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atlasofthestaars · 7 months

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[MX X READER] New Era - Chapter .003

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NOTE: First off, thank you ALL so much for the support! I sincerely love every one of your comments so far, and feel grateful you all enjoy the story! The comments are lowkey pushing me to write this all, so again tysm for the support!

Hopefully this chapter showcases how I’ll try to implement extra scenes within the story! Because after this chapter we will divulge for a bit storywise to get bonding moments between the kharacters and the reader! I’m doing this due to the months time skip, and thought it’d be a good time to develop some of the relationships before the Outworld arc!

Sorry for how Lin Kuei heavy the interactions have been, but we’ll soon get the champion squad as the focus soon, so I did want to implement some of this groundwork first. That doesn’t mean the Lin Kuei are totally gone soon, especially since I also need to give Smoke his share of time together, but they will be used less often after this chapter so we can bond with the others.

ALSO, for those reading this on tumblr, please reply to the poll here whether you do want Shang Tsung as a love interest! It will affect my planning somewhat so I would like to gauge interest! AO3 fans, leave a comment on your thoughts !

ALSO ALSO! If you want a character included as a love interest that is NOT part of the initial roster mentioned in part one, please send in messages/leave comments mentioning it so I can see what you all want! It’s not a guarantee, but it is helpful to get input on those types of things.

FROM THE EYES OF ONE WHO HELPED RECRUIT NEW ALLIES

“Only you and Kuai Liang for this mission?”

You eyed the blue clad and yellow clad assassins curiously as you walked into the room where the Lin Kuei trio typically sat when they were awaiting for Liu Kang. You pursed your lips as you walked right up in front of the two brothers, your gaze switching between them before they settled on Bi-Han. You crossed your arms as you watch Bi-Han’s gaze narrow.

“That should be more than enough.” Sub Zero replied gruffly, keeping his gaze on yours. It felt like a staring contest was always happening between you two. While most times you would entertain it, you instead searched his face. It was hard to tell whether Bi-Han was irritated, or if it was his grumpy face that he always wore, but from the years you knew him, you picked up on the tells.

This time, it was simply his natural face.

“I’m not saying it’s not enough, I’m just surprised.” You replied smoothly as you moved your gaze from Bi-Han’s face to the arm you had patched up yesterday. You sighed as you pulled out the medical kit you had tucked away on your person. “I would have thought that the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei would know how to regularly change his bandages.” You chided as you knelt beside where he was sitting.

“I know how to change my bandages, fool.” Sub Zero scoffed, but as usual let you come close to inspect the wound you had dressed. You let the insult go, you knew at this point any insults towards you were rarely meaningful. If he really hated you, he would have not even let you dress his wounds in the first place.

It was odd, before he used to be diligent about changing his own bandages. But nowadays it felt like he expected you to change it for him.

Maybe it was because you started to patch him up for him instead of letting the cryomancer do it himself. It had bugged you, how often he left wounds unattended. Never had they turned into infections, but it irritated you to no end. So one day, you just began to do it for him, despite his initial protests.

Now it was like a routine between you two. It didn’t happen often, since Bi-Han had become more proficient in avoiding injuries, but it happened enough that it felt like a routine.

You gently removed the bloodied bandages from around his right bicep. You hummed as you noted how it was healing. Carefully, you brushed your fingers over the wound to see it had begun to scab over. You noted the odd way he seemed to tense at this, and sent him a small glance.

“Relax, I’m not going to stab you.” You teased, a small chuckle leaving your lips as you returned your gaze back to the wound. Even though you weren’t looking at him, you felt Bi-Han’s gaze burn into you. Maybe being the pyromancer would have fit him better with how searing his gaze was like.

“As if you would get the chance.” He grumbled as he relaxed. You rolled your eyes as you carefully reapplied the bandages over the wound. Proud of yourself, you grinned as you pat the bandages on his bicep.

“Done.” You declared as you stood back up. You saw Bi-Han sigh as he reluctantly nodded in acknowledgement. You turned your gaze towards the younger brother, sending Kuai Liang a soft smile.

Strange, why did Bi-Han seem a bit irritated at your smile?

“Do you need any wounds of yours patched up while I’m at it?” You inquired as you walked over to stand in front of Scorpion. Returning your soft smile with one of his own, Kuai Liang shook his head, holding up a dismissive hand. His eyes sent an almost apologetic look towards you, as if apologizing for his brother.

“While appreciative, it is not necessary. I was not cut during the examination.” Kuai Liang reassured you with a small nod. You returned the nod, glad to hear the news. Still, your eyes roamed his body to see if he had any bruises that were beginning to bloom.

“Good, I’m glad to hear it.” Your smile grew to a grin as you recalled the events of last night. The exam still buzzed in your head, and you could easily replay it in your head over and over. “Good performance, by the way. I didn’t get to tell you that yesterday.”

“I was simply doing the job as required.” Kuai Liang humbly said, though you could see a hint of what you interpreted as bashfulness within his expression. You laughed. The Lin Kuei trio, so different, yet all people you held close to your heart. They were the ones you considered to be your friends, and you only hoped they returned the sentiment.

“Come, Lord Liu Kang is ready for the both of you.” You beckoned them to follow, and almost in sync they stood up and followed your lead. It was quiet for a few moments as the three of you walked through the Fire Temple. You felt like a leader of a pack, with Kuai Liang on your left and Bi-Han on your right. You briefly wondered if this is how Liu Kang often felt. “Were you both informed of what our mission is, and where we are going?”

“From what I recall, we are going to California to recruit an actor and a swordsman to see if they will join Lord Liu Kang’s cause.” Scorpion piped up, and you nodded, pleased at how accurate his memory was.

“It is unnecessary for all three of us to have to go.” Bi-Han commented. Despite his words seeming rough, you could sense he was only speaking his mind and not trying to insult Liu Kang…even if he could definitely word it better.

“It is probably for the best for all of us to go, just in case.” The younger brother interjected, sending his older brother a glance. “Lord Liu Kang has his own reasons.”

The conversation ground to a halt, and you felt the temperature drop around you three by a few degrees.

You ignored it as you three arrived at the door of the room where Liu Kang was waiting. Best not to linger on that.

You all had a mission to get to, after all.

So this was California.

You marveled at how different the city around you was. The buildings were so different. Everything was different. You took in the atmosphere as you basked in the small amount of time you all had to stand around before you had to go.

Even though the area you teleported too was on the quieter side, the area around you was so much busier than it was anywhere you’ve recently been. So many lights, noises…it was so foreign. You were so in awe you even let Bi-Han scoff at your amazement without glaring at him.

“Is it possible for you to confirm the location?” Liu Kang inquired, after calling your name. You blinked as you stepped forward to look towards the fire god. You nodded, pointing to a large fancy home up ahead.

“That one, correct, Lord Liu Kang?” You asked, eying the place. You watched as the fire god nodded approvingly. Jumping and leaping into the air, your form turned smoothly into that one a crow and you flew close to the house.

You always enjoyed being a bird, feeling the wind in your feathers and the feeling of freedom it granted. Circling the house, you spotted how a wall was completely open, and you soared down towards that area, landing just behind the wall beside the pool. You noted the large floating plastic animals in the pool.

Interesting.

“Step one is selling this place.” A woman spoke. Curious, you tilted your head to peek barely in, seeing who you presumed to be Johnny Cage and a woman. Your head pulsed with the all too familiar headache as you peered at the man who paced inside the house.

Your mind granted you a vision of a similar looking Johnny Cage, so you knew you were in the right place.

Who was the woman though? You peered at her, vaguely listening in on the argument between the duo. You didn’t even bother to hide yourself all too well behind the wall at this rate, they were too deep in their conflict.

When you gazed at her, no sense of headache arose in your mind. You continued to eavesdrop, learning about the unfortunate circumstances befalling Johnny Cage and who you presumed was his wife with the conversation they were having. You nodded as the words they said confirmed your suspicions.

Cris…Wasn’t his wife supposed to be Sonya Blade?

Your head seemed to pound upon remembering that, and you winced. Sonya Blade…Sonya Blade… If only you had more time to interpret and unravel these memories when convenient, and not when you were on a mission!

Taking a mental note, you told yourself to write this down in your journal within the Fire Temple as soon as you got back.

Either way, you figured out that in this life, Johnny Cage was with a different woman.

You watched with a sense of pity as Cris walked out on Johnny…or John Carlton as you just learned. Although the man seemed distraught, you were surprised to see that he didn’t chase over his wife. You observed as he continued to drink, berating himself.

You felt guilty intruding on such a private moment.

Your guilt vanished as you watched a swordsman enter the house, dressed in a suit. Carefully, you backed up behind the wall, but you were sure he probably wouldn’t have even seen you. Even without the pulsing of your mind, you knew who this man was due to Liu Kang: Kenshi Takahashi. You watched the beginnings of their confrontation before backing up.

That’s all you needed to know.

With a quick flap of your wings, you got back into the air and flew back to the trio who were waiting right where you had left them. Landing on the ground, you stood up as you transformed back and no trace of the crow you had been was left.

“It’s the right location.” You began as you rolled your shoulders back, trying to bend your body back into shape. “Johnny Cage is confronting Kenshi Takahashi over a sword named Sento.” You informed Liu Kang, bowing as you told the fire god of what you had seen.

“As expected.” Liu Kang said before nodding, a smile on his face. You took that as praise as you stepped around to take your spot again at his right side. “Come, the confrontation will be over soon.” With a nod from the others, you all strode down the hill over to Johnny Cage’s house.

Without hesitation, Liu Kang rang the doorbell as the four of you arrived in front of the front door. You looked around, noting how the house looked from the front instead of the back. It was much, much different than what you had been used to in the Fire Temple.

Instinctively, you straightened your posture as you heard the door open. You stared forward at the perplexed face of Johnny Cage, holding back the amusement you wanted to let out. You had to look professional. Both of the Lin Kuei brothers stood behind you and Liu Kang.

“What in the actual fu-”

“Good evening, Johnny Cage.” Liu Kang cut him off, his arms uncrossing as he bowed and introduced himself. Johnny recoiled at the action, looking confused as ever. “I am Liu Kang, protector of Earthrealm.” The fire god introduced himself, wasting no time. He gestured to the inside of the house. “May we enter?”

“Uh…” Johnny leaned over, peering at all of you suspiciously. “Nothing’s being shot here tonight. You sure you’re in the right place?” Johnny inquired, looking at all of you as if you were all crazy.

“Yes.” Liu Kang answered seriously, nodding. “We come here on a matter of grave importance. We must speak to you and your guest.”

“What?” Johnny seemed shocked at the mention of Kenshi, before squinting at the group in suspicion once more. He leaned close, dropping his voice to be closer to a whisper. “How do you know about him?”

“Because I am the God of Fire.” Liu Kang responded, his voice holding an authoritative tone. Despite this, Johnny seemed to brush it off. You raised your eyebrows, surprised to see how quickly the man fell into denial.

“Cris, you vixen. Nicely done.” You bit the inside of your cheek, feeling a pang of guilt in your chest. He thought his wife set him up for an odd prank. You looked away until he spoke up again. “Sure.” Johnny said, drawing out the word in such a way to make it obvious he didn’t believe a word of what Liu Kang had said. “Come on in.” And with that, he opened the door to welcome you all in. “Glowing eyes are a nice touch.”

You all entered the house, and you noted how it looked from this angle. Your eyes fell on the swordsman who was now tied to a chair next to the pool, and you were slightly surprised to see he had lost. You followed Liu Kang swiftly as you approached the tied up man.

“Kenshi Takahashi.” Liu Kang addressed the man. He stopped in front of Kenshi and crossed his arms in a disapproving way. “A tragic figure with a noble cause. Your actions this evening do you no credit.” Liu Kang even threw in a disapproving shake of his head.

“Who are these people?” Kenshi inquired, just as perplexed. You focused your eyes on the swordsman as the tiny voice in your head questioned how the man in front of you had his eyesight. It seemed that way, at least.

Past life. Right.

“You tell me, they’re your scene partners.” Johnny Cage answered back with a shrug, looking towards Liu Kang for an explanation.

“I also know of your struggles, Johnny Cage.” Liu Kang spoke, turning his gaze to Johnny Cage. You nodded subconsciously, having witnessed the struggles Johnny had through the argument he had with Cris. “I am here to offer you both a path forward.”

“Dun. Dun. Dunnnn.” Johnny retorted dramatically, his carefree attitude shining through. He still didn’t believe the situation, and for a brief moment you recalled how this felt all too familiar. The actor let out a laugh, looking around. “C’mon guys. Let’s call this. Cris was a doll to set this up, but…” He shrugged as he scoffed. “As pranks go this one’s…eh…a bit obvious.”

“This is no prank.” Liu Kang warned Johnny. He looked at you and spoke your name before gesturing towards Kenshi. “If you please.” You nodded as you strode over to Kenshi’s chair and knelt behind him. You observed the rope. Normally, you would transform your hand into claws to free the man, but you did not want to risk hurting Kenshi, especially with how thick this rope was, it was better to untie it.

You set to work untying it. You struggled, noting how strong and tight the knots were. Did Johnny Cage have experience in typing people up? You grimaced as you continued to try and untie the rope. You were so concentrated on the task in front of you, Johnny’s words didn’t register in your head.

It wasn’t until he laid a hand on you until you noticed he had been talking to you.

Eyes wide open, you paused as you looked up in shock, your mind reeling as you tried to piece together whatever Johnny had been saying. His grip was strong, but it didn’t hurt. You were just confused at what he had been saying.

You had no time to do so as you watched Bi-Han shoulder tackle Johnny off of you before sending him flying with a heavy kick.

“Bi-Han!?” You exclaimed, surprised at the sudden action from the cryomancer. You were stunned as you watched Johnny groan as he had a glass fixture drop on him. The grandmaster did not turn around to look at you, but you watched as Kuai Liang stride up, sending you a concerned look before looking towards his brother.

You were surprised that Kuai Liang did not tell him off. For a moment, the two brothers sent each other an unreadable look as they got into a fighting stance against the now angry Johnny Cage. You paused in your actions to watch the fight happen, confused at how it escalated so much.

