pipingengineering

[a-strange-inkling]

I just had a thought. One night teenage Maggie throws a party while Eddie and Chrissy go out. I can see Maggie causing more chaos as she gets older. Lol

Maggie’s teenage years omg 😆

Parties, sneaking out with friends, staying out past curfew.

She’s definitely her daddy’s daughter!

Maybe a wee snippet 😏:

2009

It’s eleven-thirty at night and the house is dead quiet as she tiptoes down the stairs in the darkness, careful not to hit the last step, knowing how badly it squeaks.

Once she’s got both feet on the ground, she looks over her shoulder, her glossy pink lips curling into a triumphant smirk, dimpling her cheeks.

She doesn’t waste any time and quickly grabs the keys to the Firebird that are hanging on the hook by the coat closet.

Heart pounding with exhilaration, she opens the back door. The garage is chilly this time of year. She wraps her denim coat tighter around herself, creeping carefully to the black remodeled car, slipping into the drivers seat and closing the door behind her.

She lets out an excited, breathy chuckle as she pushes her wild curls back, putting the key into the ignition, reaching to press the remote to the garage door.

That was almost too easy.

“Where we going there, Mags?”

She lets out a sharp, pitchy squeal, jumping out of her skin when she looks up to see her father sitting leisurely in the backseat in the rearview mirror, arms crossed over his chest, foot propped up against the console with a closed mouth smile on his face.

“Daddy!” she breathes sharply, whipping her head around, her hand gripping her chest, trying to slow her heart palpitations. “Oh my God! You scared me!”

“Hey, sweet girl,” He gives her a wave, pulling his foot back and placing both hands on the shoulder of the driver’s and passenger’s seat, pulling himself forward. “Whatcha doing?”

Hands still on the wheel, key still in the ignition, she stares up at him before giving him her sweetest, most innocent smile. Making her eyes as big as they can get. “Nothing, Daddy, I was just—I wasn’t—I just um…”

“Cause it looks like you’re sneaking out and taking my car to go to that college party your mother and I said you weren’t allowed to go to.”

“No, no, Daddy that’s not what I was doing at all—I was just—I think I left my coat in here yesterday and I—”

Shit.

Her mind is usually better at spinning stories and excuses, but he actually scared the living hell out of her.

Caught her red handed.

His mirthless grin slowly fades into a tired, unimpressed deadpan while she continues to flounder, wordlessly lifting his hand out toward her.

She huffs lowly, falling back against the seat in defeat, pulling the keys out and dropping them heavily into his palm.

“Nice try.” he tells her, opening the back door and stepping out.

“…How did you even know?” She pouts up at him through the window.

He gives her a ‘Please.’ look.

[deluweil]

I wanted the big wedding, too. Without the hospital. And I feel a little underwhelmed by it. There should have been two eps to make it acutally work, I think.

And to being jade, I so feel ya. There is a certain lack of interest now. But I can't say by to Eddie or Ryan just yet.

And I love HenRen.

Yep, I felt underwhelmed, too.

I mean, in spite the watered down version of the wedding, Kenny and JLH are just so moving together, they genuinely love each other and it translates so beautifully on screen.

But yeah, I really wish they made it a 2h event and actually told the story better and also gave the space for a big beautiful, joyful wedding, with a first dance and JLH singing, it would have been epic, Madney deserved that much.

And Jaded is right, after 7 seasons they all should have been somewhere more, I don't know, advanced, next level?

I mean, I follow other firefighters shows, in season 7 all characters are so much more developed and progressed coming such a long way, with probies coming and going that in comparison to 911, 911 feels lacking, it's like the level of storytelling never progressed beyond surface level.

Even the calls that are supposedly supposed to be epic in scale and are strawn over several episodes have not been at the same level since the tsunami.

But you are right, as far as flawless development concerned the only one actually evolving and maturing since s4 finale, is Eddie.

He has come such a long way since S2 and S3. He is not the same man we first met in 2x01, and I am definitely here for him. That is the only thing that is keeping me watching.

I want to see where his story goes. I am on the edge of my seat especially after the last episode where we saw Eddie full of confidence and finally free to party and actually allow himself to have fun.

I am still mourning Eddie and Tommy friendship, from the little we saw that could have been an epic, out of the 118 circle, friendship.

But alas, the writers don't believe in good friendships for Buck and Eddie, everyone are fated to be a LI and eventually an ex.

Since we all learned long ago not to get attached to any guest character, I am merely biding my time until we reached some kind of point in either boys' story.

And how can anyone not love HenRen?? 😍😍

[watchyourbuck]

Oh god okay here we go

Why must I go into heavy detail you ask? Well, I am actually unable to shut up so here it is them 10 TOP “there’s no chance this is a straight friendship” MOMENTS

“You can have my back any day” aka the enemies to lovers speedrun. The immediate feeling we’re supposed to get from the screen is jealousy. Buck is jealous of the new recruit because he’s hot, a medic, a veteran, whatever. I’ll give it to you children, he WAS jealous. But then they go on call and they get into immediate danger bc 911 is a drama and then Eddie’s very keen on being Buck’s partner. Nothing queer til then right? WRONG. Eddie’s line is pretty normal but the way Buck reacts isn’t. I have had my fair share of “huh this person I didn’t like is actually cool” moments but nEVER have I once sucked in a breath, forgot how to blink, rushed in my words OR stared at said person like I’d like for them to be my lover. Three points to Gayfindor.

“Is your son REALLY the reason you don’t date?” This line and the dialogue that follows makes absolutely no sense from the non-queer glass. Alright he asks bc he wants to know why two girls practically launched themselves at him and he declined (such a kind offer lmao) but… why are you standing so close? Why do you bump shoulders with him as you walk? Most importantly, what the FUCK does Eddie’s smirk mean after “they’re not my type either… not anymore.” Idk about you guys but when I’m not on the market I’m actually not in it 😀 and I don’t go around looking at my best friend like I’d consider fucking her (I’m actually kinda yikes about that thought bc she’s like my sister). Bottom line is: if you’re willing to fuck your best friend, there’s attraction. That scenes oozes attraction and I’d be willing to white glove challenge a body language reader.

The Tsunami. YES okay, there are far many moments in between but I also need to make this a somewhat readable list so here we go. We’re gonna pretend for a hot second Buck wants to save his best friend’s son, and not the child that he considers his own bc I’m tired. Let’s skip to the far end of this (be GrAtEfuL I’m skipping the whole sacrifice that this episode entailed. Buck was willing to die, to never sit down again if it meant looking for Chris [& the utter fear he has to face Eddie]. It’s a lot). Now, I do not OWN a child (thank god) but if I did, I wouldn’t be particularly comfortable with a simple friend from work taking care of them. They could be my very best friend from work and I’d still feel a little icky -at least nervous- about it. Yet Eddie not only takes Christopher back A F T E R the tsunami (Chris could’ve died and Eddie is nothing short of apprehensive), but he says ‘there’s no one I trust with my son more than you’. Um. Not his wife. Not his family (CHRIS’ family), not Abuela, not Tia Pepa. Buck. Who he… just met? Surely it isn’t bc he’s uncle buck… I don’t believe even Maddie has said that to Buck, where he’s actually, yknow, UNCLE BUCK. Co-parenting is not something done between a parent and a friend, and I know this shit bc my mom raised me with a few of her friends and guys,,, she never said that to any of them. Also Chris is practically never seen with anyone else from the 188firefam alone.

The Kitchen Scene™️. I have gone on rants about this before but truth be told THIS is the scene that conveys the MOST canonically sexual tension between them. We can joke about it all y’all want but this scene is unhinged. I don’t think Oliver and Ryan were aware that they should’ve been friends in this scene. The way the conversation shifts from apologetic sad puppy eyes to “you’re throwing your punches at the wrong guy” to I CAN TAKE YOU (???) you can what? “Oh you think?” “Oh I know” HELLO? Pls don’t even get me started on how Buck approaches Eddie, the way he’s puffy-chested, his hand on his belt, eyeing him up and down, nearly biting his lip, cocky grin,,,,, explain to me in hetero. I’m waiting😐 guys c’mon exPLAIN IT TO ME IN HETERO. The way Eddie glances to the side bc where’s Chris? And h o w he sips his beer right after, smirking, tiLTING His head. I’m sorry this is not straight in any way. I’m sorry you’re gonna have to accept this.

Clipboard Buck. Alright u got me!!! This one’s a lil silly, but so is my life, so it’s fair game. Clipboard Buck is annoying as fuck, he’s so fucking annoying. The entire firefam picks up on this, no one wants to be around,,,, except Eddie. You could argue that it’s bc he likes him as a friend and he’s just indulging …. 👁️👄👁️ sure but he also hides from Interim Captain Han soooo anyway what’s fun about this is how willing Eddie is to comply with everything he says. He’s basically twirling his hair, kicking his feet, smiling & blushing and “check!” 🧍🏽‍♀️ buck is kinky (that is canon e.g the ring cutter) and he gets high on authority and Eddie does backflips to meet his kinks. Exhibit 5 complete.

The Lawsuit Arc acka the first divorce era😔✊🏼. This one makes me rage a little bit because I get really upset at Buck for acting recklessly. Like baby let yourself HEAL. Anyway,,,, onto what brings us here 🥷🏼. It’s canon that the entire team is mad at Buck, they don’t really wanna bump into him, can’t really speak to him,,, but Eddie? Eddie’s filled with wrath. I cannot stress enough the fact that he uses Chris as an excuse “do you even know how much he misses you? how could you! you’re not here”. The way he expresses himself, and we’re choosing to ignore the fact that he HIMSELF misses Buck,, that’s how you talk to someone who has a responsibility with the child, not the fun coworker that randomly shows up @ your house with pizza every once in a while. “I couldn’t even call you to bail me out of jail”. He’s so u p s e t that for the first time they know each other he can’t rely on Buck when he’s hurting and in danger. And pls for the love of Jesus Christ my lord & savior don’t tell me that it’s a 118 thing bc he calls Ronda Rousey to come pick him up 🎅🏻 that grocery store scene is.. interesting.

