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urfavstargirl1 · 2 years

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I'll be Home for Christmas - an e.m. series

Part 1: Back to the Old House

Summary: Y/N dreads going back home to Hawkins for Christmas. She isn’t prepared to face her family or the ghost of her relationship with ex-bf!Eddie

Cw: angst, pining, yearning, second chance romance, mentions of smoking, cursing, mentions of alcohol, latina!fem!reader (minor cultural references), best friends to lovers, set in 1992, reader celebrates christmas, if st4 didn’t happen

Word count: 6.2k

AO3 | Spotify Playlist

a/n: taking a brief pause on chemistry series to do this mini holiday series. Inspired by the song back to the old house by the smiths (additional chapters inspired by other smiths songs to be mentioned later) here's to an angsty second chance romance christmas story with none other than eddie munson!

Part 2, Part 3

The year is 1992. It’s been years since I’ve been back. I tried ardently to avoid going back to that old house. There’s too many bad memories.

I’ve spent the last few christmases with friends or boyfriends in the city. But this is my first Christmas single and without an excuse to avoid going back home.

Back to that old house where I’m reminded of all that went wrong. All the reasons why I wanted to leave.

There’s nothing for me in Hawkins. Not anymore.

That’s why when I graduated high school I went off to a college on the east coast, moved on to an Ivy League law school, and set roots for my dream life as an attorney in the city.

I would go back to Hawkins during the first few summers and during the holidays, but after a while, it all just became too unbearable.

Every time I’m back, I revert to the fragile insecure girl I used to be. I lose all sense of strength and confidence I’ve gained over the years.

But still, I make my pilgrimage. If not for me then for my family. I know they miss me and I feel a bit guilty for missing out these past few years. My parents are getting older and my younger siblings are growing up. I know I should spend time with them before it’s too late. Learned that one the hard way.

It’ll be our first Christmas since my grandfather passed away earlier this year. I know he would have wanted us to make the season bright. So I swallow my pride and go back to the old house.

I drive through those long winding roads with trees that have known my name for years. I attempt to drown out my thoughts by playing the various mixtapes I’ve been making since college, curating a taste in music much richer and vibrant than anything Hawkins me could have ever dreamed of.

At the very least, I think younger me would like the person we’ve become. I think she would be excited to see what our life looks like now. From the things we’ve accomplished to the clothes we wear, she would love it all.

Most of all, I think she would be proud of the courage we acquired over the years. She would love to know we’re no longer in the business of pleasing everyone but ourselves.

But when I drive through Cornwallis or Cherry Street, it all sort of fades away and suddenly I’m seventeen again.

And when I pass all those red brick houses decorated in tinkling lights and the kids riding around on their bicycles, it gives me reprieve, if only for a moment, before I pull into the paved driveway, knowing once I open that front door, I will be back in the old house.

Everything still looks the same, and oddly enough, it still smells the same. It’s just as loud as it always is.

My parents, siblings, and extended family are all milling about. Some are sharing stories, others are watching the football game that the tv is perpetually tuned in to, and many are crowding the kitchen cooking or eating.

I think I can handle it all. For a moment, I convince myself that I can handle being back in this old house, if not for me then for my family.

But then my mother passes me a slip of paper with a phone number and the name Eddie Munson written on it. She tells me he called for me earlier that afternoon.

I gulp and nod, telling her I’ll go and settle down in my room. I take my baggage up the stairs and enter the room that hasn’t changed since 1984. I place my bags and things by the foot of the bed and sit down on the edge of it. I unfurl the paper and look at the black ink letters.

Eddie Munson, now that is a name I haven’t heard in years. But truth be told, it’s one that’s lingered in the back of my mind the whole time.

It’s a name that used to make me smile and my heart soar, but now it's a name that brings a tear to my eye or a heavy weight of grief placed directly above my heart.

Why did he even call? Should I call him back? What would I even tell him after all this time? Would it even be worth it? And why did he have to call here?

It’s funny, some of the habits we accidentally keep from our youth. Even at age 26, I still feel the need to hide him.

There’s no reason to. The damage was already done years ago. What could my parents possibly do about it now?

But I guess it’s true when they say old habits die hard.

Eddie Munson is the only person in this world who has ever really truly stolen my heart. And after all this time, he never really quite gave it back.

We met when we were fifteen. We instantly became best friends. By the time senior year rolled around, he became my first love. My first everything, well, almost.

Dating Eddie was one of the best and hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

He taught me about music and cars and D&D. He taught me how to have the courage to be myself. Not just the person I become to please my parents. He taught me that it was okay to embrace my dark side.

And I’d like to think I taught him a thing or two as well. I taught him how to make a proper meal for one. Something quick and easy but still nutritious enough for anyone to make. Lord knows he needed it. But I also taught him how to dream. And how to embrace his light side.

We were different in a lot of ways. But we both could be our weird unhinged selves around each other. We understood each other in a way no one else did.

It’s been 8 years and I still don’t think I’ve ever met anybody like him.

That’s the funny thing about small towns. When you’re in them, you feel like everyone is the same. Like we were all born and raised with the same resources and experiences to become the same.

But when you go to the city and you start to meet all these unique people with exciting lives from wildly different backgrounds, you sometimes find that no one there could ever make you feel the way the people you grew up with did.

Sometimes, if I let myself think about it, I wonder: Would my life be better off if I’d never met a person like Eddie again?

I haven’t quite figured out the answer. Perhaps it’s futile to even think about it. To even think about him. But I can’t help myself.

Even after all the time that has passed, there’s moments where I still relive that night. The memory won’t go away no matter how hard I try.

I should have known my parents would have never approved of us. But for years, I thought I could try.

I tried dating in secret. I tried begging and pleading. I tried it all. But in the end, it still broke me.

After all was said and done, the possibility of remaining friends with Eddie, even in secret, lingered in our minds, but then I inevitably left for college while he went on to repeat senior year, not once but twice and things between us were never the same since.

Perhaps we were doomed from the start, but ours felt like a star-crossed love. It’s one I never regretted and one I’ve never forgotten.

And despite it all, now as a single 26 year old woman, with an adult job, complete and total financial independence, still feels the need to hide him from my parents.

Oh, the things you’ll do under your parents roof.

I look back down at the paper and let my thumb run along its worn edges.

I probably shouldn't… Reach out to him that is. I need to be here for my family. I just need to get through this and get out of here.

I keep repeating this mantra to myself as I unpack my things and spend some more time in my room before I will go downstairs and be faced with a barrage of questions like how’s work going or how’s life in the big city or why don’t you ever come and visit more often?

Surprisingly enough, the annoying questions are a nice distraction from the thoughts that would otherwise lead me back to Eddie.

Questions like:

How is he?

What has he been doing all these years?

Does he still live in Hawkins?

What is he like now?

I run through all the scenarios in my head like a computer generating a report of every possible outcome of a singular action.

It’s sort of a guilty pleasure. I shouldn’t enjoy it, but I do. I might not have the ability to find out for myself, but imagining is close enough.

But there’s one thing I wish I was imagining: just how much I miss him. I’m ashamed to admit it, but if I let myself, I miss him so much it hurts.

He was one of the few saving graces I had while living in this old house. And he was my first love. You can never forget someone like that.

Away, in the city, it’s easy to keep those feelings at bay. Over there, I’ve dated for a while. I even had a serious boyfriend for a while, but it’s been almost a year since we broke up.

Who knows? Maybe I’m not actually feeling lonely or missing Eddie. Maybe I’m just caught up in the holiday blues or something.

I just need to get through this and get out of here. By the new year, I’ll be back in the city and back to normal.

“Y/N, can you go to the store? We’re missing a few things,” my mom calls out from the kitchen.

At first I reluctantly agree, hating being ordered around, but then I realize it’ll give me an excuse to get out of this old house with far too many people in it.

I drive the quick 5 minutes to the grocery store and grab items from the list and put them into the cart.

A part of me wonders if I might run into Eddie.

I used to have this game with myself where I would run up points every time I ran into someone I went to high school with while I was visiting Hawkins. It was always at the grocery store or Starcourt Mall where I would rack up the most points.

I almost expect to, but when the cashier rings me up and I pack my bags into the trunk of my car, I feel oddly defeated at having a score of zero.

All throughout the day, I keep wondering to myself, does he still work at the record store? Does he still drive that same shitty old van? Does he still play with his band at The Hideout? Does he still live with Uncle Wayne?

I stopped being in contact with Eddie midway through undergrad. After freshman year, I had changed. Eddie knew it and I knew it too, but we tried not to let it get in the way.

By the summer between sophomore and junior year of college, while Eddie had just graduated with zero plan for after, we knew the distance between us was growing wider. I didn’t think it would be enough to change things between us, but it inevitably proved to be so.

As time grew on, it became harder to see him. We started fighting, which we never used to do. We started resenting each other. And to top it all off, I would see in him the parts of myself that I didn’t like. And then one day, just like this old house, it became unbearable to see him.

But now, something in me is curious. I want to see him and I don’t know why, so it ends up feeling like a bad thing for wanting to see him. I don’t know how wise it would be to open up that can of worms.

But maybe I’ll need to because the thought of him keeps me up way into the night. For a second, I almost expect to hear rocks being thrown against my window and see him outside after having climbed onto the roof, waiting for me to let him in.

But he knew how much anxiety that gave me. I always worried he would hurt himself doing that or even worse, that my parents would catch us. And yet, I still have a strange inexplicable hope that he would do it now, despite everything.

***

In the morning, I wake up early. I hardly slept the whole night and when I woke up, I was tired but physically unable to fall back asleep.

I go downstairs and think about starting a pot of coffee, but no one else is up. The silence in the house is deafening, so I decide to change into some workout clothes and go for a walk to clear my head.

The snow on the ground makes me smile. Despite the remnants of precipitation, the sun is out, coating my face with warmth.

I admire the decorative snowmen, Santa Clauses, reindeer, and presents adorning everyone's lawns.

It almost makes me happy to be back. To have a real Hawkins Christmas again.

To be surrounded by my big family with all the food and drinks of the season. Watching Christmas movies together. Singing loudly and badly to Christmas music.

Eddie always acted annoyed by Christmas music. He claimed to hate how repetitive it was. But secretly, I know he had a soft spot for a few songs. There were a few he said his mom used to like. And by nature, our relationship required him to also be obsessed with Wham!’s rendition of Last Christmas.

Last time I was in Hawkins for Christmas was probably 1988. Once I started law school, I couldn’t afford to go back home.

By then, it was already a few Christmases without Eddie, but now it’ll be Christmas without my grandfather too. We always spent Christmas day at my grandparent’s house. With all my aunts, uncles, and cousins.

What will it be like now?

Being away in the city, it's sort of easy to not think about it. Out of sight out of mind right? But here, you can feel his absence. Christmas feels different without him.

But my parents insist that the rest of our Christmas traditions carry on.

When I get back to the old house, everyone’s awake. My mom is making breakfast and my dad is setting the table while my siblings fight over the tv.

“Did you ever call Eddie back?” My mom asks after I offer to help her set the table.

“What?” I angrily whisper. Why is she saying it so loudly? My dad or siblings could hear!

“Your siblings are making plans to hang out with some of their friends while they’re in town. You should too.”

“Mom, I’m here to spend time with you all. No one else.”

“I know, but it doesn’t mean you can’t take any time for yourself. You deserve to have fun. ”

I have to take a deep breath otherwise I’ll turn into a boiling pot of water threatening to spill.

What?! Where is this coming from? How did, “Boys are just a distraction, we raised you better than this!” turn into, “Please go hang out with the ex-boyfriend we persecuted you for being with as a teenager, but it’s okay because now you deserve to have fun with him”?

My inner teenager wants to scream. How is any of this fair? Why the change in heart?

