#dustin looks so cute in this need to step on him like a bug

[socialbunny]

[familyvideostevie]

a warm horizon

this was the second most voted from this poll, hope you enjoy! springtime with steve | fem!reader, 1k

"I'm telling you, it swelled up to the size of a...a...golf ball. No, a baseball. Right on my wrist, which made it impossible to actually play baseball for like, two weeks. " Steve's hands gesticulate wildly as he pantomimes something much larger than a baseball appearing at the base of his thumb. You look down at where his head rests in your lap and she that his eyebrows are furrowed in genuine angst. "And it hurt. So, yeah, excuse me if I swat at a bee when I see one."

"Swatting at them just makes them mad," you tell him, leaning back on your hands and casting your gaze to the blue sky. You should have brought your sunglasses. Silly boy, you think. Afraid of bees, of all things. 

"Swatting at them gets them away from me for long enough to run back to the safety of my car."

The spring breeze blows through the now-green grass of the hill and catches one of the edges of your blanket, flipping it over. You can't bring yourself to move to fix it. "And you'll abandon me?"

"Sorry, babe," Steve says. You look down again to find him grinning at you. His eyes sparkle in the sunshine."They don't come after you like they do me. I'm like honey, or something."

You flick his nose and he swats at you as if you're the offending insect."No idea why, since I'm much sweeter than you."

Steve pouts and you laugh. "Brutal. You're hanging out with Dustin too much."

You lower yourself to your elbows and then your back so that you're just as sprawled on the blanket as he is. "S'what you get for abandoning me to nature, Steve." Huge, fluffy clouds amble across the sky above you. Everything seems more beautiful, more alive during the first few weeks of spring. Everyone laughs a little louder and walks around with a spring in their step. 

"I wouldn't actually abandon you," Steve says. "You might have to defend me, though. I'm serious, I think I'm allergic or something."

"I can do that," you say. "I'll protect you from the big, bad bees." Steve snorts. 

"Alright, alright, I get it. They're just bugs." You reach down blindly to slide your hand into his hair as a somewhat sincere apology for making fun of him. He does handle pretty much every other critter fairly well -- he is a little freaked out by butterflies but lets you stop him when you see one on your walks. He catches fireflies with the kids and even takes spiders outside if you ask him to. But your handsome, brave, incredible boyfriend isn't at his best this time of year. 

"How's your hay fever?" you ask, eyes closing to enjoy the sunshine. On cue, he sniffs. 

"Fine. The new pill I got at the pharmacy last week doesn't make me sleepy, which is nice." But then he sneezes. "Shit." He sneezes again.

"I have tissues in my bag." The weight of his head disappears from your lap and you hear him rummage through your things. He'll be fine in a few weeks when everything stops blooming but until then you try to carry around anything he might need.

"Don't open your eyes," he says. "This is gross." It sounds more like "gwoss" as he blows his nose. 

"Oh, you think I don't find my snotty boyfriend cute?" Steve ignores you and settles back on top of you, his head higher up on your stomach this time. He likes to feel you breathe.

"Spring is bullshit," he says without any real venom. 

"It's not all bad," you chastise him. "The sun is nice. Your hair will get lighter if we spend enough time out here."

He hums. "Well, I do get to see more of your legs." You feel his hand squeeze your thigh. 

"Steve!" He's impossible. You tilt your chin so you can see him only to find him grinning up at you just like before, only now his nostrils are a little red. He is still so handsome it makes your chest ache. "You know very well you get to see them whenever you want."

"Don't I know it." You look away but feel his eyes on you still.

"What?"

"You're extra pretty in the spring," he says. "Just...happier. Lighter." Your face feels hot. It's disarming, sometimes, the way that Steve talks about you. Not only to you with compliments, but to other people. He tells old ladies in the grocery store about promotions you get at work and loudly sings your praises in rooms full of people. You took him shopping last week and when you came out of the dressing room in a new pair of jeans he asked the sales girl how she felt to have the prettiest girl in the world in her store. 

He's embarrassing and you love him so much. 

"You're extra pretty in the spring," you fire back. He reaches for your hand. 

You squeeze and he squeezes back. "I guess we're the greatest looking couple alive."

"Guess so." You wonder if you could fall asleep out here. 

"What do you want to do for the rest of the day?"

"We're on pickup duty at 4," you remind him. "But I'm happy to stay here for a little while longer." From your spot on the hill, it's easy to imagine that the rest of the world doesn't exist. It's just you and the boy you love on this blanket, enjoying each other's company and the warmth of the sun after a long winter. There are things you have to do, of course, and other people you love who you want to see. But it's nice to pretend, even for just a little bit.

"Me too," Steve says softly. 

thank you for reading <3 reblog, send feedback, masterlist here!

[lady-ashfade]

Hey! Can I request Dustin with a reader who's taller and a year older and the party makes jokes and Dustin literally does not care

-💀

Cookie container

Dustin Henderson x Gender neutral reader

Ummm, hell yes I can! This was so cute so I did it right away.

Notes: The reader is a sophomore, but it’s not even mentioned. 

Warnings: Non.

Dustin groaned while he steps through schools main doors, slamming them open with his friends annoying voices nagged behind him.

“Maybe they reach the stuff on the shelf’s he can’t” Mike jokes while the boy beside him, Lucas, shook his head.

“Maybe he needs to feel protected, isn’t that little dusty-bun” Lucas said in a small baby voice and got close to his face.

“You know what-“ dustin shoved his face away. “You guys are really mature, I mean make fun all you want but I have it better” he leaned on the wall by the back doors.

“You’re like a little bug compared to them, it’s funny” Lucas shrieked.

“Oh my god” Dustin put his head in his hands while moaning in frustration from his two friends.

“Oh, what’s got him in such a state?” Eddie walked up to them while pointing at the curly headed boy.

“We’re making fun of how small he is compared to his “Loves” height” Eddie tilted his head in confusion at Lucas words.

“Dustin is dating someone?” He asked and Dustin nodded.

“Yes, and might I add they’re better then their girlfriend. I mean mikes isn’t even here, and Lucas- Oh wait, she dumped your ass.” Dustin smirked at them rolling their eyes knowing he got them.

“Sweetheart” a voice called from behind them, Dustin smiles at the voice he knew so well. “Y/n” he called out in a happy voice.

“I brought you and your friends some cookies” You motioned down at the clear container with cookies filled to the top.

“Thank you, love” Dustin reached up and kissed your lips softly and you smiled, reaching up and cupping his cheek.

“You’re too cute” you raised your head on top of his. “My own little hero” you joked and pulled away. Much to their surprise he didn’t get mad at you calling him little.

“Play nice boys” You handed the counter to Dustin and looked back at the three other boys watching you.

“And if I hear you make fun of my boyfriend again I’ll make sure your life becomes hell” you winked and walked away.

Dustin watch with heart eyes as you walked back to your friends car, you had his heart and he was so lucky to have you.

“Not only are they taller, but older” Lucas commented to Eddie.

“By a year” Dustin screamed in defense.

“They’re badass, good job Henderson” Eddie throws his arm around Dustins shoulder and walked into the back doors to their clubs room.

“Wait- can we have cookies” the two boys followed.

“Hell no” Dustin reached in a took a bite of a cookie he grabbed.

[heartspiked]

that’s not how you pray | eddie munson

summary: eddie wants you to know he’s not guilty

content warning: cursing, crying obvi, mentions of blood, angst

songs that inspired this: hey lover by the daughter of eve + do you want to die together by stars

you hadn’t seen your boyfriend in weeks and it was tearing you apart for more than one reason. you so desperately needed to talk to him and you know he needed you too. it was hard dating a high schooler who flunked more than once and attend college a couple hours away from the sleepy little town of hawkins. arriving in hawkins made your stomach churn in all the wrong ways. there wasn’t kids riding their bikes around town and even a curfew had been implemented. you didn’t even attempt to visit his trailer in fear the police would question you and slow you down in your search for your “murderer satanic” boyfriend. you really needed to talk to him. to sort things out.

you knew he was chicken hearted and wouldn’t hurt a fly. literally, he asked you to step on spiders and those furry worms that stung you if you touched them. he learned his lesson and visited the hospital convinced he was dying. from then on you became designated bug killer. gripping your steering wheel and clenching your jaw you made your way from house to house of eddie’s known friends and associates. they were all dead ends completely fucking useless. his so called band members had no idea where he was and you just wanted to hear his voice to make you feel better. you hoped he wasn’t alone somewhere by himself. when three days went by you decided to risk going to visit his trailer.

it was late and you were speeding but the police, if you could even call them that, were far too understaffed and useless. you sped into the trailer park past the police tape and swerved into an bad parking job not even bothering to turn the engine off. the lights were on! they were on! you threw the door of his trailer open to see one of the little lost lambs dirty and scared. he turned to you in pure shock and you never felt more relieved.

“it’s eddie! he… hee stayed! we need to get him!” it was then you noticed the unmissable massive fucking hole in the ceiling. you didn’t even know what to say you couldn’t stop smiling that you were so close to seeing eddie. you were massively freaked as you watched dustin dash and jump up a chair and onto the roof and you followed him. you didn’t know why his friends were so weird dressed in a homemade medieval knight outfit but you’d make sure to question him. “we don’t have time hurry up, (y/n)!”

you grunted and pulled yourself halfway up the hole before dustin lifted you up and you both were sprinting out the trailer door. unfortunately for you dustin was limping behind and you couldn’t even begin to process what you were seeing. it looked like pure hell and it scared you oh god did it scare you. you didn’t think the crazy conspiracy theorists were right when they said there was hell in hawkins. you laughed it off but holy shit you’d never seen more red in your lifetime. hawkins looked like a deserted town filled with ugly thick vines and dead trees and the hoard of crazy killer bats?

oh my god. it’s eddie. it’s eddie! “eddie! dustin i see him!” your screamed was terribly loud. he’s hurt. you hurried over to him as fast as your legs could take you. they felt crazy numb as your knees skidded on the ground and hurt terribly. “eddie baby my love! you’re okay you’re okay.” you cooed and ran your hand through his tangled hair. eddie gave a gigantic smile,”you’re here… i’m so glad i can see you.” he said weekly and with his cute little laugh he did when he was nervous. you put your hands on his wound. you knew that in all the movies it was best to keep pressure on wounds you knew that. “i wanted you to know i’m sorry for running away i didn’t kill chrissy… i didn’t.” you shook your head tears in your eyes. “eddie shut up i believe you! i never doubted you for a second babe.” you cried out as he placed his hand in yours.

he weakly slipped one of his rings on your finger and you shook your head,”keep it you’ll thinking you lost it babe..” you dug your face into his neck and sobbed as you tried to pull him or pick him up with dustin’s help. eddie started slipping off as he spoke to dustin and you couldn’t let him, no you couldn’t. you two had a life ahead of you. he’d finally graduate. he would you knew it. you slapped his face gently, “baby! seriously baby! you can’t slip off right now you’re gonna be fine!” eddie looked at the curly haired boy sitting on his other side and they both had sympathetic looks. you hated it. he said i love you to his underling and supposed acolyte.

his eyes began to be swallowed by darkness and you couldn’t take it any longer. “please baby! eddie.. edward baby i’m pregnant.. i’m pregnant! it’s our baby..” eddie’s tears began to flow as he grabbed your stomach weakly. “you need to be here for the baby!” you sobbed hitting his chest. he smiled this big fucking shit eating grin that you loved so much. being raised in a religious house you felt like this was punishment how dare the lord how dare god take the love of your life. how dare he. you did all your hail marys and all your confessions on sundays every week since you were young. “stay alive… if not for me for the baby!” you pleaded your sobs deafening.

your throat was raw and burning painfully,“i love you and our unborn baby. i know you’ll be the best mom i love you. find steve okay?” you shook your head as you watched the love of your life take his last few breaths. you kissed his face erratically. “i don’t want steve i want you baby..” you sobbed uncontrollably as dustin tried to pull you away from the munson boy. you wanted to die there and then you wanted to go with him so bad, so fucking bad. you cried into your cold lovers chest for what seemed like hours. you left the body of the man you loved behind. your unconditional love in a place you didn’t understand could exist. you knew he’d never want to be alone ever.

you knew him better than anybody and you had planned a joking little argument for when you’d find him but you’d never play fight with him again and it killed you to see him bloody and surrounded by fucking hideous demon bats. you knew no one would ever know his innocence or his personality and how he was heaven on earth. how your baby would never know how good their daddy was at guitar or hear his band preform live or teach them how to play dungeons and dragons. you knew he wanted a baby girl. you talked about it when you’d get high in his van when you’d meet each other half way from your college on nights he didn’t have his club. you knew he’d want to take care of his baby.

you felt like the earth swallowed him silently the day he died.

[skippers-stuff]

Coming out

Pairing: bi Eddie Munson x bi afab! Reader

Summary: Eddie decided to come out to you, and your response made him dropp everything.

Warnings: mention of sexually loaded activities (clothed privet areas touching), concussion, visit to school nurse, head bang, coming out, bi couple, stedie mentioned, emotions and stuff...

A/n: I wrote this a while ago, got inspired by a tiktok vid I can't find anymore. I wanted to post this earlier but tumblr is shit hard to use (for me lol, I'm old [not really]). I'm clearly new to this so I'm thankful for every feedback i get!

You burst through the cafeteria door with panic in your eyes. You are desperately searching for a way out of the situation you throw yourself into. With your loud entrance, now everyone was looking at you like you were gonna you went mad, but you couldn't care less. Not when he was after you. You run to your table, grab Dustin's shoulders and look at him with puppy eyes.

"Dustin, dear, my great friend, you need to help me. Please." You beg the younger boy.

"Oh, no, what did you do this time?" He asks you with an annoyed look.

"I may or may not have fucked up just a tiny tiny little bit... " you wanted to continue your speech about how you managed to get yourself in trouble once again, but then his fluffy hair appeared in the door.

"Shit" you hiss and go back to your running business.

Just a normal day in Hawkins High. You pissed off your boyfriend, Eddie Munson, just like you usually do maybe like 3 or 4 times a week, and now, you're running for your life. Of course, he would never hurt you, not on purpose at least, you knew that, but he had his ways of getting back at you.

You run to the bench in the forest area, behind the school, where Eddie usually does his cartel businesses. At that point, you were out of breath and your legs felt weak. You could not make any more steps. So you decided to lay down on the top of the table. Not in the grass obviously, since you didn't want any bugs in your hair. Not long after, your boyfriend was hovering above you with a stupid smirk on his face.

"Got you now doll" he smirks and pins, your hands above your head.

"Okay, yeah, you got me. Good job Eds." You say while trying to catch your breath. "I need to visit the gym more often."

"Mhm, you know what else you should do, angel? Well, I don't know maybe stop talking shit about your boyfriend?" He asks.

Well, yes. About the whole situation. You may or may not have talked to Eddie about how he and Harrington would make a cute couple and mentioned here and there that you can see in his eyes that he just wants to kiss him sometimes. Like quite literally, that was the only topic you talked about today. You started it to annoy him. Altho it was true. You did see some sparkles in his eyes whenever he saw Steve. You've suspected for quite a while now, that your boyfriend was not really what other people would call straight. You didn't want to push him about that, his sexuality, but your jealousy took over you this time. He should not look at anybody else the way he's only allowed to look at you.

"And now tell me, princess, where and when did that little idea of your come to your head? Did you bump you bump it?"

"No, I just saw what I saw, considered and concluded. You don't have to be Sherlock Holmes to catch the evidence." You say smirking right back at his stupid but oh so beautiful face. He spreads your legs with his hands, stands between them and pulls you closer to him, so your crotch meets his. Then he grabs the neck of your shirt and pulls you up by it.

"And why do you seem so sure about that? Why would I be interested in a guy?" He asks in a lower voice.

"Come on Eds, the little starring at Steve moments, the handkerchief, yes I know about that too, you just scream the answer, my friend," you say smiling.

"Let's just say you are right, for the following scenario, and I do like... Other than women, no, not Steve, just in general... How would you feel about that? Your boyfriend being attracted to... Boys?" He asks still holding you but now a bit nervous. You just keep smiling at him. It's like a huge moment. He finally admitted to you his attraction to other genders. I mean, yeah, you may have forced it, but you wanted him to be true to himself around you.

"Well, I would think that is super extra cool since my boyfriend's girlfriend is attracted to girls as well." You smile, making your confession to your love.

Eddie's world just stops right there. I mean, how could it not? He just found out that his girlfriend not only accepted his so-called abnormality but somehow shares it with him. That he is not alone. At that moment he didn't feel awful about himself, and about his feelings, he just felt like it was a normal thing. He fell even more in love with you at that moment if it was possible. He didn't care about Steve or anyone else on the planet because at that moment, Eddie Munson was sure he wanted to marry you as soon as possible. His whole body weakened for a minute. Only a minute. But it was enough for your shirt to slip through his fingers. He saw the whole thing in slow motion in front of him. Your shirt slips, and then the boom, when your head hit the wooden table. His eyes go wild as he tries to catch you.

You feel incredible pain in your head while you chant every swearword you knew. You try to stand up, but one, you feel dizzy and you just can't and two, Eddie is on top of you. Repeating how sorry he was between the "shit" s that left his mouth. You push him off of you and he helps you to stand up.

"You okay princess? Shit. I am really really sorry, I didn't mean to drop you" he put his arm around your body and tries to help you stand properly.

"My head fucking hurt, get me to the nurse," you say with your eyes closed, trying to make your way to the said person with Eddie's help. You can only take two steps before you put your boyfriend to the side and throw up.

"Oh fucking shit it's not looking good, is it? Shit, I'm so fucking sorry." He picks you up and as fast as he can get you to the nursery.

The nurse gives you some painkillers and tells you that you have a minor whiplash so she sends you home. Since non of your parents can pick you up, Eddie decides to ditch school and take you home instead. He lays you down on his bed, and makes everything comfortable for you, just hopping around you like a maid. The only problem is that you don't want to be near him. He just dropped you after coming out to him, literally.

"Eddie, could you just leave please?" You whine.

"I am sorry but I'm afraid I can't do that, princess." He says as he climbs in next to you. "I really hate what I did back there, and I'm trying to get my perfect girlfriend whatever she wants to show her how amazing she is and how much I love her, hoping that she'll forgive me and marry me someday, even tho I dropped her when she came out to me. I hope you know I didn't do that because of what you said, I mean I did. I didn't expect it and well, god, you are perfect and you made me believe that after all, I might be normal. I mean I hated myself for so many years whenever I felt something towards a boy and you just took it so carelesly and easily."

"Eddie Munson, you are faaaar away from normal, my dear. And that's what I love you for. Because who the fuck wants to be boring and normal when they can be you? Or be with you. You are the colour in my life, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love you. And I will marry you someday in the future, but not now, now I need peace and quiet." You say as you close your eyes, only to open them a moment after to glance at your boyfriend who is silently admiring you "and maybe my boyfriend... Shirtless." As you say those last words, Eddie is quick to take off his shirt and pulls you on his chest. He keeps petting your hair as you slowly fall asleep to the heartbeat of the one you love the most.

[dancerpanda04]

(Sfw) Eddie Munson x GN reader (Best friends-Confession)

Mostly fluff (with some light kisses) 🥺

I looked at the clock, noticing we have a whole hour left of school. Usually, I’d be skipping this portion of the class, out in the woods, with my best friend; Eddie Munson but today there was just something different in the air.

“C’mon stupid clock, can you move any slower!?” I thought to myself as I internally pleaded with the circular machine.

“Hey, bug” Eddie whispered to me from his seat next to me, knocking me out of my trance.

“Yes, Eds?” I give him a small smile, as I come back into the real world.

“Ya want to join me and the guys for our new campaign today? I can pick you up, since you live near Henderson” He returns a sweet smile back.

“Oh um, sure Eds, I’ll have to just have a normal shirt since I’m not cool enough to own a Hellfire shirt” I roll my eyes, chuckling.

“Bug, we’ll get you a shirt made, Henderson needs a new one anyway since he spilled red sauce on his” Eddie replies in a sarcastic tone. I smile and time starts to move faster, Eddie always had that effect on me, since we were in elementary school. Making the time fly by and making me smile.

Finally the last bell of the day rings and I put my headphones in, playing dead or alive songs. Eddie comes up to me, holding my hand as we walk to the parking lot.

“Bug, I think we can just go back to my place cause I have an extra shirt that’ll fit you and’ll save us time” He gives me his signature smile and I nod

“Okay, sounds fun Eds, Your uncle home?”

“Bug, you should know this by now, Wayne works all day nearly every day. That trailer is basically mine at this point” He chuckles and opens the door to his van for me.

“Wow, such a gentleman Eds” I chuckle and get in.

“Anything for my bug” As soon as that left his mouth, my heart fluttered and my face blushed. I attempt to hide it, poorly though..

“Oh, someone is blushing~” He mocks me and I shyly giggle

“No, Eddie Munson, you are definitely imagining things” I say, as my blush starts to fade away. Eddie chuckles and starts driving to his trailer. He puts on some Black Sabbath, a band I’m neither here nor there with as we pull up next to the trailer.

“Bug, you can go in, I need to hang some of my clothes real quick” I nod and step into the absolutely trashed trailer and find a spot on the couch to sit on, rewinding my cassette tape on my walkman.

“Eddie! Where is the shirt so I can change fast?” I call out to him

“Um, it should be on top of my dresser! You know where my bedroom is!”

I go into his room, grabbing the shirt and starting to change in his room. Quickly switching shirts and putting on a pair of black sweatpants to keep myself comfortable, in the next 1-2 hours with the guys. I look threw his closet, stealing a Metallica pull-over sweatshirt.

“Hey Bug, you ready to- oh you look to cute!” Eddie smiles and walks over to me. I look down at my feet, mumbling into my chest. Eddie takes one of his hands and lifts my chin. My face goes beet red and I try to look away.

“Y/n Y/l/n, I think I’m in love with you.. I have been for a long time” He confesses and I gasp, lightly. He holds my face softly and kisses me with just true love and compassion.

“I think I’m in love with you too, Eddie Munson” I kiss him back. “We’re gonna be late to our meeting and Dustin is waiting for us”

He chuckles and grabs my hand “Let’s go fight some monsters, my mage”

————————————————————

This is my first fic post here, I really hope you enjoyed it, cause I loved writing it. Eddie has been my obsession since I watched the show.

Please reblog, it does more than a like

Thank you for reading 🖤

[neacle]

also all of the ship asks for Dinahboose because themmmmmm ;-;

PRE-RELATIONSHIP

How did they first meet? Well, they've known each other the longest, and they met when C.B arrived to Apollo Victoria. Dinah has lived there her whole life.

