#Army School Answer Key

[footygirl114]

Respaldar (Alexia Putellas X Reader)

Did anyone actually expect me to get the second part out so soon? I bet not, but here we are so enjoy. Part one can be found here

The first week of work was pretty low key for you. Alexia had gone from home to the training ground and back, it was an off week for games so it was relatively quiet. You had spent your first day wondering the training facility and learning the buildings. It was nice that the security was pretty decent and covered the areas you wanted already. 

The staff was very friendly and they left you to your own devices, which meant after you did a lap of the facility you found a spot higher up looking down on the field and you got to watch them train. As much as you tried to deny it to your self, it was hard to take your eyes off anyone that wasn’t Alexia. The more you watched her the more you could see why she was the captain and the best football player in the world, she was unreal. 

You had played football growing up but at 18 when you decided to join the army instead of school, you stopped playing. It didn’t mean you weren’t a fan but you didn’t have the time to follow it anymore, so this job was actually becoming a treat. 

The other benefit of this job was it gave you a lot more down time, you were able to use the facilities gym when the team was on the field. You took advantage of it and generally got a good workout in during their training session. Having perfected your routine you were able to get a work out in and zone out to the music blaring in your ears, which meant you quite often didn’t notice the others in gym. 

What you didn’t know was that they noticed you, it was the injured players that couldn’t train with the team, but they told the team all about the hot visitor that was in the gym. Within the week every player had known who you were and the brave ones were teasing Alexia about her hot babysitter. They made sure you weren’t around but when they walked out of the door talking about you and noticed you leaning on the SUV waiting for Alexia the conversation immediately dropped you knew something was up. 

“Hola Ms Putellas and teammates” You smiled a them, refusing to lift your sunglasses. It has been warm so you have taken to wearing button up shirts and dress pants, leaving the suit jacket in the car. 

You can see the blush on Alexia’s cheek and watch it deepen as her blonde haired tattooed teammate says “Oh hi gorgeous, you know Alexia is super boring, I will make sure to keep you more entertained.” 

As she finishes a tall dark haired teammate whacks her across the back of the head and says “Shut it Maria, and start the car.” 

The tattooed one is throughly chastised and moves to the car park with the tall dark haired one following with a smirk. You feel a small smirk lift the corner of your mouth as you watch Alexia walk towards you. You move to open the back door and when she stops at the door she says “the blonde one is Mapi Leon our centre back, and the tall one that put her in her place is her girlfriend Ingrid Engen, one of our Defence midfielders.” 

“thank you, I think?” you say to her, as you turn to her asking “you know there is no need to be embarrassed.” 

“I am not embarrassed Y/N.” she says and you see the blush creep on to her cheeks again as she moves to get in the back of the car. 

As you close the door you chuckle and move to get into the driver seat, you meet her eyes in the rearview mirror and say “The blush gives you away Mrs. Putellas.”

Before she has a chance to respond her phone rings and when she looks down with it, she says “I have to take this” and she answers and start talking in Catalan to someone on the other end. 

You smile to yourself and put the car in gear starting the drive home, you have to think about the upcoming event and the logistics that you need to handle in order to get her cute blush off your mind so that you can focus on the job and not her. 

**

The next two days you spend trying to focus on work only, and keep any conversations with Alexia to pleasantries only. When Saturday rolls around, the team has an early training and by lunch Alexia has a whole team in her apartment getting her dolled up for the event she has tonight. You had ran down to change and get yourself ready when Alexia was in the shower, and you had spent the last 3 hours sitting in Alexia’s kitchen with your laptop open, but also watching the people move around Alexia. 

It was fascinating to watch, you thought she looked the most gorgeous without all the makeup, but watching the crew doll her up was an experience and she looked gorgeous like this as well. When they disappeared into her room to get her into her dress, it was a formal fundraiser event where Alexia was in attendance to represent the woman’s game, you took the moment to collect yourself and remind your self how professional you need to be. 

When the team files out without Alexia, they all say their goodbyes and you walk them out leaving you alone in her front entry way. You check your phone and see a text from the driver saying he is out front ready, Turning you step back into her living room and say “Alexia, driver is here, we should be heading” before you can finish you meet her eyes from across the room and are speechless. 

You are sure you look like an idiot as you take in the way she looks in the deep blue dress fully dolled up, your eyes are running from head to toe. She moves closer and asks “Is it too much?” 

Without thinking about it you answer “No you are absolutely stunning.” 

“Thank you” she says with a blush and steps closer to you. “I have to say, the full suit is working for me Y/N” as she runs her eyes up and down your body. 

Immediately you can feel the blush move up your neck and you have to dig your nails into your palm to make yourself focus back on the job at hand and you say “we should go.” 

She nods and moves to grab her bags and slip on her shoes as she says “let’s go.” 

You both get down to the car without another word and you move to open the door, you offer her your hand to help herself get into the car and she takes it with a small smile. The sparks that run up your arm are hard to ignore but you get her into the car without incident and then move to get in the other side to sit beside her in the back seat. 

When you are about half way there, you turn to her and say “Ms Putellas, I need you to understand that if I say something about your safety here, you need to listen to me. My job is to make sure you are safe, and I need your cooperation to ensure that happens.” 

“Nothing is going to happen Y/N.” she says as she turns to you. 

“Humour me then, if something happens and I need to step in, let me and listen to me.” you tell her and you add a bit of pleading to your voice. 

She looks at you for a moment and says “okay, Y/N, but nothing will happen.” 

You smile and say “Thats the hope.” 

The car stops and you look out to see some cameras pointed at the car trying to see who’s getting out. “Damn, I didn’t think there would be this much photographers.” she says with an eye roll. 

“I can get you through them Ms. Putellas” you tell her. When she nods you say “put your hand on my back and follow me through the crowd okay?” 

“okay” she says in a small voice, before you can get out of the car, she reaches across and puts her hand on your forearm and with a small voice she says “I really dislike crowds.” 

You smile at her and move your hand to her cheek, your thumb rubbing circles as you say “I got you Alexia, just trust me.” 

She smiles and nods and says “okay, let’s go.” 

You move to get out of the car and you elbow your way through the crowd to get to her door, you open the door and make sure your body is blocking the view as you ask “you ready?” 

Nodding she says “I know you got me.” With a smile you turn and wait for her place her hand on your back. You start moving slowly and wait for her to balance behind you, she’s got a hand on your shoulder and one on your hip balancing her self. You have to dig your nails into your palm again to focus on the job and not how nice her hands feel through your suit jacket. 

When you look back and meet her eyes with a smile and she nods you start to move forward. As soon as she’s in the view you feel the hand on her hip drop as her name is shouted from every side, the one on your shoulder squeezes and you can see her free hand waving to the crowd. You use your training and push through the crowd and when you get about halfway there you can feel two more security guards from the venue push their way through and make you both a path through. 

When your free of the crowd she squeezes your shoulder and moves to stand beside you on her own, meeting your eyes for a moment with a soft smile you see her facade fall into place, and the soft moment from the car is forgotten. She moves into the venue and you follow behind, once she’s in the main banquet room you do a sweep of the room with your eyes and keep your attention on the exits noting security at every one. 

Smiling internally you know she should be okay here, and you wait till she’s seated before you move to the wall behind her table but a bit away and lean on it watching, but out of sight of most of the guests. Before the speeches start Alexia turns her head and looks around and when she meets your eyes you see the small nod and smile, and you can’t help but to wink at her with a smile. 

The rest of the night is uneventful, until it’s time to leave, you see Alexia move to get up and she meets your eyes and nods towards the bathroom. You nod back and watch her disappear through the door where there is a security guard in place. A few minutes later you have your eyes locked on that door waiting for her to come through them, when she doesn’t you trust your instincts and move to pass through them. 

When the security guard on the door moves to stop you, you flash him a glare and push past him. What you see in the hallway makes your blood boil. Alexia has her back flat against the wall with two men in her space with recording devices held up to her face, you notice their free hands holding her wrists on the wall. You take stock of how to handle this, you aren’t worried about your safety just hers. 

Moving closer to them, when you get within arms distance you say “hey you” and when the first turns to you you grab him by the shoulder immediately pushing the heel of your hand into his nose and he howls in pain and grabs his nose releasing his grip, once he’s bent over you raise your foot and kick him hard in between the legs where he falls and gasps. 

Unfortunately it took you a moment to deal with the first one, that the second noticed the commotion and turns once you stand and says “you bitch” and you see the punch coming and you have a second to brace yourself against it to lessen the blow. 

The force makes you step back and when he moves to you, you can see Alexia over his shoulder looking with wide eyes and you yell out “Alexia go back to the ballroom now” as you finish he tries to throw another punch and you immediately grab is arm and duck back using his own momentum to put him in an arm hold behind his back and you press him against the wall. 

You have your body weight pining him to wall as you hear footsteps behind you and 3 security guards coming towards you. Once you turn and see the guard who came out to help you with crowd control you nod and let him take control of the guy you attacked you. 

Stepping back you wipe you nose and lip and see the blood on your hand as the second guard grabs the guy whining on the floor and the third steps up to you and says “we called the police, they should be here soon, they were on standby for anything to happen her.” 

“thank you” you say. 

He chuckles and asks “need a job? I am impressed you could take out two guys double your size.” 

Smiling you nod saying “Most people underestimate me that way.” 

Before he can answer you, you feel someone move right up to you and press a clean towel on to your face and hold it to your bloody lip. You meet Alexia’s eye as she says quietly “they’re bringing you ice.” 

You nod and move to grab it but she shakes her head holding the towel to your face still and you tell her “I am okay. Are you okay?” 

“You saved me Y/N” she says with a small smile. 

Before you can say anything else you hear footsteps and look up to see the police coming towards you. Moving to grab the towel from her hand, you step past her and meet the officers. 

Almost an hour later, where you refused to let Alexia leave your line of sight you are both done with the police and they release you to go home. They had allowed you to clean up your face and you noticed how your eye was going to bruise, but you do not need any stitches which is a relief. Once you are both sat in the car on the way back, you take a moment to relax back in the seat and close your eyes. You can feel her watching you but you know this is not the time for this conversation. 

After a tense ride, you follow her into the lobby and move to go to your apartment, but she reaches out and squeezes your forearm and asks softly “I don’t want to be alone tonight, will you come up with me?” 

“Is there someone I can call for you Ms Putellas?” you ask trying to maintain the professional side. 

Shaking her head she says “You make me feel safe Y/N, I can sleep on the couch, I just don’t want to be alone.” 

Nodding you hold your arm out letting her go first to her elevator as you both wait for it you say “But only if I take the couch.” 

Chuckling she smiles and you both ride the elevator in silence. Once you get into her apartment you silently follow her as she kicks off her shoes and goes into the kitchen, where she grabs two glasses and a bottle of wine, she pours you both one and then hands it to you saying “I am going to change, I’ll be right back.” 

You nod and grab the glass, removing your blazer you roll your sleeves up and unbutton the top button. Other than that you stay standing in her kitchen, the whole scene running through your head wondering why the heck you didn’t protect her. You can feel the tears in the corners of your eyes and when she walks out in pjs you have to look up at the ceiling to control the tears. 

“oh Y/N” you hear and when she moves closer to you, you meet her eyes and cannot take the comfort you see reflected in them. 

You shake your head and say “no please Ms Putellas I can’t” as you move away from her and press your back against her cabinets. 

She steps closer and softly says “It’s okay Y/N, you do not need to pretend here.” 

Shaking your head again you look up at the ceiling as you say “I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.” 

Feeling her step closer but not touch she says softly again “you did Y/N.” 

“It shouldn’t have come to that.” you say but you still haven’t looked at her. 

She steps closer and reaches up to put both hands on your cheeks, she softly pulls your face down to meet her eyes and says “you did Y/N, I am here un harmed because of you.” She then uses her thumb to run over the cut on your lip and she softly says “you put your self on the line for me, you could have been seriously hurt, so thank you for protecting me.” 

Looking into her eyes, you can see the comfort reflected and you want to lose your self in them, when she leans in to close the distance you can feel her breath on your lips. Before they meet you slowly push back and say “I can’t right now Alexia.”

She lets you pull away, but only far enough to meet your eyes as she says “its okay Y/N, tonight has been a lot. Since I saw you come to rescue me all I wanted was to wrap you in my arms to thank you.” 

You chuckle and pull her into you wrapping her up and you whisper into her ear “I will always protect you Alexia” and you press a kiss to her hair. You stand there thinking about how things could have ended differently, but you are glad the night ended with her in your arms. 

[persevereforahappyending]

A Beacon in the Dark |4|

Pairing: Joey x Reader

Summary: Joey likes helping people, it's what she's best at. Hunting down the monsters of myth and legend might be the best way to save people.

Warnings: None?

Word Count: 6.1k

Main Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5

Ana tapped her foot repeatedly as she kept glancing at the clock. Her ex texted, saying he couldn’t get Caleb from school yesterday and he would be there at three on Saturday to get him for the weekend. It was now almost four and you were supposed to be there at four to pick her up. The party for the mission started at seven thirty but the two of you needed to meet up with Grace and get ready and go over the plan.

“Is he here yet?” Caleb asked coming out of his room. Ana shook her head and watched as Caleb’s eyes drifted to the floor and his shoulder’s slumped.

Ana tried not to think about her shitty ex but the only other thing to think about was you. This was her first mission. She had done hundreds of jobs before, both when in the army and out of it. She was used to following orders, but she didn’t know how you’d be at leading a mission. It was clear Grace was the boss, but she wasn’t going to be at the party, it would only be you and Ana, and you had much more experience doing this sort of thing. She truly didn’t have a problem with you, you just didn’t strike her as a leader, with the way you listened to Grace you were more of a follower.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door and Ana got up to answer it. She opened her mouth, ready to rip into her ex as she flung open the door when her eyes widened. “What the hell are you doing here?” She whisper yelled, glancing back to make sure Caleb hadn’t entered the room.

“Picking you up?” You said, clearly confused.

“You usually don’t get out of your car.”

“I texted,” you gestured at Ana. “You didn’t answer.”

Ana rolled her eyes and pulled out her phone rather aggressively. She suppressed a sigh, there it was, a text from you, from ten minutes ago. Before she could put her phone away a text from her ex came in, saying he was on his way up. Ana’s eyes widened and shoved her phone back into her pocket.

“Hey,” she called back into the apartment. “Get your stuff ready, your dad’s on the way up.”

“Okay!” Caleb called back.

“You need to leave,” Ana snapped. You let out a chuckle and looked at her, clearly wondering if she was serious. “My ex can’t see you and I don’t want Caleb seeing you.” You frowned at her words but nodded, nonetheless. “Good.” Ana slammed the door closed a little harder than she probably needed to.

She didn’t know where you were going to hide, and she didn’t really care. She went back to the kitchen, leaning against the counter as casually as possible, like she and been before. She smiled when Caleb came out of his room with his backpack, which should have just contained his schoolwork that he needed to do and any games he wanted to take over. Just as he walked into the room there was another knock at the door.

Ana sighed and put on a neutral face before opening the door. “Come on let’s go,” her ex said, gesturing for Caleb to hurry up.

Ana rolled her eyes, of course the jackass would not only be a day late but be late picking him up the next day as well, then pretend he’s in a hurry. Caleb wordlessly nodded and moved to follow his father. Ana couldn’t help but peek around her ex, there was no sight of you anywhere, it had barely been a minute since you were standing at her door.

“Call me if you need anything,” Ana said, ruffling Caleb’s hair as he passed her. He looked up, clearly not thrilled to be going with his father before following after his dad down the stairs.

Ana closed the door behind them then grabbed her keys and left, making sure to lock the door behind her. As soon as she turned around you were there, she had to step back with how close you were.

“Don’t ever come here,” she said, pointing to the spot she was standing. “Again. I don’t want Caleb to see you. If this job works out, then it stays out of my personal life, got it?”

“Got it,” you said. You gave her a small smile, but it seemed forced.

Ana followed you out to your jeep and hopped in like usual. The only unusual thing was that this ride wasn’t a comfortable silence. The radio played quietly but there was a tension in the air. You weren’t overly talkative on the drives, but you seemed unnaturally quiet, opting to keep your eyes solely on the road.

Ana would be stupid to not think your silence had to do with her snapping at you. She wasn’t about to apologize though; she didn’t want anything from this life coming into her home. She was fine risking her life, to an extent, but she wouldn’t allow anything to come back to her son. She tried to ignore the slight bit of guilt bubbling within her as she glanced at you out of the side of her eye, you were looking straight ahead, your eyes glued to the road, you usually would sneak glances at her during the other car rides.

Despite the tension the ride seemed to be shorter because you were already pulling up to the large iron gate. Ana prided herself on her observation skills, however, this was the first time she realized how reinforced the gate was. The bars of the gate were thick, no one, not even a child, would be able to squeeze through them, and going over was out of the question given how spiked it was. The same could be said about the wall, the bottom half looked to be made out of a solid grey stone, then coming out of the stone was more sharp metal spikes. On the outside it just looked like a really old house that was well kept, but upon closer inspection Ana could see it for what it really was, protection, Grace didn’t want any unwanted visitors getting anywhere near her home.

“Come on,” you whispered, speaking for the first time since the two of you left Ana’s apartment,

Ana followed you through the large oak doors as usual. You didn’t lead her down the familiar hallway that she knew held Grace’s office at the end. Instead, you led her up the long-curved staircase. She couldn’t help but look over the balcony as she got to the top. The foyer was massive, the black tile forming a gorgeous pattern below, which she hadn’t noticed while walking across it.

You took her down the hallway to the right, passing several rooms in the process. All the doors were closed so Ana didn’t know what they were actually being used for, if they were being used at all. She assumed most of the rooms were bedrooms. Thinking about bedrooms made her mind wander to you, you were clearly close with Grace, had been working with her for a little while now. Your dynamic didn’t seem romantic though, but it also wasn’t quite the one of siblings, your loyalty to Grace was unmatched. The only way she could describe your and Grace’s relationship was that of a savior and protector. She didn’t know your past at all, but it was clear you felt as if you owed Grace.

The two of you finally came to the end of the hall where there was a closed door. You glanced back at Ana and smirked before twisting the doorknob and letting the door swing open. You stepped back, allowing Ana to pass into the room first. Ana glanced at you questioningly but any questions she had died on her lips when she saw a large room filled with clothes.

“Joey, welcome,” Grace said. “We don’t have much time, so we have to do this quick.”

“What is all this?” Joey asked.

“Our work involves a lot of powerful people.”

“Turns out being rich isn’t enough,” you said. Joey turned to see you leaning against a small desk against the wall. “They have to have an edge,” you chuckled humorlessly. “Anything to get more power.”

“Sometimes we,” Grace gestured between herself and you. “Have to go to events. It helps keep up appearances. Others,” she gave a little shrug. “It’s like tonight and we need to infiltrate and sadly your clothes will not allow you entry.”

Joey looked down at herself, she couldn’t help but pull at her leather jacket. She knew they were going to a super-rich and exclusive party; she should have known her normal attire wouldn’t be acceptable.

“Which is why I have this,” Grace continued, gesturing to everything around her. “These,” she walked over to a rack of gorgeous dresses. “Meet the criteria for tonight.” Joey’s eyes widened, she had only ever seen dresses like these in movies or on the cover of magazines. “Go through them and pick one out you like.”

“Seriously?” Joey couldn’t help but ask. Grace nodded and Joey made her way over to the rack, gently running her figures across the soft fabric before she started to rifle through them.

“Go get dressed,” Grace said, waving you off. “Your stuff is already in your room.”

You let out an exaggerated sigh as you pushed off the desk and made your way out of the room. “I let them pick out their outfit one time,” Grace said, shaking her head. “Never again.” Joey couldn’t help but smile at that, you definitely didn’t seem like the type to love wearing fancy clothes and dressing up.

“They live here?” Joey couldn’t help but ask.

Grace opened her mouth, pausing as she flicked her eyes back to Joey. “Sometimes,” she settled on. “They have a room and stay more often than not.”

Joey let out a little hum and went back to flipping through the dresses. After going through them all she flipped back through, stopping at a simple black dress that had a thigh cut. Her hands played with the edge of the fabric; it was probably the softest piece of clothing she had ever felt.

“Gorgeous,” Grace whispered, appearing behind her. “Try it on.”

Joey hesitantly took it off the hanger and went behind a curtain that was across the room. She had worn a dress a few times, they just weren’t her preference. Joey preferred to be in jeans and a T-shirt, with the occasionally leather jacket. She also wasn’t sure where she was supposed to hide a gun while wearing a dress.

Once Joey quickly got changed, she couldn’t help but look at herself in the mirror. The dress fit her perfectly, hugging her in all the right places. She pulled back the curtain, still looking down at herself as she stepped back into the room. She didn’t look up until she heard Grace suck in a breath.

“Gorgeous,” Grace whispered. “You definitely won’t have a problem gaining the attention of the entire room.

“Is that what the plan is?” Joey question. She couldn’t help but run her hands down the front of her dress, she wasn’t sure if she was trying to smooth the fabric out or wipe the sweat off her hands. Joey had never been on a job where her mission was to gain the attention of others, usually she was meant to not draw attention to herself.

“Let’s do your hair,” Grace said. She walked over to a small vanity near the window before Joey could respond.

Joey followed, taking a seat in the chair. Grace began running her hands through Joey’s hair and fiddling with the ends. “Up or down?” She asked.

“Up?” Joey said, she hadn’t meant for it to come out like a question.

Grace narrowed her eyes and nodded. Joey could only watch as Grace got to work, pulling out sprays, a curler, and several clips. Joey raised her eyebrows but didn’t question it, Grace seemed to know what she was doing. At one point Grace spun Joey around in the chair so Joey was no longer facing the mirror, she’d truly have to trust Grace now.

After several minutes Grace spun her back around. “What do you think?” She whispered, moving a few strands of Joey’s hair so they perfectly framed her face.

Joey’s mouth fell open. “Wow,” she breathed out.

She didn’t miss the way Grace smirked, clearly proud of her work. She had every right to be proud, Joey’s hair had never looked so good in her entire life, she almost felt like a different person. Her hair was being held up by various clips and other things, her bangs fell neatly down in front of her forehead, and a few longer strands hung loosely to the side to frame out her face.

There was a light knock at the door, but Joey could barely register it. “You can come in,” Grace called out.

“Alright, let’s do…” Joey swiveled around in the chair when you trailed off. You were in the middle of fixing your cufflinks, but your entire body seemed to be frozen as your eyes were focused on her. “Wow,” you breathed out. “You look…” you shook your head, your eyes never leaving her. “Wow.”

Joey slid out of the chair and walked over to you; she didn’t miss the way your eyes somehow widened even more as they scanned over her body respectfully. She glanced you up and down as well, you were wearing a black suit, a white shirt underneath, and your pocket had a pop of color with a red handkerchief. She never expected you to pull off a suit so well, but you definitely looked the part of a rich millionaire or someone surviving off their trust fund. It was clear you had showered and had made your hair presentable enough but were keeping it to its standard look, not that there was anything wrong with that, you still looked amazing.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” she said. “Can’t deny, I’m surprised by the suit.”

You smirked and went back to fixing your cufflinks. “Didn’t want a dress to clash with the lovely Ms. Knight’s.” Joey rolled her eyes. “Besides, I wouldn’t want to overshadow you.”

Joey couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “I can picture you in a dress even less.”

“Don’t be jealous,” you straightened out the rest of your jacket. “You just know I would look hot.”

“Behave,” Grace said. “Let’s go, you need to head out soon.”

The two of you followed Grace out of the room and back downstairs. She led the two of you to a room near the one that seemed to be her office. When she opened the door Joey’s eyes widened at the large garage-like room. There was a table in the middle of the room, a work bench off to the left just past the door, a large metal cage lined the wall across from the door, which was filled with guns and various other weapons, and on the far wall there was another workbench with more equipment hanging from the wall.

“Damn,” Joey said. She dealt with her fair share of weapons and people who liked weapons, this was probably the nicest setup she had ever seen though.

Grace moved to the closest workbench, opening the drawer underneath the table. She pulled out a little black box and tossed it to you. You flipped open the lid and pulled out a small earbud. You held out the open box for Joey and she grabbed the other earbud and placed it in her ear.

“It should be small enough and rest far enough in your ear to not draw suspicion,” Grace said. “I will remain here but will be in communication with you the entire time.”

You tapped the ear you had placed the earbud in. “Can you hear me?” You asked.

A second later Joey heard your voice come through the device in her ear. “All clear,” she said.

“They shouldn’t be screening for weapons since it’s an exclusive party,” Grace said. “But in case they are make sure your weapons remain hidden. This has to go down quietly.” She flicked a knowing glare at you.

You gasped in offense and held a hand to your heart. “I’m not the one who makes it loud,” you said. “I’m innocent.” You raised a hand as if you were swearing to the gods above.

Grace scoffed, clearly not believing you. Joey also didn’t believe it and she didn’t even have the history you and Grace had. From the first meeting it was clear you were a troublemaker. Joey wouldn’t be surprised if you ended up making the missions harder than they needed to be and caused a bigger mess because of it.

“Whatever,” you rolled your eyes. “You know,” you gave a little shrug as if you were trying to appear nonchalant. “This is a high-end party.” Grace hummed and crossed her arms, as if she knew where you were going with this. “Looking the part is important but so is showing up in style.” You gave her an innocent smile.

Grace narrows her eyes, continuing to glare at you. “Please,” you pouted, making sure to give your best puppy dog eyes. Joey had to admit, it was quite convincing.

“Fine,” Grace rolled her eyes. “If there’s a single scratch on her-”

“I know, I know,” you raised your hands in surrender.

Grace rolled her eyes and mumbled something that sounded like she’d regret this. She turned and opened another drawer at the workbench. She pulled out two little envelopes and handed them out to you and Joey. “Your covers,” she said.

Joey opened the envelope and saw a very good fake ID. “Josephine?” she asked, wrinkling her nose at the name.

“Joey doesn’t sound very high society.” Joey shrugged; she couldn’t argue with that logic. “And I assumed you wouldn’t want to use Ana.” That was also correct, Ana was her real life, Joey was her cover, and now Josephine was her covers cover.

You chuckled; Joey only caught a glance, before you slipped the ID into a wallet then into your pocket, but it was clear you got to keep your name for your cover. “Get going,” Grace ordered. “Remember just because you’re arriving together doesn’t mean you’re together.” You and Joey both nodded. “You’ll need to divide and conquer to investigate both people.”

“Understood,” Joey said.

“Be safe,” she was talking to the both of you, but she was looking at you when she said it.

“I’m always safe,” you said, giving Grace your famous smirk.

You nodded to a door at the other end of the room and Joey followed you. When you swung open the door Joey was met with the sight of a large garage, filled with various expensive care. You stood in front of a brick wall with a little box that contained the keys to all the vehicles. You clicked your tongue as you thought about which key to grab. Joey didn’t think you could go wrong, she was sure if the two of you pulled up in any of them, you’d both pass as high society. Joey was even tempted to say your Jeep could pass as well, you kept it in very nice condition, at least when it wasn’t covered in mud.

You smiled as you finally picked out which keys you wanted. Joey followed you over to a two-door black convertible. She furrowed her brow when she saw you walking to the passenger side but tilted her head as you opened the door and gestured for her to get in. She didn’t understand you, there were times you were annoying but then you could turn around and be a perfect gentleman.

“Thank you,” Joey said, giving you a small nod. You just smiled at her and gently closed the door after making sure her feet and arms were fully in the vehicle. It was really hard for her to be mad at you when you were being so considerate. She had almost forgotten she yelled at you before coming here.

She couldn’t help but chuckle as you excitedly jogged around the front of the car to the driver's side. You slipped in, instantly running your hands over the steering wheel. It was clear you didn’t get to drive this car very often. Joey had only been in the car with you a few times, but you were a decent driver, though she also wasn’t surprised that Grace didn’t let you regularly drive cars that were probably well over a hundred grand.

As you started the car the dashboard and all the buttons lit up blue. You tapped a button and the garage door in front of you opened. You smirked before pressing the gas and speeding out of the garage. Luckily the gate was already open because Joey wasn’t sure you would have stopped. You glanced at the GPS when the directions popped up for where you were headed.

You let out a whistle and turned the car out onto the road. “You ever been there before?” Joey asked, nodding at the GPS. She couldn’t see exactly where the place was, but it was clearly in the middle of nowhere, she wondered why all the weird shit happened at mansion’s in the middle of nowhere.

“The address or the area?” you asked.

“Either.”

“Nope,” you shrugged. “Neither.” Joey flicked you a glare, you were such an ass. “Super high end, more than this,” you gestured around as you passed mansion after mansion. Rather secluded, miles between each house.”

“Sounds like the perfect place to cover up murders.”

“It always is,” you mumbled. Joey spared you another glance, her eyes flicking from your clenched jaw to your hands that were gripping the steering wheel. If you had super strength Joey was sure you’d rip the steering wheel in half with how tight you were gripping it.

You seemed to relax further into the drive. Joey wasn’t sure what it was, you were very good at controlling your emotions, but it seemed like random things that set you off. Luckily, the drive from Grace’s place was only half an hour, though Joey would admit the view was amazing.

When you got closer to the address Joey noticed how the environment changed. The roads were perfectly paved, the trees lining the street on both sides were perfectly trimmed back, and once they passed a house it was at least another five-minute drive before the next one, sometimes more depending on how much land the person owned.

You finally pulled down a long driveway which was lined with other cars. You pulled behind a red corvette. It seemed the line of cars led to the front of the house. Once a car got up to the front its passengers got out and ascended the stone steps that led to the mansion that sat atop a small hill. A valet seemed to take over driving afterwards and would park the car in a reasonably sized lot off to the side.

When you finally got to the front you parked the car, quickly hopping out and making your way around to the passenger side. Joey had just taken off her seatbelt as you were opening her door. You held out your hand, helping her step out of the vehicle. You smirked as you looked her up and down one more time. “You look gorgeous,” you whispered. You tossed the keys across the car to the valet on the other side.

Joey kept her hand on your arm as the two of you began your walk up the steps. She couldn’t help the way her mouth fell open at the size of the mansion. She thought Grace’s mansion was huge, but this one was more than two times as big. There was a large fountain in the middle of the pathway that led to the house. The double oak doors at the front of the house were wide open as a line of people showed their invitations to get in.

Joey looked down when she felt you pull your arm away. She watched as you reached into your coat and pulled out an invitation, the same invitation Grace had shown her the day before. Joey smiled at the doorman as he took the invitation you handed him and watched as he placed it in a neat stack with the others. The doorman gave the two of you a nod but otherwise showed no hint of an emotion. He was dressed in black pants, black dress shoes, a long black coat, and white gloves. As the two of you entered the house Joey could see all the waitstaff wearing the same thing.

You led Joey into a grand ballroom where a live band was playing, and people were already dancing. You effortlessly weaved your way through the people as if you had done it a hundred times. Joey started to question whether she was wrong about you, maybe you were familiar with this life, though nothing before this indicated that, everything about you actually pointed to the exact opposite.

When the two of you finally emerged from the small crowd Joey saw you had brought her to the bar. She rolled her eyes and turned her attention to the crowd. This was her first mission, and it seemed you intended to drink, one minute you were completely professional then the next you weren’t. As her eyes scanned the crowd her ears were filled with fake laughter, everyone seemed to be partnered up or in their own little social circle.

She couldn’t help but jump when she felt something cold and wet brush against her arm, her eyes snapped down to see you holding out a glass with a clear liquid and some nice. “I don’t drink,” she said and moved to continue watching the crowd. It was still early but she was hoping one or both of their suspects were there already.

“It’s sprite,” you said.

“What?” Joey snapped her eyes to you, but your eyes weren’t on her, they were on the crowd. You raised your drink to your lips, but your eyes never left the crowd.

“It’s Sprite,” you said again, giving the glass you still held out to her a little shake.

She hesitantly took the glass from you and took a sip. It was Sprite, just like you said. “Thank you.” You only gave her a small nod in acknowledgment.

The two of you nursed your drinks, waiting and watching as more and more people slowly began to fill the room. When the hour hit, and the party officially began the band switched their tune and began playing a slower song.

“Care to dance?” You asked, already holding out your hand to her.

She looked down at your hand and couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle. You tilted your head and raised an eyebrow at her. “You’re serious?” She asked.

You nodded. “We gotta act casual.” She took your hand, and you instantly led her to the middle of the dance floor. You put your hands on her waist while she rested hers around your neck. “Besides, I got to show off my moves if I stand a chance of getting Ms. Knights attention.”

Joey just hummed in response and followed your lead as the two of you began to move in sync to the music. “So, that’s your plan, seduce one of the suspects?”

You gave a small shrug. “If it works it works.” She rolled her eyes at that. She didn’t disagree with you but seducing an unknown supernatural creature that kills people didn’t seem like the smartest idea. “Figured I’d take the lovely Ms. Knight while you take Mr. Carter.”

“I’m not sleeping with him.”