I take another deep breath in and find the right words to say. I remind myself that I’m supposed to be here for my family and that now is not the time to be starting a fight.

But something about being in this old house brings it all out of me. The anger and resentment that goes away anytime I’m away from Hawkins wants to erupt out of me anytime I am here. It’s almost physically painful how much the anger courses through me.

“Don’t worry about it, mom. I’m here for family, that’s all.”

I quietly eat breakfast with my family as they recount some of the stories told by my aunts and uncles yesterday. After breakfast we all get ready and head over to my grandma’s house. We have some more family coming into town before Christmas Eve tomorrow and promised we would help her clean and decorate.

As we pile into the ancient station wagon and drive to my grandmother’s house, I feel like I’m in a time machine, being transported to a world that hasn’t moved on since 1984.

That’s another thing about going back to your hometown. In the city, things are constantly changing and evolving, moving toward the future. But in a place like Hawkins, you’re simply stuck in the past.

We pull up the driveway to my grandma’s house. I recognize the car belonging to my aunt and uncle parked in front. I can already hear my cousins yelling and dishes clanging.

We disperse out of the car and walk toward the front door. We’re greeted by family and enter the warm home.

Someone’s already started cooking because it smells delicious. Have they already started making the tamales? Maybe the bunuelos too. My mouth waters at the thought.

There’s boxes of decorations scattered throughout the living room and kitchen. There’s small children running about and voices chatting all around.

We greet and hug every person under the roof before my parents start assigning duties to everyone.

I’m assigned outdoor cleanup and decorations with my brother and my cousin Alex.

Alex is only two years older than me and the closest cousin in age to me, but his parents lived a few towns away from Hawkins growing up, so we never really spent much time together. They moved back to Hawkins a few years ago though, but I’ve been gone for the same amount of time, so he feels more like a long lost cousin in a way.

Regardless, I’m relieved to be outside. Despite the cold. I don’t have to deal with my aunt, mom, and sister on kitchen duty. I might even be able to sneak a cigarette too. The question is could I get away with it?

My parents would be ashamed of my bad habit. They constantly chastise my uncle for doing it. But God, do I need a good shame cigarette to take the edge off right now. The smell would give me away instantly and I’m not ready for that barrage of questions and concerns. But I’ll find a way later.

My brother and I head outside first. As we wait for Alex to finish something up inside, he instantly bombards me with questions about Eddie.

Why does mom have to be such a blabbermouth? I mean, if anything, I would rather my younger siblings know than my mom, but not all of them.

Oh god, does my dad know too? Does he want me to look into the matter further like mom? Or is he mad at Eddie like he was back then?

Agh, this is so stupid. I’m too old to be worrying like this!

And yet, I can’t stop. Partially, because my brother continues his poking and prodding and asking if I called him back.

The only reason I feel obligated to satisfy his curiosity is because he and my sister know a decent amount of our relationship. After all, they are the ones that helped me hide it for as long as I did.

And they even liked Eddie. Not at first, but he really grew on them by the end. I figured if Eddie could never meet my parents, he could at least meet my siblings.

At a certain point, my brother and sister, who I guess also now knows, urge me to call Eddie and argue they won’t quit nagging till I do.

“I can’t. And besides we’re supposed to be here for Grandma and for Mom and Dad.”

“You’ve been there for them enough. And besides, being all grumpy and forlorn about Eddie isn’t exactly making you the most fun person to be around.”

I cringe internally. Is it that obvious?

“Just give him a call. I think grandma has a phone in her room.”

I eye him curiously. If I can’t rely on anyone I can at least rely on my siblings. But still, is this even a good idea?

“No, I’m not going to call. I don’t even know why he called in the first place.”

“Y/N that’s exactly why you should call him back. See what he has to say.”

“What if I don’t want to know?”

“Well, you’ll never know if you don’t call him.”

Now I know my siblings are truly growing up because my annoying baby brother has never had anything insightful to say like that before.

Surprisingly enough, his words ring in my head for a while.

If I did decide to call Eddie, I couldn’t do it here. I’d be way too anxious for someone to walk in on me or press an ear to the door eavesdropping. Our family is notorious for nosiness. Nothing is ever a secret.

The thought weighs on me for a while longer. If I called Eddie, what would I even say? What would he say? Maybe just hearing his voice would be enough?

I stare at the trees in my grandma’s front yard. Many are losing their leaves and those with any leaves on them have become a faded yellow brown. I take a step onto the lawn and hear the fallen brown leaves crunching under my feet.

“Sorry for the wait, our dad’s kept arguing about whether or not to put up Frosty,” Alex says as he walks from the opened garage door with the 7 ft tall snowman figurine.

“He’s an icon! You have to put up Frosty, how is that even an argument,�� I say playfully.

“That’s what I’m saying,” Alex agrees.

“Alex, please convince my sister that she should call her ex-boyfriend back.”

Alex quirks an eyebrow at my brother as my eyes bug out of my head and I smack him on the arm.

“Shut the fuck up!” I hiss and he laughs.

“Don’t worry about it Alex, he’s just joking.”

“I don’t think he was,” Alex teases.

I sigh in exasperation and run a palm along my face.

“Forget about it. Let’s just put up this stupid snowman,” I grumble and walk toward the figurine.

“Ah, ah, ah,” my brother shakes his head and steps in. “Let the men carry it.”

I roll my eyes at the comment. My brother knows I’m perfectly capable of helping, but I guess I’ll let misogyny work in my favor today and avoid having to lift a finger.

But mainly, I let it slide because I know he doesn’t say it in a demeaning way. Alex is one of our few male cousins and growing up in a house full of sisters, I know he’s started to see Alex like the brother he never had.

We move on to rake the leaves and set up some other decorations, but at a certain point when it’s just me and Alex, he presses me on the subject.

“So what’s this about calling your ex?” Alex says in amusement

“It’s nothing,” I shrug. Not only do I not want my parents or siblings to worry about this, I don’t want anyone else to even know about this.

“It’s not just nothing, Y/N’s been all moody and depressed because of him,” my brother barges in from the garage.

“I am not moody and depressed.”

“Tell that to the Black Sabbath you were playing in your room last night. I could hear it all the way down the hall. You only ever play that stuff when you’re sad.”

I glare daggers at my brother as Alex laughs in front of us.

“So what’s got you all worked up Y/N,” Alex asks in a jovial tone.

“It’s honestly nothing. Everyone’s just overreacting.”

“Y/N, Eddie called the house phone. That’s major”

“Shh, someone could hear you.”

“Like Eddie,” my brother goofily teases.

“No, like mom and dad or grandma or anyone else in that house.”

“Y/N you already know it’s loud as hell in there. They’re not gonna hear shit outside,” Alex says jovially.

I reluctantly shrug.

“And besides, Eddie’s dying to hear from you. He won’t shut up about it,” Alex offhandedly comments

I drop what’s in my hand and glare at him. “What?”

Alex shrugs, “What?”

“What did you just say,” I ask, squinting my eyes at him.

“Eddie won’t shut–”

I shake my head. “No, I know. I meant, you know Eddie? How? I mean I know this town is small and all–”

“Y/N Hawkins is small but it's not that small. You know that. And yeah I know Eddie. We work together.”

“Eddie… You work… with Eddie?”

“Yeah at the garage. He started around the same time I did.”

I knew Alex started working at one of the mechanic shops in town when they moved to Hawkins but genuinely didn’t think much of it.

“No fucking way,” I whisper.

I start blinking and zoning out, imagining Eddie working as a mechanic.

Eddie’s a mechanic? How does he like it? Does he wear those blue coveralls? Does he ever get grease on his forehead? Does he–

“Y/N!” someone calls out my name and I look up.

“Earth to Y/N,” Alex amusedly says and waves a hand in front of my face.

“I can’t believe you work with my–”

Ex-boyfriend? Ex-best friend? Ex-love of my life?

“Believe me, I was surprised to find out too. I love that kid. I almost thought I was hallucinating when I learned that you, the one who brought textbooks to Thanksgiving or always wanted to see the new Star Wars movie, could pull a guy like him. Or that a metal ass guy like him could pull a dorky chick like you. But anyways, I’m sorry to hear it didn’t work out between the two of you. He talks about you sometimes, and I can tell you meant a lot to him.”

I’m floored. I don’t even know what to say. Somehow I’ve just received an ego boost and depressing information all in one go.

“Um thanks. I just,” I turn over my shoulder and make sure it’s just us, “Please don’t bring it up in front of my parents.”

“Your parents? Why would they care?”

“Because when mom and dad found out they were dating, they practically ran Eddie out of town.” My brother answers for me.

I run a hand over my face.

“Damn girl, sneaking off with the bad boy huh? I never would have guessed.”

I laugh at the ridiculousness of his statement. Before I can even respond, my mom jumps out of the front door with a piece of paper in her hands. “Kids, I need you to go to the store and pick up a few things. We’re already running out of ingredients. Alex, your dad said to take his car.”

My brother and Alex look at each other deviously. “No worries, we’ll be right back.”

Alex grabs the paper and keys my mom hands him and he smirks right past me.

“What’s going on?” I ask as I follow him and my brother to the car. My brother’s making a beeline to the passenger seat but I beat him to the punch.

“Oldest siblings sit in the front,” I declare. He flips me off but I ignore it.

Alex turns on the ignition and pulls out of the neighborhood.

“They have a payphone at the grocery store right?” Alex asks as we’re already in motion, only a few minutes away.

“Why yes Alex I think they do,” my brother theatrically responds.

“And lookie here, a whole sleeve of quarters in the center console, just for you Y/N,” Alex sarcastically says.

“Knock it off,” I swat at his arm. “And focus on the road.”

“No need to worry cousin. It’s not like we get any of that big city traffic in our tiny cow town of Hawkins.”

I roll my eyes. The few times I have seen Alex at family gatherings, he always teases me for looking down on Hawkins, but if he ever made it out of here, he would totally understand.

“I’m not doing it,” I say confidently as Alex finds a spot in the parking lot.

“You so are,” Alex and my brother say in unison.

“And what if I don’t,” I cross my arms and huff as he puts the gear in park.

“Y/N we’re calling him.”

“I don’t even have his number,” I lie. It’s a different number than the one he had at Wayne’s though. I guess 552-6739 is just Wayne’s number now.

“Yes you do, mom gave it to you.”

“I lost it.”

“Doesn’t matter, I have it memorized,” Alex says as he unbuckles his seat belt and opens the car door.

My brother and I follow suit. We join him as he walks briskly toward the store entrance. I try to focus on the person jingling a bell in a Santa suit by the entrance. Or the smell of fresh balsam Christmas trees and cinnamon scented pine cones by the main doors to distract from the anxiety building up in my stomach.

“But we’re here to pick up the ingredients our moms need to–”

Alex stops in his tracks and turns toward me. “Y/N, stop making excuses. Obviously we’re gonna get the things they need. But we also have time to make a quick phone call. If you don’t do this now, when will you?”

I jerk my head back in shock. I’ve never seen this side of Alex. And I hate to admit it, but he’s right.

If, for some reason, I actually did go forth with the idea of calling Eddie, I would probably try to do it in a private place away from my family. And wait till the dead of night when everyone’s asleep. But by that point, would I even have the gall to go through with it?

Right now is probably the only time I'll actually be able to call him the way I want to. TThe opportunity has presented itself, but will I be brave enough to take it?

“Alex, I-I don’t know if I can do this.”

Alex marches up to the payphone by the store’s entrance and looks at me. “Look, I only say this because I know you and I know Eddie. You’re both good people and you’re both obviously still stuck on this. I’m not saying a single phone call will solve all your problems but it’s not gonna kill you either.”

“What if it does?” I nervously and jokingly ask.

“Maybe you should’ve tried being an actor instead of a lawyer. Living in the city long enough has made you so dramatic.”

“Fuck off,” I sneer. I look at the phone booth before me and gulp.

