#HE’S A GREMLIN TOO. JUST A POSH ONE

[swiftmitsu]

this is why Error doesn’t work for Nightmare.

(idea credit to @lover-of-skellies 💛)

[weepingflowerbonkcop]

Here's another post regarding the Linked Universe created by jojo. I'll try and finish all the rest some time. Enjoy!

What the Chain thinks about a Modern! Reader using slang/meme references:

Time

• I believe that Time being the oldest of the Links is old school/traditional when talking.

• He's using real medieval talk, things like saying "Salutations/greetings, my friend." Instead of just saying a simple, "Hi/ Hey, how you doing bud?"

• He's the type of guy to not use too many abbreviations when he talks. Things like saying, "cannot" instead of "can't." He just radiates that energy.

• So, him meeting a Modern! Reader would be ... quite the interaction. The first time meeting reader would've startled him as they use slang and just throwing him for a loop.

• He's kind of like the cat with the buffering wheel on its forehead, but that's only whenever reader speaks or opens their mouth.

• He gets one of the younger incarnations to translate to him as reader joins the group on their adventure.

• He'll try his best to understand the terms the more he grows on the reader.

• As for memes tho - no. Just straight up no. He doesn't understand them or the readers broken humour. Gremlin humour he gets but the idea that reader bursts out laughing while looking at something remotely close or similar to meme just makes him worry.

• He will however try and use some of the terms when he talks, but he just ends up butchering them or using them incorrectly. He sounds like the hip dad trying to stay in touch with the kids.

• 6.5/10 He tries to understand/learn readers slang and that's just sweet. He would've scored higher if he wasn't that dad.

Twilight

• Twilight - similar to Time - is more old school when talking. He's not as uptight as Time and does use abbreviations when talking and he slurs some of his words sometimes.

• The fandom has established that he's got an accent and it makes it harder to understand him when he talks sometimes.

• Poor guy thought it was the same for you when he first heard you use slang. He genuinely thought it was just an accent.

• He doesn't always understand, but he's quicker than Time to learn what you mean. He's the one to sometimes translate what you say to Time after Wild explains it to him first  and half the time it's incorrect though does Wild do it on purpose? Maybe.

• He's the one to ask Wild in his spare time about some of the terms and how to use them when talking to try and impress you.

• With memes though ... he also buffers. Modern! Reader would make even the slightest reference to a meme and he'll sit and buffer for a bit before asking. Its funnier when he's Wolfie.

• He finds certain memes to be funny though. Cowboy memes or any farm memes would tickle his funny bone.

• He's a 7.5 or 8/10 because he's a sweetheart and uses his free time to try and get closer to Modern! Reader even if it's just by using some slang.

Warriors

• I'd imagine him having a bit of a higher education since he's a knight and having travelled with Athena to other kingdoms. He would use the military lingo and the more posh Hylian/upper class Hylian.

• He talks proper and sometimes pronounces words a little different. Almost like he's got a fancy British accent.

• He's taken back by the loose words reader uses some confuse him leading to him asking questions.

• He's actually one of the Links that's more interested in learning slang and memes from readers world.

• He's a bit more open to readers world and the quirks that come with it other than just the slang.

• He tries to figure out the slang by taking in the entire sentence and trying to figure it out. He's definitely the cool uncle when he uses slang and correctly.

• He's Time's other translator when Twilight isn't around.

• Warriors actively stays quiet whenever reader talks because he does like how well slang rolls off readers tongue.

• He wouldn't fancy the meme references all that much, but he tries and keeps an open mind.

• Warriors does make bets with Legend about some of the terms and what they mean or how Time will react to reader using more slang/meme references through the day. He'll sometimes egg reader on with any military memes especially the Area 51 memes.

• Overall he's a solid 8/10.

[ellecdc]

Mother, serious question mainly for my own self-esteem 😮‍💨😅

How do you think the boys (any of them really) would view a partner with like all sorts of facial piercings and like rat tails in their hair and funky colors(truly best describes as a queer little gremlin lol). Cause I know Marlene and Sirius have an alt rock aesthetic (I don't think I spelled that right) but as much as I love these characters I never feel like I would have fit in with them if I was really there ya know?

Idk it's kinda stupid but just curious on you're thoughts on this. They're just so cool and I would hope they would like me enough to at least be my friend if they were real 😮‍💨😖

okay first of all, love the title queer little gremlin; let's all capitalize those letters and add them to surveys when they ask you how you identify plsss??

Here's my take:

James:

I love (and follow religiously) the headcanon that James is pansexual but I believe that expands beyond just gender identity, if that makes sense?

It doesn't matter if you're male or female or anywhere in between or beyond or both or all

and I feel like it doesn't really matter what you look like to him

I feel like he loves people for their hearts, their minds, their interests, etc

I feel like he'd maybe be worried because....those had to hurt??? you do that on purpose? doesn't it hurt terribly? his poor sweet angel????

I also see him as the type of bf who would be like "oh! are we changing colours? which one's? can I help?" and will dutifully like, adorn gloves and sit in the bathroom breathing in dye fumes and chatting away with you while the two of you talk about everything and nothing - I think he'd love spending that time with you and it would be special bonding time

(also, have you seen the James fan art with him with a nose ring??? fuck me sideways)

Sirius:

you're so right re: alt-rock aesthetic etc

I think he'd find the facial piercings awesome tbh, you might even have inspired him to get one or more of his own

I think he'd make it almost a competition of who can dress the most grunge that day hahaha - but the two of you would make quite the couple

also? you look like the kind of person his posh, prissy, stuck up parents would hate seeing him with - that's totally a bonus

I see this guy as someone who loves hair care and would be horrified at how much/often you change your hair colour and would insist on helping you/buying the more expensive products/ensure you're doing it right to save your hair from too much damage

that's the only 'problem' I see him having

Remus:

idk, I kind of see him a little bit like James tbh; looks would be a little less important to him? like he doesn't care how you express yourself in terms of style and clothes

what would be important to him is that you're kind and patient, that you're openminded and considerate of others

I mean...he's littered with scars, is he not? He doesn't exactly look "normal" (derogatory) and would probably feel very similar to what you've described; like he doesn't feel he particularly 'fits in' with his friends

I see him having like, not long hair but like a decent head of curls, and he'd totally love if you braided a few little pieces of his hair like your 'rat tails'

I think he'd find the hair fun; you'd show up one day with new colours and I could see his face lighting up like 😃 "that looks great love; so fun"

Regulus:

he's tricky because he's so posh and stuck up lmfao

BUT

people also ship bartylus and I see so much Barty fan-art somewhat similar to how you've described yourself and if Reg likes Barty - he'd certainly like you too

Barty:

as mentioned above, I could totally see him having like a green streak in his hair or something

perhaps some piercings (I think he'd get piercings down below.....), tongue piercing, nose piercing, eyebrow piercing - I feel like he'd be down for it all himself, so he wouldn't mind it on you at all either

and again, as a guy with daddy issues, he'd be a lot like Sirius and think the better chance he has at dating someone who would sooooo piss of his dad - the better!

thanks for your ask babes <3

[thefudge]

i need thoughts on saltburn -- even if you didn't like it!!! <3

sorry for taking so long to answer this, but i only finally watched the movie this week. i kind of wanted the hype and polarization to die down a bit so i could form my own opinion.

so, i enjoyed it! it has issues, but it was a fun and clever romp. any movie that ends with a "murder on the dancefloor" dance sequence will earn a smile from me because that is one of my favorite songs of all time and i don't know how emerald fennell knew that about me, but there were constant little moments in the script that made me go "ahh, we'd be friends in real life". i felt that way about promising young woman too, even if i ultimately disagreed with quite a few of her creative choices there. but her style & humor and the way she frames sexual content is similar to my own palate/writing. i especially appreciate the way she makes arousal and desire interesting, how she explores abjection but also intellectual stimulation. what makes the character of oliver irresistible to the entire household in the film is the way he can tap into people's desires in a very unexpected and creative way. he constantly surprises them by giving them what they didn't know they wanted. it's interesting that, from oliver's skewed perspective, it's felix who is supposed to be the object of desire, the person everyone wants to be around. but we the viewers can see oliver is the true loathsome subject and object of desire for those around him (and for the audience too, as we sort of can't look away from him).

i agree with people who say felix cared more about oliver than the reverse. in fact, the cleverest thing this movie does, imo, is show that oliver could be happy, but actively chooses not to. this isn't to say the posh oxbridge types fennell makes fun of in this movie do not ring true or that the social satire and snobbery isn't accurate. but it's more that oliver doesn't need to fall into their sphere of influence, doesn't need to measure himself using their standards. yes, the environment is classist and unfair, there are big structural issues that oliver cannot control, but oxford doesn't have to be his whole life, it's only a couple of years. the fact that he is there already gives him a leg up in the world. given his smarts and his magnetism, oliver could have done very well for himself after university without needing to latch onto saltburn. the clever twist for me is that oliver is also privileged, and not just because we see he's comfortably middle-class with a supportive family, but because he has options, he has choices, but he actively chooses to be miserable and hateful, because he hates and looks down on the ppl around him. yes, the saltburn entourage is filled with bitter, toxic people, but some of those people would've probably done anything for him, and would have genuinely loved him. but the truth at the core of oliver is that he prefers a room to be empty, he prefers to have saltburn all to himself as this pure luxurious space that is devoid of humanity.

at the end, oliver is both wonderfully effective and deeply unimaginative. don't get me wrong, i really liked his character and the gremlin freak energy he conveyed, i rooted for him along the way, i mean barry keoghan plays it too well not to, but despite his victory dance at the end, it's sort of drab that oliver's greatest achievement is saltburn. despite being the brilliant predator who hunted down all competition, he is not brilliant enough to see his prize is empty. he's not smart enough to see, that at the end of the day, he is just like the cattons. he loves and hates felix because he loves and hates himself. there are many moments in the movie where oliver stares into mirrors or his reflection is doubled in reflective surfaces, and i don't think it's just to signal his duplicity or multiplicity, but rather the fact that....it's all olivers, all the way down. he thinks he's such an outsider, but he is saltburn, he comes to embody it physically in the very last dance. and even his predatory cleverness is overrated; most of the cattons fall easily, they want to go, there's an emptiness at the heart of their lives and at the heart of saltburn that oliver wants to embrace.

and i do think that emerald fennell had some of this in mind; i don't think my interpretation is necessarily the right one, but you can see she's doing more with this than directing a satirical romp. i think we're actively invited to see beyond oliver's seduction and into the emptiness of his dreams. that's why some of the deaths in the end come off as slightly ridiculous and excessive, because it's not about his cleverness anymore, he's just the last person left when the party is over. he's still a character you can root for and have fun with (and be drawn to), but the film encourages you to question his narrative from the start, not just his literal narration to rosamund pike, but the overarching idea he has of himself.

anyway, this is all to say, i rather liked it! i didn't love it, but i appreciate what it was trying to do, and i think it's more clever in that regard than people give it credit for. i do think it's a more mature effort than promising young woman. i am kind of hoping emerald directs a nonconventional romcom next, because i like her approach to certain intimate moments, mixing tenderness with violence. i'd love to see a punch-drunk love-esque love story from her.

(i do also want to give props to barry keoghan again, because i think the movie wouldn't work half as well without him. he elevates a lot of moments and he is so compelling to watch)

[xxkiller-muffinxx]

☽Evermore☾

Pairing: Scrooge x reader

F!reader

Summary: Scrooge wonders why (Y/N)’s been around for so long, and realizes what he truly need.

Word count: 1.7k

Warnings: ANGST ALL THE WAY

A/N: takes place before the movie, and reader is not married, as something happened to her husband after their first born, thank you very MUCH.

(Y/N) and Scrooge have known each other for almost their whole lives. admittedly that included the dull moment, and even the bad ones, but truth be told Scrooge didn’t mind that.

Their friendship was strong, and nothing could shake that. Nothing did. (Y/N) was there everytime, including now. Jacob Marley had died nearly 2 weeks ago, and (Y/N) was visiting to comfort her old friend. Unfortunately she had to bring her daughter and grandson as well. Scrooge hated kids then, so they played downstairs while he and (Y/N) spoke in his sitting room.

