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autumnshighlady · 8 months

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A Lesson in Language

Fëanor x female!reader

part of The Professor Series

summary: challenging your linguistics professor is your favourite past time, until he decides it's time for you to face consequences for it

warnings: smut, power dynamic, daddy kink (only a little bit at the end), rough oral sex (m receiving), hate sex, roughness, Fëanor is a raging asshole

word count: 4.4k

request: Professor Feanor x reader? With fiery smut and snarky student reader ;) I was thinking something like he’s a linguistics prof (since he did come up with a new system of writing) and he teaches this one course that reader needs to graduate but she’s annoyed that he teaches it’s either his way or nothing at all so she argues with him all the time in office hours for her marks and etc?

So since we seem to be imagining everybody as a professor: Feanor. He'd be mean, and condescending, and the gods may help you if you're not good in his class (wth is he even teaching, he's good at everything💀) But if you're his best student, and a bright mind beyond class assignments? You'll want the gods to help you for wholly different reasons.

a/n: Fëanor is a massive douche in this fic ladies pls never let a man treat u like this lmao

series playlist on Spotify here

DO NOT REPOST ANYWHERE

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You rolled your eyes as you doodled in the margins of your notebook, trying to ignore Professor Fëanor’s arrogant voice echoing in the classroom. He was droning on about pragmatics, a topic you had mastered last year already. You hated this class – it was tedious at best, and like watching paint dry at its worst. The only reason you were begrudgingly taking it was because it was your last requirement for graduation, as the class involved drawing up your own research study instead of a final exam. Everyone who was in this class took it for one of two reasons – either they were the same as you and just needed it for graduation, or they were lovestruck morons enamoured with the professor.

Admittedly, he was an attractive male. His long, raven-black hair suited his sharp face, with grey blue eyes that surveyed the class like a hawk, picking on daydreaming students to answer difficult questions. He was always impeccably dressed, and spoke with more confidence than anyone you had ever met. Yet he was arrogant and stubborn, insisting his way was the only way to learn linguistics. He spoke to his students as if they were dumb, incapable of being anywhere near his level of knowledge. And it irritated you beyond belief.

You were well known amongst your peers for getting into arguments with the professor. Dr. Fëanor had a nasty temper that frightened most, but amused you. You were the only student who didn’t hesitate to challenge him and stick up for yourself when he decided he wanted to bully his students. You were confident in your linguistic skill set, marching to his office to argue your grades whenever he gave you a shitty mark. You could tell it infuriated him, how his best student didn’t kiss his ass like he had clearly expected you to.

“Am I interrupting your artistic time, (Y/N)?” Dr. Fëanor’s bored voice sounded a few feet away from you, snapping you back to reality. You looked up, and he was standing in front of your table, glaring down at you. The students beside you shrank back, afraid to be caught up in the professor’s wrath. But you didn’t back down, only sighing and looking up to meet his gaze.

“What was that, sir?” You asked, widening your eyes and faking innocence knowing damn well it would piss him off further.

“You haven’t been paying attention to a single thing I’ve said all week.” He snorted. “How you are my top student is beyond me, with such a short attention span.”

“I’ve been paying attention, sir.” You lied, bringing your elbows to rest on the table.

He raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Then you won’t mind a little pop quiz, just for you?”

You shrugged. “Fire away.”

“What are the three airstream mechanisms in phonetics?” His shoulders were tense, a sign of his visible annoyance towards you.

Your answer rolled off your tongue. “Pulmonic, glottalic, velaric.”

“Define a morpheme.”

“The smallest meaningful unit of language. It must have a meaning of its own, either lexical or a grammatical function, and it must be minimal, not containing any smaller units that have meanings of their own.”

“And what are the four maxims of conversation?”

“Quality, quantity, relation and manner.” You smiled, watching your professor’s face get redder as you answered his questions easily.

“Name the distinctive linguistic properties of Quenya that make it differ from Sindarin.” Dr. Fëanor smirked, cocking his head arrogantly. You knew he would ask this question, it was too predictable. He was the master of Quenya, having played a huge role in the development of the language and construction of the Tengwar alphabet.

But as usual, he underestimated you. You took a breath, pretending to think for a moment before lifting your chin and meeting his gaze once again. “Where do I begin?” You said confidently. “Quenya is a more complex agglutinative language that strings morphemes together into long words using an inflectional system with a flexible syntax, while Sindarin has a much easier to follow language structure. Quenya uses 5 tenses to conjugate, Sindarin has 6 and words often begin with vowels whereas in Quenya, they typically end in vowels. They both use the structures SVO and OVS structures, but Sindarin uses VS and VO, although it lacks the OSV structure that Quenya has. Additionally, Quenya adopted case endings for nouns in nominative and genitive cases, using the dual plural to represent plural form since it lacks a definite article to mark the regular plural. Would you like me to go on, sir?”

The entire class was utterly silent. No one dared breathe in the moments following your monologue as you waited for your professor to reply. You expected him to yell at you, maybe throw a manuscript at your head. But he didn’t move. It began to make you uneasy, and you noticed a strange look cross his face for a half second before he finally spoke.

“I’ve heard more than enough from you for one class.” Fëanor’s voice was leathally calm, sending goosebumps up your arm. “Keep your mouth shut for the remainder of the lecture, and pay attention.”

You rolled your eyes, picking up your pen and sitting back in your chair as the professor continued his lecture. You crossed your legs, making your skirt hike up on your thighs, but you were too annoyed to fix it. Your professor was an arrogant bastard who couldn’t comprehend that not everyone around him was as dumb as rocks. But your skin flushed as you drifted off into one of your many daydream scenarios of Fëanor bending you over his desk and taking his anger out on you. You just knew he was rough and dominant in bed, having fantasised about being on the receiving end of that fire within him.

Your daydreaming was cut short as the professor began distributing last week’s quizzes back to the students. He didn’t acknowledge your presence as he ungracefully dropped yours in front of you. You noticed quickly a note was attached to it, that read:

Be in my office at 5pm tonight. We need to have a talk about your attitude.

You sucked in a breath. This was new. Not once had he invited you to his office – you were there of your own volition often enough to challenge him about your marks. You wouldn’t be surprised if he put up a sign on his door barring you specifically from entering. You knew he hated your visits to his office, so why invite you now? Talks with your professor about your attitude were done in public, specifically to try and humiliate you.

You folded up the note and slid it into your pocket, nervousness beginning to churn in your gut. Was he going to fail you out of spite? You’d be unable to complete your degree if he did that. While Fëanor was an arrogant asshole, you didn’t think he was cruel. Or at least you hoped so.

Tears began to well in your eyes as the possibility of failing dawned on you. Perhaps there were consequences to mouthing off to your professor after all.

*******************

A few hours later, you knocked at the elaborate wooden door to Fëanor’s office, then wiped your face one last time. You had spent an hour in the bathroom attempting to fix your makeup and conceal the evidence of your tears and failing, miserably. Your mascara was wet, giving you more of a smokey eye look than you had intended. Your smudged face was a stark contrast with your perfectly put together outfit – a short brown pencil skirt and tall boots, paired with a tight fitting, slightly cropped t-shirt. You felt ridiculous now, going to your professor’s office like this, but you had no other choice.

“Come in. And close the door behind you.” His deep voice echoed from inside the office, and you pushed the heavy door open. His office was its usual organised mess, manuscripts and books everywhere, laid out across every sitting space available save for the single chair in front of his desk. The room glowed orange from the roaring fireplace off to the side, making it look more like an ancient cave than an office.

You carefully walked over to the chair in front of the desk, clasping your hands in front of you.

“Sit.” Fëanor ordered, finally glancing up at you when you hesitated. “Unless you prefer to kneel on the floor?”

Your face burned bright red as you scrambled into the chair, ignoring the way his insinuation made your thighs tingle with need. He ignored you for a few minutes, continuing whatever he was translating on his desk. You shifted uncomfortably, unsure what to do. None of your interactions had ever been like this – quiet, suspenseful, behind closed doors. No, it was always bickering arguments that turned heads in the hallways. Something was different about him.

“Do you know why I really called you in here today?” He asked, still not looking up. His long hair was tied back, except for a few loose strands that hung around his face as he wrote.

“To fail me.” You said quietly.

He barked a heartless laugh. “Gods, no. Failing you would mean I’d have to endure a whole extra semester of your arrogant attitude. I refuse to put myself through that.”

You felt all nervousness fade away, quickly replaced by that hot anger only he seemed to be able to get out of you. “I’m arrogant?” You snapped. “Take a look in the mirror.”

Fëanor’s writing ceased, and his grey blue eyes met yours and narrowed. “I beg your pardon?”

“You heard what I said.” You fired back, unable to stop the words from coming out of your mouth. “You’re the arrogant one here, sir. You try to belittle me every time I prove myself to be smart because you can’t imagine that everyone around you isn’t a complete imbecile.”

You expected the male to snap back, to call you an idiot and ask how dare you say these things to him. Truthfully, you couldn’t believe you were saying these things either. All your arguments had been about the material so far, veiled insults hidden beneath your words. Never were you this open, this bold, about how you felt.

“Anything else?” He said in a bored manner.

“Yeah, you’re a real prick.” You continued your angry rambling, sick of being looked down on by this male. “You know as well as I do that I’m your best student, yet you treat me like the problem kid at the back of the class. It’s ridiculous, and the only reason you do it is to feel better about yourself. Am I wrong, sir?”

A long pause followed, and you swallowed a lump in your throat. If you weren’t going to fail before, you definitely were now. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. You simply sat there, eyes locked with your ill-tempered linguistics professor. After a few minutes, you couldn’t take it anymore, averting your gaze to inspect a loose thread on your skirt.

“Do you know why I’m such an arrogant… prick, did you say?” He stood up, walking around to the front of his desk and leaning against it, crossing his large arms. “Because I’ve earned it. I invented the Tengwar script and am the most knowledgeable person on the Quenya language there is. I have created and invented things that nobody else has, and nobody will ever come close to achieving what I have achieved. I have earned my arrogance, you have not. You’re just a little girl who’s in way over her head.”

You saw red, angrily pushing back the chair as you stood up to challenge him . Fëanor was a good foot taller than you, making you strain your neck to meet his gaze. “Call me a little girl one more time, I fucking dare you.” You hissed.

“Or what?” He smirked. “You’ll cry? Just like you did before you came in here?”

Your jaw went slack, “Wha–”

Fëanor scoffed, pleased with himself. “Oh, please, don’t even try. It was written all over your pretty face. I like it covered in tears, by the way. It’s a good look on you.”

WIthout thinking, your hand reached up and connected with his face, a dull slap echoing throughout the office. “Fuck you.” You spat, turning to storm out before you could face the consequences of hitting your professor.

But Fëanor was faster, his large hand firmly clasping around the hand you just slapped him with and yanking you back around to face him. His other hand grabbed your other wrist, and no matter how much you squirmed against it he didn’t budge. His eyes were dark as he pulled your hands up and across each other, pushing them into your chest as he stepped even closer to you.

“You wish.” He purred mockingly. “Isn’t that right? Is that not one of the reasons why your attention drifts off in class? Because you’re fantasising about being bent over my desk and fucked until you can’t remember your own name?”

“You think way too highly of yourself–” You tried to defend yourself, but he cut you off as if you hadn’t even said anything.

“You think I’m blind? That I don’t notice how you always wear those revealing outfits on the days you have my class. Don’t play dumb, it’s not a good look on you.”

You thrashed in his grip, ignoring the effect his words had on you. “Let me go right now you self righteous, narcissistic–”

“Kneel.”

That made you freeze. “Excuse me?”

“You really need to learn how to shut up.” Feanor growled. “And that’s what I’m going to do. I’ve had enough of that mouth of yours, it’s time to make it useful for once. Now kneel.”

You were utterly dumbstruck, unable to do anything as your professor gave you a shove, making you fall to your knees on the ground in front of him. The wooden floor made your joints ache, but you knew better than to protest.

“Here’s what’s going to happen,” Fëanor began, the sound of his belt unbuckling distinct in the background. “Do you think you can follow simple instructions for once?”

“Yes.” Your voice was barely above a whisper, throat dry with anticipation for what was about to happen.

“Yes, what?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.” He paused his movements, grabbing your chin and forcing you to look up at his towering form. “I’m going to stuff that smart mouth of yours with my cock, and you’re going to take it like the desperate little slut I know you are. If you please me enough, I will bend you over this desk and fuck you so hard you can’t walk tomorrow. And you’ll have learned your lesson to keep your mouth shut when I tell you to, understood? Is that simple enough for you to understand?”

“Yes, sir.” You repeated, trying to keep the shake out of your voice. Your core throbbed at his words, exactly as dominant as you imagined him to be.

Fëanor finally unzipped his trousers, letting them fall to his feet along with his boxers, revealing the thickest cock you had ever seen. Your jaw dropped, but you didn’t even care that you had just boosted his ego. All you could think about was how it would possibly fit.

“What’s the matter?” He mocked. “Too big for you? Scared you won’t be able to take it? You’ll be able to take it because I’ve told you so. Now open.”

You parted your lips, letting your professor slide his cock between them. You sucked on the tip, earning a groan of pleasure from the male above. Forcing your jaw to relax, you took him deeper, aching with the stretch.

Without warning, Fëanor impatiently grabbed the back of your head and pushed you down further. Tears blotted your face as you gagged around him, hollowing your cheeks as you sucked him. Clearly, he wasn’t concerned with having you come up for air, forcing you to breathe through your nose.

He set a rough pace, guiding your head up and down his cock as far as it would go without making you gag too much. Your mascara began to run down your face, and you made sure to keep eye contact with him despite the strain on your throat.

“There’s a good little slut,” Fëanor growled, tightening his grip on your hair as he thrusted faster. “I told you you looked better with tears running down your face.”

You couldn’t protest with his cock around your mouth, so you only whimpered, focusing on taking him deeper. You sucked hard with each stroke, letting your tongue run along the vein underneath his shaft as you bobbed your head. Your professor moaned shamelessly above you, a sound that set your nerves alight.

Mindlessly, your hand wandered between your legs, attempting to relieve some of the pressure building there. Your fingers hadn’t even grazed your panties when Fëanor halted his movements, holding your head down at the base of his cock.

“Don’t even think of touching yourself.” He hissed angrily. “I didn’t give you permission to do so. Try it again, and I won’t let you cum. Got it?”

You nodded around the base of his cock, whimpering. Your jaw was in agony, stretched to the max to accommodate his length. When he finally moved your head once again, you doubled your efforts, determined to make your arrogant professor fall apart. You sat on your hands for good measure, trying to avoid the temptation to ignore his orders altogether.

Fëanor began thrusting his hips to meet your mouth a few minutes later, his pretty eyes screwing shut as he tilted his head back. “Fucking swallow every last drop.” He grunted between thrusts, his grip on your scalp tightening right before his cock twitched in your mouth. He came with a loud groan, shooting spurts of warm liquid down your throat. You kept bobbing your head, sucking up every last drop and letting it slide down your throat. He panted, hips sputtering as you sucked him dry before finally pulling your lips off him. Your jaw ached like never before, but you were strangely proud of yourself. The image of your high strung professor climaxing into your mouth would be forever burned into your mind.

“Looks like you’ve earned your reward after all.” Fëanor grabbed you by your shoulders and hoisted you up onto his desk with impressive strength. You didn’t have time to ask if you should move the papers on his desk before his mouth crashed into yours. His lips were hot and dominating, overwhelming your senses. You barely had time to kiss him back before he was pulling away, attaching his lips to your neck and biting down, making you cry out. He sucked and bit every inch of your throat in a manner you knew would leave dark bruises the next day, undoubtedly an intentional choice on his part.

You felt your shirt being yanked up, Fëanor quickly pulling it over your head along and ripping your bra off then tossing both items somewhere behind him. His calloused hands eagerly grabbed your breasts, squeezing hard. You squirmed under his touch, wanting to get away from the harshness of it but also needing more somehow. Fëanor’s mouth assaulted your breasts, biting the soft flesh firmly before taking your nipple in his teeth and flicking the bud with his tongue.

“Oh, fuck.” You couldn’t help but moan, tilting your head back.

“You like this?” Fëanor teased, lifting his mouth from your breast momentarily before hovering over the other one. “You like it when I’m rough, treating you like a dirty little whore? Leaving marks all over your body so you know that you’re my property, isn’t that right?”

“Yes, sir!” You cried out as he sucked at your other breast. It was overwhelming, his hands were everywhere except where you needed them most.

As if he read your mind, Fëanor pulled away, ripping his shirt over his head to reveal the most sculpted abs you’d ever seen. The bastard stood there for a moment, proudly watching you admire his form. Gods above, you’d never be able to focus in class again after seeing his muscles.

He reached down and roughly tugged your skirt and panties down, exposing your glistening cunt. Fëanor plunged a finger into you without warning, pressing a thumb to your clit and making you see stars. His mouth found your neck again as you squirmed under his touch, a hand reaching around your back and pressing you into his frame.

“You’re a fucking mess,” He growled into your neck, adding in a second finger and stretching your hole. “All for me, isn’t that right? I’m going to break you, my dear. Break you into a thousand pieces and put you back together so I can do it all over again and make you mine.”

You whined, feeling your muscles clench around him as he pumped his fingers in and out of you. You were approaching your orgasm faster than you ever had in your life. “I’m close…” You mumbled through shallow breaths, legs beginning to twitch.

He smirked. “I know.” Was all he said before roughly pulling his fingers away, right before you could make the final stretch towards the edge.

“What the hell!” You exclaimed, angry. Before you could cuss him out, his hand wrapped around your throat and squeezed.

“What did I tell you about keeping that pretty mouth shut?” Fëanor growled. “I would threaten to stuff it with my cock again, but you’d probably enjoy that too much. Guess I’m just going to have to fuck you so hard you scream and lose your voice.”

He roughly turned you around, pushing you by your neck so you were stomach first down on the desk with your feet still on the floor. You breathed heavily, grasping the edge with your fingertips as Fëanor lined his cock up to your entrance. You forced your body to relax, knowing it was going to hurt at first.

His hands found your hips and he slammed into you, almost knocking the wind right out of your lungs. You barely had time to catch your breath and acknowledge the stinging stretch between your legs before he pulled out and did it again, setting a brutal pace. You began to scream, fully screaming in pleasure and pain as Fëanor pounded into you relentlessly. You couldn’t even think straight, all logical thoughts about there possibly being people in the hallway that could hear you as you cried out over and over again.

Fëanor’s grip on your hips was almost bone shattering, his thick cock slamming into your g-spot faster than anyone had ever fucked you. He was right, your entire body would be sore tomorrow. In fact, you’d be lucky if you were able to walk to class. Fëanor’s thrusts were so powerful, you were sure he was going to split you in half.

And you fucking loved it.

You loved being bent over your professor’s desk, unable to think about anything else aside from how hard he was fucking you. The male you had had verbal sparring matches with for weeks was taking his frustration out on you, and you loved it. You enjoyed being at his mercy, feeling things nobody else had been able to make you feel.

Fëanor grunted, reaching one hand down and rubbing your clit. “You cum when I say you cum, got it?”

You nodded, whimpering as you felt your body try and pick up where it left off. You begged it to keep your orgasm at bay, knowing Fëanor would be less than happy if you came without his permission. So you squeezed your eyes shut, trying to think about anything else.

He thrusted into you for what seemed like hours, to the point where your legs had gone almost numb. You were a sobbing mess, fighting to stop yourself from climaxing all over his cock. The papers on his desk were stained with your tears, and your determination to not beg him for anything snapped.

“Please let me cum.” You sobbed pathetically.

Fëanor only increased his pace on your clit, smirking as he pounded you. “Aw, are you crying again? Poor little thing is so desperate to cum for daddy, isn’t she?”

Daddy. Your brain went haywire. Normally, you were not into the whole daddy kink, but the way Fëanor said it changed something in you. You whined, nodding. At this point, you’d say whatever to get him to let you cum. “Please, daddy, I need to cum,” You cried, body shaking. “I’ll do anything you want, please just let me finish.”

Fëanor groaned behind you, his cock twitching inside of you, evidence of his pleasure with your response. “That was pathetic,” He grunted. “But I’ll let it slide. Cum for me, slut. Cum now.”

Your body let go before he finished his sentence, the dam that had been holding your orgasm back bursting, letting the climax wash over your body. You cried out, voice breaking with hoarseness as your legs twitched violently, your grip on the desk and Fëanor’s hand on your hip being the only thing keeping you from sliding onto the floor.

The world spun around you, and at one point you were pretty sure you lost consciousness. As you came down from your high, Fëanor moaned loudly, pulling out and stroking his cock while jutting his hips forward. Thick spurts of cum landed on your back mixing with the sheen of sweat already there. His loud groan echoed throughout the office as you panted, your entire body feeling both completely wrecked and on cloud nine at the same time.

You tried to speak, but no words came out. Your vocal cords were shot, jaw aching with every movement. You didn’t even hear Fëanor retreat, but he returned with a towel, gently wiping the seed off your skin. You wanted to thank him, but couldn’t. In fact, you weren’t sure if you could even move.

Fëanor chuckled, bundling up your clothes and setting them beside you. He placed a glass of water to your lips, tilting it back and letting you eagerly drink it up. “You’re excused from Thursday’s lesson,” He said smugly. “Only because I know you won’t be able to get out of bed to get to class. Let this be your lesson learned not to question me, or call me an arrogant prick. Got it?”

You nodded weakly, defenceless, and knowing your linguistics class with Dr. Fëanor would never be the same.

#amara's professor series #feanor #feanor x reader #feanor smut #feanorians #the silmarillion #the silmarillion x reader #tolkien #jrr tolkien #middle earth #lotr #smut

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dynamoe · 2 years

Text

“Two weird slackers adrift in Middle America alternately hurling abuse & pop-culture references at each other” is the ur-narrative for 99% of Gen-X media

Master Billy Quizboy (hydrocephalic boy genius) and the ever-popular Pete White (albino fuck-up) have a significant gap in their backstory:

Met sometime before the fall of the Berlin Wall (~1989?)

Had some laughs

Lost an eye/hand

Gained a memory wipe/an Airstream trailer Then suddenly, we’re at a yard sale in 2004.

→ jump to all Master Billy Quizboy & Pete White posts

↓... but wait, there's more ↓

↓... but wait, there's even more ↓

Storylines for a 1990s-set Billy & White Flashback Spin-Off (written while suffering from quarantine isolation madness 2020, redrawn in 2022)

The first year of their partnership, Conjectural Technologies is already in dire financial straights.

Billy is surly teenager with a year-long gap in his memory and a malfunctioning robot hand he doesn't remember getting. Pete tells him he has PTSD from the dog attack and being lost in the desert. They have pointless day jobs to pay the bills (Billy at the public library, White at a call center) and no standing in Super Science.

→ jump to all Master Billy Quizboy & Pete White posts

1990

To fund their newly-formed science company, White adopts the role record producer/ponzi scammer (but not “predator”) using Billy as his anchor. (They fail at the beginning of the decade, rewarm it and try it again ~8 years later)

1992

Billy's first time voting in a presidential election. They pitch themselves hot-shot political consultants with super-science-backed election strategies to every candidate and get hired by a lunatic Texas millionaire running as third party before they eventually run away to join Deee-Lite on the MTV Rock the Vote tour

1994

Billy has a crush on the snarky riot grrrl clerk in the video store who is mean to him. Pete White abuses an untested antidepressant, suffers serotonin psychosis while broadcasting on his 100 watt pirate radio station and inadvertently becomes the new voice of conservative talk radio. Or something… we’ll figure it out.

1996

The one where they… argue about bands? There isn’t a story for this, I just wanted to draw these outfits.

1998

They start a dot-com that actually doesn’t do anything, become the toast of Manhattan's Silicon Alley, get a million dollars in venture capital and drive it into the ground in the span of three months.

19̶9̶9̶ →Y2K

Billy enrolls in high school as an ordinary sophomore, but handles bullying poorly. Really poorly. Like, blowing-up-the-school rampage poorly. Meanwhile, White is drafted for a government mission to stamp out the Y2K bug in the nation's infrastructure. [→ more 1999]

By the eve of the Millennium they’d be so fed up they’d be like, “We failed at everything. Wanna spend the next 10-to-22 years wearing the same clothes every day and not doing anything in particular?”

