#but Billy owns items that can never be traded

[pollenallergie]

i was actually brainstorming a completely different ask, but thought i’d share my thoughts on billy’s favorite things. i established in a different ask that i think he’s really good with his hands (heh) and as such, does carpentry for work. in my mind, it gives him flexibility and quiets his brain. he likes the smell and the feeling of the wood, and although he doesn’t like loud noises, he doesn’t mind the sound of his tools because they’re consistent. his favorite things to work on are nurseries, kitchens, and porch spaces as these allow for subtle but whimsical statement pieces in addition to more generic items. continuing on, i also have decided that he fell in love with music from the 60s and 70s on old cassettes at group homes. he loves the beatles, simon and garfunkle, linda ronstadt, and any other older bands, so he learned to play guitar. his voice is soft and a bit rough when he sings, but he’s remarkable for a self taught guitar player. he only learned to read music in his late teens/early twenties, so before that he was going by ear and has developed a good sense of relative pitch. billy’s too scared to sing around anyone but you until you guys have kids, and you feel so lucky to have that privilege. my final thought for things he would be interested in is history, particularly of agricultural england. even though it bores most people to death, he could tell you about the changes in machinery or old fashioned dairy cow care, but you always listen and engage with his rants. he enjoys animals, and struggles to live in the city, so he wants to know as much about where he lives in the country as he can. imagine taking him to a museum centered on agriculture and his face lights up and it’s the first time you’ve ever seen him in public without him ticking relentlessly or shrinking in on himself. i am so devoted to billy it isn’t even funny sgsgagagagagvaabsgavav -🍊

Oh yeah, Billy definitely loves carpentry. Really, he loves any activity where he can create something beautiful and intricately detailed with his own two hands. The desire to create is strong in Billy Knight (hence the breeding kink). Like Tom Grant, Billy has dabbled in many different trades, both for work and for his own personal enjoyment. Unlike Tom, he hasn’t simply stuck to the traditional, blue-collar trades. Sure, he’s quite skilled in things like carpentry and painting (in the blue-collar sense, like painting walls or signs), and he definitely does those for work sometimes. However, he’s also dabbled in pottery, gardening, painting (in the more traditional sense, like painting with the intention to create art), crotcheting, sculpting, jewelry-making, other types of woodworking (like woodcarving, woodturning, etc.), candlemaking, soap making, and even basket weaving.

Though he’s never been very confident, and he’s always been socially anxious, he’s never really had a problem with attending hobby and crafting classes at his local community centres by himself. As a kid, Billy’s mum used to take him with her to her knitting classes, but, even after she passed, he always found a way to get himself down to the local community arts centre in his village so that he could take whatever classes, most of which were either free to the public or were quite cheap, his little heart desired. While his brother, Jimmy (*gags*), spent his youth playing footie and chumming it up with all the rich kids in the area, Billy spent his youth hanging out with the elderly ladies that frequent the Woolstone Village Centre for the Arts and learning to do things like woodcarving, quilting, and pottery.

Billy also spent his youth exploring the historical sites in Woolstone, so he’s definitely a massive history nerd. He loves looking at architecture from different cultures and historical periods. Like you mentioned, my sweet 🍊 nonnie, he also loves learning about historical agricultural practices, but not just ones from Britain. No, Billy loves learning about ancient agriculture from all different cultures. In fact, the reason why he got so into ancient agriculture in this first place is that, in primary school, he learned about the early crop irrigation practices used in Egypt and Mesopotamia, saw an illustration of what farming looked like in those days, and immediately thought, ‘I want to go there, I want to do that. I don’t want to be a little boy in Oxfordshire, I want to be a farmer in Mesopotamia.’ Honestly, Billy's just a really big anthropology nerd… and an archeology nerd… and a paleontology nerd… and an animal enthusiast. One of the best trips Billy’s ever been on, in his opinion, was the trip you two took for his birthday last year. For that brief holiday, you both took a train to Cambridge and spent an entire week there just exploring, going to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Cambridge University’s Museum of Zoology, Cambridge University’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Kettle’s Yard, (really to just every museum and art gallery, except for the ones about like the history of computing and mathematics), Cambridge University’s Botanical Gardens, whatever nature reserves are in the area, any nearby accredited wildlife parks/zoos, etc.

I also headcanon that, as a dad, Billy starts turning the fun stories he makes up for his daughter at bedtime every night into actual children’s books, which, of course, he does all the illustrations for. At first, he simply creates them for her, only selling a couple on his Etsy page to help make ends meet when money gets tight. However, one of his Etsy customers shows his work to a publication company, and, before Billy knows it, his children’s books are being published by a major UK publisher and distributed to and sold in countries across the globe. Billy continues creating these stories and getting them published so that he can help contribute financially more, all while still being a stay-at-home dad to his little girl and a househusband to you (both of which are, truly, all he’s ever really wanted to be). He still dabbles in other creative endeavors like woodworking and crotcheting, but only for his own enjoyment, not for some financial gain. The good thing about being a children’s book author, other than the fact that it allows him to work on his own schedule and to work from home, is that it doesn’t really feel like work to him. Billy's been creating whimsical stories in his head ever since he was a boy, and he’s been drawing the characters he creates for these stories and specific scenes from these stories for just as long. Who would’ve thought he could’ve been making such good money all this time if he’d only started writing down and properly illustrating the silly little stories in his mind sooner??

Also, YES YESS BIG YESS to your music headcanons!! He loves retro/vintage music!!! Billy’s a big fan of the Temptations (he’s convinced the Ruffin brothers revolutionized music and, you know what, he’s right), he’s a massive Paul McCartney fan (He once saw Paul getting coffee at a café in Chelsea once and nearly lost his goddamn mind. Did he go up and say hello to him? No, of course not, he didn’t want to bother the man… So he fangirled from afar, like a respectable person would do), he lovesss Simon and Garfunkel (he’s more partial to Paul Simon than Art Garfunkel, truth be told), he loves Marvin Gaye, big fan of Cat Stevens as well. He loves more modern music too, but I’ll discuss that later…. (along with maybe some of his other interests???)

And YEAHHH, the only people who will ever hear him sing are his mum (may she rest in peace), you, your daughter (and your other kids, should you choose to have more), and the family pets (another thing I shall discuss later…).

Sorry for all the teases (like about the pets you and Billy have, and the other types of music he listens to)… I’m keeping some cards close to my chest rn because I know I’ll want to write about them in more detail later…

Thank you so much for sending in your thoughts and headcanons about Billy!!! I always love reading what your brilliant mind comes up with! 🫶🏼💖

[easilydistractedandamused]

Chapter ten of Billy Bat Son for those that don’t want to follow the link

Chapter 10: Normalcy?

“I’m glad to see you cleared up the family problems,” Clark said as he walked along side Shazam in the Watchtower’s hallway.

“Yeah. I just needed to work out a different approach, really, to sneaking away,” he said easily as they entered the monitor room (or as Hal and Shazam liked to call it, the Room of Boredom as this was where they monitored the world for crimes and natural disasters. Neither of the two were allowed to be on monitor duty at the same time after a certain... incident ).

“Your family doesn’t know?” he asked curiously. Clark had always assumed his family, outside of his uncle that is, knew about his second job as a hero.

“Two members of my family know, but only because they saw me transform, like Vic did,” he said flippantly.

“Really? I thought you trusted them with it,” Victor said curiously from where he was sitting at the monitor, turning to face them and anyone else Clark would’ve lectured but Vic was still capable of doing his job even gossiping and not even looking at the monitor itself. They all knew he only really did it for a sense of normalcy.

“I don’t trust,” he replied with a small smile that suggested a story behind it. A story Vic knew if his own amused smile was to go by.

“And it took you two weeks to learn how to sneak away?” Hal asked curiously from his seat next to Vic, very glad for the distraction right now.

“Like sneaking away from Batman, I swear,” Shazam grumbled and Vic just looked even more amused before turning back to the monitor before they could notice and question him about it. Of course sneaking away from Bruce was like sneaking away from Batman, he was Batman.

Being the only one that knew the truth made it difficult at times like these to keep a straight face.

“You still managed it though,” Vic said once he was sure his amusement was more neutral based and not too obvious.

“Yeah, because sneaking away from him isn’t that difficult,” Shazam said with a raised brow like it should have been obvious, making all of them pause and look at him at this because no one ever said sneaking away from Batman was easy. He was Batman .

“I’m sorry, what?” Hal asked and Shazam looked around for a quick moment, as if afraid that Batman would suddenly appear out of nowhere. Not an unfounded fear, to be sure. “It sounded like you said sneaking away from Batman isn’t that difficult,” he said using his pinky to dislodge the word altering ear wax because there was no way he said what he thought he said.

“Because I did,” he said.

“Okay, now I’m curious. How do you sneak away from Batman?” Vic asked, turning to face him and giving him his full attention.

“Easy. Tell him where you’re going,” he said with a shrug. “He’ll check in five minutes, see you there and not think it’s worth his time, in ten minutes you can slip away to your real destination and he won’t even realize,” he said like it was the easiest thing to come up with, like everyone did it.

No wonder it worked on Batman, Hal couldn’t help but think as he looked at Shazam with wide eyes.

“What?” he asked at how they were staring at him.

“I just want to take a peek into that brain of yours, Sparky, because that idea would not appear in anyone’s head but would totally work,” he said and Shazam fondly rolled his eyes at the pilot’s antics.

“I grew up in Foster Care, man, I needed to get creative if I even wanted a minute to myself,” he told them and Clark blinked at the admission. Shazam did not easily share about his life outside the cape, well, to anyone that wasn’t Victor Stone that is.

“Do you think you can take monitor duty today?” Clark asked him.

“Oh, I don’t know,” he said rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t think I can manage anything up here for more than an hour before people get suspicious,” he said.

“Stop trying to get out of monitor duty,” Clark told him, because he had obviously been exaggerating in an attempt to get out of it.

“Aw,” he said with a mock pout.

“We’ll still let you leave in an hour. Come on, I’ll catch you up on what’s been going on,” Vic said and Hal moved out of the way for him to sit in the chair, more than happy for an excuse to leave early.

Shazam’s pleading look was easily ignored as Hal moved over to the door, Clark give him an amused, if sympathetic, look before he followed suit.

As Vic droned on with some boring facts (that he knew were important but couldn’t quite bring himself to care) Billy couldn’t help but wish that he was back to being trapped inside Wayne Manor because at least there he could find ways of entertaining himself.

Thinking about it, he should start a garden to grow some of the herbs he would need later. He doubted they would mind too much. No one ever seemed to mind when Billy did this, because it was a sign that he was comfortable enough to start to make plans to make the place he was staying for comfortable and home-y.

Those were usually the times he would get kicked out of some of the homes, because they didn’t want Billy, didn’t like him. He didn’t overly mind too much though, as he could just make a garden in a park after dark to grow these herbs. No one ever noticed as long as he planted them behind some bushes or a tree far enough in the park.

He actually had a small area of the park that he always went to to restock his supply as the plants were left unattended there for some reason, forgotten by the park caretakers.

Curious as he was about that, Billy found he didn’t care as it made things easy for him. No one ever noticed if someone planted some magic herbs there.

But making a trip back to Fawcett for some plants was too much, even for him, and he wouldn't be able to properly keep an eye on the plants progress. No, it needed to be close...

“Are you even listening to me?” Vic asked.

“You were talking about making protocols for some countries,” he said boredom laced in his voice. He had long since developed the ability to get lost in thought while someone was talking and somehow retain the information they were spouting.

Vic gave him a slightly suspicious look, as if he wanted to call him out for not listening but didn’t know how after he just repeated what he last said. It was a look Billy was very used to.

“Yeah, because some of them have closed borders and don’t want us entering and we don’t want to create an international incident…” he said voice getting distance.

“Uhuh. International incidents are bad,” he said in bored agreement.

He was going to need to restock on wolfsbane, now that he thought about it. Some Thyme too. Actually, he was pretty sure he saw that on the grounds of Wayne Manor and would need to check.

He shifted on the chair so his legs were folded as he found it more comfortable, but barely even noticed the shift in posture himself.

Although, if he used their stock of Thyme, they were bound to notice and get curious as it disappeared without notice. They’d probably also be curious as one of them was bound to notice that he had Thyme in his garden.

Once Vic heard Billy let out a small subconscious hum, he stopped talking because he knew that sound. That was the sound he made when he was lost in thought and glancing at him, he knew it was true because his legs were folded as he floated a few inches above the chair, arms crossed over his chest, a thoughtful little frown pulling at his face as his body sparked with restless energy.

He wondered how long it would take Billy to realize he had stopped talking and was looking at him.

Watching over the state of the world, he idly set a timer and stared at Billy. He hoped this had nothing to do with the Penguin thing he was planning, but knowing Billy, it was a very strong chance.

After a while, Billy realized the room was quiet and that he was being stared at expectantly and lifted his gaze to see Vic staring at him with a slight hint of boredom and amusement, face leaning against one of his hands similar to how Billy had been sitting earlier.

“This is a whole new record for you. It took you one hour and ten minutes,” he said with that hint of amusement and Billy felt himself start to break out into a nervous sweat from habit, knowing that being caught not paying attention usually resulted in punishment from his experience. He also knew that Vic would never hurt him like that, that not everyone would fly into a mindless rage.

“I’m not angry or anything,” he said and Billy knew he had been able to read him, pick up the way his heartbeat started to speed up as his entire body tensed as he readied himself to move.  He had picked all this up and assured him as best as he could without ruffling Billy’s feathers like others have done in the past.

“Oh, poor darling. I would never hurt you. It’s okay, you don’t have to be scared,”  a woman’s voice rang in the back of his mind. All that had done was make him angry, because he didn’t need pity, for someone to call him out on someone else’s screw ups, for some stranger to pull him in for a hug when he was still thinking about running, when he was still coming to the realization that he was safe. All that did was make his hackles raise, make him freak out worse and give a very obvious flinch he could never quite help.

“I know,” he said with a sheepish smile. Vic never did that though when Billy slipped up like that, patiently waiting for him to pay attention again and never once getting angry at him but it was only a matter of time before Billy did something wrong and ruin their friendship, before Vic got tired of him like everyone else . Vic would even assure him that he wasn’t angry with usually a joke and never once tried to touch him when Billy was like this.

Most things that kids found comforting: hugs, stroking of the hair...it set Billy’s teeth on edge. He preferred companionable silence.

Vic was the only person to give him that, to let Billy control the pace, to let Billy initiate all contact or barring that, to leave an open invitation (holding up a hand for a high five, holding out his fist for a fist bump…) that Billy could refuse whenever he wanted. He never wanted to refuse.

“So, what exactly were you thinking about?” Vic asked curiously.

“I’m thinking of starting a garden,” he said with a grin.

“I didn’t realize you had a green thumb,” Vic said raising a brow in amusement and that small still panicking part of his brain finally calmed down because everything was starting to feel normal again between them, because this was their usual.

“Yeah, well, I happen to find it relaxing,” he defended himself, letting his eyes slip close as he lifted his chin as he spoke, something he usually wouldn’t do with other people. “Besides, these are herbs with magical leaning, so they’re pretty darn important, but I can’t use the park anymore,” he said and Vic opened his mouth before closing it, brows furrowing in confusion.

“You used the park for magic plants?” he asked.

“Park maintenance pretty much forgot about this one corner so the plants grow pretty wild there,” he said simply. “I used it when I was between places and couldn’t make my own garden,” he said and to anyone overhearing they would assume that he meant when he was moving apartments or if his apartment wouldn’t let him have a garden for himself, not when he was being shuffled home to home by social services

Smiling to himself as he walked home, Billy was actually pretty proud of himself for being able to convince Alfred (because Billy knew who was really in charge) to let him have a garden on the balcony, and not only that, but also to let Billy pick up the plants himself.

He was pretty stubborn on that last point, actually, because a lot of them you’d have to go to “special” shops only seen to those that have magic flowing through their blood.

Gotham didn’t have many of those shops, as even magic users respected Batman’s “no metas in Gotham” rule. However, the plants he needed were those of a peaceful nature and necessary for most potions and elixirs.

Fortunately, the money Alfred had given him combined with his own savings were more than enough to buy the plants.

Usually, he’d turn into Shazam and fly over to where they naturally grew but that took about a week or longer and he didn’t have that much time to search for a plant he could buy in a local shop (albeit for about a thousand dollars. Rare plants weren’t cheap afterall).

He heard a buzzing from his pocket and knew it was from Alfred (again) but Billy knew the limo would give them away in this part of town so he hadn’t really told him he was going to get the plants, just that he was going for a walk (which, technically, it was. Halfway across town, sure, but he was walking). His hands were full at the moment so he couldn’t just send a text back to him either.

Suddenly, he heard a strange sound behind him and dropped the bags, ready to move, as the bags disappeared before they could hit the ground (Mugging Guarantees were worth the extra hundred dollars, as the bags would harmlessly return to the store for the buyer to return for it or a prearranged drop off point).

Before he could turn around, a cloth went over his mouth and he recognized the damp, sweet scent presented before him and struggled before an arm (broad. Brown coat. Hands covered in black leather gloves. Male) wrapped around his middle, pressing him against a broad back (further proving his assailant was a male. Worked out, but not enough to be completely ripped) and managed to pull his hand away to possibly claw at the hand holding the rag and maybe make it pull away before his wrist was grabbed (multiple assailants. Unknown number) and he went limp as everything went black

[navybrat817]

Visible Mark - Part 3

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Female Reader, Steve Rogers x Female Reader, Bucky Barnes x Female Reader x Steve Rogers Summary: Being Bucky and Steve’s best girl feels too good to be true. Word Count: Over 4.9k Warnings: Explicit sexual content, vaginal fingering, groping, dirty talk, tension, feels, possessive behavior, slight angst, minor harassment, tattooed Bucky Barnes and Steve Rogers (they’re warnings, okay?) A/N: Welcome to the next part of my tattoo AU! This is follow up to Visible Mark Part 2 and the end of Phase 2! Beta read by the wonderful @whisperlullaby ​, but any and all mistakes are my own. Thank you, lovely! Banner created by yours truly, but Bucky and Steve photos were provided by the talented @nix-akimbo ! This AU wouldn’t exist without them. And divider by the beautiful @firefly-graphics !

I have discontinued my tag list. Please follow my sideblog @navybrat817-sideblog ​​ and turn on notifications to see new fics! I will only post fics, writing schedule and updates there.

I do not consent to have my work posted on any third party site or app. If anyone sees my work anywhere but here or archiveofourown under my same username, it has been reposted without my permission. 18+ Please!!! By reading this, you agree that you are at least 18 years old. Enjoy, lovelies!

You glanced at your phone as you pushed your cart down the aisle, checking an item off your shopping list. You somehow managed to sneak out early to get groceries. It wasn’t easy considering that your boyfriends traded off cuddles. Seriously, how did they manage to keep you in an octopus hold through the night? And how were they always so warm?

Smiling to yourself, you stopped to grab a couple of bags of chips. You made sure to get their favorite flavors. They were always thinking of you and you wanted to do the same for them. You knew the inevitable phone call with Peggy was coming, but you wanted to go about your day like normal and not let your imagination run wild. Before you could push your cart forward, you heard someone whistle behind you.

“Well, well. Fancy seeing you here.”

You turned around, a tight smile on your face as you saw Grant Ward and Billy Russo. They didn’t bother to hide that they checked you out, which made your skin crawl. The two of them always gave you bad vibes when you managed to see them. “Yeah. Fancy seeing someone at a grocery store,” you said, turning back to walk away.

“What’s the rush?” Billy asked as they followed.

“I don’t like to mingle in the aisles,” you replied.

“Surprised you’re out by yourself. Don’t you have Bucky and Steve attached at your hips now?” Grant chimed in.

Sighing, you stopped when Billy quickly walked around to the front of your cart. “Contrary to popular belief, they do let me out on my own,” you said sarcastically.

“Shit. So you really are fucking both of them?” Billy questioned, a dark smirk forming on his face as he leaned on the cart. You stiffened when you felt Grant right behind you, keeping your mouth shut tight. 

“Always thought you were sort of innocent. Never pegged you as a slut," he whispered in your ear.

You inhaled sharply, the word making you feel cheap and dirty. Was that how people in town saw you? A little slut who wasn’t satisfied with one man? No. The people who cared, who mattered, supported you.

“If that’s what you’re into, we can show you a good time,” Billy leered, licking his lips.

You lifted your chin, refusing to let them demean you. "I'm not a slut. I’m their slut. Now get the hell out of my way.”

“I don’t think that’s what you really want,” Grant chuckled, brushing his fingers along your neck.

You were two seconds away from throwing your elbow back when you heard someone storm down the aisle. You felt Grant pull away and you wanted to burn the spot where he touched you. Billy instantly let go of the cart as well, his hands up as he backed away. You saw Thor come into view, meeting your gaze. The enormous blonde looked furious to see the other men so close to you. His brother, Loki, was close behind and looked bored as he took in the scene.

“Thor. Buddy. We don’t want any trouble,” Grant tried to placate.

“What is the meaning of this?” Thor asked, clapping a hand on his shoulder to push him further away from you.

“'What is the meaning of this?' What century are you in?” Billy mocked before the blonde swung his thunderous stare his way. “Lighten up. We were just talking.”

“Somehow I doubt you two are good conversationalists,” Loki said, looking at his brother. “But is this any of our business?”

“It is and it doesn’t look like she wants to talk to them,” Thor snapped, his gaze considerably softer as he looked at you. “Do you wish to speak to them?” 

“They called me a slut. So… no, I don’t,” you answered confidently, mentally smirking when you saw Grant’s smile fall. 

Loki looked more interested in the conversation now. “Did they? You two insulted the lady because…”

“She’s fucking Bucky and Steve. Is she fucking you, too? If she spreads her legs for those pricks, we figured-”

You gasped when Thor stepped forward and grabbed Grant by his collar. Did everyone forget they were in a grocery store? You didn’t want to be the cause of a fight. 

“As entertaining as that would be, I wouldn’t,” Loki warned Billy when he moved to intervene. 

“The next and only word out of your mouth will be an apology,” Thor ordered.

“Sorry,” Grant said through his teeth after a moment. 

You nodded, not wanting to drag it out or make a big deal out of it. 

“I better not see you bothering her again,” Thor said, letting Grant go. “Finish your shopping later. Consider yourself lucky that Barnes and Rogers weren’t here.”

“This isn’t over,” Grant whispered as he walked past you. Billy winked as he joined him, leaving you alone in the aisle with Thor and Loki. It took a moment to realize you were shaking. Was it anger? Disgust?

“Are you alright?” Thor gently asked.

You nodded quickly. “I’m fine. That was just… unexpected,” you said as evenly as possible, though you weren’t sure how you felt. Grant and Billy hardly ever talked to you, but their intentions were pretty clear.

“We can wait and walk you out,” Thor offered, ignoring Loki as he rolled his eyes.

Your chest tightened as you nodded again. “I’d appreciate that. I’m actually grabbing a few things to make for your party.”

“I’m glad you’ll be there and I’m sure whatever you make will be delicious,” he smiled.

You took your time walking through the rest of the store, much to Loki’s annoyance, as you listened to Thor tell a story about a recent tattoo he designed. He was so proud and animated as he spoke to you, like he was happy to have you as his audience. You found yourself much more relaxed by the time you went to pay. He even bagged the groceries for you as Loki checked the time. Similar to your boyfriends, the large blonde was a gentleman.

"Thanks again," you said as they walked you out.

"There is no need to thank us. Had it been my little one in there, Barnes and Rogers would have stepped in," Thor said, easily carrying your bags. "And I hope you do not take what they said to heart."

"I didn't," you tried to dismiss, glancing at Loki as he raised an eyebrow at you. He no longer looked annoyed as he studied you. 

"I do question your taste since you threw in your lot with Barnes and Rogers," Loki said softly. "But doing so did not give Ward and Russo the right to treat you as if you were beneath them. Because you are not."

The truth was, you weren't ashamed of your relationship, but it hurt that others thought they could reduce you to something less than what you were. "That means a lot, Loki."

"Do not tell anyone I said that. I do have a reputation to uphold."

"You have a reputation?" Thor deadpanned. 

You burst out laughing at Loki's expression. The pool party was going to be a blast.

"I'm gonna kill them," Bucky swore as he unloaded one of the bags.

"No, I'm gonna kill them," Steve corrected him, shutting the cupboard harder than normal.

"There's two of them. We can both kill them."

"Nat can help us hide the bodies."

"Sam can give us an alibi."

You sighed as you shut the fridge and turned to face them. Both of them were fuming, which was kind of adorable. You should have known Thor would let them know what happened before you go back. "You are not killing them. Though I wouldn't object to you holding them down and tattooing 'PRICK' across their foreheads."

The boys exchanged a look as your eyes went wide. "We could do that…" Bucky said seriously.

"I was kidding!" you said, wishing you kept your mouth shut because you wouldn't put it past them to actually try that.

"They can't just get away with calling you that," Steve said, running a hand through his hair. The agitated look on his face faded a bit when you went over and gave him a peck on the lips. "I'm serious, sweetheart. We won’t tolerate that."

"I get why you’re both angry. It upset me, too,” you told him as you took his hand. “But I’m not going to let you two start a fight over it.”

“But the fact that it upsets you is reason enough. If they say or try anything else…” Bucky stopped as you looked over your shoulder. You stood still for a moment when he clenched his metal hand before you moved, gently taking it in yours. Holding both of their hands seemed to anchor them almost as much as it did for you. 

“If they do… you have my permission to do anything that doesn’t get you sent to jail,” you conceded.

“Really?” Steve asked with a smirk. “Sweetheart, do you have a mean streak?”

“Only against people who hurt the ones I love,” you answered, letting them go to unpack the rest of the last bag. You knew Grant’s words hurt them as much as they hurt you, but you hoped they didn’t read into what you just said. You didn’t even want to read into that. It was still too soon. 

“Doll?” Bucky asked, reaching for your hand again when you finished.

“When are we calling Peggy? Now? I think we should call her now,” you said rapidly.

“Now?” Steve questioned.

“Yeah. Now is good,” you nodded, sidestepping them to leave the kitchen. You sighed as you walked to the living room. All the preaching about communication and you were closing yourself off for no reason, other than misplaced fear. Because what if something happened on this call? What if everything changed? 

“Hey,” Bucky said from behind you before you could sit, turning you to face him. You lifted your gaze to meet his, seeing a bit of fear behind his eyes as well. “You have me. You know that, right?”

Your throat went dry as you nodded. Bucky didn’t let just anyone in, but he trusted and cared for you enough to open up. That meant everything. “And you have me, too.”

He tipped your chin as he brushed his lips against yours. The infinite gentleness as he wrapped his other arm around you made your heart race faster. It was a nice distraction, even if it was temporary.

“You sure you want to call now?” Steve asked again, his phone in hand as Bucky broke the kiss.

“Trying to avoid it?” Bucky responded, taking a seat and pulling you into his lap.

“I’m not. I want to know what's going on,” Steve promised as he sat down, twisting and turning the device between his fingers. “I don’t know what to expect, but I’m just glad you’re both here.”

“Wouldn’t be anywhere else, punk,” Bucky swore.

It was an honor to witness the bond between them, especially in moments like this. Steve was vulnerable, even if he did his best not to let it show. And Bucky would never leave him alone like that. You wouldn’t either.

“Whatever she has to say…” Steve swallowed as he looked at you. You wanted to wrap your arms around him and assure him that you had him. And that he had you, too.

“We’ll figure it out together,” you smiled softly, hoping it would ease him. Because it was the truth. No matter what was said, even if everything did change, you didn’t want to give up on either of them.

Steve exhaled as he touched the screen, making sure to put the call on speaker as it began to ring. The sound taunted you and you felt Bucky tense a bit at the second ring until you ran a hand through his hair. All three of you were on edge as it kept ringing. After all of that, would she not answer?

“Hello?” 

You nearly gasped when you heard Peggy speak and it took everything in you not to answer. 

“Hi, Peggy,” Steve said after a beat.

You weren’t sure if he meant for it to be there, but you heard affection in his tone. Or maybe he was just being polite. You couldn’t hold that against him. Once upon a time, he was going to marry her.

“Hello, Steve. It’s… good to hear from you,” Peggy said and there was no mistaking the affection from her. It made you lean in closer to Bucky, but you gave Steve a small smile. 

“You kept calling. I owed it to you to call you back,” he pointed out, glancing at you as Bucky pulled you even closer. “But it isn’t just me here. Bucky’s here.”

“Peggy,” Bucky said as cordially as he could.

“James,” Peggy replied, some of the warmth gone. There was no lost love between them, clearly. “I don’t understand why-”

“-And our girlfriend.”

You thought the call dropped when a few seconds went by. Hearing Steve call you their girlfriend felt good. And the fact that he was upfront and unashamed, it felt even better.

“I apologize. Did you say our girlfriend?” she questioned and you wondered if she was judging her ex. 

“I did,” Steve said with pride. Why did that send a rush of unexpected heat through you? “Bucky and I are both seeing her.”

You quietly introduced yourself, even though she didn’t ask for your name.

“Hello," Peggy said politely enough, but you wished you could have seen her face to get a true read on her. Was she surprised? Hurt?  "I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting to speak to anyone else. I… also wasn't expecting to hear that."

"I understand it may be a surprise, but whatever you have to say to me can be said to them. It isn’t to put you on the spot. I just don’t want any secrets between us.”

Peggy cleared her throat. “Why exactly did you think I called?”

“I don’t know,” Steve said quietly. “Can you tell me, please?”

“It’s Sharon, Steve. She’s sick.”

"Sharon?" you whispered.

“That’s her cousin,” Bucky whispered back. 

“She’s sick?” Steve repeated, sitting up straight. Worry filled his eyes and you didn’t blame him.

“Yes. It’s a long story, but she’s going to Metro-General for treatment. I’ll be moving just outside of town to help until she gets back on her feet.”

For the first time since the conversation began, there was a waver in Peggy’s voice. It sounded like she was on the verge of tears. It made you shift a bit in Bucky’s lap. It felt like you were suddenly intruding, even though Steve made it clear he wanted you to be there. 

Steve ran a hand over his face. “I’m sorry, Peggy. I had no idea.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. She's strong. Always has been. I simply didn’t want you to be surprised if you saw me in town soon since I’ll be there in less than a week.”

“If there’s… anything you need, will you let us know?” Steve offered. You weren’t sure if it was out of kindness or sympathy.

“Of course, but I wouldn’t want to impose.”

“It isn’t an imposition,” Bucky chimed in, placing a soft kiss on your temple. 

“Thank you, James,” Peggy said. “And thank you, Steve.”

You leaned your head on Bucky’s shoulder, not paying attention as the conversation continued. Peggy’s cousin was sick. Peggy would be in town. You knew how vulnerable people could be when a loved one was ill. 

“...Thank you again, Steve. I’m thankful that you returned my call.”

"I’ll help however we can. As a friend,” Steve emphasized, which made you lift your head. The loving smile he gave you filled you with guilt. He was trying to assure you because that was the kind of man he was. 

“Of course. As a friend, yes. I… I should go for now. Goodbye, Steve.”

“Bye, Peggy.”

You slowly exhaled as you looked between Steve and Bucky. Both of them looked concerned, but also relieved. Had they feared the worst, too? 

“Steve, are you okay?” you asked, leaning over and placing your hand over his. 

“I think so,” he said, turning his hand over to hold yours properly. “I feel terrible for Sharon. She’s a good person.”

“She is. I hope she pulls through,” Bucky agreed. “You gonna be okay seeing Peggy around?” 

“I’ll be fine. I have you two,” Steve answered, gazing at you. “Are you okay?"

"I am," you swore, that guilt creeping in again. He should have been concerned with himself, not you. "I think we all feel better knowing what's going on. And it meant a lot that you told her who I was."

"Because I have nothing to hide," Steve swore. You believed him. 

"Are you worried about seeing her?" Bucky asked, kissing your temple again. 

"I have nothing to worry about," you assured them. 

"Thank you again for being here," Steve whispered.

You squeezed his hand as you leaned over, your kiss soft and deep as your lips touched. “Like Bucky said… we wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

“Damn it, Clint!” Mandy shrieked when he did a cannonball into the pool, splashing her and Natasha in the process.

Clint shook his hair out as he surfaced. “Did I hear you scream, Mandy? Nat, is that how she sounds when you’re between her-”

“-I will end you, Barton,” the redhead threatened, grabbing a towel to dry herself and Mandy off. 

You laughed as you sat on the edge of the pool, swirling your feet around in the water. Since the call, things felt lighter. Steve was more relaxed, even as he worried for Sharon. Bucky had an extra bounce in his step, knowing that things were secure and right. And the weather was perfect for the party.

“Thor, are you sure I can’t give you a hand?” you asked as he stood at the grill. 

Thor took a swig of his beer, pointing at you with the bottle. “You brought a small feast. What kind of host would I be if I made you cook more?”

You smiled sheepishly. The boys teased you for going overboard with the side dishes, but you wanted to do something nice after Thor stepped in to help you at the store. “Are you sure?” 

“You just soak up some sun,” Sam winked, going to help Thor. “Besides, your soldiers don’t want you to lift a finger.”

“My soldiers?” you repeated, leaning back on your hands. 

“Yeah, your soldiers. And you’re their captain. You tell them to jump and they’re already in the air,” Sam chuckled.

“How high am I jumping?” Bucky teased, carrying a plate of hot dogs and burgers over. Steve was right behind him with drinks in hand.

Dignity be damned, you almost fell into the pool when you got the full view of them. Both were in their swim trunks, their muscles and tattoos on full display under the sun. How did they manage to keep taking your breath away? Would there be any oxygen left in your lungs?

“So… everything is okay,” Natasha stated as she took a seat beside you.

“What?” you asked, your gaze still on your boyfriends as they stood at the grill. 

“Everything is okay,” she stated again, nudging you. “I know you talked to Peggy. And if it hadn’t gone well, I wouldn’t have expected you here.”

“Yeah. It’s okay,” you smiled as you pulled your gaze away. “I don’t know why I was so nervous. Actually, I know why, but it’s not like I had a right to feel that way.”

Nat shook her head a little. “Why do you do that?” 

“Do what?” 

“Brush off your feelings like that?” she asked, nudging you again. “The two of them may share a brain cell, but you? You keep acting as if you’re not allowed to feel the way you do. Why?”

You swirled your feet again as you tried to piece together how you wanted to respond. “Because they keep showing me that I mean something to them and… I don’t want them to doubt that I’m the right girl for them.”

“You’ve really fallen for them, haven’t you?” Nat smiled to herself.

You glanced over at them again as they laughed at something that Sam said. Their smiles brought a smile to your own face. You could spend every day listening to those happy sounds and never grow tired of them. "I fell before they were mine."