It had been an honest mistake on Johnny Cage’s part.

Somehow, the actor knocked down the brothers.

“I hope you’re insured, because you’re paying for my Hichuli.” Johnny huffed as he stared at the Lin Kuei duo who got up from the ground. You stood up, trying to speak up, but were cut off by Bi-Han’s outrage.

“Imbecile! You have no idea with whom you are dealing!” Bi-Han pointed towards Johnny Cage, seeming ready to go again and fight. You shook your head as you strode over to make Sub Zero calm down.

“Bi-Han-”

“ENOUGH!”

You jolted as you side stepped to avoid the burst of flames that emerged from Liu Kang. Loud beeping occurred for a second, and you winced at the noise. You sighed as you continued your walk over to Bi-Han, standing right next to him.

“Uh…” Johnny said, his eyes wide in disbelief as he had shielded away from the flame. “That’s no special effect.” He continued, and the look on his face told you that he was finally piecing things together.

“Indeed, Johnny Cage.” You could not see Liu Kang’s face right now, but the tone he held said enough about the frustrated look he was sending the actor. The god of fire inhaled and turned to you three. You held the god’s gaze as he examined you before looking towards Scorpion. “Kuai Liang?” He inquired, gesturing towards Kenshi.

You watched as the younger brother walked away to finish the job of freeing Kenshi. As Liu Kang spoke to Johnny and Kenshi, you sent a perplexed and slightly angry glare at Bi-Han. Why had he been so aggressive?

Yet, despite your glare, you didn’t think you were actually angry. Just mostly…confused.

Bi-Han, despite his knack for wanting staring contests with you, seemed very keen on ignoring your glare this time. You sighed as you looked away and focused on the conversation with Liu Kang.

“All will be explained, Johnny Cage.” Liu Kang told Johnny Cage as Kenshi was untied and he got to stand up. “For now, what is important is that you both have been chosen to join its champions.” He said, now referring to both Johnny and Kenshi.

“Why him?” Johnny pointed at Kenshi in confusion. “Or me, for that matter?” He asked, turning to look at Liu Kang with a perplexed look.

“Because I have faith that you will rise to the challenge.” Liu Kang explains to the actor. “And because your service will change the arcs of your lives.” Liu Kang looked at the three of you and dismissed you all, allowing you to wait outside while he discussed the finer details with the two. Almost immediately, Bi-Han walked off, leaving you in the dust.

“I would advise to not take offense to his attitude.” Kuai Liang said as he stepped up to stand beside you. You sighed as you crossed your arms, looking towards the entrance. You shook your head as you looked towards the younger brother.

“I’m not offended.” You clarified as you searched Kuai Liang’s expression. “Just…confused why he would do that.” You also had confusion on why Kuai Liang would also help him take down the actor, but you would chalk that up to the brotherly bond the two had…even if it felt like it was waning nowadays.

Memories of two brothers, one corrupted and inky like a shadow, and the other an icy grandmaster flashed in your mind.

You closed your eyes as you tried to push out those memories. It’s been years since you’ve first had them about the Lin Kuei since you’ve met them so long ago, but when you worried over the two, you were always reminded,

Damn these memories.

“I see.” Scorpion said, and although his words seemed final you could sense the hesitant tone in his voice. It was strange, but you assumed it was due to Scorpion’s manners. He was never one to make unnecessary comments. You turned to look at Liu Kang, to try and focus in on the fire god’s words to get your mind off of things.

Still, you felt the gaze of Kuai Liang burn into you.

Thankfully, the protector of Earthrealm quickly wrapped things up with the new recruits. He turned around, and there was a faint look of surprise to see that both you and Scorpion remained inside the manor. Regardless, he nodded and smiled at the two of you before exiting with the both of you in tow.

Outside, Bi-Han had been waiting, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. His eyes were focused on the ground, and a furrow in his brow. He seemed deep in thought, but his demeanor quickly shifted as he heard the three of you approach. The cyromancer straightened up and came to attention, nodding.

“Excellent work, you three…even if there were some hiccups.” Liu Kang commended as you all followed him to the hill where he had initially teleported you three from. Liu Kang did not look towards Sub Zero, but you all knew who he had been referring to.

The walk back to the hill was silent. That wasn’t unusual, but the uneasy tension between the group certainly was. You held back a sigh as you continued to walk beside Liu Kang, trying to pretend like the source of the tension wasn’t you and Bi-Han.

You disliked this.

“You are all dismissed, thank you for your services.” Liu Kang thanked the three of you as you arrived back in the Fire Temple. Teleporting was always quick, and you were thankful for it. You nodded as you began to walk off. You needed to walk to clear your head.

It wasn’t long after you set off that you heard your name be called. Surprised, you turned around and stood still. You blinked as you watched Kuai Liang jog over to you, nodding as he came to a stop in front of you.

“Would you mind if I accompanied you?” The pyromancer inquired, and you furrowed your eyebrows in confusion. While it was not uncommon that you had been on walks with the assassins before, it was odd to have it occur after a mission.

“Are you not going with Bi-Han back to the clan?” You inquired, crossing your arms as you shifted your weight to one leg. You scanned Kuai Liang’s face, searching for any sort of answer. He shook his head, and you were genuinely surprised.

“I asked brother if I were allowed to stay for a bit. He was fine with it.” Scorpion answered, and you hummed. Odd, but Kuai Liang was anything but a liar. You nodded, shrugging.

“Alright, I don’t see why not.” You said, curious why he had wanted to stay. Was it just to talk to you? That felt a little ridiculous, but you didn’t know what else it could be. A slight expression of relief settled on the assassin’s face as he moved to your side.

“Thank you.” He said, and you waved off the words. You didn’t see why he’d be thanking you for something so simple.

“Don’t mention it.” You said, and then the two of you walked off. You tried to not think about the odd scenario, but it ended up haunting you as you walked. You lasted about five minutes before you let out a sigh and turned to face Kuai Liang, arms crossing. “Okay, I’ll say it. Why are you here exactly? I’m not ungrateful for your presence, it’s just that I can tell that you came here for a reason.”

“You are perceptive as usual.” Scorpion praised, and you both accepted the compliment, but also wanted him to get to the point already. “I just wanted to see if you were feeling alright. I could sense you were upset with brother and…”

“While appreciated, you do not need to make up for your brother’s actions.” You said quickly, wanting to stop Kuai Liang from going on. You sighed, sending him a weary, but grateful smile. “Look, I know you are close with Bi-Han, but I don’t want our conversations to revolve around him. We’ve known each other for years, I consider you a friend, and I want to be able to talk to you, Kuai Liang, not Bi-Han’s brother.”

For the first time in perhaps forever, you saw a look of surprise on Kuai Liang’s face. With a moment of hesitation, he nodded. He put on a small smile, seeming genuinely grateful for your words.

“Alright, then let me, Kuai Liang, accompany you on this walk.”

“Good, I’m glad.” You grinned at him as you both set off on your walk. You walked on, feeling more relaxed and relieved now. Words were exchanged here and there, but with Kuai Liang, you didn’t really need words. The two of you could bask in a comforting silence together.

Still, the memories from earlier still flew around in your mind like an annoying fly. Sensing this, you noticed Kuai Liang’s concerned look.

“I’m fine.” You lied, a worried feeling filling your mind as you looked at the man who often haunted your memories. Your heart squeezed as you looked back ahead. As much as you wanted to confide in anyone, someone about your memories, you couldn’t. Or rather, you didn’t.

No one needs the burden of the memories that plague you. Of the knowledge of other “lives” they had lived, especially since you did not even know whether these visions were even memories themselves. You just assumed it, seeing as they all seemed to follow a life you once lived.

Even though you spent time pondering these visions with Liu Kang, you only did so in the most desperate times now. The fire god had no idea just how many more memories you had unlocked that he was unaware of. That whole dilemma leaves a guilty imprint on your soul.

Still, the honest and welcoming dark eyes of Kuai Liang was tempting. For a moment, you opened your mouth, wanting to confess how worried you were over the trio of brothers. How you knew of a world where they all were torn apart by death and corruption.

Of how he was the only one alive of the three of them by what you could remember.

You couldn’t though. That knowledge wasn’t fair. Plus, there was no way to explain anything well. You’d just seem like a hallucinating amnesiac, and you didn’t need one of your friends thinking of you that way.

“I’m just thinking about how Johnny and Kenshi will fare during training.” You continued to lie. Despite the momentary guilt, your mind did turn to the new topic with open arms. Ah, right, you were going to be in charge of their training. Or at least, somewhat. You still haven’t discussed that whole ordeal with Liu Kang yet.

You really had to get on that.

“I have a feeling the swordsman will be competent.” Kuai Liang mused, his head tilting to the side as he spoke aloud. “The actor, I fear, will be a challenge.” The yellow clad assassin confided in you, and you let out a small chuckle. “I have faith in you that you will be able to instruct them, regardless of the difficulty.”

“How is it that even when you’re insulting someone, you make it sound somewhat eloquent?” You inquired, grinning at the man. Though he did not have a grin that stretched from ear to ear, you could see the subtle smile on his lips. He seemed pleased with himself, and it was a sight you were blessed to see. “Thanks, still, I’m honored to have you think so highly of me.”

“There is no reason to think so, the high regard I have within you is rightfully earned.” Scorpion replied. You looked away, letting out another laugh, though this one was more bashful. Did this man know how he sounded? You couldn’t tell.

“Okay, okay, stop flattering me before I suspect that you want something from me.” You said, managing to find the words to respond to him after the high compliment he gave you, deciding to play off the warm feeling you got from all this as lighthearted. You felt outdone, not knowing how to make him feel the same way he made you feel after his praise.

“I hope you know I am serious about the praise I give you, but I shall relent.” Scorpion said, the serious tone he seemed to always have was prominent in his tone. You swallowed as you nodded. You knew. Kuai Liang was never one to play around, especially with the feelings of those close to him.

You wished he did though, just for this one moment, so you could pretend that the words he told you didn’t affect you as much as they did.

“You are too kind, Kuai Liang.” You murmur as you find yourself back at the Fire Temple. The walk had gone faster than expected. You supposed that’s what good company does. You watched as the Lin Kuei assassin stopped at the entrance, and for a moment you found yourself slightly saddened at this.

“I am only saying the truth.” He replied. For a moment, you saw him tense, as if considering something. Instead, he nodded as he stared at you with an expression you couldn’t quite understand. You opened your mouth, considering asking him what he was thinking, but thought better of it.

You weren’t certain if you could handle the answer.

“Goodnight, Kuai Liang.”

“Goodnight.” You smiled at the quaint way he spoke your name, and waved him off. You watched him walk off before turning around and walking to the area where you would usually watch the sunrise.

The moon hung high in the sky now, basking you in the moonlight. Your eyes closed as you took in everything that happened recently. Your fingers tapped along the wooden railing, tracing along the grain. The cool breeze passed you by. You had a lot to think about.

part four

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eundiarys · 1 year

Text

ENHYPEN AS ROMANTIC TROPES.

song recommendation : stuck with u by ariana grande ♥︎ no warnings genre all fluff hehe >_< — 1,647 words

001. lee heeseung — highschool sweethearts

• you were class president and he was the school’s troublemaker. you were sick and tired of his stupid jokes, but he didn’t mean too. it was the only way for him to get your attention! and when you don’t give him any, he gets sad 🙁

• though after awhile, he stops doing so much cause he sees you being tired of the trouble he makes and he also feels bad T__T

• and then he tries to get close to you some other ways. and slowly you start warming up to him. how could you not? he gives you his undivided attention when you’re stressed, brings you food when you skipped meals because you were too busy, and even comforts you.

• when you guys started dating, everyone is in shock. seriously? the class president and the troublemaker? it’s like were living in a cliché highschool romance drama.

• neither of you cared though, because he loved you and you loved him. that’s what matters. until now, he still can’t get himself to change the nickname he has for you.

• “hi class prez, did you miss me?” “hee baby, we left highschool 5 years ago.” “nono, you’re still class prez to me. because you still nag me 24/7” “HEY!!!”

002. park jongseong — first love

• met in a class. you forgot your pen and it was the first day. you thought he looked nice, so you asked him to lend you a pen. and then you started talking then boom! feelings appear~ not gonna go to detail this isn’t a fanfic

• something like a opposites attract hehe, he thinks its amazing how he fell in love with you regardless being polar opposites. that’s one of the reasons he had faith in your relationship. met at a class, you asked him for a pen because you forgot. then started talking.

• neither of you expected this relationship. but you’re both glad it happened. you have had failed relationships, thought it didn’t effect you. you always thought because he and she weren’t the one. but even one small fight between you guys, you felt like crying and it effected you so much.

• he’ll be extra sweet when he realises he likes you, but won’t ask you out until the right time. he wants it to be perfect. because you are gonna be his first and last love.

003. sim jaeyun — best friends to lovers

• he knew he liked you from the beginning. but your oblivious ass can’t seem to catch the obvious hints hes giving.

• he buys you anything you want right away, he flirts with you (and when you flirt back he gets sooo red 🥹), he says i love you more often that usual, but you just think it’s normal.

• hes being patient, but that patience runs out when he heard you got a love letter and is seeing the secret admirer soon to talk. he rushes to where you are meeting him, just to see you alone.

• “yn? where is he?” “if you’re talking about the love letter guy, i rejected him and he left.”

• he sighs in relief, and you just chuckle before giving him a quick peck on the cheek. leaving him into a blushing mess. (literally he’s so red and shy and confused and u think it’s so adorable!)

• “i like you too, jake. now let’s go” he grins and quickly followed you around like a lost puppy. a cute lost puppy. hehe!!

004. park sunghoon — soulmates

• met at a coffee shop. wanted to ask for your number but chickened out so he just gave a heart beside your name when he wrote it on your cup. (he thinks its enough of a hint).

• he was absolutely devastated when you didn’t ask him for his number. he thinks he’ll never see you again and thinks it was stupid of him to be so scared.

• but few days later?? you start coming back?? when jake called him and told him you were here he literally rushed out to see if it was true. and there you were, standing infront of the cashier checking out the menu.