What was their first impression of each other? Dinah thought C.B was funny and sweet, and C.B thought Dinah was sweet and caring, they got along quickly, and complimented each other well

Did any of their friends or family want them to get together? A few months after the race, Ashley and Buffy started to sense some tension between them and kinda tried to spur Dinah on. Meanwhile, Dustin is quick to spot feelings blooming and tried to encourage C.B.

Who felt romantic feelings first? Hard to say, both started to feel them gradually and over time pretty much at the same time.

Did either of them try to resist their feelings? Yes lmao, Dinah because she didn't want to jump into another thing after being so long with Greaseball, and also because C.B has never expressed any sort of interests in girls before, so she tried to keep it to herself. And C.B was unsure about his feelings and wanted to work out why and how he suddenly felt this way about his best friend, that happened to be a girl. And it's not like she'd ever go for a scrawny little guy like him after she's been with a big engine like Greaseball....

If you had told one of them that the other would be their soulmate, what would they think? "What? That's silly, he's my best friend and he likes guys" "What? That's silly, she's my best friend and I like guys"

What would their lives be like if they had never met? I think Dinah would be even more unsure of herself than if she didn't have C.B in her life, and Greaseball and a lot f other guys would have walked over her even more. And C.B would still continue with his crashes and sabotaging, and maybe it'd go so bad that he'd just get worse and worse (even if i personally HC him as only crashing trains in races to help GB win, otherwise he's mostly full of shit and lies lmao)

GENERAL

Who initiated the relationship, and how did it go? Dinah did I guess, she got caught in a moment and went in for a kiss 😌 It went surprisingly well

Did they have an official first date? If so, what was it like? I guess so! Damn I haven't thought about a date yet hmmmm But yes ofc they'd go on a official date, and it would be a little awkward but very sweet

What was their first kiss like? Sweet and unsure, and then hungry and passionate. They're both very greedy lol

Were they each other’s first anything (kiss, relationship, etc.)? Well, I guess this is C.B's first real relationship, with any person, and specifically with a girl. Before that he just fucked around like a horny little gremlin

What’s their height difference? Age difference? Dinah is 160 cm, and C.B is 162 cm (so 5,2 and 5,3 ft) And Dinah is 30 years old, and C.B 29

What’s their relationship with each other’s families? Well, Ashley and Buffy are supportive, even if they're a little careful with his history with sabotaging. Pearl is still on the offense, but wants to be a good sport for Dinah. Greaseball was shocked at first, he didn't see it coming, and it takes a while for him to warm up to the idea. The freight all like Dinah, so they're on board, and Dustin and Ashley are besties so

Who takes the lead in social situations? Both? They're very socially adept and likes to mingle, tho Dinah is shy when she doesn't know the person, so then C.B steps in

Who gets jealous easier? Dinah I think, once she's in a relationship she tends to get clingy. But C.B isn't far behind, tho he tends to show it in more quiet and self concious ways

Who whispers inappropriate things in the other’s ear? C.B lmao, he loves to make Dinah blush

LOVE

Who said “I love you” first? Dinah, she's more comfortable and vocal about things overall

What are their primary love languages? Cute nicknames, touches, handholding, stroking the hair, cuddling

Who uses cheesy pick-up lines? C.B, they're terrible, but they make Dinah laugh so

How often do they cuddle/engage in PDA? Very, very much. They hold hands like all the time, and cuddle whenever they sit together, and Dinah loves to kiss his red cheeks

Who initiates kisses? Both, they're like i mentioned very greedy lmao

Who’s the big and little spoon? Dinah has always been the little spoon, so she tends to cuddle up to C.B, but they sometimes switch or just sleep embracing eachother

What are their favorite things to do together? Sing, dance, bake, braid flowers. In the winter they switch their wheels to blades and go ice skating on the nearest lake, but they've always done that lol

Who’s better at comforting the other? C.B is better at comforting Dinah, he's done it for most of their friendship after all. But Dinah is slowly starting to see outside her own bubble too, and she's very good at comforting as soon as she leans into it

Who’s more protective? Dinah lmao She a moma bear

Do they prefer verbal or physical affection? Both? Or well, Dinah prefers both, while C.B is more physical

What are some songs that apply to their relationship, in-universe or otherwise? All Shook Up by Elvis Presley Ganz Allein, naturally lol (preferably with Kapa or Hans) Ain't No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye I will Always Love You by Dolly Parton

What kind of nicknames do they call each other? C.B calls Dinah "Dee, Dee-dee, babe" Dinah calls C.B "Cee, Ceeb, sugah, honey, my guy, my lil' man"

Who remembers the little things? Both, they're very good at remembering things lol

DOMESTIC LIFE

If they get married, who proposes? C.B would, tho i don't think they'll ever get officially coupled, but we'll see lol

What’s the wedding like? Who attends? Small and intimate, lots of flowers, their closest friends and family

How many kids do they have, if any? What are they like? No kids. I imagine Dinah would perhaps want some, but C.B is not parent-material, they'll take it when and if they get there

Do they have any pets? I imagine that they would love to have some small critters around, and no this is not only because it's you Jenny, but i can see them have chickens lol Dinah would use the eggs for baking and cooking

Who’s the stricter parent? Again, no kids prob But Dinah would be stricter

Who worries the most? Dinah, she's used to certain things going her way and she's used to being in control and wanting everything to look good and function. C.B goes more with the flow

Who kills the bugs in the house? Both? Or Dinah lets them out

How do they celebrate holidays? Huge dinners, and lovely desserts, with their close kin

Who’s more likely to convince the other to come back to sleep in the morning? Both of them lmao, but they also work the same hours so they pretty much get up at the same time anyway

Who’s the better cook? Again, they don't really *need* to eat, but Dinah, definitely. But C.B is very observant and likes to learn

Who likes to dance? Booooth, they dance a lot, and have for a long time

[hawkinsindiana]

we’re safe now

ALMOST PARADISE: PART TWO - CHAPTER TWELVE OF FIFTEEN

pairing: steve harrington x henderson!reader

word count: 3.3k

a/n: ahhh i’m sorry this is coming a week late! but i really appreciate everyone being patient while i sort out all the issue with my health. luckily, i’ll be able to post the next chapter next week so we’re back on schedule! again, i can’t thank you all enough for the support and overwhelming love i’ve received recently, so this is for you guys <3

masterlist

Almost two weeks have passed since that night. You’ve been counting the days like some twisted tally, unable to stop reminding yourself of the events that occurred. It bothers you to no end - why you can’t seem to get them out of your head.

The nightmare certainly isn’t helping you cope.

You can’t recall all of the details; you just remember how it felt when your body jolted, how your fingers rushed to grab the smooth grip of the pipe resting beneath your bed - until you realized it was only your subconscious mind playing tricks.

That shadow cast by your dresser wasn’t Billy Hargrove. 

It’s only been five days, but sleep has eluded you ever since.

It seems that everyone’s already moved on. Their lives haven’t stopped or slowed down by what happened. Even Will’s adjusted well, or as well as can be expected. Every little bit of progress is like ten steps in the right direction for the Byers’ boy.

“Hey-” The eraser on the end of Steve’s pencil jabs you in the arm, bringing your scrambled thoughts back to reality - back to him.

“What d’you think about ten? A or D?”

Your eyes drift from Steve, sitting in the chair beside yours, to the worksheet on the table. You’d completely forgotten about it - the pen in your hand had been drawing circles absently onto the paper.

“I, uh-” You clear your throat, gaze bouncing between the four questions you managed to answer, “I didn’t get there yet.”

Steve scoffs as he leans over to take a look; he doesn’t believe a word of it. You always get through these faster than him. But when he realizes that you haven’t flipped to the second page, a touch of worry settles in his stomach.

“Jesus, Henderson. Where’s your head at?”

Steve asks it like it’s a joke. You don’t know if you appreciate or despise the delivery.

On one hand, you’re happy that he feels lighter than you do. Your troubled mind is thankful for the levity it desperately needs. 

But then again, you don’t feel like you’re really here - you think you could just fall right through the floor, forever destined to drown in these emotions.

Dustin says that’s typical until the concussion wears off; but you’re not concerned about physical trauma.

You reply to Steve just as the bell rings, marking the end of the school day.

“Well, uh… the kids wanna get together tonight, but now that there’s so many of ‘em, Karen won’t let them hang at the Wheeler’s. Mike’s been on my ass to help find a spot.”

That’s not a lie - it has been on your mind. Mike has been bugging you about it, desperate to spend more time with El now that she’s returned. That’s cute and all, just as long as you’re not being dragged into it.

Steve’s brow creases before grabbing your bag from the back of your chair. He swings it over his shoulder, carrying his own books by his side; until your hand heals, you’re not going to have to lift a finger.

“Why can’t you just have it at your place?” 

“Not enough room for them all to stay over,” You respond, “Max and Mike refuse to sleep on the floor. We only have one couch.”

As soon as the pair of you step out into the crowded corridor, your eyes catch the snide glances in your direction.

It didn’t take long before people started to figure out what happened.

The injuries that litter your faces were quickly connected to Billy’s split knuckles - which he’s been showing off proudly. To no one’s surprise, it sparked a whole array of rumors. 

Don’t forget the shocking twist that Nancy Wheeler showed up to class with Jonathan Byers on her arm, prompting even more whispers and speculation. Needless to say, it’s been a rough couple of weeks at Hawkins High for you both.

But as soon as you’re free from the fluorescent lights and greeted with autumn’s crisp afternoon breeze, peace starts to settle in. 

“They could hang out at my place.”

Steve’s comment causes you to spin around and stop in your tracks. Your confused expression meets his plain one; he simply shrugs, not acknowledging your reaction, “You know, if they wanted to.” 

He continues on, brushing past you on his way towards the parking lot before you pick up the pace.

“Wait, seriously?” You question after coming to Steve’s side, baffled that he would offer such a thing, “You know that you don’t have to do that, right?”

Steve chuckles a bit, amused by your tone and the shock you radiate, “What, it’s not like anybody’s using it anyways. My parents won't get back until late Sunday night.”

“Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into, Harrington?” You add after approaching the passenger’s side of his car, “They’re even worse when the world’s not at stake.”

“I’m pretty sure I can handle it,” Steve replies, tossing your belongings into the back seat. He shuts the door before opening yours. A touch of concern floods his mind, “Wait, you’re coming too right?”

You fold your arms over your chest; a small smirk curls your mouth upwards, “I thought you could handle it.”

“Well, you know… there are six of ‘em-”

“Relax!” You laugh, shoving Steve lightly. The action makes you realize that you hadn’t noticed how close he’d gotten - it makes your heart skip a beat. He mirrors your bright smile as you finish, “Of course I’ll be there. I’m not that cruel.”

—

One word. That’s all it took to convince them. Dustin, on the other hand, was on board with the idea as soon as you mentioned it.

The door chime rings once, then seven more times before Steve finally swings open the front door. He’s met with Max’s smug grin, pointer finger pressed against the doorbell. 

Steve frowns when she doesn’t let up - the annoying sound still echoes through the house. Just as he’s about to tell her to quit it, Lucas slaps her hand away; the action earns him a prompt shove on the arm.

“I heard there was a pool,” Max says. 

Her overnight pack is slung over her shoulder, sunglasses perched on the bridge of her nose. The group is huddled onto the step, all carrying their belongings with them.

“Uh, yeah,” Steve steps back, pulling the door back with him, “Down the hall, take a left-”

“I’ll find it. Come on guys.”

The girl pushes forwards, with Lucas and Will pursuing closely behind her. Mike and El follow soon after - El’s hand is wrapped tightly around his elbow.

Steve starts to grow concerned when he doesn’t see you or your brother. Maybe you ditched him to go hang out with Hargrove. 

He hates that he thought that. Of course you wouldn’t. It still bothers him though, why you said yes.

But then Steve hears your bickering cut through the chilly November breeze, and he can’t help the warmth that spreads through his chest. 

“Here, take this-”

“No! I’m not carrying your shit!”

The corner of Steve’s mouth curls up at your tone. He hopes he gets used to your arguments - god knows he doesn’t want to lose either of you.

And then he thinks about what was admitted that night. That maybe things would be better if he realized how happy you make him.

That he’s happier when he’s with you than he was with Nancy.

That scares him. He doesn’t know why.

—

Max couldn’t get into the pool fast enough; she was still wearing one of her socks when she drove in. She quickly found out it wasn’t deep enough to do so.

“I still can’t believe you convinced Hop to let her come,” Steve mutters, approaching your side before passing you a can of Coke.

As much as you might wish it was something stronger, you’re not sure you’d like to be tipsy around any of the kids. Who knows what secrets could spill.

Steve gestures to El, who’s perfectly content just dipping her toes into the warm water; you taught her how to roll her jeans into tight, clean cuffs as to not get her clothes wet. She watches the others throw around a foam football, clapping anytime someone catches it successfully - which isn’t often.

You shrug a bit and gladly accept the drink, “As soon as he heard I would be there, he was fine with it. You know, I’m trustworthy.”

Steve’s standing a little too close - his arm brushes yours every few moments. Every touch has been amplified since you felt the undeniable electricity; any nudge or tap makes your heart rate pick up, no matter how small.

Steve doesn’t get to reply, Will’s pass just misses Mike’s hand; the ball bounces against the concrete before landing against the fence on the other side of the yard.

You sigh while sending a nasty glare to the boys, setting down your soda, “Wait, I’ve got it.”

Steve chuckles as you walk over, waving off their excuses and holding conversation; he can’t hear the banter over the radio that’s blasting the hits. And then something comes to mind, something you’d hate. 

He kneels down next to El - her curls bounce as she turns her head to him. Steve keeps his voice low, eyes bouncing between you and the young girl, “I’ve got an idea.”

“Mike, you missed a perfectly good shot!” You say, siding with Will in the argument. 

“Thank you!” He exclaims, “At least somebody notices talent around here.” He smiles when you send him a sly wink and a thumbs up.

Mike’s words stutter as he attempts to defend himself, “My-my hands are WET! We’re in a POOL! It’s not my fault!” He’s motioning wildly now, splashing water around as he speaks.

You start to approach the water’s edge, spinning the ball between your fingers as you answer, “Yeah, tell that to the other thirty times you miss-”

As soon as you come close enough to the pool, you’re pushed a few feet forward, limbs flailing rapidly in surprise. A wave cascades over the group as you land in the water, quickly drenching them and turning Dustin and Lucas into sputter messes; they can’t tell if they’re coughing or cackling.

Once your head comes up from the surface, Steve and El’s laughter grabs your attention. Steve offers his hand for a high-five, which she eagerly returns, “Nice job, kid - that was awesome!”

You brush your hair away from your face and begin blinking rapidly to rid it from your eyes, “You two are so gonna get it!”

“It was Steve’s idea,” El replies between giggles, to which the boy in question deflects the blame, “Wha- you’re the one who did it!” 

“What the hell was that?!”

“Oh come on, that was funny!” Steve answers your outburst, relishing the moment that came before, “You should’ve seen the look on your face, Henderson. Absolutely priceless.”

The frown you have cracks a bit at his joy. It’s hard to not let his infectious happiness influence you. The water’s deep enough to come up to your chest as you wade over to the pair of them, “But now my clothes are all wet! These are my good jeans!”

Steve exhales, feeling a bit of guilt wash over him at your whining, “Alright fine. I’ll help you up, come here.”

But as soon as Steve’s fingers wrap around your bicep, yours tighten on his wrist - Dustin would recognize your mischievous expression anywhere.

“Wait, Steve-”

Your brother’s comment comes too late, because you’ve already yanked Steve in too. Another splash covers the kids; Lucas wipes water from his cheeks, “Oh, come on!”

“There. Now we’re even,” You add as Steve combs his hair back. It sticks up in chunks in random places, making your mouth curl up in a smirk.

“I guess I deserved that,” Steve coughs as he pulls his soaked sweater from his skin, before turning to you when a laugh bubbles from your throat.

“You should’ve seen your face, Harrington.”

There’s a pause before Steve responds. He’s overwhelmed by your actions, how that glint in your eyes makes his heart flutter, makes him speechless for the first time in a long time.

Instead he lunges, an arm wrapping loosely around your waist to pull you closer, only to splash more water in your face. 

“You’re so dead!” You shout before pushing Steve back underneath the water, but his hold strengthens, pulling you down with him briefly before popping up again. 

There’s a moment that occurs right after breaking the surface. 

Your hand comes to rest on Steve’s shoulder, the fabric of his clothes twist in your fist as your gazes meet. Heat crawls up your neck when his palm slides over your back, and his focus is drawn to your lips. 

God, he could kiss you right now. 

But he’s still in love with Nancy. And nothing about this is fair to you.

Then the realization hits - the kids are still here. 

“I’ll uh-“ Steve clears his throat, moving himself away as you drop your hand. When his touch finally leaves you, the exhale you were holding releases into the sky, suddenly expelled from your lungs.

Steve nods once, a somber manner about him, “I’ll find you something dry to wear.”

You swallow harshly as the feelings start to settle; your stomach aches. Turns out that things between you and Steve weren’t going as well as you thought they were.

Maybe what he said didn’t mean anything. Maybe he’s just confused. Maybe he’s just using you as a way to get over his heartache.

You feel like you could throw up.

You’re barely able to look at the kids, who are all staring silently in your direction, puzzled by what they just witnessed.

“If you guys need anything, I’ll be inside,” You say softly before hoisting yourself up on the metal ladder.

Lucas is the first to speak once you’ve retreated inside.

“Alright, please tell me we all saw that?”

—

You can’t sleep. Not that you’re surprised, you weren’t expecting to.

You just hate how this feels - uncertainty and fear don’t mix well inside your brain.

Even if everything is shitty, at least your relationship with Steve seemed to be better. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking. 

But you can only lie here and listen to Max’s light snores for so long; you need some fresh air. Turns out, you’re not the only person with the same desire.

It’s your voice that draws Steve’s attention.

“You know, the last person out here alone got snatched up, Harrington.”

He can’t help the small smile that spreads over his face at the sight of you, standing there wrapped up in one of his mother’s expensive throws; the hood from his sweatshirt pops out a bit at the top, helping to keep you toasty. 

“Oh yeah? You got a death wish, Henderson?”

You go silent for a moment, hesitating with your response - your exhausted brain can’t seem to come up with a reply. The mixture of the cool November air and the heat that rises from the pool washes over you in waves. It makes your body desperately wish that it could relax.

“No, no I don’t,” You finally reply, moving to sit down next to the water’s edge, “Not yet, anyways.” 

Steve grows confused at your answer. It’s not at all what he expected you to say. He waits a few seconds, pondering his options before deciding to join you. 

His skin tears slightly at the contact with the rough concrete, his eyes are cast towards the ground. 

Your breathing begins to steady once Steve takes a seat by your side, leg pressed to yours. You feel better having him here - you don’t like being alone anymore.

“I can’t sleep either,” He says.

You don’t even have to mention it; he recognizes that look on your face, the desperation for a hint of rest. But he doesn’t know if that’s because he’s still reeling from the harrowing experiences, or if it’s because Nancy’s not there next to him anymore.

“Will went missing about half a block from here,” Steve continues, “It still freaks me out to think about that.”

“There’s a street light right outside my window,” You add, picking at a loose string on your pajama bottoms, “Nine times out of ten I think it’s that thing. And I know that there’s no way it could be...”

You sniffle after trailing off; Steve shifts his gaze to you, watching as you peer out over the calm and quiet landscape, “But that doesn’t stop my mind from imagining it.”

Steve doesn’t know what to say to that. He wishes that he had known about this sooner. Maybe he could’ve helped you move on.

He wants to keep you talking. He hopes that would help you, but he doesn’t want to cross any boundaries. 

That was never something he thought about before. But juggling with these new feelings about you has him reconsidering everything about your friendship. He doesn’t want to make anymore mistakes; you don’t deserve that.

“How are you holding up otherwise?” Steve asks.

Your brow furrows as you hold your hands in your lap, grimacing at the sight of your healing bones. There’s no wonder why you haven’t been able to adjust - a constant reminder is always in sight. 

Your chest heaves as a warm breath expels into the air, “I just… I can’t get rid of that feeling.”

“Which one?” Steve’s eyes are now on your face, studying you softly. The lights from beneath the pool’s surface gloss over your features - it’s absolutely mesmerizing. 

“I’m still so scared, Steve,” You gulp, gaze trained on the water ahead, “I’m so scared that something’s gonna happen again.”

“Eleven closed the gate,” He says, “We’re safe now.” 

You shake your head slightly, pulling the blanket closer to your chilled frame, “That’s not what scares me.”

You don’t need to continue for Steve to understand. He can’t imagine what’s been running through your mind, although your behavior from the past few weeks is starting to make more sense.

A light dusting of purple and blue still covers your jawline. God, how he wishes he could wipe it all away, forget that ever happened, forget that it’s his fault you’re burdened with the memory of that night. He didn’t do enough. 

Maybe if he had, you would have been spared.

“I’m terrified of what he did to you.”

Steve’s admission hangs in the air for a moment. He almost grows embarrassed of it, but being vulnerable doesn’t scare him as much as it did. 

He’ll never be able to get that image out of his head. You, bruised and bloodied at Billy’s mercy - he sees it when he closes his eyes at night.

You don’t know what to feel at his words, you just know that it makes your heart race. You don’t think you’ve ever had someone say anything like that to you before. 

Steve’s forehead creases when he feels your fingertips brush his knuckles, still tender from trying to beat Hargrove senseless.

He adjusts to intertwine your hands, feeling a sudden wave of relief come over him as your palms press together. Then, somehow you’re both inching even closer, head resting on his shoulder as it becomes painfully clear.

He knows why he was scared before. Because this, this feels real. 

“It took me a while to get over her too,” You say, voice just above a whisper, “She has a way with people, you know.”

Steve doesn’t understand how you can make something sound both emotionally heavy and soft at the same time. 

His lips are pressing a kiss to your temple soon after - reassurance that he’ll be here for you. You squeeze his hand tighter in response, closing your eyes as the anxiety dulls.

“Yeah, I know.”

—

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[alias-b]

angel cake.

Summary: Former enemies, now friends and maybe lovers, Billy Hargrove and Evie Fenny start teasing in a church confessional. Things take a turn for the heated when Billy's imagination gets away from him. ~Also posted on my AO3

Billy/plus size!OC. Fucking in a confessional. Sin. Filth. Thanks for reading. Weird to write them romantically bc the start of the fic is Rough. They have work to do. Billy Being Nasty In Church. Teaser at later stuff for my new enemies to friends to lovers Billy/OC Fic, Sins of My Youth, that I want to start posting. XOXO.

