bad thoughts come out and only the good remain. A sigh escapes his mouth at the thought, wisping over Steve’s face, and it’s apparently enough to wake him. Eddie watches as Steve’s face scrunches and his feet kick out in a stretch. He rolls over closer to Eddie, putting his face in Eddie’s chest, then freezes and pulls back, looking up at Eddie with a confused frown that quickly turns into a shy smile. “Morning,” he murmurs.

“Morning,” Eddie responds.

“Y’wake?” Steve asks nonsensically, but Eddie understands: is he really up, or is he going back to sleep.

Eddie shrugs in response. Steve nods, rolling back over into Eddie’s chest and sighing.

The thing in Eddie’s chest cracks more.

He wraps his arm around Steve again. He feels it, the moment Steve falls asleep, all tension leeching from his body.

He’s warm and solid, breathing evenly, and Eddie’s eyes don’t want to open, go longer and longer between blinks.

He falls asleep.

When he wakes up again—the third and final time—Steve’s out of bed, and the sheets are cool to the touch. “What,” he mutters, brows furrowed, palm on the sheets next to him. The area is slowly warming up, from his body heat, but they were definitely cold.

He sits up, stretches, scratches his head, and makes his way downstairs to look for Steve.

He can smell coffee and pancakes halfway down. The thing in his chest is wide open, hungry, hurting.

Hunting.

He thinks, stuck halfway down the stairs, he needs to stay away from Steve.

He has no idea how he’s going to do that.

He finishes his walk and finds himself in the kitchen doorway, leaning against the wall, watching Steve cook.

He flips a pancake, shimmies his hips when the pancake is perfectly brown, and slides it off onto a stack next to him. He pours more batter in and turns to get some coffee, freezing for a second when he sees Eddie. “Hey, you’re up! How’d you sleep?”

Eddie nods, watching Steve walk over to the coffee pot and grab two mugs. “Pancakes are almost done, coffee’s here, sugar’s here-” he points, “-and milk’s in the fridge. Help yourself.”

“Um,” Eddie says, and heads toward the coffee.

Steve grins. “Not a morning person? I can tone it down if you need me to.”

Eddie waves him off, doctors his coffee, and takes a long sip, humming at the taste and warmth. “You’re fine,” he finally says. “I just need, like, five minutes for my brain to go oh, we’re awake, I should work.” He adopts a funny voice for his brain, smirking when Steve laughs.

“Fair enough. Any plans for the day?”

Eddie hums as he thinks through his schedule. “Band practice with the guys tonight, and…” he doesn’t have any plans with Wayne, but he knows he needs to talk this through, so, “Wayne wants my help with… something. I dunno.”

Steve snorts. “Sounds exciting.”

“Oh, yeah, the height of excitement, I’m just gonna expire from anticipation.” He sends Steve a flat look, and Steve cackles as he flips another pancake.

“Well let me know if this super-exciting thing you’re doing needs another set of hands.”

“Will do,” Eddie says. “Thanks for breakfast, by the way.”

Steve shrugs. “I like cooking. Not much reason to when it’s just me, so I don’t usually do pancakes, but I do enjoy it.”

“Well,” Eddie says, leaning on the counter, “isn’t that reason enough?”

Steve stills for a moment, tilting his head. “Huh. I never thought of it that way.”

The thing in Eddie’s chest grumbles.

His stomach also grumbles, and Steve hears that, laughing as he retrieves a plate. “Here, take some, syrup is in the pantry and jelly is in the fridge.” He stacks a plate with four pancakes, thrusting it Eddie’s direction.

Eddie notices there’s only two on his plate, takes one from his pile and puts it on Steve’s. “Only if you eat too.”

Steve smiles at him, a small, real thing that makes the thing, the monster in his chest ache. “Okay.”

Eddie leaves soon after, quoting his thing with Wayne, makes sure Steve knows he can call if he needs someone.

Steve makes sure he knows the same.

The monster claws at his chest.

He covers the wince with a grin, waves on his way out, jumps into his van.

Turns the tape up until the drumbeat drowns out his thoughts.

He’s back to the trailer in fifteen. Wayne’s there, awake, facing the door when Eddie comes through. “Thought so,” he says, first thing. “You needta talk.”

Eddie collapses into a ball on the couch.

Wayne joins him, pulls him in, like he’s two instead of twenty, like a heart in danger of breaking is the same as a skinned knee. “I don’t know what to do.”

“Talk to me. That’s what you do.”

“I really like him, Wayne.”

“Yeah.”

“He’s- he’s so nice, but he-”

He sniffles. Only realizes then that he’s crying. “Wayne,” he asks, “am I a good person?”

“You are.”

“Why’s the worst shit always happen to good people?”

Wayne sighs. “I wish I knew.”

“He’s better than me. And he’s had so much shit thrown his way. And I just- I wanna help but I dunno how when I see him like this.”

“You wanna take care of him.”

“Yeah.” Another sniffle. “But he doesn’t want that.”

“Did he tell you that?”

“Didn’t need to. I can see it.”

Wayne hums. “Y’know when you first got here, you were scared of me? Not ‘cause I’m Al’s brother. Because of me. ‘Cause my face scared you. You thought I was always mad. Sometimes what you see isn’t how it is.”

“But how do I know?”

“You don’t. Not unless you talk to him.” He rubs a hand down Eddie’s spine. “How ‘bout that Birdie girl? She’s his best friend. She might be able to tell you more.”

“She won’t tell me anything.”

“My momma had a saying. Honesty begets honesty. Talk to her. Tell her the truth. She’ll tell you a truth right back.”

“…Today?”

“Better sooner ‘n later, but I guess it don’t gotta be today.”

Eddie sighs. “Today.” He picks at the knee of his sleep pants, worn with age. “How?”

“How do you talk to her?”

“Mhm.”

“Honesty, boy. ‘S about all y’got.”

Eddie sighs, leans into Wayne. Lets himself be held for a moment longer.

Wayne sighs, too. “Wanna watch that animal documentary?”

Eddie immediately perks up. “Really? You’ll watch it with me?”

Wayne smiles, nudges him off his lap. “Go put it in.”

Eddie grins as he races to do so, and the next two hours is lost to polar bears and orcas.

After it’s over, Wayne stands with a sigh and ruffles Eddie’s hair as he walks past. “Got work tonight. Y’mind bein’ quiet today?”

Eddie hums. “Imma go find Robin. Talk to her. Wish me luck.”

“Y’dont need it,” Wayne says, “but luck anyways.” He waves as he passes into his room.

Eddie grabs his car keys, looks down, and sets the keys back down before trudging to his room to change.

Soon enough he’s walking into Family Video. “Buckley!” He greets happily.

“Munson!” She parrots before her voice flattens. “The fuck you want.” Her eyes are sparkling, though, and the corners of her mouth are twitching up, so he pays no mind to her words. He drapes himself over the counter with a dramatic sigh. “You ‘lone?”

“Yeah.”

“Can we… talk?”

“This is starting to feel like a visit to the principal’s office.”

He pops his head up, eyes wide. “No, no, no! It’s not that at all! It’s me.” He lays his head back down with another sigh. “It’s… okay, so, let’s say, hypothetically, I… liked someone.”

“Steve, got it, go on.”

He puts an arm over his face. “And let’s say—still hypothetically—I did something, said something, that means we’re gonna be in close contact a lot more than before.”

“Okay. I’m following so far.”

He shrugs. “What do I do?”

“What’s the thing?”

“Y’know how he hosted Hellfire last time?”

“Sure.”

“Well I wasn’t playing, Will was DM and I was just there for guidance if he needed it, which he didn’t, kid’s a natural, but. Anyways. I was sitting with Steve in the living room, and we were talking, and I start telling him this story and… he falls asleep on my shoulder.” He groans. “And he looked so peaceful, I couldn’t disturb that, y’know?”

“Okay, I’m following so far.”

“Well turns out when there’s nothing to do but sit there, you end up falling asleep, too.” He clenches a hand in his hair. “We cuddled, Birdie. And then we told each other that we slept well, so I, like the absolute fool I am, said he can call me. If he wants. If he needs someone.”

“He called you last night.”

“He did. I dunno what to do, Robbie.”

“I’m not in the business of telling you what to do. But I can tell you if you told him, he wouldn’t react badly.”

“You’re sure?”

She lays her head down next to his, meeting his eyes. “I’d bet my life on it.”

“So… you think I should tell him?”

“I can’t tell you what to do, Eddie.”

He groans and shuts his eyes. “This sucks.”

“Feelings usually do,” she nods, standing up and ruffling his hair. “But if I were you, I’d talk to him.”

Eddie makes a face. “Today?”

Robin shrugs. “Is there a better time?”

Eddie thinks it through. “Tomorrow,” he decides. He looks up at Robin. “If I don’t tell him tomorrow, can you tell him the day after?”

Robin raises her brows. “You want me to?”

“Yeah. Like… like incentive. Because if I know it’s gonna happen anyways, it’s better if I do it, right?”

Robin smiles. “I’ll tell him the day after tomorrow if you don’t.”

“Thanks.” He squeezes her hand, straightens up. Smiles. “I’ve gotta run. You’re a good friend, Buckley.”

She smiles, rolls her eyes. “Get outta here, Munson.”

His grin grows wider. “You’re a good friend, Buckley, I don’t know what I do without you!”

“Die, probably,” she deadpans, also grinning. She makes a shooing motion. “You said you’ve gotta run, so go!”

He laughs and runs out, waving over his shoulder.

He makes it to practice just as Gareth does, and not much practice happens that day, but is it really his fault that Jeff’s mom made lemonade and cookies for them?

He gets home that night, tired but happy, and watches a little TV before going to bed.

It’s a scary movie, not one he’s seen before, with a girl with long, dark hair, obscuring her face. She seems to grin right at Eddie and walks toward the camera. He laughs, because it doesn’t even look real.

Except suddenly it is. Suddenly she’s climbing through the screen, doing things he’s never seen a contortionist do, and heading straight for him. He scrambles over the couch and runs for his room, the girl close behind. He closes and locks the door, searching for his walkie. When he finds it, he depresses the button and yells, “Code red! I repeat, code red! Can anyone hear me?”

Only static greets him when he lets go of the button. His hand begins to shake.

“Code red,” he says again, quieter this time. “Please help, someone, please- it’s a code red, I’m serious!”

She rattles his doorknob, long fingers sneaking under his door, reaching and growing until they can almost reach the lock.

“Hello?” Someone calls out from inside the trailer.

Steve.

“Oh, holy shit-” he can hear Steve scramble back. “Eddie? Are you okay?”

“Uh,” Eddie says, “I’m alive?”

The fingers stop growing. In the blink of an eye, they’re gone. The girl hisses, and Steve whispers out another curse.

Eddie tiptoes to his door amid the sound of fighting. When everything goes quiet, he opens his door.

He can’t see anything at first. He silently walks out of his room, looking around, freezing at the sight of Steve on the ground, eyes open, mouth agape, and the girl crouching over him.

She’s hissing at Eddie, but he can’t even care about that right now, because Steve is looking directly at him, and he knows what it looks like when someone’s dead, and he-

Steve-

Eddie swallows bile, drops to his knees. “Steve?”

He never got the chance to say anything.

Only had one day to enjoy holding him.

He could’ve had longer, if he’d said something before now, if he’d made a move-

Or if not, at least Steve wouldn’t be here, dead-

He swallows a sob. The girl turns to him, still hissing, and slowly advances.

He closes his eyes. Waits for the inevitable. Sends a silent apology to his uncle.

Except… nothing happens.

He blinks his eyes open carefully, confused when he’s in his dark room. He sits up, looking around, grateful the moon is bright enough to light up his room enough for him to see.

He creeps out of bed, carefully opens his door, and looks around.

His eyes catch on the place he’d seen Steve dead, and it’s a dream, he knows it was, but he still feels-

He dials. Tries to keep breathing as the phone rings. “‘Lo?”

“Steve?”

“Eddie.” A yawn. “You alright, man?”

“Uh,” Eddie says, looking for the right words, but apparently Steve speaks Eddie.

“Am I going over there or are you coming over here?”

“N-no, you- you don’t have to-”

“Eddie. I don’t have to do anything. I’m doing this because I want to. Are you gonna be okay for fifteen minutes?”

“Define okay,” Eddie says, still unsure what words mean. What he’s saying.

“Okay, that’s a no. Eddie, I need you to take a couple of deep breaths for me, okay? I’ll do it too. Ready? We’re gonna breathe in… in… in… now hold it, two, three, four, now out… slowly… out… and hold. Two, three, four. Twice more, okay?”

He guides Eddie through the exercise, pausing when they finish. “How’re you feeling now?”

“Better,” Eddie agrees, sighing. “I’m sorry, man, you really don’t have to come over.”

Steve scoffs. “Unlock the door, Eddie, I’ll be there in fifteen, alright?”

“M’kay,” Eddie murmurs.

“Okay. I’ll see you.”

“Yeah. See you.”

Steve ends the call, and Eddie blinks as he puts the phone back on the hook. He moves to unlock the door then sits on the couch. He doesn’t look at the TV, doesn’t look at the spot on the floor where Steve-

He flinches, a full-body shudder, when the door opens. “Eddie?” Steve asks, locking eyes with him. “Hey, man, everything okay?”

He’s alive. He’s breathing, he’s moving, he’s-

Eddie reaches out for him, face shuddering, and Steve’s quick to respond, crossing the room in three long steps and throwing himself onto the couch next to Eddie, pulling him into a hug, and Eddie can breathe again.

“Fuck,” he mutters into Steve’s neck.

“Bad one, huh?”

He holds Steve tighter. “Dreamed… code red. No one answered. You- you came.” He swallows. “I saw-” he shakes his head, buries his face into Steve’s neck. “I know what it looks like when someone dies,” he whispers.

Steve stiffens, then relaxes and pulls Eddie even closer. “I’m so sorry.”

“I keep- seeing, you-”

“Hey.” Steve grabs his neck, makes him look at his face. “I’m right here, okay? Im right here. I’m okay. You’re okay. We’re both here, and we’re both alive.” He grabs Eddie’s hand, puts it on his chest, over his heart. “Feel that? Feel my heartbeat?”

Eddie looks down at his hand. Feels the rising and falling of his chest from breathing. Feels the steady thump-thump of his heart. “Yeah,” he whispers.

