#because he'd surely be the one with the club that play the best beats and hardest bangers from Germany :P

[kuroppiii]

  apple bottom jeans ᵕ̈       timeskip!hq men ( atsumu , shōyō ,       oikawa , ushijima ) that i think can       actually dance at the club ˎˊ˗

⋮⋮ ˒ ₍ᐢ..ᐢ₎ 𖥻 ⿻ : and i DON ' T mean just ⋮⋮  two-stepping to the music blasting, ⋮⋮  jesus christ no!!!

📋 content     ♡ # 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘧𝘧 🐮 ( ? )     ♡ # 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘯𝘴 🥛     ♡ # 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 - 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘱     ♡ # ~500 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴     ♡ # 𝙘𝙬 𝙨𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 ! ( 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘣 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨     𝘢𝘴𝘴 𝘭𝘮𝘢𝘰 ) + 𝘢𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘩𝘰𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯

🎶 on shuffle " dare " - gorillaz

🧸 directory  ‹ ✩  like what you read ? check out more of my blog !  •ᴗ•

💬 kuroppiii ─ “ thought of this while listening to gorillaz 💪 someone take me out partying pleaseee i need to dance and sweat and get buzzed again !! ”

︴miya atsumu ․﹒∗*○․﹒✧∘°  

big frat guy energy but unfortunately he gets away with it because they way he looks at you, drink in hand, as he's bumpin to the beat is HOTTTT

like guys... c'mon now

with the top buttons of his shirt undone and like a chain on yes pls

the type to look straight into your eyes as you two sing along to songs line for line, BAR! for BAR!!!

lots of action with the arms and elbows from him (yeah frat energy i fear)

hand on your ass as you two vibe to the music, definitely, no question

he'd be hyping you up too with like one of those stupid cartoonish-ass whistles AHHHH THE DEMONS ARE MAKING ME TYPE THIS

also he can get into it without even drinking like just let this man dance!!! (but ofc he has a few shots it's a fucking party lmao)

beige flag: he will jump up and down to some carti or kanye or some shit and he will look a bit corny if you really squint

︴hinata shōyō ․﹒∗*○․﹒✧∘°  

A LITTLE MUCH AT TIMES like babes this is not magic mike chill with the body rolling bud

but also the redheads got some good moves, good for him!

it's all in the shoulders 🫡

like think that timothee chalemet edit that went viral during quarantine (💀💀💀)

likes to spin you around and really dance with you y'know

holding ur hands the whole time aw

just wants to make sure yall are having a good time

watch out for when those latin songs come on tho because this boy will go HAMMM

shoyo my brazillian king x bad bunny? YUPPPP

p.s. he would def end up crowd surfing somehow

︴oikawa tōru ․﹒∗*○․﹒✧∘°  

one that sways along with you from behind so that randos can't sneak up on you (romance is so back!!)

hands always on your waist, holding you close

talks to you by bending down and mumbling into your ear barkbarkwoofbarkwoofwoof

like a chiller 'tsumu bc i don't think he's really the type to be belting lyrics with you like that but he's definitely feeling himself LORD

don't be scared, shake some ass on him, he don't mind 🤷‍♀️

if he ends up in front of you, gets really close to you, like all up in your personal space, still dancing ofc

but he can't help his eyes RAKING you up and down when you two are like that heart eyes

if a nikki minaj song comes own he definitely knows all the lyrics OOPS WHO SAID THAT NOT ME

︴ushijima wakatoshi ․﹒∗*○․﹒✧∘°  

HEAR ME OUT

he needs a few drinks to get there BUT!!! he can get a little loose you feel me?

it's starts out gradual, bc completely sober he's definitely a two-stepper booooo

but as the alcohol kicks in, and they especially play the more fun and carefree songs not so much the tiktok thirst trap type tracks lol–he starts opening up more!

and its kinda cute like his skillset is kinda limited to dance moves straight out of a coming of age film dance montage

lowkey the toby maguire dance from spiderman 3 is gonna make an appearance (ushi secret geek agenda but that's my ted talk for another day)

i can see him getting turnt to some chappell roan (him doing the hot to go! dance 😭)

but but but the BEST part's when he's fighting back a smile as he's dancing, you two feeling like you're the only ones on the dance floor together

or your arms up and around his neck and his hands on your hips, him not being able to keep his eyes off you, feeling the bass hitting in your chests... yeahhhh

       ⇩  ⇩  ⇩ 𝘽𝙊𝙉𝙐𝙎 ::

︴nishinoya yū + tanaka ryūnosuke ․﹒∗*○․﹒✧∘° 

i HAVE to put them together in an honorable mention because you bet if one of them is dancing, the other is holding their phone flashlight up, shining it all on the other

they both pull up in shades even if the club is inside 💀💀💀

dance circle? THEY'RE GETTING STURDY IN THERE

THEY'RE DOING THE WORM

GETTIN DOWN LOWWWW

maybe even hitting the gritty? who knows? ironically ofc (not)

like yeah they obviously can dance well with someone each on their own

but the amount of money i'd pay to go clubbing with the both of them? embarrassingly large amount i'm willing to give up

trulyyy life of the party when they're both on the dancefloor together

[byechristopher]

LOOK AT YOU. [18+]

– Chris Sturniolo smut.

——————————————————————————————————

dom & playful!chris x f!reader.

Author's note: Nothing to say, enjoy. Don't copy/steal my work. :)

Warnings: Praise & degradation kink. Semi-public sex. Smut smut smut, lots of smut, long story too. If you're a minor, keep scrolling, please. I don't know what else to say, bye.

The music is so loud, I can literally feel it in my veins, my body. I'm already on the fourth drink and all I can think of is him. Him. He said he'd come tonight, although I never know what to expect from him.

My friends keep talking to me but I'm far gone now – could it be the whiskey? Could it be the fact that Chris just entered the fucking bar and my breath is gone? Maybe. I swear, this guy will literally drive me crazy. He is the only one my eyes follow when he enters the bar, it's like no one else exists. No one other than us.

"Hey, baby." he says as soon as he is close enough for me to hear him, his fingers touch my waist. His teasing grin lights up the whole damn room and I feel like passing out.

"Shut up, Chris, don't call me baby." I groan and look around, sighing in relief when I see that all our friends are too tipsy to notice.

Me and Chris have been friends for as long as I can remember – well, "friends" is the only thing I can call that. We have been flirting since day one and have been hooking up ever since.

I am fucking obsessed with the guy, though. Who isn't, after all.

"I want you." he makes sure he is as close as he can get with everyone around, not that he cares anyway. His forehead is pressed against my temple and he is slightly moving with me to the beat of the song that's playing.

"Literally everyone is around, Christopher." I say his name, as if the smirk that crawls up his lips doesn't turn me on.

"Keep saying my full name and I'll take you right here, in front of everyone. I don't give a fuck, you know it." his lips touch my ear and his breath tickles my skin in the best way possible. The craziest thing is that I know he could do that – he wouldn't give a shit and I wouldn't say a damn thing.

"Plus, you know I only came here because of you, don't you?" he keeps his lips close to my ear.

I knew it. Which is why I wore his favourite dress tonight. His favourite red lipstick that he loves taking off of me with ways only he can. He was at another club but I texted him as soon as we went out – and he came, indeed.

"You might need to prove that to me." I can't keep back my smile (or smirk, at that point), his eyes stare into mine.

I expect him to say something playful in return but he glares at me instead. It's not an angry glare, it's an I'll-fuck-the-shit-out-of-you glare. I can't hep but widen my eyes a little bit because he grabs my wrist and in less than a minute, we're out of there – we're in the bathroom instead.

"Chris, what the fuck.." I yell behind him but I can feel the desire build up in my stomach, my chest, everywhere.

He doesn't say anything but I know that little smile of his – he knows what he's doing. Damn well. He opens one of the bathroom doors and shoves us both inside. We're both smiling like crazy but I wait for him to make the first move.

He is in the mood to torture me once again, it seems, because he doesn't immediately kiss me. He slowly presses his forehead against mine and his curls are somewhat in the way. However, I can still stare into his hungry eyes. We can still hear the muffled music from inside, it is very loud after all – perfect. We won't need to be quiet. Not that he would let me anyway.

His fingers grip my hips and bring me closer to him, I can feel the bulge in his pants and I can feel my breath getting heavier. He notices, because his smirk is more evident this time.

"Can you feel it? Feel me?" he whispers, loud enough for me to hear him. I can feel goosebumps rising.

"Chris.. I can't wait any longer." my lips touch his without kissing him. Just enough to make him drool for me as much as I do for him.

"Baby.. I want your lips on me. Get on your knees." he bites down on his bottom lip – he places a kiss on my lips before he gives me a knowing smile.

He doesn't need to tell me twice because I'm already pushing his pants down, just enough to take his cock out for me to see. Only me. In just a second, my lips are already around him and I can see him throwing his head back, although he returns to his previous position, just to be able to look at me. I felt hungry, I wanted to devour him.

"Fucking hell.. you look perfect.. like that, just like that." his jaw is firm and his fingers find their way in my hair, grabbing a fistful of it and guiding my head so that I can take him deeper into my mouth.

"Do you like that, hm? How hard you made me? How I'm already really fucking close?" he moans and starts thrusting his hips, I am gagging and my eyes tear up, but I don't mind. Hell, I love it. He lets out a chuckle between moans as he holds my head in place with both hands and starts fucking my mouth, harder than ever.

"Look at you.." he pulls his cock out and rubs it against my cheek, smearing my own saliva all over my face, "..such a little slut for my cock. Wanna taste me again, hmm?"

"Please.." I whisper, "please, I need to taste you.. I need you to fuck me.." that must've triggered him, because I see those beautiful eyes turning dark again and I can't fucking breathe.

His fingers are now wrapped around my neck, and before I even realise what's going on, he spits on his own cock and shoves it back into my mouth. I hold onto his thighs and suck on him hungrily – I can feel tears running down my cheeks and I'm pretty sure mascara is decorating my skin.

His moans are uncontrollable now and I can see him smiling at my mess, "pretty girl.. you look so beautiful, fuck!" he thrusts into my mouth one last time before he pulls out completely.

I am about to complain when he mentions for me to get up, he pushes up the hem of my dress and pulls my panties down, grabbing one of my legs and putting it over his shoulder, as he gets down on his knees this time. My private parts are on full display and I'm desperately trying not to pass out right then and there.

The sight is beautiful – his eyes are glistening, filled with lust, maybe a bit of alcohol, his hair is a little messed up, my thigh is resting on his shoulder, his long fingers are wrapped around it. He turns his head to the side and places a soft kiss on the inside of my thigh, biting my skin playfully right after.

"Fuck.. you're literally perfect. I couldn't stop thinking about the last time I tasted you on my tongue.. I want you." he groans and without wasting any time, he spreads my pussy open and shoves his tongue inside of me.

My head falls back and I moan loudly, my leg trembling on his shoulder – he rubs my clit with his warm tongue before taking it into his mouth to suck on it. His hand travels up my body and with quick movements, he grabs my dress and pulls it down, just enough for my breasts to break free. As soon as he does that, he shoves his tongue inside of me once again. I scream.

"Don't you dare cum. I'm not fucking done with you." he growls. He carefully sets my foot down and quickly gets up, spitting on his dick before grabbing my leg again to lift it up, keeping it to his side. With his free hand, he guides the tip of his cock to my clit and after rubbing it a few times (which made me want to cry), he finally pushes himself inside of me.

"Chris!" I squeeze my eyes shut and tug on his hair – he winces but keeps a smile on his face, as he comes closer to take a nipple into his mouth, "Yes, yes, yes!" I cry out.

"You feel so good, baby.. only I can fuck you like this. Isn't this right, baby?" he moans in my ear and I lose it. I grab both of his shoulders and I jump on him, wrapping both of my legs around his waist, with him still buried deep inside of me.

"Only you.. I only want you to fuck me. To see me like this.." I whisper and I start to move my hips back and forth.

"Fuuuuck.. shit, like this.." his fingers dig into my skin – his hand is gripping my breast, squeezing it roughly, while the other hand is intertwined with mine, pressed against the wall next to my head, "..I'm fucking close.. I wanna cum inside of you." he moans and presses his forehead against mine.

"Yes, yes, yes, yes! Inside of me.. please, cum.." I moan and I want to cry at the same time because the pleasure is too much, and I'm so close too.

With that, he loses it, and so do I. We both finish at the same time and I can feel both of our bodies trembling against one another.

"You're beautiful.. fuck." he whispers as he tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, "I don't wanna pull out." he chuckles, he's tired though.

I chuckle too, "take me home?" I whisper.

He pauses, "is that literal, or.." he narrows his eyes and I laugh, hitting his chest, "I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Let me take you home, yes. And then take you on the couch, too."

[scnsuality]

closed starter for @alphamales-rp

Jasper had always thought of college as a perfect place for him to thrive. Not because he was particularly blessed in academics or determined to graduate top of his class, but for the amenities that the campus life brought with it. Not that he wasn't succeeding in classes; admittedly, being an acting major meant there was less strictly a focus on studying and more on being the center of attention (and blowing the teaching assistant that cast the spring play). Overall, he was certainly living his best life. In that way, it was almost surprising even to Jasper himself that he'd never paid the resident fraternity a visit until now. Honestly they had simply not been on his radar. Frat parties with drunk, straight jocks never seemed like an appealing way to spend his time when he could be on stage, hooking up with a hot stranger in one of the gay clubs around town, or cruising at the gym.

The latter was one of his favorite hangout spots simply for the eye candy. While Jasper didn't really consider himself a jock, he made sure to stay in shape to keep getting cast, and to never skip leg day in order to keep getting laid. He'd become pretty good at gauging the type of looks he'd get at the gym; some guys would stare at his ass with obvious hunger in their gaze, others appeared about ready to beat up the little homo slut flaunting his ass for the crowd. However, this time, he'd misjudged the situation for once. As he was approached by a group of guys - frat boys, obviously - he expected some slurs, but not the proposal they gave him as they seemed to recognize Jasper's skanky tendencies.

He wasn't quite sure what to expect as he now arrived at the frat house, knocking as he'd been instructed. His expectations, however, were high. This was a house full of hot, hunky bulls, most of them quite backed up at their own admission. Well, Jasper was ready to help with that. Clad in just a t-shirt and tight shorts over his jockstrap, the blonde didn't expect to need clothes for very long anyway. After all, he was here to please, to serve, and to get his holes filled.

[cottondo]

Fizzarolli x reader | black lace

chapter three ; glitter

When you first got the phone call from Ozzie's, you hadn't expected it. And you definitely weren't expecting the one to call you to actually be Fizzarolli. You told your manager at Loo Loo Land that you had to go home early because of an 'emergency'. He didn't care, so you left early anyway.

With the fact that you were going to be ON STAGE, NEXT TO FIZZ, you had to make sure that you looked good. Your hair was done up, makeup on point, and your outfit was sexy. Even if you were going to be changed into something else for the stage, you wanted to make sure that Fizz saw you in the hottest state you could possibly be in.

Your phone screen lit up, and you saw the text glowing on the lock screen.

[ UNKNOWN NUMBER ] :

— It's fizz. You here yet?

Your heart skipped a beat, and your excitement returned. He texted you. Fizzarolli fucking texted you!

You smile, bringing the phone up to your face and typed back,

TO: [ UNKNOWN NUMBER ]

— at the doors

  

   

The bright blue sign buzzed above you, shining the name of the man held responsible for the club. When you walked inside, it was loud. Glasses clinked together, demons and imps chat at their tables, and even some music was playing overhead. Your steps were timid, yet, there was a way that you held yourself, that still made you look confident.

Your gaze skipped across the room, until it landed right on Fizz. He was looking around the room, eyes curious. You came to realize that . . he didn't know what you looked like.

How the hell was he supposed to find you?

This left some ideas running through your mind, but you figured playing it cool would be best. As much as you wanted to run up to him, and tackle him to the floor in kisses, it wasn't ideal. He'd probably kick your ass out as fast as he could.

You put on the most confident smirk you can, and walked up to him with ease. Using a finger, you tap on his shoulder and hold back the excitement growing in the pit of your stomach. "How were you supposed to know who to look for, if you don't know what I look like~?" You tease, leaning over to his shoulder.

He turned around, first glancing to what touched his shoulder. After finding out it was a hand— his eyes quickly followed up your arm, and to your face, eyes widening. "Oh- - shit." He stumbled back one step, and while being wide eyed, checked you out. "You're the one I called in?"

You nod. The smile wasn't able to hold back any longer, and breaks through your little confidence act. He nods, giving you another look up and down. "Good choice on my end. You're gonna be getting us lots of attention tonight."

If you could have, you'd faint. You held yourself together, though, and laughed instead. "That 'a good thing?" You tease.

He smirks a bit, hand on his hip. "Oh yeah. Kid, I'm almost sorry I tossed out your application."

Shit. You weren't sure if you should feel flattered, or kind of mad about that. You shrug instead, thinking of a better comeback. "I am too."

He eases into a weaker smile, and nudges you to follow him. "So, what the hell are you doing working at Loo Loo Land? I went through your resume again tonight after fishing it out of the garbage, and . . yeah. Y'know, I'm still looking for the fucker that burned that place down."

You walk beside him, noticing as he picks up the pace through some of the crowd. The clientele was staring at you both.

He really didn't have to rub it in your face that he clearly didn't want to pick you for the job tonight. However, it was done, and he did. So that's all that mattered now.

"Oh, that place. Uh, I'm actually the tech for . . your robot double. Apparently the managers over there worked pretty fast to get the place back up and running. It was under construction for a while." It was almost embarrassing to admit it to him, but working on his double might come off as weird. You wished you could take it back, but it was too late.

Fizz almost tripped, catching your eye and frowning with a hint of concern. "What?" A short laugh breaks through his words, "So, you've got the experience with me, then, huh?" He snickers.

You decide to laugh along with him and nod. "I guess you could say that."

"Great, I'm sure you're already sick of seeing my face, then." He rolls his eyes playfully, and pushes open a door to the employee rooms for you. You sneak past him under his arm, and smile. "Pshh . . only a little bit." The smirk from over your shoulder caused him to tilt his head to the side and smile back. "I figured."

  He guides you down the hallway, up to a room with his name on it. You glance it over once before he steps inside, nudging for you to follow. The door shuts behind you, and you take a quick look around. Different outfits, props, ash trays, and other objects, lay around the room in an organized fashion. It smells like cologne, and smoke.

You absolutely adore it.

"So, here's the deal." Fizzarolli snaps his fingers, and it brings you out of the trance you've been in. "You're going to be my show girl! I'm gonna throw flaming arrows at you, and you're going to do your best to not get hit."

Suddenly, your eyes widen a bit. "Really-?"

"It'll be a piece of cake, doll. Don't worry." His hand waves you off, arm ribbed and bending freely. Fizz turns his back to you, and digs through a cardboard box situated on the floor. You watch nervously as he pulls out an outfit similar to his. Except . . it was a two piece. You'd be sporting his colorful stripes, only it was a tight fitting, two piece, that showed lots of skin. Hot.

"Change into that, and you'll be good to go." He shoves it into your hands. When you felt his fingers touch yours, you ignore all the worry and focus on him instead.

"Okay, cool. Should I find a bathroom or—"

"This is a dressing room, honey. You're gonna have to get used to demons staring at your ass. I'm not looking, don't worry." You catch him rolling his eyes, facing away from you to work on something else.

'Wish you were.' You think to yourself.

You idle there for a quick moment, and bite your bottom lip. "Okay."

Stepping back a few feet, you look around in the darkness of the corner, and slip off your bottoms, holding up the new outfit you'd been chosen to wear. "So, aren't we supposed to practice the act or whatever?" You ask, slipping into the new cheeky shorts. You pull them up and over your hips, and button the high waist.

"Yeah, scratch that." Fizz looks himself over in the mirror, catching your gaze for a split second. Noticing your eyes, he looks away again. "Too many people got here early tonight. I wasn't expecting that to happen. You must be a bad luck charm."

That made something sink in the pit of your stomach, but you brush it off as just a joke. "Nah, I'm the best damn good luck charm you'll ever get." You smirk at his reflection in the mirror and begin to take your top off.

He shrugs, looking away again. "Call yourself what you want, I guess. At least you're doing good for my robot double. I mean, I've heard he's been in some pretty good shape now."

You smile to yourself, slipping the new uniform top on. It was a bit snug, but that was fine. You fix any wrinkles it had, and smooth out the material. "He's still pretty glitchy, I can't even lie." You look up from the shirt, and gaze at him through your sight in the mirror. "Allot of demons really like it though." Your shoulder shrugs. You meet him at the vanity, hanging your previous clothe pieces over a chair, and stand beside him in the mirror to look over your makeup, and of course, check out the new outfit on you.

Fizz watches curiously.

"Allot of them like my doubles, too. I make more money selling those things, than what Loo Loo Land makes." Fizz crosses his arms cross his chest. Having him watch you fix up your makeup felt weird, but in a good way. Part of you was still in total disbelief that this was even happening right now. And getting used to it would be an A-okay thing from now on.

"Freaks that they are. Robots can't be hot." He shakes his head through a little snort.

You turn to look at him, leaning a bit closer to his side. "They can when they look like you." Your smirk catches him off guard. Fizzarolli's eyes widen a bit, and he looks at you with a stiffened back. "I guess you're right. I am pretty hot." He relaxes, waving a hand to back up his statement.

Hot was a total understatement.

"I mean, you're not wrong." You look down at the counter of his vanity, and smile to yourself.

He was so much better in person. RoboFizz was nothing compared to him. The real deal.

"You can say that again, sweetheart." He chuckles to himself, turning his sight away from you, and back into the mirror. You'd gladly repeat it if you really had to.

You smile to yourself instead.

Fizzarolli takes a small container of glitter off of the vanity counter, and looks it over. "Here, slap some of this on. We gotta make you look stage ready." His finger dips in the dish, covering it in colors of silver and gold.