Eddie Underground. Alright we’re getting serious now guys,,, might as well put on your thinking caps on this one. We all know the story, this isn’t a latest ep recap soooo The wAY Buck’s the ONLY ONE who desperately calls Eddie’s name when he’s fallen underground, amidst the heavy rain and dirt. Listen to me: he starts digging with his hands. With his bare hands I tell you!!!! 😩 Bobby has to physically pull him back as he cries on his lap. Buck is a smart man, he wouldn’t do something that’s completely illogic, he knows he can’t dig him out but he’s so desperate. His voice breaks, he can’t breathe, he becomes impulsive, reckless, impatient. Do I need to remind y’all the reason he wasn’t the one getting strapped to go underground??? “You’re not going down there. So we can have two cut off ropes?” Everyone knows he’s willing to sacrifice his integrity for Eddie bc his life doesn’t make sense without him. “We’ll get him back for you”

The Shooting + “I’ve made u my son’s dad lol”. When Eddie gets shot the world freezes for Buck. He’s left standing there, staring as Eddie’s blood splatters on him. He has to be tackled down. Even then, he’s unable to move, to breathe. He just looks as he bleeds out, and theN he snaps back into reality, bracing himself to go under the truck (foregoing his own trauma - I’ve said this before) and preparing for the amount of strength it’s gonna take to pull him under it. He screams at him to hold on, and later when he manages to pull him inside the truck he tells him he needs him to hang on. He rips his uniform open, he cries and screams,,, then Eddie wakes up, and he asks BUCK if HES okay. Bc he saw blood :( also as @butraura pointed out, he can’t die if Buck’s dying bc what about Chris? He only lets himself drift off when he knows Buck’s okay. Then we got The Will Reveal™️ also so unhinged. “You knew I wouldn’t turn it down” right what is this guys??? That was a year ago. He added him to his will A yEaR aGo. Idk about y’all but I haven’t added my friends to my will😀 also Buck’s the one who tells Chris ??? (I’m being very brief on this subject). Also “Because, Evan” shut up🧎🏽‍♀️

& 10. The Lightning Strike + “She sees me”. I’m doing these together bc I haven’t watched this episodes yet but I’m an addict so I’ve spoiled myself to the brim. The way Eddie screams Buck’s name, the way he saves him, “do more” h e l l o ?? The absolute PAIN in Eddie’s eyes, “you died Buck” “3 minutes and 17 seconds”, “his humor hasn’t changed” & the fact that he listens to Buck on his super genius math theory. And then Buck goes and says “I feel like Natalia sees me” ok. I mean my feelings mean nothing but Eddie’s face ??? That’s a man that knows he’s waited too long.

I rest my case. I’m missing a lot of scenes (like a lot omg Abby comes back, Buck under the Truck, Buck vomiting blood, the Taylor Arc) & y’all can argue in the comments about them, or add shit or try to dismantle mine, honestly the floor is yours idc wHat u do, just know you won’t convince me otherwise 🤸🏽these two are in love & that’s pretty much that on THAT. PERIOD.

[cowboysandpilots]

Eddie doesn't sleep very well. Between being a dad and a veteran, he's a very light sleeper, always up at the drop of a hat ready to deal with whatever is thrown at him. It becomes a bit of a problem when Buck moves in with him because Buck is a very deep sleeper, but he also moves around, a lot.

Eddie's tired eyes snap open at every single turn, roll, or shift from Buck and while he doesn't hit or kick Eddie in his sleep like Christopher used to do when he was little, it's still not pleasant. He needs his sleep, especially in the line of work that they're both in.

He's at the firehouse, and he's on his third cup of coffee despite the fact that he's practically shaking and not anymore awake than he was after his first one. Then, of course, Buck has to be the one to question him. To tell him that maybe he should slow down with a cute little giggle, or at least it would have been cute if Eddie wasn't so sleep deprived and resentful.

Eddie snaps at him even though he doesn't really want to and he immediately regrets it after seeing the hurt look on Buck's face. Things are awkward after that and even though Eddie is practically falling asleep against the window as they drive out to a call, nobody seems to question him or worry about it.

It's only brought up again when the two men are back at their house, and Buck is holding out a little black case to Eddie. He frowns at it and then up at Buck, but the other man doesn't offer any more explanation, so he takes the case and opens it up, revealing two small ear plugs.

"What's this?"

"I saw an ad for these things online, and I know you always tell me not to trust things I see on the internet, but this had really good reviews, and I thought, what could be the harm? They're noise cancelling ear plugs, and they're supposed to be able to stay in your ears when you sleep." Buck explains with a small smile.

"How did you..."

"The first few nights I slept over here, I thought everything was perfect, but then there was one time where you must not have woken up before me, and I found you sleeping on the couch. The more I slept over, the more tired you looked and then today... well, I figured the lack of sleep must be from me because Chris rarely needs you anymore, at night anyway." Buck shrugs. "I don't want to stop sleeping over here, and I don't want you to have to forfeit your own bed, so I'm hoping these will work."

That night is the first night that Eddie uses those earplugs. It takes an hour or so to get used to them, but he's so tired that he falls asleep without much trouble and honestly? It's the best sleep he's ever had. He sleeps for a full 8 hours and doesn't even hear how much the sheets rustle when Buck moves and if he wakes up early and well-rested enough to participate in some grown-up activities before Christopher wakes up? Well, then, that's just between them and Buck's Amazon order history because he feels people need to hear his review.

—

A/N- Hi, I'm so happy you're here. :) If you would like to support me and my writing, please remember to hit the reblog button, as Tumblr has no algorithm and likes (while appreciated) do nothing to get creators work seen. Since Tumblr is hiding all my posts with my Ko-Fi link, THIS is a list of things I need/want while I'm away at Uni if you would like a commission or just to support me. It is beyond appreciated but, of course, not required. ❤️ If you would rather just donate to my Kofi ($3), you can find the link to it through this link. Again, not required but more appreciated than you will ever know. I only have two and a half months before I can leave my abusive household. ☺️

[patchworkgargoyle]

mouth of the wolf snippet 🌿

As requested by all of these lovely people: @steves-strapcollection @inairbinad @theheadlessphilosopher @kkpwnall @starryeyedjanai (and honourary tag for @scarcrossdlvrs) 💖

Thank you all for being interested!! Here's some banter.

Make me work on my WIPs!!

As Steve kept scrubbing Eddie down, the cloth soft against Eddie’s skin though quickly blackening with grime, Eddie said, “Please know, if I were at my best I’d be making locker room etiquette jokes right now.”

Steve snorted, shaking his head as he kept his eyes trained only where he was scrubbing. “I think we’re kinda past that at this point.”

“Oh, so we’ve reached hardened warrior etiquette now, got it. I’ll adjust my jests accordingly.”

“I was thinking more like war veteran buddies. Bandaging you up in the trenches or whatever.”

Eddie hummed thoughtfully. “No, you’re right. There’s a difference.” He let Steve guide him into another position. Though Eddie was long past having the energy to feel shy when the cloth started down his chest, Steve’s gentleness still brought a flush to his cheeks. Before all this bullshit, he would’ve given anything for some homoerotic bathing with Steve Harrington. Pity it’s been wasted on this, but only a little pity. Somehow, the feeling of being so thoroughly looked after felt better than any dirty little fantasy his mind used to come up with.

“Gonna make my beau at home jealous with how attentive you’re being, Corporal Harrington,” Eddie said, because he can’t let himself dwell in the feelings Steve’s tenderness is dredging up. He’s too tired to beat it down.

Steve’s shoulders shook as he chuckled, his eyebrows drawn together with bewilderment. But, miraculously, there was a bit of colour to his cheeks too. And, he still refused to look away from the hand still guiding the cloth over Eddie’s skin.. His mouth opened, then closed, before he finally decided to say, “That’s how I know.”

“Huh?”

“That’s how I know you’re still you, not possessed or something. Vecna couldn’t come up with the wild shit you say, like, ever.”

[operationbigskye]

I don’t usually participate in 9-1-1 fandom discourse, like ever, but there’s a first time for everything. Read below the cut if you dare and care.

TLDR: The “Eddie alone gets the shovel talk” trope is tired and cringey. Let’s please be realistic and original

Good god. The amount of Shovel Talk fics and discourse in which somehow everyone is warning/threatening Eddie, even Christopher himself in a recent summary I saw on ao3?

First: There are only two characters that would be realistic and appropriate for this, and that’s Maddie for Buck and Chris for Eddie. Although there would be some seriousness (Maddie understandably doesn’t want her younger brother to get hurt, no matter who it is, and Chris sees how much his dad has been through, with Shannon and in general), I think both of these characters know Buck and Eddie well enough to not have any real concerns. If it were in canon, I see it having an undercurrent of playfulness.

Second: Bobby cares for both Buck and Eddie like surrogate sons, so I think they both would get a Serious Talk (more reminders than warnings), which Athena may or may not be present for. For anyone who cries “But Buck is Bobby’s only son”, I urge you to remember the heart-to-hearts Bobby and Eddie have had, and not just about them both losing a spouse. If it needs to happen at all (they are grown men, after all), there’s no way Bobby’s not going to look out for Eddie too and make sure Buck is seriously committed to this man and his child.

Third: As for for Hen, Chim and Ravi etc., I really can’t see any of them doing it! Buck and Eddie are adults fairly close in age to all of them, and as much as they’re like family, it just seems like overkill that any of them would worry enough to dispense threats. I think they’d only come into play if there was an actual incident in which they have to take sides. Purely circumstantial, not just because Buck is Buck and Eddie is Eddie.

In closing, I have to point out that there are just as many reasons for all of these characters to be stern with Buck and protective of Eddie. Eddie is a single father to a child with special needs, a widower who’s spouse died right in front of him of very unnatural causes after telling him she wanted a divorce (sorry for the run on, I just had to get it all in there), and a veteran with serious PTSD not just related to being in the army. Let’s face it, it’s not out of the realm of possibility that Buck could hurt him just as easily. If I were Eddie’s family member or close friend who didn’t know Buck and learned that the guy used to sleep his way across both American continents, steal fire trucks to hook up with people he met on the job, AND cheated in at least one past relationship, my eyebrows would be raised and I’d want to see hard proof of maturity and stability. This is not to say that Eddie has not made his mistakes, he has, but they are not reason enough for him to be the only one of the two that would theoretically need a talking-to by EVERYONE. I say theoretically, because in actual reality, I don’t think Shovel Talk so much as Serious Reminders is necessary nor would I want to see it on my screen, unless, like mentioned earlier, it’s light-hearted and only from Maddie and Chris, for EACH of them.

I’m done. Idk how many people will read this, but thanks for letting me share. Gonna go play with my adorable nephews now

[apomaro-mellow]

Part 4

So a reminder, I made a post in the past about how i wanna do this story justice and make it a full fledged fic and not just the stream of consciousness it's been. So I think I'll be doing 2 more parts that hit major beats and after that I'll be outlining and eventually posting the actual full bodied fic. Anyways enjoy!

It was chaos, right up until the end. While Vecna had been on his last legs, cornered animals were always at their most dangerous. Rather than using his mind, which was being attacked by El, he used his actual hand to sink his claws into Steve and pull them over the cliff together. Every hit along the way hurt but Steve wasted no time, making sure his axe was swinging with every breath he was still taking.

When they landed on the ground below, Steve needed a moment to catch his breath. While Vecna broke his fall, it was still quite the descent. He heard two voices calling out his name when the claws that had released him during the plummet pierced him again. Steve let out a cry and plunged his axe into Vecna's chest furiously.

He heard El and Will calling out to him again and even felt the pull of trying to lift him up. But Vecna was still attached, and in his desperation trying to get into Steve's mind and break him.

"Get! Outta! My! Head!" Each word was a stab in the chest yet he didn't let go. El was tired. Will was tired. But they still needed to close the gate.

