#so he stands in the doorway and just watches neil

[achillean-heartbeat]

good afternoon beautiful people i am going sick in the head thinking of Neil wearing his orange bandana. just neil and his bandana,,, yeah,,,

[miniwheat77]

Taboo. (Stepbro!Soap x Reader.)

!This is 100% pure disgusting taboo smut, do not read if you cannot handle it. You've been warned! NSFW, smut, unprotected sex!

(A video surfaced on my tik tok of Neil in that god forsaken wife beater where he says "Big sister to the rescue." and this was completely the reason behind this fic. Good luck.)

A sigh leaves Johnny's lips as they get ready to board an airplane to go home. Which catches the attention of Ghost. "What's going on Johnny?" Ghost asks. Johnny laughs. "Ah. I just would rather stay on base to be honest." He laughs. "Why?" He asks. "Well. My Step sister stays in my parents guest house everytime I come home and she kind've just... gets on my nerves." He laughs. "How so?" Ghost asks. Passing Johnny a water bottle. "She teases me about some of the dumb stuff I did when we were younger but it's relentless when she's around. Any girlfriend I've brought home she's run off by telling them what I've done." He rolls his eyes. Ghost laughs. "Sounds like her and I would get along ah?" He smiles.

Johnny laughs. "When is the last time you saw her?" Ghost asks. “It’s been a few years.”

Ghost nods. “Well. Johnny. She is your sister. Maybe just talk to her about the teasing.” He shrugs. Johnny nods. “Yeah you’re probably right.” He looks down. “Is that all she does?” He asks. “Yeah that’s pretty much it.”

“You’ll be fine Johnny. Just relax.” Ghost laughs. He nods. Ghosts flight makes last call, and they say their goodbyes. Johnny still has some time to kill before his flight is due.

He was not excited to be home.

———

Johnny feels dread as he catches a taxi to his parents house. They insisted he come visit during his break off. “It is summertime after all, Johnny.” Was their excuse. He agreed, but upon hearing his step sister would be there, he wished he hadn’t.

He knows she shouldn’t get to him as easy as she does, but there’s just something about her that he wants to avoid.

Despite growing up together, and getting along for the most part, he still wished he wasn’t here.

He carries his duffel bag inside and sets it down. Closing the door behind himself. He can hear his mum humming in the kitchen. “Hello?” He calls out. “Oh!” He hears her. She appears in the doorway to the living room. “Hi honey!” She smiles. She pulls him into a hug. “I’ve missed you so much. How was your deployment?” She asks. “Not bad. Fighting bad guys as always.” He laughs.

“Ah. Johnny. How are you kid?”

It’s his step dad, your dad. “I’m good old man. How are you?” He sees his graying hair. It makes him sad a bit, just how much he’s missed out on. “Good. Nice seeing you.” He pulls Johnny in for a hug. “I’m gonna go put this up in the room.” He nods. “Oh, Johnny wait.” His mum stops him. “Sorry. I turned the guest room into an office. You’ll be staying out in the guest house with Y/N.”

Johnny can feel the color leaving his face. He’s so screwed.

“Oh okay. So.. I’ll go take it out there.” He nods. He breathes. "Okay honey. I'm making lunch so tell Y/N to come in once you're done." She smiles. He nods his head. "I will mum." He laughs, making his way out the door. He runs his hand over his mohawk nervously. He's not looking forward to seeing you. He feels dread settle into his chest once again as he knocks at the door before entering. "Come in!" He hears you call. He grasps the knob, taking one last breath before he opens up the door. He sees you sitting on the couch in the small living area. You're watching something. "Johnny, hey!" You smile. He smiles. "Hey." He nods. "Heard I'm staying out here with you." He laughs. Stepping into the house awkwardly. You laugh. "Yeah, your mum turned the spare room into an office for her work since the place she was working in shut down." You explain, standing up. You hug him, and he can smell your perfume. The hair in his body standing up. He needed to get away from you. He nods his head. "I'll just go.. Unpack then. Room on the left?" He asks. "Yep."

———

Johnny can't get the tequila down fast enough. He hates this. He's only been here three days and already wants to go back. You've been glued to his side since he's been home. "Hey uh.. Is everything okay?" You ask.

You've just got home from his aunts house, and you'd done it once again. Pointed out something stupid or embarrassing he did as a teenager. He was trying to talk to his cousins new wife and you'd started in with it. He takes a deep breath.

"I just..." He sighs. Tilting back the cup of tequila he'd just poured. He's sure they didn't notice him take it from the main house. "Why do you always make it a point to embarrass me in front of people?" He asks. You look at him in confusion. "What?" You freeze. "Earlier, you brought up some stuff I did as a teenager and you do it all the time. Anytime I'm around." He rests his hands on the granite countertop in the kitchen. "Johnny I-"

"No, you do it all the time. I mean really. Any girl I've tried dating, anytime I'm around you, you make it a point to do it. I mean seriously. I didn't want to come home because of this and I knew I should've stayed on base." He shakes his head. "Johnny, I'm sorry okay?" He can see the hurt in your face from the words he's just said. "They're just stupid stories that I thought were harmless, I didn't know it was bothering you that bad." You sigh.

"Yeah well it is. I didn't want to leave base because of it and I've been here three days and you've already done it." He grumbles.

“Well that just makes me feel like a horrible big sister.” You sigh.

“You’re not my real sister.” He shakes his head.

He can see the hurt in your face. “Why do you always say that Johnny? We practically grew up together! What difference does it make if I’m your step-sister or not!”

“Because…” he grits his teeth. He rubs his hands over his face, stepping around the countertop. “It’s just different okay? You’re not my sister.” He shakes his head. Looking at the ground. "And I'm not a kid anymore alright? I wish you'd stop treating me like one." He sighs. You shake your head. He can see how bad he’s hurting you. He has to go all in.

All the poker chips in the pot, no going back. "Why do you always say that hm? That I'm not your sister? What's the difference?" He can see the tears gathering in your eyes.

“The difference is.. is that…” he shakes his head. Teeth gritted once more.

“Fuck it.” He mutters. He grabs a hold of your shirt, pulling you into him. He kisses you hard, feeling you tense up against him. He backs up into the countertop. Your eyes are wide for a second, closing after a moment. He pulls away when he doesn’t feel you kiss back.

“Shit- shit. I’m sorry.” He steps back. Seeing you standing there. You’re staring at him but he can’t tell exactly what’s going through your head.

He wouldn’t call you his sister because of the way he felt about you.

You shake your head, shaking yourself out of your thoughts. Kissing him again.

He freezes up, just like you had. Before wrapping his arms around your waist and lifting you up. He sets you down onto the countertop. Your dress gives him easier access to your body, feeling his rough and calloused hands gliding up your hips and onto your waist. Hooking his fingers over your panties to pull them down. He says nothing more, quickly freeing himself from his jeans, lining up with you. Just like that, you're exposed. Nothing between the both of you anymore.

When he thrusts up into you, a gasp leaves both of your lips. Freezing up momentarily at the intensity. Your hands clutch the edge of the countertop. His eyes burn into yours, only pulling away to look between the both of you. The clarity seems to hit the both of you all at once.

