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wickwoods · 1 day ago

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𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬-

Ex-husband!Dad!Eddie Munson x AFAB!Ex-wife!Mom!Reader-

I found the divider on Pinterest! Creds to original poster <3

Word Count: 4.5K

Summary: A couple of months after your divorce with Eddie, you meet his new girlfriend at a Harrington pool party. Too bad she’s a total bitch, though.

Warnings: 18+, Smut, Dom!Eddie, Sub!Reader, Unprotected sex, Eddie doesn’t exactly cheat, Reader and Eddie have two kids together, No use of Y/n, Eddie cums inside reader, Reader has boobs and pussy, PiV, Oral sex (fem receiving), A snarky comment about how reader “should” be eating…These are the main warnings but please feel free to let me know of any I missed, happy reading! <3

You heard her voice before you saw her.

“Eddie! Grab my purse from the backseat!” You turned over to the wooden gate when it slid open, locking your eyes on her. Roxy, Eddie’s new girlfriend.

‘She’s pretty.’ You decide in your head. ‘Too bad she’s a total bitch.’ There were multiple occasions where your friends had complained about her behavior. The most recent being Nancy complaining about Roxy trying to give her parenting advice when she didn’t have kids herself.

You watched as she made her way to the large white table where you sat at and pull up a chair to sit on. Eddie strolled in a few moments after her, taking a seat next to her and setting her purse down on the table.

Roxy didn’t greet you, and you didn’t bother to speak to her either. If only she knew how to keep her mouth shut. “Do you know how many carbs are in that? Salads are way better for a body like yours girl, trust me.”

Your eyes widened with surprise at the girl's nerves. You shifted your gaze to Eddie’s bright red face. “She serious?” You ask. You turn back over to Roxy, her face stone cold serious. Your eyes didn’t falter as you responded in a cold tone, “I gave birth to two children. My body was a home for them. I am comfortable in my body, sorry you’re not comfortable in yours.”

Your hands made a loud smacking noise as you slammed them on the table, making Eddie and Roxy jump back in surprise. “Fucking bitch.” You muttered as you pushed yourself up from your seat, turning on your feet to walk to the back screen door where Wayne, Steve, and Nancy were standing.

You couldn’t believe it. Who the fuck does she think she is? She had no right to comment on your body. God knows you went through enough of that in High school.

“You alright, sugar?” Wayne’s raspy voice rang through your ears as he flipped a burger patty on the grill. “Yeah I'm just gonna head inside for a couple of minutes, Nance, can you watch the little gremlins for a bit?” She smiled and nodded her head, “Of course.”

You gave her a quiet thanks and made your way inside. Unbeknownst to you, a certain metal head was trailing right behind you. He made himself known with a loud clear of his throat. You tried to ignore him and pretended to be hyperfocused on the bowl of macaroni and cheese resting on the counter.

“Hey,” Eddie walked over to where you stood and reached for your forearms, “I’m so sorry about that. I’ll tell her to watch her words around you-“ You shook your head from left to right. “No, Eddie. Keep her away from me or we will have a problem. Keep her away from my kids too.”

Your eyebrow twitched as it usually did when you got mad and it made Eddie smile. “Alright, sweetheart. Let's go out there and enjoy the day. I still gotta say hi to the little troublemakers.” He smiled at the thought of the children running outside. They were the perfect blend of you two. Everyone could see it.

You both made your way outside, being greeted by more family spread around the Harrington backyard. You greeted anyone who was close enough to hear you and walked over to where Nancy stood talking with Robin. You kept your gaze on Eddie and watched as he ran around with the kids.

You could swear you had heart eyes at that moment. If there was one thing you would never disagree on it was that Eddie was a great dad. The best you’ve ever seen. He cared about his children and it was clear just how much he did. He took the role very seriously.

“Are you getting in the pool? I think I am.” You heard Robin’s voice snap you out of your thoughts. “Maybe later.” You replied.

A little after the sun began to set, you decided to finally step into the large pool. The surface was gleaming with the sun's glare of sunshine and it looked beautiful. Eddie was already in the water, holding baby June in his arms. The ten month old squealed as her father lightly dipped her in and out the water.

You looked to the edge of the pool, seeing your five year old Ronnie swimming with his bright yellow arm pool floaties clung onto his little arms. “Momma! Look at me! I won Auntie birdie!” Aunt birdie- being Robin- was pouting playfully at the corner of the pool. You summed up from their faces that they had a small swimming race and that Robin had let Ronni win.

“That’s amazing baby!” The enthusiastic tone you had on didn’t let him know that you knew Robin had let him win. He basked in his glory a bit more then moved on to play a new game. Eddie looked up to where you were standing and asked, “You coming in?” You nodded, reaching for your t-shirt. You lifted your shirt from your torso then moved on to the jean shorts you were wearing.

You felt his blazing gaze on your body as you revealed the dark red bikini you had on. It was one of his favorites back when you guys were still together and you knew it. It was exactly why you never bothered to buy a new one.

His eyes tore away from you when June splashed her tiny hands all around him. “You little menace!” Her giggles rang throughout the backyard as Eddie tickled her belly. You stepped in and swam over to them, holding your hands out and calling June's name.

The baby girl looked at you and gave you a big gummy smile. She was such a happy baby. “Are you ruining daddy’s hair?” You cooed when she grabbed a fistful of Eddie’s hair, yanking it lightly into the water. “You encourage this sick behavior? You are a sick woman, sweetheart.” You giggled.

Robin swam over, Ronnie trailing right behind her. She grabbed June from Eddie’s grasp and said, “I’ll take the little munchkins to get some food. You guys enjoy the pool.” You knew what she was doing. The tiny smile on her face as she looked at you said it all. You didn’t try to stop her. Neither did Eddie.

“Alright. Bye Robs.” Eddie said. He stared at you awkwardly for a minute before speaking, “So..how have you been?” You quirked an eyebrow before responding, “I’ve been good…just dealing with the kids. June entered her walking stage so that’s been…something. She just wants to walk into anything that screams ‘danger’.”

Eddie chuckled awkwardly, avoiding your eyes as he did so. You couldn’t stand the awkward act. It made you feel like you guys were strangers all over again. “How about you? How’s life treating you?” You asked him. “Well, I can’t complain. Things are okay for the most part. Wayne was finally promoted to the big manager position so that’s a great thing.”

Your eyes widened in excitement. You knew that one of Wayne’s biggest goals from working at the plant was to become one of the few managers there. “That’s amazing! I’m so proud of him.”

Eddie smiled at your display of affection for his uncle. He couldn’t help but compare the way you and Roxy responded to the news. Roxy had only hummed and smiled when his old man gave them the news. She didn’t bother trying to hide the fact she wasn’t listening to a single word he was saying. He stared at you with a longing gleam in his eyes.

He seemed like he was about to say something but was interrupted by the voice of none other than Steve Harrington. “You guys mind if we join? No? Okay, great.” Not waiting for a response, Steve ran in, jumping and causing a big splash. You squealed and turned away in surprise.

Expecting it to happen, Eddie only smiled and watched as Steve shook his hair out like a dog after a shower. Nancy followed in suit, causing another big splash. This time, Eddie turned away and swam over closer to you.

You both turned back when you heard Steve speak again. “You guys wanna play….” He paused for a dramatic effect. “Chicken fight?” Eddie responded almost immediately, “Game on, Harringtons.” He looked at you and motioned for you to get on his shoulders. You obliged, hopping on with precise movements so you wouldn’t hurt him.

This wasn’t your first rodeo of the game with the Harringtons across you. The most recent time you guys played was back in ‘86, right after graduation when you guys took a trip out of Hawkins.

The game began, you and Nancy squirming on the guys’ shoulders as you fought to push the other into the water. The guys were cheering on, and even Dustin and a little Harrington joined in. You fell in, and Nancy was whooping with pride along with Steve. Eddie turned to you and chuckled when you came up from underwater, hair stuck to your face. “It’s alright sweetheart, we’ll get them next time.”

The night dragged on, and at around 7:50, Roxy’s voice was heard once again. At some point you had heard her arguing with Eddie on how she didn’t wanna go into the pool because her makeup would be ruined.

“Eddie! I want to go home! I’m tired.” She whined. He heaved out a sigh and began to climb his way up the three steps at the edge of the pool. You decided to get out at that moment too. “I’ll be back, I’m just gonna drop her off and come back for another burger. Wait for me?” One look of his dark brown eyes, and you felt like you were under a spell.

“Yeah, of course. I’ll be here.” You smiled as he tossed his keys in the air once before catching them and walking over to Roxy.

When he came back, you were already sitting down at the white table and dressed back into the outfit you came in. You held June in your lap as she babbled on to herself.

Ronnie was in the seat next to you with another small burger on the styrofoam plate in front of him. It had gone cold a couple minutes earlier when he began to listen to his uncle Dustin intently. Dustin was rambling on about a new Marvel comic his girlfriend Suzie had gotten him for his birthday.

“Hey, I’m back. I’m gonna get a burger really quick.” He walked over to the grill and served himself before coming back and taking a seat on the other empty seat next to you. Wayne was sitting in front of you, you had been talking to the old man about his new position at the plant and asking him questions about the perks.

“Well I'm very happy for you, Wayne. You deserve this more than anyone I know.” He gave a big smile, looking almost shy at the praise. “Thank you darlin’…Well I oughta be headin’ home. Got a big day tomorrow. I’ll see you guys soon.”

He gave his goodbyes to everyone, hanging a little longer to give plenty of hugs and kisses to his grandkids before finally heading home.

After all the food was done and everyone was worn out from all the socializing, each person bid their goodbyes to the Harringtons and made their way to their respective cars. You and Eddie were the last ones left parked on the edge of the Harringtons sidewalk.

You were about to open the back door to strap the kids in when you heard Ronnie’s little voice behind you. “Daddy, can you come to our house and tuck me and Junie in?” The little boy had your eyes and he knew the effect it had on Eddie. He made his best puppy eyes and stared directly into Eddie’s.

Eddie both loved and hated when he did. Loved because it was just about the cutest thing he’d ever seen. Hated because well…he couldn’t say no to any requests his five year old would make. “I don’t know buddy, ask your momma.” He looked up at you with a smile as the five year old turned to you with the same eyes he used on his father.

You hummed for a couple of seconds and responded in a teasing tone, “Hmm I don’t know Ron, maybe i’ll only let him come over if you…give me a bunch of hugs and kisses.” Your voice went a bit high pitched at the end of your sentence as you dropped down to your knees and wrapped him up in your arms, landing small kisses on his little cheek.

He giggled as you did so and you released him then turned to Eddie. “You follow us in your van?” He responded, “Yeah.”, pulling out his keys and making his way over to the old, beat up van.

“I’ll see you guys there!” He hopped in and started the engine. You quickly strapped June in her car seat and Ronnie in his. He kicked his little legs in happiness and it brought a smile to your face. You could feel the love he had for his dad radiating off him. You began to make your way home, Eddie’s van following right behind your red convertible.

You arrived a few feet ahead of Eddie's van. He parked right behind your convertible in the driveway, hopping out and walking up to the back door of your car where the kids were. He unbuckled them from their seats, sticking his tongue out in an attempt to make them laugh. It worked, of course.

Once you all were inside, you began your usual night routine, this time with Eddie’s help. It wasn’t often he came over at nights to tuck June and Ronnnie in. He preferred to be over at the house during daytime and to tuck them into bed when they were at his own apartment.

For a moment, it all felt normal again. Like a peace that was never disturbed by the divorce papers you both had willingly signed. After bath time, two bedtime stories, and a load of cuddles and kisses, Ronnie and June were settled in and deep in their sleep.

Eddie flipped the light switch next to the door off and with practiced stealth, shut the door without making a sound. Triumphantly, he turned to you with a smile and took a playful bow.

You giggled, turning on your heel to walk back to the kitchen. You were about to offer him a glass of water, but he beat you to it, surprising you with some news.

“I broke up with her…” His eyes held an expression you couldn’t quite put your finger on. It was hard to tell what he was thinking about at the moment. Of course you were happy he wouldn’t have to deal with her nasty attitudes anymore, but it didn’t mean you still didn’t feel bad.

“Oh, Eddie. I’m sorry.” He shrugged his shoulders casually. “It’s alright, sweetheart. Just glad I won’t have to put up with her anymore. What she said to you was…out of pocket.”

You smiled. Eddie had walkways been so protective of the people he cared about. God forbid June or Ronnie ever got hurt by another person, Eddie would be on their case for the rest of his life. You pondered in your head for a while before gathering the courage to ask, “Do you wanna stay for a while? Watch a movie?” He nodded.

“Yeah, of course.” You both made yourselves comfortable on opposite ends of the couch, you on the left, and him on the right. You went with your favorite movie genre, Horror.

Midway through the movie, you saw Eddie jump back when the red haired murderous clown in the movie got a little too close to the camera through your peripheral vision. You giggled to yourself and turned to look at him.

“You alright there?” you teased. He squinted his eyes in a playful glare. “Glad you find my fear hilarious, sweetheart.” Ever the drama king. You giggled even harder and it brought a smile to his own face. He slowly moved over to where you were sitting, putting both his hands on each side of your torso.

Your eyes widen in fear. You let out a little “no” but his mind was already made up. Squeals escaped your lips continuously as he began to tickle your sides.

”No! No, stop! I’m sorry!” You managed to get the words out in between your giggles. “You’re sorry?” He paused for a few seconds before picking up right where he left off. “G’nna have to do a lot better than that, sweetheart.” He smiled when your giggles got a little louder.

You stopped moving and giggling completely when you felt something prodding your thigh. “What’s?- Eddie…are you?…” He looked mortified. In sync, you both look down to see that Eddie was hard. His first instinct was to push himself off you.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry.” He put his head in his hands, looking almost ashamed of his hormones. “Eddie..” You tore his hands from his face, forcing him to look at you. “It’s fine. Stop freaking out. We have two kids together.” You attempted to make him feel better but you could still see the embarrassment behind his brown eyes. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.”

You pressed your forehead against his, and pressed a light kiss on his nose. “It’s okay…relax.” He turned his head upwards slightly, about to press a kiss to your lips before pausing midway. “Can I kiss you?” You nodded. “Please do.”

He didn’t hold back, his lips finding place in between yours. His lips sped up like he had been craving it since the last time you guys ever kissed. You didn’t mind, this is what you had been craving for a while. He pulled away, leaning down enough to attach his lips to your neck. Pretty noises escaped your lips when he nibbled on a certain spot.

“Ed-Eddie, let’s go to the room.” You had to pull his head up from his neck when he didn’t respond. His eyes were blown with desire, the brown irises now replaced with wide black pupils. “Yeah-shit, yeah.” You were about to stand from your place when you were swept off the couch in one fell swoop.

A small gasp escaped your lips and you looked at Eddie in surprise. He didn’t speak, only using one hand to shut off the TV. He spun around and made his way into your guys’ old shared bedroom. You trailed kisses down his neck in the meantime and even left a couple of marks on the right side of his neck. God, you just realized how bad you’ve been missing him.

How bad you needed him.

When you guys made it into the room, he laid you down carefully on the bed. “Beautiful girl.” He leaned in again, connecting his lips with yours. His tongue swiped against your lower lip, letting a bit of drool drip down your chin. You granted him entrance, his tongue expertly finding yours and tangling them together in a heated dance that made your thighs clench as best as they could with his leg in between them.

Feeling the tug of your hand on his shirt, he pulled back just long enough to take the black t-shirt off. You caught a glimpse of some tattoos that were etched into his skin permanently, including the one he had gotten for you two years ago.

It was nothing crazy to the point where people could immediately understand he had gotten it for you, just a small piece that only you two understood held a deeper meaning than he let on. Next to come off was your outfit.

Eddie’s hands were cold as they undid the neatly tied bow of your bikini. He pressed his lips between your swell breasts, leaving a path of purple bruises down your stomach. Your back arched into the air in response to his lips.

He pulled himself up just enough to attach his lips to your right nipple. You responded with a whine, him sucking on the rock hard pebble in response.

“Eddie, I need you, please.” Your eyebrows were furrowed in pleasure, a pit of pleasure burning in your stomach. If you didn’t have him soon, you were going to explode. Your hands reached down, undoing his belt buckle with eagerness.

One hand stroked against his dick in the process and it made him grunt in pleasure against your nipple. You pulled his bowers down along with his boxers. He stood up for a minute to shake off the garments so they landed on the floor away from the bed.

When his dick was exposed to your eyes, you reached down between your bodies, tugging on it and giving a couple of strokes to his tip with your thumb. “Fuck sweetheart, you’re gonna make me cum before I can even get in that pretty pussy.” He chuckled.

“Then hurry it up.” You sassed. He reached over to the nightstand next to your bed, moving his hand around inside the small drawer in search of a condom. When he realized there was none, his jealousy spiked up immediately. “Where’s the last condom we had?”

You stared at him sheepishly before responding in a meek voice, “I might’ve had someone over once last month…You can’t blame me! I was really horny.” He stared at you with squinted eyes. “You had a girlfriend anyways!” You tried again, but his face twitched in thought. “You know…I never slept with her.”

You felt genuine surprise. Eddie had always been a horny individual, it was no wonder you guys had two kids. You figured they must have shared a bed more than once while they were dating so you didn’t feel as guilty when you slept with the guy you had over.

“How was I supposed to know?” You muttered. “Doesn’t matter, sweetheart. Y’know why?…because I'm going to make you forget that man. Gonna fuck you so good you’ll only remember my name after.”

His words made you whimper and your thighs got embarrassingly wet with your slick through your jean shorts. He made quick work of taking your shorts and underwear off with the help of your hips lifting off the bed.

He let out a groan when he made contact with your glistening pussy. “I missed her. So pretty.” Using both his calloused hands, he spread your legs open by your thighs before slipping a finger in between your shining folds to toy with your clit.

You let out a moan and grabbed the sheets in a tight grip, your knuckles turning white with the force. “Fuck, I love watching you fall apart for me.” His finger slipped in with his words, thrusting at a sensual speed. Your hips thrust forward. You fucked yourself on his finger for a while before he halted your movements by pressing his other hand on your lower belly.

A second finger slipped in, making you gasp/moan in surprise. The sounds that were coming out of you were unrecognizable and embarrassingly loud, but you couldn’t help yourself- he was making you feel so fucking good.

He leaned in to press a kiss against your folds, then gave an experimental lick to your clit. “Eddie, please. Need your mouth baby.” Never being one to decline the offer, he began to eat you like a starved man.

Wet noises of his tongue flicking up and down filled the room. You managed to keep your voice low enough to the point where nobody but Eddie would be able to hear you. Your shaking legs were a dead giveaway to just how much you were enjoying this anyway.

“Cum on my tongue sweet girl. Wanna taste your cum. Show me how good I make you feel.” You bit your bottom lip harshly to contain the whine that so desperately wanted to get out. “M’close Eddie. So close. Mmm…love your mouth.” You felt his smile against your cunt and looked down to meet his eyes.

One final suck on your clit and you were seeing stars, cumming so hard, your legs were shaking. “Ahh fuck, Eddie.” His tongue flicked up and down for a couple seconds before he came up from between your legs, chin glistening with a mix of your arousal and cum. “Tastes so sweet. Just how I remember.” He winked.