And for a shred of a moment, both Steve and Vecna's intentions combined.

"Go!", they both shouted together, the intensity of it propelling the two others back through the portal. Steve wanted to save them. Vecna wanted to get as far away as possible.

El barely had a moment to catch her breath on the other side before Eddie was on her.

"Where is he?! Where's Steve?!"

She felt as small as she had ever been and it took Nancy shaking Eddie to get him to back off. He looked so stricken El was sure she'd never forget it.

"Close it", he said through a sob.

"But Ste-", Dustin started.

"I said FUCKING CLOSE IT!"

El wasted no time then, sealing it all, hopefully for good this time.

Eddie remembered Steve's words, as everyone else collapsed around him as the gravity fell upon their shoulders.

"Don’t keep the gate open. Don’t open it again. Don’t come looking for me.”

Don't come looking for him. Well why would he need to look when he knew exactly where his husband was? In a hell world where everything was trying to kill you. So he's either lost an already dead husband or condemned him to a fate worse than death.

"I gotta get home", he said in the silence. Or maybe it wasn't silence. Someone was crying. Maybe two someones.

But he had a daughter to get home to. Lucy, who thought she'd be waking up in a world with two dads.

Eddie rubbed his face. "I gotta-", he cut himself off with a choked sound. "I gotta figure out how to tell Lucy."

"Eddie, you shouldn't be alone", Robin said, trying to put a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Eddie shrugged it off. "I can't be around anyone right now. Just-just give me until tomorrow? Alright?"

He would have to tell Lucy then because he could never lie to her. And this was just too big to keep from her.

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

About three years later and he still finds himself struggling to tell the story. Because now it's not 'Your dad died as a noble hero' but 'One dad sacrificed the other dad'.

"So, you guys have been doing this since high school?", she asked once they were settling in the guest bed at the Byers-Hopper residence. Lucy definitely felt like she'd outgrown sleepovers with her dads, but Eddie wasn't letting her out of his sight tonight.

"Technically that was only my second time dealing with it. Your pops though, he was a regular veteran. We should've been getting discounts at the grocery store."

Despite the sad story, Lucy found herself smiling. "So, what now?"

"Now..." Eddie sighed. "Now we get him back. And we make that bastard pay."

[fandomohana]

1986 Will Be Their Year {Eddie Munson x Plus Size Henderson Sister Reader} Chapter 4

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Plus Size Henderson Sister Reader

Rating: Mature 18+ Minors DNI

Genre: Mild smut, some fluff

Warnings: Cussing, implied/referenced sexual activity, implied/referenced masturbation, self esteem issues, canon typical violence, let me know if I missed anything

Word Count: 4.1k

Summary: Picking up where we left off. The gang goes through Watergate, basically goes through the timeline of episode 7

Author’s Note: So I’m posting this during a big sad, and my first draft poofed, which made me grumpier...so this chapter is not beta read, I doubt anyone cares. Anyway, interactions are nice, and I hope this chapter isn’t a dying turd flower

Second Author's Note: I came here to write this, and almost deleted the damn thing. 😳 My heart almost stopped...I wanted to add, I really was a member of my high school swim team, and I was a distance swimmer. 💙 I'm trying to keep reader fairly neutral, to fit a wider group of readers, but I couldn't resist. 🥰

Authors Note 3: I want to make it abundantly clear that reader is self conscious because reader is based on me. It has nothing to do with plus size people being unacceptable, I find plus size women to be beautiful! BUT I don't feel that way about myself, and reader is based on me. In time, Eddie will help reader see herself through kinder eyes. When someone says something nice about me, I reassess my negative point of view. Like when someone visits your hometown for the first time, and all of a sudden you see these well known attractions through their eyes, and suddenly the common becomes beautiful again.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Eddie Munson Masterlist

Dustin raced ahead of the group, following the wildly turning needle of his compass, before entering a clearing in the forest, “Something’s happening.” He breathed out before continuing on his path.

Behind him, Eddie brushed past the trees, and low hanging branches, the area feeling eerily familiar, “Dustin? Can you slow down? Dustin?”

Dustin turned his head, a smile stretching across his face as he looks to Eddie, “I think we’re getting close.” He spoke excitedly, but neglected to turn back around, and face the trail, as he hurried on.

Eddie’s hands were on Dustin in a flash, keeping the younger boy from falling directly into a lake, “Watch your step, big guy.” He clapped a protective hand across Dustin’s chest, as the rest of their party caught up.

“Oh man. You gotta be shitting me.” Came Steve’s exasperated voice from behind the pair.

“Yeah,” breathed Eddie, “I thought these woods were familiar.”

“Lover’s Lake.” Robin replied.

Confusion was evident in Dustin’s voice as he spoke, “This is confounding.”

“There’s a gate in Lover’s Lake?” Came the equally confused voice of Max.

“Whenever the Demogorgon attacked,” Nancy began, “It always left an opening. Maybe Vecna’s the same way.”

“Yeah, only one way to find out.” Steve’s voice sounded tired, and the group instantly knew what had to be done.

After whipping off the tarp hiding the small boat waiting on the beach, Eddie and Steve began to maneuver the vessel into the water. With a grunt, and slight reprimand from Steve, the boys held the boat against the shore to steady the vessel as the passengers stepped aboard.  

Robin stepped between them, using both Eddie and Steve as hand holds, to enter the boat. “I’m just gonna do that. Thank you.”

“Yeah, that works too.” Steve responded sarcastically, as Robin positioned herself in the boat.

Eddie was next, standing to aid the others who would be joining them. He knew Nancy would be one, the boat could easily hold four, and with the gate being inside the lake, he assumed Y/N would be another, as she was a veteran of the swim team. “Wheeler.” Eddie held Nancy’s hand as she got her bearings, his heart skipping a beat knowing Y/N would be next. His favorite swimmer didn’t disappoint, she stepped up, Steve holding her back, Eddie reaching out with a, “M’lady.” Before assisting her into the boat, and ensuring she was safely seated before stopping Dustin with a, “Hey, hey, hey, you trying to sink us? This thing holds four people tops, okay?”

Eddie moved to sit by Y/N, meeting her reassuring gaze with a small smile, before Nancy spoke again, “It’s better this way, okay? You guys stay here with Max. Keep an eye out for trouble.”

“You keep an eye out.” He squeaked out before sassily adding, “It’s my goddamn theory.”

“Dustin, as much as I love your disgruntled pelican routine, would you give it a rest, please? Just listen to Nancy.” Y/N called to her brother.

“Who put her in charge?” Dustin squealed indignantly.

“We did.” Came his sister’s cool reply, as she gestured between herself and Robin, leveling him with her best big sister eye.

“Compass.” Nancy reached toward Dustin, as he silently fussed, but still handed the device over, earning an eye roll from Y/N.

As Eddie and Robin each took an oar, preparing to lead the boat into open water, Steve threw his bag to Dustin, pushed the boat off the beach, and jumped in, to the chagrin of Dustin, “You said four.”

“Sorry.” Came Steve’s whispered, half-hearted apology.

“Bedtime at nine, kiddos.” Robin’s voice carried across the still night, Dustin giving her the finger in return, “Miss you already!”

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

As the small vessel reached the middle of the lake, Nancy noticed the spinning of the compass become even more erratic, “Woah, woah, woah, woah, slow down. Slow down, guys.”

Eddie and Robin immediately halted their rowing, pulling the oars inward to bring the boat to a full stop, allowing it to sway slowly in the stillness of the night.

After a brief communication with the shore, Nancy noticed Steve taking off his shoes, and socks, tossing them into the bottom of the boat. “Steve, what are you doing?” Nancy asked, obviously confused.

“Somebody’s gotta go down and check this out.” Replied Steve, not stopping his disrobing. “Unless one of you four can top being a Hawkins High swim co-captain and a certified lifeguard for three years, then...”

“I’m a distance swimmer, but it’s usually across a pool, not exactly down, where I can’t roll my breathing...” Y/N responded, being the only other true swimmer in the group.

“It’s gotta be me. No complaints, all right?” Returned Steve.

Eddie let out a small breath, “Hey, I’m not complaining. I do not wanna go down there.” He glanced over the side, into the murky depths, before reaching into his pocket to retrieve a plastic bag. Emptying the contents into the boat, he began to wrap the flashlight inside the bag, creating a makeshift, waterproof beacon, he then handed to Steve with a, “Good luck.”

His plans for a smoke were quickly shattered when the cigarette between his lips was pulled out by Robin, and tossed into the lake with a, “Gross.” Followed by the rest of the pack, courtesy of Y/N. ‘Guess I’m going cold turkey.’ He thought to himself, he could quit for her.

The four left in the boat, closely monitored the time Steve had been down, in case Y/N needed to intervene, and bring him back to the surface.

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

Steve broke the silence of the night as he burst through the surface of the water, thoroughly startling the entire boat, before panting out, “I found it.”

Robin radioed the shore, “Dustin, you are a goddamn Einstein. Steve found the gate-”

“It’s pretty wild. It’s more a snack-size gate than the mama gate,” Steve panted, holding onto the boat, “but still, it’s pretty damn big.”

Without warning, Steve is pulled back into the water, still clinging to the boat, he is able to pull himself up, unsure of what he just felt. With barely a second breath, he was pulled again, this time his hands were wrenched from the boat by the force of the pull. The other’s screamed, trying to reach him, as he was dragged toward the bottom of the lake.

“What the hell was that, man?” Eddie screamed.

“Nancy, really, what happened?” Asked Robin.

Nancy stood slightly, preparing to jump in, when Eddie’s voice broke through, “Wait, wait, wait. You’re not going in there, are you?”

Nancy didn’t take a moment to look at the others before saying, ���Just wait here.” As the other’s attempted to stop her, she dove in.

“Goddammit!” Exclaimed Eddie in sheer frustration. A breath later Robin poised herself on the edge of the boat, Y/N following suit, entering into a diving position. He held up a finger, chanting, “No, no, no, no, no, no. What are you doing? She said wait.”

“Yeah, we heard her.” Y/N responded.

“She’s in charge.” Eddie was grasping at straws to keep the other two in the boat.

“Are you kidding me? I made that shit up.” Robin replied before holding her nose, and leaning back into the water. Y/N followed, almost synchronized, her body curving in a dive, fingers cutting through the water as she disappeared into the murky depths.

Eddie knew he couldn’t just stay and wait, he didn’t know what was down there, what could hurt the others, what could hurt Y/N. He wouldn’t let her face it alone, and after a small, curse filled tantrum, Eddie stood in the boat, “Oh, this is so stupid. This is so stupid. This is so stupid. Shit! Shit! Shit!” filled the air as he flailed into the water.

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

When the group found Steve, he was surrounded by bat-like creatures, each clawing, and biting into his exposed skin. Brandishing oars, and other makeshift weapons, Nancy took aim first, beating one of the creatures to the ground, while Robin pummeled the beast. While one had managed to escape, others were fast approaching as the four of them fought to free Steve.

