#also her name is actually steve don't tell anyone

[chxrryhansen]

౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊ Cherry’s Cevans Series Rec List

thought i’d make a list of all the best cevans (characters) series i have read!! i have lots more to add and will continue to update this list🫶🏻 i will also create a one shot fic rec list in the near future💖💘💞

Preying On You Tonight - @evansbby

“Steve is the cocky, brash and domineering alpha who makes your life at university a living hell every day. You’re the complete opposite - quiet, meek and reserved. You’re convinced Steve hates you, but what happens when he finds out you have a boyfriend? (a/b/o dynamics)”

Wicked Games - @evansbby

Ari is the campus fuckboy and you’re his little plaything. But he’s telling the truth when he says he’s going to make you his girlfriend soon, right?

What A World - @onsunnyside

S.H.I.E.L.D. had a lot of secrets, you just never expected one of them to be an actual person—a blue-eyed giant, wild manbeast at that. [tarzan!Steve Rogers x doctor!reader, nomad!steve, size difference]

Just Because I Won’t Die For You, Doesn’t Mean I Won’t Kill For You - @dbnightingale24

Lloyd Hansen is just another job for you. Your last job. However, when he decides that he wants to take you for a ride and have a good time, well...how’s a girl supposed to say no?

Closer To Heaven And Closer To You - @georgiapeach30513

When your boyfriend, Ransom wants to take a trip back home to the ranch to meet your family, you are unsure.  Knowing that a rodeo is in town could only mean your ex, Frank Adler, was most likely riding for eight seconds, still trying to beat his best friend, Steve Rogers.  All you wanted was a nice time, not old memories bothering your brain.

Just Like The Caged Bird - @georgiapeach30513

You are a widow who moves back to her husband's hometown after selling your in Georgia home.  Moving in above your brother in law's garage.  Sharing the space with his friend Bucky Barnes, but your other brother-in-law Andy causes problems, along with your overprotective brothers.

Pretty Petals - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

You go on a self-improvement retreat, but not all is as it seems. (multi-character)

His Koala Bear - @kinanabinks

you and steve have been best friends since you were 5. for the longest time, he has wanted so much more from you. and it's getting harder for him to stop himself from taking it.

Belong Here - @angrythingstarlight

Steve has been looking for his perfect girl and suddenly there you are stuck in this dingy restaurant. You don't belong here, you belong with him.

Finding Home - @navybrat817

Steve finds a home with you. (lumberjack Au)

Their Doll - @kaiparker-avengerssmut

y/n Stark, all records of her non existent, and yet Hydra still find her. When she is kidnapped by a certain super-soldier and no one believes her, she finds herself searching for unexpected familiarity in her not-so-distant past.

No Better Than Beast’s - @lokislastlove

You’re an animal rights activist who sets out to put an end to animal testing… but it’s a risky mission. (Dark!Steve Rogers)

Doppelgänger - @boxofbonesfic

Your husband’s twin brother has always made you uncomfortable, and after two years of marriage, you finally find out why. (Dark!Ransom Drysdale + Dark!Lloyd Hansen)

Million Dollar Man - @chrisevansgoodgirl

your relationship with ransom and his insane family.

Brooklyn’s Sweetheart - @spacesnail3000

Bucky and Steve had always been meant to keep her safe and happy. As far as anyone else was concerned, that was their sole reason for being alive. Unfortunately, the things that kept her safe were not always the things that kept her happy. Lately, she was making it pretty damn hard for them to compromise.

Let It Snow - @spacesnail3000

She was his Omega, and Steve had a plan. She would love him. He knew she would.

Sweet Renegade - @cevansbrat0007

A new arrival in town leads to an unexpected complication in the form of a sexy as sin Bounty Hunter named Ari Levinson.

Evergreen, Evermore - @babyjakes

loving husbands jake and ari had always believed they were all each other could ever want or need. but one unusual summer, when their world is turned upside-down by an uncanny girl from down the street, they find that having someone to love, nurture, and care for together is the missing piece that finally completes their perfect family and lives.

A Huckleberry Is Nothing Without His Hummingbird - @dbnightingale24

Lloyd and Y/N have been amicably(ish) divorced for four years. However, when earth shattering trauma come their way, will they lean into what they truly want, or will the flames from past traumas still burn too bright?

Civil war- Brooklyn - @saiyanprincessswanie

Ten years ago the Readers world was turned upside down when her father was killed by Hydras Brock Rumlow. She believes the loves of her life Steve Rogers and James “Bucky” Barnes were also killed while trying to avenge her fathers death. Reader is now working for the FBI on a task force that is meant to take down Hydra. She volunteers to go undercover to take down Hydra. In doing so she not only puts herself in the cross hairs with Rumlow but she gets to meet the mystery men causing Hydra issues. Who are the Captain and Winter Soldier? What lengths will you go through to uncover the truth and seek revenge?

The Boston Brute - @time-for-a-lullaby

When you graduated from Northeastern University, you had your sights set on the West Coast. And then you were offered a position with the Boston Bruins Athletic Training Department. And then you met Chris. A 6′3″, ruggedly handsome hockey player dead set on making your life a living hell by pushing every button and getting on every nerve. Despite your obvious disdain for each other and the ‘No Fraternization’ clause in your employee contract, you’re drawn together in a passionate, fiery love affair that seems to burn everything in its wake. 

Planet Evans Universe - @astranva

In which Chris was a nervous mess when he met his A+ list celebrity crush, highest-paid, and the most iconic actress, you, at Vanity Fair’s 2014 after party. (Following the life of overprotective!dad!Chris x wife!actress!reader!)

Don’t Speak - @darkficsyouneveraskedfor

Reader is a reclusive loner who ventures down to the library on a simple mission. Her task is complicated by the man she meets there. (Dark!Andy Barber)

Cat and Mouse - @queen-of-the-avengers

You’re called the Vixen because you were HYDRA’s favorite creation. You’re very hard to catch, and once you are, it’s even harder to keep you.

Let’s Ride - @starryevermore

You’re a single mom and have just moved into a new town. You have no interest in looking for love, but the funny thing about love is, it waits for no one. (Biker!Ari Levinson)

Out Of The Darkness - @sunshinexsin

Sienna Jons has lived in Boston for three years now after graduating and is running her own salon in the city. With a small group of friends sticking by her side, she's content with her life. Enter Chris Evans, a known and feared mob boss in Boston’s underground crime world. Coming out of a long relationship ended in a bitter divorce, Chris isn’t looking for anything serious until Sienna crosses his path. Trying to win her over proves difficult for the man who seemingly has it all and Sienna is not willing to be with someone who causes such destruction in his own hometown. Sienna soon finds herself entangled in the crazy, violent world of the mob and struggles to find a way to either live with the hardened man Chris has always been or get away from him before her own life spirals out of control.

Murder He Wrote - @wiypt-writes

You’re sent by your asshole boss to do a review of a Celebrity Host Haunted Mansion, hosted by none-other than the arrogant, wild-eye browed actor Lucas Lee, but you’re worried you’ve missed the boat…that is, until at the last minute, an email arrives to say they can let you in on the last admission that night, which just happens to be Halloween. (Dark!Ransom Drysdale)

Poison Paradise - @the-iceni-bitch

Robert Pronge was sure he could settle for a fake domestic life as long as he could go on killing. Little did he know that you could give him everything he needed.

A Bun In The Oven - @witchywithwhiskey

the leaves are changing—green fading into golden yellow, burnt orange and radiant red—and the days are getting shorter and colder as autumn settles in. it's the perfect time of year for baked goods, fall foliage, book stores, and to curl up next to (and get under) our favorite man with a plan, steve rogers

Wilford’s Demands - @sweater-daddiesdumbdork

Wilford places you in Curtis’ care so he can impregnate you.

In The Balance - @goodgirlofglory

One unsuspecting evening, the stranger Steve Rogers appears bloodied and in need of aid at your doorstep. You immediately catch his eye, and he forces himself upon you within the hour. Several months of repeated visits from him results in your pregnancy, and the night you find out, Steve intereceps you on your way to an abortion clinic and kidnaps you to his mansion. Will you carry the child to term? Will you buckle under the pressure of capitivity? Will you escape the grasp Steve has on you, or will you submit to it and your own, conflicted desires?

Drowning Siren - @rogerswifesblog

The Avengers found an old abandoned HYDRA base, that had been cleared after HYDRAs existence had been exposed. At least they thought it was cleared. It was the biggest experimental lab they had ever seen, the closest base to the ocean, full with creatures-dead creatures. Some of them laid still on tables, stripped with metal cuffs, open and already rotting. It was an awful smell. But then they heard something beautiful. A melody, a beautiful voice singing unbelievably gentle sounds. Walking into the building full with ocean creatures, they had no idea their life was about to change.

Vampire Kings Religion - @marvelcriminalhoe

In a world where fantasy beings roam every corner, the humans are on the bottom. Looked at as weak and disgraceful. The vampires are the opposite. They rule the land, and all of the creatures that take part of it. the current ruler, King Steven, has ruled for more than 150 years, alone. After many nights, and long talks with his most trusted hands, he comes to the long awaited decision that he will finally, take a wife. All female creatures, are to be evaluated, so he can find his perfect match. Of course, no one expects for him to choose a human. Especially not one from the church. Especially not the daughter, of the leader, of the church. The same church that detests the mythical creatures, wishing for nothing more than for them to perish in fire. How could this union possibly end well?

Ride And Prejudice - @pagesoflauren

A take on Pride & Prejudice, certain circumstances in your life have led you to take refuge and work in a farm village, particularly on the ranch owned by Steve Rogers. He doesn’t take kindly to you, having bad perceptions about city folk. Your only reaction to that is the one you deem acceptable: get annoyed at every little thing he does whilst doing your best to annoy him and still keep your job.

Love On The Brain - @howardpotts

You’re just a student, living her normal daily life in New York. One night changes everything, without you even knowing. Steve Rogers slowly introduces you to his world full of money, drugs and voilence. But are you able to handle what he has to offer? (MobBoss!Steve Rogers)

Flamingo King - @onsunnyside

The sun is brutal this summer, especially in Flamingo Trailer Park, the land of big hearts and cheap tricks, you’ve been here for years unlike your “new” neighbour, Ari. He’s older, bigger, and intimidating, the local rockstar, and you, well, aren’t you just the sweetest girl in the whole damn city?

Make It A December To Remember - @imyourbratzdoll

AGE AND SIZE DIFFERENCE IS ADDED TO ALL! SANTA AND THE GRINCH ARE LARGER THAN THE READER! THE ELVES ARE THE SIZE OF HER PALM! (a chris evans xmas universe)

This Love Is Bad - @wildestdreamsblog

You were just trying to escape your past, and Ari was trying to chase his future.

Nowhere To Run - @sagechanoafterdark

On the last day that Steve spent in your small town before heading off to basic training for the army, he made sure it was one you wouldn’t ever forget. Years later when he appears in your town he seems like a changed man in more ways than one, but you’re ready to show him that you’ve never forgotten that day. (Dark!Steve Rogers+ Bucky Barnes)

Nice To Be Kneaded - @rogersideup

Almost every news station in the country was covering the chase for the missing superheroes post-raft-escape following the Civil War. Steve Rogers face had been plastered on the cover of every news paper, fliers stapled to street lamps, posted on bulletin boards in what felt like every coffee shop in the country. It had been just a few long months shy of a year, just long enough to grow out his hair and beard to make himself as unrecognizable as he could manage. Though he was still the poster boy of disorder within the states, he found himself in the scanty town of Greenwood in the house right next to yours.

Forever And Ever More - @syntheticavenger

Ransom Drysdale may be Boston’s most eligible Alpha who has his eyes set on you. With his inheritance hanging in the balance, he won’t take no for an answer, whether you like him or not.

Hackers Heart - @bakugousaysdie

steve rogers has always been america’s golden boy, leading earth’s mightiest heroes and serving his country. you have always been bad with boundaries, a little too curious, and an absolute disruption. you are an absolute menace,so it’s only right you fell in love with the most adored man in the country.

Arranged - @time-for-a-lullaby

Living in this life, you’ve never gotten to have much say in anything. What you wear, who you hang out with, and now, who you marry and you’re dreading your arranged marriage to the Italian mob boss, Chris Evans. Expecting to suffer through a life of abuse while being kept under lock and key, you’re pleasantly surprised when Chris is nothing like you expected. He’s the most feared man on the East Coast, only brought to his knees by one thing and one thing only. You.

[queers-gambit]

Damage Done

prompt: The Winter Soldier is activated and Bucky's lover is unlucky enough to be in proximity.

pairing: Bucky Barnes x female!Widow!reader

fandom masterlist: Marvel

word count: 5.4k+

note: oh, wow, Cherry wrote Bucky NOT in a Mafia AU?

warnings: takes place during Civil War, absolutely no plot - author just doesn't know how to shut the fuck up. cursing, violence, established relationship, small angst, injury, blood, hurt and comfort, Winter Soldier antics, choking, abrupt ending, maybe domestic violence? it's the WS.

it's really not that bad, it's not terribly descriptive but still tread carefully if triggered by these topics.

"Keep them together," Agent Everett Ross commanded, a little man with a raging Napoleon Complex, gesturing at you and Bucky; the latter held in mobile, restrictive captivity. "He doesn't play nice if he doesn't see her, or so it's said," his eyes rolled.

"You're making a huge mistake!" You barked, struggling in the restraints they had you wrapped in.

"No, I don't think so," he sneered, approaching you as Bucky's unit kept moving. "I think the mistake was letting you out of anyone's sight. Tell me, how long have you been in cahoots with the Winter Soldier?"

"He's not the Winter Soldier anymore, you jackass, he's a person! A real, live human being! His name's James but he prefers Bucky! He likes plums," you were yanked away, still snarling, "his favorite color is blue, likes motorcycles, he has real guilt over his past transgressions, and you've got the wrong guy!"

"Oh, right, like you're the best judge of character," Ross laughed.

"Natasha! Nat! Fucking tell him!" You pleaded, struggling in the hold of the men who kept iron clad restraint on you and were starting to drag you away. "You've got the wrong guy! Bucky didn't do this! I wouldn't lie - not to you, Natasha! Tell him!"

"That's touching, really sweet," Ross mocked, rolling his eyes as you were finally overpowered and lead away.

"Hang on a second," Nat muttered, sharing a look with Tony. "Was her DNA or facial recognition anywhere at the UN? Anywhere near where the bomb was set off?"

"What's that matter - "

"Since they met, they've not parted ways," Nat spelled out. "He won't go anywhere without her - you, yourself, are keeping them together for interrogation - "

"It's just easier," Ross scoffed.

"No, you know..." She blinked in confusion, "You know, Bucky won't talk unless she's there - you know he'll be ten times as difficult if she's not in the room."

"So?"

"So, in the past two years, have you heard about him without her? Have you seen her without him?"

"Nobody's seen or heard from either of them," Ross shook his head.

"Exactly," she nodded, lungs tightening with nerves. "If you can't find evidence of her being in Vienna... Bucky might not be your guy... Besides, they're both trained to avoid cameras - "

"Mistakes are made," Ross waved off.

"Not by two highly trained assassins like them," she snapped. "Check the files, go back - look! Actually look, run her scans through facial recognition - if you don't find her, it wasn't Bucky."

"You're so sure?" Tony asked skeptically.

"I know her," Natasha nodded, "better than anyone. She's as good as my sister, she's as good as blood. I know her. I know she wouldn't run this risk - "

"Then you also know she wouldn't get caught," Ross laughed.

"Neither would Bucky."

The silence stretched, but Ross was stubborn; sneering at the Avengers and taking his leave with his own plan of action in mind. He left Tony and Natasha to deal with Sam and Steve as he went to observe the interrogation. When he got before the monitors, he watched as it took four different men to restrain you enough to hoist your locks up the wall until they were clicked in place by ultra-strength magnets.

You jostled, feeling the full extent of your containment, grunting when the pipe you were connected to shocked your entire system into submission. Everett Ross smirked at your pain; watching your tongue swipe over your teeth, arms high above your head, readjusting your weight in your feet, but otherwise, not moving.

Ross heard Bucky ask quietly, his eyes watching you carefully from inside the reinforced cell, "You okay, doll?"

"Looks like they learned from last time," you grit, the cuffs around your wrists electrified; charring your skin, making you grimace slightly in a veiled attempt to hide your pain from your lover.

"Don't fight, you'll make it worse," he advised softly, frowning, eyes glassy from restrained emotion.

"They could've at least put me in a bit more comfortable position," you sneered, glaring up at one of the cameras, shaking your head as if in disappointment.

"I don't think they want to play nice, sweetheart."

"Yeah, could've guessed that from when they arrested us," you shook your head, puckering your lips to gather the blood in your mouth; spitting it to the floor. "You good, baby?" You asked as the men who restrained you moved to plug in the power cell caging Bucky.

He nodded silently at you, bowing his head and letting his long locks curtain his face. You frowned, shifting again as you blindly felt your cuffs and designed a way to get free; watching the men stoically as they exited the room to make way for the psychologist. Your jaw clenched, the air smelling foul - alerting you that something wasn't quite right.

"Hello, Mr. Barnes," the accented man greeted casually, standing at a single table in front of Bucky, you off to the side; chains rattling as your defenses flared. The psychologist smirked and greeted you, too, assuring your real identity was known - something that Natasha released to the world about two years ago when HYDRA sent Bucky after Cap in DC. You didn't fault her, in fact, you respected her move, and after getting out of the blown-to-shit base, you had run into the Winter Soldier... Beginning your epic love story, both of you on the run from authorities and higher powers.

You smuggled Bucky out of the country, using fake aliases that had yet to see the light of day and therefor, wasn't released in the files Nat published during her takedown of the compromised S.H.I.E.L.D. agency. He was appreciative, pondering how he was meant to go forward in a world he didn't know; so, you agreed to stick around for a bit to help settle him, and that bit turned into a couple of years - the two of you inseparable.

There was an incident in London that almost exposed you, but instead, it just shined a light on your new partnership. Captain American, Nat, Sam, shit - even Tony Stark himself was unable to catch up; your trail going cold, Nat knowing your Widow training was running the show and keeping you safe. Granted, she probably could've unraveled the web you had weaved - but the truth was, she didn't want to. So, she kept quiet. Leading you all here...

"I've been sent by the United Nations to evaluate you both," the man you'd come to know as Helmut Zemo continued; playing his part very well, but not well enough to convince you of his innocence. Something about the man rubbed you the wrong way. "Do you mind if I sit?" He asked politely, feigning like you two had a choice. When he did, Zemo continued, "Your first name is James?"

He noted the way Bucky and you shared a look, both remaining silent. Zemo tried to assure, "I'm not here to judge you - either of you. I just want to ask you a few questions. Do you know where you are, James?" Continued silence, your head subtly shaking - an act only Bucky clocked. "I can't help you if you don't talk to me, James."

"My name is Bucky," he croaked, your sigh echoing around the room.

"Hm," Zemo nodded, "I take it, she doesn't want you to talk?"

"She wants me safe," Bucky answered stiffly.

"That is admirable," the psychologist offered kindly, "a great display of love, is it not?"