“They make you happy, so let yourself have it.”

“I thought you and Mandy were going to stop assuring me,” you teased. “And speaking of… thank you for making her happy. She deserves it.”

Both of you turned your heads in time to see Mandy dunk Clint’s head under the water. “Yeah, she does,” Nat smirked, jumping in. “I should save his ass.”

You laughed as she swam over to help. She was right. Your feelings were valid and you deserved to be happy. And you had every right to have some fun, too.

Smirking to yourself, you stood up and waited until you knew Bucky and Steve looked your way. You slowly arched your back, stretching and closing your eyes as the sun rays hit you. After a moment, you opened your eyes and swayed your hips as you walked to the deeper end of the pool.

“Rogers! Watch it. You’ll burn it!” Loki snapped, making you smirk more. 

You knew your boyfriends had their eyes on you and only you as you stopped and stretched again. You pushed your chest out, enticing them, but you didn’t look their way.

“Barnes, move!” Loki snapped louder. “Thor, get them away from the grill!”

You finally looked over, seeing a bit of smoke rise from the grill. It gave your men a dangerous look as they stared at you. You blew them a kiss before you jumped in. The water felt good as it washed over you, making you smile as you surfaced. Two splashes nearby had your heart racing as your boyfriends rose from the water seconds later. Watching the droplets drip down their skin, you suddenly felt like prey instead of the siren.

“What are you doing, doll?” Bucky asked as he swam close to you. 

“Swimming,” you said sweetly, moving just out of his grip.

“You’re teasing us,” Steve corrected, nearly closing the distance in one stride. 

“I’m doing no such thing,” you smiled before Bucky moved behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist. 

“Yes, you are,” he whispered, gently biting down on your earlobe. “You’re driving us crazy. You didn’t let us have you this morning.”

“I was busy cooking,” you reminded him as Steve moved in front of you. 

“You’re not cooking now,” Steve pointed out, giving you a soft kiss. “You’re teasing us in that sexy two-piece. And you think you’re safe because our friends are here.”

“But here’s the thing,” Bucky whispered as Steve’s hand slid between your legs. “Our friends don’t care where we get you off… or when.”

Your eyes widened when your bikini bottoms were moved aside. Yeah, you were definitely the prey. And feeling those fingers slide along your folds, it wasn’t the pool making you wet. “Are you really…”

“Unless you don’t want us to. We never want you to be uncomfortable, sweetheart,” Steve swore. True to his word, his fingers went still. Bucky didn’t move a muscle either, simply keeping you warm between their bodies.

Your best friend was feet away, splashing around with her girlfriend. The others were lost in their own conversations. Hell, they knew you had the vibrating butterfly in the night of the poker game. Would this really be a stretch? “Please, don’t stop.”

“That’s our girl,” Steve murmured, gently sliding a finger into your wet channel. “You didn’t let me properly thank you for being there with us.”

“You don’t… fuck, need to thank me,” you protested as Bucky’s mouth moved to your neck. Your lips tingled, aching to feel Steve kiss you again. 

“Yes, I do. We both do,” Steve said, pushing his finger deep. 

“We’re demanding and you put up with us,” Bucky whispered, sliding a hand under your bikini top. Your lips parted in a gasp as he gently pinched and toyed with your nipple. It always felt so good with his metal hand.

Steve brushed his nose against yours as you gasped again. “We’re selfish for wanting you so much, but you make us insatiable. Fuck, you’re soaked. Have we been neglecting you?” 

You could only moan as he added another finger. Was it the thought of being outside that excited you? Or knowing that everyone would see what they already knew? That you belonged to them? Maybe that was what excited you the most… simply being their girl.

“No,” you whimpered as you squirmed, rocking your ass back against Bucky with desperation. How did they reduce you to a mess so quickly?

Bucky licked a slow stripe along your pulse up to your ear again. “Should we fuck you here? Let us take turns slipping our cocks in and out of you?” 

Steve kissed you deeply when you moaned, curling his fingers when his other hand went to your hip. With expert ease, he gently lifted and lowered you back down. Fuck, he was making you fuck yourself on his fingers. “Would you let us, sweetheart?” he breathed into your mouth. “I wonder how many times we’d make you come before anyone noticed.”

Your legs shook, your spirit trying to leave your body as you climbed higher. You’d let them fuck you all over Thor’s pool, deck, house, wherever they wanted. “I’ll let you wreck every hole.”

Bucky sputtered as he gripped your breast, Steve’s fingers stilling again as his eyes went wide. It felt good that you could surprise them. “Every hole, doll?”

“Every hole,” you moaned as Steve’s fingers moved along your walls again. “The question is… which one of you gets my tight ass first?”

“Jesus FUCK,” Bucky growled, a bit of water splashing around you as he rocked his hardness against your ass. “You can’t just say shit like that. We need a warning."

“Why not?” you whined when Steve brushed his thumb along your clit. You knew their cocks had to be aching for you and that rush of power was heady. “Don’t you want to fill me up?” 

Steve’s forehead met yours as his fingers moved relentlessly. The hard and deep thrusts almost matched how his cock felt. “Until we’re dripping out of you, sweetheart.” 

“You'll have to plug me,” you moaned, biting your lip. It was nearly impossible to hold back your sounds. You reveled in their touches, swearing that steam rose from the water from the fire that burned inside you. Your body wound tighter and tighter, gripping Steve’s arms as he nailed your g-spot.

“Tonight,” Bucky groaned with want. “Please. I need to feel that tight hole around every inch of me.”

“She didn’t say you’d get it first,” Steve growled.

“I… get to decide,” you managed to say as your head fell back. The pleasure built with such force as they practically bickered over who would ruin you first. You felt like you were in danger of exploding as you clenched around Steve’s fingers. “I’m… Fuck, I’m gonna come.”

“Do it, doll. Soak his fingers like our good girl. You’ve more than earned it,” Bucky encouraged, pinching your nipple again.

You cried in ecstasy as you let it wash over you, giving yourself up to the pure feeling of being theirs. Your cunt clenched almost painfully as your wetness coated the thick fingers inside you. You couldn’t even writhe in their grasp, their arms effectively keeping you trapped and making you feel it all. It wasn’t just the coil breaking. It was set on fire, every nerve ending heated from the pleasure in your veins. 

“Almost came just from that sound,” Steve admitted as he slipped his fingers free.

You smiled as Bucky fixed your top, still feeling how hard he was as he held you. “Almost? I’m gonna be hard until I get to fuck you.”

You laughed breathlessly until you realized how quiet it was. “Um…” you trailed off as you peaked over Steve’s shoulder. Mandy, Natasha, and Clint were no longer in the pool. Sam was missing, too. Only Thor and Loki were still outside. 

“If you’re quite finished, how do you want your burgers?” Loki asked. 

Blood rushed to your cheeks before you smiled. “I think I have enough meat right here.”

Thor threw his head back as he laughed. “Rogers, Barnes. If you let her go, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Bucky promised, kissing your shoulder. 

“Not letting go, Thor. Find your own best girl,” Steve added. 

“I’m not letting go either,” you smiled, making no effort to move out of the water or their arms. You had nowhere else to be, except where they were. And the fear of falling in love with them? It faded more and more with each passing second because the future was bright. You deserved it.

Peggy smiled as she reached over, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind Briana’s ear. She was so beautiful. “I know the move won’t be easy, but I’ll be right there. And I can’t wait for Steve to meet you. He’ll adore you.”

[9layerdevilfoodcake]

HelloGoodbye/Part 1:It’s The End Of The World As We Know It

Summary: it’s the last day of life as you know it at Camp Redwood when the apocalypse comes calling, but what does that mean for the souls shackled to this particular hellmouth?

Word count: 3.3k

Warnings: mentions of death, implied-ish smut, the end of the world?

//

The day the world ended started out the same as any other.

You woke up to the sunrise, wrapped in a jumble of blankets, limbs and bleached hair.

Sleep wasn’t really necessary for the undead, but it just came naturally, like muscle memory. Plus it was a nice way to pass the time.

But it was what came after a good night’s sleep that was your favorite part of the day, more specifically it was waking up next to him.

There are few things better in life (past or present) than waking up in his arms.

Your lover? Boyfriend? Mutual sufferer in eternal purgatory?

You’re not really sure what you would call him. You and Xavier both agreed the afterlife was no place for labels.

But if you asked any of the other souls shackled to this hellmouth with you, they would all call you two the same thing; inseparable.

It had been that way for decades, you spent almost every reawoken moment together. He was the one thing that made your afterlife feel as though it’s axis tipped more towards heaven than hell.

He was the light at the end of the tunnel. And looking at him now, eyes closed, lips parted, and sleeping soundly without a care in the world. You might go as far as to say you are thankful you didn’t listen to your gut, and made the (what at the time you thought regrettable) decision to take your friend's extra ticket and step foot on the haunted site for a music festival, one that never even happened mind you.

You got stabbed in the face and she didn’t get to blow Billy Idol, you guess you would call the weekend a bust for the both of you.

You’re comfortably laying back and reminiscing, when you feel Xavier stir.

The long hum that leaves his lips, followed by their soft touch on your shoulder lets you know he’s awake and it’s followed by a mumbled “Good morning”.

“Good morning” you answer back. Leaning down to plant a chaste kiss on his lips. A little too chaste for his liking, so before you can pull away he grabs hold of the back of your neck and pulls you back down for more.

One perk of being dead, no morning breath. There’s no need to break the mood with a trip to the bathroom to brush your teeth. Not that that would stop him anyways, through your time with Xavier you have come to realize that there are very few things he won’t try, and even less he would determine “too gross” to kill his mood.

So much like countless mornings before this, it’s a good couple of hours before you two make it out of bed and decide to properly “get up”.

“What should we do today?” He asks as he’s rummaging through the luggage some ghost adventurer left behind in their haste to “get the fuck out of this place”. It had been years since anyone around here had partaken in any blood sport. But that didn’t mean there was still no fun in scaring the tourists. (And maybe occasional bets were taken to see who could get a camper to wet themselves first).

He pauses and holds up a pair of dark blue wranglers, waiting for your opinion.

You just shake your head in dismissal.

“We haven’t been in the lake in a while. We could take a dip...then maybe you could take a dip…” you say wiggling your eyebrows to insinuate your innuendo, while you make your way over to the stash, taking over the search for yourself.

“No”

“Why not?” You know the reason for his rejection, but can’t help giving him a little pout anyways.

“After what happened last time? Not happening.” His voice is stern but with the underlying playfulness that’s always present between the two of you.

“Oh come on...I won’t let that happen again.”

“Believe it or not, drowning is not fun, dead or alive. And you know what’s worse than drowning once? Coming back to and drowning again because the person with their legs wrapped around your head hasn’t even noticed!” He emphasizes his “anger” by snatching the green umbro shorts you’d found from your hands and proceeding to dramatically stomp his legs through the holes before pulling them up around his hips.

“You only have yourself to blame for that, if you weren’t always such a tease I would have known something was wrong. I just thought you were trying to work me up and build my anticipation, not give me some signal your foot was stuck in the mud” You argue back tossing him a cut off Duran Duran t-shirt, that despite its tag saying 2018 has been given holes and bleached to give it a “vintage” look. The irony of donning such items always makes you laugh.

As he finishes getting dressed you simply look at him with that same pout back on your face, although it slowly morphs into a smile as you see his resolve slipping away.

Who is he kidding, he could never say no to you. He would do anything you ever asked. He would drown every hour, on the hour, if it kept you looking at him the way you are now.

“Fine, but if I start slapping your thighs it is not to keep you in line, it’s me begging for oxygen.”

“Ok” you agree with a chuckle as you grab his hand and head to the door, but he holds his place, making you turn and raise a brow at him.

“And the next time those birdwatchers are in camp, you have to blow me in front of that Condor’s nest they all jizz their jeans for.”

“Sure” you answer, shrugging your shoulders, not a bad trade...

“While they’re taking pictures of it.”

You pause for barely a moment to think that over, who were you kidding, you’re just as whipped as he is.

“Deal”

You weren’t in the water very long before you heard it, a siren sounding in the distance.

Xavier had only just removed your bottoms before you were pulling him up by his hair.

“What?” He asks, as he emerges, shaking droplets out his face with a look of confusion mixed with some underlying self doubt. “What’s wrong?”

“Do you hear that?”

As you both listen the sirens start to get louder and new ones join in the cacophony of sounding alarms.

“Yea, they’re probably just testing the storm sirens?”

“All of them?”

Before Xavier can talk you out of worrying and let him “get back to work” you’re interrupted by Chet yelling at you from the dock.

“Hey! You guys should see this”

Once you both redress you make your way to the cabin which once upon a time was assigned to the male counselors, but now it serves as more of a clubhouse for the lingering spirits. Upon entry you see almost every soul in the camp crowded around the TV.

There have only been two occasions when you have all collectively been in the same place at the same time; when you got revenge on Margaret, and when you made plans for what to do about the “Ramirez problem”.

Something big must be happening.

“What’s going on?” Xavier inquires as you join the group.

“The end of the world” Answers Montana, in a voice so calm she almost sounds bored, it’s like that happens every week.

“Oh no did Belinda Carlyle die?!”

“No...not yet anyway”

Your attention is brought back to the flat screen television Jingle’s son Bobby had gifted you. After his visit, he had been kind enough to set up wifi around the camp, as well as pay for a cable package, with the help of Brooke and Rita (or whatever her real name was). After hours of trying to explain how a touch screen works, as well as the grappling concept of Bluetooth; he deemed the pursuit pretty much a wash. But you did all know how to work a television, so most days were spent watching reruns of Knight Rider or Press Your Luck, and checking in with the nightly news.

So now you found yourself surrounded by your fellow ghosts, watching the man on the tv announce the incoming missiles and saying a teary goodbye to his family.

“What does this mean? I mean for us?” The question came from one of the victims of the first massacre in the 70s, whose name you were now feeling a little guilty for never bothering to learn.

It was a good question nonetheless, your souls kept coming back after just about any obstacle thrown at you, staying attached to the camp, but would they stay attached to a camp that wasn’t even there?

Unfortunately this was also a question nobody knew the answer to.

“Should we go to a basement or something?” Chet chimed in

“I doubt a basement will win the fight against a nuclear bomb, at least this close to the blast radius.” Trevor now spoke up, making his way over to the television to check another news channel, before addressing the group. “Besides does that even matter for us?”

“I guess we’ll find out soon enough”

As everyone is switching back and forth between intently checking the news and murmuring confusion between each other, you pull Xavier aside.

“Xavier, just in case we don’t make it. I just want you to know” you start, averting your gaze as you feel the tears begin to pool in your eyes. “...I just...I’m really...you’ve been…” you’re trying to find a way to tell him how much he’s meant to you, and the amount of gratitude you have for his patience and understanding, how he’s made every day a memorable one for you, how he’s the best person you’ve ever known, dead or alive. How you don’t believe you’ve actually been stuck wandering the earth together all these years, because when you’re with him you think you must have done something right in your life, because there is no doubt in your mind this is what heaven feels like. But you can’t, you can’t get a single word out if you want to keep any semblance of calm and keep the flood gates from opening.

Thankfully Xavier stops you before your nonsensical blubbering can go any further.

“I know, you have too.” He says this as he clasps your hands in his, before moving one hand up to wipe a stray tear from your cheek and bringing your attention back to him. As you look at him you see glassy blue orbs filled with tears that match your own, holding behind them eons of love and unsaid devotion. But he is much better at holding himself together so he marches on.

“If something happens and we don’t make it through this. Or we end up in some new shittier purgatory, I promise you I’ll come find you there! There is nothing in this life or any other that can keep me from you, okay? We’re gonna be alright though, I promise”

All you can do is nod your head, and muster up enough strength to get out a quiet “I love you”

“I love you too”

You and Xavier sit on the bunk that was once designated as his, all those years ago when he came here with the hope of a fun summer away from his troubles. Back then he was always running; running to something, running from something. There was never any certainty in his life, not even in his after life, not until you.

Now he’s starting to feel like that scared boy he once was. The one once found on the edge of death in MacArthur Park, trying so desperately to feel anything, and trying even more in vain to make that feeling last. He had nothing to loose back then in his desperate pursuit for euphoria. But he learned real fast that when things sounded too good to be true they most certainly were.

And that’s why he holds you closer now. Because you were the greatest good he has ever known, and there is certainly no way someone as wretched and cursed as him could ever keep someone as exceptional and pure as you.

He’d tasted bliss for too long now, and it must be time for the collector to come calling. But that didn’t mean he would let you go without a fight, because here in your arms is the only place that has ever felt like home, and he would protect his fortress come hell or high water (or the literal end of the world).

But that fight may or may not come and right now was about settling your nerves and keeping you calm. So he puts his resolve on the back burner and moves to pull you into his lap to whisper words of love and encouragement while you wait for the missiles to strike.

You feel them before you hear them, the impact on the earth, who knows how many miles away, before it broke the sound barrier. You didn’t even have enough time to process the incoming force before you were knocked out and everything and everyone you had known for decades was wiped away.

/

There is no way to tell how much time has passed when you wake in a pile of rubble and ash, with no discernable clue as to where you were in relation to the miles of identical rubble and ash that surrounded you. You weren’t sure where in the camp you were. The only thing keeping you believing this was even still Redwood were the semblance of remaining trees around you. Other than that there was nothing else insight but dirt and debri, and no sign of any other soul.

After you got your bearings you go in search of Xavier, or anyone else for that matter.

After a few minutes you come across a spot of land that seems vaguely familiar. Although there are no more cabins and no more dock, you’re pretty sure the crater that sits before you used to be the lake.

The lake where you died.

The lake you had no escape from for the past 30 years.

The lake you were swimming in only a few minutes ago.

The lake where you and Xavier spoke your first words to each other.

The lake where you sat on the dock dipping your toes in the water as you told one another that you loved each other for the first time.

The lake that you used to think if you never saw again, would be too soon.

The lake that you would now give anything to see full again.

After a couple minutes lost in your reverie, you hear a voice in the distance. One you’d recognize anywhere.

Without a moments hesitation you take off towards its source.

After tripping over countless branches and what you can only assume used to be one of the cabins you make it to a clearing and see Xavier bounding your way with Chet in tow.

“Oh my god! Thank god you're okay!” He breathes out as he pulls you into his embrace. You feel him exhale in relief as he holds you, before he lets you go in order to inspect you, searching for any signs of distress.

“Are you alright? Are you hurt?”

“No I’m fine, are you ok?”

After looking him over in return to make sure everything’s alright and he gives you a nod, you look over to Chet, who you had quite honestly forgotten was there.

“You too?”

“Yea we’re fine, it’ll take more than one measly nuclear bomb to take down all this” he accentuates by raising his shirt and slapping his abs.

“I’m glad to see your modesty survived the blast as well” you answer giving him a wink and a nudge before you continue.

“we should find the others.”

/

It took a couple hours to track down the rest of your group. At least what felt like it, with the clocks gone there was no telling what time it was.

And the haze the bombs left kept it constantly looking like dusk.

After regrouping you all agreed you should look for any pieces of camp left behind, any signs of life, or just any signs of anything at all.

/

And that’s how it went for the next couple of days. You would walk around looking for signs of life, and finding very few momentos left behind by the camp. Then every once in a while you would all regroup in the middle of the crater that was once the lake, and switch between theories of what was happening out in the rest of the world and reminiscing about times when this place was still standing.

/

Almost everyone in your group of confidants, aside from Ray, was sitting at your usual meeting spot when he came barreling towards you all.

“You guys come here I have to show you something.” His voice was full of excitement.

“What?” Montana asked back, thoroughly unimpressed with his optimism. You had never met two people more different. To Montana, Ray was like a pesky mosquito, who she would often shoo away, that is when she wasn’t bossing him around and telling him to “make himself useful”.

“Just trust me it’s important.”

After a few minutes of grumbling and feet dragging. You and Xavier, Montana, Trevor, and Chet made your way to the empty piece of land Ray was pointing at. Picking up Bertie and the real nurse Rita along the way.

“What? What are we supposed to be looking at?” Bertie questioned, taking it upon herself to ask what you were all wondering.

“Right here.” He points to a spot on the ground, that aside from the line he had made with his shoe, looked the exact same as the rest of your surroundings.

“This is the entrance to Camp Redwood.”

“How do you know? There’s nothing here.” Xavier pointed out motioning around to the surrounding emptiness.

“I have measured the number of steps to the entrance, from just about every place in this camp.”

“God somebody needs to get laid. You have way too much time on your hands.” Xavier regards. And you can’t help but let a laugh slip out.

Narrowing his eyes at that comment, Ray attempts to defend himself. “We’ve been here for decades. Chet wouldn’t even talk to me for years, and before you met y/n, you and Montana only acknowledged me when I was cleaning up your messes, and I….you know what I don’t have to explain myself. What I’m about to show you will have you praising me for the way I chose to pass the time. You should all be kissing my loafers for this.”

Ray was really getting sick of still being the butt of the other counselors jokes and jabs. Even now at the end of the world, when he has made such a monumental discovery.

Deciding not to waste more time getting upset he proceeds.

“So as you know most of the camp has been destroyed and there aren’t really any notable places left behind? Well there is one. The tree we all signed our names on, well most of it anyways. But lucky for us I could still make out both Trevor and Xavier’s names. And exactly 644 steps straight ahead of those signatures is the entrance to the camp.

“You’re point being?” Montana snips, tired of waiting for him to get to the climax of his story.

“My point being. Right now I am in Camp Redwood.”

He says, before he slowly and dramatically takes one long stride over the line he had drawn.

“...now I’m not...”

“and I feel fine”

Notes: i wasn’t really planning on uploading any of my writing here, but I feel like there is more of an interest in Xavier content than on ao3 so why not? Basically the jist of this comes from speculating what would happen to the spirits stuck at the hellmouth’s after the apocalypse (which I know many people have wondered and we’ve never been given a definitive answer). So I wondered what would happen if the whole world became one large hellmouth and the spirits could roam free. This series follows you an Xavier as you eventually make your way to rumored Sanctuary. It will involve Michael Langdon, and as of right now might get kind of dark, so fair warning. Anyways, thank you for reading!

Tagging this supporting queen: @guiltyfiend

[breanime]

Bre’s Boys Preference: Apocalypse Edition

Billy Russo: Billy makes sure he is rich in whatever currency is being used: oil, water, food, weapons--whatever is lacking in the world, Billy makes sure he has in excess. He sets himself up as a necessity for everyone else, making him a key player in any end of the world scenario. Billy has no mercy or sympathy for others...but he has a soft spot for you. You’re not particularly useful or essential, but he likes having you around. He likes being the one to provide for you and protect you, and if anyone threatens you, Billy makes sure to wipe them out--no hesitation. 

Logan Delos: Logan’s wealth put a target on his back as soon as the apocalypse really got going. He ended up joining a rebel group who had first taken him for ransoming purposes, but they liked his charm and wit. So Logan became their mouth piece and the face of their campaign, helping them grow in power and becoming a central part of their operation. He gets to be a modern day cowboy, and when he meets you, another rebel, he falls for you hard. And just like that, he has something real, something concrete to care about at the end of the world. 

Jax Teller: The Sons were uniquely prepared for the apocalypse, so they pretty much just keep doing what they’ve been doing--it’s easier, actually, since there are no laws to skirt around anymore. Jax ends up being the King of Charming, turning it into a bustling town where they traded with travelers. The Sons ran it, and if anyone broke their rules or disrespected them in anyway, Jax would kill them where they stood. When you come to town, you and Jax hook up immediately, and he’s hooked. You become his rock, and whenever he starts to question himself or feel like he’s turning into Clay or his dad, you’re there to ground him. 

Coco Cruz: Coco was a wanderer for a while. He hit the road, armed with his guns, knives, and bike, until he crossed paths with the Mayans again. Once he joined back up with his crew, he ended up finding Letty. He went on a kind of killing spree because of some of the things she told him, but once that was done, his priorities were pretty much surviving and making sure his homies/daughter survived... But then you stumbled into town, covered in dirt and paranoid as hell... and Coco felt something shift in his chest. He found himself up with you, looking at the sky as the two of you kept watch. It was a slow courtship for both of you, but once you were officially together, you became one of the few people Coco cared about. 

Angel Reyes: Angel and EZ did runs for Miguel, and it was on one of those runs that they found you. They brought you back to town, and they made sure you were safe. Angel felt protective of you from the get-go, making sure no one messed with you and taking time to teach you how to use a gun and defend yourself. Eventually you end up in bed together, and once that happens, Angel is sprung. He doesn’t like when you’re not with him, and you actually start going with him and EZ on their runs, holding onto him as you ride on the back of his motorcycle. 

Miguel Galindo: Miguel was prepared for the apocalypse because he’s rich and was warned beforehand. He had everything he needed, supplies and weapons and everything else, Miguel is set to be the freaking King. He’s sitting pretty, well protected, well supplied, and well armed, when you come into his life. He hires you, paying you in supplies and shelter, but the more he gets to know you, the more he wants you at his side. So he makes you his personal guard alongside with Nestor, and you guard him at night...which ends up with you in his bed, and Miguel fires you that same night. “You’re more than just security,” he says, kissing you, his mouth warm and soft, “you’re mine now, amor.”

Nick Amaro: Nick tries to keep order once the world ends, but everything is so chaotic and wild, he ends up having to get his hands dirty to protect people...which is how he meet you. You were being robbed of the few items you had, and Nick saved you. He invited you to travel with his group: Olivia, Fin, Munch, Rollins, Carisi, and Nick’s young daughter, and you accept. You and Nick become fast friends, and then lovers, and then you become one of the most important people in his life, and if you’re ever in any danger, Nick is quick to get his hands dirty again. 

Johnny Tuturro: I’mma keep it simple: Johnny is a War Boy. He was born and raised in the apocalypse, told that the greatest glory is to die epic in battle, and he believes that wholeheartedly. So when he crosses paths with you, Johnny is shocked at how quickly and easily you change his whole world with your pretty eyes and soft laugh. Suddenly he’s putting down his guns so he can hold you close, and the only time he wants to do violence is when he’s protecting you. Johnny learns, from your love, that he’s more than just a weapon, and the two of you take off on your own journey. He teaches you how to defend yourself, and you teach him how to plant trees and fish. He never leaves your side, and at night, he cuddles up with you and kisses your forehead until you fall asleep. 

Rio: Rio is a freaking Kingpin. He’s somewhere between Billy and Miguel--he has his own empire, but he gets his hands dirty with no qualms about it at all. He has a literal throne, which is what he’s sitting on when he first meets you. Mick had caught you trying to run off with a sack full of supplies, and Rio was instantly impressed. You didn’t cower or apologize, you just glared up at him and told him all the problems with his security system... So he decided to let you pay off your debt by working with him. And that ended up with his head between your thighs late one night... so it was a win-win for him. Rio made you his Queen, gave you a throne right next to his, and whenever decisions needed to be made, he’d turn to you, his dark eyes shining with love and respect. “What do you think, mama?”

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

Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think! I love doing these AU things!

Everything Taglist: @sweetybuzz25  @mrsjaxtellerfan  @rhabakoli  @encounterthepast @realduckvader   @justvnash @knowles-morgan  @ateliefloresdaprimavera @evanlys19  @nyxxnoxx @carlaangel86  @luminex3 @jigsawlover10  @gollyderek @otomefromtheheart @lexxierave @crushed-pink-petals @amethyst09 @falsehopesndreams  @a-dorky-book-keeper @witchygagirl @glimmerglittergirl @nich0lasmatthews @ben-c-group-therapy @felicity-x0 @amirra88 @yourfellowangel

[alias-b]

sins of my youth. 017

Billy Hargrove x OC! Evie Fenny~ Also posted to my AO3

Summary: It was common knowledge that Billy Hargrove hated Hawkins. Hated Cherry Lane. Even loathed the strange girl next door. Evie Fenny wasn’t too fond of the chaotic Cali transfer either. An awful high school tradition sparks a chain of events that changes everything, ultimately bringing two frayed souls together.

A/N: New chapter! Sorry, it's late! Took a while to edit this one. Evie's birthday bash comes with a flood of feelings and heavy smut! Billy struggles with his heart when emotions get too real. xoxo

Ask box & Tag list are both open!! Come and chat with me after! :)

Chapter 17: Heart-Shaped Shadow Box

   Monday was strange. News spread like wildfire. Carol Perkins and Evie Fenny had a civil interaction. See it and be amazed. All’s well in the animal kingdom again.

   Order restored. Clouds opening. Roll on snare drum followed by velvet curtains.

   Even the snow was thawing to wet slush.

   It all happened at Tommy’s dented locker near the English hallway’s corner. Evie stopped. Hit her mark flawlessly. Found the light. Flashed a pleasant smile which earned Carol’s lip twitching in response.

   And the crowd went wild.

   “Tommy and I are sitting with you. At lunch. Might want to warn Steve and Heather to put the claws away. We’ll come bearing gifts even. Well...promises of gifts we'll deliver on later. Not school-friendly.” Carol fished for a pack of mints in Tommy’s pocket. This was clearly not up for debate.

   “Consider it an early promise for your birthday.” Tommy had added with a beam of teeth.

   “Sure. Cool. See you guys.” Evie held a book to her chest and continued to her locker. Switching items around before she went back to meet Billy at his. Spotted the faded leather of his jacket and ducked a little to sneak upon him.

   A feline on the prowl ready to overtake the dominant male lion.

   "Did you know you're the only girl around here who doesn't cover herself in that Love's Baby Soft crap? The grown woman perfume gives you away, chica." Billy spoke without turning. Evie's made an annoyed sound and dropped her shoulders, inches behind him. "Not a complaint. I like the thrill of it."

   Blue eyes peered to see her there and Evie got the urge to stick her tongue out as a child would. Didn't want to tempt Billy though. Or did she?

   "Yeah, yeah." Air blew a curl from her face. One shoulder nestled into the locker next to him. “Feels weird today.”

   “You’re not getting into a fight for once.” He remarked, smacking metal shut to lean back against it while the student body bustled along. Eyes slipped down and Evie pouted, straightening.

   "My eyes are up here, Hargrove." Two fingers rose to gesture at them.

   Little extra work put into her eyeshadow and lipstick today. Little extra time picking out outfits that weren't for Fredrick. Can't go wrong with a loud print that looked like it was out of a creepy hotel's carpet. Or a short skirt with her tights. Evie felt especially positive about her body today.

   She didn't eat anything bad this morning. See. She was getting better. She was stopping because she was in control and could stop this sickness at any time she wanted.

   "Sure. I'll get there." Gorgeous lashes batted to knock the wind out of her, but Evie puffed. Billy's gaze lifted, flicking with amusement because she was too easy to rile up. Too easy to get blushing. "Must feel weird," he'd repeated, "no battle."

   “That could be. Farewell badass reputation. I knew you all of two days.” She sighed for dramatic effect and he actually smiled, head shaking before an arm swept around Evie’s shoulders. Pulled her taut and flush into his fire.

   For once, she didn’t look at anyone else.

   Leaned into Billy and walked along as if she was meant to be there.

   As if they didn’t look funny together.

   That was a beautiful thing this morning. Something that made her feel full and in control.

   “Weirded me out when Mona let me in to collect Max and you three were snoring on the pull-out.”

   “Sweet that you carried Max home.” Evie teased. “What a good big brother you are.”

   “Yeah, just when I warm up, she edges off me.”

   “How’s that?” Evie peered up at his face.

   “Don’t know, she hasn’t been her annoying self. Growing up or whatever. Might be all her friends.” Billy only shrugged. “Snappier at me. Quieter. Guess I deserve it. She stays out of dad's way, but he has an opinion on everything she does.”

   “She’s a teenage girl. We all have our moments. I'm sure it's not easy for either of you.” They turned down another hallway. Billy stiffened so she allowed him to change the subject.

   “I did have good luck on my Saturday quest.” He sounded genuinely triumphant. Lips turned into her curls to mutter. "Small victories."

   Around them, lockers shuffled and smacked about. Chattering students moved to let them pass. Evie Fenny on the arm of his royal highness, Billy Hargrove. King. What a lucky girl she was.

   If they held her echoing heart to their ears, they'd probably hear rich ocean waves. Evie wondered if Billy had reached deep within in, if he'd find twinkling sea glass and opalescent shells

   “Yeah, you were gone the entire day, where’d you go?” Evie had laughed and he stunned her with the flippant reply. 

   “Got your birthday present.”

   Evie came to a halt at the corner. Spinning to see him. Billy batted his lashes again, smirking.

   “What? It is the 27th, right? Wednesday?” He winced like perhaps he’d been wrong.

   “How and where did you get that info? And you remembered it?”

   “I have my ways, Evie.” He bit his lip. Scanned her. “Surprised I got you something?”

   A blush damned her to hell.

   “No, I just… A little.” Evie looked away at the trophy case. Saw them reflected and straightened up. Shuffling back. One hand rubbed at her collar. Illusions faded like dying lights. Too easily.

   "Well, believe it, I'm full of surprises."

   “My mom is doing something small at the salon that she thinks I don’t know about and then I’m going to Heather's. Party on a school night. Her parents are out this week so free reign in the mansion.”

   “I might have heard something about that.” Billy shrugged, peering away so she could take him in.

   Freckles stunning and sparkling crystals for eyes. Endless ocean waves under a balmy sun. Evie wondered for a moment if perhaps he was oblivious to how candidly beautiful he was some days. 

   She inched toward him. Forgot their reflection. Forgot the students with eyes that burned. Saw Billy glanced back and froze. Caught. 

   “You ever think…?” Billy gave this squint to study her there. Thought he saw flecks of gold within her eyes. Sparking at him. Drawing a charge. New stars giving birth he might be able to count if he looked deeper.

   “Yes...?” Evie hushed, just barely edged up on her toes. Billy never finished it. "I do."

   "Do? Do what?" He flushed there. Sounding vaguely drunk. Inch back toward her.

   Two magnets pining from a distance. Drawing ever nearer.

   "Think. Long and hard." It came out a saccharine whisper. “I think too much in fact.”

   He gave this dumb, little chuckle. Unable to grasp his thoughts. Unable to share them.

   “I think about things I can’t control and I get so mad.” Evie scoffed. Thought her eyes watered due to the intensity. “I can’t stop even though there’s very little I can control. It's like time and space. I can't... But, I know that, Billy, and I can't seem to stop.”

   Abrupt, she pushed up to her toes. Captured his lips. Just hard enough to make her point explicit. Hard enough to send him all aflutter. Bursting to pieces from every vein. A might wave crashed into them both. Swept them away. She stayed close enough to finish the thought. Made him drink it down.

   "And I think you're made of that same stardust." Evie swooped around him. Left Billy dizzy as the bell rang. She didn’t look back at him. Only smiled to herself and let curls bounce as she slipped off.