“I’m right here,” Steve promises, also whispering.

Eddie lets out a shaky sigh and rests his forehead on Steve’s shoulder. “Yeah.”

Steve rubs his back for a few minutes, then pulls back a little to ask, “Wanna try and go back to bed?”

Eddie shakes his head.

“Okay. How about TV?”

“No.” His fingers clench, digging into Steve’s chest, and Steve’s hand comes up to cover his, to smooth it back out, to calm him down.

“That’s okay. How about we get something to drink?”

Eddie sighs, takes one deep breath, lets it out. “I’m a shit host,” he jokes. “You want somethin’?”

“I was thinking tea for you,” Steve replies, smile evident in his voice. “How about it? A nice cuppa?”

Eddie snorts and pulls away. “Alright then, mate,” he jokes, affecting a British accent, then back to his normal voice. “Long as you’ll join me.”

“Always,” Steve promises, and the monster growls.

Steve makes the tea. He won’t let Eddie help, but doesn’t oppose to him sitting on the counter and watching.

After they’re finished, Eddie dumps the mugs in the sink with a mental promise to get to them tomorrow. “Okay,” he says around a yawn, “your tea worked. I’m tired.”

Steve smiles. “Bed?”

“Bed,” Eddie agrees, pushing the monster in his chest down and taping its mouth shut. He only hesitates a little when he sees his bed, but climbs in anyways, holding the covers up for Steve.

They get settled, and before he knows it, Eddie’s drifting off.

He wakes up to sunlight on his face. He groans and rolls over, snorting and pushing back when he runs into Steve, who had already been awake. “Morning,” Steve offers.

Eddie plops his head back down and resolutely shuts his eyes.

“Or not,” Steve agrees, amused.

He’s about to speak, to wake up more, when Steve shifts and puts a hand in his hair.

He melts.

He thinks his brain might be melting out of his ears, all his thoughts leaking with it, because suddenly his head is blissfully blank.

He falls asleep again.

He wakes up as Steve settles back in bed next to him, glancing up with bleary eyes. He’s got a steaming mug in one hand, glancing down at Eddie with a smile. “Morning?”

Eddie hums out something that isn’t a word in any language. He blinks, long and slow, but he’s up. He tilts his head away from the pillow to speak. “Wha’s-” he squints at the mug. “Coffee?”

Steve smiles, grabs a second mug from the nightstand, hands it over. “Enough sugar to knock out the Duracell bunny,” he teases, and Eddie’s hard pressed not to blurt out a love confession right here and now.

Except… why not, he thinks. He promised Robin he would. And sure, it doesn’t have to be right this second, but… when else would he do it? He knows himself, he’d just chicken out.

He sits up, accepts the mug. Hums at the sweet taste. Gulps down half of it in the hopes of it waking him up faster.

Steve snorts. “You’re not gonna run out, Eds, there’s more in the pot and we can always make more.”

Eddie smiles sheepishly at Steve. “‘M tryin’a wake up faster.”

Steve rolls his eyes fondly. “You don’t have to be up just because I am, dude.”

Eddie shakes his head, leans against the wall. Can’t look at Steve when he says, “No, I, uh. Actually wanted to talk to you?”

He can see, in his periphery, Steve turning to look at him. “About what?”

He works his lip, takes another sip. “About…” he sighs. “About what we’re doing. About how I don’t think we should.” He ducks his head. “I- I know you don’t feel the same, and it’s fine, I swear, I can get over myself. But I can’t if we keep doing this. ‘Cause I’m, like… stupidly gone on you, man. And I can’t- I can’t keep doing this.” He shuts his eyes. “I could, I could make myself, I could try to tune it out, I could- I could break my own heart. Which is exactly why I can’t.” He doesn’t know when his voice lowered into a whisper, but it did, and the last word comes out scared and breathy.

Steve takes a shaky breath. “You… like me?”

Eddie breathes in. Breathes out. Nods.

Steve swallows audibly, turns to face him. “How?”

He’s whispering, too, and Eddie looks up at him. Looks into honey-brown eyes, full of muted hope. “How do I like you?” Steve nods, and Eddie blows out a breath. “I like you… in the way I always want to make you laugh. In the way I want to always be there for you when you’re sad, or scared, or need help. In the way I want to know every piece of you so well I know how you’re feeling before you do. I want to make you dinner, and pull you close on the couch when we’re watching a movie, and wake up every morning to your face. I want to take you to Enzo’s and play footsie under the table with you until we’re both laughing way too hard and the waitress is staring at us because she just wants us to order. I want to scream it from the rooftops, even though I know I can’t. I want to hold your hand and run my fingers through your hair.”

“You want to keep me,” Steve whispers.

Eddie nods slowly. “Yeah. I want to keep you. I want you to be mine the way I’ve been yours.”

“I am yours,” Steve murmurs. “I want you to keep me.” He watches Eddie for a second. “You want to kiss me?”

Edie looks up at him. Slowly nods.

“Then do it,” Steve whispers in a hiss, and Eddie does.

And he does thoroughly.

“Mine,” he whispers against Steve’s lips.

Steve pulls back, takes his mug, puts it on the nightstand with his own. Turns back to Eddie, grabs his hand, lays his head on Eddie’s chest. “Yours,” he whispers, smiling when Eddie puts his other hand in his hair.

They don’t fall asleep. It’s a close thing, but they don’t have time before Steve has to get up for work.

He hesitates in the doorway. “Tonight,” he murmurs, then falls silent.

Eddie smiles at him. “Come over?”

Steve brightens, nods. The monster in Eddie’s chest purrs, satisfied.

[bellestalesoffiction]

Got Milk? - Steve Rogers x mom!Reader

Summary: It's late at night and your neighbor is the only one that you know will help. He also happens to be Captain America

Warnings: fluff, mom!reader, female presenting reader, use of Y/N, named child, parental exhaust, past trauma, allusion to mental abuse/gaslighting by ex

A/N: This is unedited on my phone, 5 minute ficlet written in between answering phones at work when I should be doing my job. Also sorry if I miss any triggers, this is my first post like this in i think almost 2 years since Reassurance and Cuddles 😅 feedback appreciated

Divider by @firefly-graphics

Got Time?

A frantic knock at his door had Steve jumping in his reading spot. He had been so engrossed in his newspaper that he didn't hear anyone approaching, rising from his spot the knock sounds again. He approached the door carefully, tension tightening when he picks up on the sniffling and whining of a child.

Cautiously, looking through the peephole, his body instantly relaxes entirely seeing his neighbor, Y/N, and her little boy in her arms, Alex.

"Hey, whats wrong?" He opened the door, taking in their state immediately. Y/N looked exhausted and ready to cry, tears brimming her eyes, a few betraying her already had escaped down her cheek. Little Alex, just a few weeks over a year old, curled into his mother whining and gripping at her shirt sniffling.

"I am so so sorry to bother you, Steve" Y/N started out, taking a shakey breath mid scentence, voice trembling sentence, "I-i just got off work, the sitter, Mrs. Derek's granddaughter drank the last of the whole milk with dinner and didn't say anything until I got home, a and Alex keeps waking up and won't go down, you wouldn't be able to spare a cup with the shops closed?" Y/N's voice drifted between exhausted anger and pure defeat as she looked up at him gripping her child arms shakey and tense.

Steve glanced at the digital clock in his stove. 12:43 glared back at him, he didn't realize it was that late at all.

"Of course, come in. Give me just a moment" he watched as she shyly stepped in, trying to make herself small, holding out the spill proof cup for Steve to fill, doing her best to soothe whatever was making Alex so upset.

Steve watched, his heart clenching for a moment, taking the cup and hurriedly filling it, wanting to help and make his little buddy feel better. He toke a moment to softly coax Alex, finger brushing softly against his cheek, standing behind Y/N so the little boy could see him clearly. Gently, Steve watched as the little guy lifted his head from hiding and offered him the cup, "hey buddy, need a drink?"

Alex whined lip trembling, wet spots on his mother's work vest from his tears, moved to grab his cup hugging it to his tiny body while rubbing at his face watching Steve as his little body slowly started to calm down, recognizing his 2 favorite people. Y/N let out a small breath of relief as her son's whimpers died down and he started to drink and soothe himself. Her shoulders sagged, arms shifting to continue holding up her son's growing weight.

"Here, why don't I take him for a moment and we can sit on the couch and get you off your feet?" Steve offered softly, keeping his voice low and calm. He had Y/N and Alex over plenty of times before, dinner, neighborly chats and even watched him for a bit when a sitter quit last minute and she had to run into work due to demanding shift managers threatening her job. Y/N looked up at him, tearing up again slightly, face flushed, and nods slowly, turning towards his living room still hugging Alex close, who was much calmer now and drinking the cool milk in his cup to soothe him.

Steve followed, hand resting on the small of her back in a guiding manner, concerned for both of them, having known them long enough that whatever had happened recently was enough to startle them both and it was more than just lack of sleep and milk.

Once seated on the couch, Steve grabbed a blanket and set it over Y/N's lap gently, moving to sit himself, holding out his hands for Alex, smiling softly. Alex, hugging his cup in one arm, reached out to Steve as well, babbling and cooing softly, sniffling slightly.

Y/N hesitated, but handed her baby boy over trying not to let the butterflies in her stomach come out to play seeing this man, their neighbor, be so soft and caring with her little boy. If only his father was that way, she thought, but no, she had to fall for the tricks of a man less than kind.

Alex's father had been a very handsome man, one that once made her feel secure and protected, but also talked down to her and made her feel like she needed to earn his love. He had slowly changed her view of her world, isolated from all her friends, family and those that had told her there was something off with him, waving those comments off stating they were jealous or couldnt see how he loved her. He had convinced her to move in with him, before suddenly getting a great opportunity in his carreer stating they had no choice but to move to Washington DC. A month later, with no support system, she had showed him a positive pregnancy test and he chose to blame her and leave her for his young secretary who wasn't trying to 'trap' him or force him to be what he wasnt, when he had been the one to for go protection.

This story Steve had heard few couple times when he had offered assistance. Y/N's story was always one that made his blood boil.

Steve had noticed how amazing Y/N is the more he got to know her. Living next door for the last 6 months, watching her struggle as her baby turned into a toddler, little Alex growing from 6 months old to a whole year. When Alex's birthday came around, Steve was sure to drop off a little cupcake and a gift, having felt bad that they had no one else to rely on. Y/Ns family had never responded when she tried to reach back out and same with friends. She had co-workers, sure, but Steve was pretty sure in the way she tried to hide in on herself most days, he was her only friend.

He wanted to be so much more to her and to Alex, and it seemed like Alex wanted that too with the way he settled right into Steve's elbow, drinking from his cup and his eyes drooping shut slowly, finally feeling calm enough to sleep.

Y/N watched Steve and Alex quietly, wiping away tears from another rough shift between the corner shop she worked at during the day to pay rent and the grocery stocking she worked in the evenings to buy food and keep Alex fed. She had gotten it from both managers for being half asleep durring her shifts, neither knowing that she had stayed up 2 nights in a row with teething pains and nightmares after Alex's father had shown up, drunk. He had been beating on her door, screaming at them making Alex cry in fear. She hadn't told Steve it had happened because she was scared to involve him in her toxic ex and his hot and cold attitude with their son. Scared that Steve would eventually see them in the same light, something not worth fighting for.

A sad soft tired smile graced her lips seeing Alex fully resting against the man that was there for them and that had helped so much more than their blood. A man that had been there and celebrated his 1st birthday with them, that had taken photos with and of them for a scrap book. A man that Y/N had a secret crush on, but would never admit because why ruin a good thing with messy relationship stuff when there was no one else around, especially because she thought she wasn't worth the trouble.

Little did she know, the super solider sitting across the sofa from her was thinking the exact opposite. Thinking they were exactly what he wanted to come home to, wondering how exactly to ask her over for dinner to discuss them and wanting to be apart of their family. Steve decided, that night in his apartment, baby asleep on his chest, hand reaching out towards Y/N, they were worth every battle.

[lizzie-boo]

Christmas Party

Steve Harrington x Reader

Ficmas Day 9

Summary: When your best friend Steve overhears you joking with Nancy it changes the course of your friendship forever.

Words: 1.2k

A/N: Happy last day of ficmas. I wanted to write 12 stories but that never happened. Honestly, though, I'm really happy with writing 9 becuase I never intended to do ficmas at all this year. Divider by @saradika-graphics

“Are we sure this is a good idea, what if someone calls the cops?” You ask, still not fully onboard with the idea of throwing a Christmas party. 

“Don’t worry it’s just for our group of friends plus if the cops get called we’re fine. Remember Chief Hopper is Jonathan and Will’s stepdad and he’d never bust them for having a party,” Steve reassures you as he hands you another box of decorations. 

Removing the lid from the box you grab out a couple strands of garland and begin to place them around the living room. Steve follows behind you stringing up lights as he goes. 

“You’re sure we won’t get in trouble?” 

“It’s just a casual Christmas party, not a rager I promise. Plus half the people coming are practically children. It’s just gonna be us hanging out and eating snacks for a few hours.” 

You knew Steve put his old habits behind him years ago but you were always nervous he would revert to his old ways. That this party would snap him back to who he used to be and what would start as an innocent group hang out would spiral into the party of the century. The fears that if he went back to his old ways he would drop you and you would be without a best friend once more rattled around your brain. As his words finally sink in you let your shoulders relax.

“Plus, Dustin is bringing Suzie and I don’t want to scare her off. He seems to really like her so as surrogate mom I need to make a good impression,” Steve jokes and the last of your reservations disappear. 

You continue to joke and talk as you finish putting up the last of the decorations. Every so often stopping to sneak a glance at your best friend wondering if there would ever be a chance for the two of you to be more. 

The doorbell rings right at seven and you make your way to the entryway. You open the door for Nancy, Jonathan, and Robin ushering them in from the cold. Nancy pulls you into a quick hug as Jonathan offers a quiet hello. 

“So where is the dingus?” Robin asks as she wiggles her eyebrows at you. 

Pushing her shoulder lightly you respond, “He’s in the kitchen finishing up getting snacks ready.” 

“I’ll go help him,” Robin announces before rushing off to the kitchen. 

“I’m guessing this means you haven’t talked to him about how you feel yet,” Nancy says as she loops her arm with yours and pulls you into the living room leaving Jonathan to get the door for the kids. 

