#i need to fuck him but i’m being very cool and casual about it

[capncunt]

[lemonlover1110]

Hello! I hope you are doing well 😌 you are my fav writer and I just wanted to to throw out this crazy brainrot request to u bc I am SICK over it

So Florence nightingale syndrome right? Toji is like a professional boxer or whatever something athletic bc he's a fucking beast and he gets hurt, like his leg or something, and you become his at home occupational therapist. So you're like taking care of him and he's getting feelings for you while also being a stubborn ass bc u push him constantly so he can get better. and he's super hesitant to accept his feelings bc he's a Playboy of course.

I'm just picturing this one scene where you're helping him up and he's leaning on you and he says something like "are you sure you can handle me princess?" Idk I'm insane I'm sorry 😭😭😭😭

Pairing: boxer!Toji Fushiguro x f!caregiver!Reader

Warnings: Fluff, frustrated Toji, Florence nightingale syndrome, Toji has an injured leg and is a little bitch for a bit

*This was so fun to work on and now I'm having thinking a little too hard about boxer toji (I'm ovulating) sofjsof enjoy!

Discord 18+ - Twitter - Ko-Fi

Toji never really thought he’d be dependent on someone, yet now he can’t even take a shower standing up. After an unlucky boxing match, Toji ended up in a cast and crutches. That’s what he gets for not listening to his son who told him it was around time to retire.

“I’m not a fucking skeleton, I’m good in my field. I can do this for a couple more years.” How he wishes he could swallow his fucking words. He thought that after getting the cast off he’d go back to normal, and he’d have no issue with mobility. He shouldn’t have an issue moving his fucking leg again, he’s been moving it for more than thirty years, why should three months of not moving it change much?

Apparently he can’t do anything, which is why he has someone with him all day every day, helping him so he can get better. Toji’s main issue? He gets frustrated when someone tries to help him. 

“Be careful, it’s hot.” You smile at him as you put his dinner in front of him. He has a scowl on his face as you set it down in front of him. He tried to help make dinner but he couldn’t stand for too long. He’s mad, but not at you. He could never be mad at you. 

Toji wasn’t necessarily fond of you when you started working with him; he hates being dependent on someone else, and he knew that he would have to depend on you for pretty much everything. You try to help him though, and he should be more appreciative of you because of it, but in reality he feels like a fucking baby. He’s grown to like you though… A little too much for his liking. 

You leave him to eat, going to wash the dishes since he can’t do the task yet. Perhaps his own bowl and spoon, but not everything that needs to be cleaned. You watch him from the counter, watching his refusal to pick up the spoon and eat the soup you made him. Earlier he was so prideful, telling you that he would help you every step of the way during dinner, and he couldn’t even finish one third of it. You were proud of him regardless.

“It’s really good, Toji! The potatoes you helped peel really added a touch to it.” You’ve gotten close enough to be on a first name basis. You see each other every day, you stay in the same house, of course you’re close enough to talk to each other so casually. It doesn’t mean you should though. You’ve always managed to keep a very professional relationship with patients, but there’s just something about him that makes it hard for you to be normal around him.

“Don’t talk to me like I’m a fucking kid.” He says, pushing the bowl of soup away. He’s not hungry anymore. Toji stands up, his hands holding on to the table to support himself before grabbing his crutches. 

“Toji, if you’re not eating it, can you try to bring it over to me, please?” You ask. You know the soup has cooled down, if he spills it, he’ll be fine.

“If you want it, pick it up yourself.” Toji is clearly mad. You don’t take it to heart though, because you know it’s with himself and not you. 

“How about we go to the park tomorrow? It’s supposed to be a nice day out.” You talk to Toji who tries to watch a documentary. He’s not all that interested in what he put on, caring more about what you have to say. He might not show it, and he tries to deny it, but he has the biggest soft spot for you. “We can also get some ice cream, if you’re in the mood!”

“Hey… I’m sorry about earlier. I was just—” It’s hard to get an apology out of him, but sometimes he knows he’s in the wrong and he feels the need to apologize. He doesn’t want you to be mad at him, even though you’re clearly not upset with him. You’re so understanding and patient with him, he feels like he doesn’t deserve that.

“You’re fine, Toji.” You reassure him with a smile, your hand going over his balled up fist. You feel your heart skip a beat as you touch him. You’ve crossed the line past a professional relationship, and you should set some boundaries within yourself– But his other hand goes on top of your own before he brings it up, softly kissing your knuckles. It’s hard to set boundaries when he feels the same way.

“I’m tired.” He tells you, and you stand up to help him get up. Toji usually denies your help, but this time, he has no problem accepting it. You just want the best for him, and there’s some things that he can’t do completely alone. He has to take baby steps. He’s using you for support, and he’s scared that he’s too heavy for you. He asks you, “Are you sure, princess? Can you handle me? I know I’m pretty big.”

“You’re fine. I can handle you.” You reassure him, and you begin to walk to his bedroom. His room was previously on the second floor, but ever since his injury, he’s moved his bedroom to the first floor. You get him to his bedroom, helping him on the bed. You smile at him before saying, “Let me grab your crutches. You left them in the living room, right?”

Before you can walk away, he grabs your sleeve. Toji’s slowly realizing that he can’t fight off the feelings that consume him when you help him, and he’s usually not a fan of them. Toji’s been tied down once before, he certainly doesn’t want that again. But with you, it’s different. He doesn’t mind the idea.

“Will you lay down with me?” He asks, and you suck in your bottom lip between your teeth. You shouldn’t. He caresses your cheek with the back of his hand before he prompts himself up to kiss the corner of your mouth.

“Toji, you know this isn’t something I can do.” You tell him as he looks lovingly into your eyes. “I’m here to help you get better.”

“You can help me get better by laying down next to me.” Toji responds. You grab the hand that so lovingly touches your cheek and kiss it, before bringing your lips down to meet his momentarily. He swears he hears fireworks when your lips meet, even after you pull away.

He’s most definitely in love with you.

“I’ll go get your crutches. Good night, Toji.”

[unreliablesnake]

I want you, but… [Ghost x reader (platonic)]

Summary: Ghost doesn’t like to see you date someone else. But when he has the chance to get what he wants, his common sense wins.

Note: We’re all sad bitches in this house (that’s me, I’m the sad bitch) so no happy ending. Ghost, I love you, but you’re an idiot. / If you want to know when I post new stuff, follow @unreliablesnakefics and hit the get notifications button.

Part 2

Ghost usually isn’t the jealous type, but with you it takes very little to lose his cool. You’ve never been together, he knew he had no right to be mad at guys who flirted with you, he had no right to be angry with you for letting them, but it still happened sometimes.

One of the new doctors at base who treated your wound was really nice to you. Ghost was there, he volunteered to escort you to sick bay, making sure you didn’t collapse on the way, and when he saw the way the doc was looking at you, the kind, humorous way he was talking to you, he immediately knew what this was all about.

You didn’t seem to mind the attention, in fact you encouraged him by keeping up the playful conversation despite being in pain. Ghost took a hesitant step forward, planning to ask how you were, if he could bring you something, anything that could break the spell you were under, but he changed his mind last minute. He should keep his distance, he had no right to stand in the way.

He had been more irritated lately as he had been before. Johnny’s usual jokes simply went over his head, he didn’t even feel like being around others. You and that doctor got pretty close, pretty fast, and there was nothing he could do to stop this relationship from blooming.

Ghost picked up women for one night only, trying to forget you at least until he was fucking someone else, but all he could think about was you. Your smile, your laugh, your stupid sense of humor. He missed you, especially when you were both back home and there was no way for him to reach you.

All he could do was stalk you on social media. You barely posted photos of yourself, but when he saw a picture of you and–based on the size of the hand–a man clinking glasses at a bar probably, his heart sank. You were happy with someone else, feeling so confident about the relationship that you were ready to share it with your family and friends.

But then he checked the caption. “Sometimes ‘let’s stay friends’ isn’t an empty promise.”

He sat up in bed and reread the sentence. Did this mean you broke up? Hope filled his heart at the thought, even though he wasn’t sure how this could help him. He was your superior, the two of you getting together would cause a scandal for sure. Price wouldn’t be happy, the others might begin to believe he would play favorites with you, so everything pointed in the direction that you could never be together.

A few weeks later you were back on a mission together, and Ghost didn’t really know what to do. He was nervous around you, always carefully thinking about what to say before opening his mouth.

One evening Soap pulled out a bottle of booze from his bag, inviting the core team for a drink to relax a little. That one bottle turned into two, then three, the number growing because you were having fun together and apparently everyone brought something to drink just in case.

“So what’s with you and that doctor?” Gaz asked out of nowhere, almost causing the lieutenant to choke on his drink.

His eyes were glued to you, and your eyes traveled from one person to another until they locked with his amber ones. “It didn’t work out,” you admitted before turning to Gaz again. “Also, he’s going back to a civilian hospital. Less stress, he said. But I’m not sad or anything.”

“He doesn’t know what he’s missing out on,” Soap noted casually as he raised his glass.

Around one in the morning Price told everyone to go to sleep, saying they all needed some rest to sober up. While Price, Soap and Gaz left, you stayed behind with Ghost, your hands folded behind your back as you watched him with an anxious smile. The lieutenant didn’t really know what to say to you, so he decided to remain silent.

Even though he turned his back to you, he could still feel your gaze on him. “What is it?” he asked when he turned around to face you.

You inhaled then exhaled slowly in an attempt to calm yourself. But then you took a hesitant step towards him and said, “Are you happy that I broke up with him?”

“Why would I be happy?”

“You liked the photo I posted weeks ago. You know, the one about let’s stay friends. Also, there’s another thing,” you began, but you stopped talking. Ghost raised an eyebrow, waiting for you to continue. “Peter told me something that made me think. He said you were giving him death glares ever since he first talked to me in your presence after I got hurt on the field.”

Fuck, he had noticed. It’s not like he tried to hide it, but he sure wasn’t expecting the doctor to pay so much attention to him. What was he supposed to say? That yeah, well, I’m sorry, but he wasn’t good enough for you? In the end he let out a long sigh and put a hand on the back of his neck.

“I hope he didn’t break up with you because of that,” he noted quietly.

You raised an eyebrow at this in question. “What makes you think he was the one who broke up with me? Maybe it was me who let him go.”

“Did you?” You nodded. “Why?”

“Maybe there’s a big, scary guy I would rather spend my time with,” you replied with a playful smile.

Ghost wanted to kiss you so badly it hurt, but he kept his urges under control. When he stepped a little closer to you, you did the same, and eventually you closed the gap between you. He reached out to push a stray strand of hair behind your ear, watching as your breath caught in your throat from surprise.

After gulping loudly, you reached out to take his hand. “Was he right? Do you like me, lieutenant?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m your higher-up, it wouldn’t work anyway. Go to sleep,” he told you, even though this was killing him.

He could see the signs. He could pinpoint the exact moment your heart shattered into pieces because of his response. Biting on your lower lip to stop yourself from crying, you nodded and left him standing there, making him hate himself more than ever before.

[akoyaxs]

Tì'eylan Teaser ✮ Pairing: Aonung x fem!human!reader ✮ Trope: Friends to lovers ✮ Tags: mentions of sexual partners, talk of sex, size difference, fluff (no smut YET)

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“Tell me,” he says with a small, ponderous frown, as though something had just occurred to him, though you knew this look perfectly well to guess what he was about to say was not some casual thought that slid nonchalantly into his mind. “How have you been taking care of yourself?”

You look wearily up from your beadings to squint at him – all stretched out and full of lazy curiousity on the woven mat of your marui. This is how you often spent the warm afternoons in Awa’atlu; you beading or mixing herbs or cooking or something actually useful, while your friend bothers you.

You were still too weary of actually swimming with people, surrounded by beautiful, tall, slim, lithe na’vi girls, and although Aonung had tried to convince you a million times, those bikinis you brought with you remained secretly stowed away deep in the darkest parts of your marui.

Sometimes at night, you would slip out the walkway of your marui into the cool ocean below, but careful that there’s no one around to see. At least it meant na’vi were absolutely shocked to say the least when they saw just how curvy human bodies could get without your flowy clothing.

“What are you on about?” you sigh. “I’m perfectly healt-”

“I meant physically,” Aonung says casually. “Maintaining yourself sexually.”

Oh.

Your friend did have a habit of being carelessly blunt in his manners, but that was one thing that managed to take you by surprise.

“What do you think?” you laugh, throwing off your disconcertion and far too used to your friend - and all na’vi really - disregard for topics very much taboo for humans to be thrown off by the quite personal question.

“Well…” he shifts closer to gage your expression, a small furrow creasing his brow. “You are the only tawtute here, and I’m sure even your kind have sexual needs that must be met. So how…”

“Do I cope when I get horny?” you finished, raising your brows and wrinkling your nose at him. Aonung nods, throat looking a little tight but otherwise unbothered by the delicacy a conversation like this should typically have. “What sort of answer are you looking for, Aonung?”

He blinks, then shakes his head in a puppyish way and you grin.

“I don’t just take care of myself on my own, if that’s what you’re wondering,” you answer elusively.

You never told Aonung the truth. The truth that you have no shortage of Metkayina men offering to deal with your sexual desires, lost in their own curiosity of human-na’vi sexual experimentation.

And you’d be lying if you pretended you weren’t attracted to them. How could you not be?

Na’vi were nine to ten feet of practically pure muscle, cloaked in beautiful, smooth blue skin and glimmering with pretty glowing tahnì. They were slim and wire, agile and graceful in their movements and talented beyond anything a human could ever possibly possess.

So, discreetly, you would indulge in all sorts of capers. It was, admittedly, a lot of fun.

Sometimes you’d be offered pretty little gifts, clumsily complimented on your human looks and talents, or even simply carried away in heated moments of pleasure and experimentation.

But here was Aonung, nearly your best friend at this point, who just heard your vague answer to his curious question.

You can physically see the moment the connotation of your words sinks into his thick skull, and his eyes widen large as Pandora and his lips part in shock.

“Oh, don’t look so surprised,” you grin, flicking him on the shoulder. “You didn’t expect me to sit all tight and pretty and alone while practically stranded on an island of mega hot people, did you?”

Aonung looks as though he very much did expect that, or at least the thought of you fucking other members of his clan had certainly never crossed his mind. In fact, he looks nothing short of stupefied as he stares at you.

“Who?” he demands, an unmistakable scowl settling over his face.

“Really?” you laugh, rolling your eyes. “Like I’d tell you?”

“Why not?” he asks sullenly, muscles tense and jaw clenched.

“Because I know you, Aonung,” you smile. “And I know how you act around Tsireya with Lo’ak, and I don’t need your stupid ass scaring away my possible companions.”

“Companions,” he grunts with derisive amusement, before his scowl fixes once again and he furrows his brow once more. “You do know I do not see you as a sister, right?”

“Yeah well… don’t tell me that if I share who I’ve been with that you won’t get mad at them.”

Aonung pauses, and you can see he recognises your point; at the slightest mention of a name, Aonung would be up with the guy pinned up bruised and bloodied.

“So you like na’vi then?” Aonung questions. “Even though we’re double your height and could throw you twenty feet?”

“On the contrary,” you say with a sly, amusing grin, “that’s exactly what I like.”

When Aonung’s face slackens a little in shock, you laugh openly and shake your head.

“But who cares if I like na’vi- they’re hot and muscly, so it’s totally justified in my opinion!” you say with a wide, shameless grin. “The real question is why the guys were attracted to me – if humans are so small and weak looking or whatever else you giants think of us, then why would they want to fuck me?”

“That really is a whole other question,” Aonung sighs, rolling his eyes as though you’re being stupid. “But be honest, what do you think of me-”

He’s cut off by your pillow smacking him heavily in the face, and resurfaces to find your little frown a foot away from his.

“Hey, I was honest with you,” you scowl. “If you don’t want me going back to thinking you’re an absolute dick again- leave it.”

And he does, reluctantly.

All afternoon you can see him itching to question you more about it, burning with the desire to find out who you had been with, still shocked by the revelation that you fucked around with people in his clan, and he never even knew.

But he knows better than to push you, so he stays quiet, watching you work quietly.

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@hadesbabygurl @wavesarchive @kqlopsia @tadomikiku @ntymavtr @mommyanddadskiller @thehoneymushroomhealer @tsireyax @integers @tiyawnyana @whatevenisagrapefruit @oakbuggy @sunsetviper @blue-slxt @simplyawh0re@yootvi @narwhal-swimmingintheocean @vminlvxr @elegantfankidsoul @blue-slxt @neteyamssyulang @theunfortunateplace @lala-1516 @strongheartneteyam @kiskso @deadpool15 @vampirefilmlover @tysirya @universal-s1ut Please let me know if you'd also like to be added to the taglist :)

[bluejeanstrash]

jihoon is not a jealous guy.

that’s what he tells himself anyway as he sees that guy walk over to you. how rude of him to interrupt someone when they’re working out. doesn’t he know it’s bad gym etiquette?

you pull out your earphones as he starts speaking to you. he says he’s sorry to interrupt but your form was off and he wanted to help because you could get seriously injured otherwise.

no, i’m not jealous. jihoon tells himself that as he watches that guy put his hands on you, helping you lift the weights, showing you how it’s done.

you don’t need him to show you, you had jihoon for that. he feels irritated as that guy’s fingers linger on your skin a little too long.

i don’t have the right to be jealous. he tells himself that as he strains his ear to hear the conversation between you both. something about him spotting you next time too? why are you laughing at that? he frowns.

jealously is immature. he’s not jealous. he tells himself that as he cuts his workout short, finishing 3 sets too early. he feels this irrational need to walk over and interrupt whatever conversation is happening.

‘you ready to go?’ he asks, completely ignoring the guy next to you.

you look at your watch. ‘you’re done already?’ jihoon always took at least 10 more minutes to finish.

‘mmhm’ he’s trying to act chill, so he takes a sip of his water. nonchalant. cool. unbothered.

‘hey man, i’ve seen you lift’ that guy turns to him feeling slightly awkward at being ignored. ‘super impressive’ he flatters jihoon only to get a tight smile and a curt ‘thanks’ in return.

he’d seen that guy lift too. he was impressive as well. but right now jihoon sees that as a threat. he wants to be better, so he subtly flexes his arms hoping you’ll notice how good his body looks.

you see, jihoon’s playing the long game with you. the long game being that he’s harbouring very strong feelings towards you and has decided to never reveal them incase he gets rejected.

‘i still have a few sets left’ there’s a look of relief on that guy’s face which doesn’t get past jihoon.

‘you go ahead jihoonie, i’ll go back on my own today’ you tell him casually.

stupid mistake. stupid emotional mistake. he should’ve finished working out so you could leave together like always.

if he walks away now, what would happen here? he runs through multiple simulations in his mind and all of them end terribly.

one with you dating this guy. the second of you getting married to him, and the most jarring one of all - you getting fucked by this guy. it’s messing with his head. but jihoon is jihoon, so he’ll never let you see it.

‘okay’ he wants to scream. ‘see you tomorrow then’ he bends to give you a quick hug before nodding at the guy.

i’m not a jealous guy. he tells himself that as he walks away, seething with jealously.

[oftenwantedafton]

Night Shift

Steve Raglan/William Afton and Mike Schmidt x Female Reader

Chapter 1

Rating - Explicit

Warnings - dub/non con sexual content

Summary: Your new boyfriend Mike Schmidt invites you to spend the evening with him at his new security job. He promises you nothing exciting ever happens and you’ll be all alone together.

He’s very wrong.

Also available on AO3

The idea of visiting your new boyfriend Mike Schmidt at his workplace sounds very appealing, at first.

He works third shift as a security guard in a long closed children’s party themed restaurant. You’ll have total privacy and plenty of time; he’s assured you nothing ever happens.

Now that you’re standing in front of the abandoned building, though, things feel very different.

The filaments in one of the lightbulbs in the marquis sign above the entrance struggle and the light extinguishes with a loud pop, causing you to jump. Mike glances back at you as he finishes unlocking the gate, smiling reassuringly when he walks back to you, wrapping his arms around your torso.

“Hey, it’s ok. I promise. Nothing exciting ever happens here. The place is just really old and run down.”

You nod, allowing him to guide you inside through the entryway and into the dining room.

“Hey guys,” he greets the animatronics onstage casually. You glance at the trio of figures, feeling another chill go through you. You’ve never liked the appearance of the animal mascots, finding the rows of teeth bared in a smile more threatening than friendly.

“The security office is back this way.” He takes your hand and you’re glad to follow, gratefully escaping the unnerving feeling the stares from the cold eyes give you.

“So this is where I spend my night.” He gestures for you to enter a room with a desk topped with monitors. It’s a cramped space, you note, with a narrow locker and filing cabinet completing the room’s decor.

“I don’t think I’d like being cooped up like this. How do you stand it?”