"Jesus Christ," you shook your head, offering a glare, "you went through all that schooling to ask stupid fucking questions? Might wanna get your money back."

Zemo chuckled after humming, "I am merely trying to establish the connection you two share. I hear it is rare to find one without the other, that you two have become, uh, joined at the hip?"

"I protect her," Bucky offered, sharing a long look with you, "and she protects me."

"An equal partnership, would you say?"

"Yes."

"Buck," you warned, wrists twisting to hold the cuffs; being zapped, making your jaw clench and the veins in your neck to bulge.

"It's all right," his voice sounded like it was being put through a grater. "We're caught, doll, it's all right."

You huffed, eyeing Zemo as his eyes flickered between you two. He nodded, making a note in his little book, "I was warned that you would be unwilling to cooperate without her present. Why is that?"

"She keeps me safe."

Zemo hummed, "So you've said, and yet... Here you both are..." You were ready to lash out, but the doctor changed course, "Tell me, Bucky. You've seen a great deal, haven't you?"

"I don't wanna talk about it." Your restraints zapped you again when you jolted forward as if to physically silence Zemo, Bucky's head snapping over and his eyes drooping in sympathy. "Told you not to move, it'll only get worse," he told you softly.

"He's asking questions that will get him killed," you snarled, gritting your teeth as the electric currents seized most of your energy. But it was worth it, finding a little weak spot and letting your mind devise a specific plan.

"You fear," Zemo continued, "that if you open your mouth, the horrors might never stop. I feel it is safe to assume, uh, your lady is privy to your past experiences? Perhaps, you two have shared a couple?"

"Just leave her out of this," Bucky pleaded.

"Don't worry," he assured you both, tapping something on his tablet before looking back at Bucky with a sick recognition. "We only have to talk about one. One mission... That I know you," he nodded at you, "were not present for."

"Kinda game you playin', Doc?" You sneered. "Think anything he says will change my opinion about him?"

"No, no, I know your relationship is too strong for that," Zemo smiled. "So, it's not so much what he will say... But what he will do..."

"The fuck does that - "

But then, the lights went out; darkening the room save for the lights individual to Bucky's holding cell. You perked up, the electric currents halting as the cuffs died with the power and gave you an opportunity to begin working on your escape. As red panic lights flickered, Bucky questioned, "What the hell is this?"

"Why don't we discuss your home?" Zemo offered. "Not Romania. Certainly not Brooklyn, no," he reached into his satchel, revealing a red notebook the world thought long lost... Buried in snow... Forgotten in time. "I mean, your real home," Zemo removed his glasses as you frantically started working.

"No, no, no, no, no, hey, hey, hey, don't - fuck!" You grit, trying harder to free yourself. "Bucky - Bucky, don't listen - ah, Goddamnit!"

The man you now understood to be a fake psychologist stood with a little flashlight, opening the red notebook, and began repeating words in Russian that would activate the decommissioned Winter Soldier. Bucky had told you all about these words, begging you to provide a shield against them should they ever be uttered again; but you had prior knowledge, the Winter Soldier someone you had been debriefed on during your time with other secret agencies.

"Longing."

"No," Bucky whispered, head tilting back in panic as he felt his stomach curl in a familiar pattern.

"Bucky - don't fucking listen, please!" You begged, still working to free yourself.

"Rusted."

"Stop," Bucky pleaded, sounding in pain.

"Don't do this!" You pleaded to Zemo. "You're fucking hurting him, please, stop!"

"Seventeen."

"Stop!" Bucky barked, his vibranium hand clenching in anger and pain; the entire arm whirring from the flex of his muscle. He began to pant, a deep growl emitting above your panicked whimpers.

"Daybreak!"

"You have no idea what you're doing!" You raged, Bucky screaming in pain as his mind was forcibly sunk back into dark recesses of his past. "Don't - Bucky, baby, listen to me - don't fucking listen to him, please, please, baby, don't do this!"

He screamed, breaking free of the iron restraints that kept him seated in the reinforced, mobile cell. "Furnace!" Zemo continued, ignoring the pain and panic you and Bucky were both thrown into.

"Fucking stop, please! You don't understand!" You begged, freeing one hand and working in vain to unlatch the other. Bucky was out of his seat, anger coursing like a palpable rain over you all - him screaming as his metal arm worked to pound into the strengthened glass surrounding him.

"Nine!"

"Bucky, please, baby, please, don't do this!" You tried a new tactic, hoping you were enough to cut through the brainwashing - but how silly to imagine. Decades of trauma was washing over Bucky again and your little words couldn't cut through the barricades of his mind.

"Benign!"

"You stupid fucking little man!"

Zemo rounded around the cell, Bucky still pounding away at the glass. "Homecoming! One!"

"DON'T!"

"Freight car!"

You whimpered in fear when Bucky punched the entire door off the hinges, freeing him at last; but the words were spoken, the damage done. He crouched on the floor, Zemo pausing to take in the sight, slowly approaching Bucky as he stood upright; the jangling of your chains louder and more frantic as you tried to free your last wrist.

"Jesus Christ," you whispered, trying to divide focus between the two tasks of freeing yourself and protecting Bucky - but being terribly unsuccessful as you watched Zemo stand in front of your dead-eyed boyfriend.

What a ridiculous, mundane label to assign someone like Bucky.

In Russian, Zemo questioned, "Soldier?"

And in Russian, the man you loved answered, "Ready to comply."

Zemo demanded in English, "Mission report. December 16, 1991."

You whimpered in fear, listening to Bucky give the report that would haunt you for years to come. Just as he finished, you managed to get out of the cuffs, but the clanging of your freed restraints caught Zemo's attention - who smirked with abundant cruelty. "Don't," you warned, backing out of the room just as officers began to flood it.

It was a brutal fight, trying to stave off Bucky once in his Winter Soldier mindset. You grunted as he engaged you, men dead at your feet - the lucky ones just knocked out. You grit your teeth, trying to defend yourself as Bucky operated mechanically; doing what you could to protect yourself, but it wasn't enough.

Blows landed, punching and kicking one another in an equal match of strength and stamina.

"Seize her," Zemo demanded, and in the next moment, Bucky had you by the neck; an effort that made you wheeze and claw at his bionic hand.

"Bucky," you begged. "Baby - baby - it's me, it's me, please, don't, it's me! Don't do this, baby, please, come back to me. Come back!" You struggled in his grip, trying to pry his hand open, "Baby, please, please, come back to me," spit drooled from your lips as he squeezed tighter. "This isn't you!" You managed to squeeze out, tears surfacing. "Not anymore, don't let them win!"

"Shut her up, Solider," Zemo commanded in Russian, your eyes widening and trying to beg Bucky again before he was sending you into a wall. He marched up to you, grabbing your hair, and surging his balled up metal fist directly into the bridge of your nose, breaking it, head jolting backwards, and effectively knocking you out.

When you came back into consciousness, it was to Steve's worried face; his hands caressing your cheeks and begging, "You all right?"

"Fucking hell," you winced, reaching up to prod the tender spot on your head; revealing blood.

"Got your ass kicked, huh?" He frowned.

"Watch your language, Cap," you smirked, wincing when your face throbbed. "Shit, how bad is it?"

He looked you over, offering, "Definitely a broken nose."

"Goddamnit - where is he? Where's Bucky?"

"Help me," a voice pleaded from the next room, Zemo playing his part by splaying out on the floor like bait.

"Don't trust him, something ain't right about him, Steve," you whispered, waving him on as you sluggishly hoisted yourself up the wall to lean against it. "Kept asking about Siberia, asking about shit nobody should actually know."

"Get yourself safe," Steve told you swiftly, nodding at Sam; who was checking on the status of the other bodies around you.

"Just find him, Steve, he's lost in his own mind - a threat to himself," you panted, slowly standing.

"I know - "

"You don't know," you shook your head, wiping a trickle of blood from your temple, "but you're gonna have to do more than understand him right now, Steve."

"I've got this," he promised, watching you nod and limp away. You had just missed the action, Bucky overpowering both Sam and Steve; getting to a safety landing and running into Natasha, Tony, and Agent Sharon Carter.

"We'll hash our bullshit out later," you panted, "but for now - "

You heard a commotion behind you, flinching out of sight when Bucky made himself known and began taking down rogue agents unlucky enough to stand before the Winter Soldier.

"He have an off switch?" Nat asked.

"Not that I've found," you frowned. "Split up."

Tony tried to engage Bucky first, using a mobile Iron Man device he wore on his wrist that used sonics to disorient Bucky. It only worked to a small extent, the two exchanging a few blows, Bucky firing a bullet at Tony's face at pointblank range that was saved by his technologically advanced glasses. Bucky got the upper hand, sending Tony flying back, letting Sharon and Nat attack.

He disposed of them both easily, stumbling when you caught him off guard and wrapped your legs around him. Normally, you'd do anything to have your legs around him - but this wasn't one of those times. You exchanged several punches, blocking one another, going for disarming hits but being of equal challenge; leaving small cuts and blooming bruises on each other as if to prove the engagement. Natasha rejoined the fight, two Widows showing Bucky up on a few instances, but he was heaving her across the room as you swung onto his shoulders in an impressive acrobatic move.

You heaved your fists down in a repeated fashion on the top of his head, Bucky charging at one of the cafe tables; slamming you down and choking you again with his metal hand. Both your hands held his, legs up around his neck to try to keep him at a distance for relief on your windpipe.

Through a strangled breath, you managed, "You could at least recognize me!"

"Who said I don't?" He growled, reaching out to snap a piece of wood from a chair.

You tried to regain normal breath, wheezing, "This isn't you, baby, you are not this person anymore - you're not a psychotic, robot killer! You're a man - please!"

"You don't know a damn thing about me," he seethed.

"I know everything about you," you strangled, "and I know this isn't you. Come back to me, baby, please! Y-You can't let the demons win, Buck, please - fucking listen to me!" But he only raised the wooden shaft above his head. "BUCKY, DON'T!"

"Who the hell is Bucky?"

You cried out shrilly when he jabbed the sharp wood into your shoulder, staking you to the table just as King T'Challa rushed onto the scene and stole your brainwashed boyfriend's attention. You hissed in pain, trying to yank the wood free but being unsuccessful; resulting in blood to splatter onto the tiled floor.

Hearing someone pant your name, you caught a glimpse of red and knew it was Nat, her face worried over yours a moment later. "Where's Bucky?" You coughed and winced in pain.

"Goin' up by the looks of it," she informed, "now hang on, this is gonna hurt. Want a belt to bite?"

"No, just do it, get it done, please," you panted, bracing yourself, and suddenly, without warning, your companion heaved the piercing shaft free from your flesh. Naturally, you cried out, groaning and clenching your jaw so tight, it nearly crushed your teeth into dust.

"Hey, you seen..." Sam arrived on scene, taking in your injury, "Holy shit, you good?"

"Yeah," you grunted, stumbling to your feet as blood bloomed into a bigger, brighter blemish on your tactical shirt. "We gotta go, Sam, we should get outta here."

"Hang on," Nat paused you two, your opposite hand holding your wound; her hands occupied by a smart device, "looks like Bucky tried to highjack a helicopter. Steve stopped him, but it resulted in them all crashing in the river."

"Shit," Sam breathed. "We gotta go find them."

"We need to get outta here, you know, away from the cops and agents," your head shook. "Get somewhere safe, away from this catastrophe. We'll regroup with Steve."

"Go," Nat permitted, "I won't say a word."

"You're one of a kind, Nat," you praised, pecking her cheek. "Let's go, Sam. And grab that First Aid kit," you pointed to the wall where the white box was mounted. He agreed and you lead the way out of the facility.

Bucky groaned as he woke up, head lulling back before realizing he couldn't move his metal arm; finding it clamped in industrial weights. Sam called you both to attention, but while Steve jogged over, you remained in your place out of sheer distress.

You only vaguely listened to the conversation, hands trembling as your shoulder was bandaged to prevent further injury or infection. You did what you could to patch up any injury, and when you heard your name, you dialed in; Bucky asking, "Where is she? Is she okay?"

"You don't remember?" Sam sneered.

"No..."

"You stabbed her," the Falcon growled.

"What? N-No, I-I-I couldn't've - I wouldn't!"

"You did," Steve confirmed, pity coloring his words. "Punched her out pretty well, choked her, too. Broke her nose..."

"Please - Steve, please, tell me I didn't."

"I'm sorry, Buck."

"That why she's not here? She's in a hospital?"

"Actually, no," Sam trailed, "she's just in the other room."

"She didn't want to come here?"

Steve sighed as Sam informed, "Don't think she wants to see you right now, man."

"I didn't mean to hurt her."

"We know," Steve swiftly promised, nodding his head. "She knows it, too, you just have to give her some time."

Bucky looked utterly defeated, murmuring, "I scared her. Oh, my God, I scared her..."

"Gotta agree with you there."

"Sam," Steve reprimanded. "Look, Buck, she'll come around."

You waited until the two men left Bucky alone to regroup and stratify a new course of action. Slowly and almost sheepishly, you entered where Bucky was being kept, steps silent but he heard you anyways. His blue eyes flashed in concern as he met your gaze, mouth opening and closing as if words failed him.

"Doll," he finally breathed, "a-are you all right?"

"I'm okay."

"Don't bullshit me, how hard did I hit you? Steve said I broke your nose, I-I'm so sorry, doll, please believe me. What'd I do to your shoulder? Is that where I stabbed you?"

"Buck," you sighed, slowly squatting in front of him, "I need you to take a breath and know that I understand you were not in your right state of mind. You were forcibly triggered and sent back into that way of thinking, I know it wasn't you."

"I still hurt you, I still did it."

"Did you, though?" Your head cocked, eyes narrowing slightly, "Because I know my Bucky wouldn't hurt me, would never dare lay a hand on me - but the Winter Solider is a different story. You didn't do this, Buck, you weren't you."

"I can smell the fear on you."

"Well, yeah, it fuckin' scared me. I tried to stop that fake doctor, I tried to help, tried to save you and keep your safe. I'm sorry I was too slow, that I failed."

"You didn't fail anything, sweetheart... I-I failed you, I broke my promise to never hurt you."

"No, you didn't. The Winter Solider did all that, not my Bucky."

He frowned, repeating to ask softly, "Your Bucky?"

"My Bucky - the kind, charismatic, impossibly stubborn, kind hearted man I've loved the past couple of years who always gives me the crispiest fries, who has nightmares, who loves me unconditionally despite what I, too, have done in my past. And you know what I was doing out there while Sam and Steve talked to you?"

"What's that, doll?"

"Understanding that loving someone means loving their flaws, accepting them exactly as they are. So, while, yes, the Winter Solider scares the fuck outta me, he's still part of you and I can't authentically love you if I reject the Soldier."

His head shook "Your kindness is wasted on me."

"I think you should let me decide what's a waste and what's not when it comes to my own energy and emotion."

"I'm just gonna end up hurting you again. You're better off without me, baby, you and I both know you're better off keeping your distance. You should get out now while you still can."

"Not gonna happen. 'Cause you know what else I realized?" You reached up to caress his cheek, "I trust you beyond reasonable doubt, I trust you even if I'm afraid of the Winter Solider. I should've been faster, I should've helped you more, but I was powerless against that red notebook."

"You and I, both..."

You pet the cheek you were holding. "Buck, I know it was scary, I know how it must've felt being forced back into that mindset, but I want you to know that I'm in this for the long haul - you're not gonna scare me off. Because I love you, Bucky, and every single part of you - whether choking me out or not. Whether I earn a broken nose or not."

"I'm so sorry. I-I can't believe I did that, I'm so sorry, I hate that I hurt you. I'm so sorry, baby, I can't - I can't even put it in words how much I regret putting you in that position."

You smirked, "See? The Winter Soldier has no remorse, but my Bucky does." You gingerly reached out to curl his hair behind his ear. "My Bucky apologizes and takes accountability. There's no reason to not love that man - especially when he deserves it so much. Hey? Hear me? You deserve to be loved, too, Buck."

"And you deserve a man who doesn't run the risk of being turned into a psycho killing machine over a few measly words."

"I deserve to love my best friend, so let me do that. Say whatever you want, try to push me away - but I'm like a boomerang, baby, I'll just come right back."

"What kinda man puts his best girl in that kinda position? Who hurts the most important person in his life?"

"A man who endured decades of abuse," you laid your hands on either of his thighs, "a man who wasn't allowed control of his own mind. I can't - no, no, I won't fault you for that, Buck. Today wasn't your fault and I'll remind you of that as often as it takes. Don't you dare feel guilty because you didn't do this to me, okay? You didn't put me in any position - that fake fucking doctor did this, Agent Ross did this, special ops put us here. You, my sweet boy, didn't do anything to be at fault. You were trapped, but look at you now - freed, level headed, talking to me."

His eyes gleamed with a sheen of emotion, staring at the bloodied bandage wrapping your shoulder wound before his eyes danced over the bruising and other aftermath of your injuries. "I could've killed you," he muttered, tears filling his eyes.

"But you didn't - and surprisingly, neither did the Winter Soldier. Maybe there was a part of you still alive, wanting to refuse orders and not actually hurt me."

"Perhaps," he frowned. "I'm still so sorry, doll, I hate that I did this to you. It never should've happened."

Your head nodded, "I know, baby, and listen - I forgive you. Yeah? Hear me? I forgive you, this is in the past."

"Are you sure about me? You sure you wanna do this? Knowing I could flip a switch and hurt you - maybe even worse than today?"

"I'm sure about you, Buck," you agreed. "I don't wanna be without you, so, sign me up for whatever's to come."

"You might regret that."

"The only thing I could ever regret is abandoning you. I don't want to do this without you - I love our life together. In any world, in any lifetime, I'd still choose you. There's nothing that would make me regret you - regret being with you."

"You sure? I don't want to make you do anything out of your comfort."

"I love you, Bucky, yes, I'm sure. No matter what damage you think you might've caused, whatever damage has been done, I promise, that's not the truth. There's nothing about you that I could regret."

"Well, all that's left now is to get to Siberia, stop the other Winter Soldiers."

"And figure out a way to free your mind once and for all... It's what you deserve," you told him softly, rocking to your knees to meet his forehead with yours and caressing his cheek again. When you heard approaching footsteps, you sighed and pulled away from him to stand and turn, spying Sam and Steve. "C'mon, Cap, get him outta this. He's not gonna attack anyone," you requested, gesturing where your boyfriend was trapped.

"You sure?" Sam asked stiffly. "He did a real number on you alone. Not to mention all the other agents and cops he took out back there."

"He's good," you snapped, perking your brows at Steve, "and you two would do well not to throw what happened in his face, it wasn't his fault. So c'mon, free him, he's not a wild animal."

Steve agreed and lifted the machinery from Bucky's prosthetic, him instantly snatching it back and massaging where the joint met metal. Bucky stood with a set stare at Sam and Steve, as if anticipating them to lunge at him. His throat constricted, swelled with emotion when you stepped in front of him - posing barrier between the two Avengers and himself.

"You still got that phone on you?" Steve asked you softly.

"I do."

"Is it still unregistered?"

"You know it is. Who're we calling?"