After sending one of the monsters reeling, Eddie looked up in time to see Y/N, bat pinned to the ground with one foot, the other coming down with all the force she could muster, crushing the beast’s skull under her foot. Her eyes were wide, full of rage, Eddie found himself taken aback, she was always incredibly gentle, warm. But here she was, shaking bat viscera from her shoes, wheeling around to kick another across the landscape, and if he was being honest, would have scared him had he not known her outside of this situation. He had been worried about how Y/N would handle this violent altercation, but here she was, a warrior, and in spite of himself, he swelled with pride.

Y/N appeared at Eddie’s side, as he pulled another bat to the ground with his oar, before sending her foot through the skull of the creature, a pool of black blood, and tissue spread out around the pair's feet.

“Thanks for the backup, Princess.” Eddie huffed out, unable to help the proud smile that crossed his face.

Y/N took a steadying breath, “Anytime. Besides, Dustin would kill me if I let anything happen to his Dungeon Master.” She laughed, shaking more blood, and tissue from her, now ruined, Converse.

Eddie and Y/N turned to see Steve, now freed from the heinous creatures, battling the last. Steve looked like a man possessed, tearing at the creature before swinging it into the ground repeatedly, before tearing the thing in half.

The party, now reunited, took inventory of injuries while catching their breath, and regrouping. Unfortunately, the relief was short lived, as a fresh wave of bats swooped to the ground, near the gateway.

“All right. There’s not that many.” Huffed Steve, feeling confident in their odds. “We can take ‘em. Right?”

Their hearts dropped, collectively, as the screeches of a larger horde could be heard echoing through the open air.

“You were saying?” Robin added.

Nancy’s voice broke through the shock of the remaining group members, “The woods. Come on.”

The group began to run toward the sanctuary of the woods, dodging black, vein like vines that littered the dry lake bed.

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

Taking refuge under Skull Rock, the party waits out the bat horde flying over their heads, but as the creatures passed the rock, the severity of Steve’s wounds became more apparent.

While Nancy dresses Steve’s wounds, Eddie steps away to survey the area. He had been unaware of Y/N’s approach, until he felt a hand on his arm, “You okay, slugger?” she asked when he turned to face her.

“You know me, Princess, it’ll take more than some bats to get rid of me.” He replied with a wry grin, before stepping away to scale a large rock outcropping, and take stock of the hellscape they found themselves in. “So, uh,” His voice echoed through the space, “this place is like Hawkins, but with monsters and nasty shit?”

“Pretty much.” Nancy replied as she helped to support Steve.

Eddie lifted a foot, preparing to climb down from his perch, when Nancy’s voice breaks the silence a second time, “Wait, watch out for the vines. It’s all a hive mind.”

“It’s all a what?” Came Eddie’s confused response.

“Think of a hydra, or Cerberus, different pieces connected to one body. You step on a vine, you’re stepping on Vecna.” Y/N answered.

Nodding, “Shit.” was all Eddie could muster, as he began his slow, deliberate descent from the rock.

The other four discussed ways to get past the bats that were currently guarding the gate. Robin suggested grenades from the police department, but was rebuffed by Steve, who was doubtful that a small police station would have anything nearly that powerful in their arsenal.

Nancy piped up, “Well, we don’t have to go all the way downtown for guns. I have guns in my bedroom.”

“You, Nancy Wheeler, have guns, plural, in your bedroom?” Came Eddie’s incredulous reply.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that! Nancy, our badass, one-woman armory!” Chimed Y/N, a grin splitting her face.

Wanting to break the uncomfortable romantic banter that had cropped up between Nancy and Steve, Eddie shucked his jean jacket off, launching it at Steve, “For your modesty, dude.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth, before an earthquake rocked the ground beneath them, sending all five reeling. Steve blocked Nancy, and Robin, while Eddie grabbed Y/N to shield her from falling debris. The pair of them falling to the ground in the commotion.

As the shaking begins to subside, Eddie takes a quick inspection of Y/N, assuring she was unscathed, she appeared to be doing the same to him. Feeling a brief sense of relief, she leaned back into his chest, despite the dire straits they found themselves in, Eddie couldn’t help the stuttered jump of his heart as he felt her weight on him.

The bliss would, however, be short lived as a long, loud screech tore through the air. “So guns seem like a pretty good idea to me.”

“Yeah, me too.” Came Y/N’s breathy response.

Eddie hates to part from where they are seated, he wanted to relax, and revel in her warmth for a moment longer, but reluctantly began to stand when Steve began to lead the group out, helping Y/N from her seated position.

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

Eddie fell into line shortly behind Y/N, despite proving herself more than capable, he didn’t want her out of his sight in this hellhole. His thoughts were broken by Steve calling his name, “Eddie. Eddie. Hey, man. Uh...listen, I just, uh...I just want to say thanks. For saving my ass back there.”

Eddie huffed a laugh, falling back to walk beside Steve, “Shit. You saved your own ass, man. I mean, that was a real Ozzy move you pulled back there.”

“Ozzy?” Steve questioned.

“When you took a bite out of that bat.”

Steve looked to his side, confused.

Before Eddie could explain, Y/N could be heard, “Are you talking about when Ozzy Osbourne bit the head off a bat on stage?”

Eddie faltered a moment, “You know Black Sabbath?” She wasn’t real, she couldn’t be.

She turns her head to address him, “I don’t listen to them much, but shit like that, that news gets around.”

Regrouping himself after yet another shock at the hands of the girl he was definitely in love with now, “It doesn’t matter. It’s very metal, what you did. That’s all I’m saying.”

“Thanks.”

“Henderson told me you were a badass. Insisted on the matter, in fact.” Eddie spoke through slightly gritted teeth.

“Wait, Henderson said that?” Came Steve’s shocked response.

“Oh yeah. Shit. Kid worships you, dude. Like, you have no idea. It’s kinda annoying, to be honest. I don’t even know why I care what that little shrimp thinks,” he tries to be nonchalant, “but, uh, guess I got a little jealous, Steve.” He didn’t mention his jealousy also bled into Steve’s closeness with Y/N.

“Calm down, there’s enough room for two mother hens in Dustin’s life.” Y/N said with a snort of laughter.

The pair gave her a half-hearted withering stare, before Eddie continued, “I guess I couldn’t accept the fact that Steve Harrington was actually a good dude. Rich parents, popular, chicks love him. Not a douche? No way, man. No way. That, like, flies in the face of all the laws in the universe, and my own personal Munson doctrine.” He gestures to himself for emphasis.

“He’s our very own shiny haired unicorn.” Y/N snorts.

“Haha, Y/N.” Steve deadpanned.

“I do what I can.” She shrugged in front of them.

“Still super jealous as hell, by the way.” The two men laugh, before Eddie continues his thought, “Which is why I would never have jumped in that lake to save your ass. Not under any, uh...normal circumstances. Nope. Outside of D&D, I am no hero. I see danger and I just turn heel and run. Or at least that’s what I’ve learned about myself this week.”

“Give yourself a break, man.” Steve tried to reassure him.

“Do I need to hit you again?” Y/N asked, back still turned to the pair.

“Good god, woman, do you have bat hearing?” Came Eddie’s exasperated response.

“It’s a gift, and I don’t like hearing people I care about, put themselves down.”

Eddie tries to hold back the smile, and the small rush he feels upon hearing she cares about him. “See, the only reason I came in here was ‘cause those ladies came in straight after you.” He gestures to the three women ahead of them. “Now, I was too ashamed to be the one who stayed behind.” He neglected to mention Y/N was the other reason he dove in, but Steve didn’t need to know that. “But Wheeler right there, she didn’t waste a second. Not one second. She just dove right in. Now, I don’t know what happened between you two, but if I were you, I would get her back. ‘Cause that, was as unambiguous a sign of true love as these cynical eyes have ever seen.”

A second earthquake ripped its way across the land, Eddie’s eyes shot to Y/N, until he saw her squatted down close to the ground, steadying herself against the shaking. Once the ground settled, Eddie again helped Y/N to her feet, before the rest of the group ran to catch up with Nancy, who was standing on a bluff overlooking the Wheeler home.

“Come on.” Nancy leads the charge across the field, eyes trained on home, and hopefully, their salvation.

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

With sinking hearts, the party realizes the Upside Down is stuck three years in the past, Nancy’s guns being replaced with shoes, and various aspects of her room having reverted to a time before.

Steve’s voice could be heard from downstairs, screaming for Dustin. Robin, Y/N, Eddie, and Nancy bolted down the stairs, toward Steve’s calls.

“Maybe he really does have rabies.” Robin muttered.

“Steve, what are you doing?” Nancy questioned.

After momentarily blinding the other members of the group, Steve spoke frantically, “He’s here. Henderson. That little shit, he’s here. He’s like...He’s in the walls or something. Just listen.”

Steve’s companions look on, wondering if Robin had been right, that he had lost his mind, until Dustin’s voice could be heard, distant, and echoing. “That brings us to the question you first raised.”

They begin searching the house, trying to follow the distant sound to its source, but to no avail.

“All right, either this kid can’t hear us or he’s being a total douchebag.” Steve volunteered.

“To be fair, either of those is a distinct possibility, knowing my brother.”

Nancy began to put the pieces together, Will had found a way to communicate with Joyce through lights, but a cursory check of lamps, and light switches, proved to be futile. Futile until Steve noticed the faint, shimmering light emitting from the dining room light.

Nancy was the first to reach into the swirling particles, the small lights becoming brighter at her touch. In turn, they each reached a hand into the light, watching it shine brighter, and stronger.

“Does anyone know Morse code?” Asked Nancy.

A chorus of, no, was the response from Robin, Steve, and Y/N.

“Wait, does SOS count?” Eddie questioned. “Is that...is that good?”

“That’s perfect.” Y/N looked up at him, smiling, as warmth bloomed in his chest under her praise.

Eddie set to work, sending SOS in Morse code, hoping Dustin would get the message on the other side.

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

Waiting in Nancy’s room, the entire group seemed to be holding their breath in unison, watching for a sign that they could communicate more easily with the other side.

Dustin’s voice could be heard across the void, asking for a sign that the others saw their lights. Nancy ran a hand through the empty space on her bed, watching light appear under her fingertips.

With cheers of relief, Nancy begins to communicate with Dustin, formulating a plan to get them out of the Upside Down.

Unsure of Dustin’s meaning about a gate at each murder site, Nancy writes a question mark. Dustin could be heard, heaving a dramatic, exasperated sigh, “Okay, seriously? How many times do I have to be right on the money before you guys just trust me?”  

“Jesus Christ. This kid’s gotta get his ego in check.” Steve replies.

“It’s his tone, right?” Comes Eddie’s answer.

“Try living with him...” Chimed in Y/N

Seven miles, they need to traverse seven miles of treacherous, open space, to reach the gate inside the Munson trailer. Robin has the idea to use the Wheeler bikes, objects that would have been at the house in 1983, and thus frozen in time like the rest of the residence.