Mike sighs. “It’s a job. And I’ve kind of burned my bridges with the last one, so…”

“That wasn’t your fault. You were just trying to help that boy.” You lay a hand on his sleeve, looking at him sympathetically.

“I fucked up, plain and simple. At least it wasn’t all bad though. We wouldn’t have met otherwise,” he muses, resting a hand on one hip and stealing a kiss. It was true; you just happened to be shopping at the mall that day and were standing nearby when you witnessed the incident. “Besides, I need this job if I’m going to keep taking care of Abby. My aunt is really pushing this custody battle thing.”

“She doesn’t even want her. She’s just doing it to be a jerk.” You scowl. You’ve only met her once, briefly, while you were at Mike’s house. The woman was insufferable. Everything about her, from her pinched face to her snide comments to her horrible clothing made you instantly dislike her. You’ve already seen the bond between Mike and his sister, recognizing how close the two siblings were. He was doing such a good job raising her. His aunt had no right to try to interfere.

“You’re cute when you pout. Stop thinking about her. She’s not worth it. We’ve got better things to do.” He kisses you again, longer this time. His hands slide beneath your sweater, still cool from the early spring evening, and you shiver at the touch. He makes short work of the hooks of your bra, easing back to cup your breasts, thumbs dragging across nipples already erect from the cold climate outdoors.

You moan against his mouth and caress the soft waves of dark hair curling against the nape of his neck, encouraging him to continue. You’ve made out with him a few times already but you haven’t gone all the way yet. You wonder if tonight will be the night it finally happens.

Your eyes slide closed and Mike’s too busy working on the zipper of your jeans to notice the activity on one of the monitors that’s focused on the main entrance. A tall figure enters through the front door and vanishes from view, reappearing in one of the shots focused on the cash register and prize counter, then disappears yet again.

Mike’s just begun to peel the clinging denim down over the curves of your buttocks, mouth working on your throat when you hear the door open behind you.

“Holy shit—” Mike curses.

You gasp, turning to find a middle aged man standing in the opening of the doorway. His pale eyes are framed by gold aviators and his dark hair is touched with gray at the temples, a similar brush stroke running through his neatly trimmed beard.

“What’s going on here?” He looks more bemused than upset, his eyes openly roving over your half dressed form.

“Mr. Raglan. Um, listen, I can explain…”

“Really? I’d love to hear your excuse for this. Your explanations are always so…entertaining.” He smirks, arms folding over his dress shirt, rumpling the tie draped over his chest.

“We were just…” His voice trails off. There’s no way to describe any plausible reason for what the intruder has just witnessed. “I really need this job,” he says, his voice choked. “You’re not going to tell the owner, are you?”

“Well, that depends.”

“On what?”

“On how cooperative your girlfriend here is willing to be.” His arms drop and he takes a step forward. You can’t get over how much taller he is than the both of you. “I could be persuaded to keep silent.” He reaches for your face and you gasp, recoiling when his fingers graze your cheek.

“What the fuck man?” Mike slaps the other man’s hand away.

Steve shrugs. “It’s no skin off my nose. I’ll just be making a quick call to the owner, who I’m sure will be delighted to be woken up at this hour to find out he’s paying a security guard to fondle his girlfriend instead of watching the cameras.” He steps towards the desk but Mike stops him.

“Wait. Just…let’s talk about this for a minute.” The younger man pleads.

“I don’t see what else there is to discuss. Do you want to keep your job or not? You won’t get another opportunity from the agency, I can assure you. This was your last chance and it seems you’ve blown it.”

“What is it you want?” It’s your first time speaking and the career counselor’s eyes snap to your face.

“You seem to be having such a good time. I’d like to join in. Do you think Mike here would be willing to share?”

“Absolutely fucking not. You’re not laying a hand on her,” Mike growls, one hand tightening into a fist.

Steve chuckles softly. “That’s right, you’re fond of violence. Well, you’re welcome to try. We can add that to the list of charges against you. You’ll be facing jail time for certain.” He lifts the receiver off the hook and you reach out, your hands closing over his wrist.

“Wait. I’ll…I’ll do it,” you murmur reluctantly, feeling nausea twist your stomach.

The security guard stares at you in disbelief. “What? No. You’re not doing this. This wasn’t your fault. It was my idea. I’ll figure something else out. We’re leaving.”

“We have to. We don’t have a choice. We have to do it for Abby.” You release your grip on the older man who stares at you, cheeks dimpling as his grin widens.

“I like your girlfriend already, Mike. She’s caring, generous…and has a very fuckable body,” he concludes with a leer.

“You bastard.”

“I thought I was being kind by inviting you to be included in our activities. I can always just enjoy her alone.”

“Don’t leave me,” you plead, pressing your back against Mike.

“I won’t. I’m sorry,” he whispers against your ear. “I’ll try to get us out of this somehow…”

“Enough chatter. Let’s get down to business.” Steve steps closer, tipping your chin up so he can view your features. The light from the desk lamp glares across the lenses of his glasses, obscuring his eyes from your vision. He smooths a thumb over your bottom lip then bends to kiss you, his tongue intruding roughly into your mouth.

You struggle not to gag, trying not to think about what’s happening and who’s doing this to you, leaning your weight back against your boyfriend for some measure of comfort and reassurance. The older man’s beard is rough against your skin. You can smell cologne on him, something Mike has never worn, the clustered fragrances of bergamot and orange peel heavy in your nostrils.

The fact that your body is responding to the kiss makes it all much, much worse.

Steve clearly has had years of practice, and the experience shows. He lavs at your neck, catches your bottom lip with his teeth, sucks along your tongue and lets a thick trail of saliva descend from his mouth into yours. You feel a warmth blooming inside of you, your sex tingling and throbbing and you hate yourself for becoming aroused just from a kiss by this stranger.

Mike seems too shocked to do more than watch, cradling you against him, allowing the career counselor to take his time tasting his girlfriend’s cherry chapstick lined mouth before his hands begin exploring, snaking underneath your sweater to knead your breasts and roll and pinch your nipples. You can’t stifle a small moan, hear Mike’s breathing by your ear ratchet up. Initially you think it had been rapid from discovery and anger; now you wonder if it is from something else entirely.

“God you’re sweet,” Steve growls, shoving a hand into the waistband of your panties. His probing fingers stroke past your clit and dip between the folds, finding your body’s betrayal of slick arousal. He’s skilled at touching as well, adeptly alternating between stroking your bundle of nerve endings and fingering your entrance, dipping a little further inside each time, teasing you, eliciting another moan and a series of squelching sounds as his prodding disrupts more lubricating fluid from your body.

You can feel Mike’s erection pressing against you now; there’s no longer any doubt that he’s turned on by what’s happening, in spite of the circumstances.

You lean your head back, turning your face slightly. “Don’t think about him, think about me,” he whispers, his lips finding yours. He kisses you gently, wrapping his arms around your chest, trying to distract you from the other man’s presence.

The career counselor isn’t one to be ignored, however. He’s dropped to his knees, tugging down your panties and removing your sneakers before peeling off your jeans. “Why don’t you give me a hand here, Mike?” He tucks one of his own under your left knee, indicating he wants your boyfriend to hold it up so he has better access to your dripping pussy.

Your mouth goes slack and you moan when you feel the man’s tongue press against your clit, threading fingers through his salt and pepper hair as he buries his nose against your mound, his tongue thrusting between your lips and teasing your opening.

“Fuck…nnngh” You can’t help it. His mouth is too skilled, too fervent against your cunt. Mike’s breath is a harsh, unsteady rasp beside your cheek, his cock now being ground slightly against your ass cheeks.

“Fucking delicious.” Steve slurps your lips and sucks on your throbbing clit and the leg you’re standing on trembles violently. He redoubles his efforts and you know you’re going to cum, there’s no way to avoid it, it just feels too good having the older man eating you out so rapturously.

“Come on honey. Cum for me,” he urges, slipping a finger inside and curling it forward and that does it, you explode against his mouth and hand, the noise tearing from your throat one you don’t even recognize.

Mike relaxes his grip on your leg and you lower it shakily as the older man rises, gasping when Steve’s mouth covers yours again, offering you a taste of yourself. Your juices are all over his lips and beard and you find yourself lapping at them, all reason lost in the moment of the afterwaves of ultimate pleasure.

“I think Mike needs some assistance,” he suggests, stepping back and sliding the office chair beside you. “Maybe this will help. Sit down,” he instructs and you obey. He bends and grabs you by your ankles and tugs sharply, pulling you sideways so that your back is resting on the seat, your lower body splayed against his chest. There’s strength in that lean form; you think he could crush you with his bare hands. In this position, Mike’s crotch is now within easy reach of your mouth.

The dark haired young man hesitates, still hating what’s happening, glaring at the career counselor but unable to deny he wants relief as well. He combs his fingers through your hair, trying to bring some tenderness and intimacy back to the moments that have been stolen and invaded. He unzips his pants, withdrawing his erection, stroking it a few times before he presses it to your lips.

Your mouth engulfs the head of his cock, tasting precum as your tongue swipes across the opening.

“She can take more than that.” Steve watched raptly as you gag at the sudden intrusion when Mike follows the suggestion, perhaps hoping this will all end faster if you both just cooperate, or perhaps it’s his own desire; it’s hard to separate the two thoughts anymore, the line between what you’re being forced to endure and what you want to happen blurring.

The chair creaks as your head bobs, sliding over Mike’s cock. He groans at the sensation, the fingers once caressing your hair now knotting in it.

“Those lips were made for cocksucking. Fuck her mouth,” the older man encourages, his hands sliding over your legs and slipping between them stopping just shy of your center, teasing you. You can still feel your arousal leaking out of you as Mike thrusts harder into your mouth, straining your throat as he batters the muscle and bruises the cartilage.

“Better,” Steve says, abandoning his caresses to unzip his pants, stroking as he watches you perform for him. “But now I feel left out. Let’s get you over the desk, sweetheart.” Mike withdraws and the other man pulls you upright as easily as if you’re a rag doll, tugging you to your feet and then pushing you over the corner of the desk, so Mike can still reach your mouth and Steve now has access to your pussy. The thin padding of your sweater provides little cushioning for your breasts smashed against the steel surface. The older man slaps one ass cheek lightly, just enough to bring a little blossom of pink color, and then you feel a slight pressure as he lines himself up with your entrance.

You moan around Mike’s member in surprise, realizing the career counselor’s prick is larger than what you’re accustomed to. He stretches your canal and your abdominal muscles tense, your vaginal walls clenching on the intruding organ.

“Christ, Mike, she’s tight,” he exhales, pushing until he reaches the hilt, completely sheathed within you. “Relax, honey.” He rubs a circle against your lower spine, calloused fingers dragging across soft skin. He pulls back and slides in once more, still surprisingly gentle, letting your body learn to accommodate him.

It’s distracting, difficult to focus between the sensations of your boyfriend’s cock in your mouth and the career counselor’s cock nestled in your pussy. You’re still revolted but the feeling is stifled beneath your arousal. You’ve never been so turned on in your life, would never have dreamt of being shared by two men at the same time. The fact that one of them is a stranger only heightens the experience.

“Good girl,” Steve praises as you begin to relax, moving with the rhythm of his lenient thrusts. He accelerates the pace, bucking into you harder, and you welcome the intrusion, your pelvis grinding back against him. You feel another orgasm building again.

Mike’s own climax is approaching, his breathing unsteady, his thrusts between the tight ring of your lips sloppier, more urgent. You suck harder, moaning around his length, accompanying the slapping sound of Steve’s body colliding with yours. Both men are cursing, battering at your openings from opposite ends. Your entire body feels like it is on fire, aching and hot, you need to cum, you need to make them cum…

Mike lets go first, spilling his seed onto your tongue, the warm, sour liquid pooling in your mouth. Steve follows soon after, his fingers bruising your hips as he explodes, dragging you right along with him. You moan and shake as you feel his cum spilling deep inside of you, filling you up.

There’s a pause while all three of you recover, breathing slowing, pulses descending, the tingling feeling in your limbs ebbing. You’re becoming acutely aware of how uncomfortable your position is and struggle to stand, finding your legs shaky, surprised when it’s Steve this time that supports you from behind, his lips nuzzling your throat when he smiles.

Mike curses, fumbling with the opening of his pants. He glares daggers at the career counselor, bending to gather your discarded clothing and pressing it into your arms.

“Are you ok?” He asks, attempting to tuck back a stray strand of hair from your face. “That’s enough. Get your hands off of her.”

“If that’s what the lady wants, sure.” Steve says placidly, unperturbed. “Is that what you want?” He asks against your ear.

“Yes,” you murmur, not sure if that’s what you really want at all.

“Alright.” He shifts, his warmth and touch abandoning your body.

“This is it, then. We did what you wanted. I get to keep my job and you keep your mouth closed. Agreed?”

“Of course. I’m a man of my word.” Steve grins again, straightening his clothing, glancing at you and sighing wistfully. “Although I wouldn’t mind another round sometime. Just to, you know…ensure my silence, as it were.” His pale eyes meet yours and you shudder, looking away hurriedly.

“As if that’s going to fucking happen.” Mike shakes his head. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

“No need. I know the way. You can watch the cameras if you don’t trust I’m actually departing. You know, like you were supposed to be doing anyway.” His eyes meet yours a final time. “It was a real pleasure to meet you. If you change your mind about the offer, Mike knows where to find me,” the older man says over his shoulder as he walks away.

[thissortofsorcery]

@intothedysphoria has inspired me to write about autistic!harringrove, and my own experiences with autism... Max, this is for you! I hope you like it!

tw for anxiety and sensory overwhelm, but it ends fluffy, I promise.

---

It started as a normal day, but it quickly derailed from there.

An asshole at work approached Billy from behind and clapped his hand around the nape of his neck, despite Billy having told him several times he didn’t like that.

Billy didn’t like being touched at all, by most people. And some people had no concept of personal space.

A horrible, painful shiver cut through his spine, icy cold and almost slimy, and Billy held back a shudder. He broke out in goosebumps, and only years and years of practice, of putting on the charm let him pull away from the dickhead graciously, laugh at whatever he said and keep himself together until he could hide away in a bathroom stall.

Billy presses his fingers to his closed eyes hard, seeing stars, and rubs the back of his neck vigorously, trying to replace that cold shiver with something else. Tears spring to his eyes, and he feels so fucking frustrated.

Finding out you’re autistic in your twenties is an experience. A lot of things start making sense, and a lot of things you pushed down and convinced yourself weren’t a problem spring back up like a jack-in-the-box, a hundred times worse.

Like the touch thing. It’s not that Billy doesn’t like being touched. He just doesn’t like being touched by people he doesn’t know, and for no reason.

Like, his physical therapist, when she was helping him regain dexterity in his hands after Starcourt, that was fine.

Some dude in the office touching his neck, even casually, not so much.

Billy takes a deep breath, tries to remember the self-care workbook he and Steve filled out together a couple months ago. Tries to calm down.

Three ways I can distract myself when someone touches me, he’d written, glancing back up at Steve with a smile. Happy they were doing it together.

Loud music + puzzle

Hot drink

Yelling

Steve laughed and shook his head (“it’s very you”) when Billy wrote down the last one, but it really did help.

Billy gives himself a few more moments in the stall before he slinks out, heading to the sinks and splashing cold water on his face. The sensory shock helps a little, the cool, pleasant feeling helping balance the sensation of something crawling under his skin.

He checks if the break room is empty before he goes in, and it thankfully is. He doesn’t want to run into anyone. Doesn’t think he has it in him to mask right now.

Billy makes himself a mug full of scalding hot coffee and hurries back to his office, avoiding eye contact with anyone who throws out a hello. So what if they think he’s angry. Maybe he is pissed.

He manages to spend the rest of the day locked in his office, headphones on, and only comes out when it’s time to go home.

Of course, all he wants is to see Steve, wants his comforting presence, even if they’ve been dating only three months. When he walks through the door of Steve’s house, he sees Steve sitting on the couch, feet up on the coffee table, wearing his ugly vomit green socks with raccoons on them, that he’s had since he was 15 and won’t get rid of.

A wave of relief crashes through him, nearly leaving him dizzy. He breathes deep, catches the smell of his clean house, laundry, and Steve.

“Hey baby,” Steve calls, laying his head on the back of the couch to look at him, making his glasses just a little bit crooked. “Bad day?”

“Does my face look that terrible?” Billy grumbles, taking his shoes off at the entryway before he steps into the living room.

“Your headphones are around your neck,” Steve points to them, a smile ticking up the corner of his mouth.

Oh. Billy forgot to put them away. He doesn’t need them in the car.

He sighs and throws himself down next to Steve, a careful, deliberate distance away.

“I’m just ‘whelmed,” Billy mumbles.

“Overwhelmed?”

“Not anymore. Just whelmed,” He says, sighing again. His body sags, melting against the cushions. He doesn’t feel shivery anymore, but he feels tired, like he’s on the bad end of an all-nighter.

Steve puts his hand on the cushion between them, palm up, not touching Billy.

Billy takes a deep breath, watching Steve’s hand. He knows that hand intimately, knows it to be warm and soft and kind, knows how its skin feels against Billy’s, the friction making the shivers good instead of bad.

He puts a tentative fingertip on Steve’s pointer finger, and all Steve does is press back, smiling gently.

Billy slides his fingers in between Steve’s, laces them together, holds his hand palm to palm, and feels the touch of his skin like they’re buzzing together.

Billy knows he can change his mind, and all Steve’s gonna do is smile, sit on his side of the couch, and continue the conversation.

“How’s that book you were working on going?” Steve asks. He rubs his thumb over the back of Billy’s hand once, and stops. When Billy squeezes his hand, he resumes the movement, sending pleasant tingles up Billy’s arm.

“Good. The writer was receptive to what I said. They sent me a couple reworked chapters today,” Billy says, moving closer to Steve, so their arms press together.

As the conversation goes on, Billy presses closer and closer, at his own pace, and Steve accepts it crumb by crumb.

He doesn’t know what he did to deserve Steve, or how Steve is so patient with him. Steve loves physical contact. Billy does, too, but he’s so particular about it that sometimes he wonders if he’s even worth sticking around for.

Billy ends up lying on top of Steve, chest to chest, nose tucked into his throat, breathing in his warmth and his scent.

“Don’t touch my neck, okay?” He asks, hunching his shoulders a little.

“Yeah, okay,” Steve says, easy as that. “Can I touch your hair?”

“Yeah.”

Steve turns his head and kisses Billy’s head, right on the hairline, pulling a deep, content sigh from him.

“Thanks, Stevie,” Billy says, squeezing his ribs just a little tighter. “For doing this for me. Being patient.”

Steve looks down at him, frowning slightly.

“‘Course. You shouldn’t— You don’t have to thank me,” He says, earnest. “It’s not a chore, Billy. You’re not…” He licks his lips, trying to think. When he looks at Billy, it's like he's telling him a secret. “You make me happy. All of you.”

Billy’s smile is wide, stretching his full lips and showing his teeth, and Billy only drops it so he can kiss Steve.

They keep it chaste, an unhurried, soft press of lips, enjoying their intimacy and their closeness and their familiarity. Simple as it is, it's one of the best kisses he's had. Steve's the best person he's ever met.

When Steve touches him, he feels safe. Billy wants to keep him.