“My friend I’m so so sorry for your loss.” She says. Scrooge had heard that so many times out of her mouth he wondered if that was a lie. Yet everytime she said it with more passion. “(Y/N), as many times as you have said that you might as well be lying.”

(Y/N) chuckled at her friend. “Very well, then I’ll say this. You can speak to me, send a letter, or even send a gremlin to retrieve me anytime you need me. We’re friends after all Ebenezer.” That name was spoken so softly. It was almost sweet. He resented that name, and he hated hearing her use it more.

“Mr. Scrooge.”

“Oh posh. Quite with that.” (Y/N) sharply responds. “As long as I’m your friend, and I’m allowed to continue admiring you. I’ll call you Ebenezer Scrooge, never Mr.Scrooge. Scrooge. Or even a Flapdoodle, as I’ve heard people call you.” (Y/N) laughs at that last one, Scrooge seems more than offended by that statement.

“One thing is for certain, Scrooge. I’ll never stop being your friend unless you stab me through the heart to silence me. I’ll never leave.” She places a hand on Scrooge’s as his arms are crossed in his chair.

“Mother! William is getting sleepy, we must go!”

Scrooge looks at (Y/N)’s hand, and then up at her. She’s looking towards the door into his sitting room. She then looks down at him, pushing back his hair and kissing his forehead softly. “I wish you the best Ebenezer.” She turns away, instinctively Scrooge stands up to watch her go. “I…you as well (Y/N)” she exits the door, accidentally leaving the door open as she leaves.

Admiring? Who in god's name would think that he’s admiring? (Y/N)…of course that’s who. He rushes to the nearest window. He watches for a moment, trying to see past the wooden boards. When he sees (Y/N) walking away from his front doorsteps, his hand trails his face to his forehead. He took a deep breath, stepping back from the window.

“I was the one who had it all…

I was the master of my fate…

He turns to his chair, grabbing the edge of it. Running a hand over the exterior. He squeezes it tightly as he shoves it away. He looked at his hands in thought. Why does she mean so much to him when the world means so little?

“I never needed anybody in my life!

I learned the truth too late.

He wanders his sitting room, leaning against a window. Remembering when he threw her away for the first time. The look on her face broke his heart. He wanted to forget.

“I’ll never shake away the pain.

He closes his eyes, her face never disappearing.

“I close my eyes but she's still there.

It honestly upsets him a great deal. that no matter what he does, he just can't get rid of her. He raises his hands slowly and pulls them down to his heart as if stabbing himself.

“I let her steal into my melancholy heart,

Maybe it's worse? Maybe she genuinely doesn't want to go. At the idea of this thought he looks back out the window

“it's more than I can bare.

She walks with another woman carrying a toddler, that woman nagging and fiercely taunting her. What Scrooge didn't expect was (Y/N) to look back at the house, and up at him. He felt his heart hit his stomach.

“Now I know, she'll never leave me.

Even as she runs away.

His hand gently brushes the window as she looks away again. He feels himself melt in his own mind when he reminds himself of how long she's stayed.

“She will still torment me,

Calm me, hurt me!

Move me…come what may

He steps away from the window looking all around his sitting room with newfound confusion, why would she waste her time around a fool like him? Unless of course she has reason to. No…that can't be right either it has to be a spell, witchcraft? he stops, his back resting on his chair.

“Wasting in my lonely tower

Waiting by an open door.

He’s swallowed so deep into his own thoughts that when a figure of his imagination, (Y/N) enters the room again he's unable to move.

“I'll fool myself she’ll walk right in.

He cringes when he finds himself stepping forward, but stops in his resolve to give her a hopeful glance.

“And be with me…for evermore.

He sees the spirit of (Y/N) walk toward him with open arms, and in a moment of desperation he swipes her away to get rid of her. Stifling a gasp when another (Y/N) hugs him from behind.

“I rage against the trials of love!

He's startled by another (Y/N) trying to hug him, and swipes her away, her body erupting into a million stars, causing his eyes to strain. Then by another in which he shoves off of his side and she bursts into stars as well.

“I curse the fading of the light!

He slowly walks to the door, hopelessly trying to shut it when he sees another (Y/N) from across the sitting room aimlessly looking around.

“Though she's already flown so far beyond my reach.

He feels his arms lift toward her in exhaustion. She sees him, and holds her hands over her heart. Scrooge steps toward her as she treks to meet him halfway.

“She’s never out of sight.

He stops to ponder to himself “why?” Not realizing this imaginary (Y/N) is running at him with a purpose. He puts out his hands as she jumps, catching her delicately in his hands. He feels her arms wrap around his neck as if real. He spun a countless number of times with her in his arms.

“Now I know she’ll never leave me.

Even as she fades from view.

He allows her to fall onto her feet, taking her hands. He leads her through a dance. Slowly turning her in a big circle. His eyes never leave hers. To think that she was the fool. the more he thought the more it’d make sense for him to be the fool.

“She will still inspire me

He takes her hand and twirls her above her head pulling her close, a hand delicately holding her waist.

“Be a part of everything I do.

He holds her tight as he leans down, dipping her. He springs back up keeping a hand on her waist while his other palm takes her opposing hand. Her hand rested on his shoulder and in his hand as they Waltzed.

“Wasting in my lonely tower

waiting by an open door!

He twirls her once more, this time allowing her to run freely away from him. He slows to a stop. He was always blind to things like love or even caring for another person. He’d admit he wished he’d learned sooner.

“I’ll fool myself she’ll walk right in.

He watches as his fictional friend turns to him. Arms spread out. She stands waiting. He takes one step, and then another.

“And as the long long nights begin.

His steps quicken as he reaches out to her. He hesitates, stopping in his tracks to pull back his hair in impatient worry.

“I’ll think of all that might have been.

Waiting here…

He continues his stride until he’s right in front of her, afraid to even graze her skin.

“For ever…

In a flurry of grief, anger, and panic. He wraps his arms around her, begging her to hold him back. Yet, nothing comes.

“More!”

He holds himself as he looks up to the ceiling, knees weakening, causing him to fall to the floor. Gripping his clothing until his knuckles are white.

Once he’s quiet again he grabs hold of his throat. “How could I have been such a fool?” He stands up. Fixing his hair, and his clothes. He leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. As he walks he hears a voice.

“Where in gods…Aha! There you are.”

When he hears it he stops. Then paces his way down the hall and down the steps. “(Y/N)?” The woman looks up at him. “Ebenezer! It’s good to see you, my fine fellow! You see I had forgotten my grandson’s blanket, it's his favorite. So I had to come back and get it before he started crying, but that’s all, I’ll get out of your hair now.” Ebenezer rolls his eyes, but then feels a pang in his heart. (Y/N) turns to leave.

“(Y/N).” He projects, and this causes (Y/N) to flinch. She turns and with a laugh yells out his name too “Ebenezer! Still trying to keep the intimidation going, aren't you? What is it, my frightful friend?” Scrooge opened his mouth to respond. Bringing his hands together warms them up.

No.

She did not deserve Scrooge, nor Mr. Scrooge or even the…unfortunate flapdoodle everyone sees him as. Not now, not ever. He had to be better to ever think about the two of them…together. “Stay warm, there’s supposedly another snowstorm tonight, and make sure to take care of yourself.” (Y/N)’s face lights up with shock. She smiles, turning to the door.

Ebenezer watches as she walks her next words said aloud in her usual, cheery kind tone. “I wish you the best, Ebenezer! And remember, my door is always open.” She leaves, shutting the door. Scrooge gazes at the door. His head drops toward the ground. Disappointment and grief running rampant through his veins.

“I know…that’s why I need you.”

[donttalktomepleaseilldie]

♥️💎👤🎨

Holy shit!! You asked!! Thank you! ♥️: I love the headcanon that Sherlock is POC. It’s one that I personally think should be canon and I love how the fandoms allowed the diversity and the show offers it also. I also love the idea that John probably has ADHD, just hasn’t been diagnosed.

💎: too many to count, but probably the ‘Memory is a tricky thing’ from the Gloria Scott case. I think I fell more in love with John and Sherlock for that. It was a genuine, heart to heart conversation that made me cry. We learnt so much about John and a hint to Sherlocks potential loneliness was there; and it was heartbreaking and loving at the same time.

this podcast, man.

👤: Mycroft, if I’m honest. I’m interested to see how they’d interpret Sherlocks brother and if they have that sibling bond they deserve (a good example of how I see it is BBC Sherlock Sherlock and Mycroft.) Oh and Lestrade. I am so looking forward to see how they’re presented in future episodes.

🎨: Mariana I see as a beautiful Spanish woman who will cuss you out in Spanish and is not afraid to throw hands when pissed enough. She wears glasses I’m sure. Would be educated on some really niche topic, outside of expectations and it shocks both Sherlock and John. Sherlock I visualise as a relatively tall gremlin, warm, dark skin, eye bags heavy enough to fly from Heathrow to Soeul Airport, black hair (I can’t decide long or short?) but definitely curly. Wears hoodies as they’re sensory preferable to him. All his clothes have cut out tags. And of course, his headphones!! I also swear he’d have the baby brown eyes that men just have and makes me go feral. John I see as a probably 5”6 guy, with a scarred leg, walks with a limp, beer belly, mustache, blue eyes like ice, and dirty blonde hair. Wears flannel shirts and tan shorts, that sort of guy. Greenish blue eyes that reminds you of the sea at high tide on a sunny day. Headcanon characters? I see Mycroft being slightly shorter than Sherlock, but slicked back hair, crooked nose, glasses, and slightly lighter skin. Neat appearance and would not swear until prompted. Darkish, black eyes that bear into your soul. Small glasses for funsies/aesthetics. He hates denim so would rather die in hell then be seen in jeans.

Posh tone of voice but would swear like a cockney when pissed off enough. For Lestrade I see a tired black woman, braided hair, eye bags like Sherlock’s and done with everyone’s shit. Probably someone with strong arms and really good to cuddle. Rarely smiles and rarely gets a compliment but would be so comforting and so motherly when she wanted to be. Wears her badge with honour and puts up with Sherlocks shit.

thanks for reading and asking about one of my favourite podcasts!!!!

[lovebillyhargrove]

Wake me up when July is around

Chapter 15/? What doesn't kill you

***

Hawkins royalty is nowhere to be seen, and Billy wonders where he is.

Correction, he doesn't simply wonder

He suddenly needs to know

Like it's very important

Like Billy's worried, for fuck's sake.

Where is Harrington?

The loser who magically transformed into Prince fucking Charming over the winter break

And has been especially - on a whole new level - poisoning Billy's existence ever since.

The question crashes Billy's Tuesday morning when he doesn't see Harrington having an eight-twenty smoke surrounded by his usual crowd

And stays for the whole day.

The question is still rolling around in his head when Billy drops the ever-pouting obnoxious gremlin off the next morning and saunters through school hallways. King Steve doesn't grace Hawkins High with his presence on Wednesday as well.

It's the same situation on Thursday.

Billy's eyes are searching for the familiar BMW in the parking lot.

His ears are perked up to hear the sound of the recognizable laughter ringing in the lunch hall, carefree and playful.

Billy's nose, like a hound, is trying to get a whiff of Harrington's expensive perfume.

Nope. He's not here on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Why, what's going on? Another vacation? Are the rumours true, did his parents transfer him to another school?

That's it ?? Two kisses, starting a want, and that's all Billy's gonna get?

It's not fair.

A couple of weeks ago Harrington came back, wrapped in wintery crispiness, so cool, so fresh, so .. new? Like the snow that falls down at night,

A pure white blanket

That's so beautiful, you take your time admiring it

Before you step on it. It's not pristine anymore, but is has your footstep on. Like you're the first one who has touched it, and that carries a meaning, between you and the snow

It's same as leaving your footsteps on the clean crunchy sand, smoothed out by the waves.

Damn, he misses the ocean.

One morning while waiting for Max, Hargrove writes on the hood of his car, covered with a thin layer of snow

B I L L Y

He then wipes it all off, otherwise Max would giggle or show her scorn in some other irritating way

But yeah

Snow is cool.

So where the fuck is Harrington?

He looked so yummy. Like a fancy intricately decorated dessert, the one that you get in a posh restaurant. The one you want to savour with your eyes. Break the chocolate crust with a spoon, feel it crack, delicately, and crumble under your fingers. Harrington smelled so good. Every day a new outfit. How big is his closet, exactly. Fucking richie rich, just swiping daddy's credit card left and right.