A knock at the door has you both jumping. “Shit-“ you mumble. He presses a finger to your lips. “Y/N? Johnny? Dinner is ready!” He can hear his mum yell. “Fuck- oh fuck.” He mutters as quiet as possible. “Uh. Yeah! Okay! We’re just going to finish this movie really quickly!” He calls out. “Okay sweetie. No rush.”

He can hear her footsteps going back to the main house. He turns back to you. Swallowing hard. “Should we stop?” He asks.

Your heart pounds in your chest. Johnny has barely touched you and you already have that knot forming in your stomach. He’s undeniably good at this, he feels even better. “No.” You look up at him. He swallows hard, grasping a hold of your wrists and holds them against the countertop. Pinning them there. He raises himself up, sliding out of you. Feeling you choke out a gasp as he thrusts back into you. The muscles in his upper arms and shoulders flexing. The muscles in his neck doing the same as he grits his teeth. He pushes you back by your chest, until your back is flat on the counter.

“Oh fuck Johnny.” You whimper. His pace is bruising. Slow but hard thrusts. “Fuck- I’ve wanted this for so long.” He clenches his eyes closed. “So fucking long you have no idea.” He cries, body shivering. He’s finally getting what he’s dreamt of for nearly 20 years. “I knew coming here was a bad idea, I knew I wouldn’t be able to control myself around you.” He hisses.

Johnny feels like a freak. Like some kind of pervert for pining after his step-sister after all of these years.

It’s almost like you read his mind. Maybe you can see the doubt in his eyes.

“I-“ you start. You flinch as the tip of his cock presses against your cervix. “It’s why I ran off all your girlfriends.” You gasp as he clutches your thighs harder. “Wasn’t just you.” You pant. Eyes fluttering closed. “Fuck.” He growls. He lowers his head, resting it over your clothed chest. You can feel that his hair is damp with his sweat. The thought that you want him just as bad as he’s wanted you lights a fire inside of Johnny. He bites down onto your collarbone, feeling you whimper. He’s going to make you his. He’s going to show you that nobody will be able to touch you like he can.

Johnny will learn every inch of your body and he’ll know exactly what to do to get you addicted to his touch. Addicted to him.

He adjusts himself, fixing the angle at which he thrusts into you. Gliding through your folds. He presses right against that spongy spot inside of you, hearing you gasp. He lowers his hand, thumbing your clit. He can feel you jump at the pressure he puts on it. “I know it’s a lot baby. Just relax.” He breathes. You nod your head, watching his hands as he touches you. Rubbing gentle circles into your clit. “Poor thing.. so swollen.” He pouts, a smile playing at his lips. A whine leaves your lips. You’re close already. Dangerously close. He can feel you clamping down around him. This is where he makes you his.

He pushes your dress up onto your hips, spreading your legs further. Pushing them up just slightly.

He thrusts into that spot, mercilessly. Your legs tremble and tears gather in your eyes. He’s so good at this, so so good.

Tears spill over your eyelids and before you can stop yourself, a moan leaves your lips. He clamps a hand over your mouth, seeing your eyes roll back. His eyes widen as your pussy clamps down around him. He leans down, pulling his hand away to kiss you, fucking you through your high. Feeling you squirming beneath him as he overstimulates you. “M’close, so close.” He pants. “Can you take it?” He asks. You nod your head. His breathing picks up. You can hear his heart pounding from a few inches away. “It’s okay Johnny. Relax.” You breathe, trying to soothe him. His skin is beat red.

“Look at me.” You breathe. His eyes flicker to yours. “Give yourself to me Johnny.” You sigh. His body shakes, he’s right there. You wrap your legs around him, hands clutching at his shirt for dear life.

He grits his teeth, moaning out as he reaches his high, not even thinking to pull out. A gasp leaves your lips, eyes widening as he empties himself inside of you.

Your thighs are sore and shiver slightly. “Fuck…” he gasps. leaning onto the counter to hold himself up. He breathes heavily. He rests his forehead against yours. He can still hear you panting, over his own. He pulls away from you, sliding himself out of you with a gasp, hearing you whine. He stands up completely, tucking himself back into his jeans. “I.. I gotta go change.” He breathes. You nod your head, pulling your dress down slightly, holding your knees up to yourself. Once he’s gone, you make your way into your room, walking awkwardly as you feel his filth seeping from your cavern, coating your thighs. You lock your bathroom door behind you, turning to look at yourself in the mirror.

You’d just had sex with Johnny. Your step-brother.

You shake yourself out of your thoughts. Cleaning yourself up and changing out of your dress before you emerge. You can still hear him moving around in his room. Maybe, it’s a one time thing. Maybe it won’t happen again.

You want to beat yourself up because you know if he tries again. You won’t stop him. You step out into the kitchen, freezing up when you see the countertop where he'd been inside you just moments ago.

A gasp leaves your lips as he turns you by your shoulder, pushing you up against the wall. You didn’t hear him come out. He takes a deep breath, looking at you. “I’m sorry.” He breathes. “I shouldn’t have done that.” He sighs.

“I’m not sorry. Because I liked it.” You breathe, looking up at him through your eyelashes. You can see his eyes darken. He grips your jaw, kissing you again. He kisses you hard, lowering his hand to rest around your throat. Holding you still. You whine into his kiss but he knows he needs to stop before it goes any further. He pulls away, keeping his lips just centimeters from yours. “We have to go inside.” He sighs. Finally pulling himself away from you.

“After you.” He moves to the side. Hearing you laugh.

The dinner table is incredibly awkward. You and Johnny keep exchanging awkward glances, knowing that what you had done just minutes before was sinful. It was dirty and bad and you couldn't imagine what would happen if your parents found out. “So. What movie were you guys watching?” His mum asks.

“Uh..” you breathe. “It was a show I was watching, he was just finishing up the episode with me. Just some documentary.” You speak up fast. Knowing Johnny isn’t too fast on his feet when it comes to lying. “Well I’m glad to see you two getting along.” She smiles. “Yeah. It’s been fun.” You say. “Yeah, I’m glad I came to visit.” Johnny nods. Neither of you eat very much. “I couldn’t help but notice the door was locked earlier.” His mum laughs. “Almost had to dig the key out but I forget you’re both adults and I can’t just barge in.” She laughs. “Oh yeah, I was taking my makeup off in my room and Johnny was taking a shower. Didn’t want to leave it unlocked for some creep to walk in and try to join him or something.” You send him a playful smile, seeing him roll his eyes.

His mum laughs, your dad rolling his eyes at your crude joke.

I almost feels like the dinner goes by even faster. Neither of you wanting to face what had just happened between the both of you.

"Alright, you guys get a good nights sleep, we're going to the lake tomorrow remember?" Your dad smiles. "Yeah, course dad. See you guys in the morning." You smile. You and Johnny walk back to the guest house. It's a slow walk.