   Billy spun on his heel to see her. Left drunk in a billow of honey amber. A smile overtaking his expression. A warm tint in his freckles.

   He could have blamed her eyes with their hold. Could have blamed her hair and the way the light illuminated it just so. Hell, he could have blamed that damn perfume. The concoction of oils and lotions you'd find listed in an old witch's spell. Although, she was from New Orleans, so perhaps voodoo. He tried to rationalize it. Make it purely sexual. Make it rough and tumble.

   Either way, too much became clear. Evangeline Fenny was beautiful and she was going to ruin him. And Billy was going to let her do it. Any number of heartbeats it would take, he was going to succumb. This sin he'd be begging for again and again. This lovely sin that filled his soul until it burst.

   A red hot ribbon would noose his heart and twist out to Evie's own. They could sink and float and be just fine. The thought of being tethered to something tangible didn't have to feel like a cage and muzzle. It could be freeing too. Sprinkled in their signature stardust that gave it an ethereal filter. An iridescent shimmer.

   Even if it terrified him to the core.

** ** **

   Evie didn’t need to prep Steve and Heather for Carol and Tommy’s impending infiltration of their lunch table. More news in the animal kingdom.

   Princess Heather and Duchess Carol caught whispering at Heather’s locker between second and third.

   Truly fascinating. Pan in close for a better look.

   Evie passed them and could only blink. Almost running into Robin on her way to Yearbook.

   Heather and Carol standing close to each other as if they hadn’t been in a nasty fight the week before. Giggling and hushing tones. Carol traded a bobby pin from her hair for an elastic Heather had tucked into a coin purse shaped like a pair of cherries.

   That was a serious transaction in girl world.

   Carol tugged playfully at Heather's tee, hand poised to her lips to whisper before the other girl was nodding. Evie had a thousand questions but decided not to bother. Red hair swept to flick as Carol turned to go. Following Evie because they were in Yearbook together with Nancy and Jonathan. 

   Usually, they sat across the room in opposite corners. Today, they shared a table.

   “Heard the bio classes moved the dissections this year up to March.” Carol made a face and sorted through science club photos. Seated across from Evie to work on some new pages. 

   “I always skip school those days and do some make-up work later. I’ll take the grade hit.” Evie grimaced.

   “I just partner with Tommy, make him do it, and he’ll get us a solid C plus.” A shrug. Their teacher flicked on some hippy music they liked to pass the time. Lazy class. “Do a bunch of shots after.”

   “Yeah, I can’t even handle being in the room.” Evie stacked some finished sections aside. “How are things between you and Tommy?” 

   Carol peered up briefly between making little notes. Blew a pink bubble and popped it.

   “He’s still my number one slice. I don’t know, I thought he’d get weird about the whole thing. Kinda shocked me.” She mused, shifting pictures about. “I did say he’s gonna marry me one day. Pretty sure. I mean we’re plenty stupid and we fight. But, we’re allowed.”

   “Good, that’s...good.” Evie felt eyes blaring holes. Stared at the page she was reworking.

   “Feels like you got another question in there, Fen.”

   “I don’t know.” Shoulders hitched higher. Evie tucked some curls back and smacked her mauve lips.

   They sat in silence under dim fluorescent lights for a few minutes. Carol paused to apply a fresh layer of gloss in her tiny compact. Flashed the mirror at Evie’s eyes to bug her.

   “Hey.” One hand swatted aimlessly when she was blinded. Carol snickered, slapping the mirror shut.

   “You’re really into him aren’t you?” A head tilt. “Billy.”

   “Things...shifted after the dance. He asked me out. Then, I asked him out. We sorta went out together. Nothing official. I don't know what's a date and what isn't with him. I don’t. As I said, I don’t think he does girlfriends. I don’t think I'd make a very good girlfriend either.”

   “Not with that attitude." A scoff. "Have you asked?”

   “...No.”

   “You’re overcomplicating it because you have major, major trust issues, Evie.” Carol deduced easily. Too easily. Evie sat back. Opened her mouth to protest and shut it. “Billy might have issues too. But, if a guy screws up and spends two months following you around trying to make it right. Not really sleeping around. Obviously it’s crossed his mind. Just quit dragging and ask him. You might like the answer.”

   “I don’t know, sometimes I think it’s supposed to be like a fairy tale. Without all the...ugh.” Evie cringed at herself. Nails tapping the rhythm of a new song she was working on at home.

   “Make the fairy tale happen. Be like Cinder-fucking-ella. Cinder-Evie.” Carol leaned in to roll her eyes. “Evie Fenny wants romance in Hawkins. Some of us can’t even get cable, you know.”

   Evie snorted. Peered up so both of them laughed. Tension fluttered.

   “Just slam him into a wall and ask. Billy will respond to that." A wink before she got sultry. "Lick his balls or something. He’ll probably get the hint. Boys aren't complicated.”

   “Oh, god.” Evie was still giggling silently. Tried to keep it down under the music playing as students went to go develop some photos. Nancy and Jonathan saw the two and couldn’t help whispering. Odd sight. “I kinda have already.”

   “No, shit?” Carol bit her lip. "Evangeline, you absolute harlot."

   “I mean,” Evie blushed, “we’ve done stuff. Just not gone all the way.”

   “Look at you. Ugh, I know he’s good in the sack. I just do. Tommy and I even talked about it cause we’re like that. We hinted inviting him in once at a party and he was too busy mooning over you at that time.” Carol fiddled with a purple gel pen. Played coy. Tongue in cheek. “Tommy’s not bad, we get a lot of practice in though.”

   “Billy...he puts cologne or something...down there. Makes the taste weird.”

   “Uh.” Carol groaned. “You know, I bet Tommy picked up that trick from him cause he started doing it after Billy rolled in. I fucking knew that Cali boy would be a bad influence.” A sly look followed. “Evie Fenny is getting it. And she could be actually getting it if she weren’t a damn coward.”

   "I am." Evie covered her face.

   "Just..." Carol shrugged and tugged one of Evie's hands down by the wrist. Voice low. "Just think about how good it'll be when he's undressing you. Kissing your neck. And those hands. The thing he might whisper in your ear... Look at you blush."

   She released Evie with a light laugh, continuing.

   "Don't make it rocket science. Ask him. Get the orgasm you deserve, Evie. That's my motto."

   “Not terrible... We get heated and during times I’m actually about to tear his clothes off, we keep getting interrupted. It’s like some evil force is against us. I don't know, I still get weird when he touches my body and I'm trying to stop.”   

   Carol only flashed her teeth.

   “Maybe your luck will improve. Burn some more incense.” 

   Evie only hummed in response. They mulled over pages again. Traded images to find the perfect shots.

   “Gonna ask you something, you don’t have to answer because it’s stupid.” Carol’s voice dimmed. Eyes unable to raise for the first time as she tapped her nail. “Do you, like, miss him at all? You know who.”

   Evie blinked at her.

   “That’s not stupid... Ah, sometimes. I don’t think it’s exactly him I miss. Maybe just the good times we did have. Talking. Feeling important and indispensable to someone. The times he held me or gave me things or included me in his life as if I could actually fit. Maybe it was wrong and fake, but he saw something in me and he wanted that to love him back. I’ll bet it did if anything.”

   “Oh.” Was all Carol said, nodding. “Did he put those bruises on you last week? Tommy saw you.”

   “Yeah,” Evie cleared her throat, “and Billy found out. He’d picked up some stuff beforehand. I tried to end it and Fredrick didn’t want to and then he got scared. Tried to scare me which got violent. But, Billy, ah...beat the shit out of him.”

   “I think Tommy would have done the same...if he had a chance. He talked about it. Jumped right into macho man talk when I...when I told him. Looked like he might cry when I told him how long it really went on. He believed me and my own mother didn't.” Carol exhaled a sharper breath.

   "She didn't want to hold the blame," Evie piped up. As if she knew the horrible truth of motherhood and life and what colors should never go together. How some women weren't meant to be mothers and some women weren't meant to be daughters either. "Some mothers...they can't handle the fact that maybe they brought the monsters home. They were blind. Not all of them manifest under our beds, they get put there by people we trust."

   "Miss Mona have bad boy luck?"

   Evie peered aside.

   "You could say that." She paused and had this brief moment of repetition and ferocity. Repeat something. Believe it. Harder each time. "My father though, he loves me. More than anything. He'd be here right now if he could. He would. I made him so happy." This almost manic smile tugged her lips desperately. Carol saw a flash that resonated, but Evie snuffed it. "I bet Tommy is doing what he can to support you, even if he's a little lost about it."

   “These boys. Acting like they can chase all our demons away or something. Scared when we try to do the same for them.”

   “Right. Our demons aren’t remotely tackled, they’re mildly concussed.” Evie agreed. Softer eyes lifting again to meet Carol’s across the way. “I guess trying is what matters most though.”

   They both seemed to accept that gentle sentiment.

** ** ** 

   Mona Fenny was terrible with surprises. Always giddy and singing along to music to drown that out. Bopping against the wheel as she drove Evie into the salon. Parked around back, smiling bright.

   “You go on first, baby. I gotta get some bags out of the truck.”

   “Oh, boy.” Evie pushed out. Mona plucked her from school early that Wednesday. Made her gussy up a little extra. Red sweater dress with a black belt. Gold glitter over her smoked eyes. Red lip to match. Pretty patterned lace tights and boots. Green bomber pulled close, she trudged inside. Through the backroom and out into darkness. 

   Lights flicked to blind her. Spots dancing.

   “Surprise!” A chorus of sing songs. Music picked up. Dolly Parton of course.

   Evie plastered a smile and gawked as if she hadn’t expected it. All the salon ladies. Heather. Susan and Max. Claudia offering a cake decorated with pink and periwinkle buttercream flowers. Candles dancing.

   Evie closed her eyes and made a wish she held close to her heart before blowing them all out in one go. This one would come true.

   “Thank you, ladies.” Evie peered around at the salon decorated in gold streamers.

   “Lets get some cake passed around now. I’m sure these girls have some excitement planned.” Mona clapped her hands and ladies dispersed. “We’ll do gifts and our dinner this weekend. You’re eighteen and you don’t want to spend the night at your mother’s salon.”

   She kissed Evie’s cheek and licked her thumb to wipe the pink print aside.

   “Thank you, mom,” Evie felt something heavy in her gut, “I love you.” Mona was trying so hard to make this nice for her. One day. Then she'd disappear back into her slinky dresses. Into her work. Into those adult parties. Into another man's arms. Away from Evie and whatever glimmer in her daughter's soul was so frightening.

   “I love you. Go sit. We’ll bring the cake over.”

   Evie crossed to Heather.

   “You pack a bag? We’ll take you to school tomorrow.” She bounced in a seat when Evie nodded. “Sure you don’t want to do anything else tonight? We could see a movie.”

   “Nah, a bonfire. Roasting marshmallows. Chinese take out and wine. I just wanna hang out with my friends. Plus, it’s a school night.”

   “Ah, let loose a little. For your birthday.” Heather shrugged as slices of cake were sorted around. Max sat alone in the corner, picking at her piece when Susan left to go to Mona and chat.

   "One sec, Heath," Evie went to Max and sat down. Slow as if she'd scare the younger girl off. “Hey.”

   “Hi. Uh, thanks for having us. My mom keeps telling Mona you guys have made us feel welcome here and all.” She pulled the sleeves of her grey hoodie lower. “She gave Mona some gifts for you to unwrap later. I hope you like them.”

   “Yeah? I'm sure I will. We like you. Can’t wait to open those also.” Evie scanned her. “I had fun, you know, at the sleepover. We should have more.”

   “You don’t think I’m a dumb little girl?” Max peered up. Finally took a bite. Odd to see a growing teenage girl so disinterested in a heavily frosted cake.

   “No, you’re smarter than most of the kids at school.” Evie wondered briefly who could have put that thought in her head and made it stick. Didn’t take long to figure out who. Mad Max was being slowly worn down.

   And she was so small here. So fragile and thin. Evie couldn't help picturing a shadow looming over Max's red hair. The tiny amount of force it'd take to knock her off her feet. Neil in a drunken stupor gunning slowly for the other fresh target in his house.

   “You can come over any time. I have a lot of movies and Blue likes the attention. She's a needy little thing.”

   Max pressed her lips. Gave this small half-smile.

   “Thank you. I'd like to hang out more. I'm only friends with one girl around here and she's being homeschooled until next year."

   “Can I hug you, just as a thank you for being one of the coolest girls I know?”

   Surprise etched.

   “Okay.” Max practically threw herself into Evie’s arms the moment they set the cake aside. Thin fingers bunched up the fabric of Evie’s dress so she cupped the back of Max’s head and held her.

   “It’d be cool to have you as a sister. We could team up on Billy. My skateboard and your roller skates. I saw a pair hung up in your room.”

   “I mean, we could still do that now.” Evie laughed. Tipped Max’s chin up. “You’re gonna be okay.”

   It seemed to resonate. Heather joined them as they ate their fill of cake. Evie unwrapped a couple small gifts. Jewelry and craft supplies. Fabrics she’d wanted and makeup. 

   Heather whisked her away to Loch Nora after some farewells. They practically bounced into the big house. Ordered a ton of food before they got the fancy fire pit out back started so it’d be ready later.

   The doorbell rang.

   “Steve!” Evie perked after answering. Let him squeeze her in a hug. Practically plucked her from the floor which earned a surprised giggle.

   “Got you something, it’s small.” He smiled sheepishly and offered a little box. “You’re a tough girl to buy jewelry for even if you wear a bunch. You know that, Eves?”

   “No, I’ll wear just about anything.” Playing coy, Evie gave an endearing sway.

   “You hardly take the music note necklace off and I’ll never find earrings better than the ones you make.” He swept a hand through gorgeously styled locks. Cracked a pleased grin. "I notice things."

   “Ah. Fair.” Evie poked his chest. Heather waved when she came in from the back. “My dad got me this necklace from one of his trips. Sometimes, I’ll change it or wear something with it.” She touched the gold chain.

   “I found this at a fancy vintage joint,” Steve explained as she opened it. An ornate brooch. Stunning sun and moon. Soft expressions attached with two looping chains. Decorated in shimmering opals.

   Evie stared at it. Had this panicked thought about the one Fredrick gave her. The glittering ladybug.

   The one she swallowed that had not come out yet.

   “Do you like it?” Steve broke into her thoughts. Evie blinked and shook her head to smile.

   “It’s beautiful, thank you. I’ll pin it on my coat now.” Evie kissed his cheek and bounded off. Left Steve there to blush a sweet, dewy pink.

   More doorbells. Clicking incessantly until Steve groaned and opened it. Billy followed by Tommy and Carol coming up the path from another car.

   “Password?” Steve played his bratty self.

   Billy cocked his head and charged in to put Steve in a headlock. Messed his hair up while he got slapped at as Tommy cackled on the way in.

   “Jesus, Holloway, I forgot about your digs here. Bigger than Harrington's place. No offense.” He waltzed by with Carol on his arm. Left Steve and Billy to wrestle.

   “Hey, boys! Not on her birthday.” Heather got between them. "I agreed to this very strange joining of two groups out of love and friendship. We're all cutting the shit now."

   “He started it.” Steve shoved off and reached to ruffle Billy’s curls. Got a hard swat for it. "We're still burying the hatchet." Beating up creepy teachers brings boys together, he figured.

   Evie liked all of them, that was good enough for Heather.

   "Dick." Billy jabbed back.

   Tommy peered back at Steve. Old times. New surroundings. New mindset. The other boy shrugged at him, lighthearted.

   Evie poked her head around the corner. Blinked in surprise.

   “Hey, all… No wonder Heath ordered the entire menu.”

   “We come in peace, Fen.” Carol removed her coat and Tommy presented a couple of bags.

   “Also, we brought the wine and weed. As promised at that first lunch.”

   “I just said to get wine...but, I won’t complain. We can only smoke it outside. The smell will linger and my dad won’t like it.” Heather winked, coming to take the items. “Thank you, guys. We have food coming. Movies. S’mores for the fire pit.”

   “Look who's trying to behave on her eighteenth.” Carol winked. She shared this look with Heather that Evie didn’t notice. Billy stared at her. Watched nervous hands smooth out her dress. “Hargrove, didn’t you bring the lucky lady a gift? Be a gentleman and present it.”

   “Left it in the car.” He cocked his head, signaling for Evie to fall in stride next to him. Without her coat, she clasped her hands behind her back and followed him back outside. Down the stone steps.

   "Still weird?" Tommy came to Steve, hands in his back pockets.

   "Honestly, yeah." He nodded as Carol went after Heather out back. Both of them plotting.

   "Does suck about the princess. We know you liked her and all."

   "Ah, she's happier with Byers. Things happen. Guess it's part of growing up."

   "How about we drink a bunch tonight and start some shit over?" Tommy clapped Steve's arm, earning a cracked smile.

   "I'd like that."

   Outside, Billy and Evie crossed to his Camaro.

   “Glad you guys came. Might be boring, I said nothing too exciting.” She puffed cold air. Billy opened his trunk and fished for something wrapped in newspaper.

   “We...didn’t have fancy wrap so I used the Sunday cartoons. Only part of the paper I can get my dad to let go.” He winced, handing it to her.

   “No, I love the funnies.” Teeth etched at her lip. Evie met his eyes to open it.

   “It’s a little fragile.” He warned. Evie peeled the paper away and blinked a couple times.

   A thin shadow box with a tarnished black frame. Inside pinned was a luna moth. Dainty specimen all glowy in moonlight.

   “Whoa. How-?”

   “I found it in this old antique shop up in the city. Hidden way in the back. They had a bunch of them, different bugs. I don’t know, it made me think of you.” He explained. Too delicate like he might shatter. Evie ran her fingers along the frame. An object of wonder and curiosity. “Kinda strange and pretty...and you’re damn strange and pretty.”

   She gave this breathless snort. Snapped out of it. Looked up at Billy’s eyes with this vulnerable sort of expression crossing.

   “I really love it. Thank you.” Evie took his chin and kissed him. Felt that same sensation whirl that made them both dizzy.

   Billy pushed his forehead into hers. Brushed their noses and dropped aside. Let his head rest on her shoulder. She smelt the blond hair and felt it tickle her neck. One breath hitched.

   “Let’s get back. I’ll put this in my bag so I can hang it up at home.” 

   Evie held it close as they walked along. Not looking at each other or touching. They wouldn’t be able to handle it. She figured this gift is what her heart had always looked like. A deep, dark shadow box with a pretty moth fluttering inside behind glass. Waiting to be seen and admired. Waiting to flit out and feel the wind and sun.

   Going inside, she wondered if Billy had known that. If he placed their stars just so because he knew how they fit together.

   Tension sprang through laughter over take-out boxes. Trading and gorging on food while a horror flick played before them. The Funhouse. Seated on the floor around the coffee table against the sofas and chairs. Odd gathering of souls.

   Tommy was a squirmer. Kept hiding in Carol's shoulder. Steve felt himself looking around. He had his friends back and more. This could be nice again. He hadn't been social since everything fell apart with Nancy. Befriending Heather and Evie was a good start.

   Billy’s leg bumped Evie’s and she gave this blush like someone caught them being obscene. Settled into him for the last half of the movie when they were full and the night rose outside. Billy felt a spark as Evie hid in his chest at a jump scare. Chuckled to himself to play it off.

   Evie Fenny watched horror movies for a living, she just needed a reason to play dumb and get close to him. But, she wasn't gonna admit that. Being tucked under his bicep was too good.

   “Psst, hey.” Evie said in his ear. Billy slid his eyes to see the TV light play on her expression.

   On the expensive screen, a rat-like vampire snarled. Mutated and warped with saliva on his fangs.

   “Hm?”

   “That’s you.” She hitched a squeal when he pinched her side. Pulled in closer by his arm.

   Carol and Heather were still shooting each other looks. Mugs of cheap red wine got passed around. Bloomed cherries in everyone’s cheeks and mouths. 

   They gathered around the fire outside. Roasted marshmallows and lit up joints. Heather’s family had a fancy pit built into the ground and a stone seating circling it. With most of the snow gone, they all bundled up. Carol draped into Tommy as they shared a smoke.

   “Steve, eat this one. I made it special.” Evie flashed a crooked, devious smile. "For you."

   “I don’t trust you.” He laughed, opening his mouth before she stuffed it in. Marshmallow fluff covered his lips until they cackled. Steve pushed a fresh one back at her that melted chocolate over her mouth. Evie giggled and caught Billy staring as she licked her lips. Wanting to lap it up himself. 

   "Did I get it all?" Evie faced him, breaking the moment. Billy reached up with his thumb and swept it under her bottom lip. Saw her tongue shift like it might jet out before he pulled away and licked the pad.

   "Now, you did," he winked.

   At that point, Tommy and Steve caught on to Heather and Carol's little knowing looks. Took some eye-fucking to get there but they made it.

   Heather was pleasantly blazed. Leaning back with her feet up on the stone. Sighing. Evie puffed and passed a smoke back to her. Started to blow out before Billy angled her face at him. Inhaled some of the pot to enjoy it.

   "Tommy, who supplies your shit?" He hummed.

   "Hill Valley, they supply all the locals. Stoner who gave it to me swore it made you fucking time travel, I think he was right."

   "Go back in time and stop this asshole from beating my keg record." Steve snatched the joint next, gesturing to Billy. Only got a rough laugh in response.

   “So, we’re all fucked. But, I have rooms. Lots and lots of guest rooms.” Heather mused. “I’m so rich and popular, guys.”

   “We had no idea.” Carol faked a gasp. “Prissy drunk.”

   “This is so weird.” Evie rubbed her cheek, lulled into Steve so he put the smoke between her lips with two fingers. Let her inhale it before she puffed out. “All of us, I mean. It’s weird. Life sucks and we’re just like...friends now.”

   “It’s like we wasted all that time on stupid shit when we could have been doing this.” Carol decided with red eyes. Everyone nodded in response.

   Evie fell the other way and put her head on Billy’s shoulder. Slowing, they stared at the flickering fire. Smoke rising to purge whatever was here before.

   "We still gonna share a lunch table after this? Acknowledge each other?" It was Steve who spoke up.

   "Nowhere else to go." Billy reached out to take the joint from him and finish it. That was agreed upon too. Wasn't the worst sentiment at this hour.

   They came down from the wine and pot. Simmered. Put the fire out and trailed back into the house. Watched half of another movie before they started to split off.

   Steve passed out on the biggest couch so Evie covered him in a blanket. Stopped Billy and Tommy from drawing on his poor, sweet face. Gave him a kiss on the temple for good measure.

   “Think it’s time. Midnight. Happy Birthday, Evie.” Heather mashed her into a tight hug. They all left Steve to snore and wandered upstairs. Changed and washed up.

   Billy disappeared down the hall to one of the bathrooms. Evie emerged a bit later from Heather's room rubbing her nose.

   “Tommy and Carol can use this room." Heather was in the hallway gesturing. "Steve’s on the couch. Hey, Eve, you want to use the third floor? Sheets are fresh. The birthday girl should get the best and biggest guest room. Right, Carol?”

   "I couldn't agree more, Heather. We left you something special on the bed. It was too big to wrap."

   Snickering followed.

   “Sure...sure…” Evie ruffled her hair out, not listening. "Night."

   “Enjoy your present,” Carol gave this little sing-song. Arms crossing as she watched Evie climb the steps. Waited until she was gone to plant a slick high-five on Heather. “Idiots.”

   “Totally.” Heather went off to bed.

   Evie pushed the door open and jumped a mile at the same time Billy spun, dropping his shirt.

   “Oh, sorry, they said…” It dawned that Evie had just been tricked. “They told you to sleep here?”

   “Yeah, Heather said...oh.” He clicked his tongue and smiled, head shaking because he had to look away. It was all too good.

   Evie pressed the door shut and planted herself against it. Locked it idly. The snap sparked Billy to attention.

   “I’ll be having a little chat with them about this. It's...um...” She scanned him in his jeans. Saw muscles twitching under flesh. Wet her lips.

   “Yeah, I’ll be getting down on my knees to fucking thank her.” He marched over. Kissed Evie hard against the doorway then brought her flush into his frame. Hands trailing down the curve of her back.

   She hitched a gasp and got one arm around his neck. Felt about to turn the lights down. Moonlight spilled in. Full and bright. 

   Billy’s hands were under her shirt. Bunching it up. Palming her bottom. Tracing the lace edge of her underwear to playfully snap it. They stumbled around toward the bed. Evie on her toes pulled him down for more kisses. Felt like no amount would be enough.

   “Not a motel, but I think we can make this work.” Billy got pushed into the plush covers. Sat up to let Evie climb into his lap. They looked at each other. Stilling.

   "Is this okay?" She mumbled and he only nodded.

   Breathing deep until hearts pounded in perfect sync. Evie cupped his face. Opened her lips against his until Billy gave this visceral moan.

   Fingers slipped under the tee again. Squeezed her breasts. Hurried the fabric up so he could taste her skin. Evie shuddered and tipped her head back. Grinding into him. Pulling his hair because he was ruining her already.

   Because Billy Hargrove was about to be her beginning and end.

   Because she was fine with that.

   “Evie...” Billy groaned. Fingers pushing into her flesh. He sucked little flower petals into her chest. Tongued her nipples to hard, rosy buds. Evie felt one hand wander down into her panties. Cried out at the two digits that slipped against her experimentally. "Yeah?"

   “Y-Yes. Like that. You feel so good, Billy.” She attacked his neck. Kissing and nipping until his legs shook. She would ruin him just as well and he'd already tried to make peace with it.

   Billy brought his fingers up to suckle them. Shifted to wet her nipple and lick the arousal off. Two strong hands, turned them to throw her into the mattress. God, his muscles. Evie felt him crawl up her body. Hovering to just look at her with spun gold spilling around his neck and crown. 

   Felt more intimate than anything they’d done. Just looking. Taking a body and soul in.

   Billy started pulling her shirt off. Going for her panties to toss the flimsy fabric aside. No resistance followed. She wanted him to look. Wanted to be seen. Maybe it shouldn't have felt so incredible.

   Eyes watched her surrender there bathed in the moon. Evie rubbed her thighs together. Covered her breasts with her arms. Billy’s chest heaved. Mouth sweeping down to kiss her until the resolve melted. He pinned her wrists playfully and kissed down her neck, stopping to inhale that perfume.

   "You're pretty." Lips nudged her insecurities up and away. "So pretty."

   Billy brushed dark curls from her shoulders and cheeks. Began to peck soft kisses everywhere he could. Mapping her face out. Every so often she found his lips to steal one back. A soft breath grazed her ear.

   “Lemme see you, too.” Evie got a hand free and cupped him boldly. Billy jolted into her palm. Moaned. Beautiful beyond words. He let her push his pants down and stroke him. Gazes melted together and he stopped her only to toss his jeans aside, up on his knees to breathe even.

   Evie pushed up only to marvel at him. Reluctant hands lifted. Smoothing down the hard contour of his chest. The line of those hips. She wanted to map him out as well.

   "You're beautiful." She brushed her mouth against his hip. A true Eros.

   Billy combed his fingers into Evie's hair, tilting her face up so he could curve over for a lengthy kiss. Moaning when she praised him. Wordless with her simple touch. Explored all the exposed honey skin. Counting little freckles. Billy nuzzled his nose into Evie’s, pressed their heads together, and breathed her in. All of her. 

   “Gonna eat you out.” He nipped down her chest, pushing her back into the bed. Evie tensed on instinct but nodded. Wanting it. Saw those lashes flutter before he buried his mouth into her mound. 

   She cried out into her palm. Spine arching so his taut arms wound under soft thighs. Held her hips to adjust. Spread her open for his tongue. Devoured her shamelessly. Pornographically.

   Billy liked to make noise. Like to force it out of her too. He flicked his tongue inside. Lapped up toward her bundle to tease and cradle it. Slight stubble made red swatches on her tender skin.

   What did she like? What made her pray for mercy?

   It left Evie to twist around. Hands grasped for the sheets. She gave him her voice willingly. Gave him every beat and sigh and pulse. Billy made this obscene suckle against her. Crawled up with slick lips so Evie pulled him into her frame. Kissed those pink lips. Licked into his mouth. Tugged at gold locks and ran her hands along his back.

   Billy was nudging between her legs before Evie shifted so they were on their sides. Shocked him with a murmur.

   “I want to be on top first.”

   “What?” He actually laughed lightly. Pecked her mouth. “No, no, sweetheart. I’m on top.”

   “I called it first and I'm the birthday girl.” Evie pouted. Pushing him on his back playfully. Billy came up on his elbows. Brow furrowed.

   “You’re serious. But…” He sounded breathless when her hand smoothed down to stroke him. Persuading. “But, I’m the man. It’s our first time. The man’s supposed to be on top the first time.”

   “Says who? You’re so cute when you say dumb things, Billy.” Evie taunted, kissing his cheek. “There’s no rule. Maybe I wanna be the man...if you really wanna put it that way. You’ll get a turn. Maybe. You might convince me.”

   He smiled when she winked at him. Evie kept up her persuasion. Swung her leg over his hips. Kissed up his neck because she knew it would make him into putty. Billy could only shudder.

   Evie let her weight rest against his frame. Snuffed out every voice that told her she couldn't be desired and sexy. Billy moaned at the feel of her too. All of her. Grasped fleshy hips and ran his hands up sloping curves. Evie pressed into his chest, curls spilled over her shoulders.

   “I might really die if I don't feel you soon.” Billy just marveled up at her. Cupped her breasts until Evie sighed into his touch. A blush spread over her cheeks. She captured his mouth in response.

   Eyes met and she gave this little nod so he followed it. Muscles tensing. 

   “I want to feel you, too.” Evie licked her lips so they adjusted a bit together. She came up and gave him a few slow pumps. "Do you really wanna feel me, Billy?" His shaft pressed flush into her folds. Hips rocked slow. Torturing.

   Looking clouded, he nodded and tried to find some words.

   "Fucking, please. Evie." He tilted his head back. Chest heaving. “You, uh, took your pill?”

   “Like clockwork.” Evie shuddered. "I want this. You."

   Billy looked down and gave her thigh an encouraging squeeze, biting his lip as she positioned him. Starting to sink down. They both cursed aloud. Went tight after a shared quake. Evie mounted him. Let him fill her all the way up with her hands flat against his chest. 

   “That’s it. Fucking perfect.” He was muttering while she whimpered quietly. Massaging her hips so she’d relax. “You don’t have to move yet. Feel so fucking good. Look at me, Evie.” 

   She did. Darkening eyes peeking through a curtain of curls he moved aside.

   “I got you, Angel. I got you.” Billy lifted for a kiss. Bucked slightly inside her so she gave this experimental rock into him. Mouths brushed together and he whispered. “Fuck me.” 

   He begged that. Begged for her. Only her. Evie pressed him back down. Tilted her head aside at the feel of him pulsing. Started to move with some fervor. 

   Fingers squeezed her hips. Left marks guiding her into his thrusts. Both of them sinking fast. 

   “Mm, Billy.” Evie arched there against the moon and stars. Let them fill the room with her voice. She hitched a cry when he gave her ass a playful swat. Urged her to go faster. Billy wiggled and came up a bit. Pulled Evie all the way down and drank her moan into his lips.

   He held her there, biceps flexing when his hands went around her back so he sat up fully. Teeth nipped at her chest and he undulated up inside her. Took some control back.

   "H-Hey..." Evie was slipping fast. Mouth parting while she clung to his shoulders. "I'm the man."

   "It's your birthday," Billy mumbled into her throat. "Little worship is what a pretty girl deserves on her birthday. Don't you think so?"

   Fingers pushed between her spread legs. Worked her until a cry muffled into the crook of his neck. Evie curved into him. Clung. Rode him harder.

   “So good.” Billy managed again. “Pretty, pretty, pretty.” He pulled her hair. Exposed that creamy throat to his mouth once more. Tormented her until Evie’s resolve melted so he could flip them over. Another cry echoed. Hips pushing with force deep into her. She gripped his shoulders, legs curling around his hips. 

   “Billy, please…” Evie mewled under him. “More.” She tucked some blond hair aside sweetly. Both of them slicked and wanting. Connected utterly. 

   Billy was so ample with her body, chasing her fears away with his hot touch and lovely kisses. He hovered over Evie. Pulled out and looked down to where their bodies met. Loved the sight of himself disappearing inside. One hand brought her thigh higher for a better look.

   "Flexible girl. I'll keep that in mind."

   Evie fluttered around him. Reached down and touched their mixed arousal. Played with herself while he watched and started to find his pace. She licked her digits of their slick. Let him have a taste after. Billy laced their fingers and came down to watch her eyes.

   Panting. He really began to pound into her until the bed was rocking with them. A filthy sound of skin slapping together with each thrust joined their gasps. He didn't care if this whole damn neighborhood could hear them.

   “Love the way you squeeze me.” Billy’s thumb was back against her. Tormenting perfect little circles that had her whining. Evie had this out of body moment like she was watching herself writhe on the bed. Billy Hargrove fucking her stupid. Praising her. Touching her. Uttering nasty things about how she was all his now and he could spend forever making her feel so good. “Gonna come inside this sweet, little pussy after I make you quake. You wanna come for me, Evie? That’s my fucking girl.” 

   “Oh, fuck...fuck, I can’t stand you.” She tightened around him. Eyes rolling back. Relishing his touch so he sped up. “I’m right fucking there, Billy, don’t stop. Stay with me. Stay…” She cupped his face. Found those drunken lips.

   “Don’t have to stand, I,” he shuddered, “I got a perfectly good face you’ll be sitting on later.”

   Cheeky little shit.

   Evie actually laughed. Thrilled. Pulled him all the way against her body, arms under his and around his taut back. Billy stopped all the dirty talk to whimper.

   She felt so good. He didn't know it could feel this good.

   “I’m yours, Billy,” Evie decided at last with a flutter of glowing moths escaping the heart-shaped shadow box carved into her chest. Happy. She so wanted to be his. Mouth against the shell of his ear. “All yours.” Her thighs shuddered and he felt her entire body lock. A graceful arch went through it. “I’m c-coming.” Evie managed so he stroked harder. Made her gush around his cock with the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. Kept thrusting to draw it out as she squeezed him too tight. Chanting cries of curses mingling with his name. All sin.

   All his.

   Billy couldn’t even warn her. He held out as long as he could and began to fuck release inside her. Both of them wrapping tighter around each other. Still trying to rock through it like they were lying on a warm beach being caressed by sweet ocean waves. Evie sagged, out of breath as he collapsed against her body. Still rutting like an animal to finish himself. 

   Gasping, Billy came up to pull out. Watched his own release sink out of her. So fucking hot, he couldn't help pushing it back in. Evie tensed. Overstimulated when he pressed dainty kisses to her tummy and chest. 