“No, one’s asking you to,” you said quickly, wrinkling your nose in disgust. “God,” you shook your head. “That’s not what we do here. Just dance with him, flirt, try and get him to murder you.” Joey glared at you. “Nothing is going to happen to you,” you stared straight into her eyes. “I’ll be right there.” you pulled her closer. he could feel your lips brushing against her ear. “Do you see them?”

Joey flicked her eyes around the room, Marcus Carter had entered a moment ago and was already at the bar, drink in hand, as he chatted with a couple men. She then flicked her eyes across the room to where Karoline Knight was standing, she was at the top of the steps by a doorway, overlooking the whole room. “Got them,” she mumbled.

You leaned back and smiled at her before giving her a little spin then pulled her back into your arms. “Before we get this started,” you mumbled against her ear. “I wanted to apologize for earlier.” Joey’s entire body tensed up, but she didn’t say anything. “I didn’t mean to overstep. I won’t do it again.”

“Thank you,” Joey whispered. “I’m sorry as well, I might have overreacted a bit.”

“Don’t apologize.” Joey furrowed her brow as the two of you broke apart, the song as well as your dance finally coming to an end. “You’re just protecting your son, there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Before Joey could respond you were disappearing through the crowd. When she glanced around people, she could make out you subtly making your way over to Karoline. Joey shook her head, you were so damn considerate, it was quite annoying. She decided this meant it was time for her to make her way to Marcus.

She weaved in between people, casually making her way over to the bar. When she got there, she didn’t so much as glance at Marcus as she leaned on the counter asking the bartender for the same thing she had before. She could feel Marcus’s eyes on her the second she got close to the bar. She thanked the bartender as he slid her another sprite in a glass and then turned to continue watching the people on the dance floor.

“Where’s your partner?” Marcus said, sliding over next to her.

Joey still didn’t bother glancing at him as she found you across the room talking to Karoline. “Don’t have a partner,” she finally said. She watched as you grabbed two glasses of champaign from one of the waiters walking around, handing one to Karoline before toasting.

“Really? Cause you sure looked cozy dancing with them.” He slid closer to her, so his jacket was just barely brushing against her arm.

“They asked,” she shrugged. “Guess they were a good dance partner.” You were a good dance partner; Joey didn’t even realize in the moment how effortless it had been dancing with you.

“Are you open to other dance partners?”

Joey finally turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow in challenge. “If they can keep up.”

Marcus chuckled, he finished off his drink before taking Joey’s hand in his own and brought his lips down, kissing the back of her hand. “Marcus Carter, it’s a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.

“Josephine,” Joey said, smiling as the fake name rolled off her tongue easily.

“Well, Josephine,” Marcus looked up at her, barely moving away from her hand. “Would you honor me with a dance?”

Joey nodded and allowed Marcus to lead her onto the dance floor. They got to the middle of the dance floor just as a new song started up. She allowed Marcus to take the lead, the dance with him was a little faster than the one with you and it didn’t require her having to be close with him for too long. As he turned her and spun her around, she caught sight of you talking to Karoline, leaning closer and whispering in her ear, until finally she saw Karoline grab your hand and drag you out of the room.

Joey tried not to panic at losing sight of you, you still had your earpiece so she could still talk to you. She wasn’t usually nervous on a job but considering this was her first official mission dealing with something supernatural and the fact that neither of you knew what you were actually dealing with, she wasn’t exactly at ease not having you in her line of sight. She kept telling herself that you have been doing this longer than her, that you and Grace have been at this a long time, you know what you’re doing, even if you act like you don’t.

Joey had her back to Marcus as he led her from behind. Joey turned her head, smiling back at Marcus as he gave her one last spin, ending the dance. “Join me for a drink?” he asked.

Joey nodded. She followed him back through the crowd to the bar. The bartender seemed to already know his order because he had a drink ready for Marcus in seconds. “Just water,” Joey said when the bartender looked at her. Marcus scrunched his eyebrows at her choice. “Need to rehydrate,” she smiled, trying to brush it off. “All that dancing, need to make sure I can go all night.”

Marcus smiled, handing Joey her water when the bartender put it on the counter. “Cheers to that.”  He raised his glass and Joey happily clinked hers against it.

As she brought the glass to her mouth she stared into Marcus’s eyes, getting a good visual of his left hand as he raised his own glass to his mouth. Joey turned away, leaning back against the bar as she looked out at the dance floor, the next song was much more fast paced than any of the previous ones.

“You know,” Joey said, turning back to Marcus with a smile. “I’m a little famished, I’m going to see what’s to eat.”

“No, no,” he said, smiling at her. “Anything in particular?”

“Surprise me.” Marcus wandered off into the crowd towards a table lined with food.

“Grace,” Joey whispered just in case anyone else was listening. “Can you hear me?”

“What’s going on?” Grace’s voice came through the earpiece.

“Is Marcus married?”

“No.”

“Are you sure?” Joey moved her head, glancing around the people as best as she could to see Marcus at the table loading up a little plate.

“There’s no evidence of a marriage, why?”

“His ring finger has a tan line.” When she got an actual visual of his hand it had been so obvious, it was clear he wore a ring on his left ring finger. The tan line was so obvious it seemed he had just taken it off for the night.

“Give me a second.” Joey nodded and watched as Marcus grabbed another plate. Once both plates were loaded up, he turned and slowly began making his way back towards Joey. “There’s no indication he’s married, no official documentation, no photos, literally nothing.”

“Something doesn’t feel right about this,” Joey mumbled. “Can you get ahold of Y/N?”

“You lost them?” Joey tried to ignore the concern in Grace’s voice.

“They’re with Karoline,” Joey defended weakly.

“Dammit, pain in my ass,” Grace mumbled to herself.

That made Joey feel better, she at least knew you wandering off with a potential killer was nothing new. She smiled just as Marcus returned, handing her a plate of something. “Thank you,” she said, taking the plate from him. She looked down at the small portions, each item looking like finger food, though she hoped no one asked her what it was because she would not be able to tell them.

“Joey?” Grace’s voice came through the earpiece again. Joey gave a little hum as she ate one of the items on the plate, it was the only way to show Grace she was listening. “Y/N’s not answering comms.” Joey sucked in a breath; she really was starting to not have a good feeling about this. “Don’t panic, stay the course. They know how to handle themselves, if there’s trouble they would have called.”

Joey nodded to herself and continue to smile as Marcus talked about something. She decided to believe Grace, though Grace herself didn’t sound all to convinced. Joey kept at least one eye scanning the room for you, she wanted to get eyes on you again. She never thought she’d say this, but she was honestly hoping you were just hooking up with Karoline and nothing was seriously wrong. Joey’s life was never that lucky though.

Taglist: @thinking1bee @so-to-aqui-pelas-fic @alexkolax @pianogirl2121

[bones4thecats]

Miko's Army! Sister; TFP! Bulkhead's S/O

Character: Bulkhead (Transformers Prime) Inspired By: The most random thoughts A/N: This may be a part two, don't know, y'all can vote after reading! ⚠️ Trigger Warnings for: Nothing ⚠️

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Bulkhead ══════════════════════════════╝

💥 You were Miko's older sister, being 9 years older than the 15-year-old. She admired everything you did growing up. You were a very strong woman, participating in multiple strength-related sports as you aged, ranging from wrestling to volleyball

💥 When you turned 18, you moved into America and gained citizenship before joining their military, becoming one of their best members quickly. Once you returned from missions overseas, you got the news that your sister, Miko, had been getting ready to be an exchange student from your parents

💥 It definitely shook your life around, as you hadn't seen her since she was 9 and you were a new-adult. Miko was ecstatic to move in with her older sister once again, knowing you would be such an amazing caretaker for the meanwhile

💥 As the time passed, Miko gained a strong love for American pop-culture. She dyed part of her hair pink and grew into a thrill-seeking young teenager with a strong sense of bravery and loyalty, which she gained from your influence

💥 One morning, she had woke up after falling asleep on the couch in front of the TV with you reading a book in your chair. She was not wanting to go to school, but she knew that you wanted her to go and she couldn't make you angry, your anger scared everyone

💥 She lightly walked out into the living room, finding you there with your canine, Koro, sitting down with his vest wrapped around his body

"What are ya' doing?" She asked.

"Getting ready for work. I have a shift starting at 9:00, so you might wanna get ready 'cause you're getting dropped off early."

"Ugh..." She groaned as she walked away to get dressed and fix her hair.

"Don't worry, Miko. I should be off sooner rather than later tonight, my boss said that I could leave to get you and get back when you're home."

💥 Miko, after some bribery from you, got dressed and pulled her hair up into the two buns and single ponytail in the back. You smiled and handed her a lunchbox filled with her favorite foods before grabbing your own along with your keys, turning on your 2009 Ford F-150, and vesting up your dog before leaving

💥 As you drove Miko to school, you got a call. Picking it up, you answered formally to your boss before asking him what he needed you to do the rest of the day

"Well, Agent Nakadai, we are in need of your presence today. A plan is needing some finalization. Are you clear to come in?"

"Yes, sir. I'm about two minutes away from my sister's school, I'll drop her off and head over immediately."

"Alright. I shall see you soon, Agent."

"You as well, sir."

💥 Hanging up your phone, Miko asked who called, to which you said your boss before laying your phone in the cup holder and turned on some Slash Monkey, knowing it was Miko's favorite band to listen too

💥 She sang along to the music while playing an air guitar as you laughed and kept driving, only slowing down once entering the school-area. Miko looked at you and smiled, pulling her tank-top strap back up and slinging her bag over her shouldr before jumping out, saying her goodbyes, before running off to screw around like normal

💥 You smiled and drove off towards your work, hoping that this wouldn't cause anything to keep you for too long. You needed to hang around your sister more, work just- could get difficult...

»–•–«

💥 It did not go as planned.

💥 Once you saw the lock hit when Miko would get out, you groaned, grabbing your phone and calling your sister. She answered and you just said that she needed to tell you where she would be in around 2 to 3 hours, and she just said she'd be walking around Jasper

💥 You told her that you'd call when you got out and that when you did, she would need to go to K.O. Burger and wait for you there. She agreed and said she was gonna go have some fun now

"Okay, just-"

"Be careful, yeah, I know."

"Love you, Miko."

"You too, big sis!"

»–•–«

💥 Nodding as you spoke to your boss again, you heard both Arcee and Bumblebee returning from grabbing the two male humans that found them in the action against two Vehicons the day prior

"Are the two of them back?"

"Yes they are. I better go see the boys and make sure they don't pass out."

"That you should. Have a good rest of your day, Agent."

"You as well, Fowler."

💥 Closing the phone and stuffing it in your pocket, you turned around and began walking towards the main room where the others were. You were ready to meet the boys, but were not ready to meet the third human they got

"I'm Raf." You heard.

"I'm Miko! Who're you?"

"Bulkhead..."

"Are you a car? I bet you're a truck. A monster truck! Do you like heavy metal? How much do you weight? Ever use a wrecking-ball for a punching bag?"

💥 You quickened your walk to a run as you heard the ramblings. You prayed to every God of every religion that that was not the Miko you were related too

💥 WHY WERE YOU WRONG ALL THE TIME?!

"Miko Nakadai! What are you doing here?!"

💥 The female froze as everyone turned to look at you in confusion. Did you know the young girl?

"Hey! Funny seeing you here!"

"I told you to- why can't you listen for five minutes?" You mumbled as you ran down the stairs to your younger sister.

"Uhm, Y/N?" Bulkhead asked, causing you to turn around to look up at the green-mech.

"...Yes?"

"How do you know her?"

"Oh, don't tell me she's your sister." Ratchet said, a groan ready to come out.

"Well... yeah."

💥 The Autobots looked at you with shock, you guys looked similar, yet different. Her hair has a thick, pink stripe while yours had nothing. She had a very flamboyant fashion sense, while yours was far more dark and solid-appearing. Miko also had an outgoing personality while you were cold and calculating with your words

💥 Bulkhead looked at you and back at Miko nervously, wondering what his next words should be

"Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?!" Miko asked excitedly.

"It was classified." You glared at Bumblebee and Arcee, making them slightly shift, before continuing. "And none of your business."

"Y/N, if I may ask, how old is Miko?"

"I'm 15! Y/N's-"

"24. We're aware."

"I didn't know how old she was." Arcee said, making Bulkhead slightly tense and look away, his face-plate slightly tinted blue.

"Are you like my sister's boyfriend or something? She does rave about someone nicknamed 'Bulky'."

"MIKO! Enough!" You yelled, grabbing her arm and pulling her away to look at you, only to be interrupted by Optimus walking inside to speak to the humans.

"Y/N, I believe it is in all of our best interests to assist these... children, in gaining some consolation in what is happening in this base."

"Understood, Prime."

💥 Bulkhead saw you slightly back away, so he bent his hand down for you to jump on, which you did. He picked you fully up to perch on his shoulder and listen as Optimus spoke to your sister and the two other males

💥 You looked at Miko and sighed... this was going to be a more difficult time caring for her than you thought...

[aurumacadicus]

Anyway I saw a commercial where Don Cheadle runs a speakeasy.

--

"Tony, my bar is opening tonight and my piano player has food poisoning," Jim stated when he found him in the living room of his penthouse, watching a basketball game.

Tony blinked at him, shoving a handful of chips into his mouth. "I can flush him with Pedialyte?"

"This isn't college. Also I already left him a case and a credit card in case his girlfriend has to take him to get an IV," Jim answered with a blasé shrug. He reached over the back of the couch to grab his hair and give him a gentle shake. "I understand you're still reeling from your breakup but I need a favor. You must have dated at least one person who can play jazz on the piano."

"Stop wobbling me I'm full of chips," Tony grumbled, lifting his hand to slap Jim's arm. "And no, I didn't. I'm the piano player in my relationships."

Jim paused, then began shaking him with more fervor. "HOW COME YOU NEVER PLAYED FOR ME."

"There wasn't a piano in our dorm I will throw up on you," Tony snapped, smacking his arm again. "Also??? I was adorable in school I would have hogged all the girls."

"It's so annoying that you're right," Jim huffed, allowing himself to be brushed off. He looked around the penthouse, then pointed at the piano next to the window, which he'd always thought was just there either to impress Tony's dates or because rich people just owned pianos. "Show me what you can do."

"I don't want to go to your speakeasy opening," Tony complained, even as he stood and brushed his hands off on his sweatpants. "I want to wallow in finding my ex-boyfriend fucking my ex-girlfriend in my bed. I was supposed to propose tonight. You're getting George Gershwin."

"Oh no," Jim deadpanned. "A way to get your mind off of that guy I hated anyway while getting me to owe you a favor."

Tony paused, slanting him a look out of the corner of his eye. His fingers hovered over the piano keys. "...You'll owe me a favor?" he repeated.

"A big one," Jim confirmed, and couldn't help a relieved smile as Tony's fingers danced along the keys in response, Rhapsody in Blue vibrating out from the piano's body. "Wear that pinstripe number. You'll never have to buy yourself a drink."

--

Most of the patrons were by invite. Jim had wanted to show the place off to his friends first, now that it was finished. A themed bar wasn't the safest bet in any economy, and he wanted them to be able to enjoy it before he had to start stressing about finances. And military people never needed an excuse to drink.

Tony's favor had involved inviting a few of his rich friends, though, and with the selfies Janet Van Dyne and Johnny Storm were posting online, Jim figured he'd be set for a few years, especially when Jan grabbed his hands and sparkled at him about how she'd be coming at least once a week to show off new flapper dresses. (He was still unsure as to how she "sparkled" at him, but it was an adjective he'd gotten from Tony and it was the only really apt one.) They kept dropping fifties in the tip jar, too, which only made his bartenders more cheerful and willing to act in their roles.

Luckily, the higher class clientele were balanced out with Jim's pals from the military. Carol and Maria had already said their goodbyes (Monica had an event early the next morning) but as the air force left, the army rolled in, and he welcomed the Howling Commandoes in with only a little teasing.

"Jim," Natasha said, appearing beside him between one breath and another, despite the beads on her dress tinkling musically with each step. "Why is Bucky lying to people that his food poisoning miraculously ended. And why did he give me five hundred dollars to shut up about him not having food poisoning."

Jim sighed. He should have known that Bucky would have gotten dragged here regardless of his "illness" with friends like the Commandoes. "I needed to get Tony out of the house but I knew he'd only do it if I needed help. Today was the first time he showered in a week."

"I see. Well, I've just gotten May and Happy together," Natasha said ominously. "And Pepper is well on her way to realizing Phil is asking her out. I could use a new project. Steve is also single."

"I really don't want Tony dating right after he found his cheating ex-boyfriend in his bed with someone else," Jim began.

"Don't worry, Steve is stupidly loyal even to people he's not dating and will punch Tiberius Stone in the teeth if he ever sees him," Natasha assured him, and floated halfway across the room as Jim gave her an astonished blink.

Well. Jim couldn't say he didn't want to see that. He drifted over to the piano, where Tony was still diligently playing Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton. "You need a break, bud? You've been playing for two hours straight."

"Rhodey," Tony slurred happily, and it made Jim suddenly aware of the rows of martini glasses on the side of the piano. "This is so much fun. Is it okay if my tips go to charity. I can't feel my hands."

Bucky appeared a moment later, cheerfully shouldering him aside. "I'll take over, fella," he said, giving Jim a wink, and hip-checked Tony off of the piano bench and directly into Jim's arms.

"Was that hot or am I sad and drunk?" Tony asked. He squinted at Bucky blearily. "Am I sad and looking for anything to be hot. Or was that actually hot."

Reluctantly, Jim answered, "No, it was hot, but Bucky's taken." He pulled Tony's arm over his shoulders. "Let's get some water in you, okay?"

"Okay but I promised Jan I'd play her out because of drama and panache," Tony wobbled, allowing Jim to tow him over to the dark, moody sitting area. "Is this a secret door? Oh my God yay," he added as Jim pulled a bookcase open to reveal a back room where he could rest without excitement.

Jim had intended for it to be a room for private parties, but letting his friends sober up in it tonight would be fine, probably. Especially if Tony was going to be drunk and cute about it. "What is Jan going to have you play?"

"'Let's Misbehave,'" Tony slurred, and Jim sighed fondly, because of course she was.

[sideprince]

Do you have any thoughts on how Snape would have acted if Harry had been sorted into Slytherin? While I can’t help but feel that there would be a part of him who would want to joyously gloat about James Potter’s son ending up in Slytherin, I can’t help but wonder if he wouldn’t still hold a mountain of resentment that would be incorrectly targeted towards Harry? Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks!

I think one of the key aspects of Snape and Harry's relationship is that they don't really know each other and don't get a chance to. If you look at how the rest of the staff treat Snape, there seems to be respect for him and while I'm not sure how many of his colleagues actively like him, they certainly don't dislike him. We see this in how the rest of the staff treat teachers they don't like, such as Lockhart and Umbridge:

...Dumbledore announcing that, unfortunately, Professor Lockhart would be unable to return next year, owing to the fact that he needed to go away and get his memory back. Quite a few of the teachers joined in the cheering that greeted this news.

-Chamber of Secrets, Ch. 18

The upshot of it all was that Professor Umbridge spent her first afternoon as headmistress running all over the school answering the summonses of the other teachers, none of whom seemed able to rid their rooms of the fireworks without her. When the final bell rang and the students were heading back to Gryffindor Tower with their bags, Harry saw, with immense satisfaction, a disheveled and soot- blackened Umbridge tottering sweaty-faced from Professor Flitwick’s classroom.  “Thank you so much, Professor!” said Professor Flitwick in his squeaky little voice. “I could have got rid of the sparklers myself, of course, but I wasn’t sure whether I had the authority...”  Beaming, he closed his classroom door in her snarling face.

Order of the Phoenix, Ch. 28

This leads me to think that since the staff have had some opportunity to get to know Snape, even if it's superficially (given how guarded he is), their treatment of him indicates that he's not as terrible and repugnant as characters like Harry make him out to be. And while it's possible that they were deferential to him because he can be intimidating, I don't really see a bunch of talented, established Hogwarts professors cowering. After all, Umbridge had more authority than Dumbledore and even fired a staff member, but the rest of the teachers didn't seem to be affected by whether or not they were intimidated by her. They also literally took on Voldemort and his army to protect the school.

The reason Snape is able to project so much of James onto Harry is because they don't know each other outside of the classroom. This is the same reason why Harry is able to resent Snape so much. We see a chink in both their armors during Occlumency lessons in OoTP, as Harry shows curiosity and Snape encourages it, but before they can start to get a fuller picture of one another as people, Harry wrecks it by invading Snape's privacy when he goes into the pensieve. It's integral to the plot - and the big reveal at the end of DH - that these two characters maintain a resentful distance.

If Harry had been sorted into Slytherin, they would have had more of a chance to get to know each other. The same way Harry was told by other Gryffindors as soon as he started school that Snape was strict, mean, and played favorites, if he'd been sorted in Slytherin he would have been influenced by their bias in the other direction, ie. in favor of Snape (and potentially against McGonagall given the rivalry with Gryffindor). Whatever resentment Snape had against James would have had an opportunity to soften over time as he inevitably got to know Harry better.

By his fifth year Harry would have been sitting down with Snape, not McGonagall, to discuss his career ambitions, and as his head of house Snape would have known Harry enough to advise him. We see throughout the books that heads of house like McGonagall pay attention to students even if they don't interact with them all that much directly. Had Snape had the opportunity to do so with Harry, and had he been motivated by his role as his head of house to defend him where necessary, he would have gotten to know Harry as an individual enough that whatever of James that rested in Harry's facial features would have fallen by the wayside.

That's only one part of how Snape relates to Harry, though. He's vocal about James, his friends, and his hatred of them, but he never mentions Lily once. We know Snape is a guarded man who frowns on wearing your heart on your sleeve:

‘I told you to empty yourself of emotion!’ ‘Yeah? Well, I’m finding that hard at the moment,’ Harry snarled. ‘Then you will find yourself easy prey for the Dark Lord!’ said Snape savagely. ‘Fools who wear their hearts proudly on their sleeves, who cannot control their emotions, who wallow in sad memories and allow themselves to be provoked so easily - weak people, in other words - they stand no chance against his powers! He will penetrate your mind with absurd ease, Potter!’ ‘I am not weak,’ said Harry in a low voice, fury now pumping through him so that he thought he might attack Snape in a moment. ‘Then prove it! Master yourself!’ spat Snape.

-Order of the Phoenix, Ch. 24

So it's no surprise that he doesn't mention Lily. He protected Harry at risk to his own life for the sake of honoring Lily's sacrifice. Clearly their friendship meant the world to him and left an impact, and because it's so tied up in emotion for him, Snape never talks about it. He isn't the kind of man to show emotion willingly, as we know. He smirks, he speaks softly when angry, he hisses, and he only loses the tight grip he has on expressing his feelings when he's triggered. There's a fair bit of information on the page about his relationship with James and how he feels about it, and how much of it he projects onto Harry (though I think that diminishes significantly from OotP on, especially after Sirius' death), but nothing at all about Lily except in his very private moments with Dumbledore.

What's even less straightforward is how much of Lily he sees in Harry. I wonder whether this was intentional on the author's part, but I'm curious whether Snape might get angry when Harry sasses him and talks back because his personality is so much like his mother's. So while there isn't much to go on, I think it's interesting to consider whether if Harry had been sorted into Slytherin, Snape might not have seen more of Lily in him given the opportunity to get to know each other a bit, and whether he might not have appreciated that about him.

[canadianfangirl-95]

A Bahamas Bet

Frankie Morales fanfiction x f! reader

Summary: Going on vacation to the Bahamas with your friends could only call for sun, fun and a sweet vacation hookup. Nothing could ruin your enjoyable time, not even your childhood friend’s obnoxious army buddy, Frankie Morales. Right?

Original characters- Wendy (Will), Blaire (Benny), Sofia (Santi)

Two-part series warnings and info: 18+ Minors DNI, enemies to lovers, one bed left at the inn trope, alternating povs, Frankie doesn’t have a child, brief mention of therapy, reader nickname Birdie, alcohol, smut, protected p in v, hat stays ON, oral f receiving, swearing

Part 1 Word Count: 8k

Part 1

Thursday

Your eyes burn by the sudden brightness of the sun as you step out of the airport lobby. Throwing your hand over top of them so you can peer out and take in the surroundings. A beautiful tropical escape calls for you as you pull the strap on your backpack tighter and step in line with your group.

A fun in the sun friend trip to a Bahamas resort. What could go wrong? You were accompanied by your childhood friends Will and Benny, Will’s wife Wendy and Benny’s girlfriend Blaire. As well as their friend Santi, Santi’s girlfriend Sofia and their other friend. Upon their discharge from the army, they and their two friends settled right back into your hometown in North Carolina. Santi, who became a trusted brother-like figure, was equally as lovely as his girlfriend Sofia whom you introduced him to upon moving to your humble abode. She was a distant friend of yours from high school who you happened to reconnect with all these years later and they fell head over heels for one another the first time they met.

Their other friend, Frankie, was not someone you were looking forward to spending a long weekend with. While the rest of the group felt like a found family, Frankie did not. He was stubborn, rude, and was just, let’s be honest, a fucking dick to you since you met. You have asked Benny and Will countless times why they attached themselves to someone like him and every time you get the same answer, “You just don’t know him like we do, there’s more to him, give him a chance,” blah blah blah. You would absolutely give him a chance if every time you spoke his face didn’t ooze with annoyance. 

Frankie dickhead or fishhead or whatever they call him aside, you were determined to enjoy your weekend and maybe even have a vacation fling. Why not right? Getting drunk and messing around with a cute guy would surely distract your single heart from the painfully in love people you choose to spend your time with.

The group locates the shuttle from the airport to the resort and quickly haul your bags in. Each couple taking a bench together while you and Frankie take your decidedly separate benches on opposite sides of the bus.

Sofia turns in her seat to catch your attention from your phone, “I can’t wait to see the resort, and check out the excursions. There’s supposed to be a really romantic waterfall nearby that I wanna take this guy to if he’ll let me. They say it’s for lovers.” She says with a wink, nudging Santi’s shoulder.

This earned a cheeky smile from Santi, “I’ll take you wherever you want baby.”

You roll your eyes at the lovesick display in front of you with a grin and return to your phone. You can hear Frankie and Benny talking across the bus and even just his voice sounds like nails on a chalkboard. Thankfully this is a huge resort and the proximity you will be required to keep with him will be a few miles at most.

Everyone eagerly hops off the bus and bound towards the resort entrance to check in. Each couple steps in line together to get their room keys. You stand at the back of the line scanning the hotel lobby intently, when Frankie slides in the space between you and Will. You shake your head and grunt out an “Excuse you.” With an eye roll.

Frankie swiftly turns his head towards you with a grin, “Sorry did you say something?” His smug look amplified with his quick tap of his ear just below his stupid Standard Heating Oil hat that was seemingly glued to his head.

Shaking your head in annoyance you reply, “Isn’t it ladies first?”

He pulls his lips tight and squints, “Uh, sometimes but last I checked I don’t really see a lady here.” His cheeky smile earns nothing more than a huff from you as you fold your arms and ignore him once again.

The 3 couples complete their check ins and Frankie saunters up to the counter. You follow a few steps behind.

The clerk checks her computer and turns back to Frankie, “Yes, Mr. Morales. Will you and your significant other be needing two keys or one?”

He looks at her perplexed, “Uh, no it’s just me.”

She checks her screen again, “No, I have you and another guest in the same room.” She says your name and you perk up from behind Frankie’s broad body.

Frankie stands confused as you push forward and shove him slightly out of the way. “No, we booked 5 rooms. He and I each have our own.” you state matter-of-factly.

The clerk wrings her hands together nervously, “I’m sorry miss but the rooms were booked by Mr. Garcia and the reservation is only for 4 rooms, and unfortunately, we are booked solid right now.”

Your eyes widened and mouth slacked as you pieced together the puzzle. “So, what you’re say is, we-,” gesturing to you and Frankie’s stunned expression, “have to share one room…all weekend.”

She nods shyly, “Yes, I am so sorry, but I can throw in a complimentary beverage package for the inconvenience. I do just need a credit card for the room though.”

Frankie looks at you and you roll your eyes, whipping out your wallet and handing it over. “You’re gonna pay me back half.” You say sternly as he pulls his lips tight.

The clerk runs your card and offers an unnecessarily pleasant smile to you while placing the room cards and resort maps on the counter. Dumbfounded, you and Frankie both take your packages and turn to the group whose worry lines were greater than the waves crashing on the beach behind you.

Both of your faces turn to Santi and he sucks his teeth, “Uh, sorry about that guys I guess I didn’t double check the booking. Must’ve made a mistake.”

You look to the group, “Okay so who’s gonna switch with one of us because this is NOT happening.” You declare.

“Soooo, not happening.” Frankie confirms.

They look at each other in desperation for one of them to volunteer, but to no avail they all remain silent. Will pulls his lips into a thin line, “Look guys, I know it’s not ideal, but it’s just a long weekend. You can manage.”

Blaire comments, “Yeah, we won’t even be spending any time in the rooms anyway, we’ll be too busy. You’ll only be in the room at-,”

“Night, yeah that’s kind of my biggest problem here.” You interject, running a distressed hand through your hair. “Come on, one of the guys can bunk with Frankie and I’ll go with their girl.”

Benny shakes his head, “Birdie, hate to break it to you, but none of us are giving up sex all weekend to change rooms with you.” The couples all nod along in agreement as Frankie taps his knuckle against the room card in his hand that feels like it weighs a hundred pounds. “I’m sure you guys can manage to not rip each other apart for a few days for the sake of the trip, right?” He continues.

Sofia looks up at the ceiling of the grand lobby and mutters under her breath, “Or maybe ripping each other apart is exactly what they need to do.” She smirks at Santi who suppresses a chuckle.

Both pulling their humorous demeanor flat when your stern eyes burn into them, “Not funny, or helpful.”

Santi steps inward, “It’ll be fine guys, okay? Let’s just go to our rooms, get settled and meet back here in half an hour to start exploring alright?”

Everyone gives a meek nod and follows Santi’s lead towards the elevators. You grab your luggage handle and look up at Frankie who gives you a tight face, “After you, roomie.”

Thankfully, you were all still in the same hallway so you could have a quick escape from your hellish roommate situation if need be.

Stopping in front of your room, you pull the swipe card out of your pocket and slide it in. The green light flashes and you push forward into your jail cell for the weekend.

Both of your mouths drop as you discover the thing that neither of you had even considered.

One. Fucking. Bed.

Dropping your luggage, you step towards the large bed in the middle of the tropically decorated room, “No, no, no, are you fucking kidding me?” You ask the world, as your hands come to your face. Turning in your spot you see Frankie standing there with a smug grin on his face, suppressing a giggle.

“You think this is funny? Sharing a bed all weekend. With someone you hate.” You ask through grit teeth.

He steps forward, “No, but I think your reaction to sharing a bed with someone you hate all weekend is pretty funny.”

“Hah, well laugh it up army boy, you’re sleeping on the floor or in the tub.”

He scoffs and pushes past you to throw his lean body on the king-sized bed, resting his arm underneath his head, “Not happening pigeon, I paid for a bed, and I am using a bed. If you don’t think you can control yourself sharing with me, then you’ll be the one on the floor.”

Taking a deep inhale you reply, “First, it’s Birdie, which is rich coming from someone who’s nickname is literally Fish, and if you think I can’t control myself around you, you’re more delusional than I thought.” You say, sauntering over to the bed and tossing yourself down on the other side with a cross of your arms.

Rolling onto his side to look at you, he grins, “Please, I see the way you look at me.”

“Like my lunch is gonna come hurling through my mouth?” You say, refusing to meet his eyes.

“No, like you want me.” He says with a wink.

Your face finally turns on the pillow, “Me? Want you? To fall off a cliff maybe.”

He chuckles, “You’re funny when you’re flirting.”

Your whole-body rolls with your eyes as you pull yourself off the bed and onto the palm tree leaf patterned carpet. “If anyone is gonna have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves, it’s you.”

Leaning on his elbow to raise himself up, “Alright, I’ve got a bet for you. First one to make a move loses.” He says with a shit eating grin on his face.

You bite your lip with intrigue, “What does the winner get?”

He hums to himself for a moment, “Are bragging rights not enough?”

“No, no it’s really not. Whoever loses, pays for the room.” You say, crossing your arms and smirking at your prospect of a free vacation.

Frankie squints and looks around the room for a beat before turning back and replying, “Deal.” He raises his hand, and you step in to shake it.

Giggling, you comment, “Hope you’re looking forward to the bluest balls you’ve had since high school Morales.”

“Oh please, everyone knows I got laid in high school.” He grins and rolls off the bed.

The two of you unpack quietly while he offers you countless eyebrow raises and air kisses, to which you swiftly brush past, doing your best to ignore the slight heat coming from your gut and your sudden need to breathe out of your nose.

A fun in the sun friend trip to a Bahamas resort. What could go wrong?