And bingo-bango!— reset to proper canon.

This is the "short version" of the spin-off pitch. → See the LONG VERSION on AO3

→ jump to all Master Billy Quizboy & Pete White posts

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pickledpascal · 10 months

Text

Bewitched

Chapter Four: When the Day Met the Night

Warnings: slurs but mostly fluff somehow

Word Count: 2.5k

Bewitched Masterlist

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

True to her word, Emily arrived by plane in Montana the following weekend. Well, it was actually Thursday morning but Emily had a few excused absences she could use up. Beau picked her up from the airport with coffee and a few different pastries from his new favorite café. All thanks to Kiera.

Emily sighed happily after her first sip. Beau got her a hot chocolate, something he hadn't tried before but thought it would be nice in the cold weather. He knew Emily drank coffee, occasionally, but didn't want to get her hooked at a young age.

“Good?” Beau asked as he adjusted his hands on the steering wheel, glancing her way.

Emily nodded with a contented smile, keeping both hands on the warm cardboard cup. “It's so good. This the place you and Kiera met at?” She asked smugly.

Beau rolled his eyes. She knew the answer. She just wanted him to admit it. “Yeah.” He said after a while. “But I stayed for the really good croissants and danishes.”

“Sure,” Emily said, doubtful. “Totally not because there was a hot, tall goth girl with piercings and platform boots that only made her taller.” She teased with knowing eyes.

“Wait, how'd you know about the boots?” Beau blinked.

Emily smirked, “That was just a guess.”

Beau let out a forced cough and looked away from Emily, turning the volume up on his radio. “Wow, that's—um—you like Taylor Swift, right? What's this song called?” He knew it was on a pop station but he couldn't recognize what song was playing.

“Willow.” Emily stared at her father, amusement in her eyes. She'd never seen him quite like this before. Flustered. All because of a woman. A woman he hadn't known for that long.

The truck stopped just outside the Airstream. Beau helped Emily take out her luggage and put it inside his trailer with a small sigh. Thankfully the park he stayed in provided Wifi for all the guests. Emily had some homework she wanted to get done. It was last minute, especially after Midterms and everything were done.

“I finally have some food and a working grill so I can make you dinner tonight instead of getting takeout or something.” Beau offered Emily as she came out of the Airstream, one of his blankets around her shoulders.

Emily hummed in response as she sat next to Beau. “Burgers would be nice.”

Beau wrapped an arm around Emily's shoulder and pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Then burgers it'll be.” He leaned his head against hers.

Having a simple moment like this made Beau's heart swell. It's been a while. A quiet, soft moment with Emily was few and far between these days. There was the part where they lived so far away and he couldn't travel too often as Sheriff. So he enjoyed it as best he could. Beau knew he would have to let go eventually. He just hoped it wouldn't be so soon.

“You ever talk to mom about Kiera?” Emily asked softly, moving her head so it lay against Beau's shoulder.

Beau shifted uncomfortably, pursing his lips. “Sometimes.” It's not that he still liked Carla, he just felt weird talking to a woman he used to love about a woman he currently has feelings for. “We're still… working out our relationship.” He wanted to stay friends, or friendly, with Carla for Emily.

There was a moment where he thought he still loved her.

But that was quickly shut down since Kiera came along. She was amazing, beautiful, nice—after he got to know her—and he fell for her. A little harder than he first expected but he couldn't exactly control it. What he was feeling. What he wanted to feel with Kiera. It was all so new yet familiar at the same time.

His phone buzzed in his pocket. Beau grabbed it an looked at the caller ID. Kiera? He answered it, lifting the speaker to his ear. “Hey!”

“Yeah, hey!” Kiera's voice was harbored, breathing heavily. She was stressed, he could tell. “I'm really sorry to bother you right now but Dalia got in trouble at school—possible suspension or something—and I'm a little swamped at work right now. Would you mind going to the school for me?”

Beau blinked at her words. He knew Dalia was a handful but suspension, really? For a second grader? “Uh, yeah, sure. I'll be right there.” He glanced at Emily who was looking at him strangely.

“Thank you!” Kiera sighed happily. “I'll see you after work.” He could imagine her shoulders slumped with relief.

“Change of plans?” Emily asked as Beau hung up the phone.

Beau shrugged apologetically. “Kiera's kid got in trouble at school,” He sighed and pressed a kiss to Emily's temple as he stood. “I gotta go get her.”

Emily stood up as well. “If you're going, I'm going.”

Beau pursed his lips. It wasn't like he was taking Emily into a hornets nest but he wasn't completely sure what he was walking into—never was when it came to Dalia—and he wasn't sure he wanted Emily around for that. For a seven-year-old, Dalia was intense.

But he knew Emily was stubborn. Much like himself. Much like her mother. “Okay.” He said carefully.

Emily and Beau arrived at the school. Beau parked his truck in the front, assuming that there was no need to find a space since they wouldn't be there too long. They walked into the front office where Beau did not see a certain dark-haired child clad in pastels waiting to be picked up.

“Hi, um, I'm Beau Arlen and I'm here to pick up Dalia Styx.” Beau said to the lady at the front desk, his signature smile on his face.

The lady's eyes widened at the sight of him. “Right, Ms. Styx did say a Beau Arlen was coming,” She bit her lip as she looked down at her computer. “I didn't think she was telling the truth.” She whispered the last part but Beau could hear it.

Everyone in Helena knew of Beau at this point. Whether that be because of the backpacker case he worked on with Cassie or any other, smaller case he worked on, it was nice to know he was known. Denise always said it was because he was the hot new Sheriff from Texas. That always made him flustered.

“Dalia is in the principal's office.” She explained as she adjusted her glasses. “I can show you the way.”

Beau glanced at Emily and nodded at the office lady. “Yeah, that'd be great.” He wondered what Dalia could've even done to end up in the principal's office.

Beau and Emily were led into the office and down a few winding halls. How did the outside of the school look so small but this office was huge? They stopped at the end of the hall at a large wooden door, decorated a bit differently than the ones they passed. The hinges were brass at it had a large window in the middle that was covered by curtains on the other side.

The office lady left as Beau opened the door. “Ah, Sheriff Arlen. Sit,” Said the principal—Mr. Pope. Beau saw the nameplate on his desk. “And you are?” His eyes shifted to Emily.

“His daughter.” She responded, glancing to Dalia who sat in one of the two chairs in front of the principals desk. Her arms were crossed as she stared at the edge of the desk.

Beau sat next to Dalia and pursed his lips. “Can you tell me what happened? Kiera wasn't too… descriptive on the phone.” He glanced at Dalia who seemed to be more regretful that she was caught.

Mr. Pope looked from Beau to Dalia. “Why don't you explain what happened?”

Dalia pouted and rolled her eyes. “My classmate called my mommy a tranny so I called her a motherfucker.” Her eyes shined with pride and Beau had to resist the urge to laugh. “And then she told on me to the teacher. She said I said the B-word and I called her dumb because motherfucker doesn't start with b.”

Mr. Pope looked from Dalia to Beau then up to Emily who was trying her best to suppress laughter. He narrowed his eyes at the teen.

“Is suspension really necessary? From what she said, her classmate started it first.” Beau commented. He tried to reason. If anything, saying a slur should be enough reason to be suspended.

Mr. Pope shook his head. “Dalia will be suspended for a week. Given that the holidays are soon, it'd give her more time for her to reflect on her actions.”

“I won't.” Dalia smiled sweetly at her principal. “You're giving me more time to learn more from the books my mommy gets me. So thank you!” She jumped off her chair and slid her backpack on. She took Emily's hand and pulled her out of the office.

Beau watched and then turned to the principal. “We're gonna get her out of your hair so, um, bye.” He waved before he followed Dalia and Emily out of the school.

He helped Dalia into the truck since she was weirdly short for someone related to Kiera. A woman so tall Beau questioned if she was taller than him some days, not that it'd matter. Or that he'd care. Alright, maybe he'd care a little. But not in the way that it emasculated him, no, he liked it. Liked it maybe a little too much.

“You're really cool for a seven-year-old.” Emily said as Beau started to drive. She glanced back at Dalia through the rearview mirror.

Dalia shrugged. “My mom said I should just be myself and everyone would like me.” Her eyebrows furrowed. “At least, the people that mattered.”

Beau hummed as he looked at the center of his steering wheel, a fond look on his face. Kiera was so young and yet seemed so wise in the short time they'd known each other. Her life was tumultuous. He was starting to realize she needed to mature faster than he did. Faster than a lot of people he knew. And she wanted to give her daughter a semblance of a normal childhood, even with Dalia’s overactive imagination and strange interests.

Dalia unbuckled herself as Beau parked his truck. She slammed open the door and ran up the porch. “I've been here before! I never knew you lived here.” She said excitedly. Beau cocked an eyebrow. “I wonder in the woods sometimes. I've seen this place, the pretty lights,” She looked up at the lights with wonder in her eyes. “The 1984 Airstream. The way it reflects the lights…” She hummed.

Beau and Emily shared a look as they exited the truck. “You okay with staying here until your mom comes to pick you up, sweetheart?” Beau got on one knee to be level with Dalia.

“Yeah. You're gonna be my new dad soon anyway.” Dalia tilted her head, a crease between her eyebrows. The comment surprised Beau. “Actually, you'd be my first dad! Because my mommy wasn't ever really a daddy and I technically have two mommies. One who birthed me and the other who—” She stopped, looking up at Emily and Beau. They looked at her weirdly. “I know where babies come from. I read.”

Beau ruffled Dalia's hair with a big smile. “Yeah, I gathered that.”

“Mommy told me not to let a stranger touch my hair unless they ask.” Dalia pursed her lips in thought. “But you're not a stranger.”

“Dalia, do you wanna come read with me? I'm doing a book report on urban legends.” Emily suggested. She had a feeling Dalia would like it.

Dalia grabbed Emily's hand and practically dragged her inside the Airstream.

Beau watched and let out a sigh as the door closed. And locked. Okay. No disturbances. Beau sighed as he sat on his porch, clasping his hands between his knees. Dalia calling him dad, even if not completely, made Beau feel all kinds of things. Emily was the only child he wanted for a while. She was perfect. A handful still, even if she was just one girl. And then Kiera came into his life, inevitably bringing Dalia into it as well.

She was a one-of-a-kind, that's for sure. A child whom her mother trusted so deeply that she would not get lost or killed in the woods, who stood up to people, and who knew a lot more than Beau could imagine. Maybe he did want more kids. Just Dalia. And her weird, dark, but fun, mind.

Kiera walked up to Beau’s porch. He saw a retro-looking car next to his truck. It was painted black much like Kiera’s clothing choice.

“Thanks for getting Dalia,” Kiera smiled as she sat next to Beau, adjusting her coat. “What'd she do this time?” She asked with a small sigh. As if it was procedure at this point.

Beau bit the inside of his cheek, wrapping an arm around Kiera. “I don't think I'm at liberty to say.”

“That bad, huh?”

Beau shrugged. “Not exactly.”

Kiera sighed and looked down at her knees. Her jaw was tightened and she was wringing her hands slightly. Beau was an oblivious man but was also observant. She was nervous. Second guessing herself. He had a clue as to why.

Beau held her closer, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Dalia stood up for you. A kid called you something bad. You're raising her right. Standing up for those you love, isn't that something you'd do?” He smiled warmly at Kiera as he lifted a hand to her cheek.

Kiera lifted her eyes to meet Beau’s and let out a small sigh. “Yeah. I just–” She glanced down. “I wonder if putting Dalia in a public school is the right thing. I wonder if… I'm doing this wrong. She's so much smarter than me,” Beau listened, deciding that's mostly what Kiera needed at the moment. “I'm autistic too. But a different kind. She's the smart kind of autistic that likes reading books and learning and recognizing patterns while I just obsess over The Cure and The Cramps and only like eating Mac and Cheese for weeks until I change my safe food to something else. Why do you think I only wear black? I do like black. But colors just feel wrong. The–The textures of it, it's different and it's like I'm the only one who can feel it. Scratchy, weird, ugh, I hate it.” She rolled her shoulders in disgust, scrunching up her face.

Beau frowned at Kiera. He hadn't known about this yet. Well, a little of it. Dalia had inadvertently told him she and Kiera were on the spectrum but he didn't know the extent of it. This wasn't something he could change but it was something he could accommodate in his life.

Beau sighed and pursed his lips. “You're doing the best you can. Unfortunately, sometimes, that's all we can do.” He rubbed Kiera's shoulder.

“Is that what you tell yourself or do you lose yourself in self-loathing too?” Kiera asked.

Emily snickered from behind the pair. Kiera and Beau turned to look at her. “Sorry, just—uh, I'm Emily.” She stuck out her hand for Kiera to shake.

Kiera stood and accepted the hand with a small smile. “I know.”

“Woah, she is tall.” Emily said before she could think.

Beau chuckled as he stood next to Kiera. Dalia came running out of the Airstream and immediately hugged Kiera's legs.

Kiera brushed Dalia’s hair away from her face as she squatted down to talk with her. “You alright?” She asked softly.

“Uh-huh! Emily was talking to me about the Hull House mansion which is said to be one of the most haunted places in America!” Dalia said excitedly with a nod of her head.

Kiera looked up at Emily who was a little too distracted in seeing if her nails were chipped. “Was it fun?”

“Yeah! And, Beau,” Dalia turned to the cowboy. “The wolves like you.”

Beau cocked his head. “Uh, thanks?”

“No problem!” Dalia grinned.

“Look, sweetheart, we gotta go. I don't want to intrude on father-daughter time as much as I already have.” Kiera said apologetically, patting Dalia’s shoulder.

Emily looked at Beau who appeared like a kicked puppy. “We're having burgers.” She said as nonchalantly as possible.

“Yeah, uh–” Beau smiled nervously. He still wasn't good at this. Kiera never failed to make him feel so… so weird. In a good way. Like he was in middle school and had just mustered up enough courage to ask his crush to the homecoming dance. “W-Would you like to stay for dinner? We are having burgers. You like burgers right? Unless you hate burgers—oh, you hate burgers.” His shoulders slumped.

“No, I like burgers.” Kiera chuckled, an amused smile on her face as she looked at Beau and Emily.

Beau perked up and then nodded. “Great!”

Kiera looked down at her daughter. “Do you wanna have dinner with Beau and Emily?” She asked softly.

“Are they bison burgers?” Dalia looked up at Beau. He shook his head. “Then yes!”

Emily held out her hand for Dalia to take. “We can make the mixture. My dad taught me the perfect recipe.” Dalia quickly ran over and entered the Airstream with Emily.

“Why is bison a bad thing?” Beau asked curiously.

Kiera wet her lips and rubbed at her arms to keep warm. “Bison was traditionally hunted by Native Americans before white colonizers decided to kill bison for sport, effectively cutting off one of our sources for food,” She explained with a sigh, “Montana is one of the only places that still have wild bison. Very few. And they're sometimes killed for meat. Dalia has the moral compass of a saint. Most times. She doesn't like to eat bison. She doesn't like eating any meat unless she can be certain it died of natural causes. However, there are exceptions.”

Beau hummed. That child did have the moral compass of a saint. Doing what needs to be done and showing mercy on animals who don't deserve it. That sounded saintly to him.

“That why you asked her if she wanted to eat with us tonight?” Beau cocked his head, taking Kiera's hand. Her skin was cold and he knew he attracted warmth.

Kiera hummed in response. “Yeah. And she's been craving my squash stew for weeks but I can never find the right ingredients around here. I thought she'd say no.” She admitted as her eyes found Beau's. “She likes you. A lot.” Beau pursed his lips. He'd only interacted with her twice. But he could tell it was the truth. “One day you might end up as her favorite person. Too bad it's been me all her life.” She teased softly.

Beau nudged Kiera with his shoulder and then pulled her close. “Who's your favorite person?”

“Right now? You.” Kiera murmured as she pressed a kiss to Beau's cheek.

He swore if he would've died right then and there and would've been happy.

------

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callsign-magnolia · 2 years

Text

I Hope You Dance // Ch. 10

MATURE CONTENT (18+)

A/N: This is cross posted to my Wattpad, so if this seems familiar that is why!

TW: Mental abuse, emotional abuse, slight physical abuse, death and loss.

Description: When Caila meets Rooster, sparks fly. But, she's already married, to a man who she thought loved her, and won't let her go. Rooster will fight for her, he just has to convince Caila to fight for herself.

Word Count: 6.0k

Chapter 9 | Masterlist

"What about these?" I asked holding up some Salvia. "They need full to partial sunlight so that'll be good with the way the sun goes down." He looked at them. He's been enjoying this, he was picking up any plant he thought his mom would've loved and I had to convince him to put a few back. "They come back yearly, so they won't need to be replanted next year." He nodded and set it on the large cart.

"You also said something about a tree?" I nodded. "Something smaller, no towering pines." He chuckled as we strolled through the row of trees, some already standing as tall as Rooster. "Blue Jacarandas are good. They aren't huge but they grow tall enough for shade, or even a western redbud." I looked to him and he was leaning on the handle, staring at me. "What?" He came over slowly, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Which one do you like?" I hummed as I leaned my head back on his shoulder, placing my hands over his. "This is your house, hun." He kissed my head. "And it'll be yours whenever you move in." I smiled at the thought. "Who said I was moving in?" I teased.

"I did, because when we come back, you're never leaving." I chuckled. "So pick, pretty girl. I'll buy you whatever you want." He whispered in my ear, tickling it and making me giggle. "I don't know, it's such a tough decision." He chuckled and kissed my temple. "We don't have to get one today. We can think on it." I nodded. "Yeah, I may have convinced you to spend too much money anyway." He chuckled. "You could never."

~~~

It was getting late and Rooster and I laid back in his yard, absolutely filthy, covered in dirt. "I never thought that as an adult, I would enjoy playing in the dirt." I laughed at his words. "Like I said, it's therapeutic!" He sat up and nodded, patting my thigh and leaving his hand there. "It really is." He leaned onto his side, smiling down at me. "Is this what it's going to be like?" He asked and I raised a brow. "So, domestic?" I chuckled. "I mean, we can not renew our contracts and just travel around the country in the airstream." He chuckled. "How about we renew the contracts, because I know neither of us are done yet, and we can travel around in the airstream in our off time." I laughed and nodded. "Sounds like a plan." My eyes flicked down to his lips, noticing them getting closer.

Before I could say anything he kissed me, I could feel so many emotions behind it. Passion, intensity, love. I couldn't resist, I slid my arms around his shoulders, pulling him closer as one of his held my side as another one slid under my back. He deepened the kiss as he pulled me up to straddle his lap. His kisses moved along my cheek to my jaw, his hands shifting to grab my hips, squeezing them. I leaned my head back, giving him more access to my neck, my breathing picking up. "Oh, look at you pretty girl." He muttered against my neck, placing wet opened mouth kisses along it. The name sending shivers up my spine. His hands drifted from my waist, under my shirt and up my back.

His hands covered my entire upper back, making me feel so small compared to him, and I loved it. A moan escaped my lips as he ground his hips into mine, allowing me to feel how hard he was. Suddenly he easily popped my bra open, unhooking all three hooks with ease. "Let's get this off you." He came back up to kiss me as he slid the bra straps off my shoulder and I yanked it out from under my shirt. "Goddamn. You're a fucking dream, honey." My face burned at the compliment. He leaned forward, holding me close to him until he gently placed me on the ground. I ran my hands up his chest, slowly pushing his shirt up until it came off, our lips separating just long enough for him to take it off.

I felt like I was on fire, anywhere his lips were. He kissed down my neck again before gently pulling off my shirt, my nipples hardening at the cool San Diego night air. "Rooster." I moaned as he kissed along my chest, licking in a few spots. "Oh, say my name again." He muttered as he kissed between my boobs, and down to my navel. "Bradley." He moaned against my stomach as I said his name, his hands drifting lower to my waist to remove my shorts. "Fuck, baby girl. The things you do to me." I chuckled. "And what do I do to you Rooster?" I moaned out as he started sliding my shorts off.

He grabbed my hand, taking it and laying it on top of the tent in his shorts. "You feel that?" He asked as he came up to kiss my lips again. "That's what you do to me. You make me so damn hard." I unbuttoned his shorts and he kicked them down his legs. "Come here." He muttered before pulling my hips closer, grinding into my damp core, making my whimper. "So needy honey? God, I love the noises your making." A shiver ran down my spine, making me wrap my arms around his neck and my knees come up by his waist. "Bradley." I moaned as he grabbed one of my legs, pulling it closer to his hip. "What is it, honey?" My body was so reactive to him, I've never felt like this. "Fuck me."

He chuckled before standing with me, quickly walking into the house. He stumbled as he made his way to his bedroom. He laid me on the bed before yanking my black thong down my legs, tossing them somewhere. "Rooster." I moaned out and he chuckled lifting my left leg. "Oh, baby girl. I'm not going to fuck you." A whine escaped my throat. "I'm going to make love to you." He said as he placed a kiss on my ankle, just like he did when he tied my heels in San Francisco, before making his way up my calf. "I'm going to love you, until I'm the only name you remember." My back arched slightly at his words until he kissed up my thigh so close to my core.

"I've waited so long for this." He said before placing a kiss on my soaking core, making me jump slightly. "Relax, pretty girl. I got you." I felt his tongue run up my folds making me moan loudly. He dragged his tongue up to my clit, circling it, making my body jolt. He wrapped his arms around my thighs, keeping my from squirming. "Rooster!" I cried as he sucked on my clit. "That's it, sweet girl. Cry for me." I gasped as he slid his tongue inside me, curling it. "Oh, fuck!" I tried backing away but he held me tightly as he buried his face in my pussy. I felt the knot in my stomach grow. "Come on, pretty girl. Come for me." After another minute I did, my back arching off the bed as he licked me clean.

I was breathing heavy as he crawled up my body. "You okay?" I nodded as he cradled my face. "I'm good." He kissed my neck and chest for a minute, letting me catch my breath and I smirked. I quickly pushed him onto his back, straddling him and giving a body roll, grinding down onto his hard cock. "Wan' it." I moaned out and he chuckled, nibbling one of my breasts. Suddenly he flipped us again, pinning me to the bed. I furrowed my brows, "Don't you want me on top?" He chuckled and kissed down my neck. "Do you wanna be on top?" I thought on it, I've always been on top. I've never done anything different.

"You've never been on bottom?" I bit my lip and nodded. "Oh, baby girl. Let me show you what you're missing." He kissed me again before slowly sliding off his boxers. I felt him, rock hard against my thigh before he leaned over to his night stand, grabbing a condom. I watched as he rolled it on, before he kissed me again. "You sure you're okay with this?" He asked kissing his way across my cheek. I nodded as I grabbed his cheeks. "I'm so sure. I love you and I trust you Rooster." I leaned up and kissed him, smiling.

He reached down, slowly slipping in. The burn was something I had never felt before, he hardly slipped the head in and I was grasping at his shoulders and biceps. "You okay?" He asked as he nuzzled into my neck. "Just keep going." I mumbled, and he did. Slowly pushing in more, making me whimper. "I know, honey. I know." He whispered in my ear. He was stretching me open and it was starting to feel good. "Fuck, Rooster." I moaned out as he finally bottomed out.

He stilled for a moment, leaning up and kissing my temple, my forehead, my cheeks, my nose and then my lips. "I love you." I pulled him into another kiss as he slowly pulled out a little before pushing back in, making me moan against his lips. "You like that pretty girl?" I could only nod as a moan escaped my lips. "Come on, honey. Use your words." He said as one of his hands drifted to one of my breasts, gripping harshly. "Yes." I croaked out as he found a moderate pace.

He leaned back on his knees, pulling my legs to rest over his hips. He grabbed my hips, driving into me almost carefully, I reached up and grabbed his wrists. My head tossed back as moans escaped my lips. "You take me so well, pretty girl. I've always wondered what you would look like under me, a fucked out look on your face." A moan flew out at his words, my hands letting his wrists go and trailing up my stomach, stopping just at my lower abdomen. I felt something shifting, I managed to open my eyes seeing Rooster smirking at me. One hand let go of my hip and laid over my hand, pressing it down slightly.

"Yeah, you feel that? You feel me in you? God, you take my cock so well, honey." I pushed down a little harder, feeling him a little more. He started slamming into me a little harder, making my body shift on the bed. I cried out as he leaned over, taking one of my nipples between his teeth. His hand slid down between our bodies, rolling against my clit, making me jump. "Fuck!" I cried out as he leaned his head on my shoulder. One hand resting by my side, the other rolling my clit as he started slamming into me. I kept my hand on my stomach, still feeling him there, with every thrust I could feel him push against my hand.

I felt my core tighten again, my second orgasm on the way. "That's it pretty girl, come around my cock. I wanna feel you." I moaned as he gave a particularly hard thrust. "I wanna hear all the noises you make, honey." I cried out as he rolled my clit, my back arching and my eyes clenching shut. I wanted to close my legs but Roosters body was preventing that, my body jerked as he kept thrusting into me. "S-shit! That's it, honey!" He said as he started thrusting a little faster but still being careful.

He fucked me through my orgasm as he chased his. "So full." I muttered as I felt him inside me. "What was that, baby girl? I make you feel full?" He asked as he continued to drive himself into me. "I've dreamed of getting this pussy for years, and I'm finally gonna make you mine, honey." He sped up until his hips stuttered and he stilled inside me, filling the condom. His head was thrown back as he groaned. When he finished he leaned down, laying on top of me. We were both still catching our breaths as I ran one hand through his hair and my other along his spine. His wrapped around my waist, holding me close.

"You have quite the mouth on you, Lieutenant." I swear I felt his cock twitch at the title. "What? Did you not like it?" He asked as he looked at me. "No actually, I love it. I've never had that type of experience in bed." He chuckled. "Please. I already hate the man, tell me he never failed at getting you off." I chuckled. "Never made me come once, I always had to do it myself after." He sat up and looked down at me. "You guys were together or over ten years and he never-" I shook my head. "I tried to show him one night and he massaged my thigh for fifteen minutes thinking it was my clit." He gave a loud, high-pitched laugh, almost rolling off the bed.

"Thinking back on it now, it is pretty funny but at the time, I was pissed and in need of an orgasm!" He smirked at me. "So I'm better." I huffed and looked back to him. "I'm only going to feed your ego this one time. Yes, you are way better than Aaron ever was." He leaned down and kissed me. "And you like my mouth?" I bit my lip and nodded. "Never thought words to make my body react that way." He leaned down to my ear. "Then come on baby girl. I'd like to pull one more orgasm from you." I bit my lip as a shiver went up my body. "Mm, I don't know if I can do another." I said as I bit my lip. He chuckled and leaned down, kissing me. "You can give me another, pretty girl. I'll draw it out of you, now just lay still and look pretty for me." He said as his hand slid across my stomach and down to my core.