You turn to face him and he holds up a hand, the one free of makeup grabs your face, claws closing tight around your jaw. His other hand, fingers dipped with glitter, nears your eyes.

You hold as still as physically possible. Trying to settle the jittered breathing was the hardest part- - your pulse would easily give it away, if he could feel it, that you were flipping your shit over him.

"I thought I already was." You tease, snorting some laughter. He swipes a few fingers across your face and places the sparkling shimmer where he figured would look good. "Well yeah, but on stage you need to really glow." Fizz shrugs a shoulder. "Now hold still."

"Okay." You speak softly.

Concentration on his face, you blink innocently up at him as he puts a little force into the design on your skin. You gently closed your eyes as his hand travels up to your eyes. Swiping some glitter over your eyelids, he then dusts it on your cheekbones, and exposed chest, with one of the vanity makeup brushes.

"Alright, kid." He steps back, narrowing an eye with thought as you turn to look at yourself in the mirror. It was cute, and he was definitely right; it made your face pop allot more. You nod, smiling at him. "Cutee."

Fizzarolli nods, flicking his tail from behind. "Now, going over some things on your application . ." He shifts his view to the papers that had been sitting on the countertop. Your own gaze travels over to it.

There may have been a few little lies on that. Yes, you've had the experience of working at Loo Loo Land, and yeah, you helped out on stage before over there. But you've never done anything extravagant; like, have flaming arrows fly at you. You just really wanted the job.

"Mhm?" You look over his shoulder and catch his gaze again.

"Where else have you worked that's in the dancing industry?" He asks.

Thinking back, it had been a while, but you did have some stripping experience as one of your first jobs in hell. You needed some quick cash, and that was your answer.

"I worked for someone a while back in the lust ring. He owned a club." You shuffle back and try to forget the thoughts. "Uh, I did some private dancing there for a while."

Fizz must have noticed the discomfort in the features before pressing on, because you saw the way his face cringed for a brief moment. "Great! So, you can do pole tricks, right?"

You weren't exactly a master at it- - but it was easy enough for you to do again. A year long experience with it in the past, you'd be able to do it again without getting too many bruises this time.

"Yeah! Totally." You smile.

"Great, that's all we need." He pushes the papers back into the trashcan underneath the counter, and you watch them flutter down. Shifting your attention back to Fizz, he steps away from your side, and places his hands on his hips. "So, I'm gonna have you on the pole, and you're going to dance. When I shoot the arrows, you're going to dodge them. Easy enough, right?" He grins a bit. You nod. "Sure."

"Maybe I tell some jokes in between sessions, but whatever the audience wants more of." His hand rolls while talking, and you earn more interest. "Usually, they just want the sexy stuff."

You tilt your head to the side in interest. "Do you have any jokes written down?"

He stops at that question, and turns to you curiously. "Some . ." With brows slightly scrunched together, he gives what seems to be an uneasy smile. Maybe it was suspicion?

"You care about my jokes?"

You offer him a softer smile in turn, laughing lightly. Of course you cared about his jokes. Him starting our small as a little boy in the circus industry was what really caught your attention all of those years ago.

Just an IMP trying to make it. And he did.

"Well, yeah. They're the best part of your acts." It was all true, and you clearly meant it.

Fizzarolli nods silently, slowly. Just as he was to speak up again, there was a knock on the door. You turn your head and he slouches. "What is it?"

A little demon pops his head in, looking around the room. He spots you, then Fizz, and cringes. "Shit, sorry, am I interrupting something?"

You slowly turn to look at Fizz and catch his expression. It was neutral.

"No. What do you need?"

"Ozzie wanted me to wish you good luck. He said he's sorry about not being able to preform tonight, but there's another group coming out later to sing." The man steps in the doorway now, hands holding a clipboard.

Fizz nods along, thinking back. "What group?"

"It's Verosika Mayday. The audience is pretty excited about it." He says. Then, two eyes land on you, and smirk. "So, is this your new side piece?"

Oh shit. You really are working with the big boys now. You finally fucking made it! It took some time, but you're here! Now, all you have to do, is just stay calm, and don't get in the way, and—

"No." Fizz scrunches his face at the man. "Y/N's here for a one night stand-in. I needed someone to cover for Ozzie's act tonight."

The mood ended fast, and suddenly, your body shattered in your step.

That's all you were to him? Just . . a stand-in. oh.

"Sure . . well, I'll leave you to it, then!" The demon laughs, nudging Fizz in the arm, before turning on his heel and making his exit out the door. Fizz slams the door shut behind him, and rolls his eyes, turning back to you.

It was more than obvious that Fizzarolli didn't like the guy— or, well, demon. He lets out an irritable sigh and steps around your idling frame in the middle of the dressing room.

"Hey, sweetheart,"

You snap back to reality and turn to face him. "Yeah?"

"Let's get this show on the road."

_______________________

please remember to vote if you're

enjoying the story ! thank you <3

[pockyyasii]

Hi! I was wondering if you could share some head cannons of Nico with the seven + Reyna and will. Also not many people talk about coach hedge but I think Nico and him would be so cute and Nico would baby sit and slfnslsbsladb so yeah haha ✨

──★ ˙📷 ̟ 【 the seven (+ a few others!) headcanons 】 !!

──★ 🌻 ̟.⊹˚.♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ☕️ ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖🌻⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ☕️⊹˚ ♡.𖥔 ݁🌻 ⊹ ♡.𖥔🌻 ̟ ★──

⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡ + reyna, will, nico and coach hedge!! yess omgg hedge babysitting nico would be so cute!! i like to think that Will would be the one to ask hedge to do it when he's busy healing people lol. also the burning maze is irrelevant and NEVER happened here. but piper and jason still broke up?? !

and can i just say the stand by you by rachel platten is literally hoo coded?! like the first three verses were made for the seven- like- i can't. "ill walk through hell with you, love you're not alone" (percabeth?!) "oh, tears make kaleidoscopes in your eyes" (piper?!)

also sorry this was so late!! thanks for the ask! enjoy!! ♡

──★ ˙☕️ ̟.⊹˚.♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖🌻 ⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖☕️⊹˚. ♡.𖥔 ݁ ˖🌻⊹˚ ♡.𖥔 ݁☕️ ⊹ ♡.𖥔🌻 ̟ ★──

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ» [now playing: stand by you by rachel platten] «

Percy's probably the biggest people-pleaser ever, and it gets so severe that he unknowningly flirts with almost all of CHB. (Making Annabeth jealous, and then Percy would have to kiss her face whilst whispering "im yours" "im yours" to make her feel better. Because he's the best boyfriend)

I feel like Mythomagic is a big part of CHB. In the show, we see Grover teaching Percy about Monsters using these cards, and it's canon that both Nico and Frank used to play them. This leads me to being 96% sure that there's a Mythomagic trading club at CHB, (a bit like Pokemon Cards nowadays) and that Nico sometimes pops in to flex his limited edition cards. (when none of the older kids are looking, of course!)

^^ The youngsters make up rumours that Nico beats up people until they give him their special cards and thats why he has so many good ones

I feel like when Coach and Mellie go for dates, he'd entrust Percy and Annabeth to babysit Chuck. Mostly because they already babysit Estelle, and that Leo'd get too nervous; Hazel and Frank are not at CHB that often; Reyna has no experience on how to act with children, Nico's too dark and bloody (he'd probably scare Chuck with things like "did you know the bed monster is real?" or something like that.)

^^ Will, Piper and Jason are the other options.

I kinda forgot that we've known Will since BOTL. When Nico and Will come out dating, Percabeth are ecstatic because now they're thankful for Will in more than two ways.

Coach Hedge is that one teacher that hates PDA. He also patrols around the Cabins some nights, catching demigods whom have other plans... (he's worse than the harpies.) (he also seems to patrol around Cabin 3... I wonder why).

(more soon?! i say that, and then i forget but anYwAys. i'll try ♡)

[yellowkitkieran]

kt rq… i absolutely love ‘support system’ and you writing reader on arsenals women team.. maybe after the final game he is obviously quite down bc he knows it’s best for him to move clubs but he worries about their relationship. And reader tells him she would move to a club closer to his (possible) new one (even if not immediately) which he didn’t expect.. lot of angst/bit of fluff.

ofc only if something like that is for you and all. still feel a bit down momentarily after Sunday and now your recent fic just has me in a mood x

The Hardest Goodbye (Kieran Tierney)

Masterlist

Word count: 2.0k

Kieran's lap of honour at the Emirates is more of an anticipatory goodbye than anything.

You wait in the wings in the tunnel, dressed to the nines in the same Arsenal gear you wear on your own match days, and let Kieran have his moment with the fans. He drinks it all in, the fans clapping for him as they sing his chant, enjoying the Emirates for what is likely his last time as a gunner.

Heart aching, you stand still as Kieran's team trickles past you. He is one of the few remaining now, reluctant to accept his fate. Each time he turns to leave, Kieran is drawn to the crowd in the same manner that a fisherman is perpetually drawn to the sea. This rectangle of grass is more of a home to him than the four walls he shares with you. Kieran would sleep here, eat here, hang up family portraits in the halls if he could.

No matter what, Kieran's soul will always lie with the team he was meant to captain. The red banners will hang in his heart until it stops beating. Kieran is a gunner, through and through, and no contract can change that.

The past few weeks have been hell. Rumors of a move have plagued Kieran's every step. All he's focused on is performing at his best for his club, trying to go out on a positive note if he has to. There isn't anything formal just yet, but neither of you have acknowledged the elephant in the room: Newcastle has come knocking, and their interest has not been quiet.

It would be a smart move for Kieran. His career would flourish with a stable place in the starting XI, and he'd finally get the recognition he deserves. The footballer in you wants him to accept it should a deal come his way. That side of you is at war with the part of you that loves Kieran unconditionally though. Because if Kieran moves, that means you'll be apart. And if you're apart, you aren't sure you'll be able to provide Kieran the support he needs.

Your contract with the Arsenal women's team doesn't run out until the end of next season. Even if it did expire tomorrow, you haven't had any promising interest from other teams. Your agent could pester someone into taking you, sure, but it would probably come with a salary cut. You wouldn't mind though, as long as it brought you closer to Kieran.

When Kieran finally turns to head off the pitch, you wait for him with open arms. His boots click on the pavement and you resist the urge to warm him against wrecking the studs. Kieran is already crestfallen enough, tears already brimming in those brown eyes usually overflowing with adoration, and you can't bring yourself to push him over the edge.

"Come here my love," you murmur when Kieran is in earshot. Without hesitation, Kieran fits himself against you and clings to you like a lifeline. You let him tuck his face into your neck as he sniffles quietly, trying to fit a leash onto his emotions.

You murmur reassurances while you card your fingers through his sweat-damp hair. "You played beautifully, my love. Everyone knows you left it all out on the pitch. I couldn't be prouder of you."

Whether or not your words help, Kieran's heartbeat slows from a frantic slam you can feel in your own chest to a steady rhythm that echoes your own. "Sorry," he mumbles a minute later. "Just cannae believe I might never walk out there wearing red again."

Stroking your fingers over Kieran's hair, you murmur, "I know baby, I know it's hard. But hey, even if you don't make it back, you'll still be loved here in London. You heard the fans, yeah? They'll always remember you for your flair and how well you brought us together when you captained. It's not your fault that the owners shelled out big bucks for someone halfway decent and benched you because they couldn't let their pocketbook take a hit."

"Now you're just trying to make me feel better."

"Working though, innit?"

"Maybe a little."

You smile, coaxing Kieran away from you far enough that you can kiss him. "I love you, Key. You've done great things in your time at Arsenal and you've made all of us who play here proud. If it's time for a new chapter, we can figure that out together."

**********

"Contract is here," Kieran croaks, as if contract talks are a normal part of your conversations over your morning coffee. "Newcastle want me on the same wages I'm on now at Arsenal, and they don't want to keep me. Arteta said there's no spot for me in the squad because I don't fit in the left side as well as he'd like."

"Oh."

Isn't it supposed to be storming when one receives bad news? Shouldn't the window panes be battered with rain, wind howling as it tries to seep into the cracks? The sun shouldn't be warming your face as you crack eggs in a pan. Birds shouldn't be singing their merry songs. The potted flowers lining your windowsill should be wilted, not stretching towards the light.

Wrong. This morning is all wrong for that sort of earth-shattering, heartbreaking news.

"Yeah, oh."

Kieran tips his chair onto its rear legs, reaching into the glass cabinet behind him for the bottle of Scottish whisky off the top shelf and the two crystal glasses beside it. The heavy tumblers thud against the wood dining table when Kieran sets them down, pouring himself a double and then a single in the other glass, which he leaves for you if you want it. He doesn't so much as wince when he throws his own back, swallowing it swiftly.

"It's nine in the morning," you say softly, out of concern for Kieran's liver and his psyche.

"I'm not taking it," Kieran mutters, eyes trained on the crystal in his hand. The finality in his voice is what terrifies you. He's given this decision plenty of thought, that much is obvious, and yet this is the first you've truly heard him talk about it.

At first, you aren't sure you've heard him correctly. If Kieran doesn't take this contract, then certainly Arsenal will sell him off to the next highest bidder, which will most likely be non-premier league. His career will stagnate and his dreams of a European championship will be all but squashed.

"Kieran," you say firmly, trying to elicit some sense. "Babe, you have to take it." Abandoning your breakfast, you quickly skim through the summarized terms on the top sheet. It's a good deal, one that means he'll be secure for at least four years at Newcastle. "Four years is a long time, you could get a lot done. Help build a winning team. You could captain them and stay there long term."

"I don't want to be there long term," Kieran snaps uncharacteristically. In arguments it's usually you that has the hot head, not your boyfriend. It catches you off guard and you take a physical step away to distance yourself.

"Why not?" You ask after a pause.

Asking a simple question sets Kieran off and he lashes out like a cornered animal, "Because you're here! My entire life is in London, in this house that we bought together- you can't just up and move with me! Newcastle's women's team isn't anywhere near the same level as Arsenal's- you'd be sacrificing your career for me and I can't let that happen. Which means we'll have to do long distance and I already have a hard time during international breaks! I wouldn't survive that, I couldn't come home to an empty house each night!

"And yet you sit here and act like I should be okay leaving you behind. Like I wouldn't be abandoning the most important person in my life, the woman I want to marry one day. I should just accept that because it's good for my career? You're more important than that! You're my priority, not football!"

While you know his frustration isn't directed at you, that doesn't stop his outburst from stinging. You know better than to reply straight away, letting Kieran process his emotions on his own until his eyes glass over with tears and his lip wobbles.

"I dinnae ken what I'd do without you," he whispers finally. "I can't just leave you behind."

"Kieran, I hear you baby. I hear you." You cautiously come around the table, aware of Kieran's ridgid shoulders and his wide, terrified eyes. "Take a breath, Key. Breathe for me." When you're finally in front of him, you cup Kieran's jaw and turn his face upwards. "In and out, Key. Just breathe."

As Kieran fights to find a steady breath, you wedge yourself between his body and the table to sit in his lap. You take his hands and guide them around your middle with the same gentle persuasion one might use with a frightened child. "Breathe," you remind him, with his face once more in your hands.

When his eyes squeeze shut, you finally notice the red blotches on his cheeks. He's been crying in your room, for who knows how long. He's been fighting this battle on his own, waging war with himself over what he wants for himself and what he wants for your relationship. It's tearing him apart inside; the fact that he's consumed alcohol at this early hour is evidence enough of that.

You have two very distinct, separate jobs. On the pitch, you're the star of Arsenal's women's team, guiding your best friends towards wins and scoring the occasional goal while you're at it. You've trained hard nearly every day of your life to be where you're at, and signing for Arsenal has brought you a lifelong found family along with the love of your life, Kieran.

Off the pitch, you've tasked yourself with loving Kieran. It isn't something anyone ever offers advice or guidance on; it's something you've have to explore and learn how to do on your own, in your own time. But you think you've done a damn good job of it so far. You're the one he turns to after a shit match and you're the one he wants to celebrate with after a win. You don't hold him back but instead you help him realize his full potential, even if that potential means separating the two of you for the time being.

"I don't want to go," Kieran repeats. You've never heard him so distraught. Deep down, he knows Newcastle is the best choice for him, but neither of you are willing to give up the love you share.

"You know, I've been looking at Manchester lately."

Kieran sniffles and rubs at his wet eyes. "What for? I don't want to move to United and City doesn't need a left back."

"Mmm, no, their men's team doesn't… but their women's team? Well, City's ladies could really use some help defensively."

Hope finally returns to Kieran's eyes. He blinks up at you, his hands landing on your hips to pull you impossibly closer to him. "I couldn't ask you to leave Arsenal. I know it's your home, too."

"See that's where you're wrong," you murmur, tipping your forehead to rest on Kieran's. "My home is wherever you are, Key. This is my home." You lay your palm on the center of Kieran’s chest, directly over his heart. "I was looking and Manchester is only an hour from Newcastle. I could see about a loan to City or even about a move there next year. We could get a house in the middle and commute- a half hour each isn't terrible. I know it's longer than the ten minute drive we have now, but…"

"We would be together," Kieran finishes on your behalf. You smile and reward him with a soft kiss before sweeping the pad of your thumb over his lips.

"Yes, we would be together. So do you think you can make it until January without me there? This summer we can pick out a house together, and I can start figuring out a move for myself. Meanwhile, you can just focus on you, and planning as many date nights as you can."

"I like the sound of that, darling. I really, really do."

[hebimoonlightwrites]

hi hebi! i hope youre having a good day :) if possible, can i ask for the "type of boyfriend" for yohei, iori, and yuto? ty! -🌟

Writer's corner: Hi anon-🌟!! I really am! Thank you! Hope you're having a lovely day as well! Also, of course! Here! Hope you like it! if not, please let me know and ask for something else so I can write another one for you! Enjoy~

Warnings: a few of bad words because of these three fools.

⋆𝒴𝑜𝒽𝑒𝒾, 𝐼𝑜𝓇𝒾 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒴𝓊𝓉𝑜⋆ 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝓉𝓎𝓅𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒷𝑜𝓎𝒻𝓇𝒾𝑒𝓃𝒹

⋆Yohei would be the best boyfriend, no doubt.

⋆He'd treat his s/o so well!

⋆Like spending some time with them, listening to them if they need to talk to him, buying them a lot of stuff they like.

⋆"Ya' told me ya' liked that, so I bought that for ya'!"

⋆I feel like he's the type of boyfriend who would surely be the most passionate one among these three guys of this request.

⋆He'd make his s/o spends the best Valentine's day, by buying them a bunch of their favourite flowers and some chocolate. Then he'd totally bring them to a restaurant and have dinner together.

⋆But I'm sure he'd also smirk after his s/o scolds him for still smoking. So he'd tease them.

⋆"What...? You're afraid of losing me~?"

⋆Yohei is a man among men, he's gentle and kind-hearted, even if he was part of Yazuka in the past.

⋆I'm sure he'd worry about his s/o's feelings a lot and ask them if they're alright in some particular situations.

⋆"S/o.. you seem tired. Are you okay?"

⋆In case s/o is having a bad time, Yohei would play the piano for them, trying to calm them down and relax them.

⋆He would also protect them, showing s/o that they can count on him every time they feel alone.

⋆If anyone hurted them even a little bit, Yohei would make them pay for it, no doubt!

⋆He'd forget to being a simple bartender and beat that person's ass so hard!

⋆"Don't you even dare anymore to bother my wife/husband, you shithead!"

⋆I think Yohei is the type of boyfriend who would cook for s/o too, since he already prepares food for Shiki and Ryu in the morning.

⋆Tell me... wouldn't be so amazing to see him in front of the stove, wearing a pink apron, maybe with the "kiss the chef" note on it, cooking for you? Yes, it would... Also a little bit funny, though.

⋆I think like he would show PDA only when jealous. Yes, because I do think he'd get jealous, maybe not frequently, but only when he notices someone who's flirting with his s/o.

⋆That's when he'd hug s/o by their hips and kiss them passionately.

⋆"What?... Can't I kiss my s/o in public?!"

⋆In my opinion Yohei would also be the type of boyfriend to snuggle on his s/o's body, hugging them and cuddling them until they both fall asleep after a long day.

⋆But he works at night, so I guess he'd be the one to reach his s/o and sweetly snuggle on them when he comes back home... in the morning, in short.

⋆"Hush... It's me.. I've come back, love.."

⋆Yohei would provide s/o a lot of joyful and unforgettable moments, that's sure, since he'd love them more than himself.

⋆"We're such a great couple, aren't we? ... 𝒯𝑜𝑔𝑒𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇, 𝓌𝑒 𝒸𝒶𝓃 𝒹𝑜 𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓇𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔!"

⋆One word: fun.

⋆Along with Iori, nobody could be bored at all!

⋆Iori always shows up as a joyful and always happy man, with deep values and a strong family relationship with his fellows AKYR.

⋆I don't know why, but I feel like Iori would cover his s/o in gold, making them wear tons of jewelleries, bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces...

⋆"Look at yourself, honey.. You're... You're beautiful..!"

⋆He'd treat them well too, of course, and always try his best to make them feel loved and appreciated.

⋆I think he'd also prefer to spend his time with s/o to with guests at Club CANDY.

⋆Contrary to Yohei, Iori would show PDA in public without any kind of embarrassment of hesitation.

⋆He'd always there, hugging his s/o by their hips and kissing them in front of people.

⋆He'd love to show others that s/o is his partner and would be proud if someone compliments him for having such a cute and beautiful one!

⋆As I've written for Yohei, I definitely can imagine Iori being jealous, especially after seeing some delinquents smirking, staring at s/o.

⋆As an ex Yakuza member as well, Iori would even start a fight if his s/o was in danger.

⋆He'd show his ability and agility, dodging his opponents' punches or kicks and beating theis asses very hard.

⋆"You've made a great mistake by choosing your target wrongly!"

⋆Iori is surely the one who'd bring his s/o to karaoke only to show them how great he is at imitating.

⋆Maybe he'd also decide to go there to cheer them up after a long and stressful day.