After hours of exploring the resort and dinner, the group finds themselves in one of the resort bars. The guy’s crowd around the bar tv to watch whatever sporting event they were missing back home after bribing the bartender to change the channel.

You and the girls relax at a table sipping your fruity cocktails and taking in the guests enjoying the dance floor.

Wendy leans into the group, “Soo, how’d it go with Frankie in the room?”

You take a long sip from your drink before answering, “Oh get this. HE thinks I want him. HE thinks I can’t go all weekend sharing a room with him without catching feelings or making a move. Can you believe him?”

The girls look at one another with a thought that you were seemingly excluded from. “What?” You ask, perplexed.

Sofia shifts in her seat, “It’s just, to be honest none of us can really believe the two of you haven’t gotten together already.”

Your eyebrows crease, “Why on earth would I wanna get with Frankie?”

She shrugs, “I don’t know, you two just seem to have this chemistry. We thought the weird anger you both held towards each other would have run its course by now and you would see that you’re, well, you’re kind of perfect for each other.”

Sputtering on your drink you can’t believe your ears, “Seriously, him and I? Perfect for each other? The same way that a lighter is perfect for dynamite maybe. He actually made a bet with me who would fold first. Can you believe him? Well, he’s got another thing coming.” You say into your drink, staring at the back of his head with a plan plotting behind your eyes.

Blaire laughs, “But what about your plan to get laid this weekend?”

“Oh, I’m doing that too. I have all weekend to mess with Frankie AND find a guy to have a vacation romance with. Maybe even go to that waterfall with. Don’t you worry about me.” You say with a wink.

Little did you know, the guys were having a similar conversation just across the bar.

Frankie continues, “So we made a bet who could make it the longest without making a move on the other one. Whoever loses pays for the whole room, I think I’ll get a seadoo with the money I get back.” he says, shoveling peanuts into his mouth.

Santi laughs and holds his beer close to his mouth, “So you’re definitely hooking up this weekend then?”

He shrugs, “Why would you say that?”

“You just said who could make it the longest, not who could make it the whole weekend without trying something. Let me ask you something man, if she genuinely tried to hook up with you, would you stop it and accept your win? Or would you do it?” He asks and takes a long sip from his drink.

Will and Benny turn towards Frankie and await his answer. The answer Frankie wishes he had. He drums his fingers on the wood bar top for a moment, “Uh, I don’t, - I didn’t think about it, I guess. I know you guys have known her since you were like, 6 but have either of you, ever, you know?” He asks Benny and Will with confusion in his eyes.

The brothers look to one and another and back to Frankie before Benny replies, “Her and I messed around a bit when we were teenagers, but we never slept together. Just kids figuring things out. That is about the time our parents realized we were a tad bit too old for slumber parties though.” He says with a laugh.

Will nods, “Nah, we’ve never. Just see her like a sister I guess.”

Frankie accepts their answers and continues his thoughts. What would he do if he found himself in that situation. Would he shut it down? Would he go with it? Shaking his head and returning his focus to the game, he reminded himself he can’t be having thoughts like that. He had a bet to win after all.

Saying goodnight to your friends, you stumble into the hotel room with Frankie sliding behind you. The buzz you had given yourself was keeping your spirits high at the thought of what you can do with this weekend. As you start collecting your pjs to retreat to the bathroom with, Frankie rounds his side of the bed and quickly starts undressing right down to his boxers. You throw your hand up to shield your eyes from the sight, “Whoa whoa keep your fucking pants on.”

He shrugs and climbs into the bed, “I sleep in my boxers at home, I’m gonna do it here. Unless, you know, this is too tempting for you.” He says with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

Dropping your hand you offer him an annoyed look, “Hardly.” You say before heading to the bathroom.

When you return with your clean face, hair pulled into a bun and your fresh pjs on, you crawl into the other side of the bed.

Frankie stares at you, “Wow, really making it hard for me huh ostrich?”

All that you can muster at the late hour is a swift flip of your middle finger and then you turn on your side, facing away from him. Without so much as a goodnight, you drift to sleep to the sound of his deep breathing.

Friday

Your body feels heavy as you slowly wake up, as if something is weighing you down into the mattress. Your eyes flutter open, adjusting to the light peeking through the blue curtains of the room. Still laying on your side, you slowly turn your head to find the source of your discomfort. Frankie’s limp body clung to you while his morning breath penetrates your nostrils. His bare chest warms your back and his thick arms wrap around your waist holding you in place. Giving a huff you use your arm to shove him off you. He rolls onto his back and startles awake, “What, what happened?” he asks, looking around for the cause of his abrupt waking. His curly brown locks thrown about in an admittedly cute way.

“You were literally sleeping on me. If I weren’t such a nice person, I’d count that as making a move considering how close your hand was to my tits.” You answer as you crawl out of bed and towards the bathroom.

A meek “Fuck off” is all Frankie is capable of verbalizing in his sleepy state as he lays back down in the bed, pulling his pillow over his head to shield himself from the rays breaking through the thin curtains.

You look in the mirror at your tired appearance. Pulling at the skin on your cheeks you remind yourself of your prerogative for the weekend. Free room, hot date. Is what you needed to prepare yourself for as you start the shower to prep yourself for the day.

Frankie’s incessant knocking comes 45 minutes later with a “Hurry the fuck up.” and “How long do you need in there?”

With hair and makeup perfect and a freshly shaved body you look at your naked self in the mirror and smile. These men were not gonna stand a chance with you. You grab the towel you had used to dry yourself and wrap if around your body, curling the top a few too many times so the hem sits just below your ass and the top providing an added amount of cleavage to complete the look.

Opening the door, you are met with a disheveled Frankie leaning with one hand on the door frame and an unamused look. He has thankfully put on pajama pants, but his tan chest still stuck out at you like a bright sign on the interstate. He opens his mouth to speak before taking in your appearance as you strut past him. He watches as you return to your suitcase and start pulling various clothing options out.

He looks at the bathroom and then back at you, and then back again before commenting, “I see what you’re doing.”

You look over your shoulder with a flip of your hair, “What am I doing Frankie?”

He grits his teeth, “You think you can saunter around here in next to nothing and because I’m just a guy who thinks with his dick, I’ll fall for it. Well, it’s not gonna work missy. I’m stronger than that.” He says with a finger point. His voice only cracking once during his speech, which brings you utter amusement and him a sense of embarrassment.

“Aw I’m sure you are sweetie.” You say with a bite of your plump lip before turning back to your suitcase, reaching a little farther than you need to so the hem of the towel raises just enough to reveal the swell of your ass.

Frankie’s eyes widen at your tease and quickly stumbles into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.

When he reappears, you are dressed in a tank top, tennis skirt and running shoes. He chews the inside of his cheek taking in your little skirt and pushes past you to readjust himself before you can notice.

“What’s on the agenda for the today?” he asks, trying to be as casual as possible.

You check your phone, which has a text thread of all the activities you and the girls had put together for the weekend. “Uh, we’ll go meet up for brunch and then we’re going on an ATV tour of the island. Sounds pretty cool.” You say nodding. “I’m all ready so I’m gonna head down there.” You say before swinging your backpack onto your shoulder and walking out the door.

Benny and Will are already seated at a table when you arrive, so you greet them brightly before getting your food from the buffet. Upon returning you find yourself at the end of a pointed arrow or should you say look from the pair.

“What?” You ask, shoveling your scrambled eggs into your mouth.

Benny takes a deep breath, “Frankie told us about this bet of yours.”

Your eyebrows pop up, “Did he now?” You ask, mouth still full of eggs.

Will nods, “Do you know what you’re doing here? With him.”

Waving his worries aside with your hand you respond, “Guys seriously, it’s no big deal. Nothing, and I mean nothing is gonna happen between Frankie and I this weekend. A little teasing and annoyance are all that is gonna occur. You should be happy we’re getting along well enough for this bet. If anything, I think we’re fighting less.” You shrug.

The brothers look at each other and offer meek smiles. Their other halves suddenly appear and take their seats.

Blaire offers Benny a loving kiss before turning her attention to you, “So, how was your first night with Frankie?” she asks, clearly loving the drama of it all.

You roll your eyes with a laugh, “I wake up and his face is literally right behind me just breathing all over me. It was disgusting. And then he was pounding on the bathroom door while I was trying to get ready like an animal.”

They all laugh as Santi, Sofia and Frankie come into the dining area to collect their meals from the buffet.

Once everyone is fed and you are overall annoyed with Frankie’s version of your first night together, you all depart to the front of the resort for the ATV tour. The tour guide shows you to the parked ATV’s near the entrance. 5 in total, 1 for him and 4 for you. Only 4 for the group. Huh, you look at the guide and said, “Actually we need 5 ATV’s, I’m not sharing one with him.” You say, gesturing to your roommate.

The guide apologizes, “I’m sorry ma’am but we only have these ones available right now, the rest are booked.”

“What is with this fucking resort, okay fine, let’s just go.” You say in a huff, not wanting to take up any more of your friend’s time with your exasperation over the scheduling of this place.

Frankie takes a helmet off the seat and passes you the other, which you accept begrudgingly.

He slides onto the ATV and revs the engine. You secure your helmet and climb onto the back of the vehicle, holding onto the sides.

Frankie looks over his shoulder at you, “Hey, goose, you’re gonna have to hold onto me you know. I’m not stopping to pick your sorry ass back up when you go flying off.”

Taking a deep breath in your nose you inch forward on the seat until you’re flush with his back, wrapping your arms coyly around his stomach and latching your fingers together. His stomach feels soft and his back is warm against your chest. It could almost be a cozy position to be in if it were anyone else. You try to compose yourself from the slight tingling that has arose in your stomach and place your chin on his shoulder, “If you crash this thing I’ll kill you.”

He chuckles, “Baby if I crash this thing we’ll both be dead so it won’t really matter now will it?”

Baby? Yeah okay, get over yourself buddy. “I’ll find a way to kill you again. And I’m not your baby by the way.”

A grin spreads across his face at your annoyance, “Whatever you say.” He says before taking off behind the rest of the group.

Your bodies bumped against one another the entire ride and the bumps from the road did little to help your core which was already struggling to stay calm with your arms wrapped around Frankie’s firm physique. The sleeves of his t-shirt were stretched tight on his biceps and his curls wrapped up under the brim of the helmet. You did your best to ignore the smell of his cologne and focus on the stunning landscape of the island. The waves crashing onto the beach as you ride on the sand was like a scene out of a rom com. You peer over Frankie’s shoulder at the rest of your friends. All the happy couples snuggling and taking in the scenic view. You haven’t been in a relationship in so long and your heart ached for that sense of comfort and passion that they all held. A vacation fling was all you could manage right now, but you think that you should really start trying to find that special person to spend your Sunday nights watching The Last of Us with.

The group returns back to the resort and you clammer off the back of the ATV and remove your helmet. Frankie leans into you with a sly look on his face, “Did you enjoy the ride? Could’ve sworn I felt your hands venturing a little farther than they should have. If I weren’t such a nice person, I might count that as making a move.”

Rolling your eyes you reply, “In your dreams fish head.” Before thrusting your helmet into his chest and turning to join your friends.

Standing in the lobby of the hotel, the couples all decide they are going to go back to the rooms and take naps as the mid-day heat has worn them all out. Hanging out for 2 hours in the room with Frankie is not how you intended to spend your afternoon, so you bid your farewells and head to the outdoor bar to sip from your complimentary package and read your book alone.

Not 2 paragraphs in and you hear the screeching of the chair across from you pull out. Lifting your head from your book you huff at the sudden intrusion of none other than Frankie fucking Morales.

“I was actually planning on being alone.” You say sternly, folding your book in your lap and taking a long sip from your entirely too sugary drink.

He drums his hands on the table, “Don’t you get enough of that at home? I thought you’d like the company from your handsome and charming roommate.”

You grin sarcastically, “Well if I had one, I would certainly enjoy that. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Also, you’re one to talk calling me lonely. Don’t think I’ve ever seen you with a girl on your arm longer than a night since you moved.” Crossing your arms you look him up and down and raise a brow with your statement.

He huffs a breath out his nose and pulls his sunglasses off his face to fiddle with them in his hands. “Just haven’t found the right girl yet I guess. We’re not all lucky like Will who met his wife when he was 18.”

“Yeah, I remember when they met. He was so giddy; it drove Benny nuts. Him spending all his time with her and not his little brother.” you comment, reminiscing on the memories.

“What was it like growing up with them?” he asks intently.

You were slightly thrown off by his sudden interest in your life. The Frankie you knew typically dismissed everything you said with a grimace. Maybe vacation Frankie was a little softer, so you oblige. “It was actually really fun. They’re such great guys and since I was an only child, it was nice having them across the road. Never felt like a burden, or like I annoyed them.” You say, peering up at him pointedly over your sunglasses.

He smirks and takes a sip from his beer.

“Why do you always treat me like that?” You ask with a quiet voice.

Looking back up at you he leans forward against the table, “Like what?”

“Like I’m annoying. I get along great with Santi, but not you.”

Frankie clears his throat and passes his sunglasses back and forth between his hands. “You’re like Benny and Will’s kid sister, how I’m supposed to treat you.”

You roll your eyes, “Oh that’s bullshit. You do not treat me as rudely as you do simply because you see me as some annoying little sister of your friends who always wants to play x-box with you guys and eats your candy.”

He chuckles, “I don’t know what to tell you, duck.”

Throwing your hands up in exasperation you laugh, “Seriously, like that. How much effort do you put in just to not call me by my real nickname. I feel like you had to buy a bird book, so you’d have enough to switch between.”

Matching your laugh, he smiles back at you, “I mean I might’ve taken a peek at a book my mom had from her bird watching days.”

Laughing with Frankie felt easy, you almost forget all the snarky remarks he’s made to you these last few years.

He hums to himself, and stands, “Um, I think I’ve interrupted your reading time enough, so I think I’ll go back to the room and get a quick nap in.”

You nod and wave him off. Finally, returning to your book. Rereading the same sentence four times before realizing you were held up rethinking the conversation you just had. Not being able to imagine the scene laid out before you on the page as you couldn’t get your mind off the way Frankie’s shirt was open at the top, revealing a small view of his strong chest. Taking a deep breath, you figure it’s no use working on your book. Maybe a walk on the beach would be a better way to spend your time as you wait for dinner.

Creeping into the room as quietly as possible you spot Frankie still asleep in the bed. The small act of kindness he had shown you this afternoon had made you look at his sleeping state with a warmer heart than normal. It’d be nice to be a good roommate and not wake him, so you retreat to the bathroom right away, not even sliding off your sandals or putting your bag down to begin getting ready for dinner, starting with a nice relaxing bubble bath.

30 minutes later Frankie stirs in the bed and sleepily pulls his head up off the pillow to rub his face in his hands. He had been asleep far longer than he thought he would he thought to himself as he checked the time on his watch. Looking around the room he notices your apparent absence, assuming you are still out enjoying your alone time. He slinks out of the bed, only in his boxers and heads to the bathroom to freshen up in the shower.

After sufficiently soothing your tired sun kissed skin in a long bubble bath, you put your phone down on the floor to pull yourself out of the tub.

Just as you step out of the tub, your body dripping wet and covered in bubbly suds, the door swings open and your eyes widen as Frankie’s eyes suddenly catch yours. You, stood completely naked covered in bubbles, and him, with his boxers halfway down his thighs as he was pulling them off.

Both of your eyes trail the others bare body as you jump in your skin, quickly grabbing a towel off the counter and throwing it over yourself. Frankie nearly falling over as he fumbles to pull his boxers back up.

Your mouth gaps as you yell, “What the fuck Frankie?”

He steadies himself, putting a hand on the door frame, “What? I thought you were still out!”

“Well obviously I’m not! I’ve been back for like half an hour.” You state, working to secure the towel around you without flashing anymore of yourself than you already have.

“Well why didn’t you wake me up?” he asks with distress in his voice, his curly brown locks still tousled from his nap.

“I was trying to be nice and not wake you up. How was I supposed to know you were just going to barge in here?”

“Why not lock the damn door then?” he asks, tapping his knuckles against the open door beside him.

You take a deep breath in and out of your nose, trying to calm yourself down and ridding yourself of the mental picture of Frankie’s flaccid but admittedly still large cock. “Can you please, just close the door. I’ll be out in a minute, and you can a shower and then I’ll come back in to finish getting ready for dinner.” You cross your arms and try not to meet his gaze.

With a meek and embarrassed voice, he says fine, and closes the door as he turns in his spot.

Your hands fall to the countertop immediately, trying to compose yourself. That was either the most humiliating thing that’s ever happened to you or the sexiest. You couldn’t ignore the humming coming from your core as you imagine him again. Looking up in the mirror you map your face. How are you going to go the rest of the weekend now that Frankie fucking Morales has seen you naked?

Frankie and you get ready for dinner in utter silence. You come out of the bathroom fully clothed and in an A-line dress with a bright pattern that has a neckline that falls to just below your sternum. If you had actually been making eye contact with him you would’ve noticed the way his breath hitched and his eyes raked over your body, taking in every sexy curve. You would’ve seen the way his eyes glossed over as he thought about your plush breasts covered in bubbles and way your thighs looked shimmering with water.

You walk into the hallway to find Wendy and Will waiting for the group to head down to dinner, Frankie following closely behind you in a Hawaiian themed shirt and green shorts. You immediately pull Wendy in for a chat, actively avoiding her questions about how you and Frankie spent the afternoon while you waited for the rest of your friends.

The group seats for dinner, unfortunately for you, you are seated right across the table from Frankie. His face looking equally as bashful, and his ears turn a certain shade of pink as you quickly make eye contact before abruptly turning your attention to literally anybody else who would talk to you.

The overall energy of the evening was off, everyone could tell. The way you and Frankie drank from your drinks when the other was speaking or would look intently at the ceiling for an unexplainable reason.

Santi finally leans into the table after another awkward moment where one of you was too busy avoiding the other to actually provide your attention to the group. “You two have been acting weird all night. What’s up?”

Slightly choking on your drink, you and Frankie reply at the same time.

“Nothing.” You both say before making a wide-eyed gaze at him from above your glass perched comfortably in your hand.

Santi chuckles and looks to the group, “Wow, that was convincing am I right guys?”

They all laugh to themselves and offer you pointed looks.

Clearing his throat Frankie offers up, “Don’t know what you guys are talking about, emu and I are talking about as much as we normally do.” he says with a slight laugh under his breath.

Will interjects, “We know you guys don’t talk, but you also don’t sit there as quiet as church mice. What happened?”

“Ouu did you two fuck?” Bennys laughs.

Your eyes bug out of your head and Blaire offers him a swift strike to his stomach.

“Fuck sakes, Benny no of course not I’d rather roll off the back of one of those damn ATVs.” You say with disgust written all over your face, a convincing mask.

Your quick dismissal has Frankie narrowing his eyes and finally staring at you, “Really? Road burn would be better than sleeping with me? Because, if I think about it enough, maybe you left the door unlocked on purpose.”

Your jaw drops at his accusation, “Seriously? You think I would leave the door unlocked just for you? Well, maybe you did know I was back, and you played it off as an accident, so you could get a peak.”

“Oh yeah, I faked being asleep for 2 hours so I could sneak up on you, yeah okay. I saw the way you looked at me by the way so don’t even start with that shit.” He exclaims, hands on the table and pressed forward.

Letting out a huffed laugh you retort, “How I was looking at you? Speak for yourself I can’t believe you were able to get your jaw off the ground after the way you looked at me.”

“Don’t flatter yourself sweetheart, any shock on my face was purely from the situation not from what you’ve got going on over there.” He says, crossing his arms firmly on his chest.

You chew your bottom lip and look up at the ceiling, steam surely piling out of your ears.

Everyone else at the table sits still, eyes wide and jaws slack after watching the display you and Frankie have just put on. They look to one another before Sofia waves her hands in the air to track her thought process, “So, wait, what happened?”

Rolling your eyes you reply coldly, “Frankie went back to the room to take a nap, I came back and as I was trying to be a good roommate for the sake of the trip, decided not to disturb him and went to the bathroom to take a bath. He walked in on me when I was getting out of the tub and he was-,” You pinch the brim of your nose to collect your thoughts, “and he was pulling his boxers down to take a shower. I didn’t know he was awake, and he didn’t know I was back. So, he says at least.”

“Lock. The. Damn. Door.” Frankie states through gritted teeth.

Blaire perks up in her seat, “Wait, so, you two saw each other naked? That’s hilarious.”

To your dismay they all come together in a laugh that makes you roll your neck on your shoulders before returning to your drink.

Seeing your discomfort Will settles the group, “Okay guys, let’s all calm down here. It’s no big deal. Hey, raise your hand if you’ve seen Fish naked.” He says before raising his hand prominently in the air. Santi and Benny offer their hands up as well. Benny gives you a glare, to which you begrudgingly oblige and raise your hand above the table from its settled position on your lap with a roll of your eyes.

Will smiles, “Okay now who’s seen Birdie?”

Sofia and Wendy raise their hands, having spent a drunken weekend together last summer where you all partook in skinny dipping in the rental houses pool. Frankie shrugs and raises his hand from his side. Bennys hand creeps up from below the table and everyone turns to look at him with confused eyes.

“Benny I was like 16, looks a lot different now.” You state gesturing to your body, declaring it doesn’t count and he shrugs before pulling his hand down.

Will pops his eyebrows up and down, “See, no big deal. Just move on and keep enjoying the weekend. Alright?”

Through pursed lips you and Frankie both hum an alright back to Will and do your best to engage normally before heading back to the room to freshen up before the bar.

You storm into the room with Frankie hot on your tail. “Thanks a lot for that.” You say, going to your suitcase to collect your outfit for the evening.

Frankie pulls his shoulders up to his ears, “The fuck do you mean by that? You’re the one that was acting weird.”

“What you got going on over there? Real nice.”

He huffs, “Rather fall off the end of an ATV? Real nice.”

You turn where you stand and pinch your nose, frustrated and exhausted by the whole thing, “You know what Frankie, let’s just call this what it is. A shitty situation that is getting us both a little worked up.” You say, trying to diffuse the situation, “Can we just, go back to what we were doing before?”

Somewhat shocked, Frankie nods his head and rests his hands on his hips.

“Okay,” you say, putting your outfit into a bag and going to the bathroom to collect your makeup and hair products. When you return Frankie is still in the same spot, watching your figure move around the room with his eyes. “I’m gonna get ready with Sofia, Santi will be over soon.” You slowly creep closer to Frankie, causing his eyes to flick between your eyes and your mouth. Bringing your hand up to toy with the button his shirt you whisper, “So you should have time to rub one out thinking about how much you liked seeing me naked this afternoon.”

Frankies eyes flash bright white with arousal, his eyes crawl down to your chest heaving just a few inches from him. He slowly starts to lose his resolve as his head leans down slightly. To your dismay however, he suddenly jerks back and points a finger in your face again. “Nice try, I see the game is back on.”

“Bring it on, Morales.” You say with a click of your tongue on the top of your mouth before turning on your heels and walking out of the room.

The guys head to the nightclub of the resort early to save a booth for the group. You and girls arrive later and head straight to the bar to get some drinks. Your confidence was at an all-time high wearing a short black mini dress with a slit and red heels. The bartender swiftly gives you your drink with a wink and you knew the night would be a good one. As you and the girls were heading to the booth, Frankie was on his way to the bar for his own drink. The club was a tight squeeze as it was already filled with hundreds of people. As he approaches, he turns slightly to move past you. You casually turn as well so your back is to him and then slowly brush past him, rubbing your ass on his crotch as you pass. You look over your shoulder and bat your lashes offering an innocent, “Oops, sorry roomie.”

The sound he makes can only be described as a growl as he stares you down as you walk away and to the booth.

The night wears on without incident. You and the girls dancing on the dance floor, when the guys join and the couples began pairing off, you take it as an opportunity to retreat to the bar and get another drink.

Sitting on a cozy plush bar stool, waiting to get the bartender’s attention, when a hand suddenly lands at the bottom of your back. You turn to look and are met with an incredibly handsome man. Dark hair and features, tall and broad shoulders with a thin waist. He was wearing an open white button shirt and tan shorts that were a touch too short for your liking, but he was gorgeous, nonetheless.

“Hi.” He says with a charming smile.

You turn in your seat to him, “Hey.”

“I’m Juan.” he says, offering his hand.

Shaking his hand and giving him your name, he smiles at you. “I’ve been watching you dance. You’ve got great moves.”

Blushing, you reply, “Didn’t I see you at the beach today? Playing volleyball?”

He nods and you continue, “So what are you stalking me?” You ask with a cheeky grin on your face.

Juan drops his head with his laugh and then lifts it back up to meet your eyes, his chocolate brown eyes sending heat down to your core with every blink. “I wouldn’t call it that, maybe lusting after you, admiring you.”

Your chest flushes with his charm and the two of you dive into a back-and-forth retort of flirting and questions. Your hand finding his chest from time to time, his finding your bare leg and rubbing tiny circles into it with his thumb.

All the while, Frankie is back in the booth with your friends, watching the scene unfold.

Blaire leans into the group to shout over the music, “Looks like Birdie found herself a match for the weekend.”

Wendy and Sofia giggle together, while Frankie chews his bottom lip.

Santi looks over at his friend and pats his shoulder, “Hey, you alright?”

Frankie nods, “Oh yeah, just feeling a little stuffy. I think I’m gonna go outside and get some air.” He says as casually as possible.

He rises from the booth and slinks past his friends to head towards the door, not before looking over his shoulder to see Juan close in on you and take your chin in his finger, tipping your face up towards his. He turns on his heels and bounds out the door into the humid air outside the club before he sees anything else. Frankie leans his back against the cool wall and rests his head back before taking another long sip from his drink.

When he returns, you are back seated with the group at the booth. He gives a meek grin as he slides back in and into your conversation with the girls.

“So, his name is Juan and he’s from New Mexico. He’s here with a few of his friends for one of their birthdays for the weekend.” You continue.

Sofia inches closer to you, “So, are you gonna, you know tonight?”

Frankie’s breath catches in his throat as he waits for your response.

“No, today is his friend’s actual birthday so he doesn’t wanna bail on him, but he promised to find me tomorrow.” You say with a wink. “He did kiss me before he left and that was fireworks so I’m pretty excited.” Taking a sip from your drink as the girls all squeal with their excitement for you.

Not long later, you and Frankie are sliding into your room to end the night. You hum in your drunkenness and fall onto the bed.

Frankie stands above you looking down at your state and grins to himself. You perch up on your elbows and whine, “Frankieeee, can you take my shoes of they’re fucking killing me.”

He crosses his arms, “Why can’t you do it?”

“Frankie!” You snap, “Please I can’t do it I’m too tired.” Swatting your hands down on the bed like a brat.

“Too drunk is more like it.” He says before leaning with his knee on the bed and grabbing your leg. He slowly pulls at the straps on your ankles and does his best to ignore the way your silky-smooth skin feels to his touch, how it makes his cock twitch in his shorts. Try not to think about bringing it up to his mouth to place supple kisses to it.

Once your feet have sufficiently been freed from their pain you roll under the covers and pull the pillow tight into a snuggle.

“You’re not gonna get changed?” he asks, rounding his side of the bed.

Your eyes held tight you reply, “Nope, too comfy now.”

He smirks and slides into the bed after undressing. Rolling over he turns off the light and lays with his back flat on the bed before turning slightly to look at you. “G’night.” He mutters under his breath. He waits for your answer, but you’ve already fallen deep into a drunken sleep, so he rolls over onto his side facing away from you and pinches his eyes closed, willing the images of you from today to escape his tired mind.

Part 2

[saintsenara]

You mentioned fanon turning barty crouch jr. into an uninteresting character. I don't know much about what the new fanon characterisation has really done with him, but I'm curious for your thoughts on why he's a canonically interesting character. I agree that he is, but it sounds like you might have some interesting thoughts on it that are already fleshed out.

thank you for the ask, @jamesunderwater, and i'm sorry for taking so long to drag myself around to answering this.

as you may have gathered if you’ve read my views on jegulus or wolfstar, the common fanon interpretation of marauders-era characters and i don’t really get on.

this is not a new development - me and goofy fanon sirius have been beefing for over a decade at this point, i fear - but our enmity has taken on a new form since [roughly] 2020, when the emergence of what we might call the modern marauders subfandom brought with it a whole series of expectations about characters, ships, personalities, and appearances in first war stories which - let me state my position immediately - have absolutely nothing to do with the characters as they are in canon.

i could talk about sirius or regulus or james or snape or lupin until the cows come home - as, i’m sure, could many of us - but i also dislike the expectations the marauders subfandom has around its supporting cast. these characters - who largely fall under the categories of women, slytherins, or both - have names that we might recognise from canon, but they are - to all intents and purposes - original characters.

to do some marauders fan defending, i do understand the rationale behind this. hogwarts is a school, and it needs to be filled with the sort of incidental characters that lightning-era writers can pull from the canon text [shoutout to ernie macmillan, the mvp]. if you’re writing about lily, then she needs friends - why not have them be alice, marlene, dorcas, emmeline, pandora etc.?

[well, because dumbledore isn’t running a child army. it makes no sense for the entire order of the phoenix to be in the same school year - and the idea that alice is probably around ten years older than lily, that pandora is around the same age as narcissa malfoy and isn’t a pureblood, and that marlene, dorcas, and emmeline are hard-nosed ministry bitches in their fifties who can have mad-eye moody quaking with just a look is something which can be prised from my cold, dead hands.]

and if you’re writing about the epic highs and lows of high-school football going to school during a sectarian conflict, then you need some antagonists. which is to say, you need some slytherins.

the issue i have is that the three key slytherins who seem to have been elevated to principal cast in the marauders pantheon - regulus black, barty crouch jr., and evan rosier - get what can only be called the smol bean treatment. that is, that three teenagers who all canonically join a terror organisation are turned into soft and tiny babies who thought lord voldemort was just feeling silly when he said, "my aim is the eradication of the muggleborn population through violent means."

and even fics which do acknowledge that the three willingly become terrorists often go out of their way to provide justifications for this which don’t contextualise their decision [something which is important - you can’t write about snape becoming a death eater without acknowledging the way that poverty, loneliness, and a sense of hopelessness make someone an easy target of radicalisation] but which minimise it. sometimes, their violence is turned into romantic vengeance - i’ve seen a fair amount of suggestions that barty goes to torture the longbottoms because frank was the auror who killed evan. sometimes, authors imply - or even outright state - that there’s no need to see these boys as aspiring villains: voldemort is right; the class system is good and should be maintained; and purebloods [usually james, sirius, regulus, barty, evan and maybe a token woman or two] should stick together while the half-breeds and the mudbloods go hang.

this - like all aristocracy wank in this fandom - annoys me enough with regulus and evan. but it’s particularly grating when it comes to barty crouch jr. because - unlike evan, who is literally just a name in the text, and regulus, who isn’t much more - he actually has a canon personality.

and it’s fascinating. indeed, i would even go so far as to say that barty crouch jr. is the greatest villain in the harry potter series.

[my apologies to lord voldemort.]

after all, even though he’s been imprisoned under the imperius curse for over a decade, barty is still so lucid and powerful that he is able to:

produce magic capable of tricking the goblet of fire, which is treated by all the adult characters involved as unprecedented.

pull off a year-long impersonation of a man whom dumbledore evidently knows extremely well without being clocked until his mission has been successful, even though his opportunities to observe the real moody can have been virtually non-existent. he is in character within seconds of his ambush on moody’s home - after the intruder-alert dustbins are set off - and is able to persuade ministry personnel who can be presumed to have met moody personally [including both amos diggory and arthur weasley, who appear to know him not only personally, but well] that he is the real deal. he maintains his performance even under close scrutiny from the teaching colleagues he has to interact with daily at hogwarts, despite the fact that he presumably can’t get a great deal out of the real moody, since he’s having to be kept deliberately weak and docile under the imperius curse.

manipulate multiple people into become accessories to his crimes, without ever being suspected of doing so. with the hindsight of knowing who he is, the first defence against the dark arts lesson in goblet of fire, in which "moody" deliberately distresses neville by using the cruciatus curse directly in front of him, before swooping in to be the person to cheer him up so that he can plant information which will help harry win the triwizard tournament and deliver him to voldemort, is chilling. he just gets unlucky that harry has the biggest martyr complex in human history.

commit murder on hogwarts’ grounds without ever being suspected of wrongdoing.

execute lord voldemort’s plan to kidnap harry and use him in his resurrection ritual flawlessly. the plan itself may be convoluted - but dark lords are allowed to have a flair for the dramatic, as a treat - but, crucially, it works, and barty succeeds in every respect.

but, i concede, we’re talking about the adult barty here. perhaps he was once a sweetheart who went unfortunately off the rails after his father sent him to prison and then - in effect - drugged him for years. that wouldn’t be a ridiculous suggestion.

except for the fact that - canonically - the teen barty was just as clever, sly, manipulative, and - above all - ardent in his support for voldemort as his adult self.

at his trial in the early 1980s, young barty gives the performance of a lifetime. he screams, he shakes, he looks terrified of the dementors, he is pale and weak and harmless-looking, he begs his mother to help him, he pleads with his father for mercy, he maintains his innocence as he's dragged off to his cell. he gives off the impression of simply having been in the wrong place at the wrong time so well that harry is almost certain that his conviction is illegitimate. so too, it is implied, is dumbledore.

indeed, barty plays the part of the wrongfully imprisoned so well that - as canon tells us - he not only influences public opinion to be broadly in favour of his probable innocence [or, at least, his diminished culpability - sirius suggests that the widespread view was that he was probably there, but that he only ended up involved in what was clearly bellatrix’s idea because of his father’s failure to relate to him properly], but also changes public opinion against the government’s anti-death-eater strategy entirely.

following his imprisonment, his father - a man who never met an extrajudicial punishment he didn’t like, and whose ruthless approach to dealing with the death eaters in the first war [such as his use of internment for suspected terrorists and his order to aurors to shoot to kill] was, we are told, enormously popular with the wizarding public - is forced to resign in disgrace from his role as head of the department of magical law enforcement. crouch sr. is quietly shuffled off into a boring bureaucratic position, his ambitions to be minister in tatters, and his only way forward to free his son from the prison cell where he is languishing for the crime he very literally did.