When you step inside, locking the door behind you, you turn to him. "Maybe we should talk about this." You sigh. He grips your chin, holding your face still so he can kiss you, feeling you melt right into him. "Or maybe we can talk later." He breathes. His breath is warm on your face. You can't stop yourself as you nod your head. He turns you around, backing you up into the door. Pushing you up against it and kissing you again.

What were you getting yourself into?

[detectivebambam]

For the writing prompt thing, can I request Andrew with a child and injury?

hi I love Andrew with kids and I hope you don't mind it's Hailee (if you don't know Hailee Josten-Minyard she is tagged on my page)

also reading over this I noticed I talked about Lola. this is Hailee's friend, NOT Nathan's accomplice

I hope you like it, it's super short and I wrote the whole thing in 3 minutes <3

Andrew turned his head at the sound of the door opening. He and Neil had practice at the same time as Hailee, so Lola's mother had taken her home.

She had come in the door with a smile but couldn't hide her limp from Andrew.

"What happened?" He asked in an accusing tone.

Hailee shook her head.

"Bullshit."

"Fell off the bars during warm ups. I'm fine."

Andrew excused himself so he didn't yell, and went to grab his main suspect.

He walked into the bedroom where Neil was sat doing work on his computer.

"You know, when you work yourself to death, your daughter's gonna do the same thing."

Neil looked up and cocked his head.

"She fell during warm ups and practiced the whole day with an injury."

"Shit."

They went to the kitchen together to find Hailee sitting on the counter with a bag of peas on her ankle.

Neil gently lifted it to examine the damage.

"What happened sweetheart?"

"Nothing!" She snapped. "I just fell at practice, I'm fine."

Andrew had to leave the room again.

"It looks swollen," Neil said, turning her ankle this way and that. "Did you practice all day on this?"

She rolled her eyes.

Neil put his finger under her chin and met her eyes.

"No attitude. Answer me."

She only nodded.

"You can ask your dad what he thinks, but I don't want you putting weight on this for a while."

"Until gym tomorrow?"

She really did take after Neil.

"At least a week."

"Dad!" She shouted. "That's not fair!"

Neither of them heard Andrew come in, but he was standing in the doorway with his arms crossed.

"Maybe it wouldn't have been as bad if you'd have stopped when it happened. Lesson learned."

The poor girl looked devastated. Puppy dog eyes didn't work on Neil, but Andrew always fell victim to them. It was how Kevin got things from him back in college.

"Do you need me to carry you to the couch so you can eat ice cream and watch Dance Moms?"

Hailee smiled and nodded. "Mint?"

Andrew faked a gag and picked her off the chair.

"You're just like your father."

Neil smiled to himself as they left and got to work making three bowls of ice cream.

[otdiaftg]

The Raven King - Chapter Eight

Day: Friday, October 13th Time: 9:23 PM EST

The game ended at thirteen-six: the most goals anyone had ever taken from Andrew and the worst point gap the Foxes had seen in three years. The stands' disappointed reaction was expected and understandable, but Neil barely heard it through the buzzing in his ears. Neil's heart was pounding so violently he was sure it was beating bruises into his lungs. Every breath he managed to suck in knifed his throat open. The only strength he had left he put into holding onto his racquet. Neil wanted to cross the court to his teammates, but he didn't trust himself to move. He and Kevin had just run two full halves against the Raven defense. He thought it a miracle he was still standing. He felt his legs only in flashes. One second they were on fire; the next they were gone entirely. Neil looked down at his feet to make sure they were still there and blinked shadows out of his eyes. The roar outside the court escalated to feverish screams high pitched enough to break through Neil's exhaustion. He looked up, wondering what he'd missed, and stared across the court. Andrew's hands hovered empty in front of him, and his racquet was on the ground at his feet. As Neil watched Andrew leaned over to pick his racquet up. He tried, anyway. He only got it a foot off the floor before he lost his grip again. It reminded Neil of their first practice together, when Neil almost blew his arms out playing against Andrew. He looked up at the scoreboard. The Ravens had taken an incredible hundred and fifty shots on goal; it was unbelievable Andrew had only missed thirteen of them. He looked back as Andrew tried again to get his racquet. Andrew didn't fare any better this time, so he gave up and sat down heavily beside it. The court doors opened and the subs flooded on. Abby and Wymack stepped into the doorway to watch their team. The subs were heading for the goal, as had become tradition since Andrew started playing full halves, so Neil took a couple unsteady steps in that direction. He didn't get far before Kevin appeared at his side. Kevin didn't say anything, but he rested his racquet against one shoulder and paced Neil all the way down the court. They were the last to the Foxes' huddle but their teammates made room for them easily. Neil answered the tired smiles sent his way with an exhausted one of his own. Kevin had eyes only for Andrew as he crouched in front of the downed goalkeeper. "So," Kevin said, "did you have fun?" Andrew was too tired to put any heat in his words. "You are despicable, Kevin Day. I don't know why I keep you around."

Art used with permission by rainbowd00dles. Thank you so much @rainbowd00dles

[mostlymaudlin]

#8 for the fic writing ask 🖤

i just answered this but ill do another !!

i've always wanted to put andrew in a time loop

hold on tw suicide a lil bit lmfao

BUT i just kinda think that andrew's will to live is such a tentative thing but you can't kill yourself in a time loop lmfao. at least not in a way that lasts. but that's kind of the ethos of why i want to put andrew in a time loop because i think it would force him to find more reasons to live! my original idea around this was actually just a normal day post-canon so he does have reasons to live but he's still so wrapped up in his duties to others, and the loop would just inherently isolate him from his people which would be excruciating -- and also he would have no one to put up fronts for. i think that level of independence and shamelessness would be really interesting to explore with him. and also he would kill himself so many times sdkjngksjn

i'm also fascinated by how neil would react in the repeating timelines, because he's so attuned to andrew's moods and up in his business. once i actually wrote a lil bit of this kind of thing but from neil's pov. the idea was that andrew is pretty far into the loops and he just doesnt care abt anything. so he tries to spend the day in bed. but to neil, andrew is just rly depressed out of nowhere!! and ofc neil always always always tries to take care of andrew...

i'm not sure if i'll ever write the big andrew pov version, but here's the lil snip of neil pov:

Neil doesn’t know what to do when Andrew doesn’t get out of bed. 

He leaves him be at first, trusting him to make decisions for himself. But they’re really going to be late for practice, so Neil crouches on the floor next to Andrew’s bed. He’s awake — Andrew never sleeps through this level of movement and noise. 

“Hey,” Neil says. Andrew, facing the wall, does not react. “Are you coming to practice?”

Nothing. 

Neil looks to Kevin, who stands in the bedroom doorway, but he looks as lost as Neil feels. 

Andrew’s head is not an easy place to be. The evidence is on his skin. But still, Neil has never seen him shut down quite like this before. Regardless of how wound up or closed off Andrew gets, he always gets up. He might move through the day stone-faced and silent, or irritable and violent, but he moves. Something is very wrong. 

Neil grimaces. “Get a ride with Matt and tell Coach we’re sick. I’ll call him later.”