“You ready for me to fuck you, sweet girl?” You wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. “So ready for you Ed’s.” He reached down and took a hold of his cock, hissing at the contact of his cold hand. You can feel the tip of his cock rubbing through your folds, making you moan, desperate for him to give you the delicious stretch of his dick.

“Shh, I know sweetheart. Just needa be fucked so good don’t ya?” You nodded, your mouth dropping open when he finally thrust his tip in. Out of everyone you’ve ever been with, Eddie was the only man who could ever give you the satisfying feeling of being stretched with only his tip.

His hands found a place on each side of your head as he thrust his hips forward, making inch by inch enter you slowly. “Fuck me, Eddie. Please baby, I need it so bad.”

He couldn’t hold back anymore, pounding his hips against your pelvis over and over at a steady but fast pace. “Fuck baby. So tight. Mmm squeezing my cock so fucking good.” You mewl loudly in response.

“M’yours Eddie. Pussy made only for you.” The sounds of his full balls smacking against your ass filled the room. It only fueled Eddie’s primal urge to fill you up with every last drop of his cum. A string of little “ah ah ah’s” left your mouth when his thrusts didn’t relent. His tip managed to nudge against the spongy spot that made you see stars.

“Right there Eddie. Don’t stop, please.” He chuckled darkly. “Wasn’t plannin’ on it sweetheart. Never wanna stop fucking this pretty pussy. All mine.” His lips met your harshly, spit mixing and teeth clashing against each other. There was no holding back your moans anymore.

You moaned loudly into his mouth when you felt the band in your stomach snap. Your hands trailed behind his back, leaving dark red scratches along his pale skin. You came with a loud moan, your legs shaking once again.

He came a second after you did when he felt the squeeze of your cunt against his dick. “Fuck, sweetheart. G’nna fill you up so full of my cum, give you a third baby. Wanna see you all pretty and pregnant with my child again.”

When you both came down your highs, he pulled out slowly, hissing at the cold breeze when he left your warm hole. He reached over the edge of the bed and grabbed his abandoned shirt, using it to wipe up the remaining drops of his spend on your pussy. When he finished, he dropped down next to you, pulling you close to him and wrapping his arms around your neck.

“G’night sweets.” You smiled against his chest. “Goodnight Eddie.”

Note: Pleas enjoy this horny monstrosity while I work on November Rain part two <3

#eddie munson fanfic #eddie x reader #eddie x you #eddie munson x reader #stranger things #eddie munson smut #eddie munson #eddie stranger things #eddie x fem!reader

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whore-ibly-hot · 3 days ago

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'Spoil your appetite.'

Yan!Deliquent x Fem!Reader x Yan!Stoner

18+ Minors DNI

Warnings: Innocence user, dub-con thieving, threesome, description of bodily fluids, oral, Afab body parts, panty stealing.

AN: Okay, maybe it took more than a few hours, but I DID IT! Been burnt out but pushed through.

"Alright, uh... cinnamon next?" The dark haired boy calls; focusing on the heavily crumpled piece of paper before him. "Pez?"

"Hm?" Pez, ever the distracted delinquent, look towards his friend from his spot by the kitchenette window, where he's currently venting his cigarette smoke out into the open air. "Shit, yeah. Here ya go'." He slaps the small plastic bottle into the hand of his long time friend. "What are we making again?"

"Just cinnamon rolls. Didn't feel like the canned ones, but I'm like..." Tyler zones out for a second before shaking his head, high from earlier clinging to him. "Hella craving some pastry, you know? Feel like a pregnant chick. Maybe I am pregnant..."

"We've got bigger problems than you having cravings if you're fucking pregnant." Pez snickers, getting a laugh from his friend, whose now slathering a buttery paste onto the laid out pastry. "I'm not paying child support if that's what you're after. Just cause you're a fatass doesn't mean you can say you're pregnant."

"What are you looking at, man? You're locked in over there." Tyler calls over his shoulder.

"Who do you think?" Pez looks over at his friend with a grin, causing Tyler to pause, brushing the flour from his hands onto a beat up apron as he quickly makes his way to the rickety windowsill.

"Sweet. The babe." Tyler says, head bobbing along like there's some music only he can hear. Pez nods as well, taking a hot drag from his cancer-stick and exhaling into the crisp fall air just beyond. Running a hand over his freshly shaved buzzcut, scratching slightly, he lets out a groan. "She uh... likes sweets, yeah? Sweet treat for a sweet thing."

"Work your magic, dude. Lemme get these in the oven." He fist bumps his friend before sliding into a dorky handshake and shoulder slap, as Tyler snuffs out his cigarette. 'Don't want wonder boy up my ass about smoking...' he thinks, entering the hallway with an empty hand.

Stepping out onto the campus, crisp leaves crunch under black combat boots as the punk glances around, moving like a slick predator towards its prey. "Hey, hot stuff. Saw you looking a little lonely over here, bet you're getting cold-"

Before the voice even registers, the hand on your ass does, making you sigh, but smile as you look over your shoulder at the punk standing behind the tree you're leaned up against. "Nope, I've got plenty of layers on, I'm a-okay." You retort, motioning to your outfit.

"Whoo-" He let's out a whistle, nodding his head in approval and playfully slow clapping. "Very nice. Not that I wouldn't mind taking some of those layers off, getting up under them." He snickers at the way your face flushed.

"Perv!" You retort, playfully smacking his shoulder. "Come on, first you're afraid I'm too cold and now you're trying to get me naked!"

"I'm a selfish man, what can I say." He shrugs before coming around the tree fully to face you. "I'm serious though, cute outfit. Suits you..." He looks over it once more. "Cmon, do a spin f' me." He encourages.

From the way he looks, you realize he won't let up. "Fine, but only one." It does make you feel good, doing this little twirl for him. This is one of your favorite outfits, and guys like Carter and Evan don't exactly appreciate you for your style as much as your... assets. "Picked it out from the thrift."

"And thrifty, financially responsible is so hot on you." He pokes your shoulder, hand coming to fiddle with the necklace on your collar.

"Didn't take you for the frugal type?"

"I'm fucking poor; just cause I'm at a rich school doesn't mean I have funds." He reminds. "I grew up knowing how to save money, and I can appreciate when someone tries, even if they don't have too." Staightening up, he shoves his hands in the pockets of his black jeans. "My offer to warm you up still stands. Got Pez back at the dorm making cinnamon rolls. Unless you'd prefer another way for me to get you all hot."

You just roll your eyes, but nod. "Sure. I'd be an idiot to say not to Pez's food."

"Exactly. I didn't wanna say it, but you know..." He wraps a lanky arm arm around your shoulders as he guides you back into the brick building; playfully kissing your head as he holds open the dorm door. "Ladies first."

Once upstairs, you're greeted with the sight and smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, a pleasant change from the usual lingering of various kinds of smoke and vapor that usually cling to the rooms walls and carpets. "Hey, what's up, man? Just got the rolls in the oven." Tyler calls, happy as ever. He's always a breath of fresh air around the campus, just the sight of him in his element makes both you and Pez smile.

"Good to see you too, Ty." You coo, going to wrap him in a one arm hug before letting out an 'oof-' as he bear hugs you against him, practically curtaining your torso in his long hair. "Smells amazing."

"Thanks, new shampoo-"

"The cinnamon rolls."

His tan cheeks flush a deep red as his roommate, now spread out across the couch and watching the pair with a vouyeristic interest, snickers. "Smooth moves, X-lax. Tell her you bought new boxers cause you heard she-" You find yourself immediately pushed closer to the oven, Tyler trying to drown out his friends words.

"Uh, yeah, so it's a recipe I got forever ago off some box, thought I could make it special, spice it up." He keeps on rambling, and you cast a confused glance to a rather pleased looking Pez, whose lighting up another cig. "I honestly forgot about the recipe, actually it went through the wash in my pants pocket, but when I found it and it made it through I though, 'Shit, must be fate!' So I decided to make em'."

"Well; everything you make is good; so I'm excited." You assure, making him smile.

"Thanks, I like sharing everything with you."

"Hey, babe." Pez calls. "Still got a bit of time on those cinnamon rolls, come here and let me keep my promise." He runs a hand up and down the lap fabric of his pants. You opt to sit on the couch beside him, and Pez follows suit.

"Three's company, huh? A threesome off the table?"

"Gross!" You chirp, laughing and shaking your head.

"Don't be a prude. You know I think you're hot, so does everyone else at this fuckin' school. I know you're getting some on the side, its cool." He puts a hand to his chest. "I'm sex positive, man." Pez assures.

"A lot more than just positive." Tyler says, fistbumping his pal.

You on the other hand, have gone quiet, sighing a bit. "I mean, not really."

This gives both boys pause. "Not really? You mean you aren't getting any or-" Tyler starts, before Pez shakes his head.

"Nah, that ain't it. Not at all." He's a shark whose smelled blood in the water, and slinks closer to you, leaning in. "You've never gotten any, huh? You're a virgin."

Awkwardly, you nod. "It's not something I really advertise, its kinda humiliating. And with all the sex jokes you make I just didn't know how to respond. Didn't even know if it would be weird to tell you guys?"

"Eh. Maybe for a normal friend group, but that's not us." He shrugs. "I'm... I'm sorry if I freaked you out or anything." For a moment, you see a side of Pez you hadn't seen before. An unsure, regretful side. Tyler pats his shoulder. "I mean, I assumed you had done all that stuff before. If I had ever though you were uncomfortable I never would have-"

"I know. It's okay, its not like you ever forced me into something, and you knocked it off when I asked." You assure. "I know you aren't the type of guy to do pressure me or anything. I trust you guys." You nod fervently, and Tyler relaxes.

"Good, cool. So... you ever tried? I mean, getting down and dirty?"

"No, I've just never felt comfortable." You explain awkwardly. "I mean, some of the guys around here-" You cut yourself off, looking at your folded hands.

"Yeah. I get it, we get it." Tyler assures. "I mean, you're a total babe, you deserve a good first time. With good guys." He pauses. "Or chicks, if that's what you're into."

"Love to see that." Pez let's put an oof as Tyler smacks his shoulder. "Come on. I'm just messing around. We could give you a good time. Great time even, we're your friends. I mean, it's probably better to do it with people you trust."

He has a point. "I've... I wouldn't even know where to start." You admit, only to feel a calloused, cold touch on your cheek.

"We'll make it simple, first kiss?" He asks.

You shake your head. He let's out a small 'tch', and Tyler dramatically pretends to slump over in defeat. "You're both dorks." You giggle, already a bit eased by the tension.

"Maybe I'm just greedy. Wanted every first of yours." Pez jokes, eyes still fixated on your lips. He doesn't ask, but he is gentle when he presses his chapped lips to yours, sighing softly. You're taken a bit by suprise, but its not bad. He's actually quite soft about the whole thing. More than you would have thought.

"Can I take off your shirt?" You feel warm breath on your ear, as Tylers hand clumsily feel around the front of your torso while Pez continues his affectionate gesture. You can only nod, and he grins, managing to get your school shirt off.

"Pretty rack." Pez comments as he pulls off your lips, immediately more interested in what's now presented.

"What happened to you being all soft? It was kinda sweet..." you joke, though inside you do have a craving for that slow, gentle affection.

"That's what I'm here for. It's all about balance, dude." Tyler says, resting his head on your shoulder from behind, placing a few soft kisses to your skin. "We both got you."

You let out a sharp gasp as the sudden feeling of a digit on your sensitive nipples, looking down to see Pez has expertly lifted one of your breasts over your bra, teasing the pert pink bud. "Feel weird? I heard some girls don't even like having their nipples played with." He muses. "Seems like you're just fine with it, though."

You continue to let out little mewls and moans as the scratchy fabric of your lace bra is slipped off, Tyler undoes it to give his friend better access. You can feel a hardness press against your back, only adding to the heat of the new sensations.

"That... uh, that you, Tyler?" You ask, glancing over your shoulder.

He nods sheepishly, his hand intertwined with yours, a comforting gesture. "Yeah, is... that okay? I know me rubbing my stiffy on you is already a lot, we'd said we would ease you into this, but seeing you all tits out and flushed, you don't get how hard it is." He groans.

Smiling at the idea that you're having just as much of an effect on them as they are you, you lean back against Tyler's chest. "Is... what do I do to help you with it?"

Before Tyler can even suggest something, Pez has yanked his head up from your tits. "Suck him."

"Jesus, man- you're way to eager for that-" Tyler snickers, prompting his friend to shamelessly shrug. "It's a good way to ease her in. She makes you feel good, as a reward for making her a sweet treat. And-" He leans in, nose almost brushing yours. "I'm not a huge pastry guy, so since you're making my boy here feel so good, maybe you let me fill up on something else, too."

You barely have time to register what he's asking before he's tugging down your shorts, placing a hot kiss over the fabric of your panties. "Pretty pair. You know, I've always thought a chick in my boxers would be kinda hot. You like blue?"

You're distracted by the sight of Tyler sliding himself over the waistband of his shorts. He's thin, lanky like the rest of him, with a pretty reddish tip. He strokes his hand over the base, grunting once or twice as he gets himself fully hard. "It's kinda cool, huh? I mean, the way it kinda moves and stuff-"

"Weird ass thing to say while I'm trying to get ready to eat her out. Stop talking about your dick." Pez snaps, looking up. Tyler raises his hands in defeat, looking back down to you.

"Alright, man, you still wanna try this?" Pez asks. You nod, sitting up a little, while Pez maneuvers himself to kneel on the floor, still practically making out with your thighs, but not quite the area you need it. "I want to. To... make you feel good, because of all you've done for me." You mumble.

"Hey, we'd take care of you even if we didn't have sex. You're our dude, dude." He adjusts himself, his tip nearing your cheek. "So, just kinda start with a kiss, maybe. One on the very edge, ah-" He lurches as you follow his instructions. "Yeah, just like that. Now, maybe try and put just a little in your mouth. And be sure to go slow, don't hurt your mouth or anything." Your mouth feels heavy as you take a bit of him between your lips. He has no distinct taste, but all you feel is the overwhelming heat and weight of him. You flatten your tongue to the underside of his cock, trying your best to avoid using teeth.

"Fuck, yeah. Just like that. Okay, uh, maybe just try sucking a bit, if you're, ugh- if you're ready." He grunts. You try taking him in a little deeper, before moaning suddenly and gagging. Pez had pulled your panties to the side, resulting in a soft kiss directly on your sex, a red hot feeling that completely shocks you.

"Ach-" you cough a big from having gagged, immediately pulling your mouth from Tyler's cock. "Agh, sorry, I-"

"Shit, you okay man? Did I push you too much?" Tyler asks, immediately putting his hands on your shoulders. "Just try swallowing a few times, focus on breathing."

"I think she's was just caught off guard by how good it felt to get her pussy kissed-" Pez laughs, making Tyler glare.

"Aw man, you meant to make her gag! That's not cool, she's learning."

Pez rolls his eyes. "Maybe we should just focus on letting her get through what I'm about to do then. If you're gonna be Mr. safety patrol, then just watch and jerk off."

"I can keep going-" You swallow, throat a bit harsh. "I promise i can give it another go. I want to make you feel good, Pez. Please." You feel like you're begging, but you're caught up in feeling 'even'.

"Not if you don't want to, man. I'm gonna play with my dick, let Pez kiss you. We can cuddle, that's good enough for me. Promise." Tyler moves so you're a bit more pressed to his chest, snuggling down.

Nodding, you lean back against him, and Tyler wraps one hand around his cock, and the other goes to Pez, threading his fingers in his hair.

"Fuck you touching me for, I don't need a guide." Pez says, glancing up.

"I don't trust you to not get to intense, especially after that, dude. You're a horndog." Tyler warns, and Pez rolls his eyes, but doesn't object any further. You shiver, as Tyler slowly guides Pez's lip to just over your clit. "Kiss it, dude."

The electric feeling of stimulation on your clit makes you jolt. "A-ah, Pez, that feels so weird."

"Good weird?" Tyler asks, as Pez continues. You nod fervently, and he smiles. "Yeah. Relax though, you're all tensed up. I've gotcha, I'm holding you." His own hand is lazily stroking his cock, wet slaps sounding from by his thighs. "I know I'm just beating it over you, but it still kinda romantic. I think." He rambles.

You're eyes are stuck on Pez, he's lapping like a man starved at your pussy, ocasionally pulling back to nip at the soft flesh of your thighs, when Tyler's hand allows. He swirls over your bud once, causing your leg to flinch, a fluttering bursting in your stomach.

"Ah- fuck- Pez, Ty, somethings happening, ah-" Tyler just kisses the back of your neck again. "I think I'm cumming."

Pez makes one last lewd slurp, tasting some of your wetness, before Tyler releases his grip and let's him back up. "Course you did, I'm a master with my mouth." He doesn't even give you time to recover before he's trying to get your mouth on his. "Cmon, baby, taste yourself on me, taste how sweet you were for me."

You kiss him, face hot and semi-grossed out but so tired and needy you just go with the flow. Pez's hand comes to grip your ass, then jolts as it brushes something hard. "Gross, keep your dick away from my hand, Ty." Pez snickers. "Maybe some other time I'll want something savory and we'll see."

Tyler barely glances at him, continuing to whimper as he gets closer to his peak. "My dick isn't near your hand, man, your hand is near my dick." He grunts. "I'm getting close, mmh, can I cum on you, man?"

"Fuck no-"

"Not you, MAN!" Tyler squawks, and you playfully push Pez off. He just holds his hands up in surrender and lays back to enjoy the show. "Obviously I meant you." Tyler says. He rubs his erection on your thigh, now half stroking and half humping to get him over the edge. "Please," He whispers. "Please, please, please, let me finish on you. It's gonna feel a bit weird but I'll clean you up after, get you all fresh-"

"It's okay." You mumble, squirming a bit, the wetness between your thighs still sticky. "I trust you, I-I do." He just smiles, bucking a few more times, just until his cock twitches. "Fuck!" A few thick ropes of cum land on your leg, and he pants as he leans back against the worn out couch, pressing your back to his chest.

"So fucking good. Was that good for you?" Tyler asks, and you nod.

"Nuh-uh. Words, baby." Pez chimes in, tilting his head as he leans in. "Come on. I wanna know we didn't overwhelm you during your first time?" The silence is heavy. His tone is light, but its obvious both boys are deeply concerned with your wellbeing after all that.

"It was good. Really good, I'm just worn out." You mumble, before boldly kissing Tyler's cheek. He smiles, using his clean hand to push your forehead to his lips. "Anytime, dude. You looked so fuckin' hot." The seriousness with which he says this makes you blush, only to hear a 'pbllllt' from next to you. Turning, you see Pez with his arms crossed.

"I'm the one who actually got down there and ate you like a three course meal, you gonna give me a kiss?" He only asks, half joking. Both of you snicker, and Tyler pushes you over, chest to chest with Pez. "Clean her up?" He asks.

"You got it." Pez slings his arm around your waist. "Cmon, baby. Let's get you all stripped and in the bath and then maybe I'll finally get to jerk it." He snickers, making you playfully smacking him as you wander into the bathroom, away from where Tyler is washing his hands and checking on the pastry. He goes to resch for his apron, and feels something in the pocket, a rough feeling.

When his hand emerges with a lilac pair of lace, he pales. "Shit," He quickly hides it inside a nearby pillowcase, sighing. "Gotta tell him to wash that stuff separately, shit..."

