#behold: the nickname reveal

[stevie-petey]

episode eight: the gate

“Drop me and die.” Your knuckles are white as they clutch the rope, your body shaking with exhaustion as you try to ease your way down without further injuring your ribs.  Steve laughs and tightens his grip on your waist, steadying you as you finally inch the rest of the way down and land with a gentle thud onto the ground. “Like I’d ever dream of letting you go.” This time, you know it’s his words that cause you to shiver, not the exhaustion and pain.

Summary: you encourage nancy to take your place (everyone is shocked), you and steve are the newest babysitters in town, billy ruins things as always, tunnels are weird when youre concussed, you remind jonathan of an old promise, and when the snowball comes you make your own promise with steve that you know you can keep.

Rating: general, although very violent

Warnings: use of y/n, fem!reader, intense violence and blood, weapons, monsters, probably more im forgetting

Words: 20.1k (no one speak to me)

Before you swing in: this is it ,,, the final episode of season two <3 this chapter was both the easiest and hardest one ive ever written. there are scenes in here that i put so much into, and im so proud of where everything landed. handling so many relationships and dynamics was so incredibly difficult, but i adore where they ended up. i hope you guys do, too :)

-

“Eleven,”

“Mike.”

The two kids embrace, Mike holding desperately onto El as if he’s afraid she’ll disappear again any second, and she’s holding onto him just as tightly as their tears mix together. 

You watch them with a hand over your heart, your own tears spilling over. You can’t believe this is real, that El is standing in Mike’s arms alive and real.

The way they cling to each other brings more tears to your eyes. It’s obvious to everyone how much they love one another. You think about the endless batches of brownies you baked for Mike, how many nights you spent in his basement standing watch, looking for any sign of grief, in case he needed you there to remind him that it’s okay to cry. 

“Is that…?” Max asks Lucas, and he nods. 

“She’s back.” You exhale, feeling Dustin’s fingers slip between yours. He knows how much you missed El, he’s spent just as many nights keeping watch over you, reminding you to cry as well. 

Mike pulls away, his eyes shining with tears. “I never gave up on you. I called you every night. Every night for–”

“353 days.” El finishes for him, you’ve never heard so much emotion in her voice. “I heard.”

You think about the nights you found Mike huddled underneath the fort he once built for El in his basement, clutching the radio to his chest, passed out from exhaustion. You never mentioned it to the boy, knowing he’d simply deny and tell you it was nothing, but hearing El confirm what you already knew still hurts. 

“Why didn’t you tell me you were there?” 

You look around the room now, wondering the same as Mike, and then your eyes land on Hopper. While everyone looks surprised or confused at El’s reappearance, Hopper’s face is one of resignation. 

Everything clicks. 

He knew.

Hopper sees that you’ve pieced it together and steps forward. “Because I wouldn’t let her.”

You step forward as well so that you’re next to Mike, knowing that this will only upset him more. “You knew.”

“What the hell is this?” The chief ignores you, now speaking only to El. “Where’ve you been?”

“Where have you been?” El’s eyes darken, but she immediately melts when Hopper pulls her into a hug. By watching their body language, you can tell that they love each other dearly, and distantly you remember hearing about the daughter Hopper once had. 

Though you’re angry he hid El from you, you’re thankful they found one another in the end. You’ve never seen Hopper so tender with someone, and El seems to feel safe within his embrace, far from the skittish girl you found in the woods last year. 

“You’ve been hiding her!” Lost in your thoughts, you momentarily forget about Mike, who launches himself at Hopper and punches the man’s chest. “You’ve been hiding her this whole time!”

Hopper flinches away. “Hey–”

“Mike,” you grab his shoulders, knowing his anger will only do more harm than good, but he struggles against you as he tries to continue hitting the man. “We can all talk about this–”

“Let’s talk,” Hopper grabs at Mike’s shirt, finally forcing the kid to stop. Then, looking directly at you, he adds. “Alone.”

You look at Mike, silently asking him what he needs from you. You know the two of them need to settle their differences, that he feels Hopper’s betrayal the deepest and you trust him to make his own choices. However, with one headshake from him, you would prevent Mike from being alone with Hopper in a heartbeat. 

Mike knows this, he doesn’t have to even have to ask what you mean when you gently nod your chin at him. Taking a deep breath, the boy sighs and nods at you, indicating that he’ll talk with the cop. 

You let go of Mike and gently push him towards Hopper. “He’s all yours, but try not to kill him, please? I unfortunately like the kid.”

Hopper doesn’t play into your words and promptly grabs the back of Mike’s hoodie and marches him towards Will’s room. The door closes behind them, leaving you to deal with El.

Her nose is bleeding and she looks upset having Mike taken from her, there’s an exhaustion behind her eyes that you’re all too familiar with. You wrap an arm around her waist and pull her into you. “C’mere, sweetheart.”

El leans into the kiss you press upon her cheek and closes her eyes, relishing in the tenderness after the night she’s had. “Missed you.”

“And I missed you.” You place another kiss on her head. “The hairstyle suits you, by the way.”

This seems to lighten the girl up a bit, who giggles and quietly thanks you as she wraps her arms fully around you now, securing you into a hug. You allow her all the time she needs to collect herself. 

When you hear Mike’s heartbroken screams at Hopper, calling him a liar, you squeeze your arms tighter around El. “They’ll be fine,” you promise her, feeling the need to reassure her of this, though hearing Mike’s screams breaks your heart.

You understand why Hopper hid El, it wasn’t safe for anyone to know about her being alive, but Mike spent the entire year grieving for her. He lost a year of his childhood mourning the loss of a close friend, of someone he loves, and it isn’t fair to expect him to accept this. 

El nods at your reassurance before you’re suddenly shoved away from her. 

“You’re hogging the former dead girl, Y/N!” Dustin exclaims as he engulfs El into a hug. 

Lucas flashes you an apologetic smile before hugging the girl as well, focusing his attention on her. “We missed you.”

“I missed you too.” She responds, squeezing both boys tight. 

“We talked about you pretty much every day.” Dustin pulls away before pointing at you. “Y/N usually just cried.”

You elbow your brother, causing him to wince. “You say that like I don’t normally cry over things.”

Dustin opens his mouth to argue, but suddenly El’s fingers are pinching at his lips as she pries his jaw open. Your brother looks at you in alarm, and you’re too stunned to do anything besides watch in bewilderment. 

“Teeth.” El finally says,

You giggle, while Dustin simply stares at her as if she’s insane. “What?”

“You have teeth.”

Dustin breaks into a smile. “Oh, you like these pearls?”

When he makes an obscure purring sound with his mouth, you scoff at your brother and roll your eyes alongside Lucas. “Please, never do that ever again.”

“Eleven?” Max now approaches with a warm smile on her face, the most open you’ve ever seen the girl, and extends her hand for El to shake. “Hey, um. I’m Max. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

El looks at you and tilts her head, which you assume means she’s unsure what to do, so you step in. “Max is a friend, sweetheart.”

She eyes Max’s hand, looks up at her again, before bypassing the girl completely and going straight into Joyce’s arms.

You frown, confused by El’s unusual dismissiveness, and look over at Max. Her head is ducked down, embarrassed, and you make a mental note to remind yourself later to ask El what happened. Max is a good girl, they deserve to be friends and you know they’d get along if given the chance.

Joyce cradles El’s head and greets her with tears, and the girl responds the same. After they’ve hugged, El pulls away, her tears now ones of worry. “Can I see him?”

Joyce’s eyes flash to you, and the two of you seem to realize the same thing: it’s no coincidence that El arrived when she did. You think about what Dustin and the kids deciphered in morse code, Will’s hidden message. 

Close the gate. 

El is the only person you know can do it. 

“Go take her to him,” you tell Joyce. “I’ll catch everyone else up.”

The woman nods, her eyes appreciative, before gently guiding El towards Will’s room. 

“I’m assuming I’m ‘everyone’.” Steve says as soon as Joyce and El have left. 

You laugh, finally rejoining his side. “Yeah, pretty much.”

“Alright, catch me up then. Who was the girl and why does she have a bloody nose problem?”

“Her name is Eleven, or El. Besides the Demogorgon, and Demodogs, did we ever discuss El?”

Nancy speaks up from the corner, timid. “I, uh… Didn’t tell Steve a lot. We kinda just, we–we didn’t ever really–”

“I never let Nancy explain, and I was too afraid to ask.” Steve kindly saves Nancy, and something both you and Jonathan take note of. 

“Well,” you clap your hands, dispelling away any remaining tension for both your sake and the kids’ sakes. “El has these powers, she can make things move with her mind, and when she uses them she gets nose bleeds.”

Steve stares at you. “Okay…”

“Mhm. It’s just as insane as it sounds. Remember the whole Upside Down story Dustin and I told you about yesterday? Well, she can travel there and has a connection to it. With her mind. Somehow. I don’t actually know the logistics of it.”

“You’re doing great, bug.” Jonathan’s voice drips with sarcasm, but Dustin hits his chest to shut him up. 

“Thanks, Dustin. Anyways, El has these insane powers and she’s the sweetest, softest person I’ve ever met. We…” your voice trails off now, still getting used to the fact that she’s alive. “We thought we lost her last year, when she killed the Demogorgon and helped bring Will back.”

“But she’s alive.” Steve concludes. 

You nod, a natural smile spreading across your face. “She is.”

“If you say she’s the sweetest person you’ve ever met, then I definitely believe you.”

Steve’s words make you blush, the pure and honest way he says them, and both Dustin and Jonathan cringe. The two boys share a look, both for once on the same page in a long time, and make gagging motions. 

You see this and flick both of their heads. “I know where you both sleep.”

Both boys stick their tongue out at you, and for a moment everything feels normal. Jonathan and Dustin are teasing you, Jonathan’s eyes are lit up, and your brother is carefree again. 

Then Joyce returns to the living room with El and the mood becomes somber again. 

They stand over the kitchen table, El stares down at the piece of paper with the “close gate” on it, and Joyce asks the question you’ve all been wondering. “You opened this gate before, right?”

“Yes,” the girl responds as you and everyone else now join her and Joyce. 

“Do you think if we got you back there, that you could close it?”

El looks between you and Joyce, her gaze stony and resigned. You wonder what else she’s gone through to put such a void within her; like all the other kids, she no longer has a sweet naivety to her.

Then, slowly, El nods. 

– 

“It’s not like it was before. It’s grown. A lot.” Everyone stands in the kitchen, circling around Hopper as he explains exactly what the gate now is. “I mean, that’s considering we can get in there. The place is crawling with those dogs.”

You grab Dustin’s shirt and yank harshly at it. “Don’t you dare–”

“Demodogs.”

Hopper looks at him, sighing. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Please just ignore him.” You plead with the officer, knowing he’s already in a bitchy mood. 

Dustin doesn’t pick up on the anger, though. “I said, uh… Demodogs. Like Demogorgon and dogs.”

“Oh my god,” you groan, rubbing at your temples. You’ve heard this explanation of the word play a million times within the last twenty-four hours. If you have to hear Dustin explain what Demodog means one more time, you think you may murder the kid.

Dustin, unfortunately, continues. “You put them together… it sounds pretty badass–”

“How is this important right now?” Hopper snaps at the boy, which only makes you more annoyed. 

You put your hand up at the old man, closing your fingers together to mimic a mouth being shut. “One more aggressive comment to the thirteen year old and I will show you that Nancy isn’t the only one who can shoot a gun.”

“Uh, Y/N…” Jonathan nervously mumbles, unsure what Hopper’s reaction may be. 

However, the chief simply raises an eyebrow at you, stares you down for a few seconds, before finally seeming to decide that he’s impressed with your bold comment. “I’ll make sure to remember that.”

“I can do it.” El suddenly voices from the other end of the table.

“You’re not hearing me.” Hopper’s shoulders slump. You can tell by his now defeated stance that he has yet to win an argument against El, something that you’re incredibly proud of her for. 

“I’m hearing you. I can do it.”

“Even if El can, there’s still another problem.” Mike speaks up, looking around the table to ensure everyone is listening. “If the brain dies, the body dies.”

Max frowns. “I thought that was the whole point.”

“It is, but if we’re really right about this…”

“Will,” you breathe out quietly with dread, understanding where Mike is going with this.

Mike continues explaining. “I mean, if El closes the gate and kills the mind flayer’s army–”

“Will’s a part of that army.” Lucas finishes as he looks over at you, now knowing why you’ve just exhaled the boy’s name with grief. 

“Closing the gate will kill him.” 

Jonathan tenses at Mike’s words, and you place your hand against the back of his neck in a grounding manner. You can feel his rapid heartbeat against your hand, even from this position, and you play with his hair to try and soothe him. 

He’s terrified of what may happen to his little brother, once again struck with pure terror that he could lose him. You’re not sure how many more times Jonathan can grieve his brother without losing a piece of himself.

Steve, standing on your other side, sees the way your fingers intertwine in Jonathan’s hair. The same way they did earlier with his own hair as you hugged him.

He frowns, looking away. 

Everyone else falls silent as well, Mike’s words hang in the air. Your gaze shifts to Joyce, who has a deep frown on her face, and before you ask her what she’s thinking, she stands up from the table. “Follow me.”

No one says anything as you all follow the woman to Jonathan’s room, where Will lays motionless on top of the bed you’ve slept in for years. His body is stiff, the hospital gown swallows him, and the sight disturbs you. 

You walk over to the boy and kneel next to the bed. It’s in your nature to take care of Will, you do this without even thinking about it. Stroking his forehead, you place a kiss against it as you watch his mom in the doorway.

“He likes it cold.” Joyce mumbles, eying the open window in the room. 

“What?” Asks Hopper, standing behind the woman. 

Joyce looks over at her son now. “It’s what Will kept saying to me. He likes it cold.” Then, as her voice grows stronger, she walks over to the window and slams it shut. “We keep giving it what it wants.”

Nancy and Jonathan walk over to you now, the girl remains standing while Jonathan kneels down next to you. The two of you take turns caressing Will’s forehead as Nancy starts to speak. “If this thing is a virus, and Will’s the host, then…”

“Then we need to make the host uninhabitable.” 

You turn to Jonathan, not at all liking what he’s saying. “What does that even mean? He’s a kid, how do you make a child’s body uninhabitable?”

“He likes it cold.” Nancy says, as if that explains everything. 

“But–”

Joyce clenches her jaw and spits out, “We need to burn it out of him.”

Everything about what Joyce has said makes your stomach twist. You look down at Will’s body, at how small he still is despite a year of trying to get him to recover, and his pale skin is almost translucent in the bedroom’s lighting. 

You hate everything about what’s happening, but you hate the way Will looks lifeless even more. 

If making his body uninhabitable can save him, then you have to try; you’ll simply be there to pick up the pieces when it’s done, as you always are. 

The kids begin planning now.

“We have to do it somewhere he doesn’t know this time.” Mike says. 

“Yeah, somewhere far away.” Dustin adds on. 

“Last I checked, none of us have a hidden hut in the woods.” You say, at a loss for where else to possibly take Will. Then, Hopper clears his throat and shifts his weight. “Oh, no fucking way. You would have a hidden hut in the woods.”

“It’s a cabin.” Hopper corrects with annoyance, though there’s a slight glint in his eye as he looks at you. “Joyce and Jonathan will take Will there.”

“Well, go show them the cabin, then.”

Jonathan grabs your hand. “You’re not coming with?”

As if there’s a string tugging at the back of your head, you turn around and catch Steve’s eye. He’s standing in the doorway, eyes alert yet sad, and you know with everything within you that you can’t leave him behind. 

Not when he was shaking in your arms only twenty minutes prior. 

Steve doesn’t want to be alone, especially not when you’d be leaving him behind with Nancy after it’s become clear that she’s with Jonathan now. 

Now, as Jonathan’s open and expecting eyes stare into yours, you do something you’ve never done before. Something you’ve needed to do ever since you were twelve and grabbed the boy’s hand on the Wheeler’s porch that fateful night.

You let go of Jonathan. 

“I can’t,” you tell him, the words of denial feeling foreign on your tongue. You’ve never told him no before, never left him behind, but saying the words isn’t as difficult as you once feared. “I’ll stay with the kids, I’m better with them anyways.”

Jonathan watches you, his eyes trace over your face again and again as if drinking it in for the very last time. When he seems to find what he’s looking for, he takes a deep breath and nods. “Yeah, okay.”

His understanding of everything you don’t say almost makes you take it all back, but you don’t. Instead, you squeeze his hand and nod towards Nancy. “Why don’t you take Nance?”

Something shifts when you say this, you know Jonathan feels it as well. There’s an ease within the shift, almost akin to a soft exhale in December’s cold. It parts you with a gentle farewell, strokes your cheek as it departs, and you can faintly see its outline as it floats away. 

A thread, one that has tugged within your chest in a painful ache since last year, finally loosens. 

Nancy looks at you, her eyes wide. “Me?”

“Mhm,” you nod at the girl, a kind smile on your face. 

It’s a monumental shift, you’re willingly encouraging Nancy to be next to Jonathan’s side rather than you. It’s an exchange of powers, trusting her to take care of the boy you love so dearly. 

For once, it doesn’t feel like you’re tearing off a piece of yourself. Instead, you’re simply sharing the weight of it, of this trust, rather than losing it.

“I… I think I’ll stay here.” Nancy finally says, looking away in shame.

You don’t blame her, you know she carries a weight of guilt within her for things she couldn’t control. There’s a lot you want to say to her, a lot you have to say to her, but for now you simply nod at her, understanding. “Then I’m happy you’re here.”

And you mean it.

Steve, still quietly standing in the doorway, sees everything. He felt the shift, too.

– 

“You should go with him.” Steve picks up a spare heater, he and Nancy have been sent outside to retrieve whatever they could find from the Byers’ yard. 

The shift weighs heavily upon him. Your words ring in his ears. 

Nancy spares Steve a glance. “What?”

“With Jonathan.” He bends down to dig through some old Christmas lights, and seeing them reminds him of you. Everything reminds him of you. “Y/N’s right. You should go with him.”

“No, I–” Nancy scoffs, uncomfortable. “I’m not just gonna leave Mike.”

Steve thinks about you, about how you’re always the one who stays. “No one’s leaving anyone.” He walks over to Nancy and helps her with a radiator she’s struggling with. “I may be a shitty boyfriend, but… I realized I’m actually a pretty damn good friend and babysitter.”

Though he never says your name, Nancy can feel it hang over the two of them. The unspoken confession that it’s because of you that Steve now accepts what has happened between them. It strikes her then, how different he is now. How differently you and the girl came to know Steve.

Nancy stares at him, her eyes are filled with more remorse than he’s ever seen from the girl. It hurts, seeing her so upset, and he wishes that things could’ve been different. He recognizes now that they didn’t stand a chance, though he’s happy they tried anyways. It was always going to end like this between them.

Steve doesn’t hold any anger towards her, he doesn’t hate her, because he still loves her. 

How could you possibly fault the person you love for finding their own love?

“Steve…” His name comes through as an apology.

“It’s okay, Nance.” Steve means it, he gives her the same blessing that you did. She’s allowed to be happy, you both want her to be happy, and you have each other to lean on now. “Y/N and I will be okay.”

He leaves Nancy standing there.

– 

You’re waiting to say goodbye to El, standing patiently behind Mike as the two of them make promises about coming back. It’s sweet, watching them, until they slowly start to lean in for what you fear is a kiss, so you intervene. 

“Hate to ruin the moment, but I’d like to say goodbye to El, too.”

Mike glares at you. “Couldn’t wait five seconds?”

“A five second kiss is shameful, Wheeler.”

El giggles softly and pulls you into a hug. “I will be careful.”

You kiss her cheek. “Come back this time, okay?”

“I will.” 

Hopper calls the girl over to get in the car so they can leave, and you quickly run over to Jonathan’s car before he can get in. 

When he sees you approaching, he extends his arms out and pulls you in as he always does. No words are needed, he simply holds you so that you’re chest to chest and he can feel every breath you take. “I’ll come home to you.”

You bury your face in his neck, inhale the scent you’ve come to associate with your childhood and warm, sunny days. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” 

The words ease between the two of you, finally warm after months of being cold. 

Nancy then appears, and when you notice her you break away from Jonathan. “I see you’re joining?”

“I am.” She nods. “Seems I have you to thank.”

You smile and grab her hand. Your grip is firm, but sincere. “Don’t make me regret it, okay?”

Your words are teasing, but Nancy senses the undertones of a warning. Jonathan is your best friend, she has always known this, and she knows how much weight has gone into your trust for her. Nancy understands that you’re giving her something precious to you, and she will forever be indebted for it. 

“I won’t.” She promises. “And good luck with Steve and the kids.”

“Oh, I’ll need it.” You laugh, and any remaining tension that has hung over you and Nancy finally disappears. 

Once Jonathan and Nancy get into the car, you stand on the porch with Steve and everyone else as you watch the cars drive away. 

– 

 You poke around the Byers’ kitchen for some food; your stomach has been rumbling for hours and you’re sure the kids are hungry, too. However, like usual, you come up with nothing. As you dig through a cabinet, Dustin walks into the kitchen and starts clearing out the fridge. 

“What are you doing?” You ask, knowing that this can’t be for anything good. 

Dustin doesn’t answer, continuing to carelessly throw racks of food onto the floor.

“Hey, stop!” As you walk over, Steve suddenly comes rushing in, holding a very dead, and very disgusting, Demodog. 

“Is this really necessary?”

“Absolutely not.” 

Dustin groans at you. “C’mon, Y/N! This is absolutely necessary, it’s a groundbreaking scientific discovery.”

“It is a dead creature, from an alternate universe–” 

“We can’t just bury it like some common mammal, okay? It’s not a dog–”

“Oh, so now it’s not a dog after you’ve stated a million times that it’s a Demodog–”

Steve steps in between you and Dustin. “Alright, alright, enough!” He begins to shove the Demodog into the fridge before you can stop him. “But Dustin, you’re explaining this to Mrs. Byers, alright?”

“You both are idiots,” you mumble, watching as Steve and Dustin pathetically try to make the giant Demodog fit into the fridge. “I’m leaving.”

You’re seriously starting to regret their friendship. 

However, you know when to pick your battles, and as you watch the two boys try to maneuver the body into the fridge, you know that this is not a cause worth fighting for. 

Instead, you exit the kitchen and instruct the rest of the kids to start cleaning the house. It’s a mess, glass shattered everywhere from the dead Demodog and papers thrown haphazardly around during the morse decoding. 

The mess will only add more unneeded stress to Joyce’s life, so as Lucas and Max groan at you for making them do work, you stand your ground and shove a broom into their hands. 

“You suck, you know.” Lucas grumbles, but Max hits his shoulder and holds the dust pan as he sweeps.

As they get to work on the shattered glass, you figure it’s best that you call your mom before you forget again. You know she’s probably worried sick about you and Dustin for disappearing so suddenly without a word. 

However, when you walk over to the wall where the phone normally is, it’s gone. 

“Hey, uh. Where did the phone go?” You ask Dustin, who has finally left the kitchen. “I need to call mom.”

“Oh, Nancy threw it when it rang. She went kinda berserk.”

You look towards where Dustin is pointing and see the phone, in fact disconnected, on the ground across the room. The sight makes you snort. “Guess she really likes throwing phones, huh?”

Your brother doesn’t understand the joke. “What?”

“Nevermind,” you shake your head. There’s no use explaining to the boy about a quick, five second moment from last year. Nancy had done the exact same thing when Steve had tried to call the cops when the Demogorgon originally attacked you. 

Dustin mumbles something about your blood loss making you delusional, but you ignore him and begin sweeping the hallway. You order him to help, and soon the two of you are cleaning the Byers’ home. 

You’ve just finished sweeping when you notice Mike pacing around the room. He’s anxious, that much is obvious, and whenever he begins to pace: trouble soon follows. He’s brewing up a plan, you can feel it. 

After the fifth time the boy has paced the room, Lucas has finally had enough. “Mike, would you just stop already?”

“You weren’t in there, okay Lucas?” Mike stops pacing. “That lab is swarming with hundreds of those dogs.”

“Demodogs–oomph!” Dustin corrects, only to be cut off by your hand clamping over his mouth. 

“Say it again, I dare you.” You warn him before turning towards Mike. “Look, I know it’s nerve wracking, but all we can do right now is trust El’s abilities and wait.”

Lucas nods. “Yeah, the chief will also take care of her.”

“Like she needs protection.” Max quips from the floor, dustpan still in hand.

You feel a hand place itself on the small of your back. The weight of the palm is starting to become familiar to you, the length of the fingers and the way they splay across the span of your back are slowly becoming recognizable. 

Without turning, you know that Steve has joined you. 

“Listen, dude,” he says in a placating voice to Mike. “A coach calls a play in a game, bottom line, you execute it. Alright?”

You wince. While you’re impressed that Steve is trying to intervene and reason with Mike, you know immediately that his approach will fail. Trying to reason with the kid using a sport analogy is like trying to explain magic to a mathematician. 

“Okay, first of all, this isn’t some stupid sports game.” Mike rolls his eyes, which you expected. “And second, we’re not even in the game. We’re on the bench.”

“RIght! So–so my point… My point is…” Steve stumbles over his words and Mike’s unwavering insistence. When he can’t think of a better response, he lets out a defeated sigh. “Yeah, we’re on the bench, so–uh, there’s nothing we can do.”

You pity Steve, honestly. It takes years of careful analyzing and strategic planning in order to prepare yourself for an argument against Mike Wheeler. 

Patting his shoulder, step in to help. “What I’m sure Steve means is that while we may be benched, that doesn’t mean we can’t keep the homefront secure.”

“That’s not how sports work, Y/N.” Steve whispers obscenely loud, but quickly shuts up when you glare at him.

“Stupid sports analogy aside, there’s nothing we can do besides keep watch here and wait for everyone to return.” Even though you know you’re saying the right thing, that it’s best you follow Hopper’s order of staying put, even you don’t believe the words you’re saying. “We may not be able to help right now, but later, I promise we will be the best damn homefront ever.”

Dustin clears his throat. “That’s not entirely true.”

You turn to him and a sigh escapes you when you see the plan already forming behind his eyes. “I can’t argue with you, can I?”