⋆It'd be funny hearing Iori's voice changes from a deep note to an higher one, depending on the singer he has to imitate.

⋆He'd blush so heavily after seeing s/o laughing at him!

⋆"I'm great, yeah??!... H-hey! Don't look at me like that, s/o!! Also stop laughing!! It's my special skill, okay?!"

⋆But he'd be relieved after that, because he'd know he'd have managed to make s/o smile and laugh.

⋆Iori would definitely worry about s/o's mental and physical health.

⋆He'd be happy, though, to see them spending some time with also his fellows AKYR.

⋆Iori would smile softly after seeing s/o, Satsuki and Reo playing video-games or even seeing s/o petting cats with Hokusai or helping Zen training.

⋆I'm sure he'd love s/o even more after seeing them getting along well with those who are part of Iori's actual family.

⋆Because we know what Iori thinks about family...

⋆"Family doesn't depend on blood, but on time spent together... and 𝓎𝑜𝓊'𝓇𝑒 𝒶𝓁𝓈𝑜 𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝑜𝒻 𝓂𝓎 𝒻𝒶𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎, 𝓈/𝑜... I.. I love you."

⋆I don't know if it could be a good thing having Yuto as a boyfriend, since he has a double personality and his other self isn't as friendly as we could expect!

⋆Seriously, it could be dangerous.. We're talking about a man who's constantly afraid because he doesn't know what his evil self is doing behind his back!

⋆But.. Well.. I think he could manage to protect his s/o thanks to that scary part of himself.

⋆Like.. I've just imagined Yuto hanging out with s/o and suddenly being stopped by a group of delinquents who want to act as superiors and scare them both.

⋆"Pl...Please!! Leave us alone!! I'm telling you to protect all of us!!"

⋆Yuto's good self would say while those delinquents are already approaching, laughing..

⋆Seriously. Even if he's 32, he's such a small man! Nobody can be afraid of him.

⋆Nobody can be... right?...

⋆I think that group itself would end up being terribly frightened by Yuto's other self, who'd show up because they have caused trouble, after grabbing s/o's wrist.

⋆"I told you not to cause trouble.. You did by grabbing their wrist... and now I'll punish you all!"

⋆s/o would stay in a corner, sitting on the ground, looking shocked at his boyfriend's evil self making Yuto doing some violent and horrible things, like hitting those guys with his phantometal, his Brutal Baton.

⋆I feel like Yuto's good self would feel embarrassed and would even get panicked a lot after realizing that s/o has seen him.. has seen that creature.

⋆He'd try so hard to keep him hidden but, of course, would fail.

⋆He's stronger than Yuto.

⋆Yuto would surely pray him not to hurt s/o.

⋆Because when that person- no- that thing shows up, Yuto can't control him, can't stop him, but just wait until he's satisfied enough to go away.

⋆"s/o... wouldn't... wouldn't be better for you to let me go..? I.. I don't want you to be in danger, because of me.."

⋆But when his evil self isn't around, Yuto would be the best and adorable boyfriend ever.

⋆I totally imagine him lying on the sofa with his s/o, both watching some travel shows, Yuto's favourites!

⋆"Woah... That place is so beautiful... it seems so calm and relaxing.. We should go there on holiday, babe."

⋆He'd caress their back while hugging them on the sofa, then kiss their head sweetly and, when s/o falls asleep, feel something hot in his chest.

⋆That would be his heart warming up after seeing s/o's relaxed sleepy expression.

⋆How can they fall asleep on him without any kind of fear or hesitation?

⋆After all... who knows when he'll wake up?

⋆Yuto would totally stare at s/o while they're sleeping on his chest and caress their cheeks softly, admiring each centimeters of their face.

⋆Then he'd totally whisper some sweet words to them, even if he knows they can't hear him.

⋆"I love you, babe.. Thank you for loving each part of me... even... even him... I promise 𝐼 𝓌𝑜𝓃'𝓉 𝓁𝑒𝓉 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝑜𝓃𝑒 𝒽𝓊𝓇𝓉𝓈 𝓎𝑜𝓊.. 𝓃𝑒𝒾𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝒽𝒾𝓂."

©hebimoonlightwrites_tumblr Please, do not copy my contents nor repost it without my permission.

[twopersoncult]

Jealousy (Percabeth)

Rated: Teen and Up Audiences

Word Count: 1.4k

Summary: Annabeth has too much to drink and dances with a stranger to rile up her boyfriend.

Characters: Percy Jackson, Annabeth Chase, Grover Underwood, Leo Valdez, Piper McLean, Jason Grace

Date written: 10th May 2022

Thudding vibrations pulsated against every inch of the checkered dance floor as figures swayed in the moody lighting of the dark club. Percy and Annabeth met up with Jason Piper and Grover who’d been visiting Leo at his new job. Leo took the job at a local bar during his break from Camp and school. He took his love for tinkering and inventing with him behind the bar and it showed in each of the clubs ‘special’ drinks. After a quick - ill timed, Iris Message with Grover in a bathroom he found out his best friend was in the area and would soon join them.

Percy sat at one of the booths on the other side of the club, half listening to Jason and Piper chatting about their newest cat, half keeping tabs on Annabeth as she was served her drinks by Leo. Watching as they made light conversation with him to catch up. He kept his eyes trained on her while he waited for Grover to arrive. Annabeth downed yet another cup of... well she wasn't sure what mix Leo made this time. She glanced down to the dance floor at the dark silhouettes that swayed from side to side to the latest EDM mix, making her sway to the beat as well. The alcohol in her veins gave her an electric buzz of courage to move her hips to the rhythm of the pounding music.

The sway of Annabeth’s hips had Percy in a trance… Fuck, that was his girl, he thought as he excused himself from the booth and started making his way to her. "Hey Perce!" Grover shouted over the loud music and chatter of the mortal club, breaking Percy out of the trance Annabeth had him under. The last time the three of them had been to any sort of club together.. things hadn't gone down too well aka they were attacked by some asshole monsters.

"Hey man!" Percy said with a smile growing on his face at the sight of his best friend, as he and Grover embraced, "Glad you could finally make it, the guys are over at the booth and Annabeth's..." Percy trailed off to point at Annabeth when he looked back at the bar and realized he lost sight of her.

His expression hardened when he quickly scanned the area and couldn't spot her head of golden locks. “Annabeth...was here,” he sighed, continuing towards the bar to ask Leo where she went. When he approached the bar, Leo was mixing up a drink for another customer and grinned in their direction.

“Hey Grover, nice to see you man!” He said and fist-bumped Grover to which he greeted him back. “Looking for your girl, Water Boy?” He asked Percy with a knowing look, seeing as Percy was glancing back and forth around the club.

“I'm not playing any games right now, Valdez. Where is she? This place could literally be crawling with monsters in disguise.” “Hey, hey! Chill out man! She said she was gonna head down to the dance floor.”

Percy wasted no time in heading down through the crowd, shouting over his shoulder at Grover that he'd be back. He probably looked downright predatory looking at all the people in the club to find his sweet girl but he didn't care, he just wanted her in his line of sight. When he finally spoted his Wise Girl, she's standing there in the middle of the dance floor, his heart does a little flip in his chest because she looks the most carefree she has in a while. No stresses over studying, no peer pressure, no struggles with fitting in with her regular mortal friends but just his Annabeth letting loose and overflowing with joy. The sight of her makes him burst with happiness and it feels as if the world around them stops and all he sees is her.

Percy genuinely smiles at her and decides that he should leave her to enjoy herself and begins to turn away when he sees a figure out of the corner of his eye dancing behind Annabeth. Annabeth continues to dance, moving her body and weaving her fingers through her hair. Percy is frozen in his spot and watches the figure, who he notices to be a man, wraps one of his arms around her waist and holds her from behind. He watches as he leans down to whisper in her ear but before he could move, Percy felt a pair of stormy grey eyes look up at him. Annabeth looked up at him with a mischievous look and smirked.

Annabeth, in her drunken state, decided to be a teasing little minx and reached her hands up in the stranger's hair and danced against him to further rile Percy up. She could feel Percy's dark, piercing gaze burning through hers and she let the guy grab her hips tighter and inhale the spot between her neck and collarbone. She bit back a cringe at his staunch breath because the dark look that Percy was sending her made it all worth it and she smiled loosely, head falling back into the stranger as dirty thoughts of what Percy would have planned for her flooded her brain.

The man's face was way too close to hers and Percy did not like one bit of it.

Percy gave her a look that said, ‘Sure you want to test me tonight Wise Girl?’ but she just ignored him and turned around to face the stranger, glancing up at him flirtatiously. The man smiled down at her and Percy could see that he was glancing down at her lips, waiting to close the gap between them. Annabeth glanced back to him as if challenging him further, waiting for him to burst and come get her. Percy growled, and angrily strides towards the pair, almost seething and the poor stranger who was none the wiser was pulled away with a snarl from Percy. “Keep your hands off what’s fucking mine.” The man stutterd apologies and stumbled as he backed up and soon disappeared through the dancing crowd.

Not waiting to see where the man disappeared, he grabbed Annabeth's hand and pulled her away from the club, ready to head home and deal with her for this little stunt she decided to pull tonight.

He grabbed her by her chin and lifted it up, bending by her ear so she could hear him over the loud music and said, “We're going home Wise Girl. You're going to learn who you belong to.”

But Annabeth had other plans, she let out adorable drunken giggles and took advantage of Percy being this close to her face and began planting tiny kisses along his jaw along his face until she reached the shell of his ear.

“Oh come on, Seaweed Brain. I was just having a little fun.” She was practically purring into his ear at this point and wrapped both arms around his neck. “And you know I love when you all riled up.” She hummed as she tugged on his hand and pulled him into one of the dark, secluded booths in the back of the club. She planted both hands on his chest and pushed him on the velvety seat, pulling the little string on the curtain that blocked the view of them from other people. Percy watched with surprised eyes as Annabeth planted both legs on either side of his lap, straddling him in the enclosed booth and leaning down into his ear, and whispering, “Besides, you know I'm all yours Percy.” She took both of his hands and placed them on her hips, and he instantly tightened their grip on either side as her blonde hair fell beautifully over her shoulders and onto his face.

“Fuck- Annabeth...don't ever do that again.” he said and looked up into her beautiful stormy eyes. She placed her hands on his that sat high on her thighs and whispered, “Yours. Only yours. Forever Percy.” Were the last words shared between them before he pulled her down to him, lips clashing together as they drowned in a heady cloud of love and lust.

//

Notes: this was our first fic and even though it was a trial, its near and dear to our hearts. hope you enjoyed it though. ❤

[honeyedmiller]

hiii <3 i was wondering if u could write pedro x reader where reader wants to come out as nonbinary to pedro but is too nervous, but untimely does? like starts off kinda angsty but turns into fluff! thank youuuuu <3

omg this is so cute :') ofc I will <3

warnings: angst and fluff

word count: 672

-

You'd been contemplating back and forth with yourself all night long, and it was causing you to become so anxious.

You wanted to tell your best friend that you're nonbinary. No one knew yet, and you wanted him to be the first person you told. You knew he'd never judge you, but that didn't stop the nerves from rolling in.

You looked down at your phone pinging, seeing it was Pedro texting you. Talk about coincidences.

Hey! You still down for movie night tonight? :)

You read his text and softly smiled. You loved your movie nights with him, but you knew the longer you were around him, the longer you couldn't be able to keep this important information to yourself.

You look back down to your phone, sighing as you typed away.

Sure thing, Pedrito. I'll get the popcorn ready. Breakfast Club?

The sound of your phone's keyboard clacking as you typed filled the air around you, and you instantly received a text back.

Sounds good, be there in 20!

You got the snacks and popcorn ready, putting the movie into your DVD player so it loaded to the "play movie" title. Only a few minutes went by until you heard the familiar, heavy knocking on your front door. Pedro always knocked with the same pattern so you knew it was him.

You opened the door to a beaming Pedro, his smile fading a bit when he noticed your smile didn't reach your eyes like it normally did.

"What's wrong?" He asks, reaching his hands out to your arms, rubbing them up and down.

"Nothing, just tired." You excused your anxiousness, hoping he didn't ask any other questions. And, being the amazing person he is, he didn't.

He knew something was off but he didn't push it. He never made you talk about anything you didn't feel comfortable talking about, and let you take your own time to come to him to discuss whatever it was. He was a very patient man, and for that, you were forever grateful.

All throughout the movie, you barely laughed like you usually do and barely even touched the snacks. You were usually the first one to dive right in to indulge in the sweets and buttery popcorn, but your stomach was in knots. You couldn't think of anything else except for how to bring the subject up to him.

"Hey, are you sure you're okay? You've barely touched your popcorn and I haven't seen you crack a smile once the whole movie." Pedro lists the obvious, but in a worried tone.

"I'm-" You look up at him, your throat closing in. Tears welled in your eyes, and you weren't sure why you were so fucking anxious. So, you did the first thing that came to your mind.

"I'm nonbinary, Pedro." Your words sounded rushed, and his face immediately softened.

"Oh, honey." He pulled you in to him tightly, hugging you. He buried his face in your hair, kissing the top of your head a few times.

"Thank you for trusting me and telling me," He murmurs, rocking you back and forth soothingly as you embraced him just as tightly. "Why are you crying sweetheart?" He puts a bit of distance between you two, hands moving up to your cheeks to wipe your tears away.

"I'm just so happy someone knows, especially you." You smile at him, and he pouts his lips and brings you to his chest again.

"You can always tell me anything, anytime. Don't ever feel like you have to hide anything from me, especially if it's something to do with who you are, because I love you, no matter what." He kisses your head one more time before chuckling softly.

"I'll beat anyone up who doesn't comply with who you are."

You laughed into his chest, so grateful and lucky that you have such a great support system like Pedro in your life. You couldn't have asked for a better best friend in the whole world.

[alittlebitofrainbyyourside]

Have an untitled document snippet that I refuse to name because it was /supposed/ to be a like- Quick Pornie Au with Big Dick Phayu and his childhood friend Rain who has recently gone throuh his Slut phase.

Either way, Rain scrubs his skin in the shower, snagging his body wash from the shelf to replace the smell of whatever the hell the guy's name had been from last night. Ball? Bean? Rain hadn't been listening particularly hard. And the guy certainly hadn't put in enough effort for Rain to bother moaning it, so what did it matter? He hadn't been half as big as Rain had thought he was in the club, and his thrust game had been dismal. 

A little delirious, Rain thinks about the possibility of making a shirt that says 'you must be this big to play'. Maybe that would help him weed out the non-contenders. 

Another rumble from his stomach and Rain sighs, petting it fondly, "I know, I know. Hopefully P'Phayu and P'Saifah will have something yummy for us."

Thankfully they don't live too far away. Close enough that Rain doesn't even bother grabbing his keys after he's gotten dressed, opting to ride his bike five blocks down to where the twins live. It might not be as cool as Phayu's motorcycle, but it's functional and it gets him there faster than walking would have. Which is important given how loud his stomach is protesting.

He rides his bike up the driveway of the huge house, carelessly letting it drop to the side as Rain goes to beat on the door. Once. Twice. Three times.

Rain's just about to hit it again when it opens and he throws his arms around the neck of his savior, "P'Saifah! Please tell me you guys have already made breakfast! I'm going to waste away if not!"

Saifah laughs, spinning Rain  inside and dropping him unceremoniously on the floor so that he can shut the door. "Phayu's in the kitchen now. Forget to buy groceries again?"

"Maybe."

"When's your Mama coming back, anyway?"

Rain slides off his shoes, shrugging. "She's with Papa in Korea, so probably another month or two. She's never in a rush back when she gets to stay with him."

Not that Rain can blame her, it's just that maybe he'd like to go too sometime. But apparently his studies are too important. Maybe over the summer he'll be able to visit. In the meantime, he's making the best of having the house to himself-

Even if it means shopping for himself. Rain wrinkles his nose- shopping is just so boring and he always feels like he's forgetting something important. Maybe he can convince Phayu or Saifah to come with him on their day off. At least that would solve the boredom problem.

Rain follows his nose (and his stomach) to the kitchen. Sausage- Phayu's definitely cooking sausage. Probably eggs too, if Rain knows his friend and after over a decade, he sure thinks he does. There will be vegetables too, of course. Rain's gotten the lecture about balanced meals leading to a balanced life so many times that he could probably recite it in his sleep. 

Which is why Saifah's probably the best target when it comes to asking someone to go to the grocery store with him. Saifah will understand why Rain's cart is half filled with chips.

"You're here early, Nong," Phayu says, one eyebrow raised as he stands at the stove.

"I'm starving, Phi," Rain sing-songs as he boosts himself up onto the counter- far away enough that he knows Phayu won't chide him about having his ass too close to the food. He winces slightly when he makes contact, the after effects of last night not completely invisible despite being mostly unremarkable. 

It's disappointing, truly. He'd rather have a night out sing through his body in the morning, than show up as a whistle later.

Phayu's eyes narrow, but he doesn't say anything about Rain's placement and Rain takes that as a win. What Phayu does say is, "Let me guess, Mama is on a business trip again?"

"And Rainyboy hasn't gone grocery shopping," Saifah adds as he starts to take down plates from the cabinet to set the table. "When'd she leave?"

Rain kicks his heels against the wood, trying to think back.  "Last Friday, I think? Maybe Thursday."

"It's been over a week and you still haven't gone grocery shopping, Nong?" The judgment in Phayu's tone is clear, even as he takes the pan he's had on the stove off and begins to divvy up the food on the plates that Saifah brought down.

"I think our little friend has been too busy with <i>other</i> things, if you catch my drift," Saifah teases.

[buttdawg]

C-Block Scenarios

I'm a little bored at the moment, so I'm going to try to work out scenarios for the C-Block in G1 Climax 33. Spoilers under the cut.

The current standings are as follows:

David Finlay: 8

EVIL: 8

Eddie Kingston: 8

Tama Tonga: 7

Shingo Takagi: 7

Mikey Nicholls: 4

Henare: 4

Tomohiro Ishii: 2

The matches for the final night of C-Block tomorrow are:

Ishii vs. Nicholls

Tama Tonga vs. Henare

Kingston vs. Finlay

EVIL vs. Takagi

We can ignore the Ishii/Nicholls match, since both of them are mathematically eliminated.

I would think that Kingston vs. Finlay is the most important match on the card, since both of them are tied at 8 points, and the winner gets to 10, and a guarenteed spot in the playoffs. Then again, maybe that's why they made it the second-to-last match on the card, and EVIL/Takagi is the main event. It's safe to assume the winner of Kingston/Finlay goes to the quarterfinals, but EVIL vs. Takagi would decides who gets first place, and who's runner up.

Let me just get my doomsday scenario out of the way.

Scenario 1: Bullet Club wins, sucks.

Finlay (10) d. Kingston (8)

Evil (10) d. Takagi (7)

In this outcome, it doesn't matter if Tonga wins his match, since he can't get to 10 points. Finlay and EVIL are tied at 10 points, and Finlay wins the tiebreaker, since he beat EVIL in their league match. They go on to the playoffs, where we have to listen to their shitty entrance themes and everyone has to pretend to be baffled by EVIL's ref bump/lowblow tactics.

Scenario 2: Eddie wins, because he's a cool dude.

Kingston (10) d. Finlay (8)

Takagi (9) d. EVIL (8)

Tonga (9) d. Henare(4)

This is what I want to happen, where both Bullet Club guys get eliminated, and Eddie Kingston fulfils his lifelong dream of getting destroyed in the quarterfinals by one of NJPW's golden boys. Or Hikuleo, I'm not sure which one he'd be facing.

I went ahead and had Tama Tonga win just to see how he'd fare in the tiebreaker for second-place. But since he and Shingo Takagi went to a draw in their league match, I guess they'd need some other way to settle that. I'm gonna go out on a limb and predict that Tama and Shingo won't both win their matches tomorrow.

Scenario 3: Can Tama Tonga even make the playoffs?

Tonga (9) d. Henare (4)

Kingston(9) vs. Finlay (9) ends in a draw

Evil (9) vs. Takagi (8) ends in a draw

So the only way this works is if two draws happen on the same show, which seems kind of unlikely, but this way you have a four-way tie at nine points, which is as high as Tama Tonga can go. So we have to make a little teeny league with just those four guys and their results are:

F E T K

F - O X Δ 3pts

E X - O O 4pts

T O X - X 2pts

K Δ X O - 3pts

So in this best case scenario, Tonga is still toast. EVIL would win 1st place and they'd have to figure out some way to break the tie between Eddie and Finlay.

Scenario 4: Wait, what if Takagi wrecks EVIL's shit, and there's a tie that way? Can Tama still make the playoffs?

Okay...

Tonga (9) d. Henare (4)

Kingston(9) vs. Finlay (9) ends in a draw

Takagi (9) d. EVIL (8)

I guess this is more plausible, since it only requires one draw to happen, but the tiebreaker seems no less favorable to Tama Tonga.

F S T K

F - X X Δ 1pts

S O - Δ X 3pts

T O Δ - X 3pts

K Δ O O - 4pts

I suppose this could work out for Tama Tonga, assuming there's a tiebreaker that would favor him over Shingo. Eddie would win the block, Finlay would be eliminated, and it would just come down to figuring out whether Shingo or Tama is the runner up.

I'm probably missing something here, and Tama Tonga was mathematically eliminated already. As it is, he needs to win his match and hope for a bunch of other stuff to play out just so he can get a tie for runner-up. I'm pretty sure Henare will just beat him tomorrow so it doesn't come up.

Actually yeah, at this point it's starting to just look like these are the only likely outcomes here

Eddie Kingston (10) and Shingo Takagi (9)

David Finlay (10) and EVIL (10)

EVIL (10) and Eddie Kingston (10)

David Finlay (10) and Shingo Takagi (9)

Some weird three-way tie where there's so many draws involved I don't know how they settle it.