You take a seat next to her on the couch. “I don’t wanna screw up what we have. He’s my best friend. Why risk losing him when I can just stay his friend forever and at least have him in my life.” 

Nancy pats your arm giving you the same sad look her and Robin use everytime they bring up the topic and you and Steve being something more. You reach out and tap her nose breaking the awkward tension forming. Just then the kids, Jonathan, and Eddie file into the living room taking up all the available seats. 

Glancing over your shoulder you look for any sign of Steve or Robin, wondering what is taking them so long. Turning your attention back to the room you smile at Eddie as he tries to mediate a fight between Lucas and Dustin about what Christmas movie everyone should watch. 

Steve and Robin make their way toward the living room right as Nancy leans over, “Maybe some alone time with Eddie could help you forget about your feelings for Steve,” she jokes. 

“I don’t doubt that, he could probably make me forget my own name,” you joke back, bumping your shoulder into hers and you both laugh. 

Behind you Steve shoves the tray of snacks he’s holding into Robin’s hands and rushes back into the kitchen needing some time to think. Robin takes it in stride and sets it on the coffee table with a loud thud. 

“I think I hurt my wrist carrying the tray. Do you think you can go help Steve with the rest?” Robin asks as she plops down on the couch between you and Nancy. Before you can even answer her and Nancy are already chatting away about something one of the kids said. 

Pushing off the couch you make your way into the kitchen to find Steve with his palms pushed against the countertop. His head hangs and his eyes are screwed shut. The sight of him sends a pang of panic to your chest. 

“What’s wrong?” you ask as you place a hand on his back. 

“Do you actually wanna fuck Munson?” he bites out as he curls a hand into a fist. 

Your hand drops to your side as quickly as your mouth falls open. You hadn’t realized that he heard your joke. If you knew he was standing there you never would have said anything. 

You take a moment to assess the situation before settling on your response, “It was just a dumb joke between me and Nancy. Plus I never said that I wanted to fuck him, just that he would probably be good at it.” 

“So you don’t wanna get under him?” His tone is gentler this time as he turns to look at you. 

“No, never. It was just a joke.” You run a hand along his arm hoping to calm him down so you can head back to the party in the other room. 

His hand reaches out and grabs your free hand holding you in place. “So do you still want to forget about your feelings for me?” His eyes search yours as if he’s trying to figure out what you are going to say. 

“Only if you want me to,” you whisper, now realizing the space between you had lessened. 

He drops your hand, stepping in to cup your cheek. “That’s the last thing I want baby” he mumbles before crashing his lips to yours. Your hands tangle in his hair as your lips move in sync. Taking a step back he presses you into the counter. The cool press against your back sends a shiver down your spine and you tug at his hair in an attempt to deepen the kiss. 

He pulls back and you drop your hands to his shoulders. You both take a moment to catch your breaths. He shoots you a smile before hoisting you onto the counter. Your legs instinctively wrap around his waist and he wastes no time diving back in for another kiss. 

This time when he pulls away it’s to trail a line of kisses down your neck. He works his way back up and gently nips at your earlobe causing you to let out a moan that you try to muffle with your hand. His lips press against your ear and he whispers, “The only one who is allowed to make you forget your name from now on is me.” You pull him back into another searing kiss completely forgetting about the party in the other room. 

[deliciousangelfestival]

The Imperfect Couple - 12

Character: politician!Bucky x ex-wife!reader

Summary: A separated couple must pretend to be happily married while the husband runs for Vice President, dealing with old issues and political pressures during his election campaign.

Warning: The couple's arguments could be triggering.

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3 , Chapter 4 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 6 , Chapter 7 , Chapter 8 , Chapter 9 , Chapter 10 , Chapter 11 , Chapter 12 , Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist || If you enjoy my work, please consider buying me a coffee on Ko-fi 🙏🏻

Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Leave a comment and Reblog, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts. ❤️

It’s just a bluff, one you’ve perfected over the years. You’ve pulled this trick countless times, especially when someone refuses to give you the information you need. Most crack under the pressure, some get nervous and spill their secrets, just as you want.

But a few? A few see right through you.

And Bucky? He was one of those.

He scoffed, leaning back with that infuriating smirk. "I like this mind game."

You sighed inwardly, knowing you’d lost this round. He wasn't going to give anything up.

The tension hung thick in the air until the bathroom door creaked open, and Nate emerged, oblivious to the storm brewing between you and his uncle. Spotting his small luggage by the counter, he beamed, zipping it open to grab a change of clothes and, of course, his stash of snacks.

With his arms full, Nate wandered over to the both of you and handed each a snack—his favorite, the snack he wasn’t allowed to have at home. His parents and Hazel were strict about it, but he knew he could get away with it here, as long as he shared. This was his little bribe.

"This is my favorite," he said, grinning up at you both.

You couldn’t resist. You pulled him into a tight hug, squeezing him gently. “Why are you so damn cute?”

Bucky, knowing exactly how strict Hazel and his parents were about junk food, raised an eyebrow. "Where did you get this? Did you ask the nanny?"

Nate shook his head, completely unfazed. "No. Uncle Steve gave it to me."

That name. The second Nate said it, it felt like an ice-cold bucket had been dumped over your head. You looked at Bucky, and his face tightened. His reaction told you everything—you weren't the only one feeling uneasy.

Something was going on, and Steve’s name was right in the middle of it.

You cleared your throat, determined to break the lingering awkwardness. “Let’s have lunch first. After that, what do you want to do next?”

Nate's eyes widened, his face lighting up with excitement as he turned to look at the spacious living room and the big TV. “Can we watch movies after lunch? Then take a nap together on that big couch?”

He’d seen that in a movie. With his grandparents, he could never relax like that, but he knew his uncles were much more laid-back. He wants to fall asleep while watching his favorite cartoon, being close to his uncle and aunt.

“Sure.” You patted his head gently, feeling a warmth spread through you. Besides, it had been ages since you’d enjoyed a good nap. It felt like a luxury for adults these days.

Lunch turned into a delightful moment of relaxation as the three of you settled around the table. Nate's innocent chatter filled the air, weaving a lightness into the atmosphere that slowly pushed away the tension between you and Bucky. Nate asked questions about everything under the sun—his eyes sparkling with curiosity as he talked about his favorite cartoons and the superheroes he admired.

After lunch, the three of you cozied up on the couch to watch a cartoon movie together. Nate nestled himself right in the middle, sprawled across both of you, laughter echoing through the room.

Within forty minutes, however, the excitement wore him out. He fell asleep, his head resting against your right arm. You smiled, reaching over to gently cup his cheek with your hand. “How did he get such a bubbly personality, considering the Barnes don’t seem to have it?” you mused aloud.

Bucky glanced at you, a soft smile tugging at his lips. “He’s different, isn’t he?” He reached over to place a soft pillow under Nate’s head, ensuring he was comfortable.

“Maybe my parents realized how strict they were raising me, Shawn, and Hazel. When Nate was born, I was surprised by how much gentler they are with him,” Bucky added, his voice softer, as if reflecting on the changes in his family.

“Do you think Steve has a bright character too? I wonder,” you said, still watching the peaceful expression on Nate's face.

Bucky’s smile faded, replaced by a more serious demeanor. “Why do you have to ruin this moment, my love?” he teased lightly before standing up and walking toward the balcony door. He opened it and stepped outside, lighting a cigarette.

You were surprised to see Bucky smoking; he hadn’t done that since you arrived. You knew he wasn’t a regular smoker, but sometimes the stress got to him.

You followed him outside, the cool breeze washing over you as you stepped onto the balcony. Bucky turned to face you, resting his back against the railing. His head tilted back, looking up at the sky as he released a plume of smoke from his lips.

“There’s a difference between me and Steve,” Bucky said, his voice steady yet reflective. “I got into this because of connections.” He paused, knowing that his privileged background played a significant role in his current position. “While Steve? He started from the military. He had no backup. He had real ambitions.”

Bucky’s eyes narrowed, his tone cutting through the tension like a blade. "You see me as a manipulative person," he said, flicking the ash from his cigarette. "But you have no idea how manipulative Steve is."

Your heart skipped a beat at the mention of Steve. The insinuation sent a chill down your spine, and you straightened your posture, folding your arms tightly across your chest. You weren't sure if Bucky was trying to manipulate you again or if he was genuinely warning you about something darker. Either way, the unease crept in.

Bucky’s gaze lingered on you. “If you knew… compared to him, you’d think of me as an angel.”

You raised an eyebrow, your skepticism clear. “That’s hard to believe.”

A humorless smile tugged at Bucky’s lips. “He's a man of plans. If you and I think two steps ahead, Steve’s already thought 100 steps ahead.”

You let out a slow, steady breath, the weight of his words pressing against your chest. “That doesn't excuse what you've done,” you replied, your voice low but firm. “You’re still responsible for dragging me into this.”

Bucky's smirk returned, but this time it held something deeper—almost regretful. “You might think I brought you here just for my own selfishness, but it's also for your protection.”

You blinked, the words hitting you like a slap. “You? Protect me? That’s a joke.” You couldn’t help the bitterness that slipped into your tone. The idea that he’d done anything selfless seemed ridiculous.

Bucky's smirk deepened, almost daring you to challenge him. “Like I said before—you can hate me, stab me, poison me. I’ll take it. But you need to know, I won’t let you get hurt.”

The conviction in his voice sent a tremor through you, but you masked it with a sharp exhale. “Who wants to hurt me?”

Bucky's expression shifted, something darker brewing in his eyes. “You can figure out the truth about Nate. I’m sure you can connect the dots.”

You felt your stomach drop as your thoughts raced. Could he be implying…? No, it couldn’t be. But then again, there were too many unanswered questions. “Is this about the election? And Steve?”

Bucky took a long drag from his cigarette before answering, the smoke swirling in the cool air. “You were walking through a minefield, and I got you out before you stepped on something that could blow your life apart.”

His words struck hard, and you bit your lip, turning over the recent jobs you’d taken. None of them seemed directly linked to the election, but you were a journalist with many connections, many stories—maybe one of them had crossed the wrong lines without you realizing it.

“This… this just makes me wonder even more why you chose to support Steve,” you said, a bitter edge creeping into your voice.

Bucky stubbed out his cigarette against the balcony railing. “His leadership fits this country. You can disagree with that all you want. But Steve… Steve loves this country.”

You frowned, your mind spinning. Could that really be it? Could Bucky, despite all the manipulations and half-truths, genuinely believe Steve was the right person to lead? Or was this yet another layer of the twisted game they were all playing?

Bucky’s gaze softened slightly as he glanced at Nate through the glass door, the boy still soundly asleep on the couch.

“About Nate…” Bucky hesitated for a moment, and you could sense the weight of the words he was about to speak.

Your pulse quickened, your eyes narrowing as you waited for him to continue.

“I won’t add more to what you already know,” he finally said, his voice heavy with the promise. “Because I made a vow—I’ll take the truth about Nate and Hazel to my grave.”

The room seemed to tilt slightly, and a cold realization settled over you. Whatever secret Bucky was keeping, it was bigger than you’d thought. And it wasn’t just about the election… it was about Nate and Hazel.

“So, I should be grateful that you dragged me out of a minefield?” You raised an eyebrow, the skepticism clear in your voice. “I’m not even sure it exists.”

Bucky met your gaze, unflinching. “Why do you think I’ve supported the independent company where you work?” His tone was steady, calm. “I could’ve ruined it. Could’ve made it go bankrupt, easily.”

Your fists clenched at your sides, heat rising in your chest. His words stung, even though he wasn’t saying them with any malice. Still, you couldn’t help the tension building inside you.

But then his voice softened, the intensity in his blue eyes never wavering. “You probably didn’t realize it,” Bucky continued, “but you’ve already passed through a minefield that could’ve ruined Steve.”

Your breath caught for a moment. Wait. Does that mean he sees me as a threat? The thought swirled in your mind, unsettling you. Was that why Bucky had been hovering around, keeping a close watch?

The room seemed to shrink around you, the air thick with the weight of unspoken truths. You searched Bucky’s face, trying to read between the lines. But there was no malice, no manipulation there—just something deeper, something protective.

“What are you trying to say?” you asked, your voice quieter now, a mix of confusion and frustration.

Bucky’s eyes softened. “I’m not here to control you. I just… don’t want you to get caught in the crossfire of something bigger than either of us.”

You let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding, the tension still lingering, but his words had shifted something inside you.

"Crossfire?" you scoffed, shaking your head. "It’s ironic, isn’t it? We can talk about other people, stay calm. But when it’s about us? All we ever do is argue."

Bucky’s jaw tightened at your words. She’s right, he thought, his heart aching with guilt. It’s always a fight when it comes to us.

He wanted to say something to ease the tension, but every word seemed wrong. He watched you—how your arms crossed defensively, how tired your eyes looked. Not angry, just… tired of it all.

“I know,” Bucky finally admitted, his voice rough with regret. “I’m the one who keeps messing this up. I keep dragging us into this same damn fight.”

You didn’t blink, didn’t soften. You were too worn down by it all. "Then why keep doing it?" you asked, voice tinged with exhaustion. "Why keep playing these games, Bucky? I’m tired. I’m so tired of being caught in your manipulation. It’s like… you don’t even care what it does to me."

Bucky winced at the rawness in your words, the reality of it hitting him hard. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling the weight of his mistakes like never before. “I wasn’t trying to hurt you,” he said quietly, his gaze dropping. “I know it looks like that, but… I never meant for it to be this way. I did it because I was scared.”

Your heart clenched at the confession, but the exhaustion was still there, weighing you down. “Scared of what? Of just talking to me? Of being honest?”

Bucky shook his head, stepping closer, his hand twitching like he wanted to reach for you but unsure if he could. “I was scared of losing you again,” he admitted, his voice cracking slightly. “I did everything I could to keep you here, to keep you close. But I know I went about it all wrong. I twisted things, manipulated situations, because I thought it was the only way.”

You stared at him, your chest tightening as his words sunk in. He wasn’t trying to push you away—he was clinging to you, so tightly that it hurt.

“You have no idea what that feels like, Bucky,” you whispered, your voice thick with emotion. “To be pulled into your games, not knowing why, thinking I don’t matter to you. It’s exhausting.”