“Nope.”

“Great, go on then. Share with the class what you’re thinking.”

“I mean, these Demodogs, they have a hive mind.” Dustin begins. “When they ran away from the bus, they were called away.”

Lucas thinks about this. “So if we get their attention…”  

“Maybe we can draw them away from the lab.” Max concludes, and you take a second to marvel at how seamlessly she’s integrated herself into the party.

However, you then remember what Lucas said. “Wait, what do you mean by ‘get their attention’? Why do those words scare me so much?”

Mike talks over you. “We can clear a path to the gate.”

You have a multitude of questions and Steve seems to be thinking exactly what you are when he loudly exclaims, “Yeah, and then we all die!”

“That’s one point of view.”

“Dustin, that’s quite literally the only way to look at it.” You flick his hat and he swats your hand away.

Steve points at you, nodding in agreement. “That’s a fact.”

“Thanks, Steve–” Mike’s body slams into yours as he runs past you. “Christ, Wheeler!”

“I got it!” The boy shrieks, running out of the room as he wordlessly instructs everyone to follow. He kneels in front of the fridge and points wildly at one of the pictures Will has drawn. “This is where the chief dug his hole, this is our way into the tunnel.”

“Into? What do you mean into?”

Mike shoves past you again and runs into the living room. “Here, right here.” He stands in the middle, where all the pictures have interlocked together to form a center. “This is like a hub. So, you got all the tunnels feeding in here. Maybe if we set this on fire…”

“Fire?” You shriek as Steve quickly follows with, “Oh, yeah that’s a no!”

Dustin, however, is on board with what Mike is planning. “The mind flayer would call away his army.”

“They’d all come to stop us!” Lucas waves his arms madly at you, as if saying this will get you to agree to the plan that’s forming.

You throw your hands up in surrender. “Look, I recognize that we could maybe do something–”

“Hey!” Steve looks astonished that you’re even considering this. 

“I mean, if we can help then I don’t see why we can’t just–”

Mike shakes your arm now, deciding that your hesitation is an agreement. “We then can circle back to the exit! By the time they realize we’re gone–”

“El would be at the gate!” Max now also is looking at you. “C’mon, Y/N. You have to admit that it’s a solid plan.”

You bite your lip. It is. That’s the problem with the Wheelers. They come up with these insanely dangerous and insane plans, yet they’re also always brilliant. You know it’s risky, Hopper could barely even explain the tunnels to you without shaking in fear, but… Who’s to say that the Demodogs won’t simply go after Will and Jonathan at the cabin? Or kill Hopper and El before they even reach the lab.

It’s obvious you can’t just sit here and wait. 

El has to close the gate, that much is certain, and because of this: you have to help her. You have to help everyone, keep them safe. 

“It’s a solid plan,” you finally breathe out, and all the kids start to cheer.

“I knew you were my favorite sister!”

“Dustin, I’m your only sister–”

“Hey! Hey–” Steve pushes himself in between you and the kids, clapping his hands to break up any further conversations. “Hey! This is not happening.”

Mike tries to argue, “But–”

“No, no, no!” Steve places his hands on his hips like a disgruntled father. “No buts. I promised I’d keep you shitheads safe, and that’s exactly what I plan on doing.”

You don’t like the way Steve is speaking to the kids, commanding them as if he’s their parent. “Hey, no. We aren’t doing that.”

“Doing what?” He looks at you, eyes wide as he quickly gathers that he’s upset you. The fight in his voice is gone, replaced with quiet guilt.

“We don’t ever command the kids, not like that, anyways.” You step away from them and pull Steve aside with you to give the two of you some privacy. “Look, I know you promised Nance you’d take care of them, but I also promised Jonathan. We have to help, Steve.”

His face twists with confliction, and the two of you are caught between what Nancy wants and what Jonathan wants. They both want the kids to be safe, but they have different viewpoints of how they expect you and Steve to do so.

Nancy wants to keep her brother out of it, Jonathan wants to save his brother’s life. 

“Y/N…” Steve breathes out, begging you to change your mind. 

The confliction on his face hurts to look at, you hate that you’ve made him feel this way, but you can only shake your head at him. “I’m sorry, but we’re doing this.”

“Yes!” Mike rushes over to you and surprises you with a hug. “This is why I keep you around!”

“Okay, no.” You push the kid away and hold him by the shoulders to ensure he listens to you. “That doesn’t mean I think we should all go down into the tunnels. I’ll go, and Steve will stay here with you guys–”

“What? No! You’re not going down there by yourself, Y/N.” Steve doesn���t understand how you would expect him to ever let you do that. “We’re all on the bench, okay? We’re waiting for the starting team to do their job.”

“This isn’t a stupid sports game.” Mike groans in annoyance before focusing his attention back to you. “And no one in the party gets left behind. If you go, we all go.”

The sincerity in Mike’s voice warms you. He’s defending you, protecting you how you’ve always protected him, and you’ve never been more impressed with his bravery; it’s because of this, his bravery and admiration for you, that you know you have to go into the tunnels alone. 

It would kill you if Mike got hurt, if any of the kids got hurt. 

Steve sees the way your eyes shine at Mike’s words and his stomach twists. He knows he can’t change your mind about going alone, he knows you’d never, ever let anyone get hurt. That you’d lay down your life for these kids and those you love. 

The bloodied cloth wrapped around your rib cage reminds Steve that he’s a part of it all now. You have laid down your life for him.

And he’s never, ever going to let you get hurt because of him again. 

Steve steps forward and gently grabs your arm, he needs you to understand how much your selflessness terrifies him in this moment. “Y/N–”

The revving of an engine cuts him off. 

It’s a familiar sound. You’ve heard this car before. The sound of it has seared itself into your memories. The hair on your arms stands up, and within seconds Max is at the window, looking out in fear. 

“It’s my brother.” Max’s voice is terrified. Not even in the junkyard, when Demodogs had been raining down on you and the kids, had you heard such terror in the girl’s voice. “He can’t know I’m here.”

You’re at her side in a heartbeat, tugging her away from the window. You’ve seen the way Billy acts around Max, you remember the harshness he displayed in the parking lot. The same harshness that left bruises on your waist when he had you pinned against the wall on Halloween. “I won’t let him touch you.”

Your words have a bite to them. Max hears the oath within them, she has never believed anyone when they’ve told her this. “He’ll kill me. He’ll kill us.”

“He won’t.” You promise her, trying to control the pure rage you feel because of her brother. He can do whatever the fuck he wants with you, but he’s hurt Max for the last time. 

Steve watches your exchange with Max and feels his hands clench into fists. Anger fizzes through his body. As you console the girl, your eyes meet his and he nods. With one simple head movement, the two of you have silently agreed to do whatever it takes to ensure that Billy never hurts Max ever again. 

–

“Am I dreaming or is that you, Harrington?”

You’re standing behind Steve. 

Billy hasn’t seen you yet. 

“Yeah, it’s me. Don’t cream your pants.” Steve’s hand tightens around your arm as he guides you further behind him. He doesn’t like that you’re here with him. He hates the way Billy’s eyes roam over your body without any shame. 

But you insisted on coming outside, and Steve has never been able to tell you no. 

You step out from behind Steve and force your hands to rest by your side in nonchalance. “God, I was hoping you’d be allergic to milk.”

Billy raises his eyebrows when he sees you; you’ve surprised him. “Why, it’s always a pleasure seeing you, sweetheart.”

Steve’s clenched fists only tighten when he hears Billy’s nickname for you. He hates the implications behind it, the way he says it with such sickly sweetness that leaves Steve’s stomach feeling raw. 

He can’t imagine how you feel whenever you hear it, and it only makes Steve hate Billy more. 

“It’s never a pleasure for me.” You cross your arms as Billy now stands in front of you and Steve.

The teen laughs darkly and eyes Steve up and down. “What are you doing here, amigo?”

“I could ask you the same thing… Amigo.” His voice carries an air of indifference, but you know that tomorrow there will be indentations in Steve’s palms from his fingernails. 

“Looking for my stepsister.” Billy lights a cigarette and smirks at you. “A little birdie told me she was here.”

“Huh, that’s weird. I don’t know her.”

Billy smirks at Steve’s words and motions over to you. “Yeah, but this little lady does.”

“Max isn’t here.” You say, forcing your anger down to play along with Steve’s indifference. “Have you checked the quarry? A lot of kids like to hang out there.”

Smoke surrounds you as Billy responds, “Don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, Henderson.”

With every dodged question, you’re only angering the teen more. If you and Steve keep this up, you’ll only make everything harder to manage. You try to think of something to distract Billy, but all you know about him is that he’s a sleazy pig with a cigarette addiction. 

Then, it hits you. 

His weird fascination with you. 

If you use it against him, maybe you can get him away from the Byers’ house long enough for Steve and the kids to leave. 

You step closer to Billy, ignoring every part of you that screams in rejection. You’re covered in blood and your hair is probably a mess, but you bat your eyelashes anyways and quirk your head up at Billy with an innocent smile. “I could show you, if you want.”

Just as you hoped, your sudden interest in him catches Billy’s attention. He presses his chest against yours and looks down at you, a pleased smile on his face. “And what would you be showing me, sweetheart?”

“The quarry, silly.” You giggle, trying not to gag at the reek of cigarette smoke. “It’s secluded… No one really goes down there. It’s, well–this is embarrassing.”

You duck your head down and act as if you’re blushing. Billy takes the bait and uses his fingers to lift your head up to look at him again. “Go on, tell me.”

You make a show of biting your lip. “Well, it’s where every teen in Hawkins goes to… Be alone.”

Billy’s eyes darken again, even more interested in what you have to say. He leans down, his lips inches from yours, and you know you have him right where you want him. 

Please, you think. I just want to protect the kids.

His breath fans across your face and he’s about to agree, to have you lead him away and forget all about his bitch of a sister, when Steve roughly pushes him away from you. 

“Max isn’t here, man.” He spits out, his once controlled anger now spilling over the edge. 

You want to scream at him, you almost had Billy. He was seconds away from agreeing, and the stupid idiot pushes him away from you? 

Billy looks between you and Steve and lets out a low chuckle. “Sorry, Harrington. Forgot that she’s yours.”

Steve moves as if to hit him but you quickly grab at his jacket, stopping him. Billy sees this and laughs again. 

“You know, I don’t know… This whole situation, Harrington.” He shrugs, exhales more smoke. “I don’t know. It’s giving me the heebie-jeebies.”

“Oh yeah, why’s that?” 

You’re silent, hand still clutching Steve’s jacket. 

Billy exhales more smoke. “My thirteen year old sister goes missing all day, and then I find her with you in a stranger’s house, alongside Y/N Henderson, the town’s darling, all bloodied and bruised. And you lie to me about it.”

From an outsider’s perspective, you hate how much Billy makes sense. 

To anyone else, this would look incredibly incriminating against Steve.

Yet, Steve still tries to deny it all. “Man, were you dropped too much as a child, or what?”

“I’m assuming he was.” You voice, looking nervously at Billy as he seems to grow more and more volatile. 

“I don’t know what you don’t understand about what Y/N and I have told you. Max isn’t here.”

Billy leans in close to Steve and points with his cigarette towards the house. “Then who is that?”

You and Steve turn, and your heart drops when you see Max and the boys all quickly duck their heads out of the window.

“Shit,” you breathe out, knowing it’s over.

You really hate those kids sometimes.

“Listen,” Steve tries to make up some excuse, but Billy roughly shoves him to the ground.

“I told you to plant your feet.” Bully sneers as he looms over him. You try to help Steve up, but you’re pushed aside as Billy then stomps on Steve’s ankle with a sickening crunch that makes your own wounded ankle sting.

As he storms towards the house, you quickly help Steve up, He pushes you away. “I’ll be fine, go help the kids!”

“But–”

You can’t just leave Steve while he’s hurt, but every time you try to help him up, he bats your hand away.

“Go!”

From inside the house, you hear the kids start to scream, and you reluctantly leave Steve behind and run inside. When you enter, Billy already has Lucas pinned against the wall as all the kids scream at him to let the boy go. Lucas is hitting at the teen’s chest desperately, but nothing is working. 

“Stay away from her.” Billy spits in the boy’s face, who is paralyzed with fear.

“Lucas!” You all but throw yourself onto Billy’s back as you begin hitting and pulling his hair. Anything you can think of, you try, but it’s no use. With Billy’s size and build, you’re nothing but a fucking bug to him. 

“I said get off of me!” Lucas kneels Billy in the groin, sending you and the teen flying back, but at least he’s let go of Lucas. 

You let go of Billy and place yourself between him and the boy, your breath comes out ragged. You don’t know what you’re supposed to be doing. All your mind can think of right now is protecting the kids, but in the midst of screaming and exhaustion and blood loss, you can’t think of anything. 

Billy tries to get to Lucas again, his teeth bared with fury. “You’re so dead, Sinclair. So dead!” 

In your exhaustion and fear, you call out for the only person you can think of. “Steve!”

He’s at your side in a heartbeat, quickly looking at you to make sure you’re okay, before he flings Billy away from you and Lucas. “No, you are!”

Steve’s punch lands perfectly, with a precision far from his pathetic punches thrown last year against Jonathan. It’s incredibly hot.

Billy begins to laugh in a manic manner that frightens you, but all of his attention is now on Steve, so you use this opportunity to drag Lucas over to the rest of the kids and make sure everyone is okay. 

You trust that Steve has everything else handled, but you make sure to keep an eye on him anyways while you take care of the kids. 

“Are you okay?” You check Lucas over for any injuries, who numbly nods as he’s still in shock, while Billy screams something about always wanting to meet King Steve. 

“Get out.” Despite Steve’s leveled voice, his tone is vicious. 

Billy swings again, but Steve manages to duck just in time before he lands yet another punch to the boy’s face. 

“Yes!” Dustin shouts with glee, but you remember the fight from last year. How Steve had lost miserably against Jonathan. A boy half of Billy’s size. 

While you’re impressed with Steve’s fighting improvement, you’re not sure how longer he’ll be able to keep this up. When more punches land on Billy and all he does is laugh menacingly, you know you don’t have a lot of time left.

You’re fucking terrified. 

The kids are still cheering Steve on when you turn to them, panicked. “You guys need to leave. Now.”

“What? But Steve’s winning!” Dustin says as Steve’s fist connects with Billy’s jaw. 

The sound makes you feel sick. 

You’re pleading now, terror clawing at your throat as you do so; your words slur together. “Leave, sneak out, and–and go through the front door and hide. Get help, okay? Just, go and find someone while Steve and I handle this–”

The sound of glass breaking against Steve’s head alerts you that your time is up. 

Billy hadn't been fighting back before. But now? He’s angrier than you’ve ever seen him. 

As Steve stumbles back in pain, you try pleading with the kids again. You don’t want them to see any more of this, of what might be about to happen. This isn’t just some fight between two teen boys. You know Billy better than that. 

He’s out for fucking blood. 

“Dustin, take everyone outside now!”

“We can’t just leave you!” Mike shouts and the others all nod. 

You want to cry. “We don’t have time for this, just–”

“Shit!” Dustin knocks against you as he dodges a punch meant for Steve. 

Steve crashes into the Byers’ bookshelf and you’re practically shoving the kids out of the door so that you can go and help, but they refuse to leave you and Steve behind. 

Billy has Steve by his jacket. “No one tells me what to do.”

With a sickening thud, he bashes his head into Steve’s and sends him flying to the ground. 

“Steve!” There’s blood pooling from his head and you’re gripped by fear so intense that you’re afraid you’ll pass out any second. 

Billy is relentless, now standing over Steve as he lands punch after punch. Every time his fists slam against Steve’s face, you feel them land against yours as well. Billy’s screaming like a fucking maniac and none of the kids are listening to you and Steve is getting bloodier by the second.

You’re torn. 

Dustin and the kids are staring at you, eyes wide with fear, and the front door is open; you could take the kids and run, but Steve is lying motionless on the ground.

It’s either him or the kids.

And yet it’s the easiest decision you’ve made all night.

“Get off of him!” You throw yourself onto Billy’s back for the second time tonight. 

You yank at his hair and try to scratch his face, but within seconds Billy throws you over his shoulder. “You demented bitch.”

Your head catches on the edge of a coffee table and you land with a thud on the ground. Almost immediately you feel blood drip from your eyebrow and you groan. Fuck. Definitely another concussion, but when you look over at Steve, he looks worse than you feel, and you force yourself to get up. 

Billy watches as you pathetically try to stand, and he laughs with cruelty. “What, want some more, sweetheart?”

More blood drips down your face and you feel the scratches on your rib cage re-open. Every bone in your body aches, but you pull out your switchblade and extend its knives. Your fingers skim over the engraving on its handle, reminding you to use the weapon with love. 

“This is your last chance.” You clutch at your side, hoping you look more intimidating than you feel. “Leave my family alone.”

Billy sees your knives and laughs at you. “Am I expected to believe that you’d actually hurt me?”

Your grip tightens around your switchblade. No one ever believes that you could be so cruel, so vicious. Billy is looking at you as if you’re some pathetic little girl, as if you haven’t killed Demodogs and Demogorgons. He’s looking at you as if you aren’t the sole reason everyone you know and love is alive.

You were once told to use the switchblade with love, that there was never any room for love when it came to violence. 

Now, as the kids are screaming at you to run and the pool of blood around Steve continues to grow, the onslaught of love that is always within you overtakes the fear. 

“I warned you.” With one quick movement, you swat at Billy and cut deeply into his shoulder.

He lets out an enraged scream and instinctively his fist goes flying. Pain erupts in your left eye and you know that you’ll have the worst time ever trying to explain to your mom later how you got a black eye. 

“Fuck!” You groan, dodging every other punch that Billy throws your way as he starts to approach you. With one eye quickly swelling up and the other blinded by blood, you do your best to stumble away from Billy, but it’s no use. 

Your foot catches on the carpet and almost as quickly as you fall, Billy is right there to wrap his hands around your throat and squeeze. You inhale sharply and panic overtakes you as you claw at his hands, drawing blood from him as well, but his fingers only tighten. 

“Y/N!” Dustin’s vocal chords strain from how loud he screams your name.

Billy seems to get a kick out of hearing your brother plead for your life, and he squeezes even tighter as you flail. “Not so tough now, are you?”

You struggle to free yourself, to do anything, but you can’t. 

For the first time since Will went missing, you truly believe that you’re about to die.

Steve is practically dead on the ground below you, he’s bleeding so much from his head that you’re terrified he’ll never wake up, and the kids are defenseless as they scream with tears in their eyes. 

Your baby brother is about to watch you die. 

Spots begin to form in your vision and it’s getting harder and harder to move your limbs. To make them do as you command. 

You know it’s your brain shutting down from the lack of oxygen. 

I hope Jonathan doesn’t blame himself.

Your world fades to black. 

Billy screams.

And you feel your body drop to the ground.

– 

The first time you wake up, it’s to Dustin huffing as he tugs at your arm. “God, you’re heavier than you look.”

You promptly pass back out. 

The second time, it’s dark outside and you register that you’re cold, but your eyes sting and you’re out again.

You wake up a few more times, always in a daze, and never more for a few seconds at a time, before the feeling that you’re moving wakes you up for good. 

It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the dark, your left eye barely even opens, and the pounding in your head is blinding in itself. Blinking a few times, you look down and finally notice that Steve is sprawled on your lap. You’re in the backseat of someone’s car. 

Your head is resting against someone’s shoulder. When you try to lift it to see who it is, you feel someone gently guide your head back down. “Shh, it’s okay. Don’t move too fast, alright? Don’t want you yacking on us.”

“Dustin?” You immediately regret trying to speak. Your voice comes out hoarse and raw and the pain is so intense that it only makes your head pound more.

“Right here, sis. Try not to speak, you sound like a frog.”

You try to sit up again, forgetting that Steve is sprawled on top of you, and your movements cause him to wake up. When his eyes manage to blink open, he tilts his head at you and mumbles, “Nancy?”

“Wha–” Again your voice cracks and you feel so delirious. Are you Nancy?

Steve attempts to wipe away the blood on his face but Dustin stops him with a gentle chiding. “No, don’t touch it.”

Steve brings a shaky hand up to your face and carefully rests it against your cheek. “You’re… You’re bleeding.”

Dustin puts the hand down. “Hey, buddy. Y/N is bleeding, good job. You’re bleeding, too. It’s okay though, you put up a good fight. I mean, he kicked your ass but you put up a good fight.”

Your brother’s words ring in your ears. He’s saying so much and you’re trying to swallow down the vomit that threatens to spill out. 

“Okay, you’re gonna keep straight for half a mile, then make a left on Mount Sinai.” A voice rings out, one different from Dustin’s. 

Was that Lucas?

“What’s going on?” Steve slurs, trying to process everything happening. He blearily looks back up at you. “Who’s driving?”

“Not me,” you manage to croak out.

A beat of silence passes. 

Then, at the same time, you and Steve realize: Max is the one driving. 

You’re more awake now and you try to say more, but your throat has swollen shut from speaking and it feels like it’s on fire. 

Thankfully, Steve is here to say everything you can’t. “Oh my god!”

“Just relax, she’s driven before.” Dustin reassures, slapping your hand away when you try to reach over to the driver’s side. 

“Yeah, in a parking lot.” Mike says, and you notice he’s also here now. 

“That counts.”

You want to scream at Max to pull over and demand the keys from her, but your bruised throat prevents you while your bleeding rib cage traps you in. While you can’t say anything, all Steve can say is, “Oh my god.”

“They were gonna leave you guys behind–”

“Oh my god.”

“But I promised that you’d be cool, okay?” Again Dustin slaps your hand away and all but shoves his leg over you so that you remain seated. 

Max then presses down on the gas pedal and the car increases its speed, which only makes the entire situation worse. 

Steve, rightfully, freaks out. “Whoa, whoa, whoa! What’s going on? Stop the car, slow down!”

You twist in your seat and blindly grab at Steve’s hand, both thanking him for voicing all that you can’t and also to try and prevent the poor boy from passing out again. 

“I told you he’d freak out! At least Y/N shut up!” Mike shouts over at Dustin. 

While you’re flattered that you’re officially cooler than Steve in Mike’s eyes, if you had a functioning throat right now, you’d be letting out some very choice words. 

“Stop the car!” Steve screams again, but the little rainbow bandaids on his cheek take away from his commanding nature. 

You hope that Dustin at least chose some pretty bandaids for your face. 

“Everybody shut up! I’m trying to focus!” Again, Max doesn’t at all help the situation at hand. 

“Wait, that’s Mount Sinai. Make a left!” Lucas points to where Max needs to go and you wonder why they trusted the girl, who just moved to Hawkins a week ago, to know where to go. 

“What?”

“Make a left!” Lucas screams, and Max quickly yanks the car to the left.

You, Steve, and the kids all scream as she hits what you hope is a mailbox. As the car jerks, you topple onto Steve and let out a painful, weird mix of a croak and shriek as the car continues to turn. Dustin tries to steady himself against you as he screams and Steve fully grabs your waist and uses you to shield himself from danger.

What a hero. 

Then, you almost go flying out of the windshield as Max suddenly stops the car. 

“Hello!” Steve exclaims, gripping you tightly still. 

Dustin giggles. “Whoa!”

“Incredible,” Mike breathes out. 

Meanwhile, you think your heart fell out of your ass about five blocks ago. 

“I told you. Zoomer.” Max smirks with pride. 

“She terrifies me,” you whisper, and Steve nods in agreement. 

The kids begin getting out of the car and seem to have some unspoken plan being set into motion. Dustin pats your shoulder before leaving you behind with Steve as the others go towards the trunk. 

Not knowing what the fuck is happening, you kick Steve so that he falls off of you and onto the grass so that you can follow after your brother. When you get out the car, you march over towards where all the kids are standing and silently demand an explanation. 

Mike notices you first. “What? Cat got your tongue?”

You refrain from shoving his face in the mud and point towards the goggles he’s holding. He sighs and hands it to you while Dustin ties a bandana around your neck and Max grabs a gallon of gasoline. 

Seems like they’re sticking to the plan from earlier, then.

When Steve realizes this, as he is gripping onto the car for dear life, he whines. “Oh, no. Guys.”

Everyone ignores him and he continues to try to stop what’s happening. You hobble over to him, a new wave of nausea and pain washing over you, and lean against him helplessly. There’s no use trying to explain to him that the party won’t listen. For now, you simply relish in his presence and enjoy how he feels against you. 

“We are not going down there right now!” Steve, though gentle to not jostle you around too much, waves his hands in the air as he screams at Max. “I made myself clear. There is no chance we’re going to that hole, alright?”

Similar to last year, Steve begins to spiral in his fear. He wraps his arms around you and places you against the car before he runs over to Dustin and throws that backpack that’s in the kid’s hands. “This is not happening!”

You slowly walk over and grab the thrown backpack, hoping that Dustin can reason with the teen. 

“Steve, you’re upset. I get it, but the bottom line is that a party member requires assistance and it is our duty to provide that assistance.” When you join Dustin’s side, he helps you put the goggles on and brings your bandana up over your mouth. “Now, I know you promised Nance that you would keep us safe. So keep us safe.”

He hands Steve the backpack you retrieved. 

Steve looks between you and your brother. You both look absolutely ridiculous in your get up, and he knows he has no other choice but to agree. His eyes meet yours and he silently asks if you’re sure about this, he will always look to you for the answers. 

You nod, hoping that the small head shift is conveying what you physically cannot say.

I’m here, the kids need us, and I need you with me.

Steve hears it, sighs, and grabs the backpack from your hands. 

“Well, let’s get going.” He motions for you and Dustin to lead the way. 

– 

“I got you,” Steve’s voice is soft as his hands graze your waist. He’s standing below you, already having jumped into the tunnels so that he can help you climb down the rope safely. You’re not sure if it’s his touch, or the way his voice drips with promises to protect you, or the simple fact that you’re bleeding and bruised that makes your body weak. 

“Drop me and die.” Your knuckles are white as they clutch the rope, your body shaking with exhaustion as you try to ease your way down without further injuring your ribs. 