Kevin tries to argue, but Neil shakes his head firmly. Kevin snaps his mouth shut with a look toward Andrew’s blanketed figure, then stomps out the door. Neil waits for the slam that signifies Kevin’s exit, then turns back to Andrew. He watches the subtle rise and fall of Andrew’s back for a few breaths.

“It’s just me now,” Neil whispers. “What’s wrong?”

Still no reaction. Neil sighs, then gets to his feet. In the kitchen, he pours the last of the coffee into a mug and makes a bowl of cereal, carrying both to the bedroom. He sets them on the floor near Andrew’s bed, then sits down next to them.

“Will you eat?” Neil asks, this time expecting the non-response, though it doesn’t ease the churning worry at his core. “If you want me to go, I need at least one sign that your brain hasn’t turned into a vegetable.”

Neil decides to give Andrew five more minutes before he starts considering seeking outside help. He sets his forearms on the edge of Andrew’s mattress, resting his cheek against one arm as he stares at the silky, sleep-mussed hair at the back of Andrew’s head. It’s been four minutes when Andrew finally rolls over. 

The action puts their faces only inches apart, but Andrew’s stare is distant. Still, the movement is a relief. 

“Hi,” Neil whispers. “What do you need?”

Andrew closes his eyes. 

“It doesn’t matter,” he rasps. “Go to practice.”

“You want me to leave?”

Andrew looks at him again, and this time his gaze is more focused. “No.”

Neil exhales. He reaches out a hand toward Andrew’s face, waiting for a subtle nod before he brushes Andrew’s hair off his forehead. 

“Breakfast?” Neil asks softly. Andrew shakes his head. 

“Kuefsteinstraße,” he says. 

Neil’s eyebrows shoot up.

“The street you lived on,” Andrew says. “In St. Pölten. You said it was the nicest place you lived in Europe, and that you’d believe me if I mentioned it.”

Neil swallows, racking his memory. “I don’t remember telling you about St. Pölten. I haven’t thought about that place in years.”

Andrew closes his eyes again. “You wouldn’t remember.”

“I don’t understand.”

Andrew slides back on the mattress until he’s pressed against the wall.

i'm not really sure where it goes from here other than andrew would tell neil he's in a time loop and neil would believe him! i don't think neil could help him get out of the loop, but having him believe him would at least give andrew comfort. and andrew would probably only tell neil in loops where he really needed that 😭

[buckysgrace]

Chapter Two

Kim spent the next three days avoiding Billy as best as she could. She did her best to stay at work, then spend the afternoons and even overnights with Addi working on their summer plans. When she was stuck at the house, she stayed in her room away from everyone as best as she could.

In another aspect, he seemed to be doing the same. They both went their separate ways in the house, not acknowledging each other or the awkward event that happened the other day.

It was like the image was branded in her mind. No matter how hard she scrubbed her face and tried to erase the thoughts that crept up, it was always there.

Everything worked out fine until it came to dinners.

Neil insisted that they always ate together as a family. Kim’s mother always insisted on cooking, which usually consisted of Kim going behind her back to make sure everything was properly seasoned and that she didn’t leave anything in the oven or on the burners too long. 

She was helping her mom set the food out on the table doing her best to avoid Billy while he set out the dishes and silverware. Neil always made sure to let everyone know that it was Billy’s job, and Billy’s job only. 

She had pushed the bowl of salad a little too close to an empty glass and knocked it over on the table. She reached for it, without thinking, and her nimble fingers brushed into Billy’s wide, thick hand at the same time. 

The blue in his shirt brought out his eyes as his eyes looked up and locked onto hers intensely. They both looked away quickly and Kim felt like she was a second from fanning herself to keep from fainting, watching as he picked up the empty cup and sat it back in its spot. He peered over the table for a moment before walking into the kitchen, flexing his fingers that she had touched.

The mental image from the other day charged into her mind and she felt her face grow hot as she tried to erase the mental picture in her mind. 

He was her brother . She reminded herself harshly.

She hadn’t told anyone what she had seen. Not that there were a lot of people to tell. Addi was her best friend, but she wasn’t sure how she’d mention the situation without bringing up the fact that her mind kept degrading her and reminding her what she had seen. There was Nancy, she wouldn't call her a best friend, but she did go to her for advice. Her mother, Karen, just happened to be one of the mothers who giggled and blushed over Billy, and she didn't want that information getting back around to her. 

However, she felt like she needed to get it off of her chest. Her mother had supplied her with diary after diary to keep her thoughts in. However, after Neil had snooped and degraded her for writing “horrible” things about him she couldn’t bear to write in them anymore. No, she kept the one journal hidden away under her pillow for her perfect summer and that was it.

“Are you okay?” Max appeared next to her, and Kim nodded and gave her a tight smile at the shorter girl. Kim felt lucky that she had Max as a sister, she was more than that at times. She was like a best friend who she could confide in whenever she pleased. Max never judged her.

Of course, this situation was completely different, and she didn’t want to scar the young girl in the same way she felt she had been.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” She looked up again to see Billy standing in the doorway of the kitchen, eyes glancing over her, “Just peachy,” She muttered, hoping dinner would go by without an incident.

/////

Dinner passed in an awkward silence for Kim. Every time Billy moved next to her, she could feel her fingernails digging deeper into the cushion of her chair. She sighed, laying in her short nightgown staring up at the ceiling with her copy of The Hobbit, resting next to her head. 

Thump. Thump. Thump.

She sat up fast at the sudden sound against her window, walking over and she opened it to see Addi grinning up at her.

“I found out Tina is having a party tonight and we’re so going!” She exclaimed, putting her hands through the window and pulling herself up, squealing as she tumbled inside.

Kim quickly grabbed the lamp to keep it from knocking over, “SHH!” She exclaimed, setting the lamp down gently. She tiptoed to her door, cracked it open and listened for a moment. To make sure that the coast really was clear and peered down the hallway, sighing in relief to see that her mother’s lights in their room were off.

She gently shut the door and turned back to Addi, who was still grinning. She looked cute, wearing her flared jeans and a blue floral crop top that crossed in the back. She had styled her hair to resemble Farrah Fawcett’s. 

“We’re going to a party. Like, tonight?” Kim whispered, feeling panicked. She felt as if she didn’t have enough time to plan and be ready for a party.

“Yes! Come on it’ll be so much fun, and I bet Steve will be there,” She grinned teasingly twisting one of Kim’s red curls around her finger. “Please, for me?”

“You promise you won’t leave me?” Kim asked, still a bit unsure. She wanted to go, she really did want to go and experience all the things that kids her age talked about. She was just so damn nervous about making a fool of herself.

“Of course, I won’t leave you,” She grinned and sat down on the edge of her bed, moving her green blanket to the side, “Come on, you should wear that little pink dress you got.” Kim could feel her cheeks flush as she thought about it. That dress was the one she hid the furthest in her closet. It hugged her curves just right, showed off her long legs perfectly and made her boobs look even bigger than normal.

“I don’t want to look like a prostitute,” Kim whined digging through her clothes as she tried to picture what each outfit looked like on her again. Sure, she wanted to show off, but she didn’t feel like it was right at the moment. 