~~~

I stayed with Rooster last night, not wanting to leave. As soon as we got up at four a.m. we both had texts from Mav.

Sleep in, meet me on the beach behind the Hard Deck at ten a.m. dress for a workout, and make sure you don't mind your clothes getting wet.

Rooster and I rolled around in bed for awhile before going back to sleep for a few hours. When we got up I went and put on a sports bra, a white tank top and some navy bike shorts before meeting him back at his house. "You ready, honey?" He asked as he took my hand and kissed my temple. "Yeah." He helped me into the Bronco and we were off.

As we arrived at the Hard Deck we could already see everyone out on the beach. Rooster came over to help me out, kissing my hand as he shut the door. We walked over and everyone cheered as we got closer. "All right, set your stuff down and I'll explain the exercise we're doing today." Mav ordered and I set my bag down next to Phoenix and Halo, when I looked up they were staring at me. "Somethings different about you, you're glowing." Phoenix said and Halo gasped coming close. "Are you pregnant?" My eyes widened and my heart broke just a little. "Halo!" Phoenix said pulling her back. "It's just a question." Phoenix rolled her eyes and looked to me.

"No, I'm not. But I did stay with Rooster last night." I admitted and I thought Phoenix and Halo were going to bust my ear drums with their high pitched squealing. "Did you guys fuck?" I giggled a little a Phoenix's wording. "Yes. But if you ask him he wouldn't call it that." She grinned. "You made love all night long!" She sing songed and swung her hips making me laugh. "He has to be good in bed. Out of ten?" Halo asked and I grinned as I quickly Dutch braided my hair. "Fifteen." They were giddy at my words as Mav called us over.

I walked over, still braiding my hair as I stood next to Rooster. His hand rested on my lower back before slipping lower, as soon as he wandered to my ass I let go of my hair and smacked his hand. "You okay Mag?" I nodded. "Thought I had a mosquito or something." Mav nodded as he explained the game, me having to restart on the braid I was working on. "This is dogfight football. You guys need to work as a team, and if you can't do that yourselves, then I'm going to teach you. We will have two teams and they will play offense and defense at the same time." I raised a brow as I finally finished the braid, dropping my arms over my chest. "I will set up the teams, and no swapping."

I stood in the line as Mav picked his two captains, Hangman and Rooster of course. "Caila, you're on Roosters team." I was the last to be picked but I was happy as I walked over, Rooster kissing my head as I walked by. We lined up, I was directly across from Coyote. "Actually, Fritz. You and Caila swap." A smirk grew on my face as we swapped, now I was directly across from Yale. "Ready for an ass whoopin'?" I asked, my accent becoming thick. He smirked as Mav blew the whistle.

After a few games and figuring out everyone's strengths and weaknesses things fell into place. I was sprinting for the end zone as I turned back, Hangman threw the ball and I caught it. Making the end zone was easy as I was way ahead of everyone else, I turned to see Rooster run up on me. "WOO!" I yelled in his face as he stopped. "You're hot when your winning." He muttered and I smirked. "Hope you aren't letting me win Bradshaw." He chuckled. "Maybe, maybe not." I glared at him as we regrouped. I stood in front of Hangman to toss him the ball, Rooster and Bob just in front of me.

Mav blew the whistle and I tossed the ball back between my legs, and sprinting past Bob, spearing Rooster who still had his ball. I sat up on my knees to see him gasping for air, "Oh! Rooster! I'm so sorry!" I said resting my hand on his stomach. He gave me a thumbs up as he tried to catch his breath. "He okay?" Mav asked, coming over. I ran my hands up his sides, feeling for any damage. "Ribs seem intact, no internal bleeding from what I can feel." I looked up to find Mav with a raised brow. "I hit him hard!" After a second he sat up, taking deep breaths. "I'm okay."

"You should've been a linebacker." Penny said walking over with a small cooler. "Maybe." I said taking a water from her. "Your kids are gonna be star athletes." I nodded just taking a moment to look across the beach. As I looked there was a mom and her baby, a few months old. A few tears gathered and I took a deep breath. "I'm gonna take a walk." I said and everyone nodded. Thankfully Rooster was a busy talking with Bob and Coyote as I slipped away. I walked across the beach before sitting a little ways behind the mom and her baby, smiling as she dunked his little feet in the water.

"Hitting hard today?" Phoenix asked as she came over and sat next to me. "Yeah, it's like everywhere I turn there is something about babies." She nodded and leaned her head on my shoulder, me leaning my head on hers. "You know, he would've been about that age now." She nodded rubbing my arm. "Probably would've been in some adorable swim shorts and a bucket hat." I wiped my eyes at the thought. "Hey." I looked up and saw Rooster who sat on my other side. "You okay?" He asked as I watched the mom run from the waves, making the baby laugh. "I will be." He took my hand, kissing my knuckles. He followed my line of sight to the mom and baby before leaning over and resting his chin on my shoulder.

"You want kids?" He asked before kissing my shoulder. I looked over and smiled at him. "Yeah, you?" He nodded with a grin. "As many as we can get." I chuckled as I let him kiss me. "So I'm not a distraction anymore?" I nodded. "You still are, I'm just tired of keeping you at a distance." He smiled before kissing my neck sweetly. "Hey guys!" We looked to see Hangman motioning us over. We all got up and walked back, me feeling a little better.

~~~

It was two and Mav released us for the day, saying we worked hard. We really did and I was in desperate need of a shower. "Caila!" Penny said rushing over. "Could you do me a favor?" I nodded as I grabbed my bag. "Could you get Amelia from school at three-thirty? Something came up." I raised a brow. "Maverick came up." She grinned widely. "Does it make me a bad mom?" I shook my head. "You deserve to be happy Penny. I'll get her." She nodded. "Thank you, she'll be so excited to see you!" I nodded and started walking towards the bronco. As I got up to it, Rooster was leaning against the hood. "What's up?" He asked nodding towards Penny who was now talking to Maverick. "She just asked me to get Amelia from school." I said as he helped me into the bronco.

"Her daughter?" I nodded. "She'll be like thirteen now, I think." He nodded as he got in. "Any plans after that?" I shrugged. "No, I figure I'll hang out with her for awhile. She's a fun kid." He held my hand on the center console the entire way home, the quiet was peaceful. As we got home I hurried to my house to shower before slipping on a sundress, it was white with small pink flowers on it, it was tea length with a slit up the thigh and spaghetti straps. I rushed back out to my jeep and took off to get Amelia.

As I pulled up I heard the bell ring and kids flooded out the doors of the tall school building. I got out and stood by the jeep, looking for Amelia. After a moment she came out, her head down, a book clutched to her chest and two boys on either side of her, close to her face laughing at her. I was thrown back, experiencing the same thing at her age, and it went on for years. It was what drove me into Aarons arms.

Drove me into Aaron's arms.

My chest clenched at the thought of Amelia having such low self-esteem that she wound up with someone like Aaron. Before I realized what I was doing I was storming over. "You're too ugly." "Hey." I said lowly, catching the boys attention, their eyes widening as my wedges stomped on the pavement. "May I ask why your bullying her?" Amelia's eyes widened, giving me a pleading look. I motioned her over and she stood next to me, I turned her to face them, lifting her chin. The boys mouths opened and closed like fishes. "There is no reason. Whether you think she is pretty or not, you never talk down to somebody. Male, female or otherwise." They continued to stand and stare. "I think you two owe her an apology." They stared some more, almost scared. "Now." I threatened.

"Sorry." One boy muttered and I huffed. "A formal apology, please." They huffed. "Amelia, we're sorry. We shouldn't have said those things." She kept her head down. "It's okay." She said quietly. "No, we never say it's okay. You accept apologies." She looked up to me and back to them. "I accept your apologies." They nodded and continued to stand there. "You may go boys, thank you for the apologies." They turned tail and ran off. I looked down to Amelia who had tears in her eyes and I sighed, pulling her into a hug. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have gotten involved." She shook her head. "I'm so tired of them being mean to me." I took her bag and walked her over to the jeep, getting her in and putting her bag in the back.

"Why were they picking on you?" I asked, wiping her tears across the console. "All the other girls are filling out and I haven't. That's how it started, then some kids overhead me telling Casey that I had a crush on this guy. He asked me out a few weeks ago, today he asked me to the fall semi-formal and I said yes." She started crying again and I grabbed her hand. "It was a joke wasn't it?" She nodded and my heart broke for her. "He said I was too ugly for him and I would never be enough." I bit my lip to hold back tears. "Where's mom?" I bit my lip. "She's out with an old friend, but if I called her I'm sure she'd come get you. Do you want me to call her?" She shook her head. "No."

We sat in silence for a moment as I thought up a game plan to make her feel better in my head. "It sucks, first mom made me cancel my movie plans with Casey and Bethany and now this." I furrowed my brows. "She made you cancel your plans?" She nodded. "She said it was because she had a surprise for me after school and that I wouldn't want to go to the movies anyway after I saw it." She looked to me and wiped her eyes. "No offense." I shook my head. "No, no you just gave me an idea. Call your friends, I'll take you three to the movies." She smiled. "You sure?" I nodded and brushed some hair away from her face. "You need your friends right now, so yes."

Amelia called her friends and I picked them up from their houses. "I'm really sorry, Amelia. I didn't want to say anything if I wasn't sure." Bethany has been apologizing since she got in the car, she had a feeling it was a joke but was unsure. "It's really okay, Beth. It's not your fault." Casey scoffed from the back passenger seat. "I should've kicked his butt. He treated you like crap the entire time you were 'dating'. He ignored you, called you names and everything." I had to bite down the remark I had, 'We don't talk bad about children, Caila'. "Mom told me you divorced that crappy husband of yours." I chuckled and nodded. "Trying, he's been blocking it. But it's okay, I got me something better." Amelia chuckled.

"A vibrator." My head whipped over to her. "AMELIA GRACE BENJAMIN!" She laughed at my reaction. "For your information, you're not incorrect but I got myself a better man." 'Ooh's' were heard over the wind whipping around us. "Caila's got a boyfriend." She sang and I nodded. "Can we meet him?" Amelia asked and I raised a brow. "Oh come on, you can't hide him from me. Besides I know his name already, just need a face now." I stayed silent for a moment before my phone was calling his through my speaker system. "Shh." I said as we waited. "Hey, pretty girl." "AW!" I chuckled as the cooed. "Hey, hun."

"Sounds like you have a car full." I nodded. "Got room for one more if you wanna join us at the movies. I can swing by and get you." I heard him moving something around before he answered. "I'll do whatever as long as it's with you, honey." I nodded. "Be there in ten." "Alright, pretty girl. I love you." A blush crept up my cheeks as the girls giggled. "I love you too." I hung up. "You girls really need to work on being quiet." They laughed. "Why would we need to do that?" Bethany asked. "Girls, there is going to come a day where you're going to be snooping on a man or a woman, and you will be listening to your friends phone calls and scrolling through their socials. Gotta be quiet or else they'll know. Gotta be stealthy like the CIA!" They laughed at my words.

We pulled into Rooster's driveway and I honked the horn. After a moment he came out looking gorgeous as ever in his dark wash Levi's, cream short sleeve henley, and a ball cap that sat backwards over his curls. He came to the drivers side and I raised a brow at him. "Out, I drive." I scoffed. "Think I'm a bad driver?" He shook his head. "Nope, I should just be driving you around. Can't have a pretty thing like you working too hard." I blushed as he opened the door. I slid out but he picked me up, my feet never touching the ground. I giggled as he walked me over to the passenger side, setting me in the seat since Amelia crawled to the middle seat in the back.

He reached over and buckled me in, kissing me sweetly before shutting my door. I turned back to the girls who were all giggly and whispering. "Ladies." They looked to me with big grins. "That is how a man should treat you." He got into the drivers seat, taking my hand and kissing it before backing out and driving us to the theater.

The girls wanted to see some comedy movie that came out a few weeks ago so we took them to that. Rooster and I sat a few rows behind them, mainly so they couldn't watch us because they're nosey. "So, why the movies?" I pursed my lips. "Some boy asked Amelia out as a joke and humiliated her. She was so upset, so I figured some time with her friends would be good for her." He tossed his arms around me and pulled me close. "God, boys can be such assholes."

I nodded as I leaned into him. "Broke my heart, cause I've been in her position." He looked down to me. "You've been there?" I nodded. "Jackson Mahoney. Star quarterback, and world-class asshole." I wrung my hands together until he rested his hands over mine. "I didn't look like this back then, I was heavier, I had real bad acne. I was not the most beautiful girl in school." Rooster leaned down, kissing my cheek and burying his face in my cheek. "I call bullshit." I laughed. "He told me I was too ugly and too heavy for him. It wasn't the first time I had heard that but it was sort of my breaking point. My self-esteem plummeted, so when Aaron called me pretty." I shook my head. "Guys never paid me much attention but he did, and I ate it up." I looked up at him and I couldn't read his expression.

"You basically said the same thing to me in that dressing room." I shook my head. "I still hate myself for that." He kissed my head. "Don't." I rested my head on his shoulder. "All those words basically pushed me into his arms. I saw the same thing happening with Amelia and I just, I couldn't stand by and let that happen to her." He cuddled into me. "You'd be a great mom." I tensed at his words as the movie started. "Let's watch the movie."

~~~

The rest of the night was quiet as we dropped off the girls and Amelia, me telling Penny what happened when we got her home. After that I rode in silence with Rooster, his hand on my thigh, rubbing it a little. As we got home he walked me up to my porch, my head resting on my shoulder, my mood ruined. "Are you okay?" I shook my head as it rested on his chest, his arms wrapped around me. "You want to talk about it?" I shook my head. "Can you stay?" He nodded. "Let me go home and change and I'll be back." He watched me walk inside before going to his house next door.

I let Dahlia out back while I went and changed. I heard the door open downstairs and I poked my head out of my room. "Roo?" It was quiet for a minute and my nerves creeped in. "It's me, honey." I grabbed my glasses from my bedside table and went downstairs. "Come here." He said opening his arms. I walked over and he pulled me close, "You sure you don't wanna talk about it?" I shook my head and walked over to the couch, laying on my back. "Cuddle with me?" He came and laid on me, his head resting on my chest.

I grabbed the remote and turned on HBO Max, I selected the latest Halloween movie, which I've seen twice and turned it on. "You like horror movies?" He asked as he wrapped his arms tighter around me. "I love them." After a few minutes I heard claws clicking on the hardwood. I looked at the end of the couch to see Dahlia putting her feet on the couch. "Oh, Dahls-" She jumped up and literally laid on top of Rooster. "Dahlia!" Rooster chuckled at her. "She's okay, the pressure is nice, but are you okay?" It was a lot of weight on me, but it was calming me and making me sleepy. "I'm perfect." I said as I ran my hands up his back, under the black t-shirt he had on. Pretty soon I was drifting off.

I don't know how long I was asleep but Dahlia's barking woke me up with a start. I jumped up, almost tossing Rooster to the floor. "Hey! Shh, it's okay." He said placing a hand on my cheek. "I ordered food, it's just being delivered." I nodded as he got up and answered the door, he walked past the couch with a smirk on his face. "What'd you order?" I heard what sounded like a giggle from my kitchen. "Hang on!" After a few minutes he came in with a metal to-go container and a glass of Riesling. He handed me the plate and a smile grew on my face as a few tears welled in my eyes.

"You remembered?" I asked as my voice broke. He handed me the container and wine as he rushed back for his food and another glass. "Of course, I remembered. You love Italian food, especially shrimp scampi. I even had them toss in tomatoes, mushrooms and asparagus." I leaned over and kissed him sweetly. "You have no idea how much this means to me." He smiled at me. "Only the best for my girl."

We ate and laughed as we talked, he made me feel so much better. I knew that no one meant to ruin my mood, hell no one knew about it, it's not anyone's fault but my own for how I'm feeling. "You want some more?" I asked and he nodded. "Surprisingly, Riesling is actually very good." I nodded as I took our empty containers and glasses, placing a kiss to his forehead. "I love you, Rooster." He smirked and kissed my lips quickly. "I love you too, Magnolia." A giggle slipped past my lips as I went into the kitchen.

I tossed the to-go containers in the trash, before washing the silverware quickly. I grabbed the bottle of Riesling from the fridge, pouring more into our glasses. I smiled as I walked back into the living room, but my smile fell as I raised my head. I thought he was looking at Laura's ultrasound, but as he reached for the frame next to it my heart sunk to my feet. "Caila." I could've flinched at how he used my real name. "What's this?" He asked as he had a sad look on his face.

"Fuck."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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#bradley bradshaw #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster top gun #pete maverick mitchell #top gun maverick #phoenix #natasha trace #bob floyd #robert bob floyd #hangman #jake hangman seresin #i hope you dance

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musicarenagh · 1 year

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"SPACE" by Regan Pierce: A Cosmic Voyage of Emotion, Melody and Reflection In the music cosmos, sparkling with talents rivaling a star-studded night sky, Regan Pierce's EP 'SPACE' shines brightly as an inviting pop-cultural constellation. With six meticulously crafted tracks, Mr. Pierce has undeniably tethered his art to raw reality, reflecting through song a personal journal of strife and growth within his young 21-year existence. https://open.spotify.com/album/71o4TDkHoEs0RyIvF2rb4q To journey into 'SPACE' is to willingly immerse oneself in a sonic universe where every lullaby-like guitar riff and crestfallen melody weaves its own celestial tapestry. The canvas captures themes of heartbreak and unconditional love, mental health struggles, trust issues, and harrowing tales of abusive relationships - all stitched together with ambient soundscapes that radiate boldly alongside the darker threads of Regan's narrative palette. The opener wafts you gently into this reverie on a smooth slipspace of easy-listening soft rock vibes. It certainly feels akin to laying back on cool grass after dusk, drinking in the astral vista overhead – spellbindingly tranquil yet thought-provokingly profound. Here aboard the spacecraft 'SPACE', indie pop intersects dreamy soft-rock against the backdrop of an indigo landscape etched with twinkling stars. Regan’s vocals are safely nestled within this mix; it finds its place as one amongst many instruments that work together to strike an ethereal accord rather than jarring out as a separate entity competing for attention – much like an astronaut housed within a vessel voyaging across vast cosmic planes. One could hear shades of Bon Iver here reflecting off the mirrors held up by dream-pop visionaries M83 or Beach House; it's hauntingly muted yet tinged with poignancy, resonating unobtrusively throughout each track. [caption id="attachment_52139" align="alignnone" width="1024"] "SPACE" by Regan Pierce: A Cosmic Voyage of Emotion, Melody and Reflection[/caption] Serving as both star navigator and poet laureate of the 'SPACE' expedition, Regan wields his lyrics like a cosmic airstream, steering his listeners through heartfelt narratives. His songwriting is laced with layers of introspective wisdom that seamlessly interweave personal strife with universal experiences – a quality reminiscent of Conor Oberst's emotive expositions. The cogs and gears behind the production deserve a worthy mention here for softly lensing Pierce’s profound emotional explorations into a coherent audio tableau. ‘Space’ dances a balletic fraction-of-Gravity waltz between tight production standards and an intimate DIY aesthetic to its ultimate craftsmanship. Elements like the reverberated guitars emanating dreamy melodies are distilled expertly into this record without losing their essence. Each personalized tale from Regan Pierce's life experience presents itself as another auditory planet within this EP, inviting listeners to traverse and empathize with the artist’s lived struggles. It effortlessly balances depth with simplicity and draws attentive ears deeper into the cosmos of Pierce's mindscape even as it provides comfort in acknowledging shared human experiences. In this vast GALAXY OF MUSIC…Regan Pierce has discovered his own pulsar in ‘SPACE’ that throbs rhythmically; shining brightly with authentic emotion illuminated by soothing vocals, heart-felt lyricism and immersive instrumentals—a testament to the universality yet singularity of each human experience. As we cast our sonic telescopes towards further developments in his musical voyage ahead, we take solace knowing that such honest songs help us navigate our own inner-verses. Follow Regan Pierce on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

#Music #SPACEbyReganPierceACosmicVoyageofEmotion #MelodyandReflection #newsongSPACEbyReganPierce #POP #ReganPierce #ReganPiercedropsSPACE #ReganPierceoutwithSPACE #ReganPiercereleasesSPACE #ReganPierceSPACE #ReganPiercewithSPACE #space #SPACEbyReganPierce #SPACEfromReganPierce #SPACEReganPierce

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christinahobbsofc · 2 years

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Luxury Travel Trailers For Couples