Billy Hargrove x Evie Fenny

angel cake. 🍰

   “You really have to go to this thing?” Billy’s Camaro roared into a church parking lot. Looked out of place there. Multicolored tulips swept against the spring wind, too pleasant before the fender.

   “Told mom I’d help out. I’m not staying for the festivities, they just need extra hands setting up the food and Easter egg hunt.” Aviators flashed at Evie in the passenger seat.

   Billy with his arm propped in the window. Denim jacket and white button down tucked into tight jeans. Cigarette dangling out his lips. Exceptionally pretty, even against all the pastel flowers and banners set for the holiday. 

   “What a good daughter. Santa ought to put you on the nice list for sure.” He plucked the smoke out to exhale as she brought the car mirror down.

   “Hell, I forgot I had red on today.You have napkins in here?” She opened the glove box to sift through papers. Billy extended his arm.

   “Use the jacket, give me something messy to remember you by.” A wink followed before she took his wrist and smacked a ruby kiss into his forearm, printing the light wash. Eyes flicked as some of the red lipstick got swiped away, leaving a more pink tint behind.

   “Thanks, I guess.”

   “Red is the devil’s color,  Evangeline.” Came some mocking in a horrid southern accent. She scoffed with her eyes elsewhere.

   “You could always come help if you’re going to pout.” She dug around her purse.

   “Not pouting. Churches and I don’t mix. It’s the one thing dad and I agree on.” Billy pulled his shades down and folded them into his front pocket with the cigarettes. 

   “Well, pick me up in an hour, we’ll go catch something scary and sinful.” She applied chapstick and rubbed her lips together.

   “Sinful? I like that.” Billy’s fingers squeezed her thigh, hot on skin and just barely under the little black suspender skirt. Evie wore a brightly colored tee with sunflowers all over it. Her usual green bomber jacket covered in patches. “That new?”

   “The chapstick? No, it’s tinted and smells like watermelon though.”

   “Let me try.” Billy saw her offer the tube and instead pulled her in by the collar for a kiss. Mashing their lips together. He flicked his tongue out for good measure and heard her gasp against his ferocity. It still managed to catch her off guard. A light smack when he parted, tonguing his bottom lip. “Mm, tastes like watermelon too.”

   “Billy, there are people over there.” She pushed his wandering hand out of her skirt.

   “I’d like to see Jesus himself come out and...what the fuck is that?” Billy’s finger lifted so Evie followed it to see the Easter Bunny leaving a lone side door. Lavender fur with white tufts, huge goofy grin.

   “Yeah, they have someone dress up every year for when the kids arrive, which is in about sixty minutes, so I gotta go.” Evie had Billy’s wrist again to check the time. Pecked his cheek and shifting before he about howled. “What?” Her body jumped at the sound.

   “No fucking way!” Billy was scrambling out because the bunny head had come off so a quick smoke could be snuck around back. “No way! Hey, Harrington! That you, amigo? What’s up, doc?” 

   Steve spun on his heel, holding a cigarette in one hand and the bunny head under his other arm. His head fell back with a groan because Billy was leaning up against his chair, bent over to belly laugh.

   “Hargrove?” Steve looked mortified, but played tough. “Are they really letting you within five feet of a church?” Billy was too busy cackling to retort. Fist clenched and head resting upon his arm on the Camaro.

   “The fucking tail.” Billy wasn’t stopping so Evie crossed her arms.

   “What happened to Gary?” Evie approached Steve, head cocking. “Ignore Billy.”

   “I try to… And food poisoning. I dropped Dustin off at home yesterday to help Claudia out and she begged me last minute. I’m getting fifteen bucks for it though. Not bad for the Saturday before Easter.” He flashed a half smile. “Suit kinda smells like potpourri, I-...Is he gonna stop or what?” 

   “He’ll tucker himself out eventually.” Evie turned her head to see Billy unable to get air. “Billy, take a breath already before you pass out!” A huge gulp followed. More wild laughter. “Jeez.”

   “I’m never gonna live this down, shit.” Steve mumbled around his smoke, flicking it. “Asshole.”

   “Might want to get back in, Pastor will have a cow if he catches you smoking in the suit.” Evie took the head to help Steve back into it.

   “See you, Hargrove. Remember to breathe, dick.” The bunny snuck back in the side door. Another round of laughs at the sight of the puffy tail.

   “I wanna kick his ass so bad. You don’t understand.” Billy stretched out, eyes watering and cheeks blushed. Freckles glowing.

   “You short circuiting still?” Evie peered down at her boots.

   “I don’t know what Easter is about, but that...was the best shit I’ve ever seen.” Billy snickered like a little boy with his hand in the cookie jar. Evie only rolled her eyes.

   “New beginnings, Billy.” Heels clicked up behind them so Billy straightened quick to get his composure.

   “Hey, mom.” Evie leaned out from behind the boy.

   Mona Fenny appeared from the main doors, her arms full of bags. Brightly colored plastic eggs packed with treats about to spill out. Hair pumped, unable to move, with a short 60s sheath dress clinging to her body. Yellow and orange print. Something that was definitely noted by the men around. Single and ready at all times. Evie felt her cheeks heat at her mother.

   “New beginnings, Miss Mona?” Billy repeated, one hand sliding into his jean pocket.

   “That’s what I always thought, sugar.” That southern twang thick beyond all reach.

   Billy always liked to poke fun at Evie, she had the slightest Louisiana touch to her voice that came out when she was in a more fiery disposition. She swore it wasn’t true.

   “Evie, they’re trying to get the dessert table set up. I didn’t realize Billy was joining us.” Mona continued.

   “Oh, I-”

   “You know, Billy was actually telling me he’s never been to a real Easter gathering before. Not a church event.” Evie’s sly smile crossed and he shot her a look. “I’m sure those big, strong arms you got would really help out setting up.” Evie came to him and gave his bicep a pat.

   “That’s lovely, Billy. You know the kids just love this event, fun in the sun and more food than you’ll ever eat. Go on inside, you two. We have decorations to get going.” Mona clicked away, peppy in stride.

   “I had a hair appointment.” Billy hissed through his teeth when Evie’s mother was gone.

   “You want to tell my mother that you’re going to get your hair done somewhere that isn’t her salon?” Evie’s lips pressed. Billy’s face scrunched because she had him there. “I panicked, the people here are too much. Please stay.”

   “Your mom never turns her volume down, does she? Looking more like a brunette Sharon Tate than a Dolly Parton.” Billy locked his car, stuffing the scorpion keychain into his pocket.

   “Been like that since dad left, she’s...on the market. Trying to feel good. People notice and they say some not great stuff. She went from dressing like a nun to a model overnight.” Evie was holding her arms close to her chest still, making this unconscious patting motion Billy always noted like she was trying to console herself.

   “Really bugs you, what people think.”

   “It’s a small town, it bugs everyone.” Evie turned, skirt flitting while her curls bounced. “Don’t like all these guys ogling my mom.”

   Doesn’t like that one might replace her dad. Evie peered back at Billy, lips pushed up to appear brighter. He decided he wanted to see her happier without force.

   “I’ll stick around. You owe me.” Steps followed. One hand gave her bottom a firm pat.

   “You know, the Easter Bunny has to do a dance before the festivities begin?” She whispered then. “It’s tradition.”

   Billy perked up like a dog.

   “Right, so, decorations?” He waltzed ahead with a giggling girl in tow. Spotted the moms passing boxes off. All stilling to see him there. Wind sweeping his blond locks like a beefcake out of a romance novel. Shirt open with his saint chain glinting upon his tanned chest. “Ladies.”

   “Hi, Billy.” Came the chorus.

   He ate that up a little. 

   Sunlight was barely felt through the spring breeze. Balloons and streamers glowed every direction. Twisted around Evie’s manicured fingers as she passed them up to Billy to be tied around the banner.

   “Feel like I might float away here.” The wind swept up her unruly curls as she smiled below when Billy peered to see her. Pink and violet balloons. Yellow streamers. She looked like a piece of decadent candy there. “What?”

   Billy snapped out of it.

   “Why do I have to be on the ladder?” He snatched another bundle of strings from her to tie them up.

   “I wore a skirt so I wouldn’t have to be.” Came the cheeky reply. Hawkins residents hurried all over to set up the grassy field.

   “Let’s switch. Although, the view here ain’t half bad. I can totally see down your shirt.” His tongue swept over eager lips as eyes lowered to her breasts. Brows furrowed to glare at him. It was striking how cute she was, even angry. High, apple cheeks and pillowy lips. The sun brought some gold into lush, dark curls. 

   “Jerk.” An arm hanging with streamers covered her chest. “We’re standing next to a church. Behave yourself, you’re fixing to get smited.”

   “God’s got bigger problems than me.” He shrugged, caught his tongue in teeth. Smirked. “Fixin’ to. Your Louisiana is showing.”

   “Shut it, I got too much family down there still. Sometimes it jumps out. I don’t have an accent.”

   “You so do. Just saying it’s cute.” He caught her cheeks flooding all strawberries and cream.

   “Hey, I have to keep my clinically unapproachable ice queen reputation. You’re not helping.”

   “Damn cute then.” Billy’s head cocked. A wink of those sinfully, long lashes. “Hand me another one.”

   Evie’s hand came to his to offer a new bundle of balloons.

   Green grass swept about as parents worked to hide eggs all over and a full spread of picnic food was set out on blue gingham tables. Kids started to pile in so Billy decided it was time to hide around the building after snagging the biggest piece of apple pie he could. Alone, they watched the crowds play beyond a row of vibrant tulips.

   “One fork?” Evie leaned up against the wall.

   “You had my tongue in your mouth this morning, don’t complain about sharing a fork.”

   “Fair enough.” She let him feed her a bite. “That wasn’t so bad, time flew. You want to jet?” A bouncy tune played as Billy craned his neck around the corner after a huge bit of pie. Evie followed his line of sight.

   “Easter is my new favorite holiday.” He let Evie snag the fork to finish off the slice, tossing the plate into the trash. Genuine laughter as Steve Harrington did a jig in his costume across the open field. Billy’s arm slid over Evie’s shoulders. “You think I can pay one of these kids to kick bunny in the nuts?”

   “We’re leaving… Before you traumatize some child.” She tugged at his wrist to sneak in a side door. “Left my coat and purse over here.”

   Absolutely empty and dim save for the morning sun spilling into stained glass. They passed rows of pews to the tables covered in empty boxes. Evie went for her purse and realized she already lost Billy, curiously rooting around.

   “Hey, don’t touch that.”

   “They actually have one of these things? I thought movies made this shit up.” Billy poked his head around the little confessional booth. Hardwood and sleek to touch. Ornate and out of place against bright blue wallpaper. Two doors on either side. “So, everyone’s planning on staying outside right? Should be entertained a few hours, hm.”

   He went in and a lock clicked.

   “Billy, hey.” Evie felt the urge to keep her voice low. “Get out of there. They actually don’t really use this thing anymore.”

   “Doesn’t get use, eh? Too bad.” His snicker was muffled. “Get in the other side, Angel, confess your sins.”

   “I’ll confess that I think the nickname is still silly.” She wiggled the handle and poked her head into the opposite side. Saw Billy’s pretty silhouette through the tiny mesh window. Both sides were cramped like an airplane bathroom.

   “Roomier than I thought.”

   “Some of us have hips here.” Evie huffed at him, the door shut while she slid inside. “Kinda creepy actually, let’s go.”

   “You gotta confess first, it’s the rule.” His wild curls flicked so she plopped into the wooden bench.

   “This is not even sexy, I feel like I’m about to be murdered here.” She pressed her hands on either wall.

   “Better confess quick in that case,” Billy leaned in, she saw his lashes flutter, “what color are your panties today?”

   “Billy.” She covered the mesh with one hand.

   “Do they match the bra?” He continued, voice lowering.

   “I’m not doing this.” Evie lifted her skirt and shifted a lacy pair of shorts aside to see. Billy’s breath drew heavier. “What’s it matter if they match?”

   “If they match, you walked into this church thinking you’d be getting some later.” He said that far too matter-a-factually. “Sinner. What color? Describe them exactly.”

   “You’re being gross.” She knew he heard the band of her little biker shorts snap. Caved. “Purple. Like a lilac.”

   “Cotton?”

   “...Satin.”

   A lengthy hum from Billy at that.

   “And the bra. I’m assuming the same.” He already heard Evie shuffling to check.

   “Ah, shit.” She let her shirt go and he chuckled. “I didn’t even plan that. I wasn’t thinking about it.”

   “Your subconscious knew, Angel. No denying it.” Billy propped his arm up.

   “Okay, what do you have on?” The challenge was easily met.

   “Nothing under the jeans, currently. You should try it.”

   “In a skirt? Without my little shorts? My thighs would rub, I’d be miserable.” Came a whine.

   “I’d massage your poor thighs, maybe blow the hot skin to cool it off if you like.” His suggestion wasn’t helpful. “Spread them and rub some ice to make you feel better. Few kisses all the way up.” That damn low baritone lingered upon the syllables like he might lick them. Evie gave a silent snort out her nose. “You’d probably squirm a little bit like you are now.”

   “I am not squirming.” Evie’s chest lifted, eyes turned to Billy’s outline.

   “Now, Angel, you can’t tell lies in here. The sins are just piling up for you today.” Billy peered around, couldn’t see much in here. Spotted her lips parting, but sound came out. “Betcha, you’re already soaked through those satin, lilac panties.” His purring was met with hard silence before a forcibly huff.

   “Billy...quit it.” She bit her lip this time sounding like she’d smiled. Billy spotted her cheeks lifting, full and blushed all pretty he figured.

   “I’ll confess, it took every ounce of fight in me to get you here on time. Lot of places in this town to stop and...park at for a bit. The one charming thing I discovered about this place.”

   “How sunny side up of you.” She hummed.

   “You would have let me have it because we would have parked for awhile. You’d be late. Probably left your wrecked panties in the backseat and walked around here with fireworks still going off under your skin. We both know it.” 

   “Probably wouldn’t have made it here at all.” Her slow reply was uttered and Billy grinned.

   “See, I behaved.” He got closer to the window. “Confess, Evie.”

   “Confess that you’re a total horn dog.” She drew in to meet him.

   “Confess what you want me to do to you in there.” Billy murmured. She blew a curl out her face at that. “I got it, I want you to be my first.” He’d offered that with huge, glittering eyes she’d caught the glint of. Eyebrows jumped.

   “What? Literally yesterday, we-”

   “I never fucked in a church before.” He got her eyes rolling hard, almost to the back of her skull.

   “Jesus Christ, Billy.” She covered the mesh again, heard him laughing on the other side.

   “Not the name you need to be moaning right now.” Billy smacked the window closed and came out. 

   “Finally, we can go-” Evie had the door open. Still blushing. Chest puffed. 

   Billy appeared from smoke, had his hands on either side before he pushed in. Catching her lips on the way until the door could shut behind them. Cupping Evie’s face so she pressed into the wall. Back of her legs hit the bench and managed to not buckle. Palms felt around the hardwood for something to grab for until fingers bunched up Billy’s jacket.

   She broke for air. Gulped on it before his tongue was back into her mouth.

   “We should…” Lips swelled with kisses. “Go to the car.”

   “Will you make that walk? I know I won’t.” Came the hushed reply. “We could cross something big off the bucket list.” Persuasive lips were already working on her neck, teeth tugged her ear and grazed back down. Billy got a handful of her tits and hummed.

   “Not...Not sure it’s on my bucket list.” She just held onto him. Knees wobbling as Billy massaged through the bra.

   “I’d add it now while you have time.” He pecked her throat. Felt the pulse under tender skin racing. “Confess.” It was a sinful purr. Evie’s head tipped back. Lungs starting to sputter. Billy made her heart a pile of volcanic mush.

   “What if someone comes in?” She let him tuck her curls aside. Lips on her cheeks and jaw. Finding her mouth again. Tasting sweet sugar from the apple pie they shared.

   “We’ll just have to keep it down and pray the party is entertaining enough to keep people outside.” He mumbled, coming out to pull the shirt from her skirt up over the pretty bra she had on. 

   Hands pulled her suspenders forth until Evie molded into him. Kissed back with the same fierce vigor he gave. Felt the chain around his neck while her fingers slipped under the collar of his shirt, four buttons already undone.

   The hard lines of his body sweltered with fire. Whatever resolve she might have had melted away completely. 

   Evie liked how he always cupped her face to look at her features close between steaming kisses. Fingers trailed to work her bra down just enough for her to spill into his touch. Into his mouth. Bruising suckles. Teeth edging across silken skin. Tongue swirling one dark, rosy nipple than the other as she tried to quiet herself and ran fingers into his gold mane. A hiss and Billy’s eyes lifted. Evie’s head was turned aside, teeth in her bottom lip. Eyes shut.

   “Cute when you try to hold it together.” Cool breath against her hard, wet nipple sent a vibration down her spine. Billy licked up her chest to inhale that amber perfume, a floral scent with a touch of vanilla from her lotion. Smelled lush to match him. She pushed his face back into her cleavage, partly to quiet him because he was too cocky.

   Chuckling and breathless, Billy came up to tease her lips. Twisting her nipples just so to elicit a sigh. Low and even, Billy ran his finger over her mouth.

   “Just confess, Angel, it’ll feel so fucking good when you do.” He caught her bottom lip and let it go.

   “Promise?” Evie’s lips parted involuntarily at his touch, let his finger stroke her tongue and slip out. 

   “I promise.” That same hand already hiked her skirt to tug at shorts until they came down. His finger inched under the waistband of her panties, teasing sensitive skin. She pressed into his body, vibrating for more. Swaying. Arms snug around his shoulders to stay upright.

   A shameless sound when her lips collided with his. Thigh hitching around his hips in a needy motion. Not shy about what she desired for one beat because he knew how to coax that side of her out. Billy teased lighter kisses, let his deft fingers dance along her inner thigh. Evie was stubborn and she knew what he wanted. 

  Confession.

   A growl rippled out her tense vocal cords. Trying to reel sound in despite Billy’s inherent ability to make her see new sparks of vivid neon colors here in pure darkness.

   “Okay…” She panted, pulling for him until their foreheads touched. “Okay.” A drunken moment where eyes could close. One beat of peace in obscenity. His free arm tightened around the small of her back so they were flush together. Perfect fit. Every curve to her body sloped easily into him. An almost Biblical fate because of how good they felt together. Evie parted her mouth to ghost it over his. “I sinned.”

   “Yeah?” Billy’s palm inched up to reward her sighs. A smirk crossed. “How’s that?”

   “Because I was hoping you’d pull over on the way here. Would have seen the new underwear in a better light. And I squirmed the whole way. Your loss.” All that cheeky strength simmered down when fingers pushed between thick thighs. Wet satin fabric slipped deliberately against her and Billy moaned at the mere feel. Rock hard.

   “Fuck, you’re soaked, Angel.” His tone thickened.

   Evie wasn’t able to articulate. Face in his chest with her needy fingers tight on his jacket. She played her demure self again. Billy felt her legs tremor, nudged them further apart with his boot.

   “All for me? I wouldn’t call it a loss. You gotta hold yourself up a bit longer, open that mouth again.” He gave her two slick fingers to suck so he could kiss down her tits some more. Plucked and nipped at every sensitive part of her body. “Fucking god damn it, I might give religion a shot after this.”

   “Yeah?” Evie licked the pads as Billy slunk down to marvel. Thought about taking her skirt off, but he decided he liked the way the straps framed her breasts partially spilling out of the bra.

   One hand forced her thigh up until her foot hit the bench. Evie was curved back into the wall, holding the side frame and gripping Billy’s shoulder.

   “Long as I get to go where you’re going, I don’t give a shit about anything else.” A chuckle warmed her leg as he pushed her skirt up out of the way.

   “That sounded oddly sentimental.”

   “Maybe I’ll bring you down to my level instead. Sinner.” Billy’s mouth placed one open kiss against her wet panties. Tongue following the hard swell of her bud. She decided she’d let him there in darkness. Every muscle in Evie’s body jumped at full attention. His divine and equally wicked mouth hummed blissfully. She craned to dig teeth into her own arm. Fists clenching.

   Billy maneuvered her leg over to get the ruined fabric down. Tucked them into his coat pocket and she figured she wouldn’t be seeing them again. Kneeling, Billy scooted closer and pushed her thigh back up, baring her to his mouth. 

   A cry hitched, snuffing out immediately as he tasted her. Filthy, open mouth kisses until her fingers tangled into his hair. Pulled. Billy moaned into her folds. Squeezed her thighs and loved the feel of them. God, he really couldn’t get enough of this girl. Every whine she let him have. Every nerve that wanted him. Needed him to ease the frays and sizzling. He just couldn’t get enough and was fine with following her into the dark.

   “Don’t stop.” Evie whispered. Hair falling into her face while her breasts rose and fell. She licked her lips and savored him.

   The dirty sounds he made against her that barely carried outside the booth. Billy squeezed her breast once he was certain she could stay up so she covered his hand. Craned to suck fingers. A gasp left. Evie’s hips rolled into his mouth. Asking for even more until two fingers pushed inside. 

   Billy moaned when her walls clamped. Pumped through the resistance to massage her nice and deep. Evie was quivering there. Using both arms on the sides to stay up. Shameless working into him now. Billy made a vaguely amused sound and gave an obscene pop around her clit, leaning out with arousal slicking his pink lips. It was music, the sounds her body let flow into crisp air.

   “Damn, no wonder you don’t go here anymore. Fucking yourself so hard and pretty on my fingers like this. You couldn’t make the nice list if you paid.” Being eye level with the sight had his cock twitching almost painfully. Evie’s head was tossed back. Clearly getting herself closer so Billy pulled away. Silenced her whine with a kiss. Let her suck and nip at his bottom lip. “See how fucking good you taste?”

   Evie’s hands were opening his belt. Quick and eager. Billy hitched as one palm slipped in, fingers ghosting trimmed blond hair to ease him out of the denim.

   “Confess, Evie, how bad you want me to fuck you right here.” He spoke as if he still had the upper hand.

   “Bet you I can do it without words.” Evie had his hips, guiding Billy to switch so he could sit. The question died and buried itself the second she sank down to lick precum pooling at his tip. Billy’s hips thrust up, eyes heavy and hooded.