[abiiors]

VEEEEEEE, i messaged you a few days ago that i was at work and thinking many thoughts of ross and i am once again at work and thinking many thoughts of our big beautiful man…

IN PARTICULAR idk why this is the scenario on my mind but ROSS HAVING A CRUSH ON YOU 🤭🤭🤭 and being sosoooooo smitten and soft for you…. (gnawing at my enclosure) like in this scenario i keep thinking about, it’s ross waiting for you to show up to like an intimate gathering of friends and you’ve met the boys and everyone before through charli cause that’s bestie (need her expeditiously) and you and ross really hit it off!! his head is full of nothing but thoughts of you!! so he’s clearly distracted until you get there then he’s all smiles and laughs and gentle touches (need to be institutionalized) but ALSO until you get there he’s all impatient and antsy asking charli if you let her know what time you’d be there but he asks it more than once so everyone starts teasing him for having a crush and then they tease him even more once you get there cause his whole demeanor changes i’m thinking many normal thoughts 😍😍😍

OH MY GODDDDDDD ANON YOU'RE IN MY HEAD BECAUSE THIS IS LITERALLY A SLEEP SCENARIO FOR ME!!!! i love the whole dynamic of having a crush so much, it's just SO. SOFT. 😭😭

yes, absolutely, you've been introduced to their friend group through charli because she is the fucking coolest and makes an offhanded comment like "hmmm you know what now that you're single, there's someone i wanna introduce you to" (that someone being ross obv) and you do absolutely hit it off but maybe you're both a bit shy at first to ask each other out immediately. like you like each other a lot and worry that the other might not feel the same but oh lordddd he is so down bad.

he's quite good at hiding it though, or maybe he thinks he's quite good at hiding it 🤭 like he won't go up to charli and directly ask her when you're coming. he'd instead just casually be like "oh, thought your friend was coming too, isn't she?" all cool and aloof as if he doesn't care, he's just 'curious' but charli instantly clocks it and smirks at him like "well, aren't you curious!!! she's running a bit late don't worry. she'll be here in 15, i just got a text from her."

and he spends the next 15 minutes trying not to hover near the door so he can be the one to open it once the doorbell rings. anyway, he isn't the one to open it--george is. and you go around saying hello to people and hugging both george and charli before you shyly wave at ross and fix your hair a bit (self conscious, it was kinda windy outside and ross finds it so adorable that your hair is all unruly and messy in a very effortlessly sexy way)

charli immediately hooks her arm with yours and pulls you towards ross and goes "so ross is really good at making cocktails and you were saying how you were gasping for a good martini!" and then she sorta pushes you both together towards her home bar and says "go ahead, use whatever you like"

while your back is turned she also throws a wink at ross who rolls his eyes and mouths a silent thank you (she really is a good wingwoman) and well turns out he is really good at making cocktails. you even comment on it and he's like "come on i'll teach you." so you hold the shaker in your hands a bit unsure until you feel him right behind you and so close that you can almost feel the heat radiating off him. his cologne is mouth-wateringly good and you fucking want to turn around and pull him into a kiss.

he is no better tho--his heart is fucking hammering in his chest because he really does fancy you so much and you're so fucking close to him. so he does the second best thing which is wrapping his hand over yours under the guise of teaching you how to make a martini.

your hand is so small and soft in his and it's like the first time he's ever properly touched you so he feels like he's fucking sixteen again. no one is paying attention to the martini, you're both just busy blushing and being idiots in general. <3

[steddiecameraroll]

They Keep (Just) Missing

ao3

Rating: M - WC: 13,760 - AU Modern, Angst with a Happy Ending, miscommunication galore, four times they should’ve kissed but didn’t, and one time they finally do.

First Time

“What are you doing here, Steve?” Eddie stares at the man standing before him.

“I came with Robin?” Steve doesn’t understand the hostility being daggered at him.

Eddie shoves his hands in his pockets and tries calming his breathing. It’s been a few years since Eddie’s laid eyes on the slender, ever-beautiful man across from him. The hallway of this very small, very smelly, cramped bar wasn’t making it any more comfortable.

“You ok, man?” Steve takes a cautious step forward.

“Yeah, uh sorry, thought I was seeing a ghost.” Eddie runs his hand over his face trying to remove the clear emotions from his expression. “It’s good to see you.” Eddie tries to lift his tone to pretend he isn’t nervous as fuck.

“Yeah, you too, man. Glad to see you’re still with the band. That’s cool.” Steve leans casually against the wall and crosses his arms.

Eddie’s stomach flutters at how gorgeous Steve looks. He has a little bit of stubble gracing his jawline and is wearing a tight white crew neck shirt under an unbuttoned yellow dress shirt covered by an oversized denim jacket. Eddie has to bite his cheek to keep his eyes from raking over Steve’s body.

“Yeah, still plugging along. Things are picking up, though. It’s been fun. Glad you’re here. So you’re in town then?” Eddie nervously finds his chain wallet hanging from his side and starts rubbing his thumb over the clip attached to his belt loop.

“Yeah, for Thanksgiving. Joyce invited me down, and I didn’t have anything else going on, so I thought I’d accept.” Steve watches Eddie carefully. He’s trying to understand the mood happening between them.

Eddie seems nervous, and Steve can’t understand why. When Steve left Hawkins about three years earlier, their relationship could be defined as friends, they’d gotten closer, but it wasn’t like they were best friends or anything. Steve didn’t keep in touch, but neither did Eddie. It felt like their friendship faded to what it was meant to be, just casual acquaintances. When someone would bring up the other one, they would smile and listen all about what was going on, like a fondness for a past life, but that was it.

“Oh right, the whole reunion of sorts. Very cool, um, maybe I’ll see you there.” Eddie needs to return to the band but can’t pull away. He wants to soak up every possible second with Steve because he knows he won’t get to see him again, and it’s been a while since he’s recharged his Steve fix.

“For sure, uh, do you need to get ready?” Steve makes a motion with his thumb back behind him down the hallway.

“Right, yeah.” Eddie looks behind Steve and sees Robin heading down the hallway toward them.

“Eddie! Oh my god, I’m so excited for tonight. Look who joined me,” Robin puts her hand on Steve’s shoulder and gives him a little shake.

“Yeah, yeah, I see that. You didn’t tell me.” Eddie narrows his eyes at her, trying to communicate silently.

“It was a surprise,” she widens her eyes and leans forward.

“Sure fucking was,” Eddie’s fake smile starts to slip.

Steve’s picking up on something between them and turns to look at Robin with his brows furrowed.

“What’s going on?” 

“Oh, nothing,” Robin beams at him and then turns back to Eddie. “Gareth was looking for you.”

“Right, yeah, so I gotta find him. Glad you’re here, Steve. Good to see you.” Eddie heads down the hallway and bumps into Robin purposefully. “I’ll talk to you later.”

*****

“I thought you’d be happy to see him,” Robin admits to Eddie after he cornered her by the bar.

“Uh, sure, but maybe a warning would’ve been nice. Now I’m fucking nervous as shit and gonna fuck up this whole show.”

“Don’t you think you’re being dramatic?” Robin crosses her arms and leans against the bar top.

“No, no I don’t. He looks so fucking hot, and I hate you for that.” Eddie doesn’t feel Steve coming up behind him, and it’s too late for Robin to warn him.

“Who does?” Steve slides in by Robin.

“Uh,” Eddie almost chokes on his tongue, trying to find a responsible answer.

“One of the bartenders.” Robin butts in and gives Eddie a tight-lipped look.

“Yeah, yeah,” Eddie quickly agrees.

“Oh, who is it?” Steve starts looking around.

“He’s in the back.” Eddie tries to cover it up.

“Point him out when he comes back. I wanna know the kind of guy Eddie Munson thinks is hot.” Steve found out Eddie was gay years ago and, to Eddie’s relief, was just as fine with it as he was with Robin.

“Uh, ok?

“Have you asked him out?” Steve grins wide.

“No, no, I don’t think he likes me.” Eddie keeps looking at Robin, seeking assistance.

“Y-yeah, he’s still feeling it out,” Robin adds, hoping to help.

“So, the idea is to feel it out? See if he’s into guys too?” 

Eddie nods, “mhm.”

“Are there like signs or something to look out for?” Steve looks between Eddie and Robin.

“Flirting, flirting is one.” Robin points out.

“I know flirting,” Steve wiggles his shoulders.

“No, you don’t, dingus.” Robin scrunches her face at him.

“Shut up, yes I do.” Steve crosses his arms.

“While you two argue about that, I’ve gotta go.” He grabs his beer from the bar, nods at the bartender, and walks up towards the stage.

“So point him out, ok?” Steve says to Robin.

“Who?”

“The bartender.” Steve reminds her.

“Oh, oh yeah. I’ll see if he’s still here.” 

“What does he look like?” Steve starts looking around the room.

“Why are you so interested?” Robin tilts her head at him.

“I just, I don’t know, was curious what his type was like,” Steve replies, flustered.

“You wanna know his type?”

“Sure, why not?”

“I don’t know.”

“So what is it?”

“Dorks,” she rolls her eyes.

“Like nerds? I mean, I guess that makes sense.”

“No, no, not nerds, but giant idiots. Who usually can’t get their shit together and are oblivious to reality.” Robin doesn’t even try to hide it.

“Ok, that doesn’t really help.”

Robin rolls her eyes, takes her drink from the bar, and walks toward the stage.

“Just tell me. What does he look like?” Steve follows close to her.

“You seem interested in the kind of guy Eddie wants to bang, dingus.” Robin takes a sip and gives him a suggestive glance.

“No, pfft, I was…I was just curious.” Steve lifts his beer to his mouth and stares at the ceiling avoiding eye contact.

Robin pointedly turns and faces Steve. “He has a type. His type is a little Ryan Reynolds-like, probably a jock or was one in high school. Tall, prefers brunettes. Likes a man in tight jeans. I hate it. When we hang out, he’s always comparing every dude to this one guy, and it makes me want to sock him in the mouth. He won’t shut up about him, and it’s been fucking years.”

“Years?” Steve furrows his brows.

“Yeah, years.” She runs her eyes over him and then sighs and turns back to the stage, taking another sip of her drink.

“Wait, years? So do I know him? Who is it?” Steve starts wracking his brain through everyone from school. Steve must know him if he likes guys that are into sports. Unless he played baseball, Steve wasn’t on the baseball team. Although he could’ve because those little league games and his bat-swinging skills were monster-killing worthy.

Robin doesn’t reply but rolls her eyes again and is relieved when the lights turn down and the crowd starts cheering.

The other band members of Corroded Coffin come spilling onto the stage, waving to a few people in the crowd and getting themselves situated with their instruments. After a long beat, Eddie steps out of the darkness to a spattering of hoots and hollers, gives a wicked grin to the crowd, and grabs his guitar from the stand, slinging it over his shoulder.

“Hey, we’re Corroded Coffin, and I hope you’re ready for a life-altering dick-tingling experience tonight.” Eddie catches Steve’s eyes at the end of the sentence and sends him a flirty wink. He always feels more confident on stage.

The crowd cheers and hangs off every word. Steve starts understanding how rock stars can be worshipped. The way the spotlight frames Eddie’s face creates a halo glow in Eddie’s hair and brings a sparkle to his brown eyes. Steve thinks he looks utterly celestial.

The band played one of the best sets they’ve had in months. Whatever the fear and nervousness Eddie felt with Steve being there, he channeled and pushed himself through to perform his best version. When they were finished, Eddie was dripping in sweat, exhausted but running on excitement and adrenaline. The band started unhooking their instruments and heading off stage to the back, letting the next band set up.

“Can we go back there?” Steve asked Robin.

“Backstage?”

“Yeah, y’know, just to tell him… them that they did a good job?” Steve’s body was buzzing with the show’s after-effects.

“You wanna go back and tell Eddie he did a good job?” Robin asks teasingly.

“Shut up, never mind.” 

“Come on,” Robin grabs Steve’s hand and pulls him to the back door.

No one stops them or confronts them, and Steve is surprised at how simple it is for anyone to walk to the back.

“Munson, you have a new groupie.” Robin shoves open the door to an office, and the band is mingling around in the room.

“Rob! Oh do I?” Eddie turns to the door while wiping his face off with a hand towel. When he pulls the towel down, his eyes meet Steve’s, and his stomach drops at the look he’s giving him. “Steve,” he swallows hard and tries to pull himself together quickly. “You gonna come on tour with us and hang out in the bus dressed in almost nothing, with your tits hanging out?”

Steve’s mouth goes dry as he feels Eddie’s eyes look over his body as if Eddie is thinking about Steve wearing an outfit like he’s describing.

“I’m gonna get another drink.” Robin leaves the room, pretty sure neither of the boys heard her.

Eddie moves closer to Steve, and Steve feels like he’s prey and Eddie is stalking him. It sends a chill down Steve’s spine straight past his shoulders to his hips.

“Yeah, you’d like that wouldn’t you?” Steve crosses his arms and cocks an eyebrow at Eddie.

“Maybe,” Eddie winks and then turns back, wrapping the towel around his neck and grabbing a bottle of water. “Enjoy the show, Harrington?”

While Eddie is turned away, Steve takes in the man’s form and lets his eyes rake over his entire body.

Has Eddie always been this sexy? Shit. 

“Uh yeah,” Steve clears his throat and diverts his gaze. “It was great. Glad I was here for it.” Steve tries to sound as casual as possible.

Eddie turns to Steve and leans his hand on a nearby table, shifting his body weight and casually leaning on one foot. Steve tries to ignore the shudder rolling through him at the view.

“What are you doing later, Harrington? There’s an after-party at Gareth’s. You should come.” Eddie is trying to hold onto the confidence being on stage brings him.

“Uh, yeah, sure.”

Eddie puts his hand out, “give me your phone.” 

Steve’s stomach drops, and he pulls his cell out from his back pocket and moves closer to Eddie, handing him his phone. Steve can smell sweat, cigarettes, and something faintly amber and musky coming from Eddie. When Eddie finishes, he glances up at Steve and offers the phone back.

“Now you have my number. I’ll text you the address. See you later, Stevie.” Eddie presses his tongue to the tip of his tooth while grinning wickedly at Steve.

Steve can’t find his voice and nods. His hand is tingling, and he wants to look at his phone, but he waits until he steps out of the room. Pulling the door shut behind him, he leans against it and sighs loudly. He looks down at the screen and swipes it open, seeing the last screen appear and the text Eddie sent to himself.

Favorite Metalhead ❤ 

Steve: I’ve never told you this before, but I think you’re the sexiest guitar player in the entire world 

“What are you smiling at, dingus?” Robin appears holding two drinks and hands one to Steve.

“Oh, nothing.” Steve clicks his screen off and slides his phone into his back pocket. “Eddie invited us to the after-party. Wanna go?” 

“Shit, can’t. I have the opening shift tomorrow. This show was late enough. I can’t be up until 3 am. But you should definitely go.” She clinks her drink against his and gives him a goofy smile.

“Yeah, it’ll be fun. Hang out with Eddie for a while.” Steve feels his phone buzz in his pocket, making him jump a little.

“Uh, you ok?” Robin looks at him, concerned.

“My phone just buzzed. It scared me.”

“Let’s go back out, finish this drink, and listen to this last band. Then I’m gonna go home.” Robin starts walking to the main area, and Steve pulls his phone out and slides it open.

Favorite Metalhead ❤: why Stevie, I had no idea you were so obsessed with me 

Steve bites back a wide grin and shoots off a quick reply.

Steve: In your dreams, Munson 

Steve sees the bubble appear that Eddie’s already replying.

Favorite Metalhead ❤: you hanging out in my dreams? 

Steve: I don’t know what goes on in that head. It’s probably safer to stay out of there. 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: for you? definitely. but I don’t know what you’re into. you might like it 

Steve doesn’t realize he’s grinning at his phone when Robin looks back at him.

“Ok, who is it? You keep smiling at your phone.” She leans over, trying to read who’s on the screen, and Steve tilts it away from her view.

“No one, just reading something.” He clicks the screen off and slides his phone back into his back pocket.

******

Steve: You already leave? 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: yep, bout 5 min ago. you ditching our date? 

Steve: I didn’t realize this was a date. Would’ve worn something nicer 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: you looked nice enough to me 

Steve sighs and feels himself blush at the compliment. He doesn’t understand what’s happening but doesn’t want to stop.

Steve: You checking me out? 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: like everyone else at the show 

Steve: No one was checking me out 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: you’re delusional, hurry up and get over here. i’m bored 

Steve: You’ve only been there 5 mins 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: that’s long enough 

Steve: Send me the address 

Steve clicks the link and pulls up the directions. Gareth’s house is only about 8 minutes away, and Steve’s relieved he drove separately from Robin. 

“You ready to get out of here?” Steve taps Robin’s shoulder.

“Yeah, this band sucks.” She sets her watered-down drink on the nearby bar top, and they head outside.

“Oh shit, my ears.” Steve rubs his palm against his ear, trying to pop it.

“Well, have fun at the party, and be safe. Take an Uber if you get fucked up.” Robin opens her arms, inviting Steve in for a hug.

“Yes, mom.” Steve squeezes his best friend tightly.

“Tell Eddie I said hi,” Robin winks at Steve and waves back at him.

Steve: I’m leaving now, see you in 10 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: can’t wait 

Steve: Sounds like you’re the one obsessed with me 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: in your dreams, Harrington 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: *my 

Steve pulls his keys out of his pocket and jumps into his car, following the directions through town. He parks down the street and can hear the thump of music floating through the air. When he gets to the door of the house, it’s cracked open, and he can hear many voices. He pushes the door open and looks around. There is smoke in the air, a mixture of marijuana and cigarettes pluming around. People are walking around with red Solo cups filled with something.

Steve: Where are you? 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: i’m out back 

Steve walks through the living room and lets his instincts guide him in a direction he feels is toward the back. He steps into the kitchen, notices a sliding glass door to a backyard, and walks through the darkness.

“Steve!” Eddie’s voice calls for him from somewhere to his right.

Steve turns and squints to see a red glow coming from that direction. He assumes it’s Eddie and heads over to it. His eyes start to adjust to the darkness, and he sees Eddie sprawled out on a ratty chaise lounger holding a joint to his lips.

“Still look good, Stevie.” Eddie motions to Steve’s outfit.

“It’s just something I threw on.” Steve runs his hand down his shirt and sits on the equally ratty chaise next to Eddie. “Why you out here alone?”

“Waiting for you.” Eddie offers the joint over to Steve.

Steve takes it and leans back in the chaise, looking up at the stars glowing above them. He wraps his lips gently around the paper and takes a pull, holding the smoke in his mouth for a second, then easily sucks in and holds it again, then slowly releases the smoke into the sky. Eddie watches in awe.

“Here,” Steve offers Eddie the joint back.

“Do you smoke?”

“I got my med card a while ago.” Steve sighs and enjoys the weed slowly spreading through his veins. “Anxiety, nightmares, I’m a fucking mess.”

“Shit, I’m impressed.” Eddie takes another hit off the joint and then passes it back to Steve.

“You sounded really good tonight.”

“Thanks, man. Yeah, we’re finally getting our groove.”

The two pass the joint back and forth as they continue their casual conversation. Once they’ve finished up, Steve notices Eddie’s shivering.

“Why didn’t you wear a real jacket? It’s November, dude.” 

“My leather jacket is real. Shut up.” Eddie wraps his arms around himself, trying to warm up.

“My jacket is toasty. Mmmmm, so warm over here.” Steve antagonizes Eddie playfully.

“Don’t rub it in, Stevie. I shared my weed with you.”

“Come over here, man. I’ll keep you warm.” Steve slides over on the lounger and pats the small space next to him.

“Fuck, ok.” Eddie jumps off his seat and onto Steve’s, casually flinging his body over Steve’s. He wraps his leg around Steve and then slides his hand inside Steve’s jacket across his chest. His head curls onto Steve’s chest, and his whole body shakes.

“Your hand is fucking cold.” Steve curls his arms around Eddie, pulling him closer.

“You need to warm it up.” Eddie casually slides his hand up under Steve’s shirt.

“FUCK, dude, not cool.” Steve jolts at Eddie’s cold touch.

“Shhh, just your skin will warm me faster.” Eddie nuzzles closer into Steve.

Steve doesn’t know if it’s the weed, the alcohol from earlier, or Eddie being this close to him, but he’s in heaven. He shifts his body and turns a little. Eddie’s leg slides further between Steve’s, and their bodies face closer together. Eddie’s face is now just below Steve’s. Steve opens his jacket and tries to wrap it around Eddie’s body.

Eddie’s hand slides around Steve’s body and presses against his back, still under the shirt.

“It’s probably warmer inside.” Steve mumbles.

“You wanna go inside, Harrington?” Eddie looks up, and Steve’s stomach flutters.

Shit 

“No,” Steve says honestly, surprising himself and Eddie by the look on his face.

Eddie buries himself into Steve’s chest, and Steve is sure he sees a peek of red flush Eddie’s cheeks before hiding it.

Steve is no stranger to a man’s body. Over the last few years, he realized some things about himself that Robin had been trying to tell him for a while, and since then has spent many nights in men’s arms. He’s mostly had one-night stands or casual flings. He never felt comfortable enough or had a real connection with any of them for a full-fledged relationship. For some reason, Eddie wrapped up under his coat, their legs tangled together, and sharing a lounger feels more intimate than any sexual encounter he’s had in the past three years.

Steve holds his hips back, making sure instincts, or just human nature, don’t completely embarrass him. He doesn’t even know if Eddie knows he likes guys too. If he did, he probably wouldn’t be nuzzled into his chest.

He can feel Eddie taking slow, calculated breaths, not filling his lungs completely, and wonders if he’s nervous too. Steve’s chin rests on the top of Eddie’s head, and he inhales one long breath, filling his lungs with the smells of his favorite Metalhead.

“Are you smelling me?” Eddie’s voice rumbles against Steve’s chest.

“It’s called breathing.”

“Uh-huh, sure. Do I smell good?”

“No, you smell like you were sweaty earlier.”

“I didn’t realize you recognized the smell of a sweaty man.”

Steve pauses and thinks about what he should say. This is his opening. Does he tell him? Should he say something?

Fuck it 

“I’ve had plenty of sweaty men in my arms before.”

Steve feels Eddie freeze, and Steve holds his breath, waiting for his response.

“W-what do you mean?” Eddie keeps his face covered in Steve’s chest.