• he decided to try and get you interested (?) by drawing little faces and animals on your cup. first time he did it, he saw you laugh at it and look around for the barista who drew it. and ever since then, when you come in he’ll do the same thing just yo hear you laugh again

• but one day. you completely stopped coming. he was depressed. but that when jake told him to take out the trash, instead of arguing about it he just did it. and there you were. by the trash..? WHAT?

• he stared at you, a bit confused. “hi! um this is really weird because im telling you this beside a trash can but um can i have your number? ive been trying to talk to you ever since you drew stuff on my cup but you just won’t look at me” you sighed.

• “i didn’t look at you because you were really pretty. i get so shy everytime i look at you…” “hehe, you’re adorable.”

• “well um.. you want coffee? on the house.” “i can never reject free coffee, so of course.” he gave you a small smile before walking in again with you. just know that you guys talked the whole night.

005. kim sunoo — friend’s brother

• you and your best friend sieun had your own rules of the friendship. and rule #9 is siblings are off limits. aka you can’t have a crush or date kim sunoo and she can’t date or have a crush on your brother.

• but sunoo was hard to ignore. he was sweet and good looking. it didn’t help when he always flirted with you whenever you come over.

• but of course, you catch feelings for him. and he did too. you guys secretly dated, doing stupid stuff all day long and trying your best to not get caught :-)

• after a few months you talked to your friend about it, and it turns out she doesn’t even mind. “yn, that rule is stupid! ignore that specific rule, i don’t mind seriously.”

• atleast you can kiss him infront of everyone now.

006. yang jungwon — childhood friends

• I THINK THIS FITS HIM SOOO WELL <3 okok so you guys met in a playground, he accidentally pushed you and he apologised by giving you his ice cream. guess that formed an instant friendship.

• from playdates to same schools to best friends to inseparable to literally soulmates. literally. he got more popular in highschool, which made lots of girls ask you if you guys are dating, how long you’ve known eachother, and to set you up with him.

• how did the boy who had red cheeks and cried whenever he fell down turn into the most handsome and sweet boy ever?

• one day, he told you he had a crush. he also said that he liked this girl for ages, but never seem to get the hint. so he asked you, a girl, for tips.

• your heart ached a bit but anything for your best friend. you made lots of ideas, picnic date confession idea, sunset confession idea, love letter idea. and he liked all of it.

• “hey yn, which ones are your favourite?” he asked. “oh, well none of them are what i like” you gave him a small smile.

• “what? then what kinds do you like?” “i just like people just telling me about how they feel. flowers and stuff or whatever. i like whatever they think is best”

• and that’s exactly how he confessed.

• and of course everyone approved of it, because they all knew you guys were bound to fall in love. especially both of your families, they think you guys are just so sweet.

007. nishimura riki — one sided enemies (to lovers)

• you hated him. well hate is a strong word, just well. dislike. ever since you met him, he never fails to get on your nerves. NEVER FAILS. it annoyed you how good he is at annoying you.

• but then you hear rumors he has a crush on someone? right after hearing about it, you went straight to him to tease him about it. hey, you needed to win once!

• he was with his friends, but when he saw you he said something to them to make them all look at you and went away all at once. he probably wants to bother you again.

• “i heard that THE nishimura riki has a crush on someone.” his eyes widened, not expecting to hear that.

• “um. did you hear who?” his face flushed as he asked.

• you shake your head. “i’ve never seen him get so shy, she must be special.” he slowly looked up again and nodded. “she is.”

• “want tips? other than your pain in the ass attitude, there isn’t 0 chance she won’t like you back.” why the hell am i offering to help him what the fuck.

• “oh, you think so? then i’ll tell her right away” “damn. that fast? that was all you needed? you really have a big ego. well then, goodluck—”

• before you could leave, he took your hand and held it. why’s he holding my hand? does he want more tips? or is it because— oh. OH.

• you felt your face grow hotter, and he saw. just gave you a small chuckle before looking at you in the eyes and saying “i know ive been mean, but teasing’s just my love language. give me a chance, and i’ll be good to you. i promise, pretty girl.”

honorable mentions (aka my oomfs) ♡ @yeniiverse @hanniluvi @imhuh @lcv3lies @yyunari and all of my followers :D !!!

love, jules ｡⋆ ☆⋆ ˚ needed my enhypen writer debut.. so here it is !!! please give feedbacks and i hope you enjoyed!

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enluv · 10 months

Text

PAIRING! – choi soobin x fem!reader

SYNOPSIS! - What ever happened to them? Suddenly every single photo, thought, and feeling was erased from their lives as if poof, it never existed and once it was gone it left us all wondering, and searching for something more…

or in which fans of the popular singer Y/N begin to wonder what ever happened to the boy she wrote all those loves songs about….

starting: july 11th, 2023 / ending: august 11th, 2023

that’s the thing official playlist -> HERE !!

PSA: now that this is over, i ask that you do not spam like it as you read the full story, if you do so I will have to block you.

warning(s): profanity, dark humor (die, kms, etc. jokes) angst, not unrequited love but relationships where people want different things, fanwars, more to be added (?)

genre: social media au, e2l, non!idol but famous singers + model/youtuber au, angst, fluff, more to be added!

cast: y/n will use the fc of beabadoobee, all of txt, p1h keeho + possible other p1h members, itzy’s yeji , and tbz sunwoo !!

taglist: @jmin-s @stealanity @iijwon @invuwrld @igotkpoops @telesvng @whippedforbeomgyu @l0ve-joy @envirae @neozon3nha @meiiiwa @kangtaehyunfan029 @chaerybae @ch2won @cinnikoi @wccycc @run2seob @stariszn @haew0nz @neoculturewhat @hyuk4ngel @ddeonubaby @oulspvs @sullystraw @liliyaaaaas-library @rainbowszi @fanfangying1304 @tocupid

taglist is CLOSED!

VENUS DELUXE TRACKLIST:

– album teaser track!

000: coming to you live / twerkin on the runway (intros)

001: LOWKEY

002: TEASERS & TOURS

003: SUGARPLUM ELEGY

004: YOU DATED MY GF? (read: soobin’s backstory)

005: SILLY LITTLE ME

006: KRILL YOURSELF

007: HIM & HIS STUPID FUCKING RAT (sorry odi)

008: THE CONCERT

009: SOOBY/N Q & A!

010: I <3 MY GIRLFRIEND! — end!

end of album – restart to track 001?

858 notes · View notes

madelynraemunson · 6 months

Text

CALL ME WHAT YOU WANT ��♡𓆪

(strip club owner!eddie x fem!exotic dancer!hargrove!x reader)

𝐌𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐀𝐔 18+ minors LOOK THE OTHER WAY

Ch 007: Buckle Up, Baby

A night in the town with Eddie takes a spicy turn when an outfit on display catches your eyes. And what do ya know? It’s your exact measurement…

* = somewhat smut

** = smut

↳ chapters: 001, 002*, 003** , 004**, 005 , 006 , 007* , 008**, 009, 010, 011, 012* , 013**, 014**, 015, 016**, 017, 018, 019, 020*

word count: 3.5k words

disclaimers & warnings — dialogue heavy, arguing, trauma dumping again, angst, yearning, shy girl yelling at eddie (as she should), sexual tension, grinding, thigh riding, car canoodling 🫣

“She’s a black magic woman, she’s trying to make a devil out of me.”

♡

Spellbinding is the best word you can think of to describe Nocturna, a town spookier than Hawkins just 20 minutes inland. It sure lives up to its name, with the average closing time for restaurants, bars, and shops being 3:30 AM.

“This city is so cute,” you beam. “Love the late night vibe it’s got going on.”

“Right?” Eddie agrees. “If Hawkins were a Spencer’s, ‘Turna would be the back of it.”

Eds takes you to El Diablo Bar & Grill where you settle for a ‘TURNA Tossed salad’ and beer. ‘The Eddie Special’ may have left you full, but there’s no way you’d ever pass up free food.

Your boss helps himself to a couple of beers as well, both of them way too hoppy for your liking. And just as you predicted, downing two of those bad boys after smoking a shit ton of weed has its repercussions.

“Eddie, what the fuck are you doing?”

Personal space is a foreign concept for Eddie whenever he’s under the influence. Not like that’s any new information. You just didn’t expect him to be so tender, affectionately fiddling with your hair, using it as a mustache, and then attempting to braid it. You’re surprised because he actually does pretty well.

“Where’d you learn how to braid?” you ask.

“Taught myself,” he replies. “That way if Nancy ever calls out, someone at Hellfire would at least know how to do hair. Luckily I haven’t ran into that problem yet.”

“That’s really thoughtful,” you swoon as Eddie goes to braid your other side.

“I’m also learning how to curl hair,” Eddie adds. “If I could get past burning myself with the iron, that’d be great. Until then, I’ll always vouch for a traditional sock bun.”

You watch has he loops your hair around itself to secure the braid, just as he did the first one. Then comes the unpredictable. Suddenly, you’re taken aback when Eddie gives your hair a tug. Aggressively.

“Eddie!” you cry out.

He spirals into an outrageous belly laugh.

You shove Eddie away from you in a playful form of disgust, his dramatics launching him right out of his seat. Customers start to look your way. You hide your face in embarrassment.

“I think you’ve flown off the handle,” you accuse.

“No,” he denies. “Just comfortable that’s all.”

“Yeah and a bully,” you hiss, undoing your braids out of spite. He knows you’re kidding around.

“What?” Eddie questions, reeling you in via bar stool, smirk growing more and more prominent the closer you get. “You don’t like that I pull hair?”

“That’s enough, you little freak.”

Eddie stops, jokingly wincing at your harsh words. "Thought you were into freaks."

"...Shut up,” is all you can think to say.

"Come on..." he taunts, giving your side a soft pinch. “You know I'm right."

He is right.

You poke his stomach with one of your pointy fingers.

"Okay, and what if I was? Does that get you off? Mr. Know-It-All?”

Eddie clears his throat and squirms in his seat.

"No, actually,” he shakes his head, leaning into your touch. “Cuz that's just not true.”

Your eyes find each other again.

An apology lingers in the air. Eddie bites his lower lip as he stares, closing the gap between you two with a slight turn of his knee. You explore his dark irises, his wide pupils. When fixated on you, they emit what appears to be sorrow, with just a pinch of regret.

"Sometimes I'm wrong. And I fuck up,” he admits. “Whether I like to admit it or not."

Eddie chugs the remainder of his pint before slamming it.

You shrug. “Yeah. Like when you told me to get off my phone today but stayed on yours the entire time.”

Eddie chuckles away from you.

“Playing music…” you persist, leaning into him a little more. “Texting people…”

“You jealous?” he questions, tongue rolling around in his cheek.

“In your dreams,” you lie.

You’re so close to him now you can practically smell the beer. He inches closer, the front portion of his curly locks tickling the side of your face.

“In your dreams.”

Your thighs clench. In your dreams, indeed. Eddie winks at you like he knows.

“Whatever you say,” you scoff. “Freak.”

———— 🌹————

After dinner, you and Eddie decide to walk around the shopping strip. Eddie walks closest to the street, leaving you on the innermost part of the sidewalk like a gentleman.

“So who’s Wayne? Heard you and Henry talking about him before we left.”

“He's my uncle,” Eddie answers. “Pretty much raised me since I was a kid. I owe a lot to him.”

You continue to walk. Somehow along the way, you and Eddie end up strolling with your arms around each other. He turns to ask,

“Who is Max?”

“Max?” you’re stunned to hear that name roll off his tongue. Despite him helping with her YMCA membership, you had always registered them as being worlds apart from each other. “She’s my sister.”

Eddie slowly nods in understanding.

“Her full name is Maxine,” you explain. “Max for short.”

“No wonder,” Eddie chuckles. “I always hear you mentioning a Max and have been wondering who that is.”

“You jealous?” you echo him.

He sneers, “You wish.”

You take this time to admire Eddie. His wanderlust eyes. His pronounced Cupid’s Bow. His thick, wavy locks. The tiny freckle at the crook of his neck that you were sure a lover left for him in a past life. The way his dark clothes always seem to hug him so nice. He’s breathtaking. The hottest thing you’ve ever seen.

"WHOA!" Eddie brings you back. "That's the hottest shit I've ever seen!"

There he goes again. You race after Eddie as he scampers across the street, leading you to what appears to be a lingerie-slash-sex shop. On display is a beautiful scarlet red two piece with fluffy wings behind it to match.

DEVIL WOMAN, is what the set is advertised as.

"Whew, lord," Eddie whistles, pressing his hands against the plexiglass.

He turns to you desperately.

"You can make SO many tips with this on," Eddie insists. "I'm telling you right now woman, you need to seize this opportunity."

"Are you gonna pay for it?" you joke, batting your lashes seductively.

"Sure!" Eddie exclaims. "A-anything you want tonight, you'll get."

It sounds too good to be true.

"Not you trying to spoil me..."

"Definitely me trying to spoil you,” a sneaky smirk forms across his face yet again. “Especially since I’ve been an asshole lately.”

It’s a fair bargain. Not like you can deny it either.

You two shake hands, deal, and make your merry way inside Madame Sédutrice’s Love Boutique.

Time to make his pockets — and heart — hurt.

————💋 ————

It fits you like a glove.

Everything is just right. There is no free space, but there is some real estate to breathe. The set is also squat and split proof. Perfect for a good show.

You strut in front of the mirror like a Victoria’s Secret Devil, relishing over how well the fiery red set accentuates your bust, hugs your hips, and highlights the cheekiest parts of your ass with just enough coverage to have the men wondering.

To leave Eddie wondering.

You’re parading around some more, taking selfies at all angles while Eddie talks to the cashier about guitars. Eventually he does circle back around, as you've been in here for a long period of time.

"Shy Girl," Eddie checks on you from outside. "Did you die in there?"

You put your phone away.

"No, but you're about to."

He laughs. "I love the confidence. Let me at her."

You pull the curtain over so that Eddie can see.

“Jesus fuck.”

Eddie sinks down to his knees, the tips of his fingers trailing from your hips to your thighs, down to your calves. He’s being dramatic again, you think, evident by the three bows of resignation he gives you as he continues to take in your beauty.