Instead, Kim decided on a light purple shirt that showed off her midriff and a pair of jean shorts that felt just a smidge too short. It was way plainer than the dress, but she felt more comfortable in her skin. Kim sat down in front of her vanity to do her makeup, while Addi worked on curling her hair.

“Isn’t this exciting? Our first party?” Addi squealed, meeting Kim’s eyes in the mirror. She laughed and nodded along. No matter how nervous she felt, she was excited. She felt so rebellious at the moment. Getting dressed to go to a party, sneaking out the window.

“Do you think it’ll happen tonight?” Kim asked, almost shyly as she thought about it. Sure, she’d love for Steve to be her first but realistically she craved the idea of being touched so badly that she didn’t really care who she would actually do it with. She just didn’t want them to be too rough.

“I hope so,” Addi sighed dreamily, “I’m prepared for it to not happen though. I mean we still have all summer, there’s plenty of time if it doesn’t happen tonight,” She insisted as she pulled the top part of Kim’s hair up and into a scrunchie. Kim looked over her makeup, making sure that everything looked right. 

“Why don’t you just talk to Eddie? He’s kind of an outcast too, isn’t he?” Kim questioned as she leant forward to put her lipstick on. Addi put the curling iron back, giving her hair a few spritz of hairspray to give it some much needed volume. 

“Except he's totally not approachable. Do you know what I mean?” Addi sat back on the bed and crossed her legs, seemingly in deep thought. Kim nodded, she definitely understood what she meant.

“Let’s at least try for one kiss with some guy?” Kim turned to face her again and held her pinky out letting them intertwine with each other. Addi smirked softly and nodded.

“We’ve got this. Only problem is we’re going to have to do some serious walking.” She grinned after, a bit sheepish. Kim groaned. Tina’s house really wasn’t too far from hers, but Kim could already feel the sweat growing as she thought about the hot and muggy night that would be waiting for them. Not to mention all of the nasty bugs. She hadn’t realized how bad the bugs could be before they moved here.

“Where the hell is Argyle?” Kim asked as she slipped on her shoes. She then moved to her bed and hid her pillows under the blankets in a way that her mom could think it was her in case she came to check on her, which she doubted she’d do. She shut the light off as Addi moved towards the window.

“He had to work late, some bullshit like that,” She slid down the window with ease. Kim waited until she was out of the way before sitting on the edge of the windowsill.

“Should I tell Max before I go?” She pondered out loud. Max would sometimes come into her room in the middle of the night, and she didn’t want to upset her. Addi placed her hands on her hips.

“What fun is sneaking out if someone knows where you’re at? Come on, you’ll be fine. I promise.” Addi urged. Kim still snuck one last look back into her room, before making peace with her decision and jumping out the window.

The dry grass crunched under their feet as they headed towards Tina’s, only a few blocks over. However, Kim was right. The night seemed to be extra muggy, with the bugs swarming around them as they kept having to swat them away.

“Do you think we’ll have any classes together this next year?” Kim finally spoke up, after a few minutes in comfortable silence. She couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder every few minutes, half expecting Neil to come after her with his car and demand she come home this instant. 

“God, I hope so, at least math. That way we can suck at it together,” She laughed, cutting through one of the neighbors' yards and lifting up their broken white fence. Kim ducked lower and walked through, careful to keep her voice down as they walked through the neighbor's lawn. 

“I hate math,” She groaned, pulling the fence up for Addi this time. They walked through a long stretch of grass, Tina’s house coming closer into view with each step that they took. Addi turned to her suddenly. 

“Why have you been ignoring Billy?” She questioned popping a piece of gum in her mouth and offering the other piece to Kim as they trekked along. Kim was too focused on grabbing the gum that she almost tripped onto a rock. She straightened herself up, feeling self-conscious again anytime Billy is brought up.

“We just got into it the other day,” Kim lied chewing on the minty gum, hoping she wouldn’t give too much away, “You know how he can get,” She shrugged, stepping back onto the street and off the grass. She could hear the music from outside as they walked closer.

“I’ve never really known you to give him the silent treatment though, did he do something bad?” She asked softly this time, turning and looking at her with big dark eyes. Kim gulped, knowing what she was referring to. Addi had the unlucky privilege of being over at a time when Neil lost his shit on Billy. Kim was sure Addi figured that Neil took his anger out on all of them, but that was far from the truth. Kim was sure she thought Billy did similar things, but he really didn’t. 

“I’m fine, really, everything is fine. I promise.” Kim smiled, hooking her arm through Addi’s. Only, it wasn’t fine. But how would you tell someone that you walked in on your stepbrother jacking off and now that was all you could think of?

Addi looked her over and then nodded. “Let’s go then,” She grinned at Kim and pulled her inside. Kim had only ever seen parties in movies and in TV shows, other than her grandparents' yearly Christmas parties that were only filled with the elderly from their church.

No, this was everything she imagined it to be and more. The music was so loud it felt like a slap to the face when they stepped inside. The smell of alcohol and weed was strong as bodies bumped into her without notice.

“Come on,” Addi held her hand and dragged her through the crowd until they met at a small gathering of people waiting in line to grab a cup of punch from the bowl. Kim looked around, trying to place any faces that she may recognize. She noticed Heather, talking to some of her friends gathered near the stairs. Kim thought that maybe she had literature with one of them last semester. Towards the fireplace she noticed Carol and Tommy making out and she felt herself watching them for a moment, wondering which one would devour the other first. When she finally looked away, she locked eyes with a pair of stunned blue eyes.

Oh shit.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

“Here,” Addi handed her a cup making Kim break eye contact with him. Kim’s hand shook as she took it, looking down at the red liquid not really sure what to do. “What?” Addi questioned picking up on her expression.

“Billy, he’s here,” Kim spoke shakily, wanting to be anywhere but here at the moment. She was unsure why she wasn’t allowed to be in one place where he wasn’t occupied. Addi gave her a look and shrugged her shoulders.

“So what? Don’t let him ruin your fun. I mean come on; the guy is always at parties. It’s kind of expected,” She gave her a pointed look, and Kim knew that she was right. Billy wasn’t her dad, so it shouldn’t matter that they were both at a party, having fun.

Kim nodded and smiled, holding her cup up to her lips at the same time as Addi before taking a giant gulp. She felt her eyes squint shut and her nose scrunch as she took in the burning feeling that traveled down her throat and burned all the way to her insides.

“Oh my God,” She covered her wrist over her mouth as she coughed, determined not to spit the liquid out everywhere. She had never once tried anything to drink before and now she couldn’t see how so many people drank so much. It tasted awful, why on Earth would anyone put themselves through this?

Addi must’ve thought similarly because she still bore a disgusted look. However, she huffed and drained the rest of her cup with a determined look. Kim looked down at the rest of her liquid, unsure if she was able to do the same.

“Come on, we promised. Just keep drinking and the taste is bound to get better,” She spoke more like she was trying to convince herself than anything, “Here, let me get us some beers to try,” She turned away for a moment to retrieve the two cans from the cooler.