“I’ve been with enough guys to recognize the smell of their sweat.” Steve continues to hold his breath in anticipation.

Eddie pulls back and stares up at Steve in shock. “I’m sorry, what?” Eddie starts to disentangle his body from Steve’s, and Steve begins to panic.

“It’s just…I, uh, yeah, thought you knew.” Steve stutters and wants to pull Eddie back into his arms, but he’s now standing next to him, staring at Steve in disbelief.

“No, I think I would remember that.” Eddie wipes his hand over his face while Steve tries to hold his panic back. “Uh, I’m gonna go inside. Fucking cold out here.” Eddie diverts his eyes and heads back inside.

Shit 

Steve pulls his phone out of his back pocket and slides open the screen to pull up Robin’s messages.

Steve: I fucked up 

Rob: You’re lucky I’m still awake. What did you do? 

Steve: I told Eddie that I’ve been with guys 

Rob: Is that how you said it? 

Steve: No, but he freaked out. We were hanging out, and then he got all weird and left. I didn’t think he’d react like that. I mean, I know he’s gay. Why would he get freaked out? 

Rob: Oh dingus. You poor poor innocent soul 

Steve: What? What does that mean? What do I do? Is he mad at me? Should I just leave? 

Rob: No, he’s not mad at you 

Steve: How do you know? You didn’t see him. He was upset 

Rob: I may have just gotten another text 

Steve: Is it him? Is he pissed? 

Rob: At me? Yeah. But not at you. 

Steve: At you? Why is he mad at you? 

Rob: Doesn’t matter, just know he’s not mad at you. Maybe give him space, just needs to adjust to this new information. 

Steve: Why does he need to adjust to it? Nothing changes 

Rob: Everything changes for Eddie 

Steve stares at his phone. What does that mean? Insecurity seeps into Steve’s veins as he sits outside in the cold dark winter air. He thought they were closer than that. He thought Eddie would understand. He thought it would be him if anyone would, but now it changes everything?

Steve pushes himself to his feet and slides his phone back into his pocket. He needs to get out of there. He keeps his head down as he enters the house and pushes his way to the front door. He doesn’t feel a pair of dark brown eyes following him through the crowd.

Second Time

Eddie doesn’t text Steve, and Steve doesn’t text Eddie. They both think about it. They both want to. They both hold their phones and stare at their messages multiple times over the following four days, but they do nothing.

“Is he going to be weird?” Steve asks Robin as they drive to Joyce and Hopper’s for dinner.

“I mean, weirder than he just is naturally? I don’t know.” Robin tries to stay neutral, but she’s squarely in the middle of the two of them. She’s trying so hard to let them work it out themselves and just be good friends to the pair, but each day that goes by tests her resolve. “Just stay away from him if you need to. There will be plenty of us there, so you’ll be fine.”

They pull up to a ranch-style home surrounded by large pine trees tucked into a culdesac and see multiple other cars parked outside.

“Alright, let’s get this over with.” Steve pushes his passenger door open and exhales. His nerves are shot, and he’s on the cusp of throwing up.

Robin saddles beside him and wraps her arm through his, pulling him to her side. She shakes him gently, trying to help calm him down. He appreciates her kindness.

Joyce pulls the door open with a broad smile and hugs them both.

“Oh you two! Steve, I’m so happy you could come down. Come in, come in. Everyone’s out back.” She steps aside and lets them enter the cozy love-filled home.

It smells amazing when they step indoors, and Steve cannot help but close his eyes and inhale deeply. It’s been so long since he’s had a decent home-cooked meal, let alone Thanksgiving. The holiday of holidays for fantastic cuisine.

“Wow, I love this place.” Steve looks around the house and sees some of Will’s art framed and hanging on the wall. His pieces have become gallery-worthy, and it warms Steve’s heart to see them proudly hung on his mother’s walls.

“Oh, that’s right, you’ve never been here. Let me show you around.” Joyce slips her arm around his, and Robin smiles at him and heads outside to join the others. “Thank you for coming down. The kids have missed you so much.”

“I’ve missed them too. It’s quieter in Chicago, too quiet sometimes.” He squeezes her arm and follows her throughout the place as she shows him the bedrooms, bathrooms, basement, living room, dining room, and sprawling kitchen. He looks around at the dishes cooking on the stove and inside the oven and doesn’t notice someone join them.

“Eddie! I didn’t hear you come in. Come give me a hug.”

Steve spins on his heels to see Eddie nervously approach Joyce, his eyes watching Steve. When Steve catches eye contact, Eddie tries to give him a nervous smile, so Steve gives one back. Steve realizes this may be a really long day.

“Have you two caught up yet?” Joyce motions to the two men.

“Yeah, Steve was at the Corroded show on Saturday.” Eddie twists one of the rings on his left hand, and Steve catches the anxiety motion.

“Oh great! That’s nice that you were down early enough to see him. I heard your shows are getting bigger and bigger. That’s very exciting.” Joyce runs her hand down Eddie’s arm, and Steve sees the pride blushing in her eyes. He loves this woman. She’s a gem and is grateful she’s accepted all the kids as her own. He couldn’t have asked for a better surrogate mother, and he’s relieved she shares this with Eddie.

“Yep,” Eddie avoids looking at Steve again.

“Well, everyone’s out back. Why don’t the two of you join them?” Joyce begins ushering them out towards the back door, and they end up squeezing through awkwardly side-by-side.

Steve doesn’t speak. He doesn’t want to cross a line he’s sure Eddie drew the other night. They’ll be civil for the kids, he knows, but over the last few days, he’s started to accept maybe he didn’t know Eddie like he thought he did, and perhaps they weren’t the friends he hoped they were.

But Eddie speaks and puts one tiny crack into the wall between them. “Hey, man.”

Steve doesn’t know how to answer and stumbles on a response. “Heeey-hi.” Steve sighs a sense of relief when his eyes find Robin seated at the picnic table. He dips away from Eddie and rushes to her side.

“Hey, please save me.” He flops next to her, and she rolls her eyes.

“From what? We just got here.”

“Eddie.” Steve leans over and puts his forehead on the tabletop.

“What happened?”

“Nothing,” he rolls his head over and presses his cheek down, looking up at her.

“Steve!” Dustin comes bounding over, and Steve hears exclamations from the other teens.

“Oh shit. Hey, bud.” Steve groans when Dustin throws his arms around his shoulders from behind.

“When did you get here?”

“Just a few minutes ago.” He chokes out through the aggressive hug. “I just saw you yesterday. Why are you trying to kill me?”

“You’re gonna leave soon, so I need to get all the physical contact when possible.” Dustin releases Steve with a huff and then slides into the bench next to him.

“Ok, weirdo.”

“Can I sit here?” Eddie nervously asks while sliding into the other side of the picnic table.

“It’s the cool table now.” Dustin beams brightly.

“Eddie, hey, man.” Mike puts his hand on Eddie’s shoulder while he slides in next to him.

Steve sighs, and Robin nudges him privately.

“Food’s ready. Come on, dish up.” Hopper calls out from the other side of the yard.

“Thank god,” Eddie pushes himself away from the table, and everyone follows suit.

The large group lines up to pile heaps of homemade food on their plates. Everyone gathers around the three different tables and digs into their meals. Robin, Steve, Dustin, Mike, and Eddie return to the picnic table.

“Shit, this is good,” Eddie says to no one in particular as he shovels mashed potatoes into his mouth.

“Joyce always kills it,” Steve adds.

Eddie’s eyes flick up, and he finally looks at Steve, giving him a small smile. Steve hopes that’s another crack in the wall. After everyone’s had seconds and sometimes thirds, the group begins to help clean up while Jonathan and Eddie sneak around the corner of the house unnoticed. Steve walks around with a garbage bag cleaning up paper plates and napkins, and when he has two full bags, he heads to the trash cans on the side of the house.

“Oh shit, hey.” Steve almost bumps into Jonathan’s side as he turns the corner. 

Jonathan is holding a joint to his lips and lighting it carefully. Eddie is leaning against the wall, waiting his turn.

“Harrington,” Eddie says with an even tone.

“Just throwing these away.” Steve lifts the two bags up, steps around the others, and deposits the bags into the trash cans.

“Jonathan!” Joyce’s voice calls from the backyard.

“Shit, here, take this.” Jonathan hands the joint to Eddie and disappears, leaving Eddie and Steve alone.

“Wanna join me?” Eddie holds the joint up, offering it to Steve.

“Yeah?” Steve cocks his eyebrow.

“Yeah, come on.” Eddie lights the tip making a perfect cherry, and takes a long pull. When he hands it to Steve, he releases the smoke into the air.

“I have missed this while in town.” Steve takes the joint and leans his back to the wall next to Eddie.

Eddie’s eyes stay up towards the sky, avoiding looking at Steve directly.

“I know a guy,” Eddie smirks, and Steve rolls his eyes.

“I think I also know a guy.”

“Oh yeah? Is it the hot guy?” Eddie jokes as they pass the joint back and forth between each other.

“Maybe, do we have the same taste in men?”

“Doubtful, Harrington.” Eddie sighs, and they let the silence grow between them.

“Shit, I’m already high. Your guy has pretty good weed.” Steve blinks a few times, trying to focus.

“The best in town.”

Steve takes the opportunity to turn his head and look over Eddie’s face. He’s never really looked before. Sure, he’s seen him, sure he’s glanced, sure he’s noticed, but he’s never honestly looked. He can see the smooth curve of his bottom lip, those full soft, looking lips. Has Eddie always had perfectly kissable lips before? Steve’s eyes drop down over Eddie’s chin and follow a taut neck muscle down to his collarbone. It looks good enough to bite.

“See something you like, Stevie?” Eddie can see Steve watching him from his periphery.

Yes 

Shit 

Really? 

Oh, no 

“Really good weed. I should stop, or Robin will have to roll me into her car.”

“I can take you back.” Eddie tilts his head to look at Steve. “Where’re you staying?”

“Robin’s parents’ place.”

“There you are,” Robin’s head pops from around the corner.

“Eddie’s gonna drive me back.” Steve blurts out.

Robin looks pointedly at Eddie and raises her eyebrows. “Oh is he?”

“I’m very high,” Steve admits.

“Yeah, you are. Alright, then I’ll see you back at my place. There’s pie out here if you two stoners want dessert.”

Steve’s eyes go wide, and Eddie snubs out the joint. They both rush around the corner, almost knocking Robin over.

About 45 minutes later, the two boys leave the party a little sobered up.

“Wanna finish this joint before you head back?” Eddie holds it up between them inside his van.

Steve’s eyes fall to Eddie’s mouth for a split second before answering.

“Yeah,” his response comes out breathier than he’d hoped.

A sly grin squeaks across Eddie’s mouth. He turns the key in the ignition, and the vintage van roars to life. They pull into a relatively empty park a few minutes later, and Eddie backs his van into the parking spot. When they hop out, Eddie throws the back doors open and motions to Steve to take a seat. Steve hops up, letting his legs dangle over the edge. Eddie joins him and sits closer than Steve expected. He’s not complaining, but it is causing a buzz through his body.

Eddie pulls the partially completed joint from his pocket and starts searching for his lighter.

“Hold this.” Eddie hands the joint to Steve and then leans into his space to search behind them in the van.

Steve’s mouth goes dry because Eddie has had to twist his body toward Steve to search further in the van, and Eddie’s knee is pressed into Steve’s thigh, while the side of Eddie’s chest is pressed into Steve’s arm. Steve’s starting to feel lightheaded.

“Here!” Eddie moves back and smiles wide, holding his prize between his fingers.

Steve awkwardly smiles and nods. Eddie gives Steve a nod, motioning to put the joint between his lips and offering to light it. Steve nervously places the joint between his lips, and Eddie’s hands move to the snubbed paper flicking the lighter and holding it close. Steve puffs a few times, getting it lit, and that lightheadedness worsens.

Eddie pulls his hands back when Steve’s sufficiently lit and watches. Steve feels like he’s being scrutinized or inspected.

“What?”

“Just watchin’.”

“See something you like?” Steve jokes, calling back Eddie’s comment from earlier.

“Yeah,” Eddie admits, and it makes Steve’s stomach twist. Eddie squeezes the joint between his thumb and index finger, carefully pulls it from Steve’s mouth, then slides it between his lips slowly. “You gotta share, Harrington.”

Steve hums a sound of acceptance and then watches as Eddie expertly puffs out a plume of smoke.

“When are you going home?” Eddie asks, keeping his eyes pointed forward.

“Tomorrow, before traffic is stupid driving back from the holiday travelers.” Steve leans back on his hands and kicks his legs back and forth.

Eddie hands the joint back to Steve and moves his body similarly. Eddie’s eyes slide over Steve’s body.

“You do realize you’re one of those holiday travelers?”

“Yes, yes I do.”

“So, no big Harrington family holiday dinner? You get the year off to visit little ‘ol Hawkins?”

Steve takes a hit and then passes it back. “The Harrington’s don’t do holiday dinners. Never have. My parents travel out of the country on vacation over Thanksgiving. This is the time of year they think Fiji or New Zealand sounds nice.”

“Really? Then what do you normally do over Thanksgiving?”

“This, or the last three years, I stayed in Chicago. Just a free Thursday off to me.”

“What about when you were a kid?” Eddie is trying to understand what Steve is sharing.

“Well, when I was really little, I got to go on vacations. But I usually stayed in the room with the nanny or whoever they brought along to keep me busy. Once I was a teen and could stay home alone, I’d go to Tommy H’s place or even Nancy’s for one year. Then Dustin’s a year. Dustin’s mom makes the best pumpkin pie. What about you? Did you and Wayne go all out?”

Eddie waits before responding, letting Steve’s answers digest for a minute. “Yeah, sometimes. He didn’t have to work those nights, so we’d eat later than most families and go all out. We aren’t great cooks, but I got pretty good at making mashed potatoes. I still don’t know how to make gravy, but we’d fancy up the packets pretty well. We’d have leftovers for a week, and he’d get to eat well at work.”

“That sounds nice,” and he meant it. A tradition like that sounded heavenly, sending an ache through his heart.

“It was. I’m sorry you didn’t get that.” Eddie nudges his shoulder into Steve, and their bodies jostle pleasantly together.

“It’s alright. I didn’t know any different.” Steve’s feeling fuzzy, and he doesn’t know if it’s from the weed or proximity of Eddie’s body.

“But still.”

Steve only responds with a shrug. 

The pair sit silently, letting the weed pleasantly cloud their thoughts. Steve thinks he can feel Eddie’s fingers brushing against his, but he doesn’t want to look, just in case.

“I guess I should take you back, huh? Robin will think I kidnapped you.”

“Hmm, yeah, send out a search team and everything.”

Steve doesn’t want to get out when Eddie pulls out in front of Robin's place a few minutes later. They both sit there for a beat, thinking of anything to say to prolong the conversation.

“Well, thanks, man. Had a good time.” Steve’s the first to break the silence.

“Yeah, good to see you, Harrington.” Eddie keeps his hands on the steering wheel but turns to smile at Steve.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Eddie.” Steve nods and then pushes the passenger door open.

“Happy Thanksgiving.”

Third Time

Steve hears the familiar ping of his phone and pulls it out of his pocket to see a new text notification.

Favorite Metalhead ❤: hey 

Eddie? 

It’s been 11 months since Thanksgiving at Joyce and Hopper’s, and the two haven’t spoken. Steve doesn’t want to admit that seeing Eddie’s text causes a surge of something deep in his stomach.

Steve: Hey 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: Corroded has a show in Chicago tomorrow night. If you’re not busy, two tickets are waiting for you at will call 

Steve glances over to his sleeping boyfriend, curled up on the other end of Steve’s couch. He looks back down at his phone and rereads the message. He doesn’t know why it feels like he’s doing something terrible. Eddie’s not flirting with him. There’s nothing implied in the context, but it still makes Steve nervous.

Steve: Yeah, that sounds great, man. Send me the details, and I’ll see you then 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: can’t wait 

Steve squeezes his eyes shut for a moment willing his heart to slow down, and when he opens them, he sees the text bubble popping up and then disappearing, then popping up and disappearing again. He holds his breath as he sees the bubble pop up and disappear three more times before it finally stops.

Steve: Eddie texted me 

Robin: What did he say? 

Steve: He’s gonna be in Chicago for a show tomorrow night and invited me 

Robin: Are you going? 

Steve: I kinda said I would 

Robin: Is Jake going? 

Steve: I don’t know. He’s asleep 

Robin: Are you going to ask him? 

Steve’s thumb hovers over the screen of his phone, waiting to reply. Was he? He should, right? But it’s not Jake’s scene, and he’s never met, Eddie. But it does feel like he’s sneaking around. Why does it feel like he’s sneaking around?

Robin: Steve? 

Steve: I’m figuring it out 🤦 

Robin: I thought you liked him 

Steve: I do! I do 

Steve: but 

Steve: it’s Eddie 

Robin: I thought you were over that whole thing 

Steve: So did I. Then I get a text from the man and my stomach is doing fucking Olympic sized flips 

Robin: You’re hopeless. Invite Jake, you like him, you’ve been together six months, and you’re having a good time. It’s just a concert and Eddie’s only there for one day. Don’t mess up a good thing over some guy you’ve never even kissed. The two of you are such a shit show 

Robin: Oh look at that. Eddie just texted me to say he texted you. I swear 

Steve: What did he say? 

Steve: Rob? 

Steve: Come on 

Steve: ROBIN 

Steve: Fine 

Steve: Ok, I’ll invite Jake 

Robin: Goodnight, dingus 

******

Steve nervously hands his ID to the bouncer, who checks his list and nods Steve and Jake inside. Jake has his finger hooked into Steve’s belt loop and smiles widely at him as they enter the dark club. Steve’s eyes dart around the room, hoping to see and avoid a certain curly-haired metalhead.

“This place doesn’t look what I thought it would.” Jake has to yell over the music from the speakers mounted above them.

“Yeah,” Steve tries to smile naturally at him in response.

“Hey, wanna drink?” Jake leans in towards Steve’s ear.

“Yes, can you get me a rum and coke with a lime?” Steve turns his head as Jake leans in and kisses Steve’s cheek just as Steve’s eyes meet Eddie’s from across the room.

The happy, excited smile Steve was blessed seeing, for a split second, immediately fades into confusion and something else Steve can’t put his finger on. Steve’s chest aches to bring the smile back, and he lifts his hand to give Eddie a wiggle of his fingers in a wave. Eddie nods back but turns around and heads out of view.

Jake returns a few minutes later to Steve, still standing in the same spot and staring across the room. Jake offers the drink to Steve, who takes it and gives him a kind smile. When he takes his first sip, he feels Jake slide his hand across his back, making Steve want to pull away.

“Have you seen your friend?” Jake starts bopping his head to the music, looking around at the crowd.

“Uh, yeah, for just a second. Just waved, though. He’s busy.” Steve tries to occupy himself with his drink and finishes it too fast. “Uh, I guess I was thirsty. I’ll go get me another one.”

Steve pulls away from Jake and heads to the bar. He leans against the edge and sets his drink down. He pulls out his phone, hoping to see a text. When he doesn’t, he sends one of his own.

Steve: Hey, thanks for the tickets. I can’t wait to hear the band again! It’s been too long 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: yeah glad you could use both of them 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: enjoy the show stevie 

Steve squeezes his eyes shut and inhales deeply.

“What can I get you?” The bartender brings Steve back to the moment.

“Uh, rum and coke with a lime.” Steve slides the empty glass over to him. He nods and walks away to mix Steve with a new one.

Steve: Saw Eddie and he saw Jake 

Robin: Steve 

Robin: Please don’t do this. I can’t do 3 months of this all over again. Enjoy the show with your boyfriend please for all that is holy. OR for once in your life actually have a conversation with Eddie and tell him WHAT YOU’RE FEELING 

Steve: Fine 

Robin: To which part? 

Steve: The first part 

Robin: Ok, then don’t text me again until it’s after the show and you’re telling me about the fantastic time you had with your boyfriend 

Steve sighs and slides his phone back into his pocket just as the bartender arrives with his drink. Steve hands over his card, and the bartender gives him a wink when he hands it back.

Great 

When he turns around, Steve sees Jake swaying back and forth to the Deftones cover band on stage. Jake’s holding the straw of his drink to his lips, and Steve thinks maybe Robin is right. He moves up behind him and slides his hand around Jake’s hip, pulling him to his chest. Steve rests his chin on Jake’s shoulder and kisses the side of his head. Jake looks over his shoulder and gives Steve a big smile before returning to the stage.

A few songs later, the band was waving to the crowd and moving off the stage, and Steve recognized a couple of the following band members moving equipment, and he knew Corroded Coffin was up next.

“This will be them,” he tells Jake.