[as an aside, i do think that we are supposed to read bellatrix as the ringleader of the torture of the longbottoms. but, all too often, that gets reduced to her doing everything while rodolphus, rabastan, and barty just stand there gormlessly. they were clearly performing the curses too!]

now, barty’s unusual cunning can - of course - be explained by narrative reasons. the text needs to conceal that he’s the villain [since, as with philosopher’s stone, it wants to imply that the dark lord’s faithful servant at hogwarts is snape] until the very end - and this naturally requires dumbledore to not think too hard about whether his good judy alastor is behaving even more strangely than usual.

the text also needs to suggest that he's innocent in order to properly stick the landing on the narrative role of his father - barty crouch sr. as with dolores umbridge in order of the phoenix, crouch sr. exists to show harry [and the reader] that the rot in the wizarding world was not caused by - and will not stop with the defeat of - voldemort. his ruthlessness and inflexibility, his lack of respect for due process, his astonishingly cruel treatment of winky [brutal beyond even the standard way in which wizards abuse their enslaved elves] all serve to teach harry that the anti-voldemort cause can become just as easily corrupted as the disillusioned young men in voldemort’s orbit. the suggestion that crouch sent his own son to azkaban without good reason, simply because he would not deviate from his beliefs, is an important lesson to harry about what "justice" actually means.

but, despite this, barty is also able to pull off his deception because he’s spectacularly talented. it’s not all just narrative.

and his talents are caused by characteristics which aren’t good or bad in and of themselves. he’s clearly very intelligent [he got twelve owls, the series’ benchmark for genius]. he’s hyper-observant, creative, adaptable, good under pressure, and possessed of nerves of steel. he shares these traits with other villains in the series - voldemort above all - but he also shares them with plenty of the heroes. harry, for one.

which is to say that all of his personality traits could be put to non-criminal uses. but - as with harry, who is capable of being quite sinister when he wants to be [for example, when he manipulates slughorn into giving up the horcrux memory] - they would give a non-criminal barty an edge. and this doesn’t seem to be present in his standard fanon persona - as sweet and goofy as all marauders-era men - to any great extent.

finally, there is another aspect of barty’s character which is absent from his fanon version - that he clearly has some sort of childhood trauma, but that this does not excuse any of what he does.

even though crouch sr. is right to send him to azkaban, he was clearly also a cold and distant father, who had absolutely no idea how to relate to his son.

[as another aside, this emotional negligence is bad enough without it needing to be written as having been accompanied by extreme physical and/or sexual abuse. there seems to be a real tendency in fanfiction - not only in marauders-era stuff, although the exaggeration of orion and walburga black into despotic villains is one example of this - to make childhood misery "worse", in order to justify a character’s later actions.]

voldemort demonstrably uses barty’s terrible relationship with crouch sr. [and his absolutely flagrant daddy kink] to groom him into taking the dark mark [not least because there’s otherwise no explanation for why he cheerfully informs him that he too is named after his dad], which he may very well end up taking when he’s still at school. my reading is that he’s recruited to inform on his father - since voldemort would undoubtedly wish to keep the head of the department of magical law enforcement under constant surveillance - and that this is why the dark lord pays him the attention he is so obviously lacking.

but, as with snape and regulus and draco malfoy and all the other young death eaters, barty also colludes in his own radicalisation. voldemort is a master at ensnaring recruits, sure, but he’s also a busy man. he only bothers to make the effort because the clever, creative, cunning, manipulative young man - who wishes to avenge himself on the father who never paid him attention [sound familiar?] - he finds before him is very much determined to become a spectacular part of his terrorist organisation. and stories which feature him owe it to him to give him that dark complexity of character

show the series’ best villain some respect.

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Monday Wonderful fandom. Are you still breathing after that little kiss teaser? Cause I was gonna pass straight out when I saw it haha We are a little over 3 weeks away from S6 premiere. Can you believe it? I need it to be Wednesday already for that trailer. Feels like we've been in this hiatus for years LOL But let's get back to the rewatch eh? Ahhhh the Valentines episode. So much goodness inside this one. From start to finish this ep is glorious. I knew from the promo alone was gonna be fantastic. The ep name is pretty apt. Off we go.

5x16 Exposure

We hit the ground running in this one. Just a glorious shot of them sleeping in Lucy’s bed. The many ways I love this. Clearly he’s living there part time at this point. Staying over more often than not. If the man has a key i’m sure he has a drawer at her place as well. No way he doesn't at this point. My guess is Kojo having lots of sleepovers at Auntie Genny's with the kids too.

I love how peaceful they look in this shot. His body pointed towards her's in slumber. His head is damn near on her pillow. So close to one another. That gravitational pull just innate. Even when Tim is sleeping he is drawn to her. Just the little things that make me squee so very much. The domesticity of this moment has me reeling. As does this entire season for them really.

Unfortunately their peaceful co-habitation is interrupted by Lucy’s phone going off. Tim groans sleepily. Asking who it is? Lucy says she doesn’t know as she goes to answer it. It sounds like a drunk dial. Lucy hops out of bed immediately. Tim reaching out to her side of the bed is so cute all sleepy. I vote for more sleepy Tim. Asking half awake if it was wrong number?

He watches Lucy moving in a panic and the sleep drops from him. Asking her what’s happening? Lucy informs him It was a distress call from a UC she trained with. We see Tim go from sleepy to fierce protector mode quickly. Hopping out of bed ready to back her play. He doesn’t even know what’s going on but he’s there for her. My damn heart. No hesitation whatsoever to back his girl up.

It’s written all over Lucy’s face how much she love this. Her appreciation and love for this man so apparent as he scrambles to join her. She didn’t ask him to and that’s what she’s loving here. He was coming whether she asked for it or not. He’ll always have her back. No matter the scenario. Also never be over the jammies and sharing a bed. I wanna squee into my pillow haha

Something about Lucy driving Tim’s truck that is doing things to me. Like another version of wearing his clothes. I love it sfm. Tim waiting in the backseat with his gun at the ready. Phew lord started off this ep strong af. Lucy jumps right into character. God she’s good at this. She gets Noah out of trouble fairly quickly cause she’s a Queen. Lucy gives Tim the all clear to get out of the truck. Noah walks up and introduces himself to Tim.

Mentioning it was impressive she got backup this fast. Lucy proudly announcing it helped he was sleeping in her bed. Heh. Yeah he was. Noah then puts it together saying he’s THAT Bradford. So many questions stem from this statement I have to say. Clearly Lucy spoke about Tim ad nauseam at UC school. Not only that but the way she spoke about Tim Noah doesn’t seem shocked they’re together now. She clearly wasn’t with Tim during UC school so this is so damn fascinating to me.

I wanna know what she told Noah LOL As does Tim. Saying he’s curious to know what that means… Getting a small taste of some jealous Tim here I don’t hate it. I adore Lucy’s full bodied ‘No!’ in reply to Tim wanting to know more. Gotta love how expressive Melissa is. From her face to her body mannerisms. Why she’s always been the perfect Lucy. Just embodying her so well. Also am I crazy to think that’s Tim’s flannel? Cause looks a little big on Lucy. A girl can dream right? It’s possible...probably isn't but I want it to be LOL

Lucy asks him what they just recused him from? He says ‘The Army of Freedom.’ It’s a militia group born in Victorville. Said his OP started about a month ago. Unfortunately hasn’t been able to breach their inner circle yet. Tim asks if he pushed little too hard tonight? Noah replies maybe…but he had to roll the dice. They’re about to move something big. He’s going to need a local assist.

Tim says he can set up at their station. We then get to see a little more jealous Tim come into play. I don’t hate it everyone. He’s also a little grumpy from the lack of sleep. Ha Not loving the 'hot pants' nickname clearly. Tim then makes the most obvious and dramatic eye roll at end. Clearly not amused by this inside joke of their’s in the least ha It’s ok love, you’re the only hot pants she wants. LOL

Jealously thy name is Tim Bradford in this scene though. He runs the gambit for emotions at the end here. He goes from confused in the cutest way about the nick name, then a little intrigued, but we end with his jealous dramatic eye roll haha I love this man so much. He is tired and over this rescue now. Goodness what a great cold open for them. Whenever we get the cold open usually gonna be a damn good ep.

I’ll never be over how excited they both get when they find each other in the station in this season. Way she speed walks up to him. It’s so cute. Lucy hears the end of Tim’s conversation. All she hears is ‘You’re kidding.’ Lucy asking kidding about what? Tim’s clipped answer throws her off for a moment. But she doesn’t let it deter her too much. Touching his arm sweetly. Saying he left so early. That she had a whole Valentine breakfast planned for them. Gah I love that so much I can’t even stand it.

Of course she did. Damnit Tim why did you leave so early? Tim telling her she was up late he wanted to let her sleep in. Which is very sweet actually. Lucy apologizes but says it was nice to catch up with Noah. Lucy asking ‘We didn’t keep you up did we?’ Tim continues his grumpy short replies. Lucy is picking up on all of your being grumpy vibes. Did you think she wasn’t going notice you beautiful fool?

Love of your damn life knows you better than you know yourself. We get a SECOND sweet arm touch. *squee* Clearly something off with him. So Lucy approaches it with another soft touch to start. Knowing it’ll get his attention. Then sweetly asks if he’s ok? He lies and says he’s fine. Her face saying it all. Knowing he’s lying to her she’s just not sure why… Believe or not this is growth for Tim. His terrible lying showing how much she’s opened him up. He was as closed off as possible when they met. Now he's out here expressing feelings even if he's trying hard not to.

Grey has Tim ride with Lucy and Noah today. Normally they’d be excited to ride together but you can feel the tension above. Mostly from Tim. He is an open book about how he feels about this today. Lucy is more concerned than she is tense in this scene. Wade wants Metro on scene ASAP for this situation. If he’s riding with Lucy and Noah that’ll happen. They’re looking for a random van that has explosive chemicals in it. It was meant for a meth lab Noah’s team took down. Now it’s floating around the city and needs to be found before it does damage.

Another great shot of their day starting in the shop. Reminding me of 5x08 opening sequence. Lucy can see Tim is acting off still. Being Lucy she can’t let that stand. Having no idea it’s her that’s put him in this foul mood. Being the sunshine human she is tries to get him to engage with some UC school stories. I LOVE her putting her hand on the back of his chair. Crossing that invisible line of theirs that existed for years in the shop.

Getting as close to him as possible without actually touching. When Lucy sees the story isn’t working she makes a joke. Then touches his shoulder. Gah it’s so cute. She wants to get him through whatever this is by just loving on him. Trying to get him to smile. Sadly Tim doesn’t respond like she wants. Thought she was going to get the normal sassy reply back from him and nada. Lucy withdraws her hand confused but determined to figure him out.

Lucy brings up Noah’s GF asking if he’s contacted her yet? He says no they broke up. Well that she broke up with him. Noah bringing up the elephant in the room that plagues them the rest of this season. Being a UC and being in a functioning relationship. I do adore Lucy being confident af in front of Noah about it. About them. Saying it depends on the couple.

Basically saying I’m sorry yours didn’t work out but mine will. She is all in and it shows in so many of her comments and decisions. I truly love it so very much. Noah makes a comment that has Tim shifting in his seat. Even turning the grumpy off for a moment. Looking over at Lucy when Noah tells her be a shame if she didn’t take the plunge.

So much being said in the looks above. The ever present issue they struggle to talk about is here. Rears its ugly head for first time since they got together. Gotta love Eric and Melissa’s chemistry especially in moments like this. Communicating so much without saying a damn word. Gah we’re lucky to have them.

This next part is glorious for so many reasons. Angela, Harper, Nolan, Celina and Aaron are all gossiping on an open channel. Tim interrupts because well it’s Tim. He’s already grumpy today so this is last thing he wants to listen to. Angela calling him out for being so damn surly. Because she wouldn’t be his best friend if she didn’t. Saying he should be basking in the glow of new love.

Look at Lucy when Angela says this. Heart eyes for days for that man sitting next to her. As transparent as glass. Celina giving into the continuous gossip asking what they’re doing tonight? I love Lucy snatching the radio out of his hand. Even mad as hell at her he allows it because it’s wifey. Nothing he wouldn’t do for that woman angry or not. Lucy projecting what Tim is thinking. Saying they’re not talking about this on an open channel.

Look at how he has rubbed off on her I love it sfm. Also something about her jumping in and defending his side. *sigh* Gah getting me all in the feels. Also look at the way Lucy is looking at him when she does chastise the group. So in love with that man. Heart eyes nation in this shop. We can also see Tim fighting a proud smile wanting to stay mad. When he’s so impressed with her for doing that. Let’s not discount Noah being chill af in the back. None of this affecting him whatsoever LMAO

Lucy can’t take it any longer and confronts Tim about it. We can see her studying his body language. Noticing how tense he is. He is broadcasting his feelings like a radio station. She knows something is amiss. Deep in her soul she knows something is off with her person. Love the way she is studying him then reaches out with a soft touch. Knowing it’ll get his attention and be an ice breaker into her asking. Her whole demeanor screaming 'Timothy my love what is going on?'

Lucy being as direct but soft as she can in her delivery. Telling him ‘Out with it.’ Tim ridiculous answer of ‘What?’ Like she hasn’t noticed him stewing all damn morning. You’re full of a lot of shit Timothy haha The disbelief on her face is so telling. Asking him what’s wrong with him today? He continues to be short with her. Lucy calling him the hell out on it. In a way only she can.

Noting he hasn’t even called her hot pants once. If Tim wasn’t being such a grumpus he would’ve been all over that. She is so right and knows him so damn well. Then she asks if it’s Noah? Is he jealous? Tim immediately saying ‘No.’ I mean it was a little last night…but it’s definitely not that now. It’s not helping but not the main problem here either.

Tim FINALLY fesses up it’s her he’s mad with. Lucy is taken back but it becomes clear when he brings up Metro. Lucy tries to deny it and Tim gives that disapproving stare he’s so good at. Lucy giving in and saying he was SO miserable riding the desk. That she had to do something for him. Tim then shoots back the optics of it aren’t great for him. Lucy shutting this down asking if it’s fragile male ego thing? I mean it is a little bit. It's not the whole reason IMO (I'll touch on that more later) but it is part of it. Tim has grown leaps and bounds. Truly he has.

But he also still has to deep stubborn steak in him. One built on pride and earning everything he’s ever gotten. This is making him question if he deserves the position he now has. Negative grooves in his brain he still defaults back to. Now I know some may have hated his reaction to this. I won’t lie it wasn’t great. His reaction reminds me of myself pre-therapy. I would shut down and be one worded. Lash out if someone tried to get me to talk. My whole body would emulate frustration and annoyance. Just like he has been. I so relate to him reacting this way.

Once again not the best but the man is still human. Tim has earned everything in his career with hard work and his strong skill set. This was a blow to his ego 100 percent. He’s not admitting to this but it was. Lucy smells BS and is letting him know as much. I love how she holds steady and strong despite his boiling anger. Even making a joke Tim is just mad she solved it better than him LOL I mean she did…Lucy saying ‘We’ just wanted to help. Tim getting more ramped up hearing this. Lucy cracks me up stumbling on her words saying we? I meant Me. Ha smooth…

This scene in his office is *chef’s kiss* I remember being excited this was their first fight as a couple. Because it’s so healthy to be fighting from time to time. Something neither of them had in their previous relationships. This was an important fight for them to have. They come out the other side of it stronger because of it. This is good angst. Productive fighting. I’ll take that any day damn if it moves them forward as a couple. This most definitely did.

Lucy comes into his office ready to confront this problem head on. Their talk in the shop leaving too much left unsaid. Lucy is a lot like me and can't let sleeping dogs lie. She has to clear the air and confront things. I do love her patting herself on the back as she launches into why she did what she did for him. I mean she did spearhead a miracle for him. She just needs him to see WHY she did it.

His anger has clouded that all day and it's part of why she is here now. Tim barely looks up from his paperwork as she starts her explanation. Still so angry about this whole thing. Lucy starts out with saying she gets why he’s angry. He looks up at her finally. Lucy going on a mini rant about why she did what she did. That she did it masterfully (I mean she most definitely did) Kudos to her amazing brain.

Lucy finishes off saying despite all that she shouldn’t have done it behind his back. Tim being a sassy sass pot asks if that was an apology? My goodness Timothy. The salty sass. You can see there is still a lot of seething going on under the surface. Lucy immediately says yes. Tim not seeming less mad just replies ‘All right.’ Her apology feeling like it's made zero difference in his anger about what's happened. Also Lucy's 'Yes' doesn't seem whole hearted either because she's holding back and decides to let it rip instead.

We see this is not sitting right with her. So she backtracks and says ‘No!’ I love her for this. Could've taken his half hearted acceptance but she didn't. Knew it didn't feel right to her. She wouldn't be Lucy if she just let that happen either. Knowing things felt unresolved still and not being able to stand that. The whole purpose of her coming to him was the clear the air. Tim looks exasperated af with her reply. That famous he can't believe she just said that look. He's about to be taken to school and probably knows it.

Lucy launching into exactly why she is sorry but not sorry. I love this fireball of a woman. (So does Tim) That he never would’ve let her work her magic if he knew. She’s not wrong… Same goes for her. If Lucy had known he was taking that desk job she wouldn’t have allowed it. What makes these two dopes so perfect for one another. That she would’ve ended up transferring just to save him from himself. Which was what they were trying to avoid in the first place.

Lucy stands her ground and lets him know this worked out SO much better. I mean it really did. That if he can’t see that she’s sorry not sorry. This is where we see Tim turn the corner. What I love the most about this part is how she stood up so confidently. Strongly stood by her decision on what she did. Her sorry not sorry is perfect. Basically saying ‘I love you, you idiot and I don’t regret doing this for you.’

It’s not the apology that soothes Tim’s anger. No it’s her conviction in why she did this for him. Seeing that fire she has and he is feeling so lucky he gets to have her in his corner. Lucy is 100 percent unapologetically herself in this moment. Her standing up to him is one of the many reasons Tim fell for her in the first place. So naturally her ‘non’ apology is what gets it done. Not her I don’t really mean this but you’re mad at me one.

He loves that woman standing in front of him so much. It shows when she’s done. It’s why he’s smiling at the end of her ‘non’ apology. She is his rock, his compass and his sunshine lighting his path when he needs it. But mostly she is a guiding force in his life. Kicking him back onto the right path whether he realizes he needs it or not. Beautiful thing is she has his back. He’s so not used to this type of love and support. It's a throw back to 2x01 in a way with his reaction to it. How visceral and angry he was then and now. Once again doesn't see her protecting him and helping him as a positive thing. And just like in 2x01 he didn’t see it this way until she stood up. Smacked some sense into him. Let him know why she'd done it.

Doing it this time around because she loves him so much. Only wants the best for him. Let's not forget this man has been put second in all of his other relationships. His needs being put on the back burner to take care of those he loves. Had to suppress his emotions for years. When you let yourself start to feel after years of not it's a tidal wave that drowns you. It's overwhelming really. Luckily Tim has Lucy to drag him to dry land. So when he's taken care of he doesn’t know how to handle it. It's not something you just get used to in an instant. Just like in the beginning with Lucy when she would push him to open up. We got surly angry Tim but he eventually came around. This is no different. He isn’t used to be put first. His gut reaction was hurt and being defensive.

Not oh Lucy did this because she loves me. Because he probably in the back of his mind still doesn't feel worthy of that love still. And although he has grown. So very much. He still isn't used to having someone fiercely love and defend him the way Lucy does. That's why this scene was so important for her to back her decision. To make him see exactly why she did this. It’s why he’s smiling at the end of it. This beautiful, driven fireball is his and she’s in his corner. What’s hitting him is that realization. She put him first and put in a massive effort to do so. Not only for him but for them as a couple. He is so very lucky to have someone as wonderfully understanding as Lucy to love him through these types of moments.

I love how once the dust is settled they just morph back into them. How it should be. Fighting is meant to be cleansing. To confront the issue and then be done with it. Confrontation gets a bad rap. It’s meant to clear the air so both parties feel better after. Her cute. ‘So are we going to dinner or what?’ Haha They already missed her breakfast. She wants to do something with her man.

Tim couldn’t be cuter saying they are. But her outfit is missing a little something. Lucy being very confused by this. Saying 'What?' Then seeing the jewelry box in his hand and melting like butter. Tim could not be cuter handing it to her. Love struck as he gives her his gift. Telling her ‘Happy Valentines Day.’ The biggest grin on his handsome face. Lucy beaming right back at him. Her eyes screaming how much she loves this man.

She is so impressed with him. So impressed she’s shocked he picked this out LOL He knows his girl. Tim is offended asking her if it’s that shocking? Lucy soothing his ego saying ‘No.’ Letting him know he clearly has good taste. I mean he does. He is in love with her after all. He really did a good job. That is the perfect Lucy necklace so he nailed it. The man has noticed a trend is what she wears. Well done Timothy. Your girl is mighty impressed with your gift giving skills. How far you've come since your days with Rachel ha

It’s so intimate and sweet the way he puts it on her. Lucy is radiating joy as he does this. The way she looks at him while he puts it on and slides his hand down to adjust it. *heart clutch* She is revved up and wants to skip dinner now. More than ready to ‘Thank’ him for her gift. I love her being the one to suggest just skipping dinner and having her way with him instead. Tim saying 'No I'm hungry.' Lucy is feeling a little rejected like ‘Oh. Ok..’

Tim doesn’t let that feeling linger for long. Touching her back intimately mentioning she’s gonna need fuel for later. OMG. He just said that and I’m reeling. I rewound it I remember being so damn giddy. Basically saying she needs fuel to keep up so he can have his way with her. Tim Bradford talking about sex in his office. Not only that but they’re gonna have so many rounds he wants her fueled up. *fans self*

Lucy’s face is everything afterwards. She is blushing but also so ready for their night together. Man has some pent up tension to burn off but needs food first LOL Lucy is very ready to go to dinner now. Especially knowing what awaits her when they’re done hehe I can only imagine how antsy she was to get back to either his or her place following that dinner. I love how the writers constantly insinuate their sex life is spicy and active af. I adore it so much. I mean did we really expect anything less? Doesn’t make me love it any less though.