Kim could still feel the burning sensation in her stomach but knew that her friend was right. Her life wasn’t a movie or some book, if she wanted her summer to be something special, she was going to have to take a leap of faith and do it for herself. Bringing the cup back up to her lips, she clenched her eyes tight as much as they would and downed the liquid. She tried her best to ignore the burning sensation traveling through her body as she wiped the corners of her mouth, proud of herself for accomplishing something.

“I didn’t know you knew Tina,” She turned to see Billy leaning against the doorframe of the kitchen, watching her intently. She blamed the growing flush on the alcohol in her system and not on the effect he had over her.

“We had um a project that we did together, once. Freshman year,” She nodded trying to keep her cool. She glanced over trying to find her friend. Where the hell had she gone?

“I think she went to get more drinks,” Billy spoke up. He was wearing the damned buttoned up red shirt, the sleeves rolled up far enough to show off his biceps. She watched as he pulled out his lighter and brought a cigarette up to his lips.

This was wrong.

Kim didn’t know what the hell was going on with her, or why she was acting this way towards him now. Sure, she walked in on something incredibly… personal and now she couldn’t understand why the image had to be branded in her mind.

“Ready to try it?” Addi appeared again, handing her a beer. They both looked over, hearing Billy snort. He finished off his cigarette, looking over at the two of them with a bored expression.

“You know if you wanted to try some cheap beer, I could’ve got it for you,” He suggested moving inside the kitchen. He rested his back up against the kitchen counter, watching as Kim struggled to lift the tab on the beer. 

“Yeah, drinking with you sounds like a lot of fun,” Addi replied sarcastically as she popped hers open. Kim began to reach hers out so she could do the same, when a large hand brushed over hers.

“Here,” Billy opened the tab without looking down, instead, keeping his eyes placed on her expression. Kim knew this would be the end of her. It was like he was plotting something, and she wasn’t prepared for what the outcome would be. 

“Thanks,” Kim mumbled, her eyes flicking to his blue ones for a moment. He bore a small smirk as he peered at her with an amused grin before taking his hand off of hers.

“Does Susan know you came?” He asked, tilting his head. His blonde curls bouncing with his movement. Kim looked away from him when she heard Addi scoff. She watched as her friend rolled her eyes and Kim could tell that she was planning to say something snarky in return.

“Does she need to know?” She gulped, lifted the can to her lips and took the biggest drink she could manage.

Beer tasted like shit.

Billy laughed, acting like he could see through her own little facade. He ran his tongue over his white teeth and shook his head.

“No, I guess this can be our own little secret,”

[demobats]

Day 3 of Harringrove Flip Reverse It 2023! 

Prompt: Caught in the act

Read on AO3 - 1083 words

The door swings open. In a split second, Billy remembers they forgot to lock the door. In a split second, Steve’s on his feet and standing half in front of him, shielding him from the intruder. 

“It’s not what it looks like!” Steve shrieks, and for a too long moment all Billy can really make sense of is the way his hair sticks out in all directions and his pretty brown eyes open wide, wide, wide. 

Then he zeros in on Max. 

She’s just standing there by the doorway seeming vaguely stunned, clutching the doorknob like her life depended on it. 

Billy thought they were home alone. Neil and Susan are away for the weekend and Max was supposed to have a sleepover tonight. Billy thought he could get away with having a sleepover of his own. In his own bedroom for once.

But life has never been kind to him. 

Max keeps standing there, looking at them both. 

“What are you doing?” she asks, deadpan. 

And Steve’s raising both palms in a placating motion, going all, “It’s not what it looks like.” 

Max huffs out, something between a deranged giggle and a whine. “Oh, no. I think this is exactly what it looks like, Steve. Let’s not play dumb.” 

“It’s… not .”

“Is too.” 

“It’s not .” 

“Is—Jesus, Billy .” 

Max looks past Steve and to Billy, searching for answers.

All Billy can do is groan and hide his face in palms. “Go away, Maxine.” 

“No. What do you think you’re doing?” 

“None of your business!” 

“It’s my business when you take my stuff, asshole!” 

Billy looks up at that. Max seems to have recovered from her initial shock and is now further inside the room, having pushed past a red cheeked Steve. 

Her nail polish bag is spread on top of Billy’s sheets, all those pretty colors inside their bottles laid out for Steve and Billy to choose from. 

Steve let it slip he had never painted his nails before. 

Billy had to do something about it. He just had to. 

It’s not like he has his own polish collection.

Billy glares at Max on principle. Even if he kind of did take her stuff without asking. 

“What are you even doing here?” he asks. “Weren’t you sleeping over at El’s?” 

“I am,” Max says. “I forgot the movies I rented. Hop drove me to pick them up. Now, will you please tell me what you think you’re doing?” 

Billy’s mind blanks on him. 

He’s—never living this down. Ever. Not fucking ever. 

He should get in his car and drive down to Mexico while he still has some dignity left. 

“It was my idea,” Steve blurts out of nowhere, and they both turn to face him, watch as he sputters and spatters, looking like he very much would like the earth to swallow him whole. 

It was absolutely not his idea. 

Billy gets the feeling Max knows it somehow. 

“Was it,” Max says, tone flat. 

Steve bobs his head up and down. His cheeks are so, so red. He didn’t blush that much the first time they kissed. “Um, yeah. Yeah, I wanted—I don't know. I thought it’d be fun. Sorry.” 

Max squints at him, considering. Then at Billy. If looks could kill…

But she doesn’t really complain anymore. All she does is roll her eyes in that annoying way of hers that makes Billy want to smack her upside the head. 

“Don’t break anything,” Max finally says. “And you’re buying me a new color. I want green.” 

“Fuck off, Maxine.” 

“Fine, I want green and purple.” 

“Max, I swear to god—” 

She flips him off. 

“No, no, it’s okay,” Steve says, somewhat desperately. “We’ll get you new ones. Totally. As many as you want. It’s on me.” 

She squints. Again. But it’s good enough for her, it seems. 

“Great,” she says. 

“Great,” Steve echoes. 

She glances down at the nail polish one last time—at the mess that are Billy and Steve’s fingernails. Turns out, neither one of them is all that good at actually applying it. The paint is smeared all over their fingers. 

Billy’s wearing a light, soft blue. Steve chose a pink so annoyingly bright it almost hurts to look at, just to steal a startled laugh out of Billy. And truly, Billy didn’t even know Max owned pink nail polish. Probably a gift from Susan that had never seen the light of day before. 

Max sighs. “Bye, I guess.” 

And she goes to walk away. 

Billy speaks up, before she can get very far. “Max, don’t—”

And he stops. Doesn’t really know how to say what he wants to say. 

Max knows him, though. It’s a little scary, but she does. She’s a lot smarter than people give her credit for. “I won’t tell,” she says, soft. She means it. 

Billy nods jerkily. 

He can’t know for sure she knows Steve and him are dating, but sometimes he thinks she does. She’s caught them in compromising positions a couple times. She’s covered for him without him asking when he spends the night at Steve’s and doesn’t quite make it home on time. 