“Just see what he has to say. Then you can decide whether or not it’s worth a second chance.”

I nod. A second chance at what exactly? I don’t know. But I guess I’m about to find out. I pull the small folded up piece of paper out of my pocket. I unravel it to see Eddie’s name and phone number. I can feel Alex and my brother smiling at each other.

“Shut up,” I grumble.

“Didn’t even say anything,” Alex replies. I can hear him stifling a laugh in his voice.

I take a deep breath and let my fingers hover over the keypad. It’s just a phone call. It’s not an end all be all anything. Just one simple–

“Just dial the damn number,” my brother and Alex yell in unison.

I shudder and nervously laugh. I slowly press my fingers to the keypad and dial. I breathe in deeply.

The phone rings for a few seconds, making my heart race faster and faster till I hear a sleepy voice say, “Hello?”

I open my mouth to say something, but nothing comes out.

“Hello? Is anyone there?”

“E-Eddie.” I choke. “I-It’s me.”

And then he says my name. My heart melts instantly. It’s been years since I’ve heard a sound so sweet. Shamefully enough, I can feel a tear forming in my eye.

“Yeah.”

“Hey sweetheart, how are you?”

How am I? Edward Munson, why the hell did you call me after all these years?

“I-I’m good,” I nervously look to Alex before facing the payphone again. “I’m in town a-and, my mom told me you called?”

“Oh yeah. Even after all these years, I nearly shit my pants when I heard her voice.”

I laugh because I can only imagine. Eddie’s not afraid of anyone, but after what went down when my parents caught us, I guess I wasn’t the only one who got spooked for a lifetime.

“But uh, your cousin told me you were gonna be home for the holidays.”

“So I’ve heard. Alex here didn’t even have the heart to tell me he knew you. Only in Hawkins though, I guess. I’m sorry you have to work with your ex’s cousin.”

“Don’t be. Alex is a cool dude who’s like the big brother I never had. It just so happens he’s related to the girl who stole my heart way back when.”

I muster half a chuckle. He talks just like he used to, but there’s a newfound maturity in his words I’m surprised to find.

I also smile at the fact that my cousin has been that kind of person for Eddie. Initially, it weirded me out that they were friends, but I know Eddie always wished he’d had an older brother. He wanted it so bad he became that for the younger boys at Hawkins High. I’m glad he has Alex in his life.

“I know you don’t come to town that often and I wanted to see you.”

“What? See me?”

“Yeah, a couple of us are gonna go out tonight. There’s a big Christmas thing going on at the Hideout–”

“The Hideout?! God, I haven’t heard that name in years.”

Eddie chuckles. “Alright hot shot.”

“Are you still playing?”

He pauses for a moment, before he says with confidence dripping in his voice, “Come see for yourself.”

I find myself smiling at the ground, like an idiot. It’s like no time has passed between us at all. Like none of those bad things ever happened. But they did. Things are supposed to be weird between us. Why is it so easy to talk to him on the phone like this? Like it was just yesterday that he cycled by and began all my dreams.

“Um,” I bite my lip, “I don’t know. My family’s been really busy prepping for the holidays. Lots to decorate and cook and all that stuff. You know?”

“Oh,” He clears his throat, “Yeah, totally. But, um, if you change your mind, it’s tonight at 9:00. Alex said he was coming so maybe you could join him.”

I rapidly turn around to glare at Alex but he and my brother are nowhere to be seen.

“What the fuck,” I mutter.

“What?” Eddie asks.

“Oh, nothing. Um, you were saying?”

“Oh, um, yeah just that we’ll be at the Hideout at 9:00 tonight. They have this whole ugly Christmas sweater contest thing going on and themed drinks. They really go the whole nine yards around the holidays.”

“Oh, that’s um, kinda cool. A bit surprising for the alleged shithole you used to call it.”

“It’s gotten better over the years,” Eddie replies nonchalantly, but I can hear the subtle nervousness in his voice.

“I see,” I respond. I don’t mean to sound so cold, but he’s really putting me on the spot here.

“Yeah, some of my friends’ll be there too. One is in town from New York, just like you.”

“Oh,” I say.

“It’ll be fun. I, uh, I really hope you can come.”

“I, um, I’ll see.” Is all I can manage to say.

“Sure thing. I, uh, I guess I’ll let you go now.”

“Oh,” I say, rather dejectedly. “Um, okay.”

“Goodbye Y/N,” he says.

“Bye,” I whisper as I slowly go to hang up the phone.

I’m stuck inside my head for a moment, replaying what just happened. But when realization hits me that Alex, my cousin, is the key to my way back in with Eddie, I eagerly zip through the store trying to find him.

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson oneshot #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson #eddie munson blurb #eddie munson headcanon #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson angst #stranger things fanfic #stranger things s4 #stranger things season 4 #stranger things x reader #stranger things fanfiction #urfavstargirl1

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techbonnie · 10 months

Text

... I popped a blood vessel in my eye and it HURTS. So I've been doing this. The Neighbors.

Eventually sometime after Freddys band takes off, they move into a subdivision and adopt Gregory. Its one of the few places that will allow carnivores to live there with prey. It was one of those world building things that I really liked seeing in Loonatics unleashed.

Basically every house here is a McMansion. Except for Roger and Jessica Rabbits place, that one is a proper mansion.

BonniexFreddy & Gregory (6)

So first we have Bonnie and Freddy Fazbear. Bonnie takes Freddys last name since Bunny is the rabbit equivalent of Smith, you can't throw a rock with out hitting a bunny with the last name Bunny. Freddy is gone on tour for months leaving Bonnie home to take over a majority of the parenting tasks with Gregory.

Bonnie owns Bonnie Bowl, a bowling alley that he owns and operates, he doesn't need a job with the money that Freddy brings in, but its a good place for the kids to hang out when they need a space away from their parents, plus it give Bonnie something to do really. Gregorys friends often get free games and free food.

Gregory is absolutely unhinged, and almost feral. When they adopted him they don't know much about his history, but they do know he was found sleeping in an alley some where in Acmetropolis. He's got abandonment issues as well which makes Freddys life style of being gone for months hard on the cub.

Rev Runner x Tech E. Coyote & Lil' Beeper(5) & Calamity(7)

Tecumseh E. Coyote (He goes by Tech), graduated youngest and top of his class, completing an Engineering Doctorate in record time (ON scholarships Tech grew up poor), certified Genius and wont let any one forget it either. ACME University wanted him as a professor and he accepted. Tech's father Wile E Coyote owns Wile's repair and lube in town, and Tech will often help his father on what ever hes working on when he has the time. He'll often bring lil' Beeper and Calamity with him to see their Grandparents. Or at least the ones that will accept both of them. Techs mother Dusty passed away before Calamity was born, but Wile has since remarried to a Roadrunner her name is Roadie, and shes nice, Tech likes her. (No relation to Rev and his family)

Rev Runner was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. His father owns a robotics and toy company, that he was sent to ACME University to get a business degree and and engineering degree, but him and Tech shared a class and went on a few dates. When his parents found out he was dating a Coyote (Harriot and Ralph Runner are racist against predators, Coyotes specifically.) and refused to date literally any one else, they disowned him, Rev had to drop out of school and quickly learn the hard things in life. Right now he's a stay at home parent, Tech keeps encouraging him he can go back to school if he wants now that Beeper is 5 and ready for kindergarden, but he's still hemming and hawing about it.

Calamity is 7, they found a surrogate to carry Calamity and much like his father, Tech, he loves tinkering with things. Tech and Wile will often let him help them with repairing things around the house or in the shop. He says he wants to take over Wile's repair and lube when he's grown up. Calamity and lil Beeper don't really get along, they have a sibling rivalry that often times Rev or Tech have to break up a serious fight between the two. Rev is pretty sure its his parents Coyote issues that caused the rift between Beeper and Calamity.

Beeper is only 5, but shes not starting kindergarden till next year because of when her birthday falls. She was another surrogate carry, but due to her birth Rev's parents believe that Revs not nearly as loyal to Tech as he lets on. Despite Tech still being the picture and loving Beeper as much as love Calamity. Revs parents have Called CPS on them so many times due to Tech being a danger to Rev and especially to lil Beeper. They've only succeeded once in taking Beeper away, and that was from a racist CPS agent who was then thoroughly flogged thanks to the Fazbear family lawyer. (After all Predator and Prey couples gotta stick together). Beeper isn't nearly as smart as she feels she should be (She's smart though) but she doesn't tinker like Calamity does and she feels left out often when Calamity gets to tinker with their dad and Grandpa. which causes her to lash out at Calamity to get Techs attention. Not that Tech doesn't pay attention to her as well, its just not the attention she wants.

Chica Couper x Roxanne Wolf & Cassie (6)

Roxy and Chica are both members of Freddys band TBD (The glamrocks??? the Animatronics? idk I'll think of something, Fazbears??? idk) Chicas dad is still serving a heafty sentence when they adopt Cassie, and Roxannes sister Luna was only recently adopted after Roxanne got out of the system her self.

Cassie is 6 and is best friends with Gergory, they are super close, though she has been seen playing with the other girls in the neighbour hood too, often times Chica and Roxy will host sleep overs with both Beeper, Dot, and Babs. And usually the girls have a ton of fun.

Bugs Bunny x Daffy Duck & The warner bros & Warner Sister.

Bugs Bunny is a famous actor, not really retired but focusing on the three kids he adopted. Bugs is a recovering addict from "spargle" and has a secret Drag show circuit that he runs. He's one of the oldest people in the neighbor hood, still not as old as Granny or Roger though.

Daffy Duck has been many things in his life, Actor, Professor, hustler, but mostly free loader. He's basically Bug's trophy husband at this point, sugar baby might be a more accurate description, and despite the protests that they're not together Yakko, Wakko, and Dot call both of them Dad.

Yakko is the eledest at 13, he wants to be a comedian and Bugs is willing to help him get his foot in the door with his connections when hes ready, though Yakko is determined to do it on his own. Him and his high school buddies spend a lot of time at Bonnie bowl since the smaller kids have a hard time bowling. They also spend time in Monty Golf too, since most little kids find golfing boring.

Wakko, the middle kid only a year older than Dot, at 7, he's already got blood sugar issues that need to be watched constantly. He's been told being a professional eater isn't really a thing so now he wants to be a celebrity chef.

Dot is the youngest at 6, she wants to design clothes and own her own fashion brand. She hangs out with her Aunt Lexi and Lola a lot. Trying to come up with the biggest and best dresses.

Ace x Lexi Bunny & Babs and Buster

Ace is Bug's Brother, and his Stunt Double. Ace was never one to want to be in the lime light, but Bugs was always at home in the spot light. Before he was a stunt double Ace worked as a personal trainer in a gym, but they found that Bugs moved in a very specific way, and Ace was the only one who could really move close to like him.

Alexis (Lexi) Bunny was Yakkos teacher, and then she also taught gymnastics when Dot wanted to try cheerleading. Ace and Lexi got married in vegas and ended up with Lexis' cousin Babs after her parents passed away. Then her Best Friend Buster (No relation) now for some reason lives with them all the time now too. Ace and Lexi have resigned in the fact they basically have twins now. Lola is Lexi's twin sister.

Babs wants to be a director and Buster is Bug's biggest fan, wants to be a movie star just like him.

Roger and Jessica Rabbit

They owned the original land that made up the subdivision. Rabbit Acres. Roger was a movie star and Jessica a singer. They've both aged like fine wine. They'll often host neighborhood parties and let the kids come over and play in their pool (With parental supervision) they'll hold a 4th of july party and have cook outs for every major holiday, even the predators are allowed to cook meats, so long as the bunnies and birds get their meals too. Freddy and Tech are usually in charge of cooking the meat on those cook outs. Roger does the bunny meals, and Rev takes care of the bird dishes with Daffy.