Steve laughs and tightens his grip on your waist, steadying you as you finally inch the rest of the way down and land with a gentle thud onto the ground. “Like I’d ever dream of letting you go.”

This time, you know it’s his words that cause you to shiver, not the exhaustion and pain. 

“Ahem.”

Turning around, you see Dustin glaring at you and Steve while Lucas is stifling laughs. You roll your eyes at them and step away so that you aren’t standing so close to Steve, and he seems to think the same and distances himself as well. 

“Holy shit,” Steve breathes out, now finally examining the tunnels. 

It takes your breath away as well. The tunnels are terrifying, but oddly kind of cool. There’s a dim light within them, almost ghostly, and yet it’s beautiful in a way that you can’t quite describe. Small particles float through the air, and you reach your hand out to feel them against your skin. It tickles, akin to snowflakes, and the reminder makes you yearn for winter again. 

Mike’s flashlight distracts you as he shines it towards a random section of the tunnel. “Yeah. I’m pretty sure it’s this way.”

“You’re pretty sure, or you’re certain?” Dustin asks, doubtful. 

“I’m 100% sure, just follow me and you’ll know.”

As soon as Mike’s declaration of leading leaves his lips, you and Steve share and look and immediately stumble towards the boy. 

Like hell you’re letting him lead. He’s a child, and he’s also incredibly horrible at navigating. Last time you let him guide the way, you ended up finding El in the middle of the woods. 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Steve flashes his light at Mike. “I don’t think so.”

“What?”

“Any of you little shits die down here, I’m getting the blame. Got it, dipshit?” Steve takes the map from Mike’s hands and then looks over at you. “I guide, you take the rear?”

You nod. “Good luck.”

Steve smiles, his sarcastic bravado now gone, before he suddenly clears his throat once more and shouts. “From here on out, I’m leading the way while Y/N makes sure none of you idiots get lost. Come on.”

The kids groan and roll their eyes at him, but they fall into line and do as they’re told. 

Dustin walks in front of you and offers you his hand. He knows the uneven terrain will only increase the chances of your ankle acting up. “How’s the ankle?”

“Hurts,” you rasp, accepting his hand as you hobble along. He hums and helps you navigate, the goggles covering his nose makes him sound nasally. “Did I put up a good fight at least?”

Your throat strains to get all the words out, but Dustin seems to understand what you’ve said and laughs. “Yeah, you did a much better job than Steve–What the hell?”

Dustin stops walking and suddenly looks up. Unsure what he’s seen, you look up as well and gasp. Above you rests a giant flower-bud looking thing, except it’s pulsing in a very concerning and gross way and is the size of a car. When it starts to expand even larger, you realize before your brother does what it’s about to do; you tug at his hand and try to run away, but Dustin doesn’t move.

Then, in one grand blow, the bud explodes and releases what you can only imagine are pollen spores, and they spray all over Dustin. “Shit!” He falls to the ground, screaming and rolling around as if he’s just been shot, and all you can do is stand there and silently wait for him to calm down enough for you to talk to him. “Help! Y/N, help!”

You motion to your throat, but Dustin gags and scrambles to stand up before promptly falling back down again in his haste. 

Steve and the others have now joined and everyone is crowding over your brother with worry. “Dustin? What happened?”

“Pollen.” You croak, and Steve looks even more confused now. 

“It’s in my mouth!” Dustin spits onto the ground and coughs, wheezing every few breaths. “Some of it got on my mouth. Shit!”

Mike points his flashlight at you. “Any more useful insight from Kermit the frog?”

You glare at him, although the nickname is funny and you hate that it’s clever. You clear your throat, cringe at the sting it sends down your body, and respond, “Rose-bud thing. Exploded. He’s fine.”

Everyone tilts their head at you, not at all understanding what you’re trying to say, and you groan. It’s incredibly frustrating that Billy left you unable to say a goddamn thing without immeasurable pain. You honestly would’ve preferred that he stab you or something, because your intelligence and wit are so crucial to who you are as a person. 

Plus the whole Kermit the frog thing kind of sucks, regardless of how funny it will be later. 

“I’m fine.” Dustin gasps out. “As Y/N said, a rose-bud thing sprayed me.”

“You guys serious?” Max shakes her head, at a loss for why she’s even here. 

“Very funny, man.” Steve looks at you and teases, “And Y/N, I expected more from you.”

You give him the finger. “Dustin, not me.”

“Mhm,” he’s starting to walk away again, resuming his leader position through the tunnels, but he sends you a wink. “C’mon, Hendersons.”

The rest of the kids follow after him while you help Dustin up and wipe him off. He’s a mess, and he’s clearly still frightened, but he seems reassured by your presence and begins to calm down. When he’s ready, you and Dustin follow.

The tunnels are long, windy, and incredibly disturbing to be in. You can’t believe that something this intricate and vast has been laying underneath Hawkins for god knows how long. The ground beneath your feet is squishy and it takes both Dustin’s hand and immense concentration to not trip. 

Steve leads, his flashlight serving as a beacon to focus on despite the pounding in your head. The bandana tied over your nose only makes the ringing in your ears worse, but you’ll leave inhaling mysterious Upside Down particles to your brother. 

After a few minutes of walking, you’re starting to fear that the poorly drawn map from Mike really is just a poorly drawn map. Then, Steve stops. “Alright, Wheeler. I think we found your hub.”

You flick your flashlight around and your eyes widen. It’s huge. In the center lies a mound of what you hope is just mud, but you see a bone or two stick out from it and look away. To your left, there’s easily five or six more tunnels, each varying in width and height, and to your right is the same. 

Seeing how vast the tunnel system is, you’re thankful for Mike’s genius little brain. 

“Let’s drench it!” Except the vigor in his voice frightens you and you consider that he may be the world’s next mad scientist. 

However, a plan is a plan and you’ve already made it this far, so you set to work on spraying the area with gasoline. Between you, Steve, and the kids, within minutes you’ve created the world’s most flammable labyrinth. 

When you’re done, Steve guides the kids back towards the exit and you make sure everyone’s behind the two of you. He kneels, flicks out his lighter, and turns to everyone. “Alright, you guys ready?”

“Ready,” Max and Lucas say.

Dustin tightens his hand around yours, preparing to help you run as fast as you can with your ankle. “Light her up.”

Steve flicks his lighter open. “I am in such deep shit.”

“Together.” You nudge him with your shoe, and even though his face is hidden, you know he smiles. 

He takes a deep breath, winds his arm back, and flings the lighter into the center of the hub. 

Immediately everything bursts into flames. In the blaze, the strange roots that had been lying dormant on the ground now come to life as they flail against the heat. They twist and whip around, writhing in pain. The tunnels themselves almost seem to come to life as it writhes in pain. 

“Go, go, go!” Steve yells, pushing everyone back to start running. 

You stay behind with him, making sure all the kids have started to run before you finally let Dustin tug you along as well. The boy is screaming, hopping and dodging roots as best as he can while squealing, “Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!”

Steve takes the lead now, having somehow memorized the way out. “Let’s go!”

You’re disoriented. Dustin’s hand is gripping yours so harshly and it’s taking everything within you to keep up, but your ankle throbs and your left eye has only continued to swell from the punch earlier. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to follow along, and in your disorientation you lose track of Mike. 

When he falls, everything within you snaps back into focus. You tear your hand from Dustin’s and you’re at Mike’s side in a heartbeat, but already the roots have started to wrap around his leg; he screams. “Help! Y/N, help me!”

Your hands shake as you reach for your switchblade, adrenaline runs through you so violently that you feel lightheaded. Mike’s screams are the only thing keeping you grounded right now. As he panics, you roughly grab his shirt and force him back before you start to hack at the root with your knives. 

“Pull him back!” Steve instructs the kids, who have now joined. “Y/N, watch out!”

You have just enough time to cut through one root before dodging Steve’s bat as he hits at the other. It takes a few swings, but with one final blow, you and the kids are able to pull Mike free and help him stand back up. 

“You good?” Lucas pants, patting MIke’s shoulders for any injuries while Dustin asks, “You okay?”

You pull Mike into you and quickly hug him, damning whatever time constraint you currently have against you. Your hands are still shaking, which Mike feels, and he gives you a quick pat before pulling away. “Glad you care, but–”

“We gotta go!” Steve steps between you two, bat still in hand, when a growl erupts from behind him. 

Dustin shoves everyone behind him before you can stop him. He’s recognized the growl before you have. “Dart.”

The Demodog growls again. He’s bigger than ever before, now practically fully grown. His growth distracts you long enough to miss Dustin slowly starting to approach him. When you do, you immediately try to stop him. 

“Dustin–” Fear overtakes you.

“Steve, hold her back.” He orders. “Just trust me, okay?”

Steve’s arms wrap around you and you try to fight back. “No–”

“Y/N,” he whispers into your ear, keeping an eye on your brother as well. “If you freak out now, Dustin will get hurt.”

He’s right, you know he’s right, but your brother is only a foot away from Dart now and he’s now smaller than the creature. One wrong move, and he’s dead.

Dustin kneels in front of Dart and you feel your heart drop. You don’t dare breathe as he takes off his goggles and mask and leans in closer to the creature. “Hey, it’s me. It’s just your friend, it’s Dustin.”

Dart slowly inches forward as Dustin continues to talk. “You remember me? Will you let us pass?”

This time, Dart’s entire mouth opens as he snarls at Dustin.

Again you struggle in Steve’s arms, but he only tightens his hold on you as you watch your baby brother, terrified, face off against the Demodog. 

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry.” Dustin lowers his voice, unwavering against Dart’s malice. “I’m sorry about the storm cellar. That was a pretty douchy thing to do. I blame Y/N, she’s always the one who makes me do the right thing.”

The little shit has you scared out of your fucking mind, and yet he has the nerve to somehow make this your fault.

If he gets out of this alive, you’re never, ever letting him go again. 

Dustin reaches into his backpack, eyes never leaving Dart. “You hungry?

“He’s insane,” Lucas whispers in awe. Both you and Steve tell him to shut up, scared that any noise will cause Dart to attack.

“I’ve got our favorite.” Dustin waves the candy in front of Dart’s face. “See? Nougat.”

As soon as the Demodog sees the candy bar, his demeanor shifts and he happily approaches Dustin. Within seconds, your brother has managed to re-tame his weird Upside Down pet, and for a brief second you feel bad that Dustin can’t keep him. 

“Look at that. Yummy!” He places the candy on the ground as a peace offering and he starts to motion behind him, waving for you and everyone else to start moving. “Eat up, buddy.”

Steve guides Lucas, Max, and Mike past Dart and through the tunnel that was previously blocked by him, but you stay behind. Your knives are drawn; you’re not leaving your brother’s side. 

“There’s plenty,” Dustin coos to the creature, placing down one last candy bar before standing up. When he sees that you’re still there, he grabs your hand and starts to walk away with you. Feeling his hand, warm and alive against yours, is enough to calm you down enough to follow. Before the two of you leave, however, Dustin turns around one last time to look at Dart, a sad smile on his face. “Goodbye, buddy.”

Dart doesn’t show any reaction, too busy devouring the candy he’s been given, and you gently tug Dustin along to safety, albeit with some guilt. He really loved that little lizard thing. 

As soon as the two of you are out of danger, you pull Dustin into a bone crushing hug. “You’re stupid.”

“Stupid brave,” he mumbles against you, though his arms are tight against your waist. He had been scared, too. 

You snort and pull your bandana down so you can kiss the top of Dustin’s head. “Just stupid.” 

“Guys, we gotta go.” Steve whispers, feeling bad for interrupting your moment with the kid. He can still feel the way your body shook in his arms, how he could hear your terrified heartbeat as he held you back. He felt horrible for doing it, but he promised Nancy he’d keep the kids safe, and Steve knows that she also wanted him to protect you, too.

At Steve’s urgent whisper, you reluctantly nod and pull away from Dustin. With one last shoulder squeeze, you pat his back and tug at his hand to start running. As you run, the ground trembles beneath your feet. You’re the first one to fall, Max and Lucas not far behind. “Fuck!” 

Steve has your hand within his in seconds and he gently pulls you up. His face is obscured from the goggles and banana, yet you can see the concern when he looks at you. When he stands you back up, he pulls you close and whispers, “You okay?”

You nod, about to tell him to keep running, when you hear the first screech of the Demodogs. 

“What was that?” Max inches towards your side, now long familiar with what the screeches mean. 

As if almost in response to the girl, more screeches follow as they echo through the tunnels. Only this time, there’s more of them; more than you’d even want to imagine. The hair on your arms stands up as the screeching continues. You know that if you don’t run now, none of you will stand a chance. 

“They’re coming.” Mike realizes. “Run! Run, let’s go!”

You snatch Dustin’s hand and practically throw the kid forward with how harshly you begin running. Lucas and Max run past, while Mike follows after Steve. Your footsteps fall harshly against the tunnel’s earthy ground and it takes everything within you to keep going. When you round the corner and see the rope, you almost sob with relief. 

“Kids first!” You shout, damning whatever further damage it’ll do to your vocal chords.

Steve understands immediately and kneels beneath the rope to give the kids a boost up while you hold the rope taught and help lift them. Max is the first up, both you and Steve more so throwing her rather than helping her.

“C’mon!” Steve encourages her, and with one final shove from you, she makes it over the edge and is safe. 

Everything happens so fast, it’s a blur as you help Lucas start to climb out, then Mike, and as you’re hauling Dustin up next, you hear the Demodogs drawing near. 

“Oh, shit!” Steve hears them as soon as you do and he grabs for his bat and starts to place himself in front of you and Dustin, but you stop him. 

“No!” You yank him back and then grab your brother, shoving him underneath the rope. The shadows of the Demodogs cast against the wall, you know you only have seconds before they’re here. “Throw him up!”

Dustin realizes what you’re about to do. “Y/N, no–”

But Steve already has a grip on him. “You’re going home.”

“No!” Dustin screams and tries to stay behind, wriggling and thrashing, but with Steve’s help, you’re able to lift him to safety before the first Demodog appears. Dustin, now safely above ground, sees this too. His heart stops. “Y/N!”

“Steve! Y/N! Climb up!” The kids begin to shout now, urging you and the teen to get out of the tunnels, fear alive in their voices. 

You look up at them, see their faces alive with youth, and then turn to Steve. He seems to be thinking the same thing as you. You’ve both run out of time. He nods, you do as well, and together you’ve accepted your fate. Steve draws his bat as you raise your knives. 

“Y/N!” Dustin’s voice rings through clearer than the other’s, the despair evident. You close your eyes for a second, wishing that there was more you could’ve done, but at least he’s safe.

Jonathan will take care of him, Nancy will, too. 

He won’t be alone, and you have Steve with you, who is holding your hand as if it contains all the secrets of the world.

It’ll be okay. 

You open your eyes. 

The Demodogs, miraculously, start to run right past you and Steve. They weave between you two, not at all paying any attention. You stand as still as possible, not wanting to wake them from whatever trance they seem to be in. 

However, one particularly large Demodog crashes against your leg and sends you into Steve’s side, who wraps his arms around you with a fierce protectiveness. You duck your head down, unaware just how desperately you’d been craving his presence, and he buries you further against him as the monsters continue to run. 

The two of you cower, curling into one another, steadying the other, waiting for something to happen. Steve has his feet firmly planted and stands his ground as more monsters run past, and without him you would’ve fallen minutes ago, trampled by the creatures. 

When you can’t hear any more Demodogs, you slowly lift your head from Steve’s chest and look around. 

They’re gone. Each and every one of them has left. 

You’re still in Steve’s arms, your chests are pressed tightly together and you’ve never been this close to him before. When you look up at him, you can feel his breath against your skin. There’s an odd look in his eyes, he’s studying your face as if seeing it for the first time, and his gaze makes something deep within you stir. 

“Thank you,” you whisper, needing to say something. He’s once again saved your life, and your eyes can’t seem to leave his. 

His fingers dig into your side, it’s the only way he can respond. The sensation causes you to shiver and your eyes slowly drift down to his lips. They’re a lovely shade of pink, flush and full. You wonder what they’d taste like, if he’s wondered the same about you. 

Steve stares down at you and feels every breath you take, the rise and fall of your chest matching his. The two of you stand like this for a moment, hearts beating together as you cling to one another, until Dustin clears his throat. 

“Ahem,” he draws your attention. “There are kids here, ya know.”

Lucas, Max, and Mike all snicker when you frantically pull away from Steve in embarrassment. Both of your faces are red, the air between you still hangs with something you’re not quite sure how to name. 

“We’re coming.” Steve mumbles to your brother before turning to you. “Ready?”

You take a deep breath and nod, your nerves still shaky from being so close to him prior. When you’re ready, you grab onto the rope and feel Steve’s always gentle hands grip your waist. You’re slow climbing up, being the most injured out of everyone, but he’s patient with you and murmurs encouragement as you climb. 

Once you’re safely up, you help the kids with Steve. The moment his feet touch solid land, he lets out a low whistle and claps his hands. “Well, I’d say that went well–”

Suddenly, Billy’s headlights begin to shine obnoxiously bright. The light increases in its intensity, glowing brighter and brighter, so much so that you and everyone else have to shield your eyes. Then, just as suddenly as it began, the lights shut off. 

It’s quiet. No one says anything, unsure of what’s just happened, but you know.

“El,” you whisper, somehow knowing it’s her. Mike nods, understanding as well. 

She did it. 

She closed the gate. 

You pull the kids into you, dragging them all in your arms in a giant hug. All you feel right now is disbelief. The plan worked. You’re all somehow still alive. 

Steve stands behind you, his chest firm against your back, and you allow yourself to gently lean against him. To accept all that he’s silently providing you; there’s no point in fighting it any more. He’s here, offering you anything you need from him, and you’re exhausted from pretending that you don’t see it. 

After a few moments of silence, you finally release the kids and nudge them towards the car. 

It’s time to go home. 

– 

“So what exactly did you guys do with Billy?” Steve’s driving and you’re in the passenger seat, waves of exhaustion crashing upon you. From the rearview mirror, Steve sees Lucas, Dustin, and Mike all turn to Max slowly. He frowns. “Why are you all looking at her?”

Max shifts uncomfortably in her seat. “I handled it.”

“She sedated him and we left him on the floor at Will’s.” Dustin fills in the information that Max opted to omit, which she elbows him for. 

Steve blinks, turns to you, and asks, “You heard that too, right?”

“Mhm.”

“Cool.”

When you get to Jonathan’s, Billy is sitting hunched over on the porch, waiting. He looks rough, his eyes bleary and his hair matted. When you see him, you feel your throat constrict in pain and a sense of panic builds within you. You look towards Steve, see his bruised cheek, then notice the way Max squirms in the backseat being near Billy, and the panic is replaced with anger. 

He’s caused enough pain and turmoil to those you love. 

Steve parks the car and turns in his seat so that he’s facing everyone. “Alright, we all see that Billy is awake, so you guys stay here while I go and–”

“We.” You correct, swallowing down the pain you feel. 

Steve inhales and looks as if he wants to argue, but he just shakes his head and continues. “Okay, we go and talk to the guy.”

“I want to come.” Max says, though she still refuses to look in Billy’s direction. 

You rest a hand on her leg. You understand what she’s asking for, to handle her brother herself, take her life into her own hands. Max is a brave kid, she’s shown you that much tonight, and while you trust her to make the right decision, you’re still hesitant. “Are you sure?”

She thinks for a second before nodding. Her eyes harden and she juts her jaw out. She’s made up her mind, and you get a kick out of seeing the fire within her. Max Mayfield is an incredible young girl, and you’re honored to know that she trusts you. “I’m sure.”

“Then let’s go.”

You, Steve, and Max walk side by side towards Billy, though you make sure to place the girl slightly behind you in case her brother tries anything. 

When Billy notices you approach, he lifts his head up and waves lazily at the three of you. “Back already?” His words slur together and his eyes are glossy; the sedative must still be wearing off. 

Max steps forward. “Take me home.” 

Billy eyes her, looks between you and Steve, and then sighs. “Fine. Any other demands?”

The girl shakes her head. “I’ll wait in the car.”

And then she’s gone, leaving you and Steve alone with Billy. 

He eyes you, sees the bruises on your neck, and a languid smile drawls across his face. “Seems I left a mark, sweetheart.”

Steve steps forward, but you put your hand out and stop him. You appreciate him, you do, but this is something you have to do yourself. You swallow again, feeling the tender flesh within your throat constrict, and try to make your words come out as neutral as possible. “Seems I did, too.”

Billy looks down at his shoulder, the wound from your knife is still bleeding. “So you did.”

Lucas and the other boys stand off to the side now, having left the car alone for Max. When Billy notices them staring, he sighs and wipes his hands off on his jeans and slowly gets up. “Well, my bitch of a sister awaits.”

As Billy leaves, Mike runs up the steps and unlocks the front door. “Y/N, think you could make those cookies again? I’m starving.”

You glare at him and Steve laughs. “I’m not sure she can even walk up the steps, dude.”

“Yeah, look at her.” Dustin waves his hands in front of you. “She looks like a zombie.”

Lucas makes zombie sounds and pretends to eat Dustin’s brains before Mike joins in. The three of them chase each other into the house, screaming “brains” and “die” as they mess around, leaving you and Steve alone outside. 

He steps in front of you, his back towards you and he crouches down. “Care for a ride?”

You want to argue, but it’s becoming harder and harder to keep your eyes open. It’d be a miracle if you even manage up the first step on the porch. Hesitantly, you place your hands on Steve’s shoulders and jump onto his back.

“Atta girl,” he laughs, standing back up so that he can carry you inside and join the boys. You wrap your arms around his neck and nuzzle your face as you close your eyes. You’re seconds away from falling asleep. Steve seems to sense this and slows down his footsteps so as to not disturb you. 

He navigates the home, remembering where to go from his time here last year. You’re warm against him and Steve’s fingers draw lazy circles onto your ankles. The boys are in the kitchen, scurrying around for any food, and Steve relishes in this small moment with you.

You’re placed down into a soft bed and the smell of Jonathan overwhelms you; you open your eyes and realize that Steve has taken you to the boy’s room. The bed is warm beneath you, the scent soothes your wounds. 

“Jonathan’s?” You ask, confused as to why Steve would take you here.

“Figured it’s where you sleep when you’re here.” He shrugs, as if it’s no big deal, before grabbing the blankets and tucking you in. His movements are careful and he makes sure your head is resting on a pillow and that he takes off your shoes. 

The gentleness of his touch soothes you. You’ve never let anyone take care of you like this before. You let him play with your hair, wrap the blanket around you so that you won’t get cold, and when he finally seems pleased with his work, he flicks your nose and smiles. “Get some sleep, dork.”

“Everyone is safe?”

His eyes melt. “They are. They’ll be home soon. In the meantime, I’ll rustle up some grub for those heathens outside while you sleep. Doctor’s orders.”

You giggle and grab his hand to bring to your lips. They linger against his knuckles, you inhale and breathe in his scent, and Steve’s breath hitches at the touch. “Thank you,” you whisper against his skin before placing another kiss. 

There’s such a lovely buzz within your chest, holding Steve’s hand fills you with this syrupy warmth like honey, and you’ve never felt it before. It drips down your skin and into your bones, healing wounds both old and new with its kisses. 

Steve squeezes your hand with his. He feels it, too. You both do. 

–

A body slides in next to yours, rousing you from your sleep. A hand wraps around your waist and the fingers, long and lithe and familiar, skim your skin lazily. The sensation almost lulls you back to sleep, you know whose touch this is, whose body lays next to yours. 

You open your arms and engulf Jonathan into a hug. His body lays atop of yours, reminiscent of the night a few days ago when he snuck into your room before he left with Nancy. Your body has long since come to anticipate his weight against yours, it’s become accustomed to how he lands upon you. 

“What time is it?” You rasp, stroking Jonathan’s hair with your fingers as he breathes steadily against you. You’re not sure how long you’ve been asleep, but the pain in your throat has lessened, your voice is slowly returning to normal.

“Early morning,” he mumbles, pressing a kiss against your shoulder. “Steve took Dustin home, no one wanted to wake you. Apparently you had a rough night.”

You laugh, then wince at the pain it draws from your throat and ribs. “You could say that.”

Jonathan places another kiss upon your skin, this time against the base of your throat. He litters kisses up and down your neck, his breath tickling as he does so. “I’m sorry,” he says in between each kiss, as if his words will make the bruises fade faster. 

Rather than respond, knowing nothing you can say will make him believe that none of this is Jonathan’s fault, you simply hum at his kisses and lean into them. “Will?”

“He’s okay, he’s safe. Mom is with him now.”

You hum again, relishing in the knowledge that Will is okay and that Jonathan is once again here with you. The house is quiet, everyone else asleep, and the two of you lay like this for a while. No more words are said, Jonathan presses kisses against your skin as your fingers interlock through his hair and you run your hand up and down his back. 

Somehow, you know this will be the last time you ever have him like this. 

Just the two of you, uncrossed in any boundaries. Skin against skin, kisses to wounds and fingers intertwined. You hope that your body never forgets the weight of his. You hope that it will always anticipate his impact, welcoming it after a long day. Jonathan’s touch will soon become ghosts lingering on your skin, and selfishly you never want this moment to end. 

Uncrossed boundaries, threads and strings and lines. 

They’re here. You can see them now, they almost glow faintly within Jonathan’s room, the same room in which you grew up in. 

“Bee?” You whisper, nudging him gently to get his attention. He lifts his head from your neck and looks at you, eyes open and listening. “We have to talk about it.”

The early morning light streams through the curtain and illuminates Jonathan’s face. His eyes are a mixture of browns and reds and ambers and you try to remember what they look like now, before the words are said and nothing will ever be the same again. 

“I’m scared,” he admits. You’ve made him into who he is today, with all of his quirks and humor and love. Jonathan doesn’t know who he would be without you, and he’s terrified that he’ll say the wrong thing and lose you forever.

“I know,” you stroke his cheek. “I am, too.”

“I don’t want to–I can’t lose you.”

“You’ll never lose me, Jonathan Byers.” You’re firm in your words, now grasping at his face with your hands. “We’re connected, remember? String theory, you and me.”

Jonathan has tears in his eyes. “But I slept with Nancy.”