Is Billy jealous?

A bit. Like .. he's okay with what he has. He's very much okay, so many people have much less than him, and Billy knows how to appreciate things in life. It wouldn't hurt not having to think about the money though. It gives you that special sense of freedom, when so many things are so much easier. Of course, Billy's jealous, everyone is.

A couple of times during these last two weeks Harrington came to school wearing his letterman jacket. Number 8. Infinity. Looked too damn gorgeous in it. Made Billy think of .. of them, walking together, side by side, Hargrove 11, Harrington 8, both so spectacularly good-looking, girls' jaws be dropping

Anyways

Billy thinks, these days no matter what's on his mind

The snow, the gloss, or King Steve's jacket, all is fine

It all comes back to

Where the fuck is he, what happened?

How many times has Billy asked this question already?

It's annoying, right?

Billy annoys the hell out of his own idiotic self.

He tries asking Andy once, but all he gets is an indifferent

"Dunno, man."

He wants to fish for information from Tommy but decides against it. He always asks Hagan about Harrington, dude might get suspicious if he isn't already. And yeah, Billy doesn't give a fuck about anyone getting whatever ideas, but like .. run around showing interest in that bitch? It's pathetic, and pathetic is not what Hargrove is about

Billy is frustrated with himself. Why the fuck does he care. Why so suddenly invested in this whole Harrington thing.

It's just that maybe he is horny. Okay, he jacks off a lot, in recent days more than usual. But he kinda needs physical touch? Maybe? He broke it off with Vicky before New Year. Well, he just stopped paying attention to her. That sucks, but hey, she's a big girl, she'll be alright. In his defense, he never made any promises nor did he make anything official.

It's not about being horny. It's not like he's crawling up the walls, he's always taken care of his most urgent needs, thank his left hand. He can make it work with his right one as well, but he's left-handed, so.

Fuck, he just wants to leave this place. He's almost there, he's almost back home. It's less than six months. June or July he is fucking off and never looking back. He's got this antsy feeling like he's ready, he's fucking ready to go

He's technically not. Turning 18, finishing school, getting enough money for the way and the first months until he settles down. More or less. A job, a place to live. Or college? He's still thinking about it. March and April will tell, college-wise.

Billy's sliding into madness here, he's numb and cold, it's only school and work, and this sudden Harrington fixation is just another sign that tells him he's going nuts and he has to get the hell out of this town as soon as possible because it's killing him, and Susan's "everything should be spick and span" is killing him, and his dad's sour face is fucking not letting him live

Be patient, Billy. It'll pass.

He has no other option but to be patient, although it's getting harder

Neil has been breathing down his neck these past few days, and that's been keeping him on edge. Billy this, Billy that, in the stone-cold authoritative tone. It's not like Billy gave his dad a reason to get physical with him, he's literally been on his best behaviour, working and studying, no parties, being super punctual about driving Max around, not even raising his eyes at Neil, not once.

Billy also drove Max's friend a couple of times - that weird bunker girl he saw at the winter ball. Janet, Jane ..? They don't talk, but she looks at him strange. He even met her uncle probably - Chief of Hawkins police, no less

"Saw your blue camaro breaking the limit on my roads once or twice, kid."

"Can't be late for school, sir."

Speeding is in the past. Ice has done the impossible. Billy Hargrove almost never speeds anymore.

So yeah, Billy's behaviour is irreproachable

Dad doesn't like it when Billy's a good son.

One day Hargrove comes home after work to find all of his stuff - fucking all of it - on the floor of his room, thrown off the shelves, the desk, the bedside table and the vanity, all his clothes in one big pile on the carpet

Neil is standing in the doorway

"Yesterday I specifically asked you to clean up the mess in your room. You didn't."

"Dad! I told you I was gonna do it after work today, why would you .."

Neil isn't shouting, Billy is. His dad's voice is ice-cold and seeping with contempt

"Watch the tone, you ungrateful son of a whore!"

"She wasn't a wh .."

Slap. Sharp, expected. Humiliating. Neil always aims for the mouth

Why does he keep defending her? It only infuriates his father even more, and Billy knows it too well, but he still hasn't learnt the lesson.

"The state of your room? The ashtray? The beer cans lying around? It's worse than a pig stay!"

"I was going to clean it all up !!"

"Well, you can do it right now. Also, you're going to apologize."

Breathe, Billy, breathe. Push back the tears, it's not worth it, he'll never love you

"Of course." He's taking lungfuls of air.

"I'm sorry. Sir." Neil walks out of the room, slamming the door.

Usually his dad doesn't care much about what's going on inside Billy's room, but seldom, very seldom, he does. Neil has always had a short fuse when dealing with his son, but lately it's like he has no fuse at all.

Billy doesn't know why things between parents and kids have to be so messed up. It's like parents take revenge on their own children every fucking day. For all the time and power and lost hopes and dreams they had to abandon because they had to take care of a child? Wasn't his dad's case, no. Dad always did what he wanted to, Billy was never a priority. When Billy was still little and his mom left, Neil never took a day off sick because of his son's cold. Billy always stayed at home alone, running a fever, throwing up. Once his fever was so high, he started being delirious and hallucinated his mother sitting on his bed touching his hot forehead. Billy always handled everything on his own. Dad never considered offering him help beyond his direct parental responsibilities, never asked Billy for his opinion. Kids don't have any opinions.

Why then? For all the expectations and hopes that went wrong because the kid turned out the way parents didn't want them to?

Billy feels like his dad punishes him every day simply for being born.

Also, Neil probably understands that Billy is going to leave him soon, and wants to take it out on his son, full blast.

If dad's starting now, it's gonna be helluva half a year.

Thank god the suitcase was left untouched, with the weed and the magazines and the porn tapes. Everything else is on the floor.

Billy picks up the Panasonic boom box. Great. The cassette deck lid is broken. A couple of tapes are crashed, Neil must've stepped on them with his heavy boot.

He feels his stomach growling, he hasn't eaten anything since lunch. It's fine, he can choke down tears for late dinner.

***

One time during these three weeks Billy almost starts writing a fucking letter to Nick. No, he does start writing it, but then stops mid page, tears it up. It's stupid.

Instead, he drives to a payphone and dials his friend's number. No-one picks up, wrong time. He might try later.

Sometimes laying late at night with eyes open and brain humming, Billy considers getting up, dressing, stuffing his bag, taking all the money he has saved. Quietly opening the door, walking out of the house. Leaving. For good.

Not waiting for graduation. Not waiting for anything.

He could drive to San Diego, crash at Nick's place

But not forever. His friend's parents are way better than Neil but staying under their roof for months until he gets on his feet? Billy doesn't want charity.

Or, Billy could become homeless. Sleep in his car while trying to scrape money for a living.

He's always wanted a home though. Growing up in a loveless place, he's treasured it like crazy, because it was the only one he had.

Billy keeps getting dreams about brilliant, blinding sunshine. It just shines down on him, it's hot and he loves it. Sometimes there's also Harrington's face, mixed with the sun rays, with that dazzling smile of his, warm and beautiful.

The motherfucking asshole, meddling with the things Hargrove can't possibly control, having wriggled his way into Billy's subconscious.

Why doesn't he see Vicky's face while asleep, or .. or literally anyone else's ??

On the days when he doesn't have to deal with his dad's anger, or when Billy's not thinking too much about all this shit, Billy has sex dreams, too, some obscure and hazy, some so graphic, it makes him blush in his sleep. Sometimes he wakes up with a sticky mess in his underwear. On other occasions it takes him only a couple of strokes to make that mess. Harrington is somehow present in all scenarios. It's ridiculous.

Billy comes down from the high, and it's gray and cold. He hates it.

At times, he's got this feeling like he's full to the brim with hate, with despair. He's all torn up, and he's coming apart at the seams.

But then he knows, he's got no choice. You don't choose the parents

Parents also don't choose the kids.

The world works in fucked up ways.

It's less than six months until he's gonna get that choice, until his dad can forget that he ever had a son.

Billy just has to wait.

***

It's Thursday around 4 in the afternoon. Billy's in the garage working on a 1980 Buick regal, when he hears a car pull up. No, it's not just one car actually.

His boss Mr. Dailey went to get something from a store, so Billy wipes his hands and heads outside

He first sees Tommy's ford and then

It's like he's getting sick right this second

Billy feels hot and cold, all at the same time, his cheeks start burning, his palms turn slightly sweaty which never even happened before, the belly feels strange, knees turn wobbly and blood suddenly roars in his head

What is this fucking shit

Also he doesn't know what to do with his eyes

How long should he look at him for? For it to be normal ?

Harrington gets out of the passenger's door while Tommy and Billy exchange a handshake

He looks awful. His face is pale, almost white like the snow all around, his unstyled hair is a mess of disheveled strands, and there are dark circles under his eyes like the dude hasn't had a good night's sleep for several days.

Billy almost feels sorry for the guy.

Harrington is sighing like he's been dragged here against his will and drawls

"Hey uh .. Hargrove. I've been meaning to uhm .. change the oil for a while now."

All three of them move behind Tommy's ford and

Whoa, that's one hell of a sight.

"Looks like it's gonna need more than an oil change, man. The fuck happened?"

"A deer. I ran a deer over at night, and uh .. yeah."

Billy is circling the beamer.

"You got lucky the deer didn't get you with its hooves."

"What do you mean?"

"Depends on the angle, how you hit 'em .. Sometimes they kick the driver or the passenger with their hooves through the windshield, and then it's not only the deer that's in big trouble."

Tommy's nodding

"Yeah, lucky."

Harrington is just slouching his shoulders even more

Back to being a lovesick loser, or still in shock after the accident?

"So what do you think, man? How soon can you fix it?" Tommy's eager to know. Oh wait, that's right, unless Harrington owns one more car, Hagan's gonna be Steve's driver for the time being

"Some dents can be leveled out and repainted, you won't even tell something was wrong. The windshield must be ordered from Indianapolis. The hood though.. if you want a new one, it must be ordered as well, or we can try to work on it, too. I'll talk to the boss and give you the details at school tomorrow? He's out at the moment."

Are you coming to school ?

Yeah, okay."

"Alright and .. about the money, it's also Mr. Dailey's word."

"Of course."

Tommy takes out a pack of cigarettes and offers for everyone to partake

"Hey, man. You still got some of that weed left?"

"I might. Why?"

"Valentine's Day party, dude."

A party, fucking finally.

Billy physically makes himself not to give Harrington a meaningful glance

A party means there's a chance of being left alone in a room with you, pretty boy

And succeeds. He's still in control of something at least, thank fuck

Instead, he's looking at the smoke curls, drifting in the frosty air

"Who's hosting?"

"Andy again. Bro's super excited about his future scholarship. Everything seems to be working out with that."

"Good for him."

"You gonna come?"

"We'll see. It's like three weeks from now."

"I know. We could always uh .. team up before that." Tommy winks and Hargrove's chuckling

"Sure, why not."

Harrington isn't saying a word anymore.

When they detach the beamer from the ford and exchange a

"See you at school tomorrow, Hargrove!"

"Yep."

Steve just sulks.

"The keys, Harrington!"

"Huh?"

"The keys? To the car?"

"Oh, yes. Sorry."

Is it the accident? Only the accident, nothing else?

***

On Friday Steve has to go back to school.

He opens his eyes in the morning and looks at the ceiling. Waits for it to open up, spit out a monstrous creature

Nothing happens.

No place is safe.

Steve can't hide in his room till the end of time. He puts his feet on the carpet, gets up and shuffles to the shower.

Tommy picks him up at 8.10. He bitches about it, but Steve knows he doesn't mind.

At school he gets called to vice principal Mrs. Donovan who monitors students' attendance. Yes, he was sick for three days. Yes, his parents know about it, but they are out of town. No, the issue doesn't need to be brought to the principal's attention. Of course, he will catch up with the classes.

Hargrove comes up to him during lunch break and they decide what to do with the beamer. It'll take a week and a half, maybe two. Steve will stop next week by the repair shop to settle the money question with old Mr. Dailey.

Hargrove looks a bit strange, like he's nervous or something. Maybe it has to do with those uh .. moments they had, but Steve's not gonna think about it now. Seems like it all happened to him in another lifetime.