#yandere #yandere oc #tw.yandere #yandere fanfiction #x reader #tw.dark content #yandere boy #yandere x reader #yandere boarding school x reader #yandere boarding school #oc pez #oc tyler #yandere stoner #yandere delinquent #fem reader

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snowstormarts · 2 days ago

Note

hiii can u write more hcs or whatever about cam… there’s literally nothing for him and i want that stinky man >:3

Holding your hand as we spin in a circle with Cam who's not impressed. All to say is I love this trash man, the only reason I didnt get his romance route is because of the Empathy Block...But enough of that and more to headcanons for him! [If anyone else has Cam stuff please let me know, I need this man on such a deep level]

Reblogs & Likes are appreciated and feel free to send Requests, Questions, ect to my Inbox ^^

🗑 Cam Headcanons 🗑

[Divider Credit]

- He can't & won't stand for anyone bullying someone for something they can't control. He had his own experiences with bullying for being born as a trashcan so he will often step in and scare the bullies away before leaving [he has to keep his reputation as the silent guy who hates everyone]

- He has a opossum plushy that he keeps hidden away, it's his support & vent buddy when days are especially hard and he just needs to let it out somehow

- Don't let his clothes trick you, he might not look the strongest but underneath it all he has some muscles. Carrying trash around and creating a home with it is going to take some strength, it's like a free work out for him

- If you're dating him get ready for him to be the sweetest guy ever, you can literally walk into a room and see him make someone cower in fear only to turn around and face you with a smile and a huff. Before walking like nothing happened up to you, cupping your cheek and letting your foreheads touch as he asks if you were looking for him. ["Did I keep you waiting my little opossum? Yeah? Then let's get out of here and I will make it up to you, how does cuddling and snacking sound while we bitch about your ex-boss?"]

- Knows a ton about "pest-animals" like pigeons, raccoons, opossums & different kinds of bugs, you ever need some background noises or need to be grounded? This man has your back!

- If you ever propose to him/ask when he's gonna tie the knot he will be shocked, he never expected to date anyone let alone get married to someone who truly loves him for who he is.

"Is this some kind of cruel joke, maybe one of those challenges online? Or are you serious about this? Just in case you've forgotten I'm a trashcan, you sure you can handle that? That also means having to deal with me and my shit dai-huh? Y-You're serious, you even got the ring...Well then, I guess I might have a ring here somewhere for you just let me go find it... Oh, and doll? I love you, I really do. Thanks for choosing to stick with me even when I have my shitty moments, you're the best future spouse anyone could have wished for."

#date everything #date everything x reader #date everything headcanons #cam x reader #de cam #date everything imagines #late night writing release because tommorow Imma be busy drawing~

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unabashegirl · 1 day ago

Text

Heavy hands — part I

A sheltered university student falls into the dark world of underground fighting—and into the orbit of undefeated fighter Harry Styles.

Author’s Note: I debated for weeks whether or not to share this, but… here we are. This is just a taste of what’s been brewing behind the scenes — the first part of a new ten-part Harry Styles fanfic I’ve been quietly building: gritty, slow-burn, and filled with everything I love in a story. For now, it’s a Patreon exclusive, but I couldn’t resist giving you a glimpse of what’s coming in a few weeks. If you’re curious, or if you just can’t wait… You can join my Patreon and read the full first chapter (and the rest as it comes) for only $2 USD. 🖤 Thank you for always being here, and for letting me tell the kind of stories that linger. I really hope this one does.

📌 here is the link to the tier to get access to heavy hands -> select the tier quick fix -> patreon

📌 word count: 5.1K

Y/N kept her head down as she walked the edge of campus, her breath turning pale in the morning air. She liked the quiet before her lectures started—the way her boots sounded against the cobblestones, the hush in the trees before the day filled in with people and noise and everything she didn’t quite know how to handle yet.

She held her notebook tight to her chest, fingers curled around the edges like it was armor.

The philosophy building loomed ahead, old stone and ivy creeping up the sides. Inside, it was dim, echoey. Smelled like dust and paper. The lecture hall had tall windows and creaky floors and more students than she’d ever been around at once. She took her usual seat—third row from the back, end of the bench—and opened her notebook with quiet care.

No one looked at her. They never did.

She preferred it that way, mostly. Or at least, that’s what she told herself.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to be noticed. It was just… she didn’t know what she’d say if someone did.

Everything about university still felt sharp-edged and overwhelming. The people. The freedom. The way no one asked where she was going or what time she’d be back. After nineteen years of homeschooling, of morning devotions and polite conversation and being taught how to fold napkins the right way, it was like being dropped into another universe.

Her mother still called every night. Still reminded her not to talk to strangers. Still warned her, half-joking and half-serious, that London would eat her alive.

Y/N didn’t argue. She didn’t argue about anything, really. She was the quiet one. The good one. The girl who followed rules because they made her feel safe. And maybe because she didn’t know how not to.

A chair scraped beside her and she flinched, just slightly.

“Hi,” a voice said. “You’re in this class, right?”

Y/N turned her head. A girl with messy blonde hair and black eyeliner was dropping into the seat next to her, unbothered, smiling like they’d done this before. She wore a denim jacket over a black hoodie, silver rings stacked on her fingers. Her boots looked like they’d seen every corner of the city.

Y/N blinked. “I—yes.”

“I’ve seen you in here,” the girl said. “You always sit alone.”

Y/N’s cheeks burned. “I just like this row.”

“You’re new.”

It wasn’t a question, but Y/N nodded anyway.

“Thought so. I’m Liv.” She held out a hand, bangles jangling against her wrist.

Y/N shook it. “Y/N.”

“Pretty name.” Liv looked her over, head tilted. “You don’t talk much, do you?”

Y/N managed a tight smile. “I listen more than I speak.”

“Right.” Liv grinned, wide and unapologetic. “One of those. Cute.”

The professor arrived, setting down her briefcase with a thud, and the room shifted into a loose hush. Liv leaned in just a little as the lecture started, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You doing anything tonight?”

The question caught her off guard. She shook her head slowly. “No. Why?”

Liv’s smile curved like she already knew the answer. “There’s this thing I’m going to. Bit off the map. It’s kind of… exclusive.”

Y/N blinked. “What kind of thing?”

Liv shrugged. “You’ll see.”

That made Y/N nervous. “I’m not really—”

“It’s nothing crazy,” Liv said quickly, but her grin said otherwise. “Just come. You can leave whenever. You don’t even have to talk to anyone.”

Y/N hesitated. Her mother’s voice rang in her ears: Don’t follow people you barely know. Don’t go out late. Don’t be stupid.

“I shouldn’t—”

“It’s one night,” Liv cut in, soft but insistent. “And you look like you need one.”

Y/N didn’t answer. She stared down at the lines in her notebook, heart knocking against her ribs. Liv didn’t press her after that, just passed a torn scrap of paper across the desk with a time and a station scribbled in smudged ink.

“Text me if you decide to go” Liv whispered.

Y/N hadn’t told her parents she’d moved into student housing.

They still believed she was commuting from her aunt’s flat in Clapham. That she took the Tube each morning and was back home by dinner, curled under a blanket, phone fully charged, doors locked.

It wasn’t a lie exactly. Not the worst kind. Her aunt did live in Clapham, and she had stayed with her for the first week. But she’d craved the silence, the independence. Craved something she didn’t have a name for yet.

So she’d moved.

Her parents didn’t know. They wouldn’t understand.

Growing up, her world had been small. Safe. Her father was a strict man with soft eyes who believed in structure, who said that routines kept a family together. Her mother homeschooled her from the age of five, and her education had been rich in detail, precise and thorough—but narrow. Everything outside their four walls felt like a warning. She was never allowed sleepovers. No television past nine. No unchaperoned visits to the shops. No boys.

“Too much of the world too soon can rot the mind,” her mother once told her.

So Y/N stayed soft. Careful. She read obsessively—books about people who lived wildly, recklessly, freely. She filled journals with lines from poetry she didn’t always understand. She baked bread from scratch. She studied the Psalms. She knew the difference between a pressed pleat and a bias cut. She still folded her underwear into neat little rows.

Her rebellion, if she could even call it that, was quiet. Choosing to study philosophy when her parents had pushed for English. Sitting alone in the lecture hall instead of trying to fit in. Saying nothing when her mother asked for a tour of the uni halls and changing the subject instead.

She wasn’t brave. Not really.

But she was curious.

Sometimes, late at night, she’d sit on the floor of her room with the curtains drawn and scroll through photos other girls at uni posted. Loud nights. Flashing lights. Smudged mascara. Arms slung around boys’ necks. Kisses stolen in club bathrooms. Glitter stuck in collarbones. She didn’t want all of it. But she wanted something.

She didn’t know what.

And now there was a scrap of paper in her notebook. A time. A name. A chance

Later that night, Y/N sat on the edge of her dorm bed, the crumpled scrap of paper warming in her palm. Outside, the hallway was silent except for the faint hum of the building settling into the night. Her roommate’s light was off. No one was supposed to be out this late.

The note had a time and a name — Liv — and a vague meeting place: just outside the dorm’s main entrance.

That was all she knew.

She didn’t know where Liv was taking her. She didn’t even know what she was walking into.

Her parents’ warnings echoed loud in her mind — Don’t go out late. Don’t trust people you barely know.

But Liv’s words floated beneath it all, soft and tempting. You look like you need one.

Y/N folded the note carefully, tracing the ink with her thumb. She felt the familiar pull of nervousness tightening in her chest — the same nervousness she’d felt all her life, at the edge of something new and scary.

Her fingers shook slightly as she mapped out a plan to leave the dorm unnoticed.

Wait until the hall is empty.

Keep my phone silent but with location tracking on.

Wear something dark.

Take the quickest route.

If anything feels wrong, leave.

She exhaled slowly. Maybe this was reckless. Maybe it was a mistake.

But maybe it was also exactly what she needed.

The hallway outside Y/N’s room was empty when she slipped out, every step measured and quiet. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, loud enough to drown out the creak of the old wooden floor beneath her feet.

She hugged her jacket tighter around her, breath forming small clouds in the cold night air as she pushed open the dorm’s heavy front door.

There, waiting just beyond the flickering streetlamp, was Liv. Her silhouette looked sharper than ever—hands shoved into the pockets of her leather jacket, black boots tapping impatiently against the pavement.

Liv’s head turned, and her dark eyes caught Y/N’s instantly. A slow smile curved across her lips.

“Thought you’d chicken out,” Liv said softly, voice low, like sharing a secret.

Y/N shook her head, swallowing the lump in her throat. “I’m here.”

“Good.” Liv stepped closer. “You ready to have fun?”

Y/N hesitated, cold fingers curling into a fist inside her pocket. She had no idea what she was about to walk into. But the night already felt different—charged. Dangerous. And thrilling in a way she’d never imagined.

“Let’s go,” Liv said, grabbing Y/N’s hand and pulling her toward the dark streets of London.

The city breathed around them—damp, restless, alive. And somewhere in the distance, a low roar rose through the night.

Liv led Y/N down the street, her grip firm but gentle, pulling her into the night that thrummed with a restless energy.

Around the corner, two figures waited by a battered black taxi.

The first was a tall, lean man with dark hair slicked back, a cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. His leather jacket was scuffed, sleeves pushed up to reveal tattoos—snakes coiled around his wrists and numbers inked like a secret code. He gave Y/N a brief, assessing look before flicking the smoke away.

The second was a girl with a shock of bright red hair tied messily in a ponytail. She wore a patched denim vest over a hoodie and carried an easy, knowing grin, like the city had whispered its secrets just to her.

“This is Tom,” Liv said smoothly, nodding at the man. “And Jess.”

Tom gave Y/N a slow nod — a silent greeting or perhaps a challenge — while Jess winked, playful and mysterious.

Liv’s eyes flicked back to Y/N. “They’re part of the crew. You’ll like them.”

Y/N’s stomach fluttered with nervous anticipation and uncertainty, but Liv’s steady presence was a comfort she didn’t expect.

“Do you guys… go to uni with Liv?”

It came out a little too hopeful. A little too desperate for connection.

Jess’s head snapped toward her, and she burst out laughing. Loud and sudden.

Tom smirked. “Us? Nah, sweetheart.” He ran a hand through his hair, eyes glinting. “We’re in a different kind of education.”

Y/N blinked. “Oh… like what?”

Jess leaned in, chewing gum like it was part of her attitude. “The kind they don’t put in brochures.”

They both exchanged a look that made Y/N’s skin prickle—like they shared a joke she would never be let in on.

Liv, beside her, just grinned. “Don’t worry about them. They’re harmless.”

But somehow, that didn’t make her feel any better.

They walked toward the Tube station together, the streetlights casting long shadows behind them.

On the platform, Liv’s voice dropped to a low, teasing murmur. “So. What do you think you’re coming to see tonight?”

Y/N shrugged, voice barely above a whisper. “I… don’t really know.”

“That’s the point,” Liv said with a grin. “Not everything in life needs to be spelled out, you know.”

The train screeched into the station, and the four of them squeezed into a carriage, the city blurring past outside.

“Is it dangerous?” Y/N asked, unable to hide the tremor in her voice.

Liv looked at her sideways, eyes gleaming. “Depends on how you handle it.”

Tom and Jess exchanged a glance but stayed silent.

Y/N stared out the window, heart pounding. She didn’t know what was waiting for her at the end of this ride — but somehow, she felt she was about to find out.

The train rattled and groaned beneath the city as Y/N stared out the window, the familiar London skyline replaced by grimy brick walls and flickering neon signs.

They were in East London now. The air felt heavier here, colder, sharper. It carried a bite that made Y/N pull her jacket tighter around her shoulders.

Outside the station, the streets were quieter, narrower, and shadows gathered thick between the dim streetlights. The usual hum of nightlife was replaced by something rougher — the distant clatter of footsteps, the low murmur of voices, the sharp edge of something unspoken.

Y/N’s stomach twisted. She felt exposed, like a small animal caught in the open. Every instinct whispered warning.

Liv’s footsteps were steady beside her, calm and confident.

They stopped in front of a squat, weathered building with no sign out front. A heavy metal door stood closed, cold and unwelcoming.

But from behind it came the thump of music — deep, pulsing bass that vibrated through the concrete beneath Y/N’s feet.

“It’s just a club,” Liv said, sensing Y/N’s tension. “Wait till you get inside.”

The door creaked open before Y/N could answer, and a rush of heat and smoke spilled out, swirling colored lights slicing through the haze.

The room beyond was dark, crowded, and alive — thick with bodies moving to the rhythm, faces barely visible through the smoke and flashing strobes.

Y/N blinked, overwhelmed. This was nothing like the neat, quiet world she knew.

She clutched Liv’s arm, heart pounding louder than the music.

“Just breathe,” Liv whispered. “You’re okay.”

But Y/N wasn’t sure she was.

Inside, the heat hit Y/N like a wave. The air was thick with smoke and the sharp scent of sweat and something sweet—maybe alcohol or perfume—mixing together into a haze she wasn’t used to. Colored lights sliced through the fog, casting strange shadows on faces she couldn’t quite see.

The bass throbbed in her chest, each beat a punch that made the room feel alive and dangerous.

Tom and Jess flanked her like guards or guides. Jess grinned and nudged Y/N gently. “You want a drink? Something to calm the nerves?”

Y/N shook her head quickly. “No, thank you.” Her voice barely carried over the music.

Tom leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “Come on, just one. You’ve got to loosen up a little.”

Y/N smiled politely but pulled back. Her throat felt tight, and the loud music made it impossible to hear clearly unless someone spoke right in her ear. She felt like a fish out of water, lost in the current of movement and noise swirling around her.

Jess laughed and tossed her head. “She’s shy, huh?”

Tom’s dark eyes flicked to Y/N, a teasing spark lighting up his gaze. “I like that,” he murmured, stepping a bit closer, his voice low and smooth.

Y/N’s cheeks warmed, but her attention wasn’t on him. She scanned the crowd, feeling small and exposed under the flashing lights.

Liv caught her eye and gave her a quick nod—a silent promise that she had her back.

Still, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that she didn’t belong here.

The pounding music pressed against Y/N’s chest like a living heartbeat as she swayed slightly to the rhythm, her arms loose at her sides. She wasn’t a dancer—never had been—but somehow, in the heat of the room and the rush of it all, she’d let herself move, just a little.

A couple of drinks had found their way into her hands over the night—mostly from Jess’s insistent prodding—and though she wasn’t drunk, a gentle warmth bloomed beneath her skin. It loosened her tongue just enough to make the endless chatter around her seem less intimidating, less like a wall she couldn’t climb.

Still, the bass hammered in her ears and her pulse thrummed in her temples, making her glance down at her phone more than once.

She found the screen dimly glowing in her pocket and pulled it out, squinting at the time. Almost midnight.

Her stomach twisted. This wasn’t how she’d imagined her first night out would go—or maybe it was, but not like this.

She edged closer to Liv, who was leaning against the bar with that calm, unreadable expression that had been a lifeline all evening.

“I should go,” Y/N said, voice just audible over the music. She glanced at her phone again, then around the room. “It’s getting late. I have a class early tomorrow and… I think I’ve had enough.”

Liv’s eyes flicked to Y/N, sharp and calculating. Then she smiled—a slow, knowing smile that sent a shiver down Y/N’s spine.

“You can’t leave yet,” Liv said softly, voice low enough that only Y/N could hear.

Y/N frowned, taking a step back. “Why not?”

Liv leaned closer, the noise swallowing her words but the meaning clear. “Because the main event hasn’t started.”

Y/N blinked, confusion pooling in her chest. “Main event?”

Liv’s smile deepened, but she didn’t answer. Liv tugged Y/N’s hand firmly, steering her away from the pulsing center of the room where bodies had been dancing, lost in the pounding music. The crowd thickened, pressing in around them, but Liv led her toward a narrow space against the far wall, where the air was cooler and the chaos dimmed to a dull roar.

Suddenly, the music cut sharply, replaced by an expectant silence that rippled through the crowd like a wave.

Two blinding lights snapped on, slicing through the smoke and darkness, illuminating the middle of the room with harsh white beams.

A man appeared, gripping a microphone like a weapon. His voice boomed out, amplified and commanding:

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the real show.”

The crowd erupted into cheers and whistles.

Liv’s grip on Y/N’s hand tightened.

The man paced slowly across the floor, eyes shining with excitement.

“Tonight’s fighters are ready to put it all on the line. Only one will walk away the victor. And remember there’s only one rule in here,” he shouted. “No fuckin’ rules.”

Y/N’s breath hitched.

The announcer’s voice lowered, but carried over the noise like a knife.

“ In the red corner…” he called, drawing out the pause like a showman feeding blood to wolves, “you know him, you hate him, you can’t kill him—Marcus ‘The Butcher’ Dale!”

A wave of chaos surged through the room. Screams, whistles, fists pounding against walls and floors.

A man stepped into the light from the opposite side—tall, with broad shoulders, with thick arms covered in brutal, angry tattoos. His face was twisted into a cocky smirk, blood already dried across one knuckle.

Y/N’s stomach twisted.

This wasn’t some theatrical show. This was real.

“And in the blue corner, five-time underground champ. Doesn’t blink. Doesn’t speak. Doesn’t lose.” He grinned. “The King of the Cut — Harry fuckin’ Styles.”

A roar exploded around them. People were shouting his name, clapping, stomping.