His confession only makes you sigh. “I know, bee.”

“I–I think… I think this time it’ll turn into something more. I… I think I love her, bug.” His voice cracks, terrified of his own words. He recognizes now, far too late, all that he’s missed. “But bug… I know there’s–that there’s some things we should’ve talked about. A long time ago… but I just…”

“I know,” you know everything he’s trying to tell you. There’s no hurt in your voice, only resignation, but you knew this would happen eventually. “We missed our chance a while ago.”

“Did we ever really have a chance?” He asks, thinking back to the day the two of you met. How easily you accepted him into your life, the role you unknowingly assigned to him as your best friend. How, for years, he’d been so in love with you but terrified it’d scare you away. 

You play with his fingers, thinking for a moment. “I’d like to think that we did. I think we just… We missed each other, along the way.”

He smiles, bittersweet and somber. “We would’ve been something great, huh?”

“You’re my person,” you tell him, a certain sadness creeping into your voice. It’s the truth. No one will ever know you like he does, no one can unravel you the way he can. The love you have for Jonathan is unyielding, it transcends everything else you’ve ever felt. “Of course we would’ve been something great.”

“And now?”

You bite your lip, unsure. “Now we just… We let go.”

Jonathan tightens his arms and presses himself further against you. “I’m never letting you go, Y/N Henderson.”

You feel tears beginning to form in your eyes, both from grief and acceptance. “You don’t have to, but we have to let go of our claim to one another. You’re Nancy’s, now. It wouldn't be fair otherwise. To anyone.”

“And you’re Steve’s?” He asks, hesitant to bring the boy up. While you watched Jonathan fall in love with Nancy, he’s watched you fall for Steve. 

“I think I could really love him,” you admit, breathless. “I think I’ve already started to fall for him.”

Jonathan’s heart twists at the breathlessness in your voice, though he knows he’ll have to get used to this. To no longer being the reason for your bashfulness. It’ll take time, but he knows in the end that it’s for the better. “You deserve to go for it, bug.”

“Really?”

“Of course,” he playfully pokes your side. “Nancy fucked up with him, and I fucked up with you. The two of you deserve better than us, and I… I want you to be happy, you know that.”

“I know, but…” you turn to him now, needing him to understand all that you still don’t know how to voice yourself. “Remember our pinky promise from last year?”

Jonathan wiggles his pinky at you, unsure where you’re going with this. “I do.”

“We’ll always stay like this, right? You and me?” You know it’s selfish to ask, to expect everything to stay the same between you, but losing Jonathan would be the one thing you’d never recover from. He’s in your bones, now. He’s grown up alongside you, patched up your wounds as a child and now holds your hands through the nightmares you face together. 

It doesn’t matter how you and Jonathan end, whether you’re lovers in this universe or simply the best of friends. Regardless of what’s happened, he’s the most important person in your life. He always will be.

Jonathan presses a kiss upon your forehead, his lips warm. “Always, and I’ll always love you the most, bug.”

“I’ll always love you the most, bee.” The words come easily to you, an exhale after being inhaled so long ago. 

The world stills. Then, as slow as the sun rises after a harsh winter’s night, the strings and lines finally settle between you two.

“Let’s go to bed.” Jonathan whispers, wanting to hold onto you for at least a few more hours. 

In the late morning hours the two of you will wake up, and it will be the last time you do so in each other’s arms. 

– 

When Jonathan drops you off at home the next day, your mom freaks when she sees you. Dustin had tried to prepare her, making up some lie about how you’d fallen down at the Byers’ house and that’s why you couldn’t come home for a few days. However, your mom still had a heart attack when you walked through the front door with a split head, black eye, bruised neck, and a bloodied side. 

“My baby!” She took you into her arms and immediately set her eyes on Jonathan. “What, did you have a bear in the house or something?”

Jonathan looked over at Dustin with a helpless look on his face and your brother had sighed. He figured he’d have to be the one to take over. “Like I said, mom. Y/N just got really into our campaign and fell. She’s fine, I mean, look at her!”

You did your best to appear very fine and healthy, despite your concussion forming a horrendous headache. You forced a smile on your face, all teeth. “All fine and dandy, mom.”

Claudia Henderson hadn’t bought it.

You were placed under house arrest for two weeks. 

During these two weeks, you were only allowed to leave the house to either go to work (somehow Mrs. Waters still hasn’t fired you despite missing three days of work), and go to school. It wasn’t so bad, though. You had needed the rest, and Nancy visited you a few days into your house arrest.

You’re not sure when she officially began her relationship with Jonathan, but the first time she came to see you, she had brought a giant basket full of baked goods and comics she had asked Jonathan about. 

“You didn’t have to get me anything, Nance.” You had informed the girl when you saw her struggling to carry the basket. 

“I stole your boyfriend, it’s the least I could do.” You stared at her, eyes so wide that your black eye almost fully opened, and Nancy had let out a loud laugh. You’d never heard her laugh so openly before, and it was a beautiful sight. “It was a joke, Y/N. It’s okay to laugh.”

“Ha, ha, Wheeler.” You took the basket from her and inspected its contents. There were more comics than you could count and the muffins smelled delicious. “This is a good haul.”

Nancy had smiled, relieved that she’d done something right. She had bugged Jonathan all day yesterday, anxious to do something nice for you because she felt this crippling need to make you like her. He had reassured her a million times that you did already like her, but Nancy has never been the best at making friends, and she knows the history between you and her is tense. 

“You really like it?”

“I love it, dude.” You saw the way Nancy’s body relaxed, as if she had been terrified you’d burn the basket in front of her face. It’s only then that you realized why she was there. “You and Jonathan finally seal the deal?”

Nancy blushed, still unused to how well you perceive others. “We did.”

“Took you guys long enough!” You squealed and threw your arms around her, elated for your friends. Sure, it still stung a bit, but Nancy was trying, so you were too. “But can I say just one thing, and then we’ll bury the hatchet for good?”

“Of course, Y/N.” Nancy said, though you felt her body tense underneath your hold. She had been bracing for impact, and it broke your heart to imagine how she was feeling in that moment. 

You grabbed her hand and looked her in the eye. “I’m happy for you two, I really am, okay? You know my history with Jonathan, and I’m sure he’s told you everything, but I need you to listen very carefully to what I’m about to say.”

“I’m listening,” she whispered, gripping your hand tightly. 

“If anything, and I mean anything, bothers you about my relationship with him, I need you to tell me. Don’t let anything simmer, don’t swallow down any hurt. I need you to know that I will always respect your guys’ relationship, and if you ever feel that I don’t, please tell me.”

Nancy, to your surprise, had laughed. “That’s it? Geesh, Y/N. I was expecting you to threaten me with your knives or something. I understand your connection with Jonathan, I know what I agreed to.” She paused, and then added with a sly smirk, “Besides, I know you wouldn’t cross any boundaries because you’ve spent practically all year pining after Steve.”

“I did not!” You gaped at her, shocked that she would say such a thing, and Nancy laughed so hard that it took both you and her another ten minutes to say anything else. It was lovely, laughing alongside the girl you once held so much resentment over. Now there you were, rib cage aching with glee.

And that’s how Nancy Wheeler became your best friend.  

After that, things seemed to settle down during the month that followed the events of Hawkin’s Lab. 

While you healed your wounds at home, Jonathan and Nancy came to visit you whenever they could. It was weird, at first, being in the same room as them now that they were together, but within minutes the three of you formed your own dynamic. You and Nancy teased Jonathan while he simply shook his head at the two of you and did whatever you asked. 

It was a good dynamic, really. 

A week into house arrest, your mom let you finally return to work.

Of course, on your first day back, Steve was standing inside of Bookstrordinary, waiting for you. 

Seeing him there, hair messy and smile warm, felt like coming home. 

“Back so soon?” You had teased, walking slowly up to him. 

His smile widened and he grabbed your hand and tugged you closer, impatient with how long it was taking you to come to him. “Like I could wait any longer.”

“I stack and you sort?”

“Let’s get to work, Henderson.” He winked and spun you around, causing you to giggle, a sound he’d come to adore, and the two of you set off to work. 

Steve becomes a regular at Bookstrorindary again, and one day you come home from school to find him sitting at your kitchen table with Dustin and your mom. They were eating an after school snack together, chatting as if they were old friends. Your mom was even blushing as Steve charmed her. It was a disorienting sight, to say the least. 

“Is this going to be a thing now?” You’d asked, setting your backpack down to grab your own snack and join. 

“I invited him.” Dustin said with a mouth full of apples. “He’s cool, and mom likes him, so. Yeah.”

Your mom pinched Steve’s cheek and giggled. “He’s just so charming!”

Steve sent you a wink, basking in your mother’s praise, and in that moment, seeing him with the two people you loved most in this world, you knew.

It hit you like a warm, soft summer breeze. It swirled around you, kissed your skin the way only the sun can do, and you could almost smell the fresh summer honey that your dad used to buy for your birthday. The feeling was serene, it felt as easy as exhaling.

You were in love with Steve Harrington. 

Only this time, the realization made you smile; you accepted it with open arms. You walked over to him and ruffled his hair before sitting next to him at the table. Biting your own apple, you winked at your mom, agreeing with what she had said. “He is indeed very charming.”

Dustin gagged while Steve draped an arm across your chair and stole your apple. “That I am, Y/N.”

Maybe love wasn’t so bad after all.

The following week, both Steve and Nancy asked you to attend Barb’s funeral, and of course you went. 

It was a small service, and Jonathan held Nancy’s hand throughout all of it. While it hurt to see her cry, you can’t help but think about how incredible Nancy is. She’s the reason that Barb is even getting a funeral in the first place, having brilliantly exposed Hawkin’s Lab and giving her friend the justice she deserves. 

Steve stood next to you, stoic and guilty, and after the service ended you had to pull him aside and remind him that none of it had been his fault. He listened, but you know he hadn’t necessarily heard you.

It’s similar to how you feel with Will, and how Jonathan feels with you, and Nancy with Barb. 

You all hold a heavy weight within you, of guilt and shame and despair. There’s nothing that specifically can be done to lessen it. All you can do is allow the ones you love to carry the weight with you, to share it and accept the help that they offer. 

Time can’t heal all wounds, you recognize this now, so you do things for those you love and see the good that’s still there, even if it’s hard sometimes. 

And that’s what you do.

You start stopping by Hopper’s cabin to see El.

He hated it at first, but when you showed up one day with a box of nail polish and comics, El had been so overjoyed that he simply sighed and let you in. 

You teach the girl how to read, having her say words out loud as you paint her nails, and it’s lovely. It’s rare to get the girl all to yourself, so spending time with her is always the favorite part of your day. Plus, she starts to get really into Spider-Man, so you’ve done your job as an avid fan. 

As for Will and the boys, you start to make it a point to partake in their DnD campaigns whenever possible. While it’s hard balancing work, school, El, and the party, you don’t regret it for a single second. It’s exhausting, but a good kind of exhaustion. One that leaves your bones aching in a rewarding way at the end of the day.

You’ll never tell Jonathan this, but he had been right a few months ago. You’d been burning yourself out, running away from everything you didn’t want to confront, from your feelings to your crippling worry for the kids. You’re not sure how much you had left in you, looking back now.

You had been drowning for a long, long time. 

But as you pick up Dustin and Will from Mike’s, Jonathan by your side as always, your nails painted a messy shade of blue thanks to El, and Steve waiting for you back at your house, you’re finally able to breathe. 

– 

It somehow takes you the entire day to get Dustin ready for the Snowball. 

He’s running around the house, frantically trying to find his bowtie that he’s misplaced, and you’re currently digging through the endless supply of hairspray that Steve dropped off yesterday. There’s so much hair products within the bag that he delivered, and it actually scares you a little. 

No way this much chemicals can be good for a kid. 

“Did you find the bowtie?” You yell from the bathroom, finally managing to open the bottle of hairspray that Steve specifically told you to use first. 

“Yes!” Dustin runs back into the bathroom and throws the piece of fabric at you. “Quick, put it on while I spray my hair!” 

You roll your eyes at him but do as he asks, securing his bowtie to his baby blue button shirt. However, as he sprays his hair, he almost blinds you in the process. “Christ, Dustin! That’s practically a weapon.”

He continues to spray. “You’re the one who insisted on helping me get ready.”

“I wanted you to look handsome,” you coo at him, straightening his bowtie one final time before stepping back and admiring your handiwork. “All done, and look at you!”

Dustin sprays even more product into his hair and tries to shove you out of the bathroom, but he secretly preens. “Am I really handsome?”

You admire him and you can’t believe how grown up he is now. He’s grown another three inches since last month and with the way he’s styled his hair, he looks like a teenager. Your heart stings a bit, seeing him no longer look like the little brother you know and love. He’s changing, growing up. “The handsomest.”

He smiles at you. “Thanks, Y/N. Now go get dressed while I finish my hair. Steve will be here any minute!”

You salute him and run to your room. Nancy had asked you to chaperon alongside her at the dance, and you figured it’d be fun watching Dustin and the party failing miserably with prepubescent girls, so you agreed. However, because it somehow took five hours helping your brother get ready, you run around your room in a hurry.

You’ve just finished applying some mascara when the doorbell rings, and your heart skips a beat.

“Y/N, Steve is here!” Your mother calls, a slight glee in her voice. She’s quickly come to adore the boy, something that Steve milks whenever he can. He’s incredibly proud of it, honestly. 

You run to the door and open it, Dustin is still spraying his hair to death in the bathroom. 

When Steve sees you, he forgets how to speak. You’re dressed in a soft white dress and you’ve pinned the front two pieces of your hair back. You’ve dotted your lips with a berry-red lipstick and your cheeks look more flushed than usual. 

You see the blush that immediately forms on Steve’s cheeks and you giggle, suddenly shy. It’s awkward, but a nice awkward between you two. “Hey.”

“H–hi.” His voice squeaks and he clears his throat. “I–I mean, hey. You, uh… You look. Wow. I mean, not wow, but also wow–”

“Dude,” Dustin now joins and looks disappointedly at Steve. “Get it together, man.”

He pats his chest and starts heading towards the car, and you can’t help but snort. “He’s so lovely, isn’t he?”

Steve holds out his arm for you to take, the momentary awkwardness now gone. “The Henderson charm is a fascinating thing.”

During the car ride, the closer Steve gets to the school, the more you see Dustin fidget in the back seat. He had been so excited earlier, but now you notice the doubt in his eyes and the way he keeps patting his hair, unsure. 

You tap Steve’s hand to get his attention. When he looks over, you motion towards the backseat and he realizes what you’re trying to tell him. He nods, and the two of you silently agree to give the kid a pep talk once you get to the school. 

“Alright, buddy. Here we are.” Steve parks the car and tries to give Dustin a reassuring smile, but your brother looks out the window and exhales nervously. “Remember, once you get in there…”

“Pretend like I don’t care.”

You interrupt. “Okay, no. I thought we abandoned that idea last month.”

“Technically you abandoned it, I didn’t.” Dustin responds, and Steve shrugs his shoulders at you. 

“Dustin, I really want you to be yourself, okay?” You turn to face the kid. “What did I tell you last month, huh?”

“That we Hendersons are charming people.” He grumbles. 

“Exactly, and I meant that. Use your charm, buddy.”

Dustin isn’t listening, instead he tries to look at himself in the rearview mirror to once again fix his hair. Steve sees this and stops him. “Hey, listen to your sister, alright? You look great, okay?”

“Such a handsome lad.”

Steve puts his hand up to stop you. “Okay, ignore her and listen to me. Now, you’re gonna go in there…”

Dustin nods. “Yeah.”

“Look like a million bucks.”

“Yeah!”

“And you’re gonna slay ‘em dead.”

“Like a lion.”

You cringe. “I’m not at all liking this language use in relation to women.”

Dustin purrs, just to spite you, but now Steve cringes and shakes his head, “Yeah, don’t do that, okay?”

“Okay.” Dustin deflates, but when Steve offers him his hand to shake, his face lights back up and he accepts it. 

Steve winks at the kid. “Good luck.”

“You got this!” You shout as Dustin exits the car. He gives you a thumbs up and starts to walk towards the school, leaving just you and Steve alone in the car. 

With Dustin gone, a tension creeps within the car. You look over at Steve and he catches your eye, and your stomach flutters. You can’t deny that there’s nothing there, and it’s… it’s nice, honestly. 

You don’t feel the same fear you did with Jonathan. You can look at Steve and admire his beauty and all you feel is warmth. His smile doesn’t hurt you, and the way he’s looking at you so unabashedly no longer scares you. 

“You look beautiful, Y/N.” Steve says, his voice honest and dripping with honey. 

You blush, and he wants to kiss the pretty red until it colors his own lips as well. “Thank you.”

There’s more you both want to say, but for now you simply enjoy each other’s presence. It’s too soon, you know this. He’s still in love with Nancy, and you don’t blame him. Instead, you bask in his gaze and he admires how lovely you are. How lovely you always are.

He feels it, too. He knows what you’re thinking, and for once he feels comfortable with where he is. You’re here, next to him, expecting nothing but what you know he’s ready to give you. 

You press a kiss to his cheek, and Steve’s heart aches. “Drive home safe, okay?”

As you pull away, he catches your arm and stops you. You look up, confused, and Steve’s gaze softens. He doesn’t know how else to say it, how else to ask you to stay. “Be patient with me, okay?”

You don’t have to ask what he means; you know. 

Whatever he needs, you’ll give it to him. You place a hand on his face and stroke his cheek, he leans against the touch and closes his eyes. This is the easiest promise you’ve ever made. “Take all the time you need, I’ll be here.”

The words cause Steve to sigh, you’re too good for him. You’re everything lovely and beautiful and kind, and Steve can’t believe how lucky he is to know you, to have you in his life the way no one else does. That you’ll wait for him, trusting him with your heart, and he can’t believe that you’re real.

“You’re an angel.” He breathes out, feeling everything constrict within his chest when you smile. 

“And you’re sweet honey.” You press one last kiss to Steve’s face and get out of the car. No other words are needed. 

Steve watches you as you leave, your kiss still burning his face, the same burning warmth he’s come to love about you. He watches as you walk up to Nancy inside the school and she hands you a drink, the two of you laughing. You both look so different standing side by side. 

A girl Steve loves and the girl he knows that in time he’ll come to love more than anything else. 

He’s already falling for you, he thinks he has been ever since he first saw you all those years ago when you were twelve and he was thirteen. He’s falling for you, but he won’t rush it. It wouldn’t be fair to you, not after everything you’ve been through. 

So Steve admires you, he watches the way your hair dances as you laugh and the way the kids around you smile in admiration. He forgets that Nancy is even there, his eyes only on you, and for the first time in a long time, Steve smiles a real smile. 

Your kiss on his cheek lingers, and he presses his fingers to it and feels his body warm. You’ll be waiting for him, and that’s more than enough for now.

Take your time, I’ll be here.

And Steve believes you.

[END OF SEASON 2]

-

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[evevoli]

original story concept: flight feathers (working title)

aka me shoving my new OCs in everyone's faces for a few minutes. low and behold, my gang of losers:

from left to right: Phoenix, Selene, Helios, and Killian

so a wayward beam of divine insanity lightning struck me about four months ago in the form of the first genuinely coherent original story idea i've had in... basically forever and i am finally crawling out of my mad ornithologist lab to talk about it, if only so i have something to point to when i start tagging random innocuous text posts with the names of characters no one's ever heard of. this project is perhaps the most self-indulgent Autism Fueled venture i have ever gone on and it is so fun actually

the basic gist of the story is that local Teenage Bird Hater Selene accidentally gets isekai'd to a Greco-Roman/baroque-inspired city on a floating archipelago hidden in the clouds, inhabited by bird-worshipping winged people. there she befriends a strange one-winged fortune teller named Phoenix, who takes her in while she looks for a way back down to earth.

as a certified Bird Disliker(tm) for reasons she will absolutely not disclose, the idea of being trapped in this city with its strange bird-entrenched culture has got to be Selene's personal hell. but she's already made a few good friends and is learning a lot, so hey... if you ignore the castle surrounded by doves looming off in the distance, and the general poor sentiment surrounding corvids, maybe it's not such a bad place to be after all.

...until it turns out the King himself might have it out for her, much to the dismay of his son and loyal knight, Prince Helios and Captain Killian.

there is. A Lot more to it than that lol—and at least like 8 more characters i haven't gotten to drawing yet—but there's your elevator pitch. to explain the world a bit more, everyone has bird wings to fly with, their own Bird Familiars(tm), and rides around on pegasi and different species of griffin. the world consists of little islands connected by bridges, with the city developed vertically, and sort of resembles a fusion between the Aether mod in Minecraft and Zephyr Heights in MLP G5.

and now the most important thing, the Closeups

some notes:

Selene is transfem :), Helios is transmasc only because i tried giving him curled ram horns and got so frustrated trying to draw them i just gave up and gave him the ewe ones instead

Selene is a Wolf Kid and really vibes with the lyrics to Angel of Darkness on a personal level

Helios's wings are weak and undersized so he can't take off or fly for very long on his own

i like to consider Helios my personal challenge to design the most unapologetically cringe and archetypal character ever. i am going to make a character that is so sad little loser prince. kicks him

Phoenix is a childhood nickname, Killian is just a shortened form of Achilles. Phoenix absolutely hates his birth name. Killian is ambivalent towards his

Phoenix lost his left wing in an accident that changed the trajectory of his life forever teehee :3c

the little blue jay is named Celeste, the crow is Peanut, and the tawny owl is Athena :)

and that is all i shall reveal in this post >:) this idea has been rotting my brain from the inside out for months now so don't hesitate to shoot me an ask if you're wondering about anything :]

[wooawi]

idea:

During the final battle with Lila as Hawkmoth 2.0, LB and CN have their identities revealed to Paris (and the whole world bc let’s be real, someone was live streaming it). Marinette, tired of Ladybug surrounding her life in Paris and needing to get away, decides to pursue her tertiary education in America. She cuts her hair down to a bob, gets glasses, and gives herself a nickname to go by. Then she applies to school in New York.

Why? Well, at first, she wanted to do something with fashion and where else to go but NYU. She wasn’t actually expecting to get in and had other schools to fall back on, but lo and behold, she actually gets accepted. By the time she gets there and is moving into her dorm (she got a solo room), she’s feeling iffy on the whole fashion major thing. So. She switches to civil engineering.

Creativity ☑️

Helping/bettering society ☑️

Interesting topic ☑️

Can keep fashion as a beloved hobby ☑️

Now comes the part where she actually has to go to class. She gets stuck with a bunch of morning classes because she forgets the whole “first come first serve” thing and picks her classes late. Fine whatever, she had to wake up at 7am for the past 3 years for lycée anyway, it’ll be fine.

It is not fine.

Tired and struggling to keep her eyes open, she goes to the closest coffee shop to her school. Well, the entire campus seemed to have had the same idea, so now she’s stuck waiting in an endless line and getting sleepier and sleepier and now she’s falling–

She runs into someone on her way down and the person catches her. But also, they spill their drink. So, feeling bad, Marinette buys the person a new drink and they sit down together to chat while they wait. She introduces herself as “Mari with an I” and finds herself enjoying the company of this individual, Clarisse. Long blonde hair, light blue eyes, and wow she seems really familiar! But Marinette can’t quite put her finger on it.

Clarisse lives off campus in her own apartment. She used to live in London (Marinette lies and says she’s been in New York her whole life. Haha. Ha.) but moved here for familial reasons and now pursues a Bachelor’s in Business at NYU. Ofc the girl does mainly online classes so there goes the chances of seeing each other. Maybe Marinette could get her number aaaaand that was her name called at the counter. And now Clarisse is grabbing her drink and saying goodbye. And now she’s leaving. Dammit

Marinette doesn’t make it to her 8am.

[hoochieblues]

tagged for a last line written by @aria-i-adagio (ty!) and... there has been very little writing. But, because 'tis the season, and because the second round eds will be continuing for another three million years until I get time to finish them, here's a whole ass excerpt from the Valentine's lottery chapter of The Fountain and the Nightjar (title? title!! ...title...?) which is one of the latest to get _FINAL-final(2)_FINALFINAL appended to the scriv subdoc heading. Yay!

My brain is fried today so I forget who's actively doing these rn, but tagging with love and no pressure @faux-fires, @dreadfutures and @highwayphantoms. If you would like to consider yourself tagged, please do so. :)

For context: I'm admitting it now... TFANT is basically Georgian noir. This chapter takes place in the story's equivalent of a smoky jazz club (lol), i.e. a molly house run by an old dandy and his toyboy abolitionist husband. A Valentine's lottery was basically like secret Santa, but for V-Day gifts and/or 'dates.' Also, if you need the historical primer, molly houses were the gay bars of their time (c.1700-1820-ish) but more 'lowkey local institution' than 'hot 'n' cruisey clubland.' Similarly, 'maiden names' were queer nicknames or alter egos, closer to C20th Polari/camp slang than, say, a femme persona associated exclusively with drag (or allied to gender identity). I pulled a lot from primary sources, so not only is much of the book based on real(ish) people's lives, I've also got a... uh. lot. of research material on C18th queer culture. It is interesting as all hell, so I have to cut myself off before I digress.

Behold, my protagonist, thrust into that most chilling of scenarios: a social event. Gasp.

----------------------

The exchange of gifts began, Julius intoning the names and matching the lottery couples together. Sukey Hackabout, a heavy, round-cheeked man of about five and thirty, was Valentine to Kingston Sally, part-time barman at the Green Dragon Inn, who had a faint Jamaican accent and a sweetly gentle smile. He presented Sukey with a painted paper fan, to much delight, and ‘Cupid’ held up his arms in triumph at the evening’s first official kiss.

“There, now!” Julius cried, taking the hands of his next victims. “Who braves the little god’s barb, eh? Molly Irons, with arms like Vulcan—”

Molly, a thickset, well-muscled blacksmith, unsurprisingly a popular fixture of the house, looked a little embarrassed at the catcalls, but preened all the same.

“—and Miss Guzzle herself, Susie Crimson. Who has to wonder what a gift’s in store here, indeed!”