All in all, everything and everyone looks the same. Like there are no monsters lurking around behind walls waiting for the chance to jump out from another dimension.

When Steve catches sight of Nancy and Byers, he gives them both a nod and

Tommy and Carol exchange disbelieving glances.

They let it slide. Tommy's not gonna risk having another fight with his best friend cause of those weirdos.

Harrington's parents come back on Friday evening. Steve makes sure the door is locked after they enter the house. He tells them about the car and Mom looks worried and relieved at the same time.

"I'm so happy nothing bad happened to you and you're okay, honey."

I'm not okay, mom.

You can't talk with anyone, they said. It's a highly confidential top secret government hush-hush matter.

"Do you need help getting to school, Steven?"

"I don't think I do? Tommy will drive me."

"Ask if you need any help."

"Thanks, dad."

Steve keeps the bat under his bed. He should definitely get some kind of a weapon to put in the trunk of the beamer. When he gets the car back, that is. He could put a knife under his bed, and the bat in the trunk. Also a knife in the glove compartment. Is a knife a good weapon? He should probably try to make another bat like Jonathan's. He can't take anything like that to school with him, however, carry it around, which is a shame, really.

***

Billy thinks, is Harrington on drugs? He must be on drugs, that's the only logical explanation. When he came to the repair shop yesterday he looked like he hadn't slept for days. He comes to school on Friday looking a bit better, at least his hair looks decent, but the dark circles under his pretty eyes are still there and he seems .. twitchy. Like he's going through withdrawals. Or like he was spooked really badly, and now he's looking at things in a creepy way.

Harrington falls asleep during Literature class. The teacher doesn't notice though, so it's all good.

Is it still about the wheeler Princess? It can't be. Jesus, how much can a guy suffer from a breakup? Have some self-respect for fucks sake. Self-love. No, that's not it. Self-love was right there when Harrington came back from lake Michigan, everyone could see it. The fire was back, and Billy saw Steve being King again, like he owns the place, laughing with Tommy, flirting with girls, looking so fucking good, so confident. The attitude? Captivating. The holiday did Harrington good, but what the fuck is going on?

Something else has happened. The accident, yeah, but Billy feels it's not just that.

Another mystery. How many layers does Harrington have? What's happening in his life?

That girl wheeled him good though. Bleh. Not Billy's type.

In fact, Billy has never had a type, if he comes to think of it. He hooked up if there was a chance, a good-looking face, a need

In his pants

It's all about the chemical reaction, really

Fired up by alcohol and weed in most cases.

They've experimented twice already, Harrington and he, and as for the reaction, it was an undeniable success.

Okay, the first kiss - he doesn't remember much about it. It was followed by deep regret and genuine remorse, he does remember the moment when he realized what he had done. The no no no noooooooo one.

However, even days and weeks after, Billy's brain kept on providing him with little bits and pieces of that night

How pushy Harrington was, how insistent. Like he wouldn't take no for an answer. Holding Billy by the back of his head. Pulling him, pulling him into the deep end.

The absolute fucking sheer boldness of it.

The surprise, the startle, the jolt of shock - that's how Billy started to remember their first kiss.

And also, the drunken elation, when you feel that anything is possible, anything can happen

In that particular right now, right here moment

Until Harrington broke it off.

He started it twice, he broke it off twice.

Fucking coward.

The second one? Oh, Billy remembers it well, despite the fact that his mind was fogged up by alcohol and weed. He liked it.

The free fall.

Did he like it to the point of wanting to repeat it?

Yes.

The Valentine's Day party can't come soon enough.

***

Billy spends the whole weekend working his ass off on the beamer, and on Tuesday

After watching Harrington walk around like a spooked ghost who obviously has a heavy drug addiction, no doubt about that, he decides to reach out.

Life doesn't teach him. Nope. Never.

The last - and the only time - Hargrove tried stretching out a helping hand to King Steve, he got called a fag.

What's it gonna be this time?

After an especially irritating game when Harrington didn't know what he was doing and where he was going - are we really back at it, again, Steve? Just last week you were playing so much better

It's all in the dude's head.

Fuck it.

When Billy pushes the lame-o too hard and he goes down on the gym floor

Billy gives him a hand as if to help him get up

Harrington accepts, they are holding hands, and Hargrove feels fucking tasered

"Plant your feet, Harrington. Draw a charge."

Stop being a total pussy. Break up, accident, be a fucking warrior dammit. Shine. Because I miss it

Harrington looks up with those pools of darkness that are dragging Billy into the

Still waters that run so abysmally deep

And whispers

"You have no fucking idea what is .."

Stops in the middle of the sentence and then

There's a flare in those dusky waters

"Get your hands off of me, wiseass."

Seriously? As your Highness wishes

Billy lifts Steve up a little and then lets go of his hand, making Harrington hit the floor with his back

Wiseass is less venomous than fag

But still.

There's a little twist of a smile on Billy's lips

What a fucking asshole.

Welcome home, honey.

***

Anger is rising up and Steve wants to kick the self-entitled dickhead's ass. Like he's so smart, he's sharing the blessing of his priceless advice. Like he knows everything

When he doesn't know shit

Harrington is back on his feet, and the next opportunity he has to get into Billy's way, he sticks his foot out to purposefully trip him, and now it's Hargrove who crashes heavy onto the gym floor

Ouchie

Uh-oh, Hargrove's face turns red and he's about to go ballistic

"The fuck is your problem, you moron?"

"Hargrove! Language!" The coach is blowing the whistle but Billy is already shoving Steve in his chest with both hands

Harrington plants his feet - thanks for the advice, douchebag - pushes Billy back and then, quickly lunges at him and swings

Unprepared for such an outburst, Hargrove recoils from the punch. He's tasting metal and, wincing, touches his lip incredulously

The rest of the team players are scattered around the court in confusion

"Break it up, guys! Sweet Jesus, when are you going to knock it off with your cockfighting?" Coach Nelson is blowing the whistle but it doesn't produce any effect on either participant of the fight

Because Billy rushes at Steve and aims for the nose

Hargrove's fist is like a rock. The force of the punch sends Harrington stumbling back

A couple of blood drops from his smashed up nose fall on the floor

The coach has had enough. He gets in the middle

"Andy, Roy, Danny! Come on, boys, help me pull them apart, before they kill each other, for Christ's sake!"

Hargrove and Harrington get separated, both not stopping to glare at each other viciously

"Normally it's the matter for Principle Foster. But I'll deal with you myself. See the mess ??"

The coach is pointing at Steve's blood

"Mop the floor! The whole floor, dammit! Maybe it's gonna teach you not to start stupid fights! Class is dismissed!"

The guys go to the locker room, whispering between one another and exchanging glances. Hagan is pausing near the door

"Yo, Tommy! Gonna give me a lift later?"

Steve's wiping his bloody nose with his t-shirt

"Sure, man. When are you gonna be finished?"

"Pick me up at 4.00?"

"You got it."

***

"Okey-dokey, boys! This is your half," - coach Nelson hands a mop to Hargrove and motions to the right, showing him his field of work

"And this is yours." - motions to the left and gives another mop to Harrington. - "Get down to work, I ain't got all day!"

The two guys take a bucket of water each, and reluctantly walk in different directions of the gym. They start mopping, squeaks from their sneakers echoing in the empty hall. The coach sits down on a bench and is watching them in silence

About thirty minutes later school radio comes alive

"Mr. Nelson, please report to the principal's office. Mr. Nelson, please report to the principal's office."

The coach gets on his feet

"Hargrove! Harrington! If I come back and see you kicking each other's asses again, I swear to god!" He raises an index finger as if warning them of possible much harsher than just cleaning the floor consequences, and leaves the gym.

Billy and Steve are alone in the gym. They avoid looking at one another, diligently doing their jobs

But then Hargrove throws a glance over his shoulder

He can't let this chance slip away

Steve's slightly bent over, working hard, swinging that mop right and left. All serious. Fucking focused.

What an idiot. Clearly, he's never held a mop in his hands.

Hargrove's pulse picks up the tempo, for no obvious reason. He gets this itchy maddeningly itchy feeling at the back of his head like ..

Steve's moving his ass towards him and Billy wants to hit it with the mop handle.

He feels -

Damn it, fuck. Not this now.

his dick hardening.

"Just stay on your fucking half, shithead!" - comes out as a hiss. When Harrington gets too close, Billy gives him a light push on the shoulder

"YOU stay away, jackass!" Steve turns around too fast, ready to .. what, throw fists again?

Hargrove's dick is hard wood

"Or else?" He pushes Harrington just a bit, closer to the wall

"Or else .. pretty boy ??"

What the fuck is wrong with his voice, that's not his voice

It's fucking broken

Steve looks unafraid and .. waiting?

Billy takes handfuls of his grey t-shirt, twists it in his palms

Pins the annoying loser up the wall

Harrington keeps staring at him with his big eyes with dark circles under them

Hargrove lets out a quiet chuckle

Eyes - lips - eyes - lips

Daring him. Goading.

"Leave me alone you stupid prick." Harrington talks in hiccups

However, he is not putting up a fight

He's letting Billy do what he wants

Take control this time

So Hargrove does.

He kisses Steve's lips sharp, like bites him

Quick, rough.

Come on, pretty boy

I know you want to

It's not only the king who can be a bitch and a tease.

Harrington looks .. hurt ?? Like he needs .. needs it to be more gentle?

Billy can be gentle.

His hands are roaming all over Steve's chest and front

He pulls up Steve's t-shirt and touches the skin of his belly

Kisses the neck

The skin is so tender Hargrove wants to fucking cry

It's salty

Steve's gasping

Billy kisses his neck again, hiding his nose in that dark hair.

They grind against each other.

Grind and grind, more, please

Billy only needs a little bit more to come in his shorts right there

God, he hates the idiot with his whole wretched heart

Why does he make him so .. so fucking aroused? What's so special about him?

Nothing.

Everything.

Billy's rock hard, and he can feel Harrington's got the same situation in his shorts

It's too reckless. Someone might come in, and they won't even hear it.

Billy will definitely jerk off to this falling asleep tonight

He might not make it till tonight. Might lock himself up in the shower right after coming home. He doesn't have to go to work today, it's his day off.

This goddamn kiss - and more - is so .. dangerous. It feels too dangerous because there's no alcohol clouding their judgement, always being the perfect excuse. No, they are doing it sober.

They are so close but this time

It's Billy now who's suddenly stepping away

It's too fucking dangerous. He needs to be drunk, or high for that.

"Why the fuck .." an indistinct sigh is leaving Steve's pretty lips

How dares he .. He's just giving the taste, tickles the taste buds and then backs off

Steve is watching Hargrove with lust frenzied eyes for one more second and he'd be pulling him back into his orbit right now ..

When there's someone's, a girl's voice, a bit distant and careful

"Billy?"

The swishing sound of one of the gym doors being opened

Billy quickly takes another step backwards

Far away from Harrington.

"Billy?"

And then louder

"Where were you?? I'm freezing! In the parking lot!"

What?

Billy's still high.

Oh shit, he forgot about Max. He completely forgot about Max !!

Harrington is not good for him.

His brain stops functioning when Steve's close.

Harrington makes him brainless.

Of course! Today she doesn't have AV, he was supposed to pick her up right after his basketball practice, but he was late and didn't remember to warn her to wait for him somewhere at school. Thank fuck, she had enough sense to come look for Billy. Thank fuck she didn't walk home. Neil would flip.

Next second, the door swings again and coach Nelson walks in

"What's going on? Who's that?"

Billy's swiftly picking the mop up and getting back to business.

"My uh .. step-sister. Can she wait here till I finish? I'm supposed to drive her home after school."

Fucking hell.

"The heck were you two doing?"

"Nothing! Just mopping!"

Billy's not turning around to face Max or the coach. It must look weird.

His dick is still tenting his shorts up.

He picks up Harrington's mop as well, handing it over to him, trying to block him

Because his shorts, too, are up and flying like a proud banner

"Back to work, yeah? My working day finishes in fifteen, come on, boys!"

Steve turns his back to the coach and starts mopping as well.

"You're a fucking douche." He mumbles quietly for only the two of them to hear

Tell me something I don't know, amigo

Billy can still taste Steve's sweat on his lips.

Somehow it's not gross.

It tastes like ocean salt.