Y/N’s eyes locked onto a figure stepping into the light—tall, solid, tattooed arms gleaming under the harsh glare. His buzz-cut hair caught the white light, and those cold, piercing eyes swept the room like a predator.

Everything inside Y/N froze.

This wasn’t a club. It wasn’t a party.

This was an underground fight.

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat, a mix of disbelief and awe swirling in her chest. The roar of the crowd was a distant thunder, and yet all she could focus on was him.

He stood in the center of the ring, a living storm of controlled power. His buzz-cut scalp gleamed under the harsh lights, every sharp line of his jaw set like stone.

Tattooed arms flexed as he shifted his weight, muscles coiled beneath the skin like a panther ready to pounce. Silver rings glinted on thick fingers, catching the light with every movement.

His eyes—cold, calculating, fierce—scanned the crowd before settling briefly on the entrance.

Y/N felt those eyes slice through the haze and land on her, just for a fraction of a second, but enough to make her heart leap.

There was something raw and dangerous in him, an intensity that seemed to pulse from his very bones. But beneath it all, she sensed a quiet hardness—a man who had been through fire and come out harder.

She had never seen anyone like him.

Her fingers curled into fists at her sides, and for a moment, the heat blossoming in her skin wasn’t from the room or the drinks—it was from something far more electric.

As the announcer continued, the crowd’s cheers surged again, but Y/N’s world had narrowed to that single figure standing tall and unyielding before her.

The announcer raised his free hand, waiting for the crowd to settle—just enough to be heard again.

Y/N’s hand shot out and found Liv’s without thinking, her fingers closing tight.

Liv looked over, eyes dark and steady, and gave her a single, reassuring squeeze.

“You okay?” she asked, her mouth close to Y/N’s ear.

Y/N didn’t answer. Her heart was in her throat. The reality was setting in like ice water.

This was violence.

And Harry—Harry, with the cold eyes and the inked skin and the motionless stance—was about to step into it without flinching.

Y/N’s grip on Liv’s hand tightened until her knuckles ached.

The announcer had vanished into the crowd, swallowed whole by the heat and noise, and the two men stood face-to-face beneath the harsh white lights. No gloves. No headgear. No rules.

Harry hadn’t moved. His expression was unreadable—stone, carved from the coldest parts of him. His chest rose and fell in steady rhythm, muscles tense and still. The other man—Marcus—was pacing, shaking out his arms, smirking like he’d already won.

Y/N’s voice cracked as she leaned toward Liv. “Why did you bring me here?”

Liv didn’t answer at first. She was watching the ring like it mattered more than the air in her lungs.

Y/N tugged on her sleeve, voice rising, urgent now. “Liv.”

Liv finally turned, her eyes shining in the dim light, something wild flickering there. “Because I wanted you to see what real looks like.”

Before Y/N could process it, the bell rang.

Not a clean boxing bell—an actual iron bell slammed by someone’s fist.

The crowd erupted, bodies surging forward, a roar rising up around them so loud Y/N could feel it in her chest.

Marcus lunged first—fast for his size, all brute force and rage. He threw a heavy right hook aimed straight at Harry’s jaw.

But Harry didn’t flinch.

He ducked cleanly, silent and sharp, then answered with a lightning-fast jab to Marcus’s ribs. The sound of it cracked through the air—flesh meeting flesh, knuckle meeting bone.

Marcus stumbled back, face twisted. He hadn’t expected the counter.

Y/N’s eyes widened.

Harry moved like a shadow—fluid, controlled, terrifying in how calm he was. No showboating. No wasted steps. Just raw precision.

Blood sprayed from Marcus’s nose as another punch landed, and the crowd screamed louder. Someone near Y/N shouted Harry’s name again and again like a prayer or a curse.

She couldn’t look away.

The lights overhead flickered slightly, the smoke rising from the crowd curling around the ring like steam over a fire.

It was chaos—pure, unfiltered violence—but somehow… there was beauty in the way Harry moved. Not just strength. Discipline. Intention.

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat.

He was terrifying. And he was magnificent.

Her heart pounded louder than the crowd.

And she had no idea what kind of world she’d just stepped into.

The fight escalated fast.

After the first few blows, Marcus no longer looked amused. The smirk had vanished, replaced by something far uglier—frustration. Maybe fear.

He rushed forward again with a roar, throwing a savage combination—left, right, then another right meant to break someone’s jaw.

Harry blocked the first two, absorbed the third with a subtle turn of his shoulder, then answered with a brutal uppercut to the gut. Marcus doubled over, gasping, and Harry didn’t wait.

He stepped in. One. Two. Three hits. Clean, fast, calculated.

Each punch echoed like thunder.

The crowd around Y/N was a blur of motion—screaming, fists pumping in the air, bodies jumping and shoving. Some were chanting Harry’s name. Others were yelling for blood.

Y/N stood frozen, her back to the wall, eyes locked on the ring. Her ears rang, not just from the noise but from the sickening, wet thuds of fists colliding with flesh.

Marcus tried to land a knee, wild and desperate. But Harry caught him mid-motion, wrapped an arm around his neck, and slammed him hard into the floor with a move so fast Y/N barely registered it.

Gasps. Cheers.

Marcus writhed, cursing, trying to rise—blood spilling from his nose, his lip split wide. But Harry didn’t let him.

He straddled him in a controlled mount, knees planted firm, and drove a single punch—straight to Marcus’s jaw.

And then another.

And another.

The crowd counted aloud. “One! Two! Three!”

Y/N’s breath hitched.

Marcus’s head lolled slightly, dazed, mouth open, eyes unfocused.

The bell rang again.

Loud. Final.

Harry stopped. Immediately.

He rose slowly, blood streaking his knuckles, chest heaving, but his expression unchanged—calm, cold, unreadable.

The room exploded around him.

People surged toward the ring, some climbing over barriers, others throwing money, coats, and drinks into the air. The lights strobed wildly.

Y/N stared at him—this man who had just dismantled another human being without blinking. Not out of cruelty. Not for spectacle.

But because that’s what he came to do.

He didn’t look proud. He didn’t look relieved. He looked exactly the same as he had when he walked in—haunted, sharp, and terrifyingly composed.

Y/N’s pulse roared in her ears. Her skin felt too tight for her body. Her mouth was dry.

She had never seen anything like him.

And she had never wanted answers more than she did now.

Harry disappeared into the crowd like smoke.

One second, he was there—standing over a broken man, chest rising slow and even, blood splattered across his skin like war paint. The next, he was gone. Swallowed whole by bodies pushing inward, cheering, chanting, desperate to touch something that felt untouchable.

Y/N stayed frozen in place, still gripping the edge of the wall like it might keep her upright.

Around her, the atmosphere had shifted. The violence was over, but the energy in the room hadn’t calmed—it had sharpened. Louder music kicked in, harder and heavier than before. Drinks were passed hand to hand. People laughed and shoved and screamed like it was a party.

A celebration.

But Y/N couldn’t celebrate.

She couldn’t drink.

She couldn’t breathe.

The image was stuck in her mind—Marcus lying there, dazed and bleeding, struggling to sit up, the skin of his face swollen and cracked. His mouth had opened like he was trying to speak, but nothing came out. Just blood. Just pain.

And Harry’s fists, silent and cold and exact.

Y/N blinked hard. Her eyes stung.

She turned quickly, pushing through the crowd, her hands trembling as she passed a group of people laughing and rewatching a recording of the fight on someone’s phone like it was a highlight reel.

Her throat closed.

She didn’t know what door she was looking for—just that she needed out. Needed air. Needed to get the sound of bone hitting flesh out of her head.

The first door she reached wasn’t marked. She shoved it open anyway.

The noise cut off like a switch had flipped.

She stumbled into a narrow alleyway. Dimly lit. Quiet. Concrete walls slick with condensation. She could hear the dull hum of the bass behind her, but here, it was muffled. Like it belonged to a different world.

Y/N leaned back against the cold wall, her hands gripping the edge of her jacket, pulling it tight around her chest. Her eyes welled, unblinking.

She didn’t know why she was crying.

She hadn’t been the one hurt. She hadn’t even known Marcus. She didn’t know the rules of this world, didn’t know what he’d done to deserve it, if anything.

But it didn’t matter.

She’d seen pain. Real pain. Up close. And everyone else had clapped for it.

“You okay?”

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat.

Harry was only a few feet away. Still shirtless, the blood on his torso now dried to rust. A cigarette dangled between his fingers, lit at the tip, the smoke curling lazily in the cold night air. His other hand rested low on his hip, relaxed.

He hadn’t looked at her yet, not fully. His gaze was angled down, watching the cigarette burn.

She hadn’t heard him come out.

Had no idea how long he’d been there.

Y/N’s voice was barely a whisper. “You scared me.”

Harry glanced at her then, his eyes shadowed but sharp—cut from something darker than the rest of him.

“Didn’t mean to,” he said.

He took a slow drag from the cigarette, the ember lighting the edge of his cheekbone, his expression unreadable.

Y/N’s back pressed tighter against the wall, her voice soft and shaking. “Why would anyone cheer for something like that?”

Harry exhaled the smoke through his nose. A pause. Then, finally:

“Because they’re not the ones bleeding.”

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nopaintjustpain · 1 day ago

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Okay so addressing this rb— good point, @dysfunctionalcreature!!! Your comment made me realize I may have based this whole meta on an assumption I made, or a widely accepted fanon, as is often the trap people fall into with their favorite longform media. So I went back in the transcripts to check the source material for evidence to back up my little thesis!!

Please enjoy the following textual analysis, courtesy of a bored English Major who doesn’t get to use their literary analysis skills much irl:

Ep 121:

If you would turn your attention to figure 1!!

Fig. 1.1: This line implies, to me, that Georgie visits often enough to have a sense of who does or doesn’t generally visit Jon in the hospital

Fig. 1.2: This implies that Georgie checks in with Jon’s nurses regularly enough that they would’ve notified her of a new visitor on the way in if they had seen Oliver

Fig. 1.3: Here’s Georgie displaying a significant show of protectiveness over Jon while he’s helpless. Arguably, this could also be chalked up to her (justifiable) hostility to anyone End-affiliated, and her desire to get Oliver Out of her General Vicinity. But it’s worth noting that if her *only* motivation is to be Away from Oliver, she could’ve just given him a minute alone with Jon like he asked. Instead she goes on the defensive. She practically chases Oliver out of the room, rather than flee and leave Jon alone with a potential threat. For all she knows in this moment, she could very well be putting herself in serious danger by getting between Oliver and Jon. She knows the minute she lays eyes on Oliver that he’s Bad News, but she doesn’t hesitate. Just because Georgie doesn’t feel fear doesn’t mean she can’t recognize risk. She knows EXACTLY what she’s risking in this moment, and she does it anyway. That, to me, feels like a significant show of loyalty and care. You see this defensiveness continue on here in Fig. 2:

Fig. 2.1: Okay so after that tense interaction, we get THIS cute little line where Georgie talks to Jon in his coma, knowing he may or may not be able to hear him. It’s generally encouraged to talk to coma patients. And if I remember correctly, her like delivery is casual. Conversational. Implying that she’s comfortable talking to his functionally-dead body. She’s Been Here. She intends to continue Being Here. In addition, the sentiment she’s expressing in this line is also one of care and protection! She cares about who he’s spending time with. She wants him to be surrounded by people who are good for him, not pulling him deeper into danger.

Fig. 2.2: In a continuation of my earlier point in 1.3, here we see Georgie run AFTER Oliver after she’s finally got him to leave. If we extrapolate our earlier assumption that she knows very well what a risk this is, we again see reinforcement of her loyalty to Jon. Here, she’s afraid Oliver may have done something to Jon while she wasn’t there, or left something sinister behind. At the very least, she clocks that Oliver recorded something or left something behind, and she’s not gonna let that slide. Again, she goes against her own discomfort for Jon’s sake.

And last but not least, here’s the lines in Ep 122 that essentially define Jon and Georgie’s falling-out:

Not much to say on this tbh. The lines speak for themselves. Georgie is honestly, genuinely disappointed to see him wake up no worse for wear. And WOW does that hurt. But he’s awake now. He’s cognitively whole. He’s making his own decisions. He’s not helpless anymore, which means he’s no longer her responsibility. And now that he’s no longer her responsibility, she finally gets to make a Choice about whether she’s going to continue trying to be a caregiver for him in light of this information. She runs a risk assessment on the spot and realizes… no, she’s not willing to make those sacrifices for someone who A) isn’t physically or financially dependent on her and B) poses a danger to her via his very existence.

I remember her delivery of that “Goodbye” having a certain ring of finality to it, and Jon calling out after her sounded pretty heartbroken and desperate to stop her from walking out. Because he knew that once she was gone, that was it for them. But ultimately he lets her go.

So, in summary: No, it’s never explicitly stated in the text that Georgie stuck by his bedside for six months. But I got that impression from details in the source material which, to me, feel like a strong implication.

So yay! Glad to know I wasn’t just pulling this meta out of my ass lol. I was just kinda trusting my recollections when I wrote the original post, but it’s vindicating to look back on the text and find evidence to back it up.

Hey.

Do you ever think part of the reason Georgie stayed by Jon’s bedside through all 6 months of his coma but then abruptly walked out of his life when he woke up is because she was fully expecting to be a caregiver for him during a long, grueling post-coma recovery process?

Do you think part of the reason she was so spooked by him waking up (relatively) unscathed is because she had mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared herself to take him in? That her best case scenario — what she had planned and hoped for — was that he’d wake up with severe cognitive and/or physical deficits, as one would expect from someone who survived an explosion and six months in a coma? That he’d have to re-learn how to walk or talk or eat or hold a spoon on his own? That he would *need* someone, and even if it wasn’t what she wanted for herself or him, she had decided she would step up and be that person for him?

It can be so jarring when you build up a vision of your near future around one assumption, only for that assumption to be completely shattered by reality. Do you think she constructed a future for him in her head, and when he woke up “fine”, she was so startled by the breaking of her expectations that it felt almost like a betrayal? And the sheer uncanny impossibility of him waking up “fine” made her think that her friend was dead after all?

Do you think that after Martin stopped coming around and Georgie found herself alone at Jon’s bedside, she realized she was all he had left in the world? The only one who held onto hope that he would survive in some form? The only one who thought he could wake up, severely disabled by his experiences but free at last? The only one who thought he deserved the chance at a mundane life after all of this, even if that life would look radically different? Do you think she grappled with the reality that if she didn’t step up for him, no one would? Do you think she spent long hours coping with the fact that she was going to have to take on new responsibilities and make new sacrifices for him, but she was willing to do it for an old friend who deserved better than the hand he was dealt? Do you think she mourned her old vision of her future, before she reconstructed that vision around caring for him?

Do you think she started talking to Jon’s doctors about what she could expect if she brought him home after he woke up? What kinds of disabilities he would live with, and what the prognosis was? About his quality of life afterwards? His road to recovery? Do you think she made up her spare bedroom with a severely disabled person in mind, and then started looking into hiring a part time caregiver to come help her make sure Jon got the help (she assumed) he’d need? Do you think she did all kinds of research into brain injuries and their aftermath? Physical therapy for people with severe atrophy? NG tubes for re-feeding severely starved people? Occupational therapists?

Do you think part of the reason she was so upset when he woke up (relatively) unscathed, lucid and talking and breathing on his own, maybe a little physically weak but still much like his old self, is because she had realistic expectations of what his life would look like after his injuries? And seeing him suddenly defy all odds by waking up into a full cognitive and physical recovery — a completely unrealistic hope that she never even considered as part of the realm of possibility — only reinforced the idea that the old Jon was dead, and this new Jon wasn’t safe for her to be around?

Do you think it hurt when she realized she couldn’t bring him home?

I think about that.

#tma #the magnus archives #tma meta #meta #georgie barker #Jon sims #jonathan sims #jongeorgie #textual analysis #mini essay

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girldriveroscar · 1 day ago

Note

GIRL DRIVER 🫵 HAVE YOU SEEN OJP SWEATY CYCLING AND BLUSHING

we like actually have to have a very Very serious conversation about this. Like Council meeting.. Like huddle up Team.

im not even gonna act like for a second ive ever felt normal about Oscar on a bike and I don't even fuck with bikes like that man. I went on a bike ride yesterday for the first time in a year and my dick hurt like im truly not even about cycling like that Im just passionate for a man in a stupid embarrassing singlet wiggling his stupid ass on a stupid little phallic fucking acoustic sybian saddle in tight moisture-wicking clothes.

like I am actually just passionate about the bumps in the road and the chaffing from endured pressure to his cat and the sweat accumulating into a Sweet heady scent bro im actually just a passionate man actually. like actually the curved breast could not dazzle me nor could a smile run through his hips and thighs to the dark center where procreation flares actually

and now he wants to go and make this a thing? now he literally steps into My Home and jerks My Dick Off? he walks into my humble abode and actually hands me the tissue ??? and I'm the bad guy?

him and his two fingers that go Up his cunt?

his meaty fucking thighs squeezed into that spandex like sausages. i dont even fw sausage and thats not a double entendre Hey man were just doing this on main?

like in the town square? youre showing everyone what u look like catching your breath mid backshot?

blushing BLUSHING? IM SORRY??? ACTUAL SHOT OF HIM WORKING OUT NOT THIS IS NOT POSED? ACTUAL SHOT BECAUSE HE DOES ACTUALLY JUST GET PERFECTLY PINK AND SWEATY FROM A BIT OF CARDIO? like hey man youre just made to do that? is that what youre made for??

just Handing me perfect reference for the way your rear delts waterfall into perfect fronts and triceps and bicep? youre just gonna be a perfect equation of my dream arms youre just gonna do that okay..

and Yea lets get into this too because what youre telling me is Mclaren PR said hey dude. lets uhh lets get to work lets clock in. your thirst trap quota for this month? ohh yea so were just gonna give the phone to your trainer and hes gonna work you til youre perfectly fucked out And Then hes going to bend you over this stupid bike in your stupid shorts and hes gonna get a couple stupid shots. like this is not real. like do you hear me right now. like this is foreplay?

and how many outtakes were there. whos the sucker who went through all these to nail a tasteful amount of bulge and thigh. im actually

im actually disgusted. when he starts looking like a professional millionaire athlete leading the most competitive field of his sport possible ohh hey i dont think i can handle that guy. oh hey. actually can you go back to bad posture and chopped hairline and frumpy shirts. hey man im actually getting stressed man. im actuw he

#oscar piastri #im ok #im okay #im. okay.

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dayasfilms · 3 days ago

Text

Chapter Nine - The Beginning of the End

Summary: You defeated Vecna but Hawkins is left destroyed. Thinking that it’s over, you all soon realize that it’s far from that, and that this was just the beginning of the end.

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader

Warnings: Mentions of Y/N, blood, death, gore, choking, murder, hospitals, broken bones, mentions of being brain dead and being blind, thoughts of self harm, depression, feeling worthless, mentions of sex, weapons, angst, fluff, heartbreak, crying, insecurity, making out, mentions of menstruation, pregnancy, and children, descriptions of getting naked to shower but nothing happens, surgeries, fire, little bit of changes in the plot but nothing too drastic

Word Count: 12.1k

Note: Reticent is finally finished! Until ST season five releases, this series is done! I had such a fun time writing and sharing all of my ideas with you all. It makes me delighted that so many of you have read this and ended up liking it, it truly warms my heart. I want to say that I will be posting Reticent one shots when I have the time so you can delve deeper into Star’s story. Many of the storylines cannot be integrated in the original series, so these one shots happen outside of the regular timeline. If you would like to read them, you can click on this link or even go back to the main Reticent Series Masterlist below and find them there. Thank you so much for letting me share this story with you all!