Bucky’s face fell, the guilt in his eyes unmistakable. “I know. And I hate that I did that to you,” he said softly. “I hate myself for it. But it wasn’t because I didn’t care. It’s because I care too much, and I didn’t know how to handle it.”

You could see the truth in his eyes now, the desperation behind his actions. It didn’t erase the pain, but it explained it.

“I was afraid that if I didn’t do everything I could, you’d leave me again,” Bucky continued, his voice shaky. “And I couldn’t take that. Not again. I know I’ve been manipulative, and I know I’ve hurt you because of it. But I was doing it to keep you close… not to push you away. I’m sorry.”

Your throat tightened, the weight of his confession settling in. You hated what he had done, but you could finally see where it came from—fear, desperation, and a love so deep he didn’t know how to control it.

Bucky stepped closer again, this time more confident. “I’ll stop,” he said, voice steady but full of regret. “I’ll stop with the manipulation, with the games. You deserve so much better than that. You deserve better than me, but I’m not giving up. I’ll make things right if you let me.”

You didn’t answer right away, the ache of everything still too fresh. But before you could respond, Bucky took a step back, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear.

“I don’t want to lose you again,” Bucky whispered, his voice barely audible. “But I’ll understand if I already have.”

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[reallyromealone]

another part for resilient please!! 🥹🥹

Title: resilient

Chapter 3

Fandom: stranger things

Characters: stranger things cast

Fic type: angst

Pairings: Eddie x reader

Warnings: male reader, reader insert, omegaverse, angst, single parent reader, arguments

Notes:

🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

(Name) Sat at the diner booth once more, staring at his cup of coffee anxiously as he glanced out the window, Steve sitting beside him watching calmly for any sign of Eddie "You know you don't have to do this, right?" Steve said to his friend, the Omega letting out a shaky breath "I gotta do this, this isn't about me... This is about my son" (name) focused on the task, face going calm as the sound of the front door bell jingled and the two looked to see... Nancy.

The beta woman walked in to collect her lunch order, having placed it over the phone as she locked eyes with Steve and smiled at the Alpha before glancing at the Omega beside him and the room went cold. It wasnt a secret that Nancy still had feelings for Steve despite being in a relationship, she acted like she could collect mates without any thought of others feelings.

(Name) Just stared at her, the other straightening her back at the omegas cold stare but still she walked to them "(name), Steve" she tried to keep civil and (name) spoke "don't worry, we aren't fucking so you don't need to be here" he smiled and Nancy glared at him "Ok can you get over that?"

"Over you turning my rape into a reason to ruin my life further? Not a chance in hell"

"Nancy leave" Steve said seriously to the woman who glared at (name) but the Alpha tone wasn't one she could ignore as she angrily left, passing Eddie who seemed confused at the affair that went down but decided not to press as he was here bigger reasons than petty drama Nancy is starting.

"Steve... Long time no see" Eddie seemed a bit nervous at the other alpha who could fold him like a lawn chair within seconds, (name) holding a paper of His rules and boundaries be wanted set for his son.

"Munson" Steve said flatly and (name) sighed "lets get started" he whispered as he slid his list to the rockstar "visitations are supervised, he eats what I allow, he goes where I go and you don't buy him things unless I approve it" he said seriously "my focus is my son, if you try any shit I will have Steve drop kick you into the next century"

Eddie never seen (name) so composed and serious "and if you want to be in my son's life, you don't go running off and leaving him" (name) got close as he stared at Eddie seriously "I will not let you hurt my son" Eddie kept composure, he had years to grow up and he did "I will do whatever is needed to be with my son" and you, god he wanted to hold him close but he knew if he even got close to him that Steve would punt him.

"Good, we can arrange the meeting next Wednesday" no room for any nonsense as (name) sipped his drink "he has naps at 12:30 till 1:30 so come for 2:15" Steve was proud of (name) "do you have any questions or things if the sort?"

"Can I buy him a toy?" He asked genuinely and (name) bit his cheek but nodded "nothing that makes mess" Eddie's smile could blind a person and (name) held back from any reaction as to not give the Alpha any hopes, even if his heart fluttered just like when he was a teenager.

"And nothing that will drive me up the wall!" (Name) Said seriously and the rockstar deflated slightly "not even a guitar?"

"Maybe when he is a bit older" (name) stood up with Steve while Eddie followed suit, offering his hand to shake "see you then?" He asked hopefully and (name) took a deep breath 'for (sons name)' he thought and took his hand, tentatively shaking it and Steve could see the stress in his eyes.

When the two got into the car, Steve watched (name) silently cry in the passenger seat and decided to start driving to avoid any eyes on the Omega "why does he have to be like this!" (Name) Sobbed out, hugging himself while Steve watched heartbroken "H-he just vanishes and suddenly is father of the fucking year!"

Steve just let (name) go through the motions, driving back to the omegas home and by time they got there, be mostly composed himself.

"I just want this party to go well... Please god" he mumbled getting out of the car and Steve Pat his shoulder.

-

Wednesday came way to fast.

(Name) Watched his son eat some grapes while paw patrol played on, (sons name) transfixed while having his 45 minutes of tv time. Hopp in the back working on something but close enough to be there in a second if (name) needed him.

Knock knock.

God no he was here.

(Name) Stood up and shakily walked to the door, mentally preparing himself for the Alpha who indeed was standing there looking equally as petrified.

"Hello Eddie" (name) said softly, staring at the brunette with false confidence and Eddie nodded with a sheepish smile "hey.... I brought a not annoying or messy toy" in his hands was a teddy bear that wore a little leather jacket and a kids parody of Metallica.

"Let me go tell him he has a guest... Wait here"

(Name) Let Eddie stand I'm the entrance before going to see his son "hey buddy... I have someone I want you to meet..." (Name) Said softly to the pup looked up at him confused "you can come in now" (name) said to Eddie who stepped in, shoes off and heart racing at the sight of his son. God he was perfect.

"It papa" (sons name) pointed to the rockstar with a calm tone, looking up at (name) for confirmation and (name) nodded softly "he knows me?" Eddie asked with a wet voice, tears threatening to fall as (sons name) toddled towards him and handed him a cracker.

"Hi... I'm your papa" Eddie accepted the slightly soggy cracker and let the boy lead him away while (name) watched them interact in the background, not wanting to interfere unless needed.

"Papa make music" (sons name) said confidently and looked to (name) "daddy! Music?"

"He knows my music?" Eddie asked (name) who sighed "he wanted to know who his dad was... I wasn't going to lie to him, he only listens to the clean versions though" (name) said simply and grabbed some drinks for the adults, little (sons name) wanting a sip from (name)s, always curious to try his Dams food.

"So, sweety why don't you show your papa your paw patrol toys?" (Name) Urged the tot who gave a shy little smile, the same one (name) had when he was really happy and flustered.

"I gaw them awl!" (Sons name) Said excitedly, his slight speech impediment more prominent as he got more amped up "come!" And with that, Eddie was dragged to his toy box and (name) got thirty minutes of peace.

What he wasn't expecting was Eddie to be so invested in his son's favorite show and his toys, absorbing everything in. (Name) Loved his son and the things he enjoyed but he heard this stuff... Constantly, 24/7 and it was nice to not to hear paw patrol lore for a bit. He watched the two interact and for a second, his heart felt the warmth of them being a family but quickly crushed that sensation.

Eddie was going to be a proper father.

Nothing else.

Not after what he did.

(Name) Admired how his son, his world was so insistent on showing every single thing and being so proud of it all "I got this with my money!" He said with pride and (name) spoke up "he gets an allowance for helping around the house, two dollars a chore" pointing to the chore Jar, a cutely decorated jar half filled with dollar bills and coins.

And a twenty that grandpa Hoppy put in.

"You must be such a big helper!" Eddie cheered to his son who smiled that big Eddie smile.

"I am!" Big help!"

(Sons name) Made both his parents play with him, (name) knowing what nonsense the pup was trying to convey and Eddie struggled to keep up.

-

"I missed so much" Eddie said in a solemn tone, standing outside the house and (name) stared without any pity "you did" his words flat and Eddie flinched a bit at how cold (name) was "when can I visit next?"

"His party, don't be late it starts at 12"

[illfoldthelaundry]

im rewatching the outsiders and i have a few thoughts

1. they took every chance to get these boys shirtless

2. cherry hate is never allowed

3. i mean id make em shirtless as much as possible too

4. i love sodapop but johnny and dally really do have such a special place in my heart. i forget how much i love them

5. i love the hug so much.

6. im in love with rob lowe in this movie

7. why does dally cut himself in the hospital hello??

7. rip to tim shephards place in the movie

8. why is paul literally 40 years old

9. ralph macchio has found the fountain of youth

10. why did paul wesr white pants to the rumble

11. pony acting sick is the best part of this movie. should be a comedy at this point

12. i feel like we don’t talk about matt dillon’s performance enough

13. i know this is so sad but i can’t get over how fine matt dillon is. like im sorry guys-

14. i have too much of this movie memorized

15. steve asking soda if he looks tuff and soda telling him it makes him look different was one of the pillars for all of the stevepop shippers

16. this movie hurts so bad

17. i should reread the book

18. dally calls darry “darrel”

19. they’re all just kids i cant.

20. okay guys i need more movies like this pleeeaseeee !! whether it’s with these same actors or gutwrenchingly sad or set in the 60s. help please !!

[steddieas-shegoes]

Steve and Eddie go through the whole adoption process in 1996, despite how difficult it was to find somewhere willing to help them at all and despite their conflicted feelings on adoption.

The way they saw it though, providing a loving home for a child who needed one was better than the alternative. Eddie had enough experience with temporary foster homes to know stability was better than constant moving and questionable foster parents.

They get a foster placement almost immediately, a six year old girl named Amelia. She’s quiet, but not in a way that worries them. She’s very focused, and enjoys going to school more than any regular children’s hobbies. Neither of them know what to do with that other than keep encouraging it.

She stays for months, months turn into a year, and the agency finally gives them the go ahead to complete the adoption process.

But they don’t do anything without talking to Amelia.

She’s happy there, her therapist signs off on it immediately and explains that Amelia has shown more personality development and less signs of trauma with them than she had even living at home. Not to mention they actually brought her to appointments, unlike her previous guardians.

To celebrate, they throw a party with all their friends and family and tell Amelia she can invite anyone from school she wants. She invites everyone.

Turns out their daughter is a social butterfly and is friends with everyone.

At the party, Eddie pulls out his guitar, plays a bunch of popular kid-friendly songs after a very scathing look from Steve as a reminder to behave.

Amelia walks over to him after a few songs, on a sugar high like he’d never seen on her before, and asks to play the guitar.

He’s hesitant, but not because he’s still protective of his guitars, more because he doesn’t want her to embarrass herself in front of her friends. Kids are cruel, even and especially at seven, and the last thing he wants is this to be the thing that kids talk about for the next ten years.

She sits on the couch and holds it, arranging her fingers…correctly. Eddie watches.

Steve is watching from across the room.

She starts strumming, very quietly at first, not as confident as she’d been a moment ago. And then she starts really playing.

It’s one of the songs Eddie wrote. He played it for the last four months nonstop as he perfected it, and she’d apparently been watching.

Eddie’s jaw is on the floor and he quickly looks over to Steve, who has a similar look of surprise on his face.

He doesn’t interrupt her. She makes it through the entire song.

She looks up.

“When did you learn to play guitar?” Eddie asks.

“When I was watching you.”

“But have you played before tonight?”

Amelia shook her head, looking down. “Didn’t wanna touch it without asking.”

Eddie pulls the guitar from her hands and sets it aside, then pulls her into his lap and hugs her. Steve sits down on the couch next to them, hand on her back.

“You can always ask, sweetie. And if you’re this interested and this natural, we can buy you your own guitar if you want. I didn’t think you were interested in playing.”

“I wanna be like you,” Amelia admitted against his shoulder.

Eddie was done for. He looked at Steve, half-panicked, trying not to cry in front of these people, but Steve wasn’t faring any better.

“Then we can go get you a guitar tomorrow. You can get your own picks, too. They might even have purple ones.”

“Can I have red? Like yours?”

“Of course, sweetie.”

It only took them two days after that to realize she could play by ear, just like Eddie.

And then it only took another day after that to realize she had taught herself to read music too.

They spent hours and hours every week playing together while Steve cooked dinner or checked her homework or just watched them.

When Eddie’s band decided to record another album and go on tour when Amelia was 12, Eddie insisted that she get to be on it.

She ended up helping write one of their songs, played on the track on the album, and with a lot of work, convinced Steve to let them homeschool her for the entire 8 months they’d be on tour so she could perform on stage with her dad.

“Can’t believe she’s not even genetically yours. Are you sure you didn’t have an affair?” Steve asked the night before they were leaving for Europe.

“When would I have had an affair? I came back to the tour bus or hotel with you every single night,” Eddie kissed him softly. “She’s amazing, huh?”

“She is. What happens when she wants to be a full blown rockstar like her dad too?”

“Then we make sure she’s protected and has good people around her like I have. She could be a rockstar easily. She’s got the talent and the presence,” Eddie smiled. “And she’s got me to make sure no one takes advantage of her. But she’s only 12. We’ve got time to worry about that later.”

“You’re bringing her onstage every single night all over the world for the next eight months, baby. I think later is now.”

Eddie sighed. “She’s gonna blow them all away. I’m proud of her. Let’s focus on that for now.”

And she did blow everyone away. The fans and the media had nothing but good things to say, and Steve didn’t have to go into overprotective mom mode at all until she was 15 and signing a record deal of her own.

But between Eddie and him, the entire industry knew better than to fuck with her or them.

They made rules, of course. School still came first, she still had required family events to be at, she still had regular friends at home. She wasn’t allowed at any parties, not even the events for award ceremonies.

But she didn’t really need those rules. She had no interest in parties or abandoning her friends or family, and she was a straight A student who still had hopes of getting into Brown for Journalism like her Aunt Nancy. She had a passion for music and wanted to share it, but not at the cost of the rest of her life.

And Eddie and Steve did everything they could to make sure she got to have everything. That’s what they’d promised her from day one.

[kingcrow01]

DC x Marvel Fic Recs

@jas-per11 @letthedeadghostrest

Hello! I saw your post, and I've been meaning to rec some DC x Marvel fics anyways, so I'll do that here. I don't know what you've read, so I'll start with

Peter Parker / DC Series:

The Dark Matter Multiverse Series by @mysterycyclone

Dark Matter is the blueprint for most Peter Parker / DC fics, and it's also fucking fantastic. If you're reading a crossover and don't understand why, without explanation, Peter is talking to ghosts? Why he by default ends up living in a firehouse? Read Dark Matter.