   Blue eyes came up to meet her brown ones and something broke. Shattered. Flooded out. They both locked in to feel it. Billy looked at her and the sensation consumed him utterly. Betrayed him. He stared and couldn’t look away. Frozen. Ruined. Evie blinked up at him. Spread open and hair splayed. Reached up to caress his jaw with her brow furrowing.

   “Billy, you’re shaking.” She swallowed to catch her breath. Eyes searching him. She tipped his head forward to kiss his warm temple. Lingered with sweet promises. Both of them on fire and slicked in glowy dew. “I got you.”

   He still trembled so hard. Unable to stop. Let Evie bring his head to her collar so she could pepper more kisses into his hair and comfort him. 

   Billy stared out at nothing. Floated in this sort of subspace while Evie brought him back down to touch the Earth. Gentle as she could. They held each other there. Evie still kissing him. Petting him delicately and humming in his ear. Idly, he let his fingers whirl into her curls.

   “Are you alright? Billy?” She tried again. Massaging his shoulders while he listened to her beating heart. Something wet splashed against her neck as he shuddered. Sniffling once.

   “I just…” He came up. Let awareness flit back. Got near silent. I think I’m happy. "I'm fine." The feeling spread a cold under his bones. "You?"

   Billy cupped her head for a lazy kiss. She smiled up at him.

   “I'm okay. Better than okay.” She soothed again. “I got you.” Naked, they wound around each other. Got under the covers and laid twisted together.

   “Evie.” Billy choked on air. Chest sinking. He had to let one truth out. Just one, he owed her that much. And it ached. “Gotta tell you something.”

   “Yeah?” She sunk into his chest. Held. Evie braced like it might hurt her too.

   “You know you're... You're the best thing about this place.” Billy squeezed his eyes shut. Let her hold him tighter in response. Let Evie give up some of her warmth to him because he needed it and she just liked to see him happy and safe.

   “I didn’t know it could feel like that.” She began, fingers making shapes into his chest. Evie opened her heart. Let him admire it. "Billy, I want to be more with you. Like...Like a girlfriend. This sounds silly. You don't have to say anything. I just...I don't want to run from you because you make me happy. I think I might make you happy too. We're... You were right about a lot. The stars and all. Despite everything, I think we were supposed to find each other and it feels good. I want to be yours-"

   Billy tilted Evie's chin up. Hushed the truths with his lips. Nuzzled her so she'd relax back into him. He couldn't reply. The syllables wrapped around his throat and choked him. And Evie trusted him. So, she didn't ask for them. That made it ache more.

   Placing her head upon his chest when they shifted again. Billy went very still. Stared at the ceiling and wiped his eyes as she dozed. Fingers combed into her hair to coax her off to an easier slumber.

   Billy just laid there. Felt numb. Felt too much. Couldn’t look down at Evie nestled into his body. 

   He stayed there two hours. So still. So lost. So found. 

   These sensations that tried to drown him. They were creeping like dark gossamer veils over his eyes. Unable to be near Evie, he eased out from under her. Rubbed his eyes. Felt like she seared his skin down to bone and marrow.

   He knew it was wrong. Knew it might hurt her. Would hurt her.

   She let him into her heart and he was running. Eros fleeing Psyche the moment she held that candle to his being and saw him for what he was. One speck of wax dripping hot upon his flesh. Blinded by that light, he probably didn't see her crying there after him. Selfish boy.

   Billy thought he would be sick. Tremored there. He just couldn't stop it. Couldn't explain it either.

   And he just couldn’t be near her anymore. Fuck.

   But, he promised. He promised her. He wanted to keep it and instead scrambled to dress. Empty eyes still staring at nothing. Billy finally peered back. Scanned Evie comfortable on the bed. He could have gotten back in. Woken her and told her that he wanted to be all hers too.

   “I’m sorry.” He whimpered.

   It hurt. It hurt too much. Billy actually had to rub his chest. Tried to numb. Tried. All this time they spent together and now he just couldn’t be near her. She broke him. Billy felt himself climbing too high. Up toward the stars. Falling to pieces.

   Aimless steps brought him outside. Into the freezing cold. Away from Evie’s touch and amber perfume. Away from this girl who gave him exactly what he wanted and it was just too much. He couldn’t hold it. Didn’t want to see it shatter before him.

   So, Billy got into his Camaro and drove off. Far away as he could to the edge of Lover’s Lake. Up a hill so he could see the quiet city before him. Evie would wake up. Feel the change that he promised he wouldn’t give her. 

   Fuck. 

   “Fuck!” Billy crumbled aloud. One fist pushed into his teeth. Quivering until the tears fell hot. Huge and wet down his flushed cheeks. Unable to stop the flow, Billy dropped his head. Began to sob louder than he ever had in his life.

   Because this would break her in turn. Validate everything horrid she thought about Billy Hargrove. Because he should have stayed in that bed mapping more kisses down her spine. Instead, he convinced himself that they weren't made of the same stardust. They couldn't be.

   Evie's heart-shaped shadow box was hung too far from reach amid untold galaxies and when Billy rose to admire it, his wings melted like Icarus before him because that's what he deserved. That was always what he knew he deserved.

   All he could think about was his mother in that tub. Neil's boot squelching his back and the meaty wack of a belt. It wasn't possible for him to be something that could be tangible and loved. Evie had been right. Stars were placed in a certain order and that couldn't change. He'd been stupid. Hopeful.

   He was the coward. This got too real and he couldn't just let himself have it.

   And what made it heavier was the pure thought of Evie waking alone to confirm her biggest fear.

   "I'm sorry." Billy kept chanting these words that were so often too difficult for him. They wouldn't stop this time. "I'm sorry..."

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

A/N: Local boy crushed under the weight of his own emotions. Eeeep, I finally let them do the deed. Someone make them a 'congrats on your sex' cake. Please if you enjoyed leave words below or chat with me in my ask!! Thank you all so much!!

TAGGED:: @80sbxtch @nottherightseason @orxhidshavana   @alagalaska​ @alongcamedolly @kellyk-chan @10blurredsmoke10 @charmed-asylum @unmistakablyunknown @lukespatterson

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[banditthewriter]

Redolence - Billy Russo - 2

Part two of this A/B/O series. I’m so glad people seem to be enjoying it! Reminder, I use a comprehensive set of warnings so please be mindful. If you have questions or concerns, shoot me a message!

Redolence: the quality of smelling strongly of something or of having qualities (especially smells) that make you think of something else

Warnings: Smut. No really, lots of smut. Also angst because yeah. Sex in various positions. Oral sex (male and female receiving.) The reader does sleep with other Alphas but it is only ever mentioned, never described. Some talk of slave trade, not detailed. Angry sex. Unprotected sex. Reader experiences a bad panic attack that is described.

Tags are at the bottom. Let me know if you would like to be added to one of my tag lists!

*gif not mine*

Enjoy!

*****

You lost track of the number of orgasms and positions. Somewhere around fifteen hours after Billy got there, you finally could sense that he was no longer in his rut. There were empty bottles of Gatorade all over your room as well as packs of applesauce and bags of chips. 

Once he was finally spent, you told Billy he could take a shower and showed him what items he could use. Although he wasn’t in his rut anymore, his senses would still be heightened for a few days. 

He disappeared into the bathroom after hesitating in the doorway. With the door shut, you went about getting the room cleaned up a bit. You stepped into your laundry room to wipe yourself down with a wet cloth before you pulled on some clean clothes. Then you went back into your room to find his clothes and fold them for him.

You felt like you had been put in a dryer. All of your limbs barely cooperated with your thoughts. There was a lazy satisfaction that ran over you. 

Most Alphas were more concerned with their own release and didn’t bother much with if you enjoyed the sex. There were plenty that made you feel good and you enjoyed it, sure, but this? This was something different.

If things were different, this might have ruined you for other Alphas. 

That thought made you pause as you laid his shirt out with his pants. You shouldn’t feel so attached to an Alpha at all, but especially not one who obviously has so much baggage. You could only hope that he enjoyed himself and that you helped him in his time of need.

You went to the touch screen next to your door and checked for any messages first. When you didn’t see anything, you went to the desk drawer where you kept your phone. The only people who had the number were Karen and your family, so you didn’t check it often. Karen would usually just send a message to your apartment if she needed you for anything since that was the easiest way to contact you. 

And your family rarely reached out to you anymore.

Karen had sent a message to ask if you had an Alpha. It had come almost twelve hours before so you sent her a response and put the phone back up. Then you went into the kitchen to clean up a little more.

“I left the towel in the bathroom,” Billy said as he walked into the living room.

You smiled and went over to him. He was dressed in his clothes from before, but there was a rumpled look to him that made you a little weak in the knees. The shirt was wrinkled from being on the floor for so long. You longed to straighten it out with your hands but you didn’t reach out to him.

“That’s fine,” you said as you looked him over. “Do you want something to drink? I was just about to make some tea. Or maybe coffee since it’s morning now.”

Billy nodded and followed you into the kitchen. He sat down at the table while you worked at the coffee pot. You hummed a little bit as you measured out the grounds. Then you turned and gave him an appraising look while he was distracted by something on your kitchen table.

He looked good. You knew last night that he was handsome, had seen him in the midst of his passion, but you still couldn’t forget how withdrawn he was when he first got to your apartment. He had been so tense and sat so stiffly on your couch. But now? His limbs were relaxed, his back wasn’t ramrod straight, and his hands weren’t in fists.

“Is this part of your routine?”

You let out a curious noise as you reached up for two mugs for the coffee. When you looked back at Billy, he was staring at you from the table.

“Make them comfortable before and after?”

You tapped your fingers on the counter as you stared at him. Most Alphas didn’t question the Omega during these sessions. While you were there to help the Alpha through their rut, it was on the Omega’s terms. If you were unhappy or uncomfortable, you would press your ID and an alert would sound. The Betas that ran the center would come in an instant to help escort the Alpha out if that was necessary.

You’d never had to use that button at least.

But the rules were pretty much written in bold letters. Once the Alpha was in the apartment, they followed the Omega’s lead. It was up to the Omega to know what to do and what the Alpha needed. And you definitely never talked about other Alphas.

“If you don’t want any coffee, I’m not going to force you to stay and have some. The door will unlock if you turn the knob.”

He shook his head before he tore his eyes from you. You saw that he was looking at the door, but he didn’t stand or make a move in that direction.

“Forget I ask.”

Not wanting to undo the relaxation he had achieved with you, you poured a cup of coffee and put it on the table in front of him. Then you offered him the cream and sugar. Once both of you had made your cups how you wanted them, you settled down at the table with him.

“It’s early. Will you be going back to your place or do you have to be to work this morning?”

Billy looked at you over his cup. You watched as he blew on the surface before he took a sip.

“I can work from home today. I told a few of my employees that I would be unreachable.”

You could imagine that was an uncomfortable conversation for him to have. Instead of pressing him on it, you went back to your own cup.

This was one of the ways you liked to wind down with an Alpha that you had enjoyed the company of. And you had enjoyed spending time with Billy. It wasn’t just the sex, although that was definitely going to the top of your list of best nights ever. It was just him. Every time he let his guard down to show you a little bit of himself, you felt as if you had won some sort of reward.

Once the coffee cups were empty, you put them in the sink and then walked Billy to the door. There was no way you could stretch the leaving out anymore.

“Well it’s been my pleasure to assist you today Billy. I hope you are satisfied as well.”

He gave you a bit of a smirk that made you want to kick yourself. Usually your comments, even after sex, weren’t construed with so much innuendo. What was it about him…

“I appreciate your help,” he said sincerely with a bow of his head. Then, after you pulled the door open for him, he looked at you with a curious expression. “Can… would it be okay if I requested you again in the future?”

In the years that you’d done this, you weren’t sure that an Alpha had ever actually asked permission. Some told you that they would request you, but otherwise they just went ahead and did it.

“Of course,” you said honestly as you stepped in closer to him, “I would be happy to assist you again in the future.”

Billy’s eyes narrowed a bit before he gave you a nod. Then he leaned in and pressed his lips to your cheek before he slipped from your apartment.

You waited for him to get into the elevator before you shut the door. Then you raised a hand to press your fingers against your cheek where his lips had been. None of the Alphas had ever… well, you tried to keep your distance after they showered. You did it for them, to keep them from being drenched in your scent since you hadn’t showered yet.

Billy didn’t seem to mind smelling like you. Or maybe he just wasn’t used to the etiquette. So many things from tonight made you think that he didn’t follow etiquette or society’s rules. Not that you really minded, but it had been strange.

Five years since he’d been at the center, back before it was the Companion Center. It was first come, first served in those days. An Alpha would show up, get taken to a room with an Omega on a bed in presentation, then they’d spend the rut like that. 

You never would have joined if it had been like that. Now you weren’t just treated like a human, you were treated like a revered member of society. 

But Billy hadn’t treated you like how you assumed the Omegas used to be treated. He treated you with care, with a sense of intimacy you weren’t used to with Alphas.

You walked through the apartment and to the bathroom. The towel hung from the rack and you grabbed it to drop into the hamper. Then you put all of the bland toiletries back in the box under your sink before you stripped off your clothes to get into the shower. With your own soap and shampoo, you were feeling a little more like yourself.

After you were clean, you stripped the bed and put those linens in the same hamper with the towel and washcloth. Those would go to a separate cleaner to be washed and then put in new vacuum sealed packages. The rest of your clothes you washed in the apartment yourself.

The bed made in fresh, lemon scented linens, you turned off the lights in the apartment. You slipped under the blanket in your bed and closed your eyes. Even though you could still clearly picture Billy in the bed with you, you tried to force the image away. You needed to rest so that you could let the center know that you’d need a few days before you could accept any new Alphas. 

Although after fifteen hours, you doubted they’d blame you.

------

“How’re you feeling?”

Karen looked over at you and smiled, her eyes red from lack of sleep. At least you hoped it was just from lack of sleep.

“I could barely sleep after he left,” she admitted as she curled up on the couch next to you. “I don’t know why I thought it was going to be different this time.”

“Oh honey,” you whispered as you held her to you.

Frank had gone into his rut right on time, six months to the last time he was there. Karen had been locked up with him for a few hours before he was better. And since his ruts had never lasted too long, he couldn’t dawdle and had to leave soon after. 

“Have you brought up leaving the center? Not for him,” you said quickly because you knew Karen would try to protest that otherwise, “but for yourself. Come on Karen, we both know you’re not going to stay a companion for much longer. With or without Alpha Frank.”

She wiped at her eyes and laid her head on your shoulder.

“I’m scared that if I tell him that he won’t want me to move in with him, but I’m also scared that he will want me to move in with him. I just don’t know what I want.”

You grabbed her hand and lifted it to give a kiss to her knuckles, earning a laugh from her.

“You’ll leave for you, because you don’t want to do this for the long term. And whether or not he wants to move in with you, he’ll at least want to see you more often, we both know that. So you’ll get to see him more and more and one day, when it’s right, it’ll become permanent.”

Karen frowned but you knew she wasn’t upset at your words. No, that was the face she made when she was thinking about something seriously.

“Your decision isn’t centered around him. He can be part of the reason, but you have to do what’s best for you.”

Logic and reason were the best ways to get through to Karen. And sure enough she gave a slow nod.

“I’ll think about it,” she promised as she settled in closer to you, grabbing the remote to unmute the movie the two of you were watching. 

Silence overtook the two of you. You were caught up in worrying about Karen and her future that you didn’t even notice when her attention shifted. She was focused more and more on you. When you did notice that she was staring, you looked over at her.

“What?”

She shrugged her shoulder at first but then she shook her head. The two of you didn’t keep secrets, not from each other.

“How have you been? After that… one Alpha?”

Billy. 

Karen had come by a few hours after he left and she had noticed the difference in your scent and the way that you seemed to be on a delay almost. You told her it was just a long night, explained that his ruts had been irregular, but Karen was your best friend. And she was an investigative journalist in her free time. She could hunt out a story like no one else.

You told her that it had felt different, but that you weren’t sure why. She thought that maybe you were just intrigued by the man, a surface attraction made complicated by having sex. It sounded as good as anything you had thought of, so you were happy to agree with her on it.

“I’m fine Karen,” you told her in a tone that said this wasn’t open for conversation. “I had another Alpha just a few days ago and everything was fine and normal. I think I was just thrown by how different he is.”

Because any other explanation wasn’t an option. 

“Just be careful,” Karen said as she leaned back a bit to turn towards the television, “I don’t want you to have to go through what I’ve been dealing with.”

You completely understood that.

------

The touchscreen next to your door chimed for the second time that day. You already had a request for a few days from now so you knew you wouldn’t be able to accept another request. You went over to the screen to go ahead and decline it but you froze when you saw the name and ID.

659437. William Russo. It was Billy.

It was barely a month since he had been in a rut the last time. And once again the time showed that he would be there that evening. 

His ruts were very irregular. Those suppressants had done a number on his physiology. 

You tapped the green square and turned away from the screen as it thanked you for accepting the Alpha. Instead you went through your routine for a distraction. You got food and drinks ready before you went in to strip and remake your bed. Then you stripped your clothes to take a shower with the unscented soaps.

He would be there soon. He would be in your apartment again. You wished you could say that your racing heart was normal, but you knew that it wasn’t.

You dressed in some comfortable clothing and went into the living room. You didn’t have long to wait before the touchscreen chimed that someone was there. In a rush you went to the screen and checked to make sure it was him. 

This time you didn’t ask for his ID. You set the touchscreen to ‘do not disturb’ and opened the door. He blinked in surprise before he gave you the beginning of a smile.

“Come on in,” you said as you opened the door wider.

He slipped in past you and then hovered in the foyer like he did the first time. It was endearing because most Alphas didn’t hesitate to make themselves at home the second time they were in the apartment. 

“Make yourself at home,” you said as you shut the door and made sure the lock was engaged. You saw that he was wearing a jacket this time and you reached out to slide it off his shoulders as if you did it a thousand times before.

He let you pull it off of him. You hung it up next to the door and then gestured at the couch. He followed your lead. Unlike the first time, you didn’t bother sitting on the loveseat. You settled onto the couch next to him. 

“Are you hungry? I could make grilled cheese and soup. It’ll be from a can, but that’s just for our health.”

That quirky little grin started to spread. You couldn’t remember seeing many smiles from him the last time, so it was a surprise to get it from him so soon this visit.

“Are you saying that you’re not a good cook?”

You laughed and leaned back against the cushions a bit, relaxing your shoulders.

“Some things I can cook without problem, other things tend to come out… bad.”

He laughed at that and you were struck by how it made his face light up. His eyes were nearly sparkling when he looked at you.

“I wouldn’t want you to burn down the center,” he said as he shifted in his seat a bit to face you. “I’m not hungry right now. But thanks for offering.”

Your head cocked to the side as you stared at him. Normally you wouldn’t say anything, even if it was an Alpha that you’d seen multiple times, but you felt at ease with Billy. 

“You seem different,” you said as you looked him over.

He nodded, his eyes closing for a moment. You wondered if he was picturing something, but you saw the way his nostrils flared a bit. He was inhaling your scent from the distance.

“Last time I was here was the first time I’d been in public since the accident. This is more like how I am.”

You let out an understanding hum. His eyes opened to you again and you gave him a smile as you reached out towards him. He inclined his head to give you permission. 

Your fingers ran through his slightly longer hair, feeling the difference from the close cropped haircut when he had been here a month ago. It had the added benefit of placing your wrist right next to his nose. He inhaled the scent there, his mouth dropping open as he did.

“I didn’t mind you being more reserved,” you explained as you continued to run your nails over his scalp, “I just noticed that you were different.”

And maybe there was a part of you that wondered if it had anything to do with you. You weren’t sure that you didn’t help, but you weren’t about to ask about that. Although there was something else that you wanted to ask. 

The last time he was here, you did ask him personal questions about his rut. You weren’t about to take advantage of the strange closeness the two of you already had, so you asked permission again.

“Can I ask you a personal question?”

His eyes settled on you. The last time you asked that, he thought you were going to ask about his accident but you’d asked about his rut. Maybe he remembered that because you saw the corner of his mouth quirk up a bit.

“You want to know why I’m back in my rut so soon.”

It wasn’t a question. He said it as if he already knew that’s what you were going to ask. And since it was, you gave him a nod.

His hand went to your wrist and he pulled it down to hang between the two of you. He ran his thumb across the inside of your wrist a few times before he met your eyes again.

“The doctors say with me being on suppressants during my time in the Marines and then having to be on them when I was healing up, my ruts are going to be irregular for a while. They weren’t exactly regular before I joined the military either.”

You nodded your understanding. With your wrist still in his hold, you shifted your body a little closer to his. 

“That can’t be easy. I’m glad that you’ve come back to the Companion Center for assistance.”

He looked you over like he wanted to say something, but he kept it to himself. You weren’t going to pry. Instead you looked away from Billy for a moment. The last time you could tell when his rut was kicking in, but he wasn’t there yet. With more exposure to your scent, he’d be caught up in it soon.

“Come here,” he asked, no trace of Alpha compulsion in his voice as he gave a little tug to your wrist. 

You weren’t sure what he meant at first since your knee was already pressed to his. You finally realized that he wanted you in his lap when he tugged you a little closer, his legs splaying out a bit. 

With a grin, you moved so that you were on his lap. He situated you until you were facing him, your legs on either side of his hips. This was a man that you’d had a lot of sex with just a month before, but there was something almost embarrassing about being in this position with your clothes on. Maybe being a companion had skewed your view on propriety.

“You’re body is warm,” he said as he leaned in to sniff at your neck, the beard tickling your neck as he did. “I like feeling you against me.”

Oh no. It seemed that now that he was more himself, he was talker. And normally that didn’t bother, but you had a feeling that with Billy it was going to be the death of you. As you settled against him a bit more, letting him take your weight, you reached up and let your hands go to his shoulders.

There was a heat growing, but it wasn’t his fever. The heat was building low in your stomach, lower still. With your legs spread like this, you couldn’t clench your legs together when you realized that you were getting wet already. And he hadn’t even touched you. This wasn’t you mirroring him, this was your body reacting to the man under you.

Not the Alpha, the man. 

This was bad, but you weren’t going to stop.

You watched him inhale deeply once more, but you knew he wasn’t scenting you. No, he could smell your arousal. You bit your lip as you waited to see what reaction that would get. 

The reaction was fairly instant. He wrapped one arm under your butt and the other around your waist, holding you to him as he stood up. He held you there against him for a long moment before he set you down. Your breath came out in a puff of air as you tried to think about what you could say, how you could apologize for your body’s reaction, but you didn’t need to.

This time it was Billy dragging you to the bedroom instead of the other way around. He let go of you inside of the room so that you could lower the lights, but then he was on you once more. His mouth descended onto yours, his hands wrapping around your wrists and pinning them to the wall above your head. Your body tried to rock against his, desperate for friction. He thrust his leg between your thighs to give you something to rub against.

“Take off your clothes,” he requested when he finally stepped away from you.

You remembered that he had wanted to do that the first time, but it seemed like he wasn’t interested in taking it slow and exploring right now. You didn’t mind. You tore off your clothes as quickly as you could, gratified to see that he was doing the same. As you turned back to him, finally naked, you were pushed down against the bed. Before you could think, his mouth was on you. He went down on you like he was a man starving and you were the first meal he’d had in months. You held on to his slightly longer hair as you moved your hips, rubbing your pussy against his mouth. He went from sucking on your clit to thrusting his tongue inside of you, keeping you on edge with just his mouth. Then, when you were sure you were going to come, he pushed his fingers inside of you. 

He kept up at it until you were shaking against him, your moans echoing in the room. After a few moments of him still lapping at your clit lazily, he sat up and wiped his mouth against the back of his arm.

He leaned up over your body to kiss you, letting you taste yourself on his lips. You dragged your tongue against his bottom lip, laving at the split there in the corner where his scars were. The scent of him wasn’t as heady and spicy as it was when an Alpha was in the throes of his rut, so you were confronted with the fact that this wasn’t Alpha Billy that had just made you come like that.

That was just Billy.

He pulled away and nuzzled against your neck, his tongue working over your scent gland. You arched up into him, feeling his hard cock against your thigh. When he sat up, you could feel the heat where his skin was pressed against yours.

His rut was finally kicking in. He reached over to where he remembered the condoms being stashed, pulling the box out and keeping it within reach. Same as the first time, he handed you the foil to put on him.

You slid the condom onto his cock and gave it a few pumps, feeling the weight and the heat through the latex. You’d like to get your mouth on him again but he had your legs spread too wide for you to be able to bend that far down. Instead he raised your legs up, hooking them over his arms. You reached down to guide him into you, clenching around his cock once he had pushed in completely. He moaned into your neck before he started to thrust.

The feverish heat of his rut mixed with the powerful force of his thrusts had you gasping and moaning under him, unable to get any leverage but desperate for your climax. You grabbed hold of his shoulders and arms, leaving scratch marks as you urged him to go faster.

“Look at me,” he mumbled into your mouth, “open your eyes for me Y/N.”

You opened your eyes, not sure when you had shut them. He was staring down at you with those almost black eyes, so much emotion flowing through him that you couldn’t catch it all. All you could do is thrust back with him, your body bowing upwards as your orgasm started to build. He lowered his head and bit down on your neck gently as his thrusts became more and more erratic.

You came moments after he did, your body shaking under his. He stayed there for a moment before he pulled out, sitting up to dispose of the condom. 

You didn’t have long to miss the feel of him before he was grabbing a second condom. This time when you put it on him, you did lean over to get your mouth on him. He barely let you do this the first time, but you wanted it. In the back of your mind you wished that you didn’t have the latex barrier, but you pushed that scandalous thought away. Instead you focused on making him feel as good as you could.

“Need to be inside you,” he panted as he pulled you off, kissing you hard as he tugged you onto his lap.

Mirroring the position you’d been in the living room, you were straddling his lap. This time you felt at ease as you reached between the two of you and guided his cock to your entrance. You started to lower yourself slowly, wanting to draw out the stretch and fullness, but he gave a hard thrust upwards. 

As you rode him, your nails scratched down his chest. You were so turned on that you had never felt this desperate to come before. Billy seemed to understand because he kept his hand low on your hip to guide your movements, both of you grinding into each other more than thrusting. You fucked yourself down onto him hard, your hand going between your legs to rub against your clit. His free hand went to your breast to squeeze and pinch at your nipple while both of you worked to your next orgasm.

This one made your eyes go a little fuzzy around the edges. He held you close to him, his face tucked into your neck as he breathed deeply. You moved off of him but after you got rid of that condom and got the next one on him, he pulled you right back into the same position. This time he moved so slowly that you could feel every inch of him inside of you. You held on to his shoulders as you moved to the tempo he set, your pussy clenching around him as you moved against him.

This time when you came, Billy rolled the two of you over so that he could speed up his movements. You tugged him down into a kiss as his hips started to stutter, your tongue rubbing against his as you felt his cock twitch and empty inside of the condom.

And just like before, it seemed his rut was finally falling into cycles at that point. You helped him tidy up before you pulled him under the covers with you. You knew there’d still be a few more hours of this, his rut coming and going for a while longer. 

And you couldn’t help but want to cherish every moment while you had it.

------

“Coffee?”

Billy came into the living room with his hair still a little damp from his shower. You had cleaned up and gone immediately to making coffee. This was the best way you could think to stretch his stay with you.

It’d only been about twelve hours this time. Most ruts only lasted six hours if they were assisted by an Omega, so you figured he’d have a few more longer ruts coming up. You could only hope that he requested you those times too.

No, you shouldn’t hope for that. You should just hope that he got assistance. You shouldn’t want him to request you, shouldn’t look forward to the next time you saw his Alpha ID on your touchscreen.

This was a dangerous mindset to get into.

You expected Billy to take the cup from you and go to the table. Instead he took it away from you and put it on the counter, his mouth falling to yours hungrily. You grabbed hold of his arm, your other hand in his collar as you tugged him closer. The kiss was full of passion and want, his hands on your hips and sliding lower.

As one of his hands tugged you against where you could feel him getting hard, you pushed away from him. Then you covered your mouth with your hand.

You’d just stepped over a line.

“We can’t,” you said as you took a shaking step away, the small of your back smacking into the counter. “We can’t do that.”

His eyes narrowed as he took a step closer to you.

“Why not?”

“Because… because I’m a companion and you’re not in your rut anymore.” You could tell he wasn’t, had been able to tell the moment if faded when he came inside of you for what felt like the hundredth time that night.

“Because it’s not fuck or die anymore? That’s the only time I can touch you?”

You covered your mouth once more, hoping to hold in the emotions that were building in your chest. You wanted him to kiss you again but you knew you couldn’t.

“As a companion, I’m to help an Alpha during their rut. You’ve come to me and I’ve fulfilled my service to you.”

It was completely the wrong thing to say.

Billy turned away from you and marched over to where his jacket hung. He tugged it on and then zipped it up. You watched as he reached for the doorknob, but he didn’t turn it. You didn’t want him to leave, not like this, but you couldn’t stop him. It wouldn’t be fair to stop him.

“You’ve fulfilled your service. And don’t worry, I won’t ask for you again.”

Before you could even process that, he had slammed out of the apartment. You swallowed thickly as you walked on shaking legs over to the touchscreen. The image showed the elevator doors closing with him on the inside. He was gone and you hadn’t even had a moment to tell him…

Tell him what? That you wanted him to kiss you? That you wanted him to pull you into the bedroom when his rut wasn’t a factor? That you wanted… that you wanted.

But you couldn’t go down that road, not with an Alpha that you’d only met twice. Karen and Frank had known each other for a while now and you knew that they only slept with each other during his ruts. 

Billy had already made you come when he wasn’t in his rut. If you took advantage of him that way, you’d be breaking every rule that was in place for companions. They were there for your safety.

But it didn’t matter anymore, did it? He said he wouldn’t ask for you again. And you didn’t think that Billy was one to go back on something he’d said.

With tears in your eyes, you made your way into the bedroom to strip your bed. You needed to get rid of his scent as soon as you could. And then you’d take a shower to wash away the feeling of his touch on you.

You’d never see him again.

X

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[dacrethehalls]

Wonder Palace

Billy Hargrove x OC

Summary: Billy gets a summer job as a life guard at a water park in the next town over. He never expects to find a family in the rag tag group of people who work with him. Word Count: 15k+ Warnings: Physical Abuse, Abuse mention, Drug use, language, slight Smut A/N: Off Cannon! Season 3! Billy because baby boy deserves all the love and happiness in the world. This is based on State Champ’s music video for the song Losing Myself. This is my first fic in forever and it has taken me WEEKS to finish it. I’m rusty, so be nice!

Summer in Arbor Pines, Indiana was my absolute favorite time of year. Not only did it mean school was out, it also marked the opening of Reynolds’ Wonder Palace, a seasonal water and mini amusement park on the outskirts of town. 

I spent almost every summer since I was 14 working there becoming a somewhat dysfunctional but loving family with the rest of the staff. 

My best friends; Geoff, Maggie, Issac and Derrick were among the group of people I worked with along with our  pseudo big brother, Tyler Reynolds, or as we called him, Naldo. Who’s family owned the Amusement Park.

Arbor Pines was a smaller town right outside of Hawkins, and Naldo’s Palace, as we all called it was right in the middle of both cities.

I blew my horn at the blue camaro who cut me off at the gas station sticking my middle finger up at the driver as I pulled my jeep into the gas station. I was already running late, but that never stopped me from grabbing the world’s best breakfast burrito from the world’s shittest corner store.

“Is it opening day already Daph?” Francis, the clerk beamed as I sat a cup of coffee and my burrito on the counter. I hummed pulling out a wad of cash from my pocket. 

“The best day of the year!” I mused as Francis placed my items in a bag. 

“I’m thinking of bringing Sydney and the kids next week. Do you give any friends and family discounts?”

“Of course! I work everyday, I’ll be sure to leave tickets at admissions for you.” I chortled grabbing my things off the counter. I gave a quick wave goodbye as I headed back to my Jeep.

“Daph, have you seen the new life guard?” Maggie asked as I climbed over the pool float rental counter. “His name is Billy, he’s from Hawkins” she continued as I punched my clock in card. 

“It’s opening day and you’re already looking at the new meat?” I mused pulling my staff shirt over my head and hoisting myself up on the counter. Maggie’s mouth curved up into a smile, “of course, I’m a planner.”

I let out a snorty laugh swinging my legs a little, kicking the pool floats in front of me, “You think he’s as cute as Robin? I’m really sad that she got a job at Star Court and isn’t here with us.”

I pushed my bottom lip out, dramatically frowning at the thought of not being able to work next to one of the prettiest girls I had ever seen. “Well, he’s blonde and you have a thing for people with light colored hair. He’s a solid ten out of ten.”

I rolled my eyes playfully pushing her. 

“... and this is Daphne and Maggie! Ladies, this is Billy Hargrove.” Naldo mused banging on the counter-top to get our attention.

Maggie and I’s head jerked over in the direction the boys were standing. I kicked my legs over to the other side of the counter grinning. 

“I’m Daphne.” I chirped offering my hand for Billy to shake. 

Maggie wasn’t kidding, the boy was a complete work of art, from his blonde curls that adorned his head to his torso with well defined muscles. My heart instantly fluttered when the two of us made eye contact.

He was beautiful. Until he opened his mouth. 

I could tell by the way he deepened his voice, eyeing both Maggie and I with hungry eyes that he was a complete bonehead.

“Daph, you have training duties with Billy today. First rotation will be The Serpent.” Naldo grinned nodding his head towards the giant water slide. “You mind introducing him to the rest of the staff on your way over there?”

I nodded giving a toothy grin. “Of course!” 

I hopped off the counter saluting Naldo and Maggie, than looking over at Billy “Let’s go Fabio.” I mused Strolling backwards placing my heart shaped sunglasses on my face.

Billy followed quietly behind me as I introduced him to the rest of the staff.

 I knew he wasn’t paying attention to me at all by the occasional “Mmmhm.” and “uh huh.” I got as we made our way to The Serpent. I switched from talking about the park over to mine and my friends latest campaign, to talking about the latest centerfold in playboy, laughing to myself noticing he still wasn’t paying attention to me. 

“Daphne!”

I felt arms wrap around me picking me off the ground. “You missed the morning roundup. You know what that means. SUPER SOAK!” Geoff yelled as our friends Issac and Derrick came out of the bathroom spraying me down with their water guns. 

“Don’t you losers have anything better to do than hide in the shadows and attack an innocent bystander?”

“Poor Princess Daphne, is in distress with nobody to help her.” Derrick grinned shooting me again. Geoff flipped me over throwing me over his shoulder, carrying me towards my post. 

I didn’t even try to protest Geoff carrying me. This was a usual occurrence not only being bullied by my best friends, but also being called Princess Daphne from the video game Dragon’s Lair.