Steve’s mouth goes dry while his entire body feels each second tick by in anticipation. He feels Jake slide his fingers through his hand and pull him close to his side. The dichotomy of emotions fighting inside Steve’s chest is making him nauseous. Steve swallows hard when the lights come up and watches as Eddie confidently struts onto the stage. His guitar is slung over his shoulder on his back.

Steve’s mouth falls open as he takes in Eddie’s appearance. He’s wearing tight black pants with a wide, almost bell bottom base and a black button-down long-sleeved shirt with four buttons undone, exposing his bare chest. A white vest covers the shirt, and Steve sees a glint of sparkle from two chains strung over Eddie’s neck. His hair is fuller and longer on the ends, but layers are added to give it texture. His bangs have grown out, and he’s got a pair of sunglasses on the top of his head. A smudge of eyeliner is swiped along his eyes, oozing sex appeal. He’s the epitome of mouth-watering, and Steve is gone for it.

“Is that?” Jake’s also taking in Eddie’s appearance. “Is that your friend?”

“Huh? Yeah, yeah, that’s…Eddie.” 

“He’s hot,” Jake laughs and turns to Steve catching him gawking at the gorgeous man on stage. Steve doesn’t notice the scrutinizing gaze. “Did you two…hook up?”

“What?” Jake’s question breaks the spell. “No, no, we never…I didn’t even realize, no.” Steve shakes his head profusely, hoping Jake believes him.

The band sounds better than ever, and Steve’s entranced by their frontman, much like everyone else in the audience. Eddie is not short on fans. Women and men alike stare up at him as he owns the stage. His fingers glide effortlessly over his guitar, and somehow, he moves his body to the music. He’s perfected the lead singer persona, and it suits him. Steve wants to kiss him. He wants to inhale his scent and lick every inch of his sweaty body.

Fuck 

When they come to their last song, Eddie pulls his electric guitar off his shoulders and sets it to the side of the stage. The rest of the band filters off, and Eddie picks up an acoustic sitting nearby.

“This is our last song, and about an hour and a half ago, I almost cut this from the setlist, but I’m a masochist. This is the only show on our tour to hear me sing this song. Enjoy, Chicago.” Eddie’s eyes slide upwards, and he immediately finds Steve’s.

Steve’s breath catches in his chest, and his fingers start to shake as Eddie begins to strum the song’s first few notes.

“A hundred days have made me older 

Since the last time that I saw your pretty face 

A thousand lies have made me colder 

And I don’t think I can look at this the same 

But all the miles that separate 

Disappear now when I’m dreaming of your face."

Steve feels caught in a trap. Something has him glued to the floor, and his shoes are stuck. He can’t look away as Eddie keeps staring directly at him as he continues to sing.

“I’m here without you, baby 

But you’re still on my lonely mind 

I think about you, baby 

And I dream about you all the time 

I’m here without you, baby 

But you’re still with me in my dreams 

And tonight, it’s only you and me, yeah.” 

Eddie finally pulls his gaze away at the end of the chorus, and Steve’s heart sinks to his feet.

Oh 

When Eddie finally makes it through the rest of the song, he and Steve both have matching silent tears. Eddie’s glint in the bright stage lights while Steve’s fall anonymously.

Steve makes an excuse and rushes to the bathroom after Eddie’s left the stage, but he’s confronted with a long line. He sees an exit door down the hall and pushes himself through. The crisp fall air catches his skin off guard, and he shutters from head to toe in chills. He exhales hard and leans over, putting his hands on his knees, and huffs a few hard breaths. He startles when he hears someone to his left clear their throat and speak up.

“Hey.”

Steve thinks he’s seeing a ghost when his eyes fall on Eddie, leaning against the wall with a cigarette between his lips.

“Hey, uh, good show.” Steve’s crossing his arms in front of his chest, trying to calm his nerves. “You sounded… the band sounded good. That was really good.”

“Glad you could come, Stevie.” Eddie takes a slow drag off his cigarette, and Steve stares at his lips wrapped around the filter, noticing the tears drying on his cheeks.

“Eddie?” Steve’s voice shakes nervously

“Steve?” Jake pushes the back door open, searching for Steve. “There you are! I was worried. Oh, hey, man.” Jake sees Eddie leaning against the wall. “That was an amazing show.” Jake wraps his arm around Steve’s waist and pulls him closer. Steve feels detached and lets his body be jostled.

Eddie flicks the cigarette down on the ground and stubs it with his toe. “Thanks, man.” He licks his lips, and his eyes rake over Jake’s body, inspecting him. “Glad Stevie, here, could bring you. I’m Eddie.” He reaches out and offers it to Jake, who innocently juts his hand into Eddie’s and responds pleasantly.

“Hey, I’m Jake, Steve’s boyfriend.”

Steve sees Eddie’s smile drop for a millisecond before adjusting back to a neutral position.

“That’s so great,” Eddie looks over to Steve. “So great. Well, it was good to see you, Steve. Nice to meet you, Jake. I gotta head back inside. Just so great. I’m happy for you.” Eddie’s smile dips again, and Steve can see Eddie fisting his fingers together as he moves away and yanks open the door, heading back into the cacophony of music.

“Hey, uh, I-I kinda have a headache. Can we go?” Steve feigns illness and rubs his fingers across his forehead.

“Of course, babe. Let me take care of you.” Jake bites his lip and gives Steve a playful wink.

“Oh, I um, actually, it’s pretty bad; it feels like one of my migraines. I’m just going to bed, so you don’t need to come back to my place. I gotta get up early anyway.”

“You sure? I don’t mind.” Jake rubs his hand over Steve’s arm, trying to comfort him.

“Y-yeah.” Steve feels unnerved and needs to get away from the club and Jake as soon as possible. His body feels like it can sense Eddie inside, pulling him toward the source.

“Ok, well then, I’ll see you this weekend?”

“Mhm, Saturday.”

Jake leans in and presses his lips carefully against Steve’s, who tries to respond naturally and kiss him back. 

“Text me when you get home, ok?”

“Yeah, night.” 

“Love you, baby.” Jake winks at Steve.

Steve hesitates for one millisecond before responding. “Love you, too.”

Steve feels rotten when he finally steps into his dark apartment 35 minutes later. He sends a quick text to Jake, letting him know he’s home, and then collapses onto his couch.

He swipes open his screen and clicks on Eddie’s messages. Maybe Robin was right; maybe it was time he said something, anything, to Eddie. He notices the bubble appear that someone was typing on the other end and sits up on the couch, clutching his phone closer to his face.

“Come on,” he whispers. He thinks about typing something, so Eddie sees the bubble on his side too. He doesn’t think about what to say because he’s going to delete it, but he just starts typing.

I’m sorry things got weird. I hope you don’t hate me. I almost didn’t bring him, but that would’ve been weird. I mean, he is my boyfriend. I’ve liked you for a long time and thought I had no chance. But then, tonight. You looked incredible. Fuck I wanted to kiss you. I bet you taste so good. I bet you feel even better. I’ve jerked off to you so many fucking times. I wish you were here. I like Jake. He’s good to me. But he’s no Eddie Munson. My fantasies about you are better than his and my sex life. You’re not even really there, and it’s fucking better! How is that possible? Does that mean if you were, my brain would explode? I bet you’re really good with your fingers. Fuck. Now I’m thinking about your fingers inside of me. No, I have a boyfriend. I have a boyfriend who I think I love. I don’t know. If I did, I wouldn’t be thinking about you fucking me. Fucking me. You. Fucking. Me. God, I bet that’s good. What do you sound like? I bet it’s hot. I bet you’re vocal. I bet you talk dirty. God, that would kill me. Shit, Eddie. You don’t even live here. What is wrong with me? 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: I see you 

“Shit.” Steve’s stomach drops, and he accidentally hits the send button out of muscle memory.

When the text moves from the box up to the screen, his brain recognizes what he’s done and, in slow motion, starts to panic.

“Oh god, NO, NO, SHIT. Uh, fuck fuck fuck.” He quickly presses the message and fumbles to delete it. The message disappears, and the notification that he unsent a message appears. His heart is beating a million miles a minute, and he prays that he caught it before Eddie saw it.

Favorite Metalhead ❤: what was that? 

“Shit,” Steve squeezes his eyes shut, hitting himself in the forehead with the edge of his phone.

Steve: Nothing 

Steve: Accident 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: it didn’t look like nothing 

Steve: What did you see? 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: something about me not living here and you asking what was wrong with you 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: but that was a lot of text 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: is there something you want to tell me Steve? 

“Yes,” Steve whispers to himself.

Steve: Just that I’m sorry, things got weird between us and it was really nice to see you. You looked 

Hot 

Sexy 

Fuckable 

Steve: good 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: you looked 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: good too 

Steve: I liked the acoustic song 

Steve: It was beautiful 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: then I’m glad I didn’t cut it 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: and that you didn’t miss it 

Steve wants to ask him and make sure, but this moment feels too fragile to risk.

Steve: When are you going back to Indiana? 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: tomorrow 

Steve: Too bad I couldn’t stay tonight. We could’ve caught up. 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: yeah but you and jake had to get back to your perfect little life and ran out of here 

Steve: It’s not perfect. He went home. I needed to be alone 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: you’re at home alone? 

Steve: Yeah 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: what are you doing? 

Steve: Just hanging out on my couch 

Steve sees the bubble appear and disappear a few times before Eddie’s subsequent text comes through.

Favorite Metalhead ❤: why’d you wanna be alone? 

Steve: Just had some stuff on my mind. Wanted to think about it 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: what’s on that pretty little mind of yours stevie? 

Steve: I don’t really know 

You 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: then you should’ve stayed. I could’ve helped you forget all about it 

Steve: I don’t know that weed would help this situation 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: I never mentioned weed 

Steve stares at Eddie’s text, his heart thumping against his ribcage. He thinks he knows what Eddie is implying and hopes he does.

Steve: How do you know you wouldn’t make it worse? 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: would helping you forget all your troubles and make you feel good instead really be worse? 

Shit 

Steve sighs while his body betrays him, sending a few sparks to his midsection.

Steve: Maybe 

Steve: Especially if it’s really good 

Steve throws his arm over his eyes. What is he doing? What are they doing? What is even going on? They haven’t spoken in almost a year, and now? They’re what? Flirting? On the verge of sexting even? Steve groans, tosses his phone on the couch and heads into the kitchen. He ignores the ping from his phone as he peruses the contents of his refrigerator. After a few seconds of staring at nothing in particular, he slams the door shut and turns back to stare at the couch. He can see his phone screen lit up, antagonizing him.

He hears a second ping, pulling him back like a sea siren tempting passing sailors. He grabs his phone from the cushion and reads Eddie’s messages.

Favorite Metalhead ❤: I could come over 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: if you wanted company 

And oh god, does he. His dick is betraying him as the thought of Eddie coming to his door in the middle of the night, maybe pushing him against the wall and grabbing his throat, consumes his mind. He presses the heel of his palm into the hardening bulge in his pants, trying to adjust himself.

Steve collapses back onto his couch and stares at his phone. Why was this happening now? After Thanksgiving last year, Steve realized he didn’t just think Eddie was attractive, he didn’t just think he was sexy, but he realized he had a massive crush on him. Sure he wanted to fuck the shit out of him, but he also wanted to hold his hand. He wanted to brush his hair out of his face. He wanted to hear him talk about what kind of D&D dice he bought or what guitar strings were the best. He wanted to spend time with him. He wanted to hear him laugh, but instead, they had this partially constructed wall between them that made things awkward and weird.

Steve spent months talking to Robin about everything. He’d dissected every interaction, every breath, every side glance that happened that week he was in Hawkins, and eventually, she told him to stop. She couldn’t continue listening to Steve pine after someone he refused to speak to. She pointed out that he could find all these answers if he talked to Eddie directly. But Steve couldn’t do that. What if Eddie laughed at him? What if Eddie told him he was an idiot and then joked about it in front of Dustin and the boys? Or worse, what if he was disgusted? Steve couldn’t risk it, couldn’t risk his heart.

So he moved on. Then he met Jake, and things got better. Jake was fun, he made Steve laugh, and they had a lot in common. They listened to the same music. They have the same taste in food. They even both played sports in high school. It made it easy to find common ground between them. And Steve thought Jake was sexy. He was a little shorter than Steve but had an athletic build. He had blonde hair and bright blue eyes. Steve noticed as they sparkled when he smiled. He made him feel comfortable, safe even, and easy. But Steve was still hiding things from him. Steve couldn’t tell Jake about the trauma. He couldn’t explain the constant continuous nightmares he had this many years later. He couldn’t properly explain the scars and why movies with Russian characters were always off the table. But it was ok; Steve was still pretty happy. It was fine.

Steve: You don’t have to do that. I’m 35 minutes away from where you are 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: still closer than 4.5 hours 

Steve: True 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: say the word stevie 

Steve hesitates and doesn’t know what to say.

Favorite Metalhead ❤: or I could just text it to you 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: tell you instead 

Steve’s skin sizzles at the idea, but his stomach twists in knots. As badly as he wants to read exactly what Eddie is implying, he can’t do that to Jake.

Steve: You don’t have to do that 

Steve: I can imagine it pretty well 

Steve: I should go to bed anyway. I gotta wake up early in the morning 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: then I guess we’ll just stay in our imaginations 

Favorite Metalhead ❤: goodnight, Harrington 

Steve: Night, Eddie 

Fourth Time

Steve’s phone rings and he is surprised to see Nancy Wheeler calling him.

“Nance?”

“Hey! So, Robin’s birthday is coming up, and I’m trying to throw a surprise party. Would you be willing to head to Indy next Saturday? You can crash at our place.”

“Shit, yes I’m in. What do I need to bring? Or when do you need me there? I will adjust my schedule.”

Nancy and Robin got closer after the Upside Down. They both moved to Indianapolis for college and developed feelings for one another. Steve was a little uncomfortable with that at first because he always viewed Robin like a sister, so her dating his ex-girlfriend was weird. Eventually, though, he realized the two were a much better pairing than he and Nancy ever were. They’re both geniuses, match energies, fall into the perfect yin and yang, and now he could never imagine them with anyone else.

“If you wanted to come up Friday, you could, but you can’t stay here that night. So that’s up to you, but after Saturday, you could stay as long as you wanted if you didn’t care we had work and school to go to.”

“Well, I’ll shoot for Saturday then, and we’ll go from there. What time can I come to your place?”

“Any time after 11, and you’re good.”

“Perfect.”

“Oh, um, just so you know. Eddie’s coming, and he’s bringing someone.”

Steve’s stomach drops. He hadn’t even thought about Eddie maybe being there, and now Nancy’s telling him he will be and bringing a date? Great.

“Oh, ok. Cool, yeah, thanks for telling me. That’s cool. Cool. Yeah.” It was clearly not cool, but he was trying to convince himself otherwise.

“You gonna be ok?” Nancy asks gently.

“Me? Yeah, I’m fine. It’ll be great. I haven’t seen him since his show back in October. We didn’t get to hang out that night, so it’ll be great.”

Steve hadn’t told Robin about the texts from that night. He already knew what she was going to say, so he didn’t see any point. Steve did end up breaking it off with Jake. It took him a few weeks, but it was apparent that Jake wasn’t the one. Eddie and Steve haven’t texted again since. Every once in a while, Steve will open the messages, reread them, and wonder what could’ve happened. What would’ve happened if he’d invited Eddie over. Steve tells himself it’s ok, though. It’s for the best. He and Eddie just can’t get it together, and now that he’s apparently dating someone, they miss their timing again. Maybe it’s just not meant to be, but that’s ok.

“Good. You know she’s worried about you?”

“Rob? Tell her she doesn’t need to. I’m good.”

“You go on any dates lately?”

Steve knows she’s fishing.

“No, it’s been nice. I need the break.”

“You’ll meet someone, Steve. You deserve a storybook romance.”

“Thanks, Nance. I’ll see you next week, ok? Text me if you need me to bring anything or pick something up that day.”

“Will do. Oh hey, we’re gonna have karaoke, so make sure you warm up your vocal cords.”

“Oh great, can't wait to listen to Robin’s drunken rendition of Melissa Etheridge’s I’m the Only One. Again.” He emphasizes the last word.

“Yeah, me either.” She replies in a thoughtful tone.

“I don’t get it. Alright, well I’ll see you next Saturday.”

“Bye.”

Steve busies himself between then and Saturday and ends up showing up at Nancy and Robin’s place around noon with an armful of balloons. He helps Nancy finish setting up with a few of their college friends, and when the rest of the guests arrive, he directs people to hiding spots. He had kept himself so busy that day he’d forgotten Eddie was supposed to be there.

Around 7 pm, Robin turned her key to the apartment door while everyone was hiding in the dark.

“SURPRISE!” 

15 of Robin’s closest friends jump out and scare the crap out of her. She drops her purse and clutches her chest while holding her right hand out as if she were gripping a weapon. She wasn’t, though, so it looked like she put her fist out in front of her body, holding an invisible wand.

“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” She yelled, and when her brain registered who everyone was, she dropped her hands to her side and let her head fall backward, exhaling loudly.

“Shit, babe? Oh I’m so sorry. We just wanted to surprise you.” Nancy rushes to Robin’s side and puts her hands on her shoulders.

“I know, I know, and I love you for that, but holy crap, Nancy.”

Steve steps over to them and puts his hands carefully on each of their shoulders. “You ok?”

“Oh god, Steve, you’re here? Oh, Nancy.” Robin looks up at Steve, and tears start to fill her eyes.

“Of course, I’m here. I’ve driven over here for way less. The least I could do was be here for your surprise party, dummy.”

Everyone laughs, and someone in the room turns the music back on. As the group disperses and starts enjoying the party, Robin wraps her arms around her girlfriend and best friend. They squeeze each other tight and then feel another set of arms wrap around them.

“I’m glad I didn’t miss group hug time!” 

They break apart and see a wide-grinning Eddie Munson beaming brightly.

“OH EDDIE!” Robin flings her arms around his neck and squeezes him tight. Eddie’s eyes find Steve’s, and he gives him a polite smile, and Steve nods in response.

“Hey, I want you all to meet Zach.” Eddie bites his lip and turns to grab the wrist of a man standing behind him. “Zach, this is Robin, the birthday girl. Nancy, the girlfriend of the birthday girl, and Steve, the best friend of the birthday girl. Everyone, this is Zach.”

Steve’s heart thuds as he recognizes the smile Eddie is giving Zach. He’s seen it before pointed in his own direction, but being in the presence of it while it’s pointed at someone else, hurts more than he could’ve imagined.

Zach gives all three of them a nervous wave, and Steve feels Robin slide her fingers into his hand and give him a comforting squeeze. Zach was handsome, Steve would fully admit. He looks exactly how you’d imagine Eddie’s boyfriend would look. His hair was dark brown, clearly dyed and fading from black, a little longer on the top but shaved tight at the sides. Steve bets with a little bit of product, it becomes a mohawk. He has a nose ring in his right nostril and an eyebrow piercing. He’s wearing a worn-out Suicidal Tendencies tee and a studded belt. There’s not a single thing on the man that resembles Steve. It’s glaringly obvious Steve never had a chance.

“Where’s uh….” Eddie snaps his fingers, trying to remember someone’s name. “Jack? No, Jake, where’s Jake?” Eddie’s asking casually, but Steve wonders if it’s more than that.

“We broke up months ago.” Steve awkwardly replies.

Eddie’s eyebrows shoot up, “oh, sorry.” Then Steve notices a quick glance Eddie gives Robin before looking back at Steve.

“It’s fine. Good to see you, man. Nice to meet you, Zach.” Steve smiles pleasantly, trying to hide the jealousy coursing him. Steve doesn’t see the knowing glance pass between Nancy and Robin.

As the night progressed, Steve threw caution to the wind and leaned hard into ‘fuck it.' He was doing shots with anyone that wanted to join him. He tried to get a beer pong competition going, but he just drank all the beer instead when no one participated. He’d avoided Eddie and Zach the rest of the night. Every time Eddie started to come near him, he’d immediately stop whatever conversation he was in and walk away. When Nancy pulled out the karaoke machine, Steve was willing to be the first volunteer. 

“I’m gonna go first, me, gimme.” Steve grabbed the microphone from Nancy and smiled wide. He found the song he needed to sing and looked around the room as the first few notes played.

“Shit,” Robin exclaims quietly as she sees Steve from across the room. 

“Guess mine is not the first heart broken 

My eyes are not the first to cry 

I’m not the first to know 

There’s just no getting over you”

By the end of the first verse, the whole room had quieted while listening to Steve belt out his rendition of Hopelessly Devoted to You. His words were slurring, but everyone could still understand him. His voice was surprisingly beautiful. Everyone was entranced not by the disaster that usually happened during birthday karaoke but by the surprising talent performing in the middle of Robin’s living room. But the only person Steve could see was Eddie. He had been leaning against the wall in the kitchen talking to Zach when Steve started, but he’s moved a few feet closer by the end of this verse.