   “That bad?” He shuddered, legs opening so she could lean into him. Evie unbuttoned the rest of his shirt to kiss the steel muscles. Twitching and molten. Nails scraped his skin. Stopped to stroke him idly. Kissing his abdomen, thighs, and tip. Evie traced the lines of vein and muscle. Down his shaft and back up his chest. So many sharp angles to explore.

   Little butterfly kisses while she leaned in until his cock slipped snug between her breasts. Spit slick and beading clear arousal. Billy moaned at the sight and gave a rut as she noticed and started to come out. 

   Hands latched to her shoulders. Billy hummed and rolled her nipple. Felt the weight of her tits and pushed them to squeeze his shaft. Idle fingers stilled to tuck her hair back in a way that was almost tender.

   “You’re pretty like this,” he said thoughtfully, “you’re pretty every which way.” Teeth tugged at her bottom lip. A shy kiss followed. Sometimes, he got so bold, she sank. Learned to savor it. Billy whispered against her. “Have I ever told you my cock looks great between your tits like that?” Frankly, he’d be happy to get off rubbing between her breasts or thighs alone. Fingers digging into supple skin. Evie had become a drug to him. Vanilla and amber immersed him in a high.

   “The occasion hasn’t really crossed.”

   “I’ll have to fix that next time I can lie you down.” Billy let her stroke him again and come up. Hesitating so he had to encourage her. “Get in my lap.” He was already pulling her into him. Smoothing hair back sweetly for lingering kisses.

   She long stopped worrying about feeling too heavy for him. Billy threw her around a mattress like it was nothing. Spread her legs, bent them up how he liked. Marveled at her flexibility. Kissed her obscenely and told her how pretty and blushed she looked. She liked when he was ample with her body. The boy certainly lifted enough weights, a fuller girl with hips was nothing to that. Jeans shifted lower as she straddled him. A kiss before she sank down.

   Billy moaned. A low honeyed sound into her ear. Almost musical. Arms wrapped tighter. Evie thanked God for birth control and moved at his coaxing.

   “C’mon, fuck me. I want it.” Billy kissed her fiercely. Nipples. Collar. Throat. Jawline. Mouth. And each time, he felt that same thrill rush his bones. A palm smacked her ass, squeezed it. Got drunk off the pulsing and little whines she gave him as if they were gift wrapped. “Confession. I want pictures of you. Spread out with my cock in you every way you like. They won’t beat the real thing, but fuck, I can’t...stop with you. Don’t want to.”

   Billy looked vulnerable when he moaned so pretty.

   His knuckles traced the curve of her cheekbone. Evie bounced, gripped his shoulders to stay upright with her spine curving. Unable to respond to something so passionate. Billy had that mode on him, sometimes it came out in odd ways. Filthy words to match his obscene way of caressing and worship. His manner of making Evie feel bold and sexy. Cute. Pretty. Fierce. Desired. The fact that sometimes he’d lie still for once and seek out her fingers across his curls and her lips on his cheek.

   Evie Fenny was a drug and cure to him, all at once. She gave back. Made Billy feel full and light. Made him feel present. Like he could shed his fangs. Lie back and feel the sun on his skin.

   “Confession,” Evie said between quick kisses with her thumb tracing the edge of his jaw, “I want more of you too. After....”

   “After?” He scoffed. “Like tonight?”

   “Just… After.” She slowed to rock into him. Deep thrusts that made them both moan in sync. So close. “After what’s next for us. Life. High school. Whatever. I want you to be apart of my after.”

   He could blame the sex for short circuiting her brain, he’d given it to her pretty hard.

   “I don’t know what I’m saying.” She rubbed her eyes, laughed because it felt silly. Felt Billy swoop in to kiss her. Wordlessly validating it wasn’t silly at all. That was another thing they did, pumped life into hopeful hearts and dwindling thoughts of something more. Something that was waiting...after.

   “We’ll deal with the after.” Billy skimmed a hand between them. Stroked her until she gave a cry into the denim of his jacket. A beautiful note. Evie thought she heard the twinkling music from outside, joyful and airy. Realized that maybe it was just playing in her head. “Right now, I want you to come.” He pecked her parted lips. “Cum for me, Angel.”

  “Billy.” She found his mouth again. They shared a godly nectar in one kiss. He worked her hips into his as she climaxed. Lungs heaving with a great arch. Billy watched her tits bounce and found his own release quick. Let her slip into him as he fell back to the wall. Lungs tried to find some peace. That New Orleans accent laced her tone again. “God damn it, Billy.”

   “Still a church, Fenny.” He massaged her thighs. Eyes shifting while she breathed even and fixed her bra. Tucked her shirt back in.

  “I need a bathroom. This is about to be a mess.” She slipped off him, pulled her undershorts back on because he wasn’t giving her panties up. Thighs hummed, sore and blissful. Billy tucked himself away to fix his own clothing back. Evie poked her head out. “Coast is clear.”

  Without thinking, she laced her hand in his. Hurried him out to the bathroom to pee and wash up. Saw her patchy, red cheeks in the mirror and huffed. Patted cold water on them. Billy finished at the sink and lit a quick cigarette by the window. That chipper music lingered outside.

  “Your mom is going to be here awhile. I vote your place.”

  “Movie on the couch.” She flicked hair aside. Billy flashed a smile, nodding as he snuffed the smoke out.

  “To start, maybe.” Two fingers grasped her chin, angled Evie’s mouth for a slow kiss. Tasted sweet, obscene, and smoky all at once. Made her dizzy.

  “I’d come back here under certain conditions.” He passed to go out with Evie behind him. She found her purse and coat again.

   “Let’s go, you had your fun.” She chuckled as they rejoined the event outside. Wind and all.

  “Uh, I think you did too.” Billy’s arm hung around her shoulder. Easy with their height difference.

  “You two leaving?” Mona had called, edging from her conversation to cross once the teens were outside. Evie pressed her legs together. Smiled. The Pastor who’d been speaking to her mother followed too. Plastic grin upon his face.

  “Ah, yeah, I’ll see you later, mom.” Evie had replied.

  “Thanks for coming to help.” Mona beamed. “Pastor Ray, you know Billy. Our neighbor. He was kind enough to help out.”

  “Mr. Hargrove. I’m surprised to see you here.” They shook tense hands.

  “Only thing I like more than Jesus is Christ. Who doesn’t want to turn water into wine.” Billy’s sarcasm was almost charming. He got a flat look in return.

  “I see...”

  “Evie, can you take some of the food home, honey? We’ll feed the neighbors.” Mona grasped Evie’s arm to pull her forth. “Just put it in the fridge. I’ll organize later.”

  “Sure.” Evie started to follow.

  “Be sure to grab the cherry pie if there’s any left. The ladies outdid themselves this year. Billy, you’re free to take some food home, son.” The Pastor addressed him kindly again. Billy’s grin flashed shiny teeth.

  “I love a good cherry pie, but I filled up on angel cake.”

  He caught Evie’s head whipping toward him as she went. Eyes ablaze which made his smile bigger.

  “Oh?” Ray’s head cocked. “I didn’t see that over there. Must have went fast.”

  “Like you wouldn’t believe, sir.” Billy patted the man’s shoulder and sauntered by. “Nice church, by the way. Pointy.” Evie hurried to his car with her arms full of Tupperware and boxes. Settled them in the backseat.

  “You’re so dead.” She looked sweet, waving at her mother across the lot. Billy laughed, starting his car. “I pick the music.” Her hand swatted his and a groan followed as she tuned the radio to some Etta James. Billy revved out of the parking lot, turning some heads as he went.

  “Admit it, you wouldn’t change what you did today. Sinner.” Billy’s free hand found her leg out of his usual habit. “Made my first church going experience special.”

  “Don’t turn on the waterworks just yet.” She teased back, sucking her cheeks in without looking at him. “Still mad at you.” A smile pulled her forcibly grumpy expression. Billy came to a stoplight. Tugged at a curl to let it bounce so she peered at him. Nose crinkling when she broke to chuckle.

  “Admit it.” Billy gave her thigh a squeeze, vibrant eyes flickering.

  “Make me.” Evie said, facing the road. “Later.” Lips lifted before the light turned green. His Camaro lurched forward.

  “Happy to.” Billy caught the song change. “Hey.”

  “Hm?”

  “It’s that song you’re always singing to yourself.” Billy turned it up. Irma Thomas. “The mushy one.” Her favorite. He played like it was a careless thing, but Evie stared at him. Warming. Reeled in too easily.

   Anyone…

   Anyone…

  “Shocked you paid attention to that.” She offered after a beat.

  “I have to hear it every day I see you, Evie.” Billy snorted, ocean eyes intent on the road. Evie knew better. “Not like I have a choice. Singing and plucking that guitar constantly.” He peered at the trees. “That stuff you were rambling about during the sex high about after.”

   “Sex high.” She scoffed.

   “Was that the fucking making a mess of you?” Billy asked slower. “Used to hate me.”

   “I didn’t hate you,” Evie paused when he shot her an unconvinced look, “we weren’t agreeable.”

   “Agreeable? Okay, now you sound like that prissy Austen chick you like to read.” Billy’s retort made her giggle. These little details he picked up about her that stuck with him. It was true, their relationship used to be in the negative for good reason.

   “I like when we hang out.” Evie shrugged. “Labels. Whatever. I just meant, we should...keep hanging out.”

   “After?”

   “After.” Evie produced simply. Billy twitched amusement at her, turned a corner.

   “Well,” he parked, “I don’t know, good. I guess”

   “Fine.”

   “Great.” Billy cut back in, challenged.

   “Wonderful.”

   “Fan-fucking-tastic.”

   Evie grasped his jacket, shut him up with a kiss. Made the boy breathless there. Billy’s blue eyes glimmered at her. Calm seas for miles. The sun shined into his car. Made the teens glow.

   “Movie?” She unbuckled to get out with him following. “Gotta get this food into my fridge.”

   “Only if I pick.” Billy stood there and let her set boxes into his arms before she grabbed the rest so they could walk up the driveway.

   “Sure. Our tastes align.” Evie peeked back at him with doe brown eyes. “I trust you.” She’d offered that too casually, Billy stilled at the door to watch her unlock it. Blinked.

   That was the thing about them, how nonchalant their hearts beat together. A totally on purpose accident. Billy remembering Evie’s quirks and her reluctance to show certain petals sprouting from her stem for fear the world might not like the colors. Budding to flash them with some fire and vibrancy because she had a boy who encouraged them despite it all. And she teased this incandescent quality back out of him with ease. Made him work to be still and feel the world turn once in a blue moon. Billy gave this little smile to himself without her noticing and followed Evie into the house.

   They hadn’t trusted each other before. And now it was approaching the after. Whatever that meant. Evie glowed to beam at him there and few things were mattering today. New beginnings.

   Billy let himself hope that the after would last.

[thephantomofthe-internet]

The Battle of Troy

Steve Harrington x Reader

Word Count: 5,817

Warnings: Swearing, violence, fighting

Author’s Note: I’m hella sick and in need of some sort of pick me up so here ya go! Does anyone still like Steve Harrington?

Tag List: @carolimedanvers @moonstruckhargrove @casaharrington @thechickvic @balladblood @alex--awesome--22 @so-not-hotmess @lilmissperfectlyimperfect @hipsmcgee @ashecilev

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“Tell me why I don’t like Mondays, tell me why I don’t like Mondays, tell me why I don’t like Mondays; I wanna shoot the whole day down…”

You’d turned your car radio up, still parked outside Hawkins High School, in the closest spot to the middle school across the field. You’d been waiting for almost half an hour and you’d taken to chewing angrily on a pencil. You’d run out of bubblegum fifteen minutes ago.

The Boomtown Rats hated Mondays. But you? You hated Wednesdays.

On Wednesdays, you had to pick up your half brother, Troy, from school. Every other day of the week, your mother picked him up and you went home or to your job at the Hawkins Public Library. But on Wednesdays your mother worked the afternoon shift at the beauty parlour. So you had to take up the role of taxi driver and chauffer him home.

The problem was that you absolutely hated that damn kid.

Troy was a monster. You swore that he was a psychopath. He was a dick to everyone and everything but the second anyone called him on it, then he cried crocodile tears to his mother who took his word as law and destroyed whoever Troy claimed hurt them. He was vile. When he broke his arm a year prior, you laughed. It helped that his story was insane, but your mother still took him to the police station and forced some poor officer to take down the wild story Troy told of Michael Wheeler’s cousin Ellen from Switzerland. According to the Wheelers, they had no family in Switzerland and no family visiting them at the time. The case was never pursued further and Troy was stuck with his arm in sling for his whole Christmas break. He got nothing that could be played with using one hand; it was all baseball equipment and Atari games he couldn’t play. You watched with a smirk as he sulked for the whole holiday.

But that was a year ago, now he was back with vengeance. And he was set to take it out on the foursome who tried to destroy him, in his eyes.

And now, he was late. You let out a dramatic sigh as the Boomtown Rats switched to White Snake and you popped open your driver’s side door. You intended to figure out where that kid was. It wasn’t that you had anywhere to be, not exactly, it was simply that he was wasting your time. All you wanted to do was go home and bask in the icy air of central cooling Dave had finally invested in. And Troy was ruining that.

You marched down the sloped hill of the browning field, dodging kids as they run off in various directions. In the centre, you saw an awful scene unfolding.

First, there was the terrible foursome your brother hated so much. You recognized Michael first, because you had met him and his mother during the investigation your mother insisted on. Then there was the kid they called ‘zombie boy’, on the grass, in the foetal position, cover his head in preparation for being pummelled. Then, there was Troy, straddling him, fists landing sharp jabs all over his body. Michael and his nameless friends were screaming and one of them, a goofy looking thing in a science themed tee shirt, was trying to pull Troy off by his shoulders.

And then, sprinting in like a golden retriever, came Steve god damn Harrington, in his awful sailor uniform from the new ice cream shop in the mall. Your friend Robin worked there too and you’d seen the pair of them serving the cold treat with a forced smile. Why on earth he was there, you had no idea. No seniors showed up during the last weeks of school, they all skipped right up until graduation. The only reason why you showed up was because you had to submit your photos to the yearbook committee, late as usual. The yearbook went out in a week, so naturally the whole photo team was pissed off at you.

You still had your Polaroid camera around neck, where it usually sat as you scanned your terrain for images you wanted to capture. In front of you stood a moment that needed to be captured. None of the group had noticed your presence, so you pulled it up to your eye and snapped a singular image. The sound of the click and bright flash brought most of the group’s eye to you. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t draw in Troy’s attention and you caught the perfectly blurry image of him beat the shit out of some innocent kid. You caught it before it hit the grass at your feet, shoving it into your back pocket.

Steve pulled the kid in the science shirt off Troy and grabbed him by the back of his shirt, lifting him off the zombie boy on the floor. You marched up to him, looking up at his annoyed looking face. It was almost cute, he looked like a little puppy dog.

“I can take it from here.” You said with a smile. Steve looked at you curiously, doing his best to hold his stern look. The smile turned into a scowl “Drop him.”

Steve did so easily, letting him hit the floor knees first. You pulled him up off the ground, squeezing his arm to keep him from turning on the guy. “You are going to get your ass in the car right now or I am going to kick your ass right here.” You whispered harshly, tightening your grip when he looked away.

“You don’t get to tell me what to do, I’ll tell mom that you hurt me.” Troy shot back.

You pulled out the picture, now almost developed, hold it up to his face. “You try anything and I’ll show mom this and explain why you made us late. Now,” you pulled the image high above his head “Get your ass in the car. Now.” You released his arm and Troy ran off like a shot towards the parking lot.

You turned your attention to the group. The little zombie boy was off the ground, grass stained and bruised. Science kid was arguing with Steve and Michael and company were looking over zombie boy.

“You alright?” you asked awkwardly. Four heads turned to look at you, each more judgemental than the last. You maintained your smile, keeping your focus on the beaten boy. He nodded shyly, looking away from you towards Michael, who stepped forward boldly. “Alright, he bugs you again; you come to me, okay? I’ll deal with him.” You said.

Michael looked you over curiously “Aren’t you his sister?” he said. It sounded more like an accusation than a simple question.

“Half-sister.” You shrugged. Michael nodded without another word and you took that as your cue to head back to your car. Troy was tugging violently on your door handle, trying to climb into the driver’s seat. You made your way over slowly, creeping up behind him and smacking him upside the head.

“Backseat, dumbass.” You grumbled. He stomped away and you started up the car. You had already decided that you weren’t going to bring this up to your mother, let him wet his pants over it for a few weeks. School was almost out and Troy was going to sleep away camp for the whole summer, a breath of fresh air for you.

You drove off fast, leaving Steve staring after your car. He’d never even seen you before, and you just saved one of his kids. But you were a hero to them now, in a small way, the grandest gesture he’d seen all day. Hawkins was full of selfish people who didn’t bat an eye at the suffering or problems of others around them. Nobody else tried to even stop that kid when he tackled poor Will to the ground, most of the kids passing looked over with vague surprise as they passed. Nobody seemed to notice or even think it was that interesting. But you? You handled it with grace and poise, camera at the ready, and no fear anywhere on your face.

You were fearless.

Not that Steve was afraid of a stupid kid, just the danger he provided for the kid.

He was ready to handle the situation with ease, but you strode in like Joan of freaking Arc, your hair shining in the afternoon sun like a halo, camera strung from your neck, guarding you like a shield. Your fists were clenched at your sides, but you went for the camera first. You were tactful, you thought quickly, and harmed only those who had earned it. You were just…cool.

Steve made up his mind to thank you properly in that moment.

He just didn’t think it would take all summer.

It turned out there was a reason he could never find you, you were practically an enigma. You seemed to have no close friends in school, you had shared no classes, and he couldn’t find you in his yearbook. You were a ghost. He spent the whole graduation ceremony on edge, hoping that you were a senior so that he could at least get a name. Dustin and his friends had no idea what Troy’s last name was and they weren’t willing to risk their safety to help him. So Steve was on his own.

Luckily, you were a senior. He nearly jumped out of his seat when he saw you take the stage and heard the announcer call your name. There you were, shrouded in a golden glow, smiling as you took the rolled diploma from the principle’s hand. You looked heavenly, tall and proud and golden in the sunlight. So you had a name. Cross checking with his yearbook, you had a missing photo symbol instead of a picture. It almost made sense.

Now he had a name, all he needed to do was figure out how to find you. Of course, he found your phone number in the Yellow Pages, but just calling would be creepy. So he decided to set out and find you. He worked at the mall, it shouldn’t be impossible to find you.

Except it wasn’t.

You didn’t spend much time at the new Starcourt Mall, you didn’t have the time. You spent every day in the library, working. You switched to full time pretty much immediately after graduation, since Stella MacLeod had left to marry some guy in Appleton and they needed another full timer. You liked the peace and quiet of the library, where nobody bothered you unless they wanted to know where the bathroom was. You especially loved running the children’s story time, purely because they were a captive audience and it made the library quiet for awhile.

But did Steve realize that? No. He had a one track mind, driven to complete one task at a time. He was certain he’d find you at the mall. He asked every teenage employee in the whole mall if you worked there. And no dice, you were still MIA. He took to just watching out the big bay windows of the shop, hoping to see you pass by. He’d dropped so many ice cream cones thinking he saw you pass by. But it was never you.

Unbeknownst to him, Dustin knew exactly where you were. He was gone for all of June, sent to sleep away science camp by his mother, but when he came back he dragged his ass to the library. He was still certain he’d discovered a new species of lizard and needed to do his proper research to write his scientific thesis on the merits of the demo-dogs, trying to remember everything he could about Dart.

You dealt with that kid every damn day. He was a very funny nuisance to your work. He pestered you with questions about writing the second he realized that the grey moleskin you had on the desk everyday was not a journal but a novel in the making. It didn’t matter to him that you were more versed in fantasy than academic papers, he wanted every ounce of knowledge you had. You’d sat with him on several afternoons, reading and editing with a red ballpoint pen, circling and scribbling out every error he made. It could a good portion of July, but by the end of it he made a pretty great paper to deliver to Mr. Clarke for approval and assistance in submitting to some sort of academic magazine.

There was one problem though. His overdue books.

Every day he came in, you had to try to stop him and yell at him about his monstrous late fees on five books he took out in November. They were mounting on a forty dollar late fee now and you were under immense pressure from your manager, Darlene, to get the books back. She’d seen how the kid had taken to you and decided that you could handle getting the missing materials back. It was a lot of pressure, especially because no one was exactly looking to take out the books. You knew it was because the books were expensive and the library was underfunded and needed to keep every book it had in good condition in the library.

And Dustin was messing that up.

You had the afternoon to close shift that insanely hot Friday in July and the library was open late. Of course, you liked the closing shift since the library was pretty much empty and you could be as loud as you wanted.

As you came in, Dustin was rushing out, backpack falling off his shoulder and hair barely contained by his red, white, and navy blue baseball cap. You grabbed his arm with a cunning smirk “Henderson!” you grinned, spinning him back to you.

“What’s up, Y/N? I gotta run Mr. Clarke says that I have a reply on my paper!” he replied, grinning his toothy grin.

“When am I getting these books back, you’re getting me in shit with management.” You replied, letting his arm go and crossing yours over your chest.

“Look, I’ll bring them back tonight, okay? Lemme just get this paper approved somewhere.” Dustin promised and you nodded. Did you trust him to come back with those books? No, but you had all summer to get them back.

You and Dustin went your separate ways: him to the middle school, you behind the desk to start your long shift.

Dustin, after receiving his letter and a pat on the back from Mr. Clarke, headed off to the mall to sit in Scoops and eat free ice cream at the counter. Steve was the only person he could celebrate his success with, since the rest of his friends had gone off and gotten girlfriends, except for Will, who still clung onto them as his primary source of camaraderie. Dustin had Steve and Robin, and strangely Erika Sinclair, whose little friends had started following him around and he’d taken a sort of liking to them and their sassy attitudes. And he had you, to teach him weird literary devices and suggest him novels to fuel his DnD games. He liked you. He was sure he recognized you from somewhere, but he couldn’t place where.

When he arrived at the mall and Scoops, Robin was on cash duty, with Steve standing over the freezer filled with tubs of ice cream, staring wistfully out into the mall, eyes scanning the room for something or someone.

“What’s up little dude?” Robin asked, wiping her hands on the tiny white apron provided as part of her uniform. The shop was dead, despite it being a Friday, which was a rare treat for the employees of the usually busy shop.

“Nothing much, finally heard back from Science Quarterly.” He replied with a shrug, pulling out the red stool and climbing up easily.

“What’s wrong with him?” he gestured to Steve, who hadn’t even acknowledged him yet.