So in that sense, I guess it explains why Shingo vs. EVIL is the main event. Functionally, both matches are equivalent, since the two winners will represent C-Block in the quarterfinals. One of them has to go on last, and maybe the plan is for David Finlay to crush Eddie Kingston's dreams and Shingo beats EVIL to send the crowd home happy. Well, that and Shingo and EVIL were former IWGP champions, so I guess that is a higher-profile match. I keep forgetting that NJPW's bookers don't hate EVIL the way I do.

Well, I'll keep a candle in the window for Eddie anyway.

[angelizs]

[Would it be enough? - Azul Ashengrotto]

Summary: He felt pathetic. He was sitting on the floor trying not to hyperventilate, desperately bitting back tears and gripping on the edges of his dignity. Azul was pathetic, and he was not enough for you.

Notes: gn!reader, unrequited love, angst, hurt no comfort, yes I like to make Azul suffer, some self deprecating thoughts too, oh the pains of unreciprocated love

It all started when you entered the board games club.

Azul would forever curse that day, the day you entered in his life and changed it forever. He'd curse and cry to whatever cruel entity watching over him for ever putting you in his path like that. But, at the same time, should he have been given the chance, he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Even if he had to re-do it all over, the one thing he would never change would be that day, the day the sun shined on him for a few moments and took his breath away.

It might be a foolish, sentimental feeling, something he was not used to, so out of character for him. But he couldn't bear to imagine how different his life would be without that day on it, committed to his memory, imprinted on his soul.

You were new and bright and warm, so different from everyone else he's ever met, be it from the land or from the sea. It must be because you weren't from Twisted Wonderland at all, but from a whole another world. Azul has never and will never meet anyone like you. He's not sure if that's a good or a bad thing, it simply is the truth.

Idia had decided to not go on that day, something or other about an important event he couldn't miss on one of his online games. The club didn't have anyone else besides them, so Azul would have skipped as well should he have been warned sooner. As he was already at the reserved classroom, he saw no point in moving, taking it as a break from work. He spread himself at the teacher's chair, feet coming up to rest at the desk, undoing some of his blazer's buttons and taking his hat off, messing his hair with his hands. He put his arms behind his head and let out a heavy sigh, closing his eyes in fatigue, glasses sliding down his nose.

When the door opened, taking him by surprise, Azul was not prepared to greet you. He was not the image he presents to the public, not a refined businessman, not the top student of his grade, not Octavinelle's feared housewarden. No, he was simply Azul, such a vulnerable side to show as a first impression, no masks or pretentiousness.

You entered, both in the classroom and in his life, a little shy at first, eyes scanning the room before landing on his form, as he fumbled to recompose himself on the teacher's chair. If it were anyone else, he'd have been mortified and expected teasing at best, blackmail at worst. You did none, surprising him even more. You only smiled, brighter than a pearl, and asked him if that was the board game club room, so innocently, not batting an eye at his ruffled state.

He cleared his throat and tried to appear professional, even if he knew it wouldn't matter much for you anymore, but for his own comfort. You took a chair and put right in front of his desk, excitedly telling him you'd like to join.

The next hour could be described as casual for most people, but Azul wasn't most people and he did not do casual. When you spent a whole hour playing chess with him, listening to him as he talked about the club and, eventually, about Night Raven College itself, your full attention on him and only him, Azul felt like he never had before.

There was something about you. Something that made Azul's tongue roll on itself when he wanted to speak, something that made his heart beat concerningly faster, something that made his hands clammy and shaky when they moved his pieces, something that made his cheeks feel warmer around you.

And oh, you were beautiful. Radiant, even, with a smile of gold and warm eyes. You must have been a siren, for your voice fished his heart so easily, made him feel like he was floating on the calmer waves, the salty scent that felt so much like home lulling him into a sense of security. Azul wanted you to keep making him feel like that, he wanted to keep hearing your voice and keep looking into your eyes, he wanted the electrifying touch of your skin as your hands would accidently touch his, he wanted the comfort of your knees resting against each other.

It was not love, of that he was certain, since he had only just met you. Azul was not sentimental, that wasn't what this was about at all. Perhaps it was more like... infatuation. Perhaps Azul simply wanted to chase the feeling of being wanted for who he is, without pretenses or his usual barriers. Perhaps he liked the feeling of being on top of the world, something only you could provide him.

No matter. It was not love and Azul would not go after you. In fact, he would make sure to keep his distance, least those troublesome feelings get stronger. 

And stronger they did get, because he couldn't avoid you. Your alluring song always brought him back to you, like a sailor infatuated with the sea's wonders, he'd always go back. There was no way to avoid you, not when you came back the next week for the club meeting, and the next, and the next, and the next. There was no way to avoid you, not when you were so kind to him, not when you treated him so different from what he was used to, not when you took his cunning side in stride and didn't get scared of him, didn't try to distance yourself. (Not when you treated him so much like a person, an equal, someone worth of your time). There was no way to avoid you, not when you would send him text messages to take care of himself and check on him at late hours to tell him to stop working and take a break, not when you would visit him at Mostro Lounge and invite him to sit with you at a table to simply spend time together. 

There was no way to resist you, Azul was but a fish caught in your hook, completly at your mercy. You either didn't notice or didn't care, content with the way things were. But Azul did, he noticed and he wanted and he ached. There was a hole in his heart, molded perfectly for you to fit right in. It would be so easy for you slide to his side and click, fitting like puzzle pieces. Azul could accommodate to your needs, he could change the way he did things to spend more time with you, he could use his hard earned money to buy whatever you wanted, he could praise you for how long you wanted him to, never running out of things to say.

But here's the thing: Azul was not enough. You were content with being his friend, and only that. No money or praise would be able to change your mind, because Azul himself was not enough, never enough. 

You deserved someone nicer, someone who would take good care of you, someone that could spend time with you and protect you and think of you above everything else. Someone that could give you the world. Someone that wasn't Azul.

It happened like this:

The little booth at the corner of the restaurant was warm. Not because that's how the air conditioner had set it to be, but because you were there with him. The chill of the undersea atmosphere couldn't reach the little world the two of you shared. He listened to you as you spoke about your day, what mischief your friends had gotten into and the new book you had been studying.

It happened like this:

There was something on your mind, Azul could tell. There was some restlessness in you, your eyes would wander around the lounge every once in a while, as if looking for something (or someone), your hands were agitated in their moviments, you were more thirsty than usual, you would derail your line of thought and get lost in your head for a few seconds, as if considering something before discarting it, or perhaps as if gathering up your courage to say something.

It happened like this:

Worried you were hurt or having trouble with someone, Azul gently asked what was on your mind. He saw your hesitation before you sighed, but you trusted him. Other people would know better than to open themselves up to the Octavinelle housewarden and give him any information for him to leverage, but you trusted him. Azul would do his best to help, even as a pit grew in his stomach and his senses screamed at him that something was wrong, because you trusted him, and he would never break that precious trust.

His heart cracked like this:

You confessed shyly, a little smile playing at the corner of your lips and your eyes avoiding his, gazing into the distance as if looking at someone else. Your fingers danced with each other and your head tilted to the side as you sighed, so full of emotion. It was an endearing scene, anyone would be lucky to get to see that lovesick expression in your face. Azul didn't feel lucky. No, in fact, he felt very unlucky. In another situation, he'd have given anything to hear you say those things, to have the chance of seeing you like that, flustered and giddy.

But here's the thing: Azul is not enough. Because it's not him you're thinking about when your lips curl like that, it's not him you're thinking about when your eyes soften like that, it's not him you're thinking about when your heart beats faster. 

And there's nothing Azul can do against it, because you weren't in love with some complete random person, so far from him he couldn't even recognize their name. It might have been easier to take, should that have been the case. No, you had fallen for the closest possible person next to him, his vice housewarden. Jade Leech was the one in your mind as you ate besides Azul.

His heart broke like this:

The little booth wasn't warm anymore. It was impossibly cold, colder than his home under the sea. The chill settled on his bones, made a home on his lungs as his chest caved in. Your little bubble had burst, the world was no longer only shared between yourselves. Azul felt his heart dropping, he felt like throwing up. His hands shook and he stared and stared and stared. You had never looked so beautiful and so far away. You were glowing, but it wasn't at him.

He could only stare as you talked in rushed whispers, not wanting to let the truth out, not wanting anyone to overhear. He could only stare as you jumped in surprise and flushed as Jade suddenly appeared by your side to check if you wanted to order anything else. He could only stare as Jade smiled softly and teased you, you bantering right back at him, so full of affection and so naturally that the two of you just... clicked. 

Azul hurriedly excused himself, murmuring an unconvincing excuse to leave the two of you alone and far away from him. He locked himself in his office and slid down the door, biting his lips and pressing the back of his palm to his eyelids, trying to rein his tears in.

He felt pathetic. He was sitting on the floor trying not to hyperventilate, desperately bitting back tears and gripping on the edges of his dignity. Azul was pathetic, and he was not enough for you. He was no longer the little boy he used to he, he did not need to hide in an octopot, but he wanted to. He wanted the easy comfort, he wanted to pretend nothing was wrong, he wanted to be left alone and to have you by his side at the same time.

He had always known. You have never tricked him, your feelings were clear. You liked Azul as your dear friend, your confidant, and that was the end of it. And Azul loved you and loved you and ached for you, as you fell for someone else. He was merely playing pretend for as long as he could, trying to stay blissifuly unaware of what was happening right in front ot him, as his two closest friends fell in love and left him behind.

When had that happened? When had you grown fond of each other? When had Jade won your heart over? When had Azul stopped being enough for you?

Has he ever been enough at all?

The floor had no sympathy for him or his sorrows. The vacant office mocked him, showing his life long accomplishments, everything he fought tooth and nail for. Was it worth it? He had what he had always wanted, didn't he? So why did his chest feel so empty, so dull, why did his heart ache so much?

Time passed by, but he gave it no mind. No one knocked at his door, most likely because the twins noticed he wanted to be left alone, and left alone he was. He broke down, a pathetic sight of a pathetic man, and he pulled himself together, drying his tears and fixing his clothes. He had to keep his image, at the very least, otherwise what else would he have left going for him?

Azul did what he does best. He pretended. He pretended everything was alright, that nothing had changed, that he was fine.

The one thing he didn't have to pretend was that he was happy for you. Of course he was, seeing you so excited about your crush was heart warming. But it was also heart crushing, to have what he's yearned for at his fingertips and letting it slip away. He'd stay happy for you, even as his feelings ate him alive and his heart screamed and kicked and sobbed that it was supposed to be him. Not Jade, but him.

Here's the thing: Azul is not enough, but Jade is. Jade is, and Azul will make everything in his power to make sure it stays that way, so that your heart won't break, not like his did.

It's a few days after that Azul pulls Jade to his office to talk.

He didn't want to talk, he wanted to scream at him, wanted to cry about how unfair it was, but he had more composure than that, he knew better. It wasn't Jade's fault you had fallen for him, just like it wasn't Jade's fault that Azul was not enough. And Azul knows Jade, he knows him like he knows himself, he knows Jade will be able to treat you right if that soft smile he reserved for you was any indicative. Yes, Jade could be vicious and decieving, he could lure you in only to break you, he could outsiren the siren. But he wouldn't. He wouldn't, because Jade was just as infatuated with you as you were with him. No, not infatuated. In love with you. 

The thought left a bitter taste in Azul's mouth. He was terrible and selfish, he wanted you to himself, he wanted you to look at him with that loving gaze, not Jade, but him. He'd swallow the feeling down for your happiness, for you.

"You wanted to see me?" Jade inquired politely as he entered, closing the door behind him.

The air felt tense. His stuffed little office made him seen so close. Azul held the scream in.

"Yes, I wanted to talk to you about the prefect."

"Oh? What about?" There was a glint in his eyes at your mere mention. Azul clenched his fists, his short nails biting into his skin to help him gather his strength, not back out on this. He had made up his mind.

"Your feelings."

"My... feelings? I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about." 

Jade, of course, wouldn't reveal his hand so easily. He could deny it all he wanted, his body spoke for itself. The way he became more alert, he leaned in slightly, his eyes widened just a fraction. It was proof of their years of partnership that Azul could notice all of this in the first place. Jade obviously liked you back, and Azul wasn't in the mood for his mind games.

"You like the prefect. Don't bother with denial, it's quite obvious." 

"Oh? I'm obvious now? How funny, I could swear I've seen you swooning over the prefect before." 

He was having fun with him, the bastard. Jade was perfectly aware of his feelings, just as attuned to him as Azul was, wanting him to take the bait. It was entertaining to taunt him, perhaps, or he wanted to see if Azul would try to talk him out of it and leave himself to try his chance with you. He might have if he thought he had a chance to being with, but that wasn't the case.

"Cut it out, I'm not trying to compete. Quite the contrary, in fact. Jade, I want you to take the prefect out on a date."

There, he had said it. He was almost sure there was blood on his tongue with how much it hurt to get those words out.

For once, Jade looked surprised, genuinely taken aback. Not his carefully constructed mask of shock, but his true reaction. Azul tried to feel the usual satisfaction that would follow such a thing, but he could only feel bitter.

"My my, that wasn't what I was expecting at all. How come, Azul?"

"The prefect likes you back, simple as that."

He couldn't, was physically unable to, hold back his heartache at that. His feelings came stumbling down each word, it was obvious. But he'd do it for your happiness, he would beg Jade to treat you well and with the utmost care, he would dig his own grave and lie in it.

Not that he would have to. At these words, Jade perkep up instantly. Nothing anyone else would have noticed, but Azul did. Of course Azul did, Jade was his closest friend. And he was about to let him have you all for himself. 

"What makes you think that?"

Jade had to know, had to know the way you looked at him with stars in your eyes, had to know the way you giggled and joked with him, had to know the way you liked to stay as close as possible. He had to.

"It's just as obvious as your feelings. So, do me a favor. Please, Jade." His voice breaks. Azul feels something inside him breaking alongside it.

Jade's eyes soften, an equal mix of pity and elation, and isn't it a funny sight? Who wouldn't be euphoric to know they hold your affection? Azul knows he would, Sevens, how much he would, how much he wishes that was the case.

"I understand. Thank you, Azul. I'll make sure we will have a most pleasant time together."

With a corteous bow, Jade leaves him to his misery. Azul could imagine it all, Jade's own cooking as you ate with him on a dinner illuminated by candlelight, your laughter as you slow danced in the dark afterwards, the stars shining bright above you and giving their blessings. How your lips would be so soft as you press it against his.

He grabs his hair in frustation, his chest feels ready to combust, Azul is a ball of jealousy and self pity and he's not enough.

Being your friend would have to suffice. He couldn't bear to lose you from his life, so that would suffice. Keeping you close, but never too much. Having your attention, but never all of it. Staying by your side, even if you're not by his.

Digging his cracked chest bones into his lungs, breaking and breaking the pieces left of his heart, waiting for his throat to be rasped raw, until his tears dry and he dehydrates. Until the sea runs dry and the land gets flooded, until the sun combusts and the moon implodes. Azul will stay by your side, of course he will.

Even if he has to watch you holding Jade's hand oh so tenderly, asking him to bend down a little for you to kiss his cheek. Even if his insides burn at the scene. Even if he only ever gets to stare at your back all day. Once your smile shines again, he can't bring himself to regret it.

He'll curse the day he met you, but by the Sevens, he wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. As long as he gets to watch you being happy, from afar, he'll be satisfied. He'll focus on his work and his studies and anything else to keep himself busy, but a single message from you will be enough to break his concentration and capture his attention.

You'll always be enough for him, more than enough. No matter how many years pass, Azul will keep loving you, even if he's still not enough.

Masterlist

[metalbuckaroo]

How about if reader is a stripper and is living with beefy!roommate Bucky? He doesn’t know about it because they’re just roommates and not best friends. And he finds out some other way - so not being dragged out by Sam & friends to her club. Maybe catching her practicing a routine or a stalkerish creep has been creeping?

Add in whatever kink you’d think applies ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

-🧘🏻‍♀️

SUMMARY// You and Bucky didn't talk much, but even then he'd never ignore a call from you needing some help

WARNINGS// mention of a creepy guy, smut, unprotected sex, cursing, light Sarge kink

AU// roommate!bucky x stripper!reader

NOTE// I went with a creepy guy being a creep 🤗

18+ ONLY MINORS DNI

You didn't talk to your roommate much, both having very different schedules made that hard.

But, he didn't make much of a fuss. Bucky left for work by the time you were coming in, ate separately unless you had left overs from your meal and would save them for him and vice versa- and he never asked questions.

You dreaded telling him, but, a man who had been lurking around after your shifts at the club was freaking you out. With the choice of a thirty minute walk to the bus alone, or calling Bucky to pick you up- you decided to go with the safer one.

"Yeah?"

"Hey, James. Can you, uh- can you come get me from work? There's this guy that's-" you couldn't even finish the sentence before Bucky blurted out for you to message him where you were and hanging up.

You waited almost a half an hour just inside the back door. Everyone had already left and the last train until noon had ran. So, if Bucky flaked, you'd be stuck walking home.

"Hey, sweet thing. I've been looking for you." The man slurred when you walked out. "I have a boyfriend, sorry." You mumbled, checking your phone again to see if bucky had texted. "I'm sure he won't mind."

You swallowed back the bile that threatened to spill into your mouth and laughed it off. Headlights pulling into the parking lot. "Thank God."

"Sorry, I'm late, babygirl." Bucky grinned, taking long strides towards you before grabbing your waist gently. His lips molded to yours, hand slipping down to grip your backside as he glanced at the man lingering behind you.

He lifted his head and cocked an eyebrow. "There a problem?" Bucky said with a level tone, wrapping a thick arm around your shoulders. "Not at all."

"Let's get you home, dollface." Bucky muttered, guiding you towards the car.

"That was- oh, wow." You exhaled once inside the car. "Had to get a point across." He shrugged, shifting into drive.

Nerves had your stomach churning, waiting for Bucky to realize where exactly he had picked you up from and freak out.

"So... you're a pole dancers, hm?" He asked, glancing over at you then back to the road. "Please don't kick me out." You muttered, looking at your lap as you picked your nails.

He stifled a laugh and shook his head. "What? I'm not gonna kick you out over your job. You pay your bills and don't trash my apartment, that's what matters. Where you work is none of my business."

Relief flooded you as you let out a heavy breath, nodding your head. "Thanks, James."

"You can call me Bucky. James makes me feel... old." He chuckled, his smile making your heart swell. "Bucky-" you repeated, "Nickname?"

"Yeah, for Buchanan."

"It's nice, and I don't think you're old." You teased, smiling over at him. Bucky let out a belly laugh as he shook his head at you again. "You'd be surprised, sweets."

The rest of the drive was silent, light music playing on the radio as he tapped sleek metal fingers against the steering wheel to the beat.

His keys jingling as he shuffled through them on his way up the stairs to the shared apartment to unlock the door.

"Thanks, again. I really didn't want to walk to the bus with that creep lingering." You sighed, dropping your bag in the table next to the door. "No problem at all." He said with a gentle smile.

"Y'know, that wasn't what I would've pictured kissing you for the first time looked like- not that I've though about it, but-" you cut off his fumbled words by crashing your lips to his. Bucky's eyes going wide for a moment before fluttering shut.

His hands lifting to hold the sides of your neck as he moaned softly, backing you towards the kitchen island. "You sure about this? There's a few things I should probably tell you." He mumbled against your lips.

Shaking your head in dismissal, you slipped your hands under his shirt. "Unless it's life or health threatening- it can wait."

Bucky breathed a quiet 'yeah', lifting you onto the counter and hooking his fingers in the waistband of your leggings.

"I haven't done anything like this in awhile, I may be a little rusty." He chuckled lightly as you lifted your hips a little for him to pull the fabric down your legs. "That's okay." You shrugged, prodding at his belt and the button of his jeans.

Bucky felt like his heart was going to leap out of his chest, lifting his arms enough for you to slip his shirt up and over his head before doing the same with yours. Both articles of clothing landing with your leggings on the floor.

"You're so... stunning." He murmured, cold metal and warm flesh hands caressing your sides. "Take those pants off, Sarge." You teased, wrapping your fingers around the dog tags that laid against his taut chest. A low groan pulling from Bucky's throat as he shoved his jeans and briefs down. Letting them pool at his ankles as he pulled you closer to the edge.

"Say that again." He said, tone thick with lust as he gripped his cock in his right hand, swollen tip gliding through your folds.

You leaned back on your palms, cocking your head to the side. "Sarge?" You grinned, swearing you could almost visibly see his composure snap as he buried himself in your cunt in a fluid thrust. Your head tipping back in a strained moan.

"Fuck-" Bucky choked out, hips pressed tightly to yours as both of you adjusted to the sudden intrusion. Moaning at the immediate flutter of your walls.

He dipped his head down to suck and nip light marks to the tops of your breasts and shoulder, hips snapping into yours at a punishing pace as you keened- begging for him not to stop. The drag of his cock against sweet spots you hadn't known to exist before causing your head to go fuzzy. Senses engulfed in everything Bucky. His woodsy scent, soft lips against your skin, and gruff moans.

"I need- fuck- I need you to cum, dollface." He huffed out, warm right hand slipping down to press the rough pad of his thumb to your clit. "Make me cum, sarge- I need you."

Bucky whimpered at your words, rubbing tight, quick circles to your sensitive bud as a series of wanton moans fell from your lips.

Your heels dug into his tailbone as white shone in your vision, jaw going slack with the breathy sounds you made. "S'good, Buck." You whined, rocking your hips with him the best you could manage. Bucky's hips stuttering and jaw clenching, filling you with his release.

Catching your lips in his, he pushed in once more. Aftershocks making both of your bodies feel alive as breathing and heartbeats slowed.