Luxury Travel Trailers For Couples Luxury Travel Trailers For Couples. Life on the road includes things like waking up to the sunrise, drinking coffee with the dew on your toes, and spending hours in a car with nothing but the great outdoors. An RV-based vacation is unquestionably a memorable one, conjuring up nostalgic memories of old-time Americana and singing your favorite songs around the campfire, guitar in hand. Thanks to the rise of high-tech, incredibly luxurious camping trailers akin to stylish apartments...but with the benefit of having wheels attached, even those who ordinarily wouldn't consider one for their upcoming trip are now giving it another thought. image of Luxury Travel Trailers For Couples Modern luxury travel trailers can be found with offices fit for a digital nomad, bedrooms on the second floor, indoor bathrooms, and all the connectivity you could want. Living off the grid doesn't necessarily mean living in tents; rather, it can provide a window into a refreshing contrast where the biggest challenge is deciding which breathtaking location to visit next in your luxurious camper. The top 15 trailers for camping # Name Best for 1 Bowlus Best overall 2 Living Vehicle Best high-end 3 Winnebago Best value 4 Airstream Best for remote work 5 Timberleaf Trailers Best teardrop 6 Homegrown Trailers Best teardrop with bathroom 7 Land Ark RV Best high-ceiling 8 Happier Camper Best lightweight 9 Bruder X Best off-road 10 E-RV Best all-electric 11 Polydrops Best small 12 Jayco Best mid-priced 13 Grand Design RV Best for families 14 Taxa Outdoors Best pop-up camper 15 Tiny Camper Best DIY To find out exactly what to consider before buying a trailer, see our special buyers' guide for travel trailers after the list. If you prefer to have everything integrated into a single vehicle, you can also look at our list of the best camper van brands of the year. Bowlus: Best travel trailer overall When you first enter your Bowlus travel trailer, be prepared to feel a little daunted by the possibilities that are racing through your head. The Terra Firma travel trailer is the pinnacle of mobile living, offering all the amenities you'd need to seriously consider making the switch to a full-time mobile lifestyle. Terra Firma has it all, including tastefully neutral interiors, a separate hotel-style shower, and plenty of room for lounging, sleeping, and strategizing your next project. Make coffee with the two-stage water filtration system after waking up in the Zen Master Bedroom. The convenient features of this camping trailer allow you to bring along even a furry friend, including a coordinated pet bed, bowls that slide out of a drawer without a hitch, and remote temperature monitoring. Use the Find My Bowlus GPS tracking when you set out on foot for the day. Best for: Feeling almost more at home here than in your own home. UNDERSTAND BOWLUS - Counts as up to 4 Dry Dimensions: 3200 lbs (1452 kg) - GVWR: 4,000 pounds (1814 kg) - starting at $265,000 Excellent luxury camping vehicle Your experience camping in a Living Vehicle camper isn't exactly "roughing it." Living Vehicle's Max model truly maximizes the best of outdoor living, indoors, and is probably the closest thing you could find to staying in a hotel with the added benefit of being able to watch your every move. Anyone who is serious about camping trailers will fall in love with this completely customizable unit. It is spacious and comfortable, loaded to the brim with technology like enormous TV screens, stocked chef's kitchens, and opulent amenities. It is equipped with everything from air conditioning to solar power. A washing machine, Hi-Fi stereo, and mobile connectivity are available. Living off the grid is possible, but you can always reconnect to the grid when you need to. Even better, it has a cutting-edge security system built right in. As a result, you won't be concerned about leaving your mobile home for the day to go exploring. Best for: Creating vogue-worthy camping vacations. - Counts as up to 4 Dry : 11500 pounds (5216 kg) - GVWR: 17,000 pounds (7711 kg) - starting at $319,995 Best value travel trailer is Winnebago. If you want to travel in true Americana style, a Winnebago is hard to beat, and the Winnebago Micro Minnie is unquestionably your best bet for a trip on a tight budget. Because everything you require for a small trip is included in the Micro Minnie, essentials aren't sacrificed. It's one that prioritizes quality over quantity, just as the name implies, but it still manages to fit in plenty of galley space, a sink, double-door refrigerator, microwave, and even a cooktop. You won't ever feel too hot or cold in the middle of the night thanks to the roomy mattress and the cross-ventilating windows, and the breathtaking surroundings will always be there as soon as the first rays of light enter the room. The outdoors are as comfortable as the inside thanks to patio speakers and a power awning with LED lighting. Best for: Saving money so you can use it for decorating. - Approximately 2 Dry 3360 lb. in weight (1524 kg) - GVWR: 5,000 pounds (2268 kg) - Starting at: $23,808 The most adaptable travel trailer for remote work is an Airstream. Waving goodbye to a life surrounded by bricks and pursuing one surrounded by nature and woodland will help you realize all of your digital nomad dreams. Or whatever else your heart desires, like beaches or cityscapes. The beauty of Airstream's Flying Cloud is that you are free to do all of the aforementioned things and more, choosing to live on the road rather than having to constantly remember a set of house keys. With flexible floor plans for any number of passengers and the option of a small office, this camping trailer is made to make life simple. It is decorated in soothing neutral tones with cozy accents for a stress-free experience. It is fashionable and useful. The Flying Cloud from Airstream includes all the necessities in addition to multiple USB ports and a pop-up USB/AC outlet powered by the onboard 1000-watt power inverter. Even a swivel chair is in the office space. Best for: Trying to make your beach, mountain, or river view appear in the Zoom meetings' background. - Counts as up to 6 Dry Five thousand pounds (2268 kg) - GVWR: 6,000 pounds (2721 kg) - starting at $83,300 The best trailer brand is Timberleaf. Even when the scenery around you is picturesque enough, Timberleaf's eye-catching orange camper is a talking point of your journey. This teardrop trailer, which was made with excellent craftsmanship and skilled woodworking, is endearing and humorous. It is a camping trailer that returns camping to its fundamentals by eschewing frills in favor of maintaining a compact and reliable design. The Standard, All-Road, and Off-Road versions of the Classic Teardrop Trailer are available to accompany you wherever you go. Each has unique features, such as wheels made for rough terrain and a fully insulated cabin to block out the wind, heat, and cold. Despite its adorable appearance, this camping trailer is a serious piece of equipment. It has a large skylight, plenty of room for relaxation, and is decorated with tonal wooden shades. If orange isn't your preferred color, the trailer itself is available in a range of vivid hues. Best for: Imagining that you are the star of your own old-fashioned holiday film. - Approximately 2 Dry 1 500 pounds (680 kg) - 3500 lb GVWR (1587 kg) - starting at $8,500 Homegrown Trailers: The top bathroom-equipped teardrop trailer Up until you wake up in the middle of the night unwilling to leave the trailer to use the restroom or locate one, living in a camper seems like all fun and games. Here we have Homegrown Trailers. It's the best teardrop trailer available for those who want comfort and style because it combines all of the best features of camping trailers with all of the comfort necessities and more. The Timberline trailer accomplishes all of this and then some more. Enjoy all of the amenities it has to offer, including hot water from the indoor shower, freshwater from the sink and shower, and a sizable kitchen for cooking up a storm, either by plugging it into the grid or by using its solar-powered energy. Additionally, it uses energy-efficient construction techniques and is primarily made of sustainable materials. It is a camping trailer made with sustainability in mind. Best for: Traditional camping with modern conveniences. - Counts as up to 4 Dry Weight: 4250 pounds (1927 kg) - GVWR: 5,000 pounds (2268 kg) - starting at $74,995 The best high-ceiling travel trailer is the Land Ark RV. Unsure if you'd prefer to stay in a home or a luxurious camper? Pick both. The Drake model from Land Ark RV aims to address all of the aforementioned issues in a modern and stylish camping trailer that takes outdoor recreation to a whole new level. You might wake up in this place and mistakenly believe you are in a hotel because it is so effectively constructed to look like a high-design home. With its two stories and neutral, light wood interiors, it welcomes guests in comfort and style. This camping trailer begs to be customized, ideally with Instagram-friendly pillows, cozy throws that are the size of a queen, and adventure around every corner. In search of stories, it is a trailer. This camping trailer is one of the most desirable ones on the market thanks to its energy-efficient insulation, heating and air conditioning, custom cellular shades for privacy, and high ceilings. Best for: Waking up in the morning without worrying about hitting your head. - Counts as up to 7 Dry : 16700 pounds (7574 kg) - GVWR: 21,000 pounds (9525 kg) - starting at $159,900 Best lightweight travel trailer for a happier camper Happier Camper sets the tone for how you'll feel on your upcoming adventure: over the moon, giddy with anticipation, and fully conscious that everything you could possibly need is hidden away in its special location around you. Happier Camper's Traveler camping trailer is fully prepared for travel and is ideal for all kinds of adventures, whether you're sightseeing or working, sleeping or cooking. This 5,000 lb travel trailer seems much larger than many others on the market thanks to two separate living areas, an integrated bathroom, and a kitchenette. Its carefully curated space makes use of the company's Adaptiv technology to convert living spaces into offices, dining rooms, bedrooms, and lounges in a matter of minutes. No matter how far the trip, your Traveler will be prepared thanks to fiberglass shells, a honeycomb floor grid, custom hardware, and robust parts. Best for: Less-concerned with maximum weight capacity and smaller towing vehicles. - Approximately 2 Dry 1 800 pounds (816 kg) - 2500 lb GVWR (1133 kg) - Starting at $49,950 Best off-road camping trailer: Bruder X There are camping trailers made for idyllistic excursions through the woods, and there are country lanes that wind their way down to the seashore. Then there are expedition trailers, which are built with a little more sturdiness in mind and are appropriate for all of those off-road excursions you'd previously overlooked. The latter is the EXP-6 of Bruder X. This is a camping trailer with a twist: a sizable, solid, and all-around impressive beast of a trailer that boldly forges into uncharted territory without so much as lifting a finger. This off-road trailer is modern and gray, fitting in seamlessly with any setting. It can level out and change its height to suit the terrain with the push of a button, making it sufficiently adaptable. The EXP-6 can even be managed by a modern cabin management system using a smartphone. There are courtesy lights, storage lockers, a washer, and even an outdoor hot and cold shower out back. Best for: Unrestricted adventures. - Counts as up to 6 Dry Weight: 4850 pounds (2200kg) - GVWR: 1146 4 pounds (5200kg) - Price: best all-electric travel trailers start at $180,000 There are two types of off-grid living: traditional off-grid and E-RV off-grid. This is the first fully electric camping trailer in the world, and although it almost blends in with its surroundings from the outside, the interior is still roomy and ultra-modern. This eco-friendly RV trailer also doesn't do things half-heartedly. It can simultaneously charge all of your electronics, keep you warm enough, and save you money on gas refills. You can set up camp in the middle of nowhere without having trouble finding electricity because it uses clean solar energy. Additionally, since gas fumes are no longer necessary, it is better for the environment. You'll appreciate the E-efficiency RV's even more if you're staying somewhere that forbids open flames. Your E-RV keeps charging even while you're out exploring thanks to a variety of solar panels on the roof. Best for: Elevating the concept of "off the grid." - Contains: Up to 3 Best small travel trailer: Polydrops When it comes to cramming a lot into a small space, Polydrops' P17A camping trailer is small but mighty. For anyone new to the industry who wants to get a handle on owning a trailer before committing to a larger size, the P17A is one of the best small camping trailers. It combines all the necessities and is highly engineered and entirely electric. After reading the complete list of energy-saving features this camping trailer has, you'll see how its futuristic design puts it ahead of the curve in both the world of camping trailers and electric vehicles. These compact campers have solar panels, LiFePO4 batteries, and air conditioning for maximum comfort without saying goodbye to environmentally friendly transportation. Additionally, its aerodynamic design makes towing it simple, even for less experienced drivers. It has a modular design with a kitchenette, tiny closet, bathroom, and sleeping area that you can customize to suit your needs. Ideal for: Demonstrating that good things can come in small packages. - Approximately 2 Dry 1,200 pounds (544 kg) - 2000 pounds (907 kg) - starting at $24,990 Best mid-range camping trailer: Jayco You've dabbled in the world of vacation trailers, but you're not quite ready to commit to a massive model. The best mid-sized trailer can be found from Jayco. Our favorite, and not just our favorite, Jayco's Jay Flight 2021 has consistently been voted America's best-selling RV. These are the top travel trailers for people who want to leave on a trip without having to worry about anything. Complete with not only the necessities but also the amazing-ifs. The Jay Flight 2021 is ideal for virtually any type of traveler thanks to its excellent design, weatherproofing, and abundance of editable floor plan options. Do you need more beds? They could be incorporated in the center. Would you prefer additional storage and fold-out sleeping areas? Not a difficulty either. This camping trailer is a win-win for almost everyone thanks to the built-in LED TV, smartphone-controllable system, and fully furnished interiors with an oven. Best for: Luxurious essentials with a touch of high quality. - Counts as up to 5 Dry : 5560 pounds (2521 kg) - 7500 lb GVWR (3401 kg) - starting at $36,389 The ideal family travel trailer is one from Grand Design RV. A family camping trip can go one of two ways: either it's one that gets recorded in the memory book with amusing tales, activities that bring back fond memories, and the commitment to repeat it all the following year, or it goes horribly wrong and you swear you'll never bring it up again. What is the best way to guarantee the former rather than the latter for your family vacation? To make camping trips less stressful, do it in a family-friendly camping trailer. The Reflection Travel Trailer from Grand Design RV is opulent yet practical: a trailer that is reliable and strong while still being fashionable and comfortable. Instead of a straightforward bed and sink pull-along trailer, it's a roomy RV camper that almost feels like a small apartment. You won't ever feel anything less than refreshed and satisfied while staying in one of these travel trailers thanks to the abundance of electronics they contain, including a Bluetooth sound system, LED TV, motion sensor lighting, and more. For those picture-perfect family vacations. - Counts as up to 5 Dry : 8096 pounds (3672 kg) - GVWR: 9995 pounds (4533 kg) - starting at $60,375 Best pop-up camper: Taxa Outdoors A Taxa Outdoors Mantis pop-up camper is the best way to return to the fundamentals when it comes to small travel trailers. There are high-tech, futuristic trailers available, but if you're looking for relaxed, real, small camping trailers, the Mantis is the best choice. The Mantis still has all the amenities you could possibly need for a peaceful few days spent getting close to nature, despite not being overflowing with electronics. A large cafe breakfast table in the morning, a mini-conference room in the afternoon, and even a board game setup in the evening can all be found inside this trailer, which is known as the brand's largest pop-up to date. Due to the camper's pop-up design, it also has a private outdoor seating area where you can unwind in the evenings while taking in the sounds of nature and catching up with loved ones or friends about anything and everything. Best for: Quick, uncomplicated trips that don't require much planning. - Counts as up to 4 Dry 29,722 pounds (1348 kg) - 4200 lb GVWR (1905 kg) - starting at $42,990 Best homemade camping trailer: Tiny Camper Spend the days before the trip deciding what to pack or what might or might not be included. Rent or buy a camping trailer. Replace those conversations with ones about how to design the interiors, what features you need and don't need, and how to best individualized your new temporary residence by building your own camping trailer. The memorable building process of a DIY camping trailer is half the fun, and Tiny Camper's DIY camping trailers make this process incredibly simple. They can also be tailored to your exact specifications, taking into account both your idealized and practical trailer-building skills. Choose from a variety of different frameworks, electrics, plumbing, or cabinets to start from scratch, or move on to the next step with a fully prepared package. Then comes the enjoyable part: color schemes, extras, and special touches. Best for: Making things that are just as enjoyable to do as traveling. - Sleeps: Three dry Weight: based on the DIY construction - Dependent on DIY build, GVWR - Starting at: $10,531 Travel trailer buyers' guide Before selecting your next camping trailer, there are many factors to think about, including how often you'll use it, the type of terrain you'll travel over, the features you might need, and the capacity for you and your camping companions. Before choosing your new camping trailer, read on to learn everything you need to know. Towing restrictions In general, a camping trailer will weigh more the more advanced it is and the more space it has. Make sure the vehicle you'll be using to tow the trailer is capable of doing so before you purchase it. Always compare the weight of the camper trailer to the towing capacity of your tow vehicle and try to leave a little room rather than selecting something that exceeds the maximum weight limit. Featured interiors You only really need a comfortable bed and some sort of living space if you intend to use your camping trailer as a base for exploring the outside world. If you intend to live a nomadic lifestyle as a digital nomad, you should look for additional features such as a dedicated office or working space, or at the very least, a separate living space, as well as lots of storage space. Read the full article

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checkcashing247 · 1 month

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Travel Trailers for Sale in Sacramento, CA: Your Guide to Finding the Perfect RV

For those who love the open road and the freedom to explore, owning a travel trailer is an ideal way to experience the great outdoors with the comforts of home. Sacramento, CA, offers a variety of options for those looking to travel trailers for sale sacramento ca purchase a travel trailer, whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned RV enthusiast. In this article, we'll explore what you need to know about buying a travel trailer in Sacramento, CA, including the types available, where to buy, and tips for making the best purchase.

1. Why Choose a Travel Trailer?

Travel trailers offer a flexible and cost-effective way to travel and camp. Unlike motorhomes, they are towed behind a vehicle, allowing you to detach and use your vehicle independently once you've set up camp. Travel trailers come in a wide range of sizes and floor plans, making them suitable for solo travelers, couples, or large families.

2. Types of Travel Trailers Available

When searching for travel trailers for sale in Sacramento, CA, you'll encounter several types, each with its unique features:

Conventional Travel Trailers: These are the most common type and range from small, lightweight models to larger units with multiple slide-outs and full amenities.

Fifth-Wheel Trailers: Designed to be towed by a pickup truck with a special hitch, fifth-wheel trailers offer more living space and often include luxury features like king-sized beds and residential-style kitchens.

Toy Haulers: Ideal for those who want to bring along ATVs, motorcycles, or other recreational vehicles, toy haulers feature a garage area with ramp access, in addition to living quarters.

Teardrop Trailers: These compact, lightweight trailers are perfect for minimalist travelers who need basic shelter and storage while on the road.

Expandable/Hybrid Trailers: These trailers have pop-out sections made of canvas or hard sides, offering additional sleeping space without increasing the overall length of the trailer when towing.

3. Where to Buy Travel Trailers in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento is home to numerous dealerships that specialize in RVs, including travel trailers. Here are some popular options:

La Mesa RV Center: With a wide selection of new and pre-owned travel trailers, La Mesa RV is a well-known dealership offering various brands and models.

Manteca Trailer & Motorhome: Located a short drive from Sacramento, this dealership offers a large inventory of travel trailers, including top brands like Airstream, Jayco, and Forest River.

RV Travel World: Specializing in both new and used RVs, RV Travel World provides a range of travel trailers with flexible financing options.

Camping World of Sacramento: Known nationwide, Camping World offers a diverse selection of travel trailers, along with a full-service department for maintenance and repairs.

4. What to Consider When Buying a Travel Trailer

Before purchasing a travel trailer in Sacramento, CA, there are several factors to consider:

Budget: Determine your budget before you start shopping. Travel trailers can range from affordable, entry-level models to high-end luxury units.

Towing Capacity: Ensure your vehicle can safely tow the travel trailer you choose. Check the weight and towing capacity of both the trailer and your vehicle.

Floor Plan: Think about how you'll use the space. Do you need a large kitchen? Extra sleeping areas? Consider your priorities and choose a floor plan that meets your needs.

New vs. Used: Buying new offers the latest features and a manufacturer's warranty, while purchasing a used trailer can save money. Be sure to inspect used trailers carefully for any signs of wear or damage.

Dealer Reputation: Research the dealership's reputation, including customer reviews and ratings. A reputable dealer will provide transparent pricing, good customer service, and after-sale support.

5. Tips for First-Time Buyers

If you're new to RVing, here are some tips to help you make the right decision:

Start Small: If you're unsure about your needs, consider starting with a smaller, less expensive travel trailer. You can always upgrade later.

Attend RV Shows: RV shows offer a great opportunity to see multiple models in one place, compare features, and talk to experts.

Take a Test Drive: If possible, rent a travel trailer before buying to get a feel for towing, setting up, and living in one.

Consider Storage: Make sure you have a place to store your travel trailer when it's not in use. Some HOAs have restrictions on parking RVs at home.

Conclusion

Owning a travel trailer opens up a world of adventure, allowing you to explore Sacramento, CA, and beyond at your own pace. With a wide variety of travel trailers for sale in the area, there's something to suit every traveler's needs and budget. By considering your options, setting a budget, and choosing a reputable dealer, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect travel trailer for your adventures. Happy travels!

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taptrucksouthern · 4 months

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Innovative Wedding Bar Tending Service Storming Marriage Markets and Guests Impressed

The service of the mobile bar is not limited to just alcohol, and they serve everything from mocktails to coffee to even ice cream from the retro pop-up bar. The mobile bar in a classic truck is always special for its oozing nostalgia, fun, and unlimited onlooker interest.

#Wedding Bar Tending Service

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customairstream · 1 year

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Airstream Pop-Up shops are the game changer for any business. If you want to customize your own airstream for your business, visit our website now!

#airstream pop-up #airstream pop up shops #airstream trailer #airstream #trailer

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hwangstefan · 2 years

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1 day 1 design, 20230312 Porsche designs Airstream travel trailer that’s more aerodynamic, has lower suspension and a pop-up roohttps://www.yankodesign.com/2023/03/11/porsche-designs-airstream-travel-trailer-thats-more-aerodynamic-has-lower-suspension-and-a-pop-up-roof/ https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpsc-mbpbs_/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

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futurride · 2 years

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#Airstream #Airstreamconcepttraveltrailer #AirstreamStudioF.A.PorscheConceptTravelTrailer #Austria #California #JacksonCenter #LosAngeles #Ohio #Porsche #PorscheDesign #PorscheLifestyleGroup #PorscheMacan #PorscheX #StudioF.A.Porsche #SXSW #ZellamSee

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theinsatiables · 2 years

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Running to Stand Still : Adam Membrey

From the opening notes of Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal, there’s a crack forming within the dream. Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed) sits behind his drum kit, bathed in darkness and sweat, intently watching his muse, bandmate, girlfriend, and recovery partner, Lou (Olivia Cooke), as she serenades the crowd with an abrasive, droning swoon. Uncertainty checkers Ruben’s face as he strikes the drums with ferocity, like a man reaching for an answer to a question he’s yet to understand. Sometimes we get clear, subtitled lines of Lou’s singing. But more often than not, we don’t get that clarity. Something is off.

Marder eases off the dread pedal slightly as we see Ruben work through his precise morning routine of squats, pushups, fresh coffee, and gross smoothies. He delicately lulls Lou out of bed with the tapping of drumsticks, leading her into the kitchen for a healthy breakfast and coaxing her to embrace him through a warm, heartfelt dance to Commodores’ “This Love.” We get snippets of their intimate relationship—the pet names, the conversations, the ponderings of their childhood. Together, they’re rebuilding lives formerly colored by heroin use. You could be Ruben and almost be fooled into thinking things might be okay. But the reality breaks as they set up for their next show and a ringing pierces him, sending him reeling. Next, he’s back on his kit, looking more bewildered than ever as the ringing returns and all sound dampens. It’s like a bell tolling from the distance, an ominous sign of change to come.

When Ruben wakes up in their Airstream the next morning, he doesn’t spring out of bed. He squeezes his nose and blows. His ears don’t pop. He moves his jaw, running through all the tricks I did as a Deaf kid to fool myself into hearing more. These are the tests you give yourself because you don’t want to tell anyone else yet. You don’t want it to feel real. You want to leave open the possibility that it’s all a misunderstanding.

****

The most terrifying moment of my Deaf life came freshman year of college. I woke up one March morning, already 75% of the way into a school year packed with connections, heartbreak, and a weight gain stretching past the Freshman 15. Every morning, I’d put my hearing aid in last, allowing my hair and ear canals to dry, a period on a sentence I rewrote each day as I examined my identity within a hearing environment. It being an analog hearing aid full of power, sound would roar to life at the shut of the battery door. I wanted the power. I craved it. I needed it. But that morning, the power sat beneath several layers of muffle. I could barely hear anything around me.

Like Ruben, I did a series of self-tests, clicking inside my mouth and making guttural sounds I felt myself reaching further and further to hear. I blew out the hearing aid tubes, hoping for a simple blockage. I set it on the heater, hoping it was just moisture. Nothing worked. An emergency appointment with my audiologist provided only a shrug and no answers. I called my mother back, barely able to hear any words of assurance, and saw that my tears had flooded the keypad of my flip phone. I stayed in my dorm room all day, lights off. I didn’t want to go anywhere. I didn’t want anyone to see me. I didn’t want questions about what was and what would be. It wasn’t until my mother and I went to get a second audiologist’s opinion, way out in the valley, a physical and mental final grasp for an answer, that we were told it was, in fact, just my hearing aid. I was given a loaner and the sound flooded back in. I’ll never forget the sheer, day-long panic, just as I’ll never forget the hug my mother and I shared in the parking lot, a release of tension and tears. I recently looked up this exact route, the longest car ride of my life, and was shocked to find that it was only a nine-mile and 11-minute trip. Perhaps psychological time stretches and distorts even further when your entire identity is in crisis.