“Uh, have fun,” he says. “And fuckin’ knock next time.” 

She rolls her eyes again before walking away. 

The front door snaps shut and then Steve’s climbing half on his lap, burying his face on Billy’s neck. “She’s going to blackmail us,” he laments, voice grave, and rich, and sending vibrations all over Billy’s sternum. 

Billy sneaks a hand under Steve’s shirt, rubs circles on his back. “Nah,” he says. “I’ve got dirt on her too. Plus, I don’t know how to break it to ya but you already promised to buy her shit.” 

“See? I already fell for it.” 

Billy snorts, keeps rubbing circles on Steve’s back. 

He leans back on the bed until they’re both resting on the headboard and Billy’s heap of pillows, the chemical smell of nail polish enveloping both. The house is so quiet. Steve rests a hand on Billy’s stomach and the pretty pink against his milky skin makes Billy smile. 

“I take it nail polish isn’t your thing?” 

“Mm. I don’t know. You’re gonna have to convince me.” 

“Yeah?” 

“Yeah. I could buy some for you, when I get Max’s.” 

Billy laughs, links his fingers with Steve’s, pink, and blue, and whole lot of love. He’ll never live it down if Max finds out Billy keeps his own nail polish. “I’d like that,” he says. It’s true.  

[knickknacksandallthat]

what did Jeremy say to the foxes and Wymack when he was guilt tripping them about not knowing how bad Kevin was doing? Neil said something about it in the second to last chapter

So my first thought was just to say it was something shamelessly guilt-inducing and brutally honest in the kindest way possible - you know, the Jeremy Knox way. But then I thought, nah. We can do better than that.

So here you go, anon. A little drabble I whipped up to give us that brief glimpse into the wonderful Jeremy Knox's mind.

Spoilers for the Dead of the Night fic under the cut. Read at your own risk!

Jeremy Knox is having a moment. 

It’s a convoluted moment, punctuated by jet lag, confusion, antagonism, and noise, but it’s a moment, nonetheless. 

Because at the core of all this chaos is Kevin. 

Kevin, who’s bruised everywhere Jeremy looks.  Kevin, who is now apparently living alone on an entirely different floor from the Foxes and didn’t tell them.  Kevin, who no one has seen since last Tuesday.

Kevin, whose gaze is far away, his spine curved, and his eyes shadowed.

Kevin, whose proud spirit seems nearly broken.

Guilt, shock, and shame wrap tightly around Jeremy’s throat as he stands in the PSU dorm doorway and sees just how much his friend is hurting.  He’s gutted by the realization that despite all their conversations, despite every single cry for help Kevin gave, none of them saw it.  None of them saw how much he needed it – and that includes Jean and Jeremy. 

The urge to rush forward and soothe, to make this better, to make this right, is nearly overwhelming.  It’s only due to the escalating conversation in the hallway (with the very real threat of violence) that he isn’t in there already. 

Because, unlike Jeremy, Jean holds nothing back.  No, Jeremy watches with unabashed pride and immense satisfaction as Jean reams out the group of Foxes before him.  His own anger is there, of course, simmering beneath the surface, but it doesn’t hold a candle to Jean’s passionate onslaught.

It had taken Jeremy months to get any kind of emotion to appear on the backliner’s face when he arrived at USC.  To see him now in all his righteous glory, spewing vitriol in defense of his friend, is nearly music to his ears. 

But although his boyfriend is 100% vindicated in his criticisms, Jeremy can tell this approach isn’t working.  No, the Foxes rise to the challenge with snarling repartee, too used to having to defend themselves.  Too used to always being the ones given the blame, whether they deserved it or not.  It shifts the focus of the conversation away from Kevin and back to themselves, which isn’t the point.

The point is that Kevin is the one who was hurt.  The point is that no one was able to recognize it.  And while Jeremy will give Jean and himself a small pass for being over 3,000 miles away, his teammates have been here all along.  They’ve seen Kevin every day. 

The point is this never should have happened.

So, he’s almost relieved when Jean goes to Kevin, cutting the conversation off at its knees.  Because it gives Jeremy an opening – and that slight pause is all he needs. 

In the silence that follows the crisp sound of the door slamming shut, Jeremy takes a deep breath and releases it on a sigh. 

Wymack takes the bait.  “Knox?  Got something to say?”

“Yeah, I guess I’m just…”  He deliberately pauses, then continues, “…I guess I’m just disappointed.” 

“Disappointed?” Aaron echoes.  Then he bristles and says, “Like we give a fuck how you feel!”

Jeremy nods.  “Yeah, no, I get it, but…if I’m disappointed, well…” He gives a disheartened shrug.  “…I can only imagine how Kevin must feel right now.”

He’s pleased to see three sets of shoulders immediately rise.

“Um,” Cross, the new freshman goalie, wrings her hands in front of her.

Matt winces.

“What do you mean?” Nicky asks, face dropping. 

“I don’t know,” Jeremy shrugs again, very coolly playing into the act.  “It’s just with everything Kevin has said about you guys I guess I thought you were closer, is all.”

“Closer,” Aaron repeats again, clearly skeptical.  “Meaning what?”

“Well, if you were closer, I would’ve thought you’d at least check in on him.”

This time he knows he hits a nerve.  The glare Neil gives Jeremy could probably melt ice. 

“We did check,” the redhead snaps.  “Andrew and I did.”

“Oh really?” Jeremy asks.  “When?”

The silence he gets in reply speaks volumes.

“Did he – was he like that when you two saw him?” Wymack asks now, doing some of Jeremy’s work for him. 

Neil’s jaw clenches.  “He didn’t let us inside.”

“And you just accepted that?” Nicky accuses.  “Seriously?  Both of you know how to pick locks!”

Andrew surprisingly speaks up.  “He did not want us to come in, so we didn’t.”

“And since when do you do what people want?” Aaron snarls. 

The heavy vibe that follows tells Jeremy that there’s some serious baggage between the twins.  He brushes the weird power dynamics aside, though, getting the focus of the conversation back on Kevin before it can derail.

“But he said he was sick, so…surely, as Captain, you came back, right Neil?  To check on him again? Kevin always says you take such great care of the team.”

Neil’s hand clenches into a fist at his side.  “I told him to text us.”

“Ah,” Jeremy nods.  “So, you probably thought that if not you, then perhaps he reached out to one of your teammates instead then, right?  That makes sense.  One of the Trojans always volunteers to check on any teammates who say they aren’t feeling well, just in case they need something.”  He spins back toward Aaron.  “Oh!  Maybe you brought him something instead?  Kevin said you’re studying to be a doctor.”

Aaron’s face pales before flushing red in anger.  He casts his gaze to the side. 

“No?  What about any of you?  Did anyone else think to see how he was doing?”

The other Foxes remain quiet.

Again, Jeremy heaves out a sigh.  “Look, I was always so impressed with how this team seemed to rally around one another, despite all the hardships and tough backgrounds you came from.  Kevin made it sound like you guys had almost become a family.”  He pauses then continues, “But family doesn’t leave each other on their own when the going gets tough.  Family sticks by each other, no matter how uncomfortable the situation gets.” 