"Thought you said you were a little rusty?" You smirked when he pulled away, a cheeky grin spreading across his lips. "I am,"

☕ ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕

Taglist: @likeahorribledream @cxddlyash @iwannabekilledtwice @bookstan0618 @glxwingrxse @yliumy @pineprincess @makbarnes @cupcakehinch @doasyoudesireandlive @magicwithinnightmares @preferredrealty @andy-is-gay @stucky-my-ship @marvel-3407 @maladaptivexxdaydreaming @i-l-y-3000 @avoxzy @impala1967666 @mollygetssherlockcoffee @supernaturalbaesduh @bucky-hues @suchababie @an-adult-fairy @ju5tyna20 @hallecarey1 @jxlystan @elizabeth228 @secret21121 @strwbrrybucky @busybeingtrash @harrysthiccthighss @everything-burns-down @ynsdiarys @sunnynapp @bucky-harrymybfs @sylleblossomstar @winter-soldier-101 @smokeinherperfume @andreead @amalfoyandariddle @mal-edictions @missusbarnes-rogers-laufeyson @sky0401 @saturnaliatemple @doll1917 @eireduchess @commonintrest

[boogiewrites]

Seeing Stars Part 10

Characters: Eddie Munson x OFC Star

Summary: Star hosts a Halloween-themed Hellfire Club at her home. In an attempt to bond with the group. She plays hostess and cooks, finding herself genuinely enjoying the domestic tasks. Eddie creates a one-off Halloween campaign. They eat, drink, smoke, and play Truth or Dare where avoided public kisses and questions are finally addressed. They settle in for the night with horror movies, but Eddie and Star can't seem to pay attention.

Comment & Reblog to let me know you like it and want more Eddie content!

Part 1 if you missed it!

Warnings/Triggers: Friendship. Fluff. Hurt/comfort if you squint. Secrets revealed. Drinking, smoking, roughhousing, kissing. A chapter giving you more dialogue with the rest of the group. I wanted to write more friendship-themed stuff for Eddie with this story as well. So this is me doing that for my own selfish reasons. :) Also sorry about the delay, I've been sick so I've not been writing. I'm still recovering but I'm fine. I thought this was WAY shorter than it was, having a second part still planned to add to this chapter but when I saw how long it was already I decided to post this. Don't worry, what I had planned will still be in the next chapter.

A compromise had been reached for Halloween plans. The boys would get their night of indulgent debauchery, belching, and flatulence from takeout and trick-or-treat candy without judgment. They could talk without the concern for a woman's ear to hear their unfiltered adolescent thoughts. So tonight, a Halloween edition of the Hellfire Club was meeting at Star's house. They'd play, eat, drink and watch horror movies so she could feel included. She was trying her best to bond with the guys, even if the road had been a little bumpy. There were still Halloween festivities to be had at the harvest festival, and surely there would be a party or two to crash come the weekend. But in the meantime, Star was playing hostess and very much enjoying the newfound role.

Star was bopping around the kitchen inside the house she shared with Robbie. Her socked feet slipped on the busy pattern linoleum floors to ease her dance moves. The original 1950s decor was aging but held a certain charm that Star didn't mind. Robbie just ignored it to be perfectly honest, decor wasn't exactly an issue for him. He'd bought the house because it was within budget and didn't need any structural repairs. That's where his concerns lie. He was moseying around and getting ready to head out to work and waiting to meet the club. She was elbow-deep in juggling saucepans on the stove while stocking the fridge. She was singing The Supremes, her hair pulled up and hips knocking to close drawers to the beat.

Robbie stood unnoticed in the doorway to the kitchen, its shabby old paint and worn cabinet edges perfectly functional but leaving something to be desired aesthetically. He watched his little sister with a grin, she’d never been what he’d call a happy child. The life she’d lived after that hadn’t given her too many reasons to be a happy adult.

“When do you plan on apologizing to me?” He asks with a nod of his head, almost hitting the top of the door frame.

“For what?” Star spun around, sauce on her cheek and a messy spoon in hand.

“You remember how when I told you we were moving here? And you threw a fit and told me I was ruining your life?”

Star grinned, her whole face beaming as she turned back around the stove.

“Yeah, I remember that.” She groaned.

“Being as this is the happiest I’ve seen you since you were little… I think you owe me an apology.”

“Okay, I’m sorry.” She admitted with a wave of a spoon. “I didn’t expect to find friends here. Or new hobbies. Or anything besides cows and corn.”

“You forgot a new boyfriend. A good one this time.” Robbie leaned in to tease her.

“Shut up.” She pushed him away with her hip and then proceeded to lift her leg to kick him back. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Oh sorry, husband.” He laughed.

“He’s not that either.”

“The fact that you didn’t say a name or ask me who tells me all I need to know.” a smug smile grew with body language of the same description.

“Only one guy comes around. Who else is it gonna be?”

“Yeah, the guy you’re fucking and staying at his house and making god damned pancakes with his family. NOT your boyfriend? Okay.” he rolled his eyes.

“He’s my best friend.” She urged.

“The best relationships start that way, Star. I’m not one to vouch for any guy but this one’s good. He’s not your ex.” He saw her excitement fade quickly. “I didn’t mean to bum you out, sorry.” He put a hand on her shoulder.

“I know. I’m just… still sensitive about it is all. I try not to think about it and when I do it all hits me hard. I know he’s not Bobby. But it’s too much to think about Eddie being…” she sighed and her brow creased. “What are the chances I come here to the middle of fucking nowhere and the first guy I come across is…” she stops herself again.

“The right guy? Yeah it feels too good to be true.” his lips pressed together in acknowledgment.

“I care about him. A lot. I love him to pieces. He's my best friend. He’s an idiot. A very good-looking idiot.” She smiled and let out a happy sigh.

“Love him to pieces?” he said with raised brows.

“NOT like that!” she pointed her wooden spoon at him. “You can love people and not be IN love with them. VERY big difference.” she insisted.

“I’m not rushing you. Okay?” He rubbed her back in an attempt to comfort her. “I just know that goofy kid will be a good man. And I’ve not met many of those. I want you happy. And safe. That’s all.”

“You’re getting sentimental in your old age.” Star mocked.

“I’ve gotta pawn your wild ass off to someone else.” He kissed her head and then gave her a light smack. “These nerds that somehow won you over gonna be here soon? I don’t think they’re the show up an hour late because it’s cool to not give a shit type.”

“Nah, they should be here in about 20 minutes. Just have to throw this in the oven and make sure the living room is set.”

“There’s a shit load of pillows and blankets. I think you’re good.”

“I know I just want it to be perfect.” She said casually.

“You know… I like this version of you. Having good friends. Having friends at all really, let’s be honest. Staying in and having a good time instead of me being up worrying about you club hopping all night with a bunch of truly stupid kids.”

“I know.” She said thoughtfully. “I like this new version too.”

-

Robbie sat on the front stoop, smoking a cigarette. It was almost dark and he was appreciating the quiet and cold before having to leave into a fluorescently bright, screeching, hot plant. The thrum of bass could be heard before the van even appeared, he knew it was Eddie.

“Hey, Robbie!” His scratchy shout was accompanied by a nodded head, his hair swishing about since his hands here full.

“Hey Munson.” he gave him a nod. Eddie was carrying a giant box of D and D paraphernalia as he stomped in his worn sneakers towards the side door. “Go in this way,” Robbie shouted and pointed behind him with his thumb. “Star’s in the kitchen. If you’re quiet you’ll catch her singing.” he grinned and winked.

“Should I plug my ears?” he jests.

“Nah she’s not so bad. Just.. erratic.” he chuckled.

“What else is new.” He grinned and entered, being more quiet than necessary as he did want to spy on Star. He put his cardboard box down on the big coffee table and looked into the kitchen. Star was bent over in the fridge, the door blocking most of her from sight. He watched her ass bounce to the beat and heard her muffled voice along with the sounds of metal on metal. He could tell she was wearing his Hellfire shirt, the hem sitting snug across her hips over the leggings she was wearing. She had on a pair of knee-high socks with a little vampire on them that said bite me. She was festive.

She popped up and continued dancing. There was some disco-sounding song with funk guitar and good bass playing on her boom box on the kitchenette table. She was without her usual jewelry. He noticed some rings but a lack of bangles. Her movements without the accompaniment of her usual jangling sounds seemed odd. Eddie stood and nodded his head to the beat and watched her unnoticed. She was counting bags of chips and boxes of cakes with an on-beat pointed finger. She bent over in front of him to look in the oven and he covered the grin on his face. Her skin-tight leggings stretched sheer over the swell of her ass and gave Eddie a little tease. Star, assumingly happy with what she found in the oven hopped back up and did more dancing than anything productive. She spun to head to the table to grab a bag of hot dog buns and saw Eddie. The way her face lit up at the sight of him made his already wide grin spread to his eyes. She said nothing, only shuffled forward with her arms and hips dancing, grabbing his wrist and trying to get him to dance with her.

“You know this one!”

“I do?” he asked her turning her back to him and shaking her ass.

“It’s on the first funk mix tape.”

“Oh right,” he said with enough earnestness she knew he recalled.

“It’s the song about you.” she stuck her tongue out as she turned and laughed.

“Play that funky music white boy?” he joined her in a laugh as she put his hands on her shoulders and she grabbed his waist.

“Yep.” she moved his hips with her since he refused.

“Oh. I got this part.” he shoved her back and started playing air guitar on the solo as she clapped. “Yeah, this was a good one. Well, acceptable.”

“So glad it has your elitist approval.” she snorted and shoved his shoulder.

“You gonna leave this on?” he asked with a raised brow.

“Yeah, why?” she turned back from the counter.

“You want the guys to know you’re a poser?”

“I’m not a poser, you asshole!” she tossed a wet wooden spoon at him from the sink. “I don’t pretend to just like your guy's music. Wouldn’t hurt them to get exposed to some new music.”

“If you want to deal with them making fun of you, be my guest.”

“I guess they aren’t scared enough of me to not do that anymore, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s what happens when you act like a human around guys.” Eddie chuckles.

“It’s already weird enough being the only girl. It’s a total sausage party.”

“I thought you’d be into that.” he smirked.

“I would be if they were viable options.” she stuck out her hip. “But alas.”

“They’re not THAT bad.”

“I didn’t say they were. But I have a type and they are not it.”

“And what’s your type again?” he said smugly, approaching her with his hands in his back pockets, a swaying gate.

“Your ugly mug break all the mirrors in your house? You not remember what you look like?” she grinned. “Go look in one and you’ll see what terrible taste I have.”

“Words hurt you know.” he said playfully, smacking her ass.

“My wittle puppy not like it when mama’s mean to him?” she pouted her lips at him, turning to face him. “I thought you were into degradation.” she tilted her head cockily.

“You…” he let out a dumb laugh and wagged his finger at her. “You don’t get to… say words… anymore.” his shoulders shook as a shocked and embarrassed grin took over his flushed pink cheeks.

She scrunched her nose and snorted out a laugh at his extreme reaction to her playfulness.

“Is this Van Morrison?” a familiar voice shouted. Dustin appeared in the doorway with a bobbing head.

“It is!” Star perked up.

“My mom love’s his stuff.” he followed Star’s lead of bobbing and moving their shoulders.

“She’s got good taste.”

“I wouldn’t go that far.” he laughed as Star held out her hand to him and he took it. “But this song is good.” He followed her lead, her hand on his shoulder, his on her waist in a slow dance pose as they moved around together.

“She teach you to dance?” Star asked excitedly.

“She tried. Steve taught me.” he broke away and did a very cheesy snap and shuffle.

“Yeah, those are Steve's moves.” Star snorted and mimicked him. “Or this one?” she put a fist up and pumped it, moving her hips and nodding her head.

“Oh yeah or the Safety Dance.” Dustin stands wide and bobs his head then begins to hop around.

“I’m gonna start inviting you over instead of Eddie.” she side-eyed Eddie as she chuckled, doing the cabbage patch. “HE won’t dance with me!”

“Girls love it with you dance with them!” Dustin shouted at him.

“He’s…" she paused to count. "SIX years younger than you and knows this!” Star shouted too as Dustin grabbed Star's hand and spun her into him.

“What the hell is going on?” Mike asked as he walked into the frame of the doorway.

“They’re being lame.” Eddie said with pursed lips and crossed arms.

“Eddie’s mad because Dustin can dance and he can’t.” Star added as she and Dustin synced up and bumped hips.

“I CAN. I choose NOT to.” Eddie pronounced with a pointed finger. “THIS-” he waved his hand erratically at them. “Isn’t dancing to me.”

“Sorry, we can’t handbag to the greatest hits of the 60’s ya party pooper.”

“Party pooper? Are you 6 years old?” He laughed.

“You’re a stick in the mud, Munson.”

“Yeah, MUDSON!” Dustin cackled and Star joined in. “Get it?” he said with a beaming, happy face, both breaking a little bit of a sweat in the warm kitchen. Eddie kept strong and dead-panned them both, refusing to laugh.

“He does he’s just being a butt head.” Star taunted, shoving him.

“I only need one move for the ladies.” Eddie announced.

“Does it involve a cloth and chloroform?” Star snorted out.

“HA!” Dustin shouted out. “She got your ass.”

Eddie grabbed Star by the wrist and yanked her against his chest, surprising her. He did as he had only once before, and dipped her smoothly, a strong hand to her back and the other lifting her leg by the back of the thigh. He popped her back out and spun her out and she hit the kitchen counter. With a hand to her chest, she openly gawked at him.

“Who the hell was that? Where’d he come from? Bring him back!” she giggled. Dustin and Mike looked at each other from Star’s reaction. Time to capitalize on this.

“Yeah what the hell Eddie?” Dustin sounded almost angry. “Teach me that! Shit!” he glared with no contempt at the older man.

“Come here.” he finally broke and laughed and dipped Dustin.

“Mr.Munson I do declare.” Dustin fanned his face as Lucas’s laugh caught everyone's attention to announce his presence.

“It’s not that hard.” Eddie shrugged.

“We giving dance lessons?” Lucas asked.

“Apparently.” Eddie rolled his eyes.

“The man's got moves. Well, one move. But it’s good.” Dustin turned his head, winking at Eddie. “Show me on Star again.” Dustin shoved Star into Eddie’s arms.

“Easy, tiger.” Star laughed.

“You turn them… put their arm around your neck… hold their back, then lower them down… hand moves down to lift the leg. See?” he held her like that for a second and she let her head fall back to look at the others. “Just make sure you’re strong enough to hold them with one arm.”

“Does it look good?” she asked with her messy plop of hair on her head dangling.

“It does.” Lucas agreed. “How…or WHY did you learn that?”

“To impress girls obviously.” Mike said.

“Theatre actually.” Eddie nonchalantly lifted her back up and got her on both feet again.

“You did theatre?”

“I took it as an easy elective. But we had to learn stuff even if we weren’t in the plays so… that’s what I learned.”

“PARTY’s HERE!” Gareth shouted, bringing in the rest of the guys who were looking at the odd gathering in the kitchen.

“You didn’t tell us your brother was Andre the Giant.” Star laughed at Gareth's wide eyes.

“He’s not THAT big.” she protested.

“He’s what? 6’ 3”?”

“I think so?” she shrugged.

“You’re shrimpy compared to him. How’d that happen?”

“Probably because he has a different dad?” she laughed at the awkward face Gareth made.

“Oh.”

“They do look alike though. In the face anyway.”

“And we’re both ugly.” Robbie grinned standing behind everyone and towering over them. “By my count, everyone’s here. So I’m gonna head out. I just wanted to put names to faces.”

“Aw, has Star been talking about us?” Lucas bat his eyelashes and laughed.

“She talks mad shit about all of you,” he said with a serious face and they all went a little pale. “I’m kidding.” he rolled his eyes and laughed. “Loosen up boys, you won’t last around her drunk if you don’t.”

“You’re drunk?” Jeff asked.

“Not yet.” Star shook her head.

“I’d say be good but there’s no point. You know the number for 911. Don’t die, please. Have fun.” he waves his hands up and grabs his coat and pail and heads out.

“Same sense of humor.” Eddie nodded.

“Same eyes.” Dustin added studying Star’s face.

“Yeah we look like our mom.” added with a soft smile.

“Speaking of, you get to have parties without your parents?” Gareth asked. Star saw Eddie’s face cringe.

“I don’t think they care when they’re dead,” Star said entirely too casually and knocked everyone into a wide-eyed embarrassed expression. “Well technically I don’t know who my dad is so he could be alive. But if he’s not cared for 18 years I don’t think he’s gonna start now.” she laughed and no one else did. Except Eddie who hid his grin behind his hand, pretending to rub his nose. “Relax!” Star held up her hands. “It’s fine. You didn’t know. Now you do.” she shook her head. “Let’s forget all that and get this shit started.” she clapped her hands together and started directing. She shooed Eddie out to set up his session and she showed everyone where everything was. “We’ve got beer, liquor, pop. Hot dogs, pizza, and snacks. You got chips, cakes and of course-” She turned around holding a giant orange bowl that looked like a jack-o-lantern. “A shit load of candy!” she grinned and wobbled with the wide bowl into the living room.

She’d made enough to feed a small army but 7 teenage boys was a small army when it came to how much they could eat. They hung a garbage bag on a door knob and used it to gather everything as they consumed her cooking.

“Could you make this every time we have sessions?” Lucas asked while stuffing his face full of pizza.

“She’s brought it before. If you were there you’d know that.” Eddie gave him a slightly lecturing voice.

“When I make it I’ll bring you some leftovers at lunch the next day. Deal?

“Hell yeah.” he nodded enthusiastically.

“How you want me to get it to you? I don’t think your other friends would like me walking over to the table to talk to you and give you food.”

“I don’t think they’d care that much.” he shrugged.

“Seriously? After she said Jason had a little dick?” Gareth laughed.

“He’s too far up Chrissy’s ass to care about much. And the rest of them follow him so…” he shrugged.

“You’re saying they wouldn’t care if we came over and talked to you?” Eddie said in disbelief.

“No, I didn’t say that. I said if SHE did.”

“What makes her so special?” Eddie asked, perched on the edge of the couch as he shuffled papers.

“Well… they don’t wanna bone with you, Eddie.” a giggle traveled across the group.

“They make fun of all of us, her included.” Eddie looked confused.

“They’re guys Eddie. They lie.” Star stated obviously. “They’ll make fun of me in public and try to fuck me in private.”

“They do what?” everyone noticed the bristle on Eddie’s face. Lucas nodded.

“That story I made up about Jason trying to get some? Not a lie. It just wasn’t him it was about.” Eddie blinked at her trying to compute. “Don’t call me conceited but I’m attractive. And I know how I present myself. It doesn’t matter if I’m a freak, they’d still bone me.” she laughed.

“Those guys are bothering you?” he noticed the guys side eyeing him with a few smirks. “Well we can’t just let her get harassed by the enemy.” he says defensively.

“Unless you plan on fighting every man that’s ever spoken to me I’d say you’re a bit helpless in this situation, hun.”

“THAT was a little conceited.” Jeff grinned.

“True. But guys don’t approach girls on their own unless they want something from them. That’s just how it is.” she shrugged. “I don’t mean to get all philosophical on you but seeing as I’m the only girl here maybe it can shed some light on what being a girl is like.”

“She’s right,” Mike chirped you and everyone looked at him confused. “Nancy? My sister. I’ve heard about it from her.”

“Next time they try shit you tell me.” Eddie tapped the table in front of her.

“Okay.” she rolled her eyes.

“Might as well start with Brandon.” Lucas chuckled.

“Brandon?” Eddie’s head swung fast.

“He left her a love letter in her locker last week.” he snickered.

“The poor kid can’t spell to save his life.” Star laughed.

“Too many concussions.” Jeff added.

Star saw Eddie’s hands clench and he pretend to focus on the paper in front of him.

“Stuff like that isn’t a big deal. It’s whatever.” She shrugged it off.

“Until they start spray painting you’re a slut on the movie theatre.” Star blinked at Dustin. “They did it to Mike's sister.”

“Christ.” She groaned.

“Yeah wasn’t that Steve?” Eddie saw Star’s face look hurt and it brought him a small slice of pride he almost felt guilty about. Almost.

“No, it was Tommy. Ex friend. Guys a total dick.”

“I’m ready to start this. If we're done gossiping” Eddie announced abruptly, a thinly veiled attempt to recover and stop having to hear about how every guy around her wanted a piece of Star.

“Everyone got their snacks? Notebooks? Drinks?” Star asked sitting by Eddie’s feet around the table. He sat on the couch to tower over everyone and they all squeezed around the rectangular coffee table to have a one-shot Halloween session.

-

“I’m the unluckiest person to ever live.” Star said pouting, taking a deep breath and staring at the shot glass in front of her.

“You are on a losing streak tonight.” Eddie chuckled, looking at the sad roll of 3 in front of him.

“I’m like... getting drunk.” she said with a nod, big glassy eyes looking up at Eddie and the other guys laughed.

“Yeah.” Eddie stifled a laugh and took the shot glass out of her hand. “How about you eat, then switch to beer instead?”

“I can’t drink a whole beet every time! God damn!” her voice inflected upwards and Dustin’s snorting laugh rose above everyone’s.

“No, you just take a drink of it when you miss.”

“Ohhh.” she nodded and stood up on wobbly legs. “Y’so smart Eddie.” she scrunched her nose and giggled, her hands on the coffee table.

“You need help getting to the kitchen?” Eddie asked, holding her elbow to keep her steady.

“That’s a definite yes.” Mike chuckled, Star looked at him and pursed her lips.

“Lemme see how you handle 4 shots of whiskey on an empty stomach you little bitch.” The table erupted in laughter. Gareth spilled his beer on Jeff who at noticing, tipped his can over and spilled a little back of Gareth before they fell on each other with a laugh.

“You didn’t eat? Ugh, Star.” Eddie sounded agitated with her.

“I was cooking and doing the stuff for the thing! I was busy!” Her voice cracked with the high register she was hitting.

“Aw, she does care.” Gareth chuckled.

“Of course, I care! I don’t let just anyone in my house!” She shook her head defiantly. “Eddie’s not even been in here much.”

“Eddies been over?” Dustin smirked and Eddie braced himself to cover Star's mouth if she said anything he thought sober her wouldn’t want anyone else to know.