“I know I’m just a fool who’s willing 

To sit around and wait for you 

But baby, can’t you see there’s nothing else for me to do? 

I’m hopelessly devoted to you”

Steve’s head is swimming, and he has to lean against the wall behind him to keep his balance. Eddie’s gaze is digging deep inside of him and making him weak.

“But now there’s nowhere to hide 

Since you pushed my love aside 

I’m out of my head 

Hopelessly devoted to you 

Hopelessly devoted to you 

Hopelessly devoted to you” 

Steve doesn’t notice as Robin heads near him. She sees her best friend breaking down in front of everyone in that room and wants to protect him. Tears fall from his face as he tries to continue the song. His voice is getting shakier, but he can’t tear his eyes away from Eddie’s face.

“My head is sayin’, 'Fool, f-forget him' 

My heart is sayin’, 'Don't let g-go.'”

At that moment, Robin slides up to his side, wraps her arm around his waist, and takes the microphone from his shaking hand. He smiles at her weakly and nods. She finally cut the invisible cord from Eddie’s eyes. The room watches silently as Robin guides Steve to her and Nancy’s bedroom. Robin looks for Nancy and is relieved when she hears the music come back on and cover up Steve’s crying. When Eddie tries to approach them, Robin shakes her head at him and tells him ‘not now.’

“Here, lay down, ok?” Robin carefully sets Steve on their bed and helps him untie his shoes. 

“Why am I not good enough?” He quietly asks.

Robin presses her hands on Steve’s shoes and feels her heart rip apart.

“You, Steve Harrington, are more than good enough, and if he can’t see that, then fuck him. Lift your foot up.” She guides Steve’s legs as she removes his shoes and helps him lay back on the mattress. “Shhhh, just go to sleep, ok? It’ll be better in the morning. I love you, dingus.” She runs her fingers through his hair, brushing it off his forehead.

“Love you, too.” He murmurs as he quietly fades asleep.

Robin looks up at the door and sees Nancy hugging her chest. When Robin stands up, her girlfriend slips into their bedroom and pulls her into a firm hug. Nancy squeezes Robin tight through her tears and understands. Neither of them hears a quiet ping hit Steve’s phone.

Favorite Metalhead ❤: 💔 

Last Time

Steve never replied to Eddie’s text. When he’d woken up the following day in Robin’s bed with one of the worst hangovers he had in years, he pretended nothing had happened. He didn’t remember anything, so for him, it was easy, but Robin filled him in. He vowed never to show his face around her friends again and promised not to mix alcohol in her presence.

Now, six months later, Steve was headed back to Hawkins for Max’s 21st birthday party. He’d checked Corroded Coffin’s show schedule and was happy to see they would play that Saturday night. He couldn’t bring himself to text Eddie, but he needed to see him. He would sneak into the show and watch from the back, avoiding anyone he might know. Max’s official party was Sunday afternoon, so he was secretly showing up one day early. He’d rented a room at a motel since Robin, Nancy, Dustin, and his parents had all moved out of town. Max was still living at home with her mom, and it would’ve been inappropriate to ask her to crash there.

He brought a few outfits to wear to the concert. He knew he was supposed to be in hiding, but he wanted to look good just in case he got caught. He blamed it on being out, being at a concert in general, but it was obviously for Eddie. It’s been almost two years since Steve came out to Eddie while wrapped together in his jacket. It feels somehow longer and shorter at the same time. Robin told Steve when Eddie broke up with Zach. He knows she did it in hopes of pushing him to finally say something to Eddie, but it felt too late to Steve.

He’s been busy with work, school, and volunteering but has remained single. He needs to put more time and distance between his feelings for Eddie and other people on the planet. He knows if he does it too soon, they’ll only be compared to that Metalhead and never stand a chance. 

Steve slides his brown suede jacket over his denim button-down shirt. It’s a lighter shade than the straight-leg jean he has rolled up over a pair of light brown boots. His hair has grown a little longer again. It’s swept to one side, and he can feel a curl wrapping around his right ear. He inspects himself in the adequate motel mirror and adjusts his belt carefully. When he feels happy with the view, he sprays a few spritzes of his cologne across his chest.

Ten minutes later, he parks his car and heads inside. He shows his ID to the bouncer at the door and moves up to the bar.

“What’ll it be?” The bartender asks.

“Rum and coke with a lime.” When the bartender walks away to mix Steve’s drink, Steve leans against the bar and looks across the room.

There are plenty of people already milling about. The music is loud, but there isn’t a live band playing yet, so it’s not crowded.

“Y’know, if you’d told me you were coming, I would’ve gotten you in for free.”

Steve turns to find Eddie standing right behind him. He didn’t feel him come up. He didn’t feel him invading his space. He was so busy searching for him that he missed him completely.

“Shit, uh, hey. I know, but I didn’t want to bother you.” Steve’s heart was racing.

“That’ll be $8.50.” The bartender sets Steve’s drink down on the bar, and Steve has to turn away from Eddie to pay his bill. He uses the brief opportunity to take a deep breath and collect himself before turning back.

“You could never bother me, Stevie. It’s good to see you.” Steve watches as Eddie’s eyes graze over his body. “You look good.”

“Yeah, thanks, so do you.” Steve’s grateful it’s dark in the bar, so Eddie can’t see his blush.

“I’ll look even better later.” Eddie grins and gives Steve a playful wink.

“Yeah?” Steve attempts to lean into the flirting.

“Oh yeah. What are you doing in little ‘ol Hawkins, Steve?” Eddie puts his hand on the bar next to Steve and leans over, invading more of Steve’s personal space.

“Uh,” Steve’s mouth goes dry. “Max’s birthday tomorrow.”

“And came a night early just to see me?”

Yes 

“I saw the band was playing, so I thought I’d come down.” Steve’s lungs are filled with Eddie’s scent, cedarwood, and amber mixed with something citrusy. He could swim in it.

“What are you doing after the show?”

“I was…nothing,” Steve shakes his head.

“Hmm, for now. I better get backstage.” Eddie pushes himself off the bar and stands in front of Steve. “I gotta add a sudden last-minute song to the set.”

Steve swallows hard as Eddie takes one last leering glance at Steve. His nerves are shot by the time the band gets on stage. Now that he’s been caught, he doesn’t feel the need to stand near the back. He moves closer to the stage and takes his position in front of Eddie, a few people back. He’s not right up front, but he’s close enough to be seen.

Eddie wasn’t lying when he said he would look better later. When he waltzes on stage wearing tight leather pants and nothing but a leather jacket over his bare chest, Steve is sure he will have a heart attack. His hands are laden with chunky metal rings, and a lone dagger earring hangs from his right ear. He was fucking hot.

Eddie winks at Steve throughout the concert, sending shivers up his spine. His whole body is on fire, watching Eddie in his element. Every time Steve enjoyed seeing Eddie on stage, it was a different experience for his senses. This one felt like the first time he was actually seeing him. It was an incredible turn-on.

“Ok, this is gonna be a change of pace. The band is gonna take a quick break while I hopefully don’t make a fool out of myself. They’ll be back, and you fuckers will love it.” Eddie turns to the band members, and they all slide off stage. Steve sees one of them smirk and roll their eyes.

Eddie motions to someone in the room, and music comes over the speakers. Steve thinks he might faint.

“Guess mine is not the first heart broken 

My eyes are not the first to cry 

I’m not the first to know 

There’s just no getting over you ”

Even though he didn’t remember singing that night, Robin gave him every ounce of detail so he could create a memory in his mind. He bites back a laugh while the rest of the crowd murmurs in confusion. Eddie nervously sings and tries to keep eye contact with Steve, but it’s obvious he’s anxious about how Steve will react to the song.

“I know I’m just a fool who’s willing 

To sit around and wait for you 

But baby, can’t you see there’s nothing else for me to do? 

I’m hopelessly devoted to you ”

Steve finds it easier to move closer to the stage as the crowd moves around to refill drinks and take bathroom breaks during the unique genre change. Eddie uses Steve’s actions to build his courage and shift his tone from nervousness to a confident frontman.

“But now there’s nowhere to hide 

Since you pushed my love aside 

I’m out of my head 

Hopelessly devoted to you 

Hopelessly devoted to you 

Hopelessly devoted to you”

When Steve finally makes it directly in front of the stage, he looks up at the man who’s been ruining his life in the most absurd, frustrating way for the past several years. Eddie moves forward, his toes at the edge of the stage, towering over Steve. They both exist in the space as if they were all alone and not surrounded by a couple of hundred strangers.

“My head is sayin’, 'Fool, forget him'

My heart is sayin’, 'Don't let go

Hold on to the end', that's what I intend to do 

I’m hopelessly devoted to you”

Eddie moves his body and kneels to get closer to Steve. Steve can feel his heart fluttering like a hummingbird in his chest. His mouth falls open, and he doesn’t know if he’s even breathing. Eddie’s hand reaches down and brushes against Steve’s cheek sending sparks flying through his veins.

“But now there’s no way to hide 

Since you pushed my love aside 

I’m outta my head 

Hopelessly devoted to you 

Hopelessly devoted to you 

Hopelessly devoted to you”

As the music fades and a smattering of applause breaks out in the room, Eddie drops the microphone and grabs Steve’s face, leaning down and crashing his lips onto his. Steve feels his chest constrict and reaches up to hold Eddie’s face as they pull each other toward their mouths. Just as they are about to forget they’re in public, the room erupts in applause. There are whistles and cheers and encouraging clapping surrounding them. Steve’s eyes shoot open, and he hesitantly pulls back, staring at Eddie, who grins wide.

“I should’ve done that two years ago, actually shoulda done that five years ago,” Eddie whispers. “I’m gonna finish this show, and afterward, this time, you’re gonna let me make you feel good. Ok?”

Steve silently nods in easy agreement. 

Notes:

1. The acoustic song Eddie sings is Here Without You by 3 Doors Down. 2. Steve singing Hopelessly Devoted to You was inspired by jayshifts on TikTok saying Steve would have a beautiful singing voice and sing open mic night at the hideout. I took personal liberties with that idea but fell in love with it and Harry Styles' rendition during his Halloween show that she plays under her TikTok video. 3. They leave the show and have some of the best sex of their lives and live happily ever after, because I said so

[alovesongtheywrote]

holy fuckin shit girl nighmare academia 🤌🤌🤌

thank god for that person who asked for a pt.2, but I must ask for a pt.3 loll

♥ Summary:  here you go, 1000 words of reid scheming against the reader with the help of some familiar faces! [Prof!Spencer Reid x GN-Prof!Reader]

♥ Warnings: morgan and garcia being morgan and garcia, vague mentions of spencer wanting kids, threats of bodily harm at the very end

♥ A/N: yeah, ik the last one of these came out like. today. but im having a lot of fun, so until that stops. have fun with the enemies to lovers professor au

♥ Word Count: 1200

Series Masterlist

♥♥♥

“Alright, my sweet brain boy, I’ve got the dirt on the Doctor- not you, the other Doctor.  You know what I mean.”

Spencer nodded- then he, in all of his genius, remembered that Penelope could not see him.

“What did you find?” he asked, pulling his legs up on his office chair.  He hadn’t left the university grounds after his fight with you and his call with Garcia.  You had left.  He was sure of it.  His office window gave him a great view of the parking lot, and hence, a great view of you leaving.  Reid, on the other hand, had stayed inside his office waiting for this second call.

“Well, it looks like you may have some competition in the doctorate department.  Doctor (L/N),” she stressed your title, “Also has three PhDs- one in criminology, one in law, and one in- get this- English Literature.  They’ve written a few really good articles, mostly on crime stuff, but also on Pride and Prejudice.  And oh, their takes on Elizabeth and Darcy- it’s enough to make a girl swoon.”

“Okay,” Spencer sighed.  None of this would help him get back at you- most of it was knowledge he could attain with a casual google search, “What else do you have for me?”

“Well, our dear Doctor is active in the community.  They help ex-cons get GEDs in their spare time, they donate to various charities and nonprofits, they support the local arts. They've got a lot of hobbies, they enjoy Halloween a lot- oh, and their mom is super proud of them.”

“What else, Garcia?”

“They have two cats, a couple siblings, a few nieces and nephews- it looks like they’re good with kids.”

“This isn’t relevant,” Spencer groaned, trying to hide his frustration.  He was looking for ways to get under your skin the way you had gotten under his.  He didn’t need to know every nice thing about you.

“Hey, you want kids, don’t you pretty boy?”  A deep voice that was very much not Garcia’s came over the line.

“Morgan is here, by the way,” at the very least, Penelope had the decency to sound a little embarrassed.

“I can hear that.  How long has he been listening?”

“Long enough to hear that you and this Mystery Professor would make a good match.  I mean, where else are you gonna find someone with three PhDs and a face like that?”

Spencer could hear Garcia’s gasp, even though she had pulled away from the phone.  When she spoke again, her voice was playful, “We’re looking for him, not for you.  What would Savannah say?  What should I say?”

“Easy baby girl, I’m just letting our boy know that I approve.”

“Hold on,” Spencer’s voice broke through the bickering of his former co-workers, “I think there’s been a misunderstanding.  I am not interested in (Y/N) (L/N).”

“Oh?  Then whyfore the background check, boy genius?”

“Is something wrong, Reid?”

“No, no, it’s nothing- it’s not like they’re a threat to my safety or anyone’s safety.  They’re just…”

“Just what, kid?”

Spencer drew in a sharp breath, trying to keep his cool.  He had to be calm- collected.  He couldn’t let Derek and Penelope know that you were so deep under his skin, inside the tissue of his brain, that he couldn’t stop thinking about you.  He couldn’t keep his mind from running back to the image of your face, glaring at him as you took the typewriter from his hands.  They would get the wrong idea.  The entire wrong idea.  So, Spencer had to remain cool.

He immediately failed.

“They’re just really fucking annoying, okay!?”

“Damn, kid!  Okay!  What did they do, tell you that Doctor Who was just okay?”

“No, you don’t get it-” Spencer hissed, flopping further into his chair as he proceeded to rant about the entire typewriter thing.  He quoted you word for word, too- of course he did, eidetic memory.  Once he finished, Morgan and Garcia seemed to take on a new understanding of the situation.

“I see!  This wasn’t a love call, but one for information!!  A stockpile of knowledge for devious pranks- that is why you called, right?  You need info for getting back at the lovely Professor?”

“Yes-!  They aren’t lovely, but yes.”

“Kid, anyone who can make you write emails is lovely in Garcia’s book.”

“Listen to your local Morgan, Reid- now, do you have a revenge plot already?”

“Sort of?”  Spencer shared his plans with Garcia, smiling to himself at the sound of her laugh.  His brand of humor didn’t usually get that reaction. 

“Sounds perfect, Reid- I can help with that, but I’m gonna need a secure connection, Dr. (L/N)’s email address, and everything you know about the benefits of handwritten notes.”

Once the plan was fully fleshed out, Spencer hung up the phone and finally, finally made his way out of his office with a rare spring in his step.  His plan was set.  The trap was in place.  Your beloved technology would be your downfall.  As he stepped onto the Metro, he had to keep from cackling like an overdramatic villain.  He was at a high point, and he really didn’t want to be arrested for causing a disturbance.  

Meanwhile, back at Quantico, Morgan and Garica looked at each other, the now silent phone placed between them.

“So, those two are-”

“They are perfect for each other, yes.”

“We’ve gotta help him.”

“Absolutely.  Hey, once they get together, do you think he’ll introduce me?  I want to talk to Dr. (L/N) about their Pride and Prejudice hot takes.”

“Careful, Garcia.  We’re shopping for him, not for you.”

“Hey, I just appreciate a person who can see the true nuances in one Fitzwilliam Darcy!  And I wanna know which film adaptation is their favourite.”

“Hey, lovebirds,” Rossi’s voice came from the door of Garcia’s office, “The rest of us have been ready to go for fifteen minutes.  What’s the hold up?”

“Nothing, Rossi.”

“We just found a perfect match for one Spencer Reid.”

“Really?  Interesting.  Tell me more later.  Let’s go.”

-

Two days later, you opened your PowerPoint slides only to find a presentation about the benefits of handwritten notes.  Everything you had in place for that day was gone.  All that was in its place was a genuinely well-crafted presentation about how writing notes by hand was better for attention retention and memorization.  

Honestly, you couldn’t even get that mad.  It was a good presentation.  

Still, you had a reputation to maintain.

You bit your lip and crossed your arms, becoming the picture of barely contained rage.  You took a deep breath, turning to your students and slapping a strained smile across your lips.

“Forgive me, my lovely students, but given this sudden turn of events, I’m just going to cancel class for today.  The correct notes will be on the class website later.”

You made your way to the door, leaving all your belongings behind in your haste, “Enjoy your afternoons, I’m going to go stab Dr. Spencer Reid.  In the throat.  Have a good day!”

A few students gave quiet, confused farewells.  Others leaned over to each other and whispered, “Stabbing is a sex thing, right?”

Technically, they were correct.

[bisexual-horror-fan]

"Lessons In Faking It Redux." Reverse!Poly!Ghostface X FEM! AFAB! Reader.

Well, hello, hello, hello! This is so exciting! The very first fic of Multi-May! I chose to kick it off by doing a re-do of Lessons In Faking It. This was supposed to be a collab with an old friend, I was to do the set up and they were supposed to do part two but I wrote this back in August of 2021 so I doubt they are gonna get to it, so expect ME doing part two later this month! So let’s get into it.

---

Part Two, "A Lack Of Climax In Act Three" is here!

—

Rating. Explicit. Length. 4.8K. Reverse!Poly!Ghostface X FEM! AFAB! Reader. Warnings: Cheating. Lying. Faking. Dating. Angst. Hurt. Toxic Shit. Angst. Talk Of Murder Plots. Dirty Talk. Vaginal Fingering. Cunnilingus. Meanness. So Much Meanness. So Much Shit Talking. Threesomes. Face Sitting. Strap-On Sex. Possessiveness. Jealousy. Reclaiming. Sidney And Tatum Being Bitchy As Fuck. Apologies To Billy And Stu. I Love Them And Don’t Mean The Nasty Shit I Said.  

—

You couldn’t have asked for a nicer day really. 

Currently you were walking in between them, Stu had an arm around your shoulders and your hand at your side as is Billy’s, fingers tangled together, you were all coming back from a little study date. The three of you had taken over a table outside the ice cream parlour next to the video store you all frequented, books sprawled out as you worked on your respective assignments. Easy conversation was shared as was laughter between melting bites of refreshingly cool and fruity sorbet. 

It was a nice way to spend a warm afternoon, right now Stu was talking to Billy about something in a shared class they both had that you didn’t, and you just listened.

“I’m not saying there isn’t any merit in analysis but I don’t care about what the flower choices in this stupid book means, ya know?” 

You rolled your eyes fondly, an action Stu definitely noticed but kept talking regardless, leaning down as he did so, “Why couldn’t the author be more forthright with that knowledge? If it was really fuckin’ important than the old prick would make it clear, not leave it up to high schoolers to parse in third period.” 

Stu complained further as he held up the book he and Billy were both being forced to read in English and Billy agreed, simply with a nod, “I hear you man, but do you think you might be a bit too worked up over this one?”

Stu gasped, smacking his own chest with the book, "Billy, baby, are you defending this piece of shit, sorry excuse for a storyteller? Over me?"

"I'm just saying you're talking like the guy was writing it to piss you off specifically, it isn’t personal." Billy said with a casual shrug. Stu asks you, "Are you hearing this?"

"Oh I'm hearing it, alright." The tone makes Billy snicker and Stu scoff, "Unbelievable. Both my boyfriend AND girlfriend are against me."

You squeeze Billy’s hand and that had him glance down to you, a soft smile on his face, he gave a squeeze back in acknowledgement and you leaned closer into Stu as well who pulled his arm tighter around you.

Hmm. Cute.

Soon you were where you needed to be and in the process of saying good-bye to them, telling them it was a good time and you’d see them soon. They lingered as they always did, drawing out hugs and both taking the time to be all sweet, pressing farewell kisses to your mouth that were still a bit sticky from your afternoon snack and then they were off.

Both gave a wave as they called out, “Say hi to Sid and Tate, yeah?”

You smiled and called back, an enthusiastic wave of your own, “Yeah of course. Bye boys!” 

Watching until they turned the corner and were out of sight, a sigh left you, shoulders dropping and your smile falling. You wiped over your mouth with the back of your hand, a slight sound of disgust leaving you as you tried to scrub off the feeling of their lips on yours.

You adjusted your bag on your shoulder as you headed up Sidney’s driveway, one word muttered under your breath, “Idiots.”  If only they knew your true nature and what was in store for them.

They were just so unaware, if you had any semblance of a moral compass or a conscience you just might feel bad about it, or about what was to come. Good thing that petty things like that didn’t weigh you down. The door was unlocked with the key Sidney gave you months ago and you came in, shoes were taken off and you took a quick look around, they must be upstairs. In a minute’s time you were waltzing into Sidney’s bedroom.