“He’s still looking for that girl.” Robin shrugged, walking over to scoop some of Dustin’s favourite bubblegum ice cream into a basic cone, so he could eat all the evidence of the missing ice cream.

“Oh yeah, what’s her name again?” Dustin asked, gladly taking the free cone and biting directly into the freezing pink and blue treat.

“Y/N…” Steve sighed bitterly “I’ve been looking for her all summer, remember? The girl who helped out Will.”

“Oh, you mean the one that works at the library?” Dustin asked, his mouthful of ice cream muffling his words. Steve whipped his head around, looking Dustin up and down with fiery eyes.

“You know where she is?” Steve asked slowly, stepping closer to Dustin, sheer rage flashing over his expression.

Dustin simply rolled his eyes “Yeah man, she’s not exactly hard to find.” He replied, licking up a long line of melted ice cream from his hand up to the top of the cone.

“She’s worked there since sophomore year, if I had known you were looking for her, I would’ve told you weeks ago, dude.” Robin added with a small shrug.

“I’m going back later if you wanna come along.” Dustin said to the pair.

“We’ll go at the end of my shift, asshole. And you’re gonna tell me everything you know about her.” Steve grumbled bitterly.

Robin raised an eyebrow quizzically, looking between the two boys. When Steve headed into the back, Robin turned her attention to Dustin.

“So, what’s his deal? Why all the interest in Y/N?” she asked, leaning her weight on her elbows, propping herself up on the counter.

“I don’t know man, she like…helped Will right before school ended, stopped this asshole from beating him up, and Steve’s been weird about it ever since. I think he’s got this like...thing about her. I don’t get it, but he’s been searching for her all summer.” He explained, hands turning sticky from his forgotten ice cream. Robin reached for the napkin dispenser, pulling out a wad and handing them to him with a grimace. Watching Dustin eat was nauseating-he didn’t know how to eat anything without making a mess of himself and anything he touched.

Robin nodded, pursing her lips in thought “Reverse Nightingale Syndrome…” she muttered to herself.

“What?”

“Reverse Nightingale Syndrome, it’s when a patient falls in love with their nurse because of the kindness and personal care they give them. In this case it’s when our lonely friend falls head over heels for the girl who saved one of his friends. It won’t last.” Robin explained cockily, unable to hide the pride in her voice, finally getting to explain something to the wiseass kid who insisted on explaining everything to her.

“He isn’t…he’s not into her. He just wants to…thank her. I think. I don’t know what he wants to do anymore but it’s not date her. He doesn’t know her.” Dustin replied, tossing his half-eaten ice cream in the built in trash can in the centre of the counter. Robin hummed in response, not believing him for a second. Dustin opened his mouth to respond, but a large group of preteens rushed the shop and Robin turned her full attention to the group with a forced smile.

The rest of the afternoon went about as well. The shop stayed busy long past Robin’s shift ending and customers had to be asked to leave when the shop was set to close, along with the rest of the mall. By the time Steve was done cleaning the shop and locking up, it was closer to eleven than it was to ten, the time he was supposed to be done at.

“Come on, Steve, we have to go! I’m gonna miss my curfew and you owe me a ride home.” Dustin said testily, crossing his arms over his chest, his letter still clutched in hand.

“We’re going to the library first.” Steve said tightly.

Across town, you were struggling to stay awake at the front desk. You never understood why the library stayed open this late, nobody came in after eight pm and while during the high school exam season the library would stay populated by the exhausted, drained students trying to get through school without slowly combusting. But you couldn’t pack it up yet, if Darlene found out that you’d closed early again, she’d fire you for sure. And since you liked your job, you wouldn’t push your luck.

But it was almost quarter to twelve; it wouldn’t hurt to start your cleanup, right? You didn’t think so, so you grabbed your cart and started your pickup of every book left behind by careless patrons. Then, once you’d re-shelved everything, you vacuumed the kid’s area and put all the plastic toys back into their primary coloured storage bins.

That took you right till five till twelve. You grabbed your keys and purse, throwing your moleskin into it, and made your way to the front doors.

Before you could shut off the lights, someone rushed the doors, scaring the absolute crap out of you. You let out a blood curdling scream, slamming the light switch to illuminate the library’s main entrance.

It was just Dustin. You clutched at your heart. “Jesus, kid, you scared the shit out of me. We’re literally closing in…” you checked your watch “A minute! You better have those books!”

“I do.” He pulled out the pile from his backpack and you grabbed them quickly, tossing them into grey rubber bin behind the desk. “I would’ve put them in the drop box, but it’s locked.” Dustin added as you wrote out a sticky note, telling the opening crew to check the books in.

“Yeah, Darlene probably locked it when she left, some assholes keep dropping random shit down it. Last week it was a stink bomb.” You explained, turning your attention back to the exit. Your eyes met Steve’s for the briefest of moments. They were prettier than you remembered. You looked away quickly.

“I see you brought your body guard today. Nice to see you, Harrington.” You said, readjusting your purse strap on the shoulder.

“Hey…” he replied awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. He mentally chastised himself for being so awkward; it felt like his mouth had turned into a desert and his mind had gone even blanker than usual.

“Well, I think we’re good. Now, get out of my library, I wanna go home.” You chuckled, making your way to the front doors again, gesturing with a flick of your wrist for Steve to walk out. It was as though you’d used the force on him, he’d moved so quickly, so fearfully, and so jerkily out the door you could have sworn you’d moved him with your mind. You flicked off the lights and, after ushering Dustin out the door, you stepped out and locked the front door.

“Dustin, you better come back tomorrow and pay off your damn debt, alright? I won’t take anymore shit from my boss because of your lazy ass.” You declared, planting your hands firmly on your hips.

Dustin rolled his eyes “Yeah, yeah, okay mom.” He scoffed.

“I’m serious dude! You’ve gotten me in so much shit, you don’t even get it.” you replied, rolling your eyes.

“Are you in tomorrow?” he asked sceptically.

“Yeah.” That was a lie, Saturday was your first day off in weeks, but it felt like the right lie to tell in the moment.

“Then I’ll bring it over.” Lying was the right choice, so it seemed.

“Good, anyway I’ll see you tomorrow!” you turned on your heel, heading off towards the sidewalk.

“Hey! Y/N! You want a ride?” Steve called quickly. Dustin smacked him hard in the chest, but he ignored it as you turned back around into view again.

“Oh, I’m okay to walk. It’s a nice night.” You replied with a small shrug, your left hand subconsciously coming to grab your right elbow. The way he was looking at you made you nervous for some reason.

“Nah, come on its late. Lemme drive you.” Steve said, motioning you towards the car he was already walking to.

“Are you sure? I’m off Beech Street…” you said. Steve had already pulled the backseat up and was forcing Dustin into it.

Steve turned back to you quickly, popping the seat up again roughly. He brushed his messy long hair out of his face, his expression wild and yet self-aware, smiling even though his eyes screamed over how awkward the scene he created was. “Nah, its fine. You’re right between Dustin and me.” He said, gesturing to the front seat. You nodded awkwardly, stepping past him and into the car. He shut the door for you. It would’ve been chivalrous if him standing there while you settled into and adjusted the seatback wasn’t uncomfortable.

Steve rushed to the other side of the car, climbing in and starting the car. Immediately, Wham!’s Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go started blasting from the speakers. Both you and Steve cringed as the upbeat sound playing at you, second-hand embarrassment coursing through your veins. Steve looked to you briefly and you kept your gaze on the world outside, hoping to keep your expression as neutral. Without a word, he pulled out of the space and headed onto the main roads.

Both Steve and Dustin knew that you were nowhere near his house, but he was insistent on seeing you through. He had made it this far, he had his chance, all he had to do was take it. So, he drove Dustin home without a word, working up the nerve to say something to you.

“So, any good news for your essay?” you asked, turning back to look at Dustin.

“Got a response from Science Quarterly.” He replied vaguely, looking away from you and out the window into the dark streets.

“And?”

“I haven’t opened it yet…”

“Well open it!” you cried, smacking your headrest excitedly. Steve glanced over at you. You looked so…well beautiful. Your smile lit up the whole damn car, it lit up your whole face and made your eyes shine with so much mirth and brightness that it rivalled the stars above him. You looked like…something inhuman. God like maybe, maybe just like an angel, he couldn’t decide on what, but it was beautiful. It captured his attention far more than it should’ve while he was driving. That was going to cause a problem for him, he just knew it.

Dustin swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly from the dry swallow. He nodded, tearing open the envelope and reading aloud.

“Dear Mr. Henderson, we at Science Quarterly are very interested in your study on the new form of lizard you have named the D’Artagnan. While we would love to publish your article on sight alone,”

You let out a cheer, beating up the leather headrest excitedly.

Dustin raised his voice over your cheers “We must ask you to provide all of your research notes for the board, including images of the D’Artagnon beyond the preliminary sketches you provided with the article. Please reply to this letter with your full notes and unaltered images of D’Artagnon so we at the board can confirm this creature’s existence and relevance as a new species. Thank you for your interest in the magazine.”

Dustin dropped the letter on the seat sadly, crossing his arms over his chest and turning his attention to the window.

“So, what’s the problem? I saw your notes, they’re great! All they want is a couple pictures, I’m sure you can-”

 Steve cut you off, a sympathetic look sent Dustin’s direction “We only had Dart for a few days before he ran off. Didn’t get a chance to take photos of him and haven’t found another since. It was a once in a lifetime discovery.” He explained softly to you before raising his voice “I’m really sorry man.”

“Yeah well, we don’t all make out career defining discovery at fourteen.” Dustin said. Steve pulled up to Dustin’s house and, before he could even stop the car, Dustin pushed up your seat and popped the door, rushing out into the night and towards his well lit house.

“Bye, man!” Steve called half heartedly, waving before rolling his eyes “Or whatever…”

You smiled sympathetically “He’s just a bit upset, he’ll get over it.” you pulled your door shut and pushed your chair back to a more comfortable position.

“Yeah…Beach Street?” Steve asked.

“1215 Beach Street.” You confirmed and Steve sped off.

You sat in really uncomfortable silence for most of the ride, listening to the radio play pop music on repeat.

As Steve turned down Beach Street, he finally made his move.

“So…um, I just-I wanted to thank you.” He said, keeping his eyes on the road ahead.

“For what?” you asked, furrowing your brow.

“For…you helped Will at the beginning of the summer, he was getting the shit kicked outta him-”

“By Troy, I remember now.” You finished with a small smile “It’s really not a big deal, I’ll take any excuse to get the upper hand over that kid.” You chuckled, leaning back fully into your seat, lulling your head to look at him, eyes running over his face.

Steve was prettier than you remembered. He had the face and physique of an ancient Greek athlete, lanky but strong with the wide, deeply emotive eyes that bore into your soul and revealed every ounce of feeling he’d ever felt. You’d been at the party with Samantha Barks when Steve got his ass handed to him by little Nancy Wheeler. You remember how broken he looked as he pushed by the pair of you, interrupting Samantha as she half heartedly talked to freaky Jonathan Byers to tell him something, you didn’t remember what. All you remembered was his eyes. They were so full of heartbreak, unbridled sadness that shook you to your core despite barely even knowing him.

“It was really cool. I mean, nobody ever pays any attention to that kid and I mean I was late getting there and you just-you showed and you don’t even know them and I just-look, I really appreciated it. It meant a lot to me.” Steve struggled his way through, running his fingers through his pretty brown hair over and over again, as if it would anchor him to the ground.

“Oh…I didn’t realize…Well, I’m glad I could help out.” You said quietly, smiling softly to yourself. You were genuinely proud of yourself for stepping in and for helping out.

“Yeah…” Steve muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. He lowered his head, focusing his gaze on the seat peaking out between his legs. “I-I’ve been trying to thank you for that all summer, I kinda don’t have a plan anymore.” He said, turning down the opposite end of Beach Street. He knew that he’d have to loop around and head across town back to Maple Street and leaving out the other end would cut some time.

“Really?” you asked. That bit of information was shocking to you. Most people weren’t looking too hard to find you. You doubted that your own mother would care where you were in that very moment.

“Yeah…” he chuckled “I even searched the entire mall for you. I didn’t find you.”

“Oh.” Oh. That was very unexpected. “I…I didn’t even know…” You looked down, in part to hide the blush burning into your face and in part because you didn’t know if you could look him in the eye.

“Yeah, I figured as much.” He laughed again and you looked up, peering deeply into his deep brown eyes in search of some clarity. Your whole body was buzzing with energy and your mind was on fire with thought. And all of the thoughts were over Steve fucking Harrington. And you didn’t want it to stop. He’d taken over your mind in a single look and you wanted to feel that way forever.

Steve pulled up outside your house, parking in front of your driveway. Neither of you moved, not even to unbuckle your seatbelt. You simply sat, staring out the windshield blankly.

You turned sharply to look out the window, frowning “She didn’t even leave the light on for me…” you whispered to yourself, sighing softly. Steve stared at you for a second, unsure what to do or say. Words were pushing to pour out from his throat.

“Hey, listen, this is gonna sound so weird but do you wanna maybe…go out sometime? Like with me?” Steve asked the back of your head. You turned quickly to look at him, taking in the sheer nervousness his whole body radiated with. You absorbed the energy, feeling your stomach tighten and your palms sweat.

“Yeah…yeah I’d like that.” You said, feeling a smile pull at the corners of your lips.

“Yeah?” Steve asked, his voice endearingly hopeful.

“Yeah!” you exclaimed with a little giggle. It slipped out unintentionally, but it lit Steve’s face up brighter than you’d seen before.

“What are you doing tomorrow? Wait, you told Dustin you’re working, what about-”

You cut him off “I’m not working.” Steve raised a curious eyebrow at you. “I might have lied to the kid…” Steve burst out laughing. Now that was music to your ears. “He deserves it! Let him deal with what I dealt with for months!”

Steve laughed until his stomach hurt, until he forgot why he was laughing. He felt like the light you had shining off you from every angle was seeping into his skin and healing him, the scars left behind by the world fading away under your light. And you just kept smiling at him, this bewildered, precious look of embarrassed joy that he’d brought on.

Finally, after what felt like a never ending loop of laughter, Steve took a heaving breath and pushed it out with a sigh. “I should probably let you go here…” he muttered, looking at the time from his watch. You nodded, reaching over the gear shift and planting a gentle kiss on his cheek. As Steve’s face turned beet red, you popped the door open, climbing out with a grin you couldn’t manage to push off your face.

“I’ll see you around, Harrington.” You said “Come and visit me sometime, now that you know where I am.” You shut the door, turning and heading inside “I’ll pick you up at eight tomorrow!” he called after you as you bounded up the front steps, taking them two at a time. You heard, just as you shut your front door, an overjoyed cry, and watched Steve’s car speed off.

“Oh god he’s such a dork…” you muttered to yourself, shutting the door softly. ‘Oh god I like it…’ you thought, but you wouldn’t dare admit that out loud.

[scoopsohboi]

you look cute in that hat

Pairing: robin buckley/henderson!reader

W/C: 2575

Summary: since your first shift at hotdog on a stick starts soon, you drive dustin to the mall so he can see steve. while your killing time you flirt with robin.

-more robin readers-

-st readers-

“Stop running so fast! I swear that security guard has been watching us since the parking lot.” You were chasing after your little brother, Dustin, as he sped-walked ahead of you through the halls of Starcourt, his sneakers squeaking loudly on the linoleum causing the large man in a blue uniform to follow you two on the other side of the walkway. “Why are you in such a hurry, anyway?”

“That’s Phil. He’s had it out for me ever since he caught Mike, Will, Lucas, and I sitting in Nightmare on Elm Street without tickets.” You rolled your eyes as Dustin slowed his pace ever so slightly. “And I need to tell Henderson what I figured out last night.”

“Oh, right. The ‘Russian spy code’ thing,” you said in a mocking tone, using air quotes until Dustin spun on his heel and frantically grabbed your hands and shushed you loudly.

“Are you literally insane?!” He cried in a voice barely above a whisper. “Oh, my God, don't talk about it out loud,” he hissed before turning around as he muttered about letting the Russians get you and you quietly snorted in amusement. Dustin had burst into your room last night animatedly talking about how he’d intercepted a Russian transmission of a secret spy code. Although it sounded intriguing, you were only going to be home for about another month before you were leaving to start your first semester of college. You were pretty sure it wasn’t actually a spy message, but even so, you didn’t want to get murdered by Soviets before you left Hawkins. Unfortunately, being eighteen meant driver’s license and that meant driving your little brother around town.

“I still can’t believe you’re friends with Steve. Such a trip,” you muttered. You went Hawkins High School with Steve and the two of you were in the same grade, but you were never friends. In fact, you could probably count all the conversations you’d ever had with him on one hand. You had no clue why or how he’d become so close to Dustin. You tried to pry once but the boy never really told you much. Hell, the only reason you knew about the transmission was because none of Dustin’s friends were around to answer the phone. Needless to say you came from a very private family.

Dustin skipped ahead as you two reached the food court and you trailed behind him. You glanced up at the large clock on the wall and took note of the time. 3:20. Your mom made you get a summer job to save up some extra cash before leaving town and your very first shift at HotDog on a Stick was at four. You signed and continued after Dustin, reaching Scoops Ahoy just in time to see him bound around the front counter and to a back door labeled ‘Employees Only.’

“Hey, slow down, I just mopped!” A brown haired girl in a sailor costume chastised from behind the counter. “There’s a sign; you can’t sue if you trip.” You laughed a little and she turned forward, seeing you for the first time. Her blue eyes seemed to sparkle even under the shitty florescent lights and you felt your cheeks blush when she smiled. You knew Robin from school, too, and admittedly better than Steve, but not by much. The two of you had a few class projects together over the years, but nothing too substantial. Probably nothing close to warrant how big of a crush you’d developed on her. God, why did she have to look at you like that? You felt like a puddle already. “Hey, Y/N,” she said coolly, though her voice was slightly higher than usual as if she was surprised to see you. “How’s you summer going?”

“Just, you know, trying to get my life in order,” you shrugged. “I actually got a part-time job here.” Robin’s head cocked to the side slightly. “Not, like, here here,” you gestured to the ice cream shop. “But, like, in the…food court,” you finished lamely. Robin’s brow furrowed a little, confusion spreading over her features. You always liked how expressive she was. You absently wondered if she even knew she did it.

“I thought you were going to IUB?” You could feel your face heating up a little. You didn’t know how she’d heard about that- maybe Dustin mentioned it in passing, but the fact that she remembered made your stomach do flips. You cleared your throat a little, suddenly feeling very dry under Robin’s gaze.

“I, uh- I’m heading out mid-August, so my mom practically went handing out flyers to everyone she knows with a business.” You placed your elbows on the counter and leaned in a little closer to Robin. “I’ll have you know, you’re actually talking to the newest employee of HotDog on a Stick,” you said, shrugging like it was a big deal. Robin laughed and bit her lip.

“Oh, wow,” she said, feigning to be oh-so-impressed. “Lucky me.” Your eyes darted to her lips before you could stop yourself and you saw a little smirk dancing there. You caught yourself leaning in the tiniest bit of a fraction and you let your head fall a little as you let out a shaky laugh, trying to hide the blush that was spreading across your face. This was bad. You had it really bad and Robin didn’t even know what she was doing to you. You were in a crowded food court for fuck’s sake. Not to mention the fact that you didn’t even know if she liked girls. Which, knowing your luck was probably a ‘no.’ You let out a steadying breath before looking back up, feeling more composed after breaking eye-contact for a moment. You decided you were allowed to flirt a little, just to test the waters.

“Yeah, stick with me, baby, and you’ll never want for lemonade again.” You needed to keep it together but you could swear you saw a glimpse of something in Robin’s eye when you called her ‘baby,’ even if you were just joking around. You mentally composed yourself, not wanting to come on too strong and freak Robin out. You hadn’t even started your job yet that would mortifying. “Seriously, I can already tell my love for lemonade is going to go straight to shit.”

“Yeah,” she agreed with a nod, her smirk turning into a smile. “And hotdogs, fries, literally anything fried, probably.” You smiled and nudged her arm playfully. “At least you get one of those cute bucket hats,” she added slyly, bursting out laughing when you gave her a glare that only lasted a second because you couldn’t even fake being miserable with a literal angel laughing.

“Oh, come on. At least it’s not a sailor outfit,” she tried with a little curtsey, but you rolled your eyes.

“Please, at least you and Steve still manage to look hot in your uniforms. I’m going to be an ugly, striped cylinder. They literally make their employees look like rainbow-striped hotdogs. Like, what is that?” You spoke quickly, going on a short tangent without realizing you’d called Robin hot until after you’d finished. You hoped she didn’t notice, but you weren’t so lucky. She stood there very still, eyes slightly wider than before and lips parted softly, the ghost of her smile still evident. She blinked and shook her head slightly, furrowing her brow and biting the inside of her cheek. She opened her mouth, and then closed it, seemingly deciding whether or not to say something when the voices from the back-of-house started to grow. You saw Steve’s hair flop out from the doorway and Dustin was a few steps behind him. When he saw you Steve’s brows practically soared to his hairline.

“Y/N?”

“Hey, Steve,” you said, grateful for a distraction from the embarrassment of Robin still staring at you. She looked away then, and out of the corner of her eye you caught her tuck her hair behind her ear as her face grew red.

“How’s it going?” He made his way over to the center of the counter next to Robin. You shrugged, sneaking a glance to the girl whose eyes were trained on the register before turning your attention back to Steve.

“Not bad, just waiting for my shift to start. Dustin wouldn’t stop bugging me about coming here all morning so I had to leave a bit earlier than I planned.”

“I forget that you guys are related,” Steve said with a laugh and Dustin huffed next to him, hand already digging a testing spoon into a tub of ice cream.

“I wish I could forget,” he muttered. You scoffed.

“Shut up, you love me.” Dustin made a noise of disgust and you couldn’t help but smile. The two of you didn’t share your personal lives with each other very often, but you and Dustin had your own sibling adventures over the years. From days at the arcade, to driving across Indiana to see a Star Wars trilogy marathon in Bloomington, you knew the kid really did care a lot about you.

“Shift where?” Steve asked as he swatted Dustin’s hand away from the toppings. You jabbed a thumb behind you to where the bright neon sign stood behind you across the sea of messy tables and people eating greasy pizza. Steve caught where you were gesturing and grinned. “Ah, I see. Going to be one of those cute HotDog on a Stick girls, huh?” You felt your face heat up immediately.