Anyone else just in shock we got all these goodies still? I keep saying feels like a fever dream because it does. In the best way possible. After last episode this was start to finish incredible.

~~~~

Side notes-non Chenford

Wesley accidentally hiring a beautiful woman to guard him is hilarious. A non pregnant Angela wouldn’t be amused. A very pregnant one is ready to wring his neck.

Celina’s murder case gets brought back up. This SL is so good. It was my turning point for her as a character I needed that to care and give her more depth.

I did love how all the couples started off rocky and ended up fine by the end was growing a little from it. I do love Nyla and James so much.

Thank you forever and always to those who like, comment( love dem comments) and reblog these. S5 been so fun to analyze thank you all for still being invested in these all these months later. See you all in 5x17 :)

[prinz-vassago]

Ok I'm so obsessed with "Dai Nippon Gothic" and Suehiro Maruo's artwork and manga, I ended up getting a lot of inspiration from that to continue Akumu's mistery lore. I'm doing characters for the secret occult club investigating her death. They're called "Mugen no Kagi" (夢幻の鍵) or just "Fantastic Dream Key". I'll post the other members during the week bc I think each one deserves a post only about them, so here's the first one: Gou Kurogane

His backstory may contain some extreme/disturbing topics, be warned:

Gou is a 17 y.o teenager who is part of the secret occult club that investigates the entity Akumu. He is fascinated by death in every way. Coming from a traditional family and a lineage of samurais who served the Shogun, he follows a strict code of honor since he was a child. His family has a strange tradition of preserving the corpses of men who brought honor to the family in a sacred room in the house. His dream is to bring honor and die heroically in the war to have his body mummified alongside his ancestors, keeping the illusion that "war is honorable" due to his family tradition and the nationalist education given by the schools during the Showa period. He constantly has the job of serving food to the corpses and taking care of them as if they were alive.

Gou's father divorced his mother when Gou was very young and lost himself in alcoholism and prostitutes. Because of that he rarely sees his father and was raised most of the time by his older brother, who has a toxic and abusive relationship with him. Gou's brother is an imperial soldier, and constantly puts pressure on him, saying that "he will never bring honor to the family". Even though he gets excellent grades and being very good at swordsmanship, his brother invalidates his success, and nothing ever seems to be enough to please him. Although, Gou greatly admires his brother's position in the army, and dreams of becoming a soldier just like him and is deeply ashamed of his father and has vowed not to end up like him.

Despite all the problems and oddities, he is a very respectful and modest person in public, which makes people see him as someone exemplary in society and they don't even imagine his creepy side.

All this fascination with death made him start looking for more answers in black magic, and so he joined the secret occult club. Out of all entities and Yokai, he has the most interest in vengeful ghosts (like the Yurei type of ghost) and the Gashadokuro (giant skeletons made of the skulls of people who died in the battlefield). He is constantly desecrating warriors' graves and taking their skulls in the hopes of one day summoning a Gashadokuro. He doesn't usually work with curses and tends to focus more on summoning disturbed spirits and finding definitive ways to invoke each one of them, recording everything in his summoning notebook. He believes he can free Akumu's spirit and find out what happened to her.

*I don't condone the japanese imperial army and their actions nor the act of desecrating graves/disturbing the dead. The character is just inserted in this specific moment in history. Take his attitudes and traumas as a critique of how nationalism and extreme traditions affect people's minds in the worst way and how war is romanticized by some people.

[bookscandlesnbts]

Quick facts about me that no one asked for:

Figured since I’ve posted more here and answered some asks, I would share some facts about me on my blog both BTS/Jikook related and non related.

1.) I became ARMY during quarantine era. A friend got me into them. After I watched their MMA 2019 performance I was blown away. She was a Yoongi bias so that is whose content I initially watched and gravitated towards. When I ventured out on my own and watched more performance stages and Run BTS I knew immediately that I was drawn to Jimin. Everything from his stage presence, gorgeous vocals and dance lines, funny and sassy personality, but also super empathetic and caring. He was it for me and still is. But I do love all seven of them. I could probably rank them in order of my “favorites” but Jimin would be number 1 without a doubt.

***super fun fact is that I actually first was exposed to BTS in 2017 :( that’s right, I could have stanned back then. I frequently kind of kidding but not really refer to this as my biggest regret. An undergrad in my research group was obsessed with them. She showed me a clip of them dancing and probably because I didn’t like her that much (she was friends with someone toxic) I chalked it up as so they sing and dance? Who cares. I ended up reconnecting with her later when I stanned and found out that she was a low-key TKK shipper and loved reading their fanfics. By that point, I was already sus of Jikook so we clashed and I don’t talk to her. 🤣

2.) That brings me to point number two. The most important: Jikook. I wish I could remember the first time I was like yep this is a thing but I don’t. I do remember the first Jikook moment that I was exposed to was their Black Swan pas de deux. I remember finding their chemistry palpable and bold of them to perform a romantic dance together but that was it. The more I watched Run BTS and being a Jimin bias I couldn’t help but notice JK too and their closeness. What was the nail in the coffin so to speak? The cliches. GCF Tokyo and Rosebowl did it for me and I’ve been endeared by them ever since.

3.) I’m a sort of Jikook fanfic writer on A03 who I guess is on a hiatus and has been for awhile now. I love fanfiction and have been reading it and writing it a little since I was like 12. I was never a RPF girlie until BTS but I view them as characters in a story because that is what they are when I’m reading or writing fics. Not the actual people.

4.) I’m asexual and probably aromatic to some extent too. Asexuality is so misunderstood, I could go on about it for days, but I’m not the authority on it by any means. I like the idea of sex in the abstract. Fanfics, great. M/M where I don’t feel inserted in the act, even better. I’m not a prude, I just don’t experience sexual attraction. The idea of looking at someone even the tannies and wanting to fuck them makes me uncomfortable and it’s something I can’t relate to and have never felt. I’ve had sex of course, but it’s never lived up to the hype for me. I can definitely live without it. As far as being aromantic that I’m not sure. I love the idea of romance or I wouldn’t be so smitten with Jikook and other cute couples. I don’t actively seek romance in my life. I don’t date or want to date. I haven’t had a crush on someone in like 10 years. I’m not opposed to it. Their gender wouldn’t matter to me but it’s not something I feel like I need in my life. If you are anywhere on the ace spectrum or are LGBTQIA+, hi you are more than welcome here.

5.) I’m educated! I have a PhD in chemistry. I am on the Professor track and I teach organic chemistry. I spent 7 years in grad school combined for my masters and PhD.

So yeah! This way you know a little about me when you send in asks. I am terrible at formatting and use my phone only for Tumblr, so my blog probably won’t ever be pretty. I’m just here for connections and content that is more in depth than Twitter. Yes, I’m still calling it twitter. Sorry not sorry Elon.

[smolwritingchick]

The Bangtan Gal Chapter 91- Tub Big Enough For Two

Chapter Summary: BTS promote BST as viewers and fans freak out and wonder what is going on between Jennie and Taehyung due to what they saw in the MV. Jennie suffers a wardrobe malfunction during a show. Jennie and Jungkook become stressed trying to juggle school and promotions. Pissed about having to take an exam the next morning, Jungkook's angry emotions are shown while performing late at night for a show and Jennie helps him calm down back at the dorm.

Words: 8,000+

Author's Note: Years ago, when I saw that fan cam of Jungkook on October 18th 2016 it inspired the last part of this chapter. I really love it and thought it was super cute and fluffy. I hope you enjoy! It'll take me a bit to write the next chapter after this but I hope this chapter can hold you until I update this story again!

------

At the music show, Jennie wore one of her outfits from the music video and had a personalized earpiece. Her earpiece had Smartie written on it with two small drawings of Smarties under it. What excited Jen about performing BST was that for her verse, she would be able to switch up the choreography and switch it with a different member. For their comeback stage, Taehyung would be the first. And then on another day, it would be another member instead. She hoped viewers would enjoy it as it kept the performance fresh and improvised. 

Jennie and Jungkook got to reunite with GOT7 when they weren’t recording. Jumping on Bam Bam’s back, she outstretched her arms like an airplane while Jungkook picked up Yugyeom on his back. Mark laughed as he started taking photos on Bam Bam’s phone which consisted of them laughing and doing funny faces for each one. Jackson and Namjoon even photobombed a few with funny facial expressions of their own. When Bam Bam noticed, he laughed and showed it to his 97 Liner friends. 

After getting the photo from Bam Bam, she posted the photo on Twitter and Instagram with the caption, ‘Reunited~! Squad! Missing the rest of the 97 Liner gang’

As the music show went on, Bangtan did a mini fan meeting as fans with Army bombs screamed for them while SHINee’s Key and GOT7’s Bam Bam were the MCs.

“Alright, these people who have set the music industry on fire with HwaYangYeonHwa have properly announced their declaration to soar this time! BTS!” Key announced.

“2! 3! Bang-Tan! Hello, we are BTS!”

“Could you please introduce your second full album, WINGS for us?” Bam Bam asked the group.

“Yes, our second full album, WINGS, consists of 16 tracks and we can say it is an album full of dark, dark, sexy, sexy charms that you have never seen from us before!” Suga answered as some fans covered their faces with the WINGS album and waved away their Bangtan Bomb in the background.

“Alright, we heard that your concept this time is boy meets temptations and so we have investigated what temptations each of the members have met. Bam Bam?” Key asked.

“Jungkook, who has turned 20 years old this year has indeed met sexiness properly!” he announced as Jungkook smiled at the camera and raised an eyebrow. “I am also 20 years old this year but I don’t know why I haven’t met sexiness. So please show us some sexiness in element!”

“You want me to show you?” Jungkook asked.

“Yes!”

Grabbing onto his belt, Jungkook body rolled and bit his bottom lip as fans ate it up, screaming. J-Hope dropped his jaw and then placed an arm over Bam Bam’s shoulder, body rolling with him. Watching the duo join Jungkook in body rolls, Jennie stared at them like they were crazy.

“Woah, woah, woah! Please stop!” Key exclaimed.

“Y’all are clowns,” she laughed.

“That was great, alright. But Jin, is this the end?” Key asked.

“Of course not! Rap Monster and I, the outer wings of dance in BTS, have met our temptations from dancing! We shall show you the choreography point of Blood, Sweat and Tears!” he answered.

“Now, 5, 6, 7, 8!” J-Hope counted as they watched them perform a small section of the dance. “That was just fantastic!” he praised with Jungkook.

“Everyone, that is not the choreography point. The 95 liners, who have met temptations from both sexiness and dance will show you the choreography point move properly!” Jimin spoke up.

“The friends who were born in ’95!” Key said.

“Yup! 5, 6, 7, 8!” J-Hope counted down again as they danced with Jin singing the chorus.

“Jennie has shown an enticing persona that has captured the hearts of many fans. What temptations have you encountered?” Bam Bam asked.

She stood there, pondering for a moment after taking the mic. Then she suddenly took out a handful of Smarties from her pocket. “Smartie galore~!”

The boys laughed with her as she dramatically presented the candy on screen. She turned around and gave some to a few lucky fans. When some asked her to throw some in the back, she tossed the rest.

“If you watch M Countdown’s live broadcast, the temptation of revealing it for the first time, what temptations are there to this, Jennie?” Key asked her.

Holding the mic as she stood next to Suga, she pointed out the signed BTS WINGS album he was holding. “If you watch the broadcast, you could win a signed copy of our new album! All you gotta do is take a picture of the live broadcast on your screen and mention it to M Countdown Twitter! So, tweet away!”

“Jennie, I want to watch your performance of Blood, Sweat and Tears now and get the signed CD!” Bam Bam pointed out.

“Woah, woah, before you watch our performance stage of our title track, aren’t you curious about the temptations that I, J-Hope have encountered?” he asked. “These days I’m into the temptations of elegant and gleaming women~. Yeah~.”

“BTS’ first comeback stage of 21st century girl will be revealed for the first time, very soon and if you continue to watch the live broadcast after that you will be able to meet our title track as well!” Jungkook pointed to the camera.

“Before that, the first revealing performance of the most mystic ones, Ladies Code!” Rapmon announced.

“And Monsta X’s stage too, M Countdown-“

“Let’s go, let’s go!” they all shouted and jumped around.

-----

For the recording of 21st Century Girl, as the group got into formation, the audience began to loudly sing Happy Birthday to Jimin which warmed Jennie’s heart. He grinned and bowed before sending fans a heart. Throughout the entire performance, she had a big smile on her face, clearly indicating that this was if not her favorite song out of the album.

As the broadcast went on, it was finally time to perform Blood, Sweat & Tears. The setting BTS was in looked similar to how it was in the music video as Jennie's demeanor turned into work mode and her expression turned serious. Getting into her BST persona, she stood in the back for the opening pose.

As Jimin’s ethereal vocals started off the song,

nae pi ttam nunmul

They raised their heads to looked at the ceiling and then down,

nae majimak chumeul

da gajyeoga ga

They moved smoothly on beat as fans screamed.

nae pi ttam nunmul

Covering their eyes, they began to hip thrust. For this, Jen chose to place her hand on her thigh while the others either had their hand on their belt or crotch. As they swayed their arms fluidly, the crowd fan chanted their names.

Kim Namjoon! Kim Seokjin! Min Yoongi! Jung Hoseok! Park Jimin! Kim Taehyung! Jeon Jungkook! Jen Walker! BTS!

nae pi ttam nunmuldo

nae mom maeum yeonghondo

neoye geoshin geol jal algo isseo

igeon nareul beolbatge hal jumun

Peaches and cream

Sweeter than sweet

Getting on a knee on the floor, she body rolled sensually looking right directly at the camera.

Chocolate cheeks

And chocolate wings

But neoye nalgaeneun akmaye geot

neoye geu sweet apen bitter bitter

Kiss me apado dwae

eoseo nal joyeojwo

deo isang apeul sudo eopge

Baby chwihaedo dwae ije neol deurikyeo

mok gipsugi neoran wiseuki

nae pi ttam nunmul

She slowly let herself fall on the floor and turned on her back, thrusting up.

nae majimak chumeul

da gajyeoga ga

nae pi ttam nunmul

With a sexy smile, she began to caress her body as her hands went down slowly.

nae chagaun sumeul

da gajyeoga ga

wonhae mani mani mani mani

wonhae mani mani mani mani mani mani

wonhae mani mani mani mani

wonhae mani mani mani mani mani mani

As she sang, the boys rushed in close and crowded around her. They body rolled as they had their attention on her while she stared at the camera instead. Every day she was finding more ways to improve on this sexy persona she was told to do for this comeback. Her appearances weren’t enough, so she chose to do what she did best and make the camera her best friend.

“How much longer before you consume me? No matter how much I resist, I can’t fight what you’re doing,”

Looking behind her and then back at the crowd, she snapped her fingers and everyone dropped to the floor except for V.

Staring at her with desire, he had a playful smirk on his face and got behind her. Covering her eyes and having his other hand hold onto her securely, they lean to the side.

“My mind is telling me to break free but my body is freaking out. No, I can’t want you, get out of my head. As you love every inch of me you see that I want it too.”

Once he removed his hand from her eyes, she felt his breath on her neck.

“Breath on my neck, I bit off more than I can chew. Reflecting on my choices, I’m wonderin’ if there’s any way out of this,"

Once she turned her head back to look at him, he leaned in close like he was going to kiss her, hence loud screaming occurring. She pushed him away and turned her attention back to the crowd, to dance.

"I’m losing this battle, I just can’t resist. Only a matter of time before you screw me up and I’ll be stuck reminiscing,” she covered her mouth and joined the rest of the group who got up as J-Hope rapped his verse.

apado dwae nal mukkeojwo

naega domangchil su eopge

kkwak jwigo nal heundeureojwo

naega jeongshin mot charige

Kiss me on the lips lips

dulmane bimil

neoran gamoge jungdokdwae gipi

niga anin dareun saram seomgiji mothae

almyeonseodo samkyeobeorin dogi deun seongbae

nae pi ttam nunmul

nae majimak chumeul

da gajyeoga ga

nae pi ttam nunmul

nae chagaun sumeul

da gajyeoga ga

wonhae mani mani mani mani

wonhae mani mani mani mani mani mani

wonhae mani mani mani mani

wonhae mani mani mani mani mani mani

As V stood in front of the camera to sing, Suga reached for his neck while J-Hope grabbed his wrist on the other side.

nareul budeureopge jugyeojwo

The trio bent down to reveal Jungkook with Rapmon and Jennie covering his eyes along with theirs.

neoye songillo nun gamgyeojwo

As everyone bent down to reveal Jin in the back, he sang his lines, ducking over Jen and Rapmon’s hands.

eochapi geobuhal sujocha eopseo

deoneun domanggal sujocha eopseo

niga neomu dalkomhae neomu dalkomhae

neomu dalkomhaeseo

nae pi ttam nunmul

nae pi ttam nunmu

After their ending pose, the lights went out and the audience cheered loudly.

Once the staff announced the recording was over, Jennie’s excited sound effect and “Woo! That was hot! We did it!” was heard which made everyone laugh.

“Whoops, I thought my mic was off,” she giggled and took off her earpiece.

-------

After their recording, in the dressing room, Jennie and Jin prepared the cake. They were recorded for a Bangtan Bomb to surprise Jimin for his birthday.

“Fancy packaging,” she commented as they carefully opened the box. 

After setting it up, Jungkook lit up the candles while their manager went to call Jimin back into the room.

“Oh! Ya, that looks delicious!” Hobi said.

With the lights off and Jin holding the cake while V had flowers in his hand, “Happy birthday to you!” everyone sang while Jennie jumped and clapped around with Hobi.

“Happy birthday to you! Our dear Park Jimin! Happy birthday to you!”

“Blow!” Jin presented the cake in front of him.

With a big smile, Jimin happily blew out the candles.

“Look at this! Your dad sent it to you,” V presented him with the flowers.

“Wow, my dad is daebak!” Jimin said and took the flowers.

“To show how much he loves you,” Suga joined in the conversation.

Jimin pointed out that the cake was the same cake he bought Rap Monster when he spent his first birthday with him. The cake was even meaningful.

“Also the members individually bought you presents,” J-Hope told him.

“YEAAAAAAH~!” the birthday boy shouted.

After they celebrated with cake, Jen saw that Jimin had finished recording for a Bangtan Bomb to talk about how grateful he was for the birthday wishes. She thought it was the best time to give him her gift.

“Happy birthday~!” she sat next to him, holding a photo album in her hands. “Thank you for being born and being such an amazing soul. This is for you! I made it myself. Remember I asked you for all the Polaroids you’ve taken over the years? This is what I was working on,”

When he opened it, he saw that all his polaroids were in a collection by date. It had captions of the memories along with some stories she had written as she thought about the memories BTS has had so far.

“Oh wow...Ennie, this is...wow,” he said breathlessly as he was in awe at the gift.

Her nervousness for his reaction went away when she saw how thrilled he was. “I’m glad you like it!” 

"Thank you,” he set it down and pulled her in for a hug. “This is beautiful. I’ll cherish it for a long time,”

Back at the dorm, Jimin took the time to look over the entire album. He looked at the polaroid of her, Jin, and him spending the day together during their trainee days.

‘Remember when you and Jin took me to this Korean BBQ place? You guys made me try out so many things. We should go back there sometime!’

At the end of the album, he noticed there were five custom themed Jennie Bakery coupons for whenever he wanted her baked goods.

‘Anything baked for you is on me! Just hand me the coupon! :)’

Grabbing one of the coupons, Jimin made his way to her room.

Jennie felt a gentle hand on her shoulder while she was seated at her desk on her computer. Glancing at the coupon, she smiled and looked up to see Jimin smiling warmly.

“I could use some of your cookies, right now,” he said kindly.

“You got it, birthday boy,” she stood up.

“Could I...bake with you? I don’t want you to do all the work,”

“Sure! Let’s do it,”

---------

For another Bangtan Bomb, dressed in her BST outfit in the dressing room, Jennie held baby Jordan, bouncing in beat as Bang Bang Bang by Big Bang came on shuffle from her phone. She was listening to music to pass the time while the rest of the members got ready.

‘Jennie feeling the energy of Big Bang while holding baby Jordan’

As she danced around to TOP’s rap, Hobi, who was done getting ready came to join her in dancing.

BANG! BANG BANG!

Standing next to him, she held Jordan securely against her chest with one arm and with the other, moved her arm around to perform the choreography of the chorus.

BANG! BANG! BANG!

Ppangya ppangya ppangya

BANG! BANG! BANG!

BANG! BANG! BANG!

After dancing, Jen was asked to explain why she had a baby with her since fans would be curious why a baby toy was going everywhere with Bangtan. 

Seated on the couch, with Jordan in her arms, she explained, “Jungkook and I are in a class where we have an assignment to take care of a baby. We named him Jordan. It’s kinda funny because taking care of this robot baby is like a sims game but in baby toy form. I hope we pass. So far it’s been smooth sailing. But apparently, it’s supposed to get harder as the assignment’s due date approaches. The teacher is very strict about making sure everyone does well on this project. Cheer us on, please,“

When Namjoon and Suga asked to play with the baby, Jungkook sat on the couch with Jennie and watched the rappers play around. Their fingers were intertwined as they sat comfortably while amused at the pair playing around with Jordan.

“Let’s teach Jordan how to rap. The ninth member of Bangtan. Baby Jordan, right here, and he about to be on the next rap line song!” Suga shouted proudly.

“I love! I love! I love myself!” the rappers began rapping the song to Jordan.

Sensing the Bangtan Bomb camera turning towards them, Jungkook quickly removed his hand from hers. They both scooted away to avoid looking too close for comfort in the nick of time as the camera caught them casually watching the two rap. Although it could just be edited, they still didn’t want to take any chance since ARMY is like the FBI these days. 

“What are y’all doing?” Jen exclaimed as the camera caught the Golden Duo staring at them like they were crazy.

"I'm surprised Jordan hasn't cried. Maybe he likes it," Jungkook spoke up.

"Shit, you could be right," she replied as they heard the baby robot laugh.

------

With WINGS out, fan signs began for Bangtan as Jennie was met with the most common questions on whether she was dating V and what color she would be dyeing her hair next.

‘IS THIS REAL!? Did he really say this!?’

‘IT’S REAL GUYS! It is from today’s fan sign! He answered this for a fan!’

‘Taehyung and Jennie cannot be left alone in a room together no more. I don’t trust it!’

‘I knew something was up with the way they were staring at each other at music shows’

‘I’m maaaaaad as helllll rn. Why can’t it be me!?’

‘I lowkey be replaying THAT scene on the low because there is just no way that was acting’

‘PAUSE! The music video’s rating was supposed to be higher!?’

‘They were supposed to KISS!? I WANT TO SEE IT!’

‘Jennie! V! Explain yourselves!’

‘I’m amazed by their acting abilities to do what they did in front of the staff for the MV. I could never.’

‘All right dispatch, reveal that they’re dating! We waiting for that article’

‘Missed opportunity to kiss. BH made a mistake!’

‘I still have this image of Jennie being a baby. She’s acting sexy too quickly. Slow down PLEASE! I can’t handle this!’

‘Now I want them to kiss. Dammit Big Hit! Y’all dropped the ball!’

‘Imnotjealousimnotjealousimnotjealous’

‘I just want to know HOW she survived that scene because there is just no way,’

‘Can somebody please confirm if they’re dating or not because I cannot get over this’

‘Confirmed! Taennie is too hot for music videos’

‘Big Hit fix this NOW! #LetVAndJenKiss’

‘I believe it because the way he was with her against the wall was intense and had me screaming’

‘From all the YouTube reaction videos of BST, that scene was replayed the most by viewers’

Army on Twitter was in a frenzy when a K-Fan posted Taehyung’s answer regarding scenes that did not make the cut in the music video from today’s fan sign.

The photo consisted of a written response on the note the fan provided which had Taehyung say: ‘The music video was originally supposed to be rated 12 but due to Ennie and I, it was boosted to rated 15. At one point in the music video, Ennie and I were supposed to kiss. But they chose not to do it because the rating would have been even higher for the video. Kekeke’

---------

Backstage after recordings, BTS sat to watch their performances of 21st Century Girl and Blood, Sweat & Tears. Jennie took Jungkook’s seat next to Yoongi when he decided to stand behind the group with Hobi.

21st Century Girl was being shown and they commented on how good they looked.

“Look at me working hard!” Yoongi pointed out.

“V knows what’s good,” Rapmon said as he watched V in the front during the chorus.

“I love this song, oh my gosh,” Jen giggled as she watched herself dance around with Yoongi. She swayed a little to the beat.

“You and Yoongi had a lot of fun on this stage,” Jin noticed.

“They really did,” Rapmon chuckled.

“Jimin’s acting here is really good,” Jungkook said.

“Doesn’t he act well?”

Jimin laughed. “I’m going crazy over Rap Monster,”

“I didn’t know my eyes were that big until today,” Rapmon went on.

“Music Core always captures us nicely on camera,” Hobi praised. “The colors are so pretty,”

“It’s our first time watching our performance on TV,” Jin said as Blood, Sweat & Tears came on.

“Oh boy,” Jennie grinned nervously as she watched herself. She also analyzed how she moved so she could improve for their next performances.

“The set is really pretty,” Hobi looked on.

The boys started to tease Jimin about having a motor on his body with the way he moved and that Jungkook couldn’t imitate his movements.

“Of all the outfits he wore, this suits Jimin the best, I think,” Rapmon pointed.

“Agreed. This is definitely his era,” Jen praised.

When they saw his shoulder showing after his jacket slid off a little, the members laughed and pointed it out.

“His clothes came off! He’s showing off his body~!” Hobi shouted.

“Here he gooooooo~.” Jennie threw her head back, laughing with him.

“He practiced it all,” Jin declared.

“No, no~!” Jimin giggled and leaned forward.

“I think we should focus. Suga said he came out great on this performance,” Hobi changed the subject.

“Jennie~! Look at you go!” Rap Monster cheered.

“You’re growing up too fast for me,” Jin joked. “Are you trying to make ARMY nervous?”

“Perhaps,” she grinned sheepishly.

“Jennie’s expressions are no joke,” Suga said in amazement.

“Oh my gosh, I don’t remember making that face,” she pointed out as she watched herself sing.

Watching his girlfriend on the screen, Jungkook smirked softly and raised an eyebrow, taking in how good she looked.

“Jungkook’s outfit is very...” Jimin tried to think of the right word.

“It makes him look like an adult,” Rapmon answered

“He’s like an adult. It looks really sexy on him,”

‘You can say that again. How lucky am I? Whew,’  Jen thought as she bit her bottom lip softly, staring harder than usual at the screen when Jungkook appeared.

Once they saw Jimin back on the screen again, they watched as he did his shoulder accident once more, which caused them to go crazy.

“WOW~!”

“YASSSSSS!” she clapped.

-------

For SBS Inkigayo, BTS performed BST in a different stage setting. As soon as Rapmon said Peaches and Cream, Jennie felt a few buttons from her top pop off, revealing more cleavage than she wanted as she heard fans scream at the unexpected exposed skin and bra.

‘Nice...frickin’ nice...’ she thought as she professionally continued to dance while keeping a tight grip on her top.

After getting up from the floor, she was forced to dance with one hand.

Jin immediately noticed what was wrong when something in his gut told him to glance over at her. And there she was with a wardrobe malfunction. The audience screamed louder when they watched him take off his red jacket. As she desperately gripped her shirt to block her chest from being seen, Jin improvised their dance by having his red jacket in his hands to give to her.

“How much longer before you consume me?” she sang as she felt him place his jacket over her.

Putting her arms in it, her chest was now covered as she wore his jacket for the rest of the performance. It felt warm and it was pretty large on her. She was grateful. 

Smiling, she caressed his cheek to go back along with their choreography. Gently pushing her hand away, he looked ahead like he was trying to go to the other side. Watching him walk past her where the rest of the boys were, she rushed up and hugged him from behind.

After the performance was over, Jennie was quick to rush backstage with Jin following behind her as they went to the dressing room.

“Is she all right? What happened?” Rapmon asked with concern as the rest of the members went into full protection mode to get to the bottom of what was wrong.

“That was embarrassing,” Jen cringed as her entire face was on fire from the sudden moment. Feeling angry about the situation, some tears went down her cheeks.

Hobi and Jin stood in front of her, trying to calm her down.

“Don’t do that. Don’t cry. It’s okay, Jennie,” Hobi cupped her face after Jin told him what happened. He used his thumbs to wipe her tears. “None of this was your fault. You’ve done so well, today. This hiccup will not overshadow that. You hear me, munchkin?“

She nodded and felt him kiss her forehead.

“I brought smarties to cheer you up,” Jin presented her with a bag, making her eyes light up. He always brought some with him just in case.

“Guys...thank you. And Jin, I owe you. What you did with your jacket, thank you. I appreciate you so much for what you did out there,”

“You said you wanted to be my daughter for a long time. I too want you as my daughter for a long time. I’ll always be here to protect you,” he blew her a flying kiss. “You know what? I recall this dad joke I heard a while ago. You know what it was?”

“What was it?”

“What kind of cheese can never be yours?”

“Um...not sure. What is it?”

“Nacho cheese!” he laughed.

She didn’t know if it was the dad joke or his infectious laugh that caused her to burst out in laughter but whatever it was, she was feeling better already.

“There’s that smile! Yay~!” Hobi jumped up and down with Jin.

Once the rest of the boys came in, they were told what happened and saw that Jin and Hobi boosted her mood. They were glad Jennie was doing better and kept praising her professionalism today. After the stylists had fixed her shirt and she leaned up against one of the tables, on her phone.

Jungkook lifted her chin and smiled softly when he approached her. “You all right?”

“Yes. I’m feeling better. Thank you,” she smiled.

“Wow, so we both had our shirts ripped together. How convenient,” he joked.

On this day, it seemed like the Golden Duo’s clothes couldn’t handle the performance. It looked like only one button was trying to hold on from Jungkook’s shirt as he performed. He understood that his situation was different given that he could easily reveal his chest unlike her.

“Yours was like BAM! Didn’t the arm rip, too?” she laughed as he showed her after unpinning the closed hole. “Wow, it did!”

After settling down in the dressing room, Jen tweeted. ‘Welp...#Jen’

Fans were quick to reply to express their sympathy for her:

‘Girl don’t even worry about it!’

‘She taking the sexy persona to a whole new level oml I am shooked’

‘Wait...what happened!?’

‘It’s okay! It happens to the best of us!’

‘Are you ok bby?!’

#ItsOKJennie trended after fans found out about the sudden malfunction. Even as they recorded a few times, for some reason her shirt would not function right and kept popping open. But what made their hearts soar was that Jin was the first to notice on stage and loved that he had given her his red jacket. Jin was praised all over Twitter for his quick action as fans called him a positive father figure for her.

On her Instagram, she saw a few antis coming in to express their disgust for the wardrobe malfunction.

‘What you did might be how you get famous in the West but in Korea we go based on talent. Showing your body won’t get you anywhere,’

‘Can you go a DAY without forcing your Americanness in Korea? No one wants to see your chest. Bad enough you’re all over the members on stage. It’s gross. I honestly think you planned that. There was no way that was an accident. You’re trying to be like Jimin and it’s not working. You’ll never be like him. Stop acting slutty’

'Hah...I got time today,' she thought as she decided to comment on the last one.

Jen typed, ‘Lol Bruhhhh. How come when the boys act sexy, it’s fine but when I act sexy I’m forcing my Americaness? Jeesh. I’m just trying to perform the best I can for you all. I look and feel amazing. Learn to love yourself and not be so hateful to others. With that being said, continue to support BTS and listen to WINGS’

The person deleted their comment and went private immediately, unable to take the heat of fans protecting her on social media. Dismissing the hate comments, Jen went on to stay in a positive mindset and focused on the supportive comments.

Scrolling through Twitter and Tumblr, the memes and gifs were already made from her incident which made her laugh. The K-Pop stans that enjoyed sexy moments were having a field day, trying to get any chance they could to see more sexy Jennie. What took her out was the slow-motion gifs of her top popping.

“I cannot with peopleeeee,” she laughed wholeheartedly, forgetting all about the embarrassment.

She tweeted: ‘These gif and photo reactions, y’all thirsty AF, ahahaha XD I don’t even got nothing. #Jen’

When she saw fans clowning her for not believing she had a nice chest and poked fun at her to help boost her mood, she tweeted, 'Issa whole push up bra. You know how that goes. Mistakes happen. I’m glad you find amusement in this. I do too thanks to U! #Jen'

She took the time to see a hashtag about her trending which made her heart soar. K-Pop fans really knew how to make idols feel great when they were at their lowest.

‘Thanks for the hashtag. I see it. Your tweets made my day better. I’ll be all right. Continue to support Bangtan and WINGS! I love y’all #ItsOKJennie #Jen’

-------

As promotions for Blood, Sweat & Tears continued, Jennie and Jungkook had been visibly stressed with juggling school and idol life. So, when they found out they had to record and perform at the KBS Open Concert on October 18th, the duo was not too pleased since they had exams the following day.

With no time to study due to practice and promoting? The duo was pissed.

Jennie seemed to have calmed down when she arrived at the show and saw her friends. She soon had the mindset that it was what it was and she would just have to go with the flow and do the best she could for the exam. Jungkook on the other hand was still irate and remained silent as his mind wandered to how he was going to be able to get any studying in. He even brought books to attempt to cram but did not get the opportunity to look over his notes because he was called for other tasks.

“Girl, I am going to fail tomorrow. This written exam is going to kill me,” Jen began venting to Hayoon as they walked together backstage.

“What? Why do you say that?” Hayoon asked in astonishment.

“Yoonie, they got me performing today and promoting left and right. Fan signs and I had no time whatsoever to study for this exam. I am so annoyed. You know how I am about school,”

“Oh gosh. And this is such a successful comeback for Bangtan. So more demand for you guys, huh?”

“Right? I’m so grateful for the success but it would be nice if the industry could give idol students a break to prioritize with our studies. But it seems like things don’t work that way, here. I dunno what I am going to do, girl. I’m worried about my grades,”

“Oh nooooo. And I saw Jungkook earlier. Is he all right? He kind of scared me with how visibly angry he looked tonight,”

“Oh boy. Yeah, he’s taking this situation harder than me. He is not happy. I’m trying to give him his space. I don’t want to annoy him,”

“Understandable. You think you’ll get any studying in after recording?”

“I need to. I have no choice. I’m going to have to just sacrifice sleep, tonight,”

After catching up with Hayoon, Jennie met up with BTS to prepare to perform BST and Fire. Bangtan walked on stage and got ready for their opening pose of BST. As the song began and they danced, Jungkook’s annoyance visibly showed on camera as well as looking like he wanted to be somewhere else instead of on stage. Jennie had a serious expression on her face as she performed, not even bothering to portray her trademark sexy persona for this performance. If anything, she just wanted to get this over with so she could study. She even found herself trying to think of what she had crammed for before arriving at the venue.

'Science was it? Damn it, I need to remember those formulas. Oh wait, I need to sing,’ she thought as she heard background music and saw some of the members glancing over at her when she almost missed her cue. She quickly snapped out of her thoughts and began to sing.

It was Suga’s turn to be with her for her part of the song and fans screamed louder when he came up and gently grabbed her neck. He held her close from behind as she leaned to the side. He spun her around and the pair continued to dance with one another.

“Only a matter of time before you screw me up and I’ll be stuck reminiscing,” she sang as she pressed her forehead against his.

Amused about their closeness, the two ended up smiling as they broke away and went back to their places as J-Hope rapped. As she performed, Jennie noticed familiar faces of her fansites that she met up with during her time in America. She smiled brightly at their cameras, acknowledging them. She even blew a kiss at one lucky fansite that was bound to get thousands of views alone from that moment. While hearing fans screaming and screeching out the lyrics, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly as she continued to move smoothly.

Once Fire came on, the members were hyping up the crowd. Jen glanced over at her boyfriend who was still visibly mad on stage.