Spider and Bat Friends Series by @emmacortana

So far, 12 well written and hilarious works from my all-time favorite author, Miss emmacortana. This, coming from someone with over 1,500 bookmarks. She's that good.

Bitsy and The Bats Series Series by @wibbwoby

Haven't read this one in a while, so I don't have much to say, but Rated T for Traumatized is an absolute classic.

Pizzaverse Series by Irisen

A heavier read, wherein Peter tries to keep his job, make rent, and has a lot of unfortunate run-ins with Gotham's rogues.

Peter & The BatBoys (Doctor AU) Series by @thepoppypress

Peter is the Wayne family's doctor. He has a... chaotic time. I've only read Part 1, but I am still including this here because it's a series.

Peter Parker needs a hug (From the BatFamily) Series by @true-blue-fool

Shorter fics about Peter bonding with the Batfamily. Part 3 is especially cute.

Spider and Bats Series by @superklutzkent

Peter Parker whump, featuring the Batfam. All of the whump.

Let's take a break and look at some DC x Marvel fics that DON'T feature Peter:

Steve Rogers: Man out of Time and Place Series by RavenclawAngel

After Civil War, Steve gets exiled to DCs earth and builds a new team.

from the nucleus flight Series by @blackkatmagic

Khonshu whisks (Comic) Moon Knight away to DC. Very well written and passionate. If it's not your thing, don't let the Bruce Wayne/Marc Spector tag dissuade you from reading; since it's unfinished, the ship hasn't happened yet, and it's too good of a fic to miss out on.

The Devil's in Gotham (Remastered) by @prince-link13

Matt Murdock moves to Gotham and befriends Jason Todd, his neighbor. Bruce Wayne/Matt Murdock

Marvel/DC Crossovers Series by @bamboozled-and-alone

What it says on the tin. My favorite, part 2, is Matt Murdock taking care of Damian Wayne.

Echolocation Series by Firecat23

Matt Murdock and the bats; though, part 6 does have Team Red, meaning Peter.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming:

Peter Parker slash fics:

Cassandra Cain/Peter Parker

Along Came a Spider Series by @rags-n-bones

Quiet Respite by @faeriekit

I'm not too far in this one yet, but it's Faeriekit, so it's bound to be good.

Peter Parker/Tim Drake, affectionately called redspider

a shining spider web by Selador

Needling by LaughingFreak

How dimension travel can lead to love. Series by Psychic_Queen05

My current Favorite Ongoing Peter Parker / DC Crossovers:

The Ones Burnt by This_is_lovin

After the events of No Way Home, Dr. Strange's magic sends Peter to Gotham. He wakes up in another boy's body, and has to deal with the consequences. Part one just ended with a bang, you all should be there for part two, it's gonna be awesome.

Arachnomaly by @songue85

The (Comic) Amazing Spider-Man, being neighborly in Gotham. Plus some sick art from the author.

time flies by (bye) by WHYISEVERYNAMETAKEN

Two difficult years after No Way Home, Peter ends up in Gotham, but with a whole lot of introspection. One chapter left; you better be there.

All of the rest, that didn't fit in the prior categories:

Unforeseen Consequences by @mysterycyclone

Gotta Get to Rock Bottom! by @emmacortana

Read the initial notes first.

Set Naked on Your Kingdom by sassydandelion

Peter's Gotham Debut by BlankGeode, Leeavy

This Was Home by @emmacortana

The Peter Parker Theory by nicfics

and even though we are strange and exquisitely scarred by Wingfeather6913

What happens in New York by @violent138

A Long Way From Home (And No Way Back) by Vivia_wants_boba

Ignorance is Death by No_idea_what_Im_doing_lmaooo

One Dead Spider by Miellonek

If you do check out any of these fics, always leave a comment. Authors love those, it’s like catnip to them.

-

edit: I have another list for all of the DC x Marvel fics I read in 2024. enjoy!

[metalfreaks86]

Senior Year | Rating: Mature | 50,728 [30 Chapters]

Author: Skepsiss / Skepsis_Ree

Artist: metalfreaks86

Beta Reader: QoS1312 / midsummer-semantics

[Link to the Fic] | [Link to art]

Pairings: Eddie Munson/Steve Harrington

Characters: Eddie Munson, Steve Harrington, Robin Buckley, Nancy Wheeler, Billy Hargrove

Tags: Slow Burn, steddie, high school romance, after season 2, During Season 3, Post Season 4, Romance, Angst with a Happy Ending, Sharing a Bed, Steve Harrington Queer awakening, Bisexual Eddie Munson, Demisexual Steve Harrington, Biromantic Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington Needs a Hug, Falling In Love, Hurt/Comfort Emotional, Hurt/Comfort Angst and Hurt/Comfort

Trigger Warnings: Underage Drinking, Underage Drug Use, Depression, Anxiety, Eddie flags and has hook ups, Heartbroken, Bullying, use of slurs, Injury, Permanent Disability, recovering from injury in the hospital, fade to black sex scene, briefly described blow jobs

↳ Keep reading below for a summary!

Summary: What happened in Steve’s senior year of high school? We know that he almost failed grade 12, and we know he had ‘lost his groove’ by mid-summer of 1985, but what happened between November 1984 and July 1985? And what if Steve actually made friends with Eddie Munson during that time instead of being alone? Senior Year is a fic about Steve struggling with PTSD and depression through his final months of high school, and how he slowly spiralled downward, making it impossible for him to get into college, and damaging his confidence so badly he couldn’t get a date if he begged. During senior year, Steve does make a connection with Eddie though, and their odd on-again, off-again ‘friendship’ becomes a staple in both their lives. This is a story about coping, the struggles of a broken heart, and making connections. There are genuine, raw moments, but in the end, the connection these two boys have is strong enough to see them through it all—even if it takes them both a long time to realize that they have feelings for one another.

[neversendmesadpb5editsbciwillcry]

ok so ik this is lowk bad but i had this idea and i needed to write it lol and this is inspired by the story Flight 2136 or something like that lol ill come back and tag the creator later bc they deserve credit yk lol and this prob is confusing and very fast paced so im sorry in advance if you read this im new to writing bc normally i keep it to myself lol but i hope one person enjoys this and i have another section planned out so i will continue if some1 wants me too :) i don’t have a title so if you have an idea feel free to tell me and give me advice

warnings: mentions of drug use and abuse, swearing, and mental health issues (pls tell me if i forgot something)

this is based in an alternative universe and reminder ! nothing is real ! this is all fake ! they are real people and this is not intended for them to see !

playlist:

dark red - steve lacy

fine line - harry styles

listen before i go - billie eilish

the greatest - billie eilish

xanny - billie eilish

high and dry - radiohead

freaks- surf cruse

race - alex g

piano man - billy joel ⭐️

symphonia IX - current joys

invisible string - taylor swift

7:09 AM January 19th, 2020

“Azzi, Azzi, Azzi! Wake up!” Jose practically sobbed as he violently shook Azzi awake.

“What do you want Jose- wait what wrong,” Azzi quickly woke up once she saw the hysterical state her brother was in.

“It’s Paige! Something’s wrong, look at the news!” Jose said as he shoved his phone into his sister’s face.

Azzi barely had registered anything else but once she saw the headline on the article in front of her all she could read was:

“PAIGE BUECKERS, NO. ONE RECRUIT OF CLASS OF 2020, DOES NOT COMMIT TO ANY SCHOOL AND GONE OFF SOCIAL MEDIA, WHAT HAPPENED?”

“What the fuck!” Azzi almost screeched when she read the headline. 

Azzi shoved Jose out of the way before running to her parents bedroom, Jose quickly trailing behind her.

“MOM, MOM, WAKE UP PLEASE! ITS PAIGE SOMETHINGS WRONG! MOM!” Azzi was frantic and uncontrollable at this point, opening up her last messages with Paige.

p💗:

practice was so bad today

coach sucks

i miss you

i feel terrible like the life is sucked out of me

i don’t want to go out there im scared 

a💗:

i’m sorry:( practice should be good tmrw tho right?

coach just knows you can do good i promise you’re great yk

it’s gonna b ok though, you can always call me and i can even fly out if you really want me to

you’ll be ok i promise, you’re great with the media

i miss you too

p💗: 

thanks

i just feel like im losing my spark 

like no one believes me

well i know you and my family do but like

i don’t believe in myself anymore and that’s the hardest part

i feel like basketball is gonna b the death of me tho 😂

i see you in three weeks though its ok dw abt me too much ;) lol

thanks 

a💗:

quit be annoying 

and you’re not bad at all 

you’re literally number one recruit in the u.s. 

i believe in you enough for both of us combined even though it’s hard for you to see

i can’t watch the livestream so text me when you’re done pls 

i’m always here for you <3

p💗:

thanks

i will 

ily az

a💗:

ilyt p 💗 sleep well tn pls you need it 

last read yesterday 6:58 PM

“Honey what’s wrong, tell me, I can’t do anything to help if you don’t tell me,” Katie Fudd said as she rubbed her temples from being up so early in the morning.

Azzi frantically texted Paige,

a💗:

16 missed calls from p💗- 12:17 AM 

PAIGE

PAIGE MADISON

PAIGE MADISON BUECKERS

PAIGE

WHATS WRONG

I SAW THE NEWS ARTICLE 

FROM LIKE 30 MINUTES AGO

ANSWER ME

WHATS WRONG

THIS ISNT LIKE YOU

WHAT HAPPENED 

PLS TELL ME

WERE YOU HACKED OR SOMETHING

YOU WOULD NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS DELETE YOUR SOCIALS

PLS TELL ME THIS IS A PRANK

YOURE FUNNY YK

PLEASE ANSWER ME 😭😭😭

*37 missed calls from a💗 7:16 AM

“Mom, it’s Paige, she- she…” Azzi lips trembled before she could finish her sentence.

“She’s gone offline and won’t answer Azzi,” Jose finished for Azzi, after calming down a bit.

“What- What do you mean, Jose?” Katie asked as she hugged her daughter and rubbed her back in an attempt to soothe her.

“Look,” Jose said tears coming to his eyes again while he showed his mom his and Azzi’s phones. At this point, Tim and Jon were stirring awake from all the commotion in their house.

“Babe- wait Honey what’s wrong..” Tim said as he sat up looking at his family standing around in their bedroom.

“Holy shit…” Katie mumbled as she read the news headline and Azzi’s last conversation with Paige.

“It’s Paige, Tim. She, she-“ Katie sighed before she continued her brief rundown to Tim, “She deleted all her social media and won’t answer Azzi.”

“Holy fuck,” was all that Tim could muster up before he grabbed his phone, starting to text Bob, Paige’s dad.

“I’m blocked,” Azzi’s dad stated a matter of the fact, before turning the face his sobbing daughter. 

October 2nd, 2023, 11:57 AM

“So, Azzi, has anyone helped you keep your spirits extra high for this upcoming season as your third year here at UCONN?” the reporter stated before looking up at Azzi who stood there silently tapping her foot, anxiously waiting for the interview to be over.

“Um,” Azzi mumbled before looking at her feet. All that Azzi could think about ever for three years straight was Paige. Was Paige ok? Is she alive? Does she still play basketball? Does she hate me? Is her family ok? Is she in school? Did she miss me as much as I miss her?

The only thing that kept Azzi upright on most days and continuing playing basketball was the thought that Paige was going to someday be there beside her playing, living out their dream of playing together. All she ever thought about was Paige. Paige was what motivated her and kept her spirits up even though she hasn’t heard from her or her family in over three years.

“Uh, I would say my, um… best friend, Paige, you know, Paige Bueckers,” Azzi’s quietly said, silently praying now at this point the interview would be over.

“Oh! Have you been in contact with her? How is she doing?” the overwhelming, overly excited interviewer responded with while waiting for a response with her notebook out taking notes.

“Oh… uh, no,” Azzi said as tears threatened to spill out of her eyes, before stating “Um, I actually have to go, Coach is calling me.” Azzi gave a fake, lighthearted laugh while she heard her phone buzz violently in her pocket. Thankful for the excuse, she teared her phone out of her pocket and excused herself out of the lounge into Geno’s office. Once Azzi made it into Geno’s office, she immediately noticed the solemn, but tense expression on his face, filling the entire room with an energy that she knew she could not escape.

“Hey Coach” Azzi said before sitting down in one of the chairs across from Geno. 

“Well this is going to be an awkward conversation,” Geno stated before taking a deep breath. Azzi’s breath hitched, not knowing where this conversation could lead to.

“So, as I’ve been made aware of your situation with Paige Bueckers, you two were best friends until she um… disappeared you could say?” Geno said while slowly looking back up at Azzi. 

No. No. No. Why now. Any other time please. I do not want to have this conversation anymore even though it hasn’t even started. Azzi thought before looking at her coach and nodding her head, agreeing with what he was saying, too scared to say anything, afraid she would start crying.

“Well there has been some news that came out this morning, her family had contacted us explaining their situation and stated that Paige would be contacting us soon about transferring here, to UCONN, to complete her college degree and was interested in playing basketball with us this season if possible. We responded back saying that’s wonderful and we would love to meet her and get to know her before making further decisions. They also said that she wanted you, specifically, to know before anyone else on the team because she was nervous and wanted to know if you were okay with it. And yes, I got a brief rundown by them, they didn’t go into detail so I don’t know too much, about how she hasn’t texted you for the past three years or so and how you will most definitely be confused why she hasn’t said anything to you but I want you to know I can tell something happened and you need to be there for her and be welcoming when she just visits us soon,” Geno vocalized before standing up and giving Azzi a pat on the shoulder and sitting back down.

All that went through Azzi’s mind during that conversation was holy fuck, she’s gonna be here after three years would she even still want to talk to me. Azzi’s eyes immediately started welling up before she started spewing questions, “Do you know why she didn’t go to college in person? Is she ok? Is her family fine? What else do you know?!” Azzi sobbed as she wiped her face with her practice jersey.