"Reinforcements. We're gonna need help now that the Avengers will be looking for us. We gotta get to Siberia."

"Here," you agreed, unlocking the device and handing it over. "Who's first on your list?"

"Any Avenger who didn't sign the Sokovia Accords."

When he walked away with Sam again, you turned to face your lover directly; staring into swirling storms of baby blues. "You still with me?" You asked softly, reaching up to caress his hair again to push it behind his ear.

"Always. Got my six?"

"You know I do, baby," you smirked, stepping into his chest and wrapping your arms around his waist. "We'll figure this out, together."

"Together," he agreed, sighing deeply and returning your embrace tightly. His flesh hand rose to hold the back of your head, bringing his lips down to lay a chaste kiss on the top of your head. His voice rattled quietly, "Thank you..."

"Hmm? For what, handsome?"

"Believing in me. It's nice to think we can end this torment."

You smiled up at him, "You deserve freedom, Bucky, and to live without this haunting fear."

"I don't know about 'deserving' it, sweetheart. Done a lot of things that would argue against that."

"Maybe against the Winter Soldier, but Bucky deserves the world. Deserves kindness, accommodation, love and understanding. Now," you smirked and sniffled, giving his waist another squeeze before releasing and pulling back, "get your head outta this pit and focus, we've got a long day ahead of us."

He agreed, letting you take his hand and lace fleshy fingers together in a tether. Sam's face remained stoic and passive, but when Steve saw you two, he couldn't help but smile. Two years he hunted for Bucky and just today, he's learned his best friend's been shacked up with you - a warmth blooming in his chest over the idea of you two finding one another and loving each other.

requesting rules and masterlist

Marvel masterlist

[thisapplepielife]

Written for @steddiesongfics.

Diamonds on the Soles of His Shoes

May Prompt: Song Released in 1986 | Word Count: 2000 | Rating: T | Characters: Eddie, Steve, Robin | CW: Language | Tags: Post S2, Pre S3, Eddie POV, Pre-Steddie, Pre-Platonic Stobin, Eddie & Robin From Band, Graduation Party

For a song released in 1986, I picked Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes by Paul Simon.

Partially hidden behind the trees, Eddie looks at the house, large and looming. Sure, he's been by it before, did a bit of trick-or-treating here in the rich neighborhood, but he's never actually been inside Steve Harrington's house. Never stepped foot over the threshold, beyond those red double doors.

Said doors are standing wide open tonight, inviting the whole world inside. 

Steve Harrington's graduation bash. Everyone's invited. That's been the mantra all week. 

Everyone. 

Eddie's not so sure that everyone really includes him, and he didn't even graduate, anyway. Not even on his second try, and he's dreading the idea of spending a third senior year at Hawkins High. He'd be able to run Hellfire Club for one more year, but that's about it. The silver lining, small and weak, compared to the dark storm cloud that is the prospect of another year in that hell hole. 

He sees a girl from band, Robin Buckley, also lurking and lingering at the edge of the driveway. 

"You goin' in?" Eddie asks, sidling up to her, making her jump.

"Uh, maybe?" she says, but doesn't sound sure about it. 

"You know Steve Harrington?" Eddie asks.

"Only the back of his stupid head," Robin answers, snarkily. 

Eddie laughs, agreeing, "Yeah, same."

But she doesn't move, and he doesn't either, "Why are you here, Robin from Band?" he asks, like that's her legal name.

She doesn't seem to care, just saying, "Reasons," and it's just cryptic enough that he's curious.

"Do you have a crush on Steve Harrington? Gonna make a move before it's too late and he's off at Harvard or Purdue or wherever daddy's money bought him a spot?"

"More like Roane County Technical College," Robin mumbles under her breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing," she says, then turns and looks at Eddie, "just. I saw him applying to Scoops Ahoy, you know, the ice cream shop in the new mall? I don't think he's going to college."

"Maybe it's just a summer job," Eddie says, but that doesn't sound convincing even to his own ears. Why would Steve Harrington need a summer job selling ice cream?

"I don't think so," Robin says, and she's holding back. He can tell.

"Spill it, Buckley."

She cuts a look back at the house, then back at him, "Like, okay. You cannot tell anyone I know this, because, like, I took an oath–"

"You took an oath?" he asks.

"Okay, I didn't take an oath. But there was a lecture. A big lecture, about not repeating anything about what I saw cross the guidance counselor's desk, you know? I was her aide, fifth period."

"Okay, well, what did you see?" Eddie asks, because now he's curious. Very, very curious.

"Steve Harrington didn't get in anywhere. Nowhere at all. And now he's trying to sling ice cream all summer. With me."

"No way," Eddie breathes out, loving that he has this dirt on the little rich boy. Harrington's crown has been repeatedly tarnished this year, and Eddie's enjoyed watching the fallout from afar. 

"You didn't answer my first question: Do you have a crush on Steve Harrington?"

"No," Robin says, and Eddie follows her line of sight. Oh, ew. 

She's looking at the instigator of at least ninety-seven percent of the fallout King Steve's suffered, as he's holding court at the front door, like this is his party instead of Steve's. Billy Hargrove, surrounded by girls. Some freshly graduated, like the perpetually tone-deaf Tammy Thompson.

Eddie rolls his eyes. If he had to choose between the lesser of two evils, he'd take Harrington. 

"Hargrove?" Eddie asks, not even trying to hide his disgust at her bad taste, "I don't even really know you, Buckley, but you can definitely do better."

Robin laughs, but it sounds kind of sad, "I'm not interested in Billy Hargrove, either."

Eddie doesn't get it, then. If she's not here for Steve, and she's not looking at Billy, she's looking at…oh. 

No way.

He should have realized, should have seen himself mirrored in her or some shit. But he says nothing. If he's right or wrong, he'll never know, because it's just not discussed. 

"Glad to hear it, Robin From Band," Eddie says, and offers her his arm. "Wanna go in with me, then?"

And he's surprised when she slides her arm through his elbow.

Robin finds some girls she knows from her own class, and Eddie slinks off towards the pool. He can smoke a cigarette and see if there are any customers out there, so he can make a little bit of money, selling off his shittiest weed.

No such luck, it's strangely empty. Pool drained, even if it's getting warm enough for swimming, especially if it's heated. 

Eddie walks over to the diving board, and tests it, making sure it's not too bouncy. He doesn't want to take a header into the empty concrete, that's for damn sure. It seems safe, so he shuffles out until he can sit on the edge.

Lights a cigarette, and swings his feet.

The party inside is loud, and jam-packed, and Eddie is sure coming here was a mistake. There's nothing for him here, not at Steve Harrington's house. He should have rounded up Jeff and Goodie and found something else to do tonight. He's sure Gareth would have hung out, if he could get his mom to extend his curfew.

"What are you doing out there?!" The question comes, so sharp and hard, that it startles Eddie so much he nearly topples into the waterless void.

He grips the edge of the diving board, but loses his lit cigarette into the pool. Into the pile of dry leaves from last fall. Shit.

"Um, trying to burn your house down?" Eddie teases, and when he looks back, Steve Harrington is standing there, annoyed.

"Get off of that," Steve says, arms crossed across his chest like he needs to protect himself. From Eddie? In what world?

"Well, since you asked so nicely," Eddie taunts, batting his eyes.

"Please get off that," Steve says, dry as dust. No humor to be found. Which is odd. Eddie went to school with Steve for a long time, he is funny, as loathe as Eddie is to admit it.

He crawls off it.

"Just let me get my cigaret-"

"Leave it."

"But-"

"Don't go down there, Munson, are you stupid?" Steve snaps, and Eddie takes a step back. He's not stupid, but he's pretty pissed off now.

Eddie narrows his eyes, "Yeah, I have to repeat my senior year for a third time, Harrington, we all know that already," Eddie snaps, but rapidly loses steam. Steve Harrington's face says he didn't know that, not until Eddie told him. 

Fucking idiot, opening his own goddamn big mouth.

"Uh, well, um…" Steve trails off, "I'm sorry? I didn't get into any colleges if that makes you feel better. I was probably one D-minus in Mrs. Click's class from joining you."

"Ms. O'Donnell is the one torturing me," Eddie answers, off-kilter that he's even having this conversation with Steve Harrington.

And Steve smiles, "Yeah, I hear you. I think she only passed me because of my last name."

Eddie is taken aback, Steve Harrington is aware he gets special treatment? Aware of the diamonds on the soles of his shoes, as well as the noses so far up his ass they'll never see sunshine again?

Well, hell. It isn't good ammo to know Steve Harrington can't get into college if Steve's willing to tell him that himself. Kinda takes all the fun out of it.

"Heard you might be the new King of Scoops Ahoy," Eddie teases, and it is teasing, now. Not taunting.

And that must read, because Steve smiles.

"I'll look great in a sailor suit. I hope we get tips, because I'll kill it," Steve says, hands on his hips. But he doesn't look aggressive, he looks amused. 

And Eddie did that. Hot damn.

"What's up with the pool?" Eddie asks, and wishes he hadn't, when the black cloud passes over Steve's face.

"You know, Barb," Steve says, so soft that Eddie almost doesn't hear him.

Eddie's only heard rumors and gossip. That she went missing. That she didn't, and was instead found killed by everything from monsters, to Steve himself. The former seems more plausible than the latter, and isn't that ridiculous? 

"Did she die in your pool?" Eddie asks. Maybe she drowned.

Steve just kind of shrugs, "I don't know. Maybe. Where you were sitting was the last place she was seen alive, though."

"You're shitting me?" Eddie asks, but he's pretty sure Steve's not kidding.

Steve shakes his head. 

"Sorry, I didn't know," Eddie says.

"I know you didn't," Steve says, "it just scared me, seeing you sitting out there. All alone. Sorry if I was a bit of a dick about it."

And hell has frozen over, Steve Harrington is apologizing to him. 

"Um, you weren't. It's okay. Sorry I just made myself at home."

And Steve laughs, "Well, that's fine," he says, waving his arms around, "look at everyone else."

"And why aren't you with everyone else?" Eddie asks.

"Like who? My only friend these days is thirteen-years-old."

"Say what now?" Eddie asks, because that sounds creepy. Is Harrington, like, a pervert now? He'd heard rumors last winter about Harrington hanging around Hargrove's little sister, but he hadn't given them much credence. He knows the rumors that go around about himself, and the vast majority of them have no basis in reality either.

"Long story," Steve says, "long, long, story. I'm, like, his babysitter? Him and a bunch of other street urchins, I guess?"

"You're a babysitter?" Eddie asks, disbelieving.

"It's as shocking to me as it is to you. I'm not bad at it, though," Steve says, and he smiles.

"You're not like…messing with underage girls?"

"Jesus Christ, no, what kind of freak do you take me for?" Steve says, and he sounds so disgusted that Eddie's sure that's the truth.

"Sorry, I had to ask."

"Unless you mean, like, Nance?" Steve asks, brow furrowed, like he's really thinking this through.

"I do not," Eddie says with a laugh, "I thought you were broken up, anyway?"

"We are," Steve says, "definitely. We are. What about you?"

"Am I broken up with Nancy Wheeler? Yep, have been for as long as I can remember, anyway," Eddie snarks, and Steve Harrington laughs. An ugly, open-mouthed bray.

It's dorky, but real.

And Eddie's heart does a thing that he definitely didn't give it permission to do in his chest. Flipping and flopping, all willy-nilly.

He's not supposed to like Steve Harrington. 

Harrington's a rich boy, who doesn't try to hide it. And Eddie's poor as a pocket, with nothing to lose. 

But right now, standing out here in the near dark, he does like him. God help him.

"Word of advice, from one freak to another, stop saying it like that, or people will think you're a perv. Lead with the babysitting part."

Steve nods.

"If none of these people are your friends, why have a party? Why spend money on assholes that don't deserve it?"

Steve shrugs, "Habit, I guess. Won't be like this much longer, though. My dad's pretty mad about college. He's cutting me off."

Eddie blinks. That's…unfathomable, really.

Steve keeps talking.

"So, I got a job at the ice cream place in the mall. To learn my lesson. Earn my keep, whatever. You should come by, I'll hook you up," Steve offers, and Eddie feels insane. That can't possibly be a thing that they'll ever do. 

Then, Steve tries to sweeten the pot, "Pretty sure I'll be wearing a funny hat."

"And working with Robin From Band," Eddie says, and Steve just shrugs, like he doesn't know who that is. 

Poor Harrington, Buckley'll eat him alive, given half the chance.

And maybe, just maybe, Eddie will swing by to see that happen, live and in person.

Free ice cream and a show. 

If you want to write your own, or see more entries for this challenge, pop on over to @steddiesongfics and follow along with the fun! 🎶

Notes: Oh, these kids. If they only knew how important they'd all be to each other just a short time later.

[littlemissaddict]

Just a little idea that popped into my head while I was trying to sleep. And while I love reading reader x single dad! fics as someone who doesn't want kids I just feel it's not something I've come across in fics yet (it probably has been done and if you have any recs please send them my way)

Also this drifted away from my original idea and I'm too lazy to correct it so please enjoy whatever this has turned into.

"And then Ella" Steve was replaying the story animatedly across the table from her. They were on a first date, after having bumped into him at the grocery store last week where he had surprised her by asking her out.

"Sorry you've lost me, who's Ella" she asks, interrupting him but it was hard to follow the story when she had no idea who she was. She had figured she was another friend or something as it was the first time her name had been mentioned all night where as she'd heard all about the kids he used to babysit, his best friend Robin and the metalhead who had been adopted into the group but Ella was new.

Steve's face fell and she worried her question had upset him, had he already talked about her tonight and she'd missed it so now it had come across as she hadn't been listening. Oh god, it had been going so well and now she'd messed it up with one simple question.

"Have I not told you? I could've sworn I told you?" He asked, there was no accusations in his tone. Instead, he sounded more confused. She shook her head in answer to his questions and he sighed, "I could've, it's the first thing I tell people, how could I have not mentioned her" he was muttering more to himself than her.

She offered him what she hoped was a reassuring smile as she reached across the table to rest her hand over the top of his where at some point he'd clenched his napkin in his fist. He looked up at her touch, "it's okay you don't have to tell me if you don't want to" she reassured him. It may have been a first date but he didn't have to tell her his whole life story in one go, she hoped there'd be a few more where they could learn more about each other.

"No, she's someone I like to be up front about, I need to know before I get involved with anyone so they don't freak out and leave when they do eventually find out and then I'm left picking up the pieces" he explains and her heart bleeds for him, thinking about Steve thinking everything is going well only to be left picking the pieces of his heart up after they leave but she also can't help the anxious feeling building inside of her.

"Ella's my daughter"

Her face falls as soon as the words slip past his lips, a reaction she's quick to cover but not quick enough as Steve sees.

"I know it's a lot to take in especially when we're just getting to know each other that's why I like to make it known straight off the bat but tonight, I don't know I guess I just got so caught up in the excitement of being here with you that I forgot and that sounds terrible that I'm admitting to forgetting my own daughter but it's been a while since I've actually been excited for a date and well you've made me feel like a teenager again which I guess is why" he rambles, his eyes closing as he rubs his fingers against his temples before he looks back at her. "Please say something, even if it's just to tell me I'm an idiot" he all but pleads.

"Steve" she whispers. Her mind is going at a million miles a minute as she processes his confession and her own feelings. "I don't know, I really wasn't expecting to be discussing kids on a first date" she admits, "but since we're being up front then I can't lie but kids have never really been in my plans for the future and I know your not asking anything from me right now but I've enjoyed myself tonight and I really want to see where this goes but," she pauses glancing at Steve and she can tell that he's expecting her to tell him that she doesn't want to be with someone who already has a kid and the acceptance of it is written all over his face which is heartbreaking because he deserves love she's just not sure if she's the one.

"If this did progress, if we did get together I just don't know if I'd fit your expectations or even hers" she admits, already feeling like she'd be a disappointment to the both of them when she couldn’t fill the mother roll that she thought he was expected her to fill. "I just don't want it to get to the point where we realise that maybe it won't work and then we're left as you say picking up the pieces" she finishes with a sniffle, god please don't let her cry.

And Steve, wonderful Steve, leans even further across the table, his large palm cupping her cheek as a small smile graces his lips. "I have no expectations, this would be new for both of us as its only ever been me and her for the longest time, all I need to know is if you'd be willing to try, take things slow until we figure out us and then when you're ready then we introduce Ella, we could just even say your a friend if that makes you more comfortable" he tries and she melts under his touch, his gaze.

"I'm terrible with kids" she adds, giving him one last out to change his mind but he just chuckles.

"They're a learning curve, trust me but she's a good kid" he promises with a nod that somehow has her feeling at ease. Kids may have not been in her plan for the future but maybe one wouldn't be so bad.

[penny00dreadful]

Inspired by this conversation from Campaign 2 - Episode 85 of Critical Role

Robin slammed their drinks down on the table and fell into the booth next to Steve. The loud music, the crush of bodies up on the dance floor and the low light would be enough to keep their conversation mostly private no matter how loud they got.

“Alright.” She slid over a poisonous looking shot and turned to him. “Dish the dish, bish!”

Steve wrinkled his nose but knocked the shot back anyway. Maybe it was a sign of how much he’d already drank or maybe it was a sign of just how unhinged his teenage years had been but it went down much easier than he thought it would. He needed to get a solid buzz going anyway, Chrissy and Eddie would be arriving soon and he didn’t think he’d be able to get through a whole night of watching Eddie flirt with strangers again without something strong in his blood.

“I might have a similar problem.”

Robin looked at him confused. “Wait, you’re into Chrissy too?”

Steve was scandalised. “No!”

“Gross!”

“No!”

“You were a jock, she was a cheerleader, oh my god this is too hetero for me to be even having this conversation-”

“No, not Chrissy!” Steve shouted in fond frustration, cutting her off.

“Oh,” she said, immediately deflating from her outburst and shooting right back around to thirsty for information, “who?”

He stared at her for a moment, grimacing, trying to figure out how he would delicately reveal his crushing and all consuming infatuation.

Her eyes widened the longer he stared.

“Me?!” She shrieked.

“No!” He shrieked right back, appalled.

“Oh, it’s me!” Robin threw her hands into her hair and turned fully to face him. “This is your way of telling me! Oh my god, Steve, we’ve been through this-”

“Shut up! Shut up!” He shouted, thudding his head against their table before turning his head to look at her, lowering his volume and whisper shouting. “It’s- it’s Eddie!”

She definitely hadn’t heard him but had clearly understood the way his lips formed around the name and her eyes nearly popped out of her head.

“Wait, what?!” Her whole body went reeling. “I’m sorry, what?!” She grabbed him by the scruff like a misbehaving cat and hauled him back upright.

Steve slumped under her hold and shrugged. “It's just kind of, I don't know. It's just a crush, I just don't know what to do with it.”

“Wait, what?!” Robin repeated, glancing up and staring across the dance floor where Chrissy had appeared near the bar, scanning for them. “Three more!” Robin shouted at her, throwing a hand up with three fingers lifted when their eyes met. “Three more rounds!”