Jessica and Roger never had kids of their own so they help out the people in their cul-de-sac as much as they can. Rev and Tech appreciate it the most because Revs parents aren't supportive of their relationship, but Roger and Jessica are. They treat Calamity and Beeper like their own, they even call them Nana and Poppop.

#looking at stuff hurts :/#seriously tho dont pop and blood vessel in your eye it sucks #I also look possessed #I was rewatching Loonatics unleashed and the episode where Revs parents meet tech came up and like the whole predator and prey thing?#pure agoney in terms of being a couple #just imagine the thoughts that go through peoples heads when they see a bear and a bunny together #or a coyote and a road runner? Wolf and a chicken?#and I know that Rev is canonly relayed to the OG Road Runner but here he's not. Roadie Runner is Techs Step Mom #no relation to Harriot and Ralph at all but I needed parents for Tech #so he got Wile and Dusty for bios and Roadie for a step mom #I could talk about Rev and Tech for days is someone lets me #glamrock Fronnie #revtech #techrev #Also Calamity and Beeper are sibs #Tom Nook from AC sold every one their house with steep interest rates #he lives in a bigger mansion than Roger and Jessica do.

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alltimefail-sims · 1 year

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In honor of me rising from the dead I think its time I talk about my two(?) fav lore families in the sims franchise the smith-curious and the spector-beaker families and I guess also the singles as well - lore anon

Hello lore anon and welcome back! ❤️

Sorry I took a minute to answer this, it has been a crazy busy couple of days! I'm going to put my whole response under a read more because I have lots of thoughts on this topic!!!

We all took for granted how insane and amazing TS2 lore was. God, I pour one out for her everyday RIP.

Anyway, let's get into this! ↓

Strangetown is my favorite world in TS2 as well! No one is surprised by this I'm sure. I actually ended up tying it (and some of its townies 👀...) into my Strangerville story because I just couldn't help myself. But I'll be honest - the family tree stuff with Lola/Chloe/Jenny/Pollination Tech 9 has always made my brain melt a little. I'm a visual person so I had to reference their family tree as a guide for our conversation. I'll provide the one that I used below!

Lore-wise, you have to start this conversation by talking about alien pollination and normal sim reproduction. You just can't avoid it. For me, I've always seen them as completely separate entities... otherwise Jenny is married to a man who, for lack of a better term, knowingly banged and impregnated her father lmfao. But not only that - if they were the same, that would imply that aliens are abducting people and engaging in sexual relations with them (with willingness or unwillingness not playing a factor; sim abductions can happen to sims who want or fear them) and this is kind of reductive and uncharacteristic of what we know about their species (plus the implications are icky imo). Therefore, I never thought that Pollination Tech 9 would view Lola and Chloe as his children, even though they technically are, in the way that Poli Tech wouldn't view Tycho as his child either (nor would Pascal regard Poli Tech as the father either).

If I'm recalling correctly, I don't think sims are necessarily aware which alien pollinated them in game (even though each sim neighborhood in TS2 has only one Pollination Technician, therefore making all the half-alien babies in that neighborhood half-siblings by default within the limited span of the game). I also don't know that male sims in TS2, from what I remember, are aware they've been pollinated because they're always surprised to find they're "pregnant," meaning there likely wasn't any a-typical intercourse happening that they could connect to the pregnancy (even if, let's be honest, Pascal might have been down for that). I think of pollination as an act similar to cloning, (the wiki says through "advanced technology") or as the name implies it could also just be a consequence of coming into proximity with their species (their name being a reference to reproduction methods of flora by pollination, for example). But realistically... it's a fictional simulation game, and in the case of TS2 it was super campy and a knowingly-leaning-into-the-outrageous kind of simulation game (which I loved and miss). So who knows!

All that to say that I agree; regardless of how the baby process works for aliens, it is still an absolutely crazy family tree lmao. But on the bright side... that at least implies that Pollination Tech 9 wasn't into his wife's father, nor might he be aware that Chloe and Lola are his children. 😅 But I'll stop here because if I think about it for too long, I think my brain might explode lmao. Still, I'm inclined toward the belief that the messiness adds to the flavor! 😂 The Sims team today could never write such a juicy bit of lore. My ass ate their dynamic up.

Also, quick note, JILL HAS EYES IN THE BACK OF HER HEAD?! THAT IS WHY SHE WEARS THE PIGTAILS? WHAT THE HELL?! Gonna look this up -

Holy shit!!! This fact is equal parts incredible and terrifying. Thank you for bringing this my attention. I can't believe I did not know this before this moment. What a (horrifying) little legend.

Oh I loved (and still love) Nervous Subject and Pascal together. Just thinking about that ship makes me giggle because it was one of my first exposures to "shipping" and "fandoms" as a preteen. I always put them together and had them raise little Tycho to fulfill Nervous' family aspiration. (I should note that I was also an avid JRO enthusiast. Johnny has two hands, why should he have to pick between Ophelia and Ripp?) Another interesting layer to the Ophelia/Olive/Nervous family is that Ophelia would be unaware of her direct relation to Nervous (1st cousins)! I loved playing around with this; Olive was a very secretive person who had a dark side for sure, so I'm sure Ophelia would have a lot of questions following her aunt's death (the first being why her aunt's inheritance is going to some rando named Nervous lmao). Plus, who says Ophelia didn't know her aunt was taking people out? She might not have known why, but she had to know all those deaths around Olive couldn't have been coincidental. That's messed up on its own lmao. I like to think that once Nervous and Ophelia meet, they become close and he even helps care for her in a weird-older-brother type way. I just know they would trauma bond lmao.

I didn't care for Loki or Circe (I never played with their household), so I don't have super strong opinions on them. That being said, I love reading people's theories on their connection to the Curious brothers. I think the ongoing feud with the brother's and their connection to Nervous is the most interesting part of their story, but my ideal ending for them would have been being exiled from the town and their careers in general for their shady practices. Pascal seemed like the science antithesis to Loki and Circe who seemed to believe that it was okay for scientific truths to come at the cost of the wellbeing of others. Also, I think Circe is too hot and too evil for Loki AND Vidcund. That's woman commits many crimes, but her taste in men is up there as one of the worst things about her lmao.

Lastly, LAZLO. He's so silly goofy and so chill in comparison to his brothers, and he's definitely the black-sheep of the family. I love how in comparison to Vidcund and Pascal, his personal life is pretty typical and mild. He's just vibing as a third party witness to the chaos. He didn't sign up for any of the drama, yet you know he's a ride-or-die. In my mind, he's also the cool uncle. He'd catch Johnny smoking and be like, "Gotta share little man." He's the best. Little Fun fact - when I watched season 4 of Stranger Things, I couldn't unsee Lazlo Curious every time Argyle opened his mouth.

If you don't see it, that's okay. I can't unsee it though! He's high af, he's precious, he's always has snacks, he will take down the government or transport a dead body for the homies. He should be protected. I totally, 100% agree that Nova is his child!

WHEW sorry for blabbing! Strangetown was a doozy and you're right that the Bella Goth situation adds a whole other intricacy (which I'll definitely be talking about in her specific deep dive post).

So glad to have you back! 🤗

#This turned into a mini deep dive post of its own. That's my bad! I'll tag it accordingly haha. But I hope you enjoyed my ramble!!#ddseries #ts4 #simblr #sims lore #the sims lore #strangetown #ts2 #sims 2 #sims 4 #the sims 2 #the sims 4 #atfs ask #lore anon #gif warning

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tieflingtareon · 11 months

Text

My love, are you the devil? (Oh, call me a devil)

Chapter 27 | Words: 5.2k

Summary: Astarion found himself often surprised by his heroic companion. He had one goal. To become the favoured companion of the group, to earn the Tieflings loyalty, to make Tar'eons strength his own. Yet Tar'eon isn't like the usual target of his manipulations. Despite his naivety, he does not seem gullible. There is something very wrong with their 'leader' to begin with. Astarion isn't sure if he wants to control it or eradicate the threat it posed. But can he really do either when Tar'eon himself seems so...unwaveringly kind?

AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/50668558/chapters/127995079

Tar'eon didn't have his own tent, so he hid away in Astarion's. It was vacant, and if he was honest, he wasn't sure he could stand talking to anyone else right now. He curled up in the piles of clothes, head on the stolen pillow and wrapped up in the blanket from the inn, nestling himself down to sleep. It wasn't even midday but he didn't want to think anymore. For once, he wanted to sleep dreamlessly.

By some miracle, he managed to sleep for a bit before he awoke to the tent opening, sunshine draping across his features.

"There you are." Astarion tutted. "You know, it's quite rude to enter ones abode without permission."

"I needed to be alone, and I don't have my own tent."

"Right, because you prefer sleeping under the stars." Astarion mused and closed the flap behind him, sitting beside the tiefling. "So...are you going to tell me why you suddenly deserted us out there? Oh, by the way, Karlach personally invited Yenna and her cat to stay with us. I told her we have enough strays, but Wyll backed up her decision so..."

"I'm glad she's here, rather than alone." Tar'eon turned to properly face Astarion, sighing. "It's just...seeing Orin - it shook me up. I've never felt so...angry before. In my life. Something about her gets under my skin, and I was afraid of what I'd do. I almost killed that smith."

"Yes, that was...honestly? Quite arousing. Terrifying, but arousing. You really should threaten people more often."

"Astar."

"Right, apologises." Astarion clicked his tongue. "She had a lot to say to you, that shapeshifter."

"Yeah..."

"She called you 'sibling'. Remarked on your father."

"She did."

"Are you going to tell me why she'd say such a thing or...?" Astarion gestured for him to explain, but Tar'eon had nothing to say.

"I don't know. I don't remember. But I know my memories? She took them. She scrambled with my brain and now...I know nothing." He hated her. 'Sister' or not. "Maybe she meant sibling in a different sense. We certainly don't look alike."

"Well, considering you share a father apparently..." Astarion frowned before smirking. "At least I'm not the only one who'll be having a family reunion."

"Gods, I hope not." Tar'eon pinched his brow.

"We still have four hours of daylight...Perhaps a trip to the circus would help take your mind off things?" Astarion mused and Tar'eon chuckled.

"A circus? I don't recall ever going to one."

"Karlach is begging to go, I beg you to save me from this." He pleaded and Tar'eon gave it a thought. The circus...after all the crap they'd been through, a circus sounded quite nice honestly. A day off, if anything. They deserved one of those.

"We should go."

"Ugh, I was hoping you'd say no."

"Then why ask?" Tar'eon grinned, amused but Astarion's pout.

"Because I was trying that 'nice' thing you keep encouraging." Tar'eon shook his head fondly and sat up to kiss Astarion softly.

"I appreciate it. Come on. I don't want to slump about over this. Maybe going out will help."

"That's the spirit. No point in being a depressing lump in my tent."

Tar'eon chuckled. Astarion had played him like a fiddle. But for once, it was to benefit him rather than himself. That was an improvement when it came to his silver tongue.

****

"I'm not wearing that." Astarion refused as Tar'eon crept closer with the face paint.

"Come on! You're supposed to be hiding anyway, aren't you?" Tar'eon grinned.

"I'd rather be found by Cazador than wear that crap on my face."

"Oh, oh, me! Let me!" Karlach insisted, pointing at her own face. Tar'eon laughed and began painting her face with a steady hand. "Oh, it's cold!"

"Everything's cold compared to you, Karlach." Shadowheart chuckled and stole some paint for herself, happy to disguise herself given her current status as a traitor to Shar.

"You're right - I'll happily warm you right up, baby!" Karlach beamed at her girlfriend, and Shadowheart rolled her eyes but smiled anyway.

"Ugh - I'm going to go pick pocket some patrons, anything to escape this dreadful place." Astarion waved his hand and slipped away into a crowd of people. Tar'eon shook his head. He hoped he got caught.