“Duh like all the time he’s my bes fren.” She said very fast. “He’s just usually in my trailer not here.”

“Aw, that’s sweet of her to say.” Dustin leaned toward Eddie like he wanted him to do something about it.

“I don’t think you’re being as helpful as you think you are.” He said quietly to Dustin.

“Oh, that’s your place?” Jeff asked.

“Yeah it was our place now it’s just mine it’s like my little cave. My stuff's there.” She pointed in its direction.

“What stuff?” Gareth asked, his slowly fading sobriety becoming more obvious.

“My things. My bed. My cats. My stuff.” She counted off.

“Alright, we’re gonna pause and babysit.” Eddie said, preparing to stand.

“No!” Star shook his hand off her and stood. She took a deep breath and put her hands on her hips. ”You Master. My turns over, I’ll be back before it’s my turn again. If I’m not send a search party.” she rubbed her face, a slap to each cheek before she nodded and walked with much less wobble the short distance to the kitchen.

“If you get lost the 20 feet to the kitchen we’ve got bigger problems.” Eddie teased.

“Why don’t you take that shot so you’re not so mean, huh? How’s it fair to play people that’ll drinking and you’re sober?”

“I mean I’m a little high.” he grinned.

“Doesn’t count!” Star crossed her arms and slung them down from the archway of the kitchen. “Take the shot!.” she laughed. “Is it fair he’s trying to beat us and we’re not sober when he is?” she acclaimed to her fellow party mates.

“I mean we aren’t drunk.” The three youngest muttered.

“I know. Because you’re my good boys. You’re too young. When you’re 16 you’re allowed.” she said affectionately.

“We’re going by British rules?” Dustin asked.

“Yep.” Star nodded enthusiastically. “Shoot it, Eddie. Even the playing field, we’re getting our asses handed to us right now.”

“Show ‘em some mercy.” Dustin whispered to him.

“What kind of DM would I be if I yielded to the party's request?”

“A GOOD ONE!” the 4 drunken members shouted.

“Do it. Or I’ll call you a pussy.” Star giggled.

“I don’t care what you call me.” Eddie laughed. “I’m called worse daily! ONLY because you said it’d make me a better DM. NOT because you called me a pussy.” he pointed a finger harshly at Star.

“Thata boy!” she clapped.

“Now go eat a hot dog you, drunk.” He hisses at the burn for a second and shooed Star with his hand.

“Don’t tell me to put WEINERS in my mouth Eddie.” she bent over as she shuffled toward the kitchen counter laughing. The simple use of the word weiner sent the group into a giggle.

“Speaking of-” Dustin begins with a smirk and both Eddie and Mike give a pointed elbow and a foot stomp his way.

“Henderson you need to fuckin reel it in. Christ, I’m DMing children.” Eddie rubbed his face but also laughed with them.

-

“You see one of the leaders emerge from the woods. He’s beaten up and bloodied. He has clear signs of a struggle on his face and clothes. He approaches the group, stumbling slightly as he leaves the safety of the tree line. What do you do?” Eddie introduces yet another crumpled leader of the encampment returning. He sat tall and proud, a smug smile as his tailor-made story unfolded.

“Another one?”

“So three have disappeared and come back all beat up? That’s a pattern.”

“But they say nothing happened.” They took turns trying to piece together the story.

“I don’t trust them. I stay in my hiding spot.” Stars eyes narrow. “Imma roll to stay hidden.”

“You’re gonna come shooting out of that cabin like a human cannonball with your luck.” Mike teases.

“She makes it. Barely.” Eddie approves. “You stay unseen by the returned leaders.”

A few turns later as a leader mentions a former plot point Star sits straight up and calls attention to herself.

“ITS A SLASHER!” she hits the table in front of her repeatedly.

The sets of surprised and confused eyes look at her. All except Eddie whose grin was slowly growing.

“The leaders? Camp counselors. It’s literally an enCAMPment, guys! Someone is killing the counselors and these are like…. changlings! They aren’t the leaders! Ronan said before he would never put himself before his people and what is he doing?!” She hits the table with her fingers repeatedly again. “They’re possessed or brainwashed or something!! It’s a Sleep Away camp, Friday the 13th possession situation!”

“Holy shit.” A drunk Gareth's eyes dart around the plane of the gridded dungeon before him.

“So we have to kill them!” Star demanded as Dustin had been weighing his options for his next action.

“Shit. She’s right.” Dustin looks over to star with his wild curl pattern starting to corkscrew out from under his hat from sweat. “Isn’t she?” He looks up to Eddie with an impressed face. “It follows the slasher plot directly. We’ve lost 2 party members already. The leaders are picking us off. You son of a bitch.”

Eddie grinned and shrugged. “Happy Halloween, fuckers.”

-

“You always said you’d survive these slasher movies, Star. Let’s see if you’re right.” Eddie picked up her die and handed them to her shaking hands.

“We’re fucked.” Mike hit the table.

“I’ve not even rolled yet!” Star screeched.

“You’ve not rolled anything good all night!”

“She got the camp goers out alive.” Eddie pointed out with a finger.

“But she wasn’t fighting! She hid in a fuckin cabin all night.”

“Probably because I knew my rolls were shit and I didn’t want yelled at.” Star snarks back, making a face at Mike.

“It’s you and the monster, Lady Athena. Are you gonna be the final girl Ash Williams?” Eddie said quietly to her and smiled.

“He IS a final girl! I don’t have time to-!” Eddie put his hand over her shouting mouth.

“Roll, Lady Sandys.” He leaned forward and grinned. Star made a noise of disapproval and bite Eddie’s hand. “You bit me!” He laughed and shook his hand.

“Don’t feed the animals man.” Lucas laughed. “Don’t put your hands in the cage.”

“No fucking kidding.” Eddie put his mouth to the bite to soothe it.

“No pressure.” Star took a deep breath and cupped her hands around the dice with closed, concentrated eyes. Trying to fill them with intention. When she opened them she found everyone leaning towards her with anxious fingers tapping and twitching on the tabletop. “Big money. No whammies.” She said optimistically and let the dice free.

Eddie was at the ready with his pencil and notepad knowing he could do the math for the completion far quicker than Star could. Everyone stared at Eddie, Dustin sloppily sliding Stars character notes across the table to himself to see what the verdict was.

“Well shit.” Eddie cackled, his hand rubbing through his hair before looking down at a very wide-eyed Star. He reached out and knocked the miniature over. “Athena Sandys takes her great club and brains the mind-controlling creature into the dewy grass of the early morning. The sun crests over the mountains surrounding the camp illuminating the carnage left behind and her fallen party members. She is the last conscious survivor. No longer the victim she is the victor.” Eddie bows his head to her.

“I DID IT?? I DID IT!!!” She screams and rolls on her back and kicks her feet. “Take that! Fuckers!” She punched the air before sitting back up and getting double high-fived by Dustin who keeps hold of her hands and shakes them. They scream into each other’s faces with excitement. Star wished it could’ve been an official game, one with big stakes like Eddie’s campaigns were. But she felt proud nonetheless for the win in any capacity. “If I hadn’t hid half the game you all would be dead!” She cackled.

“What a pussy way to win!” Gareth shook his head but he was laughing.

“But a win, nonetheless.” Eddie points out. Eddie watched Star's entire being light up as she got jostled around among the group as they stood and celebrated. As a DM he couldn’t have asked for a much better game. Her unorthodox gameplay in comparison to the guys made it possible for them to win. That was the logical reason behind his smiling. The warm fuzzy feeling in his chest he pushed down was watching her be so excited about something he cared about. She never had to play with them, but he was eternally grateful that she had.

Star orchestrated the group, no longer under DM rule she took charge.

“Okay, I’m cleaning up. Let’s do a quick sweep, I’ll get dishes. Let's do bathroom breaks and smoke breaks. Get food and drinks and settle back in after. Then it’s game time.” She clapped her hands and the guys dispersed accordingly. Eddie put all his D and D pieces back into his box, watching the others scramble about and fight over the order they’d get to use the one bathroom in the house.

“Have you forgotten you’re dudes and can just go pee outside?” Star shouted from the kitchen. “Out the door to the left, in the bushes please.”

“You don’t mind if we-?”

“They’re dead from cold and it’s better than you all fighting. Knock yourselves out. Get some fresh air!” She ushered them away with a push of her hands. Everyone moves past the kitchen doorway in a small herd.

“Alright! Out to smoke. Give the champ some breathing room.” Edie says with a cigarette already between his lips and clapping at the group of guys in front of him, filing out the door.

The younger three take turns going around the corner to pee.

“I wonder why peeing outside is so much better than inside?”

“Because that’s how humans used to do it.”

“Caveman brain.” They muttered and laughed.

Not even half a cig in, Eddie takes a deep breath and smashes his out into the small sand-filled planter by the stoop.

“I’m going back in. Take your time.”

“Take our time?” Dustin narrowed his eyes with intrigue.

“Yeah. No rush coming back in. I’m gonna talk to Star about the session.”

“What’s that code for?” Mike snorted.

“Nothing. It’s her first win. She did really well.” Eddie stood up with a good posture to raise his chin and look down at the group of younger guys with disdain. “She probably wants to talk about it. She usually does. Didn’t think you guys cared to hear it.” he shrugged.

“She usually does?” Dustin asked.

“Yeah we talk about how she did after sessions, wants pointers and stuff.” he shrugged off the question.

“That’s cute.” Dustin grinned.

“Star you’re so good at D and D, will you marry me?” Lucas laughed.

“Oh is that what this is about?” Jeff had a smug smile.

“No. It’s not.” Eddie sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. “They keep saying this shit to me.” he groans.

“You like her. Don’t act stupid.” Dustin bravely says as Eddie’s chin pushes back into his neck at his boldness.

“We just can’t figure out if she likes him.” Mike adds.

“Out of all of us, you’ve got the best chance.” Jeff shrugged.

“It’s not some contest about winning her or something,” Eddie says with more bite to his words. “We’re not in competition here. We’re friends and I’m respecting that.”

“Maybe she wants to be disrespected?” Gareth asked.

“Not cool.” Lucas scolds him.

“Look,” Eddie says shifting his weight to lean forward. “I know you three mini musketeers are gonna try some shit. I’ve come to accept this with your little comments and winks that look like something’s wrong with you. But like I said, don’t mess with her. Fuck with me all you want, keep your snotty little comments coming, but don’t be shitty to her.”

“Aw.” Dustin smiled widely.

“That was almost heartwarming, dude.” Jeff grinned. “I didn’t know it was like that.”

“I would do the same for any of you, too!”

“Awww.” the group says patronizingly.

“Jesus Christ you’re impossible.” Eddie throws his hands down, letting them slap his legs.

“So she said we’re playing a game. Can we capitalize on that?” Dustin steps forward to clarify before Eddie fully turned to leave.

“What the hell does that mean?”

“Party games. You know. People make out and shit?” Dustin says incredulously.

“She wouldn’t want to make out with any of us.” Eddie chuckled.

“He’s a terrible liar.” Gareth smirks.

“Always has been.” Jeff nodded in agreement.

“Wouldn’t you prefer to have a friend who’s bad at lying?” Eddies voice cracked with exertion. “Since you aren’t gonna listen to me, just… be nice. Okay? That’s all. I’m done with this stupid conversation. I’m gonna go play catch up with your level of indignant drunkenness so I can enjoy myself since my job is over.”

“We’ll give you a few minutes.”

“Use it wisely.”

“Or don’t.” They all chuckled as Eddie rolled his eyes and went back into the house.

“Did he say he liked her?” Gareth asked as soon as the door was shut behind Eddie.

“Technically yes?” Lucas grimaced.

“What does that mean? Isn’t it a yes or no question?”

“Not really. That’s the issue we ran into.”

“They aren’t together. We know that.”

“Does she have some secret boyfriend in… wherever she came from?”

“Right?” Lucas asked. “I thought the same thing.”

“But she doesn’t.” Dustin pointed out. “We’re just trying to get them to admit they like each other. We think they’d be good together. What do you guys think?”

“If they’re together that could be really bad if it goes south.” Jeff pointed out.

“True. But I don’t think it will.”

“She’s a bit of a wild card sometimes. I couldn’t tell you exactly how she’ll react to something.”

“Plus if they’re together then we’d have to deal with them being TOGETHER. What if he starts ditching us? Or what if they’re all over each other all the time?”

“I don’t think Eddie’s the PDA type.”

“Has he not had a girlfriend before? Is that what’s holding this up?”

“He has just never one we knew. Definitely not one in the club. He doesn’t mix business and pleasure.”

“We thought it was her holding it up. Maybe it’s him.”

“I don’t want to get her out of Hellfire for the sake of them dating. She makes us food and she’s not terrible at it anymore.”

“We’re just saying, we’ve lost friends to girls before. It sucks. We’d rather not have it happen again.”

“But she’s our friend too. She can’t take him away, she’s one of us.”

“Kids got a point.” Jeff shrugged at Gareth’s protests.

“Or we could listen to Eddie and leave it be?” There’s a beat of silence, some chewing their lips in thought and others looking at the ground.

“Nah.” they laugh in unison.

-

Star was doing dishes in the kitchen, music approved by the group playing faintly in the background.

“You want some help?” Eddie asked, sauntering up to her.

“You wanna dry?” She took the tea towel on the counter and snapped it at him with a smile.

“You’re the winner, you call the shots.”

“I am aren’t I?” she popped a beaming smile on her face as she turned her attention back to the dishes.

“I’d say you did really well but you kinda sucked until the end.” He teased with a grin as she bumped him with her hip.

“Can’t let me just have a win can you?” she shook her head but kept the same smile.

“You’re getting better I’ll admit that.”

“Thanks. I’m trying.” she looks over to him to give him a genuine soft-eyed glance.

“I can tell.” his voice is gentle and quiet and unlike his Dungeon Master persona. Within a few plates time, they’re finished with the chore as they move on to more important things.

“You wanna drink?” she asked, whiskey bottle in hand as she sat on the floor in front of the couch. Eddie slid down next to her, crossed-legged on the shag carpet.

“I need to catch up.” he nodded as she grabbed another shot glass off the table and started to pour. “You wanna smoke?” he grinned and took a joint from behind his ear.

“Always.” she nods and takes an ashtray older than both of them off the side table. “I need one of these too.” she reached for the pack of cigarettes she’d kept under the table. “Lighters in my purse. Light me?” she asked with it extended toward him with pooched lips.

“You gonna smoke both?” he laughed and did as was asked of him.

“Yeah. Gimmie.” she grabby handed the joint he had just taken a drag off of. She put the cigarette in one corner and the joint in the other and started laughing. Puffs of smoke escaped her like a train as she exhaled. “Walrus.” she slapped her hands together.

“Seals are the ones that do the thing.” Eddie slapped his hands together like hers.

“They both do it!” she shouted. “Also walruses have the tusks. Seals don't.”

“You’ve got a mustache like a walrus that’s for sure.” he cackled.

“Oh my god Eddie!” she inhaled so hard she started coughing at his insult. “Asshole!”

The guys return to Star leaning over Eddie with his socked feet on her chest to hold her back as he kept her at leg length.

“Okay, maybe they are just friends.” Jeff snorted quietly, amused at the scene in front of him.

“Nah that’s flirting.” Gareth shook his head.

“What the hell kind of flirting is that?”

“The kind that a freak like Eddie does.”

“We leave you two alone and come back to you beating up the DM?”

“I’m beating up Eddie, not the DM,” she stated. “He insulted me, this is what he gets.”

“What happened to being nice?” Dustin tilted his head at a huffing Eddie.

“Change of plans.” Eddie grunted.

“Is this the game you were talking about playing?” Lucas grinned as they took their places around the table.

“No.” Star grabbed one of Eddie’s ankles and clawed her hand. A wordless threat to tickle him.

“I’ll curb-stomp your ass if you even THINK about it!” Eddie warns her with wide eyes and fists raised.

“I think my threat is sufficient.” She nodded smugly. “I want to play a party game. We don’t hang out outside of hellfire so I wanted to do some bonding with you guys.”

“You sound like my dad with her work friends. Team building exercises this. Synergy that.” Mike gags.

“I do wanna build as a team! But not in a white-collar way. I thought some good old-fashioned truth or dare might work better than a retreat where we cheat on our wives.”

“Hell yeah.” Gareth nods in approval.

“Really? Truth or dare?” Eddie's face was fully judging Star.

“Well we aren’t doing spin the bottle and we aren’t doing 7 minutes in heaven since I’m the only girl.” She states obviously. “Unless you guys wanna make out with each other. Which I have no issue with.” She giggled.

"I think that's gonna be a pass."

-

Star had cozied up the place. With the fireplace now going with the encroaching chill from outside through the old windows being fought off by the flames. A metal mixtape of Eddie’s plays faintly from a boom box on a far side table. With the lights dimmed and everyone stocked on snacks and drinks, the so-called bonding began.

“I usually drink beer this shit is…heavy.” Eddie’s eyes flinch as he takes a drink of whiskey in solidarity with the other older members.

“Ever had wine?”

“Ew no, who am I the pope?” Eddie frowns.

“Too sophisticated for you? I understand.” she pat his arm condescendingly.

“I prefer actual blood and not some pseudo blood like a Catholic.” He sticks out his tongue at Star and gives her big eyes, shaking his head to move his hair and lean toward her.

”That’s what I’ve heard.” Star snorts and palms his face to move him away. She pours them both another shot and pushes the bottle out. “We’ve got more of you wanna do any dares.” She plucks the joint from Eddie’s lips and takes a drag for herself. “This too.” She holds out the joint like she’s making a toast. “Who goes first?”

“You’re the host.” Dustin points out.

“Good point.” She nods, taking another drag. “So Dustin!” She smiled wide and sat back, one knee up and crossing her legs. Eddie steals back the joint and she doesn’t react. “Truth or dare.”

“Truth.” He confidently says with a nod.

“BOO!” A few guys exclaim.

“No choice shaming!” Star wags a finger. “Truths are just as valid as dares. Can also be equally as rewarding or devastating.” She pointed out. “Truth.” She nodded in thought, chewing her lip as she eyed the anticipating young man. “What was the last lie you told?”

“And we have to be honest?” He clarified.

“That’s a rule.” She clarified.

“Last lie….” his eyes wandered as he thought for a moment. “Oh! Today actually. My mom. Told her there’d be adults here.” He grinned mischievously.

“BOO!” Gareth groaned.

“It’s true!” His voice cracked.

“They can’t all be winners.” Star shrugged.

“Pretty solid question though.” Eddie nodded and spoke quietly to Star.

“My turn.” Dustin held his hand up and tapped his fingers together dramatically.

“The power will corrupt him.” Lucas chuckled.

“Eddie.”

“Oh shit.” He mumbled and sat up straight.

“Dare.” He let out a heavy exhale, elbows resting on his crossed legs.

“Should I?” Dustin lets out a dramatic laugh and rubs his hand together. “So many choices.” He hummed and considered. “Should I just kick start this party?“ he asked himself rhetorically.

“Shoot.” Eddie winked and pointed a finger gun at Dustin.

“Eddie. I dare you to kiss Star.” He says with a devilish radiant smile, looking over to Star.

“I knew it would happen but not so soon. You’ve got balls to startwith a kiss dare I’ll give you that much Henderson.” She nodded.

“Kiss her? Really?”

“A good one too!” He instructed and the targets both chuckled. “No cheek or hand.”

“Give the people their money's worth.” Jeff joined in laughing.

“You okay with this?”

“It’s the game, you have to play.” She shrugged but kept a smile. “My only addendum here. This goes for everyone. I don’t want everyone daring me to kiss all of you. Got it? I knew the risk coming in but I’ll be damned if that’ll stop me. But I’m not gonna swap spit with everybody. Can we agree with that?”

“Agreed.” A mumble and nods among the group.

“So knowing that do you want me to kiss Eddie? Or are you changing your answer?”

“No takesie backsies.” Mike commanded with a shake of his head.

“Okay, that’s added to the rules.” Star hits the table like she has a gavel.

“We just… in front of everyone?” Eddie asked, eyes glancing around the table.

“Yep.” Dustin gave a single hard nod.

“You really not want to kiss me that bad?” Star chuckled as she turned her body towards his.

“It’s not that.” He gave her a playful smile and met her body posture.

“Any further requests? Because if I kiss him then you say no that’s not what I meant and I’m not doing it again. Only one dare per turn.”

“Are we writing a fuckin' contract over every turn come ON.” Gareth groaned.

“I’m simply making sure rules are established.” Star said softly.

“On the lips. For… 15?” He looks to the other guys. “15 seconds?” He’s given a series of kids.

“And you can’t just push your lips together and then hold them there for 15 seconds,” Lucas added. “Has to be a real kiss.”

“Sinclair, what do you know about real kissing you little scamp?” Star laughed.

“Don’t worry about it.” He smiled back.

“Set the timer. Tell us when.”

“You ready?” Star giggled inches from Eddie’s face.

“I hate this.” He whispered and it made her laugh.

“S’not so bad.”

“Go!” Dustin called out. Eddie did look a bit hesitant. He didn’t like doing this in front of anyone else. He didn’t care for knowing Dustin felt like he’d done something in regards to getting them together. If they only knew.

Star gave him a sweet smile and moved forward first. A move not missed by the older guys. They went by the rules, and neither was going to show off. They were nowhere near drunk enough for that. A single press for a breath, and Eddie followed her lead, not wanting to metaphorically step on her toes. He couldn’t help but be affected by her soft cherry chapstick tasting lips as she kissed him with soft movements and a push of her mouth into his.

It’d been a little while since they’d been together in any capacity. He’d been trying to save the kisses for when they’d turn into more as he had started getting the urge to kiss her for more reasons than the bored and horny claim they’d started their fling with. With her working, their social expectations, hobbies, and midterms looming there hadn't been as much time for having rendezvous together. He didn’t want to call her up for a quickie only to have to leave or crash immediately after and run as soon as he woke a few hours later.