Steve Harrington had never flirted with you before. If it had been a few years ago, you would’ve died completely. Having Steve ‘The Hair’ Harrington talk to you like that would’ve melted you like butter, even when he was a total douchebag. You knew Steve wasn’t the same guy he was sophomore year, if his being so close to your brother was any indication, but you’d changed a lot over the years, too. There was no denying that Steve was incredibly gorgeous, but that crush had long since fizzled. You’d had your eye on someone else for a while. Someone who also happened to be standing right in front of you.

“I don’t know about that,” you said, trying to regain some composure. It was getting very hot despite you being so close to an actual icebox and you could feel your palms getting sweaty. You were desperate to get the attention off yourself. “Dusty,” you called quickly, trying to change the subject, “did you tell him about the transmission?” Steve blinked as Dustin began to excited regale his findings, watching you curiously for a moment before turning his attention to the kid.

You sighed internally once the spotlight was turned on someone else and chanced a glance at Robin. She looked distracted, blue eyes flitting back and forth like she was thinking deeply about something. You turned to check the clock again and your first shift started in fifteen minutes. You decided you might as well run away now and try to distract yourself with the assumingly terrible job training you were about to endure. You pushed off the counter, gaining some attention from both Robin and Steve. “I’m going to head over. Don’t want to be late,” you said, looking at Dustin and Steve and trying very hard to not stare at Robin.

“Oh, okay. Bye, Y/N,” Steve said, sounding a little disappointed you were leaving so soon. Dustin muttered a quick ‘buh-bye’ before going back to his conversation with Steve. You finally looked over at Robin and you hated that it was one of the few times you couldn’t read her face at all. You would’ve given anything to read her mind.

“I’ll see you later?” you offered, and Robin smiled softly.

“Yeah,” she said quietly with a nod, as if confirming it. You had no idea what the damage would be from that conversation but you tried to brush it off as you turned around and made your way upstream to HotDog on a Stick. You met your manager and trainer for the day before getting started on the basics. After about an hour you heard a familiar voice talking to one of your coworkers. Your head shot up to see Robin, changed out of her uniform and into her regular shorts and shirt, chatting easily with your manager. You tried to focus on the task you were learning- how to smash the lemons, while straining to hear what they were talking about.

“-but I’m finally off so I don’t have to deal with that anymore,” Robin finished. You wondered what she was talking about as your manager laughed. She wouldn’t talk about you- you knew that. But that didn’t mean your subconscious was reasonable. Your stomach twisted as you started to grow anxious. “Actually, do you mind if I steal one of your employees for literally a minute?” Robin asked shyly and you felt like you might pass out.

“We’re supposed to carpool for church tomorrow and I wanted to make sure she knows where to meet.” You couldn’t help but snort at her quick excuse to talk to you. You tried to cover it with the sound of your smashing, but it didn’t work out too well. You just turned all your attention on the bucket of lemons in front of you.

“Y/N,” Robin called, this time a lot closer, and you looked up to see her leaning on the doorway beside you, nodding quickly toward the main food court. You nodded and held out the handle of the stomper to your coworker before rubbing your hands on your apron and following her out and a few tables down. She turned around and smiled at you, grin growing as she looked up at the hat. You instantly blushed.

“Don’t,” you warned. She smiled widely, full teeth, and you couldn’t help but crack a smile as well. “What do you want?” you asked, pretending to be harsh though it had no bearings considering how much you were grinning now too. Now it was Robin’s turn to blush.

“I-um…what are you doing tonight?” The question took you by surprise as your heart began to hurt in anticipation. You were pretty damn sure where this was going and your head was spinning with disbelief and excitement.

“I-I have work until 8,” you stuttered, a little frozen just thinking about Robin literally asking you out. Robin laughed a little, and you could tell you sounded a little Steve-ish but sometimes talking to Robin made your brain fry. How were you supposed to act normal anyway with her staring at you like that with her amused grin? You wished she would just put you out of your misery already.

“And after?”

“Whatever you’re doing,” you said with a shrug, snapping out of your stupor enough to regain control of the situation. Robin bit her lip, trying to hide her big grin as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

“Cool,” she said, though her eyes told you everything she didn’t dare say out loud. Things you’d both reveal later behind closed doors and out of reach from unwanted ears. “So, 8:30?” she asked and you nodded. She glanced back up at the hat before gazing into your eyes again. “You really do look cute in that hat.”

It was going to be a great night.

[spn-rewrites]

01x08 (part 1)

Season One Episdode Eight: Bugs

Summary: mad cow disease or mystery death plaguing a newly developing neighborhood? if you’re sensitive to the creepy crawly things beware.

Word Count: 4.9k

part 2 part 3 part 4

You sat with Sam on the hood of the Impala, a newspaper in his hands. “Local Death a Medical Mystery” is a small, but a tand-out headline in the paper. Sam was reading intently, taking in every detail but you were only focused on the way his thigh was pressed up against yours.

Dean was inside The Loading Dock, a small bar on the side of the highway. The music was loud and there were bikers and they were revving their engine, trying to act tough and cool or show off or something. Dean chuckled as he skipped down the steps of the bar, spreading out a giant wad of cash that he just hustled from some poor old biker.

“You know we could get day jobs once in a while,” Sam said, putting the newspaper down. You were excited, sitting up on the hood of the car and reaching for the wad of cash to count it.

“Hunting is our day job and the pay is crap,” Dean said, smiling at you and handing the money to you.

“Yeah but hustling pool, credit card scams?” Sam, always playing the saint. The hustling and credit card scams gave you a rush. It was exciting and it was fun and you loved the anticipation of sitting outside, waiting while Dean did his work. It was exciting, never knowing if you were going to get caught or not. “It’s not the most honest thing in the world, Dean.” Sam was right. $200.

“Let’s see, honest,” Dean held out one hand. “Fun and easy,” he held out the other hand and pretended to weigh the scales. Of course, fun and easy won. “It’s no contest,” he smirked. You rolled the money back up and handed it back to the oldest boy. The raised his eyebrows at you and winked, knowing just how much fun you thought this all was. “Besides, we’re good at it. It’s what we were raised to do.”

“Yeah, well, how we were raised was jacked.” Sam folded up the newspaper, put it on your lap and slid off the hood of the car. Ever since Lori, he’s been in a mood. Moping around as if his life was the worst thing in the world and while it wasn’t always a walk in the park or fun, it was exciting and you got to spend it with your best friends but Sam was always the one needing, craving, more.

You thought you were like that at one point, too. Wanting to move on, change your life for the better and find a cute boy. Someone who didn’t hunt ghosts and other supernatural forces. Someone who maybe worked at a bank and made a lot of money. You wanted to work at a bank and make a lot of money. But then Sam left and John went missing and the idea of leaving Dean behind was more heartbreaking and scary than the thought of traveling into a haunted house and so you stayed. You realized that this was what you meant to do, just like Dean said.

“Yeah, says you,” Dean deadpanned, brushing Sam off and counting the money for himself. “We got a new gig or what?” He asked, motioning towards the newspaper that was now on your lap.

“Maybe,” you said, opening it back up to the page that Sam was reading. If you were being honest, Sam was the only one out of the two of you who read this article, so you turned your attention to him. He looked at you and you pleaded at him with your eyes to explain the case to Dean. He was hesitant, but he strolled back to where you were sat and grabbed the paper.

“Oasis Plains, Oklahoma. Not far from here.” He walked to the front of the Impala, setting the paper down on the hood so Dean could read it, too. This time, instead of focusing on Sam’s thighs and how his hand brushed against yours when he turned the page, you listening. “Gas company employee, Dustin Burwash, supposedly died from Creutzfeldt-Jakob.” He looked at you and then at Dean as if you were supposed to know what the fuck that meant.

“Huh?” You asked.

“Human mad cow disease,” Sam answered, raising his eyebrows at you as if that was the most interesting thing ever. You made a face at him and Dean stuffed the money into his pocket and looked over the paper.

“Mad cow? Wasn’t that on Oprah?” Dean asked, serious as ever and your face went cold because you knew that watching Oprah was something Dean did in his hotel room when he was alone. It was something that the two of you did to pass the time while Sam was making love to Jess in his college dorm and it was something the two of you swore to secrecy the moment the habit formed.

“You watch Oprah?” Sam asked, shocked. As he should be. Dean looked at you, wide-eyed and then down to the paper. He was making faces as if he didn’t know how to respond. That maybe if he didn’t, Sam would drop it.

“So this guy eats a bad burger. Why is it our kind of thing?” He asked. Sam looked back at the article to read the next section, getting the facts straight. When he wasn’t looking at Dean anymore, you could see him cussing himself out in his head. You sent him a what the fuck dude look and he cringed as an apology.

“Mad cow disease causes massive brain degeneration. It takes months, even years for the damage to appear. But this guy Dustin sounds like his brain disintegrated in about an hour, maybe less.”

“That’s weird,” Dean mumbled, taking in the facts and moving them around in his brain in an order that would make sense to him. In an order that would make him want to check it out.

“It could be a disease,” Sam started but you knew where he was going with this.

“Or, it could be something much nastier,” you ifnished witha  sinister smile on your face, your voice going an octave lover to make it sound scarier than it was Sam smiled at you, tapping his finger on your knee. You held in the smile you wanted to give him and instead, gave him a soft one. One that meant, I got it, instead of I fucking love you.

“Alright, Oklahoma!” Dean clapped, convinced with just one sentence. He rubbed his hands together and then started for the driver’s side door. Sam folded up the paper, stuffed it in his pocket and then held his hand out for you to grab it. “Man, work, work work. No time to spend my money,” Dean sang. You slid off the hood of the car with the help of Sam. His eyes watching you the entire time as if you would get hurt even if you did fall.

+

Finally, in Oasis Plains, Dean pulled the Impala into the parking lot of the gas company that Dustin Burwash worked for. It was a nice building, big glass windows covering almost every inch of the exterior. You were on the hunt for one of the only witnesses to what happened to Dustin, Travis Weaver.

A scruffy looking man was piling things into the backseat of his car. He was wearing a denim button-up shirt - gross - and his hair looked like it hadn’t been washed in a week - also gross but you’d been there before.

“Travis Weaver?” Dean asked as the three of you approached his car. He stood up, taking all three of you in before answering a yes. “Are you the Travis Weaver that worked with Uncle Dusty?”

“Dustin never mentioned nephews,” Travis said, his eyes glancing behind Sam at you. You shifted on your feet, feeling a little out of place and uncomfortable but Sam put his arm around you and pulled you into his side and Travis’s eyes left you.

“Really? Well, he sure mentioned you. He said you were the greatest,” Dean said, buttering up the guy, hoping to get as much information out of him as possible and it worked. It worked. Travis’s face lit up, a smile spreading across it and he looked down at the ground.

“Oh, he did? Huh.” You mumbled more to himself than to the group, but you had to get to the point.

“Listen, we wanted to ask you, uh, what exactly happened out there?” You interjected, sticking your head out a little. Travis looked at you again, his eyes hard but they softened. He was digging his brain for the image of Dustin, the details.

“I’m not sure, he fell in the sinkhole and I went to the truck to get some rope and, uh, by the time I got back….” He drifted off. The image of something like that was probably haunting. Suddenly, Sam and Dean were at the bottom of a sinkhole and they had no pulse and their skin was turning white as their empty eyes stared back up at you and you shook your head, erasing it.

“Well, what did you see?” Sam pushed him but Travis just shrugged.

“Nothing. Just Dustin.”

“No wounds or anything?” More pushing. You had to know more.

“Well, he was bleeding from his eyes and his ears and nose, but that’s it.” That’s it. That’s it? That’s it! A clue! You mentally jotted it down and pressed yourself more into Sam. His head dipped down to look at you and you sent him a smile. His eyes smiled back at you and his hand rubbed up and down your bicep and you felt good. Happy.

“So, do you think it could be this whole mad cow thing?” Dean asked the real question. What did the public think? What did it look like to the naked eye? An eye that wasn’t tainted by the knowledge that you have.

“I don’t know, that’s what the doctors are saying.”

“But if it was, he would have been acting strangely beforehand. Like dementia, loss of motor control. You ever notice anything like that?” Sam asked him, listing off symptoms of mad cow disease that didn’t fit with the case. The red flags.

“Nah. No way,” Travis brushed Sam off quickly, but then he thought about it for a moment, seeing the red flags stuck in the grass, waving in the wind. “But then again, if it wasn’t some disease, what the hell was it?”

“That’s a good question,” Dean smirked. “Now, can you tell us where this happened?”

+

Oasis Plains Estates Luxury Homes. It looked anything but luxury with all the dirt piles and holes and yellow caution tape strapped around trees. The developing neighborhood already had houses built, families moved into them and what the hell could those families be thinking - I just moved into this very nice, very expensive home in this very nice, up and coming neighborhood but oh look, a construction guy died right across the street.

“Huh. What do you think?” Dean asked as you got out of the Impala. The sight was a partially built house. The exterior walls were already put up, holes were carved for the doors and windows and the roofing was already completed. But there was caution tape blocked off one single hole.

“I don’t know, if that Travis guy was right, it happened pretty damn fast,” Sam said as he held the tape up for you to duck under before he followed you. The three of you stood looking into the hole, twigs and branches blocking a lot of the view but it looked long and narrow and dark.  

“So what, some sort of creature chewed on his brain?” You asked, trying to see every inch of it but you could only think about the number of spiders that made their home in there.

“No, there’d be an entry wound.” Sam turned on a flashlight and lit up the sinkhole. There wasn’t much else to see, really. “Sounds like this thing worked from the inside.”

“Huh. Looks like there’s only room for one,” Dean said, patting Sam on the shoulder and crossing the other side of the caution tape to get to the rolled up rope on the ground. “You wanna flip a coin? Loser plays Y/N?”

“Um, I am sure as hell not going down there!” You protested, crossing one arm over your chest and pointing down to the hole with your other hand. Dean chuckled at you as he brought the rope closer and Sam glanced back at you before also protesting with you.

“We have no idea what’s down there,” he said.

“All right, I’ll go if both of you girls are scared.” Dean always had to play the big bad guy, willing to do anything and everything and you always let him but Sam was different. “You scared?” He asked his brother.

“Flip the damn coin,” Sam challenged.

“Alright, call it in the air. Chicken.” Dean joked with his brother, a smirk on his lips as you watched. Dean rummaged for a coin out of his pocket, finding one and flipping it. Instead of calling it, Sam snatched the coin in mid-air.

“I’m going,” he said, grabbing the rope off the ground.

“Sam, no-” You started but Dean held his hand up to stop you.

“I said I’d go,” Dean said. At some point, the two of you would have to stop treating Sam like a baby. He may be the youngest but judging by the little sprouts of facial hair he would get every once in a while that he had to shave off and the biceps he was gaining by the day, he wasn’t a baby anymore.

“I’m going,” Sam said. He wrapped the rope around his waist, tying it securely. “Don’t drop me.”

+

Sam was observing the disgusting, dead, beetle in his hand. Moving it around with his finger and looking at it so closely like he was trying to remember every single detail of it.“So you found some beetles. In a hole in the ground. That’s shocking, Sam,” Dean stated, clearly unimpressed by what Sam found down there.

When he yelled from the bottom of the hole that he found something, you got excited. Maybe there was a trace of something supernatural down there. A trail to something that lingered underground and snatched it’s pray through the ground. But you had no luck, they were just beetles.

“There were no tunnels, no tracks. No evidence of any other kind of creature down there,” Sam justified, still looking at that stupid, gross, beetle. “You know some beetles do eat meat. It’s usually dead meat, but-”

“How many did you find down there?” Dean asked, cutting his brother off causing him to look up.

“Ten.”

“It would take a whole lot more than that to eat out someone’s brain,” Dean pointed out. He was right. This made no sense but you let Sam keep going, indulging him with the one and only lead you had but you weren’t any more interested in it than Dean was.

“Well maybe there were more,” Sam argued, snapping back at his brother.

“I don’t know, it sounds like a stretch to me.”

“Sam, maybe this just isn’t our kind of thing. Okay?” You said from the backseat, putting your hand on Sam’s shoulder like maybe that would soften the blow of your words but your words weren’t painful at all and you just needed a fucking excuse to touch his shoulder.

“Or maybe, we just need more information on the area and the neighborhood and whether something like this has ever happened before,” Sam kept going, looking back at you. He was set on this, seeing this out.

“I know a good place to start,” Dean said, looking out the window of the car. You saw the red balloons that caught his attention and the New Buyers Open House sign attached to them. “I’m kinda hungry for a little barbeque, how about you?” He asked, smirking and slowing down the car.

“Oh! Yeah!” You cheered, hitting Dean in the shoulder. He chuckled, nodding his head in approval and a smile was plastered on your face until Sam shot both of you a look. An are you serious right now look.  “What? We can’t talk to the locals?” You defended.

“And the free food’s got nothing to do with it?” Sam asked, a smirk on his face. He was shaking his head at the two of you, but he was smiling which meant he was amused by you.

“Of course not. We’re professionals,” Dean said, nodding back at you for confirmation. You nodded your head at Sam and he rolled his eyes at the two of you. He may be the baby but sometimes he was much more mature than the two of you.

“Right,” he said sarcastically as Dean pulled over the car and the three of you got out.

“Growing up in a place like this would freak me out,” Dean said, looking around the street and all the houses that look exactly the same. The dollhouses with the world’s little playthings inside.

“I did grow up in a place like this,” you shivered at the memory of living in a house just like these ones. How every neighbor was friendly and wanted to know how your day was and how your pets are doing like they really fucking cared at all. The smell of cookies or pie baking in the kitchen from the moment you opened the front door. It was all just a distant memory at this point, but you could still see your mother sitting in the kitchen counter reading her paper.

“The manicured laws, how-was-your-day-honey? I’d blow my brains out.” You held up a fist for Dean to bump, agreeing with him.

“There’s nothing wrong with normal. Hell, I wish I’d grown up normal like Y/N,” Sam said, looking at the two of you like you were absolutely crazy for not wanting this life but for someone like you, who had it and hated it, and for someone like Dean, who never had it and never wanted it, you were content and happy with your life. It was never boring. It was never redundant.  

“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” you mumbled as you tried to peak into the windows of the house as you three walked up the path to the door.

“I’d take our family over normal any day.” Dean knocked on the door of the house and an older man answered it, a smile on his face that accentuated his wrinkles.

“Welcome,” he said, holding a hand out for someone to shake. Dean shook it.

“Is this the barbeque?” Dean asked, looking around the man’s shoulders to see inside the house. The only thing you missed was having a house. A real house, with a real kitchen and a bedroom all to yourself. That was the only thing.

“Yeah, uh, not the best weather.” The man looked out the door, sticking his head out of the house and looking at the cloudy sky. It was a little rainy and cloudy and dark, but you liked it like this. “I’m Larry Pike, the developer here, and you are?”

“Dean,” he answered before gesturing to the two of you. “This is Sam and Y/N.” You smiled at Larry, shaking his hand.

“Nice to meet you guys. So you three are interested in Oasis Plains?” He asked, looking at all three of your faces. In all honesty, if you ever did own a house it would not be in a neighborhood like this. Where everything looked the same and everyone pretended to be something they weren’t.

“Yes sir,” Dean smiled, shoving his hands in his pocket and putting on his best-domesticated face - a cheesy smile and wide eyes. Convincing, you thought.

“Let me just say, we accept homeowners of any race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.”  Dean chuckled, looking at Sam and then over to you. You tried to stifle a laugh, pressing your lips together.

“We’re brothers,” Dean told him. Larry’s cheeks flushed and he sucked in a breath but let Dean continue talking without apologizing. Dean pointed this thumb behind him at you. “It’s mostly this one back here that’s interested. Ya know, newly married and we need a place to live!” His voice was high pitched and excited, still putting on his best facade but when Larry looked at you like he wasn’t fully convinced, Dean wrapped his arm around your shoulders, kissed the top of your head and sent Larry a smile.

“Oh, well. Come on in,” he said, inviting you into the house and giving you the tour before you exited out the back where there was a lot of chatter amongst other homeowners, future homeowners, and real estate agents. If there was a complete opposite of what you were used to, this was it.

“So you said you were the developer?” Dean asked, fishing for as much information as he could now that Larry was done with his long-winded explanation of why they went with granite instead of marble countertops.

“18 months ago I was walking this valley with my survey team. There was nothing here but scrub brush and squirrels. And you know what, we built such a nice place to live that I actually bought into it myself. This is our home. We’re the first family in Oasis Plains.” Larry went on, walking backward as he talked. He sounded proud of himself but there was something sinister about his face. He was hiding something or he knew something or maybe he was just an innocent man who wanted to make something beautiful but at what cost? “This is my wife, Joanie,” Larry introduced. Joanie was blonde and beautiful and she shook all three of your hands with a polite smile on her face.

“Tell them how much you like the house honey and lie if you need to because I need to sell some homes,” Larry whispered into her ear and it was meant for you to hear and it was meant to be a joke so you faked a laugh because it wasn’t really funny at all. Sam chuckled beside you and you wished the cover-up was that Sam and you were newly wedded so you hold his hand and wrap your arm around his but instead you were holding Dean’s hand and that was ok, you suppose.

“Don’t let his salesman routine scare you. This really is a great place to live,” Joanie boasted. She was warmer than Larry and seemed less intense like she wasn’t trying to sell you a product.

“Hi, I’m Lynda Bloome, head of sales,” an older, brunette lady introduced herself to Sam first, then to you and then Dean. Lynda and Joanie could have been the same age, but Lynda had a lot more wrinkles and she was colder and you hated the feeling her eyes gave you as she looked into them when she shook your hand.

“Lynda was second to move in, she’s a very noisy neighbor, though,” Joanie joked,

Putting her hand on Lynda’s shoulder before crossing in front of her and walking away. Lynda chuckled and brushed her off.

“She’s kidding, of course. I take it the three of you are interested in becoming homeowners?” She asked. All three of you had fake smiles on your faces and it was getting exhausting pretending to be excited about a new house and pretending to think these jokes were funny when they were anything but.

“Uh, just these two. Here for moral support,” Sam answered, gesturing to you and

Dean. He held your connected hands up in the air to show you were, in fact, a couple. Lynda kept making stupid jokes, going on with the mantra that they accept homeowners of every race, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation and Dean pretending to laugh again.

“I’m going to go talk to Larry,” he said, bumping his shoulder into yours. “Coming?” You nod and say goodbye to Lynda as you followed Dean into the house to find the developer.

“Cute how you have to pretend to be my boyfriend everytime we’re on a case,” you

pointed out to Dean. He let out a real laugh this time as your eyes scanned for Larry.