He painted a giant blue butterfly across Karlach's face and she let out a squeal when she saw it.

"Amazing! Gods, I look good. You ever thought of taking up painting once this is all over?"

"I'm not that good." Tar'eon was flattered though.

"Karlach's not joking. You have some talent." Shadowheart assured. "Maybe you painted before."

"A painter and a bard - quite the creative person I was, huh?" Tar'eon mused. He probably painted with blood and charmed people to walk off cliffs with his flute, no doubt.

"You know, I don't think I've ever heard you play." Karlach frowned. "Can you?"

"Of course I can. I can play just about any instrument I put my hands if I put my mind to it. I just...prefer the flute." Tar'eon took his flute and frowned as he walked down the steps. He placed his lips to the mouthpiece and decided to play a cheerful, adventurous tune, eyes falling shut. He hadn't really played because he hadn't the time, or the privacy to. Yet when he put his lips to it, he could feel something connecting inside his brain.

A memory.

In his memory, the tune was softer. More mellow. There was no rush, no upbeat tick to it. Every note was drawn out, peaceful like walking along a riverbank beneath a full moon. Behind his eyelids, he could see a dark office, lit by candlelight. There was a presence behind him, he could feel it, but there was no fear. No anticipation. He was not in danger. The presence was as mellow as his song.

A warm hand curled around his throat, the cold claws sharp but not biting. His head fell back, and within the memory, darkness followed. He had closed his eyes. The music continued to play, air still leaving his lungs as his throat was cradled. There was submission in the act, something he knew was not freely given.

"Tir'yal...are you trying to charm me?" The music did not stop. The hand did not move. There was simply a chuckle, warm and low.

The memory faded into nothing, warped away, but Tar'eon could still feel the phantom hand on his throat as he pulled the flute from his lips. His upbeat tune had changed to that mellow one, and there were people crowding around him, looking mesmerizing.

"Wow..." Karlach breathed. "I don't think I've ever been moved by a flute solo before. Hells." She placed a hand on her chest. "I actually feel...almost cold."

"Was that your own song?" Shadowheart asked. "It was so...calming. Yet sad. I don't think I've ever entertained the flute as an emotional instrument before."

"I...I'm not sure if it's my song. I think it is." Tar'eon frowned, shaking his head. He couldn't get the memory out of his head. He hadn't realised playing his flute would open up more of his past to him. What else could he do to remember it? It was the only memory of his past that wasn't smeared with blood.

Who in Faerun was he? And who was the man with him? He used his infernal name with such ease...Like he knew the language well enough to call it his own.

"Whatever you were playing, it occupied the people well enough for me to nick a very pretty ring and some coin." Astarion grinned as he came to his side. "A beautiful song it was, darling. Perhaps I can show my talents at the piano one day. We'd make quite the duo."

Tar'eon smiled at the thought.

"I'd love to play with you." He could imagine in now, Astarion on the piano with his elegant fingers, Tar'eon with his flute pressed against his lips, creating a harmony together in a house they could call their own. It was a nice dream, and he hoped one day to experience it. He turned around to depart from the crowd and found himself stumbling over a few steps, righting himself in front of a woman with red hair - a druid. Or, he was definitely assuming druid with all the leaves and branches covering her modesty.

"Sorry, I-"

"This city of stone and steel is an endless scream in nature's womb. I have left no peace here." She turned to him and smiled serenely. "Until now. Your eyes, stira...there is pain, endless and deep. But also devotion - blazing like the sun. You're in love, are you not?"

Tar'eon stood straighter, his cheeks a touch hot at how easily she seemed to read him. It was a little unsettling, but there was little to hide from what he was guessing was a nymph - a dryad.

"I...yes. I am." There was no point in lying to the woman. "To someone quite close to me."

"You are wise to admit it. When it comes to love, vulnerability is armour. Truth, a sword. And trust, a shield." Tar'eon took in a deep breath, a little overwhelmed by her insight, but he understood. Love was not weakness. Being weak with the one you love was a strength in itself. To bare yourself before another...it was a risk that came with high rewards if you were lucky to bare yourself to the right person. "I pray you wield all three, stira."

Tar'eon smiled softly. It may be a sham she ran for the circus, but it made him feel good about putting his heart in Astarion's hands, even if they had conflicting views on power.

"Bring the one you love to me. I will look into your hearts and see if your love is eternal. Or doomed eternally." Tar'eon bit his lip. It was probably a scam. He doubted she would be able to know if Astarion and him were worth the journey, the pain and the healing, but...Gods, he wanted to have someone say it was. He wanted to know he was making the right choice with his heart, or if he was doomed to simply live with the heartache Astarion may bring him.

He turned to Astarion who was looking at the dryad sceptically, like he didn't quite think her predictions to be true, but when his eyes met his, they widened.

"Would you...like to try it? With me?" He offered his hand to Astarion and the vampire seemed surprised before he smiled, indulging Tar'eon.

"Oh my love, how could I say no?" He took his hand and came to stand beside him. Most circus' were full of scammers, sham magicians, but he didn't mind go through a little 'test of love' to make Tar'eon feel more secure in...whatever they were. Astarion didn't want to admit it to himself, but - he was also a touch insecure about their relationship. After the previous night, he felt like he was walking on eggshells, trying to ignore the forbidden ritual looming over their heads.

"Close your eyes, little ones. Be still as stone to earth. And remember to breathe."

"Do you think we could try next?" Karlach whispered to Shadowheart who smiled softly.

"I doubt she will be able to tell you anything I can't tell you myself about my feelings for you."

"Gods, I love you." Karlach grinned. "I still want to though."

"Alright, alright. Later."

Tar'eon closed his eyes, smiling to himself. Moments passed, and he only opened his eyes when he felt a shift in the air around him. A gentle breeze, the sound of a waterfall and running water - a lack of noise from the people around them. His hand was now empty as he looked around, finding himself in a peaceful hideaway of stone and moss, a tree trunk the only means to Astarion who stood on the other side with the dryad.

"Ah. Glorious. Your bond is sweeter than nature's dew. I see you. Know you. But do you know one another?"

"I know he's sweeter than nature's dew." Astarion joked, licking his lips and showing off his fangs in a grin as if to tease the dryad. Tar'eon suppressed a laugh, a finger to his lips as if to silence himself.

"Astarion: a tumultuous past hides behind a mirthful grin." Astarion made a small tutting sound at her insightful words. He didn't quite like being seen through so blatantly. "The heart is fraught, so let us begin with the joyous. When is he happiest?"

Tar'eon frowned, giving it a thought. When was Astarion happiest...?

"Well...I like to think he's happiest when we're alone. When he's being heard, listened to, and cared for. He likes fine things, and he like special treatment." Tar'eon mused before chuckling. "But I'd have to say he smiles most when elbow-deep in gore."

Astarion laughed, able to forget the personal part of his words in favour of the satisfying answer.

"Guilty as charged. Sometimes literally." Astarion shrugged with a smirk and Tar'eon walked closer, only pausing when the dryad spoke again.

"Your bond beats in pleasure. It is an honour to behold."

"Not the only kind of pleasure we get up to." Astarion quipped with a grinned. "Well, not recently, but the memories are good enough." He winked. Tar'eon shook his head, smile fond.

"Many things delight the heart, but only one makes it sing. Tell me, what does he desire more than anything?" Astarion frowned, looking away. He damn well knew the answer, but it wasn't one he'd like to be aired out like dirty laundry, thank you.

"Freedom." Tar'eon answered honestly. "That's all he's ever wanted. It's what he deserves."

"You're not wrong, but do we need to tell every stranger we meet our business?" Astarion narrowed his eyes and Tar'eon smiled as he walked closer.

"You're allowed your quips. I'm allowed my honesty." Astarion rolled his eyes.

"Our touch has been that of sunlight, but now we must ask the deep. The difficult. Fear sits in the soul of all - to tame it, we must name it. What is his deepest fear?" Tar'eon looked at Astarion, who was glaring at him, daring him to voice it out loud. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to chuck away the truth just this once. For his sake.

"Breaking a nail." Astarion laughed.

"Well, when you look this good..." He made a show of check his nails before his expression grew more serious, walking across the tree trunk to meet him. "Well, you were right every time. I almost wish you hadn't been, but...you do know me."

Tar'eon smiled and took his hand in his, squeezing gently.

"I press my fingers to your bond and find a shield - impenetrable. It is...beautiful." She sounded awed, and it made Tar'eons heart swell. "Your love is one few have - cherish it." She came closer, and then paused. "I only wonder if it is shared with such fervour."

The pair frowned, looking at her in confusion.

"Tar'eon...when is he happiest?" She was looking at Astarion now, who seemed dumbfounded to be asked such a personal question.

"I...Well..." Astarion actually looked embarrassed as he looked away from them both, Tar'eons hand holding his.

"You don't have to answer. I already know you care for me, Astar."

"Well...it's only fair to spill your dirty secrets in return." Astarion cleared his throat, licking his lips. "I...He's happiest when- when he's with his people." Tar'eons heart warmed, a small smile on his lips, but Astarion wasn't finished.

"He's happiest when he's talking to children, when an animal lets him get close, when he- when he can enjoy a good book in peace, and learn something new and - he seems happiest with...me." Astarion swallowed, heat burning the back of his neck. "Despite how much I'm sure I grate on his nerves."

"Even when I'm annoyed with you, I'm still happy to see you." Tar'eon agreed.

"Gods, you're a sap." Astarion scoffed like he hadn't said something so endearing just moments ago.

"You watch him close, for fear he may leave if you don't. He has made your heart beat again, and it is glorious yet terrifying." She seemed as if she was in love herself, her eyes almost starry despite their bright glow. "Tell me, what does he desire more than anything?"

Astarion bit his lip, sucking on it before he let go and huffed.

"Freedom. We're one in the same in that regard. He wants to be free of parts of himself, and I wish to be free of others."

"Perhaps there is more layers to be found within your partners desires." She mused and Tar'eons stomach churned.

"He was right. I do want to be free." Even if there was much more to it than that. "I want to be in control of my life, my actions."

"What is his deepest fear? The thing he fears above all else?" She continued, and Tar'eon watched Astarion, wondering what he'd say.

"He...he fears losing himself. Who doesn't?" Astarion had lost himself for years in his abuse, so many memories fuzzy from dissociation. From trying to get away in the only way he knew how.

"Perhaps there is something more terrifying than losing ones self?" She was talking to him this time, staring into his very soul, and Tar'eon swallowed hard.

"I...I fear losing him, even more than myself." He admitted. "I'm scared of become a monster; but I fear the monster devouring him more."

"The sword to the shield. Your love is both impenetrable, yet sharp. Where one protects," She gestured to Tar'eon. "The only defends." She smiled at Astarion who couldn't take his eyes off Tar'eon. "A perfect balance. All you need is the armour. Vulnerability. To truly bare yourselves to the other. Do not let secrets and insecurity fester and build a wall between you. Let truth and honesty by your bridge to one another."

She came closer, and the peaceful enclave disappeared, the sound of the city coming back to them. Tar'eon stared at her with wide eyes. He felt like he been stripped raw and put back together. She truly had dug down deep into them and forced them to face the matters at hand. Their love was not doomed - so long as they spoke to each other in truths and not falsehoods.

"Go in peace, seedlings. And know that you made one whose heart was long quiet beat with love anew." She smiled at them and Tar'eon nodded sharply. "And that you," She gestured to Astarion. "Have gained devotion and loyalty unlike any other you could conceive."

The pair stepped back from her, Tar'eon bowing his head in respect. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to say thank you or not.

"I..." Astarion looked lost for words.

"Me next! This is my girl, Shadowheart. We're ready to test our love, nature lady." Karlach grinned and Shadowheart shook her head, beyond amused.