"What do you think?" you ask him.

"Simply out of this world," Eddie gasps. He stands to spin you around like he once did before. "You look... like an absolute fantasy. Destined for some alternate dimension."

His breathing heightens as his rough hands trail down to your birthmark. And soon, you’re up there with him.

“I can already see you on that stage,” Eddie gushes. “Doing your thing, stealing the show, driving customers wild. The spotlight soaking in all your beauty...”

“The version of me living in your head sounds pretty damn cool,” you giggle.

You snake your arms around the nape of his neck. Eddie blushes. “She’s a lot like the girl in front of me, actually.”

Either of you can let go now. But you both don't.

“Wanna get out of here?” he asks.

"Mmm… I don't think I'm done just yet," you bat your eyes once more. "What’s a set like this without some accessories?"

You grab his hand and he watches in shock — almost starstruck by you — when you manually wrap his hand around your neck.

“Like a necklace of sorts,” you continue. “A choker, maybe?”

“A choker,” Eddie nods. “Yeah, I can do that.”

He gives you a teasing, gentle squeeze. You’re an absolute puddle.

He grins at you connivingly, playfully.

"Lead the way, m'lady. Anything you want tonight is yours.”

———— 🔥 ————

Satisfied is an understatement. You’re strutting back to Eddie’s van now as he trails closely behind, hauling shopping bags that belong to you in each hand.

“Thank you Eddie,” you say as he manages to open the door for you too.

“Anytime, Princess,” he insists.

You get settled on the passenger side while Eddie starts the van back up again. He waits for a while in his seat.

“You looked stunning in that piece,” Eddie raves, the image of you strutting around still living in his head. “I almost don’t want you to wear it anymore.”

You raise an eyebrow. “What? Why?”

“I wanna be the only one who gets to see you in it,” he explains.

“Gatekeeper much?”

“No, I’m just selfish,” he says. “Especially when you look like that.”

Eddie takes it upon himself to fasten your seatbelt for you.

Your eyes trail along as he clicks it in place, adjusting the seatbelt so that it laid perfectly and untangled, protecting your hips…shielding your chest…

“My eyes only, you know?”

“Just yours?”

“Mhm,” he strains. “Mine and only mine.”

His gentle eyes are begging, glued to your lips like bees to honey. His tongue pokes out again, and you watch as he licks his lips in lust. Fuck. You can’t help it anymore. You decide to lean into him and try again.

But hostile air stops you in your place. There's fear in that man's eyes the closer you get and he pulls away from you.

OH FOR FUCK’S SAKE.

You swat the rest of him away. “You’re doing it again.”

Eddie sighs in defeat.

"I know."

The fact that you didn’t have to elaborate is very telling. Eddie is not stupid. He knows the game he’s playing.

You watch with zero sympathy this time as Eddie pinches the bridge of his nose in exasperation. He lifts a hand. You flinch. Then you relax again when you realize the man isn’t trying to hit you.

“I’m VERY aware of what I’m doing, Hargrove. Okay? That’s the worst part.”

“And you think it’s okay? You like stringing me along, is that it?”

“There’s MORE TO IT, alright?” he groans. “I just don’t know how to explain it to you just yet.”

Eddie starts up again.

“I…” he says, his haunted eyes sparkling. “I just. CAN’T. get. involved. with a coworker. Let alone someone who works under me. Think of all the legal issues that can rise up.”

Bullshit.

“That is a FUCKING LIE!” you scream. “A fucking LIE, Eddie and you know how I know that?”

He looks back over at you.

“It’s because you didn’t think twice about it when you were hooking up with Chrissy.”

You’ve had enough of his excuses. Startled, Eddie shies away from you, surprised that you knew of what he so desperately wanted to conceal.

“Who told you that?”

“Who else would know?”

“Everyone at Hellfire, basically,” Eddie laughs pettily. “I just hoped it wouldn’t get around to you.”

Frustrated, Eddie turns off his car. He tosses his keys onto the center console between you both.

“Chrissy and I happened like two or three times. Is that what you wanted to hear?” he asks you. “She was horny, I was horny. She never gave me the time of day in high school so I got all excited. One thing led to another. Thrill eventually wore off. Now she’s just one of my good friends.”

You cross your arms and glare out the window.

“But the reason I was soooo okay with the Chrissy thing is because I only saw her as a fling,” Eddie continues. “End of story.”

“Where exactly are you going with this?”

“The difference with you is that a part of me actually wanted this to go somewhere.”

Does he think you’re stupid? Surely Eddie can’t think you’re just going to fall for his words instead of his actions.

You scoff. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“Am I?”

You muster up the courage to look over at him again. And there he is, his big brown doe eyes glimmering under the full moon.

“I’ve never met anyone like you before, Hargrove,” he mumbles softly. “That shit’s terrifying. For the first time in an incredibly long time I feel like someone gets me.”

You attempt to look away again. Eddie cranes his neck over towards you to meet you where you’re at.

“Someone who gets what it’s like to have a shitty, absent father,” Eddie continues. “Someone who also had to learn how to navigate grief before getting a fucking learner’s permit.”

“You can stop,” you choke. “I get the picture.”

But Eddie continues.

“…Someone who also has to be the bread-winner of the family, not by choice, but by necessity. And someone whose now got a shit ton of trust issues cuz somebody else had to go and fuck ‘em up THAT badly.”

Your throat begins to burn. A soul cry marinates at the pit of your stomach.

"I'm so infatuated with you, Hargrove,” your boss insists. “Okay? You have no idea.”

You tsk.

“You’re infatuated with me,” it’s more of a statement than a question of yours. “Yet you push me away.”

Eddie rolls his eyes. “Oh, come on, like you don’t have trouble accepting things you so rightfully deserve?”

He reaches over to grab your hand. You let him.

"There's nothing scarier than falling for someone who is your literal mirror," Eddie whispers. "Especially when you don't like anything about yourself."

“I know.”

You two fall silent and end up staring ahead for quite some time.

Both of you observe a couple cross the street together. The smitten pair are taking a stroll on the sidewalk, hand in hand and falling into one another like missing puzzle pieces. The guy kisses the girl's forehead, his silhouette reminding you so much of Steve.

“I also didn’t wanna get in between you and Harrington," Eddie mumbles.

“I told you we’re just fuck buddies.”

“But he really, really likes you.”

“Yeah, but if he’s not over Nancy, then what’s the point?”

It’s been a decade since Steve and Nancy broke up and he’s still lovesick over her. When you realized that she couldn’t ever be replaced, you stopped trying to pursue Steve romantically. Eddie falls mute again.

"I'm just his lil pocket pussy for all I know," you break the ice with a laugh.

"Don't say that," Eddie disapproves. "You are more than your body, Shy Girl."

“Then tell me what I am, Eddie,” the wounded part of you speaks. “Since I don’t seem to know.”

His gaze softens. “Well, it’s easy.”

You look at him.

"Corn ball alert,” Eddie prefaces. “But you’re the conversations you have with your regulars, asking them about their day and if they have any updates for you… You're the friendships you make with girls that you don't see a need to compete with. And you're that silly little dance you do when Argyle makes you food. And you’re also the destructive parts of yourself that you keep hiding from but little do you know that even those parts of you tell a story."

The sound of police sirens divert your attention. You shudder at the noise. Eddie seemingly makes note of it and clears his throat as a placeholder.

"…I didn't think you paid attention to any of that, Eds."

"I'm more observant than you think."

You believe him. After all, there are instances when you catch him sneaking a glance at you, turning away too late because you’re caught by his eyes to do the same.

A sigh escapes your body. You interlock your fingers with his.

“I don’t know what... this… is,” you begin. “But all I know is that I really enjoy your company. And that I’ve had a crush on you since the day I met you. If it wasn't obvious already."

Eddie snorts. “Even when I was freaking out over kegs and ground chili?”

“Especially when you were freaking out over kegs and ground chili.”

And now forgiveness is in the air. Monkey see, monkey do, and soon both you and Eddie are grinning at each other from one side of your faces to the other.

“Please,” Eddie requests politely with a gulp. “Will you let me kiss you?”

“Yes.”

To your surprise, Eddie leaves a peck on your cheek out of all places. This fucker, still so polite. He doesn’t touch or graze anywhere else while he does.

“Thanks,” he says as he pulls away. “I guess.”

But you only want him closer now.

“Oh don’t be stupid,” you giggle grabbing his face with both your hands. “Just fucking kiss me.”

You rest your hands at his chin when you pull him closer. And with Eddie’s permission, you sink your lips onto his. His warm breath circles you as your lips attach to one another.

There’s no turning back now.

Eddie’s lips are as soft as a cloud, and they seem to know yours very well. When he’s latched on, Eddie synchronizes with your rhythm almost immediately, getting a few more kisses in before his tongue begs you for entrance. You deny him access and push him back.

“Oooh,” you taunt him, causing him to laugh. “Someone likes me.”

“Maybe,” Eddie blushes, cupping the side of your face with one of his rigid hands. He gives the back of your head an endearing little scratch.

“But you…can’t get involved huh?”

Eddie shakes his head, doing his very best to stand his ground. He’s back to staring at your lips. “No. Definitely can’t…get involved.”

Of course not.

“Not even if I do this?”

You swoop over to press down on the button of Eddie’s seat belt to unbuckle it. Click. He restrains himself, but there’s wonder in his eyes.

“Or this?”

Your hands travel to the side furthest from you as you lean to crank the lever, lowering the head of Eddie’s driver seat to a 30 degree angle.

Amused now, he furrows his brows together and rests his hands behind his head, manspreading as you play that agonizingly long game.

“You’re pushing it, Hargrove…”

Using his unavailable hands to your advantage, you climb over him and assert yourself on his lap. A low groan escapes Eddie’s nose. You make sure to strategically situate yourself right on his crotch. Eddie’s breath hitches, hand hovering over your birthmark as you sink those hips into him. He bucks his up in return, trying to keep up with you.

“What about this?”

“Oh, that’s not fair…”

His hands are back at your waist.

A protruding essence grows in size as you continue to ride Eddie’s thigh. Soft, low whimpers escape from his chest, his dark eyes now beseeching at his mercy. Eddie’s fingers curl, enclosing themselves tightly around the fabric of your baby tee. His available hand gnaws at the seat below him.

“I don’t like playing fair,” you whisper huskily. “I just like getting even.”

Both of yours eyes are glued to what you’re doing, where you’re grinding, and how.

“Why do you do this to me?” he whispers longingly.

“I think it’s safe to say that you’ve been edging me for quite some time, Munson,” you shrug angelically. “Now it’s my turn to give you a taste of—”

You squeal suddenly when Eddie’s hand flies to your throat. The grip he has on you tightens hastily, long before you can even process it.

Shock overpowers you as Eddie studies you eagerly, with flared nostrils and a hot chest. You peer down at him with glossy eyes and yearning lips.

“Back of the van,” Eddie orders. “Now.”

—————————————

tag list: @battymunson , @the-fairy-anon, @ali-r3n, @corrodedcoffincumslut, @bebe07011, @mmunson86 , @eddiesguitarskills , @chelebelletx , @imonhereforareasonsadly , @eddies-trailer-babe @hideoutside , @motherfckerrr , @jxpsi , @munson-magic , @lindseyj23, @sidthedollface2 , @manda-panda-monium , @elvendria , @micheledawn1975 , @hereforshmut , @siriuslysmoking , @nymphetkoo , @m-chmcl-rmnc , @holabeans00, @ahoyyharrington , @keepittoyourselftellnobodyelse

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author's note: i'd be lying if i told you guys i didn't play imaginary barbies in my head in order to map out the argument between eddie and shy girl dfsjklfdkgfgsg would you say I’m a puppet master?

#eddie munson #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fanfiction #eddie x reader #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson smut #eddie #stranger things #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things 5 #joseph quinn #joe quinn #Spotify

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fujiihime · 2 years

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Stranger Things Reading List (Series/One-Shots) - I (Full)

I made a list of currently reading and recommended Stranger Things fanfics here on Tumblr. All were beautifully written by amazing writers. These writers are incredible and full of brilliant ideas, so please visit their blogs and check all of their works. Happy reading! Don’t forget to comment and reblog their works. You may also reblog this list to share with everyone/blog mutuals. Thank you! (For 18+, MDNI)

Reading List - Part II

Series

Steve Harrington

* Oblivion by @wisteriaah * Upside Down Feelings by @aristrocrat * Steve Harrington Series/One-Shots by @harringtown * In The Dark I Will Call Your Name by @americaswritings * Soundtrack Of A Life by @mackenzie-is-loading * Defiance by @wintersxani * 003 by @homeofthepeculiar * The Divorce by @asgardwinter * Strange by @damn-stark * A Place In This World by @outerspacebisexual * Touch by @poeticandors * Dare | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | by @fan-fantasies * Head Over Heels by @theowritesstuff * Into Your Arms by @thegettingbyp2 * Ethereal by @rekiilysm * Out For Blood by @kerstynn * ST Series: Kate Hopper by @stranger-marauders * Sex Education by @sortagaysortahigh * Unlucky by @agentjemmafitzsimmons * New Journey by @suckerfordylansstuff

Eddie Munson

* Munson’s Mixtape by @burgundybmw * Right Where You Left Me | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 by @fairy-asian * TBSY | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 by @edwardmunsonsimp * Faded Memories | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 by @herroyalhighnessqueenmomo * Scotty Doesn’t Know by @munsonsbbyg * Dancing With Myself by @ambrossart * Eddie Munson Series by @baddiewiththebook * I’m Not Above Begging | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | ED by @chvoswxtch * Teenage Dirtbag by @kaiasyko * Meet The Munsons by @mypoisonedvine * More Than A Feeling by @dingusfreakhxrrington * Heavy Metal Love Of Mine by @morwap * Why Can’t This Be Love? by @screwtoddstevesherdaddynow * My Favorite Henderson by @luvfae