“Her family stated that she could not attend college in person and had to get rid of her socials due to the fact that they had some issues at home and needed to focus on their family first. Trust me, I want to know the real story too and I am concerned for the poor girl because I know this is a big step for her. But they did tell me she has been doing online college for the past three years, but they believed she was ready to come back to school in person and wanted her to be able to play basketball because they know she couldn’t just go back to school and do nothing. I want her to play here because she could be great. Her playing here for just one or two years could really be big for us and her. You’ve got no reason to be afraid kiddo, maybe just the fact that she maybe an emotional wreck when she’s here,” Geno said chuckling at his last statement.

“Uh, ok. Thank you for letting me know Coach,” Azzi mumbled before standing up and walking out of the office. She quickly shot Nika a text, stating that she needed a ride back to the dorms because she couldn’t drive, before receiving a quick thumbs up and an ‘omw’ from Nika. Azzi was confused. How was she doing? Is she going to play with me again after the past three years? Is she going to want to play together again? She stood there outside of the practice facility in the chilly breeze before Nika pulled up.

“Girl, where’s your jacket? Oh wait, what’s wrong Honey?” Nika said as she quickly jumped out her car in a pair of sweats, opening the passenger door and putting Azzi’s gym bag in the back seat.

“Az, what happened?” Nika said softly as she wiped Azzi’s tears as she laid there looking out the window.

“She’s gonna be here Nik, she- she’s gonna want to see me after three years. Omg-“ Azzi hiccuped before completely breaking down.

“Oh baby, it’s gonna be ok,” Nika reassured her before pulling out to drive back to the dorms. 

“What if she never wants to see me again Nika, like, does she still consider me her best friend?” Azzi asked as she slowly, slowed her breathing down. 

“I think she would, wait, how’d you find out Paige is coming here, wait, she’s like coming back almost?” Nika asked incredulously once she processed sudden realization as she took a right turn.

“Coach told me, the rest of the team doesn’t know or the media, don’t tell them before Coach does please,”  Azzi said before laying down in the seat, closing her eyes, with tears still running down her cheeks.

“Don’t worry Az,” Nika reassured her as they pulled up to the dorms.

October 10th, 2023 1:23 PM

“Okay everybody, listen up” Geno barked as the group of girls in front of him shuffled into position.

“Paige is going to be here at 2. I expect nothing but kindness and welcoming introductions, no snarky comments or remarks, and especially no personal questions about those three years she was at home, got it?” Geno stated before staring at the group before him.

There were a few ‘Yes Coach’ and ‘Yes Sir’s before Geno spoke again.

“While we have time before she arrives, make sure the facility and your rooms are neat and tidy,” there was a brief pause before he spoke again, “I have a complete in depth map of the facility in case you want it, now before I let y’all run wild, I need Nika, Aaliyah, and Azzi to stay behind.”

Azzi’s breath hitched as she heard her name being called out by Geno but she stood there as she watched all the other girls leave, some heading towards the locker room, others going back to the dorms. The three girls stood there with as much confidence they could muster up, with all of their nail-biting nerves begging them to leave. 

“You guys will tour her around, show her everything and introduce her to all of the girls, got it?” Geno asked, waiting for a response.

“Yes Coach,” all three girls said before getting shooed off by Geno.

“I’m so royally fucked,” Azzi mumbled once they were out of earshot from their coach.

October 10th, 2023 11:45 AM

Paige stood their pacing her room. Her arms hurt and she could barely take a full breath. She woke up early that morning, trying to warn off any nerves she had before she had to face them, and her. Her hair was pulled back into a sleek, but messy bun, with little face framing pieces and light makeup. She wore long black cargo pants, a dark blue hoodie she had since her and Azzi were friends, and a small silver chain that had a small silver cross dangling off of it with some silver rings on her fingers that she liked or fidget with. She was put together on the outside for the most part. But on the inside, she was an emotional wreck. Her stomach dropped at the sudden ring from the room phone. Hoping it was not her parents, she breathlessly answered the phone, “Hello,” was all that she could put together before she hiccuped, hoping the other person on the line couldn’t hear the shakiness in her voice.

“Is this Paige Bueckers?” a small voice on the other line asked.

“Uh, yes- wait who is this?” Paige asked before she would answer anymore questions.

“Paigey! It’s Drew! Mom doesn’t know that I am calling, I just wanted to let you know that I love you and I hope you have a good day today,” there was a brief pause before he spoke again, “tell Azzi I said hi!”

Paige couldn’t believe it, she hadn’t heard from Drew since she got seperated from them three years ago. Her heart shattered when she heard Drew again,

“Oh, uh, I gotta go, Mom is coming. I love you Paigey.” 

Paige dropped the phone. 

“What the fuck,” she gasped as she scrambled to grab her phone and keys.

As Paige rushed out of her room, a whirlwind of emotions coursed through her veins. Drew’s voice echoed in her mind, reminding her of a time when family bonds felt unbreakable, a stark contrast to the reality she had faced over the past three years. She had missed so much due to herself, and the weight of that missed connection felt heavier than ever as she prepared to face a world that felt foreign to her now. Her hatred for her parents coursed through her veins as she pounded her way down the flights of stairs. 

So many emotions crashed over her like waves—relief that she was alive and breathing, guilt for leaving Drew, confusion about everything she had lost and everything she was about to face. It had taken her three years of fighting for her freedom, slowly chipping away at the barriers her parents had built around her since that terrible night in January 2020. After her overdose, everything changed dramatically. Her mother, terrified of losing her again, had imposed a strict regimen of control that included a sudden and complete cutoff from her former life. Friends became distant memories, her social media accounts vanished overnight, and the family she had once been inseparable from turned into strangers. The isolation felt suffocating, but Paige had poured all her energy into basketball—her one true escape and the one thing her parents let her do during that time. Waiting back in her hotel room were the hundreds of letters she wrote for Azzi, all of Azzi’s stuff she left back in Paige’s room years ago, and the letter from her mom she tore up and threw out before she read it. After almost tripping down the last three stairs, she got to her car and immediately started pulling out, GPS already pulled out to UCONN. She had watched every single one of Azzi’s games the past three years in the darkness of her own bedroom only feeling guilt of not being there right next beside her. All that she knew in this moment was that she was going to see Azzi again, reopening the already unhealed wound that cut deep through her heart and body.

October 10, 2023 2:03 PM

“Oh God,” Azzi said as she carefully watched Paige walk up to the gym through the doors.

“Hey, Azzi, you’re good girl. She is probably just as nervous as you,” Aaliyah reassured Azzi while giving her a small pat on the back.

“Yeah, as much as I have my own doubts, I know she’ll do just fine here,” Nika stated while also carefully staring out the glass double-doors.

Azzi’s heart dropped when she caught another glimpse of Paige. Her blonde her was just as she remembered, long, golden, and bright. Hey eyes matched the deep blue of her hoodie she wore that perfectly hung off of her tall but broad frame. She still walked with confidence although Azzi could see the slight hesitation she had in every step. Her posture was slightly lowered, Azzi assumed because of the cold breeze.

"She looks nervous," Azzi whispered, her voice barely audible. Nika and Aaliyah glanced at her, understanding the sentiment that lingered in the air as they sensed Azzi's growing unease.

"Remember what Coach said," Nika reminded her softly. "Just be welcoming. She needs to know that you’re still here for her.”

Once Paige made the pain staking walk to the entrance she opened the door anticipating the worse. She didn’t move far once she entered since she was instructed to not enter further without any of the coaches or teams’ guidance. But when she looked up to the second set of doors she saw her. She stood there, like always, with a quiet confidence, eyes big but comforting, and an oh so familiar aura around her Paige could not get enough of once she was in Azzi’s presence. They both immediately froze at the sight of each other, not knowing what to do. Paige was fortunate enough for Azzi to make the first move. She took a small step forward, with Nika and Aaliyah looming behind her.

“Hi,” Azzi breathed.

“Az,” Paige whispered, almost inaudible.

Before either of them could process their actions fully, they grasped onto each other like they were their lifelines.

“I’m sorry, like so sorry, I’m sor-“

“Don’t be sorry P, you’re here and that’s all that matters,” Azzi said as she buried her face into Paige’s shoulder.

“I didn’t mean to leave you, I promise, I-“ Paige sobbed as she dug her face into Azzi’s neck, trying to engrave every detail about Azzi into her brain all over again.

“Please don’t be mad at me,” Paige pleaded into Azzi’s ear.

“I could never be mad at you P.”

[ladykailitha]

The Au Pair Boy Part 14

There is just one more chapter, can you believe it? It is so insane to me that by this time next week, this story will be complete.

Thank you to everyone who has cheered me along, liked, commented, and reblogged. You guys are the best!!

In this we have Jane's happily ever after and the girl's birthday. And maybe a little bit of that final push for Steve and Eddie from Wayne.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13

~

Hopper was waiting in the front room, pacing back and forth. His face had been shaved and his goatee neatened up. His hair was neatly styled and he wore a well-fitted suit, all paid for, no doubt from Eddie’s coffers.

Soon enough Max was leading a very put together Jane. She was wearing a pink, sleeveless button up with the front tied and a white pleated skirt and matching flats. She put a hand on her head.

Eddie spotted the motion and jumped up. “I’ve got you!” He dashed off and came back with pink knitted beanie.

“Chrissy was learning how to knit for something to do while on tour,” he explained, handing it to her, “this was for Janie, but it was way too big.”

Jane pulled it over her head and then offered a tentative smile.

“Looks bitchin’, babe,” Eddie said with a broad smile and a thumb’s up.

Jane ducked her head to hide her blush as Max assured her that it did, in fact, look bitchin’. In the midst of everyone trying to cheer Jane up there was a knock on the door.

Steve went to go answer it as everyone else went to go sit in the living. He came back with a red-headed woman and an older man with grey hair.

“This is Dr. Owens who will be giving Jane a physical to make sure she’s okay,” he told them, “and this Barbara Holland. Joyce can’t be here because it’s a conflict of interest, but she told me Barb is the best of the best, so we’ll all be nice right?”

Everyone nodded.

Barb sat on the coffee table in front of Jane. “Hello, Jane. I’m Barb how are you feeling?”

Jane looked her dead in the eye and said with total conviction, “Safe.”

Barb smiled and reached out her hand. “Can I touch you?” Jane nodded and Barb gave her hand a squeeze. “I’m glad you feel that way and I’m going to do everything in my power to keep you feeling that way. So the first thing we’re going to do is the physical. You don’t have to get undressed or anything like that and then he’ll pull blood for testing.”

Jane’s eyes went wide but she nodded. Max took her other and gave it a squeeze of her own. She turned to Barb.

“Have you been informed of her being one of the Brenner experiments?” she asked coolly and formal.

Barb shared a glance with Dr. Owens and then turned back to the girls. “Yes, we have and I understand having her blood drawn is super scary for her, but we need to make sure she didn’t catch anything while living on the streets that need to be treated. We wouldn’t want her sick, right?”

Max glared at her for a moment and then nodded.

The rest of the meeting went really well with Dr. Owens being very gentle with Jane and making sure she knew what he was doing at all times. Barb was able to get all the information that she needed. She informed them that Becky Ives again refused to take custody of the girl, but was willing to allow Jane to visit her mom.

As she rose she asked one last question. “Which of the three of you will accepting parentis in loco?”

Hopper stood up quickly. “That would be me. I’ve got a house on the property with two bedrooms and everything she could want.”

Barb picked her file. “Yes, it seems that you passed the background check with flying colors. So congratulations Jim and Jane, you are now a family.”

Jane’s eyes lit up. “Just like that?”

Barb nodded and Jane and Max hugged each other. Then she started hugging everyone else, including, to everyone surprise, Dr. Owens.

Then they said goodbye.

Steve clapped his hands together. “I think it’s time to celebrate, who’s up for pizza?!”

Everyone cheered and Hopper and Eddie shared knowing glance.

~

Of course it wasn’t really that simple, but as far Jane needed to know it was. Hopper had a lot of meetings with Barb and Dr. Owen regarding her health and the kind of life she would living. They were shown her room and where she would be going to school.

Then they started the knowledge placement tests to find out how much she actually knew. It turned out that Jane had spent a lot of her time getting warm in libraries and museums so she knew more about English and history then most of her peers. She was really lacking in science and math, but with Dustin tackling one, and Mike tackling the other she was able to join their class only a month or two late.

Then it was time for Janice and Joan’s birthday. They were born on a bright October morning. The 13th, to be exact on a Friday. Eddie called them his lucky charms.

Steve had gone all out and bought matching everything in their favorite colors. Pink for Janice and blue for Joan. Judging from the way they kept choosing things differently and then suddenly agreeing, it was clear that this would be the last birthday where they perfectly lined up.

Eddie had enrolled the girls in a preschool for kids that missed the kindergarten cut of by this much and they had made lots of friends, that would all becoming to the party.

“You know,” Eddie murmured as Benny and Steve worked to get all the cupcakes frosted, “you don’t have to plan this. It’s not part of your job description and in fact I’d go as far to say that I’m pretty sure I have people for this. Chrissy for example.”

Steve snorted. “I don’t doubt her capabilities, but I live for this sort of thing. Plus, think of it as my gift to the girls, making it the best they possibly could have.”

Eddie smiled fondly at him and left them to their work. He wandered into the family room where everyone was gathered waiting for the little girls’ guests.

Jeff clapped him on the back. “Hey, man. Thanks for having us. I’m sorry we missed the first four, but we won’t miss the next forty, okay?”

Eddie smiled. The guys had really been working on becoming friends with him again. With even Miranda and Jeff moving to Indy full time to be near Eddie and the girls. Brian and Gareth were only in town until after Halloween, but it was great having them as long they had been.

“It’s great to see Miranda again,” he replied. “Has she gotten feistier?” He jerked his thumb behind him. “Because I just passed her on the way in and she embroiled in a long debate with Robin about the merits of foreign film.”

Jeff burst out laughing. “It started about whether Kirsten Stewart was a good actress or not. Miranda said she wasn’t. Robin said that she was the first American to win a French film award and Miranda said that it didn’t count.”

“And Robin insisted it did,” Eddie said nodding along. “I’m going to stay clear of that conversation then. Sheesh!”

“No wiser words that have ever been spoken, that,” Jeff said sagely. He looked around the room and smiled. “That Stevie sure has pull out all the stops for those two little girls. If you weren’t their dad, I’d say they loved him more than anyone.”