“Each!” Steve called. He didn’t know what Chrissy saw in their faces, maybe it was desperation or just the possibility of juicy gossip but even though she couldn’t have heard them so far away, she grinned and nodded, turning back to the bar.

Steve rounded on Robin, bringing their faces close together and poking her in the chest. “If you fucking tell anybody-”

Robin was completely unphased. “Of course I’m not gonna tell anyone! You know- look at this face!” She said, bringing Steve’s finger up to rest on her nose and doing a terrible job of biting down on her grin.

“You tell everybody everything!”

His soulmate had the worst poker face he’d ever seen.

“I’m cool.”

“You are gonna let it slip.”

“No! Of course not!”

Steve slouched in his seat with a petulant fake pout. “I shouldn’t have told you.”

“Wait, what about him?” She nudged at his shoulder. “For me…” Robin looked out across the bar again where Chrissy was lining up their drinks on a tray. “It’s her cute little nose and her thighs-”

“Are you talking about Chrissy again?”

“Yesyesyes.” She replied with an air of ‘keep up’ “its her sweetness and kindness and unflappably positive outlook. But she could also get mean if she has to-” Robin didn’t seem to be entirely aware that the woman she was watching slowly make their way over to them was not just a figment of her fantasies but was actually here and would soon be involved in the conversation.

He wasn’t too worried about Chrissy finding out about his crush, she probably already knew if the looks she’d been giving him the past few weeks were anything to go by.

“What is it about him?”

Steve dragged his eyes away from Chrissy and back to Robin, twirling his empty shot glass on the table, contemplating.  “He's fun, he makes me laugh, I like his ridiculous… everything. I think he's complicated and layered.” He glanced up as Chrissy set the tray down. “I don't know.”

“That’s cool.” Robin said, her voice uncharacteristically soft amongst the loudness.

“I’m not gonna act on it or anything!” Steve’s eyes bounced between the two girls. Chrissy seemed to pick up on what was happening immediately, sitting with her elbows on the table, leaning in while Robin stared at him disbelievingly, like he’d just said the most ridiculous thing imaginable.

“I wouldn’t have thought he'd be your type.” She said, giving him clemency and changing the thread of the conversation.

“I don’t think… he thinks… that I’m his type…” Steve replied with a crease in his brow, all the male pronouns in that sentence were confusing the shit out of him. 

“So you’re telling me you’re not serious about this? That’s it’s just a crush, that this is not a thing-”

“Yeah, of course!” He exclaimed, not even believing himself and from the looks of it the two girls, they didn’t believe him either.

“Because what if… all he does is go on about how his love life is hopeless. What if he doesn’t even know what he likes?” Robin waggled her eyebrows at him, clearly insinuating that he should pursue.

Steve snorted, reaching for one of the multiple shots Chrissy set down. “I’ve had that fantasy.” He tried to make a light joke out of it but it was all too real in his own head. The amount of times he’d thought about introducing Eddie to all the shit he liked to have done to him in the bedroom and all the things he liked to do in return was downright obsessive.

He knocked his shot back at the same time the two girls did. The drink was definitely getting to him and Robin wasn’t far behind. They were entering Stage 4 Drunk.

Whimsy.

“He could be lost,” Robin squished his cheeks in between her hands, “he could be at sea right now, and you could be the anchor that brings him home.”

Steve nodded. “I could be the flame in the darkness.”

Chrissy was looking endlessly entertained. “I don't think that's how anchors work. Anchor brings you to the bottom, if I recall. Be the anchor that brings him to the bottom.”

But Robin just looked at her like she was agreeing with everything they said, barrelling forward. “What if he's lost because he doesn't know that you're what he's looking for? He thinks he likes-” she waved her arm out to the bodies on the dance floor.

Steve nodded. “I could be his beacon…” he downed the shot, the sharp tangle of alcohol shocking the whimsy out of him. “I need to stop saying these things.” He shook his head. “No, these aren’t any of these things anyway so like… it’s just this- I’m already-”

“It could totally be a possibility.” Robin yanked on his arm.

“It’s not a possibility-”

“But maybe it is.” She insisted with a look in her eye that he did not like.

“No.”

“Don’t worry.” She ran a hand clumsily through his hair, leaning in conspiratorially. “I’ll do some work.”

“nO!” Steve screamed helplessly while Chrissy cackled. “NO!”

But Robin was already nodding to herself. “I’ll find something I can do here.”

“No, Robin! Confiding! This was an exercise in confiding!”

She grinned at him like she was in on some big secret, darting two fingers between their eyes while Steve stared despondent. “I see what you’re getting at.”

“It's very black and white, it's just don't tell the secrets.” He tried to impress upon her, grabbing her hand which was still moving between them. “It's not that I'm getting at anything, it's just that this stays between us.” He glanced over at Chrissy who was looking wildly entertained. “This is our girl thing, okay?”

“Hey, but no matter what, we're not letting this break up the three of us.” Robin used her free hand to draw a circle around the three of them.

“No, absolutely not. We’re ride or die. It's not going to change anything.”

“No.” Robin nodded, seemingly satisfied but Steve still felt like his sanity was still in danger.

“Don't let it change anything.” He pleaded.

“It won't.” She grinned, all misplaced confidence and see-through casual exterior. “I will behave the same.”

“You’re already not.” He insisted, looking at her wide ‘I have a secret’ smile.

“Cool as a cucumber.”

“Oh my god.” Steve grabbed two more shots off the tray, knocking one back but the second was plucked from his grip.

Eddie wedged himself into the tiny amount of space beside Steve, his stolen shot disappearing down his throat.

“What are we talking about? Buckley’s got her ‘I have a secret’ smile on.”

Robin was staring at Eddie wide eyes with a huge grin on her face and if she thought she was being subtle she was fucking delusional. 

Shit.

Steve knew from past experience she was about five minutes away from accidentally outing his big stupid fuck off crush so he had to deal with this himself.

He shoved Eddie out of the booth, calling a quick “Going out for a smoke!” over his shoulder and dragging him by the hand towards the back.

Steve wasn’t sure how long they stayed gone, but after two cigarettes each and something wild and intense in the bathroom afterwards, he found he didn’t really care.

[kaleaido]

So... episode 16 huh?

Okay guys, what the FUCK WASTHATTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111!1! that was. wow. oh my god. wow. okay I need to sit down. I'll be doing the bullet point breakdown again cause my thoughts are everywhere:

THE ANIMATION IS PHENOMENAL??? The art in general is AWESOME ii2 always had really fluid and cinematic animation imo but GOD this is such eye candy

Seeing the III contestants ISFUCKING SCARY I DIDN'T THINK WE'D GET TO SEE THEM AT ALL??? I THOUGHT THEY WERE GONNA BE MENTIONED??? They look soo weird in the old art style but this is cool I like it

okay I did NOT expect Taco to be doing her apology thing so early BUT OH MY GOD????// THE ENCOUNTER IS EVERYTHING I FEARED BUT IT WAS SO GOOD EVEN WITH THE SHORT TIME SPAN OHGUEAHGH......PICKLE........SORRY BUT I WAS CHEERING FOR HIM HE KIND OF ATE THAT UP........... AND THE PART WHERE HE FUCKING DIED AND TACO WAS CRYIGN?!?@!@KASJKADSDJWHATTHE FUCK WAS THAT. WHAT TWAS THAT BRIAN. BRAIN. WHAT. I thought they were having a fight or something but NOOOIT WAS WAY WAYWAY WORSE. HELLO???? HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FEEL ABOUT THIS . Actually! I'm not feeling okay. I don't like this.

II SUDDENLY TURNED INTO A MUSICAL WHATT!!! Steve Cobs song certainly was not on my bingo card but here we are. hate that guy but man he got a good voice

I'm digging the payjay angst but I didn't think that was a segue TO KILL OJ?????WHY WAS THAT SCENE SO GOOD. I'M FOAMING AT THE MOUTH IT WAS HORRIFYING!!! THE ENTIRE SEQUENCE OF MEPHONEX APPROACHING THE CONTESTANTS WASSOASHDGHWAHWASHJD But real talk, does this imply that Toilet was created by Mephone in some ways???

Hi guys I'm actually not okay with us seeing characters that are in pairs be separated. Mm yeah. OJ, Soap, Nickle. Yeah. I'm not okay that they spent the episode showing these characters hanging with their friends only for them to die. Yeah.I'm not okay seeing their friends being in complete shock of what just happened. Yeah. Mh yeah.........

THE HAUNTED MANSION GUYS ARE BACK YAYYY!!!!! and they were roomates <3 (dough i hope you die the second time)

Knife and Suitcase interactions are so well written I can't get over them. Also the way both of them handle 3GS isSOOEUAHGH I lovee 3GS

Knife and Trophy. Need I say more

Suitcase, Nickel and Balloon. Need I say more

Steven Cobs is horrible I hate him but he was also the most entertaining character in this. Him putting Mephone on speaker phone isEVIL I HATE HIM!!!!!! also never realised that he was so egotistical to name his products with "Me" in them that's such Steve Cobs things

THE PLOTTWIST IS SO. DEVASTING. IVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT IT FOR HOURS NOW. SO YOU'RE TELLING ME THAT MEPHONE WAS JUST ROLEPLAYING WITH HIS OCS????? SERIOUSLY???? This just makes so much sense but it's also so horrible. like how many of the stuff tthat contestants did was intentional??? Is this why Bot was one of Mephone's favorite contestants? because they were "real"???

Also quick thing but I just hopped off from Brian's stream just now and he said something along the line of how BP is the opposite of Steve Cobs. Which just makes me wonder if like. did Mephone ALSO make BP??? Did he make someone he could look up to as a healthy father figure??? This is making me insane

yeah my brain is absolutely jumbled right now. if anyone still want to yap on about ii16 hit my dm please I still don't know how to feel about this act. LIKE YEAH It's awesome I love it but wow......is the emotional damage really worth it....

[dwobbitfromtheshire]

Just a little Henclair one shot with a small side of Steddie

Dustin rolled his shoulders before stepping foot into the drama room. It would be a while before the game started. Actually, before both games started. He knew that Eddie would be the only one here setting up and making final adjustments. Eddie was sprawled out on his throne, looking at his notebook when Dustin cleared his throat.

"Ah, Henderson, you guys find anyone yet?" Eddie asked.

"Well, yes, but I'm hoping we don't have to use her," Dustin said. "I'm making one final plea to postpone the game tonight, Eddie."

"Why should I post pone?" Eddie asked. "Who cares about some dumb laundry basket game?"

"Lucas does!" Dustin snapped, and Eddie looked at him seriously for a moment. Dustin had never raised his voice to him like that. "And they don't have the ability to postpone their game, but you do. I need to be there to support Lucas. No, I want to be there to support Lucas."

"You make it sound as if - ," Eddie said, and then he shook his head. "Sorry, man. Can't postpone. I won't postpone, and if Sinclair really wants to chase after some bullshit dream about becoming one of them, I won't stop him, and neither should you. He has to be the one to make a choice."

"Why can't he choose both? Why does it have to be one or the other?" Dustin asked.

"Because that's the way it is, man! That's how they want it!" Eddie exclaimed and jumped up from the chair.

"Wow, I didn't take you for a person who obeyed the rules of society that are so clearly assbackward, but I guess I was wrong," Dustin said. "You know, Lucas was scared to tell you how much basketball meant to him to bring it up in conversation with this group who is supposed to be much more enlightened than these assholes. He also looked up to you because he didn't want to disappoint you, but more importantly, he didn't want to disappoint himself, and basketball was a thing he needed to explore. He likes playing both games. Why are you putting him into a box?"

Eddie stepped back as if he had been slapped, and suddenly, he looked a lot younger than he had ever seen him.

"Jesus H Christ, it's just a game," Eddie whispered.

"Which one are you referring to there, buddy?" Dustin asked, and then he paused. "If I tell you a secret, can I trust you to keep it?"

"Of course," Eddie said softly.

"Lucas is my boyfriend," Dustin said, and he was pleased to see his eyebrows nearly disappear under all that hair.

"I thought that you were dating a girl named Suzie," Eddie said. "Is she not real?"

"Oh, she's very real and very much my ex-girlfriend. She was very special to me but we couldn't make it work as much as we wanted to. We're still friends, though," Dustin said. "After summer break, after Starcourt and after my break up with Suzie. . .his break up with Max. . . It kind of just happened. We've been dating for months, and I would like to keep doing that. You guys don't have to go to the game, but can you, please, postpone Hellfire for one night so I can support my very handsome boyfriend?"

Eddie stared at him for a moment, giving Dustin pause because he thought for sure that it would win him over. Suddenly, Eddie grinned and bowed low.

"I grant you your request, good sir. Hellfire is indeed postponed but for one night, only," Eddie said, and he stood up to pull Dustin into a tight hug. "Thank you for telling me, and thanks for telling me off. What would you have done if I still said no?"

"Beat the shit out of you with my goddamn hat. I love Lucas," Dustin said, and Eddie laughed.

"Is Lucas okay with you telling me?" Eddie asked.

"Oh, yeah, he's surprised that I haven't blabbed to you yet. Besides, he is the one who told Steve. Well, not told per se, more like got caught up in the moment and kissed me in front of him. Steve spit out his water. It was hilarious," Dustin grinned.

"And he's okay with this?" Eddie asked.

"Of course," Dustin said. "You'd be surprised with what he's cool with. You should get to know him."

"No thanks, I'm good," he scoffed.

"You know, he never was a bullying jock like the others. He always tried to stop - " Dustin started to say.

"I know, I know," Eddie said and paused. "It's just - you know, maybe you're right. Maybe I should get to know him."

They walked out of the drama room together just as the others showed up.

"Hellfire is postponed," he said.

"What?!" Gareth asked. "Is this because of Sinclair? Because if it is, I swear to God - "

"You'll do nothing. Hellfire is postponed because we're all going to show up to support Lucas. Isn't that right, Dustin?" Eddie asked.

"Totally!" Dustin grinned.

"We're going to have to show those assholes that jocks and nerds can be friends," Eddie said. "So, let's do it."

And when they showed up, much to Steve’s surprise, Lucas had the biggest grin on his face. It was really very cute. When they spilled out into the parking, Dustin wanted to throw himself into Lucas's arms and kiss him so badly. He couldn't, though. Steve had seen the look on his face and leaned down to whisper in his ear.

"Alleyway, man, I'll cover you," Steve said, clapping a hand on his shoulder.

Dustin shoved Lucas discreetly into the alleyway while everyone was busy talking about the game to even notice. Steve leaned against the entryway to guard and hide them. Eddie moved to follow. Steve placed a hand on his chest.

"What are you doing?" Steve asked.

"Helping," Eddie said.

"You know?" Steve asked.

"Yeah."

"And you're okay with it?" Steve asked.

"I would be a hypocrite," Eddie snorted as he moved closer to Steve to help block the view.

"Oh, yeah, me too," Steve blushed.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Meanwhile, Dustin was pushing Lucas up against the wall and leaning against him, their faces close.

"Those were some serious moves out there, Lucas," Dustin said.

"Oh, yeah. How much are they worth?" Lucas asked.

"At least five kisses," Dustin said.

"Five? Please, they're worth at least ten," Lucas scoffed.

"Ten, you say? I think that can be arranged. I only have a twenty, so I'm going to need some change back," Dustin said.

"Deal," Lucas said and pressed his lips to Dustin's.

Dustin broke the kiss and growled at him. Lucas tilted his head back and laughed.

"What?" Dustin asked.

"I love it when you do that. It's so cute," Lucas replied.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Lucas said and covered his hands over Dustin's. "Is that my bandana on your wrist?"

"Yeah, it looks better on me, don't you think?" Dustin asked.

"It totally does," Lucas said and pulled him in for another kiss.

Their little moment in the alleyway kept them going all the way through the spring break from hell. Now, here they were at Steve's place. The town had been saved, Vecna had been defeated, and not a single member of their group had died. Max, Eddie, and Steve needed some healing to do, but other than that. . .all was well. Dustin and Lucas had officially come out to the group, too. Mike had already guessed, and Robin had been there when Lucas kissed Dustin in front of Steve. Everyone was more than okay with it. Max was still in the hospital, but Eddie and Steve were upstairs healing in the same bed. Although Nancy wondered why they insisted on sharing the same bed when there were plenty of other rooms. Dustin figured that mystery out when he opened the door to bring them some food and found them kissing. They quickly broke away and suddenly looked relieved when they saw it was Dustin.

"Hey," Steve said as he stared at Dustin.

"Hey," Dustin said, grinning wildly at them as he wiggled his eyebrows at them. "What's going on in here?"

"You know exactly what's going on in here," Eddie scowled.

"You should know, Eddie, that I had a jock boyfriend first, so don't be acting like you started something," Dustin said. "I'm glad to know that I could set a good example for you."

"Okay, set the tray down, then exit the room, please," Steve sighed.

"Need me to guard the door for you?" Dustin asked.

"No!"

Dustin laughed as he moved to exit the room.

"Hey, Dustin!" Eddie called out.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks, man," Eddie said.

Dustin smiled. He knew exactly what Eddie was thanking him for, and it wasn't the food. Sometimes, people need a wake-up call.

"Anytime," Dustin said.

He moved downstairs to the kitchen where everyone had gathered. He watched Lucas laughing for a moment, and his heart sang out at the sight. Lucas held out his arms, and Dustin didn't waste a moment to snuggle into them. He pressed his ear against his chest, and he let the sound of Lucas's heartbeat soothe him. They were alive.

[pietrodart]

No one asked for it, but here it is: an impulsive post about each and all interactions Pietro and Emily ever had and an analysis of their dynamic as it progressed and regressed(and yes, I'm only doing this because I miss them).

First, let's start with the Uncanny Avengers stage and give a bit more context to what was happening in both of their lives.

Emily was first introduced in the Uncanny Avengers(2015) run, but even with little content we still got to have a lot of clues about what was happening in her life at the time: she was going through a dramatic change, a moment of transition and where her and her family were all struggling to get used to their new heritage and powers, and at the same time she was in a position of constant isolation in a team where all people knew each other but her, and Rogue hostilized her due to her Inhuman blood. Also, I would like to point out that Ivan, Emily’s grandfather, had cancer before becoming healthy very suddenly due to the terrigen clouds and the moment he became healthy he started traveling around the world, so Emily was alone while worrying for her apparently powerful brother. At the same time, Pietro was going through a moment of MCU synergy where he discovered Magneto wasn't his biological father and his personality became more outgoing for a while with the justification that now, without the ties to Magneto, he felt like commemorating their lack of relation – I think it's nice mentioning that Pietro also was in a good moment in life on where his relationship with Luna and Wanda was concerned.

Long description short: both of them were going through a major transition but in different ways and with different impacts.

The first time we see them interacting is on Uncanny Avengers(2015) #1 during a date by the end of the afternoon, on the same day where Emily was introduced to the public officially during a press event – an event she says she wasn't completely ready or prepared for. While Emily was having a bit of a bad day, Pietro was having multiple dates around the world. Again, they are both going through a phase of transition but in different ways and that contributes a lot to why they got closer; Emily needed someone and Pietro wanted someone.