Billy Hargrove

* Lonely Is Our Lives by @thewordswewrite * Hell’s Bells | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | ED by @fan-fantasies * 18 Series & Billy One-Shots by @perpetuelledaydreaming * Show Me How by @phobiics * Biology Of Billy Hargrove by @thatonecurlygirl * Stranger Than Fiction by @multi-fandomfuckboy * BH Series & One-Shots by @takemepedropascal * She’s A Runner | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 by @latelyanobsession * The Leather Jacket Effect by @beetboxx

One-Shots / Short Series

Steve Harrington

* Losing Game by @mcybank * Tolerate It | 2 | 3 by @multi-writer * Ultimatum | 2 by @ficsaregettingstranger * Tongue Tied | 2 by @sinclaiirs * Heartstopper by @forever-rogue * It Must Have Slipped Out | 2 by @girasollake * Well Don’t | 2 by @skyebounded * Put It Into Practice | 2 | 3 | 4 by @she-is-juniper * Unspoken Feelings by @appocalipse * Kiss Me With Your Fist by @forever-rogue * VHS Player | 2 by @adriannamunson * Adult Education | 2 | 3 by @chestharrington * Micro Touch | 2 | 3 by @bvckybanres * Kiss In The Rain by @magicchai * Falling All In You | 2 by @sophia-busch * The Way I Loved You by @lurkymurker * Deja Vu by @maximoff-pan * Operation Love Me by @justburningdaylight * August by @londonharrington * Breakups and Makeups by @bellatrixscurls * The Things We Don’t Say @bimrwolf * Mean It by @maxmybeloved * You Belong With Me by @peterbenjiparker * I Wanna Be Yours by @ourautumn86

Eddie Munson

* The Broken Hearts Club | ED1 | ED2 by @multi-writer * CBCC | Tears In The Rain | Gone With Sin by @queers-gambit * Eddie Munson Mini-Series by @strangermarvelss * Hold On To My Heart by @mypoisonedvine * Memories by @ur-local-geek-fest * You Look So Good In Green | 2 | 3 by @shiorinotshiori * Marigold | 2 by @fallen-stark * Separate Ways | 2 | 3 by @theveryfires * False God | 2 | 3 by @goldustwomun * He Loves Me Not | 2 by @hxneybimbo * Deja Vu by @marvelsswansong * I Could Be Your New Spring * FWB To Lovers * Love Me | 2 by @steviebears * Break A Leg, Not A Heart | 2 | 3 by @robynnnhooddd * They Don’t Love Me | 2 by @neverinadream * There Are Worse Things I Could Do | 2 by @once-upon-an-imagine * Safe | 2 | 3 by @loeyparker * Boyish by @hauntlikeaghost0 * Eddie Munson Mini-Series by @dahliarose3 * Right To The Bone | 2 by @havecourage-darling * I'll Watch Your Life In Pictures | 2 by @forever-rogue * Hurt | 2 by @hufflepuffobsessedwithmarvel * Heartstring Mayhem by @thisismynerdyself * Baby Munson by @webslinger-holland * A Little Push | 2 by @ladyfogg * Eddie Mini-Series/One-Shots by @xcatnapsx * More Than Friends by @1-800-munson * I’m A Fan Of Cheerleaders by @coolnamestillpending * This Could Be The End Of Everything by @andvys * The Freak And The Cheerleader by @moonlightsolo * Take You Home | 2 | 3 by @strangernstranger * Love On A Wire by @mooncakesofpan

Billy Hargrove

* He Needs Her by @steveusesfaberge * It’s Just Sex | 2 | 3 by @erosso * The Good, The Bad & The Billy | 2 | 3 by @babyprincessharrington * No One But You by @waiting4inspiration * Dark Horse by @greatlampfestival * Respect And Responsibility by @andormeddows * Baby Do You Want To Come Home With Me? by @hellfirewhores * The Biggest Asshole in Indiana by @stever-things * Ready For Forever by @harcove

Jonathan Byers

* I Wish I Was Her by @lightininglydia * Drunken Regret by @eddiemunsons-girl * Jealousy, Jealousy by @lizzie-boo * Miss You by @iovesteveharrington * Inside A Photography by @inviswounds * Back To The Old House by @nancys4gf * Breath Of Fresh Air by @supervoldejaygent * Seven Minutes In Heaven by @brighteyedbushybrowed * Camping by @proudharrington * Teenage Dirtbag * Late Night Calls * Be My Mistake by @steddiehickeys

Mixed Masterlist

* Summer Write-a-thon by @greetings-and-salutations * Steve/Eddie One-Shots by @upsidedownwithsteve * Billy/Steve One-Shots by @darling-i-read-it * Billy/Eddie/Jonathan Series/One Shots by @imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl * Hanahaki Disease Series by @xoxoavenger

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leclerc-s · 3 months

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he's good for my heart but bad for business

alternatively: a blurb series of the songs inspired by max verstappen

series masterlist

track 001. on purpose

track 002. no words

track 003. run and hide

track 004. don't want it back

track 005. shadows

track 006. all we have is love

track 007. tornado warnings

track 008. already over

track 009. how many things

track 010. nonsense

track 011. skinny dipping

track 012. bad for business

track 013. opposite

track 014. things i wish you said

track 015. the 1

track 016. seven

track 017. exile

track 018. peace

track 019. long story short

track 020. right where you left me

taglist: @burningcupcakefire @arkhammaid @sunflower-golden-vol6 @applopie @lorarri @mypage-myfandoms @bb-swift @thewannabewriter @you-bleed-just-toknowyouarealive @stopeatread @hobiismyhopeu @lilsiz @alessioayla @niniluvsainz @au-ghosttype @cowboylikemets1989 @justtprachisblog @rmeddar123 @nichmeddar @landonorizzz @unluckyyoshi @Mimolovescookies @brekkers-whore @natcha888 @camdensreg @mycenterfold @dear-fifi @prongsvault @kaa212 @anxxiousaries @julesbabey1 @julesbabey @georgeparisole @Smnthnclj @dan3avocado @melissayalene @nothanqks @nikfigueiredo @bella-1 @namgification @jensonsonlybutton @chezmardybum @d3kstar @weekendlusting @ragioniera

strikethrough means i couldn't tag you

#leclerc-s #the honest series #max verstappen #max verstappen x female oc #formula 1 #formula 1 fic #fanfic #fanfiction #f1 #f1 smau #f1 social media au #f1 instagram au #f1 fic

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destinysbounty · 1 year

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I was gonna put this headcanon in a fic but i probably will never write it so instead im gonna share with all of you. Do with this idea as you wish

The fact that Pixal just up and built herself a new body in season 7 suggests she could have done it at any time, but chose not to. And i refuse to believe Zane and Borg didnt at least offer to give her a body - Zane admitted he preferred having her physical, im sure he at least suggested rebuilding her at one point. As he said in season 8, "The choice has always been yours, Pixal." Which leads me to believe she was the determining factor in her own reconstruction. She chose to stay in Zane's head, and Id like to think her reasons for doing so are similar to her reasons for hiding her identity as Samurai X: self-imposed guilt.

Let me explain.

Think of it like this. Pixal was built to assist, right? Even from the beginning of their relationship, she has been put in several positions of saving, protecting, and looking after Zane. Their first bonding moments involved her repairing him and later rescuing him from a junkyard metal shredder. Just as Zane has an integral need to protect built into the core of his existence, so too does Pixal have an integral need to assist.

When Zane gave her half his heart, he seriously disadvantaged himself in combat. Not only that, but it was his heart being unable to withstand the Golden Power that killed him in the end. Im sure there was at least some small part of Pixal that blamed herself for this. Not just because she might see this as a failure to uphold her reason for existence (helping people) - but also bc maybe if he'd had his whole heart during that fight, maybe if she'd just given it back to him, he might have had a fighting chance. It would have only marginally improved his chances of survival, but that small .003% probability increase is enough to make her blame herself. A probability that small is statistically irrelevant, but she cant help using it as an excuse to blame herself - or perhaps, to give her a rationalization for her survivor's guilt. Because the heart inside her, powering her, is the same heart Zane could have used to defend himself against the Golden Power, and the feeling of it inside her is unbearable.

Then Zane comes back, and she gets scrapped. And Zane forgets everything, and his mind is in shambles, and she has to help him piece himself back together again.

She blames herself for this, blames herself for his death and for the scrambled state of his memories that came as a consequence. So she figures, she caused this, so its her responsibility to help him fix his broken mind. Its her responsibility to assist.

So she stays in his head, where she can hold his memories together and keep his mind from falling apart. She insists she prefers it this way, likes being close to him, but deep down she longs for her physical freedom and hates herself for wanting more than she deserves.

Then Borg is kidnapped. And Zane is nonresponsive. And she has a choice. So she chooses to rebuild herself and leave Zane behind.

And...she feels good. Free. She's...happy about it.

But shes also deeply ashamed. Thinks she doesnt deserve to enjoy the experience of leaving Zane's head. He needs her, she's less useful to him outside his headset...and yet here she is, being Samurai X, having the absolute time of her life. She loves it, and she hates herself for loving it so much.

So out of shame, she tells no one. Shes worried theyll be just as disappointed in her as she is in herself.

And Zane...well, maybe theres a reason the Ninjigma didnt become a problem until after Pixal left his headset. Maybe she was the only thing holding him together, and the moment she left, all his memories started spiraling out of control. Maybe the events of Decoded turned out to be for the best, and allowed Zane to sort through and finish repairing his memories on his own, without relying on Pixal for help.

When Pixal reunites with Zane, shes worried he'll be upset. "Was i more...useful...inside the computer?" But to her surprise and delight, he prefers her in whatever form makes her happiest, not whatever form makes her most useful.

And Pixal, backed by the support of Zane and their friends, flourishes in her new role as Samurai X - not just in an assistive capacity, but exploring and embracing her interests in engineering and tinkering. Things are good, for a while.

But then Zane ends up in the Never Realm. And he comes home, and she learns what happened. She hears what Vex did, how she sabotaged his memories and twisted his own sense of self against him.

Once more, she blames herself. Begins to believe that maybe if she had still been in his headset, she could have prevented all that suffering.

Anyway, Pixal with survivors guilt and a raging hero complex my BELOVED

#a lot of fics place the blame on zane for never bothering to build her a body #but! let! pixal! have! agency! over! her! own! existence!#i think pixal deserves some agency over her life. as a treat #ninjago #pixal borg #pixal ninjago #pixane #ninjago decoded #ns3 #ns8 #ns11 #destiny post

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staticveil · 2 years

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" why are you helping me? "

the answer is a simple one, really: she doesn’t know how to not to intervene when she sees someone in need. something she wishes more former shield agents & assets could claim — she wishes she had not been left for dead. attention turns to the man, & though she cannot tell him from adam other than his kingsize form as he towers over her. she supposes most are intimated: by his height, by the blade where she assumes an arm used to be. “ nobody helped me. ” she admits after a long moment of silence, gaze fixed on the scene before them instead of glazing over at @razorfst. her shoulders roll back, teetering on whether or not to continue in her train of thought. “ & you have not yet given me a reason not to. ” it was true enough. “ plus, maybe someday you’ll return the favor. ”

#razorfst #they say i did something bad › answered.#003 › right where you left me.#thank u bb

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luvistqrzzz · 1 year

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losing him was blue like i'd never known

missing him was dark grey, all alone

What Shade is our Love?- An Enhypen drabble series

PAIRINGS- enhypen x f.reader

SUMMARY- A love letter to love; experiencing the crushes, first loves, butterflies, kisses under the rain, heartbreaks, tears and everything in between.7 lovers. 7 tracks. 7 loves.

AKA where the two lomls, Taylor and Enha, meet.

TAGLIST- open! Send an ask or comment to be added @kjrcrz

GENRE- to be added in the respective fics

STATUS- ongoing- slow updates

AN- hahahah so my big brain thought that it'll be fun to create a sort of mini series considering how i had already written two fics based on taylor swift songs <////3 so here we are lmfaoo! And the summary is taken from an abandoned work from my prev account

( unposted chapters are subject to change )

001- Lee Heeseung- you are the best thing that's ever been Mine

Summary- believing in love wasn't easy but maybe Heeseung could change it for you.

Status- upcoming <3

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

002- Park Jongseong- you are in love, true love.

Summary- where Jay is obliviously in love with his best friend

Word Count- 0.4k

Genre- f2l, fluff

Status- posted <3

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

003- Sim Jaeyun- and we were dancing, dancing. Like we're made of Starlight...

Summary- where your lonely prom turns into your best friend confessing...

Word Count- 0.7K

Genre- f2l, fluff

Status- posted <3

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

004- Park Sunghoon- but I'm right where you left me

Summary- a part of you was right where he left you forever...

Word Count- 0.4K

Genre- angst af, break up!au

Status- posted <3

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

005- Kim Sunoo- And things that only Carolina will ever know

Summary- Sunoo had always been warned off the Creek but what about the voice singing out to him whenever he went near it?

Status- upcoming <3

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

006- Yang Jungwon- and i've seen Sparks Fly everytime you smile

Summary- where you think the sleepy boy walking you back home is cute...

Word Count- 0.5K

Genre- high school au, fluff, classmates to ??

Status- posted <3

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

007- Nishimura Riki- and This Love came back to me

Summary- where riki was your summertime love, 'til he wasn't...

Word Count- 0.4K

Genre- angst, drabble, fluff (a bit), summer!au, first love

Status- posted <3

forgetting him was like tryin' know somebody you never met

but loving was red

Reblogs and feedbacks are appreciated!

work belongs to @/luvistqrzzz do not copy, repost or translate

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lissasmemes · 1 year

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𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 ( 𝟑 𝐚𝐦 𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 )

from taylor swift’s 2022 album midnights ( 3 am edition ). feel free to change pronouns as needed!

001. the great war

“my knuckles were bruised.” “maybe it was egos swinging.” “maybe it was her.” “my hand was the one you reached for.” “i vowed not to cry anymore.” “you said i have to trust more freely.” “i have to trust more freely.” “you were playing with fire.” “it turned into something bigger.” “i got a sense i’d been betrayed.” “that was the night i nearly lost you.” “i really thought i lost you.” “we will never go back.”

002. bigger than the whole sky

“every single thing i touch becomes sick with sadness.” “goodbye.” “you were more than just a short time.” “i’ve got a lot to live without.” “i’ll say words i don’t believe.”