All three boys eyes lit up when the game was released, having more ammo other than Daphne from Scooby Doo to poke fun at my name. Dragon’s Lair give them an inch and they take a mile.

“Well, I wouldn't have been late if an asshole in a blue camaro wouldn't have tailgated me, making me go twenty under the speed limit. I wasn’t going to not stop and Syd’s Gas Station and get a steak and egg burrito.” I chortled.

“You left the neighborhood before any of us and you were still the one that was late.”

I rolled my eyes looking up at the boy behind us.  “Billy, these three idiots are Geoff, Issac and Derrick.” I grunted as the other two boys fell back behind Billy, still spraying me with water. 

“And if you miss morning roundup, you’ll get sprayed with a water gun.” I huffed as Geoff sat me on my feet on the stairs.

“Our girl Daphne is always late. Don’t be like her!” Issac mused as Billy pushed past us heading up the stairs.

The four of us watched silently before I cleared my throat. “I think Naldo sticking me with him is some form of punishment. I’ve known him for about fifteen minutes,” I gestured my hand up the stairs watching the blonde boy climb up the third flight.  “And I already want to fight him.”

The three boys started laughing as the park horns blew indicating the park was now opened. 

“Try not to let anyone drown.” I quipped snatching the water gun out of Issac’s hand winking at the boys before heading up to the top of the slide.

Later That Morning

“So you’re from California?” I questioned as I helped a father and his daughter into their tube. “I’ve always wanted to go there, I love the beach.” I added looking over at Billy who wasn’t paying attention to me at all. 

I rolled my eyes looking down at the duo in front of me, “You ready kiddo?” I Sang, placing my whistle in my mouth. 

She nodded as her father held on to her tightly, “3...2...1..blast off!” I yelled blowing my whistle and stepping aside as the tube started its small plummet to the swirling bowl below.

Billy and I traded places for the next set of people as I continued to make conversation with the boy who was completely uninterested  with everything I had to say.

“You’re not very nice” I finally, muttered watching as he pushed a kid in his tube down the slide, I was counting down the moments until our first rotation was over.

“I don’t have to be nice, princess. I’m just here to make money so I can leave this shit stain of a state.” He chided leaning on the railing looking down at me.

“Oh my god, you can talk!” I beamed clapping my hands.

Billy rolled his eyes as he helped another kid into a float pushing him down before he was actually prepared to slide.

  “Come on, lighten up Billy. We don’t have to be friends, but I can promise you work will be a lot more bearable if you drop the bad boy facade” I stepped down the little ledge switching place with Billy again, ignoring the kid getting into the tube behind me.

 “How about you stop acting like you know me, prin-”

“Call me Princess again and you’ll be the next one to go down this slide” I warned, cutting him as the kids snickered behind us.

“I’d listen to her, dude. I pretended I was drowning so she would give me CPR last year and sh-” I grunted snatching the float from under the boy kicking him down the slide. “I can still taste the peanut butter sandwich he had for lunch.” I complained, as the last of the queue took their place on our slides.

“You’re not very nice” He mocked suppressing a laugh, turning from me so I couldn't see him smile. I felt a warmth grow in my chest, watching the boy in front of me. I contorted my face in disgust at the feeling that smile gave me. 

“Believe me, he deserved that.” I grinned watching as Billy relaxed his posture a little. “I have to admit, you may have won me over a little with that one” 

“I’m a very likable person.” I chortled as he smirked stepping closer to me. “And you’re really pretty too”

I stepped back feeling the blood rush to my cheeks while looking at Billy like he was a complete nut Job. 

“I have watched you flirt with every single girl who has crossed your path today. It’s not going to work on me.” I stammered.

“I like it when I have to work for a girl.” He smiled devilishly making me feel even more flustered. 

If it wasn't for us being on the clock and a bunch of children surrounding us, I would have totally let him take me right then and there. But I had enough self control to know how bad of a decision that would have been. 

Never get your honey where you get your money.  I repeated the words my mother told me on my very first day of working here to myself as I tried my best not to seem completely flustered.

I cleared my throat as Isaac and Geoff approached us. 

“You two can go on break now, and then you have lazy river duties.” Issac Hummed looking between Billy and I, giving me a look that I prayed only Derrick noticed.

“Oh thank god!” I praised shoving my rescue float at Isaac. I looked over Billy, smiling at him, pretending that the last five minutes didn’t happen.

“Let’s go, Fabio. We might as well stick together if we have the same duties for the next rotation.” 

“Not a chance Princess.” He smirked as one of the many girls who flirted with him this morning shuffled up to us once we made it down the steps. “I have lunch plans already.”  He eyed the girl, Victoria, hungrily. 

What a pig.

I scrunched my nose, looking up at him. “Have fun with that.” I muttered as he took her hand, pulling her to the direction of the employee entrance. 

I turned on my heel making my way back towards the rental booth, where Maggie was still stationed. 

“How was first rotation?” Maggie questioned as I climbed over the counter and grabbing my lunch box from the cubby beneath it. 

“Billy is a complete bonehead.”

I hoisted myself up on the counter, crossing my legs under one another and putting my lunchbox in my lap. 

“He’ll fit in perfectly with the boys then.” She chuckled making me grimace at the thought of Billy being part of our group. 

 “Mags, he would one hundred percent make fun of us for playing D and D.”

“But I bet you he’s never played Drunk Dungeon and Dragons before.” she grinned.

I chuckled taking a bite out of my ham sandwich. 

“Where is Judd Nelson at any way?”

“Eating lunch with Victoria Andrews.” I snorted using finger quotes around Eating Lunch

Maggie’s face contorted up in disgust. “He went off with Hickey Vicky?”

“I asked if he wanted to eat with me but he told me he isn’t here to make friends, so I see it as a lost cause.” I spoke, cringing at how bitter that sounded after I had said it.

Maggie let out an excited gasp, slamming her hands down on the counter on either side of me. “You’re crushing on him aren't you!?” She mused leaning in and taking a bite from my sandwich.

“No! I am not. I called him a bonehead for a reason.” I sputtered, eyes growing wide knowing that Maggie, the girl I had known since I was seven years old could see right through my bullshit.

She smirked at me crossing her arms. “Getting small flutters in my stomach is not a crush Margaret.” I jeered saying her full name.

“It totally is,” she retorted. “And you’re blushing!”

I sat my sandwich on my knees as I touched my cheeks with both hands. “He’s just flirty and was trying to pull a move on me and then he went off with Victoria.”

I avoided Maggie's gaze turning my focus on the rest of my lunch.

I made towards my new station, stopping and saying hello to some of the park’s regular customers. The lazy river was probably the most boring part of the water park. 

It consisted mostly of the parents who brought their kids to the park and let them run loose, along with the occasional shithead kids who got joy out of taunting the life guards with water guns. 

I started gathering the floats that people had left at the end of the lazy river, putting them back into the bin they belonged in. 

“Hey, princess.” 

I turned looking over at Billy disapprovingly. “How was lunch?” He questioned as I grabbed another float tossing it into the bin. 

“I ate a ham sandwich, an apple and some chocolate pudding. And I sat at the rental booth with Maggie.  How was your lunch?”

A smile spread across his face as he placed his whistle in his mouth, “It was great.”

“Just so you know, Hickey-”  I closed my eyes suppressing my laugh at the nickname we all dubbed the poor girl when we were all twelve years old.  “-I mean Vicky is a little on the loony side...and is probably already planning your wedding.”

Billy grimaced, as he helped me clear the rest of the floats out. 

“You couldn’t have warned me?”

“I didn’t warn Issaac when he hooked up with her and he’s one of my best friends.” I mused, struggling to push the ben. Billy bumped his hip into mine moving me as he started pushing it without ease.  

“The lazy river is the most boring but easy duty. Beginning of rotation we clear out the tubes from the gathering pool and same with the end. And then we just sit thirty feet apart and hope nobody will drown”

Billy hummed as we walked together to the start of the lazy river.  

“So, I was an asshole this morning, and I wanted to apologize for that” Billy uttered. “I just need money and I don’t need any attachments.” 

I raised my eyebrow looking over at him. “Flirting with me this morning and hooking up with a girl on lunch break isn't an attachment?” I questioned

Billy nodded his head pushing his lower lip out. “Touche.”

“I’m just saying, if you’re going to have vehicular sex on break, you might as well at least try to be friends with some of the staff. It doesn't even have to be me,”

I brought my whistle up to my mouth blowing into it and looking over at two kids who were running. 

“Do you dweebs not know how to read?!” I yelled pointing to the NO RUNNING sign that was posted on almost every pole around the water park.

“Sorry, Miss Daphne!” One of them yelled as both boys slowed their gait. 

I turned back looking at Billy with a smile, “Derek, Issac, Maggie, and Geoff are my best friends, so if you’re friends with one of us, your friends with all of us.”

He chuckled to himself quietly. “I figured that much. And what about Tyler?”

“You mean Naldo? He’s like the mom in the group. He’s five years older than all of us. He makes sure we don’t ever get ourselves killed. Or kill each other.” 

Billy nodded. “My little sister has a friend like that. I think it’s weird but you know, it’s whatever.”

I shrugged. “He’s probably like a role model to her. My dad is an ass and I’m an only child, so having Naldo to go when I had problems was great.”

Billy nodded in agreement, “Kinda wish I had someone like that.” he muttered. “I mean, as long as you work here, you’ll have Naldo. Everyone needs a Naldo in their life.” 

“I mean, I guess you’re right.” He shrugged as we stopped in front of the steps to the lazy river. 

“I know I am.” I grinned earning a laugh from Billy.

We unloaded all the floats we gathered, Billy mostly telling me about himself, where he was from and how he was working as much as he could to go back.

Second rotation seemed to drag on after Billy and I went to our separate. I was dreaming of a cold shower after sitting out in the sweltering afternoon heat. 

I signed slumping down in my chair kicking my legs over the railing. Discreetly looking over at Billy and laughing at how un interested he was in the conversation that Victoria was trying to have with him. 

I turned my attention back to the water watching as a few people floated by me. 

Suddenly feeling cold water being poured over my head, I gasped, turning  to see who the culprit was seeing two middle school age boys laughing at me. 

I jumped off my chair hitting one of them in the back of the head with my rescue float. 

“YOU LITTLE SHITS ARE GOING TO WISH YOU HADN'T DONE THAT!” I fumed running after them and tackling them to the ground behind Billy’s lifeguard chair.

I sat on both boys hitting them both in the head with my life raft. “You twerps ever do that again you will be banned for life from this entire park!” I screamed hitting them again.

“Hey, relax.” Billy spoke lifting me off the boys, who were starting to cry as I struggled against Billy’s arms that was locked around my waist.

 “That’s right, you cry for your mommy you shit stains!” I yelled kicking my legs at them as Billy carried me away from the two boys. “Uh,” he mumbled quietly as he set me down on my feet. 

“Although that was probably the hottest things I have ever seen, but In my experience, trying to bring harm to middle schoolers will only bring harm to yourself.”

“Those two always like to pull shit with me.” I grunted as Naldo ran up to us. “Daphne would you like to tell me why the Erikson boys are crying right now?”

“Yeah, they poured water on me...again I guess hanging them up by their trunks to the light pole last year didn’t teach them anything.” I chided only to have Naldo  shake his head angrily at me.

“Daphne, this-”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s my first and last warning.” I rolled my eyes cutting him off before adding “ I’m off lifeguard duties for the season, blah blah blah.” I chided as Naldo shook his head again in disappointment. 

“I’m not that mean Daph. But I’m upset, just don’t act out so fast when they mess with you and let me handle it. Promise me you’ll come to me? That’s what the walkie talkies are for.”

I sighed in defeat, “I’m sorry, Naldo. I’ll go apologize to the boys too. And I’ll- uh sanitize the floats and snorkel gear tonight.” 

A smile grew across his face, accepting my apology“Toot it and boot it Daph,” Naldo exclaimed holding his hand out. We high fived then bumped our fists together. 

“Ok, you two can get back to your posts now.” he spoke, turning on his heal and heading back from where he came from.

“Toot it…..and boot it?” Billy questioned raising an eyebrow. 

“He makes everyone do that. So get use to it Hargrove.”

I trudged out the back gate to my car noticing the blue Camaro from this morning parked next to mine, and Billy laying back on top of the hood. “Billy?” I questioned, approaching both vehicles.

He lifted his head looking over at me as I stood beside him. 

“What are you still doing here? Everyone is gone.”

“I’m just avoiding going home,” He admitted. “Why?” I questioned throwing my bag in the back of my Jeep  then laying next to Billy on top of his car. He grunted in response to me pushing him over a little to make room for myself. 

“I just don’t want to go home.”

I could tell by the look on his face that it wasn't a subject I should push. “You want to spend the night at my place?” I offered

Billy looked over at me raising his eyebrows at me, a smirk forming on his lips. 

“Uck, You wish, Fabio. I’m just being nice. I have a pullout couch in my room.”

Billy chuckled nervously, “I guess I can take you up on the offer.”

I sat up, sliding off of his car, “Okie dokie then, I’m starving so just follow me home.” I chirped turning around and climbing into my jeep.

“Oh and by the way, You drive like an asshole.”

Billy rolled his eyes as he slid off the hood of his car. “You’re the one that goes twenty under the speed limit.”

“Yeah, well I wouldn't have if you didn’t ride my ass like you were doing.” I chortled as I started my car. 

“I’ll see you in a little bit, Fabio.”

It didn't take long for us to arrive at my house, I pulled into my driveway getting out as Billy parked his Camaro behind me

“Your parents will be okay with this?” Billy questioned as we went up the front steps of the house.

“Mom is a nurse over at Hawkins Memorial. She won’t be home until the morning,” I assured stepping into our home. “And besides, she wouldn’t care, she loves all of my friends. Maggie and the boys stay over all the time.”

“What about your dad?” Billy questioned.

“Doesn’t Live here.” I grinned dropping my bag by the door before kicking my shoes off. 

“Billy, this Tatoonie my cat. She’s an asshole and will probably either pee on your shoes or sleep on your head tonight.” I giggled as we made our way to my bedroom. 

Billy paused backing up looking at a framed photos of me and my mother hung up on the wall. 

“Santa Monica Pier.” He whispered looking over at me. 

“My mom took me there for my fifth birthday, paid for surfing lessons. We went every year until she left my dad and we couldn't afford it anymore” I frowned looking at the 8 photos of my mom and I standing happily together on the beach.

“You can surf?” Billy questioned looking over at me.

“Yeah, but I’m awful at it, if you were paying attention to what I was saying this morning you would have known that.” I crossed my arms jokingly glaring at him. 

“I’ve been saving money so I can go back and visit. It’s been a while and I really miss the ocean.” I added looking back at the pictures and some of the best memories I had with my mother. 

“I want to go back also,” Billy spoke softly not taking his eyes off of the center portrait of the Santa Monica Pier. 

“Well if you play your cards right, I might let you come with me.” I winked 

grabbing Billy’s hand pulling him away from the photos and to my room.

 He looked around taking in my room and the various posters and photos that adorned my walls.

“Make yourself at home, I’m going to shower.” I quipped grabbing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt from the mound of clean clothes sitting on top of my bed I hadn’t bothered to fold then padding into my bathroom.

I quickly washed the work day off of me, taking the time to shave the areas on my body that needed it, - you know just in case. I stepped out of the shower, pulling a t-shirt over my head and wrapping my hair up in the towel to dry it.

I went back into my room right as Cat Scratch Fever by Ted Nugent filled my room. Billy was sitting in front of my record player, thumbing through my collection of vinyls. 

“You have great taste in music.” 

I chuckled sitting next to him. “Thank you, there is a record store here in town that has a killer selection.”  

He pulled Black Sabbath's Paranoia album out of my collection placing the needle precisely at the beginning of the song Iron Man. I laid back kicking my legs up and resting them on the wall in front of me. 

Billy followed my motion laying the opposite way, placing his head next to mine.

“Hey, Princess?” 

“Call me that again and you’ll sleep outside with the family of unfriendly gophers that live in my backyard.” I grunted. 

He sighed loudly. “Daphne.” He corrected turning his head looking over at me. I hummed in response, closing my eyes, focusing on the music that was humming through the speakers.

“Thanks for letting me stay tonight. Even if we just met.” Billy whispered. I turned my head, smiling at him.

 “It’s not a problem. I figured you didn’t want to talk about why you didn’t want to go home so I didn’t press it.”

He didn’t respond, he kept his focus on me. I rolled up on my side propping myself up on my elbow, looking down at him. “But if you ever want to talk, just know I’m here. I’m a good listener.”

 Billy looked at me sitting up and pressing his lips to mine I stared wide eyed at him as he placed his hand on the side of my head, his fingers gripping some of my hair. My heart started to flutter after the shock of being kissed wore off.  

 Billy pulled away looking at me, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” He apologized. 

I tried my best to hide the shock of being kissed on my face, feeling my cheeks grow incredibly warm.

“I-I mean y-you could have -a-asked. I would've said y-yes, but that’s b-beside the p-point.” I stammered, rolling back on my back and trying to regain my composure. Normally when I was kissed, I didn't get so flustered. I was able to play it cool, but this kiss was different. 

I cleared my throat looking back over at Billy who hadn’t taken his eyes off of me. “Can I kiss you again?” Billy questioned softly, any trace of the bad boy facade completely gone. He reached over gently caressing my cheek. 

I could have melted into him right then and there without any hesitation. But playing hard to get would be more fun. I wanted to see how flustered I could make him, just like he had just done to me now and earlier on in the day.

“I’m actually really fucking hungry. Come on, Fabio lets raid the kitchen for some grub” I stood up putting my hand out to help Billy up. He took it with a smile, not even needing my counter weight to help him up. 

“...so is that a no on the kissing you thing.” Billy questioned stroking my cheek with his hand.

“Yes, that’s a no.” I chuckled lightly grabbing onto his wrist. “Let’s go, lover boy.”

I lead Billy into the kitchen. “Mom and I made meatloaf last night. We have leftovers from that ooooor,” I hummed looking in the freezer, “We have pizza, pot pies ooooor,” I sang again looking in the small cookie jar on our counter we kept our money in for take out. “We can order Chinese.”

I turned facing Billy who was leaning against the counter. “You’re the guest so you can choose” I mused.

 “Pizza is fine” 

“Done deal.” I grabbed a cheese pizza from the freezer turning on the oven so it would start to preheat. 

Turning back to the fridge I grabbed two beers, tossing one over to Billy, who continued to stare at me silently. “What’s your deal, Billy?” I questioned raising an eyebrow at him. 

“Nothing- it’s nothing. I just- it’s-” He sputtered popping the can open. I chuckled stepping around the counter and standing by him. 

“Now that we have decided on dinner, I suppose that you can kiss me. If you still want-”

Billy pressed his lips against mine cutting me off mid sentence, softly placing his hand on my cheek. I stepped closer to him, standing between his legs as his hand found its way to the back of my head, fingers knotting in my hair has he deepened the kiss.

I had never been kissed like this before, it almost felt like time came to a complete stop as our lips moved against each other. It wasn’t until the oven’s timer went off alerting us that the pizza was finished cooking that I had noticed it’d been a whole half hour that we stood in my kitchen making out.

I cleared my throat stepping back, “The Pizza is ready.”

Billy let out a small throaty laugh -- trying to hide the fact that he was just as flustered as I was. “I didn’t really peg you as that good of a kisser.” He mused earning an eye roll from me.

“Better than Hickey Vicky?” I joked winking at him as I sauntered over to the oven grabbing oven mitts and pulling the pizza out and sitting it on the stove.  

Once it was cooled, I brought the tray over to the counter Billy was at sitting it on the bar and finding a place next to him. 

“I would say you’re definitely in the top five.” 

I contorted my face in disgust. 

“I don’t know if I should take that as an insult or a compliment.” 

Billy hummed in response looking over at me, he opened his mouth then promptly shutting it opting to shove a slice of pizza in his mouth than telling me what he was thinking.  

We sat in comfortable silence eating our dinner. 

“I need to wash my uniforms, if you want to give me yours too I toss them in with my dirty laundry.” I spoke, finally breaking the silence. Billy got up and made his way back to my room emerging with soiled clothes and handing them over to me.

I threw Billy and I’s dirty uniforms in the washer pressing start before walking back out to the kitchen, smiling at him as I watched him clean up the small mess we made from dinner. 

“Ok, uniforms are in the wash, Mom will probably put them in the dryer when she gets home, So I’m going to pass out.” I nodded my head towards where my room was.

“Uh, you’re welcome to sleep on the couch out here or in my room. The latter would probably be the best option so my mother doesn't come home from work to a man-child with a mullet asleep in her living room.”

Billy chuckled following me to my room. 

“I want to thank you again, Daph, for letting me stay here.”

“Oh, it’s honestly no problem, You’re a bone head, but I enjoy your company.”

Billy plopped down on my couch pulling his shirt off over his head. I grabbed a blanket from the top shelf of my closet, unfolding it and draping it over Billy. He smiled up to me sleepily, “You’re going to steal my heart from me” He muttered as I grabbed a pillow handing it to him.

“I don’t take hearts, I break them.” I joked leaning down and pressing a small kiss on Billy’s cheek then switching off the lights in my room. 

Billy let out a soft chuckle, repeating the words I had just spoke to him. I rolled my eyes climbing onto my bed and getting under the covers.

“Goodnight, Princess.”

“Goodnight, Fabio.”

I rested my cheek on my hand watching as all the people in the park passed by the shaved ice stand I was assigned to for my shift. 

Most of the customers opted for actual ice cream or frozen lemonades over the shaved ice truck, which didn’t bother me too much, not only was I able to sit in an air conditioned trailer, but my stand was also located close to Billy’s lifeguard post.

We were about a month and a couple weeks into the season. And Billy and I had grown pretty close, especially since he stayed at my house a few times a week.  

The boys and Maggie, of course,  welcomed him into our group with open arms and he begrudgingly became the Barbarian in our DND party.

The fuzzy feelings I felt in my chest when I was around him and the fact that my mother absolutely adored him didn’t help my situation either. 

And that made me feel gross, seeing how he was always flirting with me and all the girls around him. Especially since we spent ninety percent of our lunch breaks making out in the backseat of my Jeep.

It was gross.

He was gross.

“Are you crushing on Billy?”

I rolled my eyes turning my attention to Naldo, who was leaning on the counter behind me, with a huge shit eating grin plastered across his face. “No, Tyler I’m not crushing on Billy!” I growled.

“Then where did that come from?” He questioned poking at the red mark on my neck.

“I got bit by a spider,” I lied. 

Naldo pinched the bridge of his nose shaking his head. “I know when you’re lying Daphne Louise.”

I grimaced at the use of my full name. Naldo undoubtedly making a dig at me for calling him Tyler moments before. 

“Hypothetically speaking, if I were to be crushing on Billy. And he left Hickeys on my neck even when I have repeatedly asked him over and over not to would you be angry with me?”

Naldo let out a guttural high pitched laugh startling the people who were walking by. I was almost certain Billy had heard him also, I nodded at the startled customers then looking across the way at Billy who lifted his arm up in a what the fuck kind of way. I gave him a shrug before turning back to Naldo.

“What the fuck was that!?”  I hissed as Naldo failed to regain his composure.

“I knew it!” He exclaimed, “You’ve been a lot nicer than usual.. And,” He grabbed my leg making me lose my balance falling into the counter. “You’ve been shaving your legs.”

“You’re such a weirdo.” I fumed as he dropped my leg.

“Happiness looks so good on you, Kid.” he chortled 

I smiled to myself eyeing Billy has he waved sheepishly at me. I waved back at him. Not turning back to Naldo, who started singing Billy and Daphne sittin’ in a tree. 

I finally turned to him, sighing. “Yes, I like him. Will that make you shut up?” 

Naldo looked at me, smugly. “Like I said, Happiness looks good on you. But how about you two eat lunch with all of us today instead of eating lunch in your jeep.” 

I rolled my eyes at him, “Okay, Naldo.” 

I held my fist out to him as he we did our not so secret toot it and boot it hand shake.

“I’m serious, I better see you in the food court!” He chirped as he stepped out of the shaved ice stand. I gave him a small salute before he turned and skipped away.

Our first shift felt like it lasted forever and I was hungry for some actual food instead of the ice I had been grazing on all morning. The person who came to relieve me was late, per usual, so I was late meeting up with him for our daily lunch break. 

“There’s a party everyone is going to tonight Billy, are you going?” I overheard as I made my way up to Billy and the girls that had flocked around him.

“Please, and hang around the losers that work here?” Billy quipped once I was standing behind him.

“You work here too, Hargrove, so that makes you a loser by association.” I chimed in, poking him in the back. 

Billy rolled his eyes before pushing his sunglasses back up the bridge of his nose and turning back to the girls.

“Have a good lunch break, Jackass.” I quipped grabbing the cigarette from behind his ear and placing it between my lips heading towards the burger post. 

I wasn’t even half way there before Billy caught up to me, throwing his arm around my shoulder. 

“You know I was just kidding right? About you and the others being losers?” Billy spoke, quickly obviously hiding the anxiety that he actually pissed me off in his voice.

“Sure you were, Fabio” I smirked as we reached the doors to small cafeteria. He dropped his arm  that was draped around my shoulder to open the door for me. 

“I’m serious Daph.”

I rolled my eyes rising up on my toes pressing my lips to his cheek. “Billy, I’m just fucking with you. Don’t you worry that pretty little face of yours.”

 Billy ducked down quickly kissing my nose. I beamed up at him grabbing his hand as we shuffled into the building. 

“There’s a party tonight Billy, are you going? You can crash at my place after.” Issac offered leaning back in his chair.

“Please, Issac, Billy is way too cool to be seen at an Arbor Pines party. Apparently we’re all a bunch of losers.” I quipped looking over at Billy hinting at the conversation he had had earlier with some of the girls that crowded around him at the pool during shift change. 

Billy's lips twitched up as he dug his fork into his potato salad. It was small and quick and I was almost certain that I was the only one who saw it.

“We weren’t a bunch of losers when we kicked Hawkins High’s basketball team at nationals.” Geoff smirked.

 “And you made that Tommy kid cry.” I chortled taking a bite of my hamburger.

This time Billy didn’t suppress his laugh, it bellowed out of him as he threw his head back, eyes watering. “You  were the one that made Tommy cry?” Billy asked between laughs trying to catch his breath.

“Jesus, Hargrove, in through your nose and out through your mouth.” I insisted, flinging a french fry at him. 

“Tommy H cries all the time.” Billy sputtered causing all of us to start laughing along with him.

I felt the warmth creep across my chest again, watching as Billy was generally getting along with our little group. His asshole behavior and blunt attitude fit in perfectly with the rest of our personalities. 

“When we were little, all of us were on a soccer team together, and he cried because he got beat by a team with girls on it.” I sat back rolling my eyes. 

“Back to the party, you in Hargrove? We’ll have a few kegs, different kinds of alcohol and some special baked goods. You can’t say no, It’s your girlfriend’s birthday party.” Issac coaxed, winking at Billy. 

Without a beat, Billy turned to me, eyebrows raised. “It’s your birthday?” Ignoring the fact that Issac referred to me as his girlfriend.

The look on his face was a mixture of embarrassment and panic, for either forgetting, not remembering my birthday.

“Relax, Billy, It’s tomorrow, and don’t think I ever told you my birthday.” I chuckled watching as his rigid posture became more relaxed.

He bit down on his lip trying to regain his composure.

 “If there is a keg, you can count me in.” Billy grinned.

I wiped my mouth shooting my two middle fingers up at Billy. He stood there staring at me in disbelief after I beat his keg stand time by 30 seconds. I smirked at him blowing a kiss as I placed a cigarette in my mouth. 

“It’s okay Fabio, You’re still the keg king in Hawkins” I quipped patting him on the chest. 

 “That was…..sexy.” He blurted as I passed my cigarette to him. He drew it in tilting his head up blowing the smoke in the air before passing it back to me. 

“I almost forgot! I got you something!” Billy grabbed my hand pulling me through the crowd and out to his car. 

“Billy, you didn’t have to get me anything.” I giggled as he dug through the back seat of his car. “Well you’re my best friend and the fact that I didn't know your birthday is so bad. So here you go!” He shoved a badly wrapped package into my hands smiling down at me. 

My heart fluttered at how excited he was, and how he referred to as his best friend. I tore at the paper chuckling as it revealed a half eaten bag of cherry licorice and a small stuffed animal obviously taken from the carnival games at work.

“I will cherish these for the rest of my life.” I beamed pulling Billy into a hug. He wrapped his arms around me picking me off my feet. “Thank you.” I whispered into his shoulder as he placed me back onto the ground. 

“It’s no problem, Princess.”

The night continued on with more and more people showing up for the occasion. We danced, and sang and drank the night away as everyone wished me a happy birthday. 

Half way through the party I decided to try and start sobering up so I wouldn't be completely hungover on my actual birthday.

I made myself a home on the front law where it was pretty quiet. I laid back watch the stars before Billy plopped down next to me in the grass. 

“Has anyone told you that you’re kinda scary?” He coaxed causing me to laugh. 

“How high are you right now?” He shrugged laying back looking up at the sky. 

“Only, a little,” he grinned sheepishly at me before continuing. 

“You’re one of  the sweetest people I have ever met. Your love and compassion for people-even the ones you hate is so genuine. You bring light into people’s lives, Daphne. And that scares me.”

I brought my knees up to my chest, hugging my arms around me in an attempt to keep my heart contained in one place as I looked down at the boy.

 “Why would that scare you?” I questioned him as he closed his eyes drawing in his cigarette, than offering it to me. 

I took it placing it in my mouth. 

“The last person that was a light in my life left me alone in the dark.”

I frowned watching as he was fighting whatever thoughts were crossing his mind. “I lose myself in the best possible way when you’re around,” Billy opened his eyes, looking over at me as he sat up. I bit down on my lip, looking at him. 

“I’m in love with you.” Billy spoke leaning in and pressing his lips to mine hungrily, our teeth clicking together as he knotted his fingers in my hair. 

“Do you want to go inside?” I muttered on Billy’s lips. He opened his eyes slowly looking down at me through his lashes. 

I lead Billy through the house and to the empty guest room, Maggie and I would always use when we stayed the night with Issac. I closed the door behind us, turning the lock  then looking up at Billy. 

He stepped towards me hooking his fingers into my belt loops pulling my body to his connecting our lips together. He backed me into the door as his fingers found their way to the hem of my of my shirt. He broke our kiss momentarily to pull my shirt over my head.

I rose up on my toes, to kiss him better pushing him backwards until he fell on the bed. I stepped out of my flats as Billy all but threw his boots across the room. I unzipped my shorts letting them fall to the floor as I climbed on the bed and on top of Billy connecting our lips once more.

His hands traced up my spine finding the band of my bra. “It unhooks from the front.” I chuckled 

after a small grunt came from him.  

“Why would you buy a bra that unhooks from the front?” he groaned has his fingers fumbled to get it unclasped.

“Because it was cute and on sale.” And I also got joy out of watching boys work hard to see my bare chest. I gave Billy a hand throwing my bra to the ground as he looked up and admired my topless form.

He grabbed my hips flipping us over so he was hovering over me, connecting our lips together. His hand that wasn't wrapped in my hair slowly brushed down my body, his fingers finding their way inside of me. I let out a small squeal at how cold his touch felt

. “Sorry,” He chuckled as he continued to move his fingers. 

“You could have warned me that your hands were cold.” I giggled pulling his face back to mine.

I let out a small breathy moans while Billy kissed down my jaw, slowly making his way between my legs, kissing the inside of my thighs.  He pulled my undies all the way off pressing more kisses on the inside of left my thigh before his mouth made its way to my clit.

My fingers instinctively ran through his hair knotting it in my fingers as he continued to hit all the right places with his tongue. 

It didn’t take long for the electrifying sensation I hadn’t felt in so long to take over my entire body completely. 

 “Uh.. Um..B-Billy.” I spoke softly, voice shaky, as the electric sensation slowly left my body. He hummed unbuttoning his pants with one hand while placing small kisses up my body until our lips met once more.

“You have a condom right?” I questioned as he pulled away from me frowning. 

“No, but we can still do it.” He muttered looking down at me.

 “Uh, no we can’t. No condom, no sex.”

His head dropped on my shoulder, an annoyed grunt coming from him. “Do you have one?” he whispered nuzzling his nose into my neck.

 “No,” I lied knowing that I had one hidden away in my wallet, Something my mother had always taught me, to keep one on me as a backup plan for if and when a boy tells me he didn't have one.

Billy sat up crossing his arms glaring down at me. “You’re lying.” I sat up on my elbows frowning, Billy had been around me long enough to pick up on my tiny mannerisms I subconsciously did when I told a lie. 

“I have one in my wallet, but I really don’t feel like doing it anymore.” I mumbled reaching out to touch his face. “I love you too,” I cooed, responding to his confession from earlier. 

“And I don’t want our first time together to be when we both are cross faded in someone else’s house.”

Billy finally rolled off the bed angrily buttoning his pants reaching down and grabbing his shirt. Not even looking at me. 

“Billy, I want to, but I just don’t think its the right time for us to have sex.” I apologized earning a grunt from him as he left the room leaving me alone.

I got up, getting dressed quietly trying not to let the tears that were stinging in my eyes to completely fall.

I took a deep breath and headed back out to the party, where Billy and I didn’t speak for the rest of the night.

“Good morning, my darling birthday Girl!” My mother cheered as I hoisted myself onto the counter next to where she was standing. I smiled at her leaning over dipping my finger into the blueberry muffin batter she was preparing.

“Daphne Louise, that has raw eggs in it!” She scolded as I fished out another blueberry from the mix. 

“That never stopped us from eating cookie dough while watching The Facts of Life” I giggled as my mom swatted at my hand. 

“How was the party last night?” She questioned scooping spoonfuls of the mix into the muffin tin. 

“I think Billy was trying to tell me that he loves me.” I crossed my legs under one another laughing nervously. 

My mother’s eyes lit up as she looked over at me. “Annnnnnd?” She sang.

I dipped my fingers in the batter once again grabbing another blueberry, “We almost had sex. But I stopped it and he got mad and wouldn’t talk to me for the rest of the night”

She knew I wasn’t a virgin, I hadn't been since the ninth grade when I lost it to Joseph West in the back of his Cadillac DeVille. It was way less than satisfying. I asked my mother if it was supposed to be - that bad she laughed at me and told me the first time for everyone was pretty bad. My mother and I had a very close relationship, I was able to tell her things whether she approved of them or not, and she would always offer advice to me when I had any kind of problems.

She gave me a confused look, “Why did you change your mind?” She questioned moving the batter from out of my reach quietly giving me a “tsk.” as a popped another batter covered blue berry in my mouth.

 “I don’t know, I just- want to make sure he’s in it for the right reasons.” I muttered.