"It can't hurt, I suppose - unless you embarrass me. Then you might find yourself hurting in a whole manner of ways."

"Hopefully only the good kind." Karlach winked. Tar'eon watched as the pair closed their eyes, turning to look at Astarion.

"You really feel that way?" Astarion asked, casting his gaze aside, unable to look into those mismatched eyes. "I...I knew you cared, but I never assumed I would be above your own life. I should have know, you've always had a gentle heart, trying to save everyone."

"You are above everyone." Tar'eon sighed, resigned to that fact of his life. "It's why I don't want you to do the ritual, Astar. Because I know I'll let you, and those deaths will never stop haunting me, knowing I could have stopped you from doing so. One persons life for several seems only justified, until you love that one person too much to ever hurt them."

"You would?" Astarion frowned. "If I did the ritual...you wouldn't leave?"

"I wouldn't. I'm not sure that's a good thing, though."

"I know you think this is only for power for me - but it's more than that. I'm taking everything from him. I will not be satisfied unless I inflict the same torture he inflicted on all of us. On me." Astarion scowled before his expression softened, looking up at Tar'eon. "I could give us so much more time, Tar'eon. If I ascended - you wouldn't have to fear hurting me. And I would never have to fear you dying long before I ever will. I could change you, make you my equal. Things could be perfect. Forever."

"And I would be haunted by the souls we damned, forever." Tar'eon reminded and shook his head softly. "I don't want to lose you. I fear messing with a devils contract will only bite us in the arse later. That you'll become someone different from the person I love."

"I won't." Astarion sighed, not sure how to get through to the man. "I'll still be me. Just...better."

"You are already perfect, Astar." Tar'eon took his face in his hands and thumbed at his cheeks. "There is nothing better than you. Not to me. You are perfection. You haunt my dreams and thoughts, and they are sweeter than anything I could ever taste. You may think yourself broken or imperfect or weak, but you are beautiful and quintessential and strong to me. You don't need some ritual to become better. You need Cazador dead, and to finally have the chance to move on and live."

He rested his forehead against his, eyes falling shut.

"I want to live with you. Once all of this is over, I want to spend the rest of my life at your side, in whatever way you will have me. I want to be your shield, your armour, your blade. I want to be yours, and for you to be mine. I want to be the modest man who worships the ground you walk on, even if I cannot be the rich man you slit the throat of." He chuckled, slowly opening his eyes to look at Astarion.

His eyes were glossy and wet, but he was refusing to shed tears. Instead, he narrowed his eyes at Tar'eon, lips twisted with bitterness.

"You offer all of that to me and expect me to not want it forever." He took his hands and moved them from his face, stepping back and turning around to weave through the crowd. If he was attempting to disappear within it, he was failing, his white curls sticking out like a sore thumb, but Tar'eon let him go.

He sighed, looking up at the sky. Whatever God was watching over him...He'd like a blessing one of these days.

****

He had really hoped there would be no bloodshed at the circus, but apparently whatever God was watching over him hated him and demanded it. He never thought he'd kill a clown, and yet...

He used the carter of water to wash the blood off his face and armour, offering Astarion one as well. Shadowheart was attempting to wash the paint off Karlach's face, but the tiefling was insisting she liked it and didn't want to ruin his 'art'.

"I'm more interested in kissing my girlfriend, not a butterfly." Which managed to make the barbarian sit patiently (she still wiggled, but it was Karlach) while the cleric rubbed blood and paint off her skin.

"Good! You lot made it back in time for dinner." Gale called as he walked away from the fire, quirking a brow. "Murder on the first day? I shouldn't be surprised, but I am. I thought you were scouting Rivington?"

"We went to the circus." Astarion grumbled.

"The circus? What fun! You know, that might help Yenna's spirits - maybe I'll take her and Wyll out tomorrow."

"Oh, uh, we kind of...killed them." Tar'eon admitted.

"You- you killed the circus? By Mystra - why?!"

"They attacked me first!" Karlach piped up, Shadowheart attempting to scrub blue paint from her cheek, holding her by her horn as she attempted to move away from it like a fussy pet. "They deserved it!"

"Absolute worshippers." Tar'eon explained and Gale sighed.

"All the good things get ruined before I can experience them. Surely I can join you tomorrow?"

"That should be fine. Shadowheart, Karlach, are you two alright to stay at camp tomorrow?"

"I guess. I'll just stay here and eat dirt or something." Karlach pouted.

"I'll stay and make sure she doesn't eat dirt." Shadowheart smirked.

"Gale, we leave early tomorrow."

"Fantastic!" The wizard clapped his hands together. "I'm sure Wyll will be happy to join us too."

"Obviously." Tar'eon smiled, knowing the two were basically a package deal at this point, the same as Karlach and Shadowheart.

"Oh amazing, does that mean I get to stay back too?" Astarion purred. "I mean, with two magic users on your team, surely you don't need my petty dagger, hm?"

"Astarion, you dismiss you own prowess!" Gale shook his head. "We all know an arrow from you is a deadly strike. Your precision is unlike anything a wizard myself could master. Magic is much too wild to have the same effect." Astarion grimaced but he accepted the praise.

"Well...someone has to hold this team together." He relented and tucked a curl behind his ear. "It may as well be yours truly."

"It's settled then. Gale, Wyll, yourself and I." Tar'eon smirked, smiling wider when Astarion glared at him. "Missed a spot, ph myirz." He reached over and wiped some blood off his ear.

"You're the exact reason I need time to read, you infernal bastard." Astarion muttered. He still didn't know what those damn words meant.

"Hm?" Tar'eons eyes crinkled with mischief as he shifted closer to the vampire, leaning in with a smirk. "You are the most radiant man I've ever met, and I want to consume every inch of you to shine half as brightly. I want to suck every last drop of sunlight out of your body through your cock." He let the natural hiss of the language overtake his words, the infernal sliding off his tongue like butter, and laughed into Astarion's shoulder when Karlach squawked.

"You dirty fuck!" She cackled. Tar'eon had forgotten she spent ten years likely speaking infernal to her fellow soldiers.

"I- Gods, what did you say?" Astarion asked, bewildered.

"Apparently something very naughty." Gale smirked.

"Keep studying, and maybe you'll find out." Tar'eon grinned.

"Oh you-" Astarion glowered and shoved him away, retreating to his tent.

"Xe dajy haf!"

"Keep your devils tongue to yourself!"

"That's the opposite of what he wants to do, buddy." Karlach snorted. Astarion closed the flap of his tent sharply and Tar'eon blushed.

"You think I went too far?" He asked.

"He's a big boy. He can take a joke." Shadowheart chuckled.

"Dinner is going to get cold if we keep chatting. Clean yourselves up and come to the fire. Yenna is quite the cook, with a guiding hand." Gale smiled with pride and made his way back to the fire where Wyll was helping Yenna with the hot ladle, pouring stew into a bowl for her.

Tar'eon smiled to himself. Even if her mother never came back for her...he was sure she wouldn't be alone. Not anymore.

****

As per usual, restless sleep plagued him. He scowled as he tossed and turned, trying to find peace in his dreams for once, but it seemed he did not get a choice.

"Naughty, naughty, naughty little master." He growled at the familiar voice, shooting up to face Fel, but he was no longer on his bedroll. Instead he was surrounded by stone, ominously doused in red light, an altar before him. He felt like he was home, yet it was unsettling all at once. Something was wrong. This wasn't camp. This wasn't home.

"You have disobeyed your Father's wishes one time too many." Fel's voice was still heard, but he couldn't see him, walking closer to the skull carved into the wall. There was a sense of dread, but also...belonging. Devotion. This...this was Father.

"For he who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself becomes a monster." The sockets of the skull burst red with magic, staring down upon him. Father was here. Father was watching. "When you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."

He felt another presence in the room and turned to the altar, the slab of stone he could remember from another dream. The dream where he killed his guardian, his sacrifice. Now, Orin laid there, playing with her blade. A blade that didn't belong to her, his mind whispered with wrath.

"Another will embrace what you have rejected." Orin turned to look at him and he glared in response to her baring of teeth. "And that other will be your death." If he wasn't hers first, his conniving bitch of a sister, always after his destiny-

His destiny? No. No, that wasn't right...

"But your Father loves you dearly. You may reinherit yourself yet." Fel assured even as Orin pointed her dagger at him. His heart began to race. This was all wrong. This wasn't who he was. He wasn't- he couldn't be-!

Orin turned into a fearsome creature, with more spikes and claws and teeth than any beast of the Hells could conjure up. It struck fear into his very soul and he stumbled back as it approached, a heavy foot slamming down into his chest, pinning him to the altar.

"Slaughter your line. Become the last of your name." The Urge, the anger, it screamed in him to do it, to slaughter his sister, but the human part of him, his present self, didn't want to be another pawn in this game.

"Lord Bhaal shall have but one Chosen."

He wanted to be Father's favourite again. He wanted to be his Chosen. He wanted to be forgiven. He wanted to-

He wanted to kill Orin.

Sister or not, Chosen or not, he would kill the woman who stole his memories from him. Stole him from his life. He would kill Bhaal's Chosen, take her stone, and he would set things right.

He woke with a start, breathing hard. Rage burned beneath his skin as snatches of his past came back to him, all coated in gore and blood, in worship and devotion. He had lead his congregations, had been their master for years, and Bhaal...Bhaal had been his. A cruel master and...his father.

He was his spawn. His heir. His child.

That wasn't who he was anymore. He refused to be...All those bodies, all the blood, he would never be able to atone, but regardless, he was a different person entirely. Who he was before - it wasn't who he was now.

Yet he knew he would never be free of his Urge, not until he confronted the past...Orin was an abomination, mad and bloodthirsty. Even without his grudge against her, he knew he had to kill her. To end the Bhaal line with himself. By killing her, he could get her stone, and cut their father off from his plans with the elder brain. He killed Ketheric, and he would kill Orin. He would have all the stones in the palm of his hand. He'd be able to make things right.

'And Enver?' His mind whispered, and he couldn't remember when the mans first name become more familiar to his mind then his last, even with all memories of him being hidden to him or too fuzzy to be certain.

He didn't have an answer for the question, the implication, and that worried him more than anything; even more so when even the Urge did not beg for his bloodied body alongside Ketheric and Orin's.

#astarion x dark urge #bg3 fanfiction #astarion x tav #astarion x male tav #bg3 astarion #astarion x mc #astarion bg3 #bg3 tav #astarion #baldurs gate tav

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doueverwonder · 1 year

Text

“You”

Pairing: IreNor

warnings: some mentions of religion,

notes: IreNor my beloved ε>

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

No Sigurd paced the room, he played with a ring. Slipping it on and off his fingers though it really was too small to fit on any except his pinky.

Molly had taken Ida and gone off citing going mushroom hunting. That had been early in the morning and now the noon sun shone above, they would be back soon he was sure.

The ring was tucked away in pocket, he needed something to do to distract him. Though Sigurd had spent almost an hour circling their small corner of the village already, and hadn’t been able to find anything else that needed to be done. He considered going to meet with some of the leaders, they always had work for him. He could even offer to see if the neighbors needed help with anything. Both those took him away from the house though, and he wanted to be here when Molly and Ida returned.

Going out to look for them himself was an option, he had been trying to keep Molly closer to the house anyway. He still remembered the boats returning, the men speaking of a new island. Larger than Ireland even, he got what he could, and went home that night excited to tell Molly about the discovery.

He had been talking about details, including maybe joining a trip the next summer to go out there; if she was okay with him leaving for that long. Molly had never been one to stop Sigurd from going out with his people, or she had never voiced it bothering her at least.

Her telling him she didn’t think he would want to go is what caught his attention. He had looked up from what he was doing, confused on what she meant. She had news that related to this new discovery as well.

That was nearing six months ago, Molly had said herself she should be due any time now. It hadn’t stopped her from carrying on as usual though, and it worried him more and more as the days went on… maybe he should go out and look for her.