'Oh boy. Fansites are going to have a field day with this,’ she thought.

ni meotdaero sareo eochapi ni kkeoya

As they leaned on one side, she locked eyes with Jungkook, initiating another nonverbal conversation.

'You good?’ she shot him a look of concern.

His eyes softened a bit as he didn’t want to take out his frustration on her. So, instead of rolling his eyes or giving her a cold response, he shook his head slightly while remaining serious on camera. The look he gave her was clear as it told her that he was still pissed about the situation they were in and that he just wanted to go home and study.

Oof. This was bad.

Whenever she glanced over at Jungkook with worry, he looked more irritated by the second as they performed. She didn’t blame him. The fact that they had to go to school after performing at this event late at night should be a crime. What she was not expecting was for him to be this angry at the situation that he would show off his emotions on stage. After the song ended, he rolled his eyes and walked off the stage. Meanwhile, Jennie hissed at the aching foot that had been bothering her all night. She had been on her feet all day and dancing in heels did not help. Once she was able to sit backstage, just keeping weight off the foot made her feel better. A massage would do the trick. And perhaps putting heat on it.

Nothing like a pair of comfortable Nikes to help as she put on a pair.

--------

The car ride back to the dorm went quickly as Jungkook silently seethed over having to cram for the exam in the morning. Once the car stopped at the dorm, he immediately got out after Jennie and Hobi did and slammed the door shut. The sound of him slamming the door made some of the members flinch.

“Jeesh, I didn’t think this was going to affect him this badly,” Hobi murmured, a little frightened at Jungkook’s demeanor.

Jennie exhaled and followed the group inside the dorm.

What do girlfriends do to help calm their angry boyfriends down, was the question on her mind as she watched her annoyed beau walk towards her bedroom door, ignoring everyone.

Jungkook turned and looked at her as if asking if she was going to follow him to her room. Once he saw that she was, he opened the door and let her go inside first.

“Leave the door open-“ Jin tried to warn but heard Jungkook shut the door after he walked inside. “Okay, but don’t lock it!”

Once he heard a click, indicating the door was locked, he sighed in annoyance while the rest laughed at him being ignored.

“Ah...let them rest. They have a long day tomorrow.” Namjoon advised.

“I hope he’s all right,” Hobi murmured.

“He will be,” Yoongi reassured. “Give the kids their space,”

“Ennie will make sure he’s fine. Let’s not bother them,” Taehyung thought positively.

“That means no knocking on their door. I fear he may get really angry at us and end up shouting or something,” Jimin added while keeping baby Jordan so they could try to study.

--------

With Jennie, she watched Jungkook lay face first into the covers. Her soft sheets made him feel comfortable as he rested, trying to control his emotions. He just wanted a moment of silence before cramming.

‘Should I give him space or...’ she pondered, not sure what to do in this situation.

She didn’t take it personally on him being in a foul mood and not wanting to speak to anyone. Everyone has their bad days. The main thing she wanted to avoid was saying the wrong thing and making him angrier. Deciding to leave him be, she went to her bathroom to set up a bubble bath. He could really use one. He had been working extremely hard during Blood, Sweat & Tears, she could only imagine how tense his muscles were tonight.

‘This’ll do for sure.’ she thought after being satisfied with the amount of bubbles in the hot water.

She put a ton of vanilla bubble bath liquid in the tub, making a bunch of bubbles. She then set up some scented candles around to enhance his relaxation. You can never go wrong with candles. When she came back to her bedroom, she found him standing up, wondering where she was.

‘Poor thing...you look so distressed.’ she thought with a sigh.

She smiled understandingly and pulled him in for a warm hug. The hug made him exhale as her arms wrapped around his waist, gently squeezing him. She felt him engulf his arms around her as she rested her head against his chest. They stood there for a while, enjoying the embrace. A hug could do so much as Jungkook’s frustrations began to melt away. The hug seemed to have started to make him feel better as Jennie felt his body relaxed. But she also noticed how tense his back was like she predicted. It began to bother her and she wanted to do something about it.

Looking up at him, she said, “Kookie, you’re tense,"

"I know...I'm just a little stressed out,"

"Here, take off your shirt and lay back down on your stomach. I’ll massage you for a little bit,”

Looking down at her, he smiled softly at her gesture but shook his head. “Ah, it’s fine. How about we just try to study and then go to sleep?”

She frowned and removed herself from his arms. “No, you’re stressed out, Kookie. I don’t like that. And I do not want you studying and going to bed with a tense back,”

“Baby, I’ll be fine.”

She rolled her eyes. “For goodness sake, what is with men being so stubborn? You know what?” 

Quickly, she removed his black jacket, taking him by surprise as he watched her toss it on her bed. He was left in his black V-neck shirt which showed a large amount of his chiseled chest.

“Arms up. Now,” she demanded.

Amused by her sudden demanding voice, he smirked softly and raised an eyebrow.

"Okay, Miss Walker,"

“Stop, I'm being serious,” she cracked a smile, earning a low chuckle from him.

He did what he was told and she grabbed on the bottom of his shirt, slowly lifting it. Once it was over his head, she tossed it on the bed.

“Lie down,” she directed him.

She watched as he got on her bed and laid on his stomach. Feeling her weight on him, Jungkook relaxed under her touch as she went to work on his back, feeling the warm massage oil from her hands. He should stop being so headstrong and listen to her when it came to her massages. He was feeling a difference already as he let out a sigh of bliss. After finishing up, she got off him and he stood up, feeling refreshed as he stretched.

“There!” she happily announced. “All done. I prepared a bath. Go in there and relax. My iPad is there too for whatever you want to watch. And once you’re done, we try to cram and then get some sleep. Now while you’re doing that, I need to start cramming.” 

After thanking her, Jungkook went into the bathroom to see the bubble bath prepared. He smiled at the bath. She always found the smallest things to pamper him with.

As he began to unbuckle his belt, a sweet vanilla aroma filled his nose as he looked at all the Bath & Body Works candles she set out.

‘You are always taking care of me. What did I do to deserve you?’ he thought with a smile as his previous negative emotions went away.

With Jennie, she stared at her textbook, confused by the science questions.

‘The heck is this? All I know is that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. What am I supposed to do with all the rest of this science stuff? I’m not going to go to college for science. Why am I learning this? Why is this on the exam? Ugh!’ she whined in her head.

“Screwed...definitely screwed...that’s a thing? I don’t remember this...mega screwed...aw damn it, I forgot I need to know these formulas,” she rambled, skimming through the pages. "Why can't we just use a cheat sheet? Fuck my life..."

“Baby?”

“Yes?” she looked up from her textbook to see Jungkook wrapped up in a towel, leaning against the door frame.

‘Oh my...’ she thought as she tried to keep her eyes up.

“The tub looks big enough for two,” he said smoothly.

Two...?

Her face began to heat up at his words.

Did he mean...

“You want me to join you?” she asked with surprise in her voice.

He nodded like it was the simplest thing ever.

“You should relax, too,” he added.

“U-um...all right. Can you just give me a moment?"

Jungkook seemed pleased that she accepted his offer and nodded again. "Yeah. I'll be waiting for you," he smiled and went back inside, closing the door.

Once her boyfriend was out of sight, she fell back on her bed and began freaking out in her head. She then proceeded to punch and kick the air in excitement and nervousness.

'Oh my God! A bath!? With Jungkook!?' she exclaimed in her head.

She got out of bed and started pacing around, trying to pull herself together.

'Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck! OKAY! BREATHE!' she rambled in her head as reality set in that she just agreed to take a bath with him.

She looked at herself in her large mirror, taking in her appearance. She was still in the attire she danced in for the event which consisted of a black dress with both slits high up and safety shorts. Grabbing a hair tie, Jennie put her hair in a high bun so her hair wouldn't get wet.

'You can do this. You can do this. It's just a bath. A relaxing...intimate bath. Girl...stop stalling. He's waiting on you.' she thought.

She let out a breath and then looked at her clothes. 'Should I...be the one to take this off...or should...'

Jennie glanced at the bathroom door and then back at her reflection. "Okay,"

When she went inside the bathroom and closed the door, she saw that Jungkook hadn't gotten in the tub yet and was patiently waiting for her as he leaned up against the sink.

"Hi," she smiled as she met his loving gaze.

Drinking her in, he returned her smile. "Hi,"

She noticed that he had dimmed the lights to set more of a romantic tone instead. What a view it was as she admired the new setting he provided for them.

“Wow, this is romantic,”

"You like it?"

"Yeah, this is sweet,"

"I'm glad. We never did anything like this before, have we?” he asked as he slowly made his way to her.

“This is a first. Um, could you help me?"

"Yeah, I got you,"

She turned around and once she felt him behind her, her heart rate quickened. Caressing her arms, Jungkook lightly kissed her left shoulder and grabbed the zipper of her dress.

“Relax, Jennie,” he said as he pulled the zipper down. “Let’s relax together and get our minds off the stress, okay?”

“Sounds good,”

As they both got in, Jungkook told her to sit across from him. The bath water was warm as the fragrant suds covered their bodies, relaxing their muscles. She then felt him grab her left foot gently and massage it. It happened to be the foot she felt the most aches and pains with. Despite being mad on stage, Jungkook was quick to notice her discomfort and made a mental note to take care of it.

“I-I thought YOU were supposed to be the one relaxing,” she exclaimed.

“I am,” he smiled. “Seeing you relaxed helps me relax, too. And besides, you hurt your foot. You need this bath as much as I do.”

“I thought I hid it. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. The ache would go away after a day or two. I just needed to get off of it for a while. And I was kind of planning on massaging it myself while you were taking a bath,” she sighed in content as his large hands worked wonders on her foot.

“Lucky you have me, right? I prefer you to let me massage you, instead. So just tell me, all right?”

“I will,” she promised. “So, do you want to vent to me about how you've been feeling?"

And he did, expressing himself about how frustrated he was that they had to perform so late despite having an exam in the morning. After venting to her, he felt much better and they continued to enjoy their bath.

She watched Jungkook, who had his eyes closed with his arms stretched out, resting on the tub. Deciding to be playful, she made her way over to him and grabbed a handful of bubbles. Jungkook opened his eyes to watch her place bubbles all over his head, shaping it like a hat. He let out a laugh and she commenced to put bubbles around his face like a beard.

“There. My masterpiece is done.” she giggled, moving back slightly.

“How do I look?”

“Amazing, all thanks to me,”

Before he could speak again, she splashed him. The bubbles washed away from his face and his hair also got wet. He shook his head and wiped his face while she laughed out loud.

“I’m sorry, I had to. The look on your face!”

“That’s how it is?” he smirked and began to lean forward.

Widening her eyes, she quickly moved back until her back hit the back of the tub. “Back up! Stop!” she pleaded with laughter and shielded herself from his assault.

The splash was bigger than anticipated as it hit the iPad hanging against the wall. A few candles got drowned out, and some water spilled over to the floor, too, making a huge mess.

“Jeon Jungkook!” she exclaimed, wiping her face.

“Whoops. Maybe I overdid it,”

“You think!?”

“Sorry, honey! Oh no, your iPad!” he noticed and turned Jungshook immediately. He stopped freaking out once he heard her laugh.

“You are so damn extra, oh my God! Look at the mess you made. It’s waterproof. The case is waterproof,” she said, waving his concerns away. “No worries. As for the floor,” she glanced over to the large puddle along with their soaked clothes.

“We’ll live,” he replied and gripped the tub for support as he leaned over her to kiss her deeply.

As their bath continued, Jungkook said, “Come here,” and gently grabbed her to let her lean her back against his chest while his back rested against the tub. Feeling safe and relaxed in his arms, Jennie agreed to watch one episode of anime with him before leaving the tub. As the episode went on, Jen felt him kiss her temple.

"You are so good to me. Thank you for this. I love you," he said in her ear, making her smile.

She turned her head to look back at him and kissed him in response. "I love you, too,"

Things were going to be all right.

After their bath, and changing their pajamas, the couple stayed up to study, sacrificing their sleep. They sat on her bed with books and papers scattered around as they tried to refresh their heads on what the exam would entail.

“Remember, this is going to be on it. It’ll talk about these two topics. I remember the teacher pointing this out. Look at the notes and highlights,” she told him.

“Got it. We need to know about this one, too?” he asked with full concentration.

“Nah, they decided not to put that on the exam so we straight,”

“Good. I hated learning about that,”

“You and me both,”

Jungkook pointed out the Korean grammar to her. “We’re writing an essay on this topic. How’s your grammar looking?”

“It’s going. But it could be better,” she admitted.

“Let’s start with the basics and work our way up just like you did with me for English,”

“Do we have time for that?”

“I’ll make time,”

“Okay,”

A few hours went by as they continued to stay awake and make sure what they studied marinated in their brains.

“Oh, and the formulas. You gotta convert this to that. And then minus that from the second number, not the first,” she pointed it out to him.

He quickly did a practice problem and used his calculator.

“This it?” he showed her his answer.

“Hmmm, I got a different answer. Um...yeah, that’s wrong. You forgot to do this part,” she demonstrated.

“Ahhhh, okay. All right, what about this?” he did another practice problem and showed her his answer.

“Outstanding,” she praised.

A wide grin came across his features and he leaned in to give her a quick kiss. “Golden Maknae does it again,”

“You’re a dork,” she giggled and grabbed another textbook.

After another hour, Jungkook continued to work on math, getting the hang of what was needed.

“I think I got it. Babe? Babe? Jennie?” he looked up to see that she had fallen asleep.

He smiled at her sleeping form and then yawned himself. With sleep overpowering him, Jungkook found himself sleeping next to her with their books and papers still scattered on the bed. The couple had about two hours of sleep to spare before it was time to get ready for school. They were going to enjoy it while it lasted.

[teacasket]

betty

genre: angst with a happy ending au: high school au warnings: swearing word count: 0.6k   pairing: gn!reader x lee minho song: betty by taylor swift mini series: cruel summer // august // betty // cardigan // the 1 a/n: the reader in this is not the same reader as cruel summer and august. this reader is minho’s ex and is also featured in cardigan.

I’M ONLY SEVENTEEN, I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING.

There’s an unfamiliar blue car parked underneath the maple tree in front of your house, and Minho sharply inhales as he drives past it. Up until three months ago, that was his spot. At every single party you hosted, his car would be parked there. It didn’t matter if he showed up late; all of your friends knew that the maple tree was reserved for Minho. Boyfriend privileges.

He misses them. He misses you, of course, but as he scans the block for any open space, he really misses being your boyfriend.

He heard about your back-to-school party secondhand from Dahyun of all people, the same person who told you what happened in the summer. You didn’t send him an invite, but why would you? It still stings though. He should have been helping you set up for the party.

Buying stupid gold balloons that spell out “SENIORS.” Dumping chips into a bowl and sneaking in his favorite songs onto the party playlist. Kissing you whenever you purse your lips in contemplation. Just like last year.

He finally finds a parking spot near the end of the block. What will he say to you? The speech he planned suddenly feels wrong, and he can’t craft another one in the time it will take for me to reach your house. What does he say? How will you take it? Lost in thought, he swings his car keys around his index finger, nearly dropping them when he realizes that he’s standing on your porch. Muscle memory, he assumes. He has stood in this place so many times before.

The porch light is on, as if you expected his arrival, and two moths flutter around the glass. Muffled music and laughter can be heard through the walls. Before he can think about it any longer, he rings the door bell.

Cursed as he is, Dahyun answers the door. She blinks twice before shouting into the house, “Minho is here!”

Almost immediately, you appear in the doorway, a crowd backing you like an army. Your cardigan hangs off of one shoulder, and you hastily pull it back up as you take in the sight of him.

“Hi,” you say, your fingers limply waving hello. “What are you doing here?”

“Can we talk?”

“What do you want to talk about?”

He doesn’t want to do this in front of an audience, but you cling to the threshold for support. Three of your close friends huddle behind you, metaphorical teeth and claws bared.

“I’m sorry,” he says quietly, meekly. His shame increases tenfold as dozens of eyes bore into him. “I fucked up, and I don’t know how to fix it or how to make it up to you, but I want to. Tell me what I need to do, and I’ll do it. I’ll spend my whole life making it up to you if I have to. Please. You’re the only one for me. It’s only ever been you.”

“I know.”

Then you step onto the porch and kiss him.

He doesn’t care that everyone is watching or that Dahyun will tell the entire school on Monday. Normally he would, but the feeling of your lips on his again is better than he dreamed it. When you draw back, a shy, soft smile forms. His hands find yours.

“Let’s go for a drive?” you suggest.

“What about your party?”

You glance back at your guests, some of whom are recording with their phones. Your smile turns mischievous and God, he’s missed you. “They can handle it. C’mon.”

The walk to his car is long, but the drive is short because, at the next streetlight, he pulls over to pull you in for a longer kiss.

BUT I KNOW I MISS YOU.

[ladypiscesmoon]

Hi, I need Charmie seratonin this weekend please 🙏

You answered an ask May 22nd and you read they were reconnecting? Can you please tell us more about it?

Who reach out first? Are they... friends? Did they see each other? And where on earth is Armie? Is he deliberately hiding? Thank you.

Fairy tale Lenormand: key, heart, stork, scythe, lady, tower cross

Situational love oracle deck; camera, the snake, wedding rings, shock

Timmy and Armie are still connected, they try to leave the past in the past, this is a period of change for the both of them. They’re committed to each other, trying to be honest and communicating better. Very much in love again or should I say still? And friends, but they never could be just friends. There feelings for one another are too deep.

Armie is with his children a lot, I think still in the caymans since his children are still in school. Timmy is filming, but I have a feeling that they are going to meet up in the near future. Maybe planning a little trip.

Who reached out first?

The love angels oracle cards: redirect your thoughts, magnetic connection.

Every time I pulled in this separation period I felt Armie’s anger. It took him a long time to get over that and he had asked for space. Timmy (although heartbroken over that decision) tried multiple times and at last tried to let go. So I feel strongly it was Armie who reached out in the end.

This reading is alleged/for entertainment only

[the-ellia-west]

Hiii! I have a bunch of WIPs that I'm working on extremely sporatically so I'm hoping that talking about them a little bit will help with inspo.

the most recent one is an un-named urban fantasy that follows seven different POVs. A year after a fire at their school broke out at their high school, seven miraculously unharmed students learn that they're the key to stopping the incoming end-times. Complete with lgbt rep and telepathic cat mentors.

the second most recent is called A Flower That Has Wilted, portal fantasy that follows Dahlia, the grand-daughter of the princess of another world who is whisked back to her grandmothers homeworld and tasked with defeating/sealing away the evil that is eating away at their world.

the third most recent is a fantasy called As Grandmother Told It. In a world with two suns whirling around one another and a dying moon, three kingdoms wage war against one another over the truth about the circumstances of their moon goddesses death, princess Amaline trades place with Isadore, a genderfluid farmperson in order to both form alliance with the king of another kingdom and also be with his little sister, her true love and leader of his armies.

Ty for letting me ramble <33333

Thank you for the ask @kaseylynnwriting

I'M SO SORRY IT TOOK ME THIS LONG TO ANSWER THIS OMFG

The beginning sounds extremely hooking and creative! (Telepathic cat mentors my beloved)

These are all amazingly creative and cool, and I would love to read more about them!!! The characters seem like they would be amazing for all of these scenarios

(ToT)

[canonicallysoulmates]

J2 Main Panel Nolacon 2023

The stage the boys are on has a catwalk so they play around and do a model walk at the beginning.

Also, before the questions, Jensen shares that he had a senior moment recently, he was taking the kids to school and In the Air Tonight by Phil Collins came on the radio. His daughter asked if they could change it and he told her no and as they were waiting at a stop light he told her to wait for the drum solo, because for those that have never heard this song before- do so but also this song has a very iconic drum solo, and when the drum solo came up he threw his neck out playing along to it. And Jared tells that he did the army certification training during his USO Poland stop and it was like the 2nd day there and there were all these jacked up 25-year-olds and they explained what they had to do and his knee is all jacked but he can’t say no so the time comes for the deadlift portion and he ended up tweaking his lower back a little bit. Then out of frustration, the last part of the test is holding a plank for like a minute and 15 seconds but he decided he was gonna stay in that plank till he dropped so he so he did a four and half minute plank. And then could barely walk and was all hunched over.

Into questions we go, what’s the weirdest space they’ve shared a convention with? Jensen starts to say that they don’t normally share a space but is then reminded they once shared with a furry convention that was going on. Jared says he recalls that probably around 2009-2010, in the first couple of years of them doing cons, at the same time they were doing a con there was a doctor convention a couple of doors down and some of them would get lost and you would just see physicians walk into the room and then back out slowly looking very confused due to some of the questions they were hearing for example about killing Lucifer. So they joke that if you don't know what SPN is or watch the show and you hear the questions they get, you're going to be wondering where you are. x

If they were in a Freaky Friday situation and swapped bodies what are some of the first things they would do as each other? Jared shares that the episode Swap Meat was initially an idea for an episode where Sam and Dean swap bodies and it was pretty wacky but as they started developing it he thinks the network shut it down but Jensen says that he thinks it was changed in an effort to give them some time off because they tried to give the boys a break every once in a while, and if they had gone with this idea they would both be working a lot of hours every day like 14 hours.

Jared answers that if he was body-swapping with Jensen different answer but Sam body swapping with Dean would probably go to the fridge and throw out all the unhealthy shit and swap it for salads and fruits. If he was body-swapping with Jensen, he’d probably get up and play a concert. Jensen would go get his knee surgery and then he’d go play any game of pick-up basketball there was and block the throws. They say that Jared did that the day prior, someone had thrown like car keys and Jared automatically slammed them down to the ground mid-air. Jared says that both with his friend group now and also the one he grew up with if anything is thrown in the vicinity of one of the friend members he'll smack it off the air. And Jensen says that Jared will do it without meaning too, it's just a reaction he has, that there was a scene where Dean throws C something, and Jared without thinking smacked it to the ground and then immediately regretted it cause they had to shoot the scene again. 😂

If they had to rule the world for a day either together or separately how would they do so? Jared says he would make social media not anonymous. You’d have to face all the hate- he thinks the world is a nicer place on the elevator with somebody than when people are behind a computer. And then he'd eat a bunch of candy. Jensen says he’d force government buildings to play New Orleans-style jazz music all the time, he thinks the world is a better place when there’s music involved. x

Are they going to do more voice acting? Do they enjoy it? Jared says he does enjoy it but that there’s a difference between voice acting when the animation is already done like with the SPN anime it was originally in Japanese but there were some sentences that in Japanese are like two words but that wouldn't be the case in the translation to English so he had to speak as fast as possible while trying to act so he’s not interested in dubbing. As Jared is saying this, Jensen laughs and says that it feels like Jared was traumatized by that experience and tells him that those difficulties are why he did not do the dubbing for the anime, and when Jared tells him that he didn't tell him Jensen replies that he tried.

Jensen says the normal process is the voice gets laid down and then the animation gets done like they did for Scoobynatural. He shares that he’s got a recording he'll be doing on Tuesday for a new project. And there are some he’s already done that are being animated, they’ll probably be out maybe later this year. He does enjoy voice acting because it’s such a departure from what they normally do on camera, they go in and deliver dialogue but it's not with a scene partner, he's in a booth by himself so it's odd when you meet someone who you had already done a movie with without actually meeting them. And each line of dialogue has a number next to it so the director might ask him to skip to a certain number and do multiple different readings of it. He looks forward to doing more voice work, it's something his father has made a living off for most of his career, his dad does voice-over for commercials and such, and says that it's a difficult part of the industry to get into.

Jared also mentions that they realized, especially during the early seasons of spn, that if there was something difficult to do but they did it over and over again and they did it well it would be written more so there would be things he enjoyed doing but didn't want to do often so he'd sandbag a little bit and Jensen would do it with Latin incantations, he'd pretend he wasn't good at it so he wouldn't have to do them. x

Is there an episode of the show that is memorable for them or that they feel changed their lives? Jared replies that the short answer is so many, and the shorter but more detailed answer would be when Sam opens up to Dean about some struggles going on in his head and Dean is supportive, that made Jared realize that he could talk about embarrassing stuff because people can respond not judgementally but be supportive. A lot of the eps are special but the Pilot as well holds that importance for him, says there are things in their industry where they know they have lightning in a bottle but it doesn’t matter if the people who are paying for them to play pretend want more viewers or a better streaming situation you can have something great but it get cancelled after an episode or a season or two. So he feels like to the best of his recollection even from the Pilot he felt like they had lightning in a bottle and they had something that was really freaking good but that it might not ever get aired then jokingly says that 15yrs later they were wondering when it was going to end.

Jensen gives two answers, one that changed from the show's perspective and one from a personal perspective. From a personal perspective, Wendigo. That it wasn't one of the amazing episodes of the show but for them, it was really their first step in their journey together. The Pilot was something they were going to do that had no promise of a future, they hoped it would be picked up and turned into a series but when they stepped foot into the set of Wendigo they knew the show was going to see the light of day, they knew they would have multiple episodes and they knew this journey they were about to embark on was going to happen and they didn't how long it was gonna happen but they knew there was at least a journey to be had so that changed him personally. From a show perspective, he’ll say Lazarus Rising because that’s when the show expanded their universe into heaven and hell. x

What’s the best and worse thing about being on such a long-running tv show? Jared can’t think of the worst. He says that the sacrifices if they can be called that are pretty obvious like the long hours, and having their family in Texas while shooting in Vancouver was rough but he just spend a week in Poland with people who are away from their families for nine months at a time so he’s not bitching, but there was a toll on his body like having wrist surgery and having to go into work the next day but on the other side of it the feeling of letting your head hit the pillow after a hard day at work there’s nothing like it. The best would be making lifelong friendships and relationships. He feels like if he had to go to Van tomorrow he'd be texting the SPN cast and crew to catch up, and it would be as if no time had passed.

Jensen would say worst part was the walking away, if you’re on a show for 1-3 seasons it’s much easier to walk away from that than it was to walk away from 15yrs of relationships and laughter and friends and family, and not just walking away from set and the people who made that set but also walking away from a story and characters they had truly grown to love. But that was also the best part being able to build that family, and build that set, and build those relationships and journey with the characters and friends and family for that amout of time that was the best part. x

What non-hunting related habits and quirks do they think Sam and Dean inherited from John? Jared jokes the voice. Then says he thinks Sam fought a lot against turning into who John was for him, and something that having three children and talking to other parents he has learned is every kid is born into a different family. So he thinks the John Sam got was different from the one Dean got if for no other reason that Dean's first 3 or 4 years were with mom still, Sam didn't have that so he thinks Sam put up a facade, he takes after his father and his brother anyways but he tried not to emulate John. Jensen says definitely the voice for Dean also maybe some driving skills and he would say on a more serious level the willingness to sacrifice oneself for the ones you love. x

Can Jensen share some stories about the finale of The Winchesters and Meg Donnelly driving Baby? Jensen says Robbie Thompson knew he wanted to make that happen for the finale quite a while before they even broke that story, it was something to spice up the season finale they try to do that in just about every show wether it's bringing back a familiar character or paying for a very expensive song which they also did, he says that Kripke actually called him and asked how he got Zeppelin and Jensen replied "name your kid Zeppelin you get Zeppelin". So they knew they wanted to somehow incorporate the car and he was on the docket to come back, and they wanted some other familiar faces so luckily Jim Beaver was available and Alex Calvert was available then he says MC offered but he said no. And you might be tempted to think he's making a mean joke but he says it’s true that MC told him he would came back that he wasn't doing anything and Jensen was like oh it's okay, we're good and if you're laughing right now just know you're not laughing nearly as hard as Jensen and Jared were cause those two were cracking up on that stage. Jensen says there was a reason for that but he can’t get into it but depending on the future of the show he’ll say why at sometime, which is professional speak for I'll never tell (and that's professional speak for I didn't want him there).

But getting the car back over there was something they knew they were gonna do so when they did he then saw on the script Meg was going to drive it even though she had just gotten her license the previous week but luckily Meg is a skilled performer but also she's a truly talented singer and dancer so she's very athletic so she has very good spatial awareness and motor skills which are a necessity when you're driving. So when she went to drive he was like okay, don't mess this up, and he did know that if anything happened to it the car was immediately going back to a shop and getting fixed. But she did great and he's glad it worked out that way and he was really proud of what everone did in that finale, he thinks it turned out really well and it's something he's very proud of. x

If Baby was possessed and had to be put down what would their last words be to Baby? Jared says Sam would probably be like 'hey Baby, can you just hold here a second I’m gonna try and find Crowley to put him in the trunk before we take care of business'. On a more serious note he thinks Sam would be like 'all right, get up to Heaven and wait for my brother'. Jensen asks the fan if they have seen Marley & Me but the fan hasn't because they know the ending is really sad. Spoiler alert for a movie from 2008, the dog is put down at the end. But Jensen says it would be like Marley & Me for Dean there would be tears and him uttering the words I'm so sorry Baby.

Jared shares a quick story about how years ago like 10-15yrs ago they were on a flight to somewhere and the way they were situated he was facing Jensen and D, and at one point he looked over at them and they had their headphones in like they were watching something but they were a wreck, silently crying and it was because they were watching Marley & Me. Then on the flight back Jared watched it and he was the same, a silently crying wreck. x

Any possibility they’d do an SPN movie? Jensen says yes. Jared asks him if he would prefer doing a limited series or a movie? Jensen answers, yes. Jared says that when they walked away from SPN they weren’t saying goodbye it was see you later and they looked at each other and kept going 'don't think about it too much because we’ll talk again in 2025'. So talk to them in 2025. Jensen says that they decided they were gonna wait 5 years, and then talk about what it would look like to bring it back out that obviously a lot of people need to be involved in those conversations, there's a lot of legalities and business affairs but obviously they can't do it without them and that's something they'll be talking about in a couple years. x

If somebody stole the Impala what would Dean do? Jensen answers that it would be all four John Wick movies rolled into one. He thinks if somebody stole Baby, Dean would go a little nuts, he would get Baby back no matter what the cost. The fan also asks if Dean's answer when Sam asks him that question and Dean says he'd murder them all was improve or if it was in the script, Jensen believes that one was improve.

Also, he does the Dean voice and we get some fangirl!Jared ❣️ x

When they were little kids was there any show they used to act out like if they were one of the characters? Jensen says Zack Morris. Jared says Home Improvement, Jonathan Taylor Thomas. That he was the same age and all the girls he liked had a crush on him and he liked the show, and thought he was funny, and liked that he had brothers and he wanted to be an actor like him so he would have loved to have been one of the brothers on Home Improvement.

Jensen tries to think about some of the shows that were on at the time when they were kids, and Jared asks him what Golden Girl he'd be, he answers Blanche. But he wanted to be Sam from Cheers, they watched that a lot and he just thought that character kinda had the world revolve around him a little bit and that's not to say that's what he wanted but he wanted to be the guy in the middle making it all happen, fixing the bar, making the drinks, having everybody know his name. x

The next question is a long one: of all the projects they've done was SPN their favorite show to act in? If it was what was their favorite part about working with the cast? What was their favorite episode? And what was their favorite Sam and Dean quote? Jared replies that he feels like every emotion he has ever had in his life he's had at some point in time during SPN so it's certainly the most complete, that it's like asking which child is his favorite. It was great, he fell in love and met some friends and got to do everything as Sam, he played every version of Sam he could; that it was awesome to explore and in a sense, especially in the beginning, it was nice that they weren't in LA because in Van they basically went to work, went home, went to bed and every now and then they'd get off early enough to go get a steak and watch some sports but they weren't distracted by like the next red carpet event in LA they just kinda were loving the process. For favorite line he says: "What kind of house doesn't have salt?"

Jensen says it's easy to make an argument why SPN has been his favorite project to work on and it's crazy because you work on a show for 15yrs, you would think there would be plenty of negative aspects to it that would maybe reveal themselves or whatever but he would say there was the least amount of drama, problems, issues on SPN than any other project he's worked on and to have that as long as he did that's his favorite- he would say that's why SPN is his favorite because he's known it the longest and he got to know it the deepest and most engaged with it than he ever has been with any other project. Line wise he goes with the first one that comes to his mind: "That was scary" x

Last question time, the fan first asks Jared when he’s going to bring G to see the fans at a con. Jared answers that it sounds like an awesome idea but then who’s gonna watch the kids…….I could make so many comments but I’m just gonna keep it moving. Jensen asks the fan what they would ask G if she were there and Jared pipes up and says "when are you gonna go back home?" What a loving husband.

Anyway, the actual question is what was their favorite or most memorable ep to film? For Jared most memorable is a little difficult to answer because there are so many but for favorite French Mistake, that it was a lot of fun and he doesn't think he'll ever get the chance to do anything similar to that again. Jensen says Inherit the Earth. x