Eddie nodded. It was becoming increasingly clear how much his girls adored and loved Steve. He had become a fixture in their lives in a way you couldn’t tell he hadn’t always been there.

“Yeah,” he said softly. “Me, too.” He looked across the room where Benny and Steve had arrived with the now finished cupcakes and smiled fondly. This was his family now. All these people, the kids, their families, his band, Chrissy, Benny, too. But most importantly Steve.

“I’m in love with Steve,” he blurted out, eyes wide and more than a little frightened. “But I hired him to do a job, I don’t want to be one of those skeevy guys macking on the au pair boy and ‘elevating’ him from nanny to husband. It sounds like a bad romance novel.”

Jeff winced. That was something that Gareth, Brian, him and even Robin had discussed trying to find a way around. Because it was obvious that they both had feelings for each other. But that was such a hard hurdle to overcome.

“Fuck what other people think,” a warm tamber said behind them.

Both Jeff and Eddie turned around to see Wayne standing there with a cup in his hand.

“It’s not that simple,” Eddie whined. “I’m famous Wayne. His name is going to be all of the tabloids and gossip mags if I even go out in public with him without the girls. It’s going to be a mess.”

“Fuck what they think,” Wayne doubled down. “He loves you, he loves the girls, he likes you friends, hell, Ed he even likes your house, which even your friends find a little creepy.”

Jeff held up his finger and thumb close together. “A little bit.”

Eddie chewed his lip. “I love him. And so do Joanie and Janie.”

As if called Steve arrived at Eddie’s elbow. “Hey, the guests are set to arrive at any minute, can you look over everything and make sure it’s how the girls want it?”

Eddie scoffed. “As if you could produce anything less than perfect.” But he bowed anyway. “But of course my liege.”

“You’re the king of this castle,” Steve murmured gently, “and I am but a servant to it and you.”

Eddie stood up and realized how close they were standing. Their warm breath mingled and their noses brushed against each other. They couldn’t take their eyes off of the other, drowning in the sea of their eyes.

Behind them someone coughed discreetly and Eddie took a step back. Not a large one, just enough to calm his racing heart.

“Lead the way, my stalwart knight!” he said brightly and Steve turned around to show him where everything was laid out.

Jeff and Wayne both shook their heads.

“I thought they were actually going to kiss just now,” Jeff said a little breathless. “Like holy shit, they need to get their heads out their asses, soon. Before the tension snaps like a too tightly wound guitar string.”

Wayne hummed in agreement. Steve was coming up on six months with the Munsons and Wayne could tell that the girls were slowly starting lose memories of Ethan and the hurt he caused, and replace them with happy memories of Steve.

Across the room Steve and Eddie bent over the cupcakes with a smile. They were on a three-tiered stand with Joan’s name on one side and Janice’s name on the other.

“I like the gradient from blue to pink,” Eddie murmured, “with that soft purple in the middle.”

“It’s called lilac,” Steve said with a smile. “I thought it was great way to make both girls happy and their friends having options. The cupcakes are even a gradient, too, with chocolate for Joanie going to marbled in the lilac ones, then yellow cake in the pink ones for Janie.”

Eddie looked up at him in wonder. “You really are a marvel, Stevie.”

Steve blushed and scratched his check nervously. “I just wanted to make the day special for Joanie and Janie. They’ve had a really rough year and I wanted to make their day something to remember instead of all the bad stuff.”

Eddie gave him a fierce, quick hug. “Thank you so much,” he murmured into his shoulder. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Steve just held him tight, drinking in the warmth from Eddie’s body and reveling in the solid form pressed against him. So he took his chance.

“I love you, Eddie,” he whispered, afraid that if he said it any louder then he would break this moment between them. “I’m so in love with you.”

Eddie squeezed Steve tighter, holding them as close as physics would allow. “I love you, too. So very much, but I was afraid of what people would think of you and how that might hurt the girls and I couldn’t–”

“Shhhh,” Steve murmured. “We can shield the girls from as much of the media as possible and I don’t care what people think. I’m willing to take that final step if you are.”

Eddie looked up and into the hazel eyes of the man he loved more than anything. He never thought he would love again after Ethan. Not after all the pain and torment and hell that man had put his family through. But now standing here in this man’s arms? He was home.

“Yes,” he breathed. “But we have a party to host and then we’ll talk, okay?”

Steve giggled. “Better than okay, that’s fantastic!”

And then as if on cue, the two girls came barreling up to them, hugging around both of their knees tightly.

“You guys ready for the best birthday you’ve had so far?” Eddie asked looking down at them with the biggest grin.

“Yeah!” they cheered together.

The party went off as well as it could with ten four to five year olds, six teens, and eight adults. There were two meltdowns and one temper tantrum, and one adult having to step away from the festivities for a moment to calm down.

Robin hadn’t been used to that many people all the time and she got overwhelmed. She stepped out on the veranda and took a deep breath of cool autumn air.

Steve joined her after a few moments.

“I think all children under the age of ten should come with a warning,” she said with a snort. “Caution: volatile under pressure.”

“I’m pretty sure you just described being human,” Steve said with a eye roll. He leaned on the railing and looked out onto the backyard where the teens were embroiled in a very heated game of croquette.

Jane was winning, but Steve was sure she was cheating too.

“So you ready to become Lady Munson and mistress of all you see here?” she asked bumping their shoulders together. Steve snorted. “Oh come on, I saw that hug before the party. That was way more than friendly.”

He blushed and hung his head between his shoulders. “We’re going to talk about it. See what dating looks like with the girls and Eddie being famous.”

“That’s something that is a slight more than there was before,” she murmured. “I’m glad you’re talking about it.”

Steve straightened up and turned back to look back at the party going on inside. He leaned against the railing. “I’ve never been this happy before and I don’t know how to contain all of it.”

“Three cheers to Nancy Wheeler then,” Robin said with a huff of laughter.

“I already sent her flowers with my first check,” Steve said with an answering smile. “I think Eddie did too, if I’m honest.”

Robin burst out laughing.

Just then Chrissy spotted them and raised a glass and a questioning eyebrow. Steve nodded that they were okay, but Chrissy started walking their way anyway.

“And here comes your own chance at happiness,” Steve said to Robin and got up to rejoin the party, passing Chrissy on his way.

Later that night when almost every else had gone home and the girls were put in bed, Steve looked out on the veranda and smiled at the sight.

Robin and Chrissy were chatting with their heads tilted, almost touching. Maybe they would both get their happiness tonight.

~

Part 15

Tag List: CLOSED

1- @itsall-taken @estrellami-1 @zerokrox-blog @tartarusknight @gregre369

2- ​@a-little-unsteddie @cryptid-system @maya-custodios-dionach @yesdangerpls @goodolefashionedloverboi

3- @val-from-lawrence @carlyv @wonderland-girl143-blog @irregular-child @bookbinderbitch

4- @bookworm0690 @forgottenkanji @ollieolive @yikes-a-bee @awkwardgravity1

5- @dragonmama76 @ellietheasexylibrarian @thedragonsaunt @useless-nb-bisexual @disrespectedgoatman

6- @counting-dollars-counting-stars @tinyplanet95 @ravenfrog @swimmingbirdrunningrock @lingeringmirth

7- @gutterflower77 @a-lovely-craziness @just-a-tiny-void @w1ll0wtr33 @beelze-the-bubkiss

8- @sadisticaltarts @xxfiction-is-my-realityxx @dolphincliffs @steddie-as-they-go @steddieislife

9- @kultiras @morallyundefined @themoonagainstmers @fearieshadow @blondie1006

10- @thesecondfate @wheneverfeasible @depressed-freak13 @genderless-spoon @sadiea20

[lexirosewrites]

Since we did Christmas theme last slick Sunday I’m gonna do a new years theme this week

So canon events happen EXCEPT when they first go to reefer ricks they find A!Eddie in a stress induced rut since he watched chrissy die. A stress rut/heat can be very stressful (hence the name) and last up to 5 days unless you have someone to help you through it, then it mostly just lasts 12-24 hours.

When they get there the whole bottle to the neck thing still happens but after O!Steve and B!Robin figure out what’s going on they send the kids outside and Steve and Eddie agrees to spend the rut together to make it pass faster (this is a dream come true for both of them but they’re not gonna say that). Steve lets max drive them back because there is no fucking way he’s gonna let Dustin drive his car and Robin has never driven a car so she’s not an option. Once they’ve left and it’s just Steve and Eddie alone together they get it going ya know 😏. They make a stupid “let’s not kiss” rule that lasts approximately 5 minutes and then they kiss (and fuck) each other stupid for 12 hours.

While they’re still tied together by eddies last knot Steve shyly asks if maybe Eddie would like to go to dinner once this is all over and he happily agrees. For the rest of the UD fighting they keep close and scent each other for comfort because fighting monsters is terrifying.

Eddie still gets half eaten by bats but Steve gets there in time to carry him out and drive ALL OF THEM to a hospital (everyone in this stupid group needs to be checked out you cannot convince me otherwise). Steve is extremely distressed while Eddie is in surgery but that’s his alpha! Of course he’s distressed. They give him eddies shirt while Steve gets his wounds looked at so he’ll calm down.

Once they get the news that Eddie makes it through okay Steve collapses from relief and the nurses put him in a bed in eddies room (because while most of the town might think Eddie’s a killer they know this alpha and omega need each other and they’re not gonna separate them because that would be fkn stupid).

They go through eddies recovery together because they’ve upgraded to courting by now (Eddie had to ask hopper and Claudia for permission to court their pseudo son and that was an interesting conversation).

Since so much has been going on Steve doesn’t notice until at the beginning of June how he’s having some weird cravings and is feeling kinda nauseous most days.

And while Eddie is his boyfriend and Robin is the platonic love of his life they tend to overthink and overreact and be dramatic so he goes to Claudia because she’s a nurse (and his mom) and if he’s sick he’d rather talk to a professional. So they’re sitting in the hendersons kitchen drinking tea while he’s explaining all his symptoms and Steve starts to get worried because Claudia has tears in her eyes but before Steve can overthink she just gathers him up in a hug and tells him she thinks he’s pregnant. They get a test, Steve takes it and five minutes later they’re both crying on the Henderson bathroom floor because he’s going to have a pup!

Claudia drives him to Wayne and eddies new house so he can tell his alpha and celebrate. Eddie is so happy he takes his first steps without a cane since he got hurt and Wayne is just smiling big because his boy is so happy!

(There’s another conversation with hopper where he has to come to terms with the fact that his grandkids father is gonna be the guy he buys weed from)(he gets a family discount now)

Months of relationship bliss pass where Steve and Eddie really get to know each other and become a family.

They get to celebrate Christmas with a heavily pregnant Steve and he goes in to labour 2 hours before midnight on December 31st. They celebrate their first new years together in the hospital and Eddie sneaks a new years kiss from Steve between contractions. At 4:07 am on January 1st 1987 their daughter is born happy and healthy and Steve steals a late new years kiss of his own but instead of kissing Eddie he’s kissing his first pups cheek while Eddie lovingly watches.

Who knew that week from hell could give them everything they’ve ever wanted: the love of their life and a pup to start out the new year!

Okay this got way longer than I thought but oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ hope you like it and happy new years!!!🧡

YAY A SEASON 4 FIX IT🥰

[galaxymagitech]

Just read Robin and Batman. It…uh. Am I going crazy, or does it have All Star: Batman & Robin vibes? It even hits some of the same emotional beats. Actually, hits a lot of the same emotional beats…and language…and even scenes.

So, Batman is. Not a very good parent in this. In fact, I'm pretty sure Alfred is doing all the parenting here. He's much better than ASBaR, although that is...a low bar to clear. But he treats Dick as a soldier in a way I have seen no other version of Bruce but Crazy Steve do, and this is the comic I was searching for a while ago about Bruce reading Dick's diary.

Unlike the flaming dumpster fire of ASBaR, the storyline of R&B does make sense, and in many ways, it's a good comic (if you’re fine with Batman being a pretty bad parent/mentor). It had very tight themes and storyline, the art fit the story, etc. It's interesting and has a good story! Yeah, I don't love how they portrayed the Dynamic Duo, but I liked Alfred and Dick, and it certainly has plenty of fanfic fodder.

But why does it so closely mirror the most laughably horrible comic miniseries I have ever had the displeasure of reading?

"What are you even talking about?" Well, I present my evidence:

“Yes, sir.” This isn’t even a one-time thing. Dick consistently calls Bruce “sir” throughout R&B. Like a soldier. Which Bruce thinks he needs to be, by the way.

Yeah. Alfred tries to intervene and is moderately successful in both cases. In addition to making Robin a soldier—whether willing (B&R) or “drafted” (ASBaR), Bruce uses Robin against the Justice League, having him fight Green Lantern in ASBaR and spy on the sidekicks in B&R. So there’s also Robin as a proxy in Batman vs. the Justice League between the two.

Moving on, Dick, with his 11-12-year-old emotional regulation, can’t cope with being a soldier. Shocking, I know. So he beats up an enemy so badly that Batman has to intervene. Which comic am I talking about? Why, both, of course!

Near the end of the arc, Dick goes to a location associated with his parents (the derelict circus in B&R vs. their grave in ASBaR) and Batman hugs them there, which somehow resolves all their issues and the blatant child abuse.

“Corporate needs you to find the difference between these two pictures.”

“They’re the same picture.”

Down to the positioning of the two. They’re a little bit closer on the left, but like. Come on. Seriously?

Also, both comics have Batman consistently calling Robin “boy,” which is such a strange alignment of what I think is an uncommon turn of speech that it feels like there has got to be some sort of crossreferencing or sharing of creators or something. And then there’s the fact that Bruce is constantly using the word “damn,” especially when yelling at Dick. Robin & Batman’s Bruce talks like the Goddamn Batman.

Oh, and they have really similar stubble for some reason? I noticed the mini beard hairs immediately and somehow knew the comic was going to be disturbingly similar to ASBaR.

I need to know how this happened.

(For those wondering if you should read Robin & Batman, I still say go ahead. It’s only 3 comics, and at the very least, it's good for research purposes/seeing where ideas have come from.)