I was not terrified of being Deaf. I knew what it felt like. I liked how it felt, even with all its particular challenges. What terrified me was losing the life I’d worked so hard to establish, and the many future years I’d spend having to explain this new life of mine to confused people. I thought about Dave, the cafeteria cook I worked with, who looked like Tim Curry from Muppet Treasure Island and made jokes that I was too young to appreciate and too deaf to fully understand. I thought about my English professors who kindly and patiently talked with me about fiction, and my papers, as I stared at their lips. I thought about the girl who taught me the word confabulate before becoming a ghost of heartbreak. I thought about Jim James’s ethereal voice leading an angelic burst of harmonies on My Morning Jacket’s “Wordless Chorus,” and the way it buoyed the hardest of days. My world felt smaller that day because the world I’d built around me felt impossible to navigate without a hearing aid. It would be another seven years before I set foot in Austin, in a growing bubble of a world where Deaf people are the majority and ASL is the communicative expectation. Another seven years before I knew what it was like to be comfortable in silence.

****

Any Deaf person who’s ever taken a hearing test in an audiology booth knows exactly how terrifying this moment is. Ruben is once again bathed in darkness, much like the opening scene of the film. These tests quickly become psychological. You want to do well. You know this is a test you won’t pass, but you’d like to at least not fail too badly. You think you hear something but you’re hesitant to push the button because you don’t want it to look like you’re cheating or chasing auditory ghosts. Just as we sense Ruben’s desolate frustration, Marder shows us the other side of the equation when we can clearly see the words the audiologist is feeding him and how Ruben is whiffing with his guesses. We can also, rather heartbreakingly, see when he’s not even hearing the words at all. Riz Ahmed’s performance throughout the film is an incredible one, and in this scene he nails the desperation of being miles away from wherever you want to be, and the last to know that the train has already left the station.

But Ruben cannot be deaf. His music, and especially his music during sobriety, helped mask whatever gnawing restlessness led him to heroin abuse. Without it, he only has Lou. And what is he to Lou if he’s not a loving drummer ferrying her dream through their Airstream tour? So of course, when the doctor leaves him with a final warning to prioritize protecting the hearing he has left, the next shot has him right back at a concert, playing again. He looks even more frazzled, like he’s drumming on air, trying to hit through an imaginary barrier, to break on through to the other side of a previous, safer life. But the ringing returns and Ruben leaves in the middle of a song, unable to breathe. The sound cuts out as Lou confronts him and you can sense a day’s worth of panic—much like I experienced that day in college—threaten to pour out as he breaks the news. The crack in the dream from the opening scenes widens, and the entire thing is about to crumble.

Next, they’re in a diner and Ruben’s entire body language is that of a panicked, hurting addict. When he gets on the phone with their sponsor, Ruben doesn’t even give the man a chance to speak, knowing there’s no way he’ll hear him and not wanting to accept that reality. “You’d tell me serenity is something you get when you, uh, stop wishing for a different past,” he says, a flurry of compressed words and thoughts in search of a resolution that doesn’t exist. But Sound of Metal shows that’s only part of the equation. Serenity comes from understanding your authentic self and having a community around you that supports that. It comes from letting go of the narratives of past lives that no longer serve you. And some people never find that place.

As Ruben keeps trying to talk his way through implants and all kinds of answers that no longer exist, the camera lingers on Lou, with Olivia Cooke masterfully portraying all the unspoken truths they’ll both have to accept. She recognizes that life as they once knew it has ended. They can no longer mask each other’s deeper issues. The real work begins all over again.

****

In 1987, U2 released their landmark album, The Joshua Tree. There’s a song on it called “Running to Stand Still,” a phrase Bono originally heard from his brother as he described his struggling business. The song is about a heroin-addicted man and woman, and was inspired by Bono’s learning of a man who once continued to smuggle heroin into Dublin despite the threat of lifelong imprisonment. “Because for a lot of people, there are no physical doors open anymore,” he told Hot Press in 1987. “And so if you can’t change the world you’re living in, seeing through different eyes is the only alternative.” In this case, Bono is describing heroin as the lens through which to view the world differently, but a visit to a Deaf sober house forces Lou to realize something far different. It means her going back to Paris, to a father she struggles to connect with but is her only remaining unburned bridge. And it means Ruben stepping, alone, into a Deaf community he’s determined not to be a part of. For U2’s recovering addicts, the title of the song means spending great deals of energy, sweat, and tears only to get nowhere. But now the title of the song means something else entirely: the work they’ll have to do to find internal serenity.

When Ruben first meets Joe (Paul Raci), the head of the Deaf sober house, he’s asked if he’s thought about using since losing his hearing. Ruben closes his eyes, thinking about it. We know he’s thought about it. “Today is not a good day,” he finally responds. “I’m not thinking clear today.” Joe tells Ruben about how he lost his hearing in the Vietnam War, and how he subsequently lost his wife and kid. He can see Ruben start to do the math. “Not because of being deaf, mind you, Ruben. It was the beer.” He later emphasizes: “It’s very important, if you want to be here, to understand that we’re looking for a solution to this,” pointing to his head. Then, pointing to his ears: “Not this.” Later, as their daily chores are laid out for the members, Ruben is given one very specific job: learn how to be Deaf.

When Ruben attends his first 12-step meeting at the sober house, Joe leads with the Serenity Prayer, laying out Ruben’s journey for the rest of the movie: to accept the things he cannot change, to have the courage to change the things he can, and to develop the wisdom to know the difference. For so many people, so much of what makes a recovery successful is the fellowship. Being able to share your story with others who understand the experiences you’ve had. Opportunities for this are increasingly dire for those in the Deaf community. When you’re already feeling vulnerable as a recovering addict, it’s another layer of vulnerability you must contend with to share your story amongst a group of hearing people. Here, everyone is Deaf. Sitting right next to Ruben is Shaheem (Shaheem Sanchez), another recovering heroin addict, and yet Ruben is not ready to admit how similar their situations may be. It’s a fitting choice by Marder to not subtitle the ASL until Ruben makes an effort and a clear choice to be a part of the community.

When Joe brings Ruben to visit the local school for the Deaf, the teacher, Diane (a warm and empathetic Lauren Ridloff), asks his name. Ruben is baffled, so she writes her name on the board and fingerspells it in ASL. She hands Ruben the marker to write his own name, and he writes it big and wild like graffiti, drawing giggles from the young crowd. This isn’t just his name—this is how he wants to be seen. As bigger than life. An artistic free spirit. A beat bursting throughout a song. But it only emphasizes how small he feels, how little he truly knows about himself. Diane patiently gets the kids to follow along and help teach Ruben how to fingerspell his name. Here, she shows, we’re all the same. We each have a name and an identity to be forged.

Ruben later has a breakthrough with one of Diane’s students, a young boy with similar restless, anxious energy, pulling him away to the playground outside to reset. As Ruben sits on the bottom of the metal slide, unsure of exactly what to do, the student works his way to the top and taps it. Ruben taps back twice, giving him something to play with. The boy repeats it, then he straightens up, game for the interplay. The boy lays his head down, absorbing the rhythm through the side of his face. For once, he looks completely at peace. It’s a peace Ruben longs for, a startling connection between two Deaf people, a conversation centered around a different sound of metal.

It also awakens something in him, as the movie subsequently dances through Ruben connecting with the students and staff with ease. He becomes more engaged in his ASL classes (energetically led by Jeremy Lee Stone), furiously demanding a rematch when he loses an alphabet fingerspelling race. It’s only then, with Ruben’s engagement, that the ASL subtitles finally kick in. He connects with one of the Deaf members, Jenn (a fantastic Chelsea Lee), over a tattoo he designs for her, picking up enough to be able to joke about the size of the drawn woman’s bush. Next, he’s back in class, drumming away with the students, a smile and energy to him we never even saw with his band.

Perhaps you can see where the movie may go from here. In many other parallel universes, Ruben would buy into the Deaf community wholly and become an undeniable success story. We’re further encouraged of this possible outcome when Joe comes to see Ruben, devoid of his usual restlessness as he looks out the patio window. Joe informs Ruben of how important he’s become to a lot of people, and asks him to consider a future with the house or at the school. But recovery is not a linear process. We see just how little trust Ruben has in his own identity, when, in the next scene, he’s sneaking back up into Joe’s office to check his email, stumbling into a video of Lou playing a solo show in Paris with a drum machine. She’s effectively reduced Ruben’s presence down to a different sound of metal. Ruben becomes restless again as he strides into the Airstream, thanks to another lie: spare keys hidden beside the gas cap. He gives himself a minute to absorb and sink into the ashes of the past. Then he jams throughout the night on his kit, desperate to play his way back into his former life.

****

For most of my life, I was fed the narrative that deafness is something that can, and perhaps should, be fixed—or at least close to it. Cochlear implants hung like a specter above me throughout middle school, until doctors somehow decided that I had too much hearing to qualify—a baffling thing to be told when you’re the one deaf kid everywhere you go. But each new hearing aid promised more. More sounds. More clarity. More of a life almost like before, a life no four-year-old would ever remember. By the time I got my first digital hearing aid—an evolution that everyone promised would push me up an extra few arbitrary steps—I started to see the well-intended ruse. Each hearing aid would require my brain to adjust to the alien way of processing sound. And it would never, ever live up to the lie I was sold. What feels radical about Marder’s film is that while it may be written and made from a hearing perspective, it’s enormously empathetic to deafness in its many forms. It shows a beautiful, welcoming Deaf community for Ruben to collapse into and grow within. It shows the ways he can channel his drumming talents into the classroom and to calming others—like he does with the slide-tapping student. It shows many people who do not see deafness as a hindrance or anything to be fixed, but rather as an opportunity at a different life they grow to treasure.

****

Ruben thinks stillness will come with these cochlear implants, and Marder cleverly shows us how Ruben’s path towards them looks no different from an addict looking to score. He sells everything of worth—his sound equipment, his drum set, the Airstream—and sets up an appointment that no one else knows about. We get a chance to see the sterile operation room as doctors cut into tissue and we’re reminded that this is no simple procedure; this is brain surgery.

Ruben returns to the compound wearing two layers of deceit: a skullcap beneath a pulled-over hoodie. He has the look and gait of betrayal. When he comes inside, he runs into Joe, who’s waiting and ready. The facade quickly shatters as Joe asks basic questions and Ruben can’t help but spiral deeper and deeper, saying he’s just trying to save his life and that it doesn’t matter because if he disappears no one will care. They’re now so far from the moment on the porch when Joe reminded Ruben of the promise he showed everyone.

But Joe recognizes that Ruben has made his choice. It would be easy to conclude that Joe kicks Ruben out simply because he got a cochlear implant. But it’s far deeper than that. “As you know, everybody here shares in the belief that being deaf is not a handicap,” he reminds Ruben. “All these kids…all of us, need to be reminded of it every day. And my house is a house built on that belief and built on trust. And when that trust is violated, things happen. And I can’t have that.” In the original script by Marder and his brother Abraham, Ruben roping Jenn into trading music equipment for cash leads to her overdosing. Even with that cut storyline, we can see how Ruben tugged Jenn into a more distrustful side of the world that she’d tried to carefully wade out of. Ruben never approached anyone in the house about his implant decision. That breaking of trust and transparency can lead addicts to relapse. Once he’s kicked out, Ruben dwells in a seedy hotel, waiting for his activation appointment. He carefully peels off the bandages dried to his head, revealing a familiar “S” scar behind each ear. The mirror doesn’t lie. So Ruben shaves the rest of his head. Still trying to be something else. Still trying to blend in.

Just before Ruben returns for his activation, Marder leaves us with an ominous image: a thundercloud approaching behind telephone wires. Electricity and metal are about to mix and further confuse Ruben. He just doesn’t know it yet. There’s a timidity to him when he arrives at his appointment, a far cry from the ferocious drummer we first met. Marder and his team do a masterful job with the sound design and editing—which the film deservedly won Oscars for—as Ruben’s activation begins, and we can see through Ahmed’s performance just how each layer of sound manipulation demolishes him further. Sensing the sinking feeling, Ruben’s doctor explains to him how the implants trick his brain into thinking it’s actually hearing. It’s one wrecking ball to the insides after another. Whatever dream he held of recovering a previous life has been systematically destroyed.

****

Recovery is a misnomer. You often can’t go back to what you once had. When Ruben arrives in Paris, it’s a last-ditch effort to reframe his life and identity once again. But he’s immediately hit with the cacophony of traffic and pedestrians, the busy European life. He’s far from the quiet, more inclusive pastures of the sober house he’s just burned himself out of. When Ruben finally sees Lou, she looks incredible. There’s a stillness to her miles away from their last moments together in the US. But even in their embrace, there’s a distance to Lou, the look of a woman who knows they should remain apart but can’t bring herself to push Ruben away again.

That evening, Lou’s father plays piano while she sings in French, beautifully and gently. We can see on Ruben’s face the distance growing between him and Lou. The music distorts as Ruben listens, his face sinking as he realizes that they aren’t the same people they were before going on their own journeys, and it leaves him to wonder just who, after all this running, he’ll be when he’s standing still. Back in her room together, they cuddle like two people whose bodies know there’s nothing to salvage. When she begins to scratch her arm, the same spot we saw full of marks at the beginning of the movie, Ruben realizes that he has to be the one to break them up for good. “It’s okay,” he tells her. Lou’s face drops. “What’s okay?” she asks, knowing full well what he means but unable to find the words for it.

A big part of recovery is accepting truth while discarding narratives that no longer serve us. Ruben can see in Paris that Lou is better where she is. It’s a realization that only comes from the work he did at the sober house, the many mornings he spent writing at five in the morning with nothing but coffee and a donut, writing away the cobwebs of past identities. The next morning, the birds are back and the sounds of the city fill in as Ruben gets dressed. There’s a shot of a clown tattoo on his back, perhaps a reminder of a man who’s always tried to be someone else. When he walks through the city, the sound is just as aggressive and abrasive as before. And then he hears a church bell ringing high above, an auditory step too far, and takes off his implants. The warmth of the sun sneaks through the trees, peering down on him. He’s so at ease that he almost looks sleepy. Restlessness has, for just this moment, left his body.

A few years ago, I was sold on getting a new digital hearing aid. Once again, big improvements were promised. Bluetooth technology, no feedback, even more water and sweat resistance…the list went on. But in order to qualify, I had to step back into that dreaded sound booth for another audiogram. A near-lifetime of audio test trauma came flooding back as I did my best—whatever that meant. When the evaluation ended and the massive, surely-bulletproof door opened, the audiologist could barely pull her jaw up off the floor. “Oh my god,” she said, “you’re so deaf!” She’d assumed, like so many others in my lifetime, that I had much more hearing. Could she have worded that sentiment a little differently? Definitely. But it genuinely changed the personal narrative that I’d so painstakingly put together. I finally understood the unreasonable expectations people had for my hearing, and why, despite my best efforts, I couldn’t ever quite approach them. Now I could shove a pretty wild audiogram in the faces of all those Deaf people who discriminated against me for not being Deaf enough, who assumed I was hearing, an unsubtle euphemism for not being fluent enough in my second language of ASL. After nearly 30 years of internal war, I felt like I could approach a harmonious identity. I felt like I could fucking breathe. I could take ownership of my own identity. I could find stillness with and without silence.

I have no idea where Ruben goes after the screen cuts to black. That’s the beauty of the film. It avoids the easy inspirational narrative by being honest. This isn’t a movie about not wanting to be deaf. This is a movie about recovering a feeling of stillness in the world. That stillness doesn’t just come from the environment, be it Paris or a show in Missouri. That stillness begins within, once you can find a way to be comfortable with all the different parts of you that make you who you are.

#Adam Membrey #Sound of Metal #Darius Marder #Riz Ahmed #Film #Text #Addiction #Favorites

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tonymacaroni5678 · 2 years

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Making a Monotype Spikemuth Cup Team Every day until S/V drop part 2: Steel

Alrighty, here again with Day #2, and this type is much better for making a monotype team I have to say. Working with the steel type today. Here's the initial team that I'll test with a few battles first, then update after some testing.

Some thoughts about the team in general first. God I wish I could get a good tailwind user on here. Honorable mention to Corviknight for having tailwind, maybe that will be in the tweaks in version 2. Ferrothorn is a beast in this format, and equipped with the rocky helmet and iron barbs can absolutely melt a silly Watershifu that clicks surging strikes into the wrong spot. Registeel is another "Iron Defense/Body Press" mon that is bulky enough to not really need Tailwind, although it does well in Trick Room if it can manage to get into it. The niche I wanted it to fill was a sandstorm setter to enable Excadrill, and it's bulky enough with this EV spread to manage that more often than not. Excadrill is a great attacker, I added Poison Jab for fairy coverage (looking at you, exceedingly popular Tapus/Rillaboom). This set can really put a dent into opposing mons, but it really, seriously, needs sand up to do anything. Heatran is an excellent mon in this format, not doing much for the huge amount of ground weaknesses this team has once air balloon is popped, maybe switching that to life orb is a tweak I can make post-testing. Kartana is another excellent mon in this format, although it misses dynamax and max airstream boosts, its speed is still amazing, and you can actually run almost full SpD investment without giving up KOs, especially after one beast boost. Celesteela is a mon I never respected as much as I should have before playing this format, but it is such a good switch-in on opposing Landorus-I and Leech Seed makes me want to rage quit when I play against it. This is a more offense-oriented set, since I have so many other passive mons on the team, but to be honest I'm more comfortable playing a more defensive set on Celesteela. Maybe that's a change I could make in version two as well. Honorable mentions go to Corviknight for the aforementioned Tailwind option, Bisharp (not the Incin counter you might think after running some calcs), Bronzong for a full TR squad, Steelix for having a similar niche to Registeel, and Metagross for being an all-time baller cool pokemon to have.

Lucky for me, my experimentation with the ghost team yesterday tanked my rating to 1000 (0 lol), so maybe we'll see some weird stuff in these battles. Okay, battle number 1, here goes

Leads: Initially I'm thinking Celesteela, Heatran, and Excadrill deal with this team well. They probably won't bring Dragapult or Togekiss with all these steel types in front of them, so Raikou, Incin, Rillaboom, and Slowking are likely what they're going to bring, maybe Incin/Rilla in the lead. I'll lead with Heatran and Kartana, to try to pressure them with some big offense. I struggled with who exactly to bring in the back, Excadrill felt like dead weight here without Registeel and I couldn't make room for both, so I went with Ferrothorn and Celesteela in the back.

Turn 1: Okay, they lead they exact two I didn't think they would bring, great. Looks like a turn 1 setup with Follow Me, Dragon Dance, so I do the brainless thing of clicking two steel moves into Togekiss, hoping for a KO. I got read like a book and the Kiss protected lol, Dragapult did set up one DD. Did it need the speed? No; the attack is going to be a problem for me moving forward though. Changes I would make: Look, this is a rookie move, but if you expect a follow me, just click the moves into the other mon. If you're right, whatever, and if they don't click follow me, that's a much better play.

Turn 2: Now they have to Follow Me, right? LOL as if. I once again left my brain at home, as my opponent switches Incin into the Togekiss slot, getting a drop on Kartana and taking a little damage from Flash Cannon and Smart Strike. Dragapult opts for a Dragon Darts, and I'm pleased with how little damage that does to my mons even with the attack boost. Changes I would make: Come on man, think harder. The Incin switch was super optimal, and I could've hit that spot with at least a Flash Cannon and Sacred Sword to cover for it. Another option here would be to switch out Heatran, knowing that Incin was probably in the back and wait to switch in on a Flare Blitz for a juicy 0 damage and Flash Fire boost.

Turn 3: Okay, I'm thinking Incin is worried about a Sacred Sword from Kartana, and it has Fake Out available. Kartana can't protect, it's an AV set, so I'll switch that out for Ferrothorn, punish the Fake Out with recoil damage, and protect with Heatran. Dragon Darts is smart, and hits Ferrothorn twice doing a big chunk of damage. I predicted the Incin correctly, and that was rewarded with a nice amount of damage on the Incin. Changes I would make: Once again, switching out the Heatran looks much better in retrospect, that would mean less damage for my ferrothorn from the darts, and I could switch it back in, at least making my opponent hesitate before clicking Flare Blitz.

Analysis from battle 1: Excadrill probably would have been better to bring here I think.

Analysis after battle 3: Ooh so close. Spectrier definitely showed me that I should have put it in my team from yesterday. This battle also showed the weakness of the moveset on Registeel, but I don't think any of them can be dropped honestly, I should've just done a better job preserving my other mons for the endgame. Ferrothorn was dead weight, which is annoying because I know it can do better.

My browser keeps crashing, which is why there is no battle 2; I had it all typed in here and then lost it before I could save the draft, which isn't really a shame because it was an agonizing loss. So I went 0-3 with version 1 of this team, but in another game I had afterward when I was just messing around with the team, someone used Togedemaru against me and it. was. so. GOOD! This inspired version 2, which has gone 3-0 in 3 battles, and was a lot more fun to play.

Togedemaru, where to begin. Three great abilities, but lightning rod alongside Celesteela was the winner for me. Coupled with a focus sash (that I may not need, since it only came into play once, and I maxed investment in HP). It has Fake Out. It has a cooler Protect. It has 96 (!!) base speed with Nuzzle for speed control. I also added Bronzong for an actual trick room setter, for another dose of speed control. Kept the heavy hitters from version 1 and waffled on Ferrothorn or Registeel (I swear guys, Sandstorm is not a troll, it's good against things like Torkoal). But I wanted so badly to see Watershifu melt after clicking the fun button that I had to keep it on. I'll give some replays below without commentary, enjoy seeing me actually play smart/get lucky and doing the aforementioned trolling of Watershifu in 2 of them :-)

#competitive pokemon #pokemon vgc

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boogiewrites · 2 years

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Seeing Stars Part 11 | Eddie Munson

Summary: We follow Star and Eddie through the entirety of their post-Halloween Saturday night. It starts with Star stunning Eddie with her costume, the always-present sexual tension and flirtatious energy between them undeniable. She drags him to a party where he's accosted by Robin for being a "moron". Her words. The house party ends abruptly, leading them to an unexpected detour that gives Eddie a glimpse into Star's mind for a fleeting moment. They drive home recklessly, and once they're cleaned up they can finally give in to the weeks' worth of pent-up need for each other. The sexual tension is out in the open, but the romantic tension is threatening to bring a gun to a knife fight.

Part 1 if you missed it!

CW: 18+ P in V sex. Kitchen sex. Usual dirty talk. Use of pet name, puppy. A little post orgasm sensitivity. Denial of falling in love. Smoking, drinking, dancing, etc. Bullying. Star ranting about Christians again. HEAVY on the fluff and flirtation. We see some inner child healing from both of them. Some role-playing without sex involved. They're falling in love dammit, it's beautiful.

A Halloween-themed mix tape played, the walls of the airstream trailer buzzing from Star’s speakers. Star had done her Samhain work, feeling particularly in tune and empowered. She tapped gold glitter to her face, trying to get it to stick to add a little something extra to her costume. A squealing of guitar from Eddie’s van radio cut through the walls of her sanctuary, overpowering her soft mood set with her candles and music. She turned the volume knob to silence it, her long black nails grazing the notches edges as she did so. The expected knock didn’t startle her, moving to pop the lock and open the small door. Her darkened eyes shifted around the quiet space, night having already fallen this late in the year. She was met with no one, Eddie’s van hissing and steaming in the cold night air her only greeting.

“Eddie?” she called, fingers extending to the edges of the doorway, her head now turning on a lengthened swan-like neck to search him out. She stepped out, clacking her boot's wooden soles onto the cracked pavement of the carport. “Your van is here, I know you’re here,” she stated obviously, a still not nervous huff of a laugh escaping her as she walked to the edges of the pavement, silent and waiting. She checked the kitchen door, thinking he might’ve gone inside the house instead, but it was locked. “Whenever you decide to stop acting like a ding dong I’ll be inside.” she lilted with a raised voice. “Strange little man,” she mumbled to herself as she stepped back into her safe space, clicking the door shut. She shifted to return to her vanity, both a location and a state of mind. She then jumped and stuttered, her hands finding the back of the kitchenette booth to steady herself, nails tapping noisily in her grip. “Jesus!” she grumbled out through clenched teeth.

There Eddie sat, skull mask over his face, eerily still in his perfect posture on her bed.

“Shit. That’s so much creepier than jumping out and scaring me.” she admitted, a hand lightly to her chest. He pushed the flimsy plastic mask off his face, pushing his hair back like an impromptu headband with the thin elastic band holding it to his head.