***

***

Harrington is back to school and his usual self. If Steve's absolutely honest with himself, that little episode with Hargrove kinda snapped him out of .. this monster-related thing he's been going through lately.

It's like he was underwater all that time, and Hargrove's hand reached for him and pulled him out.

Steve keeps thinking about Billy's bloody lip on his own mouth.

The fucking chest out for everyone to see, the rough stubble, the stupid mess of hair. His eyes, crazy with want. His hard cock pressed against Steve's thigh. The big wide hands on Steve's body. His scent. Harrington is reminded of that perfume again, what's it called, he always forgets to remember the name

He also thinks how different Hargrove looked at the place of his work, the day they brought the beamer in. Wearing navy blue coveralls, with oil and grease stains here and there, a couple of rips, a grey turtleneck sweater under the coveralls. A dark grey beanie. Steve's so used to seeing him in jeans hugging his ass tight, it was a bit unexpected. Like seeing a whole different person.

Steve took his time again today at the mirror, getting ready for school. He's back to looking great.

He's been waiting for another monster's visit for a week now, maybe they aren't planning any in the near future

Sitting close to Nicole during lunch break, he smiles and laughs at her joke.

Remembers that he actually wanted to take her out on a date.

Why shouldn't he?

If the world's this close to finishing, Steve shouldn't be sitting locked up in his room.

He should be living it to the fullest, right?

He can't stay scared forever.

He actually .. almost single-handedly killed a horror creature. He, Steve Harrington. Isn't that something to be kinda .. proud of? Like it's .. badass?

The world doesn't know it but, as a matter of fact, Steve Harrington is a total badass.

Steve throws his arm over Nicole's shoulder and the girl melts.

He whispers in her ear

"I've been wanting to ask you .. Why don't we go out tonight?"

His eyes fall on Hargrove who's sitting at a different table together with the guys from the team

Just for a second

Hargrove's watching

That's right, baby, eyes on me.

The same story begins to unfold.

Billy's tries not to look but Steve is aware of Hargrove's every glance

Because they burn a hole in his body, he can feel the heat from dozens of feet away.

Every damn time.

***

On Friday, the fourth day after their fight

And the kiss

While waiting for Maxine in the parking lot Billy slides his fists into the pockets of his jacket

There's something .. a piece of paper

He takes it out, and

It's a note.

There's someone's phone number, written in black ink and

Call me

There's no name.

The fuck?

It's not Vicky's number.

Billy's fingers tremble and heart crashes down from the wave ridge

Can it be .. ?

[nityarawal]

Moms feel like military minions want to say @elonmuskparody is too special & stuck up to make love to a mom and actually fulfill her in matrimony. Is it possible this is a first? How exciting. Rather than grieve 50+ years of tireless prostitution for Jewish Santas- celebrate the possibility. Could @elonmuskfanslounge really find true love & develop Mars with his real estate CyberQueen and have support of divine Goddesses for first time? Shake off Rapunzel's gremlins molesting us and kids? God, I hope so. You know why? It'd be so much sexier and satisfying than cringing at Jewish Atty fettishes in Gaza and genocide with Trans pimps. Agreed? I feel so safe knowing @elonmusk is looking after my family. Don't you? Just terrified of 40% rape rate of surrounding officers and @taylorswift football team that gang banged us into memes and robots. Please be careful mommies & don't be conned in identity theft by his bots or lured out starving for #NitsaPizza with red lipstick in the night- mistaken for a hooker by rapist cops trolling. That's gross and elon@rewind knows it. "What in the SpaceX is this?” is his general reply to in-house pedophilia. Then I mercilessly beg for him to "Rewind It," and liquidate our company #RewindAi before his lab mommies murder @taylorswift ! He did whistleblow on Errol Musk. The president since had an amateur PD "doubt" about Elon June and cuffed him into many useless bandages with Jewish atty slavery agenda to hide their crimes. Was #Tarantino involved in Ukraine war for a cinematic kick or what? We’re just pawns for crazy old perverts? Many of my friends were drafted for AI research by all the skanky leaders. Likely Putin, #Trumpleberry #VP Gay Prime Ministers etc. @taylorswifts13 Has been in similar Football stalker conservatorship to #FreeBritney ! I lost my virginity at 11yo to Marine David Rippey in Iowa. Then David Farley Kaplan an old 40 something monk that was once captain in Saint Louis - before I was born in early 70's- and Chased Me with Jewish Santa's headhunting for Elon Buddha Divine. I feel Taylor would be a warlock for him and he for her. True love is what we need to fly intergalactically in consciousness and enlightenment. As pretty as celebrities are- it's the inside out clarity and focus in yoginis that captures the galaxy's heart. Who do you want to be in a closet with strapped in for 6 months while your muscles atrophy to space? We hope to build a more posh roadster aircraft with electric blankets etc that's cozy. How lonely not to even scratch your itch or massage your lover. Sounds torturous. So Who is that divine soulmate you want to spin a new universe with? It's such a deep question. Upsetting that X boys trivialize it- but that's a man's ap now- moms really needed our own universe to process boundaries and transitions with new governments & leaders. Superficiality of sacred is weaponising- so many crying losing loved ones! Have tea, get cozy and help us dream big. What is your perfect universe, town, custody, job, and services? It appears many feel the Billionaires and government has been holding out on people in leu of political war/slavery/hooking for cash. @justintrudeauismypatronus It's been a sordid business to witness trafficking of International spies families for the last 7 years. Peace & refunds now. Gay Stirling Boys Club failed. Lol @noncensitive @nonceiling @primeministerbutt #4BillionMothersStrong #6Months #Isolation

[vethbrenatto]

percy for the character thing 👀

First impression: i thought he was so intelligent and stuffy but like in a fun way? again, playing into that posh boy stereotype i love, but he's not a little cutie pie like my faves he's a gremlin with a gun. i loved how superior he was, and his relationships with vex and kiki.

Impression now: oh my god honey baby that is a CHILD. he's like 22 and he has a gun and his whole family is DEAD. why are people listening to this boy like he's the grown up??? he just graduated college but instead he was sailing on a boat and dreaming about revenge and being inhabited by a DEMON. a DEMON, sharon. additionally as a viewer, don't be wiled by his charms, he is NOT as smart as he comes across.

Favorite moment: i adore the sequence where percy goes to the raven queen looking for something that she simply cannot give him. i also love the "she is my heart and the one i am betrothed to" monologue to pelor.

Idea for a story: god i would really love to get the lore on ALL of percy's siblings. like the prequel to percy. we know from cass that there was impeccable de rolo sibling energy but i really want the vibes of all of them- the same way we got to know the clays.

Unpopular opinion: i mean i've already stated that people just put too much trust in percy as a leader for his age and life experience. but then on the other hand he often WAS quite good at it- i mean, thinking about the scenario in whitestone where his patience is rewarded when the dragon flies right over.

Favorite relationship: i'm a basic bitch. you know it's perc'ahlia. i was sold the minute he made the first exploding arrow for her.

Favorite headcanon: percy settles down to be a Dad and a clockmaker but percy can't do anything in half measures so percy's clock shop is goddamn tal'dorei renowned. he is the God of the clock world. he builds ridiculous clock contraptions. his own house is filled with clocks that tick and chime (vex is NOT amused when he brings in more clocks)

[devilinsheepswool]

My First Impressions vs My now thoughts on the Obey Me! Babes + Luke

Because I did one for mysme some time back. Spoilers for season 2 and images (not related to the spoilers) ahead, tread with care

Lucifer

First Impression: Jumin Han, but make him a demon

Season 1: *after the attempts on MC's life, and over all ambiguity of his feelings and thoughts on MC* proceed with caution

Season 2: *after Arcadia, Luci being a smug lil shit but such a sweet heart when MC returns to Devildom, the amnesia situation, and willingness to sacrifice himself for MC and his brothers* LUCI, LISTEN TO ME LOVE I WOULD DIE FOR YOU WITHOUT HESITATION BABE

Overall thoughts: listen, I tend to like subs but Luci bae you got me like 💋👀❤👀❤👀💋

Mammon

First Impression: He kinda reminds me of the guys that used to bully me when I was a kid

Season 1: *always protecting MC and caring for them, being basically attached to their hip* You're the only bitch in the house i ever respected.

Season 2: *Mammon being Mammon* I am proposing 👀💍❤

Overall thoughts: YOU DESERVE SO MUCH BETTER THAN I COULD EVER GIVE YOU, OH I LOVE YOU SO MUCH MY SWEET DEMON BOY

Leviathan

First Impression: I found my new bottom 😏

Season 1: *Levi still being a gigantic tsundere for a majority of the game, even post pact* Levi, sweetie! 💕 Pspspsps! 💗 Levi, darling! 💖 Come here, baby! 💘 Pspspsps! 💓

Season 2: (plus devilgrams) I'mma have all his sea demon babies, and that's a promise ❤👀

Overall thoughts: Fuck me in your ocean monster demon form

Satan

First Impression: 16 year old me's dream man, tbh

Season 1: Such a dapper Cat man~ So posh and chivalrous... Wait, oh?! He gremlin too?! Such gap moe,

Season 2: Any demons here? Got any demons out tonight? Any HORNY 😏 boys? Satan, I know you there babe, pspspsps

Overall thoughts: "Season 2 is over, so I cut off all my shirts sleeves." Why? "Satan was my self control."

Asmo

First Impression: Okay, now this is interesting... not normally an archetype I'm fond of... but I'm kinda diggin him

Season 1: uhm, excuse me waiter? This season lacked a bit too much Asmo's character development for my liking

Season 2: SOLMARE MY BABY BOI JUST WANTS LOVE!!! LET ME LOVE HIM, SOLMARE!!!

Overall thoughts: *Asmo getting cheated out of screen time and MC's love by Solmare* where are my cuddles, where are my kisses? MC, is... evil? MC is unyielding? MC is incapable of love? I am running away. I am packing my rusack and going out to explore the world like a lone vagabond. I can no longer thrive in this house hold.

Beel

First Impression: kinda scarey... 😟

Season 1: *after the whole Luke situation* I think we're married? But I don't remember a wedding. We might have adopted Luke too, sooo...? I like him, tho, so it's all Gucci with me tbh A REALLY SWEET DEMON MAN

Season 2: Puppy! Gigantic puppy man! BEELzeBABE sweetie I love you, baby! You're doing amazing sweetheart

Overall thoughts: I've had Beel for two seasons now and if anything ever happened to him, I would kill everyone and then myself

Belphie

First Impression: ❤👀 Hey there Miss New Booty 👀❤

Season 1: *after he kills MC and there's no development or elaboration on their relationship*

Season 2: (+ Devilgrams) Listen, everyone gets at least one homicidal psychopathic bad boy, and I've chosen him.

Overall thoughts: Hello, fellow gremlin should we duel to the death for title of "ultimate sarcastic bastard"

Diavolo

First Impression: *Looks down at Diavolo's chest and then quickly back at him* I am looking respectfully 👀👀👀 *internally though vvvv*

Season 1: He's cute, it's a shame we didn't see more of him 😔💔

Season 2: *towards the end, when Diavolo keeps trying to get MC alone* oooooooooh, bet? 😏

Overall thoughts: This man brings out the bottom in me like I have never experienced before

Barbatos

First Impression: I know we just met, and I know I hardly know anything about you but do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?

Season 1: Listen, you can't give me a man that insanely HOT and then only sprinkle him every here and there in the game!!! That's not right! Gimme the whole slice Solmare!

Season 2: Barbatos, mon cher, they continue to keep us apart, don't they love? But fret not, fate shall not keep us a part for long, I know you'll come for me and I promise I shall be ready for when that day comes

Overall thoughts: He knows how to bake and cook!? Sold, I'm sold! Get me a white dress and him a suit~ 

Solomon

First impression: He radiates pure bastatd energy, he just looks so pleased with himself... I feel like he's hiding something... I like him tho, I'd be his friend.