“Well, would you rather be Sam’s girlfriend and risk exposing yourself or be our sister?” He asked, his voice sounding horrified as he said, sister. You faked a gag at the thought and Dean wrapped his arm around your shoulder as your eyes landed on Larry.

“There,” you pointed out. You started asking Larry questions about the house, more in detail about what to expect when you’re buying a house and how customizable the house was since they were in development and not yet built and he had an answer for everything. You walked through the house again as he went over the details. Not only the details of the house but the history of the development. The history of a surveyor who mystically dropped dead with a single bee sting.

“Whoa, someone likes bugs,” Dean said, noticing mason jars with bugs living in them on the table just next to the staircase. You hadn’t noticed them before but now that you did, you wished you hadn’t. You kneeled down, inspecting them closely but you got too grossed out so you backed away and back into Dean’s arms.

“My son. He’s into insects. He’s very inquisitive.” Larry explained, Dean looked at the bugs and nodded his head. You could see the gears in the back of his mind grinding away at the connection but you had no idea what the connection would actually be beside the number of bugs in this house, the mystery beetles in Dustin Burwash’s sinkhole and the bee sting that killed a surveyor.

You went back into the backyard, Sam’s back to yours but Larry barked at the kid he was talking to. “Matthew!” Larry’s footsteps sped up and you guessed that Matthew was the inquisitive son. When he got to his side, he apologized to Sam for his son’s ‘pet’ but you hated the way his voice was booming and the condescending tone he was using.

“It’s no bother,” Sam dismissed Larry and he and his son walked away. As he passed you, you pretended to be engrossed in a conversation with Dean and you didn’t hear a word. Sam turned around to see if you and Dean were following, his eyes going right to Dean’s hand wrapped around your waist, resting on your hip. He hesitated for a moment before turning away and fuck if you didn’t know better you would have thought he was jealous.

When they were gone, Dean unwrapped himself from you and you walked closer to

Sam. “Remind you of somebody?” He asked, hoping to get a reaction out of Dean. He was watching the father-son duo argue on the porch steps, Larry barking orders at Matthew and Matthew pretending not to care but you saw it in his eyes and you saw what Sam was getting at. “Dad?”

“Dad never treated us like that,” Dean said matter-of-factly and shrugged his shoulders.

“Dad never treated you like that,” Sam rebutled. You wished you could interject

Something to the conversation. Something to help even the score or be the man in the middle who saw things more clearly than the people in it, but you were late to the game and yes, you saw the way John treated Sam as if he was always a little boy but everyone did that and from Dean told you about his childhood, Dean was always John’s right-hand man whether that be with hunting or taking care of the youngest boy. “You were perfect, he was all over my case.” Dean still looked blank, like he had no idea what Sam was talking about. “You don’t remember?”

“Well maybe he had to raise his voice but sometimes you were out of line,” Dean responded. Sometimes, it was uncanny how much like his father Dean was. Never really seeing things for what they were and just how he wanted to see them.

“Right. Right, like when I said I’d rather play soccer than learn bowhunting,” Sam chuckled, shaking his head at the idea that a father would want his son to be a hunter rather than play soccer or an instrument or even go to regular school.

“Bowhunting is an important skill,” Dean defended, again.

“Just drop it,” you snapped, holding your hands out between the boys to stop the argument. You were over it. It was the past and there was nothing you could do to fix it now so the best thing to do is to let it go.

“Whatever,” Sam let out a breath, clearly annoyed. “How was the second tour?”

“I think you might be onto something, looks like Dustin Burwash wasn’t the first strange death around here,” Dean hinted, his eyebrows raised and he always liked being the one with the information.

“What happened?”

“About a year ago, before they broke ground, one of Larry’s surveyors dropped dead while on the job. Get this - a severe allergic reaction to bee stings,” Dean told him and you saw Sam’s eyes lit up and he got the connection. It was too good to be true, that a little black beetle was anything more than a gross bug that Sam picked up.

“More bugs,” Sam said.

“More bugs, baby,” you responded.

tagged: @matchamendes @stuckupstucky @sillydecoy jessewa26 @kaelyn-lobrutto24 @liztorr1212 @icanreadbookstoo

[heckin-harrington]

Save Steve / s.h.

Ferris Bueller!au because it’s my favorite movie and i’m liVING

Pairing: just Steve Harrington and mentions of high school!Dustin Henderson Warnings: None! Words: 796

“This is complete bullshit!” Jeanie exclaimed throwing her hands up in rage. “He’s not actually sick! I can’t believe you guys are buying this.” She groaned pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. 

Steve’s parents stood by his bed as he lay there faking sniffles and the occasional cough. “Poor baby,” His mother cooed, pressing her palm to his forehead. “He’s not warm. He says his stomach hurts and he’s seeing spots. Just get some rest, Steve.”

“I’ll check up on you on my lunch break, okay pal?” Mr. Harrington added, Steve nodding forcing a smile. “Okay, pops.” He let out a cough that was the fakest sounding thing ever. Jeanie rolled her eyes as their parents left the room, Steve shooting her a quick wink.

“They wouldn’t even notice if I died.” She scoffed leaning against Steve’s bedroom doorway. “You’re a real ass you know that? You might fool them but I know your game, Harrington.” 

Steve chuckled throwing his arms behind his head. “Not my fault I’m the cute one, Jean.” Jeanie flipped him off before running down the stairs and out the door. Steve lay still in his bed for a brief moment waiting until he heard the doors lock and his parents drive down the street before he shot out of bed and sighed contently.

He walked over to his window, opening the curtains and placing his hands on his hips. “Crazy, one of my worst performances yet...and they bought it!” Steve chuckled.

 “I mean, how could I possibly go to school on a day like this?” He smiled happily as he watched the fluffy white clouds float about the crystal blue sky. Steve grinned before turning on his radio and blasting music at full volume. He grabbed a red robe from the back of his door before slipping it on and making his way down the hall to the bathroom.

Steve moved his sister’s belongings to the side as he placed his radio on the countertop. “Parents always fall for the clammy hands trick too,” He stated as he started the shower. “It’s physical evidence. They can’t tell if you actually have a stomach bug unless your blowing chunks right then and there so give ‘em something to work with.” 

Steve stripped down his clothes and stepped into the shower, wetting his hair and squirting a generous amount of shampoo into his palm before massaging the soap into his brown locks and forming a fin-like mohawk.

“Life moves pretty fast.” Steve mentioned, exiting the shower and walking down the hall to his room a towel hanging on his hips. “If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” He shrugged and quickly got dressed before falling into his desk chair and picking up his phone, dialing his best friend.

“What do you want, Steve?” Dustin groaned on the other end of the line. He sneezed loudly following it with a sniffle and swallow. Steve stood from his hair and looked around his cluttered room.

“It’s a lovely day. Come over.” Steve instructed. Dustin rolled his eyes as he laid in his bed surrounded by used tissues and water bottles. 

“I’m sick, Steve. Actually sick... I can’t.” Steve scoffed and tsked. “I wanna do something fun. Man up and come over!” Steve hung up the phone and sat there for a second mentally taking note that Dustin would be calling back any second now.

“I’m dying,” Dustin groaned once he recalled his friend. Steve chuckled lightheartedly.

“You’re not dying. You just can’t think of anything good to do.” Steve stated before changing into his swim trunks and walking downstairs to his backyard when he laid back in a lawn chair. “Come over. Please?”

Dustin sighed. “Fine.”

“I heard he was basically dying!”

“He might need a kidney transplant.”

“Poor thing, we gotta donate to help him.”

“He can’t die, he’s getting me outta summer school.”

Jeanie clenched her jaw at the chatter of the students around her. Steve Harrington was the talk of the school. Him and his fake and weak attempt at an illness. Jeanie couldn’t stand it. Not one bit.

“Save Steve! Donate to help save Steve!” A boy stouted as he waved around an empty soda can with a few pieces of change in it. “Save Steve?” He asked Jeanie who cocked an eyebrow. 

“What?”

“Save Steve Harrington. He’s dying and is in need of a kidney transplant, haven’t you heard?” The guy held the can out, Jeanie knocking it from his hand and making her way back down the school halls. “What the hell? If you knew Steve you’d wanna save him!” 

Jeanie scoffed. “I know ‘im alright. Steve,” she clenched her hands into fists. “You’re not gonna get away with this.”

[avenging-fandoms]

Escape / Billy Hargrove

*requested by anonymous *Hiii ! Could you write something where Billy and his girl have a daughter together? Maybe she's like 2 years old or something ? *in which y/n and billy leave Hawkins to raise their baby in California *WARNING: swearing, that’s it *word count: 3740 *this is really long but worth the read, it’s cute *PLEASE send me requests!!!!! i can do whoever :)

MASTERLIST

billy hargrove never enjoyed his stay at Hawkins. he was there to graduate and leave. he always wanted to hop in his camaro and just drive back to California. but he couldn’t. he still lived with his father and his rules.

you never enjoyed billy’s stay at Hawkins, either. he was a big ego douchebag who only cared about himself. you were always the quiet one. the one who never got in trouble. the one who kept to herself. that was, until your friend jonathan dragged you to a party.

you hugged onto jonathan’s arm tightly as you two walked in. you hated school, and you hated the kids in it, so why were you here?

“are you okay?”

“not really, but i’ll manage” 

“y/n!” you turned your head and saw nancy waving towards you. you looked at jonathan and he shrugged, both of you walking over to steve and nancy. “how you doing?”

“just dandy. i love the kids here!” you say sarcastically and nancy giggled. steve pulled you to him and kissed your head

“don’t worry, your big brother’s here to protect you” he said and i hugged him back

“we got ourselves a new keg king, harrington”

“yeah, suck it harrington”

you couldn’t deny that billy didn’t look attractive. he had a cigarette hanging from his lips, his hair messed up, a worn leather jacket shrugged on his shoulders and he wore no shirt under his jacket, his toned body fully on display

“staring isn’t nice, princess” he smirks and you gulp, quickly looking away. billy laughed and was tugged away by his friends. you turn back to nancy and she raises her eyebrows

“let’s go get a drink. let loose! live a little!” she said.

“live a little.” that phrase got you in trouble. you got drunk and had drunk sex with billy.

apparently you lived too hard that day, because a month later, you found out you were pregnant.

nancy pulled you out on the dance floor, both of you shit-faced. you swayed your hips, dancing by yourself while nancy danced with steve

“you drunk too, princess?”

“do i normally act like this when i’m sober?” you said and lean against billy’s body. you reach your hand behind you, fingers gripping his hair. his hands landed on your hips and he ground his hard-on into your butt

“come on, y/n, let’s go somewhere quiet.”

the one time you actually have fun, you had unprotected sex. with a guy you couldn’t stand. and now you were going to have a baby with him.

the first person you told was the hardest person to tell: your brother.

“steve? c-can i talk to you please?” your stomach flipped

“yeah of course, what’s going on? you’re scaring me” you sat across from him and closed your eyes, trying not to cry, but it was too late. warm, salty tears rolled down your cheek “y/n? please tell me what’s going on. i’m worried”

“please don’t be mad at me, steve” you whisper

“y/n, tell me what’s going on right-”

“i’m pregnant” you say and steve stops

“no. no no no, you can’t be. because you have to have sex in order to get pregnant” he stood and started to pace around

“steve-”

“oh my god, y/n! there’s a baby growing inside you! who’s the father?”

“billy” you said softly

“billy? billy hargrove?! how did this even happen?!”

“nancy and i kept drinking and billy came behind me and took me somewhere quiet and we both were wasted and we.. did it. just please stop yelling, i don’t like it when you yell at me”

“okay” he sighed “okay, okay. are you keeping it?”

“i-i don’t know yet”

“have you told anyone else yet?”

“no. i was scared to tell you, but i had to tell you first because you’re my best friend and my big brother”

“this is crazy. this is crazy!” he laughed. he looked at you and tears were still falling down your face “oh sis, it’s okay” he pulled you to him and you wrapped your arms around him and sob fully into his shoulder

“i’m so scared, steve” you admit “i don’t know what to do”

“if the ‘rents don’t approve, me and you can move somewhere together”

“you’re not being serious” you laugh and wipe your eyes, but steve wasn’t laughing

“i want you to know that i’m always here. and i plan on keeping it that way”

“i love you so much, steve”

“i love you so much more, sis” he smiles and hugs you again.

it was a hard day for you. you told your parents with steve right next to you. and to your surprise, they weren’t angry. your mom had gotten pregnant when she was around your age. 

it was 3 months later and your stomach had started to grow, and you decided you were going to tell billy

“do you want me there with you?” steve asked and he twirled his thumbs, looking at billy’s house

“no, steve. i have to do this myself. if you could just- wait out here, please?”

“of course” he nods and you lean over and kiss his cheek. you sigh and get out of the car. you go up to the door step and knock. you looked back at steve and he gave you a thumbs up. the door opened and billy stood there in a tank top and shorts, sweaty

“y/l/n? the hell you doing here?”

“i really need to talk to you” you say. he squinted his eyes lightly then let you in. he closed the door behind you, turning off the stereo. 

“to what do i owe the surprise visit?”

“do you, remember the halloween party?” you said

“yes. are you here for m-”

“no” you grimace. you shake your head and look at him “i’m pregnant”

he stopped

“pregnant?”

“that’s what i just said” a wave of confidence washed over you, and you stood straight up

“but didn’t we-”

“we were both wasted. you came up behind me and told me we should go somewhere more quiet and that’s were we have sex, unprotected.”

“i don’t believe you’re pregnant”

you sigh and hold out your hand “give me your hand”

“what?” he put out his cigarette 

“give me your hand” you said, annoyance in your voice. he held out his arm and you grabbed his wrist, placing your hand on your stomach, the baby kicking sodtly

“woah! wait.. what the fuck was that?” he exclaimed

“the baby, doofus” you laugh and billy gets on his knees and places both hands on your stomach, the baby kicking where he pokes 

“that’s amazing” he says and stands back up “so what do i do?”

“well, you put the kid inside of me, so you’re the father, and you have responsibility of the child, too”

“okay. o-kay. well, we graduate soon, and we can move in somewhere together. you know, so we’re safe from Hawkins” he leaned against the wall and he looked at you

“where would we move? Somewhere out of Hawkins?”

“you could say that”

“can.. can my brother come too?”

“sure. as long as he doesn’t bug us” he smiled and you smile too, looking at the ground “so how long have you known?”

“uh.. 3 months?”

“you waited 3 months to tell me?”

“i just didn’t think you would even remember who i was”

“are you kidding? i always found you interesting. and cute.” billy mumbled the last part and you smile

“you’re not so bad yourself, hargrove”

billy led you out to steve’s car after talking for a couple more minutes. after that, billy had gone with you to every doctor appointment. you thought he wouldn’t want to be involved, but it surprised you when he came over and he just kissed your stomach and talked to it, smiling all the time. 

no one ever knew you were pregnant. your clothing usually hid it, and you and billy were very good at sneaking around for the appointments.

you had started to fall for billy. the self-centered asshole who arrived to Hawkins wasn’t around after you told him about the baby. all he cared about was you and the baby’s safety. it was a nice feeling to you.

steve was excited to be called ‘uncle steve’ . he would always tell you what he would do with your child when they were older.

today, it was moving day.

“i’m gonna cut my hair” billy said and you stopped packing your clothes and looked at the blue-eyed boy

“like.. the top?”

“no,” he came up behind you and placed his chin on your shoulder “i’m gonna cut my mullet”

you gasp dramatically “what!? the famous billy hargrove mullet, is going to leave?”

“oh stop it” he said and backed away and you laughed “i just thought it would be nice to change. i always wanted to cut it off”

“it’s your hair” you shrug and go to pick up the box but billy snatched it “hey!”

“you shouldn’t be carrying that much stuff. come on, it’s almost time to go”

you went downstairs with billy and when you reach the front yard, tears form in your eyes

everyone was there. the party, nancy, jonathan, even hopper.

“what are you guys doing here?” you say

“billy invited them” max said. you looked over at billy and he winked. dustin was the first one to come up to you

“be safe out there, and make sure to come visit. but make sure your baby’s in safe hands when you come back, we don’t know what’s going to happen next”

“you got it, dusty” you smile and you two hug and you kiss his head. lucas was next

“i’m gonna miss you, y/n. thanks for being so nice to me” he smiled and you hugged him. next was mike

“i’m not very good at this stuff, but you were always my favorite out of nancy’s friends. you’re really cool. and.. thanks for helping me out with el”

“call me when you need me, mikey” you hug the boy and he pulls away and wipes his eye a bit. el comes up to you and you hold her face "you behave, and have hopper call me when you need some girl talk"

"okay" she smiled and you hugged her.

you had been with el since the beginning. ever since you and the boys found her in the woods. you always cared for eleven, like a little sister. she was the one who made you cry. 

"be good, lil sis" she nodded and went back over to mike and he hugged her. will came next.

"i'll miss you. a lot. and thanks for always being there for me, y/n" he said and you hugged him

"i love you, hon"

"i love you too y/n"

hopper came up to you and you engulfed the man. he was more of a father to you than your actual father.

"i'll miss you, kid"

"i'll miss you more, hop" he kissed your head and you inhaled his scent of whiskey and cigarettes once more. 

nancy came up to you and you inhaled sharply

"i know you hate me for what happened at the party, and me hurting your brother, but just know that i'm going to miss you so much. thank you for being my friend" she said and you hugged her

"i'll miss you too" 

jonathan was the last once to come over to you. you two were attached at the hip since 2nd grade. you looked at him and a tear slipped from his eye

"oh jonny" you breathe and hug him, both of you crying "stop crying, you're making me cry"

"i'm just going to miss you, y/n. you've been my best friend for as long as i can remember. i'm so lucky i met you. thank you for always being so nice and so caring" you hold his face and wipe his tears

"i love you, jonathan"

"i love you so much more, y/n" you two hug again and you pull away

"well shit, uhm" you look around at all the faces who you have loved you for many years. "i am so, thankful i have met you all. and i promise, i will visit after the baby's born"

"you better, i have to meet my niece or nephew" mike says and tears form in your eyes when he says that

"me too" the party agrees, along with max. so does jonathan and nancy.

"and i have to meet my grandchild"

"you're gonna be a poppy!" hopper smiles 

"well, i'll see you all soon" you, billy and steve climb into the car with all of the stuff in the back in the trailer. all of them waved and you waved back until they were out of sight. steve leaned up and rubbed your shoulder 

“we’ll come back, don’t worry”

“i know” you wipe your eyes “billy, don’t we have to stop somewhere?” you smile over at him and play with his mullet

“no, you’re joking” steve said

“you really weren’t joking. it looks so good!” steve said

“i’m scared to look!” you said “can i peek?”

“no! i’m only allowed to look at him”

“why, cause you have a crush on him?”

“no, asshat. cause you do” you kick his shin “ow!”

“alright, we’re done” the hairdresser says

“one, two, three!” you look and gasp

“you look amazing!” you go behind dacre and place your hands on his shoulders “wow”

it really did look amazing. it made you fall for him harder.

after days and days and days of driving, you guys finally made it to the apartments. you and billy were going to share one and steve was going to live in the one next to yours.

billy refused to let you carry any box of any sort to the apartment. by the time all the boxes were inside, him and steve were drenched in sweat and he slipped off his shirt. you couldn’t help but stare from your spot on the couch

“we can unpack tomorrow. i’m so tired” he grabbed a glass and filled it up with water, gulping it down

“i can, go run you a bath if you want” you clear your throat and billy smiles at you

“i can do it, thank you though, doll” he smiled and he went into the bathroom. you sigh and lay your head back, placing a hand on your stomach.

you had cooked mac and cheese for dinner since you couldn’t go to the store to get groceries. you and billy talked about a lot of things. everything but what you two were.

you changed into your pyjamas and slid into bed. for some reason, you couldn’t sleep. it’s not that you weren’t comfortable, you just didn’t feel right. you got up and looked at the clock, and it read 1:24 am. you peaked into billy’s room and saw him sleeping peacefully. you bit your lip softly as you slowly crept into his room, sliding under the sheets and pressing yourself against him.

soon his arms wrapped around you and you smiled against his skin.

“well good morning sweetheart” billy says and you groan

“don’t talk to me” you whine and he laughs

“come on, hon. we find out the gender today” you rubbed your eyes and sat up, watching billy fix his new hair “what?” he says to you through the mirror and he smiles

“you look so weird”

“and you’re fat” he snorts and you slap him

“it’s your fault, hargrove”

“i’m well aware, y/l/n” you walk by him and smack his ass, something he hated “knock it off!” he shouted and you laughed, getting in the shower.

after getting out and getting ready, you, billy and steve climbed into the car.

“nervous, you guys?” steve said

“duh” you and billy said at the same time

“ew, just get married already” steve joked and billy laughed. you glared at steve and he smiled. you guys pulled up to the hospital and you looked at billy

“you ready, billy?”

“scared” he sighed as you guys walked into the hospital. you reached for his hand and linked your fingers.

“it’ll be okay, billy” you smile and kiss his cheek. you guys check and the three of you talk softly before the nurse calls your name

“good luck” steve kisses your cheek and you and billy walk into the room.

you got dressed in the proper attire and laid on the bed, and soon the doctor came in. she lifted up your dress and pressed the remote on your stomach, and the heartbeat sounded through the machine

“would you two like to know the gender?” she asked and you and billy linked hands

“yes, please”

she smiled over at you two “it’s a girl” both of you gasp. she laughed and wiped the gel off your stomach “i’ll let you get dressed and the pictures are on the table”

“thank you so much, doc” billy said and you slipped on your shirt and pants

“congratulations, you two” she smiled and left. you got off the table and billy stood up

“we’re having a girl” he breathed and tears formed in his eyes

“aw, billy” you smile and tears fall down your face. he hugs you and kisses your neck, laughing

“a girl. a baby girl”

“i’m so happy”

“me too” he pulled his face out of your neck, nose brushing yours “i uh..”

“kiss me” you look at him

“gladly” he wrapped an arm around your waist and the other around your back and kisses you. your arms draped around his neck and you smile. you didn’t remember his lips being this soft. but you hadn’t felt them since months ago. you both pulled away and smiled, pressing your foreheads together “i’ve kept it secret for months, but fuck, i’m so in love with you it hurts. the fact that you’re carrying my child made me fall more in love with you. you always caught my eye when you walked into a room because you were so beautiful. you were a mystery to me because you never talked to anyone and i wanted to get to know you more but i’m pretty sure you were really annoyed by me”

you laugh “yes, i was annoyed by you, but after talking to you after i told you i was pregnant i started to like you. and when we moved, i knew i was in love with you and it was hard to keep it from you”

“well now you don’t have to” he smiles and kisses you again. you guys pull away and you grab the photos, looking at them while billy had his arms around you and hands on your stomach, chin on your shoulder as he looked at the photos as well “that’s our baby, baby”

“i know” you sniffle. “come on, let’s go show steve”

you two leave and steve stands straight up

“so?”