And at the end of this panel there's also a butt pat! 🍑

J2 Main Panel Nolacon 2023

[canislupus-exe]

Fits of Passion and Idiocy | eddie munson

CONTAINS SPOILERS

fandom | Stanger Things

character | Eddie Munson

reader | he/him (she ver.)(they ver.)

requested | anonymous

warnings | brief mention of drugs, canon character death, fandom typical blood & violence, mild angst

word count | 14,814

keys | (Y/n) = Your name, (L/n) = Last name, (f/c) = favorite color, (D/n) = Dog's name

summary | eddie fix it fic PLEASE im begging literally you an do anything you want just fix it my heart was BROKEN

editor | @feliscatus-exe

>> back to prev <<

Keep reading

“So, uh, speaking of monsters, uh, Lucas has to do his, uh… balls-in-laundry-baskets game. So…” Dustin trails off, chuckling. “He’s not gonna be able to make it to Hellfire tonight.” His attempt to lighten the mood while talking about such a thing seems to have no sway on Eddie.

“And I know there’s no way we can beat your sadistic campaign without him. So, me and mike, we were talking, shooting the shit, and we were thinking that ma-maybe we- we might-”

“Postpone.” Mike cuts his rambling short.

“Postpone!?” The rest of the Hellfire Club shouts in anger. They begin talking over each other, most of their sentences overlapping and inaudible.

“Shut up!” Eddie shouts over everyone else. Gareth sighs and swallows his frustration.

“You saying Sinclair’s been taken in by the dark side?” Eddie asks.

“Uh. Something like that.” Mike replies.

“Something like that?” Eddie hisses as he throws a pretzel at him.

“Jesus Christ.” Dustin whispers, his voice high-pitched and somewhat trembling.

“And rather than find a sub for him, you want… you want to postpone ‘The Cult of Vecna’?” He asks, another pretzel in his hand. Whether for eating or throwing, they’re unsure.

“I… I don’t want to postpone it. We don’t want to postpone it. It’s just that, you know, most of the subs will be at the championship game.” Mike begins to plead his case, but Eddie stands up from his chair halfway through his sentence.

“Oh, it’s the championship game?” He asks.

“Yeah?” He replies, his words coming out as more of a question than an answer.

“Can I level with you? Jeff graduates this year. Gareth’s got, what? A year and a half? Me, I am army-crawling my way toward a D in Ms. O’Donnell’s. If I don’t blow her final, I’m gonna walk that stage next month, I’m gonna look principal Higgins dead in the eye, I’m gonna flip him the bird, I’m gonna snatch that diploma, and I’m gonna run like hell outta here.” He’d made his way around the entire table by the end of his spiel, pumping up the theatrics as he always did, which made Dustin laugh.

“Didn’t you say that last year?” Gareth asks.

“And the year before that?” Jeff chimes in. Eddie half jogs back to the table.

“Yeah, yeah, and I was full of shit. This year’s different. This year is my year. I can feel it. ‘86 baby.” He relays with a shit-eating grin—the rest of the group chuckles.

“You know what that means?” Eddie asks. Dustin and Mike shake their heads.

“It means you boys are the future of Hellfire. I knew it the moment I saw you. You sat on that table right over there, looking like… looking like two little lost sheep.” He says, leaning down to the boys' level with his hands on either of their shoulders.

“You were wearing a Weird Al T-shirt, which I thought was brave,” Eddie says to Dustin.

“Thank you.” He replies, his voice hardly even a whisper.

“Mike, you were wearing whatever shit your mommy bought you from goddamn Gap,” Eddie says to Mike, causing them to laugh much louder than before. At the moment their guards were down, Eddie pulls them up from their chairs by their shirts, forcing them to walk alongside him. 

“And we showed you that school didn’t have to be the worst years of your lives, right?” He asks.

“No,” Mike replies.

“Okay, no, no. Well, I’m here to tell you that there are other little lost sheepies out there who need help. Who need you. And all you guys gotta do is get your Bo-Peeps on and go and find one.” He says, giving them one final shove away from the table.

>><<

Mike and Dustin groan as they sit on the brick wall surrounding the outside benches.

“I hate high school,” Mike says. Dustin grunts in response. As he looks away from Mike, he notices something in the distance.

“Hey hey look, two o’clock.” He says. Mike looks in the opposite direction of two o’clock, seeing as he’d never learned what that meant. Dustin rolled his eyes and pointed.

“Over there dipshit.” He said. They watched as a (f/c) backpack with a D20 keychain on the zipper disappeared into the library. He looked at Mike as Mike looked at him, presumably having the same thought. They both stood up and rushed toward the building, throwing the doors open fervently.

“Where did he go?” Dustin whisper-shouted.

“I-I don’t know Dustin! Maybe we should look for him in the aisles.” Mike replied. Dustin sighed as he walked further into the library, checking behind every shelf for any sign of life. Finally, he’d found you, all the way in the back where you were putting books back on the shelf. 

“You!” He shouted. You jumped, so startled by the loud outburst that you dropped the book you were holding. You bent over to pick it up and turned around to see who was bothering you. You looked down at who you could only assume was a freshman.

“Please keep it down. Library policy. Do you need help finding a book or something?” You asked. A second freshman rounded the corner and walked to stand next to the first.

“You play DnD.” The one with curly hair stated, almost matter-of-factly. You raised your eyebrows.

“Um… No. I don’t.” You replied as you turned away from him, starting to put the books back once again.

“Then why do you have a D20 keychain?” He asked. You sighed.

“Because I used to play.” You said.

“So you know how?” He asked.

“Well, yeah, but the last time I played was like four years ago. Plus, why do you care? I don’t even know you.” You replied.

“I’m Dustin Henderson and this is Mike Wheeler. We’re part of the Hellfire club and we need someone to sub in for the campaign tonight. So will you?” He asks, his voice desperate.

“No.” You reply simply.

“W-What? Seriously?”

“Yeah. Seriously. Truly. No.” You say, turning around to face him. Dustin looks at Mike, silently asking him for help but Mike only shrugs in response. Dustin sighs and turns back to you. He notices the school ID around your neck and reads your name, before deciding to take a page out of Eddie’s book.

“Can I level with you for a moment (Y/n)?” He asks. You raise your eyebrows at the use of your name.

“We need you, so I’m willing to sweeten the deal on your end.” He says. You scoff. 

“Dude, you know nothing about me. How could you possibly ‘sweeten the deal’?” You ask, putting air quotes around what he’d said.

“Well everybody loves movies! I can make it so you don’t have to pay to rent a movie for the next month.” He replies. You raise your eyebrows.

“Oh yeah? And how exactly are you gonna do that Dustin Henderson?” You say, leaning on the cart of books.

“I have a buddy who works at Family Video. He’ll waive your fee for the next month, I swear.”

“And if he doesn’t?”

“I’ll pay!” He shouts. 

“Shhh!” You shout back at him.

“Sorry. Sorry.” He whispers. You roll your eyes.

“So you’ll get your buddy to waive my movie rental fee for the next month if I play DnD with you for one night?” You ask. Dustin nods. You think for a second before sighing. 

“Alright fine. But I swear to God if you try to pull a fast one on me, I’ll make your life hell. And I mean it, kid.” You say, poking your finger into his chest.

“Yes! You won’t regret this (Y/n)! Come on Mike!” He says as he bolts out the library doors with his friend in tow.

“You think Steve will let him rent for free?” Mike asked.

“Who cares? We have found a sub for tonight and that’s all that matters.”

>><<

The leader of the Hellfire Club sits on his throne. Hands folded together as he eyes you standing next to Dustin and Mike.

“Absolutely not.” He says after a pause of silence.

“You asked for a sub. We delivered.” Dustin said as he motioned toward you.

“This is Hellfire Club. Not Sports club.” He says, pointing at your Indiana Hoosiers T-shirt. You rolled your eyes.

“It was the only shirt I had clean. Plus, it’s comfortable you elitist piece of shit.”

“My, my. The sports fan knows big words.” Eddie replies, eliciting chuckles from his friends. He stands up from his throne, walking toward you.

“So, what’s your name, sports fan?”

“(Y/n) (L/n).” You reply. He laughs.

“So you’re the boy who works in the library.” You scoff and turn to Dustin.

“Wow, intuitive, isn’t he?” You say, earning a laugh from his friends. He turns and glares at them, shutting them up immediately.

“What’s your class and level? Level one half-orc?” He asks, once again earning laughter from his buddies.

“My name is Akzire the Wretched. And I’m a chaotic neutral Tiefling Fighter, level 15. And I will valiantly protect my party members by beheading any monster you throw my way with my scimitar. And I will brandish their head for all to see as a token of my victory. So, we gonna do this, or are you gonna keep pestering me like you’re a little girl in need of attention?” You ask. The five members stare at you as you face off with Eddie, shocked at how effortlessly you’ve challenged him. They wait in stunned silence, but after a moment, he breaks out into a cheeky smile and offers you his hand to shake.

“Welcome to Hellfire.” He says. You roll your eyes one last time, but with a smile, as you shake his hand.

>><<

You sit at the table, listening intently as Eddie relays his campaign onto the club.

“The hooded cultists chant, ‘Hail Lord Vecna. Hail Lord Vecna.’ They turn to you, remove their hoods. You recognize most of them from Makbar. But there is one you do not recognize, his skin shriveled, desiccated. And something else. He is not only missing his left arm, but his left eye!” He shouts, covering his own with his hand. The party erupts in protests, strings of “no”s and “come on man”s.

“Vecna’s dead!” Jeff shouts.

“He was killed by Kas!” Mike yells, to which Eddie smirks at.

“So it was thought, my friends. So it was thought. But Vecna… Lives!” He exclaims, placing the figurine on its podium with unmatched vigor. He resigns back to his throne.

“You are scared. You’re tired. You are injured. Do you flee Vecna and his cultists? Or stand your ground and fight?” He asks. Mike reclines in his seat as Dustin ponders the options.

“Come on.” Eddie prods. After a few seconds, he speaks up.

“I say we fight. To the death.” He states.

“To the death.” Mike agrees, nodding his head. They look toward you. You sigh.

“Fuck it. To the death.” You reply. The rest of the table breaks out into smiles.

“To the death! To the death! To the death! To the death! To the death! To the death! To the death!” Everyone chants while slamming their palms down. Eddie’s large smile is plastered on his face as he watches.

“To the death!” Dustin screams as he pumps his fists in the air. You grab the dice and roll, watching as they slide over the surface of the table. They all shout in triumph, some even clapping. It’s Mike's turn to roll, but it lands on 8, a miss. Eddie pushes over his figurine and the club begins to groan in protest. Jeff rolls. Miss. Miss after miss after miss and Eddie begins to laugh maniacally.

“Time out time out!” One of the members calls. You all step away from the table and huddle up.

“Guys, I hate to say this, but we've got to flee,” Gareth says, clear tiredness in his tone.

“I concur.” The person who called the time-out replies.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t we just agree on ‘to the death’?” You asked.

“That wasn’t literal,” Gareth replies.

“Vecna just decimated us. We can’t kill him with two players.” Jeff argues. You sigh and turn to Dustin, who’s already on the defense.

“You too? He only has 15 hit points left. Don’t be pussies.” He practically growls.

“Pussies? Really? Cause we’re not delusional.”

“Delusional? How about ‘not cowards’.” You retort.

“Hey!” Eddie calls from across the room, grabbing everyone’s attention and breaking the huddle.

“If I may interject gentlemen. Whilst I respect the passion, you’d be wise to take Gareth the Great’s concern to heart. There is no shame in running. Don’t try to be heroes. Not today, ‘kay?” He says, that cheeky shit-eating grin back on his face. It would make you furious if part of you didn’t find it so cute. Dustin holds up a finger.

“One sec.” He says before reforming the huddle circle.

“What do you think Mike?” He asks.

“How many hit points do you and Akzire have left?”

“Twelve.” Both you and Dustin proclaim in unison.

“It’s risky as hell… But you’re the ones on the battlefield. So it’s your call.” Mike says. You sigh and look at Dustin.

“What do you say Akzire the Wretched?” He asks. You smile.

“Do you even have to ask?” You reply. A moment of silence hangs over the Hellfire Club as Dustin contemplates.

“Screw it.” He finally mutters, pulling away from the huddle.

“Let’s kill this son of a bitch.” He states. Everyone approaches the table.

“The chances of success are 20-to-1,” Jeff says. Dustin holds up his finger.

“Never tell me the odds. Give me the D20.” He demands, holding his open palm out. Eddie picks up the die with that damn smile painted on his face and tosses it toward him. He catches it and holds his hands over his shoulder, shaking it vigorously. You watch with bated breath as he tosses it. It rolls and rolls and rolls until finally… 11.

“That's! A! Miss!” Eddie calls out, shaking his head after every word.

“Shit! Shit!” Dustin shouts, and in his anger, he knocks one of the soda cans off the table. But now, you were up. The entire game hinged on your role, and you could feel every bit of pressure as you picked up the die. You closed your eyes and shook it in your hands, feeling the intense stares on you as you did so.

“Please!” You could hear Gareth shout beside you.

“Come on!” Dustin called out. But their words fell on unlistening ears. You were too focused on the cool feeling of the die gently hitting the palms that encased it. Finally, without thinking about it, you released it. Watching with unmatched intensity as it rolled, the quiet clacking against the wooden table sounded immeasurable in magnitude. And then, it reached the end of its road. No more cascading down the table. It stopped. And it landed with the 20 side facing up.

“Crit hit!” You shouted, the rest of the club exploding in cheers alongside you.

“What? What?” Eddie shouted in disbelief, laughing and clapping his hands.

“That’s why we play!” He said, bending over and extending his arms, almost as if he was presenting your victory to someone. You smiled, much brighter than you had in a long time. Maybe this Hellfire thing wasn’t so bad after all.

>><<

You whistled as you pulled your car into the parking lot of the Family Video, double-checking the address Dustin had written down for you. It seemed like it was the right one so you put your car in park and gathered your keys and wallet. As you were doing so, you saw Dustin rush into the store, a redheaded girl following right behind him. What perfect timing. 

Nobody paid you any mind as you walked into the store, perusing their many isles of movies, searching for something that may come of interest to you. Dustin was behind the counter with the redhead you saw earlier and two people you vaguely recognized from school. 

You shuffled through the shelves closest to the front counter. It was by pure happenstance that you heard their conversations. Dustin, along with the two girls you didn't know were all on the phone, and it sounded like they were talking about Eddie, meanwhile, the older guy was cheesing up a customer with some romcom, which you couldn’t help but roll your eyes at.

“Hey, guys, I might have a lead.” The redhead called out as she hung up the phone.

“Seriously?” Dustin asked as he turned around in his chair to look at her.

“Yeah. Apparently, Eddie gets drugs from some guy named Reefer Rick, and sometimes Eddie crashes there.” She replies. You whistled as you approach the counter, having decided which movies you wanted to take home. 

“Now that is a name I haven’t heard in a minute,” You say, setting your items down.

“(Y/n), what are you doing here?” Dustin asks. You shrug and push your tapes toward the worker.

“Cashing in on the sweet deal Dustin gave me to play DnD with him.” You reply. This statement catches the older guy's interest and he walks over.

“Wait wait wait. What’s he talking about Dustin?” He asks. 

“Shit. Now, before you get mad at me Steve, I was desperate.”

“Dustin. What. Did. You. Do.” He demands, dropping his palms on the counter. Dustin sighs and closes his eyes.

“I may or may not have told him he could get movies here without paying the rental fee.” He says, getting the words out as fast as he could.

“You did what?!” Steve asks. You smile and lean your head on your palm, which you lean on the counter.

“For a month.” You interject. Steve looks at you and then at Dustin.

“For a month?!” He shouts. Dustin rolls his eyes.

“H-Honestly Steve it’s not that big of a deal. You can just-”

“Not that big of a deal? Not that big of a deal!? You have the nerve to- to-to-”

“Pimp you out?” You suggest.

“Pimp me out! Thank you (Y/n). And then tell me it’s not a big deal. Who do you think-”

“Guys shut up!” The redhead silenced them. They did so without question and she turned to you.

“You said you hadn’t heard that name for a while. Reefer Rick?” She asks. You nod.

“I used to hang at his place and get high before he got busted.” You reply, tracing your finger along the cover of the VHS on the counter.

“You smoke?” Steve asks, obviously perplexed by this fact. You shrugged.

“There ain’t exactly much else to do in this shithole town.” You reply.

“But that means you know where he lives? That-That’s great! Get me a pen so I can write it down!” Dustin says, searching for a piece of paper. 

“Now hold on there Dustin. I’m not just going to give you the address. What kind of a person would that make me?” You reply innocently, but before he can speak, you continue.

“At least… not for free.” 

“Jesus Christ (Y/n) seriously? Now is not the time to dick around.” Dustin practically yells at you. 

“Who’s he gonna pimp out this time?” The older girl said as she nudged Steve. You chuckle as you hold your hand up.

“I don’t want anything supermassive. Free movies for a month are profit enough. I just want to tag along. Be a part of the know, you know?” You reply. Dustin looks at the redhead who shakes her head.

“(Y/n), I don’t think you want to know this know, okay. It’s in your better interest to just give us the address and forget this ever happened.” He said, placing a sticky note and pen in front of you. You raise your eyebrows and sigh.

“Alright, fine.” You say, grabbing the pen and writing on the paper. Once you were done you slid it over to him. He grabbed it with fervor but paused when he read it. Not a chance kid.

“I told you. I want all the details, or you guys will never find Reefer Rick. Well… you might but, it could be too late.” You say, gathering the VHSs you’d set down.

“But if you guys don’t want to know, I'll just be on my way.” You walk away from the service desk, hearing Dustin string out profanities.

“(Y/n)! Wait.” He calls out. You turn around, a coy smile on your face.

“We’ll tell you on the way there, 'cause it’s a long story.” He says with a sigh. You smile and grab your car keys from your pocket.

“Shall we?”

>><<

“So just to recap. Chrissy Cunningham is dead, last seen with Eddie Munson in his trailer by you, Max Mayfield, but you didn’t go straight to the cops with this information, instead, you go to Dustin Henderson's house to tell him, and even after that you still don’t go to the cops, you go to Family Video where you relay the entire situation to your friends Steve Harrington and Robin Buckley, and might I just add it’s a bit concerning how many young adults you’re friends with. What is it now, four?” You say, your hands on the steering wheel of your car.

“Wow, he’s got a great memory. When did we even tell you our last names?” Robin asks.

“I recognized you two from the yearbook.” You said with a shrug. The familiar sound of gravel on your tires was somewhat pleasant as you pulled to the side of the house. The sun had long since set, so most were carrying flashlights as they approached the door and rang the doorbell. Waiting not even a second before the first bell finishes, he rings it again. He rings it seven more times before he starts to bang on the window.

“Okay. Well, that’s settled. I guess he’s not here.” Steve says, but you knew he wouldn’t give up that easy. And true to your thoughts, he leans over and yells into the window.

“Eddie! It’s Dustin!”

“Great.”

“Look, we just wanna talk okay? No cops, I swear. We just wanna help.” He shouts as he pounds on the glass pane.

“Eddie!”

“Shhh!” Robin shouts at him. He begins to ring the doorbell again.

“Rick!” He calls out as he pounds in the door.

“Is he always like this?” You whisper to Steve. He sighs and nods.

“Reefer rick!” Dustin yells.

“Don’t scream that.” Steve scolds him.

“Rick!”

“He’s not there!” You turn your attention away from the loud door pounding and their incessant bickering to see Max making her way around the house.

“Reefer Rick!” Dustin’s shouting pulls your attention back to him.

“Just-”

“He might just be really high…” Dustin suggests.

“Is that a foot?” Steve asks. You roll your eyes.

“No, that’s just a shoe,” Dustin replies.

“Obviously dumbass.” You mutter.

“Hey, guys!” Max shouts. Everyone looks at her for a brief second before leaving the front porch and stationing behind her. There was an eerie-looking boat house staring back at you.

“Despite it being a terrible idea, why do I have the feeling that we’re gonna go poking around in there?” You asked. Max looked over her shoulder at you before looking back at the boathouse. She slowly approached it, shining her light in the windows. You sighed.

“Yep. How did I know?” You say as you roll your eyes and follow close behind her. Once you’d made a full circle around the building, you reached the door. Robin was the first to push it open.

“Hello?” She called out to the vast darkness.

“Is anyone home?” She said, sweeping her flashlight across the room. She stepped inside, Max following her. Then Dustin, then you, then Steve bringing up the tail end.

“What a dump.” He said, looking around.

“Yeah well, I’m sure Eddie wouldn’t be hiding out in the Hilton.” You replied. Steve rolled his eyes and clicked off his flashlight so he could put it away. Once he did, he grabbed what looked to be an oar off the wall and began to violently poke whatever the tarp covered in the center of the room.

“What are you doing?” Dustin asks. Steve responded by poking it again. Dustin repeated his question and Steve shrugged.

“He might be in here.”

“So take the tarp off!” Dustin exclaimed while Steve continued to mess with it.

“If you’re so brave, you take the tarp off.” He replied. They both continued to circle the boat, neither of them removing the tarp.

“Hey, look over here,” Max called. You and Robin walked to her side, examining whatever she was ushering to.

“Someone was here.” She said, picking up the wrappers scattered access the surface.

“Maybe he heard us. Got spooked and ran.” “Don’t worry. Steve will get him with his oar.” Dustin replied sarcastically.

“I know you think you’re being funny Henderson but considering almost everyone in this room has nearly died a hundred times, personally, I don’t find it funny in the slight-” Steve was cut off by the sound of glass shattering and movement so fast you could barely perceive it. Eddie had emerged from the tarp and was backing steve against a wall, holding the jagged edges of the broken glass bottle toward his throat.

“Wait wait wait wait wait!” Steve shrieked in horror. You speechlessly watched, unsure of what you could do.

“Woah, woah, woah, Eddie! Eddie! Stop! Eddie! Eddie!” Dustin called out as you all rushed toward him but still kept a reasonable distance. Eddie turned his head to stare at him. His eyes were wide with terror, and you couldn’t help but wonder what the hell you’d gotten yourself into.

“It’s me. It’s Dustin. This is Steve. He’s not gonna hurt you, right, Steve?”

“Right. Yeah.” Steve replied meekly, his voice hardly above a whisper.

“Steve, why don’t you drop the oar?” Dustin asked. There’s a quiet thud as Steve does what he’s told, but in doing so Eddie only pushes the bottle closer to steve's neck. He groans in pain and fear.

“He’s cool. He’s cool!” Dustin shouts.

“I’m cool, man. I’m cool.” Steve practically begs.

“What are you doing here?” Eddie asks, his voice is rough and terrified, so much different than the way he’d sounded that night at hellfire.

“We’re looking for you,” Dustin says softly.

“We’re here to help.” Robin chimes in.

“Eddie, these are my friends. You know Robin, from band.” Dustin says, ushering to the girl behind him, who mimics playing trumpet.

“And (Y/n), from Hellfire. You remember him, right?” He says. You give a weak smile from behind Dustin, waving at Eddie.

“This is my friend Max. The one who never wants to play, D&D. Eddie. We’re on your side. I swear on my mother. Right guys?”

“Yes. Yes. We swear.” Max pleaded.

“On Dustin’s mother,” Robin replied.

“Yeah. Dustin’s… Dustin’s mother.” Steve chimed in. There’s a moment of silence that seems to last forever before Eddie finally pulls away from Steve, who gasps in relief.

“Jesus christ…” He mumbles to himself. You watch Eddie walk away, sinking down the wall until he’s sitting. Dustin approaches him.

“Eddie… We just want to talk.” His words are slow as he stoops to Eddie’s level. He gently reaches for the broken bottle, but Eddie flinches away.

“Okay…” He whispers, removing his hands.

“We want to know what happened,” Robin said as she knelt next to Dustin. Eddie sniffles and shakes his head, looking at her.

“You won’t believe me.” He says, making eye contact with you for a split second before looking away. 

“Try us,” Max replies. Eddie stares at her before standing up and slowly beginning to pace. He seems to be psyching himself out. Dustin adjusts his position, as do the rest of you as you wait for him. He pulled a chair in front of everyone and sat down, looking at his hands in his lap for a few more minutes before finally looking back up.

“Her body just, like, lifted up into the air and, uh… and she just, like, hung there. In the air. And her bones… Uh, she…” He seems to whimper at the thought and his voice becomes shakier as he continues.

“Her bones started to snap. Her eyes, man. It… It was like there was something, like, inside her head, pulling. I… I didn’t know what to do, so I…I ran away. I left her there.” He pauses for a second before scoffing.

“You all think I’m crazy, right?”

“No. We don’t think you’re crazy.”

“We don’t?” You whisper, not wanting him to hear. Steve nudges you in the side and gives you a look which you’re tempted to argue with but stop when Eddie begins to yell.

“Don’t bullshit me, man! I know how this sounds.” His voice cracks.

“We’re not bullshitting you,” Max says.

“We believe you,” Robin interjects. Maybe you missed the memo because it seems like everyone else was on the same page. Dustin was right, you were in way over your head.

“Look, what I’m about to tell you might be a little, difficult to take,” Dustin says.

“Okay,” Eddie replies.

“You know how people say Hawkins is… cursed? They’re not way off… There’s another world. A world hidden beneath Hawkins. Sometimes it bleeds into ours.” You were just as perplexed as Eddie seemed to be.

“Like ghosts and shit?” He asks. You snicker quietly, earning a glare from Max before she turns back to Eddie to continue.

“There are some things worse than ghosts.” She replies.

“These monsters from this other world… we thought they were gone. But they’ve come back before. That’s why we needed to find you.”

“If they’re back again, we need to know,” Max says, her voice firm, demanding almost.

“That night, did you see anything?” Robin asks.

“Dark particles, maybe?” Max adds on. Eddie shakes his head.

“It would almost look like dust, swirling dust.” 

“No, man, there was nothing you could see or, uh… or touch… You know, I tried to wake her, man. She couldn’t move. It was like she… she was in a trance or something.”

“Or under a spell,” Dustin suggests. Eddie looks at him.

“A curse.” He whispers.

“Vecna’s curse.”

“You don’t mean from…” You trail off, mostly thinking out loud rather than talking to anyone. Dustin nods, and steve looks at him confused.

“Who’s Vecna?” He asks.

“An undead creature of great power,” Dustin replies.

“A spell caster,” Eddie adds, meeting his gaze with yours.

“A dark wizard,” Dustin whispers. You remembered the horrors you’d read about him in your books. But that’s all they were. Books. Works of fiction. These people you’d known for a combined total of a few hours couldn’t possibly be trying to convince you otherwise, right?

“Sorry, did I miss a chapter or something? Cause if Eddie’s not the crazy one here then I think I might be. What the fuck is going on?” You asked. Max sighed.

“It’s a long story.”

“And very unbelievable,” Robin says with a slight chuckle. You closed your eyes and rubbed your temples.

“Condense it and consider me open-minded.” You replied, leaning against the wooden pillar behind you. 

“A few years ago our friend Will was kidnapped by a monster from the upside down, that’s what we call that other world we mentioned earlier. We found this girl, Eleven or El as we called her and she has superpowers. She fought the Demogorgon, the monster that kidnapped Will, and we thought she died after that but turns out she was just being kept hidden by Hopper, the chief of police. Will tried to return to normal life but failed since he now had some sort of connection to the upside down and could see into it, causing a new monster to possess him, The Mind Flayer. We were able to defeat him, or so we thought. He returned, this time with Russians on his side.” “Russians!?” You exclaim.

“That’s where we come in!” Robin said with a smile. Steve scoffs.

“Correction, that’s where you come in. I was there since the Demogorgon.” He replies.

“Ehhh, more like since Dart,” Dustin says.

“Who’s Dart?” You ask.

“Not integral to the story. Back to the Russians. They were running an underground operation with a mall as the front. Eleven returns, another victory, yadda yadda. They move to California to escape the craziness of Hawkins but we’re still here, thus still having to deal with it.”

“And now there’s a new monster… Vecna… who’s… framing people for murder?” You ask. Dustin looks at Eddie and shrugs.

“More or less.” He says. You sigh, trying to take in the information you were just given. 

“I tried to tell you (Y/n). You didn’t want to know this know. It’s not too late to back out now. Just go back home and pretend this never happened.” Dustin said as he stood up. You rolled your eyes.

“Yeah right. If any of this shit you’re saying is the truth, it’s gnarly as hell. Besides,” You hold up your keys. “How else would you guys get home?” You say with a smile. Dustin sighs.

“You really wanna do this?” He asks. You nod.

“In fact, I’m about to get myself into even deeper shit. Eddie can’t stay here.” You say, pointing at the subject who was still sitting in his chair and chewing on his nails. At the sound of his name, he stared up at you.

“Why not?” He asked. “You have a very tangible connection to reefer rick. If I knew that, other people are bound to know that. If some dumbass kids were able to find you, I doubt the cops are that far behind.” You reply. 

“He’s right,” Max replies. Dustin groans.

“Of course he’s right but where else could he go? This town isn’t exactly crawling with good fugitive hiding spots.”

“Why can't he just stay with me?” You ask. Dustin looks at you, along with everybody else in the room. Steve is the first to make a noise, which is a somewhat awkward laugh.

“Listen, (Y/n), as much as we love the knight in shining armor move, I doubt your parents will be too keen on you hiding-”

“Who says I live with my parents?” You cut him off. He raises his eyebrows.

“You… don’t?” He asks.

“No. I live on my own. In a pretty secluded area. My neighbors are at least ten minutes in either direction so they wouldn’t see anything. The only people who know I’ve ever interacted with you are the Hellfire club. And considering I was only there one night, there are probably plenty of other people they’d talk to first. It’s perfect.”

“How old are you?” Steve asks, still seemingly shocked that you live on your own.

“19.” You reply.

“How do you-”

“Steve. Shut up.” Robin cuts him off. He looks at her, his face almost offended that she would do such a thing.

“That could work… Eddie, what do you think?” Dustin asks as he turns to the man of the hour.

“You’re asking me what I think?” He replied. Dustin shrugs. Eddie sighs, standing up from the chair and crossing his arms.

“You’re really gonna harbor a fugitive (L/n)?” He asks. You shrug. 

“Why not? I’ve already done plenty to get me jailed tonight, might as well make that list as long as possible. Get me more cred in the yard if we get caught.” You say with an almost devious smile.

“(Y/n)’s house it is. Anything beats this shithole.” Eddie replied. 

“Let’s get a move on then.” You grabbed your keys out of your pocket but pause for a second.

“Hold on, I’ve got an idea.” You said, putting your keys back into your pocket and removing the tarp from the boat. 

“What are you doing?” Dustin asked. You began to unhook the boat from where it was being held.

“Sending this bad boy out to sea. With any luck, the police will find it and think Eddie jumped off ‘cause he couldn’t handle the guilt.” You reply. Eddie smiles.

“Smart.” He says as he crosses his arms. You return the smile.

“I try.”

>><<

You pulled into the driveway of your house, hearing your dog barking. Poor boy hasn’t seen you all day, he must’ve missed you. You quickly locked it down before stepping out. You held your keys in your hand as you turned around.

“The dog is very friendly, don’t worry. He’s a total sweetheart. He might nibble your arm but that’s about it.” You say as you unlock your front door. True to your word, your dog came barrelling toward you, greeting you by jumping on your legs. You laughed and pet him gingerly, waiting for the others to pile in.

“Everyone in? Good. I’ll lock up, you guys can make yourself at home.” You said. He weaseled around you to sniff the new people. Max smiled as she began to put him.

“He’s so cute… What's his name?” She asked.

“It’s (D/n).” You reply, walking toward your tv so you could kneel and store your new VHS rentals with the others. Once everything is neatly sorted, you stand back up and turn around to talk to others.

“Since we dropped by your place to grab your car Steve, you should get these kids home now. It’s pretty late. Eddie and I will be fine.” You say.

“Are you sure? What if the cops come?” Dustin asks. You laugh and gently push down his hat.

“You worry too much. Get out of here already.” You reply, walking back toward your door to unlock it for them. He begrudgingly makes his way over, pausing for everyone else to follow him. 

“We’ll be back tomorrow to check up on you two,” Steve says. You nod.

“Fine by me. See you all then.” You say as they slowly begin to exit. Once they’re in their car, you lock the door and turn to Eddie who stands awkwardly. You laugh.

“Relax dude.” You say.

“Relax? I’m on the run from the police and you want me to relax? I’m surprised you’re not losing your head right now considering you’re the one hiding me.”

“We’re just two friends hanging out, alright? Listen… You look like shit. Why don’t you take a shower while I cook dinner?” You suggest making your way into the kitchen to check what you could make.

“Shower? And what exactly do you propose I change into?” He asks.

“I’ll let you borrow some of mine while I toss yours in the washer. I’m sure I have something that’ll fit you. Might be a bit big though.” You say, exiting the kitchen and walking down the hall to your bedroom. You can hear him follow behind you. You push open the door and make your way to your dresser, beginning to shuffle through the top drawer.

“Oh… Wasn’t expecting your room to actually be cool.” Eddie says as he leans on the door frame. You glance at him with a cocked eyebrow.

“And why is that?” You ask.

“Well, you’re like a sports fan aren't you?” He asked. You rolled your eyes and went back to sifting through the clothes.

“Like I said. It was laundry night. I got that shirt from my dad ages ago. Couldn’t you tell from how beat up it was?” You replied, grabbing a couple of garments before standing up and tossing them toward him. He fumbled to catch them but eventually did. He unfolded the shirt to see a Mötley Crüe album cover staring back at him. He smiled.

“You’re hard to pin down (L/n).” He said. You rolled your eyes and tossed him a towel.

“That’s cause I like to be on top Munson.” You reply with a playful wink. Eddie’s face became red, holding the clothes close to his chest. He opened his mouth to reply but only sputtered. In order not to embarrass himself more, he opted to make his way to the bathroom for that shower. Maybe even a cold one.

“Make sure you toss your clothes out so I can wash them.” You shout. You see Eddie reach his arm out and drop everything in the hallway. Once you gathered his items, along with a couple of your own to make the load more substantial, you started the washer and made your way back to the living room.

You quietly whistled as you gently ran your finger along your shelf of cassettes, deciding which you wanted to listen to while you cooked. Eventually, you settled on Black Sabbath’s self-titled album and popped it into your radio.

The familiar sound of the rain from the opening song soothed you as you pulled out the pot you needed to boil water in. You hummed along once the music began to pick up. You continued cooking, enjoying the music in pair with the sound of the shower in the background.

A substantial amount of time had passed and you were close to finishing the meal you were preparing when you paused. Your favorite song on the album was starting. N.I.B. Instead of humming, you began to sing along.

“Some people say my love cannot be true / Please, believe me, my love, and I'll show you / I will give you those things you thought unreal / The sun, the moon, the stars all bear my seal.” You sing quietly to yourself.

“Woah, you’ve been holding out on me.” A voice spoke from behind you. You were startled, jumping slightly and flinging sauce onto your shirt. You groaned.

“Come on man.” You said, turning around and placing your hands on your hips. You planned on being annoyed but when you saw him standing in front of you with his curly hair damp and sticking to his forehead, you couldn’t help but swoon. Your shirt looked great on him, which caused a smile to creep onto your face.

“Tomato sauce?” He asked. You nodded.

“Spaghetti. I hope you like it.” You reply, turning back around to stir the sauce. Eddie leaned on the counter next to you, watching as you did so.

“I meant it though. Your voice was good. And your song choice? Impeccable.” He says. You roll your eyes and push him with your shoulder.

“Quit fucking with me Munson.”

“I mean it! Seriously.” His voice is soft and gentle, and your heartbeat starts to thump loudly in your chest. You turn the heat off your stove and look at him with a smile.

“Dinner is done.”

>><<

Eddie sighed as he reclined on the couch.

“Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve had a home-cooked meal like that?” He asked with a laugh. You smile.

“So, you liked it?” You ask.

“Are you kidding me? That shit was delicious.” He proclaimed. You stood up and collected both of your bowls, placing them into the sink before standing in front of him.

“I'm glad you liked it. Wanna get some sleep now? It’s super late.” You said. Eddie checked his watch and nodded.

“Wow, you’re right. It is late. Am I taking the couch?” He asks. You shake your head.

“Nah, you can take my bed, I’ll take the couch.” You reply. Eddie raises his eyebrows.

“Wait what? Seriously?” He asks, sitting up straight.

“Well, yeah. The couch is super uncomfortable.”

“So why are you sleeping on it?”

“Because I don’t want you sleeping on it.”

“So… neither of us should sleep on it.”

“Where am I gonna sleep then? The floor?” You asked with a laugh.