So the physical effects of Star's soft lips truly kissing Eddie were apparent and he resituates himself to hide that fact. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed kissing her.

“And time.”

She pulled away with a smile and couldn’t help but let out a giggle she muffled by lowering her head. She’d missed kissing him too. The group was quiet, a mix of curiosity and a flutter of arousal moving through the group having watched the two truly, fully kiss.

“That wasn’t so bad now was it?” She scrunched her nose at him, a look he was used to seeing in private.

“No that was-“ he let out a deep chuckle and realized his posture had slumped and relaxed at her touch. “Yeah, that’s good.” He nodded and pulled his knees against his chest.

“Dustin you’ve embarrassed the poor thing.” Star pouts and reaches to pinch Eddie’s cheek and he takes her by the wrist and lowers her hand before she can touch him.

“No’m not.” he grumbles.

“It’s your turn now anyway.”

“Revenge.” Star giggled. Eddie could see her eyes a bit glassy and knew she was feeling the whiskey.

“Star.” Eddie smiles devilishly. A cackle comes from the older boys at the heel turn.

“I kissed you! You don’t pick on me!” she whined.

“Truth or dare?” Eddie says with a wide shake of his head, dismissing her complaint.

“Dare.” she states with an aggressive head nod.

“I dare you to kiss me.” he says before it turns into a deep laugh. “I’m kidding.” he grins as she shoved his arm in response. “I want you to go find the most embarrassing photo of you that you have.”

“Ohshit.” she groaned and slumped her shoulders. A laugh moved throughout the group at her expense. “That’s a good one. You asshole.” she complained and stood, going to one of the closed back rooms to find a photo album.

“So how was the kiss?” a hissed whisper from Jeff as he leaned forward across the table.

“Good?” Eddie smirked.

“That’s all we get? Really?” Gareth frowned.

“You saw it!” Eddie whisper shouted back.

“It looked good.” Jeff snorted out a quiet laugh.

“It was.” Edie lowered his eyes and smiled, Dustin giggled at the sight.

“Okay, I found an old album.” They all slunk back to their original positions at the appearance of the kisser in question. “We don’t have that many really.” she sat back down next to Eddie and thumped the old album on the table with a poof of dust. “There are the usual naked bathtub photos but everyone’s got those. They aren’t embarrassing. I’m not really embarrassed by any of them.” she pouted her lips as she fanned through the sticky pages. “I guess this one is the best.” she pushed the book out and tapped a photo. A photo of Star with no front teeth and a wide smile at about 8 years old with a laughing Robbie in the background. “I had just come home from school. I’d gotten in a fight and was losing my baby teeth pretty rapidly. So when I got hit it knocked out by loose teeth.” she laughed at the sight. She had lop-sided and messy pigtails and a smudge of dirt on her face. Despite the rough exterior, her little face was proud and delighted. “Mom took the picture. We were surprised it was in focus with how much we were all laughing.”

“That’s adorable that’s not embarrassing,” Dustin said affectionately.

“She looks like you before your teeth came in.” Mike joked.

“It took them a little while to come in. I had two missing front teeth for a bit there. It was pretty damn cute.” Eddie watches Star’s face soften, a nostalgic and far away look in her eyes. “Does that count?” she met his eyes, surprised to find him looking up at her.

“Yeah, that’s pretty god damn cute. I can let that count.” he nodded with an air of smugness. Star slapped the album shut and slid it under the end table by the couch.

“My turn. Again.” she clapped her hands together lightly in thought. “Should I dare you to kiss me again? Is this the running joke now?”

“I think it is.” Eddie didn’t look at her, picking at his nails, but smiled at her.

“Okay.” she wiggled in her seat and thought for a moment. “Gareth.”

“Dare. Always.” he says with a surge of masculinity.

“Go grab the mustard and a tablespoon.” she smirked.

“Ah, shit.” he laughed and did as instructed.

Then began a more light-hearted series of dares of slapping the person to your right, ice cubes down your pants, and trying to flirt with the person to your left. A few more shots and double shots were had on dares. It was running smoothly and Star had caught a break for a moment.

“Star.” Mike asked.

“Okay. Truth.”

“C’mon choose dare.”

“Nope.” she grinned.

“Fine. Is it true you burned your old school down?”

“Mike.” Eddie hissed under his breath.

“No, it’s fine.” Star pat Eddie’s knee. “I didn’t. There was a fire but I didn’t burn the school down. I started the fire but I didn't on purpose.”

“Does that have anything to do with your arm?” he inquired further.

“MIKE!” Eddie sat up with his hands on the table, coming to her defense.

“Eddie.” Star put her hand to his chest. “Down boy.” she shushed him.

“Is that the rumor that went around? People said I burnt down my school because I had burn scars?”

“That and satanic sacrifices.” Lucas casually added.

“Is that one true?” Mike asked.

“Are we asking me questions now or are we playing?” Star chuckled.

“We’ve got a lot.” Dustin nodded. Star sighed and poured another shot without a word and hit it back. “Go on. Let’s get this over with.”

“Star.” Eddie said quietly.

“It’s fine. I wanted us to bond. It’s only fair I answer some things since we’re friends now.”

“I’m a witch but I don’t worship satan and I don’t sacrifice people. Or animals,” she explains like she’s counting off on her fingers. “The burns are related to the school fire and no I don’t want to elaborate on that. There was fire, I got burned. That’s pretty straightforward. I wasn’t trying to burn the school down. I’ve also heard I was in a cult, I wasn’t.”

“You could’ve stopped at the witch part because WHAT?” Mike's mouth hangs open.

“You know...paganism? I say witch because it gets the point across faster. It’s a belief system. It’s not pointy hats and cauldrons.”

“You have a cauldron.” Eddie smirked.

“SHE WHAT?” Dustin says absolutely invested.

“It’s tiny. I mix herbs and oils for spell work and rituals.”

“You do spells??” Lucas sits straight up.

“Yeah. It’s part of the practice. It’s like…praying?” she shrugs. “But more hands-on.”

“Have you ever put a spell on one of us?”

“No.” she heartily laughed.

“Sure you didn’t put a love spell on Eddie?” Dustin giggled.

“Didn’t need to.” she chuckled and pinched his cheek. He tried to hide a smile and failed.

“I DID hear you were... uh... I don’t know any other way to put it but you were using us... as a group… for sex magic.” Jeff added.

“Yeah, Eddie told me that one. That’s a good one. I’m not obviously since I’m not sleeping with all of you.” she chortled.

“I’ve had people ask if you and Eddie were.”

“That was YOU Gareth.” Star threw her head back in a laugh.

“I mean other people. They think you worship satan together and shit.”

“I don’t believe in satan.” she rolled her eyes.

“Why wouldn’t you date Steve?” Dustin blurted out and Eddie's head noticeably snapped his way.

“Why don’t you ask him? Isn’t he like, your best friend?”

“He wouldn’t tell me. Yeah but I wanna know. Ladies LOVE Steve.” Star sighed.

“I get it, I do. He’s a doll." Eddie side-eyed Star but she didn't notice. "Sweet guy, nice, all that jazz. But he’s not my type. His parents are rich, which changes your brain. I was born poor. There’s a fundamental difference in how we see the world.” she expressed with gripped hands. Eddie suppressed a smile and for what might've been the first time in his life he was glad he was poor. “He’s my friend. I’d do anything for the guy. But I won’t date him. I’d feel like I was leading him on knowing it wouldn’t work out in the long run.” she answers honestly and Dustin can tell. “Plus he’s very… he seems very domestic, bless him. He wants a wife and a houseful of kids with a dog and picket fence and I’m just… not that girl.” she huffed out softly.

“You don’t wanna get married? Ever?” Jeff asked as if this surprised him.

“I didn’t say that.” Star shook a finger his way. “I don’t know what the future holds. I’m not making plans. I’m just 18, well almost 19 but I’m not thinking about that right now. That’s future me’s problem.” she sat back with a laugh.

“You want kids? I still think you’d be a great mom.”

“I don’t know why you think that but the same answer. I don’t know.” she groaned. “Also don’t go commenting on if a girl wants to get married and have kids. It’s a bit fucked up, to be honest. I’m not lecturing you because I like you and know you don’t mean to be shitty. But making a woman feel bad for her choices that our culture forces on us from birth is shitty. Don’t do it. Mind your business.” she explains with a sweeping hand.

“That’s why I tried to stop this.” Eddie grumbled.

“I’m not mad. I just want them aware. I know you know.” she pat Eddie’s thigh.

“Why’d you move?” Gareth asks, Eddie felt Star's hand stiffen on his leg and she felt him tense just the same.

“I needed to… get away from the city.” her tone was tight. Her body language shifted to guarded.

“Did you not have friends? Did they not care that you just bolted?” he further inquired.

“Turns out the people I thought were my friends were actually kinda shitty.” She sat back and sighed.

“What about a boyfriend?” Gareth smirked.

“You could quit interrogating her you know.” Eddie says with a little bite.

“She appeared out of nowhere! Call me curious!”

“I had one.” She shrugged, looking down and avoiding the gazing eyes.

“Ohhh what was he like?” Dustin innocently asked. He was hoping to find out if he’d been anything like Eddie.

“Well…” she took a deep breath. “He’s in prison now so… if that gives you any idea.” She rubbed her arm and her brow dropped.

“Oh shit. You dated a criminal?”

“He wasn’t in prison when I met him.”

A few sets of eyes blink at her in question.

“Why’d he go to prison?”

“Robbery?” She shook her head.

“Stole a car!” Another shake with tighter lips.

“Murder?” Were thrown into the ring for contenders along with clueless laughter.

“No it was actually,” she paused and her nose winced involuntarily. “Uhm, Aggravated Assault.” No one in the group except for Eddie had heard Star's voice turn so quickly. “That was the… uh, official charge.” She looked away and her face fell. She felt a flutter in her chest that grew to burn in her cheeks. She sounded small, scared. A crack of emotion as she swallowed audibly and tensed her jaw. She took a slow inhale and stood from her spot. “I’m gonna… just gimmie a minute.” She barely muttered and disappeared behind her bedroom door quickly. After only a moment's pause.

“Oh shit, you mean…” Dustin whispered in realization.

“I fucking told you!” Eddie hissed with venom at the group of boys and their wide shocked eyes.

“We didn’t know!” Dustin looked petrified at what they’d done. “Did you?”

“Remember when I said it was complicated?” Eddie looked over the younger three now cowering backward. “And to leave HER alone about it?”

“How was I supposed to know something like THAT happened?” Dustin screeched in defense.

“We were just asking questions. She said to.” Gareth grimaced.

“And you couldn’t see she wasn’t into it when you asked about Chicago? Use your brain! People don’t up and leave somewhere without a reason. And it usually isn’t a good one!” Eddie felt his anger hot in his face. He’d raised to his knees and was wide-armed on the coffee table to assert himself over the group.

“We didn’t know! We’re sorry!” Jeff pouted.

“Yeah, we had no idea.”

“She seems so tough I never thought she’d let someone...”

“A girl who doesn’t trust anyone shows up, with burns, to a town she has no connection to and you don’t stop and think she’s been through something? You all aren’t that stupid. C’mon.” Eddie groaned.

“I didn’t think…” Mike began.

“Stop right there. That’s all you needed to say.” Eddie spits out and raises to sit on the couch.

“Dude we said we were sorry.” Lucas added.

“Tell her. Not me.” He ran a hand through his hair, his posture slumped. He looked at her bedroom door.

“I don’t think she wants to see us right now.”

Eddie stands after staring for a silent minute.

“Clean up and get stuff ready to lay out and watch a movie. I’ll get her back out here and you’ll apologize. And she’ll forgive you.” He chops his hands as he speaks. “It’ll be fine.” He shakes out his hands, rings feeling heavy as he threw them down, hoping to move out the bad energy before he approached her.

With a knock, he opened the squeaking door to see her looking his way from the window. It was open, the pitch black heavy against her and the flowery curtains that blew lightly from the October breeze. “Can I?” She nodded in response, taking a drag from a cigarette. He slinked into the door as if opening it all the way wasn’t an option.

“I shouldn’t have left.” She pursed her lips together looking more disappointed than upset.

“No, you should’ve told them to mind their own damn business.” He was the one that sounded like he’d been outed.

Her brows raised in surprise at him, her lashes fluttering as she looked him over.

“Sorry.” He huffed out, joining her by the window.

“What are you mad about?” Her chin jutted upward as she offered him her cigarette. He took it with a twitching hand.

“I’m mad they upset you.”

“Don’t be. They didn’t know.” She sighed. “I mean, neither did you. Not really.” her lips formed a thin line, and her pronounced cupid’s bow stretched out.

“I knew something…” he trailed off and paused, there wasn’t any reason to get into it. “Are you okay?” He diverts his attention and hands her back the brightly glowing paper.

“I’m fine. I overreacted.” She looked away to her feet, an arm covering her chest.

“I don’t think so.” He offered his condolences.

“I’ve been drinking and smoking and I didn’t know if I’d get emotional and I didn’t wanna cry like some little kid in front of them so I removed myself from the situation.”

“Makes sense.” He spoke quietly and wanted to reassure her that she didn’t have to hide her emotions but he knew she didn’t like showing weakness. He knew she thought being emotional was weak. He related to that. “I know they’re not happy about upsetting you. For what it’s worth.”

“Yeah, I figured. As soon as I came in here I regretted leaving.” she rolled her eyes at herself and looked out to the field by her house dimly lit by a holiday-appropriate looking moon.

“It gave me a chance to lecture them about how stupid they were acting.” His eyes lit up a bit, his face losing its hard edge he’d entered with.

She let out a soft audible sigh at the sight of his brown eyes soft once again, looking to hers for approval.

“What?” he huffed, a crooked smile on his recently licked lips.

With a soft face, she stepped closer, closing the space between them. She tip-toed up to kiss him and he instinctively lowered his head to meet her halfway.

“What’s that for?” his half-lidded eyes gazed almost sleepily down at her smiling face.

“You know you don’t have to protect me from everything Eddie. It’s very cute. Endearing even, but you don’t have to.”

“I know.” He sounds unconvincing. “I don’t like it when you’re upset.” he reached out and took her hand into his. “Especially if it’s something I can stop.”

“That’s not your job, Eddie.” shaking her head, strand fell into her face as her shoulders jostled at a silent laugh.

“Sure it is.” he shrugged. He looked up to her from his face's lowered position, the tips of his wavy bangs tickling along his eyelids. A tease of dimple appeared on his cheek from the light-hearted grin he shot her way. “I mean, we did kiss so that pretty much means you’re like, my girlfriend now. So it’s my job.” He gives her his trademark charm and cheekiness as he expressively moves his head with his teasing words.

“Oh is that what that means?” Her whole chest moved with her laugh.

“I mean that’s what Katie Steinbeck told me in 2nd grade when she kissed me on the playground so… I think it holds up.”

Star's eyes shut with a hearty laugh.

“I’d say I can’t believe those little fuckers did that but I totally can. I thought they’d do worse, to be honest.”

“What’s worse than having to kiss you?” He scrunched his nose at her but his smile lines deepened. She dropped her jaw in dramatic offense taken.

“Having to kiss YOU.” She made a grossed-out face but leaned up to kiss him again.

A shared laugh got caught between presses of their lips.

“So gross.” He mumbled before pressing his mouth to hers a second time. He released their clasping fingers to pull her against him.

“Disgusting.” She objected only with the word, no tone of rejection was to be found in her voice or body language. His hand found her jaw and planted itself there as he felt her lean her weight into him at the touch.

“Why would anyone wanna kiss you?” His nose caressed hers before planting an audible kiss on her now shining lips.

“Couldn’t pay me to kiss you again.” She grinned before her tongue lapped against his full lower lip. A deep but playful grunt escaped him as his hand clutched her back and he returned the gesture. He felt the slightest catch in her exhale through his hot palm as his tongue traced her lip.

“Your trembling is giving you away.” He grinned before taking her lower lip into his mouth with a gentle suck. It extracted a small moan from her open mouth. He bit into the thick flesh and watched her eyes flutter shut, her mossy irises rolling to white before disappearing. She whined before he unlatched and set her free, a delicious throb in her lower lip grew as she pushed her mouth to his with a needy call for more. The heat grew between them, fanned by the heavy breaths they shared between cracks in the shifting seals of their kisses. Star felt the room spin, her eyes lolling about in their sockets before she parted from his thoroughly distracting mouth and took a deep breath.

“Oh boy. I am drunk.” A dopey smile crossed her face as she batted her eyes and steadied herself. “Got so worked up I got woozy.” She admitted with a bashful giggle.

“Well, I can’t very well be taking advantage of a drunk girl.” He gave her a soft smile she didn’t pay attention to. He turned her to the window, moving to stand her against his chest. His tender fingers tucked her hair back from her face as he let the cold air hit her directly from the window. “Especially one that that thinks kissing me is so gross. Maybe that’s it. You’re not drunk. You’re so grossed out by me you’re getting nauseous.” He saw her darling smile, shut eyes, and closed lips as she cozied into his embrace, her hands holding onto his arms that wrapped around her chest.

“Must be it.” She sighed contently, letting her head hang back and lay in his chest. He placed a kiss on her temple that drew a happy hum from her. “Let’s make everyone go home and we can get in bed.” She let out a yawn. Eddie grinned at her idea and put his face against hers as he spoke.

“I’ve got the next best thing.” He promised. ”They’re picking out a movie and you can get comfy on the couch and I’ll be right there with you.” She nodded, soaking in the feeling of the vibration from his voice moving into her body from the soft press of his face to hers.

“You don’t think it’ll be suspicious if we’re cuddled up on the couch?”

“I mean we kissed why stop there?” She felt his smile against her cheek and returned it earnestly.

“I can’t be seen snuggling with the likes of you.” She giggled and turned her head, kissing his cheek.

“How about… I’ve got a sleeping bag, I’ll put it right in front of the couch. How’s that sound? How’s that for compromise?”

“I’ll still smell you from there.” She snorted out a short-lived laugh. He bit her nose in retaliation and she wiggled and squeaked in his arms. He growled playfully and bit her jaw as she squirmed and he held her tightly.

“Let’s get some food in you so you’ll stop being so mean to me.” He noisily left a smack of a kiss on her cheek before releasing her from his arms and taking her hand to lead her toward the door.

-

Star got more homemade food in her stomach to soak up the alcohol. The boys apologized and she did as well. The subject was dropped and the next was raised as to which of the rentals they’d watch. Star and Eddie had seen all of them before but they happily piled into their soft nests to watch them again anyway. The boys sat in a trio and didn’t falter much, candy and soda fueling their banter.

Star and Eddie however faded much faster. She was on her front on the couch, and a comforter and pillows cocooned her in. Eddie’s sleeping bag was right against the couch, a pillow of Stars under his head, smashed into a square to prop him up. Star watched the light of the tv flicker across his face. The dying fire glowed against the darkness of the living room with its dated floral wallpaper and carpet. With the attention drawn to the screen and not them, she ran her fingers through his hair. At first, he was startled as he turned to back to check out what she was doing. She simply smiled and brushed his hair out of his face, continuing with her original intention. Throughout the movie they dozed, fighting sleep as she kept her nails to Eddie's scalp and played mindlessly in his wavy mop of hair. The soft but frizzy strands slipped through her fingers and soothed her with the repetitive motion.

They made it through the first movie, but by the middle of the second, everyone was starting to fade, even the sugar-filled youngsters. Eddie had laid on his back, accepting that sleep was coming for him. Star peered over the edge of the couch, walking her fingers up Eddie's chest and plucking his lower lip. She sighed and smiled, cheek mushed as her half-lidded eyes watched his. She tapped the button end of his nose and ran her nail up his bridge to his forehead. She ran the soft pad of her finger back down the center of his face. She traced his bone structure of eye sockets and jaw with a single exploratory finger. He closed his eyes and let her play. Another upward then down trek of the center of his face led her to his lips again. She traced the full shape pushing his cupid’s bow in then flicking his lower lip with her nail open. He fluttered his eyes open and smiled as she kept snapping his lower lip. He silently lunged and bit the end of her finger. He saw her jolt and grin, rolling back and disappearing before appearing again and stifling a laugh. She repeated her motion and he once again bit her fingertip, seemingly much to her delight. It felt wholesome and affectionate that night; her studying and fussing on him. He took her hand into his and kissed it. Her face softened, eyelids were heavy and happy. He kissed each finger pad, closing his eyes for an indulgent moment with the intimate contact. His larger and far stronger hand manipulated hers easily to nose and nuzzle it to repay the affection. He entwined their fingers, a cold metal shock to her skin as they laced against him. He placed a kiss and mouthed, “go to sleep”. She lifted his hand and kissed a bare-knuckle and let him have control of her hand again willingly.

“Okay.” She whispered. She nuzzled her head into her pillow, sleeping at the edge of the couch so they could both see each other. He left his hand in hers letting it rest on his chest and they fell asleep with the compromise of holding a single hand.

Part 11

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[marmolita]

another episode of "Lita listens to chiclets so you don't have to," notes from Jordan Martinook chiclets interview from April 5, 2022:

Rod treats all the guys equally and won't hesitate to chew out Aho or Svech if they're fucking up (he didn't say "fucking up," he said "going off the rails"), which is good for all the other guys because it shows them that everyone is held to the same standard

that said he doesn't call people out personally in front of other people, like he might pull up video and be like "this isn't how we do it" and if you're the guy in the video you're like 😓 but he doesn't name names

Jordan Staal is "a Clydesdale," goes out and works hard every night

if he gets mad and snaps then everybody listens, but mostly he leads by example

the Finns all have short fuses. KK slams the bench door really hard when he's mad and might have the shortest fuse but Aho and Teräväinen also get angry pretty easily. (This was in response to a question about who on the team is most likely to lose their temper.)