Season 1: *when the fandom theorized he was evil and shady* "STOP SAYING HE IS EVIL AND SHADY, you don't have all the facts!!!" and those are? "I LOVE HIM 🥺😭"

Season 2: *revealing he's been working hard to come up with a solution to MC's and the 3 realms problems, being protective of MC in Lesson 38* I KNEW IT, I KNEW YOU WEREN'T GOING TO BE EVIL 🥺😭☺️ THANK YOU SO MUCH I LOVE U ❤❤❤

Overall thoughts: I would die for u tbh

Simeon

First Impression: Oh dreamweaver~ 💕❤💗💘💓💖👌💍🥺😏😚

Season 1:  oh holy shoulders give me strength for I know he is a forbidden man, but rather than give me strength you only seem to test my resilience to reach for the forbidden fruit and test my already crumbling sanity

Season 2: *Simeon alluding to feelings for MC with subtle actions and text messages* *high pitched shrieking only audible to dogs*

Overall thoughts: Have you ever seen a man so perfect you cry? Like, God, his beauty is unbelievable!!!

Luke 

First impression: Yes, operator? I would like the custody of child forms... yeah, I'll hold 💅

Season 1: *when Luke is obviously still afraid and uncomfortable of being in Devildom, and any demon looks at him funny. Especially that one lesson when Lucifer tries to attack him in that catacombs looking place*

Season 2: *watching Luke get more comfortable and even miss Devildom, watching his relationship with Barbatos and Solomon develop* that's growth

Overall thoughts: *after Luke accepted being MC's guardian Angel*

Lilith

First Impression: I know she's supposed to be good... but what if she turns out to be like Rika??? I'm sorry but I can't go through this again, dude

During Season 1: *towards the end when Lilith reveals all the truth to MC* I AM SO SORRY FOR EVER DOUBTING U MAMA LILITH 😭😭😭 U DIDN'T DESERVE THAT I'M SO SORRY

Overall thoughts: Mama Lilith, it's me your bastard great great great descendant. Can you hear me wherever you are? Mama Lilith, I need u girl... come help me again pwease 🙏

[sanzusbaby]

hey, diabolik lovers matchup pls? I'm a 5'4 straight female with a pear-shaped body. I'm ambitious (when it comes to school/work), tomboyish, chill, honest, hardworking, caring, and cheerful. I love reading, singing, chess, listening to all kinds of music, and having intellectual debates/discussions, but I'm open to trying out new hobbies too! I love perverted humor and memes. I get along with everyone well but am more outgoing/affectionate/cuddly with my close friends. no bdsm for me, thx!

Hi!! Thanks for sending this in🥰✨ so- I’ve been thinking about your matchup nonstop and I’m still struggling to match you with just one guy sooo, I’m going to match you with the ones that I think suit you the best 💓

So here we have in no particular order… I ship you with Laito, Ruki and last but not least, ayato ✨

Here is a little bit about why I think each boy would love you~ I think laito would, In a more established relationship, really enjoy having deep conversations with you. Hear me out, I know he may not seem like the type at first, but after you get a bit past his ✨fucked up✨ layer, he’s quite a deep and intelligent guy who would enjoy getting stuck into a conversation. Best time for these conversations, Pillow talk? I mean, it’s still laito we’re talking about here. He’d also, no doubt love to share some moments with you with perverse jokes. Because again laito. Your tomboyish side, dirty humour (again) and enjoyment of memes would appeal to ayato a lot. Surely with a tomboyish streak you must be open to getting your hands dirty and winding up his brothers and innocent classmates,right? Because ayato sure fucking hopes so and needs a partner in crime to help bully his main victim, kanato. And reji very close behind as his second victim. Kanato’s strawberry macaroons he recently bought? Nah, gone (you both ate them) and now replaced with chilli powdered and chilli jam ones. I hope you can run fast and hide well because you’ve trigger gremlin kanato. Now reiji’s made a cup of tea after a long day of dealing with everyone’s uncultured bullshit. Beware, the fuxkery doesn’t stop yet reiji, a bit of salt added into his best tea has nothing to do with you two…right? Your love for chess would be appreciated the most by laito and ruki. Laito is a lover of puzzles and most likely board games himself, so I can see him enjoying the game and if you’d indulge in his puzzles and word games he’d love that. Ruki, you can’t tell me he doesn’t know how to play chess. He absolutely does and he’s good at it. Destroys everyone who plays with him in the most calm and cool manner, minus the annoying smirk. Smack it off his face and beat him pls. Or if you’re still a novice at the game, I’m sure he’d be happy to take you under his wing and show you some tricks he’s learnt over the years. Being a lover of music, I’m sure laito would love to show you how to play piano, if you’d like. I think ruki is also one to enjoy music, whether it’s classical or something soft, I’m not quite sure but he would enjoy nothing more than an evening reading a book with you as music plays quietly in the background. He may also know how to play an instrument or two? I mean, he was q posh fuxk once so I assume he can play at least one. In that case he may also be open to showing you how to play said instrument, but he’s definitely a sterner teacher than laito, so beware. having a pear shaped figure, laito would absolutely adore your bodytype. He worships. especially if you have thighs on the thicker side, I think laito is definitely a thigh guy. Ruki would also think you’re stunning. He’d love the curves of your body, and I think he’s all about the hips/booty/thigh. Okay we all know that ayato is obsessed with boobs, but that’s why it comes as even more of a surprise when he catches himself appreciating when you wear a pair of shorts/yoga pants/leggings or even skirt👀 if Ruki notices your ambitions attitude towards your studdies/work, he will definitely encourage it. Whether it be hiring the best tutor or making sure you’ve got a proper lunch to take to work so you can focus better, ruki is your n.1 supporters. On the other hand, I wish I could say the same for ayato. I feel liked he’d purposelyfully distract or annoy you while you attempt to study or Harass you through the phone while you are working. Laito is somewhat indifferent, he likes your ambition, he finds it cute and he absolutely hopes for the best with whatever you are doing. Likes when you tell him all about it, but don’t study or stay away for too long, he may get jealous and become annoying. Annoying Laito is WORSE than annoying ayato. I think ruki would appreciate that you’re fairly easygoing and able to get along with others well, as he wouldn’t want there to be any problems between you and his brothers. He’d want everyone to get along nicely. No drama.

I hope you like it ☺️🥰💓 I’m sorry if I didn’t give you your favourite boy! I can always figure out something if not!

[laughingmagi]

John and Personal Hygiene and Care

Hot take: I don’t think John is any less hygienic than the average person, and may possibly be more so.

Honestly, I think there’s (still) a stigma around smokers, and I get it I get it, it’s an expensive waste of money that will kill you and makes you stinky. Look, a lotta things make you gross if you don’t practice basic hygiene and most smokers try to mitigate arising issues as they can. Younger smokers maybe not, but if teenagers are gremlins, 20-somethings are fucking savages. Anyway, I’ve been on about this before. He uses scented laundry soap, washes his clothes frequently (unless you know, shit’s going down), he’s a not a gum guy, but he chews mints, possibly carries around a little bottle of Scope or Listerine, and ofc he washes his hands after smoking where available and when he’s at home (or someone else’s home... look idek why I do this, I’m sure it’s common sense to conclude that, but I’ve been in too many corners of the internet that are a little too literal like “oh you left that out, it must not factor in to your thinking” and it makes me over correct).

Okay, so on to the more interesting mundane shit:

John is usually a shower guy. He’s not adverse to baths, tho. Secretly, he’s a bit old fashioned when it comes to them. John would rather have one of those clawed foot tubs, good and deep. As much as possible, John avoids feeding corporations. He’ll shop at consignment and thrift stores, locally owned boutiques, and this includes most toiletries and personal care products. As you might have guessed, John isn’t too worried about scents. Like, he gravitates toward woodsy smells but look, if the only thing that’s available is daisy fresh lavender freesia scented, John’s not going to turn his nose up at it. ......or maybe he’d opt for Orchid, Rose, or Lily-of-the-Valley. My point is, he’s not stuffed up with toxic masculinity and simply must smell like the awful default “masculine scene” (you know, that generic piney smell). 

Uses toothpaste with baking soda in it. Good for neutralizing bad breath, also tastes better.

He doesn’t usually use product to style his hair. Maybe he has some hairspray, gel, or pomade floating around if he wants to look more put together. Otherwise, he tends to have perpetual bedhead.

Okay, so John’s general appearance reflects his mental state, if it’s not reflecting the fact that he’s mired in some bullshit and maybe tucking in his shirt isn’t his highest priority. On a whole (contrary to popular belief), John is well put together. Nice suit, clean shaven, tie cinched, trousers belted, shirt tucked, shoes probably the worse off since he walks everywhere and they’re usually very scuffed, occasionally held together by good intentions. If he’s unshaven for days, his clothes are fitting badly, they’re stained, or smells bad, it’s probably because he’s depressed or in truly dire straits (just crawled his ass out of hell, for example).

John rarely wears cologne. Like hair product, it’s reserved for special  occasions or when he’s looking to pose as posh.

[pretty-bratty]

Baby Can You See Through The Tears Teasers

I'm finally doing it.

Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who reads, loves, waits this fic and keeps up with my procrastinating ass. It truly means the world to me. Thank you all.

Special huge thank you to @dracula-incarnate who not only hyped me to post these teasers and to write in general, but also hypes and supports me in everything all the way, and also proof read everything as my beta. I wouldn't post them without you, thank you so much.

So, under the cut are the teasers - different bits of future chapters. At the beginning of each one there's a short explanation of the scene. The warnings are the usual for this fic, and it makes sense to read it only reading fic, but just in case: dom/sub stuff and the beginning of the punishment-spanking scene. Uh...I think it's all.

If you like it, it would mean so much if you let me know your thoughts.🌠 I'm nervous and really hope it lives up to your expectations, uhhh.

Baby Can You See Through The Tears Teasers

1. (The boys want to radio Eleven to calm Steve down over the fact that his blood got in the water at the end of the previous chapter): 

It takes Billy quite some time to find the walkie-talkie in the mess that Harrington turned his room into. The scolding he wants to give him is dancing on the tip of his tongue. He wonders if he's ever going to have a nice, relaxing, calm day with Harrington. And the most obvious answer leaves him unpleased. 

Steve stares at him with those baby deer eyes, full of fear and hope. Fear of the darkness, and hope that Billy is going to save him from all the monsters inhabiting it. And dammit if Billy isn't going to do exactly that.

"You think it's gonna work?" Harrington's whisper is barely audible in the thick silence of his room. 

Billy honestly has no idea, but Steve doesn't need to know that.

"Yeah. Of course it is, pretty boy." 

He still has no idea when he finally ends up finding the walkie - thrown on a chair in a tangled mess of jeans. Really, Steve? Billy kind of toys with the idea of radioing Max first; and he would, if it was a bit earlier. 

But the second he turns the walkie on, it comes to life with a calm and collected voice. 

"I am here." 

Billy jumps. Steve gasps, almost knocking the nightlight off the drawer. 

"How...what are you doing here, kid?" Billy cringes immediately. First, it's kind of a stupid question since he’s the one who originally was going to reach out. Secondly, he sounds exactly like the Chief. 

"You needed me." El's voice is clear and somber. Billy pictures her serious, concentrated face. Sometimes he feels like they have a lot in common; something deep down in the girl's eyes speaks to him in a language he feels only he can understand. "You needed me and I am here." 

2. (Just some atmospheric bits):

It's still warm, despite the pouring rain. They dragged the loungers under the porch awning and now sit there. Watching the streams of water falling everywhere. Watching it dance on the pool's surface. Playing the fastest drumbeat Billy's ever heard. He can't say he loves the rain.  Actually, he really doesn't like it at all; but this, today's rain… it brings some much needed peace to his soul. 

Harrington seems to appreciate it as well, considering how he hums contentedly, laying across the loungers, head in Billy's lap. He only stirs a few times, squirming, nose scrunched. Billy supposes it's because of his freshly spanked ass touching the lounger's hard surface. He chuckles under his breath at the thought, scratching the boy's head. 

Harrington looks up at him with big brown eyes that are red rimmed and tired, yet warm. Always so warm and comforting. He gives Billy a little content smile and lays back down, cheek pressed to Billy's thigh, skin on skin. 

Billy cards his fingers through this wild, absolutely lush mane of brown hair. And it suddenly shoots through him… this boy is his. Not just simply his. Not like he was Wheeler's - okay, Billy, better not think about it. No need to get angry - but in many, many more ways. 

Harrington trusts him unconditionally in everything. Absolutely everything. And Billy's has way more power, belonging, and responsibility than he has ever dared to have before. 