During the date, Emily requested for Pietro to call her by her name instead of using the alias of Synapse and asked him to confirm that they weren't on a date since earlier that day Steve had asked her not to date anyone in the team, and she didn't wish to disappoint him. Pietro proceeded to say that they weren't on a date, giving emphasis on that denial even if it was a lie – not only was it very obvious that the setting was meant to be romantic, but he had also used with Emily the same conversation starter as the one he had used in his previous dates. After that, Emily ended up apologizing for the way her words came out even if her words weren't necessarily rude, adding that Pietro wasn't undateable.

She never implied that he was undateable before – she only said she didn't want to disappoint Steve, that's all. From what she said, it was easier to assume she was sounding more apologetic in the sense of “it's a nice idea but we can't” than “i don't want a date with you”. Emily was clearly trying her best to be nice and likable, going as far as over-explaining herself to avoid misunderstandings when Pietro was clearly not offended and was, at maximum, disappointed but remaining polite towards her. Pietro was the first person on the team to be gentle towards her without putting her in the position of the token Inhuman, actually treating her like a person(differently from Rogue and Steve).

During the date, Emily commented on how pigeons were bothering her ever since her earlier mission with the Avengers, where she used her powers to control a lot of them. After that, she fell back from her chair, being rushed to the hospital by Pietro before telling him that instead of going to the hospital, they should reunite the team and go to Boston.

I'm going to try covering all of their minor interactions as shortly as I can, but have in mind the fact that I'm very obsessed with them, so there's a chance I'll end up over-analyzing and making stuff up as it goes.

Their next interaction happened on the same issue but a few pages later, where Pietro asked if Emily was mind-linked to him, and for her to help cover more of the civilians in the area he was in. Something nice pointing out is that no one else tried including Emily in the mission: Rogue barely talked to her if it wasn't to bring up criticism over things out of Emily's control, and the rest of the team was indifferent to her(except Jericho, who kept being polite). But Pietro actually tried including her, requesting for help from her for something that feels almost stupid, since he could have taken those civilians out of there without asking for help.

Even if it isn't a big interaction, there are also a few interactions in issue #2: one where Emily tried speaking to Rogue and Pietro interrupted her, and another where Emily asked telepathically for Pietro to rejoin the team but froze when she realized he was in danger. Again, not big, but I did say I would cover all of their interactions.

After the end of Emily and Ivan's arc in Uncanny Avengers, Emily and Pietro are next seen interacting in the background of Black Knight(2016) #2, #4 and #5 where Emily appeared close to Pietro and with her hand on his shoulder, commenting with him about the situation they were in during that run and once again appearing closer to him than to others. Next there's their apparition in Squadron Supreme(2016) #3, where Pietro is seen protecting Emily over the rest of the team.

Things to notice: Emily was a very recent addition to the Uncanny Avengers at that time, so it made sense for her to not be so close to anyone in the team and only talk to them if spoken to or when wanting to pitch in on a plan, and it also made sense for other members to be concerned about her well-being during fights, but that doesn't really happen. No one talks to her and she doesn't talk to anyone, and no one else seems to want to lose time babysitting the new member except for Pietro.

Emily reacts to what Pietro says, even when it's unnecessary, and Pietro worries about Emily, even if it's also unnecessary. I believe that Emily acts that way because Pietro is the closest to a friend she had between her teammates – she refers to everyone by their hero names at that point, except Pietro, again –, so for her it was better to interact with him only.

And from Pietro's point of view it also made sense: Emily literally fell backwards out of nowhere during a date and was seen crying and obviously distressed after her first real mission, it would make sense for him to see her as more fragile and “in over her head” as Rogue said, and since she had been nice to everyone, why would he not help her, especially if he was clearly interested in her before to the point of asking her on a date?

(I'm adding this a little while after writing this part, but: Emily is also very inexperienced and distracted. Wade also ends up having to save her, but Pietro is the one that pays more attention to her safety. Adding too that Pietro is very reckless about the rest of the team's wellbeing, and he usually only acts when someone asks him to, differently from Emily who he helps faster.)

Now, I have covered all of their appearances outside of Uncanny Avengers but that happened during the same time space, so we can continue with their interactions on the main run.

In issue #8, it's possible to see Emily and Pietro in the same gym, but that's about all that we get until issue #13, where Emily revealed she had been amping up Pietro's healing abilities while he got better from an injury in a fight against Ultron, and is then shown giving him a tissue when his nose started to bleed. It's not much, just like most of their interactions, but it gets a bit better when they are mostly shown close or together after that interaction in specific.

Oh, and it's a turning point on their dynamic. Issue #13 comes a little after Scarlet Witch(2016) #8, where Pietro and Wanda argued and fought and Wanda told Pietro that she didn't want to be around him anymore: Pietro pretty much only ever interacted with Wanda, if we're honest. At the time he wasn't as close to Lorna anymore and the events of Civil War II could have probably affected his relationship with the Inhumans too, so I doubt there was anyone(other than Wade) visiting him in the hospital, since most of the people he knew had better and more important things to do – it's also probably the moment they grew closer.

Emily is there to help Pietro – not because he's Pietro, but because she's like that – when no one else is, in a time of his life where he's not only alone and distant from his loved ones, but also being called constantly by Red Skull, which took a very heavy mental toll on him. Her presence there, in the hospital, feels like the turning point of their relationship because it is.

After issue #13, we only see them interacting again on issue #16, with Emily failing to put Hulk to sleep and Pietro telling her to let go of that idea and focus on protecting the civilians. Note: Emily calls Pietro by his name, but Pietro calls Emily “Synapse”. We only see him call her Emily in issue #1, and I want everyone to keep that in mind until he stops using her hero alias to refer to her.

Minor interaction: in issue #17, Pietro and Emily are seen looking at each other and I think that's cute.

Time to talk about one of the most important issues! In issue #18, Pietro is mind-controlled by Red Skull and forced to attack the other members of the Uncanny Avengers team, taking each of them to the Avengers' mansion(which had been turned into a theme hotel). It's also shown another one of Red Skull's calls with Pietro: it was an awful moment, with Red Skull saying absolutely vile things, but it's also the moment that confirmed that Pietro was interested in Emily.

After another round of “let's torture Quicksilver”, Pietro was shown attacking each member without hesitating until it came to Emily, to who he apologized while crying before punching her. Again, Pietro called Emily “Synapse”, while Emily referred to him as “Pietro”.

Minor interactions: Pietro and Emily exchanged a few words in issue #22. Emily also mentions Pietro in issue #24 after trying to call him but being unable to reach him.

Note: By this point, Emily was closer to everyone in the team and only referred to Steve as “Captain America”, prefering to call everyone but him and Wasp by their legal names instead of aliases(Rogue is an exception, since she's…Rogue). Most of the team also referred to her by name.

After issue #18, their interactions remained being very small until issue #26, when the end of the run was approaching and both Emily and Pietro were getting more development. Pietro and Wanda went back to speaking after a messy case of possession and Emily expressed her worry as she saw Pietro be more stressed out, regretful and frustrated, not even caring to the fact she was eavesdropping on Pietro and Wanda's conversation. Later, when the team was attacked during the night, Pietro went after Emily and not only changed her clothes so she could fight but also stayed close to her while both of them made sure to not get separated, holding hands while being attacked. The fight lasted for two issues, and in issue #27 Pietro tried beating up Graviton after he threw Wanda into the air and attacked Emily.

Minor interaction: in the background of issue #26, Emily looks uncomfortable while close to the Maximoff twins, which I assume is because she's worried about Pietro.

Minor interaction: in the background of issue #28, Pietro and Emily were close together again and Pietro was shown looking at Emily with annoyance. I'm not sure what that panel meant to say, but Emily is seen shrugging off the glare.

Now, the last 3 issues of the Uncanny Avengers era and the ones with the biggest impact on their dynamic.

In Uncanny Avengers #28, Pietro and Emily went on another date, and that's when they mutually reached first name basis – up until this point, Pietro had only called her Synapse with the exception of a few rare moments. During that date, Emily shared her guilt about leaving the team while they saw each other and Pietro dismissed those worries, saying that they had probably not noticed their absence. He continued by saying that the “loud and obnoxious” members of a team got the glory while he and Emily were left to go out, and Emily replied by saying that it wasn't all bad. After that, she mentioned that she noticed how he had a lot on his mind – probably a reference to her eavesdropping earlier – and received the confession that he had missed her during the Darkforce event, which prompted her to question him for confirmation about his revelation before they were interrupted by a call from Rogue.

I'll move on quickly from this, but I find it worth to mention that it made sense for Emily to question Pietro and I don't believe that she was simply trying to hear him say it again, but that it was more out of disbelief: Pietro didn't spend time with Emily for Emily. Sure, they spent time together in the team, but while Emily had spent her time helping Pietro when he was in the hospital, he wasn't there for her when Cable was hospitalized(and yes, Emily spent a lot of time there. He was very important to her) or when Cable left, and though that was probably not his fault since he did have more important things to do, it makes sense that Emily said that because she truly didn't believe Pietro: he never showed anything that indicated that he could or did miss her.

A little after answering Rogue's call, Emily and Pietro went to meet the team for a reunion, to which Pietro complained saying he and Emily had more important things to do. Without getting permission to go back to their date, they stayed there until Jericho and Wanda revealed small creatures summoned with magic that they planned to use to rebuild the Avengers mansion, something that bothered Pietro and made him express his distaste for magic while Emily was in awe of everything.

In issue #29, it's revealed that Jericho's summoning of the creatures also made space for Juggernaut, who attacks the team unexpectedly. Pietro focused his attention on Emily, saving her from getting hit and earning reassurance from her when she says he doesn't have to do that to impress her, which he denied and said would only be “another byproduct of our impending victory”.

Emily was put on the ground by Pietro and he started giving out orders for a plan he had, wishing for both of them to get the spotlight since the team constantly ignored how useful they were(and he wasn't wrong) – but, unfortunately, the plan didn't work. Emily ended up getting hurt, and in issue #30, Pietro had his request to see Emily turned down while his teammates, including his own sister, said he had been the one responsible for Emily's injuries and that he had done enough for the day. After hearing those things, Pietro ran away but left a letter for Emily. In the end of the issue, Emily was shown crying after reading his words, and that's how their time in the Uncanny Avengers ended.

In Pietro's letter, he revealed he had turned to religion after being faced with his mistakes and said that he prayed for Emily's future, hoping that his actions hadn't taken away her beauty and grace and making it clear that he did not expect her to forgive him for what he did, since nothing he could write would take away her pain – except he was wrong. Emily was not in pain when she woke up, and had not cried after being hurt, and the only moment we see her cry after Uncanny Avengers(2015) #1 is when she read his letter.

His actions had hurt her physically, yes, but Emily had always been shown as clumsy: people had to save or guide her all of the time, at some point she would get hurt and there was nothing no one could do about it. That's the thing about being a superhero after all, so it was impossible for her to be an Avenger and never get hurt. What did hurt her was Pietro's absence, accompanied by the absence of the rest of her teammates too.

No one was there. The only thing left for her was a letter from Pietro, because they had taken away her chance to see him when she woke up too. Emily didn't even have her brother by her side when she awoke, but she showed in Avengers(2018) that she held nothing against Pietro, though he refused to see it.

After Uncanny Avengers(2015) #30 we only see Emily and Pietro interacting again in Avengers(2018) #677, but their interaction is quick and lacks their usual care or gentleness with each other. After Rogue refused to take Pietro with her and other heavy-hitters to a mission in Rome, arguing that she needed people she could trust and he was not one of those, Pietro decided to leave the room out of spite towards the way he was spoken to.

Emily, who had recovered from her injuries in Uncanny Avengers(2015) #30 only a short time before but was clearly feeling better enough to fight, ended up trying to speak to Pietro and was rejected since he “didn't want her pity” when she was clearly only looking to show him support: well, she was the one that got hurt due to his actions. She had the right to speak and say she wasn't angry or blamed him for it, but no one cared or respected her enough to listen.

It took 10 issues for them to interact again, and between that time Emily was not only traumatized by the knowledge that the heroes fighting were just “obstacles in a game” but also by Human Torch's death, something that made her more bitter as the run kept on going – they weren't close, but they were friends and Emily had already lost enough.

Their next interaction happened in Avengers(2018) #687, with Pietro wearing himself out because of something only he sees and Emily insisting for him to rest and attempting to use her powers for that, which he rejected and added that she shouldn't even talk to him after what he put her through. Emily finally gave voice to what she thought, reassuring Pietro that something like that was part of the job and that she was fine and didn't blame him, including the fact that it was impossible for them to always plan things with every possible bad eventuality; unfortunately, Pietro didn't listen, getting distracted when the beacon he was looking for ran past him again.

It's in Avengers(2018) #688 that their last interaction and their first kiss happened. Emily helps Pietro lose any blockages from his mind that could stop him from running faster, and before he could sacrifice himself to help save the world, they shared a bittersweet kiss and a few words.

Note: I won't elaborate on that kiss, but I don't like the way it happened. I'm happy they got to kiss, but at the same time it feels rushed and out of character for Emily.

There's not much to say now, I suppose. Emily and Pietro didn't interact again after Pietro's sacrifice, and though Emily is mentioned in Quicksilver: No Surrender #2, her mention makes it even more obvious that Pietro saw Synapse, but not really Emily. He apologized for hurting Synapse, but he didn't listen to Emily when she said she didn't blame him. When he talked about her, he called her Synapse, but when he talked to her, he called her Emily only because she requested that.

It's only in that issue that he is shown calling her Emily: “Emily, what an amazing woman. We might have had something if I hadn't screwed it up”, but that's not true. He didn't screw anything up. Emily clearly still wanted him, but Pietro didn't understand that.

Both of those characters deserved something better, but their story ended there. Still, if anyone wants to see more of them: Pietro was last seen in Scarlet Witch(2024) #2 and Emily was last mentioned in Death of the Inhumans #2.

Okay, so, that's it! I'm not sure if anyone will read this or agree with everything I said, and maybe I forgot something, but I'm pretty sure I covered all of their interactions. I'm sorry for any English mistakes or typos, English isn't my first language and I wrote all of this while busy with school exams. Thanks for reading!

reading list.

uncanny avengers(2015) #1, #2, #8, #13, #17-18, #22, #24, #26-30

black knight(2015) #2, #4-5

squadron supreme(2016) #3

avengers(2018) #677, #687-688

quicksilver: no surrender #2

[fandoms-writings]

Below is a list of current wips that you can expect from me in the near future <3 I do write slow, but I'm working on these as fast as I can <3

Drabbles/One-shots:

"You're a mess"/"I'm not a mess."/"I can tell you've been crying."  &  "Let me kiss it better" - Knight! Bucky x Queen! Reader - A + F

"Choose me" - Bucky - A

"Choose me" & "let me hear you make that sound again" - Biker! Bucky - A + S

"You were supposed to be different. They were supposed to be wrong about you, but they were right. They were so fucking right." - Bucky w/ morally gray reader - A

"Keep your pretty eyes on me." and "You shouldn't be out here by yourself." -Vampire! Bucky x Human! Reader - A + S + (version 2)

"You know my door is always open for you, right?" and "You're already wet sweetheart." - Bucky w/ kinky virgin reader - F + S

"You know my door is always open for you, right?" and "You're already wet sweetheart" - Stephen Grant - F + S

"Don't go where I can't follow. . . I thought I lost you." - Bucky - A

"Why didn't you say how bad it was?" - Steve Rogers - A

"Come get me? I miss you" - Loki - F

"Is that my shirt?" & "Keep your pretty eyes on me." - Bucky - F + S

"Don't go where I can't follow… I thought I lost you" & "You're exhausted honey. Go back to sleep." - Nomad! Steve Rogers - A + F

"What are we doing?"/"Why are you doing this?" - Miguel O'Hara - A

"Can I hold your hand?" - Miguel O'Hara - F

"You're not as bad as everyone says you are." - Mob! Steve - F

"Will you taste this? Tell me if I'm missing anything?" - dealers choice - F

"You were supposed to be different. They were supposed to be wrong about you, but they were right. They were so fucking right."- Mob! Steve - A

DBF!Bucky x College!Reader - A

Series/AUs:

Boxer! Miguel x PR! Reader - A + F + S

This one will be more of an AU then a series I think, but I'm still working on it.

Miguel's boxing career is starting to pick up, and that means you, as his public relations specialist, are to insure that the people love him. You also make sure he doesn't take any fights he isn't ready for. However, when another boxer by the name of Kron Stone openly challenges Miguel, and Miguel accepts, you have to come to terms that what you know may ruin the trust he has in you.

Mafia-Dilf! Miguel x Dance-teacher! Reader - A + F + S

Everyone was terrified of Miguel O'Hara, the most powerful man in the city. But you knew better. To you, he was just a single dad trying to raise and protect his daughter, bringing her to your dance class every week. That is until someone looking for Miguel shows up at your studio, and Miguel takes it upon himself to protect you from outside forces, showing you just what kind of a man truly he is.

Bucky Barnes x Dream-witch! Reader - A + F + S

Looking for something to aide in his sleepless nights, Bucky searches weeks for you, the dream witch of New York. You're known for helping vets with ptsd have terrorless nights and sometimes, if they're lucky, they actually have pleasant dreams. What Bucky didn't expect, was for you to be so captivating, or for him to open up so easily around you. But to have the powers you do, you've got to be more than just a mutant, right?

Bucky Barnes x single!pregnant!reader (neighbor AU) - A + F + S

This one will be more of an AU rather than a series.

You moved into your small apartment alone and nervous, with a broken heart and a little one on the way, just wanting to be the best mom you can. Lucky for you, your neighbor is the sweetest man in the world and has offered to help you out when you need it. It doesn't hurt that he's the most attractive man you've ever met. But you don't have time for a relationship with anyone, you need to prepare for the baby.

tagging some mutuals below to spread the word <3

@sweetdreamsbuck @perdidosbucky-yyo @pocolottie @banana-cheese-cake @nexusnyx @foreverindreamlandd @writing-for-marvel @historygeekfics @jessybarnes @poetic-fiasco @redgillan @chloelucia13 @shamevillain @thornsnvultures @targaryenvampireslayer @vibraniumcollar @bucksangel @buckybleu @barnesafterglow @rookthorne @nickfowlerrr @aquariusbarnes @captainsimagines

[laundrybiscuits]

Hah, thanks @beansthekid for giving me a chance to ramble a bit more!

I think there are many different and equally valid ways to interpret Eddie’s relationship with the Corroded Coffin crew; we really do not get very much canon material at all, which means it’s all very open to interpretation. However, I personally tend to read them as friendly acquaintances more than friends, because Eddie doesn't seem to treat them with any true closeness.

In the few scenes they share, Eddie sort of treats them like undifferentiated sidekicks/minions/audience. He seems basically fond of them, and I don't think his attitude comes from any sort of disrespect or dislike. Rather, I think it’s more about Eddie’s own comfort level: in general, I read Eddie as very skittish about relationships. He likes to keep people at a certain remove, and he likes to be in control of that distance.