Susie was a slender, unassuming young man at first glance, fair-haired and freckled, but utterly notorious for a single-minded interest, and talent. Molly offered Susie a small gift wrapped in brown paper. She tore it open, revealing a neatly wrought pair of polished shoe buckles which, judging by the shy pride in Molly’s face, she’d made herself. Somewhere among the bawdy comments and whistles, Susie looked genuinely flattered, and they smiled at each other as Julius set them palm-to-palm.

“There, now, and who first feels love’s sting? The poet says ‘Love is a fiend, a fire, a heaven—’” Julius paused just long enough to glance over at Lippy with a wink. “—and a hell, / Where pleasure, pain, and sad repentance dwell.’ But what do we say? What do we say? Take the first, and damn the rest! Now, who’s next?”

The company’s laughter and applause spilled over into cheers. In the corner, Kit had wrapped his arms around Oliver’s waist and stood behind him, chin on his shoulder and soft words in his ear as they watched the festivities unfold. Ollie’s nerves appeared to be giving way to glassy-eyed wonder. Someone had brought out a fiddle and, as Julius continued with the lottery, the first drawn-out note of a folk song rang out in warning.

“Barnfield,” Lippy confided to Will, topping off both their glasses before apparently remembering it was the watered brandy they were drinking. He sneered at the decanter as he put it down, but took a sip anyway. “One of the great poets. Aside from the classics, of course.”

“Of course,” Will agreed dutifully. “I know how you cleave unto Ovid.”

“Oh, shove your claws back in, Miss Kitten. Naughty puss don’t get no cream.”

Will snorted into his glass. Such a prospect seemed distant enough anyway.

Lippy tilted his head. A question seemed to waver behind his eyes until he shook it off and touched Will’s sleeve. “Well, you’re here, at least. I confess, I’d rather hear you hissing than not hear you at all, my dear.”

Will dredged up a smile, but could find nothing to say. The brandy barely softened the taste of guilt. The fiddle sawed into his brain, and he wondered how soon he could slip away without seeming more of a churl than he already felt. Julius called the names of another set of Valentines—Sal Draper, who was here with his long-time love, Russian Mary, matched to an older man who went by Queen Hook—and Will eyed the door, intent on fixing his escape route before any dancing threatened to begin.

[sl-newsie]

Spelled (Carlos de Vil x Sanderson Daughter) Ch. 17: Lessons In Love

The next morning I decide to not wallow in sadness in my dorm and immediately join some of the VKs for breakfast in the dining hall.

“Chad tattled on me- he turned in my mirror! But it’s ok, because I still got a B+ without the mirror! Me and Doug are going to study later!” Evie says proudly. 

“Oh really?” I say with a hint of mischief. “Doug’s starting to grow on you, huh?”

The blue-haired VK laughs it off. “Haha, maybe. He’s nice, and really sweet-”

“I’m sure Magica could say the same thing about Carlos,” Mal smirks. “Any chance you two’ll be an official couple?”

They must still think I’m spelled. I got to play- ugh. A dumb blonde. Just like Mother.

“Maybe! He’s super gracious, and really cute! Do you think he’ll ask me out?”

“I don’t know.” Evie stands up and starts ushering Mal out of her seat. “But right now we’ve got to get Mal ready for her date.”

I’m taken aback. “Really? Today?”

“Yes! Mal asked me out on a- date,” Mal says with distaste. “And never been gone on one before, Evie’s helping me dress properly.”

I follow them out and to their dorm, thinking about any precautions I could take to keep Ben safe from any trickery Mal might have planned for him. It’s my job to protect him, not only as Royal Advisor but as an old friend. If anything happens to Ben I’d never forgive myself, so what can I do?

“Uh, guys? What exactly are you doing for the date? Anything fun?” Why must I degrade my intellect? This is so humiliating!

“Don’t know, don’t care.” Mal looks bored out of her mind as Evie starts applying blush.

“You could at least be nice to him, Mal. He’s a nice guy. And, fair warning-” I step forward and hold up a flaming hand. “You hurt him, I do the same and worse to you. You might be able to fool him with your love spell, but not me.” Both Evie and Mal’s jaws drop in surprise, but I keep going. “I’m not going to make-believe as some ditsy blonde and pretend this is all normal. Be good to him, got it?” I point a flaming warning finger just as there’s a knock on the door. “I will leave you to your date, Mal. Don’t mind me, third-wheel witch coming through-”

The door opens and reveals Ben, who ignores me and smiles at Mal. “For the first time I understand the difference between pretty and beautiful.”

I gag. “Too sweet! Too sweet! Must- find- wickedness!” I stumble out into the hallway and-

“Ah!”

And I bump right into Carlos!

“Hi Carlos!” My face brightens.

“Um, hi Magica! Um… You’re not busy, are you?”

“Not for you, dear.” I poke his nose. Why did I do that?!

Carlos sways a little. “Oh- gosh. Um, would you- would you maybe want to go for a walk- or or something?”

I must be dreaming, because I think Carlos just asked me to take a walk with him.

“Yes! I’d love to!” Does he still think I’m spelled by the love potion?

Ben shuts the door before Evie or Mal can warn Carlos, leaving me to pretend to be- in love with him? But I already love him. So does that mean he’ll think it’s all fake? This is too complicated!

“Oh! Ok then, I was thinking maybe you pick the spot since you know more about Auradon than I do?” Carlos says while shuffling his feet.

I really feel sorry for him, because I know he’s just as awkward as I am about this love spell situation. So I try to make him less tense.

“So you want a more in-depth tour? Sure thing, Freckles.”

The new nickname makes Carlos relax a little, and we start walking towards the school gardens. Just keep focused, steady breathing. After all, he knows this isn’t real love, right?

“So where are we going?” Carlos asks.

“First off,” I start explaining when we get to the hedges surrounding the school. “This school is, in fact, a prison of sorts. You’ve seen how lovely the people can be here, right?”

“Yeah.”

 “Right. So once in a while I need to find a place to be by myself, or just to practice magic without Ben knowing. Behold!” I snap my fingers and the hedge parts away to reveal a small walkway lined with trees. “My passage to the outside world! Join me, if you dare!” I hold my hand out.

At first Carlos looks skeptical, but then a joyful grin spreads across his face and he grasps my hand.

“Sure will, Enchantress. Lead on!”

Grateful for his enthusiasm, I lead Carlos down the darkened path while he keeps looking at the wildlife as if it’s made of gold. He doesn’t say much, just an occasional sound of astoundment. It makes me wonder if he’s ever even seen trees up close before. 

“Is this still on school grounds?” He asks in a dazed voice.

“Technically yes. It’s supposed to only be a small patch of shrubs and a few pines, but I used a memory spell and hexed it to be like Sherwood Forest. Just, you know… A little piece of home I can go to when I want to be alone.”  We get to the end of the woods, where there’s a hedge wall marking the edge. “This is as far as I can go without breaking school policy.”

“You don’t seem too keen on curses, right?” Carlos observes. “Only hexes, spells, and jinxes.” 

I’m surprised at his keen observation. Normally people don’t think about the different ways of magic except defining it as either good or wicked. 

“Hexes, spells, and jinxes are universal ways of magic used by all magical beings. Cursing is a type of magic that is used for evil, and is almost always permanent. Once you’ve cursed something or someone, there’s no turning back unless the curse wears a time sentence or you can conjure a counter-curse correctly. But even so I’ve heard of cases where counter-curses have gone terribly wrong.”

Carlos nods his head and keeps looking around the forest, appearing to be fascinated by the roses I’ve placed out.

“So no one knows about here?”

“Yup. It lets me practice magic without any prying eyes.”

Carlos gets a confused look, and for a moment I fear I’ve said too much. Never overtell, Magica. You can always add, you can never take back. 

“Magica… I know you haven’t had the best luck with friends, but maybe you can stop hiding your magic and start showing them how good you are?” I try to protest but Carlos grabs my hand. “I mean, your magic is just- wow! You’re so talented, and yet all people see it as a way to fix their problems. But you’re too nice to be cruel. You deserve more, Magica.”

He… he’s not scared of me? Doesn’t think I need to be controlled? God, Carlos, where have you been all this time? Everyone’s always thought of my powers as flickering flames needing to be tamed in order to prevent a raging inferno.

“Carlos, you’re really sweet to say that. B- But you have to understand that I- I-” I’m the daughter of a witch! “I’m different. I’ll never be like- Just, please understand that I can’t.”

“But magic is allowed here! It’s not like you’re on the Isle where you can’t even have a hot meal, let alone turn invisible or fly! And you said it yourself, people here can be difficult. Is the hope of halfwitted friendship worth downplaying your talents?”

My heart starts beating like a marching drum, but not from anger. Fear.

“Believe me, Carlos. When it comes to people like you or me, friends come in short supply. And before you say anything, yes, I know I didn’t grow up on the Isle and will never be able to fully understand how hard you guys have it. But that doesn’t mean life in Auradon is a peach either. At least you VKs were encouraged to be confident and cruel, whereas I was taught to be nice and let people torment me. Do you know Wendy Darling?”

“Yeah I’ve heard of her.”

“Her daughter Willow has always had it out for me just because I was friends with Ben, because ‘an antisocial weirdo shouldn’t have the privilege to associate with royalty.’ She started to suspect I was a witch, though I don’t know how. Year after year she’d find new ways to be a painful thorn in my side. But my father always told me to control my temper and keep my magic hidden.”

“But you’re so good at it. Surely you practiced?”

“Yes, I practiced in the woods away from prying eyes. But both father and I feared that if I revealed my powers then I would be taken away.”

I continued to tell him about how the villagers had turned against me after I’d set the building on fire, expecting him to laugh or make fun of my mishaps. But he doesn’t. He never interrupts, he sits and watches me with a serious face. When I’m finished, he looks to the ground and shakes his head.

“Magica, I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I guess… Being a VK means your mind’s set on an island figuratively and literally. We thought that you guys here are all one and the same, but we’re wrong.”

“People in Auradon pretend to ignore the strange and unusual, but deep down they alway hide resentment under a fake smile. I’m starting to come to terms that you don’t alway need people to like you. Friends are overrated anyway.”

“But you like me- um, the VKs, right?”

“I do. I really do, Freckles. Although Mal can be a tad snarky at times she’s still not as bad as Aurdey.”

“Tell me about it.” Carlos rolls his eyes.

“And Evie’s helped me redesign my fashion style, Jay’s encouraged my shenanigans even after Ben’s said to put it all behind me-”

Carlos smirks. “Still running a-muck.”

“A-muck! A-muck! A-muck, a-muck, a-muck!” When I’ve run out my wild spree I put a hand to my chest in an attempt to calm down. “Told you that word triggers madness. Anyways… Lastly, you’ve always been a true friend, Carlos. You actually want to listen and care because you’re courteous, not because you’re looking to gain something. Mal wants my magic, Evie wants to use me as a fashion model, Jay wants my whitty ideas. Everyone who’s come close to being my friend has always wanted to use me for something, but not you. And I thank you for that.”

Carlos’ POV 

Oh God… This is making me feel worse! Magica’s telling me I’m the only one who’s never tried to use her, all while she’s under a love spell. But if I tell her the truth then she’ll hate me… is it better to let her keep thinking I wouldn’t betray her?

“If… If you ever need someone to talk to, I’m always here.”

The pink-haired Enchantress smiles kindly. “Thanks, Freckles. It’s nice to know I’ve at least got one friend.”

It’s like every word is digging me a deeper hole of guilt.

I try to change the subject. “Should we head back? I think FG said something about a surprise.”

Magica’s face falls. “Oh, really? I wasn’t notified… Maybe Ben forgot?”

Magica’s POV

We sneak back through the hedge and into the school garden, double-checking to make sure we’re alone. Carlos leads the way to the library, where we find FG and the other VKs waiting for us in front of a computer. I’ll have to ask Ben how the date went.

“Hey, Carlos!” Evie waves.

Jay smirks at me. “Hiya, trixie! Come to meet our parents?”

“Parents? What dost thou mean?”

Fairy Godmother tilts her head at my unusual tongue but proceeds to set up her computer. “I’ve arranged a surprise conference with the VKs and their parents on the Isle. Ben came up with the idea yesterday and I thought it was a thoughtful gesture.”

So, I guess being Royal Advisor means nothing?

I frown at Carlos. “Oh, like a Zoom meeting or something? Do your parents know how to work that?”

He shrugs. “Guess we’ll find out. I’ve never seen mom operate a tv remote, much less a computer. You, um… I guess you wouldn’t want to meet her, huh?”

I shake my head. “I’m grateful for the kind gesture, but I shall have to politely decline.”

Carlos gives my hand a squeeze. “I don’t blame you.”

In seconds, the electronics whizz to life and the screen fizzles on to show the VKs’ parents. I must admit they’re less… intimidating than how I imagined them. At most they seem like the type of parents I’ve seen squabble at parent-teacher conferences.

I try to keep a low profile and stand back next to FG, but my pink hair and unique clothes don’t exactly help me go unnoticed.

“Ooh! A new witch! Who is she?” Maleficent asks Mal.

Evie’s mom is all giddy too. “She looks familiar… but I can’t put my finger on it….”

Please don’t put your finger on it, don’t put anything on it!

Now a lady with puffy hair and black-and-white speckled furs puts her face to the camera. Cruella de Vil- Carlos’ mom.

“Carlos! Is that a dog? He looks the perfect size for earmuffs!”

Her son, however, has a different opinion. “He’s the perfect size for a pet! I love him and he loves me! And FYI, your dog is stuffed! So give it a rest!”

“Ooh, burn!” 

Jafar starts the villains bickering and it all ends with Fairy Godmother pulling the plug. The saddened headmistress looks at the VKs, who’ve all grown dreary faces.

“I’m so sorry.”

Mal tries to ignore her and says everything is fine, but I can tell from the pain behind Carlos’ eyes that everything is indeed not fine. Jay’s got a worried look on his face, Evie keeps checking her reflection, and Carlos is clutching onto Dude for dear life. 

Once Fairy Godmother has walked on, I turn to the group with a determined look.

“Don’t be worried. No one can harm you here, no matter how hard your parents try.”

“You don’t know our parents, Magica!” Mal yells with her arms tensed.

“You might think that you have to prove yourselves to them or live up to their evil standards, but I promise that here you never need to!” I try to comfort her, but she just shakes her head furiously and storms out, followed by Evie and Jay.

“She’s right, Magica.” Carlos is still clinging to Dude. “Our loyalty to our parents will always come first. We can’t change it.”

I approach him slowly and wrap my arms around him and his faithful dog.

“I’m so sorry, Carlos. You shouldn’t have to go through with this. Love comes in all sorts of lessons, whether it be through parenting or heartbreak. What matters is what we choose to learn from it.”

And what I’ve learned is that life isn’t fair, and that the world can be a very cruel place.

[cherriesandsins]

Echoes

A/N: Hi! This one's my first Stranger Things/Eddie Munson fic. It's just about my musings on Eddie's chaotic life, past his possible wanderings to the metal/punk scene if he survived the post ST4 au. It can be read as an 'x reader' fic where the reader can assume that Peach is just their nickname. Enjoy!

She was the object of his heart’s desires. She was the scent that haunted all over the words on the tattered papers that were yet to be turned into the verses of the honeyed melodies of his songs. Till then, she’d be the verses to the rhythms of his heart.

He wished to weave his way into the strings of her heart and lay tangled in them forever. 

He watched her smile, dazzling and warm, unfurl across her cherry-tinted lips.

She was an explosion of earthy and red tones under the blinding rays of the sun- she was an ethereal sight to behold. Her hair shifted, revealing a new caramelized shade woven into the chestnut strands of her hair, framing her face gently.

Growing up, he heard people call him all sorts of things and give him all sorts of looks. Some told him he was trouble, some called him a sinner, and others called him a freak. He heard all sorts of anger, dread and terror fall from people’s lips, mixed with spittle and wrath. 

He was never sure if he deserved an ounce of their resentment, but he told himself he never cared much for it. After all, he wasn’t going to hide his ambitions in any nook and cranny of the town, like shards of broken dreams shoved away by many before him. 

But Hawkins swallowed him whole anyway. 

He’d walk around the streets with his long limbs and a cigarette between his chapped lips, his hair long and messy. Scraggly and unkempt. Black jeans ripped around the knees, a chain hanging from his side, and a bandana tied in the back.

Sure, he’s got a lot of nerve to be smoking in front of the adults (as Gareth said), but he never cared too much about it. If anyone gave him a disapproving look, he’d give them a condescending smile.

He knew he was a headache to deal with, and most people gave up on him. Hence, his asshole tendencies were excused, even when he got off the cigarette-scented van with the nameless faces or the faceless cunts he fucked. He wasn’t sure if that was an incriminating curse or a sinful blessing. Still, he didn’t care too much about how people interpreted that. After all, conventional morality was the first thing he shed off.

He was indeed an epitome of ‘Drugs, sex, rock n’ roll’, and he knew it.

That was until he emerged from the Upside Down, battered, bruised, and barely alive. 

Hailed a hero by his friends and Uncle and those who chose to believe his story. 

Abhorred by the others who believed that his soul was deeply charred to drip his hands with the blood of Chrissy and Patrick.

Adevil reincarnate, as they called him. 

His father would have been proud. He was truly living up to that Munson name of blackening his soul with violence and deception. 

‘You can’t shut every barking dog,’ an advice given to him by his beloved uncle when a five-year-old Eddie sobbed with unending tears in Wayne’s arms.  Eddie repeated the words in his head over and over again every time someone looked at him funny or muttered something under their breaths that he knew was directed at him. 

He was hurting more than ever. The scars are still fresh, and they hurt. At least the pills took that pain away. But what would help him muffle that agonizing despair that spilt from his eyes or the splitting cries of his wailing heart?

Some days, he wished that Dustin would have just left him in the Upside Down, plunging his world into eternal darkness.

Away from pain.

Most days, Eddie would rouse from his bed, panting uncontrollably, his sheets marred with sweat.

Sleep was a far-fetched luxury for Eddie. He hardly slept since he was a child.

Earlier, it was easy to blame his sleeplessness on an array of things- Wayne’s odd hours of working, poorly-planned substance abuse, a sudden creative spark (which wasn’t exactly a spark, but just an escape from his mind) for a song or a D&D campaign, the irresistible charm of his guitar or an unfinished homework.

It worsened now. He’d shut his eyes for a few hours, his mind stuck in an exasperating limbo between bone-weary lethargy and swooping frenzy. 

The doctors branded him with a label, and a bottle of white pills tucked away into some corner.

While it does induce him with sleep spells, it doesn’t scrape away the lucidity of the horrors that have been crawling around the twisted corners of his mind like devil’s ivy. So he doesn’t take them. He’d wait for his eyes to tire out through the mindless stupor of numbed paranoia and blurring grotesque images. A shallow rest most days. Dreamless sleep if he was lucky. Else nightmare-riddled sleep.

He traded his yearning for restful sleep for sanity.

One night, amidst the chill of January air, he hit his pit-stop. His cigarette lay close to his thigh, its blinding crimson core being the warmest thing he could conjure then. His other hand mindlessly twirled the beer bottle, humming the melodies to an unknown song.

Around then, he watchedherwalk into the dingy bar with someone he knew- oh, that was Robin. Since when did Robin like anything that wasn’t Bowie or Blondie or the Beatles?

But theother girl, withher vermillion grin, toggling between a cigarette and a cherry lollipop, babbling loudly to Robin. A Motörhead tshirt under her loose jacket and a pair of black ripped jeans. 

He watched her from the stage, shouting excitedly when she heard the first few notes of the KISS songs they covered swaying and jumping without missing a single beat.

Peach. She introduced herself as Peach when he offered to buy her a drink.

He never asked for her real name. Perhaps Peach was her alter ego, the skin she preferred.

And that was okay.

She sat next to him. Her body was lightly tilted towards him, one of her legs rested against him, and she never moved. He didn’t move either.

She was telling him about her rather impressive Led Zepplin collection and her distaste for the Rolling Stones. Ouch.

“Still not a good reason to hate ‘em,” He smirked, tilting his head back against the seat as he carded his hand through his unruly hair, clearing his sight to meet her sharp gaze. 

“Their music is sloppy. Sometimes.”

“That’s every single band out there, Peach. Try again.”

She replaced her cigarette between her lips with her overly sugary cherry lollipop.

“Fine, you win,” She dropped her shoulders, adding: “Maybe an unfair bias on my side.”

Eddie watched her flick her thick curls back and quickly down the last drink, her head tipped back, and eyes tightly shut around the astringent burn. And that’s when he noticed near her wrist an inked mark, a couple of bats.

He smirked softly, his hand tracing his own bat tattoos.

She let out a soft sigh, her eyelids fluttering.

He shifted his gaze back to Peach, his eyes raking all over the soft curve of her nose, the sharp cheekbones dusted in a pale pink powder, and her half-lidded eyes painted with a glittery dark brown colour.  

Her features were striking yet so appealing. So lively and vivacious, almost elegantly unrefined. Faintly magnetic. A strange allure, really, but an overwhelmingly blinding one.

Robin excused herself from Gareth, walking towards them. She whispered softly, her eye glancing at her wristwatch.

Dawn was approaching fast, and a certain sense of dread filled Eddie. She was leaving. She had to leave.

A part of him wished Peach was some intensely hued figment of his imagination. But she was real. So fucking real.

She placed her lips softly over his cheek, muttering goodbye. Before leaving, she urges him one last time to make his first musical pit stop at the Sunset Strip.

He could definitely imagine being on stage in a packed bar with a haze of cigarette smoke and dull lighting. Perhaps a bigger crowd than the Hideout.

A place to completely deluge his imperishable passion.

Eddie wasn’t sure if his band or if he could recreate the danger and notoriety of the metal and punk rock scene like all the bands before him. Else he’d collapse entirely.

Find me there, she said, before walking away from him, hand in hand with Robin.

Perhaps he should follow her to California, sauntering under the glittering beams, glinting sequins, and gleaming strobe of the Strip. And maybe he’s a fool to believe they will meet again and pick up where they left off, piecing back together what they had tonight.

A fairy-tale dream.

But would reality have worked out in his favour? Fate was never his friend.

The thought flowed and consumed him until his earlier euphoria melted away, agony filling him completely.

It was a choice. Either continue in the dingy bars of Hawkins, adorned with freshly split knuckles. Or explore the chaos of the Strip, thrive in the virulent unfamiliarity or the rosy-tinted passion.

His hair was grown longer than before, his eyes hardened, and his fingers more calloused. He’d fit in easily.

And she.She was all he needed to coax him into chasing his dream- or trapping an illusion constructed of smoke and mirrors and lights.

If it’s the former, it would be skyrocketing fame. If it’s the latter, he’ll either go unheard, or it’ll be his untold secret.

True, the potential of “what next” or the unknown is nearly too much to grapple with.

But before any apologetic sonnets of ‘what ifs’ could manifest on his tongue, he decided he would follow the trail to the kaleidoscopic streets of LA.

If he’s destined to shred his shimmering red-coloured guitar, clambering down the Strip with their reckless cacophonies, then great.

However, if he was damned to fade away amidst the swirling marquees and dusty streets, so be it.

The liberation did feel heavy in his shaky hands.

But he was glad he took the chance on one dewy morning of August, when he convinced (forced) Steve to join him on his voyage, and listening to him grumble about waking up to Eddie's ugly mug instead of some Heidi's face. Eddie just smirked with the ultimate retort he'd heard Dustin and Robin say before: "There are things far more important than your love life."

Even though the great expanse of the unknown was stretched before him, Eddie reached for it eagerly. The unrestricted possibilities of what ifs that once crawled under his skin uncomfortably, gnawing at his flesh painfully no longer bothered him. 

He lifted his gaze to look at her again. 

The evening glow bathed her in a golden flush, the salt-tinted air of the beach mixing with her gently saccharine scent of cherries.

Her smooth dark olive skin, radiant under the sun like an ever-morphing serenity of browns, her deep vermillion dress fluttering in the summer air, hugging her in all the right places.

He was smiling at him, standing so close to him, he felt the soft cadence of her breath tickled the skin of his sternum. Her smell of sweet cherry delight swamped him, a strange sense of familiarity consuming him. He could clearly see her eyes, those damned deep brown eyes, sparkling in polished amber under the sun with specks of honeyed golden.

She stood between his arms, wrapped in pure authenticity. Just like the day he met her in the Hideout. Just like the day he saw her again at the Roxy. 

(He even got her real name)

More eloquent poetic verses swarmed in his mind, and he tried to shove them deeply and harshly into some crevice of his mind, hoping to pour it all on the crinkled sheets filled with his scrawl and scribble.

She was laughing, her sparkling contentment rather contagious, as he felt a smile cracking from the corner of his lips.

From getting front seats to his half-assed shows for an entire year, she was now stuck with him for a lifetime with a future of touring and festivals. 

Excitement simmered in his chest, pure jubilation etched onto his face. She mirrored his unfettered elation, softly pressing her lips to his, sealing their deal.

  It was a ride-or-die with him, and she was all in. 

That’s the only assurance Eddie ever needed. His earlier reservations were pushed aside as a renewed urge to go on, to live to the fullest, filled him entirely to the brim. 

Eddie felt the sappy emotions rush to the tip of his tongue, and he bit it down. Instead, he pulled her close, tucking her under his chin. 

Everything would be alright

[balyena-lu]

Trade for yanderechips [TH]

Apple fiddled the edges of her red sweater, her constant fiddling with it caused the ends to look worn. She looked around the cafe, enjoying the quiet atmosphere and the general lack of people in it. She looked at her barely sipped frappe, the condensation on the glass slowly sliding down it’s side.

She discovered this cafe because Erin told her about it while they were looking for cafe’s that served good (and cheap) coffee. Now she’s here because Vontanious asked her out. Well, she wasn’t sure if it was him per se, but she got asked via a text message from who she assumed was him. The text message was similar to how he would speak in real life when they interacted. Maybe it was wishful thinking that his socially awkward gestures meant that he liked her.

Maybe it was the chemicals in her brain telling her that to make her feel better. Regardless, she decided to put on a brave face and accept the offer of a not a date-date with who she hoped was him and not a creepy person she didn’t know.