Series Masterlist

ㅤ♡ ㅤ♡ ㅤ♡

Steve parked the RV just outside the trailer park after dropping off Lucas, Erica, and Max. All of you remained inside, gathered around to go over the plan one last time. Standing at the front, your gun and sword secured in their holsters, you faced the group. “Alright. Let’s run through it again. One more time. Phase one.”

“We meet Erica at the playground,” Nancy said. “She’ll signal Max and Lucas when we’re ready.”

“Phase two,” you continued.

“Max baits Vecna,” Steve added. “He’ll go after her, which’ll put him in his trance.”

“Phase three?”

“Me and Eddie draw the bats away,” Dustin said with a nod.

“And phase four?” You asked, eyes sweeping the group.

“We head into Vecna’s newly bat-free lair and…flambé,” Robin finished, shaking the bottle in her hand.

You let out a breath, gaze serious. “No one moves to the next phase until we’ve all copied. No one deviates from the plan. No matter what. Got it?”

“Got it,” they echoed in unison.

You all stood and exited the RV, making your way toward Eddie’s trailer. Through the darkness, you slipped inside without any of the neighbors noticing. Steve then flicked on the light and shrugged off his bag.

“Be careful,” Dustin told him.

“Thanks, buddy,” Steve replied, grabbing hold of the rope. He climbed up and disappeared through the gate. A few seconds later, he looked up at them, shrugging with his arms out.

“Woah, what does he want us to do? Applaud?” Robin muttered to you and Nancy. You chuckled softly, unable to help it.

On the other side, Steve dragged a mattress beneath the opening. “Alright, let’s go.” You took off your bag and weapons, tossing it through the gate before grabbing the rope and climbing. The moment your body hit the mattress, Steve reached a hand out to help you stand. “Gotcha.”

His hand lingered on yours. You looked at each other, just for a second, and then you both looked away, releasing your hands. Nancy came next, using Robin’s knee as a boost. She landed with a thud, and you helped her up and away from the gate. One by one, everyone followed, tossing their gear through and climbing after it. Dustin was last, with Steve and Eddie grabbing each side of him, pulling him up.

Once everyone was through, you slung your bag over your shoulder, picked up your weapons, and headed out of the trailer. Just before you left, you and Steve turned back to face Dustin and Eddie.

“Hey, guys, listen,” Steve said seriously, locking eyes with them. “If things here start to go south, I mean, at all, you abort. Okay? Draw the attention of the bats. Keep ‘em busy for a minute or two. We’ll take care of Vecna.”

The boys stared back, silent.

“Don’t try to be cute or be a hero or something. Okay? You guys are just–”

“Decoys,” Dustin finished. “Don’t worry. You can be the hero, Steve.”

“Absolutely. I mean, look at us,” Eddie said, gesturing between him and Dustin. “We are not heroes.”

Steve gave a short nod. You stepped forward and pulled Dustin into a hug. “Be careful,” you murmured.

“You too,” he said, hugging you tightly.

You and Steve turned to leave when Eddie called the latter out. “Hey, Steve?” Steve glanced back. “Make him pay.”

Steve nodded firmly, falling back into step beside you. You, Steve, Nancy, and Robin walked away together, flashlights sweeping the path ahead as you made your way to the Creel House.

Yasmin, Joyce, and Hopper were inside the dimly lit church, trying to catch their breath from everything they’d just been through. Hopper rummaged through a stack of old boxes tucked in the corner, searching for fresh clothes. After a minute, he found a few pieces that looked somewhat wearable and tossed them onto another box beside him.

He turned to face the two women, holding up a couple of shirts and pants. “Yeah, these were the smallest I could find.”

Yasmin let out a tired sigh and stepped forward, taking the bundle from his hands. There was a coat too, the same kind Hopper had picked for himself. He handed another pair of clothes and a jacket to Joyce. The three of them glanced around the church, eyes scanning for a bit of privacy.

“I think there was a bathroom in there,” Joyce said, nodding her head toward the back of the room.

“You can go, Joyce,” Yasmin offered gently, before motioning to another corner. “I’ll change over there.”

Joyce gave her a grateful smile before heading toward the bathroom. As Yasmin made her way past Hopper, she bumped into him lightly, both of them letting out small, tired laughs. She went behind a shelf, casting a quick glance over her shoulder as Hopper moved to the opposite corner. Then she turned back to the shelf in front of her and began setting the clothes down.

Finally free of the worn, filthy outfit she’d been stuck in for days, Yasmin pulled her shirt and pants off, left in just her undergarments. She exhaled, grateful to breathe without the tightness of fabric clinging to her. She quickly slipped on the new shirt and pants, pulling them up just as she turned and froze at the sight of Hopper.

He was facing away from her, wrapping a bandage around his injured arm. Her eyes fell on the marks covering his back. Her heart clenched in pain.

She stepped toward him, her eyes tracing the scars. “What did they do to you?” Yasmin whispered, her voice trembling. Hopper turned slowly, his back now pressed against the shelf. “Oh my God.”

He gave a small shake of his head, clearly trying to not worry her. “No, it’s not that bad. It’s…” He let out a slow breath. “You know, I needed to lose weight anyway.”

Yasmin frowned, giving him a stern look.

“It’s given me time to think, you know?” He said, eyes moving away from hers. “About who I’ve been…and what I’ve done.” He met her gaze again. “I never should’ve sent you that message.”

“No,” she said quickly, cutting him off. “You didn’t know what was going to happen.”

“I knew it’d be dangerous.”

“So did I.” Yasmin’s voice was firm. “I’m glad you sent it. I made the choice to come here, to find you. And I would choose it again, even knowing everything I know now.”

He stared at her, like he still couldn’t believe she was standing there. Yasmin tilted her head slightly, a teasing smile forming on her lips.

“Besides…we have that date to get to. You remember?” She said.

“Remember?” Hopper scoffed, smiling for real now. “I’ve been dreaming about it.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I’ve got it all planned out,” he said with a nod.

Yasmin laughed under her breath. “Oh? Let’s hear it.”

“I’m getting two orders of breadsticks. Two,” he said, pointing a finger. “Those things knock your socks off. Enzo puts some spice on ‘em, I don’t know what it is, but it’s good. And when you dip it in olive oil? Forget about it. And for the main course…I’m torn between the veal and the lasagna, but I think I gotta go with lasagna, right?”

She looked at him, half smiling, half aching. “You’ve been dreaming about breadsticks and lasagna?”

He nodded without hesitation. “I’ve been on a diet of watery soup, moldy bread, and maggots, so yeah, I’ve been dreaming about breadsticks and lasagna. I mean, sue me.” She laughed, eyes glimmering. Hopper straightened, stepping closer to her. “Should I have been dreaming about something else?” He asked, voice softer now.

She shrugged, a little breathless. “You tell me.”

“Well…there’s wine.”

“Oh, well, wine’s good,” she said, playing along.

“I was thinking a nice Cheeanti.”

“It’s Chianti,” she corrected.

“Chianti. Right.” He nodded, unbothered. “Then there’s dessert.”

“Of course. Gotta have dessert,” Yasmin said, crossing her arms.

“Yeah. Definitely.”

There was a pause before she spoke again. “And after that?” She asked, lips barely parting.

Hopper couldn’t help it. He smiled again, wider than he had in months, taking another step until there was no space left between them. “I don’t know.”

“Use your imagination,” she whispered.

“Who needs imagination?”

And then, he finally kissed her. His lips met hers like it was the only thing keeping him grounded, his hands sliding around her waist as she rose to meet him, arms wrapping around his neck. Their laughter tangled between kisses as Hopper accidentally backed into a stack of boxes, nearly knocking them over. They couldn’t stop touching each other. His hands moved to her hair, her fingers cupping his face, and for a second, they drowned out everything around them. They waited too long to have this moment.

Suddenly, the phone rang. They broke apart, groaning in irritation and half out of breath. Then they realized that the call could be from them. Hopper immediately pulled away and rushed toward the phone, Yasmin staying behind, chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.

“Remember, they’re listening!” She told him sharply as he picked it up.

The four of you continued through the woods, but the longer you walked, the more unsure you became about your direction. The worry about getting lost crept in your mind. Robin seemed to be thinking the same.

“Uh…I don’t mean to freak anyone out, but I swear we’ve seen this tree before,” Robin said nervously, pointing.

“That’s impossible,” Nancy said, shaking her head.

“That would suck, right?” Robin muttered. “If Vecna destroyed the world because…because we got lost in the woods?”

“We’re not lost, Robin,” Nancy assured her, walking up behind. “Robin, hey. Watch out for the vines! Hive mind!”

“Careful, Robin!” You called, watching the two girls ahead. You stayed beside Steve, your eyes drifting to the ground as you tried to find something to say.

“Don’t worry about her,” Steve said. “She’s just stressed. You know, scared.”

You gave a small chuckle. “Yeah. Believe me, I know the feeling. It’s just…”

“She’s a super klutz?” He asked with a grin.

You tilted your head, amused. “She did tell Nancy and I that it took her longer than most babies to learn how to walk, so…”

Steve laughed. “I really shouldn’t laugh. When I was a baby, I actually crawled backwards.”

You blinked. “What? Crawled backwards? Why am I just now hearing about this?”

“Yep,” he said. “You know, I’d push with my hands like this.” He motioned forward with his palms. “Beep, beep. Always in reverse, you know?” You stared at him, lips parted in disbelief. “Come on, it makes sense,” he insisted. “You push to move, right?”

“No,” you said, laughing. “No, it absolutely doesn’t make sense.”

“Well, it did to my tiny little Harrington brain. That is, until I reversed my baby butt down a flight of stairs and thumped my head really good.”

You raised your eyebrows. “Oh my God. That explains so much.”

“Yeah. I think it kinda does.” He gave you a sheepish smile. “I think, like, right out of the gate, like, I’m super confident. But I’m also, like, an idiot. Which is just…I mean, it’s a brutal combination.”

You frowned. “You’re not an idiot, Steve. Don’t say that.”

He chuckled, softer this time. “Nah, I definitely am. But, I mean, the good news is, I get a big enough thump on my head, I can change, you know? I can learn. I can crawl forward.” He slowed, turning slightly toward you. “Listen, I guess what I’m trying to say in a really stupid, roundabout way is, um…is thank you.”

Your brow furrowed slightly. “Thank me?”

“Yeah.”

“For what?”

“For giving my head the biggest thump of its life two years ago.”

You paused, the memory hitting you at once. The Halloween party, the bathroom, the words you said when you revealed the reason why you ended things with him in the first place. Steve had never forgotten. Neither did you.

He started walking again, and you followed. “I needed it. It’s changed my life. And now I’m crawling forward. Slowly.”

Your chest tightened. He still remembered. He still thought about it.

“I just wonder sometimes…you know, if some other girl had given me a proper thump before we’d met, would things have been different?” He turned his entire body to look at you again. “Like, if we were meeting together for the first time right now, part of me…I dunno, part of me thinks we would’ve made it.”

You felt the heat rise in your chest, heart pounding. His words made your throat close up. You couldn’t move, eyes locked onto him. “Steve…”

“Remember the dream I told you about?” His eyes flicked to your lips, then back to your eyes. “About the Winnebago? Seeing the country with my six little nuggets?”

You nodded slowly, a small smile forming.

He smiled too. “It’s all true. Every last word. But I left one part out. It’s the most important part.” He stepped closer, his voice soft. “You’re there. You’ve always been there.”

Your breath caught. You could feel the words rising in your throat, but they wouldn’t come out. You just stood there, stunned. “Steve…I–”

“Hey, guys!” Robin’s voice cut through the moment. “Awesome news! Looks like we weren’t going the wrong way after all!”

Nancy stood beside her, watching the two of you carefully. Her gaze lingered on you, noticing how you stared down at your boots. “Let’s go,” Nancy said, turning away.

Robin took off running, prompting Steve to shout. “Robin! Slow down!”

You and Steve followed, walking in silence. As you made your way to the Creel House, your mind was still back in that moment, still playing his words over and over again. You’d have to talk to him later. If you all even made it out alive.

You reached the edge of the woods, your eyes landing on the old house in the distance. The blue tinted sky flashed with red, and the air was filled with high-pitched screeching. As you turned your head, you caught sight of the playground, its lights flickering.

“Erica…” Steve breathed out.

You rushed toward the playground, giving Erica the signal that you had arrived. Now all you could do was wait for the next phase.

It didn’t take long for Erica to speak. “Okay, the lovebirds have copied. Max is moving into phase two: distracting Vecna.”

“So far, so smooth,” Robin said nervously.

“Yeah, we’re not even at the hard part yet,” Steve replied.

Your gaze shifted back to the house, brows furrowed. “Take the bait, you son of a bitch,” you mumbled to yourself, thinking about Max. “Take the damn bait.”

Then Erica’s voice came through again. “Okay, she’s in. Initiate phase three.” Your chest tightened. Max was in the trance again, under Vecna’s spell. You had to get this done as soon as possible.

Robin quickly radioed Dustin and Eddie. “She’s in. Move on to phase three.”

“Copy that. Initiating phase three,” Dustin answered. Soon, the distant noise of metal music filled the air, and you saw the bats swarming toward it, away from the house.

“Okay, it’s working. Let’s go,” Nancy said.

The four of you stood up and moved toward the house. You led the way, the music growing louder with each step. Screeches from the bats echoed in the night as they went toward the sound. Steve picked up his pace until he was walking beside you. The two of you reached the front door, and he pushed it open. Your breath caught. Vines covered nearly every inch of the house’s interior.

“Oh shit,” Steve muttered. “That’s not good.”

You exchanged a look with him. He gave you a quick nod, then began hopping in the small spaces between the vines. You turned to check on Nancy and Robin. Robin was trembling.

Nancy reached for her hand. “It’s okay. You got this.”

Robin met her eyes, still unsure. You stepped back towards her and gently took Robin’s other hand. “Don’t worry. We’re here with you.”

Robin gave you both a small, grateful smile and nodded. You all turned back to face the vines, stepping carefully through the little gaps. The stairs were the worst, with it being completely covered. You tried to control your breathing as you made your way up, dodging all the vines.

At the top, Steve reached out to help pull you up. You took his hand, letting him steady you. He helped the others too, and soon all four of you stood at the top. Your eyes went straight to the attic door. Vecna was in there, no doubt in a trance. You glanced between your friends, preparing yourselves. One by one, you drew your weapons, your hand tightening around your shotgun.

But before you could move, the entire house began to shake violently. Steve and Nancy grabbed your arms on either side as the floor shook beneath you and all four of you tumbled back.

After a long minute, the ground stilled. You scrambled upright, your breaths ragged.

Then, suddenly, a vine wrapped around Robin’s ankle. Her eyes went wide with terror. She was pulled backward and slammed into the wall. Vines surged forward, wrapping around her legs, arms, and throat, pinning her in place.

“Steve! Y/N! Nancy!” She screamed, her voice cracking.

You and Nancy jumped forward, smashing your shotguns into the vines to break them off. Steve swung his axe, cutting into them, but another vine wrapped around his weapon, ripping it from his hands and pulling him to the other wall. He struggled to retrieve it when one coiled tightly around his throat and slammed him into the wall. More vines followed, pinning his limbs.

Nancy cried out as she was struck next, thrown across the floor before being slammed against the wall beside Robin. Vines constricted around her limbs and throat just as fast.

Your heart pounded in terror as a vine wrapped around your ankle, throwing you off your feet. Your shotgun flew out of your hands as you were dragged across the floor. You fought to get free, clawing at the ground.

Reaching behind you, you grabbed your sword and swung it blindly. The blade sliced through the vine, freeing you. But before you could get up, another vine tied around your arm and slammed you against the wall beside Steve. Your head hit hard against the surface, pain exploding at the same exact spot you’ve hit so many times, already aching and throbbing.

The vines continued to twist around your arms and legs, locking you in place. One tightened around your neck, choking you. You tried to fight it, but it was no use. Your airway was cut off. You felt yourself slipping, darkness creeping in as your vision blurred.

You weren’t ready. You still had to finish Vecna, you had to save Max. You still had so many things you wanted to say to everyone. So many unspoken words to the people you loved. But your chances of surviving this felt terrifyingly slim.

“You shut off this fence, right?” Hopper asked, glancing between Yasmin, Joyce, and Murray as they stepped into the prison yard.

“Yeah,” Joyce replied with a nod.

“Good,” Hopper said, turning to face them. “So you can turn it back on again.”

Murray chuckled dryly, throwing his arms up. “Jim, you wanna clue us in on what you’re thinking here, or are we supposed to read your mind?”

Hopper looked around the empty yard, jaw clenched. “This pit was designed to trap monsters. We get ‘em in here, we lock it up, we rain fire from above, and we hope to hell that gives El, Y/N, and the others an upper hand.”

They had already snuck back into the prison, only to find everything destroyed. The tanks that once held the frozen creatures were shattered, glass littering the ground. Most of the Russian guards were dead.

One guard had been barely clinging to life, long enough to warn them that the shadow had entered the creatures, making them come alive. They’d watched the surveillance monitors in horror, seeing the demogorgons stalking the halls. The monsters had already killed the rest of the guards. There was no one left. They knew there was only one thing left to do to help everyone back at home.

“Okay,” Murray said, nodding slowly. “I’m with ya, except the whole, uh…‘getting them all in here’ part.”

“It’s a hive mind,” Hopper explained. “You draw one, you draw ‘em all.” He tossed a flamethrower to Joyce, the second already in Murray’s hands. Then he pointed at both of them. “You two are the grill masters.”

He turned to Yasmin next. Her brow was furrowed with confusion.

“And you,” he said. “You’re the jailer. Get that fence turned on. Once they’re all in here, lock the door behind ‘em.”

Yasmin didn’t move. Her eyes narrowed slightly. She had a feeling about what he was going to do, but she didn’t want to say out loud. “What about you?” She asked. “What are you going to do?”

“I’m the bait.”

The words hit her like a punch to the chest. She could barely breathe. She followed him silently back toward the security room, where the monitors and gate controls were. Her stomach twisted. Her throat burned. The only thought echoing in her head was that he was going to lure the demogorgons himself.

Hopper pointed to one of the monitors. “That one there,” he said. “See him? In the laundry room? It’s not far from here. He’s all alone. He’s our target.”

Yasmin couldn’t move. All she could think about was the people she lost. Her daughter was gone. She lost Hopper months ago in the mall. She had survived that grief once, barely. Now she had him back. And she had you after her daughter. She couldn’t do it again.

“Hey,” Hopper said softly, pulling her back. His hands landed on her shoulders. “I’m gonna die someday. But not today.” He gave her a gentle smile. “I’ve still got a date to make. Remember?”

He was trying to keep it light, but nothing about this felt light. Yasmin shook her head, her voice shaky. “I don’t know, Hop,” she whispered.

He leaned in, pressing his forehead against hers, his hand rising to cup her cheek. “This time,” he said, his voice certain. “It’s gonna be different.”

She sucked in a shaky breath, eyes slipping shut. “It better be,” she whispered. Then she opened them, locking her gaze with his. “Because I am not having another funeral.”