We don't see him confiding in anyone or being intentionally vulnerable...right up until Steve and "guess I got a little jealous." Even with Chrissy, though he was definitely trying to present himself as friendly and harmless, he was absolutely putting on a little performance the entire time. He was taking on an entertainer role. He's willing to be seen as ridiculous, because that's the class-clown side of him, but it's not the same thing as letting down his guard. People laughing at him for his antics can't hurt him, at this point. Admitting he's fond enough of Dustin to make that a weakness, and being honest about feeling inadequate—that is vulnerability.

I do think it's plausible that that little jealousy confession was prompted in part by guilt over the whole broken-bottle thing. To be clear, I don't think Eddie's boatshed reaction was wildly out of line; at that point, he had zero information/context that would lead him to conclude that anyone out looking for him was on his side, much less Steve Harrington.

He was also scared out of his mind and literally shaking with adrenaline and fear, but he still didn’t actually hurt anyone. He could have shanked Steve and made a run for it, but I read him as someone who fundamentally does not want to hurt or scare people for real. He wants to make them uncomfortable, sure—or at the very least he doesn’t really care if they’re made uncomfortable by how he looks and acts. But actually being the villain of a story? That doesn’t fit with his values or his self-image.

So it would make sense if afterwards, he felt an outsized and misplaced sense of guilt about that little encounter, and let that spur him to offer up a little bit of honesty. It’s an intimacy he doesn’t extend to anyone else in the entire show.

I mean—hell, I am fully fixated on this little exchange:

Nancy: Hey, it’s Nancy.

Eddie: Wheeler, hey!

It would be way, way more natural to mirror her intro and call her Nancy, but instead he does this weird surname thing (and continues to call her by her surname) despite the fact that he already knows another Wheeler who is presumably also potentially tuned in. Why on earth would he do this. There are so many siblings in the group. The only way I can make sense of it is as a distancing mechanism that he leans on.

By the end, he does start addressing some people by their first names, some of the time. I haven’t done a full accounting, but I’m pretty sure it’s mostly just Dustin and Steve (not counting the “this is for you, Chrissy” moment).

But back to the Corroded Coffin lads: the biggest tell, for me, is that they had band practice without him. They knew he was missing, and either they knew he’d be a suspect/in trouble or they didn’t know him well enough to recognize his trailer on the news. They’re just kids, so it’s fairly reasonable that they wouldn’t be trying to take any action to find/help Eddie, but it seems unbearably callous that they’d just be having a normal band practice. I still don’t really know how to fold that into my understanding of their dynamics, but one possible interpretation is that they aren’t used to thinking of him as someone who ever really gets hurt, so they figure it’ll all just blow over somehow.

Eddie’s obviously taken on a leadership position in their little group. He’s the DM, he runs the show. But we don’t have a sense that he’s got a second-in-command or a trusted advisor that he confides in, much less someone he sees as a true peer in a give-and-take way.

Again, I don’t think any of this means he doesn’t like the Corroded Coffin boys. On the contrary, I think he probably cares about them very much in the same way he loves Dustin. My read on Eddie is that he sees himself as a protector who is in some way responsible for them and their well-being, cultivating an interdependent community that he doesn’t really get to partake in. His sense of self-worth lies in his ability to be a shield, standing between his lost little sheep and the wolves of Hawkins. He draws fire and takes the hits, and that’s a very lonely position to be in.

And then…Steve Harrington.

[delicate-luv]

Two Become One ~ Chapter Five

Summary: reader and Eddie find out life changing news. They have to break the news to a very dreadful person.

CW: 18+, MDNI, abusive ex, pregnancy, abuse, fluff, violence, fighting, mention of murder, threats, mention of death

Masterlist

———————————————————————

You sat against the edge of the bathtub, waiting for the results. You wanted to find out alone. Eddie waited outside the bathroom door for your signal.

After a few, painstakingly long minutes went by, you quickly flipped the test over before you could have any second thoughts.

Two pink lines.

"Eddie?" You called out for him while you couldn't help but start to cry.

"Yes? Can I come in?"

"Yes." You sniffled and glanced up at him entering the doorway. He looked at you with worry in his eyes as he closed the toilet lid and sat down on it.

"So?" He anxiously bit his lip as he sat down adjacent from you on the edge of the bathtub.

"I'm pregnant."

"Woah." You both saw it coming, but didn't know how to react.

"Eddie. It's yours. You know that, right?" You wiped a tear. "the last time my boyfriend even touched me was at least 6 months ago."

"Ex-boyfriend, right?" He corrected.

"Actually.." you mumbled, rubbing your arm.

"Fuck. What the fuck?" he threw his hands up in defeat and then covered his face in frustration.

"I know I have to leave him. I didn't know when would be the right time to."

"I can't officially be with you, or officially care for our baby when I know you're with someone else. It's time to break it off with him." He managed to stay calm, although he was obviously disappointed. "and you thought I was married? You're the one who has a boyfriend!"

"I know." You stared at the ground. "anyways, can you tell me more about the pregnancy with Otis?" You needed to change the subject, needing something to reassure you that Eddie had been through this before, and knowing that he knew what he was doing.

"Okay," he sighed, rubbing his hands down his leg. "right after we got married, she fell pregnant. We planned it from the beginning. I just wasn't expecting her to leave so soon, not after we had been through hell together."

"Can I ask what her name was? Why did she leave you as a single father? Isn't that quite selfish of her?"

"It's not selfish of her. She would have stayed," he became more serious and stared right into your eyes. "She was murdered. They never caught the guy. Her name was Chrissy."

"Eddie.." You we're at a loss for words. "I'm so sorry."

"It's all in the past now. For so long, I blocked it out." He stood up and rubbed his forehead. "I'm done talking about it, you don't need this kind of stress. Get up off the floor."

You stood up and you walked into the living room together.

Eddie knew he had to start to get Otis comfortable around you. He knew you two would be living together fully in no time.

"Do you have anyone you want to tell the big news too?" He asked.

"I have to tell Scarlett. And Ezra. I don't want to tell my mom, she'd make it all about my dad. She's also very old fashioned, plus we're still grieving and we haven't spoken since he-." You seemed to have choked on your own words. "I know it's not ideal to tell your boyfriend you're leaving him because you got pregnant with another man's baby."

"Scarlett will be happy for you. Won't she?"

"Yes. Although she may kick me out of the apartment. She's the one who pays most of the rent after all." You sighed, thinking at all the setbacks this has already given you. "do you have anyone you want to tell?"

"My bandmates, Steve, uhh i don't know." He made it clear that didn't want to tell Otis until he could fully understand what was going on and when he got to know you a little bit more.

"You don't have any family?"

"Otis is my only family, really. I lived with my uncle. He passed away not too long ago."

You nodded, ready to face what was your greatest fear these past couple of weeks. "I better go tell Ezra."

"I'll come with you, just in case."

"Okay, just don't bring any weapons." You laughed. "We're still somewhat strangers, I don't know what kinda stuff you're hiding."

"I don't need to bring any weapons, one punch wearing these bad boys, and you're out cold for days." He pointed to the various silver rings that covered his fingers.

"If you're not back in under 2 minutes, I'm coming in there." He rubbed your leg for reassurance. "remember, keep being your sexy confident self."

You stared at the brick house, gaining as much courage you could in that moment.

"Wish me luck." You unbuckled your seatbelt and walked up the steps to Ezra's house. He lived in a fairly big house, with lots of steps leading up to the front porch.

He opened the door, eyes widening when he realized it was you on his doorstep. "Finally. You've come to apologize."

"Actually Ezra, I need to talk to you."

He gave you an evil smile, "come inside."

You had no choice but to follow his lead.

Eddie watched from the car. "shit!" He whispered in frustration. He had lost his view of you. He got out binoculars from the center console and looked into the window, making sure to keep a careful eye on you. There was not a peep of noise coming from the car, only Eddie's heavy breathing, due to being so concentrated. Along with Otis babbling in the back, despite knowing how to talk.

"Please sit." Ezra demanded you sit on the couch next to him, but you refused.

"Ezra, I'm leaving you."

"What? Why? Don't act like you're the victim, you b-"

"I'm pregnant, and it's not yours. I don't love you anymore. I don't think I ever loved you, in all honesty."

he jumped out of his chair with all of his power. "YOU LITTLE SLUT! HOW DARE YOU? WHAT WERE YOU TRYING TO DO? GET REVENGE ON ME? GO KILL YOURSELF, YOU WHORE."

"You're the one who treats me like I'm a piece of shit!" You yelled back. It felt good.

"BECAUSE YOU ARE! SO YOU GO AND GET KNOCKED UP?" He slapped you across the face.

You fell to the floor, crying. You were begging him to stop.

Eddie could hear your screams and cries from inside. He was fuming. He jumped out and ran over to the front door, busting it down with all of the built up adrenaline and anger.

Ezra jumped back. "WHO THE FUCK IS THIS? THE FREAK WHO KNOCKED YOU UP?" He threw a punch right at your head, but luckily missed. "YOU'RE GOING TO BE AN AWFUL MOTHER, YOU SLUT! YOUR KID IS GOING TO HAVE THIS LOSER AS A FATHER?"

"I'd regret doing that if I were you." Eddie ran over and punched Ezra right into the stomach. He then got a hold of Ezra's neck and pushed him against the wall, in a chokehold.

"If you dare to say anything about my girl again, I'll make sure those are your last words." He threatened.

Ezra was very intimidated, he immediately became so small again. "Please, Im sorry. I'll stop. I will treat you better this time. I will love this baby, even if it's not mine."

"My mind has already been made up. I'd rather spend a life time in hell than ever get back with you."

Ezra was choking up, almost to the point of passing out. Eddie let go of him, having him collapse to the ground, barely breathing.

Eddie chimed in. "I'd agree with her. But, hell already is being with you." He grabbed your hand. "I'd never put a woman through what you put her through."

He held your hand as you escaped his home, not looking back. You jumped into the car, not waiting another second to speed out of there and never looking back.

There you sat at the tv, waiting for the children's channel to come on.

You were still trying to recover from what an exhausting and anxiety ridden day today when you heard Eddies coming down the hallway, talking in his soft voice. "Otis, can you meet someone special for me? She's going to love you and take lots of care of you."

You weren't supposed to hear this, you knew if Eddie knew that you had overheard, he would be so embarrassed and pretend it didn't happen. You smiled once you saw Eddie holding hands with Otis, slowly walking towards you. He had hair that was a little lighter than Eddie's, a light brown. It was obvious that he had inherited Eddie curls, along with his eyes.

You spoke sweetly. "Hello Otis. My name is y/n. It's so nice to meet you." Even though you had met the little boy multiple times before, this was the first time you properly introduced yourself.

"Your name might be a little hard for him to pronounce." Eddie quietly whispered to you.

"Well then, you can call me whatever you'd like." You smiled at the little boy.

"Hi." He flapped his hand trying to wave and immediately held out his small arms for you to give him a hug.

You hugged him back. "how old are you?"

"This many!" He held out two fingers.

"Wow! That's so old." You gasped, getting a giggle out of him.

"I know, he's getting so big." Eddie kissed him on the side of his head and sat down on the couch next to you. He slowly wrapped his arm around you.

Otis jumped up onto the couch, wanting to sit on your lap.

The kids channel soon came on, Otis immediately sitting up and clapping his hands together. His attention was fully tuned into the little animal-like cartoons that were dancing around on the television.

"I'm so excited for us." Eddie turned to you and spoke in a deep, almost whisper.

"Me too." You glanced over to see a big wide grin on Eddie's face.

As the night went on, Otis was slowly beginning to fall asleep on the couch. He had soon fallen asleep, clung to your lap.

“He’s so sweet.” You whispered to Eddie.

“He is. He’s my boy.” He wore a proud grin on his face. “Let me take him to bed.”

He swiftly scooped him out of your lap and whisked him into his bedroom. He returned a few minutes later, urgent to get back to spending some quality time with you.

“He was really excited to sit on your lap.”

“He was.” You nodded.

“Do you think he knows?”

“Who knows? Kids his age are supposed to be super intelligent with that kinda stuff. I wouldn’t be surprised.”

You agreed with him and reached for the remote. “What do you wanna watch?”

“Up to you. You’re the woman of the house now, you make all the big decisions.” He joked, wrapping his arm around your shoulder and cuddling up to you.

“I wish we could stay like this forever.” You slithered your arm around his chest.

“I don’t think forever would be long enough.” He sank further into your touch.

[ash5monster01]

Perfect To Love Part 7

Pairing: Steve Harrington x FemReader!PlusSize

Warnings: fluff, mentions of bullying, body image issues, fat shaming, angst, trust issues.

Summary: Beth Walker was used to living in the shadows. She had only one friend and anyone else who paid her mind usually bullied her for her size. So she learned to keep her mouth shut, her head down, and her heart closed because she had to accept the fact that she would be nothing more than the fat girl to people. That is until Robin decides Beth needs more in life and that might just include a boy who she never would’ve thought could see her for who she truly was.

a/n: this chapter is short & sweet, I know, but I wrote it to give more of the dynamic between Robin and Beth, and more of an idea of what’s going on in Beth’s head. she just doesn’t want to be hurt <3

word count: 2,296

Part 6 ←→ Part 8

Masterlist

Beth had expected to feel a lot of things after their date. Considering it was her first date ever. She thought it would go like it did in the movies, be everything she ever dreamed of. She thought she’d feel butterflies for the next couple of days. Dream of stolen glances and soft touches. Instead every time she thought back she cringed. Actually recoiled into herself from embarrassment. She’d replay the date in her head, try to remove that feeling, yet every time she reached the end she’d wince, and have to start all over again. It was a torturous cycle and she was unsure how to break it. Unsure how to separate the good moments from where they had turned bad.

She also wasn't sure how to explain it, which was why she had been screening Robin's calls since. When Beth had returned home that night Robin had been long gone needing to be home in time for dinner with her parents. Instead of following through on the promise to call her with all of the details she had been avoiding her, because how do you explain to your best friend how badly you messed up when you weren't even sure yourself how it happened. It wasn't something you could just easily explain. It also wasn't something Robin could easily understand. After all Beth was embarrassed and here she was cringing again as she thought of it.

"Alright Walker, open the door before I break it. I won't hesitate. Alan already told me I was allowed" Robin banged at the girls door and she flinched, rolling over to look at it. Knowing confrontation was standing right there behind the white paint on the door.

"Robin please let me sulk a little longer" Beth groaned out, flopping a pillow onto her face.

"Not happening, open up" Beth groaned louder, this time so Robin could hear, before tossing the pillow away, and standing to open the door. Swinging it open just to spot the blonde girl holding up a tub of ice cream and two spoons with her permanent awkward smile on her face.

"You're really gonna make me do this?" Beth asked and Robin nodded which caused Beth to sigh as she returned to her bed, Robin now following behind. Once they were both settled in, side by side, and spoons in each of their hands, Robin turned to her.

"Alright, tell me what's up. Steve said you've been avoiding him too" Beths head fell back against the head board as Robin mentioned his name. She needed at least another half and hour before this type of torture.

"Robin I'm such an idiot. I told you I was too awkward to do this" Beth told her, eyes shut so she didn't have to face her bestfriend and show her humiliation.

"I think you're over thinking it. Steve said it was a great date. Just the end was a bit weird" Beth cringed, tucking herself into the sheets as Robin said this.

"Oh God, he's never gonna ask me out again" at this Beth stuck the spoon into the tub of ice cream and shoved a glob in her mouth. She hated turning to food for comfort considering her size, but embarassment this harsh needed all the ice cream in the world.

"That's not true, tell me what happened and I'll tell you that you're overreacting"

"I can't believe you don't remember me from high school" Beth shook her head as Steve opened the car door for her, Steve outwardly groaning as he heard this.

"I was an asshole in high school Beth, if it helps I didn't remember Robin either" he explained, shutting her into the car before she could respond, and jogging to the other side.

"You definitely were an asshole, I can agree with that" she told him once he was inside. Beth didn't want to tell him what happened, didn't want to ruin this night, because the night had been so good. So perfect. Everything she ever wanted.

"Hey, that's mean" he gasped, but he was pretending. He blocked out a lot of things from highschool because when he thought of who he used to be, the things he used to do, they were things he didn't want to remember. Things he didn't want to represent him. Yet he wouldn't doubt at some point their paths had crossed and it was more than likely not the type of meeting they were doing now.

“Hey I said were. If you asked me a month ago I would’ve said you were still an asshole but after you punched Colin and tonight, I can officially say Steve Harrington has changed for the better” Beth said grabbing his hand this time. She had gotten more comfortable, more confident in his feelings towards her. She could grab his hand and not feel awkward now.

“Thank you Beth, it means a lot” Steve had his own set of problems Beth realized. Sometimes she was so focused on her own she missed others. Steve was a different guy and she could recognize that was not easy to come to. Beth waited a moment before acknowledging his sentence.

“Anytime Steve” the air in the car was heavy. A repercussion of a good first date and an understanding conversation. Both parties could feel it, feel the weight of what could come next. It was the moment Steve had been waiting for since the beginning of the date.

“Bethany?” Steve cooed, eyes flicking down to her cherry red lips. Beth’s heart doubled over in speed, hammering against her rib cage because he looked so pretty and he was looking at her like that. Flushed cheeks, fallen strands of hair, hazel eyes shining into her own.

“How’d you know my name was Bethany?” she whispered, pretending he wasn’t leaning closer because despite the fact of how badly she wanted to kiss him she was tainted by a cruel world. Was she even deserving of a kiss from a boy like him?

“Your Mom happened to let it slip” he was too close now, so close his hand was no longer locked into her own but using the back of her seat for support. Beth felt the panic begin to creep up her chest. She wanted to taste him, to be apart of the club of girls that knew what it was like to be kissed silly by him.

Then his hand landed on her thigh, her skirt had risen from sitting in the seat, and Beth became very aware very fast that he could feel her. Feel her size, the weight, the plush of her skin because she was fat. She knew it, she didn’t need him to know it too. So instead of focusing on the fact that he was now so close she could smell the honey scent of his hair, she panicked because he was close enough now that he could feel her and it was going to gross him out.

“You ready to go?” she blurted without much thought, head turning away from him, his lips just barely grazing her cheek. Steve felt the disappointment like a gut punch and she pulled her leg from his grasp. Confusion flooded his features and she kept her sight straight out the window, too scared to even look at him.

“Um yeah, it’s almost 10 anyway” Steve said after clearing his throat. He recovered quickly but he was finding it hard to hide how much it bothered him that she couldn’t kiss him.

With the air now heavy with denial a word wasn’t shared between the two as he drove her home and the electric buzz had been eliminated. Steve wondering the whole drive why she didn’t want to kiss him and Beth fighting the panic that had burrowed it’s way into her chest over the fact that she was about to have her first kiss and if he didn’t like it she was sure she would never recover.

“You denied him?” Robin questioned, the ice cream on her spoon dripping back into the container.

“I panicked Rob. At first I was so excited, I wanted to kiss him so bad, and then I realized he was touching me. He could feel the difference between me and all those skinny girls. I didn’t want to see his disappointment when he noticed” Beth covered her face with her hands and Robin sighed as she plucked the spoon from her grasp and set it in the container.