003. paris

“did you see the photos?” “no i didn’t, but thanks though.” “i’m so in love.” “i didn’t see the news.” “we were somewhere else.” “romance is not dead if you keep it just yours.”

004. high infidelity

“i didn’t know you were keeping count.” “you said i was freeloading.” “i bent the truth too far tonight.” “do you really wanna know where i was?” “it’s never enough.”

005. glitch

“we were supposed to be just friends.” “maybe i’ll see you out some weekend.” “i think there’s been a glitch.” “i’m not even sorry.” “i was supposed to sweat you out.” “i’d go back to dudes who give nothing.” “i thought we had no chance.”

006. would’ve, could’ve, should’ve

“i would’ve looked away.” “did it matter?” “i would’ve stayed on my knees.” “i damn sure never would have danced with the devil.” “the pain was heaven.” “i wish you’d left me wondering.” “i could’ve gone on as i was.” “you made me feel important.” “i miss who i used to be.” “i regret you all the time.” “i can’t let this go.” “i fight with you in my sleep.” “i keep waiting for a sign.” “it was mine first.”

007. dear reader

“if it feels like a trap, you’re already in one.” “pick somewhere and just run.” “if you don’t recognize yourself that means you did it right.” “never take advice from someone who’s falling apart.” “you should find another.” “you don’t have to answer just ‘cause they asked you.” “the greatest of luxuries is your secrets.” “when you aim at the devil, make sure you don’t miss.” “i prefer hiding in plain sight.” “my friends found friends who care.” “no one sees when you lose when you’re playing solitaire.”

#rp meme #rp prompts #rp sentence meme #rp sentence starters #rp sentence prompts #lyric starters #lyric meme #lyrics: taylor swift

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enjomo-arch · 9 months

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IMPORTANT PORTRAYAL NOTES

i won't lie. my portrayal is different than what you would expect from what the sources from which ace is from. manga / anime comes and what happens to it pre - timeskip and post time-skip. while i have important details listed in my pinned's meta masterlist and also in my carrd, i talk about it i know that some facts can be overlooked ( which is no problem ) so i seen other blogs do things like these, and i find it helpful to list a pill of the canon's blog in shorter version for easy understanding of what to expect on my blog. what's listed is my personal analysis, changes and what is incorporated in replies within the one piece world. triggering content ahead so be warned. any character mention does not have to apply to the muse that you play. you don't have to as a writer acknowledge these things / we can come to terms or i don't mind going canon vanilla if you don't wish to acknowledge these portrayal infos. i don't mind worldbuilding facts along with other people as well and in fact, it'd be happy to do so. for more info click the links under certain sentences ! or head to my study directory in my pinned.

001. rouge didn't die right after ace was born. i don't like that fact, i don't like it when people speculate that ace was over a year old before he left his mother's belly. that's just supernatural to me. there's nothing said that rouge was anything but normal. and the risk of death for a child who is longer in his mother's body than 40 weeks rises really high. ace would have died if rouge had kept him longer than a month over the estimated birth peroid. while i understand that she wanted to defend him with this was never said to be risky, it is. rouge held ace in her womb for 2 week more before his birth. that was enough time for garp to secretly transport her to a safe place on one of the islands on the south blue. she gave birth to ace and raised him for 3 more years before her health began to deteriorate. before her death, she entrusted ace to garp.

002. ace was 13 by the time he met luffy. the reason for the outstretched timeline is to fit the fact listed above. ace was raised first by rouge before he even got to foosha village. ace is older and it is also the reason of my canon being tied to the canon with another's person's muse ( law ). he was more destructive to himself than he was to sabo or luffy. when yes, he was indeed a bitter child after growing up to understand what happened to him, why he is here and why the world stands closed to him with a wall, he didn't blame anyone but himself for it and his grief, anger wasn't taken out as much on luffy as he was taking it on himself.

003. your muse has obviously no prior knowledge of his past. all that is known is that ace is a pirate, his name is portgas d. ace and his alias is fire fist ace. since forever his identity has been hidden by him at the cost of everything. the first person to ever know who ace is, who his biological family is, is sabo and then deuce. the fact that ace is roger's son didn't come to light ( for the public ) until ace was thrown in jail and then sentenced to death which he avoided. only whitebeard and certain members of the crew ( marco, izou ) knew about who he really was. his priority was and still is to talk as little as possible about himself, where he comes from and the only parental figure he adheres to is whitebeard. ace considers him his only father, because he has no memory of roger. he doesn't hate his biological father to the point of disrespect. he just thinks he owns him nothing.

004. ace is a hunter and gambler first and pirate second. living for a really long time in a forest that was like a real jungle. filled with predators, snakes, crocodiles. everything you can imagine, ace fought to survive, ace hunted to be able to bring meat back to dadan to be able to feed, to be useful in what he does. he has incredibly sharp instincts. he has insane tracking abilities, knows how to hunt and follows his own hunting code. he doesn't harm the first better animals, he's not cruel to them. ace in fact connects very much with animals, and they resonate with him just as much. his gambling addiction began in his early teens when he played to win money with adults in the gray terminal, in taverns placed within the goa kingdom to earn his and sabo's common goal. he would steal from people, pirates. but the card game was becoming something he was really good at. his addiction can be cruel, and ace is really serious when it comes to gambling.

005. post - timeskip when ace underwent rehabilitation from the damage he sustained after the war over marineford he learned to use haki. like luffy and his crew ace spent his days training, improving his own health and mentality. his haki empowered ability of the mera mera no mi he mastered is called ' the fudo myoo ' in short, a god of fire. much like luffy's gears, ace extended the power of mera mera no mi thanks to his hard training. the fruit's awakening ability is called the demon inferno, allowing ace to create fire-like creatures that are independent but controlled by ace and his flames. are a living part of him and have inherited behaviors and abilities ( eg. agility, speed, strength, combat ability ) that ace observed in animals during his life as a hunter / during his voyages and adventures over the seas.

006. ace has narcolepsy. which is basically a sleeping disease. he finds it hard to stay awake for long periods of time which causes him to fall asleep suddenly and randomly. he sometimes experiences muscle tone which is basically caused by strong emotions such as anger, sadness and excitement but most of the times laughter is the strongest case. there's no cure to this disease and since ace doesn't really have medication for this to at least keep the symptoms in check it appears pretty frequently in his case. most of the times ace falls asleep while eating because, when the meal is rich in carbohydrates and protein which are essential to build up strength he gets an uptake of tryptophan from the protein and then an increase of serotonin. eating also causes blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to a decrease in energy and the more he feels tired the easier it is for his narcolepsy to trigger suddenly.

007. ace is depressed. maybe he doesn't look like that at first glance. when someone meets him ace seems to be an incredibly kind, carefree and confident person. and yes, he is exactly like that. however, ace also has some problems with his mentality that were born when he was a child left behind within the walls of the goa kingdom. he also struggles with a lot of insecurity when it comes to his relationship, self-worth and survival trauma after the war. ace post- timeskip doesn't resemble himself in some aspects that happened before the war. it changed him, the way he had to live changed him. what happened between luffy and him changed his perspective about a few things, about his will to live. he wants to live, he finally understood that he doesn't want to die. he wants to live, even if it is a sin. even if his existence is hell on earth, he wants to live because luffy proved to him that despite who ace thinks he is, there are people who love and loved him.

008. ace is indifferent heat or high temperatures. they are completely indifferent to him, and he would most likely feel a change in temperature only if something were hotter than his orange flames. ( these flames reach around 1,100°c to 1,200°c / 2,000º f to 2,200º f. ) otherwise ace does not feel a change in climate, temperature-wise would be logical considering when he was moving through the deserts in alabasta his clothing was completely black. as is well known, black or dark colours attracts heat and sunlight but it made absolutely no impression on him even when he spent hours in the bare sun in the middle of the desert.

#「009」 𝗠𝗘𝗧𝗔𝗦 #「002」 𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥 #/ long post #wee wooo it's long but not as long as my whole canon for him so this is like all the important info u should know < 3 #i'll reblog it also later for diff timezones

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tal-vez-o-quizas · 1 year

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How I became a Byler

It wasn't fate, it wasn't destiny, it was just simple dumb luck! 😜

Get some water guys, this is long.

When Stranger Things first came out in 2016, my older brother was the only one who had a Netflix subscription at the time (I have one since 2 years ago) and I remember he said to my whole family (except my Dad who usually gets home late for work) that we had to watch this show that was super popular with Wynona Ryder, and that everyone loves it.

Now, of course we all knew who Wynona was! Even my Mom, who never remembers the name of actors or singers recognized her, lol. So we were like "Yeah, let's watch it!"

And we were all so impressed and flabbergasted by the show. My mom loved the cast and her favorite kid is Dustin cause she said he looked like such a naughty kid, haha. I absolutely loved it as well and I wanted to know more about Will, who seemed like such a lovely boy.

After that, I watched each season everytime it was released but I was not a hardcore fan at all. I didn't ship anybody, didn't analyze things, I just purely enjoyed it, found it very entertaining and thought that it was very well done.

When S3 came out and EP3 happened with the rain fight, I was like "Oh, are they gonna-? Nah, I don't think so... Will they? OMG" with displaying Will's sexuality. At the time it didn't occur to me that Will was struggling with his friend's exclusion and his sexuality at the same time (I know, dumb me). So I was like "I mean, he could be a late bloomer, I didn't get interested in boys until I was like 14" but now that I'm recalling middle school, I had crushes on different guys, lol. My mind was in denial because I just thought that Will being gay wouldn't be shown properly or in a sensible and serious way.

Then, when that first ST4 teaser ("With love, from Russia") dropped with Hopper in the snow, everyone and their mothers freaked out and the worldwide Stranger Things frenzy began all over again. I also remember that I saw some news online that said that ALL productions were suspended for Covid and that included ST or course. Me and my brothers were kinda mad because everyone knew ST was gonna be released like in 2 years or something, waaay later than it was supposed to.

Then, like a month and so before Volume 1 premiered, I don't recall how, but I watched the rest of the ST4 teasers (002, 003 and 004 with the Hawkings gang, the Hawkins Lab and the Cali one) and I got so excited! I started to watch a lot of the cast press interviews, videos and content, then I rewatched ST again, and was so surprised to realize, all over again, that it's such a great show and the cast is amazing. But my Byler senses were still dormant. The idea of Mike and Will romantically never crossed my mind (again, sorry for my ignorance).

Which is weird because I'm good at clocking queer characters.

Like, back in college, we had to watch a movie about this family who pretended to be someone else everytime they moved; they were imposters in a way. Thanks to the camera angles, the fact that he seemed uninterested in any girls and micro-expressions from the actor, I said to this girl next to me in class "He's gay" regarding the son in the family, and she was like "What? How do you know?" and I just told her to keep watching. Indeed, towards the middle of the movie, the guy (the son in the family, who was a teenager) went to this party; he started talking with this guy and they got in a car I think? Or was it outside the house the party was at? Can't recall. Anyways, the guy got closer to his school colleague and tried to kiss him, but the other guy flinched and said "I'm sorry, I don't feel that way" or something like that, he left, and the girl next to me was like "You were right!"

I've always been very open-minded, but I think I was used to watch media where queer characters where displayed as queer or in love with their friends in their late teens, so Byler was not something I ever considered.

After rewatching all the seasons, ST4 Vol 1 premiered on May 27th and boy, was I excited! Before that, I watched the first trailer, Sadie on Fallon, Millie on Fallon, the cast interviews on the ST4 premiere days ago and I knew that they were going to move forward with Will being in love with Mike thanks to that cut on the trailer when Mike and El are skating and Will stares at their hands. So I was like "Oh, what are they gonna do with Will?"

I was free from work on that Friday (it was not planned at all and I did absolutely nothing on that day, woohoo!). I started watching ST4 around 10AM in the morning in my living's room TV.

Now, I was incredibly hooked since the intro (I knew right away that El didn't murder those kids because the way their bones and limbs were broken didn't align with how El has attacked people before), got very interested after El said that Will was painting a lot and that maybe it was for a girl, clocked what was gonna happen later in the season with the basketball game and Eddie's campaign (Mike saying that they thought Vecna was killed by Kas, Eddie declaring that Vecna lives, the 11 that Dustin threw and it wasn't enough to win) as well as who actually massacred those kids in the Lab back in 1979 after Chrissy was taken by Vecna.

I found Mike so weird and odd in EP2 but I didn't know what it was; his outfit was horrendous and after EP3, I said to myself "Hold on, Will is in love with Mike in the same season when Mike can't say I love you to El's face? That's no coincidence" and kept on watching.

I knew Peter was Vecna immediately since he appeared on EP5 because there was not another new character that fit the vibe but I didn't know he was Henry Creel or 001, lol. Him being 001 was there for us to notice but I didn't, for some reason, haha.

I stopped watching on EP5 I think, in the afternoon. Did some stuff and then picked it up at 9PM.

After the master reveal and plot in EP7, I went to Twitter and started to check people's opinions or takes for this season, then I saw a tweet that linked Kaypeace21's "Why I no longer think Mike is bi, but gay" post, saying that Will loved Mike and Mike reciprocated, and I was like "WHATT?! OMG! This looks promising" and read the whole thing.

When I tell you that I felt like I had an epiphany it's downplaying things (not an exaggeration). It felt exactly the same as when I watched Maze Runner's "The Death Cure" on theaters and Newt threw Thomas against the wall in the middle of the film after screaming at him and I felt such an insurmountable amount of tension between those two characters that I started to read Newtmas fanfiction when I got home.

Everything on Kaypeace21's post seemed very well thought, it made sense and after that I read more Byler theories as well as overall theories for the supernatural, Vecna and more. I got obsessed, became a proper fan of the show and the characters, and waited for Vol 2 to drop. Stranger Things actually replaced my Heartstopper fixation.

The show was more popular than ever, the hype was so real. Even my brothers, who haven't still watched Season 4, said that they read that The Duffers "forgot" Will's birthday and I was like "yeah, I don't really believe them" because I actually do not believe anything that comes out of The Duffers or Shawn Levy's mouths until I see it with my own eyes, lol.