He kissed her then, softly, telling her that it would be okay. And when he pulled away, Yasmin was still holding her breath, praying that this time would be different.

Yasmin stayed glued to the monitor, barely breathing as she watched Hopper head down the corridor, searching for the demogorgon he’d chosen to target. Her fists clenched at her sides. Every second felt too long. She saw him come to a stop, whistling to get the creature’s attention. The demogorgon let out a low growl before chasing him.

Her heart climbed into her throat. She kept watching, unable to look away. He ran, dodging into different hallways, trying to keep his distance, but she knew he could only keep it up for so long. She glanced around the security room in a panic, eyes falling on the taser prods hanging on the wall. Without hesitation, she grabbed one and bolted out the door, the grip of the weapon tight in her hand as her boots pounded against the floor.

Her breath was heavy as she turned a corner, praying she wasn’t too late, and then she saw them. The demogorgon had Hopper pinned, mouth split open and ready to feast. He was using everything in him to close its mouth.

She ran at full speed, raising the taser and jamming it into the creature’s side, electricity crackling as it screamed in pain. The demogorgon thrashed once and then collapsed.

Hopper stood up, chest heaving as he looked at her with wide eyes, relief flooding his face. “Yasmin,” he breathed, pulling her into his arms.

Thudding footsteps echoed through another corridor. They were loud and heavy, and they were getting closer to them. They both turned at the same time, eyes landing on the wave of demogorgons charging toward them. Hopper immediately grabbed her hand and ran, pulling her down the hall and into the open prison yard. He used his shotgun to shoot at them, trying to slow the creatures down.

But the monsters were still right behind them, they were too fast. They went into the closest cell, Hopper slamming the door shut just as the creatures reached them. His arms wrapped tightly around her, both of them bracing for impact as the gate was broken away.

One of the demogorgons roared and stepped through, snarling and ready to kill. Yasmin froze, her entire body going numb. This was it. They were going to die.

“HEY, ASSHOLES!”

Murray’s voice rang out and the demogorgons paused, heads snapping up toward the sound. Flames burst across the yard as Murray and Joyce opened fire with their flamethrowers, lighting up everything in sight. Hopper pulled Yasmin to him, shielding her away from the heat. The demogorgons screeched, burning as the fire consumed them, one by one.

As soon as the last bit of hope slipped from your mind, you felt the vines release you. All four of you dropped to the ground, gasping for air. You coughed harshly, bringing a trembling hand to your throat, trying to ease the soreness as your chest heaved with every breath.

“I don’t believe in a higher power or divine intervention,” Robin croaked, her voice rough from the pressure on her throat. “But that was a miracle.”

You grabbed your weapons, sliding your sword into the holster on your back as you held your shotgun tight in your hand. You turned toward the door, your body still shaking. “Then we better not waste it.”

“Phase four,” Steve said under his breath.

“Flambé,” Robin added.

You walked into the attic, your eyes locked on Vecna who was in his trance just like you’d hoped. Robin lit the bottle in Steve’s hand, and without wasting a second more, threw it straight toward the monster. The flames immediately engulfed Vecna’s body. His eyes snapped open, his scream echoing through the room as he fell to the floor.

Thousands of miles away, there was still another monster. After Joyce and Murray lit all the remaining demogorgons in time, they all turned into a blob, the fire sizzling out on the prison field. Smoke thickened the air as Hopper and Yasmin exited the cell, both of them shaking. But Yasmin’s eyes caught onto another demogorgon that was still moving. It staggered to its feet, injured but alive, a low growl coming from its mouth. She also noticed a sword a few feet away from Hopper’s feet.

Before he could reach for it, Yasmin stepped forward and grabbed it herself. Hopper paused, looking at her, but her eyes were on the creature. Her chest rose and fell rapidly, anger burning beneath her skin. She had enough of this.

Back in the Creel House, Vecna let out another cry as Robin lit the second bottle and threw it, more flames burning him. You and Nancy raised your shotguns, stepping forward. The two of you fired in sync, bullets tearing into Vecna’s chest, the force knocking him back. He stumbled but didn’t fall. He locked eyes with you both, and you didn’t hesitate to fire again, making him scream in pain.

Yasmin slid forward, the sword slicing through one of the demogorgon’s arms. It roared and stumbled but didn’t stop. It swiped at her with its remaining arm, but she ducked, spinning low to the ground before slashing again, this time cutting off the creature’s leg. Blood splattered across her face, but she didn’t flinch.

Nancy stepped back and watched as you advanced toward Vecna. He tried to step forward again, but your next shot hit his shoulder, throwing him off balance. His body shook as his legs almost gave way, though he still remained standing.

With a full turn of her body, Yasmin swung the sword a final time, cutting the demogorgon’s head off. It dropped to the floor with a thud, blood pooling at her feet as her chest heaved. She looked at the creature that was now turning into a glob. Hopper walked over to her, his lips parted before wrapping his arms around her, holding her tight against him. They then heard the sound of a helicopter, and they looked up to see Dmitri and Yuri waving at them from above. Murray and Joyce yelled in joy, while Yasmin and Hopper grinned, holding one another tight.

And in Hawkins, you took one last shot, this time aiming straight for the center of Vecna’s chest. You held your breath, squinting your eyes before pulling the trigger. The bullet’s force threw him backwards, smashing through the window behind him as his body disappeared from your sight.

You slowly lowered your gun, your chest rising and falling. You turned back, looking at the other three before rushing out of the room. The others followed, running down the stairs and out the front door. But when you reached the spot where Vecna should have landed, your breath caught.

He was gone.

Only his imprint remained, flames sizzling around it. You stared, brows furrowed in disbelief, lips parted as a familiar feeling of dread settled into your gut. Then came the sound you feared the most.

The chimes.

The four of you ran back into the house, eyes set on the grandfather clock. Your stomach twisted as you counted the sounds. One…two…three…

“Four chimes,” Robin whispered.

“Max,” Nancy said quietly.

Your eyes filled with tears, lips parting as your knees nearly gave out. You barely had time to process it before the ground started shaking violently beneath your feet. Steve grabbed your hand as the house trembled again, new openings splitting through the walls and floor. The four of you held onto anything you could, bracing yourselves as the Creel House was torn apart from the inside.

When the shaking stopped, you slowly stood up. You looked around in horror. The vision Vecna had shown you had come true. The Upside Down was now in Hawkins.

You all ran out the house. There was no time to speak. You needed to get out of here. You needed to get back to the gate you came from and find Dustin and Eddie.

As you reached the Upside Down version of Eddie’s trailer, you slowed down. There were new gates everywhere, but your eyes were drawn to the boy on the ground, crying. It was Dustin. Your stomach dropped.

The four of you rushed toward him, eyes widening as you saw Eddie lay there, his body lifeless and chewed up by the bats. Dustin sobbed over him, shaking uncontrollably. You couldn’t breathe.

Steve pulled Dustin back, whispering something you couldn’t hear. You moved beside them, grabbing Dustin’s arm, helping him up. The boy limped in pain after injuring his leg as you tried to drag him away from Eddie. There was nothing you could do but leave him there.

You all went back through the gate, escaping the Upside Down, but it didn’t feel like you won. The trailer park was split apart by gaping red cracks, some things swallowed into the ground. You stepped out of Eddie’s trailer and finally fell to your knees, body trembling as sobs overtook you.

Your hands pressed to your face, palms digging into your eyes, but nothing could stop the emotions that poured out. You cried harder than you ever had in your life.

Nancy, Robin, Steve, and Dustin, who were silently crying, looked at you, watching you tear yourself apart. Steve walked over to you slowly, his own eyes red and glassy. He knelt beside you, reaching for your shoulder, but you flinched away violently.

“I told you it was a bad idea,” you croaked, voice hoarse.

His face fell but he didn’t say anything.

“I told you Max shouldn’t have gone. I begged all of you,” your voice broke. “And none of you listened to me.” Steve tried to speak again, but you stood up and stepped forward, pointing a finger at each of them. “I told you,” you said louder. “And none of you fucking listened!”

“Y/N–” Steve tried gently.

“No!” You shouted, eyes burning. You shoved him hard in the chest, your fists hitting him again and again. “It should’ve been me! I should’ve gone in! I should’ve been the bait!”

Your legs gave out as the sobs took over again, and Steve caught you instantly. You collapsed into him, gripping his jacket with everything you had. He held you close, one hand tangled in your hair, the other around your back as he buried his face into your shoulder, letting you take it out on him.

Tears rolled down his cheeks. He could feel you falling apart in his arms, and it broke him in a way nothing else ever had.

Steve took you to his house after you refused to let go of him. You clung to him like a lifeline, barely breathing, unable to speak. Every time Max crossed your mind, your eyes welled with fresh tears.

The hospital had been chaos. You’d all rushed there to get Dustin checked out, and deep down, you knew Max would be there too. Your suspicion was confirmed when you saw Lucas and Erica sitting in the waiting room. Max was in surgery.

The moment your eyes met theirs, you pulled them both into a hug, all of you sobbing together in the middle of the room. Lucas told you what happened, that Vecna got to her. That she died for a whole minute. You broke at that, falling apart in his arms. But then he said she started breathing again, one minute later. The doctors called it a miracle.

You collapsed into Steve again, his arms wrapping around you tightly as you cried into his chest. Around you, the waiting room filled with more people. Many were hurt due to the collapse of Hawkins. All you could think about was Max. You were so close to saving her, to saving Hawkins. But now, she was almost gone, and you didn’t even know if she was still alive. You failed again.

Eventually, a surgeon came out and explained Max’s condition. She was alive but in a coma. You followed the group to her hospital room, legs barely carrying you, until you saw her in the bed. The sight made your knees buckle, but Steve caught you before you fell.

She was wrapped head to toe in bandages, her body broken and eyes closed. They said she was blind, as well as braindead. The odds of her waking up were slim. You couldn’t look at her anymore. You ran out, choking on your own sobs as your hands covered your face.

Steve followed you out. Not because he thought you were fragile, but because he was scared. After hearing you say you wished it had been you instead of Max, he couldn’t breathe. He didn’t know what you might do.

He pulled you into him again, holding you tightly, his hand moving up and down your back as you cried harder, letting your weight fall into his chest. He didn’t say anything, he just held you.

A few minutes later, Nancy stepped out of Max’s room and saw the two of you. Her own eyes were red, tears staining her cheeks. Steve met her gaze as she walked over to the two of you and he shook his head. “I’m going to take her back to my place,” he murmured, gently tightening his hold on you.

Nancy nodded, understanding instantly. “Okay. I’ll bring her stuff over in the morning.” She looked at you one last time before turning away, heart breaking not only for Max, but for you too. She knew you’d carry the guilt, even though none of it was your fault.

By the time Steve reached his house, you had stopped crying. You didn’t say a single word but your red, swollen eyes and tear-streaked face said everything.

He helped you inside, taking you straight to his room. You sat down on the edge of his bed without a word, staring at the floor as he searched for something comfortable for you to wear. He returned with a stack of clothes and set them beside you. You didn’t move.

You were still replaying everything in your head, the way you’d snapped at everyone, the screaming, the guilt. You made a mental note to apologize later, but not now. Right now, you didn’t want to feel anything. You just wanted to shut it all out.

Steve kneeled in front of you, placing a hand gently on your cheek and guiding your face to meet his. “Hey,” he said softly. “You think you can take a shower?”

You didn’t respond. You stared at his chest, avoiding his eyes. He reached out again, tilting your chin up.

“Come on, honey,” he coaxed. “Just a shower. Or a bath. Whatever you want. You need to get out of these clothes. You’ll feel better once you’re clean.”

Your eyes brimmed with tears again, but you nodded faintly. That was all he needed. He stood and helped you to your feet, walking you to the bathroom. You stood silently as he turned the shower on, waiting for the water to warm.

“I’ll be in the other room,” he said gently, just as he was about to step out. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?” As he reached for the doorknob, your hand suddenly shot out and grabbed his. He stopped, looking down at your fingers curled around his, then up at your face. You didn’t meet his eyes at first.

“Stay,” you whispered. Your voice was so soft he almost didn’t hear you.

Steve’s heart clenched in his chest. For a second, he wasn’t sure if he’d heard you right. “Are you su–”

“Please,” you said again, louder this time. Your voice cracked, your eyes glistening. The look on your face broke him all over again.

He didn’t hesitate. He stepped back toward you and nodded. His eyes lingered on your clothes, unsure of what to do next. “Can you…take off your clothes?”

You shook your head slowly, lips trembling. You took his hands gently and guided them to the zipper of your jacket, trying to show him what you meant. His eyes widened as realization hit, but he didn’t say anything. With careful fingers, he unzipped your jacket, still trembling slightly as he began to undress you.

The moment was intimate, but it felt right. You let him peel off your layers, jacket, shirt, and then the rest, your eyes never leaving his. You stood bare before him, vulnerable in every way, but he only looked at you with so much care it made your chest ache.

Steve didn’t hesitate to undress himself next. He kicked off his pants, pulled off his jacket, and the only thing left was the makeshift bandage wrapped tightly around his torso. The second you saw it, your throat closed. You swallowed hard, your eyes beginning to sting again.

Steve stepped forward and cupped your cheeks with both hands, his thumbs brushing away the fresh tears before they could fall. “No, no, no. Don’t cry, honey,” he whispered softly. “I’m okay. Doesn’t even hurt that bad anymore, alright?”

You nodded slowly, even though you didn’t quite believe him. The tears still came. “We need to clean it,” you said, voice cracking. “Your wound.”

“We will,” he murmured, his eyes gentle. “And we’ll clean your wound too, on your arm.”

You blinked in surprise, as if remembering it for the first time. The wound still stung faintly, but you barely felt it. Your body was too numb, too overwhelmed by everything else. The physical pain didn’t matter anymore. But Steve noticed. He always did.

He reached for the edge of the bandage and slowly began unwrapping it from around his waist. You watched, your stomach twisting as the dried blood peeled away with it. His movements were careful, and when the last bit was off and the wound was exposed, it was worse than you remembered. You reached for him instinctively, resting your palm lightly on his ribs, your thumb brushing near the edge of the wound. He leaned into your touch.

Without saying anything more, he took your hand and led you into the shower. The bathroom filled with the sound of running water as steam slowly fogged the glass. He stepped in first, holding out a hand for you. You took it, letting the water run down your bodies, washing away the blood, the grime, and the dirt from the Upside Down.

The heat of the water grounded you both. Steve winced as it hit his wound, but didn’t complain. You reached for the soap, lathering it between your hands before gently, carefully washing the dried blood from his body. Your touch was featherlight, scared of hurting him more, but he didn’t flinch. He just watched you.

He reached for your arm next, silently asking for permission. You nodded. He took your injured arm in both of his hands, washing around the wound delicately. The pain made you hiss under your breath, but you didn’t pull away. His eyes met yours, searching for signs to stop, but you just nodded your head, letting him continue.

You both moved slowly, his hands roaming over your arms, your shoulders, down your back. You turned to face him fully, pressing your forehead to his chest as the water poured over both of you. His arms wrapped around you again, tighter this time. He didn’t care that it hurt, he just needed you close.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered, lips against your hair. “I’ve got you.”

After the two of you got out of the shower, put on fresh bandages, and changed into new clothes, you felt a little bit better. You definitely felt refreshed, and for a second, you forgot everything. It wasn’t until Steve left you alone in his room to get you something to eat when the emptiness started creeping back in again. That familiar heaviness pressed against your chest, crawling its way up your throat.

You took a deep breath. In and out. In and out. But it didn’t help. Ever since you’d climbed out of the Upside Down hours ago and started crying, it was like something inside you had cracked wide open. The crying hadn’t stopped. You didn’t even know you could cry this much, but the tears kept coming.

Every time you thought you were done, it would hit you again. It was as if a dam broke and the water wouldn’t stop rushing out. You used to be good at hiding your emotions. You were the one people leaned on, the one who didn’t break. It was hard to show emotions when you were trained to be emotionless. You didn’t want to be seen as weak, never letting anyone truly see you. But now you couldn’t even stand upright without feeling like the world was tilting.

Your thoughts spiraled to Max. You weren’t there but you could imagine the sound of her bones breaking, the way her body went still in Lucas’s arms.

You needed your mom. She was always the one who could bring you back when the panic attacks started, when the world got too loud for you to handle. After that prison, after everything you’ve been through, she’d be there to hold you through the nightmares. You thought you’d grown past needing that. But tonight proved you wrong.

Steve moved quickly in the kitchen, trying to make something fast. He didn’t want to leave you alone for long. He settled on scrambled eggs and toast, the one thing he knew you’d eat no matter what time it was. It was easy and fast, and he’d made it for you countless times before. He moved around the kitchen in a rush, barely waiting for the bread to pop from the toaster before throwing everything on a plate. He hurried up the stairs, wanting to get back before anything happened.

As soon as he walked into his room, his stomach dropped. You weren’t there. He stopped cold, eyes scanning the room, his breath catching. You’d been sitting on his bed. You were right there.

He quickly set the plate of food down on the nightstand. He looked toward the bathroom, thinking maybe you’d gone in there, but then he heard your tiny, broken cry.

He turned his head, heart pounding, following the noise around to the other side of his bed and found you there. You were curled up against the frame, knees pulled tight to your chest, your back pressed to the edge of the mattress. Your hands were covering your ears, your body rocking ever so slightly. Your lips were moving, whispering something he couldn’t make out. It hit him like a punch to the gut.

“Hey,” Steve said softly, immediately crouching down in front of you. You didn’t respond and he didn’t want to push. He didn’t want to startle you so he moved slowly, lowering himself onto the floor beside you until he was at your level. “I’m here. It’s okay. You’re okay.”

You blinked, like you were just now realizing he was there. And without a word, you shifted forward, collapsing into him. Steve wrapped his arms around you without hesitation, holding you close, letting you melt against him as your tears soaked his shirt. He rubbed gentle circles into your back and pressed his cheek to your temple. You clung to him like he was the only person left in the world.

Steve managed to get you to eat after calming you down. You forced him to eat with you, knowing he hadn’t eaten either. You felt terrible for being so difficult. For clinging to him. For being a mess. You weren’t even together anymore, yet he still did everything for you, held you when you fell apart, cleaned your wounds, fed you like you hadn’t just broken his heart a few months ago. That reminded you that you still needed to talk to him, your mind going back to what he told you in the woods.

The two of you lay under his blankets, facing each other in the dark. You could hear the sound of his breathing, the slow rhythm of it matching yours.

“I’m sorry, Steve,” you whispered. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

His finger came up and brushed lightly against your lips, shushing you before the guilt could spill out. “I don’t want to hear you apologize,” he whispered, voice soft. “You didn’t do anything wrong. And nothing’s wrong with you. Your feelings are normal. You’re allowed to break down. You don’t always have to be the strong one, you know? And I’ll always be here. Whenever you need me.”

You blinked slowly, your chest tightening. You hated crying again, but it still came, just quieter this time. You breathed out, voice trembling. “Thank you. For everything. You don’t have to be so kind, yet you’re always taking care of me.”

He gave you a small smile, his thumb brushing your cheek. “You’d do the same for me.”

You stared at him, the words on your tongue, waiting to be said. “I still think about us,” you said. “A lot more than I want to admit.”

He didn’t say anything right away. His eyes flickered between yours. “Me too.”