“I like him, mom. I actually more than like him, I love him,” I admitted with a sigh. “And I want to protect my heart if the feelings aren’t mutual. What if he was just telling me the things I want to hear from him just so he can get me in the bed.”

My mother sighed wiping her hands down her apron.  

“Honey, that’s just something you will have to decide for yourself. I personally think he really likes you, especially with all the time you two spend together. He never seems to go home. And he stopped sleeping on your couch weeks ago.”

I grinned sheepishly at my mother, knowing that she knew that Billy and I cuddled in my bed the nights that he stayed with me.

Hell, we would even cuddle the nights we both stayed with Maggie or one of the boys.

“Your father called last night. He wants you to come over for dinner to celebrate your birthday.” 

My mother informed me changing the subject, Although we were open with each other she still preferred to not hear about my sex life.

I groaned grabbing and licking the last of the batter off of the spatula. “He’s going to be upset that I haven't applied to any schools still. He won’t even humor the idea of me taking time off of school and living,” I frowned. “I don’t even want to go to college.” I continued looking up at my mother.

My father was the complete opposite then my mother, he was harsh and cold where she was loving and accepting. When I was seven years old, my mother finally had enough of his anger and his hatred that she left with me, finding a home in Arbor Pines.

 Growing up, there was a lot of stress and expectations put on my shoulders from him, from being forced into dance classes when I had to spend the summer with him, to having to go to after school tutoring when I wasn’t meeting his standards of grades.

I finally humored him when I was in high school taking advanced classes as well as being on the cheerleader squad and that still wasn’t enough. What I didn’t tell my mother was the abuse she endured before she got the courage was now put upon me. He promised that he’d never lay a finger on me but that complete changed the older I got, and the more of a failure he found me to be.

My mother cupped my chin in her hands pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Baby girl, no matter what you do, or where you go, you will accomplish wonderful things. I couldn’t be more proud of the young lady that you have become.”

I smiled softly at her as I wrapped my arms around her body hugging her. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you too my sweet girl.”

I spent the rest of my morning eating and cleaning the kitchen with my mother and avoided going to Hawkins until I absolutely had to.

“I’ll probably hang out with Robin after dinner then come home.” I announced prancing out of the hallway to the living room where my mom was sitting. I pressed a kiss on her cheek. 

“No parties while I’m gone.” I joked as I headed out the door with a wave.

It took less than an hour to get to Hawkins from my house, it was one of my favorite drives to take, a two lane road with a vast amount of trees, on the days I had to go to Hawkins to spend with my father, I would always take the top off of my car letting the wind and smell of pine surround me as I sped down the road.

One of my biggest dreams was to be able to travel the country, looking for hidden back roads that would twist and turn. Ones that I could zoom down listening to my music as loud as it could go.

I noticed a familiar blue car parked on the side of the road and as much as I didn’t want to stop and check up on the stupid owner with his stupid amazing hair, I did any way because, I’m a nice person that was in love with a asshole.

I pulled up behind Billy honking my car horn at him. He looked up from his flat tire, wiping his forehead, before standing up and stomping towards my jeep. 

“Hiya, Princess.” Billy smirked leaning on my window. I rolled my eyes, ignoring the fact that I would never not be called princess by Billy.

“Come on, I’m heading into town. I can drop you off at the mechanic and they can bring a tow out here.” I smiled nodding to my passenger seat.

Billy took my offer, lumbering around to the passenger side climbing into my jeep. I took off once he was settled humming to myself to make up for the silence between us. 

I wasn’t sure if he remembered the night before or not, which I was really hoping it was the latter. That he didn’t remember the kiss we shared or me rejecting him after us almost having sex.

I made a right turn onto the main road that took us to Hawkins, pushing my latest mix tape into the radio pressing my foot down heavily on the gas.

“AHHH AH!! WE COME FROM THE PLACE WITH THE ICE AND SNOW,” I yelled turning the volume to Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song. 

“FROM THE MIDNIGHT SUN, WHERE THE HOT SPRINGS FLOW,” I looked over at Billy as he clung onto the grab handle above him as we zoomed down the winding roads towards town. 

“The Hammer of the Gods!” I smirked returning my attention back to the road swerving my jeep back into my lane.

“Are you sure you’re allowed to drive?” Billy questioned trying but failing to mask his genuine fear in his voice. 

I laughed easing up on the gas, “What, never been a passenger to someone who drives like you before?” I smirked eyeing the boy next to me. 

He grunted in response as I drummed my thumbs on the steering wheel. “Billy, if I wanted to kill you, vehicular manslaughter wouldn’t be my first choice.” 

I could feel his harsh stare boring into me as I brought the jeep to a stop at a light. “I’m serious. I’d poison you and then get Maggie or Issac to help me hide your body.”

Billy rolled his eyes looking away from me. “Remind me to never eat anything you ever give me.”

“You always seem to enjoy the muffins I bring to Naldo’s every morning.” I mused earning another grunt.

“Ok, what gives Hargrove, I understand you being grumpy because you got a flat tire but did Issac piss in your Cheerios this morning?”

Billy muttered something under his breath that I couldn’t quite understand. I reached over to my radio turning the volume completely down. 

“I’m sorry, what was that?” I questioned, finally pulling into the parking lot of Hawkins only mechanic.  

“If I wanted you to know what I said, Princess, I would have said it louder” Billy grunted opening the door to her car hopping out of it. I sat back in my seat, staring at him.

“Are you seriously angry at me because you didn’t get laid last night?” 

Billy let out another grunt slamming my jeep door shut. I felt my cheeks grow red from anger as I watched the boy stride away angrily. I placed my car in park getting out and chasing after him.

“You’re such a prick, you know that. Huh?” I yelled pushing his shoulder.

 “Was you telling me that you love me last night just some bullshit ploy to get into my pants?!” I jeered as he turned around staring down at me, straight faced.

“What if it was? Huh? What are you going to do Daphne?”

I squeezed my fists into tight balls digging my nails into my palms. “Nothing. I won’t do anything but be completely disappointed in myself for letting some asshole into my heart. There’s a reason I didn’t want to sleep with you and this is it.”

Billy bit down on his lip before sighing and reaching down for my hand. I stepped back crossing my arms over my chest, waiting for him to respond. 

“I’m sorry,” he began stepping towards me, and sign  of anger he had slowly leaving as his composure relaxed. “I meant everything I said to you, Daph.” 

Billy reached out stroking my cheek, “I’m an asshole..and a bonehead and anything else you want to call me.”

I rolled my eyes lightly grabbing  his wrists as his hands found their way to the back of my head.

“I love you” he muttered before closing the space between us and kissing me.

“Who lives here?” Billy asked as I pulled into a driveway of a bright blue house. Billy and I spent most of the afternoon waiting for the Camaro to be repaired. After, I followed Billy to his home where he dropped off his car and got into mine so we could go and eat.

“My father and his wife.” I growled turning to my back seat and digging through the mound of growing cloths, settling on a dress. I pulled my shirt over my head, throwing it in the back seat and replacing it with the dress. Billy just sat there staring at me wide eyed as I traded my doc martens with a pair of white flats. 

 “My father isn’t a big fan of how I dress,” I explained running my hands down the length of my dress. “He’s honestly not a big fan of anything that I do. Probably won’t like you either.” I muttered leaning over and buttoning two of his buttons. 

Billy frowned, “Your mom likes me.”

I chuckled taking my hair down from the messy ponytail it was in. “Yeah well, my dad is an asshole. So we’re not going to stay very long.” I cringed looking at the front door, dreading the monster that was behind it.

We both sauntered inside, Billy following me to my room. “Wow… it’s so…”

“Boring,” I cut him off looking around at the bare walls of my room. “I don’t stay here often, so there's no point in making it homey- especially since my dad will sell my things he doesn't like or want me to have.”

Billy frowned as I shut the door behind us. “Don’t worry we won’t be here for long. Just have to show my face because it’s my birthday.”

I rose on my toes pecking Billy’s slips making him smile.

“Wanna make out?”

I pushed his shoulder playfully as he scooped me up bridal style, pressing his lips to mine.

I could hear the rumble of my father’s car from outside my window. “Uh.. Billy,” I mumbled with a shaky voice as hummed against my neck. 

“I need you to get into my closet” 

Billy looked down at me confused as I slide from underneath him.  

“My dad is home. And you being here is something he won’t like” I dug through my bag grabbing my powder compact, patting down the area where Billy had left a hickey. I groaned at how red the mark had remained. 

“Daphne! Are you here?!”

“Baby, he can’t be that bad.” Billy spoke plodding towards me. 

I turned to him frowning “Billy, please. Just get in my closet and stay there.” I begged pushing him towards the doors. 

I turned around grabbing a book of my bookshelf climbing on my bed and laying down opening it. “DAPHNE!” my father boomed busting into my room. 

“Hiya, Daddy!”I beamed smiling up at him. 

“You didn’t show up for the first day of work at the post. We had to hire Karen Wheeler’s bimbo daughter.” My father growled.

 I closed my tattered copy of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath sitting beside me on the bed 

“Daddy, I told you I was working at Wonder Palace for the summer.” I mused only to earn a grunt of disapproval from him.

I stood up giving him a small hug before sheepishly stepping back eyeing my closet to make sure Billy could not be seen.

 “Can we please not do this right now? It’s my birthday, I came to eat dinner, not fight about my future.”

My father grabbed my arm pushing me hard against the wall. “I’m so sick of you running up and down the street with all the riff-raff you hang around.” I bit down on my lip, breathing heavily 

“You haven’t even given them a chance, dad. They aren’t as bad as you think they are.”

“I told you about these people. Smoking marijuana and drinking at that rundown amusement park isn't a job, It’s about time that you grow up Daphne. You’re 19 years old now. Did you apply to the schools like I asked?”

I looked away seeing Billy looking at me with terror in his eyes from my closet. “No, I didn’t. Mom said that I-“ his hand smacked across my face as he grabbed a hold of my face pinching my cheeks hard. 

“I don’t care what your mother has told you. You’re going to go to college. I didn’t raise a failure did I?” I averted my gaze as tears started to well up in my eyes. 

“Dad- I just graduated. I want to take time off of-” His grasp tightened around my jaw, forcing me harder into the wall.

“DID I RAISE A FAILURE DAPHNE LOUISE?” 

“No sir,”I said through gritted teeth breathing heavily. 

“You didn’t raise me at all. Mom did, and she’s proud of me. She’s proud of the person I am and who I may become in the future.” He lifted his hand to hit me once again but Billy caught him by the wrist, staring angrily at my father.

“Don’t you fucking touch her!” He bellowed pushing him away from me. I dropped to the floor finally letting the tears fall from my eyes. Billy stood in front my me guarding me from my father as he stormed back over to the both of us. 

“You’re not going to amount to anything. Just like your whore of a mother.”

I stood up balling my hands into fists, “And you’re going to die sad and alone.” I growled as Billy remained in front of me. 

“I’m not letting you near her.” He spoke harshly reaching back and placing his hand over mine, squeezing it in an attempt to show me I was safe. 

“And who are you?” Dad challenged bowing his chest up to Billy.

“My name is Billy Hargrove, and I’m in love with your daughter. We work together at Wonder Palace.”

My father squeezed his eyes shut in frustration, a huge knot growing in the pit of my stomach. Billy squeezed my hand again as I stepped up to stand by his side rather than behind him. 

“Really, Daphne? You bring this trash into my house when you know better not to? You let him do this shit to you?” My father pushed Billy roughly away making him fall into my small vanity grabbing my chin, hard, pushing my face away from him so he could get a better look at the marks Billy had left on my neck.

“You’re disgusting.” He barked squeezing my cheeks as Bill pushed him off of me winding back to punch my father in the face. “Hey,” I spoke softly grabbing on to Billy’s arm. 

“Let’s just go.”

Billy looked between my father and I before giving me a small nod. I turned to my dad. “I’m never coming back here again.” I declared as Billy grabbed my hand pulling me out of my room and to the front door, my father not even protesting us leaving.

 I grabbed the keys out of the pocket of my dress. Pushing them into the ignition reeving my car to life and pulling out of the driveway.

“Daph, please pull over let me drive.” 

I Ignored him, pushing my foot down harder on the gas pedal as we zoomed down the street. “Daphne,” Billy reached over caressing my cheek with the back of his hand. I let out a shaky sigh as I pulled over on the side of the road, resting my head on the steering wheel, finally letting out a sob. 

“Daphne,” Billy repeated as he started rubbing my back. 

“My father treats me the same way.” Billy whispered. My head shot up looking over at him. 

“That’s why you never want to go home, isn't it? It’s where, all of your bruises come from?” I wiped my nose with the back of my hand as Billy slumped back in the seat. 

“Yeah. My dad expects a lot from me, and no matter what I do, it’s not good enough.”

“What about your mom?” I questioned. 

“She left when I was young, and she didn't take me with her. But if she did, I'm pretty sure I would have ended up just like you.”

“Cute with a bad attitude? Oh wait…” I joked winking at him. 

“I’m serious,Daphne.”

“Are you going to be ok?” Billy questioned he as pulled into his driveway.

“I have a friend that works at Star Court, I’m going to go and visit her.” I leaned over pressing a kiss to Billy’s cheek. 

“Thank you for today.” I continued as he turned looking at me, placing a small kiss on my nose. 

“Anytime Princess.” Billy climbed out of my Jeep and striding over to the passenger side, opening my door for me. I slid out of my seat, Billy placing his hands on either side of my hips.

“Can I come over tonight?” He murmured leaning down and pressing his lips to my neck. 

“There’s a slice of ice cream cake with your name on it.” I gasped as I felt his teeth lightly graze my neck.

“Uck, can’t you slobber over your girls somewhere else?” 

Billy grunted resting his head on my shoulder as I looked over at the small redhead standing in front of us. 

“You’re Max!” I beamed pushing Billy away from me and stepping towards her. Billy made another grunt of disapproval as I stuck my hand out to his little sister.

“I’m Daphne, Billy’s girlfriend.” I chirped as she reluctantly shook my hand. 

“Max.” 

I looked down noticing the skateboard she held in her hand. 

“I have the same one but mine is blue. Me and my friends always hit the skate park in Arbor Pines when we have time. Next time you should tag along, you can spend the night if you want to!” 

Max looked between Billy and I lifting an eyebrow. “He wouldn’t be invited if that’s what you’re worried about.” I chuckled as Billy slumped against my Jeep. I turned and looked at him angrily. 

“Don’t be rude William.” I smirked earning a laugh from Max as I turned back to her. 

“I’m serious, I don’t have any younger siblings. I am always game for a skateboarding session and a sleep over!”

Max gave me a huge smile before trying to shrug off her obvious excitement. 

“Sounds like fun,” She looked over from me to Billy, who was still throwing a fit that I was talking to his little sister.  “Try not to be a jackass and mess things up. I like her.” She quipped before excusing herself and going inside.

“Daphne, why?” Billy groaned as I turned to face him. 

 “Because if we’re going to be together, I want to try and have a relationship with your family- the ones that matter any way. Did you see how I instantly won her approval because I acknowledged her existence?”

He huffed crossing his arms. 

“Stop being such a grump. Or I’ll make you sleep on the couch tonight.”

Billy sighed in defeat. “Fine. Thank you for caring…..about my little sister.” He spoke through gritted teeth, faking a smile.

I skipped into Scoops Ahoy leaning on the counter as a string of cuss words came from the back room. I hit the bell a few times before a boy with fluffy hair strode out. 

“Ahoy there! Are you ready to be a passenger on the SS Butterscotch? Let me help you and your taste buds to set sail! I’m Steve Harrington.” He exclaimed  running his fingers in his hair smiling at me. 

I lifted an eyebrow at him as Robin opened up the back window to watch the boy fail miserably at flirting with me. 

“This is what you left us for, Buckley?”  Her eyes lit up as she ran out to the front of the store pulling me into a huge hug.

“What are you doing here Daphne!?” 

“I had to come to Hawkins to visit my father for my birthday.” I mumbled with an eye roll. 

Robin cringed contorting her face up in disgust.  “And how did that go?” She questioned as I leaned back on the wall next to the counter. 

“The usual, him being an asshole and hitting me. But my boyfriend came between him and I and my dad kicked us out.”

Robin knew most of what happened at my father’s house, after things got bad and I wasn’t able to go back home to my mother, I would find solace and safety at the Buckley household. Away from my father and whatever he had been drinking that night.

An exasperated sigh came from the boy, Steve standing behind the counter. I turned to him giving a confused look. 

“You okay over there?” I questioned making him wince a little.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by that- it’s just of course you have a boyfriend, you’re too pretty not to have one.” 

I laughed at Steve as he awkwardly averted his gaze from mine. “Thank You. You’re very pretty also.” I complemented. 

“I’m Daphne Collins.”  I added offering my hand to the boy for him to shake. He gladly shook my hand reintroducing himself as Robin took me to the back room for us to hang out.

We spent the rest of the day catching up and hanging out until it was time for her to help Steve start closing the store. 

“I love you, Buckley.” I beamed giving the girl a hug before telling her and steve goodbye.

I wandered to the food court noticing a familiar tall blonde haired boy standing incredibly close to a tiny brunette, smiling down at her as he rubbed his hand against her cheek. I marched up behind him tapping him on the back of his shoulder. He grunted turning around

 “I told you to go away Max!” the color in his face completely drained as he looked down at me. 

“Billy who is this?” The girl spoke peeking from behind him as he stood there stifled 

“Yeah Billy, who am I?” I crossed my arms as he regained his composure.

 “She’s just one of the losers I work with. Are you stalking me?”

I didn't even resist punching him in the face, the blow threw him off balance. He turned looking at me holding his cheek in surprised. “You’re an asshole.” I seethed through gritted teeth. I looked at the girl still standing behind him.

 “He’s not worth the heartbreak.”

I turned around seeing that most of the food court had their attention on us. 

“The Show is over, assholes!” I yelled. Before making my way back to the parking lot and to my car.

Billy pointed his rescue float at me before bringing it to his mouth, using it as a makeshift microphone. 

“TOO RA LOO RA TOO RA LOO RA AYE.” Billy sang as he started dancing like a complete dork running into a few people in the process. I stared at him as he started using his float as an air guitar. 

 “COME ON EILEEN, OH I SWEAR WHAT HE MEANS, AT THIS MOMENT YOU MEAN EVERYTHING!”

I rolled my eyes pushing my sunglasses up my nose as Billy made his way dancing towards me and the skeeball carnival game I was in charge of. 

“You know you’re making a complete ass out of yourself in front of the entire park.” I scoffed crossing my arms. 

Billy shimmied pointing his rescue float at me once again as he kept singing along to the rest of the song. 

“Come on, Princess, you can’t stay mad at me forever.”

“You tell me that you love me, twice might I add, and then you turn around and you flirt with any girl that looks your way. Do I only exist to you when you’re not in Hawkins?” I sneered crossing my arms.

Billy frowned dropping his arms to his sides. “Come on Daph, it’s not like that- It’s just,” He paused, thinking of a way to say what he wanted without pissing me off more. 

“You have an image to keep in Hawkins and if you’re seen with the weird stoner chick who likes girls as well as boys people will think less of you.” I blurted leaning back on my stool.

“Life isn’t a popularity contest Billy. If you really loved me than you wouldn’t actually care what people think. And that’s the difference between us, I don’t have to put on this front to get people to like me.”  I sneered as Geoff strolled by doing a double take at both Billy and I.

“Everything ok, Daph?” He questioned looking between us.

 “Do you mind covering for me? I don’t feel very good.” Geoff nodded eyeing Billy skeptically as I grabbed my things and made my way towards the front office.

The knot in my stomach only growing bigger, the more I thought about the past few days I had shared with Billy.

I stepped into Naldo’s office not even bothering to knock, making my way over to and sitting on the sofa he kept in the tiny room.

 “What’s on your mind, Kid?” He questioned, turning his chair around and facing me. 

“Have you ever been in love?”

Naldo smiled softly at me, out of our group of friends, him and I were the closest. He genuinely thought of me as his little sister and was probably the closest thing to a loving father figure I had.

“Hargrove, eh?”  He stood up, taking a few steps over to the couch sitting next to me. 

“I hate myself for feeling this way. I hate it, Naldo. It seems like every time me and him get close, he finds a way to mess things up. Is it me? Am I the issue here?”

I was never the type of girl to question why I got treated badly by who I dated, I would normally end things with the person and move on. But with Billy it was completely different. With Billy, it wasn’t just an infatuation that would only last for the summer. With Billy, I could easily see us together, with a family.

Before him, the only future I saw was me traveling alone finding a beach somewhere to call my home. But now, I wanted the same kind of future but I couldn’t picture it without him. And I hated that.

I hated how I let this complete mess of a boy blow through my entire being like a natural disaster, leaving a permanent imprint in his wake.

“Sometimes, people do really stupid things because they don’t know how to react to the way the person who they love, makes them feel. But Daph, I promise you, by the way Billy just looks at you, He’s in love.”

I frowned looking up from my hands at him, “what do you mean by that?” I questioned. 

Naldo gave me a half smile. “When you’re not looking he looks at you like you’re his entire world.”

“Toot it and boot it.” Naldo mused as I pulled him into a hug. 

I chuckled rubbing my nose on his shirt. He grimaced looking at the snot and tear stain on his shirt. “I love you, Daph.”

“I love you too, Naldo.”

“Daph, your bonehead is here!” My mom called as I stumbled out of the kitchen seeing Billy standing in the foyer next to her. 

“I do not claim ownership to this bonehead you speak of.”

I grunted putting my hands on my hips. 

“Can we talk? Please?” He begged, biting down on his lip, a noticeable bruise forming below his eye. 

“Please tell me you ran into a wall and Geoff didn’t punch you in the face” I grumbled stepping up to him and taking his face in my hands, examining his eye.

 I looked over at my mother who was still standing next to us. Eyeing me with a smile. “Billy will probably stay for dinner, so grab something extra.” I sighed reaching down and grabbing his hand.

Okay, Fabio. Let’s go.” I spoke pulling him to the kitchen as my mom called out her departure to the store. I sat Billy down sauntering over to our refrigerator grabbing a bag of peas wrapping it in a dish towel and handing it to him.  

I grabbed his chin examining the dark purple that had formed around his entire left eye. 

“I don’t think Geoff, Issac or Derek likes me very much.” He muttered earning a laugh from me.

 “They get protective. We all do. All for one and one for all y’know.” 

“I’m sorry,” Billy spoke sitting back in his chair as I took my place on one of the bar stools across from him. 

“I just, I don’t know how to react to these feelings I have. It’s new and scary, and nobody has made me feel like you do.” He blurted averting his gaze from me.

“You being in love with me is no excuse for being an asshole. You can’t just treat me one way and then the next you laugh at me telling people I’m the weirdo you work with.”

He frowned chewing on the bottom of his lip. “I don’t want to lose you.”

“Billy, you are an asshole. But you’re very lucky that I love you and that Naldo talked me into giving you another chance.”

A smile spread across his face as he stood up. “Really?”

He stepped towards me, sitting the bag of peas on the counter next to me before grabbing my face and pulling it to his. I pulled back shaking my head. 

“You’re still in trouble, Fabio. You’re not winning me back that easily.”

He groaned dramatically placing his head on my shoulder.

“You’re an asshole.” I repeated making him look at me. I rubbed my thumb over the bruise that started forming under his eye. 

“I’m going to make you wait until the end of summer,” I started as he closed his eyes from my touch. 

“No making out on lunch, or cuddling in my bed. You can still spend the night, I’m not going to make you stay with your father. We’re friends. Just Friends. Until I say so.”

Billy looked down at me, tears brimming his eyes. “But you promise, that eventually you and I will have a future?” he questioned making me nod.

“I’m not ready to give you another chance as a boyfriend, Billy. But I do love you. I really really love you, so yes we will eventually have a future.”

Billy rested his head against mine. “For you, Daph, I’m willing to wait.”

The remaining months of summer flew by in a complete blur. Billy spent most nights over at my house or he stayed with one of the boy’s house floating around until he eventually stopped going back home all together.

The two of us fell into a comfortable routine of being together but not officially together. I was still withholding myself from him with only a few slip ups when the sexual tension between us got to be too much.

We’d lay in a mess of blankets and tangled limbs on those days, seemingly not letting each other go as we held onto one another. Eventually, I didn’t even bother protesting him sleeping in my bed with me. My absolute favorite time of the day was right before Billy woke up in the mornings.

He was so completely ...Soft when he was sleeping. And I completely loved it. His unruly blonde curls poking out of the quit we were under. Every morning he’d wake up, cuddling into my side. He’d mumble a good morning and a I love you before falling asleep again. 

I was completely head over heels in love with this boy and had him wrapped around my finger. And the best part about it was that he didn’t care what people thought about him anymore. Spending the five summer months with me and my group of friends changed him for the better.

He had a group of guys that befriended him because they wanted to and not because they had something to gain in their social status. 

He was loved and then in return learned how to love and let people in again. He finally had a family who accepted him, flaws and all.

I woke up next to Maggie, who was sprawled out on my bed, leaving little room for me to actually be comfortable. 

We had an end of summer slumber party with Max and her friend El, both girls passed out on my pull out couch. 

Max almost instantly took to me after our first meeting, when she wasn’t with her group of friends she was hanging out with me and Maggie. Sometimes all of her friends would pile into my truck, much to Billy’s dismay as we hauled the load of children to Naldo’s Palace. 

The kids would spend the duration of mine and Billy’s shift running around the park, or they’d be picked up by Steve and taken back home.

“When did you get here?” I questioned hugging Billy from behind. He turned his head slightly peeking down at me.

 “Right before your mom left for work. She told me that everyone was still asleep so I didn’t go into our room.”

“Our room?” 

“Your room.” He chuckled correcting himself. 

“It can be our room, if you want it to be. Y’know, stop bouncing between mine and the boy’s houses. Move here permanently?” I offered as he turned from the stove and the breakfast he was attempting to cook to pulling me into his arms.

“Moving in with you? That sounds so official.” He beamed leaning into me pressing a kiss to my lips.

I smiled into the kiss, “Guess that makes us official.”

“Have you seen Billy?” I asked Maggie as I took a look around to see if I could find him.

 “I went to the bathroom and then ended up talking to Victoria Andrews for twenty minutes.”

Maggie nodded her head up to the top of The Serpent where I could see my boy. Smoking a cigarette.  

“Why is he up there?”

Maggie shrugged, “I don’t know, but he mentioned if I ran into you to tell you to go up there.”

“...Okay?” I muttered reaching down grabbing two beers. 

“Thanks Mags.” I beamed as I made my way to The Serpent.

Once I finally made it to the top, I sat next to Billy swinging my legs over the railing watching as the party boomed below. 

“Whatcha doing up here?” I questioned handing him the can of beer I had grabbed for him..

“Just thinking.” Billy placed his arm around my shoulder pulling me closer to him, I instinctively leaned into him as he pressed a kiss to my head.

“About what?” I questioned reaching up to his hand that was around my shoulder, and intertwining our fingers.

 “What I wanted out of life eight months ago compared to now.”

I gave him a confused look, waiting for him to continue whatever he was thinking about. “Eight months ago, my only plans were to work my ass off and save every penny I made so I could move back to California.Back to my home.”

I felt a tinge of pain pierced through my heart, I had the same plans for myself, but they fell through after we expectancy lost Tyler in a car accident that involved his car being hit by a drunk driver. 

All of us were completely devastated at the lost of our pseudo big brother and one of our closest friends.

I just assumed that after Wonder Palace closed for the season that Billy still had plans to leave and go back to California, even when I made it clear I was staying in Arbor Pines. 

After Tyler passed, we learned that he had left the entire theme park to the five of us, and of course we almost instantly took the offer to make sure that Naldo’s spirit lived on in his theme park he had loved so much.

“But now?” 

He smiled looking away from me, as some of his curls fell into his eyes. Billy took his arm from around me stuffing his hand in the pocket of his jacket pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it exposing a beautiful diamond ring. 

“Now, my home is here with you. And I can’t picturing being anywhere else but where I am right now. I love you, Daphne, and I know we both are young but when you know, you know. Will you marry me?”

I could feel a fire spread inside of me. The butterflies that had made a home in my stomach from the moment I had met the boy in front of me trying  to burst out of my body. 

I looked down at the box Billy held- his hand trembling waiting for me to answer the question he had just asked. I looked up at him giving a soft smile.

 “I thought you wanted no attachments working here.” I joked earning an eye roll from him, completely killing the serious mood Billy had tried to set. 

“I didn’t plan on having any attachments, until I fell in love with an absolute pain in my ass. Now answer the question before I change my mind.” 

“Well at least I a cute pain in the ass.” I fell into a fit of giggles as Billy glared down at me, waiting for me to answer the question he already knew the answer to. 

“Of course I’ll marry you, Billy.” I finally replied feeling my cheeks grow warm as a smile spread across his face. Billy slipped the small ring on my finger placing a kiss on my hand  before pressing his lips to mine. 

“Where did you get this, B? It’s beautiful.” I lifted my hand up looking at my engagement ring, wiggling my fingers out in front of me. 

“I used all of my graduation money from my relatives I have never met and all the money I have saved from working here.” 

Billy placed his arm back around me, as we fell into the same comfortable position we sat in when we were together. We sat up in the tower of the slide where we shared our first shift together until we decided to go to rejoin the party that was growing below.

“Daph, did you say yes!?” Issac beamed as everyone ran up to us. 

“They knew?!” I sputtered turning to look at Billy with wide eyes. “You actually told these idiots you were proposing and trusted them to keep it a secret from me?”

“Of course I told them, Daph. They’re our best friends. I needed their approval.” Billy chuckled pulling me into his side.

 “Wait, So you’re staying here?” I questioned making Billy nod.

“I just told you that I spent all of the money I saved for Cali on your ring. And I just proposed to you so why the hell would I go back to Cali when you and our friends live here?” Billy snorted

“I mean, I guess you're right.” I admitted, slightly embarrassed at the stupid question I had just asked.

“I’ve learned that home isn’t just a place, it’s also the people you surround yourself with. Home for me isn’t in Cali anymore. It’s right here with all of you, right here with the absolute love of my life.” Billy spoke, a small smile growing on his face as Maggie and the boys attacked both of us in a group hug.

Billy was completely right, home wasn't just a place, it was the people that you surround yourself with, the ones that when you felt completely alone, they would be there to catch you when you were falling and remind you that you weren’t alone.

And with us, Billy never had to worry about feeling alone again. He had us, and we had him. And all of us had Reynolds’ Wonder Palace.

[esoanem]

II.

“That’s all I want – to walk away from the sea and find some peace”

Major Content Notes:

Blood: Singleton’s bloody body is seen

Disfigurement: there is a brief shot of a severely disfigured man in the dark, seemingly from tertiary syphilis. It’s played for a jump scare

Wikipedia Synopsis

After Captain Flint reveals Singleton as the thief in front of his crew, he has Gates convince Billy, who knows the truth about his captain, that this is for the good of the crew. Meanwhile, Silver and Max are forced to hide in the brothel when they put themselves in danger as Captain Vane and his partners, Jack Rackham and Anne Bonny, are determined to get a hold of the missing page in the hunt for the Spanish galleon, Urca de Lima. Also, Eleanor is given an ultimatum by Max and has to decide between wealth or love.

So, the last episode put all the pieces on the board, and this episode sets them into motion so let’s dive into it. As before, below the cut are the timestamps of any scenes requiring any of the major content notes, and then the summary 

Timestamps:

All timestamps are from the “Complete Collection” DVDs which includes a Starz logo at the start, as well as a recap. Depending on your source, timestamps may vary a little, which is why I’ve included the timestamp for the opening titles. Timestamps are only given for the start and end of scenes featuring any particularly warning-worthy content

00:57: opening titles

05:57-07:50: Singleton’s bloody body is seen, two pirates urinate on the body

37:14-44:04: a hooded man is turned around, revealing his severely disfigured face, likely as a result of tertiary syphilis. It is a brief shot (42:37-42:40 ), in low light, and is used as a jump scare

Summary:

Eleanor wakes up next to Max. She knows the Scarborough arrived yesterday, but not about the attempted arrest of her father. She goes to the balcony and wonders aloud if the arrival of the Scarborough means the end of their way of life, that the military will return and close down trade, installing her father as governor. Max suggests that that wouldn’t be so bad, that Eleanor could buy the brothel, and they could run it together, as well as commenting that soon she won’t need to worry what Mr Noonan (the proprietor) thinks. Mr Scott calls Eleanor down, but, as she goes to get dressed, Max calls her back to be instead

The crew on the Walrus are already celebrating as if they’d captured the Urca de Lima, as Dufresne tries to persuade them not to spend money they haven’t yet earned. Billy is still in shock, and shows Gates the blank page, wondering if he did the right thing as Flint calls them into the cabin. Randall unnerves Silver by commenting to him in particular that “we don’t like thieves. You shouldn’t steal. That’s what happens”, glancing back to Singleton’s bloody body which is propped against a beam having been pelted with vegetable scraps. As two pirates go to his body to piss on it, Randall reiterates that “you mustn’t steal”. One of the pirates next to Randall (below middle) defends him saying Singleton wasn’t a thief and starts to get up to stop the two pissing on Singleton, when his friend (below right) warns him not to do anything now

Flint tells Billy & Gates that he knows the schedule is still around, because of the feather, proving someone had come back to read the log and work out what it was they actually had, and therefore, somebody on the ship at that moment is the thief. Gates points out that none of their men would have known to look for the schedule, and as he starts saying that the men from the prize were all searched he realises that Silver wasn’t, and that being found in the armoury standing over a dead body he claimed was a suicide is quite suspicious

They leave the cabin to get hold of Silver, but move slowly to avoid arousing the suspicions of the rest of the crew, but Silver, already on edge tries to disembark onto a longboat. He’s informed by Dufresne that they disembark by seniority, at which point, wanting to avoid capture, he jumps off the boat with a big belly flop, before swimming to the longboat which he is helped into. The crew laugh that he “must really want to get laid”

Mr Scott tuts at Eleanor for coming down late. As she comes down, she pays the Madame for Max and notices her cleaning up bruises on one of the prostitutes. She’s told it was the crew of the Ranger (Charles Vane’s ship) & that Mr Noonan won’t do anything because they paid well. Mr Scott also tells Eleanor it was a bad decision to punch Vane, that it accomplished nothing, and that she can no longer afford to provoke his temper

“Eleanor, you can never forget who these men are. They are not our friends, they are not our subjects, they want your father’s business, that is the only reason we do not find their knives at our throats”

Rackham gets 5000 pesos in pearls to buy the schedule, leaving the Ranger with little in the way of reserves. Vane walks in with Anne and tries to dissuade Jack, pointing out that he has no proof the page is genuine, and for such a big price, the seller has every reason to lie. Jack says that the crew will be unlikely to see Vane’s side, as he hasn’t been able to present an opportunity to them for some time, since his falling out with Eleanor

Silver comes ashore and, seeing Flint, Gates, & Billy close behind in another longboat asks several people on the beach for directions, all to different places. When Gates lands and asks where Silver went, they all give different answers

Max is giving a client a handjob. He wants to have sex, but Eleanor pays for Max to only sleep with her. Just as he’s about to cum, Silver bursts in, and refuses to leave, leading the customer storming off. When he tells Max that Flint is on to him she worries that he will soon come after her, saying “when a man is being fucked, he wants to know whose cock is in him”. They decide they need to do the deal immediately, and sail for Port Royal that night although he wonders if there is something else keeping Max in Nassau

A new captain (James Bridge of the Demeter) has arrived at Eleanor’s warehouse, and he is disappointed to be met by a woman rather than Richard Guthrie. When she tells him she’s his daughter, he dismisses both her and Mr Scott making a racist remark. Eleanor blows past it, explaining her terms. Not liking that she’d take 50%, he walks away only to be met by Charles Vane who strongly implies that, if he doesn’t accept her terms, he (Vane) will steal the Demeter’s cargo and sell it to Eleanor anyway. When Bridge finds out who Vane is, he agrees to Eleanor’s terms. making another racist remark about Mr Scott

Vane and Eleanor get down to business in her office. He sits hunched, spinning a coin anxiously, his body language is completely different from every other time we’ve seen him. He nervously asks for her to start giving him information on potential prizes again, saying he believes her decision not to give him such information is personal, but that things are better when they’re on the same side. Eleanor rails against him for the poor discipline of his crew, saying that they cause twice as much damage as they bring in, and as he encourages it, he’s a poor investment, and that he has just last night interfered with her own plans killing one of Flint’s crew to try and depose him

"From where I sit, you coming in here means one of two things: either you’re under the illusion that with Flint gone I have no choice but to give you what you want, or you think that because you and I used to fuck, you can cross me without any consequences. I’m not sure which of the two is more stupid”

As he leaves, Eleanor walks out into the tavern as Flint arrives, still captain, shocking Vane

Billy finds Gates watching Frasier, the appraiser (below left), trying to explain to would-be forger (below right) why his forgery is worthless. He points out that if Silver sells he’ll need to pay to get off the island and, not wanting to arouse suspicions, will need the money to be easily portable e.g. in jewels like pearls, rathe than gold, and so, the appraiser will be called for. Billy wonders if Flint is going too far, and tells Gates what he said about needing a king

The appraiser gets called away to the brothel, and Billy & Gates see him enter a room guarded by Anne Bonny. He inspects the pearls whilst Silver watches from Idelle’s room next door through a peephole 

Flint tells Eleanor about her father’s attempted arrest and, when she & Mr Scott are extremely concerned about their future (this likely meaning they won’t be able to sell their goods), he begins “let me tell you a story, about a Spaniard named Vasquez”

As Frasier seals the pouch of pearls, and the exchange is fixed at the wrecks after sundown, Vane bursts in, having now heard the story that Singleton stole the page and is now dead. He recognises Max as Eleanor’s new girlfriend, and aggressively accuses her of lying. As Max protests that Singleton isn’t the seller he shoves her against the wall. Silver, still watching asks Idelle (below left) for a weapon, suggesting several items that might be improvised as one, and is surprised when she just hands him a machete

Jack realises that she isn’t lying, Flint is

“She isn’t lying Charles, Flint is. He lost the page.