He cuddles the boy in closer to himself. His hold on him perhaps a bit too tight. His heart chattering wildly. Harrington looks up again; eyes a bit puzzled, questioning, but Billy gives him a calming smile and a gentle tug on his hair. 

(...)

The rain is soothing. Heavy streams drumming everywhere in the Harringtons' posh backyard. Making everything wet and fresh and transparent green. Somehow still so full of light. Like you're looking at the world through a green-glass bottle. 

"I was kinda afraid of swimming before that, y'know…" Harrington says suddenly, without moving. Billy doesn't see his face. "Before B… before B-Barb." 

He shivers when he says the name, and Billy holds him closer, frowning. 

"How come? I thought you loved splashing in the pool and all?" 

3. (Some Billy, Steve and Max snippet, at Steve's place): 

"Let's build a pillow fort!" Harrington throws all these gigantic pillows and blankets on the floor in front of TV. Almost knocking down some vase in the process; Billy's pretty sure it must cost a small fortune. Mrs. Harrington would be really grateful to Billy for catching it at the last moment. 

"Jeez," Max breathes out. "Pillow fort, ice cream and movies? Everyone else will lose their shit!"

"We won't tell them." Harrington frowns, apparently not wanting any of his gremlin gang to feel left out. Billy rolls his eyes so hard it hurts.

"Oh no," Max smirks. "We're definitely telling them!"

Billy snorts. Harrington looks between them, a smile playing on his lips.

"You two sure you're not blood related?"

4. (Same part, they're going to watch a movie, Billy told them no scary movies):

Max smirks.

"Let's put on a scary movie. Billy will want to know how it ends so he'll grumble but watch it."

Billy watches them quietly from the kitchen doorway. He's on his way back with their bowls of ice cream, and that's when he hears Max mentioning a horror movie. Now he's too curious about how Harrington’s going to act since he's not directly with him. 

Yesterday he'd definitely put it on, just to spite Billy. Let's see if today's lesson taught him anything.

The boy squirms in his spot, wide eyes darting around.

"But he told us not to. He'll be pissed."

Max just rolls her eyes.

"You realize he's not as scary as he thinks he is, right?

Billy gapes at the statement, because true - but excuse her! 

Steve's voice is low.

"Mmm- well, yeah. He's not, but..."

'...But his belt on my ass definitely is!' is clearly written across his face. Billy puts a hand over his mouth, juggling the bowls and trying not to snort out loud and blow his cover. 

Harrington bites his lower lip.

"But he specifically told us not to. I think it would be nice to listen to him, don't you, Max? And like, a comedy sounds pretty good to me right now."

Billy can just burst with pride for his boy.

Max rolls her eyes once more, but only for the sake of her reputation. Then she gets up and picks a comedy. Secretly, she's actually pretty excited about it. At least from what Billy can see. 

5. (Different bits for the spanking scene):

"Now, come here. And bring me that brush," Billy squints at the wooden hairbrush laying on Harrington's desk. 

"What?" The boy knits his brows together in confusion. "You gonna… brush my hair?"

"Oh darling," Billy chuckles darkly, shaking his head. He almost feels guilty due to Steve's innocent, obvious confusion. "No. I'm gonna make sure I ingrain the consequences of giving me attitude, like yesterday's little outburst, in your precious head."

(...)

Billy swirls the brush in his hand. It's pretty heavy. Wide too. He feels bad for the boy - well, almost.

"Sit."

He jerks his head in a curt nod, and Harrington sits near him nervously. Billy taps the brush on his palm, making a thud, and hears a quiet sharp inhale.

"I'm going to punish you now," Billy looks at Harrington closely, catching every little detail. How he licks his lips, throat working. How he squirms, big brown eyes watching Billy's every move. "You got my belt a couple of days ago, so it might be too soon for a second round on that lil' ass of yours." 

The boy's cheeks and ears were growing darker and darker shades of red.

"You deserve something harder than just my hand though. Acted like a total spoiled brat too; so s' pretty fitting, I guess. Dontcha, Stevie?"

Harrington just whimpers weakly, eyeing the brush in Billy's hands.

"I asked if you think it's fitting, Steve?" 

Billy let's some steel slip into his tone, and the boy shudders. 

"It's-it's gonna sting..." his voice is small, but he's still whining.

Such a brat. Billy growls.

"Yes, it is." He fixes Harrington with a stern look, slapping the brush on his own palm at the same time. "Your spankings are supposed to sting. It's a punishment. And you deserve a punishment, don't you?"

Billy's setting his jaw, asking for the last time. If the boy decides to keep being a brat, he can take the belt after a brush too. And apparently, Harrington senses it.

"I do." He whispers miserably. Glancing at Billy and correcting himself immediately, licking his lips and flushing more. "I do think I deserve this punishment, Billy."

Billy nods, spreading his legs wider and laying the brush on the bed next to him. 

"Get over my lap."

"What??" Harrington flushes red to the roots of his fluffy hair. "I...what...No! I'm not some fucking toddler!"

Billy flares his nostrils, breathing in and out. If Max ever dares to accuse him of lacking patience ever again, so help him...

"Could've fooled me." He speaks in a quiet, terrifying growl. "Acting exactly like one."

Harrington gulps.

"Up. Bend. Over my knee, ass in the air." Billy orders in a low voice, no room for discussion left. "Tell me 'No' one more time during the punishment, and see what happens, pretty boy."

Harrington inhales sharply and almost jumps up, legs wobbly. Then tiptoes around and finally lowers himself across Billy's lap; eyes squeezed shut, cheeks and ears tomato red.

Billy immediately manhandles him into position. Leaving one knee under Steve and hooking the other leg over the boy's thighs, holding him successfully in place. Gonna come in handy when Harrington starts squirming and trying to kick - and Billy already knows it's gonna happen. 

Billy looks down, sees Harrington's messy mop of brown hair. His hands nervously fidgeting on the floor. Billy yanks his shorts down rather harshly, and there's a gasp, followed by a little, scared whimper.

"Gonna squirm again, huh?" Billy bounces his knee a bit.

"Uh...y-yeah," a quiet, honest, reply from Steve surprises him.

Billy hums, running his hand up and down Harrington's boxers-clad ass.

"I'll take that as I should hold you during all your punishments from now on, hm, baby?"

There's a sniff and a quiet ‘please’ from Harrington.

"Sure, pretty boy. Setting it as a rule then." Billy puts his hand on the small of the boy's back, holding him in place. He hears almost a relieved sigh.

"No fighting. Sit still. You're not allowed to cover your pretty ass, got it?"

"Yes, Billy."

Billy watches his own hands on the waistband of Harrington's Calvins, snapping it at his skin lightly.

"Tell me why are you getting spanked now, baby?" He smirks, feeling how the boy flushes at the word ‘spanked’; emphasizing it for a bigger effect.

[aftgficrec]

any fics where Neil and Andrew are just friends™️??

We were assuming you didn’t mean “friends with benefits” or “friends to lovers,” so here are some AUs and canon divergent fics where Andrew & Neil are not together.  Some imply that they eventually will be, and some are strictly platonic between the two.  -F

morbid stuff series by priorwalter [Rated G/T, 14812 words, 2019]

part 1: lionblood (flowin' through my veins) [Rated G, 9731 words]

Kevin had been wondering why he was the only passenger on the Greyhound bus getting off in Palmetto, but one glance at the tiny downtown told him everything he needed to know. While most of the buildings were old in a way that might be described as charming, some were crumbling, dilapidated, and looked like they violated several health and safety rules. Names on the small, quaint shops were written in an old-timey scripts, faded from time and exposure.

Trees with dry yellow and orange leaves lined the main street. The air was crisp and wind bit at Kevin’s skin, making him shiver as he inspected his surroundings. September seemed a little too early for autumn to set in, but he wouldn’t have noticed the weather if not for how the chill made his injured hand ache. He supposed he should be grateful that, for now, aches in his hand were all he had to worry about. If not for the pain meds prescribed to him after his surgery, he would have been writhing on the sidewalk in agony.

Kevin Day arrives in the perpetually autumnal town of Palmetto. He finds his father, new friends, peace and quiet, and Neil Josten.

part 2: there is still this light in us (there is this fight to find right where we belong) [Rated T, 5081 words]

“I guess we’re going to die here,” Neil said with a resigned, dramatic sigh. Affecting a British accent slightly more posh sounding than his usual one, he wailed, “It was wonderful to spend my last moments with you, my love; I only wish they were longer.”

Kevin scoffed. He was glad Neil couldn’t see the blush on his cheeks. “We aren’t going to die, you big baby.”

Neil held onto him more tightly. “We better not. You’re too dramatic to handle being dead with the grace that I do.”

Kevin Day doesn't know what it's like to be loved, but he's learning.

(tw: implied/referenced abuse)

 a Slytherin, a Ravenclaw, and three Hufflepuffs by justadreamfox [Rated T, 8428 words, complete, AFTG Spring Exchange 2020]

Andrew goes to Hogwarts.

We're all happy little fluff-gremlins here.

(tw: implied/referenced child abuse, tw: implied/referenced self-harm

And Now --- You are a Host! by Willow_bird [Rated T, 7201 words, Complete 2020]

Neil Josten has just started at Palmetto Academy, an outrageously fancy school for rich kids with way too much time on their hands. All he wanted was to find a quiet place to study, but as per usual in these things -- he ended up getting far more than he bargained for.

The Monsters Under the Bed by Leahelisabeth (fortheloveofcamelot) [Rated G, 1478 words, Complete 2020, Twinyards Appreciation Week]

Nathaniel learned very early on that there were monsters in the world. Some of them were shadowy figures with guns and knives that appeared and disappeared. Some of them looked harmless, with smiling faces that concealed lies. Some of them were supposed to love him and used that to hurt him and frighten him. Two of them lived under his bed.

(tw: child abuse)

Coincidences by NikFriel [Rated G, 3323 words, Complete 2021]

Neil and Andrew meet in California when they’re kids, but Neil has to leave again and they both lose their only ‘friend’. Years later they’re both in Germany at the same time.

(tw: child abuse)

Don't you just live for childhood best friend AUs hc by @jostenminyard [Tumblr, 2018]

Anonymous said: “... just imagine Kevin and Neil being tiny babies playing Exy and laughing and then meeting Andrew. And Neil has been in the system, albeit shortly because he got adopted by Wymack or something. So he understands Andrew's boundaries and lack of trust but he does everything in his power to make Andrew trust him. And the Foxes are a kiddie gang and they all live in the same street. HOW DO U FEEL ABOUT THAT”

[ablackmoonrises]

Hogwarts for troubled youth Chapter 1, in which Moony can’t keep a Secret

[Posting here while I’m working on it, I won’t post to Ao3 before I’ve written a couple more chapters and so on] Remus has his DID under control. As long as it’s just him and Moony, they’ll manage, and the Wolf can howl all he wants, it won’t get to Anna.

Sirius knows a thing or two about gaps in memory, but when he falls for the easy-going Moony he’s not sure if he’s prepared to deal with Moony’s moody twin Remus, much less a little girl or a violently self-injurious Wolf.

Meanwhile James just wants to start his transition already, but the autism diagnosis that helped him finally make sense of who he is, now seems to prevent the one thing he wants more than even Lily’s attention: To get on Testosterone.

“I’m not Remus.” The words leave Moony’s mouth before they have a chance to get a hold of them. They tumble out of them, spilling all over the pretty new boy with the long black hair.

“Okay?” Sirius says, a question hidden in the confirmation, and Moony wants to punch themself hard. Instead they flash a bright smile at Sirius.

Moony would have been lying if they said they weren’t interested in the new boy. He was not the typical candidate for Hogwarts, rumour had it his parents were loaded and very much still alive. The pale dark-haired boy seemed intent to blend into the shadows, a silent observer with large grey eyes, following the comings and goings of other children from dark corners.

Moony would catch themself staring, losing track of James’ incessant blabbering, as the new boy – Sirius, Moony would remind themself – made his way to a new corner.

“Well you know..” Moony says, pulling back a bit. “I just like to be called Moony. Sometimes.”

Moony had come into existence again the night prior, casually opening his phone to check his conversation with Remus.

“We got to walk the dog with the new boy tomorrow”, it read, and Moony’s heart had started to race. “If I’m not there.. please don’t fuck it up. He seems cute.”