“We could both sleep on the bed.” Eddie was quick in his response, almost too quick. You were a bit surprised by this and felt that funny feeling start to well up in your stomach again.

“We could… If you’re okay with that.” You say, trying to sound nonchalant. He shrugged, averting eye contact.

“I am if you are.” He says. You smile.

“Yeah. You can go to the room and get comfortable, I have to use the restroom so I’ll be there soon.” You say, stretching before walking down the hall.

Eddie did as you said, going into your room as you went into the restroom. He laid down on your bed, sidling under the covers and finally relaxing for the first time in a long time. He hadn’t realized how tired he was until he was resting. As he held the blanket close to him, he inhaled. It smelled like your cologne. He’d only ever caught gentle hints of it when you stood close to him, but now, he could smell it as clear as day, which was so soothing.

What has been going on with him lately? He’d only known you for two days, and everything about you seemed to make him act a fool. He needed to get himself together, he had bigger things to worry about now. Not how good your cologne smelled or how comfortable your shirt fit him or how melodic your voice sounded or how you were honestly starting to look like the perfect man for him the more time he spent with you. 

You walked back into the room, hairbrush in hand as you raked it through your tangled locks. Once you finished you placed it on your nightstand. You smiled at the sight of him all cozy and comfortable in your bed. He seemed like he was already starting to drift off to sleep. God knows he needed it.

“I can’t stand the feeling of sleeping in pants, do you mind?” You asked, hands hovering over the button of your jeans. He raised his eyebrows but shrugged.

“Go ahead.” He muttered before breaking into a yawn. You chuckled.

“Sleep Eddie. You need it.” You replied, gently crawling into your bed so you didn’t disturb him. He looked at you with half-lidded eyes and gave you a sleepy smile. 

“Thanks. For everything.” He mumbled before closing his eyes. You opened your mouth to respond but seeing as it seemed he’d already gone to sleep. You opted for a fond smile as you stared at him for longer than you would’ve liked to admit. The funny feeling in your stomach and heart was back, but you didn’t fight it this time. You laid with it as he laid with you, your hand only centimeters away from his. So close, yet so far. But that was okay. He was there, and that was okay.

>><<

The horrible sound of bones crunching met his ears as he stared up at her floating body. Blood was pouring from her empty eye sockets but it still felt like she was staring right at him. Into his very soul. Despite her broken jaw, she spoke to him.

“It’s all your fault, Eddie.” She whispered. Her voice was so hoarse it didn’t even sound like her own.

“No…” Eddie pleaded.

“It’s all your fault!” She was yelling now. Eddie collapsed to the floor and began to cry, covering his ears in an attempt to block out her screaming. He rocked himself back and forth, sobbing uncontrollably.

Eddie sat up with a fervor, his hands shaking violently as he swung his head around to look at the room. His eyes trained on the ceiling, waiting to see if she’d appear there. It was so hard to breathe and he was so fucking scared. He was goddamn terrified.

All the motion had woken you up. You rubbed the sleep from your eyes and planned on asking what was wrong, but quickly sat up when you heard Eddie crying. You could feel his body tremors on the mattress due to how violent they were. What had happened to him while you were sleeping?

“Eddie? Eddie, what’s wrong?” You whispered. You kept your voice low and avoided touching him in case it would upset him further.

“She was there… She was there and she- s-she-”

“Who was there Eddie?” You asked.

“Chrissy! She said it was all my fault and-” It was hard to catch the rest of his words over his sobs. 

“Hey hey hey i-it’s okay! Chrissy isn’t here. None of that was your fault alright? Just breath. Can I touch you?” You asked gently, hovering your hands over his shoulders. He nodded something no short of desperation, and you wrapped one of your arms around his back, the other holding his arms. “It’s okay Eddie. It’s okay…” You whispered. He cried harder as he clutched fistfuls of your shirt with an iron-tight grip. His entire body was shaking in your arms. You weren’t sure what else you could do other than whisper that he’d be alright and gently rub his back. 

“You’re safe here, okay? You’re safe…”

>><<

Eddie woke up, the smell of your cologne much stronger than it was when he’d gone to sleep. He opened his eyes and yawned, taking a few seconds to blink away the tiredness before realizing he was laying on your chest. His arms were wrapped around your midsection and yours laying atop his back. 

He vaguely remembered what happened. Having that horrible nightmare, waking up in tears, and you soothing him back to sleep, but he didn’t remember this level of intimacy. Had he really fallen asleep clutching onto you like this? Furthermore, you let him?

He pulled his arms out from under you, trying his best not to disturb you, but it was fruitless. You slowly began to stir, stretching your limbs and shaking them gently in an attempt to wake yourself up further. You looked at Eddie and gave him a small smile, remembering the events of the night clearly.

“You alright?” You ask quietly. Eddie gives a half-hearted laugh before leaning against the headboard of your bed.

“Yeah. Sorry, you had to see me like that. How embarrassing.” He muttered. You chuckled and sat up as well, bumping your shoulder into his as you did so.

“You went through something traumatic Eddie. Don't be so hard on yourself.” You replied. He looked at his hands which he’d folded in his lap.

“I was acting like a baby though. Crying and shaking? I mean seriously-”

“Eddie.” You cut him off. He looked at you with those big brown eyes that made you weak in the knees.

“You’re okay. I mean it.” You say, placing your hand on his shoulder. He stared at you, his cheeks dusting that familiar shade of pink that seemed to be happening much more often now that he was around you. He looked away, a small smile on his face.

“Just don’t tell Henderson, alright? I don’t want him to think I’ve gone soft.” He says. You laugh.

“Deal.”

>><<

A few days passed and you found yourself growing much closer to Eddie. You bonded over music and books, played board games, and marathoned some of your favorite movies. The more time you spent with him, the harder you seemed to fall for him, and unbeknownst to you, it was the same for him.

Every time he looked at you from across the couch he felt his heart beat faster than it ever had in his life. He had crushes before, but none like this. None that would've given him a second glance, let alone let him stay in their house as he was suspected of murder.

You were reclined on the couch, your dog wedged between you two. Eddie had grown quite fond of him, and it was mutual. (D/n) loved having another person around to play with. It started to make you feel like you were your own little family. But a loud knock on your door disturbed that peace, causing (D/n) to start barking.

“Who is it?” You called. 

“It’s Dustin! Let us in!” He yelled through the door. You sighed and got up from your comfortable position, unlocking the door for the others to pile in. But there were two faces you didn’t quite recognize.

“Hold on there kid. Mind catching me up on these two characters?” You asked.

“Oh, right. (Y/n), this is Nancy and Lucas, Nancy and Lucas this is (Y/n). We’re all caught up now? Great, good, because shit just hit the fan.” Dustin replies. You raise your eyebrows, and Eddie adjusts his sitting from being reclined to attentive listening.

“On our way here, we drove by Rick’s place. It was swarmed with cops and reporters. Patrick was Vecna’d last night at Lover’s Lake. Jason managed to convince them that it was you and they’ve just released your name to the public.” His words come out so fast that you almost don’t register what he’s saying.

“Shit. shit… fuck man!” Eddie yells, standing up and beginning to pace the room.

“But, there’s a bright side to this,” Dustin says.

“Oh is there Henderson? Please do enlighten me.” Eddie replies sarcastically.

“Another thing I noticed on my way here was that my compass was slipping the further east we went.”

“And we’ve seen this before.” The one named Lucas chimed in.

“Mhmm. In the presence of a stronger electromagnetic field, the needle will deflect towards that power.” Dustin says.

“Meaning…?” You ask.

“There’s another gate.” He answers.

“So what do we do now?”

“We follow the compass to the gate,” Dustin replies excitedly. 

“Eddie’s still a wanted man. What do you expect us to do? Go for a nice stroll in the woods?” You ask.

“This little steel capsule might be the key to saving both Max and Eddie. What say you Eddie the Banished?” Dustin asks. Everyone fixes their eyes on Eddie, even you. You’re not sure what you’re hoping his answer is.

“I say you’re asking me to follow you into Mordor, which, if I’m totally straight with you, I think is a really bad idea. But, uh, the shire… the shire is burning. So Mordor it is.” Dustin excitedly opens the front door, waiting for Eddie to walk out. You walk to step out after him but pause to speak before you do.

“For the record, if anything happens to him, you’re all dead meat. Got it?” You say. A couple of shocked faces dance around the room, but there are nods of agreement. Once your gone, Steve looks at Dustin.

“Since when does he care so much about Eddie?” He asks. Dustin smirks.

“Young love Steve. Young love.” He replies as he pats his arm. Steve makes a noise of shock as Dustin walks out of the house.

“A little bit of elaboration would be nice.”

>><<

“Dustin? Can you slow down? Dustin?” Eddie called out. You felt like sheep, blindly following this kid through the woods.

“I think we’re getting close,” Dustin yelled over his shoulder. In his distraction of telling you so, he didn’t notice that he was about to walk straight into Lover’s Lake. Eddie grabbed his backpack and placed his arm in front of him, stopping him in his tracks.

“Watch your step big guy.” He said. It took everyone else a little bit to catch up, but once you did, you sighed.

“Oh, man. You gotta be shitting me.” Steve groaned.

“Yeah. I thought these woods looked familiar.” Eddie replied.

“Lover’s Lake.”

“This is confounding,” Dustin whispered.

“There’s a gate in Lover’s lake?” Max asked.

“Whenever the Demogorgon attacked, it always left an opening. Maybe Vecna’s the same way.” Nancy suggested.

“Yeah, only one way to find out,” Steve replied. Eddie sighed and cracked his neck, walking down the shoreline. He pulled the tarp off the boat which seemed to be an integral part of this story. Steve and Eddie began to push it onto the water.

“Easy I… I said easy, man.” Steve said.

“Sorry, dude,” Eddie mumbled. Steve holds his hand out to help Robin into the boat but she opts to use their heads instead. 

“Yeah that works too.” Steve mumbles. Eddie climbs in after, offering a hand to help you in. You snicker.

“How gentlemanly.” You reply sarcastically as you climb in. Nancy quickly follows behind you. Dustin is right on her heels, but Eddie flicks his hat downward and pushes him away.

“Hey, hey, hey, you trying to sink us? This thing holds four people tops, okay?”

“It’s better this way, okay? You guys stay here with Max. Keep an eye out for trouble.” Nancy said.

“You keep an eye out!” Dustin rebuttals. Nancy furrowed her eyebrows in confusion.

“It’s my goddamn theory!” Dustin argues.

“You heard Nance.” 

“Who put her in charge?”

“I did,” Robin states, almost matter-of-factly. Dustin looks at her confused while Nancy holds out her hand.

“Compass.” She demands. Dustin begrudgingly forks it over as he walks back to stand next to the other younger teenagers. Steve stands up and tosses his backpack before pushing the boat into the water and hopping in.

“You said four!” Dustin protests.

“Sorry,” Steve whispers.

“Bedtime at nine kiddos! Miss you already!” Robin yells. You chuckled.

Robin and Eddie use the oars to propel the boat on the water while Nancy watches the compass. You quietly begin to whistle a tune, one that Eddie recognized. The same one you sang the first night he stayed at your house. He was sure his face was flushed, but he didn't mind since it was shrouded in the darkness of the night.

”Whoa, whoa, woah, woah, slow down. Slow down, guys.” Nancy called out. Robin and Eddie stopped rowing, turning around to look at her. You all gathered around the compass, staring at it as the needle went crazy. You heard the walkie-talkie chime with Dustin’s voice.

“Guys, what’s going on? Come on, talk to me. What’s going on?” He asked. Robin grabbed the walkie and spoke into it.

“Uh, Dustin, your compass has gone from wonky to wonky with a capitol ‘aah!’” She replied. Steve began to pull off his shoes and socks.

“Steve, what are you doing?” Nancy asked. 

“Yeah, seriously man, nobody wants to see those. Or smell them.” You say, fanning his feet away from you. Steve rolls his eyes.

“Somebody's gotta go down and check this thing out. Unless one of you four can top being a Hawkins High swim co-captain and a certified lifeguard for three years, then… It’s gotta be me. No complaints, alright?” He asks.

“Hey, I'm not complaining. I do not wanna go down there.” Eddie replies as he fishes a grocery bag from his battle vest pocket. Steve pulls his shirt off and you roll your eyes.

“Show off.” You mumble. Eddie looks up at you and smiles. 

“Tell me about it.” He whispers before handing Steve the flashlight wrapped in the plastic bag safeguard.

“Hey. Good luck.” Eddie says. He pulls out a cigarette while Steve thanks him but Robin quickly grabs it and throws it in the lake.

“Steve?” Nancy calls out. He looks over his shoulder at her.

“Be careful.” She says. He nods before diving in.

“Gross.” You mumble, taking off your hoodie and bunching it up. You toss it in Eddie’s lap before laying your head onto it, reclining as comfortably as the small boat would allow. Eddie’s a bit surprised by this, looking down at you as if questioning why.

“Who knows how long he’ll be down there? Might as well get comfortable while I can.” You reply with a shrug. He relaxes a little but is still somewhat on edge.

“Where we at, Wheeler?” Robin asks.

“Closing in on a minute,” Nancy replies. She exhales and nods. More time passes as both of them stare intensely at the water, wondering when he’s gonna resurface. You, on the other hand, find yourself close to drifting off. You wouldn’t have expected it considering the high-stakes situation you were in, but something about laying in Eddie's lap made you feel safe enough to doze off. You were snapped out of that peace quickly though when Steve burst through the water gasping for air.

“I found it!” He exclaimed. You sat up and pulled your hoodie back on.

“You found it?” Nancy asked.

“I found it. Yeah. I found it.” He replied as he clutched onto the side of the boat. Robin smiles and grabs the walkie-talkie.

“Dustin you are a goddamn Einstein. Steve found the gate!” She spoke into it. She waited for a response, but nothing came. She furrows her eyebrows in confusion but disregards it when Steve starts talking.

“It’s pretty wild. It’s more of a snack-sized gate than the mama gate but still, it’s pretty damn big.” He says, almost out of breath. When his sentence finished, he dips back under the water, seemingly struggling against something. He pops back up with a look of confusion on his face before being pulled fully underwater.

“Steve!” Nancy calls out.

“No no! What the hell was that, man?” Eddie yelled.

“Nancy, really, what happened?” Robin asks, her voice filled with terror. Nancy stares at the water for a moment before she stands up. She looks like she’s going in after him.

“Wait, wait, wait. You’re not going in there, are you?” Eddie asks, grabbing her arm to stop her.

“Just wait here.” She demands.

“No Nancy!” Robin yells, but she’s already in the water.

“Goddamnit!” Eddie yells, running his fingers through his hair. Robin begins to perch herself on the edge of the boat.

“No no no no no no. What are you doing? She said wait.” Eddie protested.

“Yeah, I heard her.” She replies.

“She’s in charge.” 

“Are you kidding me? I made that shit up.” She says before plugging her nose and beginning to lean back.

“Don’t you go. Don’t you-” His words are cut off by the splash of Robin's body meeting the water.

“Goddamn it!” He bangs his open palms on the edge of the boat. You stand up, causing him to look at you.

“(Y/n), don’t even think about it!” He says. You smirk and hold out your hand to him.

“Come on, don’t make me do this alone.” You reply.

“Son of a bitch. This is so stupid. This is so stupid. This is so stupid.” He practically chants to himself, but he grabs your hand anyways. You dive into the water together, all while he’s stringing out profanities.

>><<

You all huddle under skull rock, shaking from fear and possibly hypothermia. After saving Steve from those creatures and running through the entire forest to hide from them, it was safe to say that you were exhausted. The screeching becomes more distant, and Robin is the first to peek her head out.

“Oh… okay. That was close.” She says.

“Yeah. Too close.” Eddie replies, his voice shaking with fear. As you begin to walk farther out, you hear steve mutter something. You turn your head and see him lean against the rock.

“Steve? Jesus.” Nancy says as she notices the same thing you had.

“I’m fine. I’m fine.” He protests.

“No, no, no. You’re not. You’re losing blood. Come on, sit. Alright?” She coaxes him down He groans in pain as he removes his hand from the open wound. Robin kneels next to him as well.

“Okay. So the good news here is I’m pretty sure wooziness is not a common symptom of rabies. But if you start having hallucinations or muscle spasms or you start feeling aggressive, like you wanna punch me or something, then you should totally let me know, okay?”

“Robin.”

“Yeah?”

“I kinda wanna punch you.” He replied. Robin laughs.

“Sense of humor’s still intact. That’s a good sign.”

“Yeah…” He mumbles. Nancy finishes tearing off the piece of fabric that she needed to dress his wounds, so Robin steps away.

“You ready?” Nancy asks. 

“Yeah. Just do it.” Steve replies. She pushes the fabric against him and he stifles his groans. He locks his hands behind his head as she apologizes, doing her best to wrap the fabric around him properly.

“Too tight?” She asks.

“No, that’s good.” He replies. He lets out a few final grunts of pain before she finishes by tying it into a knot. You hear Eddie walk away from you, so you turn to see what he’s doing. He’s climbing up a rock, trying to get a better view of the land in front of him.

“So, uh, this place is like Hawkins, but with monsters and nasty shit?” He asks. Nancy helps Steve stand, putting his weight on her shoulders.

“Pretty much.” She replies. He nods and starts to walk back down, but Nancy stops him with a warning.

“Wait, watch out for the vines. It’s all a hivemind.”

“It’s all a what?”

“All the creepy crawlies around here dude. They’re like, one, or something. You’re stepping on a vine, you’re stepping on a bat, you’re stepping on Vecna.” Steve says.

“Shit,” Eddie replies, now very carefully stepping around the vines.

“But everything from our world is still here, right? Except people obviously?” Robin asks.

“As far as I understand it, yeah.” “So, theoretically, we could go to the police station and steal guns and grenades and whatever we need to blow up those bat things that are guarding the gate.” “I highly doubt the Hawkins PD has grenades, Robin. But guns, yeah, sure.”

“Well, we don’t have to go all the way downtown for guns. I have guns in my bedroom.” Nancy replied. Eddie finally manages to jump down from the rock.

“You, Nancy Wheeler, have guns, plural, in your bedroom?” He asks.

“Full of surprises, isn’t she?” 

“A Russian Makarov and a revolver.” She states.

“Yeah, you almost shot me with that one,” Steve says.

“You almost deserved it.” She replies. Eddie rolls his eyes and slips off his battle vest, tossing it at Steve.

“For your modesty, dude.” He says. You can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy culminate in your abdomen, but before you have time to even think about why that is, a loud rumbling shakes the earth. It’s so intense that you lose your balance, falling into Eddie as the others fall into each other as well. His arm falls onto your waist and you would've been flustered by the fact had you not been preoccupied with the earthquake. There was a loud snarling in the distance that sent chills down your spine.

“Yeah, so guns seem like a pretty good idea to me,” Eddie said.

“Yeah, me too.” You reply, realizing how close he is by how loud his voice is in your ear.

“So what are we waiting for?”

>><<

After the highs and lows of finding the wheeler house, realizing there were no guns because the upside down was three years stuck in the past, finding a way to contact the overworld, and biking seven miles to Eddie’s trailer, you were almost relieved when you saw that fleshy interdimensional portal on the ceiling. But something about the way it squelched and breathed as if it were alive made you have second thoughts.

“This is where Chrissy died. Like, right where she died.” Eddie said, looking over his shoulders at you and the others. You could tell there was a lot of pain in those memories.

“I think there’s something in there,” Robin replied, her eyes never leaving the ceiling. There was a crackling sound as the red barrier was pulling downward as if something were pushing it in. You felt your stomach go queasy at the sight.

“What the hell is that?” Eddie asked. Seconds after the question left his mouth, the gate popped open, the fleshy parts and vines all retreating into the ceiling. The sudden movement made all of you yelp in fear and back up, eyes still fixed on the now open gate. You exchanged worried glances with Eddie.

Steve slowly began to approach it, and you followed his lead, right behind Nancy and Robin. The steps you took toward it were slow and timid, waiting for the slightest sign of danger. Finally, as you got closer, you could see into it.

“No way,” Steve muttered. On the other side of the gate stood Dustin, Lucas, Max, and a little girl you didn’t recognize. Dustin had a huge smile plastered on his face, jumping on the balls of his feet.

“Hi there.” He said as he waved, prompting Lucas to do the same.

“Hi…” Nancy, Steve, and Robin replied. You were too shocked to speak.

“Holy shit, this is trippy,” Robin said.

“Tell me about it…” You mumbled. Dustin laughed again, excitedly looking at his friends before looking back up at you.

“Bada bada boom!” He exclaimed.

“Henderson, your childlike joy is refreshing, but could we maybe, I don’t know, figure out a way to get us the hell out of here!” Eddie shouted. Dustin stopped giggling and nodded.

“Right right sorry, Eddie.” The children began to disperse out of your view. You could hear shuffling and after a few minutes, Max and Lucas dropped a mattress below the portal. You raised your eyebrows at the state of it.

“Those stains are, uh… I dunno what those stains are.” Eddie said.

“Mmm,” Robin replied, a questioning look on her face. Dustin walked into view, a makeshift rope of tied-together sheets in hand.

“Not quite sure how these psychics are gonna work. But uh… here goes nothing.” He says as he throws it up through the portal, but once it meets your end it begins to cascade down.

“There we go. And if my theory is correct…” He says before removing his hands from the rope. It stays in its place, causing him to smile.

“Abracadabra.” He whispers.

“Holy shit,” Max says, looking up at the rope on your end.

“All right, pull on it! See if it holds!” Dustin shouts to your group. Robin looks around before grabbing onto the rope, giving it her best yank. She smiles and laughs incredulously.

“This is the craziest shit I’ve ever seen in my life. And I’ve seen some crazy shit.” The girl you don’t recognize says as she high-fives Dustin. You laugh.

“Starting to think that’s a common experience.” You reply. Robin grabs hold of the rope once again.

“Guess I’m the guinea pig.” She says as she begins to climb up the rope. The younger teens on the other side begin to disperse to make room for her on the landing pad. She grunted as she climbed upward, but once her head was on the other side, she fell onto her back on the mattress.

“Oh thank God. That was fun.” She said with a sigh of relief. You watch her grab Dustin’s hand to help pull her up. You look at the others, Nancy looking at Eddie, then you, then Steve, the other teenage boys looking at each other until somebody volunteers.

“All right, guess I’ll go,” Eddie says with a shrug as he approaches the rope. He grunts as he begins to climb it, inching his way back to the overworld. Finally, gravity takes hold and he falls onto the mattress. He sits up abruptly.

“That… was fun. Shit.” He says with a large smile before getting up.

“Don’t mind if I do.” You say, grabbing onto the rope. Climbing it felt reminiscent of gym class, which made you feel a bit queasy, but once your head passed that gap between the worlds, all the blood went rushing to your face and you felt like you were freefalling. You laughed as you began to cascade onto the mattress and blinked a few times once your back finally hit the surface. 

“(Y/n) approved.” You said as grabbed Eddie’s hand so he could help you up.

>><< 

You sat wedged between Dustin and Eddie, on your way to what could very well be the end of your life. Thanks to Nancy being Vecna’d and that trip to the War Zone, you were as well prepared as you could’ve been, but that didn’t quiet the loud thrumming of your heart, or the sinking feeling growing in the pit of your stomach.

The car slowed in front of the dilapidated Creel house to drop off the Sinclairs and Max. And then it kept driving. You looked out the window, watching their bodies become smaller as you drove further and further away. The sun was dipping lower into the sky as the drive continued. It was nightfall by the time you reached your destination. Nancy stood up from her seat and turned to look at every one.

“Okay. I wanna run through it one more time. Phase one.”

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

“Phase two.”

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

“Phase three?”

“Me, Eddie, and (Y/n) will draw the bats away,” Dustin replied. Eddie nudges you in the side with a smile before giving Dustin a noogie, an oddly pure moment despite the given circumstances.

“Four.”

“We head into Vecna’s hopefully newly bat-free lair and… flambe,” Robin replies, sloshing around the Molotov cocktail in her hand.

“Nobody moves on to the next phase until we’ve all copied. Nobody deviates from the plan, no matter what. Got it?” Nancy asks. You all chime in with ‘got it’s before dispersing and piling out of the RV. You trek through the small span of woods in front of you before making it to the trailer park and shortly after, Eddie’s trailer. Once you're inside, you’re relieved to see the makeshift rope is still intact.

“Be careful,” Dustin says.

“Thanks, buddy. Here goes nothing.” Steve replies as he begins to climb the rope. Since there’s no mattress on the other end, he’s extra careful to land on his feet, which he does somewhat majestically. Robin sarcastically makes noises of praise.

“What does he want us to do, applaud?” She asks. It takes Steve a few seconds to bring the upside-down mattress under the portal, giving those athletically challenged a safer landing strategy.

“Alright, let’s go.” He calls up to you. Nancy is the first go, Robin kneeling next to her to provide even more assistance. She nods at her before climbing and subsequently falling onto the mattress. After Nancy, Eddie drops down his gear and follows right after. Then you, then Robin, then Dustin, who takes far too long to stand up which results in him being pulled to his feet by you and Eddie. You begin to walk out of the trailer right behind Steve, with the rest of your team in tow. He turns back to you.

“Hey, guys, listen. If things here start to go south, I mean, at all, you abort. Okay? Draw the attention of the bats. Keep ‘em busy for a minute or two. We’ll take care of Vecna. Don’t try to be cute, or be a hero or something. Okay? You guys are just-”

“Decoys. Don’t worry. You can be the hero Steve.” Dustin cuts him off.

“Absolutely. I mean, look at us. We are not heroes.” Eddie says with a laugh as he looks between you and Dustin. You feign offense as you nudge him in the side. Steve hesitates for a moment before turning around and walking toward Robin and Nancy. Eddie takes a step toward him.

“Hey, Steve?” He calls out. Steve turns around.

“Make him pay.” He says. They nod at each other before Steve’s team begins to walk off. 

“Now that all that mushy gushy bullshit is over, it’s time for the fun part.” You say, hitting Eddie’s stomach with your arm. He laughs as you make your way into his bedroom. Once he’s in, he stops.

“Jesus christ… It’s like… She was destined for an alternate dimension…” He mumbles as he approaches his guitar.

“What do you say, guys?” He asks, picking it up from where it hung.

“Are you ready for the most metal concert in the history of the world?” He asks, turning to face the two of you.

“That a rhetorical question?” Dustin asks. Eddie smiles and puts the strap over his shoulder.

“Let’s do it.” He says, swinging it over his back. As if you didn’t find him hot enough as it is.

>><<

You waited tentatively for the crackle of the walkie-talkie to sound and tell you when to move forward. Finally, after what seemed like hours, you heard Robin’s voice on the other end.

“She’s in. Move on to phase three.”

“Copy that. Initiating phase three. Let’s hope they hear this.” Dustin said as he pulled the extension cord up to plug in the amp and subsequently turned them to their full volume. He looks at Eddie, who grabs the pick from around his neck.

“Chrissy, this is for you.” He mutters, mostly to himself, before he starts to strum. You recognize the beat immediately.

Dustin is crouched beside you as you lean one hand on the amp, enjoying Eddie’s impeccable performance of one of your favorite songs. You would’ve enjoyed it more, had it not been for the predicament you were in. Dustin checks his binoculars a few times, but this time, he calls out to Eddie.

“We gotta lock down in T minus 30 seconds.” He yells over the noise. Eddie nods, focusing back on playing his guitar.

“T-minus 20!” Dustin shouts. You look over at Eddie, who’s now shredding the guitar solo, which you wish you could appreciate more, but the screeching bats inching closer in proximity make it difficult. Dustin begins to count down from 10, and Eddie finishes right as he reaches one. The bats are way too close for comfort, so you shove Dustin in the direction of the truck you used to get on the roof. He begins to climb down, you following and Eddie just behind you.

They’re shouting incoherently at each other as you rush into the gated area, which Eddie shuts just in the nick of time. You watch the bats attempt to claw at you through the fencing, but they have no luck. You give a relieved half laugh half sigh, but it’s short-lived as more begin to fly toward you.

“Hurry! Come on!” Dustin calls to the two of you. Once you’re inside, you lean against the wall, panting heavily.

“Dude. Most metal ever!” Dustin yells, causing both him and Eddie to jump with excitement. You laugh and can’t help but smile at the two fondly. They take a few minutes to bask in their excitement before finally winding down and walking to the portal. There’s a thump against the trailer wall that makes you turn your head. Then another. And another. And then they’re not stopping. The bats outside seem to be thrashing their bodies against the walls. Hard. But then, just as soon as it started, it stopped.

“Hey, dipshits! Give up that easy!” Dustin yells.

“Is that really necessary?” Eddie asks.

“Both of you shut up!” You hiss. They stop bickering long enough for you to hear the bats have moved.

“They’re on the roof,” Eddie says, looking upward. Dustin begins to string out profanities as you all follow the sound of the bats traveling. You fix your eyes on a small circular vent.

“Uh oh.” You whisper.

“They can’t get in through there, can they?” Dustin asks, but right as the words leave his mouth, the demobat breaches the flimsy metal. It screeches, and the three of you begin to stab at it furiously with your spears. After a few seconds, Eddie backs away, much to Dustin’s protests. 

“Get out of the way! Get out of the way!” He calls to the two of you. You back up just in time for Eddie to throw down a chair and wedge his nail shield into the ceiling.

“Holy shit… Holy shit.” He says in between pants.

“Nice,” Dustin says.

“Thanks.” He replies, giving him a high five.

“Are there other vents?” Dustin asks. Eddie seems to realize his answer is not the one you’d hope for as he rushes to his bedroom. You all begin to run toward it, and as soon as you enter, bats come flying through the vent on the floor. He pushes you and Dustin out, shutting the door as quickly as he can.

“That’s not gonna hold!” Dustin yells as you back away.

“No shit genius!” You yell back.

“Let’s go!” Eddie yells. Dustin begins to climb the rope. You’re quick to follow, not sparing another second. Once you're on the other side, you look at Eddie who starts to climb but stops halfway.

“Eddie, what are you doing? You have to hurry!” You yell at him. He stares at you and then at the door before dropping back onto the ground.

“Eddie! Come on man!” Your shouts seem to fall on deaf ears as he walks away to grab a spear.

“Eddie don’t you fucking dare! Eddie-” He cuts the rope, severing the way to travel between the worlds. He moves the mattress and you can feel tears begin to well in your eyes. Dustin is watching this unfold with you.

“Eddie, what are you doing?” He asks. Eddie looks at the two of you with a smile on his face.

“I’m buying more time.” He says before walking out of your view. Dustin looks at you as if he’s asking what to do and for the first time in a long time, you don’t know. You’d never felt this way before. Scared and lost and heartbroken all at the same time. You couldn’t breathe.

“No fucking way. You’re not fucking running this time Eddie.” You say as the tears fall out of your eyes, but you wipe them away ferociously. You grab the chair and set it right underneath the center of the portal. Standing on it, you’re just tall enough to reach it when you jump. So you do just that. Grunting as you pull yourself through, you hang on for dear life when the gravitational pull hits. You sigh and swing back and forth so you can roll when you let go. It’s messy, and you're gonna be left bruised, but it’s enough to have gotten you down. You pull the mattress back, giving Dustin a safer way to land than you had.

“Come on!” You yell, offering a hand to help him up. Once he’s on his feet, you rush out the door, him following close behind you. You run as fast as you can, pushing yourself farther than you ever have before. You can see the bats swarming him. God, why did you have to fall in love with an idiot? 

You see them wrap around his legs and arms, rendering him defenseless. More begin to pile onto him and you can only imagine what they’re doing. Tears blur your vision as you start to run even faster, faster than you thought was in your capability. You pull the machete you’d nabbed from the war zone off your back as you were finally in distance. You swung it at the bats in your path but saved your deadliest blows for the ones gnawing on his torso.

Dustin was close behind you, picking off those that he could as you fought with the ones latched onto Eddie. He seemed to recognize you, a bloody smile on his face. You kept swinging and crying and fighting, all at the same time. It seemed like an impossible fight that you swore you would’ve lost, but then, out of nowhere, the bats all fell from the sky.

You dropped your machete and began to cry harder. You were going to hold Eddie but found his wounds held a higher precedent. You wiped away your tears in an effort to see better as Dustin kneeled next to him as well.

“Bad, huh?” He asked.

“No. You’re gonna be fine.” Dustin replied.

“Damn fucking right you will.” You yelled, pulling off your hoodie. You sliced through the fabric with the pocket knife you had and began to tie it tightly around his torso.

“You’re not dying on me that easy Munson. Don’t even fucking think about it.” You reply. He opens his mouth to respond, but you cut him off by placing his arm around your shoulder.

“Whatever sappy shit you’ve got to say, you can save it, 'cause I already told you. You’re not fucking dying today.” You say as you stand up, carrying his body weight as well. He groans in pain.

“Help me out here Henderson.” You say, staggering to hold him up by yourself. Dustin rushes to your side and grabs Eddie’s other arm, splitting his weight between the two of you as you hobble back through the upside-down.

>><<

Eddie sat up in bed, gasping and looking around, then clutching his sides in pain. He recognized the room he was in, but he wasn’t sure why. The door to his right creaked open, and you walked in with what looked like medical supplies in your arms.

“(Y/n).” His voice was hoarse as he spoke your name. You were surprised to see that he was awake, and felt tears prick the corners of your eyes,

“Finally you’re up. I was starting to think you were holding out on me.” You said, trying to act as if you weren’t bursting at the seams with excitement. He chuckled.

“Why am I here?” He asked. You shrugged and sat next to him on your bed, pulling the covers off of his body. He hadn’t noticed he was shirtless until he felt the cold chill nip at his body.

“Would you rather be at Hawkins High with the rest of the town? I’m sure they’d all love to see their darling Edward, wanted murder suspect.” You reply. He smiles.

“Guess you’re right.” He says as you begin to unwrap his bandages.

“Someone’s getting a bit handsy.” He teases. You roll your eyes and finish unwrapping the bloodied bandages before starting to wrap him with new ones.

“That was really stupid, by the way.” You say.

“What?”

“Running into that swarm. You could’ve been killed.” You scolded. Eddie sighs.

“They needed more time and even if I had been… What difference would it have made?” He said with a shrug. You felt tears well in your eyes again.

“What difference would it have made? Just because Jason got a few hicks to be against you doesn’t mean everybody was. There are still people who care about you and love you, Eddie. I fucking love you! Do you really think I just ran back into that hell dimension because it wouldn’t have made a difference whether you lived or died?” You said angrily, pulling his bandages around him tighter.

“Wait wait wait. Do my ears deceive me? Did you just say you love me?” Eddie asked. You were so frustrated that you couldn’t take it anymore. You grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him into a kiss.

At first, you were angry, pressing your lips against his just to get him to shut up for once in his goddamn life but then, as his hands gently held onto you as if you were a delicate piece of fine china, you broke. Tears began to stream down your face as it all hit you at once. You needed this. You needed him.

He pulled away, far too soon for your liking, and stared at you as his chest heaved to catch his breath. He blinked his beautiful brown eyes and smiled his stupid grin. There he was, in all his glory, and you’d just kissed him in a fit of passion and anger at his pure idiocy.

“If I get a kiss like that every time I act a fool, then I’ll have to remember to risk my life more often.” He whispers. You laugh and wipe your face of your tears, shaking your head before standing up.

“Eddie Munson. You have changed my life.” You say with a laugh.

“Then I guess we’re even. Cause I think you saved mine.” He replied. You gathered the bloody bandages and began to walk to the door. Your hand was just above the knob when you paused at the sound of Eddie’s voice once again.

“If I ever beat these charges and things ever go back to the way they were… or at least as much as they can… I’d like to take you on a normal date.” “If I liked normal, I never would’ve found you.”

“Then can I take you on a not normal date? Affective immediately?” He asks. You laugh and open your bedroom door.

“Tell you what Eddie. You heal from the damage those hellbats did to your stomach, and I’ll think about it. Deal?”

“Deal.”