“I thought so.” he finished before the mask was fully raised. “Shit.” he babbled with barely moving lips, taking in the vision that was Star. He was never appalled by her appearance, but there were always stolen moments where the light hit her just right, or he caught her in a mental snapshot of a soft expression where he found her breathtaking. “You look…’ his brown cow eyes were big and shining in the shifting light of her pillar candles. “Woah.” he chooses as a reply, his brain short-circuiting as he processed the high fantasy-looking goddess in front of him. That wasn’t him being complimentary either, she was quite literally dressed as one.

“I was hoping you’d like it,” she admitted, her smile radiating a warmth Eddie could feel in his chest. “I wish I could wear this every day. Or something like it.” she spun, her hooded crushed velvet cape, not draped on her mess of braided and tightly curled hair. She’d made a headband and pinned it into her braid that sat across her head. The little gold leaves and filigree shine slightly metallic. “Except for the things I made and the cape, it’s completely 60s second-hand. I’ve been dying for a reason to wear this dress.” She let out a lustful sigh at the sight of it on her body, skimming her shape with precision as if it were made for her. An above-the-knee a-line in black with feathers around the hem and bell sleeves. Black knee-high boots covered what her blackened tights did not. It cut just enough to see a swell of her chest noticeably up in a bra, around her neck and waist were gold-colored leather strings, chains, and crystals in layers. Her hands presented herself, a kick up of her foot to show the boots, then a graceful pose to bring attention to her face.

“You look like some high fantasy elf royalty.” he said with sparkling eyes and a part in his full lips that his tongue was gently caressing.

“Ohhh, I like that.” her black painted lips formed a seductive smile that made poor Eddie gulp. A band of black lay across her face over her eyes and bridge of her nose and disappeared into her hairline. A crescent moon adorned her forehead, and the glimmer of gold glitter on her cheeks and eyes sent a luster of glamour to her already pleasant face.

“You look…” his eyelashes, batted, head shaking ever so slightly. “Gorgeous.” A better choice than last time he thought.

“I am Hecate, the goddess of the night, magic and necromancy, and more. I’d certainly hope so.” she bowed with an extended hand slightly before holding her hand out to him to stand. He did so without having to fully register it as a thought first. “So this is your Eddie?” she asked, looking him up and down.

“Yeah I feel like I’m way underdressed now.” he admitted with a scratch of his head.

“You look like you, Eddie. The mask was a good choice.”

“Since it’s after the 31st I saw them on sale and grabbed one.”

“Smart.” she nodded in approval.

“It’s exactly like the album cover. White shirt, dark jeans, sneakers.” He paused, holding the usual double layer of leather jacket and battle vest. “These are because it’s cold.” he shrugged, having no better excuse.

“You’re not wrong.” she pouted her lips in thought. “I did have an idea. If you’re open?”

“Always.” he dipped his head in earnest.

“You know how he’s got lighter hair, it’s all white and yellow?” Eddie nodded. “You open to putting baby powder in your hair?”

“Shit that’s a good idea.” his eyes started darting to her countertop to find it immediately.

“You can do it outside, it’ll get all over the place and I’m not about to dirty it up after I just deep cleaned. Or get it all over this dress.” Eddie held the bottle close to his chest, looking around and noticing she was right. The wood shined, neat stacks where piles once were. Her altar was glimmering, offering in abundance sat atop it. It looked festive with its pumpkins, gourds, and apples. The entire space smelled of clove and cinnamon he realized and took a deep inhale.

“It looks nice. Smells even better.”

“Oh I did a simmer pot!” she said excitedly. “Made a new oil for the harvest season.” she held out a bare wrist to his nose.

“You smell like a sexy apple pie.” he hummed in approval with half-lidded eyes. “I’d eat you.” his face shifted into a cheesy grin.

“I’d let you.” she beamed back, stepping out of his way in the narrow walking space and giving him a directing hand to exit.

“Would I-? I mean do…? Er- can I?” he stuttered out as he trotted out the door.

“The night’s young!” she took her tiny candle snuffer and switched on a lamp to negate the growing darkness of the dying candles.

“We never did discuss what I was getting out of doing this for you.” she heard him outside her door, various grunts and sounds of movement as he did so.

“You get the delight of my company, mortal.” she smiled to herself, the puffs of candle smoke billowing about as they were darkened. She heard a snort of a response.

“You begged me to come with you. I don’t think this is the time to get high and mighty.”

“Eddie, darling, you were awestruck at the sight of me, I think I could use you as furniture and you’d thank me.” she smirked as she leaned on the doorway, seeing him in the middle of the carport, head flipped over and puffing baby powder into his hair.

“All that aside. When you very literally begged me to do this with you I graciously agreed. I think a good deed should be rewarded.”

“Do you know what the word graciously means? Because you making me get on my knees was not that.” she rolled her eyes humorously.

“It was a power move, I admit that.”

“And now you're trying to get more out of me in return,” she stated with an egotistical raise of an eyebrow. “Bold of a mortal.” she smirked.

He flipped his hair back over, now dusted white, and let out a sneeze.

“How is it?”

“Much better.” she clapped in approval, holding her hand out to take the now mostly empty bottle from him.

“I owe you nothing more, and you owe me a new baby powder.” she raised her voice so he’d hear as she moved into the body of the trailer to sit it back down, returning to view with a can of hairspray. “Turn and I’ll spray.”

“Not if I have to buy more of that too.” he complained.

“Just do it.” she groaned and held it up. “Cover your face and spin slow.” he obeyed orders this time. A cloud of stickiness settled around him.

“Why do I need this?

“So you don’t get baby powder on everything you touch. Headbang a few times and one more round.”

“Ugh, jesus,” he mumbled as he stumbled on the uptake and spun again under the shower of chemicals.

“Perfect.” she declared, disappearing again, this time returning with a small black crossbody bag on. “Now maybe I can get close to you and won’t get covered in white.”

“Oh you know that’s gonna happen if you get near me sweetheart.” he wiggled his eyebrows at her and she shoved his shoulder. “Speaking of.” he reached for her waist and she swatted his hands.

“Are we bargaining?” she asked assertively with a tilted head. “If you’d just say you want me to fuck you in return for going to this party just man up and say it.” she added with a decisive hand to her hip, the other poised upward.

“But I won’t because that would be rude.” he grinned with deepening smile lines and a pointed finger. “But I don’t think I have to tell you it’s been a while.” he leaned with poor balance, hands in his pockets and shifting to one foot and then the other merrily.

“Believe me, you don’t,” she said reassuringly. “What offering do you bring me in exchange for such a gift from a goddess.” he wanted to grab her painted face and kiss her for being so delightfully weird with him.

“Uh… my dick?” he stated with a passive face and perfect comedic delivery. She sputtered out a laugh, breaking character.

“You’re not gonna play along? Fine.” she laughed.

“I bring you…” he began, leaning forward from his hips and back again as he thought. “My most beautiful and powerful goddess…” he began, finding his unscripted character, a hand to his chest. “Goddess of the night, of magic, of necromancy. I am but a humble undead servant to you. Who happens to have the rather unexpected upper hand, so I offer you myself, in totality in return for accompanying you to this… masquerade of the harvest. May you use my body and spirit in any way you see fit to serve the purposes of your work.” he bowed fully, his hair falling forward with an arm behind his back and the other outstretched in offering.

She took his hand, his face raising to look at her. With ash dipped fingers, black against his pale chin she raised him.

“This sacrifice pleases me.” she smiled, lifting his mesmerized face to hers. “What if I require a blood sacrifice? One not only of your flesh?” In his slumped posture, he exhaled and gazed up at her muted malachite eyes.

“I’d plead to your benevolence that it be your athame to do it.” he rose fully, imposing over her with the look in his eyes that gave away his desire to say something very foolish at her willingness to play in such a way with him that no other woman had. Her throat bobbed, and her lips parted ever so slightly as they moved seamlessly to follow his. “You’re into this aren’t you?” his brow creased with friendly judgment. A barely there nod and a shy glance away were his answer in the affirmative.

She lost her composure as he looked down at her, the cold air having penetrated her skin enough to feel the burn of his skin as it touched hers. She was caught by complete surprise at how the originally goofy role play had quickly turned into something that awakened a part of her she didn’t know existed. She liked this back and forth, the way she was getting a personal dose of Eddie’s Dungeon Master charisma targeted directly at her. She couldn’t deny it was something she thought about when alone at night.

“The more concerning factor is the mention of the athame is what did it for me.” she admitted with a smile.

“Of course, I would use all the knowledge available to please such a divine creature as yourself. I’ve seen yours, on your altar. And I would misspeak if I were to say I did not already know of your predilection of dark and bloody things. It would make sense such attention would stir something within you.” he leans in as he speaks, holding her apt attention.

“And you would wish to stir such things?”

“Only..” a thoughtful pose of pressed lips quickly grew into a smirk. “ always.” she felt victimized at the amount of appeal that poured over her when he shot her a full smile.

“But how many moons has it been since your last sacrifice?” she asked her tone accusing. Without any conscious thought, he had pulled her closer, a ringed hand guarded against the chill in the warm space between her cloak and dress.

“Too many. Shall I beg for your forgiveness for my neglect?” What started as an attempt to play, giving him the same high fantasy portrayal that he loved to give during D and D sessions was now making her cheeks burn. She became acutely aware of the way the wind snuck up her dress and tickled her skin through her stockings. He watched her face take on many emotions, waves of trembling lips and eyes, nomadic across his face as he bore down on her with admiration.

“If we were to, I'm afraid we wouldn’t make our engagement.” her head barely shook from side to side, her eyes not looking away from his lips. “And then I wouldn’t be of the perfect visage humans expect of me.” a smile sparked across her lips, finally breaking her stare to his mouth and looking up to his eyes. “Could I call on you after my societal expectations are met?” she whispered.

“As you wish.” He averts his eyes downward in an act of respect as if she were truly a goddess. She feels the hot spot of his hand on her body leave, the warmth between them fading as he does as she asked and refrains. Her turn to act on need and not her conscious want. Her hand found the edge of his vest, pins icy on her skin as she grasped it to stop him.

“Perhaps…” a breathy word with an audible need pulled him back to her. Her call was steel and he was but a magnet with no choice in the matter. “ just a taste?” Her eyes needlessly asked him. He would give her anything she wanted. Especially himself. The surge of feeling wanted, and being asked so softly by the object of his affections was enough to make his heart race. But when she looked like an ethereal goddess he’d gawk at in one of his sci Fi magazines, it added an extra layer of ache inside him.

“Your hunger knows no bounds, my lady.” He smiled before taking her into his arms.

“Sate me enough to get me through this party.” She requested with a smile as his hands found his favorite places on her body to hold her.

“What is a taste to a hungry goddess?” He asked with his face tilted, nose grazing hers.

“A kiss.” She sighed, her eyes fluttering shut, trusting he’d give her what she wanted. And she was right to trust Eddie.

Star felt she should feel shame or embarrassment for the banter and how it’d made her feel. But Eddie brought something out in her she thought she’d lost. She could play again. She could use her imagination and creativity and not be afraid of it being punished. So pretending to be a goddess, an undead servant, or a half-orc was once again allowed and her inner child was thriving for it. The healing woman who harbored her however had bigger issues at hand. Like currently having the willpower to break off the kiss Eddie had her enveloped in.

Eddie had pulled her tight against his body. He kept her head to his with a hand to her nape, the spiral curls she’d styled nuzzling against his fingers. Her foot popped up like a heroine in a movie, her hands clasped to the buttery leather sleeves of his jacket, feeling the flex of muscle beneath it as he supported her weight in a leaning, encompassing kiss.

She wasn’t sure if it was the heavy lifting work she’d done for Samhain or if she was just that desperate for touch but Star found herself struck dizzy from the kiss. She could always blame the moon, one night out from being full and still causing lunacy. It was as if she felt him pouring into her from his mouth, from the touch of her hands, like warm honey. She greedily soaked it up, finding herself gasping softly as his lips found her jaw and eventually her throat. Her necklaces were no deterrent for his devoted lips.

Simultaneously Eddie too felt the heightened effectiveness between them. He wanted to sink his teeth into her, leave watercolor splotches on her skin of ownership where he knew he had no right to leave them. Something as small and simple as a tone change of a whine told him she knew they needed to stop. He did her the favor of stopping, knowing she might not have the willpower to by the speed of her pulse under his lips and the charming way she’d melted freely in his arms.

“I missed this,” she said in a breathy exhale. “Why haven’t we made time for this again?” she softly laughed, using her cape to wipe the smudged lipstick from Eddie’s mouth.

“Halloween’s a busy time of year for a freak.” he grinned.

“That it is.” she sighed, returning to holding herself up on her own feet. “When I said I wanted to celebrate Halloween I didn’t mean joining the spirit world from being worked to death.” she had a tired smile, handing him the other corner of her cape, he intuitively knew what to do, cleaning up the lines around her lips. His painting of miniatures gave him an advantage when it came to makeup it turned out, he could do his eyeliner for shows now.

“I thought you were avoiding me for a while, to be honest.” her head tilted in question. “If I didn’t see you at the diner all the time I wouldn’t believe you.” his eyes moved across her face and neck, focused, leaving no proof of their little role play tryst.

“See me all the time? You stalking me now?” she gave him an accusatory look but did so with a smile. With a single eyebrow raise down at her she cracked and softened her expression. “This is what happens when you’re the only person without kids or a family at a job. They think you can work all the time just because you don’t have other people to take care of. They forget you can have a life outside of those things.”

“Aren’t there like, laws about working people in school too much?”

“Not if you’re 18.Yay.” she bobbed her head with fake celebration.

“Welcome to being an adult, go fuck yourself.” he chuckled, dropping her cape and pulling it back over her shoulders.

“BUT!” she said loudly with a big inhale, throwing her head back dramatically. “Tonight I am OFF!” she clapped her hands together.

“You are.” he threw his hand in the air enthusiastically. “AND tomorrow!”

“YES!” She grinned and nodded her head aggressively. “So I am going to get drunk!” she said with equal enthusiasm. “Sorry.” she smiled, her chin pushed back into her neck comedically.

“Eh.” he rolled his eyes and shrugged.

“And I’m - WE are gonna have fun.”

“Am I though?” he scrunched his nose at her.

“You better have fun,” she says, shoving his chest and putting space between them. “You will have no choice after I put on my…” her hand digs around her small purse. She mutters about finding something, ruining her momentum, and Eddie laughs. “Most Metal Halloween mix ever.” she holds up a cassette.

“Is it? Or is it Rhiannon on repeat?”

“You’re a dick.” she bent over slightly with a laugh and bright eyes. “It HAS that on there but there’s more than that.” she started towards the cars parked in the driveway. “Plus, my car, my tape.” she shook it with a rattle.

“Your car? We’re taking your car? You’re drinking, why would I let you drive?”

“I am bestowing the gift of driving my car upon you for tonight.” she tossed him her keychain heavy keys.

“Why? I’d rather drive my van.”

“Because! My car is less obvious, it doesn’t smell like weed and there isn’t a bong hidden inside it.” she chuckled. “Cops are out, it’s the weekend after Halloween. I’m not spending it in jail.”

“You know? I hate it when you’re right.”

“I know.” she says patronizingly.

They piled into the obnoxiously yellow car, Star was bopping and Eddie was critiquing all her choices on her mix tape. They drove out of town, a rich kid from school was having a party at his parent's Lake House. The road was dark and the moon fighting through the canopy of thick trees was a perfect setting.

“Alright slow down.” she leaned forward and turned the volume down.

“Why?” Eddie turned his head towards her with a swish of grey hair.

“Look there are cars all the way out in the road.” she rolled down her window and saw the party packed, you could hear music from the road. The small neighborhood around it didn’t have much parking room and it was spilling out into the main road. “Drive ahead and turn around.” she said confidently, rolling up the window.

“Are we bailing? PLEASE tell me we’re bailing.”

“No, there’s a trailhead not even a mile back, we’re parking there.”

“Again… why?”

“This is a lot of people, dude. It’s gonna get attention and piss some old fogey off once it gets late. If we are parked farther away, at a trailhead, they’ll think we aren’t part of the party and leave the car alone.”

“Star, what do you think is gonna happen if the cops break up the party?” Eddie gives her a weird smirk.

“They’ll tow cars and arrest people?” she stated obviously.

“Sweetheart, this isn’t Chicago.” he arrogantly explained. “They’ll chase everyone out yeah, if it’s too rowdy they might take some downtown, sure. But they won’t tow cars. They’ll pull their superiority shit and make everyone feel stupid they got busted and then have everyone leave.”

“Man.” she huffed. “Do the cops ever do their jobs here?”

“Only if you’re not white or poor.” he said certainly.

“Okay so it is like Chicago.” she snorted out a laugh.

“Yeah I think that’s a universal thing,” he grumbled. “So the trailhead?” he asked as he awkwardly turned his van around.

“Yes please.” she cheesy grinned.

“God damn I didn’t know there were this many people in Hawkins!” she said louder than she normally would over the thump from inside the house. She had taken Eddie by the hand without hesitation to lure him up the inclined driveway.

“What?” he asked, too preoccupied with the fact that people could see them and he knew they’d take notice of the hand holding. Those fuckers didn’t miss a thing.

“There are so many people!” she repeated, looking back to her tag along. “At least we know there’s booze.” her thumb pointing to a guy puking in the bushes.

“Please don't get that drunk tonight.” he asked with a slight frown.

“I won’t. Promise.” she squoze his hand and he was dragged with rushed, awkward feet to the front door. “I’d say we should knock but I don’t think there’s a point.” she chuckled and reached for the ornate handle.

“Are you okay with-?” he asked with uncertain eyes as he held up their clasped hands. Star’s head tilted, eyes now as uncertain as his at his concern.

“Are you?” Eddie considered it for a second.

“Yeah? I thought you might.”

She let out a chest heavy sound. “Of course, I don’t. I’m the one holding your hand, ya dingus.” she scrunched her nose, leaning forward and making his chest feel fuzzy at the attention. She secured her grip and dragged him into the bustle of the party. Eddie kept a dopey sort of smile on his face as she yanked him into the house.

“And one for you!” Star said with a hop as she handed Eddie a plastic cup of some surely tainted punch.

“Can’t I just get a beer?”

“You can get a little drunk at first then taper off so you can drive.” She pushes the cup up to his mouth as she brings hers up to her own. “I want us to have a little fun and I need you loosened up.” She knocks her cup against his for a cheer, then chugs its back. Eddie groans and follows her lead.

“Jesus Christ what's in that? Jet fuel?” He panted.

“Ever clear.” A guy dressed as a doctor said.

“Yeah, that’ll do it. Shit.” He smacked his lips. Star was pouring a second cup.

“Hey, hey, you’ll rot your stomach out with that shit, give it a minute. Eat a chip.” He grabbed the nearest snack on the island in the obnoxiously expensive kitchen. Planes of marble and chrome appliances with deeply stained cabinets mocked them with their higher tax bracket quality.

“Didn’t expect to see you here.” They hear a familiar voice come from the hallway. A sober Robin made her way through the thick crowd.

“Hey!” Star said cheerfully. Eddie noticed the uptick and relaxed, knowing Robin wasn’t a threat. “I could say the same for you?!”

“Bunch of people from band crashed. Much like yourselves.”

“It’s the season that brings people together.” Star chuckled.

“Hey, Eddie.” Robin nodded his way with a friendly smile. “I’ve never seen you at one of these.”

“Because I hate them.” He answered with raised brows. “I was forced to come.” He nodded toward Star who had already drank another cup of very unnaturally colored punch.

“Oh!” She jumped up and down. “Rick James! Who the hell is choosing this music? They’ve got good taste, holy shit.” Eddie watches as her cheeks flush and her eyes get wide and shiny. The alcohol was moving quickly tonight.

“Probably Josh, it’s his house. Or his sister?” Robin shrugged.

“You need another drink.” She said to Eddie, having snatched the cup away and ladle in hand.

“No, I’m gonna pace myself. Maybe you should too?” He takes ahold of her wrists lightly.

“I want you to dance with me though. You’re not going to unless you're drunk. Then you can enjoy yourself without being so damn paranoid.” It came out quickly in one big breath.

“I’m not dancing Star.” He groaned.

“Please?” She attempted.

His expression told her the answer was the same.

“Fine.” She said curtly, taking the mostly poured cup that was meant for Eddie and downing it before he could stop her. “Maybe you were right.” She shrugged. “Maybe I shouldn’t have begged you to come.” With that, she turned, shook off the annoyance, and blended into the dancing crowd.

“Dude,” Robin said, not afraid of Eddie, and staring him down. “No offense- no, you know, on behalf of girls everywhere full offense. You’re an idiot.”

“What?” He almost screeched from surprise and over the volume of the music.

“Dance with her, you moron!” She shoved her arm out towards the floor. “She had to BEG you to come with her?” She started to drill it into his head. “HER?” She blatantly pointed to Star, her curls falling quickly and hips moving much to the delight of any fan of the feminine form. “You should be thankful she even talks to you dude.”

“What the hell did I do?”

“Watch her for a second. I give it less than a minute.”

“For what?” Eddie demanded. Robin simply pointed again. Within a short time, a guy started dancing with Star. Eddie felt his throat tighten. Then he saw her frown and shake her head, dipping away. She put a few bodies between her and the guy before getting lost in her boozy bouncing.

“For THAT!” Robin clapped her hands together. “She asked you to come with her. Nay, BEGGED your dumbass. She asked you to dance. You told her no? YOU?”

“What am I chopped liver? Shit. I thought you were cool.” He declared defensively.

“I am. Which is why I’m being honest with you. Listen to what I’m saying. She didn’t ask anyone else to come. She didn’t ask anyone else to dance. She asked who?”

“Me?”

“Star, who is pretty, funny, and not an asshole. Not to people like us. Well, most of the time.” Robin chuckled. “You. The school freak, the weirdo, the asshole… told HER no? Are you catching on?”

“I think so?”

“If you were you'd be out there dancing.” Robin felt like she was talking to Steve for a moment. That same indignant stare back, the wordless how dare you. She was used to laying things out plainly when Steve got in his head, it seemed Eddie wasn’t much different.

“You’re saying I should be grateful she wants me around? That’s supposed to make me feel good?”

“I’m being realistic.” Her certainty seemed out of character and Eddie side-eyed her. “She loves to dance sure, she wiggles around her seat like she’s got ants in her pants during music class, but she’s not dancing with anyone else.” Robin raised her brows. “She could ask any guy to come with her to this stupid party.”

“But she asked me. She hates everyone else.”

Robin kept staring and hoping he’d get it.

“She wanted me.” He finally said, Robin mostly read his lips as his voice dropped. She held her hand out in display. “Did she… say something?”

“Her? Psh no. She’s sealed up like Fort Knox about anything personal. It could be best friends. I know I like doing stuff with Steve but… if Steve says no… I don’t beg. I find someone else.” Her grimace as she leaned forward was noticed by Eddie but he was mostly watching Star.

“I hate dancing.” He sighed after a pause.

“Can you?”

“Kinda. Enough to get by?” He shrugged.

“If you gave her only one dance you’d make her night. The poor girl's been begging you for crying out loud.”

“You are underestimating how much I hate dancing. This whole…” he waves his hands around to point out the party. “Situation is NOT me. This is her shit. Not mine. I hate people and I hate people fucking snickering and shit when I’m around and if I get out there I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“Wow. You really think you’re important don’t you?” Robin scoffed.

“Fuckin- what?” Eddie said incredulously.

“Look around? Everyone’s drunk. Anyone who’s not doesn’t give a shit about what YOU are doing. You’re making yourself way too important, man. Sorry to burst your bubble but no one gives a shit.” Eddie blinks and stares. “Do you think people care if you dance? At a party? Do you hear yourself? Do you hear how dumb that sounds?”

“When you put it that way!” He squeaked out.

“You have the ability to make someone’s night. Whether it’s because she’s your best friend or not. And you’re turning her down every time she tries. That royally sucks you know”.

“I have certain morals and values and-“

“You’re anti-dancing?”

“Kinda yeah!”

“You didn’t seem to be when you were watching her at your show.” She called him out and his mouth formed a tight line. “Seemed to REALLY like it then.”

“You don’t get it.”