He pulled the ring back out looking at it, he was brand new. He would have given Molly some of his mothers jewelry, he had gotten a third of it when his mother passed away. Molly however had insisted any of it be saved for when Ida grew older. That had left Sigurd digging up things from his summers of raiding, taking it to the smith and having some new things made. A ring to give her when he asked her to marry him, and a few other things, still hidden, for her to wear at the wedding.

If only he could stop fretting about her answer and ask, he was almost sure she would marry him. But a small voice said she wouldn’t, mostly having fun pointing out what he had heard before. She is Catholic, and you’re pagan, who would marry you anyway? Sigurd had decided he didn’t care how their marriage was viewed, most assumed they were married already or simply didn’t care. But Molly might care about her church not recognizing it. Why go to the trouble? Just stay as we are.

As fate would have it while worrying about how to ask, he heard footsteps outside. Ida was laughing, clearly running from her mother who couldn’t keep up in her current condition. He opened the door and stepped outside, Molly noticed him immediately but gestured for him to be quiet.

“Mama!” The small girl complained, backing away from her mother, upset that she was no longer being chased “come get me”

Molly was out of breath as it was, but exaggerated it even more; “I don’t think I can pet, I told you your sibling has decided to steal my breath”

Ida pouted, “tell him to give it back”

She laughed, “I wish it worked that way”

Molly raised her brows at Sigurd, who had slowly been making his way up to their daughter unseen, while she was distracted.

“So you can’t play anymore?”

“Not right now,” she smiled, “but I think your father can”

Just as Molly said it a confused look crossed the girl's face, then she let out a yelp as Sigurd picked her up; “papa!”

“Ja?” He moved holding her upside down, earning a look from Molly as the girl's braids dragged on the ground. Washing Ida’s hair was always such an ordeal.

“Put me down!” She swung her arms a bit, trying to get out of his grasp.

He simply held her higher, taking away her option to put her hands on the ground. “I thought you wanted to be caught?”

“Not by you!”

Molly leaned down as best she could to be at eye level with Ida, “then would you rather be let down?”

“Yes!” She swung her arms again, this time causing Sigurd to stumble a bit.

She laughed, “you heard her Mo Mhuirnin” and winked at Sigurd, who sighed heavily.

“I suppose” he let her go for just a moment, grabbing her again before she came close to hitting the ground.

“Not like that” she held on tight to Sigurd’s neck once she was right side up again.

“Ah” he set her down on her feet, “Like that?”

Ida didn’t respond, instead sticking her tongue out at her father. Before noticing some other children run by playing, a look to her parents is all it took before she ran off as well joining them.

Sigurd helped Molly back up, taking her arm in his. She scoffed lightly at the action, “I’m not that weak”

“Yet you were struggling to get up,” he held her a little tighter, “and you’re still out of breath”

“And who’s doing is that?” He rolled his eyes, even as she held his arm tighter as well, her free hand resting on her stomach.

“Did you find anything?”

“No, we got distracted before even looking” a silence settled over the pair as they went into the house. Sitting down on one of the beds, Molly's head leaned against his shoulder.

They had been joking about needing to enjoy these moments before the house was filled with the sounds of the new baby. If he was anything like Ida they wouldn’t have peace again for years.

The sun came in, yet a breeze kept everything cool inside the house. Sigurd thought of the ring in his pocket, of how he was sure he wanted to spend as many days as possible at Molly’s side. Right now could be perfect, yet the words to say still didn’t want to come to him.

I love you, please marry me, I want to be with you. Nothing would fit in the scenario in his head, nothing seemed enough to explain how he felt. She noticed though, she always seemed to notice;

“Is there something on your mind?” Molly asked him quietly, as if trying to not disturb their silence.

He thought about what to say, how to ask her to marry him right then.

Instead he kissed her head and said, “You”

#hws ireland #hws norway #irenor #hetalia #hws Faroe #apersonwhowrites

11 notes · View notes

countlessrealities · 9 months

Note

Hey Morty and Summer how do you feel about Chance, anyway

Unprompted asks || Always accepting !

The Smith siblings exchange a look at the question, as if to check if the other wants to go first. They have thought for that spot way too many times not to be expecting some competition whenever the chance is presented.

In this particular case, however, the matter is quickly and quietly sorted as Summer shrugs, as a way of saying that Morty can start. After all, her brother is the one who has the closest connection with chance, so it's fair for him to go ahead.

If Morty is a little surprised by Summer's quick and easy surrender, he doesn't show it. He just looks excited, even if it's to tell if it's because he gets to speak first for once or because he's looking forward to share his thoughts on Chance.

"I-I think he's great! H-He's so cool and nice and badass an-and he's always patient with me. He teaches me things, n-never get upset if I ask him to explain something again or-or if I get distracted while we're doing stuff together," the boy starts to rant, words tumbling out of his mouth a little too quickly.

Still, even if it might not seem, he's being careful and watching his tongue. The temptation to say that Chance is better company and a better mentor than Rick is bugging him from the back of his mind, but he ignores it. If he were to voice that thought, he would regret it. Not just because the scientist would most likely do something petty in retaliation, but also because it's not true.

Chance's company is more pleasant, and that's undeniable, but the bond he and Rick have just can't be topped. For better or for worse.

"W-We get along really an-and I thinks that he actually likes talking to me?" And isn't that a first. Usually people engage him in conversation only if they have no other choice. "I-I mean, I talked to him when he was Clarissa's too, b-but...I don't know. T-Talking to Chance is easier? I-I think it's because he's more...you know. A-At peace with himself and his past. C-Clarissa struggled a lot more an-and it made me wish I could do something more to help..."

His voice trails off for a moment, as his expression sobers up a little. He remembers very clearly each and every conversation he and Clarissa have shared, and he can recall just as clearly how much they cost her. However, this isn't about the gloomy past. He wants to talk about how amazing Chance is, because he deserves it, after everything he has gone through and overcome.

"H-He helped me with...he helped me figuring out some stuff an-and I really appreciate it b-because even when he was, uh, pushing me out of my comfort zone, h-he was nice about it, you know? An-And he talked it out with me, i-if I started to panic a little."

He still feels a little stupid to have made such a big deal about his romantic orientation, especially considering what his life is made of and the people in them, but he is also sure that it would have taken him much longer to make peace with it without the man supporting him.

"I-I guess it's nice to be understood? An-And wanted without second aims. B-By someone who's much smarter and better than me." After so many years or being, at most, everyone's second choice, being pick first feels good. "I-I learnt a lot of stuff from him. An-And got to show him what I-I can already do. U-Usually no one...really bothers with it, so..."

Not to mention that Clarissa / Chance have been sort of open to share a very personal trauma of theirs not to make him feel alone.

"B-But, uh, what I meant to say is...C-Chance is a wonderful person. H-He's suffered a lot, b-but he still has...a lot to give, you know? An-And he doesn't shy away from that, b-because he wants to be the one w-who decides what defines him. I-I...He's a model for me. I-I hope that, one day, I'll be at least half as brave as he is."

A small, almost shy smile curls his lips as he finishes and he fidgets in his spot, like he's expecting to be criticised or mocked for what he has said. He doesn't think that Chance himself would, of course, but he knows the rest of his family too well.

Thankfully, Summer seems to have paid little attention to his speech because, aside from the occasional eyeroll, she hasn't tried to voice her opinion on what he has said. She's obviously too focused on figuring out what she should say. That means that he'll be spared...for a few hours, at least.

"Chance is, like, fun to be around? I guess. He's more Morty's friend, he doesn't hang out with me as often." Just as Rick. She's starting to wonder what about her idiot brother gets him the attention of the coolest people of the multiverse. "But we did some stuff together. Went to the movies, gamed against each other, he carried my bags at the mall...Stuff like that."

She can see that Chance wants to be in her life, just as Clarissa has tried to be, but things are...different now. It has nothing to do with gender, it's a matter of changed priorities and behaviours.

"I'm not saying that I liked him more as Clarissa than I do now, because I know that they're, like, the same person. And I'm super happy that he found himself and that he's feeling okay with who he is. Like, about time. Morty is right, he deserves to have a good life. It's just..."

Her voice trails off again, as she tries to find the way to put her thoughts into words without sounding utterly pathetic. The last thing she wants is to come off as a whiny attention-seeking brat. Still, she is a little resentful about Chance favouring Morty, even if not as much as Rick does.

"I guess Clarissa and I just hit off better," she ends up saying, with a little shrug. "Even if Chance doesn't take is too badly when I call him 'step-grandpa'. Clarissa always got either annoyed or uncomfortable."

And, sure, Clarissa hadn't really been in a relationship with her Rick, but other Rick was her Rick too, in a way, so that still counted as Clarissa dating her grandfather.

"And then there's the whole hormone thing." She rolls her eyes. "I already have to deal with Morty jerking off everywhere in the house, Grandpa Rick, both of them, bring home his hook-ups for the night so he can fuck them in the garage...Not to mention how they are constantly all gross with each other. Then there's Dad trying to act 'progressive' and saying, like, the cringest things ever."

She almost shudders at the memory, but she manages to recover her cool quickly, as per usual.

"I really didn't need to add a horny step-grandpa to the list. He's wheezing out as many hormones as my brothers. I don't mean, like, any offence, but yikes."

{ @dynamoprotocol - mentioned }

#[ ic :: Morty ]#[ ic :: Summer ]#[ ic :: anon asks ]#dynamoprotocol #[ relationship :: Morty & Chance ]#[ relationship :: Summer & Chance ]#[[ I didn't forget about this ask !! ]]#[[ took me forever but here we go ]]#[[ the kids talking about their cool uncle figure xD ]]#[[ even if Summer is still teasing about the step-grandpa thing xD ]]#[[ also I meant this to be purely wholesome ]]#[[ but the kids brought their trauma into it =.=" ]]

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sofarsofastmp3 · 10 months

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i experienced penguins hockey and all i got were some lousy blurry photos of geno’s warmups because i didn’t realize i had live photos turned off for half the game

okay i wasn’t going to like Write about this game because i don’t actually have a lot to say and i’m not so much a Poster but then i did like a paragraph of tags under these photos and decided an actual post would be nice for posterity.

as previously stated, the loss is on me! i genuinely can’t remember the last time i saw a pens win in person. i know the losing streak started in feb 2018, so it really is out of everyone’s hands at this point. even last year, my siblings and i made plans to go to both pens @ panthers games in december and march since we rarely get two games in one season. it didn’t work out and i ended up just going to the one in march. they won in december, and lost in march!

anyways! as the daughter of terminally late people, this was my first time going down for warmups ever and it was so fun i love to examine everybody’s rituals. and i love looking at people’s signs!!!! including a little kid who had one that said in big letters “my name is also ryan graves!” maybe he too will grow up to be a gigantic haunted doll.

i’ve never sat in the lower bowl in my life and it’s crazy down there. you can see EVERYTHING on approximately half the ice and NOTHING anywhere else. when smith scored, i thought it was doc because i have bad vision and the 9 looked like a 0. (our only goal being scored on the opposite end of me was very much on theme of me being bad luck but i got a great view of geno’s setup) if i ever did it again, it would probably only ever be like once a year to see My Guys Up Close.

the guy next to me was a panther fan who was with a pens fan and at least twice throughout the night he looked at his friend and said “bro malkins huge.” and he is!

i got to see so many cringefail powerplays! it’s so fun to watch something be bad on tv, read people talking about how bad it is, and then seeing it in person, only to realize it may actually be worse than you previously thought! i think this is good for us, though, and i agree with everyone saying we should shoot for the stars and become the worst powerplay in nhl history.

okay this bit is just for me. or just for me in a way that’s more indulgent than the way this entire blog is just for me. i don’t have a ton else to say except that for almost a full year i’ve been rekindling my relationship with hockey. and when i got back into it, i had a friend ask me if i was going to stick with the penguins as my number one even though they’re my dad’s team and my relationship with my dad has. changed. to say the least.

and at the time i kind of jokingly said “i’m just gonna steal them from him!” but i don’t even think i had to do that. it’s just simply not about him. he has nothing to do with it! i engage with this sport in a way so separate from how he would (the man used to call his team’s captain a crybaby!!! embarrassing!!! would NEVER be me!!!) i have built something that’s mine, and i love it in a way that is mine. and though i VASTLY prefer it when we win, i had so much fun last night- and have had so much fun for the last year- that i don’t particularly care about the outcome!!! at least until tuesday.