Anyways, when Vol 2 premiered, I woke up at 4AM on July 1st, I think, to watch it and when we got to Will saying "Can I show you something?" to Mike, I actually paused my laptop, took a deep breath and started pacing in my room, haha. I was like "Sh*t, so early on the episode?" because I felt I was gonna have a heart attack. I was flabbergasted, shocked and a bit sad after the van scene, but found it so beautifully heartbreaking.

Now, I'm very objective and being the Libra that I am (not that I believe that much in Astrology, but there is a degree of certainty to it), I always see all sides of things and I do not consume media in a subjective way only. When Mike "confessed" to El on Surfer's Boy Pizza, I stood very quiet and watched the whole thing, but felt nothing, because it came across as very clichéd, lies were spouted by Mike and the whole situation happened in the middle of Max getting killed by Vecna and everyone was at the brink of death. It felt like an empty moment.

Then, towards the end of Vol 2, I was like "Well, Mike and Will seemed closer than ever at least".

I checked Tumblr and everyone was losing their minds. Me as well, but in a more subdued way. Then, the Byler hope was restored pretty much like Aang restored peace in Book 3 of The Last Airbender, I saved so many Byler blogs on my browser, visited them everyday, liked all their posts, learned more and more about the show, read even more theories about many things and a few weeks ago created a Tumblr specifically to indulge on my Byler hyper-fixation and here I am.

Byler Tumblr has made me more aware of symbolisms, plot devices and how to digest media more acutely. Thank you guys so so much.

Love that for me!

#my post #how i became a byler #byler #st analysis #stranger things reaction #byler tumblr #my ramblings #tal-vez-o-quizas #personal

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moriiartist · 2 years

Text

003 | TAKE THAT

SERIES SUMMARY: The warmth of June has swept over North America, and with it, summer break. Fresh out of college and armed with a blinding lack of direction for the future, you decide there’s no better place to be than Camp Hermity, a remote summer camp in the shadow of Mount. Noxite. Can you find your life’s goal here, with your campers and fellow staff? Can you even handle your campers? And… why are the rest of the counselors so attractive?

Masterlist

Taglist

SUMMARY: New friends, a scavenger hunt, and an alliance made with the Red Rabbits.

WARNINGS: Mild language, suggestive humor, brief description of scars, death mention

A/N: I’m alliiivvvveeeee! Sorry that this update took a little while to get written- with all that’s happened over the past few months, my mental health has taken a hit. It was very hard for me to write for a while, but I’m just happy that I managed to post this. Hope you all enjoy this, and happy (late) birthday @nix-writes-mcyt! Love you (/p)!!!

“Alright, who took it?”

One thing that proved to be a constant at Camp Hermity (after a quick glance at your schedule, of course) was each cabin's free period after lunch. The children were allowed to roam relatively wild throughout the grassy knolls and forest paths within campus bounds, safe under the careful watch of their counselors. Whatever they wanted to do outside of activities was allowed and even encouraged, whether it be to play at the lake’s edge, read and play board games inside the big house, or mess about in the field.

The Coyotes had begged you for the latter after archery, congregating around you with such puppy-like, pleading faces that you briefly wondered if their mascot was more than just a namesake. It seemed like the hour or so of practice with a bow had barely managed to take the edge of their boundless supply of energy, and so, to save yourself the headache later on, it was easy for you to cave into their demands.

Of course, the Pandas had to tag along as well, the younger kids enamored with the older ones after seeing their skills during archery. The older kids- particularly Cassidy and a ten-year-old named Jamal- ate up the attention, practically preening at the gaggles of children that followed them around like ducklings.

Ren and Doc weren’t much help. If you hadn’t caught the mischief seeping through their mild expressions, you wouldn’t’ve realized that they were actively encouraging their camper’s clingy behavior. For whatever reason, you weren’t one hundred percent sure. Perhaps it was some form of hazing, to ‘pick on the new guy’ and all that. Maybe you were just imagining it.

Either way, you weren’t complaining; their actions had given you premier tickets to this.

Somehow you’d ended up here- perched on a picnic table to the side of the main field with a perfect view of Xisuma, hands planted firmly against his hips and back held as straight and stiff as a board… and completely at the mercy of a sea of children. Despite his drill sergeant-esque posture, it was easy for you to pick out the exhausted slump to his shoulders. By the way the kids’ eyes gleamed, they could see it too.

“I’m not mad, I just want to know.”

Xisuma’s tone of voice was so dead, so absolutely done. He sounded about ten seconds away from just giving up. Words could not describe the look on his face. If you could’ve taken a picture of him right then, you would’ve titled it ‘a portrait of despair’, and then sold it for a million dollars to pay off your college tuition.

The skin over your knuckles was taut where they were pressed against your mouth; a futile attempt to stifle your laughter. You were half-biting down on your own hand, teeth digging uncomfortably in between the bones that pushed insistently against your lips. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you had bite marks left over when you were finally in the clear.

You had a reputation to maintain as a counselor, and what would those poor, innocent campers of yours think if you set a bad example? Though, based on the gleeful expressions and the giddy whispers of the throng gathered before Xisuma’s quailing figure, you didn’t think that they’d really care.

Your colleagues sure didn’t, if their lack of composure in the face of Xisuma’s crumbling reputation as a ‘respected leader’ was anything to go by.

It was even more difficult to hold in your giggles when Etho met your gaze from across the picnic table you were sitting at, the subtle shaking of his shoulders and the mischievous gleam in his eye being the only things betraying his inner glee.

A seat away, Ren was slumped over with his face pressed into his hands. His chest heaved with fast, wheezing breaths that almost sounded like sobs. If you weren’t in a similar predicament, you would be worried that he was having an asthma attack or something.

Doc was more composed, watching the scene with his elbows propped in front of him. Still, he was more than entertained. If you had to compare his expression to something, it would be that of Hades looking over the fields of punishment, reveling in the torture of the damned. A sadistic smile- all sharp, white teeth- stretched from ear to ear.

You knew that it was mean. You knew that you shouldn’t have found this funny. But watching as your unit head had to resort to bargaining with his own wards for his keys back was arguably the most entertaining thing you’d seen all day.

What can you say? Human suffering is unequivocally hilarious when that suffering is entirely the fault of children.

Xisuma pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed in one great gust of air, the corners of his mouth twitching as he fought off a blithesome grin. Half-turning towards you, he raised a dark eyebrow. “Are you four just going to laugh at me, or are you going to help?”

Ren batted his eyelashes innocently at him, although the effect was (somewhat) ruined by the shit-eating smirk that stretched across his face. “I don’t know, man. It seems to me like you’ve got things handled just fine.”

“Yeah,” Etho chimed in, all too ready to join in on the brunette’s blatant teasing. “You’ve got this. Aren’t you the most experienced guy here?”

Said ‘most experienced guy here’ glared at you all half-heartedly, scratching at the back of his neck in a fashion that somehow communicated his exasperation perfectly. Xisuma glanced towards where you and Doc were sitting side-by-side, although his eyes were bereft of hope.

“I assume that you’re going to leave me to suffer as well?”

Doc and Ren shared a glance, communicating more through their brief seconds of eye contact than you’d ever managed to convey through speaking aloud. Doc’s smile widened, and you resolutely did not stare as a pink tongue darted out to wet his lips. ”Well, it is very amusing.”

You couldn’t contain your snort, then, and felt your face flush with heat when Xisuma raised one dark eyebrow. Although he seemed perfectly nice, embarrassment still swelled within you at the prospect of laughing at your employer. Y’know, the guy who was actually in charge of overseeing you and making sure you weren’t a complete idiot?

It was obvious that these four had known each other for a long time, or were at least familiar enough for friendly bullying- but that was the problem. You were a stranger to them. Were you being too familiar? What if they thought you were annoying, or rude?

You jolted a little as Doc shifted towards you, nudging you with a broad shoulder. Glancing up to meet his gaze, it was immediately obvious that your split-second anxiety hadn’t gone unnoticed. Despite his smiling visage, concern was evident in the strained slant to his lips and the assessing once-over he gave your person.

Looking back, you found Xisuma glancing between you and the dark-haired counselor, a strange look glittering deep beneath the blue of his eyes. They were narrowed slightly, as though he was deep in thought. You frowned at him, and he appeared to snap out of it, offering you a small smile that tried and failed to comfort you. It didn’t last for long, though, and he schooled his features back into those befitting a man facing death row at a dinner party.

Xisuma had come out here expecting to have a good time, but he was honestly feeling very attacked.

“Look at what you’ve done. Now I’ll have to worry about if you three fiends are corrupting our lovely new counselor.”

Doc looked mildly offended, scrunching his nose distastefully. On the other hand, Ren and Etho seemed delighted to be compared to fiends.

The latter grinned under the mask, settling a hand under his chin to peer up at Xisuma through pale lashes. “It’s bound to happen eventually, X. How else can we hope to oppose your tyrannical reign over camp?”

Xisuma rolled his eyes, the muscles in his crossed arms tense as if he was physically fighting the urge to make an obscene gesture toward the snickering counselor. “I’m going to go get a new clipboard since you all have decided to be unhelpful.”

“You’re welcome,” Ren said cheerfully, either not noticing or not caring about the withering look that the harried-looking counselor shot him.

He ran a hand through his hair, touseling it until strands were sticking up every which way. One clump fell in front of his face, and he swept it back with an annoyed huff.

“Sometimes I wonder why I haven’t fired you all yet.”

Most of the children had grown bored after X’s attention had turned towards you and the other three adults. So, instead of awkwardly hovering around the table like a school of strange, fleshy fish, they had elected to ditch you all completely in favor of actually interesting things- like playing manhunt or reverting back into the neolithic era. Therefore, the drama was somewhat diminished when there was no crowd to part as Xisuma turned on his heel and strode away in a huff.

“Love you too!” Etho called cheekily. This time, Xisuma broke and threw a filthy gesture over his shoulder, prompting you to glance around in a panic to make sure that none of the kids had seen and were at risk of copying his actions. Thankfully, whatever (semi) benevolent entity that was writing your story seemed to pity you, and none of the children were interested enough in the adults to be paying attention.

“Are you guys always like that?” you wondered bemusedly, gaze flitting between the three men and the retreating back of their head counselor. Ren shrugged, leaning back in his seat with an easy grin.

“Pretty much. X might seem scary, but he’s all bark and no bite,” his smile widened, baring perfectly straight, white teeth. “I would know- this dog’s an expert on both.”

Doc paused, before smirking.

“Kinky.”

You don’t know who snorted first. It could’ve been you, Ren, or any of the guys- but it didn’t really matter. One moment, you were shocked silent, staring at each other with wide eyes, and the next, the entire group exploded into laughter.

The kids looked at the four of you with a mixture of curiosity and disdain, but you could hardly breathe, much less care what they were thinking. With your breath hiccuping in your chest from the force of your giggles, you laid your head down against the surface of the table. The peeling red paint that covered its surface was sticky against your skin, and the vibrations from the other’s raucous mirth carried through the wood.

“Dude-” Ren coughed, nearly doubled over due to the force of his giggles. His sunglasses had slid down his nose, revealing the tell-tale gleam of unadulterated amusement (and unshed tears) in his eyes. “You can’t just say that! Think of the- the children!”

Ribs aching, you inhaled sharply, fighting your chuckles in order to lock gazes with the brunette. Maybe it was because you were oxygen-deprived, maybe it was the pink flush on Ren’s cheeks, but you were suddenly possessed with the courage of a frat boy doing a keg stand.

Leaning forward conspiratorially, you motioned him to do the same. Naturally, Ren’s interest was immediately piqued. He leaned forward, mirroring your posture, and looked at you with a quirked brow.

You titled your head. Grinned. Then, in a feather-soft voice, murmured: “Screw them kids.”

Whatever response Ren (and by extension, the other boys) were expecting, that was certainly not it. Doc choked on air, pressing a fist to his mouth to quiet his subtle wheezing. Etho’s eyebrows had flown up and into his hairline, nearly invisible against the white tufts that covered his forehead.

And Ren himself? Well… If Ren was a computer, he would’ve been bluescreening right then. His features were frozen, eyes blown wide and lips parted.

A part of you was tempted to wave your hand in front of his face or snap your fingers to try and get his attention, but the pure shock on his expression was something you wanted to savor. You don’t think he’d blinked once, despite the seconds that had stretched on since you’d spoken

Scratch that. Computer or not, he was definitely bluescreening.

“Well, well, well. Fresh Meat’s got some fangs,” Etho joked, bringing your attention back to him.

He looked relatively composed compared to the helpless, wheezing mess that was left of Doc, and Ren’s statuesque facade- his head perched in the palm of his head, gaze solely affixed on you.

Etho tilted his head, and the way he was staring at you shifted from amused to… um. Something. As you were quickly coming to realize, it was hard for you to read him. His ruby-red eyes reflected nothing except your own visage, as deep and beguiling as the furface of a frozen lake.

You coughed, biting at the inside of your cheek as you looked away. Was it just you, or had the air outside gotten hotter somehow, despite it being past noon?

Etho went on as though he hadn’t just picked apart your every virtue. “I wasn't expecting that from you,” he said, blissfully ignoring Ren and Doc’s continued distress. You were actually pretty sure the former was dying. “I’d pegged you to be the shy type.”

Huffing, you crossed your arms. “Well, you better get used to it, buster. There’s a lot more where that came from.”

“I hope so,” he murmured wryly, and you got the distinct impression that he was grinning like a Cheshire cat under his mask.

Before you could work out how to even begin to respond to that, Xisuma decided to arrive back at the table, a new clipboard pinned safely between his body and his arm. He frowned, dark eyes wide and confused as they flickered from you, to Etho, to Doc and Ren, then back to you.

“What’s got everyone so worked up?”

Etho blinked placidly, sticking his hand under his seat and coming back up with a suspiciously familiar-looking clipboard in hand. “Well, for one, I found your clipboard.”

“... What?”

In all honesty, you probably could’ve done without that whole debacle, but hey! At least it allowed you to bond with your fellow camp counselors- and by ‘bond’, you meant watch as Xisuma simultaneously tried to prevent himself from killing Etho, and prevent Doc from suffocating on his laughter.