Reaching the trailer, they discard their bikes, and observe the intimidating red sinew spread across the ceiling of the living room, the place where Chrissy died. The membrane pulsed, leaving the group on guard, unsure of what was going to come through.

With a gush, the membrane is penetrated, and all five jump back, waiting, on edge. When nothing attacks, Steve leads the group slowly, under the new hole, unbelieving what they see. Max, Dustin, Lucas, and Erica stare down at them from the ceiling, laughing.

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

When the mattress was dropped to the ground beneath the hole, stains on full display, Eddie attempted a shaky excuse, “Those stains are, uh...I don’t know what those stains are.” He couldn’t exactly admit that six months of sexual fantasies about Y/N were the source. The first time he had plucked up the courage to go to one of her meets, he knew what would happen after seeing her in a swimsuit, it was worse than he thought. He had to race to the bathroom to relieve himself before she even hit the water for her first event, like a goddamn thirteen-year-old, catching his first glimpse of cleavage. No, he couldn’t admit that her name was on each of those stains, and then some, and still maintain a chance of being with her. It was too pervy, she’d be turned off, or worse, disgusted, it was better to leave the source, to their collective imaginations.

After watching Robin pull herself up the makeshift lifeline, Y/N squeaked out, “Uh...as far as I know, the physics are still the same over here, and I know I can’t hoist myself up there...” She began worrying her lip as she watched Robin plummet to the mattress. “And I know for a fact I can’t do that, without some serious injury...”

“We can stack furniture, and make a ladder for you, Y/N. We’re not leaving you behind.” Nancy reassured.

“I’ll go next, and catch you.” Eddie added.

Y/N let out a self-deprecating snort, “And I’ll flatten you...Dustin, can you guys just build me a little ladder, so no one is killed when I come through?”

Before Dustin could answer, Eddie had started piling furniture, “I’m stronger than I look, Princess, just trust me.”

“It’s your funeral...If I break myself doing this, make up a heroic story.”

Eddie’s heart sank, how could she not see how amazing she was? He wanted to destroy whoever had put into her head, that she was anything short of perfect. He vowed then, if he was ever given the chance to be hers, he would spend all of his time, and effort, proving to her how much he adored her. Eddie wanted to soothe every pain, every scar that an indifferent, shallow, idiotic world had left on her.

Once the furniture tower, or hobbit ladder, as Y/N had called it, was finished, Eddie began to scale the rope. Falling to his mattress, Eddie let out a huff, and “That was fun.”

When he got to his feet again, he stood beneath the hole, watching Y/N, still hesitant. “Come on Babe, I got you.” He held out his arms, and she began to slowly scale the tower, and pull herself through the hole. Eddie could see her tense, as gravity began to take over, and she fell, but strong arms were waiting to catch her.

Y/N opened her eyes slowly, and is met with Eddie’s beaming smile, as he holds her. “Hey, Pretty Girl.” Was all he said. Fuck, she was warm, and soft, and holding her felt as natural as breathing, although he did have to will the blood flow back to his upper body, an awkward boner was the last thing he needed at this moment. Although he’d be lying if he said he didn’t think seriously about, and desperately want to, take her back to his room in that moment.

Y/N smiled at him, taking his breath away, before letting out a quiet, “Thanks.”

“Are you gonna put her down?” Erica’s blunt question broke the pair out of their brief moment, and Eddie thought he might have seen a flash of a blush, cross Y/N’s cheeks, as he set her back on her feet.

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

Taglist:

@bohemianrhapsody86

@dean-winchester-is-a-warrior

@a-time-for-wolvess

@ghosttownwherenoonegoes

@friendly-neighborhood-ghoul

@sweetpeapod

@emotionaldreamer

@crazyjenny8675309

@rydellakurancarson

Header credit goes to the fabulous, @sweetpeapod 💙

[charliegearhart]

2021 FARC Bummin' Beaver Brewery Tornado Alley Tour - Race 4 - LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway

Welcome to FARC Racing coverage on this blog. I hope you enjoy this little experiment. Beware, spoilers below.

Taylor Brillon won the 75 lap FARC Bummin' Beaver Tornado Alley Tour late model feature at LaCrosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, Wisconsin. It is the first victory of the year for her and the No. 9 Arnie Pine Racing team, and her first late model win since Waterbury Park in 2019.

This race flew by uninterruped by cautions, a surprising achievement for the series.

Cody Lewis drove his Basscadet machine to a second consecutive pole with Brillon on his outside. Lewis made a clean getaway at the start as FARC legend Andy Pearson followed him under the 9 into second place, making a special appearance in his Bald Tire Brewing No. 2 in a cheeky flex on the series sponsor.

You can't win the race on the first lap, but the winning move was made on lap 3, when Brillon got by Pearson for second and started chasing Lewis. Meanwhile, Art Gordon was existing in his No. 49, running lap times two seconds slower than the leaders.

Cody Lewis seemed to enjoy his time behind Art Gordon, as he dropped to fifth. He would eventually recover and claw his way back to third.

Meanwhile, Brillon led with Pearson in tow. They were kept close in part by regular encounters with lapped traffic, filling the scoreboard with more and more negative numbers as the green flag continued to enjoy the sunshine.

The former Lowe Dollar Series regulars enjoyed a smart yet spirited battle, but Brillon held Pearson off the rest of the way. Pearson's best chance came in turn 2 on lap 62, when he caught Brillon sliding high. However, the 40-year veteran lacked momentum out of the corner, allowing Brillon to shut the door in turn 3.

Andy Pearson may be FARC's most accomplished driver, with 4 Lowe Dollar Series titles, and later two more in the Super Series late models where he continues to race regularly, but he is also 65 years old, and 75 laps is a lot of laps to race consecutively at his age.

Taylor Brillon inched away and cruised to the win, lapping everybody up to 10th. The last victims of car 9 were reigning and final FARC Truck Series champion Eddie Vero, who finished 11th, and her teammate and father Kenny Brillon for a second time. "I don't know how we held him off." Brillon said of Pearson's chase after climbing out of her bright yellow Arnie Pine Auto Sales machine. "It ain't every day you've got the Goat honking at you. If he got me there [on lap 62] I knew it was gonna be over."

Gordon Tanner (No. 26) and Mindy Gunn (No. 35) entered this race tied for the points lead, with the tiebreaker going to Tanner for his two victories at Ishpeming and Quincy against Gunn's lone win, coming last week at Grundy County Speedway. After 75 laps, Tanner crossed the line in fifth, four seconds ahead of Gunn, giving him the championship lead by two points over Gunn.

Preston Orchard-Park (No. 85) was the only casualty of the 23-car starting field, losing his engine on lap 8 and finishing last.

The last time Kevin Monroe stepped into a FARC car, he went upside down on the first lap at Road America in 2019. The M&J Racing boss was thankful for bringing the Jeb Klinger Special home eighth in his first outing with the Klinger family. "The only thing Zeb [Klinger, car owner] asked for was no acrobatics." Monroe said with a smile. "So I think today was a success." Monroe qualified ninth and found himself dueling with Caitlin Cook, Tyler Bridgette, and former M&J coworker Eddie Vero for a bulk of the race, ultimately finishing one spot better than he started. Monroe will return with the Klinger family at the season-ending Rockford 200.

The next round for the Tornado Alley Tour will be the 72-lap support race at Minnesota Motorsports Park, a wide and fast one mile oval that is expected to produce pack racing for the late models.

Race Results

Championship Standings

[blueonwrestling]

Yeah there’s the stuff about the boys in the back not listening to Regal. But I can’t imagine, despite EC3 being the source, that there isn’t some truth to him being fed up with the immaturity of the management. You can see it in the product. Commentary is so immature on every AEW programming. Khan just sitting there coked up out of his mind during those post-PPV press conferences while his talent does whatever they want. The wrestlers constantly battling each other on socials and too many now levying the same accusation of those who stay up partying with the bosses all night get the pushes. Why would a decades long veteran like Regal want to stick around in an environment like that? Say what you want about HHH and I know you will, there’s gotta be something good about his leadership for a guy like Regal to have a clause in his contract about it.

There is absolutely elements to the truth in what EC3, despite all his bullshit, is saying because we've heard it also from Billy Gunn and i've pointed out before that Eddie Kingston often retweets shit saying "yo we work with this guy btw" on old great Jerry Lynn or Dean Malenko clips but also people have said they experience culture shock in AEW as it is more laidback and less rigid than WWE which imo is much more of a positive than a negative.

However I completely disagree with your viewpoint that everything is immature when you have Tony, Taz and Excalibur all veterans of the industry there and i'm sick and fucking tired of people saying Tony Khan is coked up, it's fucking ridiculous, do you really think Tony Khan is just some child? Do you know what else he fucking runs? He's got 2 professional sports teams under him aswell, it's not immaturity it's more just he has a shit ton of stuff going on.

Also aswell as if wrestlers haven't fought with one another in WWE, or in literally any wrestling promotion, people acting like this is happening for the first time in AEW are ignorant for their own beliefs, and the people saying that talent are staying up partying with the boss are also the same people who say that Nyla Rose shouldn't have been a WOMEN's world champion so I have zero time for those dumbasses.

And also yeah, say what I will about Triple H? Fuck triple H and everything he stands for, and his leadership is as scummy as Vince McMahon, the only reason Regal is going back is because WWE is a rigid boring system where he'll go talent scout at every PWG or any other indie event signing up guys and hoard a bunch of talent again and cut the industry off by the balls because Triple H is demented on global domination.

[ohanahoku-ao3]

Whumptober Day 8

@whumptober Enjoy!

Teen & Up - Gen - Stranger Things

A Soldier's Function

     Steve was tired. He was so tired that he was honestly surprised to still be standing. But standing he was, and he wasn’t going to sit down anytime soon, despite how his feet ached. Hell, despite the way his entire body ached. He’d spent a good amount of time as a monster chew toy, and that was on top of being dragged across a rough lake bottom, strangled by vines, and nearly drowned.

     He needed sleep. He needed it three days ago, but what he needed didn’t matter. Not right now. Not when two people that Vecna had wanted dead slept in the room behind him. Not when he was the only thing between them and the influx of shady government agents. Not when half of what remained of the town wanted Eddie dead, and Steve couldn’t trust the Hawkin’s PD to do anything about protecting him.

     His head slowly nodded towards his chest, and Steve closed his eyes for just a moment, flashes of blood and viscera waiting behind his eyelids. Eddie had been so close to dead, his skin torn to pieces by the demobats. The metalhead had lost so much blood as they struggled to pull him from the Upside Down that Steve still found it hard to believe he’d made it. Not that it had been easy. They had rushed Eddie to the hospital, holding him together with a sheet from the van they’d appropriated, and found the ER in shambles. The place had been swarmed with people injured during the ‘earthquakes’, and the hospital staff was scrambling to make sense of the chaos as people screamed and shouted.

     Steve, holding Eddie, had turned to look at Nancy for guidance, only to find her looking pale and lost. She looked ready to faint, and the way Robin had taken to hovering by her was enough confirmation to know he wasn’t imagining that. He was left as the responsible adult then, and Steve looked back at the crowd before taking a deep breath.