So what does he do?

He bluffs.

He makes Singleton the thief, and kills him to prevent counterargument, putting a tidy end to his mutiny in the process, and hopes he can recover it before anyone’s the wiser.

What is it Charles? Are we to believe that Singleton, whilst conspiring with you to depose Flint was using this whore to try and bilk your crew out of its money?

Say what you want about Singleton, but he was neither that clever nor that dumb.”

Vane still doesn’t believe Max and lifts her off her feet by her neck. As he does so, Max tries to signal to Silver, but Jack spots this, sneaks up to the peephole and stabs it. He runs round to the next door room which is now empty, but returns with a few drops of blood on his knife saying that, unless Singleton has risen from the grave to eavesdrop, this proves she wasn’t lying about Singleton not being the seller. Vane tells Max that if she’s lying she’ll answer to him, then storms off, leaving her gasping for breath on the floor

Flint has finished telling Eleanor & Mr Scott his story. When he dismisses her concerns about how heavily armed the ship is - a floating castle - she asks, why does he need her help, why not just take the money and run?

“What’s coming our way can’t be outrun, but with the money I strip from the hull, we could add 50 guns to the fort, build ships to defend our shores and train new men to sail them, work the land, grow crops, and raise cattle. Then whoever arrives on our shores first, be it England or Spain will be in for a most unwelcome surprise - a nation of thieves”

Mr Scott laughs at this

“If there’s to be a war, that would be Whitehall’s choice. I’d settle for a pardon, title on lands, and a governor that I could trust, and so would most of the men out there. They’re not animals, Mr Scott; they’re men starved of hope. Give that back to them, who’s to say what could happen”

And Eleanor asks why do this, and why in Nassau to which Flint responds

“Odysseus, on this journey home to Ithaca was visited by a ghost. The ghost tells him that once he reaches his home, once he slays all his enemies, and sets his house in order, he must do one last thing before he can rest. The ghost tells him to pick up an oar, and walk inland, and keep walking until somebody mistakes that oar for a shovel. For that would be the place that no man had ever been troubled by the sea. And that’s where he’d find peace. In the end that’s all I want – to walk away from the sea and find some peace”

Then Gates comes in, tells them they know where Silver is, and that he’s selling through a prostitute. At this, Eleanor seems concerned, presumably for Max

Eleanor goes to the brothel, finding Idelle putting ointment on Max’s injuries as Mr Noon (above centre) complains that “she nearly got herself killed by captain Vane”. Once alone, Max lets Eleanor know she’s about to make a lot of money, but Eleanor interrupts, demanding the schedule. They fight about it, Eleanor calls Nassau “all I have” (which Max takes great offence to, saying she loves her, and that “this place, it is just sand, it cannot love you back”. Gates, Flint, & Billy open the door, and Max realises she has little choice

“I want her to say it. I want her to say that she would sit there and watch as you beat the answer out of me to save this place”

Eleanor stands wordlessly, until Max tells them where the exchange will happen (the wrecks after sundown) and is left alone, crying & betrayed

Jack & vane are on the rocks near the wrecks. It is dark and they’re carrying a torch. We see several fires and, whilst Jack seems afraid, he tells us “there’s nothing in there but opium addicts, lunatics, and men who thought themselves too good to wear a condom” (condoms having become popular in the 18th century)

Silver hides among the rocks, but sends one of the men to Vane for the pearls. Vane shouts for Silver to come out and, when he doesn’t, kills the messenger, again shouting for Silver to come out. Silver sends another man out, who briefly glances at the dead body, before asking for the pearls. At this point, Billy drops down in the distance and shoots at Silver who runs off

Billy chases after Silver, as Jack & Vane try to find him, and Flint moves to cut him off. By hiding in a hollow, Silver escapes Billy and emerges by one of the fires. Putting on a blanket to blend in with the men around it (who appear to be in a stupor), takes the page out to read it, and commits it to memory.

Jack sneaks up to one of the fires and turns one of the men in blankets round. Instead of Silver, it is a severely disfigured man, apparently suffering from tertiary syphilis. This is treated as a jump scare and, as Jack stumbles back, he falls into the water, scattering the pearls, before we see him come back up for air

Flint catches Silver, who reveals that he burnt the page after memorising it, and so Flint cannot hurt him. Meanwhile Vane realises he’s lost him and gives up the chase

Max has decided to leave and, though Idelle tries to persuade her that with Mr Noonan & Eleanor’s men on guard Vane can’t hurt her. Max agrees, but says she still needs to go and, with Idelle distracting them, sneaks out, but is spotted by Anne who follows her

Billy & Gates bring Silver into Eleanor’s tavern where they keep him, with them watching guard, against Mr Scott’s disapproval

We a celebration on the beach. Men are dancing around a fire, there is music, and people stripping off to have sex in the water. Flint rides away inland, to a cottage, where a respectably dressed woman, Mrs Barlow (below) playing a harpsichord welcomes him, she tells him to take off his boots and that she’ll boil some water as he collapses against the door exhausted

[alias-b]

A/N: Just for the anon who requested a blurb of some Hopper/OC where Jim takes care of a diabetic gal when she goes into hypoglycemia. Frankly, I don’t have the details of this fic ironed out. A LOT is up in the air bc I’m changing everything I had written so let’s just pretend my OC, Lucy, is filling in for Flo bc she has some family thing to tend to for a couple months. This is a taste of them I guess? Fluff and pining? Pancreases suck. Billy/Camille is still my focus! But, this drabble was fun! Also, the first time Jim/Lucy is seeing the light of day. Thanks, anon! XOXO

Signals

   Jim hated her dress.

  Too bold for the morning especially when he was nursing a headache at daylight. Candy apple red like something from the Fourth of July Fair. Dash of citrus orange. Mouths watered for a bite. Tacky print that was vaguely tropical and sketched onto fabric. Loud against all the khakis and blues dancing around her.

  Lucy enjoyed vibrant garments for someone who said very little. Some would say shy until you got her talking. Took months of careful banter to get her joking with the boys. But, the clothes fooled you.

   They made for good conversation when El visited the station once. Not like there was a dress code for the secretary, she was always put together. Colorful and saccharine through all four seasons.

  Today, the fans blew her skirts and perfume all about. Filled the station air with her. Jim readied to drop a file on her desk and caught lashes fluttering up to see his eyes. Hair blown out perfectly against a little desk fan for a look that was pure Hollywood. She stood out under dull lighting, skin bronzed and glittering brown eyes you could sink in.

  And how he resisted.

  “Something for me, Chief?” It wasn’t until a manicured hand tugged at the papers that he realized he’d been hovering there like an idiot for a good minute. “I’ll file it. Still waiting on Callahan’s report.” She tucked her hair, oblivious, and stood to turn to the row of cabinets. Bending over to organize it properly away in the correct place.

  Everything was just so. Neat. Straight as an arrow. Often she stilled to put items in their correct places. Straightening pens an inch apart exactly or adjusting supplies upright. Like she was forcing a messy world to make sense.

  “You finish the-?”

  “Just typed it.” A flick of her wrist plucked a paper up from the typewriter, offering it. Mauve painted lips spread to smile. One that dazzled his boys. “Next one won’t be long.” Jim exhaled out his nose. Took it.

  “Thanks.”

  He hated her dress.

  Hottest week of summer and the air conditioning goes out, meaning battle stations. Every ceiling and desk fan on full blast. Few of the guys brought standing ones from home.

  Papers threatened to fly all over were it not for Lucy smacking anything she could down as a weight. Staplers, pictures, apples. Shiny like her damn dress. Nothing was out of place on her watch.

  “You ever see the movie Seven Year Itch, Chief?” One of his officers had said later at the moment Lucy gasped to stop files from tossing upon Callahan’s desk.

  A whoosh of air threatened the delicate balance. She planted his nameplate down at the same time hands slapped a swell of forms from flying away. Her skirt had flown up tender thighs to expose the garters holding nude stockings briefly.

  Gulp.

  “Would you quit acting like an animal?” Jim whacked the officer’s legs off his desk. “Mrs. Gillespie called again, all yours.” His guy huffed and plucked a hat up to go.

  “You saved my day, Lucy.” Callahan’s nervous laugh caught.

  “You owe me.” Lucy tapped the papers together and offered them. Jim poured himself another full coffee. She stood up and crossed through the sea of desks back to reception. Eyes followed the splash of color. “Handyman should be here in an hour. Unless one of you boys wants to impress me?” Two officers actually shot up to go downstairs hoping to fix the damn AC.

  “Shouldn’t make bets like that, they’ll kill the rest of the power.” Jim had one elbow up on a file cabinet, sipping.

  “Does that mean an early day for us?” She busied away to sort the in and out stacks upon her desk.

  “Afraid those rules don’t apply to us.” Jim shifted when her perfume swept him at the fans beckoning. Beautiful by Estee Lauder. Only knew because he bumped into her buying it at Starcourt a few weeks ago. Ran away after some small talk. “Don’t like it here?”

  “Like it plenty.” Brown eyes made a slow journey to see him over her shoulder. “Never a dull moment.” Jim’s lips quirked at that. A ways behind him, Powell was fiddling with the radio to let music pour over the rustling sounds of fans against pages. Lucy reached for her own mug and Jim caught a bead of sweat trail down the back of her neck.

  “Any left in the pot?” She said.

  “Davis snagged the rest.”

  “Fresh pot it is, then.” Lucy blinked up at him looking flushed.

  No pink in her cheeks despite the heat.

  Jim crossed away to Powell’s desk when she instead began another batch of coffee. Picked up the pot and felt a dull electric sensation pulse through fingers. Gave it a quick wash and waltzed back in. Lucy set it in place and stared momentarily as if the next step was forgotten.

  That same prickling flooded the length of her spine. Heat itched over her scalp as boys chattered behind her. Jim leaned against a short counter and chuckled at something she didn’t catch. Fingers flexed. Picked up a spoon to fill the paper filter. The prickling became heavier. She inhaled deep, leaned into the fan next to her. Swayed a little upon heels. Waves rolling along a distant shore.

  A hand came up to rub her neckline. Felt for the thudding pulse there. Shifting dark, styled locks of hair away.

  Jim’s eyes lifted at the movement of her skirts. The following stillness that took her over. Lucy wasn’t as loud as she dressed, but she was always moving. Even at her desk. Shifting about. Twirling hair. Clicking nails. Fussing with file after file. Rearranging anything and everything.

  The rustling and radio became one sound. A shrill bellow like a gust of static. Lucy spooned coffee grounds. Once. Twice. A clatter caught Jim’s full attention. The silver spoon hitting the tile with powdery grounds scattering the toes of her shoes.

  “Lucy?” He began, setting his mug aside when the few officers in turned as well.

  “S-Sorry...” The word slurred longer. She bent down, only got halfway before her hand came up to a pounding temple. Like something struck her. Lucy shot up so fast, she barely caught herself wavering back. A drunken sort of movement. Both arms gave a tremor.

  “Lucy!��� Jim sprang forward this time. A big arm curled around her spine, brought her shaking body into his frame. One elbow instinctively pushed at his chest. Fingers came up to tug her collar in a confused motion.

  “Spilled.” She said with little awareness, eyes hooded.

  “I’ll call-”

  “Grab a soda from the fridge.” Jim snapped the order before Powell could get the phone. “Now!”

  “But-”

  “She’s a diabetic, she needs sugar. Do it.” The harder command made him move quick.

  “Lemme go.” Syllables weaved together awkwardly. Lucy felt around herself. Smacked up at Jim holding her upright. Her head twitched with every rattle of bones. Limbs stopped listening. Synapses sent messages all directions that were ignored. Flesh could have melted off bone and muscle. “Lemme go!” Sweaty and irritable, she blindly pushed at Jim who only brought her tightly against the hard lines of his chest.

  “Chief.” Powell clicked the can with Callahan hovering to help aimlessly.

  “Lucy, drink this.” Jim almost had the can shoved out of his grip. Crisp soda splashed the floor.

  “Got it...I got...it.” She skidded. Dug her heels into the tile. “Cookie. M-My purse. Ngh, lemme go!” She’d drop if he released her.

  “Soda is better, drink it.” Jim forced the can to her lips while she whipped around. Arms curled to her chest until her body was near convulsing. Fizzy soda slipped between her lips, dripping to stain the dress. An ugly force pushed at her body. Lucy slowed, fingers curled around Jim’s wrist as she choked and drank some. Coughed and flopped up until it bubbled out her nose. “There, you go. Give it a second.” Jim was delicate, the way he helped her back into a stuffed chair with her legs all jelly.

  “Towel.” Callahan came next. “Should we call someone for her?”

  “Ngh...” The word didn’t come so Lucy shook her head fiercely. Childlike. Hand still wrapped around Jim’s wrist when he gave her another long gulp. Coke sloshed down into her stomach. Lipstick smeared so he traded the can for a towel to blot her mouth. Brown eyes fluttered open again, heavy. She felt Jim’s pulse and took a deeper breath. “Fine. Don’t call. Ju...Don’t.”

  “Give her some air.” Jim got his guys to back off. “Luce, are you with me here?” She swayed out and narrowed on him. Let him pat her forehead with the towel. A thumb wiped just under the swell of her bottom lip. Fixed the color that smeared there. Jim’s eyes locked on her, mouth parting. A lazy smile crept upon her expression. Jim’s arm was still firm around the curve of her limp body.

  “No one’s ever called me, Luce,” she rasped instead, “if you can believe it.” A scoff caused his own lips to lift. Blue eyes flickering.

  “No one’s ever gone into hypoglycemia in my station.” He’s countered.

  “Usually wait till I clock out.” She gripped at him and stole the towel to look at her dress, splotched in dark spots. “Aw, shit.” The word puffed so soft, he barely heard it. Never heard her curse. Lucy seemed to realize it. “Sorry.”

  “No, I...” Jim felt her fingers slip from him. Stared down at his hand before he offered her the Coke. Lucy pressed her lips at him but took it without argument for another drink. The towel rubbed against the wet spots, almost pathetically. He picked up on her growing discomfort. “I can drive you home or something. You want to change.”

  Lucy was still scrubbing herself with an annoyed look, slowing to glance up with pink cheeks. Every officer who was staring snapped away from them.

  She frowned.

  Anything to get away from those eyes peering as if she were helpless.

  “Fine.” The sour note struck Jim so he didn’t immediately pull her up. Let Lucy push herself to stumble into him. “I’m fine.” Jim’s hand neared her back, but didn’t make contact. Just carefully ushered her to reception to grab her purse. Still lightheaded, she slowed again and sighed. Took his offered arm. They got to his car and the sun blared. AC blasted when he started up to go.

  “Where’s home?”

  A beat.

  “Left up there.” Came the quieter reply. “I live on Elm.”

  “Sure you’re-”

  “Listen,” she cut in, “that doesn’t happen… I mean, it does, but not that bad like it did. Haven’t had an episode like that in a few months actually.” Fingers fussed to get her hair back into place.

  “Well,” Jim swallowed and tried to be lighter, “good thing you’re in a station full of Hawkins’ most observant police officers.”

   His sincere way of making her feel not helpless scorched.

  “Oh, are those their titles? All the napping and poker games between calls instead of finishing reports I have to beat out of them.” A brow raised, purse clutched close to her chest.

  “Wouldn’t fit on the badge.”

  “Ah.” Lucy turned her head to look outside with a smile. Hesitated. “Thanks, Jim. For, uh...”

  “Don’t mention it.” He gripped the wheel to turn.

  “The slapping at you and anger is, uh, part of it.” She offered mutely. “Get confused in the shuffle and...it’s scary. I never want to feel that damn helpless. Stupid fits. All because one organ is broken and that organ dictates the rest of them. Feed it insulin, too much kills. Feed it sugar to balance, too much kills. Big joke if you ask me, can’t make up its mind.” Lucy didn’t chuckle that time. Didn’t smile.

  “We’ll keep the fridge stocked. Soda. Juice. Whatever you like to balance.” He said. Turning to see her eyes lift. “You don’t have to go hiding in that ratty bathroom to test yourself or take shots, you know. Desk is fine. Not like the boys will get queasy.”

  “Bunch of tough guys.” She licked her lips, pulling a mirror down to wipe smeared eye makeup away. “Won’t happen again... This is me up here.” She pointed to a house.

  “Don’t promise that, just take care of yourself and we’ll pay attention to whatever signals you put out.” He parked.

  “Oh,” Lucy faced him with searing eyes again, “where you not before, Jim?” A hum vibrated her throat. Shy and still going in for the kill. Jim’s breath caught and she looked truly amused, batting those insufferable, dewy eyes before getting out.

  “Lucy.” Jim stilled. A long, luxurious beat between them. A warm bubble bath to sink into. Neither succumbed long enough.

  “Yes, Jim?”

  Nerves plucked.

  “Sorry, about the dress.”

  “I didn’t like it that much.” She smiled fuller at him, too soft about it.

  The door shut.

[chiitaku]

Animal Crossing New Horizons (Nintendo Switch)

Alrighty, I’ve been playing ACNH to the point where I feel I can do a good review of it now.  Animal Crossing New Horizons debuted on March 20, 2020, keeping a lot of people busy on their own little islands during the Coronavirus crisis.  Since it’s release, it’s been a ride.  I’m a big fan of the community head canon that Isabelle and Doom Guy are besties and that they both hang out in each other’s respective worlds mowing down demons or relaxing while fishing and stuff.  See the Eternal Horizons song by the Chalkeaters.  There’s a full version and a short animated one which I linked here. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4lz8MN6MQA) Onto the review!

When I started my game I was blown away and it was from the wind rustling the leaves and tree branches.  Then I started exploring.  I started out with a goat named Billy and a sheep named Frita and thus we began our island adventure.  One of the new things about the game is that you create the majority of the items in ACNH, including TOOLS, which now break after so many uses, my only real complaint with this game.  That was a surprise to suddenly have my shovel just poof on me.  You have to harvest resources from trees and rocks to build up your island.

You also have a new currency called Nook Miles that you can buy stuff with, including inventory expansions (THANK GOD FINALLY), a quick tool selection wheel and all kinds of DIY recipes.  You can also use these to buy Nook Miles tickets which allow you to one-time visit mystery islands which you can ransack for more materials.  If you can, I highly suggest getting the online subscription.  $20 for a full year will really help your game, especially if you take into play the online trading service called Nookazon, basically a trading hub for players to exchange all kinds of things. Personally, I love it, so check it out.  Don’t worry though, Bells are still around and so are turnips.

Then comes the main plot of the game.  Trying to get K.K. Slider to come to your island.  It’ll happen before you know it, so don’t fret about it too much.  After you get him to visit, you unlock terraforming stuff, which you can use to really change up your island.

In terms of the graphics, Nintendo knocked this one out of the park.  The game is beautiful regardless of whether you’re on the big screen or the little one.  You have way more freedom to do what you want in this game than in New Leaf.  You can make your island how you want to, whether it’s the most splendid island paradise you can fathom or a peaceful little community (I’m more the latter type).  The game’s a lot of fun and it’s really relaxing as usual.  The rain still puts me to sleep. XD

Today, the game blew me away in another fashion.  For context, you need to know that I lost my mother last year and since then it’s been a hellish battle with family in handling her estate.  Last night had been... especially rough on me.  However, this morning I got support in the last place I ever expected it.  

This is Bonbon.  She’s a crazy rabbit that moved to my island, and I just welcomed her, not really expecting much.  To my surprise, this crazy girl has been making me smile with her letters, one of which including her recent purchase of glitter glue, and one of her conversations about how when she has trouble waking up in the morning, she’d just run around in circles and scream for a bit.  My kind of friend.  She even suggested I go skydiving on my birthday.  She’s definitely braver than I am.

Bonbon sent me a letter this morning:  

Hey, hero!

It’s always fun to chat with you.  You make me happy and I thought I'd tell you so!  In fact, spoiler alert, a LOT of folks like you and care about you and wish they could buy an action figure of you.  It's true.  

I'd buy two -Bonbon

I never expected it.  The timing was just too perfect.  The letter rendered me to tears.  It was like she knew what I was going through.  It was that act that has forever cemented Bonbon being a resident on my island and I hope to see her again in future games.  And for the record?  If Nintendo made them, I’d buy two action figures of Bonbon too.  

So, Nintendo, get on making Animal Crossing character figures for all of them, even if they’re acrylic standees!  And more importantly... thank you for making this game (as well as the Legend of Zelda games; they were Mom’s favorite).  

Anyway, this is definitely my favorite Animal Crossing game... barring... Zipper’s arrival this year... Ugh... Anyway, I highly suggest this game if you want a nice relaxing... life simulator?  10/10 from me.  Solid music and graphics and Nintendo is paying attention when stuff goes wrong and they get it fixed pretty quick like with Zipper and his spamming egg balloons... If you didn’t experience that, be happy you were spared.  

[banditthewriter]

Sweet Treat - Billy Russo

Prompt: Can I request one-shot with Reader - ray of sunshine/baking goddess/must be protected at all costs- moving into a new place and trying to make casual conversation and bringing baked goods and stuff to her neighbour Billy (who probably hates her but he works a lot and looks sometimes so sad and okay, maybe she has a crush on him)? Prompter: Anonymous

I don’t know what happened with this one. It started sweet and somehow ended smutty. But hope you still like it!

Warning: Smutty! 

Tags are at the bottom. Let me know if you would like to be added to one of my tag lists!

*gif is mine*

Enjoy!

*****

The new apartment was so much bigger than your old one. It had a lot of open space, tall windows, and natural light. The whole apartment was amazing, but the reason you signed on the dotted line without a second thought was the kitchen. It was huge.

The last place that you lived had a lack of counter space but that definitely wasn’t a worry with this place. You had more counter space than you knew what to do with. Plus a large island that separated the kitchen from the living room.

So much space. And you couldn’t wait to get back and break it in.

You were shifting the bags from one arm to the other so that you could pull out your keys. As the elevator doors slid open, you didn’t look up before you stepped out. It caused you to smack right into someone, your bags dropping with a loud clatter.

“I’m so sorry,” you apologized as you knelt down to try to gather the utensils that had rolled out of your bags, “I wasn’t looking where I was walking. I’m not usually that rude.”

An Italian shoe came down and stopped your rolling pin from rolling away. You picked it up and then peered up at the person you’d run into.

Of course it was the ridiculously attractive man that lived on this hall. There were only four people on this floor so your odds of it being anyone but the one person you wouldn’t have wanted to make a fool of yourself in front of?

“Here,” he said as he bent down to scoop up some of the other things that had fallen, pushing them into the bags on the ground. “At least you didn’t buy eggs.”

That would have been horrible. You accepted the bag from him with a smile, trying not to jolt when his fingers brushed against yours.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry again,” you repeated as you stood up, making sure you had everything. “I promise to be more aware of my surroundings.”

He simply raised an eyebrow before he stood up, pulling his phone back out of his pocket. He gave you a stiff nod as he slid past you, pushing the down button for the elevator.

You closed your eyes for a moment, scolding yourself for being such an idiot. Great first impression.

You made your way to your door. It gave you an opportunity to look back down the hall without it being too obvious. You looked just in time to see the doors close, separating you from the man that was staring down at his phone.

Of course the first person that you got a crush on in a long time and it was an emotionally stunted businessman who could double as a model if he needed to.

In your apartment you set down the bags. You flicked through your phone until you found something you liked, turning the music on through the bluetooth speakers on the counter. With music playing, you moved around the kitchen to put up your new purchases.

It wasn’t that you really needed new things, but you had felt like a chance. Of course you kept the things that you’d had before; just bought new things, not replaced anything. You had more than enough room in this apartment for all your new items and then some.

With music playing and in the mood to make something, you pulled out the ingredients that you would need. You decided to stick with one of your favorite desserts, setting about making the pie crust from scratch. It lulled you into some form of a trance as you went through the motions.

You could make this with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back.

The pie in the oven, you made your way to the couch and settled in. The newspaper had been delivered this morning but you’d just brought it inside without reading it. Now that you had some time, you unfolded it and looked over the first page.

Death, destruction. It was the same thing over and over. You turned the pages with little interest until you saw something familiar. It was a small photo and article, above the fold. The article talked about a business that was teeming with untapped abilities and how it played a middle ground between the elites and protection. The photo, on the other hand, was of a man speaking to a few men wearing polos and an earpiece.

The man was your neighbor.

It had his name listed as William “BIlly” Russo, the owner and CEO of Anvil. Well at least now you knew his name.

You put the first section away. The sports section followed it; you might enjoy sports, but you weren’t about to subject yourself to reading articles about them in your free time.

The third section was the lifestyle section. You flipped through the first few pages with interest until you found what you were looking for. You hadn’t been sure where it would be in the paper, but it was on the fourth page.

Being a food critic, among other things, had its perks. You used a pseudonym while working, a trick of the trade, so no one could attach the article to you. Not that it mattered since this particular critique was very positive. You’d absolutely loved the food at that restaurant and the article was positively glowing with accolades.

You’d stumbled into being a food critic really. After going to culinary school, focusing on baking and pastries, you had worked as an editor on cookbooks for a while as you worked in various restaurants. You weren’t sure why you submitted your own article to a rather popular food blog, but it was accepted. And so was the next one. And the next one.

Food critiquing was fun and it more than paid the bills. You got to travel if you wanted, got to pick your own hours. You got to eat for a living basically.

You still edited cookbooks and did some freelance work for various food magazines and blogs. You’d stopped cooking or baking in restaurants to focus on the other aspects of the job that you liked, and that was good enough for you. You didn’t feel like your degree was a waste of time, despite what your parents thought.

One look around your apartment showed you that you were doing well in life. You made good money and could afford to live somewhere luxurious for no reason other than you wanted to. You still saved up a nest egg because you never knew what could happen.

It’s also why you still edited the cookbooks, still freelanced your writing. You wanted to be prepared on the off chance that being a food critic had a shelf life.

The pie was almost done. You put the paper down and went to check on it. Crust golden, the cherry glaze bubbling just slightly. You smiled as you pulled it out, waving your pot holder over it for a second before you shut the oven and turned it off. You were going to need to pull out the vanilla ice cream you’d bought.

A wild thought came to you about offering a piece of the pie to your neighbor: Billy. He looked like he could use something sweet in his life.

Instead you went back to the newspaper with some scissors. You liked to cut out your articles. As you snipped around the edges, you thought back to running into Billy in the elevator. He’d seemed polite, disinterested. It made you feel a little underwhelmed. It wasn’t like you thought you were some knockout or anything like that, but surely… surely you deserved a second look?

You laughed a little to yourself as you slid the freshly clipped article into the box with the other ones. You weren’t usually so girly and hung up on a guy, especially not one that had barely said ten words to you. If that.

Days later, once you were finally over the brief mortification of running into Billy that one day, you found yourself in the same position. Only this time the item you dropped was a bag of flour that you had just purchased.

The sound of the bag busting came within seconds of a puff of white powder clouding the area. There was also a loud clatter that sounded a lot like a dropped smartphone.

“Shit,” he cursed, coughing to clear his airway. He bent down and picked up his phone, swearing again.

“It’s not broken, I hope? I’m sorry, again.”

Why did this keep happening to you? Had you been cursed without knowing it?

“Cracked,” he said as he tried to wipe the screen with his thumb. You could just barely see through the still hovering cloud of flour that it was also caked in a layer of the flour.

“Crap. I’m so sorry,” you apologized profusely, looking down at the busted bag and the flour that was scattered everywhere. You were covered in it. And so was he, you noticed. “Oh, your suit. Crap, you’re… covered in flour.”

He looked down and sure enough, his bottom half was covered in flour. The black pants and black shoes looked grey.

He rubbed his forehead and then looked at you.

“It was my fault this time,” he explained as he tried unsuccessfully to dust off his phone again. “I didn’t see you coming out of the elevator.”

You looked around at the mess once more and then let out a small laugh. You bent down to pick up the bag, grimacing as the last of the flour slid out of the busted packaging and onto the ground.

“This is going to be fun to clean,” you mumbled as you stood up.

“Just call maintenance,” he said simply as he dusted off his pants, pulling his keys out of his pocket. “They’ll handle it.”

It didn’t feel right to do it that way. Instead of saying anything, you carefully made your way to your apartment. You changed out of your clothes and into something a little more comfortable. Then you grabbed the broom and dustpan before you went back into the hallway.

You had just started to sweep when his door opened. He stepped into the hall in fresh clothes, no flour detected.

He saw you sweeping and you watched him roll his eyes. You felt heat flood your face so you looked down to focus on what you were doing.

He moved around you but stopped. You could just barely see him from the corner of your eye, but you did see him turn to face you.

“I’m Billy, by the way. I don’t think I’ve introduced myself. Billy Russo.”

You switched the broom to your other hand so that you could shake the hand he had extended to you.

“Y/N Y/L/N, human disaster,” you joked with a laugh. “I’m really sorry about your phone. I can pay for a new one if it’s unsalvageable.”

He cocked his head to the side and shook his head.

“Like I said, I’m at fault for this mess. I’d help you clean, but I’m already late for work.”

You waved him off.

“No worries. I just want to get most of it up before I call maintenance.”

He nodded, obviously hesitating. You didn’t want him to feel like he needed to hover and wait while you cleaned.

“Well have a good day at work Billy,” you said as you turned back to the task at hand.

You heard him press the button for the elevator. Once he stepped on, he turned to look back at you, a curious look on his face.

“Have a good day.”

While it wasn’t exactly something you were proud of, you were pretty certain of his schedule. You’d lived there long enough to mentally catalog his comings and goings. After you did as much in the hallway as you could, you called the maintenance man before you locked your door and headed back to the store.

You needed more flour. And you needed a few more things.

The muffins were cooling on your counter by almost six thirty in the evening. Without an idea of his preferences, you had made an assortment. Once they were cool, you bundled them into a small wicker basket, a white and blue checkered cloth covering them.

When you heard the elevator doors, you quietly cursed your timing. You checked your reflection in the mirror beside the door to make sure you looked presentable. With the basket in hand, you went to your door and pulled it open.

Billy was on the other side with his fist raised to knock. When you opened the door, his eyes widened and he stepped back a bit.

“Sorry,” he said as he looked you over, his eyes lingering on the dress that you’d picked out, “you’re headed out. I just, I got you this.”

He held up a paper bag. You looped the handle of the basket over your arm so that you could take the bag from him. Inside was the same type of flour that you had purchased that morning and had subsequently had to purchase a second time to make the muffins.

“Oh, you didn’t have to do this,” you said as you looked back up at him.

He looked almost sheepish under your gaze.

“Like I said, it was my fault. Felt it was the least I could do.” He rubbed his hand over the back of his neck and looked away. “But I won’t hold you up any. Just wanted to give that to you.”

You weren’t sure why he thought he was holding you up. You put the bag with the flower down on the table next to your door. Then you held out the basket. He looked surprised, eyebrows raised as he looked between your eager face to the basket.

“Uh,” he began.

You laughed and pulled back one of the corners of the cloth.

“I made muffins. For you,” you added because you felt the need to specify. “I wasn’t sure what you liked so I made a few different kinds. There’s chocolate with chocolate chips, banana nut, blueberry, and a really yummy lemon crumble.”

That surprised look seemed to grow. He slowly reached out and accepted the basket from you.

“You made these for me?”

He didn’t seem like he believed it.

“I kinda wanted a do over on our first meeting. I’m usually better with first impressions,” you said as you self consciously ran a hand over your side, smoothing down the dress.