“Beth it’s okay to be scared about your first kiss. You’re scared for the wrong reasons though. Steve made a pass at you because he wanted to kiss you. If anything was to disappoint him he wouldn’t have gone on the date” Robin told her as she pulled her hands away from her eyes. She had already listened to Steve all morning asking where he went wrong. He wanted to kiss her and he wanted to know why he couldn’t. Hearing it was about Beth’s size broke her heart.

“It’s too late now, he isn’t going to ask me out again” Beth told her, eyes glimmering with tears. She was embarrassed by how she reacted, cringing at the memory of denying him.

“That is so not true. I had to fight him from trying to come with me” Robin told her, recalling Steve begging to let him tag along to her house.

“I’m so embarrassed, and I don’t want to tell him why” Beth whimpered and Robin sighed as she wrapped an arm around her friends shoulder. She leaned her head against her own and gave a small hum of thought.

“He deserves an explanation Beth and it’s not my place to tell him. He thinks he upset you and he won’t forgive himself until he knows why” Robin told her and Beth groaned.

“I was so much better off without all this drama” Beth chuckled and Robin joined her, giving her a squeeze.

“Well it’s a little late for that now. You’ve entered the dating world and it’s full of drama, confusion, and heartbreak. You’re gonna love it” Robin told her and Beth laughed before sitting up to look at her friend.

“You can’t say things like that to me if you still won’t ask Vickie out on a date” Beth said and Robins jaw went slack with shock.

“How’d you know?” she asked and Beth just shrugged before picking up her spoon again.

“I spend every day with you two, you look at her the way I look at Micheal J. Fox” Beth told her and Robin shoved her teasingly.

“You’re lucky I love you” Robin pointed and Beth just giggled, eating another spoonful of her ice cream.

“I guess we both got to figure this whole dating thing out” Beth told her and Robin nodded, scooping a bite of ice cream for herself.

“Could I ask you something?” Robin asked after a beat and Beth nodded.

“Anything” she told her and Robin sighed as she thought of how to say it.

“How come you don’t trust Steve like you do me and Nancy?” she finally asked after a beat and Beth sighed, ready to fib but Robin cut her off. “I know it’s not cause he’s a guy either. He’s proven he’s not like Colin”

“But he used to be” Beth whispered and Robin furrowed her eyebrows.

“What do you mean?” she asked and Beth let out a breath, fingers fiddling with the spoon in her hand.

“When I was a freshman him and his friends did something to me that I could never forget. It jump started harassment towards me for years. I don’t think he even remembers but how do you trust someone who has already hurt you once before” Robins eyes widened, not really knowing this would be the reason. She remembered what Steve, Tommy, and Carol were like though. She watched them harass kids to tears before. She was lucky enough to not be one of them but apparently Beth wasn’t.

“I’m sure he’s sorry for it” Robin began to defend her friend but Beth shook her head.

“I don’t doubt it, he’s a good guy now. It’s the fact he doesn’t remember is what concerns me. If he remembered at least I’d know he cared. That he regretted every moment he was a jerk” Beth told her and Robin took this information in, accepting the fact that Beth more than likely didn't want to share details just yet.

"Maybe tell him that, explain you couldn't kiss him because of what he did. That you can start to trust him once you move past that" Robin told her, hoping she could tell Steve the truth about what she was feeling. Beth had been the happiest Robin had ever seen her the past month and she wanted it to stay that way.

"Maybe, but right now I need to hate myself just a little bit longer" Beth told her and Robin lightly snorted.

"You know I think you should come to terms with Steve on your own but he's the best. Don't ever tell him I said that, but other than you he's my bestfriend and I trust him with my life. There isn't many people out there I would say that about" Robin told her and Beth nodded as she listened to her friend talk so highly of the boy. Beth had seen he was all those amazing things, she didn't need Robin to convince her of it. But in the balance of all things was Steve's past heavier then his future? And if it was Beth wasn't sure she'd want to be apart of it.

The world had already crushed her, she didn't need Steve Harrington to finish her off.

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[twelvegate-blog]

Season 1 Promo Poster Analysis:

Mike:

"Are we really going to the place Will went missing?"

*spoiler alert*: Mike never says this line. At all. He says this:

Dustin is actually the one who says a line most similar to what is on Mike's promo poster.

Lucas:

"Did anyone bring a weapon?"

Lucas never says this line, but Dustin ends up saying something similar when they look for Will after he goes missing.

The same scene where they meet "weapon" number 1 (011) of 2 (012). Later in S1, Mike refers to El as a weapon after arguing with Lucas over who can join the party. (It's giving "one kid [nuclear bomb] goes missing, the other kid [nuclear bomb] runs wild?" and "that doll is pregnant with an explosive" if you ask me.)

Dustin:

“Do you think we should turn back?”

Dustin actually ends up saying this line twice. Once, before they enter the woods where Will went missing, and once right before they meet El.

Joyce:

"You think I don't know my own son's voice?"

This line has interesting phrasing because Joyce tells Hopper a similar version of this in the show. This also implies that Joyce heard Will talking while trying to contact her over the phone.

But in the show, we get this line, which is a line that comes up fairly often - almost as if breathing is a hint to solving a larger recurring theme in the show.

They make it a point to mention both Joyce's son - Will - and Hopper's daughter - "Sarah" and (as of S2) his daughter, El. As Jonathan looks awkwardly between his stepdad and his mom as they argue about his twin siblings and their disappearance. And before this interaction, Joyce says "I know it was his breathing," to Jonathan TWICE. This all ties back to Terry saying "She wasn't breathing!" about Jane, but I'll get to that in another post.

Hopper:

"You ever feel cursed?"

Now. . . Hopper's line is possibly the only line that is word-for-word repeated in the show. Everyone else ended up getting their phrases broken down into segments - or that character actually never said that phrase at all (Lucas and his mention of bringing weapons).

Hopper says this line to Sandra, a woman that we only see once in the show. And I can't help but think this extra was cast as a nod to Joyce. My mind jumped straight to Sandy in Grease when I found the name of her character, but that's also because I know they used some movie inspo for S4.

For Hopper, the feeling of being cursed is another recurring theme for the show. And as TFS has shown us, this is an important theme In Hopper's life.

Jonathan:

“What’s wrong with just observing people rather than talking to them?”

Now, I could only find this dialogue in a scene between Jonathan and Nancy when they are in the dark room developing photos.

Nancy says "Talk to them." in this scene.

Side note: the dark room lighting made me think of Vecna's mindscape in s4, so take that as you will.

Nancy:

"You're a cliché, you realize that?"

Nancy says this line to Steve while at his pool party in Season 1. Now, I wasn't sure if this was said to Steve or Jonathan before searching for the quote itself in the show. I'm not quite sure what to make of Nancy's quote here for analysis's sake, but in the context of season 1, it works well.

Arguably, the next three are the most important (and interesting) lines to analyze.

Brenner:

"Could you repeat that back to me like we used to with nursery rhymes?"

Brenner says this line to El in a flashback in season 1. These flashbacks are some of the only memories we see from El's perspective, there are points in S2 - S4 where we see memories from El's perspective again (being the flashbacks in S2 of El living with Hopper in the cabin, and the flashbacks that occur prior to El joining Owens for the NINA project.) We don't know if the memories Terry shows El are true, the same goes for the memories/recordings/tapes that El is shown in the NINA deprivation tank.

Now, Erika pointed out that in S2, Kali mentions something about the nursery rhyme "Old McDonald Had a Farm". Some of the decor in the Byers house as of S1 includes chickens (there is a rooster in Joyce's kitchen), and as of S4, Joyce has cow gloves on. Jo pointed out that in some cultures, cows are seen as a sign of fertility or motherhood. Interestingly enough, cows and deer are some of the few land mammals able to give birth to fraternal twins (what Will and El would be if it turns out our crazy theory is correct).

I'll probably make a post about all of that later as well, but it is interesting to me that Brenner mentions nursery rhymes. El would have never experienced nursery rhymes with her mother or father as a toddler if she had been stuck in the lab. I've taken this as a time loop hint, to be honest.

El:

"The bad people can't hurt me - promise?"

El never actually says this line. (I'm sensing a theme here. . .)

El never says this line, but Mike kind of does?

He asks El if the bad people want to hurt her, but El is the one who says "Promise." after the scene where she is crying in Mike's closet.

Will:

"What's the worst that could happen?"

This one has driven me insane because Will NEVER says this line. He doesn't even say it in S4, which leads me to believe that we might see something about this line in Season 5. This line definitely made me think of The First Shadow, it made me think of the stage play because of the context we now have surrounding Henry and how he came to be involved with Dimension X. This line, to me, sounds like a line a kid would say to a friend or a sibling before voluntarily going into the dark and haunted woods before being lost forever.

When I first read this line, I thought of the possibility of Will and El being in the lab together and Will saying this to his sister before escaping the lab. . . but again, I'm not sure what to make of it. I think it is important to note that Will's outfit is not the outfit that he disappears in, whereas most of the other character's outfits fit the scene in which the line is being said.

Either way, I'm interested to see if this line pops up in S5 at some point.

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

Just Let Me Adore You Pt. 4

Pairing: Stucky x Reader

Word Count: 3.7k

Warnings: ah just men butting heads

Genre: fluff mostly I think

Summary: You’ve been dating your boyfriend, Bruce, for 3 absolutely blissful years. He’s a scientist and professor who is as smart as he is kind and if anyone asked, you were sure you’d spend the rest of your life with him. That is until two mysteriously charming men that Bruce swears are dangerous take an interest in you that threatens to turn your entire life upside down. I mean… what exactly are you supposed to do with two gorgeous men telling you something that suggests that basically everything you think you know is a lie? And why does part of you have enough doubt to wonder if they might be telling the truth?

Series Masterlist

***

By the time you enter your apartment you're so deep in your own thoughts you don't hear Bruce slam the door or call your name the first time.

"Maybe I should call my parents." You mutter to yourself.

"Y/n!" You snap your head to him when his voice finally registers.

"What? Why are you yelling?"

"Don't tell me you're actually considering what those lunatics had to say as factual!" Bruce says.

"Well I- I want to dismiss it but-"

"Then dismiss it. Because it's obviously baseless."

"I just don't see why they would lie."

"Werewolves aren't exactly known for their honesty y/n."

"Maybe not but it doesn't make sense Bruce."

"Let's not forget these guys have it out for me. They're obviously trying to drive a wedge between us. To ruin my life or something."

"Bruce, I don't think this is about you." You say quietly.

"Excuse me?"

"I mean, I've met these guys three times and it's only today that they even realized who you were. I don't think they said that with you in mind."

"You really think they only knew who I was today?"

"You think they lied about that too?"

"Why wouldn't they?"

"Why would they Bruce? Are you implying they've known we were together before they even met you? Keep in mind I did see them once before you did."

"I don't know! They're not only telling you you're a wolf but that I already know that, I mean what kind of accusations are those? They're absolutely insane."

"I don't like that you're just... calling them crazy Bruce." You frown.

"You believe them?" Bruce scoffs.

"I don't know. What Steve said... about the hearing and the strength. I mean, what if they're right? What if I am a werewolf?"

"The word of two strangers is going to make you question everything you've ever known about yourself?"

"Supernaturals can usually detect each other can't they?"

"They can also lie." Bruce says. He grabs you by the shoulders and stares at you intensely. "Y/n, these men, they don't know you. They don't know us. Don't let them make you question who you are."

"Maybe you're right." You mutter.

"I am. Trust me." Bruce tells you. You nod.

"This whole thing is so weird." You shake your head.

"I think we should get the police involved."

"And tell them what? Send them where? We don't know anything about them except their names and it seems like Steve and Bucky are exactly who you think they are which means the police won't stop them anyway. With our luck they'll hear about the call before cops can even be dispatched." You shrug.

"I just don't want you to feel in danger." Bruce wraps his arms around you tightly.

"I don't. I'm a little frustrated by how confusing this has become but I don't feel like I'm in danger." You say into his chest.

"If that changes-"

"I will let you know." You say. "I'm gonna call Wanda." You tell him.

"No problem, I'll grab you when dinner's sorted in a few hours." Bruce says and the two of you part for you to go to your room and dial your best friend.

"I saw Steve and Bucky today and they told me I'm a werewolf and that Bruce knows." You tell her as soon as she picks up.

"Well hello to you too." Wanda says.

"Sorry, hi. I just feel like my head is going to explode."

"Because Steve and Bucky think you're a werewolf?"

"Yes. I was gonna call my parents and ask but-"

"Hang on; why would- what do Bucky and Steve know about werewolves?"

"Well I'm pretty sure they are werewolves. At the very least they are supernaturals. They said so. Bruce thinks it doesn't make sense to question my life based on the word of two guys I don't even know. Which I get the sentiment of but I dunno I could clear up my confusion with a phone call very quickly."

"Do you think it had any merit?"

"I- I'm not sure. Steve mentioned my hearing and my strength being... better than average which- is ya know true. But wouldn't I know if I was a werewolf? Wouldn't my parents tell me?"

"Well, I can't answer that question. I think if it's something you really want an answer to you should call your parents. If you think Steve and Bucky are just a little off their rockers then ignore them. I mean how did that come up anyway?"

"We ran into them again and they realized Bruce studied supernaturals which riled them up and they told me people like Bruce are only looking to control or hurt me. Bruce thinks they're lying to drive us apart."

"Well, at least one of them does seem to have a thing for you. If they can plant enough doubt in your relationship that you break up then whichever one of them has a crush on you can swoop in and save the day. Making you question if you can trust him seems like a pretty easy way to drive a wedge between you." Wanda says and when she maps it out like that you think twice about believing Steve and Bucky about any of this.

"Holy shit- that is so underhanded!" You exclaim.

"Yeah, well, all is fair in love and war they say."

"Well they'll have to try a lot harder to destroy the foundation of our relationship." You huff out.

"So, you think they're lying about the wolf thing?"

"I think- that makes the most sense. They find out Bruce studies supernaturals and they, understandably have beef with him over that so they try to turn me against him." You shrug.

"Well, if you believe that, then that's what it is. No need to look into it further." Wanda tells you.

"Thank you. Bruce tried talking me through it but since I know he's in direct opposition to them it's hard to know if his views on the matter are clouded." You sigh.

"Must be stressful." She chuckles.

"Only every two weeks."

"What?"

"Well I realize you and me, we ran into Steve and Bucky the first time a month ago, and then two weeks later Bruce and I ran into them, and another two weeks later- today, we ran into them again. So I think- I'll see them again in two weeks if the strange pattern continues."

"Do you think it's intentional?"

"I dunno, I don't think it's possible. Every time I've seen them it's been in a different place- I mean, they'd have to be tracking me to be running into me intentionally. And why space it out every two weeks?"

"Good point. It's just an interesting coincidence."

"Yeah I'll say." You snort. "I will call you later, I think I'm gonna work on some projects." You tell her.

"Okay! Call if you start having another identity crisis." She jokes.

"Fuck off." You chuckle hanging up the phone. How lucky you are to have Wanda in your life. Not that Bruce is typically ineffective at calming you down it's just- with his personal connection in this situation it's hard to believe his point of view is impartial. Another point of view is exactly what you needed.

~*~*~

You pull down the box of books you're looking for from storage at work. With the box cutter, you tear open the tape and take the open box to the section you're restocking.

"Hey y/n!" You hear Peter before you see him.

"What's up Parker?" You ask, looking at him.

"Well I'm a little confused about how to apply this buy 5 discount. Like what do I do?"

"Oh well it should apply automatically once you scan the sixth book actually but if it doesn't there's a manual code you can enter. Here I'll walk you through it." You stand up and walk towards the register with Peter in tow.

"Hello, sorry to keep you waiting." You say cheerily to the woman standing at the counter with her books.

"Oh no problem!" She smiles.

"Okay so if you've finished scanning them and the discount didn't apply you can just go here and click this and input the code manually." You tell him, typing the code and showing him how to do it. "Your total is going to be $53.71." You say to the customer.

"Oh okay manual code got you. Thanks." Peter nods while finishing the transaction.

"Do you want me to write the code down for you?" You ask.

"Nah I think I got it. My memory is pretty good." He says.

"Alright well I'll go back to shelving things." You say patting him on the shoulder. You hear the bell at the front of the store ring as you walk away from Peter.

"Sunsh- y/n!" The voice stops you in your tracks and you turn around to see Bucky and Steve strolling towards you.

"Steve, Bucky, what are you doing here?" You frown.

"We were in the neighborhood and decided to stop by when we saw you." Steve says.

"You were in the neighborhood?" You narrow your eyes suspiciously.

"Yes, is that so hard to believe?" He chuckles.

"Well, no. But we don't really know each other so there's no reason for you to drop by my job. And honestly with the way you keep hitting on me your behaviour is starting to come off as stalkerish." You frown.

"We know we're intense but you deserve the world and that- hunter could never give it to you." Bucky says.

"Bruce is not a hunter and I'm happy with him. I don't appreciate you diminishing my relationship that way."

"You're happy because he's lying to you and you haven't figured it out." Steve tells you.

"I've known Bruce for years and you're just some guys who complimented me in a sandwich shop one day and haven't left me alone since so excuse me if I trust my boyfriend more than you." You roll your eyes. Bucky holds up a bag that you didn't realize he was holding. "Are you trying to buy my affections?" You ask.

"No, of course not. Who you choose to show affection to is your decision, always, and we would never try to get them disingenuously. We just saw this and thought of you." Steve explains.

"And you just happened to bring it with you on the day you happen to walk into my job?" You cross your arms.

"I was meeting a business associate when I saw you in here so I asked Steve to pick it up on his way to meet me hoping you'd still be in here when he got here. I honestly thought you were shopping in here not working." Bucky offers.

"The more questions I ask the more you guys seem like stalkers." You roll your eyes.

"We really aren't trying to make you uncomfortable but Banner is a risk to your safety." Steve says.

"Hm the two strangers who keep flirting with me and ignoring my relationship and finding me around the city are warning me about my safety. Do you see how that doesn't make sense?"

"You don't think we're going to hurt you." Bucky says.

"I have no idea if you are."

"It wasn't a question. If you thought you were in danger you wouldn't be talking to us like this." He tells you and you force yourself to keep a neutral expression.

"You considered it. Didn't you? That you're one of us. I could see it in your eyes last time we spoke." Steve says.

"No I didn't consider it because it makes no sense and you both need to leave. I've asked you before to quit talking to me, if you're so 'not a danger' to me respect my boundaries and leave me alone." You tell them walking off to finish restocking. You hear the bell over the door ding and a few moments later Peter comes back to where you are.

"Hey uh- those guys left this for you." Peter says holding out the gift bag to you. Reluctantly, you take it from him, your curiosity getting the better of you as you open the bag to find what is clearly jewelry. You open the velvet box to find a necklace, a thin chain holding a sun cutout pendant. It's a gorgeous necklace and yet another reference to their silly radiance compliment. "Do you- know them?" Peter asks.

"Not really. They complimented me once and now I keep running into them. I'm starting to think they're stalking me."

"Are you scared? Do you want to call the police?"