You find Sidney on her bed, laying on her stomach, magazine open in front of her and Tatum sitting right next to her, reading over her shoulder. As soon as you enter, both are looking up to you, Tatum nudged Sidney as she said,  “See, there she is.”

Tatum greeted you first with a smile, a warm and flirty call of, “Hey gorgeous.” 

Sidney followed up, significantly less pleased, “Hi.” She flipped the magazine closed then asked, “Took you long enough, what happened?” 

You dropped your bag and came over, hands already outstretched and an apologetic look thrown their way. “Hey. So sorry but you know how those two can be, they just don’t shut up, it took me a while to squirm away.”

A knee on the mattress you leaned down, you can recognize the look in the blonde’s eyes and you moved down to give her what she is silently asking for, just as she always did when you had been apart for an extended period of time. You pressed a kiss to Tatum’s lips, hands cradling her face, satisfying her adorable need for a kiss hello before releasing her, leaning down further still and brushing some hair aside before placing one on Sidney’s forehead. “Forgive me?”

“You’re lucky that you are so cute.” Sidney said with a shake of her head and a fond smile on her face, she sat up and you asked hopefully, “So all is forgiven?”

She slung an arm around your shoulders, not unlike Stu did earlier, as she said, “Yeah, yeah all’s forgiven.”

You moved closer into her, a kiss placed on her jaw as you said, “Thank you.” A hum of acknowledgement from her, obviously enjoying how close you were, clearly she had missed you too.

“Besides, how could we ever stay mad at you when you work so hard for us?” Tatum reached out, hand meeting your cheek and yeah she was right.

The reality is that your relationship with Billy and Stu was all a ruse, totally false on your end, you were actually with Sidney and Tatum, and your two girlfriends have a very particular ‘hobby’ that you helped facilitate. They had this grand plan and you were such an important and integral part to make sure it went off without a hitch. Sidney had beef with Billy and his family, with what happened with her mother, she wanted to ruin his fucking life, tear it all apart and with a twist of her ankle; crush the pieces under the heel of her boot until there was nothing but minor traces of blood and viscera smashed into concrete.

Tatum had always been there for Sidney, they had been friends forever and she had been in love with her for years, she was there for Sidney through it all. When Sidney spilled her metaphorical guts and told Tatum everything she was feeling and thinking, all the horribleness she wanted to engage in, the hurt and pain she wanted to inflict on Billy’s family at the end of a knife for breaking up her own family and destroying her life, Tatum simply asked her, “Well when do we start?”

Everyone needs a best friend like Tatum really. Was there anyone more ride or die than Tatum Riley? You weren’t sure, she was just so damn supportive of you and Sid, totally in your corner, would do anything for you both and you felt the same way, would do anything for them.

Maureen Prescott has a bad reputation, and not without good reason, not like you’d ever say that to Sidney, but she did fuck Billy’s dad while both of them were married to other people. Sidney’s dad found out and their marriage crumbled, Sid’s mom split, leaving her totally fucking heartbroken, she felt so abandoned and so angry. She placed that blame on Mrs.Loomis, was it fair?

Not necessarily but hey she was hurting and what kind of average person jumps right to murder anyway, the logic of, “If she kept him satisfied he never would have cheated and broken up MY fucking family” made sense to her. 

Since she lost her mom she felt it only appropriate that Billy lose his. They told you all the grisly details of it, the sounds she made, the small amount of fight she put up, Sidney gleefully telling you how she not only bled like a stuck pig but “-she looked and squealed like one too.” 

Tatum joined in to tell you that, “It was a great date night, we felt a lot closer after that.”

The plan went off perfectly, no suspicion on them and now that it was almost a full year later, nearly the anniversary of Mrs.Loomis’ death it was onto the next phase of the plan. 

Kill, cut, rip, tear and maim, a violent bloodbath and make it look like it, all of it, was the fault of one Mr.Loomis. You were brought into the plan to pile it on, really make it hurt, there to be with Billy and help make the betrayal of it hurt all the more before they killed him too. Getting to that point of your involvement and trust wasn’t easy but you more than proved yourself and earned it.

Sidney and Billy dated for a while but when shit hit the fan their relationship ended in short order, her mom bailed and Sid just couldn’t stand it, couldn’t tolerate being with him like that. She wanted to really make this whole thing as painful as possible and you pretending to be with him, pretending to care, fake dating him would be the cherry on top. Sidney was dying to see the look of betrayal on Billy’s face when he learns his sweet girlfriend was faking literally everything for months and not only that but was entangled with his mothers killers.

Tatum had dated Stu briefly herself but it didn’t last long, originally you were only supposed to get with Billy, the Stu thing just kind of happened and after a talk it was decided that hey it was even better to ol Sid and Tate.

You getting involved with both of them, forming that little triad, it would be all the more deliciously painful when you revealed that it was all for show, that you had been in on the plan. It would make it hurt so much worse when it all came crashing down around the pair of them.

Could anyone truly blame Sidney Prescott for wanting to rip Billy Loomis’ fucking heart out and crush it in her hands right before his very eyes? Well sure a lot of people could, but not Tatum.

Not you.

You hadn’t known them or been friends with them as long as they had been with each other but you were just as invested, cared just as much, were so into the both of them. When they shared the plan of what they wanted to do you were already in so deep, so utterly smitten with them both that when they mentioned they had wanted your help, you didn’t need much convincing.

The next feeling was a familiar one, Sidney’s arms wrapping around your waist, pulling you closer, your back to her chest, her legs on either side of your hips, her face in the crook of your neck, snuggling closer still. “I hate when you smell like him.”

Ah yes, this kind of thing happens often. Both of them, but especially Sidney feels this intense need to reclaim you, this incessant urge to mark you as hers and Tatum’s again, make it so you smelt like them, could taste only them on your tongue. She craves to make you say their names over and over again in every fashion imaginable, like a sigh and a curse and just overwhelm you with feeling until there is nothing on your mind other than them.

Overloading you with sensation was their favourite pastime other than that aforementioned hobby.

You loved it too.

“What are you gonna do about that?” You teased and Tatum was closing in on you too, her hands resting on the tops of your thighs, “Ooh I think we both have lots of ideas to fix that little problem.”

You were very sure about that. A big grin as you say, “Oh I bet.”

Hands reach out, your fingers curling in the straps of Tatum’s tank top and using them to pull her to you, kissing her. You didn’t get a good feel or taste from that small peck earlier but now you realise the lip gloss she had on today tasted like peaches and it made you let out a small and satisfied hum.

Sidney’s hands started to wander, one sliding up your side leisurely, under your shirt and the other running down and touching your inner thigh, she had started to kiss the side of your neck, you could still feel how tense she was. She muttered out, “Hate his stupid fucking cologne.”

Tatum pulled back from your kiss with a laugh, you love her smile when she is like this, “God, right? Does he drown himself in the stuff or what?”

You couldn’t stifle your giggle, he kinda did. "Seriously what is that God awful scent he favours?" You ask and Sidney fills in the blank, quick wit as always, "Eau de asshole. Obviously."

Tatum was still so close, her nose on yours and you pressed another kiss to the corner of her mouth between you both giggling over Sidney’s joke. Your mouth moved along her jaw and by this point, they always ended up doing this. Would talk down about Billy and Stu so much after you saw them, it was kind of part and parcel at this point.

Sidney’s hand had made it between your thighs by now, feeling you up over your pants, you pushed your hips up, tilting more into her touch, the light friction was good. She wasn't overly gentle with you, and knew just how to get to you. Her other hand was up your shirt, palming one of your tits through your bra and then came another part that you were all too used to, relaying what happened to them.

“What’d they have to say this time?” Tatum asked, tone much more amused, her hands were on your hips, you having paused your assault of affection, too caught up in the feeling which led Tatum to watch as Sidney’s hands worked you over. She loved to watch you both together, something about it was just so hot, and also made her feel so warm too, she took in the view and you started to reply to her question.

“Nothing interesting-” Sidney bit down on the side of your throat and it made your sentence stop with a sharp inhale of air before continuing on, “-stupid shit about assignments and classes, dumb jokes, dumber movie opinions, you know how it goes.”

Your head tilted back, exposing more of your throat to her and the hand between your thighs pressed a bit harder, focusing a little more and as her other hand was rolling one of your nipples between her fingers you completely forgot what you were talking about.

“I don’t know how you put up with it.” Tatum hummed and Sidney scoffed, “I dunno how WE put up with it back then.” 

She pulled back from your throat as she spoke up, “Truly, what would we do without you?”

You couldn’t help it, loved it when they praised you, would flourish under their attention, you let out a sigh and said, “Just be glad you don’t have to find out. I’m not going anywhere.”

They both liked to hear that and Tatum hooked her fingers in your belt loops and tugged just like you had done to her top earlier, asking with no small amount of heat, “You down for some practice?”

Oh nothing sounded better. You needed this right now. You gave an enthusiastic nod, “God yes, please?”

“So eager.” You could hear the slight smirk in Sidney’s tone, she was loosening up just a bit, good, you were glad. It was hard to stay in a bad mood with the prospect of what was to come right there.

You might be wondering what ‘practice’ with them entailed, what is it that you were practising for exactly?

It all stemmed from your idea initially, that you should lead them on, get so close to them and then ‘lose your virginity’ to them the night of the party, again another layer, more chance to truly hurt them. So this fun little exercise began, that first night you remember so well.

Sidney between your legs, hands resting on your spread thighs as Tatum was beside you on the couch, alternating between kissing you and whispering in your ear as her fingers dragged over your exposed skin. The feeling her hands left in their wake was a lot to handle, you weren’t sure if you wanted to wiggle away or lean into it, Sidney was eating you out beautifully and there was your shared girlfriend, brushing some of your hair aside and whispering in your ear, “Feels good right?”

You nodded and almost whimpered, barely able to hide the sound and Tatum had her fingers under your chin, tilting your face to hers, God she was so beautiful like this, she spoke to you again, “You’re paying attention right?”

Another nod, you were certainly trying to. Her thumb brushed over your bottom lip and then Sid was doing something with her tongue that made your thighs tense and let a moan spill from your mouth, eyes unfocused and Tatum couldn’t be more into the sight, amused by how easily they could make you break apart for them. “Mmm good.”

Tatum kissed you and it was full of want, her hand still under your chin as her tongue got into the mix and you moaned into her open mouth as Sid started to ease two fingers into you. “Fuck-” 

You breathed it out against Tatum’s lips and she pulled back, praising you, “Yeah like that, remember how you moaned just like that.”

You ended up coming so hard that night on Sidney’s tongue and fingers, you were barely floating down from your high when Sidney was looking up at you, head leaning on your thigh, her mouth was still wet from you as she said, “If you are able to fake it half as good as that they will totally buy it.”

So to ensure that you, their precious little partner in crime/girlfriend/actor would be up for the role, a lot more practising and rehearsals would be needed. Something you welcomed openly, you couldn't help how much you got off on it when they were like this, giving you instructions and leading you, telling you how best to act and pleasuring you so amazingly, praising you all the while.

It was enough to make your head swim right along with making your cunt drip.

You were a quick study and took direction well, you were sure you had it down pat but you weren’t about to stop them, not when reaping the benefits felt so fucking good.

The time you were sitting on Tatum’s face, her hands on your ass, you were grinding down onto her mouth, the question fell from your lips without you planning on it, “Be honest Tate, fuck, how’s Stu’s tongue?”

Your curiosity was something that you couldn’t shake, he almost always had that damn tongue hanging out of his mouth and you know just why he did it, to get you and anyone else thinking about what he might be capable of. Worst of all is that it worked, you had been thinking about it. Morbid curiosity got the better of you.

She pulled back, head falling back against the bed and she looked up at you, breathless laugh as she made eye contact with you and she asked, “Honestly?”

You replied with a small smile, “Honestly.”

A genuine want to know and she said it in that way that only she could, this particular kind of fire and bite behind it, obviously truthful and drawn from personal experience and fact, “Overrated.”

She laughed again and so did you until warm breath fans over slick skin the only warning of her intentions of continuing her assault on you. Her mouth latched back onto your clit and that laughter from you bled into a moan as she sucked indulgently. You asked later on if she was being serious and she told you that, “It’s a damn shame truly, honestly with some good direction he might actually be worth a damn at eating pussy. But as it stands right now? Don’t hold your breath for a mind blowing experience.”

You loved when she was so harsh.

Loved it so much you would openly encourage her and Sidney bad mouthing them. A different evening, a late night date had turned to another ‘rehearsal’ and Sidney’s hands were on your hips, slowly pushing the dildo of her strap-on into you, throwing your head back with a bite of your lip and a moan, eyes rolling back. You recall Tatum telling you to do that a different session as she instructed you and then finished it off by telling you, “-guys love that shit.”

Tatum had your head in her lap, playing with your hair and she gave a low whistle, “Look at you! Like a duck to water, you do that move and he might just cum on the spot.”

Sidney laughed, rolling her hips as she sinks inside you again, “Seriously, have you seen how hot she is? Might make Loomis cream his fucking jeans before he can even whip it out.”

Christ when she talked like that it did something to you. 

Again you hoped you would be able to be convincing enough but they encouraged you so much and told you just how easy they would be to trick that any small and minute doubts you had kept melting every time you were sprawled between them.

The need overtook you and you looked up at Sidney as she started to move, hips pulling back before driving forward and it pulled a moan from you, a questioning gasp of, “Sid?”

She let out a hum, a harder thrust before she asked, “Yes, honey?” That somewhat sing-song and overly sweet tone, obviously enjoying herself, she was in a playful mood. 

Looking up at her with the question falling off your tongue, “Tell me about it again?”

A light laugh, the sound of skin on skin as she didn’t stop, pace steady as she fucked into you, each plunge of sturdy silicone making another shock of sensation rush through you, “Oh did my little comment get you wanting? You want me to be mean?”

Tatum’s hands were sliding down your body and soon her fingers were between yours and Sid’s bodies, starting to circle your clit, making you buck under their shared effort with another ample moan and a shudder.

“Want me to shit-talk Billy “I-think-my-dick-is-God’s-gift-to-women” Loomis, huh?” She bites out, feeling a little breathless as she slams into you over and over.

Fuck yes you did want that. You begged for it, insanely needy, “Yes! Please?”

“Anything for you.” She sounded so warm, so affectionate. Tatum above you pressed harder and couldn’t hide her own smile as she said, “Oh this’ll be good.”

“Want me to tell you all about how he acts like he is hot shit? About how he talks about how he is gonna get you off soooo hard when his fingering technique is like he is digging for change in couch cushions?” Tatum and you both laughed, yours much more out of breath and strained, almost hiccupping in pleasure.

Sidney’s grip on your hips tightened, she fucked into you harder and between her consistent and steady pace, as well as grinding into that sweet spot and Tatum not letting up on your clit you wouldn’t be lasting very long. They were just too good at this point, and knew your body so well.

“Want me to tell you all about how he will act all concerned, all “Ooo I don’t wanna hurt you” talking like he is packing heat but it is just average-” Another hard thrust that ended in a grind, her leaning down breathing the next two words right in your ear, “-at best?”

“Fuck babe tell us how you really feel.” Tatum teased, you were way too into this, were unable to stop the small moans and curses and whines that left you, squirming under them and their conjoined effort.

They could be so mean and you adored it.

Tatum had shifted, one hand still working between your thighs and her other wrapped around the base of her own strap, pushing it against your lips, “If you want her to keep going you better start sucking, they’re probably gonna expect you to take them both at once.”

A few light smacks on your cheek with the flushed pink silicone and then you opened your mouth and let her slide in with ease. Her hand threaded in your hair and she tugged, “Make eye contact as you do it, slut. Make it convincing, I wanna believe that you need this dick more than you need air, got it?”

A weak nod and you pushed down further, looking at her, eyes pleading for more and moaning around the false cock approaching the back of your throat. You slowly pulled back, cheeks hollowing as you sucked obscenely, starting a slow but passionate pace and Tatum said, “Shit. That is good. You play the part so well, they won’t know what hit them”

Sidney let out a laugh, feeling you start to tremble in her grip, could feel how close you were getting, nails raking over your hips, she practically purred, “You’ll knock em dead, such a pretty little actress.”

“Actress? Try porn star.” Tatum fired back pulling another giggle from Sidney. You shouldn’t clench down on the strap like that or moan at her calling you a porn star but fuck, it made you want to whine. 

But they weren’t the only ones who would talk shit. You joined in just as often. One night where you were focusing on them, putting those hands of yours to good use, you instigated it, your mouth pulled back from its place on Tatum’s chest and you looked up to her and Sid, taking in the sight of them kissing before saying, “Something happened with them today.”

You didn’t wait for a response, curling your fingers you pressed on and told them about your date earlier. 

Billy had sat you and Stu down, with a confession in mind, he opened up by saying, “You and Stu mean so much to me I…I can’t tell you how thankful I am that you were here for me. That I’m not doing this alone, you’ve helped me out more than you know or I could say and just..I love you, both of you, so much.”

He positively poured his heart out to you and Stu and my lord, you couldn’t have been happier. You were giddy to tear away and run back to Sidney and Tatum to fill them in, just as you were right now.

You put on your best impression of him and mocked him, how he said and what he said and they swear in that moment they fell a bit harder for you than they had already.

It was perfect. Everything was going swimmingly. Tatum and Sidney were transfixed by you as you regaled them, hands still on each other but not moving. Shared wide eyes and enraptured as they listened, barely able to breathe, almost no sound leaving them unless a particularly good thrust of your fingers drew one out of them.

“You should have seen him. He looked pathetic! He was almost crying, still whining about his mother.” Your mouth was on Sidney’s thigh, kissing up as your fingers slid into Tatum deeper, “He’s so weak.”

No this wasn’t perfect.

You were.

They were the ones who couldn’t believe their luck. Having someone like you so fully devoted to them, so invested, so ready and willing, yeah there was probably one person in Woodsboro who was more ride or die than Tatum Riley and that was you. Sick, twisted, equally as fucked up, you.

As your tongue stroked up over Sidney’s leaking slit, a slow circle over her clit before pulling it between your plush lips and sucking deeply, you looked up at them and gave your own confession, your own soul bearing admission. This one not mocking as you made fun of Billy, this one was your own and totally honest, “I love you both so much.”

Your girlfriends were confident in one thing at that moment. That yes you were perfect for them, an amazing accomplice and an even better actor but they just knew that with them?

You’d never, ever fake it.

[lokai-fi]

Beneficial

Ateez Headcanon - FWB sounds like fun until someone catches feelings

Requested <3 Some fluff, some angst and some more fluff, I have no words but Yeosang and Jongho :’)

~~Requests are open~~ 

~ Masterlist ~

Hongjoong

he needed to relieve some stress and you needed to get laid

it was a win win

you’ve kind of always been included in his social circle

so he doesn't notice the gradual desire to spend more time with you

or that you live in his head rent free

and it’s not weird that he keeps your favorite brand of coffee in his mini fridge to enjoy after your *ahem* escapades 

it’s around the third song that he’s written with you in mind that he finally catches on

more like Seonghwa told him

but whatever

he’s down for you

and he’s down bad

but you seem so content with how things are

and that stresses him out so much

but he doesn’t want to call things quits because he loves you, and he doesn’t want things to be weird

and he’d for sure make them weird

“What happens to the people that fall in love with this kind of shit?” he asks one night as your pulling your clothes back on

you shrug “they fall in love I guess.”

“Is it bad of they do?”

“Depends on the person, some people just don’t want the strings.”

Hongjoong’s quiet for a while, startling when you ask him why

“What if- what if I want the strings?” 

You can only narrow your eyes at what he’s saying, a smirk playing on your lips

“You want strings?”

“Your strings, as many as you’re willing.”

“I think we can make that happen.” 

Seonghwa

so nervous to ask about it 

but so confident about it once you agree to it

at first it’s just super casual, going to each others places and then leaving

but then he’s planning whole days around it 

and they’re fun! You always have a great time with Seonghwa

but they feel an awful lot like dates given the whole fwb situation

you bring it up to him one day

man panics because he didn’t even realize 

but then he pauses

and he does realize

he’s a little bit in love with you

and he’s been in love with you for a while

so he’ll straight up tell you

“I-I think I fell in love with you.”

“Oh you think?”

“You knew?!”

“Truthfully it wasn’t that hard to tell Hwa, I’m just glad you finally said it.”

Yunho

thought you were joking at first

but very quickly warms up to the idea

like way too quickly

calls you over at least three times a week at first

he tried for more but dude

you needed some time to recover

it’s just fun for him

hang out, quick fuck then right back to hanging out

neat!

until two months go by and you get a very frantic call from Yunho babbling on about something

you’re confused and the only thing you can make out are very quick apologies

“Yunho! Take a breath, slow down, what’s wrong?”