     “MOVE!” He shouted, gratified when the people in front of him startled and turned around, parting in front of him. He chalked it up to the way his voice sounded, harsh and gravelly, that they actually listened. But it also could have been the look of them all, covered in blood and black gunk, dressed in their battle attire. Irregardless, he walked through the crowd, snagging a gurney as an orderly walked into the room and laying Eddie on it. “Help him. Now.” He ordered, snapping at the first doctor he laid eyes on.

     Someone behind him shouted suddenly. “Hey! It’s that Munson freak! He killed that cheerleader!”

     Steve turned in a second, eyes wild as he whipped the axe out of his pack, swinging and halting its movement with the blade inches from the neck of the idiot who had pushed through the crowd. It felt like the entire room had gone silent, and Steve bared his teeth in a snarl. “Nobody. Touches. Him.”

     The man’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head, and he nodded, backing away. Steve readjusted his grip on the axe, glaring at the crowd darkly to let his words sink in. “Anyone hurts him, and they’re dead.”

     A few frantically nodded, while most stared in shock at the Harrington boy looking more like a manic veteran than a spoiled, rich kid. Steve nodded, not relaxing but deciding they’d listen to him as he turned back around. “What are you waiting for?” He snapped at the doctor, motioning for him to take Eddie. He didn’t stay behind, though, following them further into the hospital. They tried to stop him only once, but after Steve drove his axe through a tiled wall, they let him stay.

     He hung back in the corner of the OR, watching the doctors with the eyes of a hawk, the fire in his eyes promising hell if they messed up and cost Eddie his life. He watched as they cleaned and cut and sutured and spilled more of Eddie’s blood in the process of saving him. He wouldn’t forget the sight of Eddie lying on that table while a heart monitor flatlined not once, not twice, but thrice during the procedure.

     After the surgery, after learning of Max’s condition, Steve had insisted that the two be put in the same room, and after an apprehensive look at his axe, the hospital staff agreed. Thus, Steve stayed there, posted outside the room to watch for any danger that could come their way. He only ventured into the room when a doctor or nurse had to be in there, but other than that, he stood outside, arms crossed and axe back in his pack, glaring at anyone who glanced his way a little too curiously. The party was allowed in the room, but everyone else except the hospital staff was barred from the room.

     The night had passed with the government moving in for damage control and heated arguments that Steve was sure he only won because he was ready to kill to protect his friends. The government didn’t need any more casualties than they already had on their hands.

     Now, the day after, Steve watched as a newcomer walked down the hall. Tired as he was, Steve was alert, back straight, and eyes focused and calculating as he watched the older man come closer. He shifted from the wall to stand directly in front of the door, arms crossed and chin held high as the man drew even with him. “No one is allowed in here.” He said firmly, eyes narrowed. He’d had a couple of reporters come by that morning, and he’d quickly sent them running.

     The man paused, seeming to size him up before losing some of the tension in his shoulders. “Well, I’m glad someone’s looking out for my rascal of a nephew.”

     Steve blinked, eyes scanning over the man once more. Up close, he could see some resemblance between them, a similar shape of nose and jawline, though it was hidden a bit behind the man’s beard. “Wayne Munson?”

     “That’s me. You the Harrington kid they say brought my nephew in?” Wayne asked, and Steve nodded curtly. “Then I owe you my thanks, son.”

     Steve’s stomach flipped a bit at the look of gratitude that Wayne gave him. He didn’t deserve that look when Eddie had nearly died because they weren’t quick enough. He just nodded once more and stepped aside to let Wayne through. “He’s not awake yet, and the others are inside too.” He murmured, catching the man’s arm as he walked around. “I’m sorry. This shouldn’t have happened to him.” He said, throat tight as he forced the words out. He needed to say them, but doing so was difficult with the guilt choking him.

     Wayne paused and reached up to pat Steve’s hand. “Bad things happen to good people, Harrington, and my nephew is one of the best.”

     Steve nodded numbly and let go, looking up at the ceiling to fight off his tears as the door closed behind him. He heard voices speaking softly as Wayne met the others but tuned them out as another person passed by, glaring at her until she walked faster to get past him.

     It was a few hours later that Steve heard the door open. From his spot leaning against the wall, he turned to look at Wayne as he came out. Surprised, Steve pushed off the wall, ignoring the flare of pain in his stomach and the exhaustion that pulled at him with the quick movement. “Is Eddie awake?”

     “Take it easy, son. He’s still sleeping.” Wayne said, closing the door.

     Steve sighed, raking a hand through his hair. Man, he needed a shower. But that was one more thing that could wait. Just like sleep, just like the painkillers he desperately wanted for his everything. “Sorry.” He mumbled, feeling Wayne’s eyes on him.

     “You getcha self checked out, son?” The older man asked, and Steve straightened up quickly.

     “I’m fine, sir. No need to worry about me.” Steve said firmly. He’d already promised himself he wouldn’t move from his post until someone he trusted took over. The party was still recovering, each too shaken or hurt, so no one could fill that place.

     “Well, maybe not. But those kids in there seem to think there is.” The older man’s hand moved to his shoulder, and his sharp eyes were sure not to miss Steve's poorly hidden flinch as his hand pressed into the scraped skin under his clothes.

     “I’m fine,” Steve repeated, unsure what else he could say. The hospital staff had tried to suggest he get checked out a couple of times, but with his axe behind him, he could stare them down until they stopped trying. He couldn’t do that to Eddie’s uncle. Not when the man’s eyes were still red from crying over his nephew.

     “You don’t have to be,” Wayne murmured, and Steve pulled away as he realized he’d subconsciously been leaning into the touch, letting Wayne take his weight.

     “I do.” He breathed, cursing his knees as they felt ready to buckle beneath him. He clenched his fists tight and quelled the tremors that had momentarily taken over his body. “There’s no one else who can protect them.”

     Wayne huffed a slight chuckle. “You’re just as stubborn as the men I served with, kid.”

     “I’m not a soldier,” Steve muttered, squinting over at the man as he tried subtly leaning back against the wall for support.

     “No,” Wayne agreed, looking at him solemnly. “ But you’ve got the soul of one.”

     Warmth ran down Steve’s face as a tear escaped. A little flare of pride bloomed in his chest, and he ducked his head. “I can’t leave them. Not yet.” He murmured and saw Wayne nod out of the corner of his eye.

     “Alright, mind if I watch with you for a bit then?” The man asked, and Steve shook his head.

     Wayne moved to settle on the floor, and slowly, Steve slid down the wall to join him. He could get up fast enough if he needed to.

     “Those kids are lucky to have you around,” Wayne told him, and Steve smiled a little.

     They sat like that for hours, Wayne talking softly and Steve contributing little as the ache in his throat slowly became more difficult to talk around. His lungs felt too full, and Steve belatedly remembered the spores in his face as they biked. His back was burning from the lacerations of being dragged across the dry lake, and he could feel the wounds on his stomach bleeding sluggishly under his clothes. His neck ached as Steve struggled to keep his head up and avoid sleep, the phantom feeling of a vine curling around his skin. He felt hot and cold all at once, and he knew Wayne was slowly getting more worried.

     Just when it seemed that Wayne would insist on him seeing a doctor, Steve’s head snapped up to familiar voices coming down the corridor. He was on his feet in a second, running to them. “El! Hopper!”

     “Steve!” El’s voice was like a signal to his body, and all at once, everything hit Steve hard. He stumbled, nearly blacking out as he lost a few seconds and found Hopper holding him up.

     “Damnit, kid. What happened to you?” The ex-sheriff asked, and Steve could only laugh hysterically, coughing as the sound aggravated his throat and lungs.

     “Vecna.” He croaked, weakly gripping onto one of Hopper’s arms. “You’re not dead.” He said, a chuckle and a horrendous cough following. He heard Hopper curse as sputum-covered spores landed on the floor.

     “Medic! I need a doctor over here!” Hopper shouted, and Steve didn’t fight it this time, only twisting to find El and grab her hand.

     “The others.” He rasped, gaze boring into her eyes as his vision tunneled. “Protect them. Vecna- The lab-” He started coughing too hard to speak further, folding in on himself. His world went topsy-turvy for a moment, and then he was lying on a gurney, a small hand in his hair as he fought to breathe. 

     “I’ll keep them safe.” El’s voice promised, and Steve blinked up at her. “We protect them. It is what we do.” She said solemnly, and Steve felt a weight lift off him. She got it. She understood, and she’d take care of them. Vecna wouldn’t get past her, nor the lab either.

     Steve felt someone yank his shirt up, and he cried out as the wet material pulled at raw skin. Several gasps went up, and then someone was shouting. “I need a crash cart now! Let’s get him in a room!” Steve watched El and Hopper disappear from view, and his eyes slipped shut. The party was safe. He could rest now. “Mr. Harrington? Mr. Harrington! He’s unresponsive.” 

     Down the hall, Wayne stared after the departure of the unconscious patient. “That is one hell of a young man.” He murmured.

     “You have no idea,” Hopper mumbled, and El nodded before turning towards Max and Eddie’s room. She would protect them and Steve, too. It was what they did.

[a-strange-inkling]

I love Old Haunts so much, and I love all the stories of the girls growing up. I was just wondering if Wayne ever has a “this ain’t my first rodeo” moment? I was watching Modern Family and there was that one episode where Jay was watching Haley (the granddaughter). She kept trying to sneak out to see her boyfriend and at one point he ended up going outside to replace the porch light or something and just said “hey kid” to the bushes and her boyfriend just went “how did you know I was here?” And he was like “please, this is how I met her dad”. I just love the idea of Wayne being two steps ahead of, well lets face it, Maggie. Maybe busting her for something small during a visit when shes a little older- not big enough to tell her parents but just a ‘don’t be an idiot, kid’ kind of thing. Or even when she’s young. Like I love the idea of Eddie calling him in a panic being like “what do I do? I can’t find Maggie!” and Wayne just sighs and is like “has she eaten her snack yet?” and Eddie’s like “umm no what does that matter” and Wayne’s like “is she under the sink eating powdered sugar out of the bag with a spoon” and Eddie checks and is like “how…?!” bc of course she is. Idk I’m sorry lol I’m like writing fanfiction of your fanfiction but I just love the intergenerational hijinks in this family

I love this! The powder sugar bit has me cackling!

Oh yes, there will definitely be moments of Wayne’s wisdoms and ptsd like this throughout the series lmao, Maggie’s a little Eddie after all, he’s seen this all before.

He’s an old tired veteran!

Are you kidding! That my work or ocs inspires art or fanfiction of fanfiction is mind blowing to me!

[blackpoolcombatwriter]

Who do you think is more to blame for this latest drama?