The sound of the cafe’s doorbell and the cheery welcome by the staff indicated a new person on who just entered the cafe. Apple whirled her head around towards the sound and lo-and-behold it was him. 

Unconsciously, Apple let out a sigh of relief. Her mind glad that it wasn’t a stranger and her cheeks flushed as red as the fruit she was named as when she realized that she was happy. ‘This can’t be me right?’ She was flustered that she became happy at the thought of Vontanious, her enemy not being a total asshole and standing her up.

Deciding to see what her nemesis would do, she waited.

And waited.

Annoyed, Apple looked back again to where he was and just stared at him. He had his arms hidden by a long sleeve gray sweater. ‘How come I didn’t notice him hiding his tentacle-arms?’ She pondered. Deciding that he wasn’t going to come to her, she decided to go to him. Her brain rationalizing it as taking pity on the guy who clearly was standing around waiting for her.

As her mind came to that conclusion, she blushed again. ‘Really? That was enough to make her blush’ She inwardly screeched, irritated that by merely being in his presence she began to act like a teenager with her first-ever crush.

She stood up, slowly but with purpose approached him. “Hey Vonny?” Inwardly Apple cringed, ‘Why did I call him Vonny?’ But whether he thought it weird she called him using a nickname, she couldn’t quite gleam it from his face. “Hello Apple.” He said warmly, a pinkish hue on his cheeks. “I apologize if I made you wait for too quite a while. I had an issue with my… projects.” 

Apple shook her head, she told him that it was fine, she didn’t wait long. ‘Liar.’

“Why don’t we sit down? I got a seat and it’s kind of awkward to just stand here right?” He shuffled his feet, looking down and nodded in agreement. Apple noted that he still kept his hidden tentacle hands to the sides, not moving or using it for anything at all really.

He took a seat across from her, the atmosphere was a bit tense as none of them were talking. She could hear some people whispering but she wasn’t really sure as to what they were saying.

“So, um… how was your day?” He tentatively asked. It was unlike Vontanious to feel small in presence. She was used to him gesticulating how powerful his inventions are or how his plans were infallible. (Hint: They were not.) To see him this withdrawn was strange and unnerving.

“I’m fine, my therapy has been going great, Bitin tells me that she’s happy for me but I know she worries and sometimes I feel like I’m not doing the best I can for her.” She didn’t mean for those words to spill but they did and she couldn’t take it back.

As though moved by her bitter words, Vontanious slowly reached out, his long sleeves revealing a hint of his green tentacles. With an uncharacteristically soft smile, he replied.

“It’s hard to feel secure in life when you don’t feel secure in your own body.” A flash of regret, bitterness, and hate entered Vontanious eyes as he spoke, a quick glance towards his own hands. Apple would have missed it if it wasn’t for the fact that she was looking at him.

It occurred to Apple then that maybe, perhaps Vontanious was just as lonely as she was in life. Maybe this was a chance to find a friend in him, her supposed enemy?

“You know.” She mused, gathering the attention of Vontanious, who got snapped out of his inner thoughts. “You’re quite adorable when you smile Vonny, you should do that more often. I like seeing it.”

At her unexpectedly bold comment, Vontanious flushed a deep red, let go of her hand. He raised both of his hands towards his face, muttering.

“Apple, you’re a devious darling when you want to be, aren’t you?”

As she laughed the atmosphere became a little lighter, their topics straying towards more light-hearted and oftentimes funny conversations. As Apple and Vontanious talked, she came to a quiet understanding that even villains can fall in love too.

[blackcupidangel]

Motherhood

A/n: this is kinda based of my own relationship with my mom. With me she has zero privacy 😌but she tells me all they time that me barging into her room to tell her about my life are the best part of her day 😂even if she’s like on the toilet. And I totally see Batmom building that kind of relationship with them that is just so comfortable and not awkward at all. Excuse any spelling errors.

Warnings: nothing but fluff

(Y/n) slowly lowers her sore body into the large bath as the steams escapes the water. The room’s air was infused with vanilla and coco with lit candles creating a mood of relaxations. It was exactly what she needed, being a den mother to YJ (sometimes the Titian’s den mother) and Justice League member was not for the faint of heart. Especially now that she’s a mother with kids who are in the same dangerous field she’s in. With motherhood comes everlasting worrying, protecting, and giving up her privacy.

There was a loud sounding knock at the door just as she began to close her eyes. With a deep sigh she yells for the intruder to come inside, low and behold it was her oldest Dick.

“Yes Grayson,” she hums turning her head to get a look at the dark haired and blue eyed adult, she still saw him as the little boy that they adopted on that tragic night. His small smile on his lips told her everything she needs to know before motioning for him to come in.

“I see that you’re finally taking a break, you deserve it mom,” He praises as he closes the door softly before plopping down on the counter. He was always the mom of the siblings whenever she wasn’t around, so he always worries for her health and mental state because he and his siblings could be a lot to handle.

“You’re always so concerned for me, you’re such a sweet boy Dick. Now come on bluebird, what’s on your mind.” His childhood nickname was always brings warmth to his heart and made him feel at home. Without and further coaxing, he began to spill what was on his mind. He was always worrying about others and never took the time to recharge. (Y/n) always listens attentively and always provides him with the best advice that he needs to hear, and this time was no different.

Another knock on the door cuts their peaceful conversation as the door creaks open. Two heads peep through the door revealing Jason and Duke right before Jason waltz in followed by Duke. Her two chaotic kings stood in the room with flour splattering their attire.

“Mom how long do you bake your cookies. Duke says ten but I know it's seven.” With a short chuckle, she confirms that it is in deed seven minutes and watches Jason and Duke bicker. The door is thrown open and closes quickly shutting the boys up as everyone looks at the culprit of the sudden noise. Tim clutches his Redbull with his back pushed against the door as his chest rises and falls rapidly.

“It’s Alfred being the caffeine police, I came here for sanctuary.” (Y/n) raises a brow giving him a warning look at the word caffeine. The coffee addict raises one hand in defense explaining that it was only his fourth energy drink that day, which was better than last weeks. Tim takes a seat next to Dick while Duke and Jason converse with their mother on baking tips. Unlike the last knock, this one knocks twice…pauses…then three times.

“Come in Cass.” The door slowly opens and the short beautiful asian girl enters in quietly. She gave her brothers nods of acknowledgment with a small smile before claiming a spot on a bench close to her mother. As the boys conversed with each other and the bickering, Cass leans in and gives her mother a soft kiss on her cheek. (Y/n) brushes a few short strands away from Cass’s soft face.

“Are you imbeciles, intruding on mother’s personal time to herself. This is why I am her favorite,” Damien says closing the door.

“Well look whose talking demon spawn, takes one to know one,” Jason grits out as Damien narrows his eyes. The arguing continues through the packed room as (y/n) casually closes her eyes to the noice. She reminisces on the days where she could bath in peace without a thought about any child barging in. A final knock causes all the kids to hush in an instant, the knock was heavier than any of theirs.

“What’s the password?” Jason shouts.

“I hold the key to all of yours trust fund,” the voice says calmly on the other side of the door.

“Fair, rent does need to paid. Come in.” The door opens and Bruce enters with wide eyes as he scans all the kids in the room with Stephanie behind him.

“Ooh no one told me that we were partying with mom! Move over old man,” Steph says trying to squeeze past the brick wall that was Bruce.

“Are all of you in here?”

“We’re bonding,” Dick shrugs with a sweet smile on his face and all his siblings mutter or nod in agreement.

“I could hear your arguing all the way in the hall.”

“We built different,” Tim says taking his last sip of his Redbull.

“Out…all of you. It’s my turn.” After a stern look to end all the protest. One by one the all bid goodbyes to their mom in their own ways. Cass gives her mom one last kiss on the cheek before gracefully leaving the bathroom with the rest of her siblings. Bruce locks the door as soon as the last kid leaves and lets out a long sigh. His hands moves to his cuff links, then his tie before unbuttoning his shirt. She listens to his footsteps drawing closer and opens her eyes to him siting on the edge of the tube.

“You have to start locking the door,” Bruce chuckles as his fingers ghost the side of her cheek before resting his hand on the side of her face.

“I don’t mind, it's apart of motherhood.” She watches his eyebrow raise before a small smile appears on his face. He places his hand on side of the tub and leans in until their nose faintly touch.

“You are an exceptional woman, take all the time you need in here.” He moves and softly places his lips on her forehead, her eyes closes to his warm touch. Bruce then places a gentle kiss on her lips before retreating for the door. She slides down deeper into the water and sighs deeply with a small smile on her face. Motherhood may have taken her privacy but with the family she has, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

A/n: If you see any random name…no you didn’t 😂but I apologize usually when I write I literally make up a character like bio and all that I have set for Batmom in my mind and how she’s like. So If you see that my bad I wrote this last year and decided why not post it last minute 😂😂😂

Also if I do get the sudden urge to post more, I don’t think I will mention any skin tones at all because melanin comes in so many shades. Or hair type either😌 and I will keep the black Batmom tags just so my melanated or non melanated monarchs can find me.

—Fengári

[clouds-rambles]

Is it alright if i req hcs of kaeya, diluc, zhongli finding out they have a vampire s/o and they have all these cool vampire abilities and can be a bat and etc? Thanks 😊

Vampires go brr is all I say

Requests are back open! I’m planning that nth-hundred special thing soon but for the time being I’ll take more requests <3

Pairings; (Seperate) Kaeya, Diluc, and Zhonglii x reader

Warning(s); no explicity nsfw just mentions

Keep reading under the cut!

Kaeya

Man if he wasn’t already whipped for you the added fact of you’re a vampire is so cool to him. If it’s not a secret he’s definitely like “check out my s/o everyone rn, okay, do the bat thing”

Hickeys are interesting and Kaeya is far too down bad for it. He loves the feeling of your fangs literally anywhere on his body

He also loves the feeling of your fangs brushing up against his lips

If you turn into other animals Kaeya is just there like ‘holy shid my s/o right now’

Yelling ‘down bad’ at Kaeya is just apart of your common lingo at this point

Thanks to your aversion to sunlight midnight exhibitions and explorations are the best thing to Kaeya

He wants to know everything you can do and will likely test your limits

If you’re the floaty kind of vampire Kaeya loves being held in the air

If you’re the kind of vampire that can turn into mist please prank him when he goes into a hug, it’ll be funny to watch him eat shit 

Give him a kiss after though. It doesn’t matter how funny it is just remind the man you love him

If you’re particularly older than him expect him to ask what certain aspects of the past really are true and what’s just made up to keep the calm 

Do you still pray to the god of your homeland, be it Barbatos or any other. If not why? 

How were you turned? Were you born a vampire? Were you born in Teyvat or Khaenri'ah? If you’re from Khaenri'ah was it before or after the gods betrayed the people?

If you’re as secretive as Kaeya it’s interesting to see how much you can reveal while he continues to keep his cards to his chest

Diluc

He has to be sure you’re not a threat to Mondstat before he even thinks about forming a platonic relationship with you, let alone a romantic one

Diluc isn’t sure what attracts you to him, probably the thrill of danger. The act of placing his life into a person who could snap him like a twig

Every brush or your fangs or scratch of your nails is a reminder of his fragility compared to your superior strength. 

He’s into it way more than he’d like to admit and you know it.

Your days are often spent sleeping, and usually Diluc will sleep the mornings with you sleeping, afternoons and evenings are strictly business time to him

If you help out with his Darknight Hero rounds he’s more than happy to have you about. And he loves seeing your raw power tear through Abyss Mages forcefields quicker than he can with his vision

It’s funny watching Diluc skirt about questions about your past, especially once you’re in a relationship. Though unlike other vampires, you’re more open to sharing your secrets with Diluc than others.

Diluc being a secretive person himself doesn’t speak of your own vampiric abilities

Diluc is the original hypeman in the shadows. Anything you do is immediately met with praise, especially when it comes to your vampiric abilities;

Turn into a bat or other animal mid battle to move the battle to your advantage after he’ll just tell you how cool the move was

Turn into mist to fuck with the abyss mages like they do everyone else? Hell yeah payback bitch

Teleport into an abyss mages forcefield to take em down? Number 1 hype man right here

Diluc will compliment you on all the cool things you did on the walk back to the winery and man seeing his face light up his the best thing

You can guess this is what he was like before his fathers death, this cheery smiley man. It’s a shame you don’t get to see it more

Zhongli

Zhongli knew there was something different about you, something not human and once he finds out about your vampiric status everything kind of melds together. The reason why you are never seen on lovely bright days

Though the fact you’re seen at all during the day is something to behold actually and the first question to leave Zhongli’s mouth is ‘why can you go outside during the day?’

You explain that you’re a particularly old and strong vampire, rivalling some of the youngest gods in age. You had once had a coven but many of it’s members but your kind had been hunted to near extinction by archon loyalists who saw you all as blasphemous 

Sitting at the table with other historians is always so much fun for both of you, especially with your contradicting opinions on the geo archon. Though your opinions aren’t necessarily bad but it’s more like you see them in a different light considering your age and knowledge of the world

Zhongli enjoys talking to you about divinity. So much so that you think that Zhongli is constantly dropping hints that he is the Geo Archon himself

You don’t question him but instead drop hints back at him that you know, small things that makes him question internally about it.

Its not often you or Zhongli go about fighting, the two of you much prefer to sit, drink tea and have a good chatter

Though the centuries of battling shows when the both of you are thrown into battle, you often bounce off of each other with ease. And with the added flare of your shapeshifting abilities your enemies will always perish

Around Liyue Harbour both you and Zhongli are friendly with the kids, often treating them to popsicles or games of tag and hide and seek. Despite the fact that the two of you don’t look a day over 30 many of the children give you sweet nicknames with any kind of relation to grandparents

The other vampires you have left you will visit often, usually when Zhongli is visiting his adepti. Seeing your children thrive in all corners of Teyvat without the security of a nest of vampires is admirable. Its no wonder they have survived this long

While you’re not as lively as the younger vampires both you and Zhongli cause your fair bit of trouble and have the most fun you can possibly can have

[90stvshowgoth]

—THE BET

summary: you thought that as a member of the phantom troupe you were supposed to be smarter than this, yet here you were betting against hisoka. everyone knew that hisoka was a master at poker, cards were his weapon after all, but you couldn’t resist wagering one more bet on a drinking game.

w/c: 4587

tags: dubcon, drunk sex, creampie, blood kink, hate sex, begging, brat taming

a/n: this originally started as a chrollo oneshot, you can kinda tell from how the opening paragraph is about him, but once i started writing the poker game i was like “okay no i gotta make this its own thing,” and because of that decision we now have loose ends getting ch.3 rn :) also no, i couldn’t help but kinda reference phantom of the opera cause it slaps and nobody can tell me otherwise. also, no, before anyone asks, this is a oneshot. it aint getting a sequel.

big thanks to the lovely miss @sealedrosewater for beta reading this clownfucking nightmare.

The heist had gone off without a hitch, Chrollo’s plan worked like a charm and before the night was out you had all flawlessly extracted each and every one of the gilded texts being held in the museum. You still remembered the childlike gleam in your boss’ eyes as he ran his fingers over the aged leather, its binding parchment laced with gold. The faintest ghost of a smile fled from his pallid lips as he admired his new conquest. It made your chest swell with pride, happy to help the man you respected so much. Besides, your cut was nothing to sneeze at.

Your rendezvous was inside a long-abandoned opera theatre where dust clung to the red velvet of the seats and the chandelier was seemingly hanging by a thread; your boss always had a flair for the dramatics. Once all members of the spider had finished reconvening at the empty theatre to gather their spoils it wasn’t long before someone, probably Uvogin, brought out the drinks. Nobunaga had already begun nursing a rum and coke, all while Feitan kept turning down Shal’s insistence to “Just try some, Fei,” Even Shizuku cracked open one of the ice-cold bottles, knocking back an impressive swig. As soon as you saw Machi pulling out a deck of cards you knew you had to stay for the after party.

Unfortunately, the same couldn’t be said of your leader. He’d gone to his room with the book you recovered tucked under his arm. A few other members who couldn’t be bothered took after your leader and went off to whichever side room they’d stashed a futon in the week prior; the Phantom Troupe’s equivalent of picking out a bedroom. A shame, really. You’d seen Feitan drunk once before and it was truly a sight to behold.

You sat crosslegged on the wooden floor, watching your comrades slowly get comfortable for a night of fun. Your thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat above you, looking up to see Pakunoda with a soft smile on her face and an opened beer in her outstretched hand.

“Paku, have I ever told you how much I love you?” You couldn’t help but shower the woman with praise. She had been the one who recommended you to Chrollo after all, and she served as your mentor for your first few months until you found your feet.

She scoffed at the compliment, “Far too much,”

Sticking your tongue out playfully at the mindreader, you took a deep sip of beer, enjoying the familiar taste. Paku sat down beside you and it wasn’t long before the two of you were drinking shoulder to shoulder.

“Machi! Deal us in,” You raised your drink to the transmuter and she flicked two cards towards you both.

Scooting away from Paku, you quickly scanned the cards you’d received before pressing them face down. A queen and an ace. Not great, but not awful either.

The others had formed a haphazard circle, each glancing at their cards with an unreadable poker face. Well, all except Hisoka, who seemed pleased as punch with whatever hand he’d been dealt. Silently, Nobunaga took out two coins and threw them into the center— the Troupe’s house rules counting it to be equivalent to 2 billion jenny.

“Call,” you answered, matching the swordsman’s bet with an unreadable expression on your face.

“Oh? Well then, I’ll raise you,” Hisoka purred, pushing five extra chips into the pot without breaking his gaze from yours.

‘What was he planning?’ That smug look of his just made you want to win that much more. The same seemed to be true of everyone else, each calling the clown’s bet in a row. After all, to a member of the Phantom Troupe, five billion jenny wasn’t that much of a loss.

When Machi turned up the first three cards your heart skipped a beat. Two queens and a seven. Winning a round of poker against some of the smartest criminals the world had ever known was an uphill battle, seeing as how you’d been a member for years without winning a single game.

‘Three of a kind already... what should I do?’ Your face was as stone-cold as before, even with the excitement bubbling in your gut. As nonchalantly as you could, you raised another two billion. At that, Uvo and Shizuku both folded, the enhancer grumbling with a disappointed frown.

“I hope you don’t mind, but I haven’t got enough coins~” Hisoka slapped down a twenty, and a chorus of annoyed groans broke out like a choir, the abandoned theatre’s acoustics amusingly echoed the loud noises of displeasure.

After that little stunt only three others remained: Pakunoda, who’s facade hadn’t cracked all game, Nobunaga, who was glaring daggers at Hisoka, and the aforementioned magician holding up his cards in front of him like a child playing for the first time.

All three of you matched his bet, but none were happy about it. As Machi flipped over the fourth card you found yourself holding your breath. Not because you particularly cared about the money at stake, but because you felt closer to a victory than you had in months. The caricature of a medieval jester being illuminated under the light made you dig your nails into the palm of your hand.

Joker. That meant you had four queens.

It never felt harder to fight a smile off your face than in that moment. Without betraying your excitement, you called, and to your surprise so did Hisoka. Was he bluffing? Or did he have something else in mind? Nobunaga took a deep breath, knocking back the rest of his drink before calling alongside Pakunoda.

All eyes were on the card beneath Machi’s fingertips, the seconds it took to turn the paper on its head filled the theatre with a suspense liable to bring its fragile walls to the ground.

An eight of hearts. Oh well, no big deal.

Nobunaga muttered a curse under his breath, revealing a simple jack and ten of the same suit. Pakunoda was unreadable when she showed the pair of kings she held in her hands. She must’ve thought that the three of a kind would’ve won her the game. The smile on your face felt sweeter after holding it in the whole round, and Nobunaga rolled his eyes when he saw your hand, pushing the pot towards you.

“Well, look at that~” Your victory was interrupted by Hisoka’s insufferable tone, the cards he held up making your jaw drop.

A nine and a jack of hearts. A straight flush.

“That’s bullshit!” You cried, enraged over the loss. It wasn’t even that you cared so much about losing, It only mattered because you lost to him. In an instant you had summoned your nen into the palms of your hands, ready to lunge at the clown when Pakunoda grasped your shoulders, holding you back. Sometimes you forgot how much brute strength was hidden under that pantsuit.

“Just flip a coin, don’t give him what he wants.” Your first reaction was to ignore her, squirming against her iron grip to try and get to Hisoka, who was dramatically scooping all your winnings into his arms.

Uvogin tossed yet another empty beer can over his head, “C’mon Paku, I say let ‘em fight,”

“I concur~” The magician chirped, dramatically stacking each and every coin he’d won while boring his yellow eyes right into yours. His tongue parted his lips, a manic excitement hiding behind the coy expression.

Although every muscle in your body screamed at you to rip into him, you knew you wouldn’t win. He knew your abilities and you couldn’t say for certain you knew all of his.

“Never-mind,” You spat the words out at him like they tasted sour, “You’d probably get off on it anyways.”

A few laughs from the peanut gallery followed your words and Hisoka shrugged, the intense bloodlust from a few seconds ago vanishing as if he’d changed his mind about fighting you on a whim. “You may be right, darling,” your face scrunched up at the nickname you knew he only used to get on your nerves, which it did. “but what if we played a different game?”

Despite how badly you just wanted to ignore him and laugh the night away with all but one of your comrades, you couldn’t turn down the idea of a rematch. Your pride wasn’t nothing to you. “What kind of game?” You asked hesitantly.

He hummed, standing up from the towers of coin he’d made, sauntering over to the cooler of drinks Franklin had provided. After digging around the cold box he pulled out a bottle of fruity tequila and two empty shot glasses.

Your eyes narrowed at the “innocent” smile on his face, looking over to Pakunoda for reassurance.

“You’ll kill him if he spikes my drink, right?” You asked your mentor, who nodded resolutely.

Paku was staring at Hisoka like she was already thinking of ten different ways how to kill him. After sizing him up she flashed you a reassuring nod, “Without question.”

Resolute in your decision, you marched forward, snatching one of the shot glasses from his hand. The stage lights shone above him, making his eyes gleam like the plastic gloss of a doll.

“Shall we begin, then?”

You raised an eyebrow, “What are the rules first?”

He waved his hand in the air, brushing it off, “Nothing too complex, I assure you. The first one who taps out will lose. The loser will do something for the winner. That’s all.”

You still weren’t convinced it could be that simple. “What’s the catch?”

That smirk from before returned to his painted face and he suddenly leaned forward, feeling far too close for comfort. Still, you didn’t step away, your face expressionless as he whispered into your ear. If you did you felt like he’d somehow win whatever stand-still the two of you had on.

“If I lose, I’ll leave the Phantom Troupe,” You reeled away, stunned at his declaration.

Being accepted into the Troupe was the best moment of your life, it always would be. When you looked into the mirror at the tattoo that curled under your ribcage you felt such a warm swell of pride. You couldn’t imagine throwing it all away over some drinking game.

“And...” You blinked rapidly, trying to collect yourself, “If I lose?”

The laugh that echoed from his chest was far from reassuring.

The evening slowly ran into the early morning, each of the other Troupe members wandering off eventually in varying stages of drunkenness. Even Pakunoda headed off to bed after confirming that Hisoka hadn’t spiked your drinks with anything other than a strawberry vodka base. It was unnerving at first, to be completely alone with Omokage’s replacement. Luckily his tastes ran strong, and your vision was spinning before your knew it.

“Match.” Another shot went down your throats, the taste disgustingly sweet, and you watched as his Adam’s apple tensed from the burn.

You’d long since stopped counting how many drinks you’d had, losing track once you got to the double digits. You were both using nen to reinforce yourselves, obviously, but it wasn’t infallible.

‘How is he so good at this?’ You wondered, because as the bottle ran low you started to question just what had made you so confident as to enter a bet with Hisoka in the first place.

“My dear, why not rest for a minute? At least try to enjoy each others company?” His legs were crossed, resting his hand on his palm as he not-so-subtly checked you out. It wasn’t uncommon, and certainly not unexpected from someone like him, but what you hated wasn’t just the nerve of him, but how it made you feel. His scrutiny sent chills down your spine, the unnerving edge to his tone only making you shift your thighs together to relieve some of the pressure.

“You’re the worst, Hisoka,” you knocked back two consecutive shots, unable to hide the wince it caused on your face. Good, you wanted it to sting. Anything to take your mind off the magician in front of you.

He pouted as he poured another row of drinks, “Aw, now why’s that?”

You answered his question with another, pointing towards the half-empty bottle of liquor, “Whats in this, really?”

The magician rolled his eyes, “I did pick an unopened bottle for a reason, dear, I do so want you to trust me.”

Without much fanfare he threw back four shots, over your stunned reaction.

“Just give up already, Darling~ I promise to make it worth your while,” You were reaching your limit for sure, but you were far to stubborn to give up without a fight.

“Fuck you,” you took the first of your next four shots slowly, not managing his fast pace.

He grinned a cheshire smile, “Oh, say that again, will you?”

If he were to call you out on the blush slowly spreading across your nose you’d just blame the alcohol, but the truth was that his words just egged you on even more to the point where you were almost—barely even considering...

“What do you mean, make it worth my while?”

He leaned forward like a cat, agile and silent, whispering his words against your temple, “I’ll tell you how I won that hand,” He got you, hook, line, and sinker.

“You’ll tell me how you cheated?”

Hisoka nodded, a clawed hand coming to stroke a stray piece of hair behind your ear, the action far too intimate for someone like him.

There was no way you’d win against him in this match, that much was clear from the very sober way Hisoka held himself against you, inhumanly still, so what did you have to lose?

‘Your dignity,’ A part of you answered back, but it wasn’t all that convincing. You’d left your dignity behind four shots ago.

“If I lose...”

“If you lose,” He mouthed the words into your cheek, his eyes closed in thought, “You do know what I’ve decided my prize shall be, right?” Of course you knew what he wanted. You weren’t stupid, and the way he nuzzled himself into your neck was far from subtle.

Were you actually so desperate to learn how you lost that you’d sleep with him?

No, you weren’t. But the ache between your legs was getting harder to ignore, and the idea that you could write off what you were about to do behind the excuse of gathering intel sounded like a win-win.