“I hated how it ended,” you confessed. “I thought breaking it off would be easier, but it just made everything harder. I tried pretending like it was the right thing, like letting go was the mature choice, but all I’ve wanted since I left was to come back. To you.”

Steve let out a breath, one he didn’t realize he’d been holding. “I thought I was doing the right thing too. I didn’t want to hold you back. You had this whole new life starting in California. And I–I didn’t think I fit into it.”

“You did,” you said, reaching for his hand under the covers. “You still do.”

His hand tightened around yours. “I meant what I said back there. You’ve always been there. I never stopped loving you.”

You nodded, voice barely audible. “I never stopped loving you either.”

Steve looked at you like you were his entire world, like nothing had changed even though everything had. “So what now?”

You moved closer, pressing your forehead to his. “Maybe…we stop pretending that letting each other go was ever going to work.”

And when his lips met yours, your heart exploded. It was soft and warm. You’ve been dreaming of this ever since you left, dreaming about him being yours again. It felt like coming home after being gone for too long. He was your home.

That night, you fell asleep wrapped in the arms of the man who never stopped waiting for you.

It was two days after everything happened. You had visited Max again at the hospital, with Steve by your side. The guilt coursed through you as you silently cried. You hated seeing her like this, her entire body covered in bandages.

You kept trying to calm yourself down, but every time you did, the guilt came rushing back. You still believed it should’ve been you instead of Max. At least then, she would be safe. You had failed to protect the kids again, even after promising yourself you would always be there.

The only good thing you could think of was having Steve back. Nancy dropped off your things the next morning, and Steve gave the two of you some time alone while he made lunch. You apologized to her for breaking down in front of everyone. But your best friend didn’t even blink, she was there for you, reminding you again and again that none of this was your fault. You were grateful for her. For all of them. You just wished you could believe it.

Now, you were at the Wheeler’s house, helping them sort through boxes of items to donate. You still felt awful for blowing up on them that night, screaming at everyone about what happened to Max. Maybe it came from years of pent-up frustration, or maybe it was just from being so exhausted. Either way, you apologized to them afterward, and they all shook their heads, offering soft, reassuring smiles like it hadn’t changed a thing.

Steve had handed you a letter from Max that was addressed to you, one of the ones she wrote in case she didn’t make it. You didn’t know how long you cried, only that it was long enough. You hated letters ever since Hopper’s.

You saw more and more people packing their bags and leaving Hawkins, realizing that the town really was cursed. You watched as car after car left the city, not once looking back.

You loaded one of the last boxes into Steve’s trunk. You were all headed to Hawkins High, where the donation center was set up. So many people had been hurt, so much had been destroyed. Everyone was trying to help however they could.

You and Steve arrived hand in hand, and though most of the group, except Nancy who already knew the morning she came to drop off your stuff, was surprised to see the two of you back together, they were happy. You tried your best to stay joyful, laughing along with the others, your hand constantly finding Steve’s. He never minded. He liked keeping you close. In fact, he kissed you whenever he could, even when Dustin groaned about the two of you ‘sucking each other’s faces off’ in front of the Wheeler house.

Steve only narrowed his eyes at him, tightening his hold around your waist. “Shut up, Henderson.” And instead of stopping, he pressed even more kisses to your face, just to annoy him. Dustin gagged dramatically, making you giggle as you gently shoved Steve away and returned to packing the last box into the car.

You heard a vehicle behind you, but didn’t think much of it until Karen’s voice rang out. “Did someone order a pizza?”

“Pizza?” Dustin repeated, confused, as you all turned to face the pizza van pulling into the driveway. You knew that van.

Your lips parted as you watched the doors open and saw the people you hadn’t seen in a week. Jonathan, Will, Eleven, Mike, and Argyle. They stepped out one by one, and everyone around you broke into smiles. You didn’t hesitate, running straight to El and wrapping your arms around her tightly.

“Oh my God, El!” You squealed, pulling back to cup her face in your hands. Your eyes drifted to her head, widening in shock. “Your hair?!”

Eleven laughed, nodding. “I missed you,” she said, voice soft.

Your heart swelled. “I missed you, too,” you grinned, pulling her in for another hug. When she glanced over your shoulder to see Dustin, you let her go, letting her run to him.

Turning back around, your eyes landed on another familiar face. Jonathan gave you a small wave, and you jogged over to him, throwing your arms around his neck. He wrapped you into a big hug without hesitation. Nancy lit up at the sight of her best friend and her boyfriend.

You smiled into his chest, relief washing over you. You’d been so worried about them, especially after they hadn’t answered any of your calls.

When you pulled back, you lightly punched him in the chest, making him blink in surprise. “Why the hell weren’t you answering the phone?! We were all so worried!”

Jonathan sighed. “I know, I know. I’ll explain everything, okay?” He glanced at Nancy, who gave him a tiny smile. “I’ll tell you all everything.”

“You better,” you muttered, and then realized you had your own explaining to do about your past. “I’ve got some things to say, too.”

Jonathan furrowed his brows, glancing at Nancy. She only shrugged, knowing it wasn’t her place to say anything.

Steve then walked up, wrapping his arm around your waist. Jonathan raised a brow at the gesture, and your cheeks flushed. “Jonathan,” Steve said with a tight-lipped smile.

“Steve,” Jonathan replied with a small nod. The two of them were trying to be civil.

You still didn’t understand why they hadn’t tried harder to get along. As far as you knew, whatever differences they had years ago were long behind them. You and Nancy exchanged a look, both rolling your eyes at your boyfriends’ awkward tension. Neither of them noticed.

You then saw Argyle standing nearby, grinning at the group.

“You’re here too!” You said, pulling him into a hug.

“Yeah, dude!” He grinned, giving you a light shake. “It’s wayyy different from good ol’ Cali, but still super cool. Not how I pictured spending spring break, though.”

You laughed. “Try moving away from here to California. Talk about different.”

“It’s crazy!”

You moved on to hug Will and Mike, holding the former a little longer. You missed them so much more than you’d even realized.

Dustin filled the California crew in on Max’s condition, and their faces turned somber. You and Nancy knew it would be best to take them to the hospital, to let them see Max, Lucas, and Erica, even though your heart still ached at the thought. You knew Lucas would be happy to see them.

You looked at Steve, not wanting to leave him. You’d already packed the donation boxes into his car, but now it seemed like you’d be splitting up. But then you had an idea. Your eyes flicked between his BMW and Argyle’s van, your mind racing.

Steve caught the look on your face, tilting his head. “What’s going on in that brain of yours?”

You turned to him. “I think I’m going to go to the hospital with them. Do you wanna come?”

You saw the hesitation in his face, how much he didn’t want to be apart from you. He glanced at his car. “I want to,” he admitted. “But who else is gonna take all these boxes to the school? Robin can’t drive.”

You smiled before looping your arms around his waist. “What if we move all the boxes into Argyle’s van? That way, we all ride together, drop off the stuff, and whoever wants to stay at the school can. Then the rest of us go to the hospital.”

Steve looked down at you, his expression softening. He smiled before leaning in and kissing the tip of your nose. “I like the way you think.”

You all piled into Argyle’s pizza van after moving the boxes from Steve’s car into the back, driving off toward the school. Robin and Dustin volunteered to drop off the donations, letting the rest of you head straight to the hospital. Your chest tightened the closer you got, your heart racing as the image of Max all bandaged up kept replaying in your head. Steve gave your hand a gentle squeeze, a silent reminder that he was right there beside you.

Once you arrived at the hospital, you followed the familiar path to Max’s room. You and Nancy led the way, both of you having already been here a few times. The others trailed quietly behind, while Argyle stayed back in the hallway to give you all some space.

Lucas was sitting by Max’s bedside, reading softly from a book. He looked up as soon as the door opened, his expression changing completely when he saw the group enter the room.

“Oh my God,” he breathed out, rising quickly to his feet and pulling Will and Mike into a hug. “We’ve been calling you guys like crazy.”

“I know,” Mike said, hugging him back. “We came as soon as we heard.”

You didn’t say anything. Your eyes were glued to Max’s motionless figure in the bed, and the lump in your throat grew too large to ignore. You felt your breathing pick up as fresh tears stung your eyes. Backing into the corner of the room, you pressed a fist to your mouth to muffle the sob that threatened to slip out.

Steve noticed immediately. His eyes were on you, full of worry, but he didn’t move. He knew you well enough by now, knew that sometimes you just needed a second to collect yourself, to let yourself breathe.

You wished, more than anything, that they had listened to you. That they had let you be the bait. The guilt weighed heavily on your chest. You couldn’t stop thinking that if you had been in Max’s place, maybe this wouldn’t have happened. Maybe she’d be okay. Maybe they’d all be okay.

You glanced around at the pained expressions on everyone’s faces, each of them hurting in their own way. And it crushed you. You could’ve prevented this. You were supposed to protect them no matter what.

You needed to find a place to hide Eleven from the government, so you suggested Hopper’s cabin. It wasn’t in great shape since it had been destroyed the year before, but if you all worked together to fix it, it would work.

Jonathan drove Argyle’s van deep into the woods until the cabin came into view. The sight of it for the first time since July made your heart ache. It looked even worse than you remembered. You glanced over at Eleven, who had stopped walking, a sorrowful expression settling on her face. Gently, you rested your hand on her shoulder. She looked up at you.

“It’s going to be okay, El,” you said softly, offering a reassuring smile. She gave a small nod before the two of you followed the others into the wrecked cabin.

“Oh Jesus,” Jonathan muttered as he took it all in.

“Holy shit,” Mike breathed. “This place is a total disaster.”

“This is crazy,” Steve added, eyes scanning the damage. He wasn’t there with you all when the Mind Flayer destroyed everything here.

“Yeah,” Jonathan agreed, eyes drifting up toward the gaping hole in the ceiling. “Well, that’s a bit of a problem.”

“I get that we’ve gotta hide Supergirl and all,” Argyle chimed in, mouth hanging open. “But this ain’t the Fortress of Solitude, man. It’s more like…a fortress of grodiness.”

“Guys, come on. Positive thoughts, alright?” You said, trying to lift the mood a little.

“Seriously. I’ve seen Mike’s room look worse than this,” Nancy added as she made her way over to the sink.

“Ah, brutal, dude,” Argyle said, laughing as Mike scoffed at her sister’s words.

Nancy turned on the faucet and grinned when water started flowing. “See? Water still works.”

You let out a small laugh and rummaged through the cabinets until you found a box full of cleaning supplies. “And we’ve got cleaning supplies!”

Groans immediately echoed behind you. You turned and glared at the boys, throwing mops at Will and Mike. “No complaining. Get to work.”

You, Nancy, Jonathan, and Steve were on window duty. There was just enough wood around the cabin to cover the broken windows. You and Steve took the back while Nancy and Jonathan handled the front.

You held the boards steady while Steve hammered them into place. When the last piece was finally secure, you both stepped back to admire your handiwork. Steve grinned, hands on his hips. “Look at that. We’re all done. We really do make a pretty good team, Kaul.”

You raised an eyebrow at him, teasing. “Why? You had doubts before?”

“Funny,” he said, rolling his eyes. Then he laughed softly, shaking his head. “It’s nice, though. Makes me think of how we could build things together in the future, you know? Like when we start a family. Have kids.”

Your smile faltered. You’d forgotten about that. You needed to talk to him, you needed to be honest before it was too late. You were terrified of his reaction. You had just gotten him back, and now you were scared of losing him all over again.

“Steve, um…listen. About the dream you told me–”

He noticed the hesitation in your voice, and his own smile faded. “Hey, we don’t have to talk about it if you’re not ready,” he said gently. “I get it. If you don’t feel the same, that’s okay. I’d rather have you in my life than not have you at all.”

His words softened something in you. You took a breath, heart pounding. “No, no. I…Steve, I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Steve’s head shot up, eyes wide. “You do?”

You nodded slowly. “But…”

“But?” He asked, voice gentle.

“I can’t give you what you want, Steve,” you whispered, turning your face away as tears welled in your eyes.

His brow furrowed. “What? I don’t understand…”

You looked back at him, voice trembling. “You said you wanted a family. That you wanted kids…”

He nodded slowly, starting to see where this was going. “Okay. But the six kids thing? That was just me being dramatic. We don’t have to have kids at all if you don’t want–”

“That’s the thing, Steve. I do want kids,” you cut in, voice cracking. “Not like six kids. But I still want children.”

“I still don’t get it.”

You looked around to make sure no one was near before leaning in. “I…I can’t have children.”

His eyes widened in shock, but his hands immediately landed on your arms. “That’s okay,” he said quietly. His hands slid up to cup your face. “We don’t need kids. All I need is you.”

“No, you don’t understand.” You shook your head as tears slipped down your cheeks. “When I was in that place, they performed surgeries on all the girls. We were getting our periods and it was interfering with our training, so they…”

His thumbs stroked your cheeks gently as he listened, never looking away.

“They forced us to get hysterectomies.” You took another shaky breath. “That’s why I can’t have children.”

Steve’s heart shattered. It all clicked for him now. All those times you brushed off the need for condoms, telling him you were on the pill to regulate your cycle. He’d never questioned it. But now he saw the truth, and it made his stomach turn with fury at the people who hurt you.

“I’m sorry, Steve,” you cried. “I can’t give you what you want.”

“Would you just shut up?” He whispered, resting his forehead against yours. “Stop apologizing. You’re all I want, okay? You’re everything I need. I don’t care about anything else.” He pulled back slightly to look into your eyes. “Do you understand that I can’t even breathe without you? All those months away from you…it nearly destroyed me. I felt like I was falling apart. I don’t ever want to feel that again. I can’t live without you.”

Your lip trembled. “But what if, years down the line, you grow to resent me? What if you end up miserable because we can’t have kids? I’d rather you spare me now than you end up hating me. It’s your dream after all.”

“I will not hate you,” he said firmly, hands still cupping your face. “The first thing I think about when I wake up is you. The last thing I think about before I sleep is you. You’re stuck in my head permanently. If anything, I will be miserable without you. I love you.”

A shaky but relieved laugh escaped your lips as you leaned your forehead against his chest. “I love you,” you whispered. You looked up again, noses brushing. “I love you so much.”

His hand slid to the back of your neck, his other still gently holding your cheek. His eyes were soft, full of love. “I love you more.”

You smiled, wanting to freeze time and stay in this moment forever. “I know I said I can’t give birth, but…maybe we could adopt.”

His face lit up. “We can definitely do that. When we’re ready,” he said with a playful grin, giving your side a little pinch.

You squealed, laughing as you swatted his shoulder. “Steve!”

“But I mean, babies are kind of overrated anyway,” he teased. “They’re loud and messy and they poop in their pants.”

You gave him a mock-serious look. “You used to poop in a diaper too, Steve.”

Steve fake-gagged, turning his head dramatically. “Ugh, I can’t believe I did that.”

“I thought having a family was one of your dreams?” You giggled.

“Dreams change!” He said, grinning at your laughter. He tugged you closer, one hand slipping to your waist, breath warm against your lips. “Besides…I think I’d rather just stick to practicing.”

He kissed you before you could respond, pulling you flush against him. You wrapped your arms around his neck, lips moving in sync with his. He spun you so your back hit the cabin wall, but all you could feel was him. His hands roaming your body, his lips kissing you like there was no tomorrow.

You weren’t sure how long the two of you had been making out, but eventually, reality crept back in and you realized you were still outside. Breathless, your lips swollen and puffy, you gently pushed Steve away. “Okay, we need to stop before we actually start practicing out here.”

He just shrugged, grinning as he watched you walk off. “I don’t mind.”

You rolled your eyes, rounding the side of the cabin to head back to the front. Steve followed close behind, still wearing that silly smile. You were just about to tell Nancy and Jonathan that the two of you had finished your job when your eyes landed on a familiar face.

“Steve and I just finished putting up all the wood–Mom?”

Yasmin turned at the sound of your voice, a wide smile on her face. You ran straight into her arms, shocked but overjoyed to see her.

“I missed you! What are you doing here?” You asked, pulling back. But before she could answer, another familiar face caught your attention. “Joyce, hi! Wait–Joyce?” You blinked, utterly confused. She waved at you warmly, smiling from ear to ear. You even spotted Murray nearby, making the situation feel even more confusing.

Yasmin laughed gently, placing her hands on your shoulders as she turned you around. “There’s someone you should see.”

You let her guide you, brows furrowed in confusion. You opened your mouth to speak, but the words caught in your throat the moment your eyes locked with his.

Hopper stood in front of you, holding Eleven in his arms. El let go of him to rush into Yasmin’s arms, but you remained frozen, stunned into silence. Hopper opened his arms, and that was all it took for you to move. You launched into him, wrapping your arms around him tightly as tears flooded your eyes. He laughed softly, hugging you just as tightly and rubbing your back as you cried into his shoulder.

You finally pulled back, and Hopper cupped your face with both hands. “I told them,” you said through tears, a smile breaking across your face. “I finally told them everything.”

Hopper grinned, eyes full of warmth and pride. “I knew you would. I’m so proud of you.”

You let out a small laugh, wiping your tears away as you took a good look at him. “You’re…smaller now,” you teased.

He chuckled, nodding. “Guess I am. And you’re still shorter than me.”

You scoffed, playfully punching his arm. He smiled, then turned to glance toward a woman standing by a black car. He gave her a subtle nod. She returned it before quietly getting in and driving away.

It felt like a piece of you was being stitched back together. You never thought this moment would come. Hopper being alive felt like something out of a dream, and even now, standing in front of him, it was hard to believe.

You turned back to your mom and hugged her again. Yasmin kissed the top of your head, having missed you more than words could express.

“I didn’t think you could bring a victim home with you, mom,” you joked.

She laughed, shaking her head. “He was a special case.”

You looked around, your heart full. Despite everything that had happened, this moment brought you peace. You had your mom. You had Hopper. You had Steve. For the first time in a long time, you didn’t want to go back to California.

But you should’ve known that happy moments never lasted long.

An odd sensation started crawling up your spine. Your brow furrowed as you looked at Yasmin, who noticed the change in your expression.

You turned your head and locked eyes with Will. He was already touching the back of his neck. You both slowly turned to the sky to see dark clouds spreading. Everyone noticed the sudden change in your demeanor and followed your gaze, eyes lifting to the sky as soft white flakes began to fall.

You held out your hand, catching one in your palm. Your breath hitched, knowing it wasn’t snow. It didn’t look like snow.

Everyone grew quiet, concern spreading through the group instantly. Hopper took the lead, walking out of the woods to see what was happening. Joyce, Yasmin, and Murray followed close behind. You walked with Steve, Eleven, Will, and Mike, while Nancy and Jonathan followed. As you stepped into the open field, your breath caught.

The odd sensation within you increased. Your mouth parted slightly as you took in the scene. Dark clouds could be seen from a distance. Red lightning streaked across the sky. There was smoke in the air.

Steve squeezed your hand tight, pulling you closer. You stood side by side with him, surrounded by the others. Will and Mike. Nancy and Jonathan. Joyce and Murray. Yasmin and Hopper. All of you were frozen in place. Eleven walked a little further ahead by herself, pausing only to pick up a dead flower from the ground. She stood slowly, eyes fixed on the horizon.

The Upside Down had collided with Hawkins. Everyone’s lives were in danger. You knew Vecna wasn’t done. He wouldn’t stop, not until he got his revenge. This was just the beginning.

It was the beginning of a war and you had already lost.