I'm not sure if you're looking for an answer between Punk or Perry, but my answer is this all falls on Tony Kahn's shoulders. Or at least 90% of it since he should be able to trust his roster of adults to not get violent with each other backstage. But since the past has proven he can't and he hasn't done anything about it, I put most of the blame on him. That's the short answer. There's a longer one under the cut since I'm sure a lot of people are tired of seeing or thinking about it.

Some of this is speculation or deductive reasoning on my part so keep that in mind. I have a hard time believing that Tony didn't know part of his roster was blaming Punk for Colt's situation. Tony loves being friendly with the roster and I really don't think you can spend a lot of time backstage without hearing about something like that. Whether Punk did ask Tony to keep them apart or Tony assumed that's what Punk would want, he let those rumours continue instead of addressing them. He allowed bad feelings on both sides to simmer until they finally boiled over at Brawl Out.

It makes me think back to how the other smaller issues we learned about were handled. The ones between Sammy/Eddie and Sammy/Andrade. They eventually made their way to the dirt sheets but nowhere near like it's been with Brawl Out and Brawl In. I'm not even sure we would have found out about Sammy/Eddie if it weren't for fans asking where Eddie had gone when he was suspended.

Instead of taking care of Brawl Out and both sides leaking stuff to the dirt sheets, Tony just let the sides continue to take shots at each other. When they all came back, he kept them on different shows and as far as we know, there not been an attempt at resolution between the sides and more people have gotten involved since then. Tony could have sent out a memo if he didn't want to say it in person but he should have let his whole roster know that taking unapproved shots(live on TV, post-show, or in interviews or social media) is not tolerated. I would add no talking to the dirt sheets but I highly doubt the dirt sheets would admit to Tony who leaked them information so that's harder to stop.

And obviously communication is lacking huge between the two shows. I don't know how much crossover staff they have but guys shouldn't be finding out last minute they're now unbooked from a show. I'm sure they're still paid but that's an extra day they could have spent with family. And the head of talent relations should be exempt from being banned from any show because he's kind of important(no matter how respected Punk might be backstage, it's not his job to tell talent what they can and can't do, it's talent relations but can't do that job if you're not there). AEW needs more staff that aren't wrestlers.

This next part I could be way off, and this is where deductive reasoning comes into play, and I can admit that I could be way off. Tony books about 10-15% of his roster very well, maybe another 25-30% decently, and everyone else fights for scraps. That leaves over half the roster unsure of their spots. I can see where a young guy like Jack Perry, who used to be featured a lot more as a babyface, might feel like his new heel character isn't clicking and needs to do something shocking to make an impact(his cry me a river comment, not the fight obviously). On the flip side, there's still veterans who feel like you need to pay your dues before you have the right to say something like that and that Jack was being disrespectful.

At the end of it all, most of the blame should fall on Tony's shoulders for not acting like an owner and a boss and allowing the tensions to get to this point yet again. There's no simple fix, it's gone on too long for that. He definitely needs to hire non-wrestlers for the backstage non-wrestling jobs. And maybe not give veteran wrestlers so much creative control over other wrestlers storylines until they've proven themselves. If he doesn't get things under control, he's going to end up with two wrestling companies because his roster refuses to work together.

[frontproofmedia]

And Still! Ebanie Bridges Stops Shannon O'Connell in 8 Rounds

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By Hector Franco

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Published: December 10, 2022

LEEDS, UK – For the many doubters and critics of Australia's Ebanie "The Blonder Bomber" Bridges (9-1, 4 KOs), they will have to keep on waiting to see her downfall. Putting on possibly the best performance of her career against arguably the best opponent she has faced thus far; Bridges largely dominated fellow Australian Shannon O'Connell (23-7-1, 11 KOs) to an eighth-round stoppage to retain her IBF bantamweight championship.

Heading into the bout, Bridges and O'Connell participated in a fair share of trash talk. They lived up to the talk when they got into the ring, brawling back and forth. Near the end of the first round, O'Connell landed a right hand that buckled Bridges giving the impression that she would be able to take control.

While Bridges isn't what one would call a technical master in the vain of someone like Katie Taylor, what she does, as well as anyone, is keep her composure even when getting hit. Just as important, she has the ability to set a pace that most can't keep up with.

"It was the heart," said Bridges to Matchroom Boxing in a post-fight interview. "You know what I'm hungry and I got the biggest heart and movement as well. When I get hurt, when I get tired, I dig harder, I dig deeper."

In the first 30 seconds of the third round, Bridges found her mark landing a straight right hand on the chin of O'Connell during an exchange, sending her down to the canvas.

From this point, Bridges was like an avalanche on O'Connell as the veteran tried to survive each round. There were exchanges with both landing a fair amount of leather, but Bridges was the one that kept pushing the pace, undeterred by any shot landed by her opponent.

Once inside the squared circle, the bigger puncher isn't the fighter with more knockouts on their record, but the one that can take their opponent's punches. Bridges had no issues with O'Connell's power; as the rounds went by, she punished her rival more and more.

The end came in the eighth round with O'Connell on the ropes with Bridges landing a salvo of blows. The right hand, in particular, was landing clean and visibly snapping O'Connell's head back. Referee Howard Foster was forced to stop the fight at the 1:45 mark of the round.

The victory is the first defense of Bridges' title, keeping her as one of the most notable names in women's boxing.

"I gave her respect through the whole thing as a boxer," stated Bridges after the match. "Of course I respect her for the fight. She gave me a tough fight. I knew it would be the hardest fight of my career and it was. But it was also the best fight. It was one of the best wins. One of the most satisfying wins of my career."

As for what may be next in line for Bridges, it looks like more title matches against the other champions at bantamweight. Recently, Matchroom Boxing signed WBA bantamweight champion Nina Hughes of the United Kingdom, which would be another opportunity for Bridges to be in another noteworthy contest. A rematch with former opponent and the only person to have defeated Bridges, Shannon Courtenay, could be possible. With the first bout being one of the best of 2021, should Courtenay win another world title, the sequel could be just as big as the initial encounter.

"I really feel now that Ebanie Bridges needs to unify the division and try and become undisputed at bantamweight," said chairman of Matchroom Boxing and Bridges' promoter Eddie Hearn. "She's so tough, she's got such a good engine and she deserves the credit now. You can't take away the sacrifice or the work she's put in to get here. Honestly, I think she can go on and unify the division. There's lots to write in the Ebanie Bridges story yet."

(Featured Photo: Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing)

[littlespoonevan]

Congrats on 7k followers, holy shit. I trust you with any of the letter prompts, but if I had to pick, T. I'm super curious what you'll come up with. =)

aklsdjh alright, friend, you prompted "obscure au" and my mind went to a million different places, none of which i really vibed with. and then, last night, right as i was on the edge of sleep, my mind concocted an idea from fandom days of old:

professional cuddler evan buckley/touch-starved ball of repression eddie diaz

so this is...certainly a thing aksjdhf but also i'm lowkey obsessed with this concept now and i don't wanna let it go so if you could all please let me know if you would read a 5k-10k continuation of this fic, that would be great lmao

-

Eddie Diaz is a lot of things.

He’s war veteran, he’s a firefighter, he’s an (ex)husband, he’s a father.

What he is not, is good at asking for help.

Moving to LA had been an initially impulsive but still carefully constructed plan to snatch back his agency and his role as a father after feeling smothered for so long under his parents’ roof. In truth, he wouldn’t have had any problem becoming a firefighter in Texas but there was a special kind of vindication – a childlike ‘haha you can’t catch me!’ – that came with telling his parents he was moving to California.

And as proud as he is of himself for finally standing up for something he wants, moving to LA has been hard.

Not least of all because he’s got about a vault’s worth of unresolved trauma from his time in the army.

The combination of recently moving house, finally truly living as a single parent – who hasn’t managed to set up proper childcare yet – and beginning a new job as a firefighter has meant the walls he’s so steadfastly built up around himself to hold himself together since he first came home are starting to crumble.

And of course, because the universe absolutely hates Eddie, all of this stress and anxiety has decided to take the form of insomnia.

Possibly the worst symptom a single father who works 24 hour shifts could experience.

Which is why he’s one hundred percent going to blame his sleep-deprived brain for what he chooses to do.

It’s past 3am and Eddie is scrolling mindlessly on his phone when he first stumbles across the ad.

Some people, when they go online shopping at night, buy things they don’t need. Like a Fitbit or a novelty t-shirt.

Eddie…

Eddie buys a professional cuddler.

It’s the stupidest fucking thing he’s ever done but he’s so tired and he’d give anything to just get one full night’s sleep and the ad boasts about how prolonged and consistent hugs can help reduce stress and improve your heart health and before he knows it he’s filling out an application form.

He forgets about it by the time he does manage to finally drop off to sleep for a few hours before his alarm goes off but he’s helpfully reminded the next morning when he receives an email from an Evan Buckley who introduces himself as his prospective cuddle…associate? The email comes with a more detailed explanation of how the process works as well as a list of available time slots Eddie can choose from. Lastly, there’s an attached consent form detailing what is probably the opposite of whatever the hell one puts in a BDSM contract.

And the thing is, it’s stupid.

It was an impulsive decision his exhausted brain found in the middle of the night and he should absolutely just delete the email and pretend it never happened.

He doesn’t delete the email.

-

It’s a Tuesday morning just after he’s come off a 24-hour shift, Christopher is in school, the house is empty and Eddie feels like he’s about to crawl right out of his own skin when the doorbell rings.

Steeling himself, he takes a breath and opens the door to- well.

A stupidly gorgeous man.

The man – Evan Buckley, professional cuddler, he presumes – offers him a smile that rivals the brightness of the sun shining behind him and sticking out a hand.

“Hey,” he greets warmly. “Eddie, right? I’m Buck.”

Eddie stares, dumbfounded, for a beat before his brain catches up with itself and he hastens to shake his hand. “Yeah, sorry. Hi, I’m Eddie. You uh- you can come in.” He lets go of Buck’s hand – it’s warm, just like his smile – and moves back, opening the door wider to let him through.

Buck steps inside, looking around curiously, and Eddie feels self-conscious about the still-bare walls. His priority had been decorating Christopher’s room first and making sure he had everything he needed. Getting a couch and a dining table had been next on the list. The rest of the décor can wait until Eddie’s next pay check. Or next ten pay checks.

When he realises Buck isn’t making a move to go anywhere he scratches the back of his neck, looking helplessly between his bedroom door and the living room. “I uh, I know I signed the form and everything but I’m not really sure how this is supposed to work-?”

Buck’s expression brightens again. “Oh! Well, it really depends on the person. Some people prefer being in bed, particularly if they’re trying to fall asleep. But that feels too personal for some people so they tend to go for a couch or an armchair or something. It’s all about what you’re comfortable with.”

Eddie nods. He has no idea what he’s comfortable with. He still hasn’t quite reconciled that he’s agreed to pay this man to cuddle him, for fuck’s sake.

Buck seems to realise his indecision and his smile is kind in a way that makes Eddie want to duck his head in embarrassment. “You mentioned in your application form that you’re having trouble sleeping. Is it- is that what you’d like help with?”