#hockeyblr if i’d known you existed before 2023 i’m not sure i ever would’ve had a hockey hiatus at all #okay over indulgent post over thanks for coming #h #p

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peachhcs · 7 months

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hughes brothers just seeing sam and will acting all couply and seeing how much the two are really in love

watching their baby sister fall in love

hughes!sister x will smith au (samy + will)

summary: the hughes brothers realize their baby sister finally found the guy for her + watch her fall in love

2.4k words

this request was so cutie and i enjoyed writing it :) pls send it anymore requests you guys have for samy and will!

au masterlist

for some reason, the hughes brothers never saw their baby sister's relationship with will coming except luke who was the one still around as the feelings grew and the relationship developed—of course he picked up on all of the signs the younger smith sibling gave samy. him and will were almost the same age, so the teenage pining was all too familiar to the middle hughes.

quinn and jack on the other hand? oh forget about them knowing until the summer they came home after samy finished up her senior year. with them being away for most of the year, they missed every single gaze, touch, and stolen glances between the teenagers as the year went on. plus, luke's not one to talk about his crushes in general, so why would he mention anything about his sister's love life to the two older siblings?

the entire relationship left all three of them speechless when it finally happened. watching samy and will interact at the draft in nashville was the brothers' first indication something was happening. they looked way too close than usual considering will's always been attached to luke or jack growing up. he'd just naturally gravitate towards the boys as they grew up in the summer months together pushing each other off the dock, having diving competitions, and playing hockey in the driveway. neither jack nor luke noticed will slowly attaching himself to their sister instead as the years went on.

when samy and will's first date came a month later, the boys were skeptical. of course they knew will and how he was the sweetest soul on the planet—it was their older brother instincts kicking in. samy was their baby sister and it took a certain guy to be the right one for her and neither of the brothers wanted her to get hurt. sure, will was family, but that didn't mean he couldn't fuck something up.

their teasing was relentless before they let the young couple leave, but really it was all a tactic to see how well will held up under this new dynamic.

"can you guys shut up?" samy eyed luke standing against the wall before glancing at their mom for help.

"what? we're just saying. mom never let us go out to ann arbor by ourselves when we were yoyr age," jack piped in from the couch. will stood beside samy in a nervous mess, unaware of the brothers (mostly jack and luke) eyeing him down.

"guys, just cool it, okay? let your sister be," jim stepped in because he was probably the only one that could shut jack and luke up. the boys shut their mouths after that and samy dragged will out of the house before anymore comments could be made.

"seriously?" ellen eyed her boys.

"what? we gotta poke fun at her too," luke defended.

"you were gonna give will a nervous breakdown," the older woman rolled her eyes.

"it's nothing he hasn't heard before. just gotta make sure he's up to our standards for our sister," jack shrugged.

they were still up when samy came back through the door at around 10:30. they all perked up when she walked into the kitchen with the biggest smile on her lips.

"someone's smiley," jack commented.

"maybe it's too early to say this, but i really think it's gonna work out between us. at least, i really hope it does," samy gushed, a lovesick expression on her features that her brothers had never seen before.

her words turned a gear in their brains. they've never heard her talk about a guy like that before nor had they seen a look like that on her face after she came back from a date. that stuck out to them and for a split second, they thought that maybe will was the right guy for her. maybe.

the start of the new school year had the hughes siblings breaking up until summer again. samy headed off to umich for her first semester, luke flew out to jersey with jack to really begin his rookie year, and quinn headed back out west to vancouver—a captaincy in his near future. with the brothers not there, they didn't see the development of will and samy's new relationship. yes, the siblings were close, but there were some things they didn't talk about in detail with one another. one of them being their relationships and love life.

anytime the youngest hughes was on facetime with her brothers, she only briefly mentioned will and they also never really asked. when summer quickly came back around and the gang reunited, they were still skeptical of will. was he really the guy for samy? was he becoming like every other jerk hockey player the boys knew all too well because well, they were once that guy too.

their relationship was approaching one year and the brothers finally got to see and understand that yes, will was the perfect guy for their sister.

lazy lake days were everyone's favorites because people went and did their own thing whether it was nap all day, tan, or just mess around. luke immersed himself with a conversation with some of his old umich friends. ethan and mark yapped on and on about their hockey season while luke chimed in with details from his rookie year. the boy missed being in michigan everyday, but he was glad he could reconnect with everyone during the summer months for a few weeks.

after awhile, luke needed to go inside to get a new drink. he nodded to some of his brother's friends on his way up the yard before sliding the glass doors open. relief filled his body as the cold ac air hit his skin and cooled him down from the burning 90 degree temperatures outside. he was about to head back outside until voices caught his attention in the living room.

he shuffled that way, not quite recognizing who was talking until he saw the faces. luke met samy and will's friends a few times, but he didn't know them that well. two boys stood by the couch snickering to one another with their phone cameras out. luke raised his eyebrow, trying to peer over them to see what had their attention.

he finally spotted his sister and will curled up on the couch together. samy's head was tucked into the crook of will's neck while his own head laid atop hers. her legs were thrown over his lap and his arm draped over her shoulders. seeing them in that position was still so foreign to the middle hughes.

"gonna have a whole album by the time summer's over," luke was pretty sure his name was ryan. ryan showed him the photo album on his phone titled smitty's so whippedwhich made luke laugh.

"god, they were so insufferable over the phone and even worse in person," gabe teased.

"will was always calling samy like at any chance he got. pretty sure we tried throwing will's phone out the window one time because he wouldn't stop calling her," ryan snickered.

luke's expression settled a bit the more he stared at his sister and will. it almost softened for a second thinking about will constantly calling her to hear her voice. that wasn't something a jerky hockey player did, luke thought in his head.

"they were annoying, but it was cute i suppose. never seen smitty act like this before, it's kind of nice seeing a different side of him," gabe added with a tiny smile.

the boys' words left luke thinking. he thought back to when samy came home after their first date last year and the look on her face he'd never seen before. hearing about will's change too made the hughes brother think maybe will wasn't like every other guy.

later that day, luke crowded around the kitchen island with quinn and jack as the three discussed when they wanted to go golfing and if they wanted to invite anyone. samy shuffled into the kitchen, sleep laced in her eyes still with will right behind her.

"morning," luke laughed a little seeing his sister.

"morning," the girl grumbled back obviously not in the mood for any teasing.

"heard you two had a pretty sound nap," jack chuckled.

"yeah, it was really nice actually. thanks for asking," samy's voice dripped with sarcasm towards her brother.

"jeez, someone's grumpy," the older brunette laughed which made quinn and luke chuckle too. all samy did was give him the middle finger as she bent down to pick up the bottle cap she dropped.

instinctively, will wrapped his hand around the counter edge so samy wouldn't hit her head when she came back up. the gesture went unnoticed by samy since it was in will's second nature to just do that, but the brothers saw it very clearly. they saw how will didn't even think when he did it, he just did.

neither of them mentioned it when they left, but all three of them thought about the gesture for awhile after.

jack wasn't good at falling asleep. his parents liked calling him the night owl in the family since they could never put him down for bed. he'd just jump right back up, his energy bursting to get out.

the middle hughes tiptoed around the guys asleep on air mattresses scattered across the house. he thought maybe some food could make him sleepy, so he started searching the fridge for a snack.

the guy didn't notice samy and will until he let his gaze drift to the backyard while he cut up some apples. his eyes stopped on the gently swinging hammock on the deck and the two people inside. he immediately recognized samy's frizzy curls—very much taking after luke with that gene.

jack wasn't meaning to be creepy, but he crept a bit closer to the back doors to get a better look. will's arm was draped around her shoulder and samy's head was on his chest. he could hear their faint voices through the door and small giggles at whatever they were talking about.

the older brunette smiled to himself briefly before a few tears edged their way to jack's eyes. seeing his sister in love was not something he thought would make him emotional, but after watching her grow up, it all felt bittersweet in jack's mind.

he was always the one samy would go to first after luke if she needed something. he was closer to her age and while she didn't think quinn couldn't give advice, he was six years older. jack and luke were and have always been samy's go to's. jack was emotional in the fact that his baby sister finally found someone who sat in a hammock with her late at night to look at the stars—especially someone she already knew so well.

he left them be after he cut up his apples, retreating back to his room where he'd go to sleep knowing samy was in the right hands.

water guns were most definitely the worst investment for the lake house. the hockey boys went crazy with them full and armed like they were going to squirt anyone who walked by them. somehow, some of the guys and the girls managed to get themselves into a mini water gun fight.

gabe and ryan teamed up against samy and hannah originally. their squealing caught the attention of some of the other guys who quickly ran to join gabe and ryan against the girls. rutger aided in throwing water balloons at them while mark and moldy chased them with water buckets. poor samy and hannah were severely out numbered.

"hey! you can't run forever!" moldy yelled as he chased after the youngest hughes with an entire bucket of water.

"i can and i will!" samy yelled back at him. the brothers found it amusing and endearing that a lot of their friends saw samy as their own little sister they could constantly tease.

will walked onto the deck where samy immediately ran to him as a shield. the blonde grew confused before he saw nick with the largest water bucket he'd ever seen.

"hey, woah. you can't dump that on me," will said as he held his arm out, shielding samy from the impending water.

"i will if you don't move so i can get samy," moldy laughed.

"i'm not a part of this, so technically, i'm a safe spot," will tried negotiating.

"i'm not sure it works like that, smitty. she runs to you, you're on her side," nick shrugged, smirking still.

"get her!" mark yelled as he ran towards the deck with his own water bucket. nick took that as a signal he could dump his water.

samy screamed as will quickly shoved her out of the way and took the hit as two buckets of water drenched him from head to toe. the boys broke out into laughter while samy stared in disbelief that her boyfriend was now dripping wet and she was perfectly dry.

"oh shit. i'm sorry will," the girl couldn't hold her giggles as she covered her mouth.

the blonde shook his hair out like a dog before breaking a tiny smile. "you're taking the hit next time," he mumbled, placing a chaste kiss to her lips.

quinn, jack, and luke had watched the entire interaction from where they sat together at their fire pit. the three of them were laughing watching poor will get soaked for samy.

"he's so whipped if he just took two buckets of water for her," jack mumbled with a smile.

luke and quinn looked his way. it was the first time one of them had ever said something about samy and will to one another since their entire relationship started.

"they're cute. makes me miss being a teenager in love," quinn muttered. "plus, i've never seen her so happy before nor have i seen will so happy either," the oldest hughes added.

their eyes flicked back towards the couple where will was now trying to dry himself off.

"it's a good look for them, isn't it?" luke said after a moment.

"she's happy. like really happy," jack nodded.

"i think he really cares about her. he's definitely sticking around," luke said.

"i mean wasn't he already? he's like family," jack laughed making quinn laugh too.

"i'm just happy she's found someone. i totally saw it coming by the way, so you all owe me still," luke muttered and the brothers rolled their eyes.

#hughes!sister x will smith au #will smith hockey #samy x will #boston college #boston college hockey #samy hughes #umich hockey #will smith imagine #will smith x oc #uofmichigan #will smith fluff #will smith hockey fluff

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