"Nah, police don't help people anyway. All those two have done is call me pretty and give me a gift. No crime has been committed so the police can't do anything even if I wanted to get them involved. Plus I- for some irrational reason don't think they're a danger to me." You shrug. "Can't let them know that though, they're actively trying to destroy my relationship." You hum and Peter can't help but laugh.

"So- you're okay?" Peter asks.

"Yeah I'm okay sweetie. Thanks for checking although, you are the kid in our relationship I'm supposed to be looking after you." You nudge him.

"We look out for each other now." He says with a smile.

"Yeah yeah, go back up to the register, so if someone comes in they know people work here." You chuckle and Peter walks off. When your shift ends and you go back to your apartment, Bruce isn't home yet which is probably best. You haven't figured out how to smoothly mention this run-in with Steve and Bucky. It's a few hours later when you hear the door open and shut.

"Babe! You home?" Bruce calls through the apartment and you pop out of your room to greet him.

"Hi Bruce! How was your day?" You ask kissing him on the cheek.

"Ah it was alright, I was just at the lab really." He shrugs. With the semester over for Bruce the professor, he spends most days working on his supernatural research at his lab.

"Oh hey are you done with that vampire you mentioned a while ago who eats animals? It's been over 3 months at this point, yeah?"

"Actually no, we're still running some experiments."

"Experiments? I thought you didn't experiment on supernaturals."

"Well, wait it's an observational experiment! We're not doing anything he can't consent to. Really we're just testing how dietary changes affect other things like his strength and speed and such. Nothing bad." He shrugs.

"Why would you call it an experiment if you're just observing things." You roll your eyes and he chuckles a bit.

"What's with all the questions? Second guessing my ethics?"

"No! Of course not. I know your research is important to you and I want you to know your interests matter to me." You say walking away. Bruce grabs your hand before you can get far and pulls you towards him again.

"Hey, I wasn't being serious. I just know how you feel about my research so I'm surprised you're asking so much." Bruce says kissing your forehead.

"It matters to you, so every once in a while I'll ask." You smile at him.

"Alright. I appreciate your interest. How was your day?"

"It was fine, work was work." You shrug subtly leading Bruce into the living room.

"Nothing interesting happened today?" Bruce asks.

"Well something happened but I'm going to ask that you sit down for this." You say.

"Why?" Bruce chuckles sitting in the armchair in your living room.

"I'm also going to stand over here, so you have space to pace when you inevitably get up after I tell you." You say walking to a side of the living room, leaning against a wall.

"What's going on babe? You're starting to worry me. Did you wipe a computer or something?" He asks.

"No actually I think you'd react better to that."

"Well that's enough build up. What happened?"

"Steve and Bucky came to my job today." You say.

"What?! They know where you work now?!" Bruce is on his feet immediately.

"It would appear so." You nod. "They said they were in the area and saw me when they walked by- since the front of the store is like- all glass."

"Okay now they must be fucking stalking you."

"I told them that actually."

"You told them you thought they were stalking you?"

"Yes and they insisted they were just in the area and saw me through the window."

"Oh and you believe them." Bruce scoffs.

"Hey don't catch an attitude with me I'm only the victim in this situation." You cross your arms.

"I'm sorry.  Look I really think it's time to get the police involved."

"For what Bruce? You keep saying that but they can't do anything. All Steve and Bucky have done is run into me in public. They compliment me and give me a gift which means what exactly? The police won't do anything until my life is probably in danger. Essentially they'd have to make an attempt on my life for cops to take me seriously."

"By the time that happens it'll be too late." Bruce sighs.

"I don't think that's going to happen."

"What?"

"I don't think they're going to harm me."

"Based on- what exactly?"

"I mean- think about it Bruce, it's been what? Two months since my first interaction with them? If they were going to kidnap me or kill me- what's stopping them from having done it already? You? No offense babe I love you but let's be realistic here they could fucking dog walk you. So it's not that you're a threat. And if they're these big wolfy crime lords with all the connections that come with that they're practically untouchable so it can't be legal repercussions they're worried about. Which leaves us with really just one possibility, the only reason they haven't is because I haven't chosen them. They aren't going to force me to do anything. They've said as much." You shrug.

"They said they wouldn't force you to do anything? And you don't find that specification incredibly manipulative?"

"No because it was in direct response to a question. I asked if they were trying to buy my affections with their silly gift and Steve said my affections aren't to be bought."

"I think it's a bit naive to believe them. Why on earth are you defending them?!"

"I'm not defending anybody. I've been thinking about it and there's nothing protecting me from them besides my own opposition. If they were going to act with force they could've done it a long time ago."

"Lulling you into a false sense of security is-"

"Not necessary for apex predators. They don't need to convince me they're safe for me to be around when they have pretty much nothing standing in their way really. They're stronger than me, and you, they're probably legally invincible, and I mean they found out where I worked pretty easily even if it was a coincidence."

"I just don't understand how you can trust that they aren't going to hurt you just because they said they won't force you to love them."

"I don't trust them and I don't have to! The only person I'm trusting is myself and I would appreciate it if you trusted me too!"

"Of course I trust you!"

"Do you? Because you don't listen to me! Ever since you found out this werewolf mafia might be after you, you've made yourself the end all be all authority on safety and security! Nothing I say about the matter seems to get through to you! I know you worry but why is it that my opinion on the situation is being completely dismissed?!"

"I'm not trying to dismiss you."

"Every time I leave you're more paranoid than me and it's me that they seem to care about! Yeah, they don't like you but at this point, all they've expressed is wanting to get me away from you."

"And that's something you're okay with?"

"No? Who cares if I'm okay with it? I can't control what they do. All I'm saying is to quit acting like I'm incapable of judging the danger of a situation. You keep calling me naive because I'm telling you to calm the fuck down. I've lived a lot more years without you than I have with you and I live every day with the knowledge that not being a man is inherently dangerous. You don't need to warn me that strange men might hurt me. I've known it my whole life." You say. Your words hang in the air for several moments before Bruce lets out a sigh and sits down.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I feel like I'm apologizing a lot. I don't mean to frustrate you so much I'm just- I can't help but stress over this whole thing. I have no control here and I don't know how I'd live with myself if something happened to you because of me." He says dropping his head into his hands. You sit in front of him on the coffee table and pull his hands from his face.

"Bruce, you can't prevent something you can't foresee. And worrying yourself into a tizzy over that which you can't control will only do you harm."

"You really think they won't hurt you?"

"Well I obviously can't say for sure, and I'm not stupid enough to trust near strangers but I just think it's unlikely because they've had plenty of opportunities already. Granted tons of serial killers start out being real nice to their victims." You frown. Bruce closes his eyes and sighs in that way he does when someone stresses him out and you can't help but giggle.

"Why would you do that? Why would you say that? You're trying to rationalize this for me and now I'm even more worried."

"Sorry it just occurred to me. Either they aren't gonna hurt me or they're serial killers." You shrug.

"You're terrible at this you know? And way too calm about the possibility that they could murder you."

"Well... I'll be dead if they do. Obviously, I'm not rooting for them to be serial killers and I won't go down without a fight but like- I don't really have to deal with the aftermath of them being serial killers. I have to actually deal with them if they turn out to just genuinely be trying to woo me. So- silver lining."

"Not for me." He chuckles.

"Okaaay silver lining for you; if they are serial killers we have plenty of time to plan for it and be several steps ahead of them!"

"You are ridiculous." He laughs louder now and you smile as the tension leaves him.

"Thank you!" You beam.

"Thank you." He says quietly once he's settled.

"Anytime baby." You wink and stand from the table. If they aren't serial killers you have to deal with the very real possibility that they're telling the truth about who you are, and about Bruce which could blow up your entire life. But you're sure telling Bruce you're even considering that would not be a good idea. So even though it weighs on your mind- for now you'll keep that to yourself.

***

Part 4/???

Tagged Users: @cjand10 @vicmc624

[findafight]

tell us the ship, explain your thoughts 👀

Me trying to be vague and everyone immediately perking up like prairie dogs ready for tea alskfnkdkd. Idk I don't think it'll surprise anyone on my blog I've spoken about it in the past. Just got annoyed at it always being there for no reason and not making sense to me one too many times, I guess.

It's r0nance. I simply do not vibe with it at all. I think, if given a sterile au where there's nothing and no one connecting them and no homophobia to worry about, it might be interesting to possibly explore them being attracted to each other but realizing their personalities and goals and priorities clash too much to work out. A bright first fling into maybe-love that fizzled quickly. I've sort of done this in my post o66 sto bin au for them, but I'm probably not going to actually explore it there. (As it's already in the past even during the war for that au)

But in fics that try to be more or less canon/fix it type deal, it really doesn't make sense to me without even mentioning the hairsprayed elephant in the room. Robin and Nancy's personalities don't seem to mesh well, what with Robin's rambling tangents and Nancy's need to focus.

Robin would probably want to do something specific with her life, but she also wants to wander! Her parents are hippies and she wants to visit Paris. She wants to travel in Europe, and probably stay at sketchy hostels and backpack in the mountains, talking to locals that she doesn't have to worry about ever seeing again. Nancy is planning on immediately going to her dream school after highschool and likely pursuing a career right out the gate. She's very driven and focused, wants to go out and seize opportunities that can assist in reaching her goals, and I don't see Robin's dreamier personality traits fitting with that.

I think @thestobingirlie mentioned that while Robin and Nancy both experience the sexism and misogyny of the 80's, Nancy doesn't experience ableism as Robin does. And she doesn't try to understand where Robin is coming from, only openly appreciating her efforts after she ranted at the hospital director.

Robin rambles! We see her either ramble or give clipped answers ("I'm Robin I work with Steve!") When she's nervous or under stress or excited! We see both Nancy and Steve react to these rambles in different ways. When Robin goes off topic in the library with the conspiracy paper, or talks a bit too much about how much she talks a bit too much, Nancy's annoyed. She's initially dismissive of the national Enquirer esq newspaper Robin brings up that helps solve the case (go Robin!). Robin babbles at Steve a lot, and he never makes her feel bad about it. She rambles about rambling to Vickie and the Muppet joke and he adds little commentary as needed, letting her go, or he cuts her off with a little joke during her rabies freak out. He lets her ramble or lets her know she should stop without being actually annoyed and letting her know that by not telling her outright to stop. (She knows immediately that it's a joke, and she jokes back, although understandably nervously. I love them.)

Them being a background pairing so often is annoying, though to varying degrees. If it's just as Robin's gf mentioned I, like others, just kinda...change it to Vickie's name in my brain lol. But other times it's not and it just. Doesn't make sense why Nancy would be such close friends with Steve (her messy breakup ex!) and Robin and Eddie. That girl has big city dreams, she's getting the hell out of her tiny hometown and not looking back. Let her be free!!

I mean obviously the bit I hate about it is that Robin holds a grudge and Nancy broke Steve's heart, which I don't see as compatible, even if we take into account that it's likely Steve and Robin have no idea Nancy cheated on him, and that Steve is an unreliable narrator and blames himself for the breakup. Steve and his relationships with both Nancy and Robin are so pivotal to all three of their characters that ignoring the history there seems a disservice to the complexities of their relationships with each other.

[nburkhardt]

Heyyy girlie!!!! Came to give you a prompt for you to try! Hope you enjoy this little angst fest.

Also to be very honest, I was listening to "Friends on the Other Side" as I was thinking about this prompt lol.

Steve gets cursed by Vecna and he is shown instead of horrible things happening to him and the people he cares about, he is shown actual events of people ridiculing and insulting him. Dustin calling him names, Robin shown distain whenever he talks, Eddie flat out ignoring him for DND, Hopper saying how he feels bad for Steve. All things angsty!

And Vecna says, "See? They don't care about you. But I do. You and I can give each other what we never were given - A true family."

And Steve accepts, while everyone is oblivious to what they have created.

Imagine the DEVESTATION when they all discover that it's entirely their fault Steve is now a puppet under Vecna's control.

You can decide the ending there!

Anywayyssssss, hope you have a good day!

(Also the prompt you asked is on its way!)

I want to begin to say that when I originally read this prompt I was dying. It was already hurting me reading this then i decided I could do it. I could write it out. But I went with Steve as a victim instead of puppet, thought that would also be so good. Like just imagine with me real quick before I get into the fic… maybe he gets infected by the bats and that’s how Vecna uses him and it isn’t until it’s too late for anyone to save him. OR OR Eddie becomes Kas and them along with Vecna is unstoppable because none of The Party wants to fight them. ANYWAY, onto the fic:

WARNING: Major Character Death, lots of hurt and no comfort.

——————

He doesn’t notice he’s cursed until it’s too late.

His hearing has been shit for a while, so hearing the clock ticking is too much like the nearly non-stop buzzing already in his ears. The grandfather clock is shown to him while he’s in the middle of looking around at the school. It looks like it belongs there.

The vision?

It’s his actual memories.

It’s reality, it’s too much, it’s draining.

An old memory of his dad calling him worthless, his mom pushing him away when he’s hurt and the endless babysitters that brush him off. There’s memories of Tommy and Carol hanging off him but putting him down for wanting to hang out just the three of them instead of a party with drugs and alcohol. There’s the “bullshit” and “you’re an idiot” from Nancy thrown in there.

The memories with Robin before they became best friends, memories of her making fun of him for another girl telling him no. The memories of all the kids putting him down or demanding things of him while calling him asshole.

The only reason he realizes it’s fake, that he’s one of Vecna’s victims is the quick fake-memory of Eddie. He doesn’t have many memories with the guy, he’s talked to him maybe a few times before this week.

The fake-memory starts with a promise of weed, of Eddie agreeing to meet him but it ends with Eddie laughing at him before walking away.

It’s then that he stops, the panic is still there but he’s standing still and slowly the area around him fades and in it’s place is the Upside Down.

“Oh Steven” a voice speaks up and he freezes, “Isn’t it time to realize they don’t care? That the love you give is wasted?”

He shakes his head, hands covering his eyes to think and wipe away the tears, the evidence of how true it is. He can’t move, he’s frozen and he feels more than sees Vecna come up to him.

Hopefully the others have noticed him, he thinks, hopes they’ll notice. They do care, in their own way- he knows this. Robin cares, says they’re soulmates.

She has to care… right?

(Eddie notices Steve first. How still he is and then he notices his eyes and it makes him freak. Robin pales when she notices and immediately shakes him, begging him to knock it off.)

There’s a noise, movement in front of him and he refuses to move his hands. Doesn’t want to give Vecna the satisfaction of knowing it’s getting to him. He’s fucking twenty years old, he can handle this. Max managed to beat him and she’s fourteen.

There’s a sigh, and it’s close. Too close. He feels something grab hold of his wrist and he shuts his eyes as his hand is forced away, “Steven, Steven, Steven. Why are you fighting? They don’t love you, they don’t care. With me, you’ll be cared for, you’ll be loved and away from all those who hurt you. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”

He feels his wrist being pulled away, tries to fight it but Vecna or whatever it is pulling is stronger. He holds still and keeps his eyes tightly shut.

“My, my. You are stubborn, Steven.” Vecna lets out a cruel laugh, “Why fight me, you know you’ll lose”

Fighting is all he has. It’s all he’s known. He’s fought his whole life, he couldn’t stop even if he wanted to, it’s his reality. It’s who he is.

Steve Harrington is a fighter. Has been since he was a little boy. Memories of his dad yelling, of kid bullies and eventually his mother pulling his arms as he panics. Fighting is what he knows, just, he loses.

Losing is easy. Winning is hard and it seems, he isn’t supposed to be a winner.

Vecna must know this, because his arms are yanked down and it’s such a shock, his eyes fly open and he’s face to face with Vecna.

A vicious smile on Vecna’s face, “Stop fighting me, Steven.”

He shakes his head, ignoring the stinging of his eyes and the pain in his wrists. He can do this, he can hold off like Max did. The others should know what’s happening by now.

He isn’t weak.

There’s a hand on his cheek, it’s gentle and it hurts how much he craves it. Without his say, he leans into it. It’s been so long, a few tears betray him falling down his cheeks.

“With me, you’ll be cared for.” Vecna speaks out with a soft tone, something he didn’t think was possible that’s willing to kill anyone, “you’ll be loved and respected”

(Steve is floating, he’s floating so far up that no one can reach him now. There’s tears falling from his glazed over eyes. Everyone is screaming, trying helplessly to get to him.)

“come now, we both know you’ll lose.”

He’s not fighting the tears anymore, they’re falling freely and he wishes for someone- anyone to save him. Wishes to be stronger, be the person he always wanted to be.

But he’s so tired. He’s so exhausted and so fucking sad. Tired of being someone he’s not. Tired of ignoring the sting of words, jokes from his friends.

He wants, he wishes.

Wishes for exactly what Vecna is promising.

Blinking hard and he breathes, not fighting against the vines holding him now. Looks up towards the red sky, it’s scary.

It’s nothing like he wanted.

But he doesn’t know anymore.

“You’ll be okay, with me” Vecna says, it’s not a promise and it’s not soft. It’s sinister, it’s just a saying.

He knows and hates himself.

Hates how tired he is as he gives up.

He knows he’s a victim, a pawn in Vecna’s plan.

It doesn’t stop the relief he feels, even as he listens to Vecna’s sinister laughter at him.

(His arms are broken, Steve’s arms are broken. He’s still floating and his arms are bent in different directions. There’s screaming, crying and everyone is shaking.

How did they miss this? How did they not know?)

Letting go is the easiest thing he’s ever done. Even with the knowledge that he’s a victim and it’s disappointing to his friends, it’s letting the bad guy win.

But he’s tired, so tired.

There’s no pain for him, not anymore. With this he doesn’t need to try, doesn’t need to ignore the jokes or the poorly disguised mean behavior towards him. Doesn’t need to be useful to be around those he thought of as family.

He doesn’t need to fight anymore.

He can rest.

~~~~

The sound of bones breaking and screaming makes him want to run away. But he’s stuck in place, face wet with tears and his throat hurts from screaming.

He can’t look away.

Up in the sky is Steve Harrington. Floating much like Chrissy, eyes glazed over and frozen. The difference, tears are freely falling down his cheeks. His arms are now bent in different directions and he can’t look away.

He hears everyone around him fall down, sobbing still. He’d look around, but he can’t look away from Steve.

Refuses to look away.

Refuses to run away.

How did they not know? How did they miss this? Why didn’t Steve mention anything? What happened? How did this happen? How did his friends, his family not know he was hurting?

The sounds of everyone around him sobbing, the sound of Steve’s body break is making him wish to be deaf.

This is all too much.

This is too heartbreaking.

It feels like losing.

Hearing a loud crash, really sets reality in. They are losing. They lost the moment Steve stopped moving and his eyes glazed over.

It’s with that, that makes him fall to the ground with tears falling down his face. His gaze falling onto the pile of limbs that was Steve Harrington.

That was the man who willing to dive into Lover’s Lake to find a gate, the same one to bite a demonic bat because it was choking him, so determined to be the last one out of hell.

How did they miss this?

What are they supposed to do now?

————

I’m sorry 😭

I couldn’t turn it around, I couldn’t figure out how to make this with a happy ending. So I didn’t and it’s heartbreaking, I made myself tear up so much I had to stop writing the other night.

If you have any prompts or ideas, send them my way!

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