“You’re right! I don’t. I think it’s dumb.” She hit her hands on the countertop. “Have fun pushing her away.” She said as she turned and walked away.

“Hey! Did she-?“ he began but she waved her hand to dismiss him and show she wasn’t interested. Eddie had a personal Munson doctrine. It was a way he saw the world and understood his role in it. Thinking everyone was watching you and waiting for you to fuck up wasn't paranoia if it had been proven true time and time again. He thought dancing was pointless. The hips and the arms and moving in some mating ritual he found it all shallow. It wasn’t something he was interested in changing his view on.

But then he watched Star. Remembering her heartfelt talks about it. How it was her escape and her joy. How she loved moving her body to express herself. He remembered how she pulled him close and showed him how to dance in her trailer, and how he couldn’t admit that with her… he kinda liked it.

“God dammit.” He sighed, rubbing his face. His elbow hit the ladle of the punch bowl and it mocked him. “Fuck it.” He said to no one but himself, pouring a tall glass and drinking it down, feeling the burn into the pit of his stomach. With a clumsy wipe of the back of his hand, he stood up straight and headed into the sardine tight packed dance floor.

At first, he wasn’t sure what Star’s reaction was, she looked as if she might cry once she realized the hands grabbing her’s were Eddie’s. Her lips moved, but she didn’t make up her mind on what to say. Once he started moving his feet, a simple back and forth she mirrored him, her smile wide and sparkling. He didn’t do much, admittedly, but he showed up and he quickly realized that’s all it took. She hung around his neck, letting her use him as a balance and let her do her thing. She turned and put his hand on her hip, which was somehow easier and harder on him. Easier because she couldn’t see, but harder because her ass kept grinding against him. How was he supposed to concentrate on not tripping over his own feet when she was backing it up on him? It did give him a moment to realize that both girls who had been disappointed in him that night were right. No one was watching, everyone was so caught up in their own thing that he could've screamed at the top of his lungs and no one would even turn their head. Some people were doing exactly that. It gave him strange confidence he carried into the dreaded appearance of a slow dance.

If he’d thought people didn’t care before, now everyone around them was so busy sucking face and grabbing ass. Eddie only knew the artist of the song because of Star. He didn’t know the BeeGee’s made slow songs but he’d know that voice anywhere now. Star had her eyes shut, cheek mushed against him and getting black all over his shirt but he didn’t care. She didn’t throw her arms around his neck, she had her arms around his waist and he happily let her. He put his arms around her, more of a shifting hug than a dance. He smiled down at her, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. He looked around the party and saw Robin who did a slow clap when they met eyes. He laughed and shook his head, looking down at a soft-faced Star.

“You still mad at me?” he asked, lowering his mouth next to her ear. She shook her head no and squeezed him tighter.

Star got another dance out of him before he leaned in to tell her they should get a drink and some air. Her makeup was starting to run, her lipstick mostly gone and the black on her fingers now only a memory, most of it left on Eddie’s clothes. He took her hand this time, grabbing a bottle of water that she accepted with a frown. He snatched a full-size bag of chips as they exited out the kitchen door. He stepped out, the cool air making him take a languid inhale at its appearance. He shut his eyes and started in the direction of some patio furniture. He was tugged back like he was anchored. He startles and turns, seeing Star standing still with an expression on her face he hadn’t seen before. He was immediately worried.

“What it is?” he asked, turning on his heel and trotting back to her.

“That’s a… big, uh, fire.” she says slowly, the flames in question reflected in her eyes.

“Yeah? It’s a bonfire. Pretty normal stuff.” his brow lowers in thought.

“It’s… a big fire.” she said again, now looking at him and raising her scarred arm.

“Oh shit! Right, fuck. I’m sorry.” he stumbled over his words. “We need to go back inside?”

“Didn’t expect it.” she blinked and seemed to snap out of her fear. “Just need a minute.” she shook her head. “I’m fine it’s just… I don’t deal well with surprises in the form of fire.” she nervously chuckled.

“I don’t think anyone does.” he huffed out a soft laugh. “I was gonna sit over there by the retaining wall with that patio furniture? Does that sound alright? It’s farther from the fire.” She nodded and he saw her take a deep breath, shaking off the bad energy.

Eddie pushes the discarded cans and cups off the patio table. He pats it and helps steady Star as she sat. He takes the time to open her water for her, and pop the bag of chips. They watch the scattered groups and stragglers move around the backyard in silence for a moment.

“You know bonfires were used for divination originally? It’s why we have them during Halloween.” she broke the silence after a few chips.

“Is staring into a fire like staring into the sun?”

“No. You can stare into a fire and see things.”

“Do you see things in the fire?”

“I have before yeah. I used it just the other day for Samhain. Did some harvest rituals.”

“I saw all that stuff on your altar. Guess I shouldn’t eat it huh?”

“Yeah don’t eat my offerings.” She grinned.

“So you can see the future?”

“Yes and no. You can have visions sure but seeing shapes or having things come to mind over and over when you’re meditating on the fire is more realistic.”

“What’d you see?”

“If I told you I’d have to kill you.” she wiggled her eyebrows at him.

“Then please tell me, get me the hell out of here.” He cheesed. “Was it good?”

“I don’t know. I saw animals.”

“Animals?”

“Yeah, like forest animals?” She sounded unsure. “A bear, a deer, a cow, or a bull I’m not really sure, they look alike.”

“You gonna go live in the woods and be one of those witches people say haunt the forest?” He seemed excited at the prospect.

“Hell, maybe.” She shrugged.

“Is it like dreams? Where you dream about snakes and it means something?”

“I suppose the symbology is similar across different mediums. Bears are like, resurrection, cause they hibernate ya know. Deer are change. Bulls are masculine and cows are softer, fertility and nurturing, motherly.” She shrugged.

“So a man and a woman are gonna come back from the dead?”

“You figured it out. Modern Nostradamus over here.” She held her hands out his way.

“Being able to see the future seems scary. Badass. But terrifying.”

“Oh yeah. There’s a reason divination was seen as evil. This time of year there were lots of marriage predictors. Roasting hazelnuts did that, seeing which would pop. Bobbing for apples is based on an old ritual too.”

“Seriously?”

“Oh yeah, Christians stole everything from pagans. Christmas. Easter too.”

“That’s why I worship Satan.” He whispered and winked.

“Uh-huh. You have to believe in the Christian god to believe in the biblical Satan. So in a way, it weirdly makes you a Christian to worship Satan.” Eddie blinked at her, a bit dumbfounded.

“Fuckin- blowin' my mind over here dude. That’s fucked up!” He laughed. “Using that sort of logic you’d make a hell of a DM.”

“You think?” She humored the idea.

“Not as good as me.” He said smugly. “But I think you’ve got potential.”

“Maybe after we graduate we can make our own club? You could teach me your ways, Master Munson.” She said dramatically with her hands on her chest.

“I might make you start calling me that. I like the way it sounds when you say it.”

“Oh you do, huh?” She leaned forward, hands on the edge of the table. He took a step closer and blocked her view by taking up her line of sight.

“I do.” He nodded, his hands moving to her knees. “I know what a freak you are now with your little role-playing earlier. I bet you’d be into it too.” He was smug but she didn’t mind.

“I told you that in confidence. You don’t get to wield it against me now.” She insisted with a shake of her head, leaning back, letting him move between her legs.

“Oh, wield? Like I could wield my sword and split y-“

“Well look who showed up! First time I’ve ever seen your face out here!” An intoxicated Jason stood with a branch in his hand, the tips were covered in marshmallows.

Stars eyes watched Eddie’s face sink. His eyes shut and he took a deep breath.

“Hopefully it’s the last.” He turned swiftly, facing Jason with upward palms.

“You know you’re supposed to wear costumes right?” Jason snorted, looking at both of them now.

“You want me to borrow your letterman jacket? I could be you if ya want.” Eddie cleared his throat. “I have two brain cells and I use them to throw rubber balls into laundry baskets. It’s the only thing I’m good at. That and being a dick.” He stood up straight and put his hands on his hips. He heard Star groan behind him.

“You’re so damn weird, man.” Jason shook his head. He held his marshmallows out to roast. “What are you? A witch? I’ve heard you’re into that shit.”

“I’m the Greek goddess Hecate actually.” Star said with no inflection.

“Is that who you worship?”

“Greek gods?” She laughed. “Oh, you’re serious. No.” She grimaced on his behalf to make him feel dumb. “Do you even know any Greek gods and goddesses?”

“There’s Zeus.”

“You would remember the serial rapist.” Star sighed. Eddie choked back a laugh.

“Hey! You can’t say that shit!” His chest puffed out.

“I can and I did.” Star held her hands out, standing. “The dude doth protest too much, methinks.”

“Is that? Are you putting a fuckin spell on me?” He was entirely serious and both Eddie and Star bursts into a laugh.

“It’s too easy.” Eddie sighed.

“That shit's not funny!” He challenged, the stick in his hand coming from the fire. “They say this town is cursed man, you don’t play with that shit!”

“Christ dude, fucking chill out.” Eddie held his hands up as Jason took a few steps forward.

“He’s drunk.” Star muttered, her body stiffening against Eddie’s.

“Take it back!“ Jason shouted as he shook the stick, flames eating at the ends.

“It’s a line from Hamlet! Shakespeare? The play?”

“Yeah man, it wasn’t a spell. That’s not even how any of that works!”

“So you DO put spells on us!” As he got closer, the heat from the impromptu torch made Star gulp. His eyes were glassy and he was way farther gone than they expected.

“No!” She shouted back, her hands hitting her legs in exasperation.

“Are you why Chrissy is ignoring me?” He said quoted which somehow made it scarier. He jutted the torch out accusingly and Star's breath stuttered. Eddie stood between her and Jason.

“She’s probably ignoring you because you’re drunk as hell.” Eddie stated and stated him down.

“Stay out of this, freak.” Jason moved Eddie aside with a shove. “This is between me and your girlfriend. Did you tell Chrissy? Did you make her mad at me?” He looked over her, clueless as the fear on her face not being from him but from the torch now a foot from her face. Eddie saw her chest start rapidly rising and falling.

“No! I- I didn’t - I don’t know- why she’s mad. I didn’t- can you not? That’s… too close.” He saw her eyes moving back to the torch and he put two and two together.

“You’re afraid of this aren’t you?” He cackled. “It’s just a little fire, Freddy!”

Eddie saw her face her more angry than scared. He didn’t want to tackle a guy with a weapon.

“Why didn’t you go as Krueger for Halloween you freak! You wouldn’t have had to wear any makeup! You and your gross scars.” He moved the torch back and forth towards her face. Eddie called out for him to stop but he saw Star's chest steady. “I didn’t think there was any topping Munson. But you showed up. At least he’s not deformed.” He spits out, looking over her. Eddie saw her hands in fists and was ready to tag in once she made up her mind. Luckily they didn’t have to. A scream ripped through the party.

“COPS!”

Everyone’s head turned and the mass exodus of teens from a lake house was a dead ringer for rats from a sinking ship.

“Shit.” Jason shouted. Star wasted no time and kicked him in the balls as hard as she could manage. She looked to Eddie once Jason fell to his knees. They both had huge smiles at the small victory.

“C’mon!” Eddie grabbed her hand, “Let’s get the hell out of here!” He shone like the sun with excitement as she clutched her cape and they fled the scene into the woods. He hoisted her foot up to get her over the perimeter wall and hopped it himself quickly after with a grace she’d never seen before from him. They landed in thick fall leaves, a dark forest lay before them. The damp dirt cushioned their fall, not hurting them but leaving them with wet and soiled clothes. “Follow me.” He said, not giving her a choice in the matter as he took her hand again and barreled a path through the trees.

Sirens could be heard in the distance. Lights flashed from the road through the thick of trees, flashlight beams being dodged by not only them but others who had gone the same way. They were fast and free and felt alive with the burn of exertion in their lungs from the cold night air. They started to laugh at some point, they didn’t even know why. She yipped as she jumped and dodged, Eddie panting like a happy dog as he ducked under branches. Eddie recognized a trail and they took off down it, the noises of others fleeing partygoers died down, leaving nothing but the crickets and the padding of their feet on the dirt trail in the woods. “Little further.” He panted, hand still tight around hers.

He let go as they hit a clearing, letting her jog to a stop with him. They bent over, gasping for breath before Eddie stood and nodded. Star was wheezing and groaning at the way her lungs were on fire.

“Okay. Okay.” Edie nodded.

“Okay?” Star squeaked.

“I know where we’re at.” He stumbled as he quickly scooted and turned, checking out his surroundings.

“You’ve been out here before?” She seemed skeptical but the moon was bright enough to illuminate through the trees.

“Yeah a few times.” he started catching his breath. “I don’t think we need to run anymore.”

“No, I might die if I try that again. Fuck I need to not smoke so much.” She coughed. “How are you not hacking your head off? You smoke more than me?”

“I also run more than you.“

“So you’re on the track team now?” She puffed.

“No. I go to the woods a lot. Run around. Ya know?”

“I assure you I do not.” She stood and stretched. “But you did say you knew where we were so I guess I’m inclined to believe you.”

“Let’s go this way.”

“That’s even farther from the party?”

“I know. I can get us back to the car through the trails.”

“Oh, shit really?” she perked up.

“Should be able to.” He took her hand without the frantic grip this time as he started down a path. They walked in the darkness, Star's eyes wide and his oddly calm.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.” He whispered for no reason except she was too. She stood closer, arm to arm before pulling herself to him and putting her other hand on his arm.

“You scared?” He teased.

“Cold.” She murmured.

“Oh shit, I bet you are. Here.” He pulled her hood up first, then put his battle vest on under her cape. He buttoned it up all the way and tugged the cape over her using his pins to secure the edges to the denim so it stayed around her. She watched with admiration as he took care of her. He then zipped up his leather jacket. “That should help.” He nodded and smacked his hands together with approval.

“Thanks.” Her voice was a bit sheepish but he couldn’t read her expression in the dark. She slipped her fingers back between his and snugged up to his arm again. She rest her cheek against the soft leather of his jacket, warm from his body heat. He put his arm around her, sliding it out of her grasp and letting her put hers around him. He rubbed her arm from time to time in an attempt to keep her warm. They finally reach the peak of the incline they’d been on, showing moonlight flooding in from the bottom of the hill. The sounds of crickets and some brave frogs grew as they kept walking towards the brightness.

“See? Here we are.” He announced, no longer whispering as the dirt turned into rock and sand.

“This isn’t my car.” She stated as he trotted ahead. “Did you take us farther from the car?”

“Yeah.” He grinned.

“Eddie.” She whined.

“I wanted to bring you here. I thought you’d like it. Come out.” He motions enthusiastically for her to join him as she leaves the tree line and sees what he’s going on about. A small alcove by the edge of a large lake. A worn government park sign and picnic table sat off to the side. The lake moved in a valley between rolling mountains. With the moon almost full and high, the lake was illuminated with a lovely deep blue.

“I do like it.” She says breaking the silence of their wide eyes, pupils large in the darkness taking in the sights. She moved slowly, looking around, and mindlessly made her way to the warped wooden table. “Doesn’t look like anyone’s been here in a while.” She looked to the almost illegible carved sign that tried to share the name of the location.

“It’s not popular. But that’s why I like it. It’s private.”

“You go run into the woods like a feral child often?” She asked with a smile.

“I used to a lot. Now not as much.” He kept his face turned to the lake view. The wind made the lake a bit choppy, waves breaking on the bank made a peaceful ambiance.

“Is this the make-out spot I’ve heard about?”

“Nah. This isn’t Lovers Lake exactly. The same body of water but it’s not the part that goes by that name.”

“Oh.” She sounded amused. “I thought you were bringing me out here to make out.” He turned to look at her, and leaned against the table with a smirk. “Shame.” She shook her head.

“We both know I don’t have to take you to some overhyped make-out point to make out.”

“You’re not always wrong.” She said supportively. “It might be busy tonight anyway. People pulling pranks.” She pointed out. “Don’t wanna be knocking on your uvula and have someone knock on your window.”

“Uvula? What part is that?”

“It’s the dangly thing in the back of your throat.”

“Ohhh.” He went from impressed to giggling. “Is that not your tonsils?”

“Nope.”

“Isn’t… that like.. uvula or something? Are you fucking with me?” He asked with narrowed eyes and it made her laugh. “I’m gonna call the thing a uvula and I’m gonna get laughed out of the room because I said I had pussy lips in my throat.” Star started cackling.

“That’s a vulva!” She giggled and put her hands on the table to brace herself.

“THAT'S the word!” He followed her lead and bent at the waist to laugh. “I really thought you were yanking my chain.”

“If I was gonna yank something it wouldn’t be your chain.” She snickered.

“Speaking of…” he wiggled his eyebrows and leaned towards her. “I have to piss so fuckin bad.” He grinned and Star once again fell into a laugh. He waddled to the tree line, comedically. “I won’t go far.” He shouted as she could still make out his silhouette. She looked down to the table sighing and relishing the tired feeling from a big laugh. With her cold fingertips, she reached out to notice the smattering of initials, dates, and names across its surface. “DON'T WATCH YA PERV!” Eddie shouted.

“I’m not!” She returned her focus to try to find the oldest one, smiling at the always-present dick graffiti. She became distracted and didn't pay much mind to Eddie as he jogged back towards her, seeing her caressing the table.

“I’m getting a little jealous of that table.” she snapped her head up towards him from her hunched position over it, nails carving into old love stories.

“Sorry.” She blinked and mumbled. “I was just thinking about all these.” He joined in, noticing what she was so distracted by.

“What about them?” It was a genuine question as he saw nothing much to their existence. As usual, when Star would be struck with inspiration, it would remind him to not be so cynical.

“Sometimes I wish I had powers. That I could touch things and know things about them.”

“Like… crystals?”

Her head moved noticeably fast by him as she popped to stare at him for a moment.

“Uh..” she’d caught him unprepared. “Like you hold a crystal and it tells you stuff? Like energy?” She studied him for a moment, brows shifting and curiosity for what he was saying obvious.

“How do you know that?”

“I know things!” He emphasized with a crack in his voice.

“Uh-huh.” She hummed. “I don’t mean like that though. I mean, who are R and W? Did they both carve it? Were they in love? Are they still? Was it unrequited? What year was this carved and do they still remember that this is here? Or are they dead?” she sighed but looked happy, Eddie watched her face focus. It was soft and a little sad. “If they’re dead… isn’t it nice for them to be remembered by us for just a second? Something so small like carving initials into a piece of wood could cause your very existence to be remembered in this world again. What if no one else alive remembers them, you know? They’re immortal as long as this is here. We let them live for just a little bit by seeing this small token of what we can assume is love.” Eddie couldn’t recall seeing many sad smiles but that was precisely what he’d call her expression. “It’s nice to think that something can make you immortal in some way. And how romantic.” Her smile turned, no longer sad but tugging back one corner of her mouth more than the other. She blinked, lashes fluttering a moment and it was as if she’d remembered he was also there. “Sorry.” She let out a nervous huff of a laugh. “I’m a total space cadet sometimes.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and ripped her gaze away. “I know it’s dumb.” Her reaction surprised him. She seemed like she’d been so into it just a moment ago. He reached out and put his hand on top of hers.

“It’s not dumb.” He sternly said. “ it’s beautiful.” He leaned his head towards hers, hair wagging with his insistence. She looked like he’d hit her with the wide eyes that darted to his, seeking comfort. “I love it when you go on tangents like that.” Her throat made a noticeable strain when she swallowed. The moon was shining in her eyes but he wondered if they were a bit wetter than they had been before he said that. “No one else says stuff like that.” He offered to give her some confidence. “If there was ever someone you didn’t have to apologize for saying weird stuff around? It’d be me.” He gave her a smile he knew she’d never admit to making her swoon a bit. “Plus that was really… poetic? Yeah. Look at you.” He gave her cheek a mix of a pinch and a caress, something affectionate but not suggestive. “Being all sweet and romantic.”

“Oh, hush.” she fumbled over her words and blushed.

“It’s cute!” He chuckled. “I like it.” he pushed his point until the worry left her eyes.

“You’re just being nice.” She excused his support.

“Well yeah?” He chuckled and tilted his head at her. “Why would I be mean about this?” She shrugged and avoided his question.

“I dunno.” She blurted out. “I’m gonna uh- my turn to go pee.” She pointed at the woods and he stuck his arm out to direct her.

“Milady.” He watched her small body language as she kept her arms in front of her to her chest. “Don’t go too far!” he cupped his hands and shouted.

“I won’t!” She called back.

He sat down at the bench, now contemplating what she’d said. She had been so soft and open for a moment. She was like him in the way that romanticizing life wasn’t something they made usual practice of. Too much optimism only meant you’d be let down in their experience. He knew she had a flare for being a romantic, he could see it in her work, how she danced, and the songs she sang when she was alone. He thought it was lovely. He wasn’t very good at being openly soft either. But she had some solid points in her little spiel. He chewed the inside of his cheek, considering them. He tapped the table, making a decision. He popped his pocket knife out of his jacket and flicked it open. The moon glinted off the blade with a dramatic flare, which felt suited after her dreamy monologue, seeing as he was about to make them immortal, and all.

“I didn’t realize how gross I got from jumping the wall.” she said dusting off her dress as she came back into view, Eddie was standing, leaning against the table with his arms crossed, waiting.

“Yeah I’m freezing.” he chuckled. “Landed right on my ass back there.”

“Would you mind if we headed back to the car? It’s probably getting late.”

“You’re right.” he held his arm out again for her. “I’ll escort you to your carriage.” he grinned.

The walk back wasn’t terrible, mostly downhill this time. They’d broken their snuggled hold and used their hands to balance as they let gravity move them down the path faster with a jog. By the time they reached the car, they were still wet, cold, and now tired.

“Can’t have us falling asleep on the way home.” Star said, digging through her cassette holder before popping one in. They’d gone quiet in the blasting heat of the car. Motorhead blared through the speakers and Eddie snapped his head her way.

“Thief! I’ve been looking for this!”

“Sorry.” she gave a big fake smile from the passenger seat. “It gets me pumped, I like listening to it in the mornings so I can wake up.”

“Buy your own!” he laughed, turning back to the road.

“Maybe if my dealer would cut me a deal on weed I could.” she giggled.

“And who’s that? It’s not me because you’re cutting into my profits.”

“I’m just teasin’.” she groaned. “Would you accept pussy instead of money?” she leaned in and laughed.

“Afraid not.”

“Damn? Way to shoot a girl down.” she held her chest as if she was in pain.

“Money talks, babe. I can’t pay back Rick with pussy.” he snorted. “Unless you wanna go ask him? Maybe he’ll accept it.”

“Ew, no.” she giggled and scrunched her nose. “What about sick solos?” she did a quick wiggle of her fingers.

“If I can’t pay in music you sure as hell can’t. You can’t play guitar, sweetheart. I tried to teach you and have accepted that utter failure.” he laughed from his chest, recalling Star fumbling and trying to stretch her much smaller hands to reach the right chords.

“I can’t help it that my hands are small and I refuse to cut my nails.” she shook her head defiantly. “What about sick air guitar though?” she turned up the music and put her whole body into it, Eddie was fully distracted in an eye-crinkling laugh at her goofy display.

“STILL NO!” he shouted over the music.

“What about now?” she put her feet on the ceiling, contorted up and pretending to play the guitar with her teeth now.

“NOPE!”

“Shit!” she wiggled in the bench seat. “What about-?” she shouted, rolling the window down with speed as she got her upper body out of the window bit by bit.

“STAR YOU CLUTZ, STOP!” he grabbed her dress and tugged, his face still lit up from laughter. He was afraid of her tendency to bruise herself when not paying attention was going to cause her to end up in the morgue. Even if what she was doing was some of the most adorable shit he'd ever seen.

“Oh you can do it but I can’t?”

“A branch is gonna decapitate your dumb ass!” he gave her another yank.

She ignored him, nailing her imaginary solo to the song, her head back and the wind whipping through her hair. The solo ended and she finally clambered back into the seat.

“Gonna give me a heart attack.” Eddie shouted, turning the music down slightly.

“I fuckin’ nailed it.” she grinned, her hair an absolute mess with leaves now deeply embedded in the wild, freestanding curls.

“Wait.” Eddie split his attention between her and the road. “Where’d your crown go?”