“I broke the rule I’m so sorry.”

“Hang on I’m coming over.”

He answers the door with red eyes and you swear his lip trembles when he actually looks at you

“Please don’t be mad I didn’t mean for it to happen.”

“For what to happen? Yunho are you okay?”

“It’s a crush, I have a crush on you and I feel so guilty because it’s the one thing I wasn’t supposed to do but I just like you- us, I like us so much. Fuck... I’m so sorry if this ruins everything.”

your chuckle stops the tears from falling as you gently grab his face

“Who said it ruined anything?”

Yeosang

completely foreign concept to him

yes he knows what you mean but like? why him??

his heart melts a little when you explain how comfortable you feel around him

but then he’s right back to making it awkward

“so we just like?” he doesn’t know where to put his hands as they literally hover by your arms and chest

needless to say you took control the first night

he gets better as it goes, more confident and comfortable with the fact that he’s intimate with one of his best friends *platonically* 

just when you think things are finally going smooth he starts shutting down again

he’s quiet save for a few grunts and groans and each time it gets worse till he’s not even saying anything to you at all

you think that’s the worst of it but as soon as he’s finished he’s up and out of the room

You show up unannounced one night and you can see the panic in his eyes

“What’s going on? Did I do something wrong?”

Yeosang just shakes his head and tries to busy himself in the kitchen but you’re quick to follow

“Is it the whole hooking up thing?”

You watch his hands stutter and you know that’s exactly what it is

“If you don’t like it then-

“But you like it!”

“Yeosang! That doesn’t matter! If you’re uncomfortable then it stops now.”

“No! That’s not- I don’t want it to stop!” 

“Then what do you want?!

“I want more! God, fuck. I want you, I want meaning, I want a title, I want to do all those stupid couple things that you say you hate but I know you love.”

He lets out a frustrated sigh and watches you process everything, eyes slowly coming back to his with the tiniest pout you can manage

“Even matching outfits?”

Yeosang lets out a breath of laughter as he pulls you flush against him, 

“Even the matching outfits.”

San

:)

>:)

he’s totally the one who instigated the situation

ending the night with a ‘we should do this again’

and thus a new dynamic was added to the friendship

you two are very casual about it and it goes on for quite sometime before things start to change

like him grabbing your favorite snack on his way home from work

or him leaving out a few of his favorite sweaters  because he knows you like to steal them

San falls in love with you slowly and it just feels right

so right in fact that he mutters it into your skin one night causing the both of you two freeze 

he’ll drag his eyes to yours so painfully slow

heart racing out of fear that he just fucked everything up

“Did you mean it?”

He can’t lie to you

He especially can’t lie while he’s balls deep in you

The words won’t come out so he just nods

“Oh thank god.”

it’s music to his ears as he dives in for a very needy kiss

Mingi 

lets be honest here

Mingi always had some sort of feelings for you

so needless to say

he fell the moment he has you calling out his name

will 100% try to play it cool

and by that I mean he doesn’t text you for a solid week after

you tried damn well to get him to talk to you 

but the mans legs are long and he can speed walk faster than you can run

you get Yunho to help corner him one evening

and Mingi is very quick to tell the truth

that his phone was broken and every time he saw you he suddenly remembered he had left the stove, the shower and the heat on in his apartment and he absolutely had to go fix those things right away

You and Yunho just exchange looks and Mingi’s back to sputtering

“It’s a crush, I have this big stupid crush on you and I always have and that night just made it ten times worse because you’re absolutely perfect and it was more perfect than I could have ever imagined but I panicked because it was just supposed to be sex and I- I’m sorry”

you’re quite sure he said that all in one breath

“Min... I suppose I should confess something too.” 

Wooyoung

straight up tells you no

kinda shocking I know

but he values your friendship and he’s seen too many movies where these things go south

so when you’re nonchalant about his answer and even ask him if you should go ask a different friend he feels his ears heat up

Why would you go ask someone else? He can do better than they can

It wasn’t your intent to make him jealous competitive but hey

whatever gets you laid 

low keys gets annoyed when you hit him up

just because you’re starting to affect him in ways he didn’t think would happen

your friendship was so strong and solid before all this 

and now he’s so weak for you

it’s so easy for him to come undone at your touch and he has to stop himself from chasing after more

because if you wanted a boyfriend you would have just gotten a damn boyfriend

he’s absolutely pissed when you call him after a night with your friends

he shows up and tastes the booze on your tongue, your lips no longer sweet but sour and he can’t take it

he’s being far too rough and distant and ends up making you cry

which makes him cry because he can’t stand to see you hurt especially by him but he has to be selfish, just this once

“I don’t want to do this anymore! I can’t fall even harder for you when I know you’re eventually going to find someone else.”

“Wooyoung, who said I ever wanted anyone else?”

Jongho

you were the one to suggest it

and he responded by crashing his lips against yours

because fuck work has been awful and he hasn’t had any action in months

not to mention, going out to find someone decent is also exhausting

but you, you he knows

you he trusts

after, you both don’t really mention it aside from a ‘thanks’ and ‘that was needed’

you don’t expect much to come out of it honestly, just a single fling because it was Jongho after all

but one night of just pure frustration turned into him calling you at least once a week

and yes he calls

he’ll make sure you’re hydrated and sometimes he offers to watch a movie after

but after a few months he catches himself tracing over every mark on your skin 

and he’s come to realize he’s memorized every single one and he absolutely loves-

he’ll tell you to stop immediately, gently pushing you off of him

distancing himself as best as he can 

“I can’t do this”

“I’m sorry? What happened?”

“I-I just don’t want to do this anymore, it’s enough. I’ve had enough.”

“Jongho-”

“You should go.”

He doesn’t reach out to you for well over a week which is absolutely killing him because you’re the only thing he’s thinking about. 

But god dammit is he so scared to tell you that he caught feelings because that’s him being weak and you never saw him as weak

and besides, you don’t like him like that and he doesn’t blame you

he will nearly bust down your door at three am because he just can’t stand it anymore

“I need you.”

“O-kay?” and when your hands move to the hem of your shirt he has to rush to stop you

“No, jesus not like that... I mean, I need you because I love you and I don’t know what to do without you. And I’m an asshole I know, for making you leave and not talking to you but I need to know if you feel the same.” 

“Say it again.”

“Wha? Which part?”

“The L word, I need to know I’m not dreaming again.”

[fieldsofbats]

simon riley x waitstaff! reader : getting coffee

okie dokie, the second part of the waitstaff au bc i like it when authors have a reoccurring au and i write what i like to see from others. i am also open to exploring other peoples au’s and discussing ideas. i don’t like the idea of having requests because i don’t wanna put that pressure on myself but i want to work with people and explore lots of ideas i see from people. tl;dr, send me ur ideas but not requests.

part one, part two

ghost would take the longest to ask you out, like he is a confident man (have u heard his lines???) and isn’t afraid of confrontation or anything, just doesn’t like the idea of potentially ruining anything you guys have going because he has ~feelings~

would make sure to do it either after your shift or when it is very quiet and you are the only floor staff on, wants it to be the two of you in an open and casual environment

your comfort and feelings are of the utmost importance to him always thinking: “are they okay with his?” “i’m not over stepping?” “this is okay, right?”

personally strikes me as someone who needs verbal confirmation of others feelings.

he can read a battlefield no problems, can predict movements from a mile away. your feelings??? nah, dude has no clue and needs verbal reassurance, not that he would ask for it but is amazed when you figure that out yourself. ‘fuck they are literally made for me.’

i don’t think he could actually say the words ‘let’s go on a date’, strikes me as a ‘when r u free? Let’s do this…’ kinda person. 

would have the whole thing planned out though, has prepared himself for every possible response and outcome. thinks of it as a sort of mission. 

i like the idea that he did get advice from price (daddy)

it wouldn’t be the actual task of asking you out that freaks him a bit, but the uncontrollable factor of your response. 

he can’t plan for that so is anxious about what you might say or think, hence the over planning and the private obsessiveness.

BUT YOU SAID YES, “yeah, I finish my shift at 4, we could get a coffee or snack if you want?” YES WE CAN GET COFFEE “sounds good.” SOUNDS AMAZING.

waits out the front of the restaurant for you, has been waiting since 3.

figuring out who he should wait, wants to appear casual but wants you to think he is cool. leaning on his bike? no, a bit asshole-y. casually smoking? no, you might not like that. just standing? why does it fuckin’ matter?

oh shit here they come, fuck they look so nice in the sun light. 

you smile that sweet smile of yours to him and his knees buckle as he turns to face you fully. he grips the door jam so he doesn’t fall in front of you. He’s already fucked it. 

“where were you thinking?” you asked him, completely ignoring his near face plant into the pavement.

he directs you over to a close by coffee shop, you’ve been there before so wave politely to the staff and point to the best seats in the shop. he nods and follows to the back, a small semi-private nook at the back.

he thinks it went well, he tried to avoid the topic of his work and asked you as many questions as possible. but it wasn’t to the point you were talking the entire time.

he could feel himself blushing under his mask, the slightly larger surgical style mask reaching just under his eyes. He was thankful you didn’t push him to take the mask off or tell you his real name. 

you understood that military people have a lot they can’t share, particularly someone in SAS. those folks are intense and have extremely private lives. 

one coffee turned into two, a few biscuits turned into soup for dinner. then into being asked to leave by the owner. 

“oh sorry matt. thanks for putting up with us.” you laughed and began to pack up to leave. ghost, ever the gentleman, paid and you thanked him. 

“next one is on me.” NEXT ONE?! dudes heart near leaves his body and race through the street at illegal speeds. 

he nods and quickly walks out of the shop to hide his little shiver of excitement. you ask him about his bike (i fuckin love motorcycle men omg), something he is more than happy to chat about and explain to you. 

you patiently listen for about ten minutes before he notices he hasn’t taken a breath since he started. “sorry, I’m keeping you.”, you quickly shake your head

“i like hearing you talk, mostly about things you are passionate about.” omg he lov- likes you so much. 

he nods and looks away, hiding the massive blush that comes over his nose and cheeks. 

“i’ll see you next week ghost.” you smile and wave goodbye.

he waves back and whispers to himself “for the rest of my life darling.”

okay this is kind of shit but i have written this in one sitting in the evening. feedback is always welcome as well, be respectful though. i will probably come back and edit this but enjoy :)

[mailjeevasfan]

hi! love your work <3 can i request some headcanons about living with matt and mello (together) it can me romantic or platonic, i dont mind either way ! tysm :)

that pic came out so low quality for some reason

thank you so much :’) i tried to do a mix and include a little bit of romance for each but i’d say it’s mainly general/platonic. i reaaaaally self indulged here

-matt and mello x gn! reader

༺♡༻

living with matt and mello hcs ❦

matt

-messy asf. he doesn’t do it on purpose but he’s just so unorganised and has a messy room and just causes chaos wherever he walks. that being said, he does know where everything is which pisses mello off SO MUCH. mello also routinely berates him for his mess

‘matt, what the hell is this on the counter?’

‘umm… the end of a cigarette?’

‘WE HAVE FUCKING ASHTRAYS FOR A REASON.’

-he is probably the one who is at home the most. he doesn’t like going outside, he just sits in and plays video games or watches tv. he only does anything productive if he reaaally has to

-that being said, you have to drag him out sometimes to avoid him getting too depressed from just sitting doing nothing for days. if you can’t motivate him then mello will gladly accept the challenge and come through without fail.

-matt is deeply appreciative of how thoughtful you and mello are, as roommates but also as friends. how well you know him, how easy it is for you to see what he needs when he’s at his lowest. once, (probably when he was drunk) and falling asleep on your chest, he expressed this out loud for the first time and you almost wanted to sob at his words. he comes off as someone who’s always so casual and sometimes maybe even awkward, so hearing this was a shock but a good one.

-if matt isn’t sleeping or sitting on the couch playing video games, he is probably lying on the floor or just doing weird shit. i can imagine mello coming home and just seeing matt doing a handstand against the wall, watching something (5 minute crafts) on his phone on the floor.

-dyes his hair often and changes up his look very frequently, so very often you find yourself following the smell of cigarettes only to the open bathroom door and find matt looking like patrick bateman due to him washing off his hair dye in the sink (cigarette still lit in his mouth, it’s basically a party trick at this point)

-whenever you have to go out he drags you back to bed and holds you as tight as he can with a smirk on his face

-whether you’re a smoker or not, you often light his cigarettes for him and it ends up being a much more intimate gesture than you anticipated. mello tells you to get a room

༺♡༻

mello

-he’s out of the house the most between the three of you but that’s kind of a given. lots of work to do you know being in the mafia and all, that kind of casual stuff…

-idk where i’m going with this or how to even explain it any more, but he always makes a conscious effort to keep alcohol in the house at all times like he is always just coming home with a bottle of something

-has lots of cool rock/metal posters in his room and when he’s not in his usual leather clothes he’s wearing band tees (u and matt steal them frequently and he pretends to be mad)

-honestly i want to say (solely for comedic effect) that he absolutely despises the smell of cigarettes in the house. you’ve never seen desperation like the kind mello exhibits when he begs matt to PLEASE SMOKE OUT OF A WINDOW.

-there is 100% a designated cupboard that is full to the brim with chocolate. all the same brand, flavour, type, whatever. literally everything. it’s all identical.

-when he’s feeling down about messing something up, even if it’s the smallest thing, he gets really really emotional and will immediately go to his room. he probably doesn’t cry often unless it’s angry tears but he doesn’t want even his most trusted people to see him like that. however you always know what to do, you leave him be but then convince him that he should let out his thoughts later, in a kind way of course. matt also helps him to feel better at times but you’re definitely there to bring him his chocolate and give him lots of hugs and kisses. he doesn’t speak too emotionally, but i can imagine a very soft ‘thank you’ after you help him

-blasts metal at 9am. no further comments

༺♡༻

both/all three of you

-matt cuts mello’s hair and mello occasionally dyes matt’s. matt gets so into it he thinks he’s a little hairdresser. they’ve also given each other piercings, they have about a 40% success rate. they’ve offered to give you one but you very politely decline. you always have to supervise in these situations because god knows what is going to happen with these two

-it is extremely common to have mini sleepovers in each others rooms. this is another thing that matt just gets a little TOO into, he wants the full shabam. he’s looking for matching pyjamas, chick flicks on the tv, endless snacks, and pillow fights. by that i mean he just starts relentlessly beating you and mello with a pillow without warning

-matt likes to shake you and mello awake at an ungodly hour and declare that you are going for a drive. he never actually plans anything for these drives, sometimes you don’t actually do anything but you enjoy them nonetheless. however it is extremely hard to get mello out of bed at a time he hasn’t decided on.

-you do the cooking, purely for everybody’s safety. mello likes to think he’s gordon ramsay but he fucks up the most basic things. matt is just a natural hazard with most things

༺♡༻

[tg-headcanons]

I was wondering, how are Michie and Seina handling Seidou's new... quirks, lets say. Do they use less scented items in the house? How do they feel about his kagune? Does he scent them? Do they know he's dating Amon and Akira and if so, how do they feel about it? Learning that your family member is suddenly a ghoul must come with lots of questions and concerns

That poor fuck and his poor family❤️

After getting Seidou back in his new form, Michie and Seina have a steep learning curve. They don’t want to lose him, not after already thinking he was dead, but getting good information on how ghouls work is hard, so they’re mostly relying on Seidou to tell them

Unfortunately, Seidou is a prideful little dipshit who will not be up front about anything he has decided is weak, embarrassing, or weird, so it took awhile for them to get anything useful out of him. For awhile he was just snappy and jumpy and stressed a lot until they got him to admit that the air freshener is overwhelming and it’s stressing him out. When his mom responded without belittling it and just removed it from the wall, he accepted that he’ll need to be honest about his weird shit. He’s been trying to bring things up in a very casual way to not freak them out, but it’s hard to nonchalantly slip in “haha yeah also don’t come in my room if I’m asleep because sometimes my kagune come out on their own and they’ll try to tangle your legs”

Michie is definitely very afraid of him being found out, she’s lost him once and she won’t do it again, so she’s incredibly thorough about keeping curtains closed and avoiding the CCG. She knows about Akira and Amon (I mean once your mom is cool with you being a cannibalistic monster you may as well tell her about your bisexual situationship) but generally does not want them at her house. She’s sure they’re nice people, and they’ve been good to seidou, but she can’t kick the fear that if they come over, other doves will notice and figure it out

Seina is taking it in a weirder way. Her brother apparently came back from the dead as a ghoul and once getting past that shock and the horror of what made him that way, she started asking a lot of questions. It’s kind of invasive and uncomfortable but it balances out Michie’s careful doting and tiptoeing around difficult questions. For every intentionally avoided comment from his mother about his red eye, there’s an equal and opposite interaction from his sister where she asks him if he can regenerate infinite teeth

They have a big Dont Ask Don’t Tell policy about his diet. They all know what he eats, but they don’t talk about it. Anything else though? That’s fair game, especially when it’s obvious. And once the wounds weren’t so fresh and they could joke about it, the jokes came in droves. Seina teases him for purring when he plays with the dog, if he leaves his kagune out Michie will pile any of his used cups on them or dump his clean laundry on them to make him go take care of that. The family teasing has mutated to incorporate his weird ghoul shit

Seidou is not innocent. He is an older brother and come hell or high water it is his job to be annoying. Seina has had to get very good at avoiding being tripped because he loves tripping her with his kagune. He is swiping at her legs constantly. He is picking her up with them and putting her in Air Jail. He is stealing her phone out of her hand and putting it on top of the fridge with them. He is a menace but they’re closer now than they were when he was in the CCG

[shorthaltsjester]

taliesin and laura remain truly so fantastic at making characters who… don’t necessarily have something extremely and inherently in common but do have experiences that were caused by similar sources and that lead them to have quite different opinions/ideas about things but in ways that are typically very reconcilable? which is a lot of qualifiers but it’s a through line of vex/percy with nobility, jester & cad with loneliness (and also god stuff but in a different post maybe someday i’ll talk about how actually their god stuff is intensely related to their different experiences of loneliness), and now imogen & ashton with being left behind.

like vex was this character who technically had a claim to nobility due to her blood but at the same time was burdened because of that same claim. and percy who was born into and raised by nobility but that nobility ended up making his family the targets of a massacre. and then vex who lets down her walls and Do I Look Like I Come From Money? and percy giving her the title grand mistress of the grey hunt because it has nothing to do with blood, or his love for her, or anything aside from the fact that it’s something she can prove herself worthy of simply by virtue of who she Is, not who someone makes her. and percy and vex’s conversation about forgiveness and it’s necessity for growth as probably two of the characters most inclined to hold grudges.

and caduceus clay who gets left behind with nothing but his Belief while his family goes off into the world. and jester lavorre who gets shut inside with no company except her Belief as her mother protects her from the world. and they both get the burden of loneliness and the understanding of love’s nonmalicious imperfection. and caduceus having a panic attack on a ship and jester telling him that the world is a lot bigger than his cemetery and that means he has to break out of his comfort zone to find his path. and caduceus telling jester that he doesn’t think she gets as much credit as she ought to and she deserves more pastries. and jester thanking caduceus for showing her how cool it is to actually heal people and caduceus asking if she wants to use his shield while he doesn’t need it.

and ashton who was left broken and dying on the ground and was given inescapable pain as their means of survival. and imogen who was left behind by the only person who could provide true understanding of the pain she’d one day come to feel. and ashton who’s a barbarian, who wields their rage casually and unapologetically and who sees the Shittiness of the world but is unrelenting in his version of optimism. and imogen who is weighed down by pessimism she doesn’t Want to have but hasn’t cracked how to undo and who doesn’t admit her anger until it comes up again and again and again and carries it like a burden or like guilt, who we only see really Grasp and feel Confidence about her anger being something good in front of others when she has those conversations with ashton. and like. ashton who looks at imogen and sees a superhero. imogen venturing through ashton’s mind and holding his bleeding and exhausted head and saying i’m sorry. i’m sorry. and imogen who looks at ashton and sees someone special. and fucking “we got him killed.” and “no, we didn’t. don’t you dare. […] we are not what fucking killed that man. […] we are his eventual victory. we are his fucking revenge.” and “i’ll be his revenge.” and “i have no fucking doubt.”

and in general rp wise they both tend to make some of my favourite characters (also typically the ones i find most frustrating) because they both tend to make flaws that are easy to hate and they make those flaws very central to their characters but i think that’s also what makes their character interactions so deeply compelling because so frequently it’s like. yes yes these two characters have like. a helix of things they have in common but also things they deeply disagree on but they’re going to spider-man point at the things that are the same and they’re going to honour their differences while doing so. and it’s just. i always enjoy it so much and i was psyched when i heard about an imogen and ashton side pit stop in last nights episode and i was not let down when i watched the episode today.