“let’s go outside”

“what’s going-”

“it’s a girl” you say

“wha- are you serious?” he exclaims and smiles

“yes, harrington” billy patted his shoulder

“a niece! yes!” he hugged you tightly and you laugh

“i knew you would be excited 

“billy? billy!”

“what? what’s happening?” he shot up in the bed and your hands held your giant stomach

“i think my w-water just broke”

“oh shit!” billy rushed to get the stuff together and he banged on steve’s door “come on, fuck face, your sister’s going into labor!”

13 hours later of contractions, crying, pain, sleeping and pushing out the baby, she was finally here.

“alright, mr. hargrove, now if you can just take off your shirt so the baby girl can be comfortable with your body heat” billy nodded and quickly slipped off his shirt. the nurse placed the delicate girl in his arms and she left the room. you watched as billy looked at her with nothing but love in his eyes

“hi baby girl, i’m your daddy. i’m gonna make sure no one ever hurts you, and if they do, their head is mine” he sniffled and smiled, kissing her head over and over “i love you, little one”

“what are we going to name her?” you ask and yawn

“how about elania, and we can call her el for short?” billy smiles and you smile back

“you’re the most precious human ever, billy hargrove”

“it’s the new hair” he looks down at the tiny human in his arms. “hi elania mae”

“that sounds gorgeous” you looked at the door and steve, jim and el all stood there

“oh my god!” el runs over to your and hugs you “hi pretty girl” you kissed her forehead

“hi y/n” she said and billy gets up and gives you elania.

“sit on the bed, jane. i’ll help you hold her” she did as you said and you handed her the tiny girl

“oh wow” she said, amazed “what’s her name, again?”

“elania mae hargrove,” you looked at jane “but we call her el for short” she looked at you and smiled widely

“steve, did you get a turn to hold her?” hopper asked

“yes, yes, go ahead” the chief took the baby in his arms and smiled 

“hi there, little elania. i’m your poppy” he smiled and billy comes next to you and smiles, kissing your temple

“do we get turns too?”

everyone was in the room. jonathan, nancy, the party. you were so happy. it was the happiest you have ever been

after hours and hours of talking, all of them went back to their hotel

“i’ll see you two parents tomorrow. good night, i’m proud of you” steve kissed your cheek and waved at billy

“good night steve”

he closed the door and you held the girl in your arms

“we got so lucky”

“ i thought i would never say this, i’m glad we had drunk, unprotected sex” you said and he laughs, looking at you

“i have to agree with you on that” he smiles “and i’m glad you don’t hate me anymore, because i really love you”

“i really love you too” he kisses you sweetly, holding your chin. he pulls away and sits on the bed with you, holding his two favorite girls in the world as they watched the tv

and for the first time, both you and billy were genuinely happy.

[ivy6127]

Unlikely Circumstances III

Part 3

Summary: After y/n’s car gets vandalized, she ends up getting a ride with Billy.

Word count: 1812

A/n: I won’t be able to write much these next two weeks due to finals, so I’m sorry. I might write a short story to relieve stress, but don’t hold it against me. Anyway, enjoy part 3!

Tags: @artisticlales @coolyoungbouquetdestinylove

To say the atmosphere in the car was awkward would be an understatement. Y/n was pissed about her car, pissed about Hailey getting bullied and not knowing till now, and especially pissed at Carol for being behind all this. It’s as if she can see Carol looking at her like she’s won while smacking that god damn gum.

And Billy? Billy didn’t know what to say to lighten the mood, trying to seduce her like he planned would probably make her angrier. Though that isn’t him saying that looking at her fume like she’s going to explode any minute wasn’t turning him on. For a while, they listened to the music blaring out of his speakers and smelling the air that reeks of cigarettes.

“Could you please throw that damn cigarette out the window, I’d like to breathe, thank you”, y/n finally spoke with a strained voice due to not breathing and having to be polite to him.

Billy replied instantly, “My car so I can smoke as much as I want princess”, at that he blew a puff of smoke at her the second time today.

“Please, don’t do that again”, if the first comment she said sounded strained, then this one was like a guitar string being pulled to its limits. Amused at her anger he did it again, this time the smoke cloud was bigger.

That was her breaking point.

Without saying a word, she snatches the cigarette out of his mouth and throws it out the window. This causes him to suddenly slam on his brakes. Which causes them both to violently jerk forward then back, causing the headache that was slowing growing in y/n’s head to come full force. That’s when she yells, “JESUS! You trying to get us killed?!”

He turns to her with only anger in his eyes and grabs her wrist. He quickly turns down the music so that she can hear him clearly. “No one takes my cigarettes. You got that?! Especially in MY own god damn CAR!”, he said at first with a quiet, malicious tone then yelled the rest to prove a point.

For a moment they just stare at each other intensely with anger and tension hanging heavily in the air. Music was completely gone. Then she breaks the silence, “I change my mind, I think I’m going to walk home. Thanks for the lift asshole!” She quickly grabs her stuff and gets out the car while Billy just stares ahead at the road in front of him. Clearly as pissed as she is now.

She barely gets to close the door correctly when he suddenly speeds off down the road. She flicks him off, then lets out a yell of frustration while turning to a tree and kicking it. That was a mistake.

“SHIT!”, y/n yips.

Anyone who passed by would have gotten a good laugh at watching some girl hop around on one foot while clutching the other, looking like some kind of awkward Flamingo. She cursed Billy out loud till she calmed down. Then she picked up her bag and started heading in the direction of her house.

Now thinking about it, she’s happy Billy didn’t get to figure out where she lived, one less bug to swat away is the saying. Or is it. y/n doesn’t really know.

Not long after her little fit she hears talking and the clicking of what sounds to be like a bicycle and something else. Wait no, multiple bicycles. She turns to see who it is and instantly catches the group of what looks to be middle schoolers, or maybe freshmen, who are quickly approaching. They call out to her and stop when they reach her, well, only because the only girl in the group did. She was pretty, had fiery red hair and fair skin, the only one riding a skateboard too. That must have been the other sound y/n was hearing. The group is rather small, three boys and one girl. Y/n soon recognizes the boys, Nancy’s brother and two of his friends, the only one missing is the small one with a bowl haircut. She has never really gotten the chance to talk to the boys since she goes over to the Wheelers to hang with Nancy.

The girl instantly starts speaking to y/n, “Enjoyed the ride with my step-brother? I’ve never seen him kick a girl out of his car before.”

“He didn’t kick me out, I wanted to get out.”

“Ri~ght, and that’s why you two were having an argument over HIS cigarettes that he loves so much.”

That baffled y/n, “You could hear us?”

“Well, we weren’t that far behind, and we got to see you angrily kick a tree and lose too.”

That’s when the boy who used to have missing teeth talks, “Yeah! That was hilarious!” He then gave a big grin that caused his eyes to squint like a cat in y/n’s opinion.

Y/n was beyond flustered that someone actually saw her lose her cool in such an embarrassing way. Then the girl speaks up again, “Hey, it’s cool we know how frustratingly annoying Billy can be. You can walk with us too, I know we’re just middle schoolers so if you don’t want to we get it.” Y/n just shakes her head and replies, “No, I would like that actually, you kids seem amusing.”

At that they head off down the road, they introduce each other when the boys get off their bikes to start walking alongside y/n. Dustin, who had the missing teeth, Lucas who must be dating Max, Mike who is Nancy’s brother, and Max who is ultimately Billy’s step-sister, putting an emphasis on the step. Soon enough they are asking y/n why she was even in the car with, as they like to put it, that “Crazy Asshole”. That’s when y/n starts telling them about yesterday and what she was met with today, leaving out how violent she acted toward Carol.

They talked to each other for the entire time, eventually splitting up when reaching Cherry Lane. Supposedly it’s not a good idea for the boys to be with Max in front of her home, but y/n lives on the same street so she wasn’t alone. By the end of the walk, y/n has clicked with the kids, especially Max. Next time she goes to the Wheelers house she might consider playing that silly game her and Nancy have teased them over.

“Hey, guess we’re next door neighbor’s”, Max comments as y/n checks the mail.

“Yeah, I guess so, if you ever want to come over go ahead. Hailey likes making new friends, so she would be thrilled to meet you.”, y/n states nonchalantly. Hailey really does love it when people come over, she starts taking out all the board games they have in the house along with her coloring books. People tend to act uncomfortable when she does this, but y/n just finds her excitement cute.

As y/n looks up over to the Hargrove house she notices Billy standing in the doorway watching her and Max. He takes short drags of his cigarette and runs his tongue harshly against his teeth, making it look like those octopus’s legs y/n’s seen in Florida. Y/n just glares at him till Max speaks up again.

“I have to go, maybe I’ll come over another time. Bye y/n”, she quickly says while walking toward Billy.

“Bye Max! It was nice meeting you!”, at that Billy and Max enter their house, slamming the door.

When y/n goes into the kitchen she calls Hopper at the station, though she calls him Hops. His secretary answers and quickly transfers her over to his office.

“Hey Hops, it’s y/n, I need your help with something.”

“Y/n, odd for you to call instead of y/m/n. What’s wrong?”

“Well, this girl- someone at school slashed my car’s tires and I need your help taking it to the shop. Before you ask, I walked home safely so don’t worry about that and Hailey was home sick.”

“I’m on my way over, when I get there you better tell me who did it”, Hopper states before ending the call.

It only took a matter of minutes till he was at the y/l/n residence. At that time, it had started getting dark, so by the time her car was in the shop she could barely see out the side of Hoppers car.

“You gonna tell me who did it or just stare out the window all night?”

“I can handle it Hops don’t worry”

He groans, rubbing his forehead while saying, “Y/n, why are you so hell-bent on doing everything yourself?”

Y/n looks over at him while cocking an eyebrow, “I asked you to help move my car, didn’t I?”

Hopper is practically like family to the y/l/ns. To y/n especially, he’s like the father she never had. Their mother grew up in Hawkins you see, she was considered as invisible as y/n when she was a teenager, and she moved out of Hawkins as soon as she graduated from high school to join the military while attending college. Though y/n’s grandfather has always been well known in the town due to his extroverted personality, his daughter and grand-daughter though, have always been introverts who never really went out of their way to talk to someone. However, when g/f/n introduced his daughter to Jim while they were children they became close friends, like siblings almost, she moved back to Hawkins only because he lost his daughter and needed someone there for him. Though it didn’t stop him from drinking. Since g/f/n still lived in Hawkins they tended to see each other at least once a year before moving back, which caused y/n and Hailey to be the daughters he never had. So really if anyone had a problem with them, they had had a problem with him as well.

Hopper only groaned this time as they pulled into the driveway and saw Ms. y/l/n, still in her uniform, sitting on the porch. They got out of Hopper’s car and headed to her, “Hello Jim, nice to see you’ve taken y/n somewhere without Hailey. Any reason why? You can tell me at dinner, c’mon” Hopper takes off his hat as he enters y/n’s home. Apparently, Hailey made dinner for them, Ms. y/l/n helped, and was waiting for y/n to get home. Makes sense as Hopper got radioed about her being reported missing, one of Hailey’s anxieties.

“Y/n! Where have you been?! I thought you got kidnapped by Carol and her awful friends!”, Hailey said worriedly. Hopper looks over at y/n,

“Carol and her awful friends huh?”

y/n whispers a curse word while looking away from Hopper defeated.

“We will talk about it during dinner like I said, so let’s eat”, Ms. y/l/n interjects while setting dinner on the table.

[classicallyelegant]

Now on to chapter 7......

Sometimes I wonder myself why I keep doing this......I often questioned myself why even finish this story, but it’s something I just had to do. You get something stuck in your head and somehow, you just have to get it out, right? Maybe.....anyway, I promised a bit of a surprise in this chapter, so I hope it lives up to that. I was surprised when I wrote it because I didn’t see it coming, but it’s funny along with cute......to me anyway! lol

“Be careful, you two and I’ll have a big celebration dinner for you when you get back!” Russ waves after us. Big smile! What else can you do with Russ? Matt and I walk down to a bus stop and wait. He knows what bus, but I’m still a bit vague on such. Good thing he’s here! As we wait, we both noticed a couple staring at us. He just turns away from them, but they look like they want to say something to us. They are a bit older than us, but they don’t really look like trouble to me. I look down but I’m still facing them when I hear the man clear his throat. Ahem! “Excuse me? Are you two OK?” I’m not certain how to answer him, so I touch Matt’s shoulder. He turns and beams back, “Sure we are! Why do you ask?”

“Oh good! We were concerned about you two since we hadn’t seen you in a few days. You know we always love to check on you.” He smiles back as he brings the lady closer to all of us.

Matt whispers to me, “Yeah to be nosy about what we’re doing!” I look at him. REALLY? He sort of turns to me and says under his breath, “Watch!” To the couple he says, “We had a bit of a vacation….just the two of us! You know how we lovebirds are!” He’s smiling at me and drawing me closer to him in a hug. What are you up to? The couple look like they’re satisfied, but I’m mystified as he kisses my face. What do you think you are doing here? Why are you showing off for these people? All I can manage to do is look at him. I don’t know how to explain his behavior in front of them and then he whispers, “Kiss me!” HUH? You really want me to….? Wait! I heard him right, didn’t I? He must see the confused look on my face so he bends a little closer, “Kiss me!” I….uh….I….. I take too long because his lips are on mine before I can do anything! OMG! Just finish this out! Whatever you do, don’t swoon and don’t hit him! The lady is beaming at us and the man looks very happy with what he sees. Am I missing something here? It’s like I��m the only one left out of a joke. Matt comes up for air and says as loud as he can, “You little minx, right now?” Umm…What? He grabs my hand and we go off into a nearby alley. Is this real or am I lost in a dream again?

Once we’re in the alley I grab my hand away from him. “What are you doing? What was that all about?” I’m flustered and embarrassed and just so confused! He almost doubles over laughing. You’re going to laugh about this?! “Oh c’mon! I only gave the guy what he wanted.” He finally manages to say. “They won’t listen that you and I are not a couple! We’ve both been trying to tell them yet they insist we are. I simply played along with their joke.”

“Well couldn’t you warn me or something? Geez! I was so lost!” I spit and sputter the words because I’m still trying to grip my own sanity here. “And we spent a lovebird’s vacation together?! Now what would Russ say to that?”

“Russ knows all about this! Sheesh, Maxey! Settle down. It’s not that big of a deal. Let’s just hang back here so we don’t have to deal with them anymore.” He keeps watching to see if they’ve left. “You usually play along flawlessly. You didn’t have to be so lost just now. You said the lady was giving you wedding advice and all kinds of things. Wish they would quit though! This act gets old!”

“So you’re used to doing this? That’s what you’re telling me? “I’m a still bit flustered. I didn’t expect Matt to KISS me so this is just really throwing me! It was a thrill but it was such a surprise, I just…..I’m at a loss for words.

“Only when we come across them. What’s the matter? We’re actors, right? It’s what we do!” Matt is being so nonchalant about all of this but I feel like a mess! “Oh wait! You didn’t remember them? That’s why you did that! You honestly don’t remember them! Ugh! I should have thought of that! OK, you got me, Maxey. I’m sorry about all of this! I take the blame here.” Now he looks a bit embarrassed as well, his hand in his hair.

“It’s….. OK…I overreacted, I guess. I wasn’t expecting any of this.” Just grin and bear it now! What else can you do? It’s done and there’s no going back.

“No, I offer you my humblest apologies, Princess” Matt bows down elegantly on one knee before me, his head bowed and his arm across his chest. “I didn’t think this through and I shouldn’t have left you in such a state.”

I giggle, “Get up silly! If anyone sees you, they’re gonna clobber us both!”  He really looks like a fairy tale knight down there.

“If I have upset your delicate person, then the ground is where I belong.” He picks his head up though, slightly to the side and smiles up at me. How can I not melt at that?! >Sigh< He really is a sight to behold! “Get up!” I try to pull him up. Remember! Can’t let on anything now! He finally stands up and smiles as his hand caresses my hair then cups my face. This time it’s a long smoldering kiss right on the lips. I’m done for! I have no defense for such! We look into each other’s eyes for a split second as I gently wipe his face then he grabs me and says, “Our bus is here!” Aww Man! My luck! We break out running and make it just as the doors close behind us. Whew!

“We made it! Now, on to the studio! Don’t worry, I think he will be there but I’ve arranged for you to stay with someone once we get to the place. She’s one of your friends, so you should be safe. If you need me though, she can find me.” He’s breathless.

“OK, two questions…does she have a name and how much does she know about my memory?”

“Of course she has a name! DUH! Her name is Rena. She doesn’t know much about your condition but she knows to keep you away from Jerry. I’m sure you can handle this. Just take it easy. You and she are old friends, so she will be glad to see you.”

“OK, I wish I had your confidence, but I’ll do my best.” My heart is still jumping but I’m not sure if it’s from his kiss or from going to this place. I’m nervous because I’m not sure what to expect and I’m nervous because I already had the unexpected happen! I know I can’t ask Matt to hold my hand through this, but I would feel much better if he were closer throughout this. All right now! You can do this, Maxey! You’re a girl who can handle what life throws at her, right? Mmmaybe. Maybe not! I don’t know, but I’ve got to try! The answers I need are out there and I have to sift through to find them.

He grabs my hand anyway and says, “We’re here!” OK….>sigh< here goes nothing……

Off the bus and into the sliding glass doors of a building, we’re greeted by the receptionist by name and she motions her head to one side to let Matt know where he needs to go. I’m really nervous to be here and honestly, none of this is familiar to me. People say hi or smile at us as we make our way down the hall. I try to be polite but I really don’t recognize any of them. He stops outside a door and I bump into him. “Oh sorry! Guess I wasn’t paying close enough attention.” I sheepishly say to him. He turns around and puts his hand on my shoulder. “It’s OK. Don’t look so worried! Your friend, Rena should be in here. I’ll see you when I’m done and we’ll go back together.”

“Are you really sure about this? I’m just really nervous!” I can’t seem to focus on just one thing because I have so many thoughts running through my head.

“Would you have rather spent the day with Dustin coddling you?” Was that sarcasm or jealousy?

“Oh so that’s what you think of me? Well isn’t it nice to know where I stand?!” Yes, that remark ticked me off.

“No, you’re just thinking your own thoughts….as usual! Look, it’s going to be alright so you can calm down my little spitfire. I’ll come get you and I made sure you won’t be alone. You want to find your answers; this is a good starting point. Now, just go in here and talk to her. It was your idea to come, remember?” Geez! You would have to rub that in! Before I can answer him back, he opens the door and practically pushes me in!

“Maxey! Oh my gosh! I’ve missed you so much!” Rena comes from behind a desk and runs to hug me. She moved so fast, I barely got to see her.

“Umm hi! Yeah, it’s me…back to bug everyone!” I manage to say over her shoulder.

“Oh the way you talk sometimes,” she laughs. She steps back and looks like she’s assessing me for something. This is awkward! She looks nice enough, short auburn hair, green eyes, slightly taller than me but then she is wearing high heels.  I can’t really place her at the moment, but I’ll play along as best I can.

“Matt told me you haven’t been quite on par with everything. You feeling OK?”

“I’m doing my best to handle what I can. Just have to get back into the swing of things, I suppose. How are things for you?” Try to keep smiling, but it’s not as easy as it sounds.

“Oh things stay hectic around here and for now everything else is rolling right along, so I can’t complain too much! He said your memory is causing problems? It’s not something really bad because that sounds a little scary.”

“No, I am working on that, so hopefully it can be resolved soon.” I don’t have a good reason, but I am so nervous around her. Something about this just does not feel right to me, but I can’t put my finger on anything in particular. Still, Matt arranged this, so I’ve got to trust him. I really thought though seeing another girl would be much easier than this.

“Well, Jerry will be glad you’re back. He’s been on a fit since you went away. No one can talk to him. I’m sure others will be glad to see you as well. You know, I don’t know how you manage to be so popular around here but I have a feeling it has something to do with your closeness to Matt.” She says this as if she’s almost jealous. Why should anyone be jealous of that? I’m not as close to him as Russ, so really? And Ugh! She had to mention Jerry! Not what I want to hear this early in the morning.

“I never thought of myself as popular but if you say so. I’m lucky to have such nice friends who care about me.” Not really sure how I can defend myself here so just play things off for now. “He told me that I should stay with you today. Do you really mind?”

“If Matt says it then I don’t mind. It will be fun spending the day with you! We don’t get to do that very often, always busy with work.” She’s looking over several papers. “I was surprised to get his call last night, but it was good to hear him. I don’t get his calls often. Must be nice to spend so much time around him.”

Really? Could she be any more obvious? This girl is dripping with envy and jealousy over Matt? Now I remember! She’s had a huge crush on him since he first came around! Always gushing about his looks and everything about him! That’s why I don’t talk to her very much anymore! Oh no! Matt, you made a big mistake here! Of course she agreed to this, you were the one who asked! She would do just about anything for you, you doofus! Hmm I have to think of something because I can’t stay here and have her go on and on about him. I have my own problems where he is concerned! What to do?

“Oh he has his moments, just like he told me earlier about someone else. If I’m bothering you, I can find something else to do though. Really, don’t put yourself out on my account. I can explain things to him.”

“What? No! Not a bother to me! He arranged this, so it’s the very least I can do!” She grins and blushes every time she mentions him. Oh brother! “Besides, he should be busy with the show he’s working on so we should have the whole day.”

“Yeah, he mentioned that.” Man I feel so defeated! I have to come up with something to get out of here, but what?

“Why didn’t he escort you in? I thought I would see him bring you to me.” “Oh he did. He just pushed me in though. I guess he was in a hurry to get to where he needed to be, but he should be around later.”

“You mean I still have a chance to see him?” She sounds like a giddy schoolgirl. It’s annoying but also pretty funny to see the effect he has on other girls as well. If he only realized how deep this went! Would he be surprised?!? Have to conceal my giggle here. Good thing she didn’t see him earlier….I’d probably never hear the end of it! “Hey I know! I can show around the studio since your memory is giving you fits. Maybe you can remember something along the way.”

“Uh, well OK, I guess that might help.” I have a feeling she’s doing this more in a hope to see him than to help me, but I can play along. What would she do if she were face to face with him? Knowing him, he would just shrug her off.

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