[steddieunderdogfics]

Steve Harrington: Accidental Dominant by Stevieschrodinger

@stevieschrodinger

Rating: E

27,801 words, 12/12 chapters

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply

Tags: Explicit Sexual Content, Eddie Munson Needs a Hug, Steve Harrington Needs a Hug, Steve Harrington in Denial. Steve Harrington Has a Sexuality Crisis, Dom Steve Harrington, Sub Eddie Munson, Restraints, Anal Fingering, dont use that as lube, Sex Toys, Getting Together, Angst with a Happy Ending, demi steve harrington, Bisexual Steve Harrington, Gay Eddie Munson, First Time Together

Summary:

“Oh, nah, I’ve known for ages.”

Eddie’s mouth flaps like a fish, clearly shocked, which Steve is deeply satisfied by, “you’ve known for...you know? You knew? You already know? How do you know?” Eddie’s surprise is genuinely comical, and nice to see since it’s almost over done and that’s more like usual Eddie.

Steve sighs, “it really, really wasn’t hard to work out. You are not a subtle guy Eddie-”

“And what the hell does that mean?” Eddie snaps back, clearly affronted.

Steve stands straight, and without missing a beat lifts his shirt up to his armpits. Eddie’s eyes immediately, hungrily, rake over the newly exposed skin. Steve waves a hand in front of his own torso like a magician revealing the trick, and Eddie turns bright pink and starts sputtering, “that’s not- I mean- you can’t-” but he’s glaring at the floor, chagrined and caught out, and he knows it.

This is a MOD rec as a part of our Fic Fridays.

Know a fic that deserves extra love? Submit through our asks or the submission box!

[clioerato]

Like father, like son.

TW: You might cry, but I wanted to explain Steve's father's coldness. My headcanon. Steve’s dad needs a hug. After this I need a hug too, I think…

🎵 Song: “Hurt” by Johnny Cash

Steve’s parents arrived out of the blue, catching Eddie off guard as he’d been hanging out in Steve’s room for their usual movie night. The adults didn’t seem particularly bothered by his presence; they casually offered him dinner and invited him to stay since they were leaving the next day. Eddie hesitated, but ultimately decided to stay, figuring no one was pushing him out. Still, it felt odd—how… distant their response to him was.

A warm autumn evening blankets Hawkins. The lights in the Harrington house are dim, and from the yard, you can see two windows glowing—the one in Steve’s room and his mother’s.

Steve’s father, John Harrington, sits on an old wooden chair in the backyard by the pool. He holds a glass of good whiskey, but doesn’t drink it, gently rocking it in his hand, listening to the clink of the ice cubes.

Eddie steps outside, unsure, holding a bottle of beer. He’s wearing one of Steve’s rare dark shirts—a compromise, given the unexpected arrival of his parents.

Eddie quietly takes a seat in the chair next to John’s, but doesn’t relax, ready to leave at a moment’s notice if he’s told to go. He studies the stern profile of Steve’s father before speaking:

“Steve fell asleep. I thought… maybe you’d like the company.”

Silence. The awkwardness is thick enough to cut with a knife, but it doesn’t seem to bother John. Eddie takes a careful, uncharacteristic sip of beer before continuing.

“Listen… can I ask you something? It’s not really my business, but… I heard that Steve lived mostly alone since he was 12...”

John tilts his head slightly. Minutes pass, and Eddie manages two more sips of beer. He’s about to get up and leave, not having received an answer, when John’s words slice through the air.

“Do you know what reparative therapy is?”

Eddie stiffens. Fear coils in his stomach, his heart leaping to his throat. Reparative therapy. Of course he knows what it is—the therapy aimed at “curing” homosexuality. His thoughts collide like a flock of frantic birds in his mind as he quietly answers:

“I’ve heard of it.”

“I was seventeen when my father caught me with a guy. In the old barn, out back of the property”

John nods to himself as Eddie clutches the armrest of the chair, squeezing it until his knuckles go white.

“Two days later, they took me to church. Not for confession—into the program. “Prayer correction,” “exorcising the demon of lust.”

A wave of nausea rises in Eddie’s throat. His mind feels completely blank now, filled only with a deafening white noise as the words “this can’t be true” echo in his head. John continues, his tone flat and emotionless.

“They kept us in the basement of a missionary center. No windows. There was a priest—Father Jacob. He said you could burn out the rot with pain. I believed him. Because I wanted to live.”

Eddie holds his breath. He can’t breathe.

“I told them about… him. About the look. The desire. And they were pleased. Because the dirtier the confession, the stronger they felt their power. I didn’t know it was a trap. When I started speaking…

John swallows hard and takes the first sip of whiskey.

“And then there was the shower. Cold. Always cold. We prayed standing, naked, on our knees in rice, until our lips began to tremble. And then—the talks about the “right life.””

Now, the only sounds breaking the night are the crickets. Eddie releases the armrest and glances at John. He’s about to say something when John suddenly continues.

“On the third week, they gave me a suit. Told me, “Today, you’re going on a date with a girl. You’ll learn to speak, kiss, take control. You’re a man, John. Don’t let the Lord down.””

Eddie stares at John in horror, and their gazes collide. In John’s eyes—emptiness. They’re dry, hard, with the pattern of wrinkles around them. “People don’t have eyes like that,” Eddie thinks.

“Two months later, I proposed to Mary. We weren’t in love. She was… salvation. The ticket back. ”

John takes another sip.

“Steve came along nine months after the wedding. I wasn’t ready for it. I… didn’t want it. Him. He screamed in Mary’s arms, and all I could see were the icons, the cold tiles, and Father Jacob with his persistent voice. “You’re not a man until you learn to burn out your desires.””

John sways slightly, as if sinking somewhere, but then he jolts awake and continues.

“I couldn’t look at my own son. Not because he was bad. But because he was proof. He was the product of those months in church. A certificate of the “right life.” I was supposed to be happy.”

Eddie lowers his head. He wants to stand, leave, hide. But he stays.

“You think I’m cruel? Maybe. I’m a coward. I tried to be “normal.” Career, country, wife, son. I couldn’t do it. At some point, I threw myself into work, hoping I’d find salvation there. Mary came with me, she… she didn’t know, but she heard the rumors. Steve… Steve was the mirror.”

John’s voice softens for the first time.

“All I ever wanted was to stand barefoot in the grass, in July of ’66, and watch him laugh in the river. And to know that I could love him. Without fear. Without rot. Without pain.”

John falls silent. In the faintest edge of hearing, Eddie catches a quiet whisper.

“I… I don’t remember his name anymore. But I remember how I looked at him. The way Steve looks at you.”

The pause between the two men is thick and sticky, like fear. Eddie wants to light a cigarette, but he can’t move, crushed by John’s pain.

“I’ll never be able to love him. It’s too late. So much water has flowed between us. But I won’t stand in his way.

(pause)

“I won’t send him to church. I won’t tell him he’s filthy. I won’t become Father Jacob.”

(breathe, like a prayer)

“I won’t become Father Jacob.”

Eddie doesn’t reply. There’s a lump in his throat. Inside—ashes.

John (barely audible):

“I’m sorry. For the life I lived. And for how I lived it.”

(pause)

“And if he ever asks why I’m so distant—lie to him. Make his life easier. I can’t love him. I don't think I'm capable of love. Not anymore. Too many years of pain. But I can… not stand in his way. I can’t be the wall I kept smashing myself against.”

When Eddie thinks the conversation is over, he stands on trembling legs and walks toward the door. He doesn’t turn around when he hears:

“Looks like Steve got my bad genes… and my taste.” ✨ If you like my stories and vibes, you can support me here: [Ko-fi]

[holylulusworld]

The assistant (12) - 8 times the trouble

Summary: You are invisible most of the time.

Pairing: Former!Boss!Steve Rogers x Former!Assistant(plussized)!Reader

Possible pairing: Jake Jensen x Reader, Lloyd Hansen x Reader, Curtis Everett x Reader, Ari Levinson x Reader, Andy Barber x Reader, Mike Weiss x Reader, Ransom Drysdale x Reader

Warnings: flirty CEvans characters, language, plus-sized/chubby reader, protective brothers, Lloyd being Lloyd, arguments, brothers being brothers, fluff, caring brother

The assistant masterlist

The assistant (11) - Heating pads and cupcakes

“Back to Captain America. Isn’t it odd that he looks so much like Grandfather Steven?”

“What?” All six brothers stare at Ransom, mouth agape. They consider Ransom’s words before they snort.

“What are you talking about? Grandfather didn’t look like Captain Turd,” Lloyd grunts. “How dare you say shit like that!”

“I don’t know.” Andy knits his brows together. “I mean…Ransom is not wrong. Grandfather did have sharp features, matching Rogers’. It’s easy to confuse them.”

“Yeah, because Rogers is grandfather’s age,” Curtis snorts. “Just look at Gramps sit over there, choking on his dry bagel because our food is not good enough for him.”

Mike and Jake stare at Steve; they dip their heads and think about Ransom's words again. “Not sure what you see,” they say in unison.

“Guys, what’s going on?” You walk into the kitchen, watching the brothers stare at Steve. “You don’t plan on killing Captain Rogers again. Right? We talked about this. No killing before breakfast.”

Lloyd chuckles darkly. “I’ll be waiting for my chance, Cupcake. If anyone kills Captain Turd, it’s me.”

You sigh deeply. “Alright, guys. We need to talk about a few things before Mike and I will go to the meeting of his self-help group later.”

Mike smiles because you didn’t offer to help him and let him down. No, you will keep your promise and help him stay clean.

“We will have cake later,” Mike proudly says. “Maybe ice cream too.”

“I want ice cream too,” Jake pouts. “Can I come with you? I can wait outside for the two of you.”

“Uh—it’s actually family’s day,” Mike nervously murmurs. “I mean…uh—they said we can bring family members today if we want to. It’s not like with the drug addicts anonymous group.”

“How many groups did you join, Mike?” Ari wonders aloud. “And when did you join this self-help group?”

“He joined the group online with my help,” you are quick to help, Mike. “They talked mostly online, but today is a meeting, and he wants to go. I offered to go with him.”

“You’re so good to us,” Lloyd says before wrapping you in a hug. His hands creep toward your ass, and you giggle when he roughly gropes your globes. “So, so good, Cupcake.”

“Lloyd,” you giggle and laugh. “Stop it, you little perv!”

“Aw, I’m her little perv already, guys. You don’t stand a chance!” He grins while feeling your ass up. “She’s putty in my hands.”

“Lloyd Hansen, take your hands off my assistant!” Steve jumps up. He grits his teeth and wants to attack Lloyd, who nuzzles his face in your hair. “I said, let her go.”

“Hey, shut the fuck up!” Curtis growls. “If Y/N doesn’t want my brother to touch her, she’ll tell him to get off. You don’t give her enough credit for being the tough woman she is. Y/N is not a helpless bimbo like the girl you chose over her!”

“Get out of my way,” Steve growls as six of the seven brothers block his way. Even Ransom joined the bunch to stop him from getting anywhere near you. “I’m warning you.”

“No, I’m warning you!” You push Lloyd off you and slap his chest. He smirks but steps away. “You won’t hurt my friends. I chose to live with the brothers after you made me leave the job I loved. You are a guest at our house, and you can stay and watch me be happy around them, or leave right now! I will not allow you to hurt my family!”

The brothers sigh happily and look at you in awe. “Aw, she just admitted that she wants to be all mine,” Lloyd decides before bringing you back in his arms to peck your temple. “Now we will all have breakfast, and later, we’ll bring our little chaos to his group cuddle thing or whatever he’s doing with these guys.”

“And get ice cream,” Jake insists. “We will go for ice cream and have a movie night. Now that we are all back together…”

“Back together,” Curtis sarcastically says. “Right. For how long? Until he decides we are not his family?”

“Curtis, that is enough,” Andy steps in. “I know you are still hurt, but we let Mike back in, and you even allowed me to come back. Let’s give Ransom the benefit of the doubt.”

“Fine—” Curtis crosses his arms over his chest and glares in Ransom’s direction. Ransom glares back, a smirk on his plump lips.

“Fine—” Ransom mimics his brother, already planning to rile Curtis up some more later. They were always close but like fire and water at the same time.

“Aw, that’s so sweet!” You peck Lloyd’s lips before wrapping Curtis in a hug. “I’m so proud of you, my grumpy Curtie. I knew you’d make up.”

Ransom pouts. “Where’s my hug, sugar? I deserve a hug for being a good boy too, don’t you think, sugar? Also, I’m new here and deserve an extra hug for coming here to save my stubborn brothers.”

“Earn it,” Ari growls. “You don’t get free hugs only for being around. Just like Captain Turd.”

Lloyd grins because his brother finally used the right name for Steve.

“All of her hugs belong to me now. She wore my apron, which means she’s mine!”

“Alright, we have plans for today!” Andy stops his brothers before they even get the chance to start the fight. “It’s breakfast time!”

“I can't believe you bought a fucking eight-seater van,” Ransom wrinkles his nose. He shakes his head, not believing his eyes. “Who bought this piece of shit? This monstrosity is an affront to any car!”

“It’s bulletproof, spacious, comfortable, and we all have a seat!” Andy bites back. “I bought it…” He shakes his head, wanting to forget about his family’s fate. “Whatever. Get inside or stay here with Captain Turd.”

“I call shotgun!” Lloyd snickers as the rest of the brothers groan. “If not, I’ll sit in the back, and Y/N can sit in my lap.”

“Noooo!” Jake and Curtis grunt in unison. “She won’t sit in your lap; you will only try to grope her!”

Lloyd puts one hand on his heart, pretending to be offended. “I’m a gentleman and would never do such a thing. Cupcake knows that.”

“I will come with you! I won’t let you take Y/N to an unknown location!” Steve gets inside the car, calling shotgun before the brothers can stop him.

“Hey! We only have eight seats, you dull brick!” Ransom grunts. “Get out of the car!”

“It’s fine. I can sit in Jake’s lap,” you say before grabbing Jake’s hand to guide him toward one of the seats in the back. “I know he won’t try to grope me.”

You give Lloyd a stern look when he tries to protest.

“Next time, she’ll sit in my lap,” Lloyd says. “No discussion.” He follows you and Jake to claim the seat next to you. “I’ll behave, Cupcake.”

While Jake and you get comfortable in your seat, the other brothers get inside the van. Steve harrumphs. He stares into the rearview mirror, gritting his teeth because you are sitting in Jake’s lap, looking comfortable and relaxed.

“Captain Turd.” Ari gets behind the steering wheel, smirking at Steve. “Don’t be a sore loser. We all want her to sit in our lap…”

Part 13