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kissandtellus · 2 days ago

Text

Warning, Bite Risk: Ch. 7

Synopsis: Caleb is allowed a night on the town. But boiling points pour over, and tensions rise.

Warnings: Mentions of PTSD, Mentions of experimentation, kidnapping.

Tag List: @mcdepressed290 , @seventeen-x , @rorel1a , @skylarkse , @blorbohunter , @teacupwaifu , @lewdcifer778, @eiradragonsong , @april-likes-smut , @trishiepo0, @moonlight-inthe-sea

The woman insists on bringing Caleb out and about. He’s been cooped up in the apartment, with his only outside time being to Zayne’s clinic. But right now his over 200 pound body is squeezed underneath Zayne’s bed, trying to refuse to put on his muzzle.

His ears are flat on his head, and he shakes his head in defiance.

He's not going out there,even if Zayne tries to coax him with treats. Nope, not happening.

He gives a small growl, and he glares up at Zayne from underneath the bed. "You're crazy. You must be crazy. No way." He mutters, his voice filled with disbelief.

He shakes his head once more, as if to reinforce just how crazy he thinks Zayne is.

She holds out her hand to Caleb. “Cmon buddy, it’ll be good to get you some sun. I know you hate the muzzle but it’s just a safety precaution.”

"Y/n, please.Not the muzzle, I can't."

He whimpers a little, and a small whine comes from his throat. He looks at her with pleading eyes, and shakes his head. But if there's one thing she knows about Caleb, it's that he'll do anything to please her. Even if it terrifies him.

He's a softie for her, and he'd even put on a dress if she asked him to. But he does not want the muzzle.

"Caleb," she says in a calm voice, her expression gentle, "please just one time? I'll make it up to you afterwards."

He stares at her for a moment, then nods. He still doesn't look thrilled about it, but he reaches out and takes the muzzle from her.

He gives a small sigh as he starts to buckle it onto his face, but his ears are still flat.

Clearly, this is going to be uncomfortable.

"This is the worst.” He mumbles, and his tail is tucked between his legs. He looks miserable now, and Zayne can't help but feel a hint of pity for the poor Hybrid.

He gives a small sniffle, his ears lowered as he continues. "I feel like a criminal about to be executed. Can't we just stay home?"

Caleb shakes his head, and he lets out a small squeak as he feels her put the muzzle in place.

His eyes narrow now, and his ears are flat once more. He looks at her from behind the mask, his eyes narrowed as if to say, ‘You're going to pay for this.’

But then he nods, and he gives his best impersonation of a smile as he looks at her from behind the muzzle. It looks a little frightening, even to her.

But she smiles back, rubbing the hair between his ears. “Good boy, I’m proud of you.” It was as if Caleb had been waiting his entire life to hear praise from her

That does it.

Caleb's eyes light up, and he leans into her touch. His tail lifts, and his ears are now perked up. The praise is like a switch that changes the Hybrid's mood from one of dread to one of sheer adoration and excitement.

He let out a small happy sound, and his ears flick, just like a happy dog. He's clearly happy now, and he looks at her with pure adoration.

He leans in to lick her face, just like a happy dog would, and he stares at her, his expression filled with love. He’s ready for anything now.

"I'm ready! Can we go?" He asks, and he shakes his tail in excitement.

His fear at the prospect of going outside is now gone, replaced with the desire to show her what a good dog he can be.

Zayne gives a dry laugh, his expression showing genuine amusement. He's clearly amused at this little show of Caleb's, and it almost seems to soften his gaze. "I think someone likes being told he's a good boy."

He says in a teasing tone, and his eyes narrow in amusement. His expression is still serious, but he actually seems to be enjoying the moment.

He seems to be genuinely happy for Caleb now, and his eyes show no hint of malice.

She playfully pushes the large hybrid off. “Alright boy, Zayne has to go to the clinic. Wish him good luck on his presentation.” She has been trying to get the two to warm up more to each other

Caleb stares at Zayne and snorts. He gives him a once over, his gaze full of pity.

"You're gonna need it, Doc." He says, his tone filled with mock sympathy.

He rolls his eyes, and he looks over at her. He lets out a small huff, and his ears fall flat. He’s still bitter about the muzzle. But he lets it go, and he turns to look back at Zayne.

"So go on! Shoo! You better get on with it!"

Zayne lets out another small laugh, and he shakes his head. "Yes, Caleb. Thank you for the kind words." He snarks, and he turns to leave.

As he opens the door, he pauses, and he turns a little to point back at him. "Don't. Get. Into. Trouble. We can have a talk about that later.”He narrows his eyes, and his tone is filled with warning.

Then he leaves, and the door closes behind him.

Caleb's eyes narrow as he hears Zayne, and his tail flicks as if annoyed.

"He's the trouble, not me." He mutters, his expression turning into a scowl. He lets out a low growl, and he sits down on the ground.

Clearly, he and Zayne are still having their own issues. He's still bitter about the muzzle, and he's even more upset at being unable to come and go as he pleases. Even a short period of captivity has messed with his ability to trust people.

She kneels down and rubs her finger under the leather straps against his cheek. “It’s just for a little bit. Just to the cafe and back. And you can hold my hand the entire time, okay?”

He lets out a small whine, and he gives her a sad look. He nods his head, and his tail twitches.

"Promise?" He asks, and his voice is filled with sadness. He really doesn't like the muzzle, but he can see the good in her reasoning.

He gives her a soft smile, and his eyes fill with affection. He looks at her with that same adoration again, and it's clear he would do anything she asked of him.

“I promise, Caleb.” She rubs his fur by his ears, her face soft. Her words are genuine, and he can see the affection in her eyes.

It's clear that she's on his side, and this small interaction makes him a little more comfortable. His ears go back to perked up, and his tail twitches.

He still hated the muzzle, but she was right. It was better than no muzzle and no being outside at all.

Their cafe date was perfect. Caleb had hardly anytime alone with her now that Zayne basically lived with them. His tail flickered and he was rubbing his face against her at every point.

He's just happy to be out with the woman he loves. After spending so much time locked up, he's just grateful to be doing something as simple as holding her hand.

He leans in to her, and he sighs happily. He closes his eyes, and he lets out a little whimper of happiness. He just savors the moment, and enjoys being able to see her without having to see the four walls of the apartment.

"I'm so happy.." he mumbles, his voice muffled by the muzzle.

He looks over at her, and his ears flick as he smiles. His expression is full of love, and it seems so genuine.

He's so happy that she's here with him, and he can't help but feel a deep affection as he looks at her. He takes a deep breath, and just the sight of her calms him. He lets out a little whine, and he leans in to give her a kiss on the cheek, the leather muzzle blocking its path.

She smiles at the Hybrid. Besides the muzzle that makes him look like a dangerous animal, she’s so happy he seems to look a bit more human under the sunlight. “How have treatments with Zayne been going?”

"I still hate him." He mutters, his expression going flat. His tail flicks again, and his voice fills with bitterness.

"He thinks I'll trust him just because he's treating me... But I still think he just feels pity for me."

His eyes narrow, and his tone turns angry. "I'm not an animal," he growls, his ears flattening again. "He's just doing this because he wants to study me, to figure out how I became like this..."

“I know that. He knows that.” She calmly says, reaching over the little cafe table to hold his hand.

He takes her hand, and he closes his eyes as he grips her tightly. He's still upset, but the presence of her is enough to make him feel a little better. He looks up at her, his expression soft.

"I hope you're right. I don't... want to think he's really on my side." He says, and his voice is filled with a hint of fear.

He's clearly not convinced, and his expression shows it. "Zayne just seems... so eager to study me."

“He’s not like the doctors in the lab at the Farspace Fleet. You have to trust him.” She gives his hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I'm trying." He replies, his expression now filled with frustration. He lets out a sigh, and looks away. "I just... he makes me mad, Y/n."

He's shaking a little, and his ears are flicking back and forth. "I just wanna bite him, to get him to understand." He says, his voice filled with bitterness.

He looks into her eyes, and his eyes narrow in annoyance. "You know what he's like. He's just like a scientist. Always studying, always watching."

“Do you want to bite him because you don’t trust him? Or do you want to bite him because he’s a close friend of mine?”

Ding ding ding!

That was right on the money.

She wasn’t stupid.

Caleb's ears fold back, giving a clear sign that she is exactly right. His eyes narrow, and he looks down at his hands.

"I don't like him." He mutters, his voice filled with a stubborn anger. Clearly, he's upset at himself for being jealous of Zayne.

But he can't help it, and he can't help but feel a little bitter. "He's always there, always around you." He says, and his expression shifts to one of sadness again.

"He's always *watching* you with his *creepy* eyes." He grumbles, and his voice fills with a hint of a growl.

His ears are flat again, and his tail is flicking as if agitated. Clearly, he's not happy at the prospect of Zayne being around her.

His eyes narrow, and he looks away once more. "He knows what you've done for me. He knows how much you care about me." He says, and his voice fills with a hint of sadness. "He's using that."

“Caleb,” she begins “You are both dear to me. But I’m also not a damsel in distress. You both want to care for me and protect me but I can do that all on my own.”

Caleb's expression hardens, and his mouth twists into a snarl. He looks away from her, his eyes narrowing in annoyance.

"I know you can take care of yourself." He snaps, his voice filled with frustration. "But... you just don't know what else could be out there."

He glares at the ground, and his voice is filled with a hint of sadness. "It's not safe out there." He says, and his tone turns serious. "And I know, you'll just say 'I can take care of myself'."

He let out a small whine, and he looks away. "But you can't, Y/n."

He's not angry now, he's just sad. He can't take the thought of something happening to her.

He looks back at her, and his voice is filled with a hint of pleading. "I've seen a lot in my life. I... don't want anything to happen to you." His voice is filled with a deep sadness, and his tail hangs low.

“I know. But I got it. You and Zayne need to get along better. At least until he can figure out what the Farspace Fleet has done to you.” She takes a sip of her tea and grabs a file case from her purse. “I used Hunter decoders to find these….they are your files from the Fleet….”

His eyes widen in shock, and his ears fly backwards. His pupils dilate, and his jaw almost hits the floor.

His expression changes from *sadness* to fear instantly, and his voice fills with dread. "Where… where did you get those?" He asks, his voice barely a whisper.

His lips pull back, and his expression turns into a snarl. "That's... no, you can't look at them. Don't look at them, please.” He pleads, his voice filled with desperation.

He stands up from the table, and the chair goes flying backwards with a loud crash.

His ears are flat down now, and his hands are shaking. "No. No, no, no!" He cries out, and his eyes are filled with fear.

"Please, don't do this. I can't do this." He looks over to the door, as if ready to make a run for it.

She holds up her hands. All eyes are on him, whispering about a dangerous Hybrid.

He doesn't even notice the people staring and whispering. He's too busy staring at her with pure fear.

"You don't know what they did to me." He whispers, his voice barely a whisper. "You can't know what they did to me..."

His eyes go wide, and his knees buckles. He falls down onto his hands and knees, and his body starts shaking with fear.

He looks up at her, his eyes wide and terrified. “Don't... do this... Please…”

She takes a step forward and places the files back in her bag. “Okay! Okay…we won’t look at them. Just stay calm, okay?” She holds out her hand to him.

He snaps at her, giving a small growl as he does so. His expression changes from one of fear to one of *absolute rage.*

He stands up now, and he snarls at her. "Don't do this to me, Y/n." He says, his voice filled with more anger than before. "I can't... I can't let you see. You'll hate me."

She snatches her hand back, her eyes wide at his snarls and exposed fangs. “Caleb…?”

He backs away from her now, his tail lashing back and forth as he does so. His eyes narrow, and his eyes reflect fear and anger.

"Don't." He snarls, his voice filled with desperation. "Please, don't. I'll do anything you ask of me, I'll never disobey you. Just..."

He pauses, his voice trailing off. "Don't look at those files." He says, his voice filled with a hint of panic. "I... can't let you see. Please.”

She steps forward just a pinch. She needs to make him see, make him understand she’d never intentionally hurt him. But a worker, a man in charge of the cafe steps between her and Caleb. He holds her shoulders, backing her away from the feral looking Hybrid. “Are you alright, Miss?”

Caleb doesn't even bother to acknowledge the man, his gaze remaining on her. He backs away, and he looks around at the people.

He seems ready to bolt now, and he looks up at the exit to the cafe.

"I can't let you see." He says again, his voice filled with fear. He looks back to her, his expression turning to one of complete panic. "I can't let you see." He repeats, his voice filled with more fear.

"Caleb-" She says, but he's already turned away.

He's bolting now, running down the street as fast as he can. His ears are flat back as he runs, and his tail is tucked between his legs. His eyes narrow as he tries to avoid the people in the streets.

"Caleb! NO!" She cries out, and she's about to run after him.

But the man stops her, and he holds her. "You can't go after him. It's dangerous.”

He turns a corner, and he's gone.

She lets out a pained whimper, and she shakes her head as she tries to pull away from the man. Her voice is a whisper, almost like she's trying to hold back the tears.

"No. I have to-" She says, and she looks up to see the hybrid vanish around the corner. "-Go after him." She whispers, her voice breaking now. "I... I have to! He needs me!"

She breaks free from the man and runs into the streets. The sky opens and rain begins to pour. There are hundreds of people crowding the streets of Linkon. Caleb had disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Caleb doesn't even notice the rain. He keeps running blindly, not really knowing where he's going.

He doesn't even care where he's going. He just wants to be alone.

He runs into an alleyway, and he finally stops, his chest heaving. He leans against a wall, his hands shaking as he looks down at the ground.

"What have I done?" He whispers, his voice barely audible. Rain is coming down hard now, but he doesn't even notice it. His tail is tucked between his legs, and he's shaking.

He can't believe what he just did. He's going to lose her.

He already did.

He slides down the wall, his eyes closed as he tries to get himself under control.

She shivers, and her teeth chatter now. But she doesn't care, she doesn't care that she's freezing cold, or that she's shaking all over.

All she cares about right now is finding Caleb. Her mind is racing, and her heart is pounding in her chest as she continues her search. She can't lose him.

She knows what it's like to run away, and she knows what it's like to be in that dark place.

"Caleb!" She calls out, and her voice cracks now. She's desperate.

She turns the corner of one of the sketchier parts of the city. Where illegal protocore trading takes place.

She holds her thin jacket tighter around her. A screech of tires pulls her attention and before her, is a black van with tinted windows.

The doors of the van slide open, and two men in black uniforms and sunglasses jump out.

One of them immediately grabs jer, and he pins her against the van. She can see the insignia of the Farspace Fleet on his uniform, and he speaks through the voice changer on his mask.

"Where is the Hybrid?" He asks, and his voice is cold and emotionless. He's a threat, and he's not playing any games.

"Answer the question, or we will take you by force."

“Fuck off! I don’t know what you’re talking about!” She snaps, trying to break free of his hold.

"Yes, you do know." The man says, and he tightens his grip on her. He nods to the other man, and the second man nods back.

The first man steps away from her, and he gives the second man the signal to move in.

"This is your last warning." He says, and his voice is filled with a hint of threat.

"And don't lie. They can smell it when you lie. Now, where is the Hybrid?"

Before she can open her mouth to ask who the hell “they” are, she can see the glowing eyes from the van. They are Hybrids, perhaps Malinois like Caleb was, but they are now disfigured.

Feral, jaws hanging low and the small bit of human that remained was nearly nonexistent. “What did you do to them?”

The first man lets go of her now, and he nods to the two Hybrids. They step forward and they growl, their eyes locked on her.

One of them speaks, and it's voice is twisted and almost demonic. It sends a chill down her spine as it speaks.

"Where is our brother?" It asks again, and it's eyes narrow as it stares at her. "We will get what we want. It just depends on how much you like pain."

The woman stays silent, and she stares at the Hybrids.

She can't take her eyes off them, and she can't help but stare. She's never seen any creature like them before, and she's terrified of them.

Her hand reaches for the Hunter gun in her belt loop, but she thinks better of it. She doesn't feel like getting torn to shreds today.

"I don't know where he is." She whispers, her voice barely even audible. "But if you hurt me, he'll hunt you down."

The uniformed man shoves her between the Hybrids and into the van.

The man climbs in after her, and the two Hybrids are on either side of her now. They're snarling, and they're ready to strike if she tries to escape.

The man looks down at her, his eyes shining with a hint of sadistic pleasure. He enjoys tormenting her, and he seems to be enjoying it. She tries to push herself up on her hands, but one of the Hybrid’s presses it’s about to the back of her neck and she freezes in fear.

"You can try to escape." He says, his voice filled with a hint of a snicker. "But my dogs have a thing for that.”

Caleb finds his way back to the apartment, drenched in rain from his escape from the Cafe. But he doesn’t find her waiting for him with open arms, instead he finds Zayne has ripped apart the apartment.

The Veterinarian is frazzled as he runs his hand through his hair.

He blinks, and his jaw drops. His expression darkens as he looks up to Zayne.

"What... what happened?" He asks, his voice quiet. His eyebrows come together as he stares at everything that's been destroyed.

He's about to speak, but he gets interrupted by Zayne speaking. His voice is filled with anger, anger that's directed at him.

"You." He growls, and he narrows his gaze at Caleb. He looks about ready to tear him apart as well. "You happened. Your little tantrum got her captured by the Farspace Fleet."

He's pissed but he's holding back as best as he can. He takes a step towards Caleb, and he glares at him.

"She got captured protecting you. Her precious little pet." He snarls.

Caleb flinches at the last part. His ears flatten back, and he's not able to meet Zayne's gaze.

"I... I didn't think-" He says, but he's interrupted by Zayne. But Zayne's tone is softer, and his gaze is a little more sympathetic.

"I know you didn't think, Caleb." He says, and his voice is filled with genuine sympathy. "That's why I'm helping you."

But Caleb can’t contain his anger. The anger pulses in his veins. All his training, all his conditioning as a Farspace Fleet Hybrid burns through him. His claws grip the couch, and he throws it across the living room.

The couch hits the wall with a loud thump. The framed photos clatter to the ground. Caleb’s breathing is ragged, and he snarls.

He's pissed now. Just how stupid was he? He was trained to think of everything, to be prepared for anything.

He let his guard down, and now it's going to hurt her.

A low growl comes out of his mouth now as the pain turns into rage. He's losing control.

"Damn it! She has no idea what they can do to her out there!" He shouts, his voice filling with agony. "I have to find her."

He turns to Zayne now. "You have to help me." He says, and his voice is still filled with a hint of desperation. "She can't be alone with them. They'll rip her apart, and she'll feel every second of it."

He lets out a low whine, a hint of agony in his voice. His tail is tucked between his legs as he speaks, and his ears are flat as his head dips down. He can't even bring himself to look up at Zayne, not because he's afraid of him, but because he's ashamed.

He's a failure. He swore to keep her safe, but he couldn't even do that. He feels like he just let the most important person in his life down.

Zayne throws on his jacket, tightening the scarf around his neck. he pushes up his glasses and his expression is colder than ice.

"What are we waiting for? You think she's just going to be waiting at the Farspace HQ for you to pick her up?" Zayne asks, the sarcasm clear in his tone.

“Don’t get in my way.” Caleb growls, shaking his head like a wet dog. “Or I give no promises I won’t tear you apart too.”

Zayne chuckles and reaches for the gun tucked into the pocket of his jacket. He checks the sight with a hazel eye closed.

“Ditto.”