“I guess,” he replies but he doesn’t sound sure even to his own ears. “I- I just came off a 24 hour shift so I was hoping to catch some sleep before I pick my son up from school later.”

Buck seems to take all of that information in his stride, nodding easily. “Cool. Well, in that case we could go to your bedroom if you’re comfortable? I can’t guarantee you’ll fall asleep first try but even just having your body at rest for a while can help you feel more recharged.”

And, because Eddie is clearly losing it, he nods and leads this veritable stranger to his room.

-

The actual getting-on-the-bed part is surprisingly okay.

Buck is dressed for the occasion, in soft sweatpants and an even softer looking pale blue hoodie, and he lets Eddie take the lead in selecting his side of the bed. However once they’re side by side Eddie feels himself clam up.

“What do you- what happens now?”

Buck eyes him speculatively for a moment and then simply asks, “Big spoon or little spoon?”

Eddie blinks. “What?”

“Big spoon or little spoon?” he repeats, the faintest glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “Once you figure out which you prefer the rest is pretty straightforward.”

Eddie feels himself flush, looking away as he thinks it over. It takes a good thirty seconds to remind himself that he’s paying for this and Buck probably already thinks he’s pathetic for having to hire someone to cuddle him instead of finding someone to be with the normal way, so he only feels a little embarrassed when he finally admits, “Little spoon.”

Buck grins and reaches for him and it’s possibly the most bizarre situation Eddie’s ever been in but he just- lets Buck rearrange them until they’re both lying on their sides. Buck presses right up behind him, pulling the covers up around them and wrapping a secure arm around Eddie’s waist.

Eddie holds himself perfectly still throughout it all, hesitantly settling his arm over Buck’s when he finally stops moving.

He counts five breaths before he has to break the silence, mouth dry. “What happens now?”

Buck hums and Eddie can feel the vibration of it where Buck’s chest touches his back. “Some people like to talk; others just like to lie in silence.”

Eddie contemplates it. He’s never been the most talkative person but he also can’t quite imagine lying here in silence for the next forty-five minutes of their session.

“So. Is this like, your full-time gig?” he asks before immediately cringing. That’s probably against some rule to ask.

Buck just snorts quietly. “Part-time,” he says. “I’m actually putting myself through the Fire Academy right now. I need some extra cash to help with rent until I certify.”

Eddie feels the ridiculous urge to laugh but it thankfully morphs into a yawn at the last minute. “I’m a firefighter,” he says and Buck does laugh.

“No fucking way?”

“Mm,” he hums. “Certified about a month ago. That’s why I moved here; new job.”

“People who suffer from insomnia can find the symptoms worsen under periods of stress or change,” Buck says, gently probing, and Eddie gets the vague feeling like he just sat down with a therapist.

“Yeah it’s-“ he starts, closing his eyes and releasing a tired sigh. “I really love it but it’s been a lot, with the move and everything.”

Buck nods, chin bumping Eddie’s shoulder, as his hand rubs small circles almost absent-mindedly against Eddie’s stomach. It’s around that point that Eddie realises his body has almost completely relaxed against Buck’s, limbs heavy in a way they haven’t felt in a while.

“How do you even become a…cuddler?”

Buck barks out a laugh, the action making him nuzzle into the nape of Eddie’s neck for a half a second. It’s the most intimacy Eddie’s experienced in literal years and he thinks for a second he might black out.

“It’s- I like research binges and a while back I got really interested in the benefits of physical touch therapy. I’d fallen down a love language rabbit hole,” he adds as an aside. “And the short version is I took a course and joined up with the company. I’ve been doing it for about six months now.”

Eddie makes a quiet noise of acknowledgement, staring at the wall opposite him until his vision starts to blur. “It must be a little strange for you though, right? I mean I know you have to fill out the whole consent form and everything but there’s gotta be some weird clients?”

“Not really,” Buck says, voice hushed. “Mostly it’s just been people who feel lonely. Or- or who have lost someone recently and aren’t used to being on their own. Or people who are struggling to sleep, like you.”

Eddie gets the vague urge to point out he’s so lonely he fears he might drown from it but he swallows it back.

Instead he lets the silence settle around them, surprised to find he feels so much more comfortable than he had at the beginning. Buck follows his lead, remaining a steady warmth at his back and continuing to run soothing circles over Eddie’s stomach.

And it’s been a long time since Eddie’s been held by anyone. Even when he came home from Afghanistan he and Shannon hadn’t been in a good enough place to lie like this all that often. But it’s nice, much nicer than he expects. He feels oddly safe in Buck’s arms.

He almost can’t believe it when he feels his eyes start to droop, lulled by the steady rhythm of Buck’s breathing. He’s on the verge of sleep, teetering on the edge of unconsciousness, when Buck’s phone starts vibrating.

Buck silences it almost immediately but it means he has to let go of Eddie to do it and Eddie feels an awful kind of bereft at the loss of his touch.

“Sorry,” Buck whispers. “That was the alarm for the end of our session.”

“Oh,” Eddie mumbles trying to rouse himself, shaking his head to clear the brain fog.

“Hey, no,” Buck says, hand going back to Eddie’s shoulder. “You’re almost asleep. Don’t ruin all our progress now.”

There’s something soft and teasing in his voice and when Eddie cranes his neck to look at him he finds a smile to match his tone. “Stay here. I can let myself out. It was really great to meet you, Eddie. I hope you get some sleep.”

“Thanks,” he replies and it doesn’t feel like enough but he’s too overwhelmed to say anything else.

Buck shoots him one more smile and climbs off the bed. Eddie listens as he puts back on his shoes, as he slips out into the hallway, and then as the front door closes behind him.

And miraculously, before he can think about it too much, sleep pulls him under.

-

When Eddie wakes up there’s an automated email on his phone.

Thank you for availing of our services! We hope your session was a fulfilling and comforting experience. We’d love to hear from you so we can continue to better or services. Fill out the feedback form to leave a review here. Or, if you’d like to book another session, please follow the link below.

Eddie thinks of the lightness in his chest, of the way he almost feels rested for the first time in a month, and clicks ‘Book another session’.

-

[softsnzstuff]

Welcome to my Summer Camp AU, in which the Fruity 4 are cabin leaders at a 2-week long Sleep away camp. Sorry for the cheesy title, it’s all I could think of rn. 🤷🏻‍♀️-KB

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Hot, Sickly, American Summer (part 1/?)

Eddie smiled as he drove down the highway. Summer in Hawkins was finally here, and he was on his way to his usual summer gig. Billy Cassidy’s “Bye Bye Miss American Pie” was playing on the radio - not his usual choice of music, but fitting for the mood.

As the road became surrounded by trees, he veered off the highway and turned onto the familiar dirt trail that led to Camp. He could hear the gravel crunching beneath his tires as some loose dirt was kicked up by the disturbance.

Once he’d pulled up alongside the other recognizable staff vehicles, he jumped out into the dirt and stretched his back.

“Do my eyes deceive me or is that Eddie Munson??”

Eddie turned around, taking off his sunglasses and hanging them on his shirt.

“Robin, hey!” He greeted her with a hug, “How long’ve you been here for? Is Nancy with you?”

“Just an hour or so. Nancy’s inside the dining hall. They’re getting ready to give out bunk assignments and all that.”

Eddie reached in the back of his van and slung his duffel over his shoulder. “Great.”

Eddie locked his van and followed Robin into the dining hall. He could see the other staff members were there: Nancy, Jason, Andy; their boss Linda (a good friend of Joyce Byers) was standing towards the front, writing some notes on a clipboard.

“Hey Eddie!” Steve walked over, extending his arm for a handshake, but pulled Eddie in for a hug with the other arm.

“Stevie! Glad to see you.” Steve had left for college in the Fall, nowhere incredibly far, but far enough that he didn’t see Eddie that often. The two had been seeing each other off and on in secret anytime Steve came into town. Summer was really their only ‘long’ time frame to be together.

“Could I get everyone’s attention please?” Linda spoke up. The upbeat conversations slowly died down. “Good afternoon everyone, welcome back to another amazing summer of camp! The kids will be arriving in a little under an hour, so I want to get assignments out of the way quickly.”

She continued, “Eddie and Steve! Welcome back, you’ll be in charge of Boys’ Cabin 1. Jason and Andy, Boys’ Cabin 2. Once again we need more outreach with our ladies. Robin and Nancy you’ll be with Girls’ Cabin 1. Girls’ Cabin 2 will remain empty for now. You’re all returning veterans of camp, so you all know the drill. Get settled and we’ll meet for a bonfire after dinner.”

Everyone grabbed their bags and shuffled out, dispersing across the campsite to their respective cabins. Eddie entered the cabin first, holding the door open for Steve to enter behind him.

Within the last year, the camp enrollment had doubled. Instead of single cots, the inside of Cabin 1 was now lined with bunk beds. The outhouse and shower room was outside in a smaller wood building.

“So Steve, are you a top or a bottom?” Steve’s eyes widened and he turned bright red.

Eddie threw up his hands, “Whoa Harrington, I meant bunks. Are you a top bunk or a bottom bunk kind of guy?”

“I- uh. I don’t mind. I guess bottom?” He stuttered.

Eddie smirked and tossed his duffel up to the top bunk, “Thank god. Would have broken my heart if you said top.”

Steve’s blush deepened as Eddie took a couple steps closer to him. Steve craned his neck to look out the sheer curtained windows to check for any watchful eyes before he leaned into Eddie as well.

Their foreheads touched as they stood nose to nose, enjoying each others company. “I missed you.” Eddie whispered.

“I missed you too.” Steve put his hands on Eddie’s hips. The older man reached up for Steve’s chin with his right hand and turned his head slightly so their lips could meet.

The sound of a bus horn interrupted them and alerted them to the arrival of the campers. They had been emailed cabin assignments last week and they all knew where to go.

Dustin, Lucas, Mike, and Will were assigned cabin one. Nancy and Robin had Erica, Max, El, and Suzie. The other boys’ cabin had a few guys from Hawkins middle.

The next hour consisted of choosing bunks, catching up, and the boys taking about their ideas for the next DnD campaign. Dinner was at 6 and the bonfire was after that.

Bonfires were always Eddie’s favorite. He brought his guitar, jammed for the kids, and told ghost stories that he probably shouldn’t tell.

“And then!! As the campers approached the hooded figure, it WHIPPED AROUND!! And revealed that it had…. Only one eye.” He leaned over the fire pit and screamed at them.

“Sounds like bullshit to me.” Erica quipped.

Eddie winced a little. Usually his campfire story voice didn’t hurt his throat, but all of a sudden today felt different.

“Oh it’s true, Sinclair, every last word.”

“Alright campers, it’s just about time for bed.” Nancy said. The kids all whined but eventually complied.

It took a while to get the boys to actually settle in the bunks, but after about half an hour, Steve finally called lights out. Eddie crawled into his top bunk and closed his eyes, hoping that his throat wouldn’t be so scratchy tomorrow. He was excited to sing at the next campfire.