You dug your hands into his hair, not trying to be anything but rough, basking in the moan that spilled from his lips, breath hot against your neck before you yanked him back to meet your gaze.

“Fine. You win, Hisoka,” He smirked, and although he was on his knees he still towered over you, “so how did you cheat?”

Before you could blink his hand had wrapped around your throat, the magician slamming your head into the wood of the stage. You’d had plenty of time to block the damage with your hatsu but the action left your brain rattling inside your skull.

“I’ll tell you later,” He promised, the disorienting blur was slow to fade from the alcohol, and distantly you could feel his other hand stroke your face, his nails like filed daggers trailing over your cheekbones.

“What to do with my prize, then, hm?” He mused, tilting your head from left to right as if examining a block of wood he was about to carve. You coughed on impulse when he let go of your neck, guiding it up instead and taking both your small hands into his palm with an iron grip.

With a flick of his wrist he drew a card, the eight of hearts, seemingly out of nowhere, his nen sharpening it into a thin blade, “Don’t move,”

“Wait... Hisoka, don’t—!” You were far too late to stop him, the frigid air of the ghostly theatre rushing to meet the bare skin of your chest.

Your shirt fell to ribbons along with your bra and you thrashed desperately in his grasp, angry over the loss of your favorite top. He paid your escape attempt no mind, enraptured with the way your tits rose and fell with the timing of your breath and the way you tried to wriggle yourself free.

Still holding your hands to the floor above you, his head bent to wrap a skilled tongue around your tits, a soft sigh involuntarily falling away from you.

“I fuckin’ ha-ate you, Hisoka—ah,” His teeth bit down on your peak at the comment, peering up at you from under his fiery hair.

“Oh? Then why is it you’re moaning like a little whore?” He shifted his weight above you and you saw an opportunity.

You kicked with all your strength between his legs, pulling your knee back and shoving him off with a dig of your shoe into his stomach, “I’m not, don’t call me that shit!”

He actually loosened his grip on you clearly not intending for you to get free from his grasp, a choked sound of what you thought was pain devolving to something much more heated as he stared into you.

“You... are well worth the wait, my dear,” His bloodlust seeped out from every pore, grounding you to the spot. You could usually hold your own against someone like him but it wasn’t hard to see the disadvantage you were at.

Within a fraction of a second he was on you, twisting your waist in his clawed grasp until your ass was hiked into the air, a sharpened playing card slicing through the denim until he could rip it from your legs, yelp echoing like music in the long-silent theatre.

“I knew you’d have some fight left in you,” He crawled forward and you started to realize why he wore exclusively baggy pants, his length hot against you through the fabric as his hips caged you in. As he began to remove that street-performer getup he always wore he’d occasionally curl his hand around your waist to mercifully tug on your ignored clit, your groans muffled and cursed, “I love it. That resilience? It just turns me on.”

You could feel your confidence fade as he tugged those sweatpants down, the weight of him grinding into your ass made all your bravado vanish.

“It will make it so much more satisfying...” He pointed his finger upwards, and suddenly your hands became magnetized to each other, no amount of struggle even budging the rubbery nen substance. “...when I break you.”

Without warning he slid himself inside you, hands holding your hips still as he forced your back into an arch. You couldn’t move even if you wanted to, the flailing of your bound arms useless as he shallowly began pumping his cock deeper inside you.

Your muffled curses whispered into the floor made him laugh, pulling his hand back and cruelly slapping the vulnerable flesh of your ass without a warning.

“Wh.. Why?”

“Because, darling, I want to hear you beg for me.” He pouted, teasing your clenched walls with only the tip of his slick head.

Despite the desire coursing through your veins you still had your pride in tact, “Never gonna happen, asshole.”

Gripping your hips, he dug himself into your dripping cunt as far as he could, both of you unrestrained with a moan at the feeling of his cock brushing near your cervix, your hips traitorously snapping back to meet his eager thrusts, movement near impossible as Hisoka forced you into the ground.

You cried out softly with each quick pull and stretch, only able to say his name one syllable at a time,

“Hi-so—kah...” It was hard to turn your head to the side from his brutal pace but somehow you manage, craning yourself in order to see him; His head was thrown back with a sheer bliss softening his glistening skin, his eyes closed and lips parted. The sight made your keening grow louder, the simple image of him losing himself in your twitching pussy sending a wave of slick dripping around his length.

He must’ve felt your gaze on him because soon enough his was staring at you, his pupils blown wide with desire in a way that made them look like a sun eclipsed, black outlined with a ring of fiery gold.

All at once his hips froze, digging his cock so far as to leave an indent in your pelvis. For a confused second you thought he’d finished, but his gaze was cruel and focused, his lips in a smirk, and you felt no more full than you had a moment ago. He was doing this on purpose.

“Wait, no-nono, wh..y?” You hiccuped, taking his break as a moment to wipe unshed tears from your glossy eyes.

He sighed, “I don’t like repeating myself, darling,” He accentuated the infuriating nickname with a slap to your thigh, face unchanged as he trailed his sharpened fingertips along the reddening skin.

“His..oh.. fuck, Hisoka—“ The banished tears returned, falling silently down your pink face as you whispered, “please,”

“Hmm? Sorry, I couldn’t hear you, my dear, mind saying that again?

Your voice hiccuped as you spoke, “Please, alright? Please,” You thought it’d be enough, that he might finally go back to toying with your clit while he fucked you into the old floorboards, but you’d underestimated the magician’s self-control.

Innocently, he tilted his head, “Please what, dear? Please hit you again?” Hisoka didn’t blink as he slowly brought up his palm, giving you plenty of time to try and wiggle free from your punishment just to show off how futile escape really was, lashing his hand down on the same patch of skin as before, grinning at the shriek he yanked from your lungs.

“No! No, fu-uck.. just—“ You whimpered, brain seemingly disconnected from your mouth as you struggled to form the words, “just fuck me, Hisoka, please.”

“Look at you, huh? You were a slut after all,” He purred, letting the weight of your words hang lifeless in the air along with your stubborn pride. Before you could argue again his hand had returned to your clit, pace unforgiving as he pulled your nerves ever closer to snapping only to halt the second he grew bored, “Say it,”

Mindlessly, you nodded your head, “I’m yours, I’m your slut, Hisoka,” you intentionally clenched yourself around him, mumbling lucid pleas for more as his hard cock twitched, pre cum dripping from your heat onto the floor as your conscience trying to deny what your body so willingly accepted, “want you to fuck me, Hisoka, fu-ck,” you whined, the still presence inside your sensitive walls drove you insane.

With each word a truly unhinged aura began to surround him, and by extension, you, the intoxicating menace dripping over you like a drug as you faced forward once again, wiggling your ass as best you could in his grip.

That was his breaking point, ripping you away from his cock only to drive himself back in, digging the full blade of his nails into your hips, blood pooling around the crescent cuts.

“Fuck, ah.. Darling, ‘doing so good, so good’fr me-ah,” He slurred his words together, more drunk on you than the vodka as he leaned back, forcing you to meet him as his thrusts became so quick that it was getting hard to breathe, your ribcage creaking with discomfort as you were nailed into the stage.

“M..o-re, more...” You begged, and he was happy to oblige. the smearing crimson of blood running hot down your thighs, the pain only making you more pliant in his sculptor’s hands as he folded your body however he liked, ignoring your pained weep from the stretch as he slung one of your bleeding legs over his shoulder.

It was almost weird to hear him say your actual name, so often he used a pet name to mock or flirt with you, sometimes both, “So good for me like this, taking me so goo-uh,” He choked on his words as your cunt tightened around him, your hands clinging for balance in his hair, and Hisoka clearly didn’t mind if the slew of moans from his lips was any indication.

The angle his hips cut into had the edges of your vision turning into a vignette, “I’m close, so close, gonna cum inside you, yeah? Right here,” The hand that had been toying with your clit changed angles, his fingertips spinning spirals onto your aching bud while the flat of his hand pushed against your stomach, your shout swallowed by his pretty lips, tongue toying with yours.

“Ye-es cum inn-side me,” You were too far gone to care, anything he said sounded good as long as he said it in that sultry purr, arms numb as they lay suspended above your head.

“Take it, take it, Darling,” With what little strength you had left you curved your calf beside his neck, pulling him in until his cock brushed your cervix, the pain indistinguishable from the pleasure, “Uhn, cumm-fuck, i’m cumming—“

His cum was thick, the curve of his cock jutting inside you as he filled you up, mercifully swallowing your hallowed scream as he kissed you deeply, almost all feeling in your raised leg lost until he lowered it to his waist, involuntarily snapping his hips up although they had nowhere left to go until your moan turned into a broken sob of lingering bliss.

“Shh, dear, I’ve got you,” With a whirl of his wrist your arms were free of his bungee gum, shakily pulling them to your sides again as he pressed open-mouthed kisses along your neck, whispering a slurred mess of sweet words, stopping to suck a particularly deep hickey into the vein of your flesh.

“Hisoka, quit it!” Your fight had returned along with feeling to your fingertips as you wrenched him back by the hair, his cock jumping.a bit inside you at the grip, “I’ll have to wear sweaters for weeks now, you jerk.”

The capillaries had already begun to burst as he laughed, reaching up behind your head to pull his discarded top forward, digging out what looked like a piece of smooth cleaning cloth from its pocket and lying it over your neck with a simple point of his finger, gyo revealing the pink gum of his aura that controlled it before he smoothed the fabric over your skin, the texture so light you could barely feel it.

“A deal’s a deal, love, I’ll tell you how I cheated,” He smiled as satisfied and smug as he could ever be, a tingling sensation overtaking the patch of covered skin.

As he pulled your hand away you ran your fingers over the cloth, not finding a seam among the normal tone of your chest. Eyes wide as you looked at him for answers he was already happy to provide, “It’s called texture surprise. I can apply it to any flat surface and change its appearance. It’s quite handy,”

“It works on skin, paper, even playing cards,” You felt like an idiot. During the match you kept analyzing him for a sleight of hand trick all while he was using a second nen technique to win. It was so simple but genius, and you felt a little bit better knowing you weren’t outwitted by something obvious.

“You’re the worst, Hisoka,”

He chuckled, kissing along the new unblemished canvas of your neck, “I know~”

[cr0wbonezz-wr1ting-inc]

“you’re so pretty when you smile.”

this is for the amazing @yamturds 1k event ! congrats bb u deserve it !! <3 /p

summary: a morning with george's kisses is something you wouldn't trade for the world <3

trigger warnings: none!

author's note: have some george fluff bc pretty boy make brain go brrr

"ngh..."

you bury your face in the pillow you rested on, the feeling of the sun hitting your face making you cringe. sundays were your favorite - i mean, who wouldn't think that? ever since you've been living together george promised not to stream on sundays to spend time with you.

usually you'd slip out of bed to make breakfast, george following the scent of pancakes and toast and greeting you with a kiss on your head in the kitchen. today was different, however. your body was way too heavy, you were so tired you just couldn't be bothered to get up.

without much thought you turned your body on its side and felt your eyelids getting heavy again. before long you were out like a light.

~

you come to your senses and open your eyes. you look at the clock in your shared bedroom, it reading 11:32. with a yawn you stretch and look around your room. where's george? usually he's still asleep at this time.

your thoughts get interrupted by a smell coming from downstairs. it smells like... pancakes?

you slide out of bed, fixing your hair a bit and descending the stairs. you end up in the kitchen with a sight to behold: george in his pyjamas in front of the stove, flipping a pancake and humming to the song that's playing from the radio.

"good morning, sleepyhead."

you scoff at the nickname, making your way over his side and hugging him.

"says you, mr. i-wake-up-at-noon."

he laughs at you remark, his smile lines revealing themselves. with a smirk you make your way to the kettle, filling it with water and grabbing a mug.

"tea?"

"sounds good, sweetheart."

~

the sizzling of the pan stops as george uses a spatula to lift the pancake out of the pan and onto the plate. he grabs the two plates and walks over to the table you were sitting at and placing one in front of you. after taking a few bites you look at his groggy morning face.

"i'm surprised you didn't burn these."

"___, that's mean!"

you laugh at his pout, resting your head on the table and laughing loudly at his expression. after a few moments you settle down with a big grin plastered on your face.

"i'm joking, i'm joking! they taste great."

~

the kitchen sink is filled with water and soap as you dip the plate into the liquid and scrub it with a sponge. the bubbles drifting in the water pop cheerfully. you hand the plate to george and he accepts it gratefully, drying it with a towel that was stored in the cupboards. the radio softly played your favorite song, the sound placing a smile on your face.

"you know, you're so pretty when you smile."

you squeezed the sponge you were holding until it was dry. the smile you wore became wider as you bow you head. you felt your face heating up while your boyfriend laughed at your adorable reaction.

"just shut up and dry the plates."

he places the plate on the rack and drops the towel he was holding. he wrapped his arms around your shoulders and pulling you close to plant a tender kiss on your temple, his giggles still continuing from before.

"whatever you say, baby."

ty for reading<3

m.list

taglist: @adoring-ghost @sakisaralazy @for-memories-sacrifice @ialexabsuniverse @shiyanchan @bioluminescentfrog @esylwen

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[regretthatsme]

Celebration - Harry Potter x Fem!Reader

Smut, 18+ only

So FRICKING HAPPY I FINISHED IT!!! @anyqueen008

Antonin Dolohov was finally locked away, and the Weasley's couldn't be more thrilled. He had been trying to gather death eaters and blood supremacists to pick up where Voldemort left off. A sort of renaissance of blood purity and murder.

Thankfully, Ron and Harry were able to put a stop to him. After 3 long months investigating most of Europe, from the rolling fields of France to the beautiful architecture of Poland, it's safe say that Antonin would be locked away for a long time.

Now, this was a very important achievement, especially for a relatively small group of aurors. So, naturally, the Weasleys threw a party.

Not a large one. It was just close family and friends. It was very reminiscent of the parties Fred and George would throw in the common room after Gryffindor won a quidditch match.

Y/N missed Harry dearly. They had been dating since their last year of Hogwarts and they've never been happier. Being away from each other for 3 months was certainly a struggle for them. So what if she had some.... fun.

She bought an evening dress a while ago that was certainly not her usual style. It was tighter than she would normally reach for and a deep red color. There were no sleeves, but rather thin straps and there was quite a deep V in the dress. Not enough to be inappropriate at an event such as this, but enough to show an ample amount of cleavage.

It was a very beautiful dress. Y/N wondered why she never wore it until now.  She added gold jewelry that complimented her beautifully. It was Harry's favorite color combination after all.

Y/N was talking with Hermione about lesson plans for next year at Hogwarts. Hermione was Headmistress so it only seemed fitting to ask her for advice. It was then that Harry saw the outfit she was wearing.

He was looking for his girlfriend all evening, but it was very difficult, as you would imagine, when everyone was surrounding him in "thanks" and "best wishes". That is not to say he was not appreciative of the support, but there was just someone in particular that he really wanted to see. He finally found you talking with Hermione and wearing that.

His pants inexplicably became tighter and he was slightly more uncomfortable. He walked over to the two and decided to have a bit of a... talk with Y/N.

"Hello, ladies!" He said, interrupting their conversation.

"Harry!" Hermione gave him a hug aswell as thanked him. "What's up? What do you want to talk about?"

"Well I just wanted to say hello to my gorgeous girlfriend." Y/N smirked at she kissed him.

"Hello, Harry."

"I'll leave you to it." Said Hermione, throwing a wink in Y/N's direction.

"What on Earth are you doing?" He asked, a certain raspiness in his voice becoming much more apparent.

"I'm not doing anything." Y/N lied. She knew exactly what she was doing.

"Really? You're sure you didn't dress up for me, Kitten."

Y/N gasped at the nickname. He had only used it when in the bedroom. He had never said it outside of the house, let alone at a party at the burrow. "Harry!" She chided. "Stop it. We're in public."

"You didn't seem to care when you wore that little number." Harry gestured to your outfit.

"Do you like it? I don't think I've worn this dress before."

"Oh, I absolutely love it, darling." He pulled the strap of her dress down before kissing up her neck. "Makes me want to bend you over and take you right here." Her eyes widened before she smacked his arm.

"Harry!"

"What?"

"You can't just say that!"

"Why not? I know that you're getting turned on by it." It was true. Her panties had a growing wet patch in them.

"Aren't there still people who you need to see? I haven't seen you talk to Neville. Or Luna. Or Arthur for that matter."

"Sounds like you're..... embarrassed. Are you embarrassed, Kitten?"

"No!" She said almost too quickly. "I'm just concerned for the others is all."

"Okay. If you insist, my love." He may have left her alone, but his presence stayed with her for the rest of the night. Maybe it was his hand has ghosting her hip whenever she walked past him. Maybe it was his eyes staring her down, giving her the look. Maybe it was the three months she stayed away from him. By the end of the night, she was frustrated.

Y/N was done. She was riled up. She new he would do this. She walked towards him and tapped his shoulder. "Hello, Harry."

"Oh, hello darling." Harry said almost taunting her. "Did you miss me?"

"Can we please go home?" Y/N said. There was a certain tone in her voice. If you were looking from the outside, you would think that they hate each other. It was like a poison. A delicious poison. A poison Harry could get enough of.

"Gladly." They apparated to their shared  appartment. "Why on Earth would you want to come home, Love?"

She rolled her eyes before saying, "I think you know why."

"Oh, of course I know why. I just want you to say it."

The fucking tease. "Because I want you to fuck me senseless, alright? I want you to bend me over the table and absolutely reck me."

Even Harry seemed to be suprised by the vulgar things coming out of his girlfriend's mouth, but he can't say he wasn't turned on. "Baby." He placed his hand on her cheek and placed his thumb on the part of her lips. "You want my cock, hmm? You to want to suck on it?"

"Yes. Please."

"Awww. Go to the bedroom, Bunny. I'll be there in a  second."

Y/N quickly walked to their shared bedroom and quickly laid back on the duvet.

"Hello, Doll." Harry said as he stepped into the room. He walked closer to his girlfriend and pecked her lips. "'m gonna take off your dress now, yeah?" Y/N whimpered slightly. "Then I'm gonna play with your pussy." Y/N giggled slightly before rolling over and moaning as Harry unzipped her dress. "You skin is so hot, darling. Are you.... worked up?"

"Only for you, Harry."

"That's right." Y/N shimmied out of her dress with Harry's help, revealing the lingerie she was wearing underneath. "Wow." Harry said, breathlessly. "What a nice suprise, Baby."

"You were gone for three months. When else would be a better time than now?"

He chuckled lightly before remove the poor excuse for underwear and groaned at the sight of her pussy.

"Oh. Look at you." Her hips bucked into his hand. "So beautiful, Princess. Such a pretty pussy. So pretty." He gently caressed her clit. She mewled in pleasure. "Awww. That feels good, yeah?" She was so lost in pleasure that she didn't even register the question until there was a sharp slap to her clit. "Answer me, Kitten. That make you feel good?"

"Yes. You make me feel so good, Harry." Her whimpers got higher and higher pitched as he sped up is fingers. "Oh. Oh! Harry! Keep going, keep going, keep- *gasp* Aaaaahh!" She began to shout as he inserted a finger. "Mmmm." He pumped it in and out, in and out, until he could feel her walls pulsing. He knew was close.

"Darling?" He asked.

"Yes, Love."

"You wouldn't mind if I ate you out, right?"

"No. Not at all. In fact, please. Please do. Please. Please. Please. Please." He placed his lips on her clit and sucked hard before quickly licking it. She came quickly there after. Her eyes rolled back in her head as she came. Her body filled with the most satisfying pleasures one could ever imagine. It was a beautiful sight to behold. One Harry was very happy to be responsible for.

"So lovely, darling." He kissed her thighs as she came down from her high. "Has anybody told you that you look absolutely magical when you come?" She was too tired to say anything so she just nodded her head. "Good. Because you do. You're simply angelic, baby."

"Thank you, Haz." He smiled a little at how delirious you were in your fucked out state. Normally, he would make you suck his cock, but he was gone for months. He didn't have the patience. He need to be inside of you now.

"Try to relax, darling." He said as he dragged his dick through her folds. She moaned softly before he entered. Her eyes shot open and her breath became more sporadic. "Yes. Oh, fuck. Just like that." He bottomed out and let her adjust to his size. No matter how many times the made love, she still had to adjust, not that he minded. He waited until she stopped pulsing violently around him and started moving. It was mesmerizing to watch the hard cock move within her glistening cunt. He could even see the bulge his cock created deep in her pussy.

"Ha - fuck - Harry. I - I'm close."

"So am I, baby. So am - shit - so am I." Harry kept moving, progressively getting faster and faster the closer he was to finishing. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck." He went silent for a moment before moaning the loudest he had all night. He felt Y/N come not long after. He could almost see the stars in her eyes as she came, and as she came he felt her juice flow around him. But, this time, it felt.... different. There was more liquid. Much more in fact. He removed his dick from her to be met with her squirt. Holy shit.

"Mmmmm.... shit." Y/N mumbled under her breath. Their come leaked out of her.

"Oh, Princess. We need to clean you up."

"No. Too tired."

"Darling, please. For me?"

"No."

Harry was deep in thought before he smile and said "Sit up, my love."

"..... do have to?"

"Yes, Lovely." She sat up and saw a strange spot of darker fabric.

"You see that?" Harry gestured to the stain.

"Yes."

"That was you! You did that!" His voice had a certain wonder in it. "You are so... fantastic. But, you did make a big mess, so we must clean up." Reluctantly, Y/N lifted her legs for Harry to carry her bridal style. He started the bath with magic and carefully lowered her into the water. He joined her after.

Harry massaged her shoulders and washed her hair. Y/N relaxed into Harry and smiled and, in a moment of post-sex exhaustion, she asks "What do you think the future holds?"

Harry froze for a minute. "You mean, like, our future?"

"Yeah."

"Well, I think that we are going to stay together and be very happy."

Y/N giggled. "That's a very softball answer."

"What do you think is going to happen, then. Hmm?"

"I asked you!"

Harry looked around the room for a minute before saying, "I think that we'll get married." Y/N looked a bit surprised to hear that. She let him continue. "And we're going to live a happy life in Godric Hollow." She looked a bit confused by this statement.

"You want to move? Why?"

"We don't have enough room here. It's much too small."

"Really? I think it's plenty big."

"It's fine for now, but how are we supposed to raise seven children in this place?"

"Seven?"

"Kidding, Love." He place a kiss to her temple has she leaned into him. "I would like to have kids though, if that's okay with you."

"'f course. Anything to make you happy."

"Doll, you have a say, too. Children are big commitments. I don't want you to carry one just because of me." He waited for a response but none came. "Love are you-"

When he looked down, he saw that Y/N was already asleep. He carefully picked her out of the tub and dressed her into his boxers and t-shirt. He laid her upon the bed. "I love you." He said.

"Mmmmm. Love ya." Y/N mumbled into Harry's neck as she adjusted herself into a more comfortable position. "Don't leave that long ever again."

"I won't, Y/N. I've been thinking about change careers anyway."

"To what?"

"I've been thinking about teaching again."

Y/N struggled to open her eyes, but she did just long enough to say "I will support you no matter what. Now go to sleep and cuddle me."

He laughed and did as she asked, the soft snores of his lover lulling him into a blissful slumber.

[sadviper]

Woo Do Hwan: Interview with Kankoku TV Drama vol. 97 (Aug 2020)

Once again, much thanks to @staidwaters​ for graciously reviewing and correcting!!! This was a really hefty interview, hope you enjoy~

-------------

Woo Do Hwan

Sword, bow, and horseback riding for the first time

A “Monstrous Newcomer” in a career-making, historical drama debut

In 2016, in the movie “Master”, Woo Do Hwan played the role of Lee Byung Hyun’s subordinate. Even though he appeared onscreen for just three minutes, he left a strong impression, attracting attention. Since then, he starred in “Save Me” (2017 OCN), taking on the nickname of “Monstrous Newcomer” and setting out on a brilliant career path. The next step he takes will be his first historical drama “My Country” (2019 JTBC).

Tackling a historical drama is an ideal chance for young and promising actors to grow; they have a rare chance to study in depth with multiple superb veteran actors over the long filming period. Woo Do Hwan did not miss this opportunity. His new work “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020 SBS) leverages 120% of what he learned from “My Country”, and his popularity is surging.

Struck by a midwinter waterfall, the most dreadful and frigid opportunity to showcase yourself

--What kind of work is ”My Country”?

WDH: Each of the characters clash with the others for the sake of their personal convictions. This drama depicts their love and friendships. The country they are each reaching for … in a way, you could say they seek the same goal. Everyone wants a country in which they can live happily, but each person has a different path to that goal. This work skillfully depicts the conflicts that arise in the midst of this.

--Please introduce the role that you play.

WDH: Nam Seon-ho is an illegitimate child born to a family of nobles (yanban), and he has suffered greatly because of his birth. The poor guy is only able to relax his guard and laugh when he is with Seo Hwi (played by Yang Se Jong) and his younger sister Yeon (played by Jo Yi Hyun). However, even under such circumstances, he holds onto his ambitions. He doesn’t want other people to experience the same kind of pain that he has endured, so he strives to become the right-hand man of Yi Seong-gye (played by Kim Young-cheol), the future founder and king of the Joseon Dynasty. However, it doesn’t go as expected and I end up in opposition to Hwi, my dearest friend.

--What things did you pay attention to when creating the role?

WDH: Since it’s a period drama, it was difficult to get used to the way of speaking and tone of voice. It took me a while to get the hang of it. Now  I have the opposite problem, I’m doing my best to shake off the historical tone (laughs).

--The gorgeous hairstyles and clothing were a sight to behold.

WDH: Honestly, at first I thought “Long hair probably won’t suit me…” (laugh). So early on, I participated in many concept meetings and tried out different hairstyles. Even with long hair, there are many different hairstyles that can be made, such as wearing with armor or tying it up. I collaborated with the director to choose the most suitable style according to the situation in the drama. I was able to try on as many outfits as hairstyles, but I really enjoyed being  able to wear the special costumes such as the armor and the inspector’s garments; things we normally don’t get the chance to wear.

--How did you practice horseback riding, swordsmanship, and archery?