Marty started the pregame yelling in Svech's face because Svech was nervous his first few games and now he just does it more for himself than for Svech. Svech isn't superstitious but he hasn't told Marty to stop so he's gonna keep doing it

Svech and Aho both have ridiculous work ethics and are always working all the time. Svech stays at the rink working on his shot until he gets blisters on his hands. Marty compared him to Jagr.

they stopped doing the complex storm surges at least partly because it was exhausting trying to think of so many ideas for it and they were winning so many games it was kind of overwhelming

when asked what kind of things Aho does well that people might not notice, he said that Aho has really good puck pressure, always puts himself in the right place, is right on the defender's hip, etc

the thing that Rod gets mad about as far as when they're not playing well is if they try to get cute with fancy plays on the blue line, which lead to turnovers and goals against. Seems like he'd rather have them dump it in than try to take on a defender one on one or whatever.

Jarvy is great and seems beyond his years in maturity (unclear if he meant on-ice only or both on and off ice). He wasn't as nervous as Svech was when he started which is why Marty didn't start screaming in his face too

Jarvy didn't try to get cute or fancy when he came into training camp, just bought in and worked in the system from day one, and they were all impressed by that

Jarvy talks like a surfer and they joke that he was a hippie or surfer or something in a past life

Marty said he thinks Pesce and Skjei are one of the best D pairs in the league, and their whole D corps is very solid

y'all may not want to hear this part but I'll put it in because he did talk about it, pls remember I'm just summarizing what Marty said and don't come at me or whatever: he said that at first when they brought in DeAngelo he wasn't sure how it would go because the two of them had kind of gotten into it in the playoffs in the past but they agreed to put it behind themselves at the start of the season and everything has been great. Marty said he couldn't say enough good things about him, he's a funny guy in the room, didn't miss a beat joining the team, etc.

He said a lot of good things about Trochek, and how he does everything for them, powerplay, PK, etc. He said he hopes they resign him for next season.

the golfing with Harry Styles thing came up. It seems there's some exclusive golf club some of the guys are members of and Harry Styles wanted to play there and somehow Justin Williams was involved in setting it up.

Marty has a cute dog named Gus

random observation but every time Marty was talking about Aho he started to say "Fishy" and had to correct himself, like "Fi-- Aho"

[outerbankies]

new light part 2: take two — rafe cameron

new light series materlist

summary: after a reconnection for the ages, you and rafe see each other at graduation and go to a few parties together. more confessions and kisses ensue!

pairing: rafe x kook reader, platonic kelce x reader

warnings: drinking, swearing, whole lotta kisses

a/n: hi! thanks so much for reading new light!!! here's part 2. some quick notes: i aged topper and kelce up for this (closer to rafe's/reader's age). bff kelce! & still not canon rafe. let me know what you think :)

my writing

i want a take two, i wanna break through, i wanna know the real thing about you

After your date—because you were past convincing yourself it was just drinks—with Rafe, he'd been on your mind constantly. And he'd texted you sad face after sad face every time you couldn't take him up on an offer to hang out.

You were swept up in family activities; fancy dinners at the Island Club, prepping for Dylan's party, and everything in between.

But that hadn't stopped you from blushing every time he asked to take you out on the Druthers.

Your body was thrumming with nerves by the time the graduation ceremony actually rolled around, knowing you’d finally get to see him again, and you had to resist being too obvious in looking over your shoulder for slicked brown hair and Ray Bans when you and your parents arrived at the academy.

The three of you settle into some of the folding chairs set up at the stadium, your dad making sure she had the best angle possible with his obnoxiously large DSLR camera. You swear the last time that thing made an appearance was your own high school graduation.

You're debating texting Rafe to tell him you were there, messages open on your phone, when a new one pops up from him just in time.

Look to your right

You do as he says, a bit too eager to even try to play it cool, even though you know he's clearly watching you from wherever he is. Another message comes through before you can spot him.

You’re a smoke show btw

Schooling your features is hopeless now, turning to look for him again with an unabashed curiosity. When you finally spot Rafe across the stadium, he's holding his sunglasses atop his head, cheeky grin plastered onto his face. He nods in recognition, sliding his sunglasses back into place, and you realize he'd been able to spot you even with the sun beating directly into his eyes. You waste no more time in waving at him, catching your dad's attention next to you.

"Who's that?"

"You remember Rafe Cameron, right?"

—

Nobody could pay you to remember one thing that had actually happened in that ceremony. All you could focus on was stealing glances at Rafe, sometimes catching his attention, sometimes just admiring him slyly. Even when you did try to pay attention, you couldn't help but wonder if he was watching you.

Two hours later your old principal is conferring the diplomas of all the new graduates, and you chance one more look over at Rafe, who’s already watching you.

He flicks his head in the general direction of the school, causing a smirk to pull on your lips immediately. “Pool,” he mouths.

You roll your eyes, still nodding your head. He beams at you then, and you have to force yourself to focus back on the stage as your body thrums with excitement, thinking about being within Rafe’s reach again. The audience is erupting into applause and you quickly join in, watching your brother proudly.

As everyone stands up, you get your mom’s attention. “I’ll be back for pictures, I’m just going to use the restroom inside really quick.”

“Okay, sweetie,” she says. “Hurry back.”

You nod and rush off, feeling giddy as a teenager, making your way through the bustling crowd to a far more secluded part of the school.

You��d lost sight of Rafe in the sea of Figure 8 families dressed to the nines, but continue to the school pool anyways. You know he’d show eventually.

He had been trailing you all along, from a respectable distance. Rafe watched you move through the crowd, counting down the seconds until he could run a hand across your back, equal parts tan, bare, and tempting because of your choice in dress.

“That dress might be a bit scandalous for a high school graduation,” he voices once he spots you, leaning up against a brick wall bordering the pool. “Don’t you think, Y/l/n?”

“What are they gonna do, dress code me?” you tease, coming to meet him halfway.

It’s pointless though, because once you’re in his vicinity he’s backing you right up against the wall again, one hand on the wall and the other on your back, protecting your skin against the rough brick.

“Hi,” he murmurs, the lights from the pool reflecting onto his face.

“Hi.”

It's quiet for a minute, neither of you making the first move even though you both know where this is headed.

"Did you enjoy the ceremony?" he asks after a moment, splaying his fingers just so. His large hand is covering the expanse of your back at this point, his thumb stroking up and down your side, edging closer and closer to the edge of your dress every time.

"There was a ceremony? Hadn't noticed."

Rafe's kiss is enthusiastic and a bit wild this time, like he’s had a taste of you once and now he knows he can never get enough.

“Look at you in your little suit pants.” You giggle when you take a second to pull back, happy to let Rafe continue his pursuit down your neck, a manicured finger tugging on one of his belt loops. "You look so preppy."

Rafe stops kissing your jawline then, leveling you with a glare.

“Please don't put your hands near my belt while we're on school property.” He pushes your hips away from his, but just slightly, leaning back down already.

"I didn't mean anything by it," you say coyly.

He kisses the arrogance right out of you, the thigh he's moving to plant in between your legs about to make you let out an embarrassing mewl.

Your clutch, discarded on the ground once Rafe had backed you into the wall, starts ringing right then. He pulls off of you with a sigh, his head hanging between his arms. "Fuck."

"C'mon Cameron," you coo, placing a hand on his chest again to push him off you. He moves easily, bending down to grab your ringing purse for you. You see the 'where are you?' text from your mom, signaling the end of your little rendezvous. "We're terrible older siblings."

Rafe laughs at that, pecking your forehead. "Not my fault you chose this dress."

One hand comes back to your back then, stroking a finger up and down your spine. You try to suppress a shiver. If he only knew you hadn't planned on wearing this dress, not at all, when you were originally packing to come home. Your mom had even made a passing comment about how revealing it was, but you had just shrugged, texting Rafe to confirm he was still coming.

“They won’t miss us for five more minutes,” he taunts, using one hand to move all of your hair to fall behind your shoulders. He traces a finger across your newly exposed collarbones, brushing underneath your dress strap without a second thought.

“You should’ve sat by me.” You try to sound unaffected, when you are anything but. You knew he could feel the goosebumps forming under his touch.

“Respectfully,” he starts, leaning down to place a kiss right under your ear. “I would’ve caused a scene.”

His breath in your ear sends another shiver down your spine, and you're thankful that your phone beeps again, bringing you right back to reality.

"How do I look?" you ask him, straightening out your hair. He can barely suppress a chuckle, a finger tucking some of your front layers behind one ear.

"Like you just got macked on."

"What are we, sixteen?" you tease, taking your compact mirror out to survey the damage.

"Feels like it," he murmurs, looking around at the pool deck. Rafe could vividly remember his water polo games here; the sinking feeling he got when he'd look around and his dad was nowhere to be found on the bleachers. But that hadn't mattered to him anymore, not once Kelce had started bringing you around to his games instead. "Except you're paying attention to me this time."

"Good to know I was discreet while ogling you in your swimsuit all those years." You finish touching up your lipgloss, reaching up for one last kiss.

"Were you objectifying me, Y/l/n?" Rafe scoffs, holding out a hand to you as he lets you off the wall. You stifle a giggle when you notice the new, slightly shimmery tint to his lips.

You take his hand gladly, letting him pull you back through your guys’ old stomping grounds. It's nostalgic, to be here with him like this. You remember walking these same halls years ago, passing him with nothing more than a polite nod, even though he’d always go out of his way to call out your name and wave. Now, you look from your intertwined hands, to his flushed face, amazed you’d arrived at this point.

“It’s weird, isn’t it?” He asks it so surely, like he’d been reading your mind this entire time.

“Very,” you agree, squeezing his hand. Things were so different this time around.

Just before you two exit the main campus, he’s tugging on your hand to pull you behind a row of lockers and out of view from any passers-by.

“I wanna see you tonight. I’m not sure if you heard but, Mateo’s having a thing,” he starts. “Topper and Kelce just got home so they’re gonna be there... do you wanna go?"

“Together?” you ask immediately.

He looks like he’s considering it for a second, wondering if that’d been too much too fast.

“I mean... yes?”

You think on it for a moment as well, about all the implications of showing up to a party where all of your old friends with be, with Rafe Cameron in tow. Looking at Rafe, the way he'd nervously shoved his hands into his pockets, you can't think of one reason to say no.

“Pick me up at 9?” you ask, already leading him back toward the crowd.

“You’re sure?” He tugs on your hand, forcing you to stop and look at him one more time.

“Of course, don’t be late.”

The two of you reach the main throng of people on the soccer field, wading through a crowd of parents and grandparents eagerly hugging their kids and taking pictures.

Rafe's hand drops from yours then, coming to rest discreetly between your shoulder blades instead when he spots Ward, Rose, and your parents all standing together, along with Sarah and your brother.

"Rose, the party is going to be so fun. You have to stop by," you catch your mom plead, right before she spots you and Rafe. “There you two are, finally!”

“Bathroom line,” you say lamely.

“Yeah, super long,” Rafe supplies. “Mr. and Mrs. Y/l/n, it's nice to see you.”

You separate from Rafe to run off and hug your brother tightly, Rafe trying and failing to hold a conversation with your mother as he watches you all the while.

—

Mateo's party was a bit larger than you’d expected, walls bumping by the time you entered with Rafe’s hand placed on your back, his intentions unmistakeable by any onlookers.

“C’mon,” he says in your ear, leading you to the kitchen where the drinks probably are. The huge crowd of party goers afforded you a greater level of anonymity, although the both of you still receive some curious glances from your former peers. Rafe just squeezes your hand, keeping you close to him.

“Look who it is,” a voice says as the two of you finally make it to the kitchen, and it’s all you can do to not push Rafe out of your way to run and hug Kelce. You hadn’t seen your friend since being home for New Years.

"Kelce!"

“Finally came to your senses?”

He says it loud enough only for you to hear, and you pull out of his hold to look at him weirdly. But he waves you off, wordlessly signaling that you'd talk later.

You’re still skeptical but go to greet Topper as well, who's standing beside Kelce and making a drink.

“Hey, Y/n/n." He pulls you in for a hug. “Want a drink?”

“Oh, uh, I got her,” Rafe says quickly, apparently hot on your heels this entire time. Topper just rolls his eyes at the two of you, letting Rafe take over anyways.

“Hurry up, we’re up next against Mateo and Griffin out back.”

Rafe finishes making whatever concoction he's mixed up and puts it in two red solo cups, holding one out to you. “Are you gonna be okay in here?”

“Yeah, I’ll be out in a bit.” His gaze shifts between you and Kelce, feeling better about leaving you alone with his friend. Even though you know pretty much everyone else here.

He leans down to give you a kiss before he can think twice.

“Uh,” he says, pulling back abruptly. The blush you’d grown to love being the cause of was blooming across his cheeks, visible even in the poor lighting. “Okay, yeah, going outside now.”

You stifle a giggle as he retreats with Topper, taking a sip of what he’d made you. Bless his heart, but you immediately hold your drink out to where Kelce is pouring himself one.

“What, boyfriend pour too light for you?” he teases, giving you some extra Tito’s.

“Shut up, Kelce.”

“Am I wrong?” he accuses.

“He’s not—we’re just hanging out right now,” you say cryptically.

“Okay, when are you going to tell me what the fuck happened there? I almost dropped my phone when he texted me,” Kelce laughs. "Low-key didn't believe it until I saw you on his Insta."

“He asked me out, I said no—then yes—and here we are,” you shrug, sipping your stronger drink. “That’s pretty much been it.”

“Wow,” Kelce whistles, sipping his own drink. “Never thought I’d see the day.”

You know Kelce is just joking, giving you a hard time like all friends do. Your high school girl friends had been blowing up the group chat all week, after Rafe had posted on his Instagram. They all teased you for your obliviousness, and it was starting to bother you just how many people had been privy to Rafe’s feelings. How could you not have seen?

“Am I an idiot?” you ask Kelce, alcohol already starting to effect your ability to mince your words. “For never realizing?”

He thinks about it for a moment, rubbing a hand along his chin. Kelce eventually smiles, ruffling your hair like he always had.

“You can’t see something you don’t want to,” he says. It doesn’t placate you entirely, but it’s exactly what you needed to hear from your friend.

“You’re so wise, I missed you. Shots?”

—

The next time you see Rafe, he’s outside perched on the granite outdoor bar in Mateo’s backyard. He’s talking to what look like some old water polo teammates, although it’s hard to recognize them with out chlorine bleached hair and tan skin. And swim caps and Speedos.

You’ve had a few drinks.

“Y/n/n!” he calls, hands cupped around his mouth. He beckons you over, and the alcohol is enough to dissipate your nerves as his friends look over at you, but you still feel a bit timid when you approach.

But Rafe’s pulling you into his hold easily, widening his legs for you to stand between, strong arms encircling your shoulders. His friends go back to talking amongst themselves after they greet you politely.

“You having fun?”

“Yeah, how was pong?”

He scoffs, “Crushed it.”

You chime in on what his friends are talking about when you can, mainly just soaking up the feeling of being pressed up against Rafe like this. A big step from sneaking into the pool to make out—half of Kildare was here to see you, and you found yourself unable to care less what any of them thought.

“Oh hey,” Rafe says suddenly, making you turn in his hold to face him. “I meant to tell you in the car. Your mom invited me to Dylan’s grad party.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, when we were leaving the academy,” he says. “Is that okay with you?”

Rafe’s friends are barely paying attention to the two of you anymore, giving you a mild sense of privacy.

“I mean, it’s kinda...”

He raises his eyebrows, urging you to continue when you trail off.

“A little serious,” you finish. “If you’re there, and we’re—”

You gesture to how the two of you are currently intertwined and he rolls his eyes, that signature smirk pulling on his lips.

“I’m alright with it if you are.”

You think about how it felt, entering this party with Rafe, hanging all over each other, sending a message to all of your friends. You’d thought it would make you feel nervous, but if anything you just felt comfort in knowing that he was serious about this. It’s a whole different story with your family, but you know you two can handle it.

“You’re sure? This wasn’t just some high school wish fulfillment thing for you?” you tease.

“Ha, ha,” he fake laughs, tugging on the ends of your hair. “You caught me.”

“I’m serious though,” you say, after the two of you have settled down a little. "If we do this—"

Rafe tucks some hair behind your ear, leaning down for another kiss.

“Me too.”

You don’t miss the underlying implication.

—

You'd been practically glued to Rafe's side for the entirety of your brother's graduation party—apparently your mom had taken the liberty of inviting his entire family. Not that you were complaining from your spot on his lap in one of the patio chairs. He’d strided toward you confidently upon his family’s arrival, your previous hesitance evaporating as he greeted you with a kiss on the cheek in front of your family, shaking your father’s hand, thanking your mother for the invite and congratulating Dylan, all without missing a beat.

Later in the night you’d both grown a bit giggly from the unlimited supply of Dom Perignon, nostalgia thick in the air as you both recounted stories from high school. Rafe had been getting a bit handsy for a family party, the hand not firmly planted on your lower back to hold you steady slowly trailing the length of your shin to your mid thigh, pushing your dress a bit higher each time until it was almost over your knee.

"Watch it, my dad is like ten feet away," you warn, although there's no seriousness behind your words. You’re actually grateful when he makes no move to stop. Nobody’s paying attention to you two anyways.

"So is mine," Rafe counters, voice loud enough for only you to hear. "Glad we established that."

"Rafe Cameron, this is a family party."

"Is it?" he asks in wonder, like he had no idea.

“You’re trouble,” you murmur, fiddling with his shirt collar where your arms are wrapped around his neck.

“D’you want more champagne?” he asks, glancing at both of your finished glasses on the table next to you. The glow of the party flickers on his curious face, and you just want to kiss him forever. You can't stop thinking about how if his entire family is here, he has an empty house just a few streets over.

“No,” you whine, sinking even further into his chest. “Don’t get up.”

“Rookie,” he teases, already signaling a cater waiter to come collect your glasses for you. He pulls a $20 out of his wallet, sending him on his way quicker than he came. “See how easy that was?”

You don’t care about the champagne anymore, placing a kiss on his jawline. Rafe freezes, letting you continue until you’re kissing just under his ear.

“I thought this was a family party, Y/l/n,” he teases.

“Fuck it. Wasted too much time already,” you say before you can think twice. You’re hoping he won’t pick up on it, the roar of the party taking place just feet away maybe enough to drown out what you’ve said. That third glass of champagne had been a bad idea.

Because of course he heard you, all can he hear is you.

“What do you mean?” Rafe’s eyes are still a bit bleary, but you can tell your sudden statement has cleared the fog a bit. He’s pushing you off of his chest then, just enough so he can look into your eyes. But you’re looking down where his hand on your leg had become caught between both of yours, fiddling with the ring on his middle finger. You pull it on and off again, sliding it back into place over and over again. Maybe you can pretend you didn’t hear him. “Baby, look at me.”

You’re thankful the waiter chooses that moment to come back over, smiling gratefully at him as he hands you both a fresh flute of champagne. But Rafe takes them both and sets them back down on the table where the old ones had been, shooing him off with another crisp $20. Does he just keep them in his breast pocket at all times?

“Y’know, my mom’s already tipping them.”

“Y/n,” he insists. “What's going on?”

"I..." You trail off, still unsure if this is a path you want to go down tonight. But he's still looking at you, and after how many times he's poured his heart out to you this week, you know he deserves the same.

You'd tried to push it down, but you'd never been able to settle the bad feeling in your stomach since talking with Kelce at Mateo's party. You pretended like everything was fine, letting Rafe wrap you up in his arms, and come to your brother's party. But it was lingering in your mind the entire time. You can't even look at him directly when you finally find the words, choosing to focus on one of the oak trees further down the property that had been wrapped in string lights for the occasion.

"I can't believe I wasted all these years, never giving you a chance."

Realization unfurls his brow, much the way it did when he realized you never knew he had feelings for you all these years. "Y/n/n."

"No, Rafe," you plead, facing him this time. "I did. You were always there and I was just completely blind to it, never thinking twice about you. And for what reason—because you were popular? And I didn't think I was good enough? When the entire time you were just showing me I was."

"But you were right to doubt me, I was horrible back then—"

"But not to me," you interrupt. "Never to me."

His mouth snaps shut, because he knows it's true.

Part of the reason he'd been so shocked you never picked up on his feelings was because he just assumed anyone with eyes could see how gone he was for you. Any trace of the hard exterior he'd built up over the years would completely diminish in your presence, unless he was coming to your defense. Once, it had taken both Topper and Kelce to pull Rafe away from some creepy pogue working at the marina that had made a passing comment about your body in your bikini. You'd spent the entire day on the boat avoiding Rafe after that, not knowing what to say besides an awkward 'thank you' when he'd dropped you off at your dock that evening. He'd just nodded, refusing to make eye contact with you.

Rafe's voice and the vibrations emitting from his chest, still palpable from where you're laid up against him, bring you back into the present.

"Y'know, I always hoped we'd be a sure thing one day, but I never knew for sure," he says sheepishly. "Which is pretty much par for the course when it comes to you, Y/n. Even when we went away for school, I thought—I'd ask Kelce about you, and he'd tell me I needed to give it up, or worse, talk to you."

That paints the tiniest smile on your face, the mental image you were constructing of an annoyed Kelce telling Rafe to either buck up or get over you.

"My worst fear was that you'd come home with some college boyfriend I couldn't compete with," he admits. "I was nervous as fuck the first time we were all back here for the holidays. And then I saw you at that party and I just thought: 'alright, still got it bad.'"

"Rafe." You bury yourself into his neck, your warm cheeks coming into contact with his equally warm neck. Your combined embarrassment made your heart flutter even more. The weight of his heartfelt confessions was heavy on your shoulders, but it was a weight you'd carry gladly from this point on.

"I never lost hope, I thought maybe you just needed some time," he presses, the hand previously on your knee coming to your chin so you're forced to look at him. "I know I did."

He kisses your forehead.

"So don't feel bad—don't look at it as time wasted," he urges. “You’re here now. That’s all I care about.”

"Promise?" you ask, that niggling voice in the back of your head just needing that last bit of reassurance to quiet down so you can focus on sharing this night with him.

And Rafe would always give it to you.

"Promise.”