“Oh fuck!” she grabbed her head and they both dissolved into laughter. “Nature took it back!” she giggled.

“A sacrifice was made tonight.” he put his hands together as if in prayer, nodding his forehead to them as they rest on the top of the steering wheel.

“Mother nature took it back by force.” she rolled up the window and settled back into her seat.

“That’s what you get for making me worry. Karma.” he smacked her knee.

“Aw he was worried.” she patronized him, leaning into him.

“You try explaining a decapitated body in your passenger seat to the cops and see how well it goes.”

“I have to deal with your crazy ass jumping off shit and wrestling the guys all the time. Or your DRIVING? I mean, c’mon.” she dramatically bellowed.

“Not the same.” he wagged his finger.

“Double standard!” she shouted back, both still smiling.

“Agree to disagree!” he leaned back in before putting his palm on her forehead and pushing her back.

“Fine.” she fake pouted. “I won’t do anything that might decapitate me.”

“Thank you.”

“But all other grievous bodily harm is still on the table.” She laughed and he rolled his eyes.

They pulled into her driveway, still damp but at least they were warm.

“I’m taking this.” Eddie said curtly. An exaggerated movement to snatch the tape and snap the holder shut in Star's face before they got out of the car.

“I took it, I’ll put it back.” She plucked it from his fingers and went to the driver's side of the van. Eddie opened it and let her crawl in. She didn’t do it gracefully, bending over the seat sideways to dig and put the cassette back with the others.

“You better not be taking a different one.”

“I’m not! Look! Are you watchin'? You lookin'? I’m trying to dig through this mess.”

“Oh, I’m lookin', alright.” He pinched the back of her thigh that had become visible with her dress hem riding up. She squealed and kicked her feet.

“I didn’t mean at my ass!” She laughed and shook it at him.

“Don’t put it in my face and I won’t.” He put two hands on her cheeks and wobbled. “Not my fault you can’t sit in a seat like a normal person.” She crawled out and he held out his arm to help the process.

“It was bend sideways or bend over trying to put that shit back.”

“And you went with bend over. Logical.” His word agreed but his tone didn’t.

“You need to pat me down to make sure I didn’t take anything?” Eddie’s hand immediately went to Star's chest as he squeezed her boobs. “So smooth.” She cackled.

“Lemme just see here.” His to the stuck out and wormed its way around his lips. “Nothing here? Oh! Was that? No?“ he ran commentary, rubbing his hands down her curves, then reaching behind, his nose to hers as he double-handed her ass and squeezed. “There might be…” his fingers worked her dress up, and she jumped at the cold air. “Gotta check everywhere.”

“Thorough.” Star nodded and grinned.

“Just doin' my job ma’am.” He said his fingers snapping the hem of her panties and sneaky fingers diving between her cheeks. Then, a quick pull of her panties forcefully between her cheeks made her yip and squirm. “I think you’re clear.”

“You THINK? You should know for sure after checking my oil like that.” She picked out the wedgie and made her way into the trailer. As Eddie was smug and snorting behind her.

“Fuck it smells good in here.” He rubbed his stomach as he followed her inside.

“It makes me hungry.”

“Ugh, I’m starving.” Eddie groaned.

“I can make us something.” She offered, her bag being tossed into the kitchen booth after switching on the space heater.

“You don’t have to.”

“Does it make a difference if I say I’m hungry too?”

“Maybe.” He beamed playfully.

“I can throw us something together.” She nodded reassuringly. “But I’m gonna shower first. Get this junk off me.” She removed her cape and sighed at the mud on the velvet. “That’ll cost me at the dry cleaners.”

“Dry cleaner? Seriously?”

“You can't wash velvet like it’s just one of your cum socks, Eddie. It’s delicate.” He sputtered at her comparison.

“My what?” He leaned forward with his head leading the way.

“Don’t act like you don’t have some petrified sock you jerk off into so it doesn’t get everywhere.” He blinked in disbelief.

“How do y-“

“I have an older brother.” She stated flatly. “Also guys are gross.” She stuck out her tongue and giggled.

“I don’t use a sock, thank you very much.”

“You just cum in your mouth?” She asked with a straight face before cracking they both bent into a laugh.

“For the record, no!” He added as the laugh died down. She folded her cape and put it into a plastic bag from her groceries, sitting it by the door so she wouldn’t forget it.

“Take your shoes off and leave ‘em on the stoop. You’ll need a shower too. Your hair is worse than mine is.” He turned to look in her mirror on the wall and was shocked at his appearance. He couldn’t tell in the dark how messy they’d both gotten but now in the light, they looked like they’d had a mud fight.

“You don’t mind? I can always go back home.”

“No, I want you to stay.” She said it as if it was the most casual thing in the world. It wasn’t the first time she’d said it, or insinuated it. But every time it happened it still kicked him in the gut emotionally, making him feel warm, and a bit tingly. His childhood trauma was showing. Being reassured you’re wanted and not a burden or bother was a deeply ingrained feeling Eddie buried. Star was giving his inner child the attention it needed too.

She stood to take her boots off, then started removing her jewelry. Eddie followed suit and made a camp of his things on the table, down to his t-shirt and jeans quickly. She placed his vest next to his dirty clothes.

“Unzip me?” She asked, turning and staying in her spot having him come to her by her bed. Wordlessly he committed to the domestic task.

“Need me to hold it? Don’t want mud on the feathers.”

“Would you?” She perked up at his observation. There was mud on the floor where she’d stood. It was an intimate moment that Eddie, feeling typically touch starved caused his cheeks to warm again. The simple act of holding her hair up as she slipped her arms out of the billowy sleeves held his attention. It was the only thing about him wasn’t easily held. His nostrils flared and he took an audible gulp once she shimmied the dress over her hips to step out of it. She took the dress from his hands as his mouth opened and closed and stammered.

“You’re uh- you’ve got-“ he stammered. She turned and looked down before a mischievous smile overtook her face. “Holy shit.” His voice cracked as he shoved his hands into his jean pockets.

“Oh look I got my makeup all over your shirt.” She tutted and approached him, her hands to his chest. “I’ll get this out for you.” She promised. “I take it you like the rest of the costume?” She smirked, hands to her hips where black panties sat. A black bra added to the allure but the thigh highs were what really got him.

“You had those on the whole time?” His eyes were locked in on the soft flash of skin above the snug garters that held them up.

“I don’t care for tights. But thigh highs? Thigh highs I like.” She raised her foot to rest on the edge of her bed. Her long nails snapped under the elastic before rolling down the flimsy fabric.

“I like them too.” He stumbled back and sat down.

“The dress didn’t fit right without a bra.” She explained. “Not that you’re hearing a word I’m saying.” She chuckled as his head tilted, staring at her ass arched out.

“Uh sorry, huh?”

“Enjoy the show.” She giggled. “That’s mostly why I wore it anyway.”

“For me?” He rasped out.

“For part of a plan to get you to fuck me if we’re being perfectly honest.”

“We are.” He nodded fast. “And your plan worked. I wanna fuck you. I did before this and now I… shit.” He slumped over and watched her with a slack jaw.

“I love it when you go all gooey like this. Hard to not feel confident with a pretty boy drooling over you.” She tossed the stockings aside and grabbed a towel.

“You’re hot all the time.” He said completely serious as he somehow looked away from her body and into her eyes. “You never wear that stuff though. Like…” he gulped. "lingerie, I mean."

“Easier to get to all the good bits when you don’t have underwear on.” She grinned. “You know my shower's too small for us both to fit so don’t try it, bud.” She tapped the button of his nose. His hands reached out to touch her bare legs.

“I won’t. I’ll wait.” He rasped out.

“Good boy.” she leaned down to peck his lips. “Grab a pair of my boxers I sleep in for after you shower. You’ll like mine they’re really soft.”

“Everything about you is soft.” He exhaled, his hands kneading at her before she took away the contact.

“Not my nipples.” She gave a wink and moved away and he whined.

“Fuck I wanna see ‘em.” He whispered out without thinking.

“You can.” She shook her head and spoke sweetly. “I go, then you and I’ll make us something while you shower. You’ll be fueled up and fuckable in no time.” she cooed before slipping behind the small door.

“Fuck me.” He groaned and rubbed his face.

She reappeared to him sitting in the same spot with his elbows to his knees, legs in their usual spread position. With a towel around her body and hair, she bowed and directed her arm to the steaming box.

“I did it as fast as I could so you’d have hot water. You don’t have to, though, I’ve gotta settle and cook.”

“Sooner I’m out the sooner I’m in.” He wiggles his brows and she rolled her eyes.

“Corny and horny.” She lilted with an affectionate tease.

Once Eddie reappeared Star had the space its usual homey, smokey, cozy energy. She had her damp hair piled loosely on top of her head and an oversized sweater she’d made on. Incense billowed and music played quietly. She had various things out on her countertop with the oven already glowing warmly. She’d left one lamp on, candles on her altar lit.

“I don’t know what smells better the food or that incense.” He groaned, rubbing his hair with a towel. “What is it?”

“The food or the incense?” She smiled.

“Both.”

“Go ahead and grab that sweater if you want, you must be cold.” She directed first and he gave her a soft smile. “The incense is a new kind I picked up. It's mainly rose.”

“It’s very… sexy garden?” He offered as he shrugged on the very cozy black sweater. Eddie slinked up behind Star, his face hovering over her shoulder to see in front of her. “And the food?”

“Some improved pizzas. Had a baguette so I split it and put sauce and cheese on. Pepperoni on yours, olives on mine.”

“Fuck yes.” He kissed her cheek and it caught her off guard. She suppressed a bashful smile. “Mmmph.” He hesitated as he pulled away, he audibly sniffed her.

“Put on oil after my shower.” She explained, feeling his puffs of breath on her skin.

“How do you keep smelling better every time I get close to you?” His hands then caved and touched her. He innocently enough wrapped his arms around her waist. He mushed his nose into her skin and hummed.

“I work very hard to smell good.” She explained.

“What’s this one?” He muttered into her shoulder.

“Another mix I tried out. I think it’s got your approval.”

“If me wanting to eat you alive was the goal.”

“Isn’t it always?” She smiled. “I put my usual jasmine in with some ylang-ylang and bergamot. A little something extra was thrown in. My secret weapon.”

“Whatever it is, it's…. delicious.” He made a hungry sound before kissing her neck noisily. A single smooch before resting his chin on her shoulder again.

“Thank you.” She sounded sincere.

“Welcome.” He mumbled.

“I’m almost done. These need to go in the oven for a little bit but I thought it’d help warm up the place too.”

“It’s not bad with the heater on. Plus you’re supposed to get naked to stay warm right? We can always try that one out.” She could feel his smile even if she couldn’t see it as she focused on the tray in front of her. She pushed back her ass to get him to give her some space. He grunted as his hands moved instinctually to her.

“I need to put this in the oven.” she chuckled, enjoying his open neediness. He gave way and let her, hoping the sweater would raise high enough when she bent over to see what she had on underneath.

“How long does that take?"

“Not too long, 15-20 minutes.” she shrugged.

“I can work with that.” a wolfish grin appeared with his taller posture, raising his chin confidently to look at her from under a cover of dark lashes.

“You don’t want to eat first?” he was surprised she meant it.

“No.” a simple answer with a swish of his wet hair.

“Oh.” a small voice escaped her in surprise.

“You know… it’s funny.” he began, shoulders shifting and moving toward her with paced steps. “Earlier tonight you were talking about me being your servant. But here you are… making me food.” he was impish but it held a flirtatious edge with the way he kept raking his eyes over her and his slowly encroaching body language.

“I’m not being your servant.” she shook her head with a come-hither expression. “I’m a caregiver. Big difference. I’m making sure you eat.” she closed the space between them, her hands to his waist to emphasize his lean figure. “If you went home tonight, what would you have? A flat beer and some cigarettes for a meal?” she chuckled and rubbed her thumbs back and forth on his stomach as she held him. “Gotta keep you fed.” Their bodies rest lightly against one another, his damp curls separated and falling past his shoulders to his face as he kept his face down toward her. His expression was soft and warm, but his eyes remained dark.

“I’m in your debt either way then, huh?” he observed.

“Looks like it.” she chuckled.

“Who’s taking care of you then, huh?” he asked and it was meant to be coy but the way she bit her lip made him question his direction of play. He quickly distracted her with his hands, moving them across her torso to her ass where he got two handfuls to raise her onto the balls of her feet. It got his face level with hers to keep her attention where he wanted it. “If I can’t be a servant, I’ll be a caregiver too.” he asserts. “I can take care of you.” the hum in his deep voice moved from his chest to hers. What came to her mind first oddly enough, was that she shouldn’t have lit the romance incense. The way he sounded heartfelt, the smoothness of his tone to how his lips moved when he said it affected her. She tried to hide it, she knew he was playing, being the character he always was with her like this. But hearing someone say those words hit Star hard. All she outwardly gave away was a fluttering of lashes and a sudden rise in her chest. “How about we take care of each other?” his voice quieted, a whisper as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. He felt her melt in his hold, shoulders unclenching at the contact. Her eyes shut with a gentle exhale. “That sound good, sweetheart? Or am I still calling you a goddess?” it made her smile, lessening her anxiety over emotion and bringing her back into her body that was already responding to him being close.

“Call me whatever you want, Eddie.” she sighed, turning her head to give him her neck openly. “I don’t wanna wait either.” she confessed with a hushed tone. He seized the opportunity and planted his lips on her neck in the next heartbeat. The feeling of his fingers sinking into her body as he sandwiched her between him and the counter was all the reassurance she needed that he felt the same. His lips working away hurriedly at her neck now was simply a bonus. With no grace, he clumsily yanked up her sweater to find she had nothing on underneath. He clamored as his hands met the cold soft parts of her only he got to touch. The thought drove him a bit mad. “Here.” She moaned unintentionally, her fingers popping hidden buttons she’d sewn along the front of the now, thick cardigan.

“Ugh, Star, fuck.” Tumbled out of his mouth as he wrapped his arms around her naked body. He rubbed his face along her collar bones much like a cat, feeling the freshly washed softness against the sensitive skin of his face. An outpouring of kisses quickly followed, little pants and sounds escaping him as he forgot to act like a cool, in-charge guy and openly swooned over her. She allowed her body to relax, her hands on the countertop to hold herself up with her head hung back. He touched her like he’d forgotten how, all rambling and fumbling hands. When his mouth inevitably found its way to her nipple, she was instantly reminded that he did remember how to touch her. His hands were tight on the indent of her waist, holding her like she might float away. He groaned, an open mouth with his plush tongue to her sucked sensitive nipple. “Fuck I missed you.” his moan muted as he closed his mouth around her again. With his eyes shut tight, he didn’t see Star’s head knock forward to look down at him with bewildered eyes. Blissfully unaware of the consequences she was feeling from his words, he continued nursing away, lost in meeting his own needs for a moment. He missed her? Not ‘this’. Not ‘it’. But her? Surely he meant the sex. She moaned as he bit down against her. The pain made her eyes roll back and her hips shift.

“I-” she began her breath picking up and heart racing for multiple reasons. “I missed you too.” her heart had a knife to her brain, demanding it return the sentiment. She had missed the sex. Desperately. And sure, it was about the sex, her body, and its annoying high drive. But was that entirely true? She wasn’t given much time to have a crisis as Eddie popped away from her chest and finally, exhaustively kissed her.

From that point of contact, Star, the -unknowingly to her- romantic fell victim to her heart’s threats and let herself feel good. Her back pressed into the edge of the counter as she gave up on holding herself up and demanding skin-to-skin contact with her painted nails. In his hair she went, a mix of damp and fuzzy, smelling like her shampoo. She held his face, his hands fast to her hip and thigh, pulling her leg up around him. They clawed at one another, hands from head to ass frantically feeling what they’d missed. She whimpered, one rough tug of his sweater and he skinned it off of his body in the next breath. The moan she released when she felt his skin hot against her was worth the split second of broken contact. He wanted to touch and taste and feel and immerse himself in her first, but the throb in both of their lower extremities demanded attention sooner than later. His hand finally cupped the downy softness between her legs. His fingertip, barely to the first joint ran down the delicate column of her clit and found her wet. She whined at the barely there caress, her hips stuttering. He whimpered as she pulled away, but an indulgent sound was quick to follow as she turned, her hands on the countertop after pushing the ingredients of their snack away. She pulled up the back of her sweater and arched back at him, the heat coming from her as she pushed flat against him felt like fire.

“I don’t want to wait.” she gulped, tucking her fallen hair behind her ears so she could look back at him. “I need it too bad.” she admitted with doe eyes and kiss swollen lips, pouted in a plea for him. He wrenched the flannel boxers off so fast she barely saw him move. His hand was wrapped around his hard cock already, vehemently stroking away.

“Tell me you want it.” he panted out, eyes yearning.

“I want it.” she gave a coy smile. “You miss me talking dirty?” she paused and raised her leg, outstretched to display herself, resting her foot on the counter for support. His blown-out eyes and slack jaw were her answer. “I’ve been waiting for you to fuck me all night Eddie.” The sound of his name from her mouth made him so inept around her every time he heard it. He roughly tugged at himself, now running his tender, swollen head into the slickness of her. “I want you so bad. Don’t tease me.” she shook her head, looking away to brace herself on her arms. He didn’t make her wait. He broke through the surface tension, feeling a pop when he slid inside her. He heard the thump of her hand on the countertop. “Shit.” she yelped. “It’s fine! It’s good. It’s great.” she said quickly so he wouldn’t stop. “I’ve had nothing but my fingers for weeks, and you’re so big,” she explained in a light, strained voice. His hips involuntarily bucked at her praise, sinking him in farther and she gasped. “Slow, Eddie. Fuck I don’t remember you being this big.” she groaned. He held her hips and gave her what she asked, a torturously slow entry on his end, especially with the way she squeezed around him anytime it felt good. The pressure combined with the way she moaned made him want to cum already. She finally felt that push of fullness, the bump at the end that told her he had her stretched out. The warmth from his body against hers again made her posture slip, her head falling as she took a deep breath. “There he is.” she smiled. “That’s a good boy.” she sighed contently. Only a few thrusts had her keening. He stayed quiet, focused, watching the weight of her ass bounce against him.

“Feel better now, beautiful?” he asked, leaning forward.

“Ohmygod that’s good, yes.” she nodded and clencher her teeth. She raised herself, arms strained on the counter, trying to lock her elbows. The little quick moans as he thrust inside her had already started, he knew she wasn’t lying about wanting it as bad as he had.

“I”m so god damned hard because of you,” he grunted, leaning forward to speak into her ear, the waft of oils gracing his nose again. “You looked so good tonight,” he whined. She shuddered and reached back for him, her hand finding the back of his neck. It pulled him forward, his mouth finding her neck and noisily sucking. He nosed to her jaw, settling by her ear where she cried out the moment he let himself moan into it. His hands moved to her hip bone and under her thigh to help hold the weight of her leg. He held her bruisingly tight, his pace picked up, and her approval was loud in the form of her calling out his name. A quick snap started, skin-to-skin slapping and punctuation of each graze of her g spot. “Touch yourself for me.” His voice was still gentle but held authority in the command. “I’m not lasting long in this goddess pussy.” he confided with wet lips against her ear. An adorable squeal left her, he saw her cheeks rise from a smile as he leaned forward to kiss the almost dimple that appeared. She could feel his laugh before she heard it against the flushed skin of her face. He felt her hand struggling with a whimper before he splayed a hand to her chest, forgoing her leg support. He kept his pounding chest against her back, steadying her. Her cry when her fingers found her clit was his thanks. He slowed his pace, trying to hold out, to make her cum first. But she started moving her hips on her own against him.

“Don’t stop.” she begged, her voice cracking.

“I’m trying not to cum!” he blurted out quickly, letting out a rather light-hearted laugh and she couldn’t help but do the same at his honesty.

“Fuck me through it, Eddie, I’m close.” she turned her head as far to the side as she could to see him. They met eyes and she nodded enthusiastically. “Fuck me hard and I’ll cum quick. I’m close.” she reassured him with a sweet voice he shuddered at the sound of. He readjusted his grip, a grimace to his lips as he pounded back into her. “Yessss.” she had a wild, wide smile, biting her lip and humming. “It’s so good.” a deeper wanton moan escaped, her fingers furious against her clit. He knew she wasn’t lying about being close.

“Fuck.. Star…” he whined out a warning.

“You gonna cum, puppy?” she cooed and he cried out unexpectedly at the appearance of the pet name. His hand on her chest, feeling the thud of her heart against his palm moved to feel her pulse against his fingertips as he slid to hold her neck. He didn’t squeeze or choke, but held her steady as he groaned into her ear, his tongue falling out and lapping away at the shell.

“S’close.” he whimpered, his voice running hills and valleys in deepness and pitch. He was grunting like an animal one breath and the next calling out lightly and helplessly.

“I'm so fucking close, Eddie. Cum for me. Just keep pounding my pussy like this and I’ll cum with you. C’mon.” she urged him, feeling his pace faltering. He couldn’t handle her talking like that in his state. He came, and hard. Weeks' worth of pent-up energy was released in long moans and cries into her hair and shoulder. She held his hair tight, holding him close and praising him. “Fuck I feel you.” she mewled. “You’re so big, Eddie, puppy, please.” she started to shake as he shouted into her shoulder, his cock feeling every indentation of her insides clench around him in its overstimulated state. “Keep fucking me. I need to cum so fuckin bad.” it slipped out from clenched teeth as she started the rolling journey of her orgasm. Her fingers thrummed herself, yipping a “Yes!” with every hit inside her. Eddie felt himself drain out of her as she clenched around him. His brow was low, face buried in her shoulder, almost feminine moans as she held his body hostage with hers. He felt the tell-tell sign of her descending, her shoulders losing their tension as her weight settled back against him. Her hands shook, grabbing ahold of his forearms as he wrapped them around her, her leg shaking off the countertop. She mewled and he kissed her cheek through her aftershocks. She sounded so small and helpless in comparison to the goddess demanding he fuck her just moments ago. From hellcat to kitten in less than 30 seconds. “Oh fuck.” she gasped, breaking the surface of the brain fog. “I needed that so fucking bad.” she leaned against him, his mouth doting over her, into her hair, and onto her nape.

“So did I.” he nodded in agreement.

“If I’ve been a bitch I’m sorry,” she said earnestly. It caught Eddie off guard and he laughed with his chest, turning his head so he didn’t deafen her. “What?” she returned the bright smile, her body now fully relaxed. “When I don’t get all this pent-up energy out I get bitchy. You know that.”

“You’ve not been bitchy, sweetheart.” he noisily kissed her cheek with force. “Can you stand on your own?”

“You got somewhere to be?” she giggled, tightening her grip on his hands on her body.

“Just checking on you.” One hand was released as a hostage, used to turn her face to his and be kissed softly. “I made a mess,” he grumbled, grabbing a washcloth and leaning to run it under the tap. “Here.” She gasped at the cold at first, then a flush of heat to her face as he wiped up her legs where the combination of their efforts was running out of her. He was so gentle, lifting the weight of a cheek to clean her up. Star, swimming in oxytocin, the bastard known as the love hormone pushed back a sudden appearance of tears hot in her eyes. No one had ever cared to do that for her before. “Better?” he asked, tossing it into the hamper.

She nodded, afraid her voice might give her away if she tried to speak on it.

“I’m gonna-” she began to turn, managing that much as he slinked out of her way to the bathroom.

She pushed it down, as she did. Refusing to admit that what had happened had felt different.

With a calm air between them, they ate, and he teased her for her choice of music to play. He threatened her that if she told anyone he had sex while Fleetwood Mac was on he’d toss her in the quarry. She promised she’d never tell. She was never that strong of a swimmer anyway.

With full bellies and hearts that were much the same despite their brain's anger about the situation, they snuggled into Star’s small but plush bed. It was the usual tease and enthusiastic insistence that what they were talking about was important and demanding the other stop yawning. It didn’t matter if the complainee yawned while telling the other not to yawn, that was beside the point. The last sounds they emit are first, hushed laughter. Then, a content sigh against the other's skin as they crawled into each other as best they could. They snuggled under the layers of crochet on top of them, with barely a stitch on between them. Who needed clothes when you had someone to keep you warm, anyway?

Part 12

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