WDH: Before filming started, I studied martial arts for about two months. Filming lasted nine months, so in total I was focused on this work for a whole year. While filming action, it’s important to skillfully capture the scene, but the most essential thing is to not to get hurt. For that reason, the cinematographer, my co-stars, and I always had to be in perfect sync. It took time to match movements for the sword fights.

--You became the topic of much discussion when you revealed your magnificent physique in a waterfall during the opening of the drama. What are your secrets for managing your fitness?

WDH: I train on a regular basis. If I only started working out when I knew there were going to be scenes with skin showing, it’d be stressful trying to build up my body in a short period of time for shooting. After all, I don’t know when or where I will have to strip down for a scene! (laugh) Usually I play a lot of soccer, and I’ll go to the gym to train if I have time. If I take care of myself properly as a habit, then I don’t need to worry if my body looks good or if I should put in more effort during acting; I can just concentrate on my performance.

--Was the director’s reaction a good one?

WDH: He was extremely happy, hahaha. They keep trying to make me take my clothes off, so I was like, “Come on, give me a break!” The road to the filming location for the waterfall scene was rugged and steep and it was incredibly cold; it was the most difficult scene. Se-jong even said “I never want to go into water that cold again”.

--A lot of viewers said that “Nam Seon-ho is the most pitiful man in the world.” How do you personally feel?

WDH: I wanted to present Seon-ho as a tragic figure, so I was glad that the audience saw him the same way; it encouraged me to put in even more effort and I worked hard to build up his character. Seon-ho constantly stands on the boundary between life and death, living a life where he might die at any moment. He never manages to accomplish any of his dreams, and it is only at the very end that he realizes what is most precious to him. However, even though Seon-ho is a tragic character, if we just focused on the sadness the drama would be hard to watch and it wouldn’t be interesting at all. Therefore I wanted to show many things with him, such as him being a powerful figure, and the loneliness his power hides.

He was able to finish the drama because he was with Se-jong, his co-star of the same age.

--At what points did you sympathize with Seon-ho?

WDH: There is always a conflict in Seon-ho’s life in that he always has to sacrifice something in order to get something he wants. Seon-ho’s situation is an extreme case, of course, but I think that in our lives there are many moments like his, even if they are small and trivial. Moments when we desire what we can’t have, or throw away things we shouldn’t throw away. There are also moments when we all have to give something up for the sake of a goal that we are reaching for.  In the midst of that, I worried about the things that I should protect, so I deeply sympathized with Seon-ho, whose ideals and emotions were in conflict with each other.

--Your portrayal of the character’s emotions was well-received. When was Seon-ho the most emotional?

WDH: It would be when he heard that Seo Hwi was alive. I had a deep rapport with Se-jong in all my scenes with him. From a certain point onwards, the events in the drama truly felt real, and I fell more and more in love with Se-jong (laugh). I deeply empathized with Seon-ho’s emotions, which made me want to perform even more intensely in this work.

--Concerning expressing emotions, are you the type to do a lot of preparation beforehand? Or are you the type to perform what you feel on the spot?

WDH: I think I am half-and-half. Beforehand, I’ll think, “So we’re filming this kind of scene today”,  why is this happening, and what was the situation before this scene? However, it’s difficult to continuously hold onto emotions because there are rehearsals and blocking out our positions with the director. So I will concentrate on creating the emotion in the moment when acting.

--And what about your mutually dependent relationship with Yang Se-jong, who played the role of Seo Hwi?

WDH: I believe it would have been very difficult if Se-jong hadn’t been there. I relied on him a lot. The make-up room was set up in a large van onsite, and while our hair was being done, we would go over our lines. If one person said their lines, then the other person would just naturally respond with their own lines. We are the same age, not just in the drama but also in real life, so in both the Goryeo and modern eras, we were always communicating well, back and forth.

Se-jong always helped me, and even though we were together on location for very long periods of time, not once did we fight or have a conflict of opinion. We spent our time together as good friends, always being considerate of each other.

--There were many scenes of Seon-ho and Hwi’s friendship that brought out tears, but was there a particular scene where you especially felt the friendship between the two?

WDH: All those scenes where we rescued each other. Especially that scene in the latter half, where Hwi took Seon-ho out of Yi Bang-won’s (played by Jang Hyuk) house; that was memorable. Then in the first half, during the massacre of the Liaodong Punitive Expedition advance party, there’s a scene where we cross swords in the midst of combat and I recognize my dear friend Hwi. That scene was very good and had a big impact.

--What is your impression of Seolhyun (AOA) as Han Hee-jae?

WDH: Seolhyun was truly a “celebrity” to me (laugh). She is one of Korea’s top idols; I’ve seen her movies. When I heard that she would be co-starring with me, I was very much looking forward to it. Once we were actually performing together, I was amazed that her acting was even better than I expected. Seolhyun was the youngest on location, but she had a very mature attitude during filming. In front of a large crowd of her seniors, she played a bold and strong woman. I was impressed.

--The antagonism between Seon-ho and his father was one of the highlights of the drama. How was it like to co-star with Ahn Nae-sang, who played the role of your father?

WDH: Ahn Nae-sang sunbae was like a real father, a very interesting person. Although he’d say “Seon-ho is an impertinent son” (laugh), he worked well with me, and did a lot for me. During breaks, he tells jokes and lightens the atmosphere on set, but once filming starts, his gaze radically changes and he becomes a terrifying father. He’s not someone who hands out advice left and right to juniors, rather, he is a person who reacts kindly and looks after us. 

Extremely jealous of Se-jong’s Japanese fanmeet

--What are your thoughts on successfully wrapping up your first historical drama?

WDH: I wore hanbok, long wigs, and armor--I got to experience all of these things for the first time. I’ve also never done things like swordsmanship, archery, or horseback riding, so each one of those was a new challenge. Because I have never lived in that time period, I worried about how I should portray it. Despite that, I enjoyed everything. The remote locations that I visited were very beautiful, and during breaks it was a wonderful experience to enjoy the scenery and watch the seasons change instead of sitting in the dressing room. I’ve heard from my seniors that once you’ve done one historical drama, you’ll want to do another, and now I know what that feeling is like for myself.

--What was the most memorable location?

WDH: In the opening scenes, I often went to the countryside, but first I filmed the waterfall scene and the cliff scene. That cliff scene was absolutely terrifying. I scaled the cliff and did the action scene, but I thought...I might actually die if I fall (strained laugh).

--Watching the behind-the-scenes footage, you seem the quiet type but at the Japanese fanmeeting, I feel that you were skilled at speaking onstage. What is your actual personality?

WDH: Do I look like someone who doesn’t say much? I’m definitely not the talkative type, though. Hahaha. I talk a lot when I’m with Se-jong, but the interesting thing is, how much Se-jong and I will say changes depending on the day. On some days Se-jong speaks more than I do, and on other days I won’t shut up (laugh).

--Since filming continued for about a year, was it difficult to break free from the role of Seon-ho?

WDH: Honestly, I wouldn’t have thought about Seon-ho without today’s interview. However, Seon-ho’s sword is in my living room, so whenever I see it, I’m going to remember (laugh). But because I can’t use historical speech in the drama that I’m currently filming, I try to forget as much as possible.

--Currently you’re in the middle of filming the drama “The King”, right?

WDH: In “The King”, one person plays two different roles. The show depicts parallel worlds. In one world, Lee Min-ho sunbae plays the emperor and my character, Jo Yeong, has been by the emperor’s side since childhood and is the captain of the Royal Guard. In the other world, I am Jo Eun-seop, a social service worker whose personality is the complete opposite to Yeong’s. I’m having a lot of fun filming this, so please look forward to it.

--What does “my country” mean to you?

WDH: I believe it’s the people around me. I have family, I have friends, and I also have colleagues. A life where I can live happily with all of them, that is my dream country, I guess. No one goes on without desire, so I want to live together while caring for each other.

--You’ve been called the “Monstrous Newcomer”. With this kind of recognition, do you feel pressured?

WDH: I’m always under pressure. However, I tell myself I can’t lose to it, I have to work harder to overcome it.

--Finally, a message to your Japanese fans.

WDH: 2020 was the year I definitely wanted to meet all my Japanese fans, but filming for “The King” started earlier than expected and hasn’t finished yet. I was incredibly jealous when I heard that Se-jong held a Japanese fan meeting at the end of 2019. When “The King” finishes, I would like to meet you all. Until then, please take care of yourself and be happy. I will do my best to finish my work and greet you in good form. If you haven’t seen “My Country” yet, I definitely invite you to watch it.  I also hope you look forward to “The King”.

You can direct fan mail to:

KEYEAST / 30, 11-Gil, Hakdong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06042 Korea

[pinkpetalwaterimagine]

On the edge... part 2 (Charlie Gillespie)

A/N: So here is part 2, hope you enjoy, and don’t hesitate to point out mistakes. 

Bonne lecture ❤️

Summary : Charlie wants to win you back but will it be enough for you to forgive ?

Word count : 2,2k

Part 1 

After two weeks of the two of you breaking up (?), Charlie still hasn’t wrapped his mind around the fact that he couldn’t go back to canada and take in his arms his girlfriend. He always thought the two of you were in for the long run. Not ready for marriage, but still. You have been together for two years ! He thought that you guys would hold more. But here he was, on the couch, staring as the ceiling as if you would appear from nowhere. 

Even if you left you were as miserable as him. Waking up everyday was a mission but you still managed to do your work, be focus on University. Even if your friends were worried because of your pale skin tone, usually your cheeks were always a bit red but it felt like all colors left your life when you left Charlie. 

You were reading in your bed when suddenly the door slammed open to reveal your best friend : « okay ! So I don’t know what happened with Charlie, you came back real sad. You don’t have to tell me, but it is paining us to see you in that state ! » Exclaimed the feisty girl. 

Instead of answering, you just rolled in your bed, groaning. « I don’t want to talk about it » you mumbled in your pillow. 

Just as she was about to speak, she was interrupted by your phone ringing. It was Owen. He had tried calling you everyday since the blown out Charlie and you had. Your friend was quicker than you and answered your phone. 

« Hey ! You can’t do that ! » you exclaimed. 

« Watch me » 

It’s not that you didn’t wanted to speak to Owen and Jeremy was probably with him but so Charlie. They live in the same apartment, of course he would be there. And you didn’t had the strength to confront your friends, if they were still your friends. You guess that their loyalty stands with Charlie. You had somehow got your life in order, you didn’t wanted one phone call throwing everything away. But here was your friend answering the FaceTime. 

« Hi Owen ! » 

Owen didn’t answer, he was a bit surprised that someone finally picked up the phone and he was more surprised that it wasn’t you that picked up. He didn’t knew your friends, sometimes seing them on your posts on Instagram, but nothing more. Hell, even Charlie didn’t knew all of them. 

« Uhm… Could I talk to Y/N ? » he asked unsure. 

« Yes of course ! But I’m going to hold the phone because I know that if I give it to her she is going to hang up on you, which is not very polite but you know… » 

« Y/N ! How are you sweetie ? » you were a bit taken aback, Owen is a nice person but he wasn’t one to give you those sweet nicknames. Maybe you looked far more bad than you thought. 

« I’m fine, I guess we could say. » you snatched your phone back from the hands of your friend. « I’m not going to hang up, you can go, don’t worry. » you said, and released a small sigh as she finally close the door behind her. Do those people learned about privacy ?

« How are you really doing though, no offense but you don’t look that good. » said Owen with a pout. He was really worried about you, you seemed in better shape than Charlie, but you still had bags under your eyes that at this point could be defined as luggages.

« Geez, thanks Owen, it’s always really nice talking to you! » you said with a laugh. It’s been a long time since you even chuckled, and a bright smile was on Owen’s face, seeing you interact that way with him after being gone from the face of the earth for two weeks. 

What you didn’t knew was that Charlie was sitting next to Owen. He always was whenever Owen tried to call you. Charlie had tried to call you but you never picked up and he figured you needed time away from him. Seeing your face through Owen’s screen brought a smile to his lips, he missed you. He knew from that moment that he had to get you back. He didn’t really care how, but he will try to do everything in his power to get you back. His brain didn’t register the conversation between the two of you, he was stuck on your face. He had a small smile dancing on is lips and when his friend ended the call he had found back that spark in his eyes. 

« Oh, you have an idea. I know this look. I don’t know if it will be a bright idea, but it’s something we can work with that » and for the first time in two weeks, Owen saw his friends coming back to life. He wasn’t wallowing in self-pity but instead he had that determined look. 

« We’re going to Canada baby ! » yelled Owen. They both packed quickly and were ready to take the next flight the next morning. Charlie realized how much of a friend was Owen. He was ready to leave with him on such short notice just to get back his girl. 

It was quite a nice day, you were walking around campus, your books under your arm, just breathing and soaking in the calm atmosphere surrounding you. And then you saw him. Standing next to a tree with his guitar in his hands. The first thought that crossed your mind was : how in the world did he know you would go by that way ? And the second one was that you felt like in High School Musical 3, but whatever. You didn’t feel strong enough to confront him. The scene of the fight kept playing in your mind. If you spoke to him you will be sobbing instead of real talking. You acted as if you didn’t see him and went in your dorm room. 

Charlie was caught off guard. He knew you saw him, but still you walked away like nothing happened. He thought that this romantic gesture would have made you listen to him at least. He wasn’t expecting you falling in his (huge) arms again but engaging in a conversation would have been nice. But Charlie wasn’t the kind of guy who gave up. He knew which door was yours. 

He took a deep breath and let his fist knock on your door. You weren’t dumb, you knew that it was him, who else ? You didn’t answer and stayed laying on your bed as if you didn’t move he will go away. It was not the case. 

« Y/N, could you open the door, I rather talk to you than this wooden board please. » he whispered as to not make a scene in the hallway and to show he was ready to talk and not scream like the last time you talked. 

For a minute you stayed frozen not really knowing what to do. And then you gave in, you knew that it was the first step to forgiveness and some people might think it is a dumb decision. But those only two weeks without him has been hard and you craved his touch, his scent, his smile, him. However you weren’t a fool, you knew that it wasn’t that hard, just barging in your dorm. You just wanted to listen to what he had to say, then you will make a decision. 

He entered the room slowly as if you were going to explode. He had his head hung low whereas you were standing straight your arms crossed to shield yourself from what he’s going to say. 

« I know that we had our fair share of screaming last time, just know that I’m not here to do that again, I don’t want to. » a silence fell between the two of you. You were waiting for what he had to say next. 

« Okay, uhm, these two weeks without you has been hell, I miss you. I know we are not together as much as we would like but we were good together. I miss your texts, I miss your smile, I miss everything about you from your witty remarks to the way you wear my sweatshirts when we are on the phone. I miss you and there’s no distancing myself from that. » he said silently, his hands were slightly shaking and his eyes was at the same time sad but still having a spark inside of them. 

You took a minute to take your breath before answering. You had to process everything he just said before saying yourself what you wanted and how you were feeling. 

« Charlie, you know that I love you, and there’s no doubt about this. But being away from you is really hard, and seeing you happy and joyful with Madison as well as with the cast. I want you to be happy don’t get me wrong it’s just that I feel like I’m left aside. I know that it’s normal because, obviously, I can’t be with you guys… I don’t know how to get out of that situation. You are not quitting your job, and I’m not quitting uni, so I really don’t know how to do this. » at the end of the sentence your voice broke down and the first tears began to slide down your cheeks. 

Charlie was quick to take your face between his hands, his thumbs wiping your tears. Tears were starting to form at the edge of Charlie’s eyes. 

« Hey, hey, look at me » you met his beautiful and deep blue/ green eyes. « I know we can get through this, I know that we can find a solution. And you know it, if you didn’t you wouldn’t have let me in. I know that you believe in us as much as I do. I believe in us. We can visit each other more ! And we just finished filming season one, that means I’m going to be home more often even if I have some other projects. I’m ready to make it work Y/N ! The only question is are you ? » 

For a few seconds you let his words sink in your brain, you thought about how much he made you happy, how much he has done for you and how much you have done for him. A relationship is made by two people, the two of you were ready to work through this difficult time. And at the end of the day, it was all that matter. 

Charlie was still looking into your eyes, trying to understand where you were. You pulled him by his neck and bring your lips closer, only a centimeter was in between. 

« I’m ready to work with you, I’m ready to fight for us, but only if you are too »you whispered. A bright smile appeared on his lips, he closed the gap between your lips. And you felt at home again with your lips on his, his hands on your waist. His Chest against yours. It was a slow kiss, happy to finally find yourselves in each other again. 

« I love you » his eyes were glossy, his lips puffed, he was a sight to behold. 

You put your lips on him again, this time more urgently, almost hungry for him. His phone rang, which stopped your make-out session. He took out his phone and seeing Owen’s face on the screen, he clicked the red button to focus on what really mattered. (Aka you) 

[toru-oikawas-milkbread]

Kasey, so I had a whole idea/scenario that you needed to hear since I knew this dream would be a nightmare for Oikawa and I know how much you love him 💀 Absolutely based off of the jealousy fic you wrote lmao

So imagine dating Oikawa for a few years and having a younger sister move to Japan for Uni and finally getting to meet you're awesome bf! 😊 And it's a relief because they hit it off really well and your sister is already asking things like "When's the wedding? I'm invited, right?" or "Hey so does Toru have any hot friends? Asking for myself 👀" and it's going really well and all that jazz.

Then after getting settled in you guys all decide to go to a live volleyball game after some of the earlier ones ended to get your sister into the sport (which she does ofc) and while everyone is about to go she heads off to the stands to get a souvenir but is gone for a while. You guys look for her but she's not at the concessions stand??? Wtf?

And after a bit of searching you guys head towards the restrooms because maybe she's there and lo and behold there she is! And...oh. You see Toru's mood start to sour because she's she's taking pictures with Ushijima? And chatting his ear off???? Like you knew she was really friendly and all but he's 1. kind of a big deal and 2. your bf hates his guts, so to avoid a conflict you go over to get her and have a brief, terse interaction with Ushijima and the glares exchanged between him and Toru could be cut with a knife. Except your sister doesn't know any better and is just happy to be speaking with a real VBall player! 😲

So Toru tries to explain to her to stay away from that "Ushiwaka bastard" and tells her (with varying degrees of hyperbole) how much of a boring, self-righteous prick he is, and she's a bit down since he didn't seem that bad, but eventually you get her to agree to drop it.

Over the course of a few months she weasels you guys into taking her to more VBall games and she eventually begins to become a huge fan of the sport - so much that when she announces she wants to switch her major to Sports Psychology (to become a sports psychologist) it catches you guys off guard?? But you're happy anyways!

Except a lot of the games she goes to feature the Adlers, and almost every damn time you guys keep running into Ushijima and at this point Toru refuses to go with you guys to any games if the Adlers are playing lmao! Which hurts your sister's feelings, she was trying to understand the sport better so she and her future in-law will have something to talk about 🥺 But you reassure her that Toru and Ushijima just don't get along and then she hits you with, "But Toshi doesn't seem so bad 🥺 He's just a little awkward..."

And you need to pause because WHAT. THE FUCK. "TOSHI"? YOU GUYS ARE ON NICKNAME TERMS WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN????

And when you tell Toru he LOSES IT. Like, making more plans to keep her focused on her degree, taking her out to the movies with you guys, literally ANYTHING to keep her from speaking to that Ushiwaka Bastard like wtf. Eventually you guys come up with a plan and foist Hajime into the mix because according to Toru, "He had to take a lot of the same classes as you, y'know~! Iwa-chan studied in America too! Oh, and I think he's single as well, aren't you Iwa-chan??"

But of course this backfires HORRIBLY because Iwaizumi is such a stand-up guy and he likes your sister...as a friend 😔 He actually starts to see her as his own younger sibling so he's kind of a pushover for her lol And even though he also cannot stand Ushijima, he's worked with the Adlers before. And when she finds out she hits him with her puppy eyes 🥺 and wants to know if he has Toshi's number still and he does, and then he kinda...caves. Iwa's a sap LMFAO 🥴

Some more months go by and when your sister reveals that she's been seeing someone you're like 👀 Ohhh~ And Toru and Iwa are like 😠😡 Like they HAVE to meet him and interrogate him, and your sister pulls you aside and lets you that yes, some time along the last eight months she's been in Japan she's asked Toshi on a date and he agreed?? And you kind of short-circuit?! LIKE BITCH WHAT THAT WAS THE WORST PERSON OML-

So you try to tell her this is a horrible idea but then she kind of sheepishly mentions that on their last date - their third one?!?! WHEN TF DID THIS HAPPEN - he actually mustered up the courage to ask if he could kiss her and they did, and on one hand you're worried about Toru and Iwa's reaction and on the other you notice your sister has a TON of pictures, his name in her phone has hearts all over it, the lockscreen is a selfie of the two of them and it shocks you that he's smiling and she just looks so in love.

So you both agree to tell the guys...at a later date.

Well later means two months later because while you and Toru are out on a coffee date you both happen to catch your sister and Ushijima out on a coffee date as well (figures, you both love coffee dates lmao).

And the look on Toru's face when he sees Ushijima pull a chair out for your sister (and his at this point 😤) and when he gives her a quick peck on the lips just a couple of tables away is a mix between terrifying and comical.

And the look of absolute HORROR on your sister's face when she sees you guys is also borderline comical.

So ever the sweetheart, your sister decides since the cat's out of the bag she wants to try to reconcile Toshi and Toru's relationship and make it a double date 💀 And she is trying her BEST to make the best out of an awkward situation but Toru is just fuming because he can tell they're holding hands under the table and he HATES IT.

Literally while the guys are engaged in a staredown where if looks could kill there'd be a genocide she's carrying on the convo almost by herself and is trying her hardest to keep the guys engaged and is taking turns complimenting them and IT'S A MESS-

(Whew! I had to get that out lmao! That idea was in my head for a WHILE OML 😩)

I love this whole thing. I can imagine Tōru just losing his shit when he finds out that the love of his life's sister is dating Ushijima of all people. He'd be a scheming little bastard and do anything he can, absolutely anything, to break them up. Feelings be damned, he does not want to some day possibly be related to Ushijima in any way. Tōru would not enjoy that double date and he wouldn't even try and pretend like he could. He'd probably kick Ushijima underneath the table and say he didn't do it and "(y/n)'s leg must've had a spasm, huh love?" and you just sigh and say "Sorry, I've been having knee problems" because even if Ushijima doesn't believe it, Oikawa is childish and there's no way around that

This was adorable, I love it ❤️

[whimsicalbumblebee]

Because I can't not make a Kingdom Hearts Au for my current interests, Omori Kingdom Hearts AU lets go!

(Lets have a counter for how many times Darkness, Light and Heart is mentioned in this kadsjlgsjk)

Under the Cut because this has gotten.. long.

Also references MAJOR spoilers for OMORI so if you want to avoid that, here's your final warning!

So I'm basically gonna be ignoring most of Kingdom Hearts canon here because thats already convoluted enough. But I will be taking elements from canon. Lets just assume this is around the same time but still prior to the events of BBS so that we can ignore Xehanort but also accept the fact of the existence of other keyblade wielder a generation before Aqua and Terra but after Xehanort and Eraqus?

That ^^^^ already required too much thinking whoops.

Anyways, Mari is a Keyblade master as is Hero. And Kel, Sunny Basil and Aubrey are all students in training. Sunny n Basil are ready for the Mark of Mastery and their test is coming up. And something happens the day before the Mark of Mastery, when Mari is training with Sunny.

Similar to the duet in canon, Sunny is under a lot of stress and pressure. Its easy to become overcome with negativity this way, and unfortunately this happens to Sunny.

During his spar with Mari, he is overcome with darkness and lashes out at her with more power than she'd ever witnessed. Basil arrives just as this happens and misinterprets the situation as Darkness having taken hold of Sunny. So he does what he's been trained to do and separates Darkness from Sunny's heart. Except.... that wasn't quite the case. It wasn't a different force of Darkness as it was darkness that came from Sunny's own heart. As a result, Basil unintentionally split Sunny's heart into two beings: Sunny and Omori.

Sunny's heart couldnt withstand the separation and starts to shatter- but Mari, heavily injured but still alive (i refuse to kill her here) uses the light from her heart to help support Sunny's heart. That in turn... kinda sends her into a sleep, and Sunny without the memories of what happened.

Basil is kinda....horrified by this situation? And no one actually knows what happened to Mari and why is her heart no longer in her body? (shes alive tho so theres still hope). And Sunny can't answer cuz he doesn't remember. Basil refuses to talk, saying he arrived too late but mostly cuz of the guilt of hurting Sunny and Mari?

While Hero leaves to find out where Mari's heart went, Aubrey, Kel, Basil and Sunny have to deal with a new form of enemy that started appearing and attacking worlds, nicknamed "somethings" (not creative I know but I had to include Something into this somehow.)

The 4 of them split into groups to protect worlds from these creatures and find that a dark hooded figure is behind their creation. They are ready to confront this guy, only to be overpowered, leading to him kidnapping Basil and taking him to the Realm of Darkness.

By this point Hero has returned to the group, having figured out something is wrong but also "oh shit I think Sunny would be the key to finding Mari's heart" revelation.

Now everyone goes to the RoD to find and save Basil (its ironic how KH Omori AU is just- Headspace but with more light, heart, and darkness.)

Skipping ahead to confrontations but Omori reveals the memories he has from Sunny, about the truth of the event. I want to say that Basil ultimately confesses here too and darkness overwhelms him here? Leading to him being a fight before the ultimate Omori Fight TM.

During which some form of attack happens, targeting the already weakened and distressed Sunny but lo and behold Maris heart protects him!

Omori is defeated and returns to Sunny heart who's heart has now grown stronger to withstand the Darkness and balance it through his adventure to save Basil. Basil is saved, Sunny still loses an eye during the process cuz reasons and Mari's heart is released back to her body and....yeah, everything is well.

Sunny never ends up becoming a proper official master, but its okay, he doesn't care for titles and hes fine just being there with Mari and everyone. They still fight shadows, after all, Darkness still lingers. But things are okay and a new batch of keyblade wielders will soon come to being :>

Also might go into specifics of each character ~later~ including designs n stuff.