His eyes raked over your body again, drawn by the movement of your hand. Then he met your eyes as he pulled the basket a little closer to him.

“Thanks,” he said with a glint in his eyes, one that made your breath catch in your chest. He stayed there a moment longer before he smiled. “Would you like to go to dinner with me? Tonight.”

You let out a huff of air, not having expected that at all.

“Uh, are you sure? You don’t really know me.”

“That’s why you go on a date, isn’t it?” He waved the basket back and forth. “We can save these for dessert.”

The way he said that was sinful and unfair. You swallowed thickly and looked over at the bag on your table. A giggle left your lips before you could stop it.

“Well you did bring me a flour,” you said with a smile stretching over your lips.

He laughed at that, shaking his head at your word play.

“With the muffins and the fact that I probably haven’t been the most welcoming neighbor, I just want to show you that I’m not as bad as I seem. And with you looking that good, I figure a night on the town isn’t out of question.”

Heat filled you at that. You ducked your head and then met his eyes once more.

“Do you want to go now?”

After dinner, which was amazing, Billy led you back to his place. His apartment was set up like yours but had a more modern look where you had stuck with the open spaces and natural lighting. He pulled out the muffins and the two of you ate almost all of them together. Through dinner and sharing the muffins, the two of you didn’t stop talking. You got to know that there was more to this mysterious man than met the eye and you hoped he saw that there was more to you than your clumsy habits.

He seemed endeared by you either way.

As he walked you to your apartment door, despite the fact that you only lived down the hall from his own apartment, you couldn’t help but grin at him.

“What kind of cookies do you like?”

He laughed and turned to face you.

“Why?”

You shrugged a bit as you fiddled with your keys.

“I like to bake, obviously,” you said as you lifted the empty basket at him. Then you smiled and looked down at your hands. “I especially like baking when I’m happy, so I thought I might make you some cookies tomorrow. If you think you might want them.”

You felt your chin being tipped upwards until you were met with his face, his eyes crinkled in the corner as he smiled at you.

“Surprise me,” he said softly as he leaned in to brush his lips against yours.

------

You were dancing in front of the counter, music playing softly from your bluetooth speaker. You had about three different desserts being prepared as well as a lasagna already in the oven.

Hands fell to your hips and you jumped, turning to glance over your shoulder. You smiled widely and turned in his arms, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“You’re sneaky. I didn’t even realize you’d come in,” you said as you leaned up to kiss him.

Billy smiled into the kiss, his eyes darting over your shoulder at the massive amount of food you were making.

“Are we expecting company?”

You shook your head and grinned up at him.

“Just us. I just wanted to do something special. It is our anniversary,” you reminded him with a tap on the nose.

He pulled back with a fond roll of his eyes. He then picked something up from the table and sat it down beside you.

A bag of flour.

“Happy anniversary sweetheart,” he said with a smile that only grew when you kissed him hard and deep.

Such a sentimental man, even when he tried to pretend he wasn’t.

He pulled back and looked at all the food with another shake of his head.

“Seriously babe, this is a bit much. It’s just the two of us here.”

You shrugged and turned to check on the lasagna, grinning when his hands fell to your hips to keep you close.

“I was always told the way to a man’s stomach was through his stomach,” you joked as you turned back to him once you were sure the food wasn’t burning.

Billy’s grin was lascivious as he pressed his hips into yours, effectively pinning you against the counter.

“Really? I think you have a fair shot a little south of the stomach,” he teased as he leaned in, using his whole body to press against you before he kissed you.

You gripped on to the front of his shirt as you kissed him, your body bending into his immediately.

“Billy, the food,” you complained as his lips trailed down your neck.

“Maybe I want my dessert first,” he joked as he nipped at your neck.

You were about to tell him that dessert wasn’t ready either but you turned to see that he had dipped his finger into the batter. He brushed his finger against your neck, leaving a trail of batter before he leaned in to lick it up. You moaned and pulled his head up for a kiss.

“There’s raw egg in that,” you said between kisses, laughing as he hoisted you up to sit on the counter. “Billy!”

“This way you can make sure the food doesn’t burn. But I’m hungry,” he said pointedly as he spread your legs.

You leaned back as he raised the hem of your dress, lifting your hips to help him pull down your panties. He tucked them into his pocket before he grinned up at you.

“Favorite meal of the day.”

Your laugh turned into a moan as he bent down to circle his tongue around your aching clit. You gripped his hair as he licked and sucked, his teeth scraping against your clit as his fingers slowly pushed inside. You gasped at the sensations, your body already shaking as he worked you over. Your chest ached as you slapped a hand against the cabinets behind your head. Your other hand tightened in his hair as he started to move faster, his tongue rolling over and around your clit hard and fast.

“Bil–Billy, so close,” you warned as you rolled your hips as best you could on the counter.

He hummed against you as he sucked on your clit, his fingers curling to brush that spot inside you that made you fall apart. Your back bowed and you gripped onto his head with both hands as you rode out the waves of pleasure.

He pulled back and wiped his hand over his mouth. You hopped down from the counter, tugging him in for a dirty kiss. While you kissed, you spun the two of you around so that his back away against the counter. He didn’t seem to realize what was going on until your hands undid his belt, tugging his zipper down.

“My turn,” you said as you pulled his cock out, swirling your tongue around the head and moaning at the taste of him. “The lasagna has to come out of the oven in five minutes so hopefully you’ll come first.”

He laughed as he fisted his hand in your hair, fingernails scratching at your scalp as his hips thrusted. It caused his cock to brush against your lips so you opened up to let it slide in.

“You on your knees, your mouth on my cock? Fuck babe, I can still taste you on my tongue,” he said around a moan as you swallowed around him. “Trust me, five minutes is more than enough.”

You wanted to smile, but it was hard to do when you were going down on him. Instead you wrapped a hand around the base of his cock and went to work. You sucked hard near the head, running your tongue up the length of him. You knew just what he liked so you pulled out all the stops.

And he was right. Five minutes was more than enough.

You had to think that dropping that bag of flour was the best thing that ever happened to you. Well, maybe the second best, but it caused the best thing so it was pretty much a tie.

X

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[spiderbob007]

The Legend of Massey: The Origin of a Killer Cat

The blight had decimated what was once a verdant valley within the Emerald Isle. Those that prospered by buying, selling and trading their wares with other members of the community found themselves at best destitute and at worse vilified. Tucked within a small cottage on the outskirts of the scant village of Wet Spoon, lived Donald O’Shea McFerguson, a once renowned merchant able to find the most obscure of relics to sell to the more sophisticated members of the community. Donald was said to have studied at the feet of the Merchants of Venice, but in truth he was an economics prodigy, who created a unique model of finance that is little understood, even by the most sophisticated of scholars. But in times with little opportunity for fortune and a population that was draining from the land for new prospects across the Atlantic, Donald was a desperate man – a man susceptible to the mischief of those rarely seen creatures known as the Leprechaun.

 Deep within a dank cave lived one of the most malicious and malcontent mischief makers among his kin. Other leprechauns regarded him as a menace to be avoided, even when he was in the best of moods. Striking without warning, he was not selective in the target of his pranks. It was rumored that he pranked a stone to the point of making it weep. This gossip is often used as an explanation by the peasantry for why the stones are wet on autumn mornings, without a cloud in the sky.

 Leprechauns love desperate times, for this is when the greed, envy, and wrath of others is more readily manifest and harvested for their amusement. Contrary to legend, leprechaun’s do not possess vast caldrons of gold coins. In fact, they are mendicant creatures more likely to beg and steal than earn or find their fortune. In lean times, the fairy people suffer along with Mother Nature’s children, but they will willingly go malnourished in exchange for the joy of causing other’s mirthful misery. Thus, is the dynamic that was about to forge a bond that would go unbroken for generations.

 With the potato crop failed, Donald was finding that the notches in his belt were not only going in the opposite of their usual direction, but he was having to resort to boring new holes in the leather every week to accommodate his dwindling waistline. While foraging in the forest under an extremely gnarled and uninviting oak tree near a stygian cave, Donald heard a hiss and a spit. He stood straight and silent, listening for signs of the Celtic Cryptid. The surly wildcat was known for dropping down from tree branches onto the neck and shoulders of unwitting victims leaving them with lacerations that required the attention of the local barber. Scanning his environment, Donald spotted a pair of golden eyes leering at him from the canopy above. Suddenly the creature’s eyes softened, and he heard a gentle purring noise. An orange and white cat emerged from the leaves, gently and timidly moving along a branch as though it feared falling from what to it must have seemed a cataclysmic height. Regaining his composure, Donald reached up to the timid creature and for a moment paused, thinking it was going to bite him from fear or malice, but the cat allowed him to gently cradle it in his large arms. Donald pondered upon a name for his new companion, in that moment he could have sworn that he heard a gentle whisper through the trees say – “Massey.”

 Massey proved to be a competent hunter, often disappearing in the night through a cottage window and returning in the morning with a rabbit or vole. Although a meager meal to share with a grown man, Donald was happy for the supplement to his diet and the companionship that his new pet would provide. Meanwhile down in the village of Wet Spoon the remaining citizens were complaining of household items disappearing from their homes along with food from their cellars and pantries. There was no signs of forced entry and no clear suspects.

 When the duly elected shire-reeve left with his remaining family members for the shores of America, the local hide tanner appointed himself to the position. Billy McBruce O’Sparkle, had no knowledge of investigative techniques nor juris prudence, and he began randomly pointing his crooked finger at anyone who had ever crossed his path, which was pretty much everyone. Running out of suspects to investigate or persecute, Billy remembered the trader who lived on the outskirts of town. Oh, Billy really hated that guy for his clever skills at making deals. He was convinced that Donald had swindled him out of several tanned hides that Billy traded for exotic wares from the Orient rumored to have been crafted by the hands of the Masters. Whatever wizardry was required to make the trinkets change shape; Billy was not skilled enough to discover. “Phooey ahn 'is poehzzles!!” Shouted Billy. “I'm goin to get to de bahttom o' dis case if it's de last din I evr does!”

 The Irish are a superstitious people with good cause. The island serves as the epicenter of supernatural occurrences that begot the traditions of Samhain to protect mankind from the winnowing season when spirits wander the countryside and demonic forces from beyond the vale of human understanding hold sway over reality, giving birth to creatures both monstrous and beguiling. Among the fairest and most feared creatures to hold sway over the fates of mankind are the Banshee. Their pale skin and trellis of fiery hair lure the unwitting to a fate heralded by their caoine cry which marks the doomed for imminent death; although unique among her kind is a coral-haired giantess gifted with a matriarchal kindness and a warrior’s spirit – D’Arcee.

 The knocks came hard upon the oaken door of Donald’s cabin, and he could hear the angry voices on the other side; one in particular was high and anxious; proclaiming with righteous fury that Donald was a “cheat an uh swindler.” Before Donald could get the door fully opened, the rabble crashed into the main room and grabbed him fast. Billy began shouting orders to have the cabin searched “frahm tahp to bahtoom,” as Donald’s neighbors began to turn over furniture, pull aside bed sheets, and destroy priceless treasures from lands to the east; all the while a certain orange and white cat peeked down from his ceiling perch with a slight grin upon his feline countenance. The sudden and strangely haunting sound of a cat’s meow drew everyone’s attention to a bundle hidden high in the dark of the rafters.

 The young Danny O’Witwicky McWheelie, being the nimblest among the posse and due to his tendency to talk in rhyme the most likely to not be mourned if he fell to his demise, was enlisted to climb into the attic. Untying the bundle from its perch, Danny tossed it down and all manner of necessities spilled onto the floor. Knowing that there was no reasoning with an angry mob, Donald mustered his strength and took the distraction as an opportunity to make his escape. When in need of preserving one’s own existence, even the stoutest of men can harness unnatural speed that they would normally never achieve, and Donald was deep into the forest in a very short time.

 The angry villagers searched for hours and were soon inclined to return to their squalid abodes with the coming of dusk, when suddenly they could hear the mewling of a cat. Massey had found Donald taking refuge in the hidden hollow of a massive and gnarled oak tree in the center of the forest that as a child he had often played in with his imaginary friend. “Silence you auboehrn 'aired devil,” he muttered under his breath, but the cat was insistent and began to dig his claws into Donald’s flesh. Unable to suppress his pain and anguish, Donald cried out with a wounded howl.

 Hearing the echo of Donald’s anger, the villagers were mustered for vengeance once again and had soon surrounded his oaken refuge. “Ye mought as ell soehrrender Dahnald,” proclaimed Billy. “Dere'll be no escape fahr ye now!” Donald continued to cry out in anguish from his malicious companion’s continuous assault upon his leg. “Fine! If dat's dey way it's goin to be, den we'll boehrn you ooeht!” Billy then gave the order for the other villagers to use their torches to set the oak ablaze; when suddenly there was a mournful wail, a flash of light and the appearance of a giant goddess towering above the tree. Shock taking command of their senses, the villagers bolted from the wilderness and no one ever dared speak of the night’s misgivings for fear that the banshee would return to claim their soul.

 It is said that magic is only science that we don’t yet understand, but true magic is beyond the comprehension of the senses of humankind and as such when witnessed, causes a form of madness that enables the mind to interpret the indescribable. Angered by the sudden appearance of his spiritual sibling, Massey dropped all pretense of being a feline and once again took his natural form. Leprechauns are powerful mystic beings, but in comparison to a banshee they know it’s best to use guile instead of brute-force magic. “Good evening to you sister,” Massey cordially remarked, fiddling his fingers behind his back. D’Arcee only regarded the diminutive demon with suspicion, but in keeping with the etiquette of their kin, returned the courtesy; but she was quick to pivot and questioned the occurrences within the forest and her sibling’s probable role in the evening’s shenanigans. Feigning indignity, while maintaining a respectful tone, Massey assured D’Arcee that he was only attempting to rescue poor Donald from certain death. At this remark, Donald suddenly broke from his shocked stupor and accused the creature he believed to be his cat of orchestrating the entire affair. Sensing that his canard was not fooling anyone, Massey was relieved that his spell was fully realized and unleashed a torrent of supernatural forces upon D’Arcee.

 What occurs next can only be interpreted with a human mind and in the language known to the author in description of the mystical occurrences that took form this night. The head of D’Arcee began to take a shape and appearance like that of a fiery-eyed jack-o’-lantern, and Donald was transported from his arboreal conclave to the cranium of his would-be savior. At the sight of what he had conjured, Massey burst out into peals of gleeful laughter; but it was short-lived. Magic like any commodity can be stockpiled for a time when it’s needed most, and Massey had been using his reserves with wild abandon to maintain his secret identity. D’Arcee to the contrary had been absorbing the magic of countless autumn seasons when the veil was at its weakest and unknown forces flowed into the realm of what we consider the natural world. With the twitch of her fiery eye, she was back to her normal form and Donald was once again in his cottage with no memory of what had occurred.

 D’Arcee leaned down to where her face met that of her would-be adversary. “Do you like playing tricks little one?” she uttered with cool disinterest. Massey shuttered with fear as her cold breath wafted over his face. D’Arcee pulled herself up to her full height plus several meters more, she considered her opponent for a brief moment and then she was gone. What stood in the place of the Leprechaun was once again a large orange and white cat, but this time there was no changing back.

 Donald found himself in possession of a cat, but yet he could not remember where it had come from nor why he felt compelled to keep an animal that seemed disinterested in anything other than eating and lounging in a sunny window. The people of the village seemed to know something about Donald that he himself was unaware of and in time his mysterious reputation earned him the interest of a girlfriend. Resolved to find a better life for his new family, Donald used his connections to book passage across the ocean to pursue prospects in the land of Virginia, where he adopted the less-Irish sounding last name of “Ferguson.” In time Donald’s family grew, and as all natural things do he was released from this mortal coil to make room for the next generation, but he passed on his experience and business acumen to his progeny, as well as an apparently ageless cat that always seems to find a home with a Ferguson with no one the wiser as to its true nature.

[tngrayson]

Once More, With Feeling - Ch1 - The Way I Used to Be

A/N: This took much longer to put out than I anticipated, especially considering I finished season 2 the day it released. Anywho...here you are! The sequel series to Break My Heart

Characters: Billy Russo x Reader

Word Count: 2000

Warnings: Angst

Your lazy Sunday morning with Billy, fresh from a long tour overseas, was drawing to a close as noon approached. You decided to linger in the shower for a little longer after Billy got out. While you enjoyed your ‘me time,’ he tied a towel around his waist and headed into the kitchen.

Billy had always been a coffee person, while you preferred your tea, so he poured some water in the machine for himself, and put on a kettle for you. As soon as he lifted the handle to run the water, the pipes creaked and the water, a cloudy grey, jetted out into the kettle. “Shit,” he exclaimed, remembering the faulty plumbing.

The shower stopped suddenly, making you pause to fiddle with the knobs on the wall. A second later, the water came back full force and ice cold. You couldn’t help the scream that slipped out.

“Sorry,” you heard Billy calling from outside.

“You need a new apartment,” you said, padding into the kitchen to wrap your arms around Billy, both of you in just your towels.

He laughed. “You’re one to talk. Your place is tiny. You call that an apartment?” he teased.

“My place is not tiny,” you defended, crossing your arms over your chest. “…it’s cozy.”

~~~~

The next weekend, you were helping Billy hunt for a new place. You had obsessed over looking at places online, while Billy was more eager to call some well-known realtors and make a few appointments.

After being led on tour after tour of apartments with ridiculously named floorplans, Billy took you to a building not too far from the space he was looking at renting for his new company. Most of the realtors had been nice enough, but this one took one look at you and Billy in your casual dress of jeans and sweatshirts and her attitude changed completely from how she sounded over the phone.

Rather than giving you a tour of the place, she opted to let you two take a self-guided tour—AKA wait in her car until you were done looking around.

“Well,” you said, writing off the realtor. “It’s not like you’d pick this place anyway.”

“Why’s that?” Billy asked, hanging his jacket on one of the hooks by the front door.

“Don’t get me wrong, this place is nice, but do you really need three bedrooms?”

“Course I do,” he said, pulling you into his arms. “Where else are our kids gonna sleep?”

“Oh, so we’re having kids now?”

“Mmhmm,” he hummed, kissing your lips. “The first four can share for a while, but we’d definitely have to upgrade in a few years when the others come along. I’d say this place is a little small for the family I want.”

“You really want that?” you asked.

“With you? More than anything,” he said kissing your knuckles, his tone suddenly serious.

There was a small silence between the two of you as you gazed into each other’s eyes.

“Come on, there’s plenty more of this place to see.” Billy wandered off into what was probably the master bedroom, while you stopped to admire the view from the kitchen. Just past the island was an open living and dining area. The wall was covered from top to bottom in sliding glass doors that let out onto a quaint balcony that overlooked the city.

For a moment you let yourself imagine living here with Billy and your children as they grew up. Frank’s parents practically raised you, and you loved Maria, Frank Jr., and Lisa endlessly, but you still knew the emptiness and loss of having no family. You never forgot those feelings from after your parents were killed. They stuck with you; they were why you clung to the Castles in the first place. You never wanted to feel that loss again.

You knew Billy felt similarly; growing up in group home after group home with no real family for more than a couple years.  You both longed for families of your own. Billy’s excited voice pulled you from your thoughts.

“Babe!”

You hurried into the master bedroom and through to the ensuite bathroom. Billy was relaxing in the oversized bathtub, one leg draped over the edge as he invited you to join him.

“I think I like this place,” he said after a while, eyeing you in the oddly placed mirrors that lined the skylight above the bathtub.

“Me too. Besides, it’s a good twenty minutes closer to my place.”

Billy hummed, shifting a little, “I figure this place is big enough for both of us,” he said, leaving the statement open.

“Oh,” you thought out loud. “I suppose it is—oh! Are you…wait, really?”

Less than 24 hours later, Billy was signing the lease. He also talked the realtor into letting him pay a little extra to keep most of the furnishings.

~~~

The boys brought up boxes while you and Maria unpacked everything.

“You know,” she started, “This would be a nice room for Frankie and Lisa to stay when you two babysit..”

“As much as we love the kids, Maria, I think you’re gonna have to fight Billy on that one. Those rooms are where our first four children are supposed to sleep—at least until we have more than that,” you said with a wink.

“He said that?”

You nodded, taking the “Living Room” box from Maria.

“Is that what you want?”

“I’d like a few—eventually.”

Just then, Frank and Billy came through the door with the last of the big items from the moving truck.

“Thank you, Frank,” you said, handing cold beers to him and Billy after they set down the box.

“Top floor, huh?” he said nearly out of breath, knocking Billy on the shoulder.

Billy shrugged. “Only the best for my girl,” he said eyeing you as he took a swig of the cold beer. “Besides, elevator worked yesterday.”

~~~

Billy’s mind was fuzzy. At first, the mornings in the hospital were easier. He would remember things about himself and his life little by little, but after so long, things started to even out. The memories came slower and slower until it seemed like there was nothing else left. When he really tried, his mind was plagued by nightmares. Any other memories were hidden behind gruesome visions of skulls and broken glass.

When he asked, no one would tell him about you or Frank; at least, they wouldn’t directly answer the questions he was asking. He couldn’t tell if they didn’t know, or if they just didn’t want to say for his sake.  Beyond the confusion, he was hurt. He’d been in a coma for six months, confined to the hospital with brain trauma for six more months after that, and he hadn’t heard from either of you. They told him you visited once after the surgery, but the only other visitor he’d had since was the drunk FBI agent who came to taunt him nearly every day, even after the formal complaints. Who the hell was she?

Taking the doctor hostage and escaping the hospital had been an afterthought. He didn’t plan for that, and once he’d started, he didn’t stop—couldn’t stop. He knew what he needed was beyond the confines of the hospital. When he’d got on the bus, and after, when he ended up walking, he didn’t know where he was going, but he’d kept on all day until he was in front of a luxury apartment building. The place was familiar, but he couldn’t remember why.

Punching in the door code had come second nature to him. He let himself run on auto; walking towards the elevators and going up to the top floor. He found himself hesitating in front of the door.  When he knocked, there was no answer. Whoever lived there probably wasn’t home. Before he realized it, he was fishing in his pockets for something to break in with. Something was telling him that he had to get inside of that apartment.

Finally, he’d gotten the knob to turn. When he pushed the door open, he let out an audible gasp. He’d definitely been here before.

Before he knew it, he was walking through the apartment. The apartment though lived in and clearly elegant felt lonely. There was a room on the opposing wall, but he avoided it, taking to the two rooms on the side of the apartment he was on. The first room had been an unused spare. The bed inside was made, but there had been time for dust to start collecting on some of the surfaces since the last use. He closed the door quietly and went on to the next room.

The first thing he noticed was the smell. It was different from the rest of the apartment. There was a hint of cologne clinging to the air in the room; trapped in there for who knows how long. He couldn’t help but think that he liked it. There were boxes on the floor and on the desk. He walked over to the open closet and ran his fingers across the sleeves of the many tailored suits that were hung there so neatly. Dress shoes lined the floor, and probably fifty ties hung from a rack on the wall.

Billy took a deep breath in and thought to himself, ‘what are you doing here? Why’d you break into this rich asshole’s apartment?’

He made to leave, but the corner of a picture frame peeking out of a box caught his attention. He stepped toward the desk to pick up the frame. The picture was of the both of you together. The Castles were in the photo too. Frank and Maria were standing with the kids between them while the two of you clung to each other.

He put the frame down, trading it for a bundle of loose photos in the box. Billy standing with Frank; one’s arm over the other’s shoulder. Billy in the park with Lisa and Frank Jr. Maria kissing Billy’s cheek.  His heart raced as he tried to focus on the memories that accompanied each picture as he shuffled through them. Each memory clung desperately to the edges of his mind, but there was that damned skull, and it took everything he had to push past and try to remember.

Soon enough, it was all too much for him. He dropped the stack to clutch the sides of his head, sending the photos scattering across the floor. He took deep breaths to calm himself. When he opened his eyes again, clearing the frustrated tears that were forming, he spotted a photo of something he remembered clearly.  The second time he proposed to you. The first time you hadn’t given him an answer for three days. Eventually, you turned him down and he tried again a year later.

He bent to pick it up. He was down on one knee holding a black ring box out to you in the middle of a frozen lake. White snow covered the entire landscape as far as the eye could see. Your cheeks were red in the harsh weather, and you both had scarves wrapped around your necks. Billy could practically feel the chill sinking into his bones as he looked at the picture. Frank and Maria had been there, of course, but they kept their distance, ready to snap the photo as soon as the moment came.

Billy had lost a lot of time with this injury; lost a lot of feelings and moments, but he remembered this day with you so clearly. The moment was soured as he was brought back to his old thoughts though. Why hadn’t you been there for him in the hospital? He loved you; knew you loved him. What could have happened to keep you away?

Billy put the picture in his back pocket and left to investigate the last room in the apartment. He turned the knob, slowly opening the door, and there you were; sound asleep in the bed in front of him.

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[ciathyzareposts]

Camelot: What Makes Us Unique

This particular Camelot character has probably never existed before or since.

             Back in 2004, I was meeting a friend at a bar in Boston. I opened the door to look in for him, saw that he wasn’t there, and backed out, elbowing in the stomach the man behind me. I turned around and saw that it was the governor of Massachusetts. Since then, I’ve liked to think that I’m the only person to have ever elbowed Mitt Romney in the stomach while he was walking into a bar. I’m sure plenty of people have elbowed him in the stomach on other occasions.

This is the kind of story I like, because it’s an assemblage of circumstances that has probably never occurred to anyone else. I look for those in life. I may not be the world record holder in any sport or hobby, but there’s a decent chance that by the end of my life, I will have published more blog articles on CRPGs than anyone else alive. If that turns out not to be true, I’ll only need one other modest qualifier (“than any other Mainer”) to make it true. I guarantee that I’m the only person in the world to have my particular combination of jobs (if you include CRPG blogging as one of them). I don’t hold the record for the number of airline miles flown between 2010 and 2018, but I’ve got to be within the top 10%, and when you’re in the top 10%, you only need one or two additional circumstances to make yourself unique. It’s possible that I’m the record-holder out of Bangor, Maine, for instance.

My enthusiasm for unique experiences filters into CRPGs and probably explains why I like open-world sandbox games so much. I don’t like the idea that I’ve reached the end of a game in the exact same position and circumstances as everyone else who has ever played the game. When you can’t even name your character, this is particularly infuriating. Look at my recent review of Deadly Towers, for instance. How do you really know it was me playing that game? I could have taken those screen shots from anyone. At least Dragon Warrior displayed the first four letters of “Chester.”

These issues got me thinking about the peculiar trade-off that exists between player and character. Think of a game like Pac-Man. When a champion like Billy Mitchell achieves a perfect score, we don’t say, “Wow, you created a great character there. You put a lot into him.” The very statement is absurd; every player’s Pac-Man is the same as everyone else’s. Instead, all praise goes to the hands and eyes of the player himself. In contrast, when we watch the ways that various players have won the Mulmaster Beholder Corps battle in Curse of the Azure Bonds, we look for clues in the characters–their levels, their spells, their weapons, their movements. We’re aware that there’s a player behind it all, of course–perhaps a very intelligent and strategic one. But his success is slightly diffused by the imposition of the characters. We are aware that his strategy only “works” because of the allowances of the game. Perhaps most important, we are aware that we could have done the same thing, whereas no studying of his technique is likely to make most of us like Billy Mitchell.

It is for these reasons that I don’t think it’s really possible to be “good at” a game like Skyrim. Experienced, sure. Patient, definitely. But “good”–what does that even mean? Early in its existence, some players proudly posted images on Reddit of their characters clad in leather armor and wielding pick-axes (possibly the worst weapon in the game) killing dragons. I thought it was silly. Either the game has enough flexibility to allow you to do such a thing or it doesn’t. It says nothing about your skill as a player that you were able to do it except that you were willing to use the game’s resources to grind, or enchant that pick-axe, or improve that armor, or carry and drink a hundred potions, or whatever you did to make it possible.

I just bought Irene the Myst 25th anniversary collection for Christmas. That is a “good at” game. A player that possesses the strength of puzzle-solving to blaze his way to the end without any spoilers is an impressive player. But his end-game screenshot is the same as everyone else and the “character” of the game is essentially invisible, a no-one, a ghost.               

In many modern games, “uniqueness” extends quite literally to the character’s appearance.

            In case it’s not clear, I’m not particularly interested in being “good at” CRPGs. I don’t play them for competitive reasons. I play them to enjoy the strategy, tactics, world-building, plots, and sense of character development. I like a challenge, but only a modest one–a temporary bump in a game that, because of its very nature (particularly because of reloading), you’re almost certain to eventually overcome.

Many people prize the opposite. I suppose even I do, in different circumstances. The value of most competitive games is that everyone’s playing the same game under the same circumstances, with no real imposition of “character” between the player and the performance. A king in chess isn’t a “character”; he’s just a piece. You don’t give him a name, and he doesn’t acquire new abilities as he defeats pawns and levels up. When he moves to take a rook, there are no probabilities associated with the encounter. When he wins, all glory goes to the player who moves him.

When my king reaches the end of a game, on the other hand, I want him to be my king–a unique character that no other player has won with. I want my endgame screenshots to look different from everyone else’s. And in those screenshots you should be able to tell something about how I played the game. Was I careful or daring? Did I rely on brains or brawn? Did I favor equipment or skills? What role-playing choices did I make along the way?

To me, some of the worst RPGs are closer to chess. Your “character” is just a gambit that you’ve moving across the screen, offering you no sense of connection or identity. These are essentially arcade games with a few nods to RPG mechanics. We’ve seen a million of them: Caverns of Freitag, Gateway to Apshai, Sword of Kadash, Sword of Fargoal. Even worse is when the game offers RPG-style inventory and leveling, but at fixed intervals along a linear plot, so that “character development” is just an illusion and everyone does reach the end the same as everyone else.

The best RPGs, however, offer plenty of opportunities to make your character your own:            

Name

Selection of race, sex, alignment, and class

Attributes

Skills and talents

Inventories, especially those with multiple slots

NPC interaction, dialogue, and role-playing choices

Choice of what order in which to do quests and side-quests

Ability to grind, or not (only meaningful without artificially low level caps)

Customization of character appearance

Statistics, achievements, and trophies

                The multiplication of these various factors means that many modern RPGs feature characters as unique as the humans who create them, finally achieving some of the sense of ownership and identification that tabletop RPGs allowed from the outset.           

Every player may have had to do exactly what I did to win Ultima IV, but at least my name and the number of turns are unique.

          Camelot is an early game, and thus not as advanced in the originality of its characters. But of the single-player PLATO games, it comes the furthest. When I play it, I do not feel as if I am feeding so many characters into a meat grinder, as I did with The Dungeon, The Game of Dungeons, and Orthanc. Its allowances for stealth, magic, and multiple fighting styles, paired with the strategic nature by which you must explore dungeon exploration, create as close to a unique experience as anything we’re going to get for many years. If nothing else, the combination of items in the 13 inventory slots likely creates characters for each player that no one else has ever played.

I’ve put about 12 hours into the game since the last Camelot entry and I’ve gotten a lot more powerful–enough to take on dungeon Level 5 with relative ease–but it’s still slightly frustrating how long its’ taking to finish the game, much more so because I keep dying and resetting my score back to -99,999. But I recognize that it was designed for different players in different circumstances.

There was an interesting moment the other night where creator Josh Tabin happened to be logged into the system at a moment that I got stuck. I had teleported into a section of Level 4 that offered only one exit: a downward chute. Unfortunately, I had taken a Potion of Levitation upon beginning the expedition (you always want to use Scrolls of Protection, Potions of Cepacol, and Potions of Levitation at the outset of each expedition if you have them). It turns out that Levitation stops you from using chutes, even deliberately. The condition doesn’t wear off until you return to town. There were no other exits from the area, and I was out of Scrolls of Recall. The only solution I could come up with is to wait until the turn of every hour, when the dungeon levels respawn, and kill everything in the half-dozen rooms I had access to, hoping to get a Scroll of Recall at some point. But since Josh was there, I informed him of my trouble and he opened a secret door for me, then spent some time patching the game so that even if you’re under the effect of levitation, you can manually choose to take a chute.

Other things about the game since I last wrote:            

As I previously mentioned, the game occasionally gives you a specific monster to kill before it will let you level up. It’s very erratic. I had a period from roughly Level 10 to 20 where I got a quest every level. Then I didn’t get any at all between Levels 20 and 29.

A “Palantir” tells you at what level you can find the object of your quest. If you’re already on that level, it tells you the specific coordinates. Of course, if the hour turns while you’re still seeking the quest creature, everything resets. 

As you move downward, enemies get harder but rewards get better. Some of the magic item rewards are awesome. I’ve had a couple of Wands of Fire that completely clear out rooms in one turn. The problem is how frequently they require recharging and the expense thereof. The game’s economy is still excellent. I make a lot of tough choices between leveling up, recharging, and purchasing new items.

It turns out that items don’t have a fixed number of charges but rather a small probability of running out within any given use. High intelligence seems to lower this chance.

Some of the best items that you can find increase your attributes. Manuals and tomes increase them permanently by one point while various potions increase them temporarily for several points. I have maxed out my strength, intelligence, and constitution with these items, and I must be close on the other two.

         A Manual of Bodily Health raises my constitution.

         Scrolls of Taming, Orbs of Entrapment, and Wands of Charming all work on different creatures. I’ve learned that when I lose a companion (or one leaves), I want to head down to the lowest dungeon level on which I can survive to start hunting for another. About six hours into this session, I was able to charm a succubus, and it’s remained with me ever since–an extremely powerful ally.

I probably mentioned this earlier, but there are special rooms on each level that the creator calls “stud rooms.” They feature enemies 2-3 levels harder than the normal ones on the same level, but with rewards 2-3 times greater. Any new expedition needs to begin with clearly the stud rooms that you know you can clear.  

          In one of the “stud rooms.” Seven green dragons are a little much for me. The Scroll of Identification gives grim odds.

         There’s a magic item called a “Tardis” that resets the dungeon in between the normal hourly resets. It allows you to quickly hit the stud rooms multiple times in a row until it runs out of magic. It’s incredibly useful but back in the day when there were multiple players hitting the dungeon at the same time, it must have been very annoying for some of them.

              The two players on the leaderboard who have won the game both have Level 60 characters, so I assume that’s the game’s level cap. Thus, I’m halfway there. I probably won’t have much more to say about Camelot until I win, so hopefully I can get it done this week while I also wrap up Challenge of the Five Realms. I’ll say this for Camelot: it’s the first PLATO game that I’ve enjoyed lingering with, rather than blasting through it just to document its historical value.

Time so far: 40 hours

source http://reposts.ciathyza.com/camelot-what-makes-us-unique/