(It was hard to tell, but you think he might’ve cracked a rib.)

That was neither here nor there. All good things must come to an end, however, and soon enough you were packing up armfuls of wriggling Coyotes and desperately herding them off to the most anticipated event of the day: the scavenger hunt.

Unlike archery, this activity was a little bit different. It wasn't solely confined to just the Coyotes and another cabin that was scheduled along with you- this thing expanded to include the entire camp. Everyone, including the other kids and counselors you hadn’t even met yet.

If you had to guess, it was about three-thirty in the afternoon. The sun had sunk low past its zenith, and the conifers and oak trees at the edge of the camp stood out in dark relief against the sky. The buildings and decor that cropped up from the rolling hills of Hermity grounds cast long, purplish-blue shadows against the grass, painting your legs as you hurried by.

Zeniyah (eight, loves the color pink, hates tomatoes) remarked that the shade from the taller clumps of the snakeweed flowers that dotted the lawn made her legs look like they had tiger stripes. You offered her a terse but indulgent smile.

You could hear the other groups before you saw them. The high-pitched chatter of tiny voices filled the air as you and the rest of the Coyotes crested the steep trail that led up to the cabin grounds, biting your lip nervously at the sight of the other groups already gathered around the staged platform that took up the center of the space. You shaded your eyes, squinting against the momentary glare of the sun peeking out from behind the forest copse.

And, oh, great- not only were your nerves sufficiently wrung out just by having to drag your kids to the meeting place, your stress only mounted when you saw that you were the last group to arrive. As in, the final group to get there. The dregs. What the cat drug in.

That is to say, you were late.

Flushing, you ducked your head as you and the rest of the Coyotes joined the horde surrounding the makeshift stage, directing them quietly to stay with the other cyan-banded kids. The hair on the back of your neck prickled, and with no small amount of misery at the notion, you knew that more than one person was staring at you.

Glancing up, you made eye contact with a short man with hair approximately the same color as a waffle. The saffron-yellow of his lanyard drew your gaze, marking him as one of the counselors of the Yellow Yaks. He blinked, unfairly long eyelashes fluttering as he tilted his head, before offering you a cheeky grin. You returned it, albeit with a tad more confusion than he seemed to harbor.

It wasn’t long before your attention was directed towards the platform that everyone had gathered around, and you were glad to see one of the administration stepping out of the crowd and into the proverbial spotlight.

“Good afternoon campers,” he greeted jovially. Although he looked young, his voice was soft and gruff- more fitting for a wizened old man or an aging mad scientist. “How are we all doing today?”

The kids screamed, and wow- R.I.P. your hearing. You winced, slamming your hands onto your ears in a futile effort to block out the noise.

The man- who you now recognized as Cub, the assistant camp director, simply smiled in the face of what must’ve been a hundred shrieking children. You suppressed a pang of envy at his ability to keep his composure until you realized that it was probably because he had hearing loss.

You respected his decision, honestly. May he never have the misfortune of listening to Wonderwall ever again.

Once the tidal wave of prepubescent joy had crested, Cub raised his hands to calm the crowd. “Alright, alright. I don’t want to keep you kiddos here very long, and I have a feeling you guys don’t want that either.”

He grinned, dark eyes gleaming. Although you didn’t know the man, you distinctly got the impression of a sort of sadistic glee in the way that his crow’s feet crinkled. Either he was celebrating the chaos that would no doubt ensue in the following hours or…

No, if he could, he would definitely be laughing his ass off at your future misery. You supposed what goes around, comes around.

“Let’s get to it, campers!”

According to Cub, the rules were simple:

Firstly, each cabin would be allotted a bingo-style card with a variety of different objects on them. These objects had already been hidden all throughout Camp Hermity grounds, and it was yourself and your kids’ jobs to find them all before the other cabins could. Which was… well, the whole point of a scavenger hunt. No surprises there.

Secondly, there were no objects in the forest or beyond the camp sign. Again, that made sense. You wouldn’t want kids or counselors wandering away and accidentally getting lost, so Cub or whoever had made the rules for the game had restricted play within reasonable boundaries.

Thirdly, you could not steal items from other cabins. That, again, was self-explanatory, unless the children were particularly inclined towards committing crimes. Which they absolutely were, given how some of your Coyotes looked upset when they heard the rule.

Finally, the first cabin to return with all of their items would be in first place, winning the biggest prize, and everyone that came after them would have winnings of corresponding value to their placing.

All in all, it was a fair competition according to you, so, when the whistle blew and the entire clearing exploded into motion, you were actually less panicked than you would’ve been otherwise.

Cassidy, who appeared to have been elected the de-facto leader of the Coyotes based on the way all the kids crowded behind her, was quick to tug on your shirt. You blinked, looking away from the scrambling of the other cabins to affix your attention toward her.

“We should look by the lake,” she said firmly, a determined set to her chin that told you she wouldn’t back down.

Your eyebrows flicked up.

“Uh, wow… that was fast. Shouldn’t we ask everyone else if that’s what they want to do?”

She blinked, utterly nonplussed. “I already did, while that guy-” she waved vaguely in the direction of Cub, “-was talking. Even Harvey agreed!”

Harvey, standing a little off to the side, nodded sagely, as though this was some monumental endorsement. Though, it probably was. Although you hadn’t known the kid for very long, he was a hard one to please, if the fact that he would only wear the sunscreen he brought from home was any indication.

Rocking back on your heels, you sighed deeply. “Why do you think we should go by the lake?”

Cassidy crossed her arms, black braids swinging as she stared. Menacingly. “Because the lake’s cool.”

Hard to argue with that logic.

If you hadn’t been looking for it, you would’ve completely missed the trail leading down to the lake shore. Unlike the other main sections of the camp, including the field, sports areas, Big House, and cabins, there was no marked path for you to take. Rather, the only indicator that such a trail existed at all was a small point on your map, just a few meters away from where the volleyball pit was.

Indeed, even when you managed to find it, the way down was obscured by a multitude of trees and rocks that sprouted from the sandy soil, shading your backs as you and the kids made your way towards your destination.

Waves lapped at where the land and water met, carving deep grooves into the reddish-brown earth and carrying sediment away. Surprisingly enough, the beach itself wasn’t rocky; a notable outlier from what you’ve seen of other lakes. If you had to hazard a guess, someone must’ve came along and cleaned everything up so the children could swim or something.

Glancing at the card in hand, you noted that you only had to find six items as opposed to a normal bingo card’s 25 spaces.

“Alright guys,” you called, drawing the attention of the Coyotes. “The plan of attack is to spread out! I need you all to split into smaller groups so we can search faster.”

Harvey perked up. “Does this mean that there’ll be team leaders?”

You huffed slightly. “Just don’t go too far and I’m good with whatever you do.”

A pause. The children all blinked at you seemingly innocently, but you didn’t trust them for a second.

“I take that back. Just… don’t get into any trouble, and I won’t have to call your parents.”

If there was one thing that you had noticed, it was that the Coyotes were competitive as hell. In almost no time they had divided into separate enclaves of children, and were in the process of turning the entire ecosystem of Camp Hermity upside down in their quest to win first place.

For the most part, all you had to do was watch them. You casually strode along in their wake of destruction, watching with no small amount of amusement as Cassidy proceeded to boss everyone that would listen to her around. Harvey was no different. In fact, you almost pitied the poor kids that fell prey to his piercing command.

Their energy only increased once the first object was found: the sunglasses, delivered to your hand by an over-excited Coyote pack. It was a miracle they didn’t vibrate straight through the floor as you ticked off that part of the card with your handy pen, let alone spontaneously combust under the force of their excitement.

It was hard to stay indifferent towards their enthusiasm, and so it cut you off short when all of the kids fell suddenly quiet. Standoffish was the right word- hackles raised as they stared at the competing cabin that were picking their way across the lake shore towards you.

Your kids would be snarling if they could, and you weren’t quite sure if that was endearing on concerning.

Definitely concerning.

“Hi!” one of the counselors shouted as the group drew near, bouncing closer with a semi-feral grin stretched from ear-to-ear.

His dark hair was wild, sticking up from his head in a way that wasn’t dissimilar from a spiky seed pod, barely held back by a red strip of fabric that was tied around his forehead. His moss green eyes were alight with mischief, and that, paired with his entire demeanor, only spelled trouble for you and your Coyotes.

You raised an eyebrow, stuck between the politeness that your parents had hammered into you and the incrediculousness you harbored towards the man’s sheer audacity. “Uh, hi? Can I help you.”

If it was even possible, his smile widened. “Well, I am so glad you asked me that! Me and my buddy Scar here saw you just down the ways, and you know what I thought? I thought that you looked like some real nice people, so we thought we’d come say hello!”

Fighting the urge to snort, you nodded along like you had any idea of what he was talking about. “Sure. That makes total sense.”

He preened, fluffing up his hair with a hand. “Thank you, thank you.”

“Who are you?”

Cassidy, who you hadn’t even noticed creeping around your leg, scowled at the man, eyes narrowed until only the faintest sliver of her hazel irises were visible. You laughed, bringing a hand to your mouth to hide your snickers as the brunette gaped.

Spluttering, he flushed, turning his bronze skin a noticeably redder shade. After a moment, he seemed to come back to himself, laughing awkwardly as he once again fluffed up his hair. You tilted your head, eyeing the movement.

“Right- ‘name’s Bdubs, at your service!” he said before stepping to the said, waving an arm grandiosely behind him, “and this is my business partner, Scar!”

A part of you was embarrassed to admit that you hadn’t even noticed the person standing behind BDubs. You were doubly more so when you noticed that Scar was several inches taller, towering over both you and the other counselor with ease.

“Hellooo,” he said cheerily, drawing out the greeting in an almost song-like manner. His hair was a soft-looking mess of almond brown tidier that Bdubs’ own, and his skin was sunkissed. He was young, maybe in his mid-twenties, but you could already see the beginning of laugh lines around his eyes and mouth.

Scar waved only slightly awkwardly with one hand, and it was at that moment when you spotted the crutches strapped to his forearms; and, subsequently, the medical-grade knee braces that pressed tight against the material of his jeans.

Which was- okay. You really needed to start working on your observation skills, because it was just downright mortifying to continue living like this.

Now that you were looking at him, though, you began to notice the multitude of scars that covered his body-a thin one at the corner of his mouth, a smattering of old perforations that covered his left cheek and jaw, and thick, winding gashes across what you could see of his left arm.

You were curious, obviously, but when you went to glance up you found his honey-brown gaze already centered on you. He smiled. You decided to shut up and mind your own damn business.

Rolling your attention back towards Bdubs, you sighed. “Alright. What is it you two want?”

While Bdubs once more spluttered, shouting something about how ‘he would never impose something on the newbie’, Scar pushed him out of the way with a charming grin. He looked like the cat that got the canary- and one who was quite pleased with himself, at that.

“We were wondering if you might want to team up,” he chirped, leaning forward and into your personal space. Wrinkling your nose, you lightly poked him with a finger, prompting him to chuckle and scoot back.

You looked up, meeting his eyes squarely. “Why? What do we get out of it?”

Scar grinned fully this time, all teeth. “Two teams working together will get more done that one, right? I heard that first place gets ice cream sundaes, and, well… who’s to say we can’t share?”

Some of your kids gasped, dropping their defenses, and you honestly couldn’t blame them. Ice cream was a very strong motivator.

Hesitating, you glanced towards Cassidy, who still had an octopus-grip on your leg. You nudged her slightly. “Well? What do you think?”

She looked at you incrediculously. “We work with them, duh.”

And that was that.

The Coyotes and Bdubs’ and Scar’s cabin, the Red Rabbits, worked together surprisingly well. It seemed that all it took for people to put their differences aside and combine efforts was a common goal- especially when that common goal was sweet, decadent ice cream. Especially when those people were children.

It was obvious to you that BDubs and Scar were more than familiar with each other. In fact, you had initially guessed that they had known one another for years- but they had simply laughed when you brought it up.

“Scar only joined Camp Hermity, what- two, three years ago?” Bdubs said, wiping a tear from his eye. Scar nodded, smile much softer than it had been previously. Bdubs nudged his shoulder. “‘Guess we were just meant to be best friends.”

You watched them for a moment, a smile of your own toying at the edges of your lips. “That’s sweet.”

Scar laughed. “Not as sweet as that ice cream’s gonna be!”

Although you were skeptical at first, the two were more than happy to pull you into their conversation and you searched. (i.e., watched the kids search while you lagged behind.)

It was almost too easy to fall into the easy pull and flow of their conversation, and before you knew it, you were bantering with them like you had been friends for ages.

“I have so much of these already,” Bdubs joked as he waved towards the shirt he was wearing. “I’ll have to- to set up one of those big bonfires and burn it all up for an occult ritual.”

‘What?” you laughed. “I thought you liked this camp!”

He nodded earnestly. “Oh, I do! But there has been a darkness growing within me recently.”

“Thanks for going along with our plan. Most of the other guys don’t anymore- they know better,” Scar said, steamrolling over Bdubs’ descent into madness.

You rolled your eyes. “Well, they’re boring anyways.”

A blatant lie, but it was fun to go along with the pair’s overdramatics. You didn’t think that Etho, Doc, Ren, or Xisuma would be too insulted- but you could always plead the fifth.

He bumped his shoulder with your own. “I didn’t know what to think of you at first, but you’re pretty fun. You know that?”

It was impossible to stop the blinding smile that lit up your expression right then, and you ducked your head, internally fighting back the warmth you felt. This was exactly what you wanted- for your coworkers to like you. In fact, it had been your biggest worry with applying for a job here, and having Scar’s approval felt like striking gold.

“Yeah, yeah. Less talking, more kicking everyone’s asses.”

Scar’s eyebrows flicked up, a ridiculous grin blooming across his face. Bdubs’ whole expression leaped a step beyond pure delight.

You didn’t know it yet, but right then? You had solidified yourself as someone with the potential to be their favorite person.

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#mori's archive #tw: mild language #tw: suggestive humor #tw: death mention

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