“That’s cool,” Sirius responds, tilting his head slightly as if trying to figure out why Moony is telling him this. Moony isn’t so sure either. They walk in silence, the big black dog panting at the end of its leash. Sirius’ hand is surprisingly steady as he’s pulled along.

“So… what’s the deal with this place?” Sirius asks finally, after an extended period of silence. “What do they do?”

Moony looks at Sirius and grins, a wicked smile replacing their calm exterior for a moment. “Well – it’s mostly a place to fatten up children before feeding us to the Witch,” they explain.

Sirius looks doubtful. “a Witch?” he asks, as if that’s the part that doesn’t make sense. Moony nods enthusiastically. “Yep! Well.. I believe her official title is doctor of psychology, but I call her the Witchdoctor.”

“And she’s going to eat us?” Sirius is somehow managing to lift one eyebrow, which is impressive and infuriatingly attractive.

“Yeah – just – gobble gobble. It’s a whole thing.” Moony shrugs. “She’s gonna spit ya out again, no worries, but each time she chews out another piece of your soul.”

“Well in that case I guess I won’t stay long, it’s not like I have a soul to begin with,” Sirius says with downcast eyes.

“Well aren’t you the cheerful one..” Moony comments, turning around to walk backwards while talking. “…Anyways, I’m sure you know what this place is on paper?” they ask, and almost trip over a bush. Maybe walking backwards isn’t as elegant a manoeuvre as they had hoped.

“It’s like.. a correctional facility?” Sirius says it like a question. “Like a mix of a boarding school and an orphanage..?”

“Ding ding ding!” Moony says cheerfully. “Less correctional facility, more treatment facility, I suppose?” Moony plasters a wide grin on his face, making sure to edge it far enough to be at least mildly unnerving. “In other words.. It’s a place for crazy people!”

“But I’m not crazy,” Sirius says, sounding surprisingly calm. Most people were more adamant when defending their sanity.

“Well that’s too bad..” Moony sighs. “You know what they say? All the best people are.”

“I’m not crazy…” Sirius repeats, and there’s that delicious level of desperate insecurity that makes Moony feel better about themself. “My family’s crazy though,” he says after a while. “And they’re not exactly good people.”

Moony doesn’t have a good comeback to that, partially because Wolf starts howling in his head, and partially because… well. Dude has a point.

They take the last of the round in silence, and Moony expects that to be the end of it. There’s a weird tension building in the air all the while, and Moony isn’t sure what to make of it. They hand the fluffy therapy dog back to Hagrid, and stand in the cold January weather for a moment, as if sizing each other up.

“…You don’t speak much do you?” Moony says finally, breaking the silence. Sirius shrugs.

“I speak when I have things to say.”

Fuck, this dude’s one-liner game is on point. Moony needs to get their head in the game.

“So… Guess I’ll go back to my room.” Moony says, and something flashes through Sirius’ eyes. The boy looks almost lost for a moment.

“Are you…” Moony begins, but stops themself. Sirius shakes his head, and Moony isn’t sure what they were asking or what Sirius is responding to at this point. This’ll be fun to analyse in the wee hours..

“So if you’re bored, you can come up.” Moony says, surprising even themself. Sirius’ eyes open a tad too much, before he schools his expression back into something more neutral.

“Sure.”

Moony shares their room with a depressed gremlin, a little girl and a rampaging Wolf. Usually they would have taken this under consideration and not have invited a total stranger, but apparently it’s just one of those days. And hey! Remus did tell Moony to be nice, or something to that effect.

To his credit, Sirius does not comment on the crayons littering the floor, nor the general state of disarray in Moony and Company’s room. Moony shoves some school papers off the bed, and gestures for Sirius to take a seat.

“So uh,, are you a tea drinker?” Moony asks lamely, feeling suddenly incredibly awkward about the presence of the posh boy in his crappy room.

“Why not,” Sirius answers fluidly, and god damn it, why is this motherfucker being so smooth all of a sudden? Moony nods and turns to the small kitchen in the other end of the room. They’re quiet while the water comes to a boil, partially because Moony honestly thinks there’s a special place in hell reserved for people who try to have conversation over the sound of a kettle. Like, who even does that?

As a result the silence is long and sticky, and Moony’s brain is working on overdrive. They can feel Sirius’ eyes on their back as they pour the water into two teacups. Moony takes a deep breath before turning around. They place the two cups on the bedside table, and stand awkwardly hovering for a moment, before slamming their ass down into the bed.

-say something- flashes through Moony’s mind. -you invited him here – say something –

Moony regrets not offering Sirius something stronger than tea, to loosen the mood, but then, they don’t want to risk getting in trouble. And who knows if they can trust this new boy yet.

“Why do you prefer Moony?” Sirius asks, slicing through the silence with precision. Moony startles. Damn, that’s right, he told Sirius that.

“I just.. sometimes Moony feels more right.” They say, it’s not a lie, not exactly. “I mean.. Moony is like..” they stop. “It’s just a joke since Remus Lupin sounds pretty fucking lunar, and I am a lunatic, so..” Moony laughs, half-lies flowing easily from their tongue. Okay, so Moony doesn’t usually go around claiming their own name, since everyone hear knows them all as Remus, but so what? No harm, no foul.

Moony is desperate to not be Remus.

“You keep referencing being insane,” Sirius says. “What’s that all about?”

Direct. Moony can appreciate that. But then, most people don’t ask and for a moment Moony is struggling.

“Oh you know.. the usual. When I was in the loony bin they called me loony loopy lupin, if that tells you anything..” they laugh. “You know, just… I have….” They stop, biting their lip for a second, feeling suddenly unsure how to proceed. Only James and some staff knows about their DID, and Remus is going to kill them all if Moony lets it slip to this practical stranger.

Maybe it’s Sirius’ calm inquisitory gaze. Maybe it’s the joint Moony smoked before going on their walk. Maybe … Just maybe.. Moony is getting pretty fucking tired of living the life of someone else.

“Okay so.. I basically have. Or I am. Yeah. I’m like…” Moony is aware they’re rambling, but they can’t stop themself. They’re starting to feel distant as the world starts to fade around them.

They come back to themself, realizing with horror that they’re still talking. “….so yea that’s like I’m the keykeeper and the princess is in the castle and Remus is the gate but he can’t open without the key and..” Moony stops abruptly, staring ahead of themself. “What?”

Sirius is looking somewhere between concerned and confused. Fuck. Moony hates when this happens. Also if they’re starting to black out, chances are Remus will be back soon, or worse, someone else. Time to get the witness out of there.

“…Right.” Sirius says, tilting his head. Moony hopes his darker skin-color hides his blush.

“So you said this princess is guarded by the big bad wolf,” Sirius says and Moony inwardly flinches as the Wolf starts clawing at its prison.  “But if the princess is guarded by a wolf, why do you need to have a key?”

“Uh…” Moony says, desperately trying to remember and make sense of whatever conversation they must have been having. After a moment they give up and let out a big sigh.

“Look mate,” Moony says. “This is gonna sound pretty fucking stupid, but if you wanna spend any amount of time with me you gotta know that I have an… incredibly shit memory.” They shrug in what they hope is a nonchalant manner. “I kind of blanked out on that whole conversation.. So your guess is as good as mine.”

Sirius nods thoughtfully. “Ok Moony,” he says. Then, terrifyingly, he adds: “How will I know when I meet Remus?” Moony’s eyes widen, and they almost drop the teacup they hadn’t been aware they were holding.

“Re-Remus..?” they ask. Fuck. They’ve really done it now. Moony is starting to sweat with panic. “I-I’m Remus..” The wolf is going to kill me – the wolf is going to kill me – the wolf is – no one can know – no one can know – our secret – our secret – secret – you are the gatekeeper; act it!

“Moony – “ Sirius is way too close now, he’s practically crowding them, and Moony wants to push him away but instead they just flinch and crawl awkwardly back unto the bed. The last of the tea drips into the sheets from the discarded cup.

- Anna stares at the stranger with the black hair and apologetic look on his face. She’s in a bed, something warm has soaked through her pants and the stranger is backing away, but she’s no fool and she’s going to scream bloody murder and –

Remus tends to blink into existence at the most inopportune moments. This time he comes to with a deep-seated sense of dread, like something is seriously wrong. For a moment he thinks he might be wrong. He’s just in bed, but it doesn’t take long for the unease to settle completely over him, as he recognizes the teacup bleeding into the bed. He looks up, and there, by the door, hangs a dark blue scarf. He’s seen this scarf before. It belongs to the cute new guy, Sirius. Remus pushes himself out of bed, his body is hurting in a dull ache that tells him Moony hasn’t been as careful with it as he ought to be. Not like Remus minds too much, the pain is just another reminder of his broken fucked up life.

Moony hasn’t left any notes, and Remus’ only clue is the blue scarf that hangs on the bed, and a low growl in his inner ear.

Whatever happened… the Wolf is not pleased.

[messedupessy]

CASH AND HIS VERY PUNCHABLE BABEH SELF YE  (͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)❤

And here is the next one in my little series I be doing, this time it’s the shitty slavic gremlin Cash and his younger baby self, said younger self he despises with a vengeance pft xD

Really like how this turned out tho, both of their poses turned out rly well and I really like the snarl on older Cash’s face, and babeh Cash expression turned out too the poor stressed boi yes, no idea what is going on with his clothes bc I had no idea of what he should wear so just gave him some fancy looking rich like something clothing bc he was a rich kid xD and just as I put the actual pic in this post I realised I forgot to unhide the layer with older Cash’s eye colour bc I’m a fool pft

And now under the cut there will be some personality stuff and explanation yeah boi UwU ❤ 

Ok so, Cash and his younger brother Grape was born into a very wealthy and upper-class af family, their dad Gaster the captain of the royal guard while their mada the royal scientist. Gaster had extreme expectations for Cash, and kept pushing the boy but was never happy with the results, while Cash kept working hard af doing his best to please his father and to get his approval which he craved af.

But nothing Cash ever did, no matter what success he actually made so was it never good enough in Gaster’s eyes, even though he was actually really good, he was and still is very smart, got a great business sense and many other talents, but they were not the kind of talents Gaster cared for. 

So in turn Cash became a very jumpy, overly stressed kid, who spent every waking hour trying to please a father he was unaware he could never get any approval off, as in his father's eyes he had already failed to meet his expectations, not to mention that Gaster had also put his sights on Cash’s younger brother Grape instead, who was much more to his liking etc. 

Cash was also pretty skittish and very unsure of himself thanks to his father’s harsh treatment, while deep inside there was pretty much a ticking bomb of anger growing at the unfairness of it all. As in reality Cash hated the life he was living, he hated having all this pressure and expectations on him so much, he hated the posh upper-class life he hated he had to act in a certain way etc, but those thoughts was something he did not share with anyone but his mada, who was the only one he could trust with these things and who actually supported him. 

But yeah, so basically younger Cash, who is like 10-12 in the pic, he was a very jumpy, skittish kid who constantly was studying trying to get the approval of his dad which he was unaware of until years later he in fact could never get, he would never be able to reach his dad’s expectations no matter how hard he tried, while he was busy trying to live a life he did not want, keeping back his frustrations and anger about it etc.

Now his older self, is way happier with how he is living. People might think he like took a srsly step down from the life he originally had, but he don’t give a fuck what anyone says or wants anymore as he is now living like he wants, as a shady af black market dealer/whore who is greedy af and seemingly only cares about money and sex, who thanks to the so called “plague” that hit his universe, killing more than 2/3 of the population is a bit unhinged and unstable, but is one of the more stable monsters considering how the rest of the remaining monsters are like.

He believes that everything can be brought with money, to objects, to sex to friends to love, anything can be brought. Began selling himself because why not get paid for doing something he loves, very silver-tongued, rarely use his own actual money for things, he snarky and cocky af, a brat, will do pretty much anything for the right price, con man, got some screws loose, very good at selling stuff etc, so yeah Cash might be what people would call trash now but it’s the kind of life he prefers and loves, he don’t want to live in the bullshit that is upper-class living give him the whores the brothels the drugs and sex and illegal shit, that’s where he belongs and he is living it.

And he absolutely despises his younger self, and he isn’t one to hit kids but himself he would make a exception as he just hate what he once was, as now he is living for himself and doing whatever he wants to and no one can stop him, he the ultimate slavic dirty gremlin who will squat on everything pft