He looks over at Neil.  “Kevin kept your secret and trained you every night, regardless of the fact that you both thought your time on the court was limited.  He wants you to be Court someday and knows you’ll get there.” 

He turns to Andrew.  “He still believes in you, no matter how much you ignore him and purposefully set him off.  He tells us all the time how he knows you’ll be one of the greatest goalies in the history of Exy.” 

He turns back to Aaron.  “Kevin stuck by you throughout the trial and never treated you differently, never shunned you or singled you out.  He even made public declarations of your innocence to the media and how he was just waiting for them to give you an innocent verdict.”

He turns back to the rest of them.  “My point is Kevin gives everything to this team.  Whether you like it or not, you know it’s true.  It’s what he’s been taught – to dedicate himself fully.  It’s the only way he knows how to be.  And however you guys react to that now has solidified the way he thinks he should be treated.  Because now is so much better than how he was treated at the Nest that of course whatever you guys say must be true.  Because he has nothing else to compare it with.”

He looks at the dorm door.  “Kevin gives 1000% to his team because he cares.”  He pauses, then turns back to face them.  “I guess I hope that next time, he finds a team who cares about him just as much.”

You could hear a pin drop in the silence that follows.  The Foxes stare back at him with faces that are sober, angry, and haunted.  He can actually see Nicky's eyes watering, though he has yet to shed a tear.

After a few more seconds of this, Aaron huffs and marches away.  Nicky follows him.

Slowly, with hunched shoulders and averted eyes, Matt and Robin follow.

Only Abby, Wymack, Neil, and Andrew remain, the latter two staring at Jeremy with an intensity that would be terrifying if he wasn’t still riding on the high of his anger.

Finally, Abby clears her throat.  “Do you and Jean have somewhere to stay?  You’re welcome to the guest room at my house if you need it.”

Jeremy shakes his head.  “Thank you for the offer, but we booked a hotel room off-campus before we got here.”

“You’ll be staying then?” Wymack asks gruffly.

“We have a bye week.”

Wymack grunts in acknowledgment.  “I’ll talk to Kevin’s professors.  Explain the situation.”

“Thank you,” Jeremy nods.  “I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.”

Wymack makes some kind of noise in the back of his throat that Jeremy assumes to be agreement.

He hesitates, wondering how far he should stick his nose into other people’s business before he thinks fuck it, and says, “And sir, you may be his Coach, but just remember you’re his father too.  I don’t think you realize how much your words affect him.”

Wymack straightens his spine and looks Jeremy in the eye.

Jeremy stares calmly back.

Then Wymack nods.  “Point taken, son.”

Jeremy dips his head in reply.

“But just you know, captain,” the coach continues, “The Foxes do care about Kevin.  Our way of showing it might not be what you’re used to, but we do care.”  He jerks his head toward the door.  “This one’s on us.  We won’t let it happen again.”

“You don’t have to tell me, sir,” Jeremy says solemnly.  “But Kevin deserves to know.”

Wymack nods. 

Jeremy pulls out his phone, but there’s no word from Jean.  It seems like it may be a while still before he gets Kevin calmed down. 

Jeremy bites his lip, then makes a decision.  “I’m going shopping,” he announces.  “To grab some things for Kevin.”

To his surprise, Neil immediately replies, “I’ll come with you.”

Jeremy looks at him.

“You don’t know what brands he’ll eat,” Neil says pointedly, eyes digging into Jeremy before he turns and starts walking down the hall.

Andrew immediately straightens and says, “I’m driving.”  The look he gives Jeremy dares him to argue.

Jeremy bites his lip hard against a smile.  “Sounds good.”

Then he follows the two deadliest Foxes down the hall and tries not to get too excited about going for his first spin in the infamous Maserati.

[angeloverload]

Neil hated his eyes, absolutely despised them with all his being. He liked brown. Anything but this, His eyes were like a slap in the face, a bloody reminder that he could never escape. Neil wasn't Neil and he never was and never would be.

The contacts made him at least look different enough that he could look in the mirror, now that he wasn't allowed to wear them anymore he couldn't make himself look at himself. The hair dye was only ever to make himself unrecognisable to his father's people, the contact lenses were solely for Neil's peace of mind.

Now with Riko's threat hanging over him, he had to deal with his piercing blue eyes and his auburn hair. He dealt with that by just not looking in the mirror at all, he had no interest in seeing what he looked like and could not be bothered to worry about his looks. If he looked like shit, then so be it. It wasn't his problem and the foxes would just have to deal with it.

They couldn't understand when they had never met him, Neil was glad for that, but he wasn't going to be the one to explain. Thinking about the butcher was one thing, having to talk about his childhood was a whole other beast he never wanted to tackle in this lifetime.

He knew they couldn't handle it, with the way they reacted seeing him in December. Andrew on the other hand was different than the rest of the foxes. He didn't care. Or rather it didn't bother him like it did the rest. Neil appreciated that more than he could ever admit. He knew he didn't have to be afraid of telling Andrew anything, he would listen and wait until he was finished. Not even uttering a word after.

The quiet should bother Neil, but instead it made him feel safe, safer than he has ever felt before. There was just something about him that felt unmoving, for someone that small it was surprising how much presence he had. He was the one that Neil could always count on being there.

Neil would admonish himself if he thought it would make a difference. His mother was surely rolling in her grave, if she could rise from the sand and ash to find Neil she would, only to slap him in the face and make him see sense. Smoke was penetrating his senses and Neil was getting overwhelmed.

Standing in front of the mirror was harder than anything Neil had to do, including burning his mother and burrying her in the sand and leaving her behind to go on his way, alone. He couldn't look up, he tried, he didn't know how long he was standing in front of it. He didn't realise he wasn't alone until he heard someone in the doorway.

He didn't know how long he had been standing there while someone was watching, but now that he knew he didn't want to acknowledge that he did. So he kept staring at his own two feet. Waiting. Waiting for an eternity it seemed.

His breathing felt harsh to his own two ears, he was closer to panic than he realised. He had to make himself look up because this was getting pathetic even for him. Knowing someone was in the room wasn't helping in the slightest most of all because he didn't know who.

He only wanted to look up to see who was standing in the doorway but the moment he looked up he couldn't look away from his own two eyes, the eyes that are responsible for every heartache and pain in his life. The eyes that were the reason he was all alone. He could only focus on his father's eyes, seeing the hatred and intimidation like his father was standing right in front of him. Disappointed and dissatisfied with him. There was only one way this would end and that was with him six feet under in who knows how many pieces.

He must have made a sound right about then because the next thing he knew he felt hands pushing him down.

"Don't."

He tried but he couldn't.

He could only gasp in answer. His whole body was trembling and he couldn't get it under control. It helped not seeing the eyes of his father anymore but he could still see it in his mind. He had no choice but to let the fear go its course.

The one holding him down was moving him away from the mirror, step by step farther away from the truth. Every step felt like more space to breathe. Things came slowly back into focus. He could see the person that had stepped in front of him. Andrew.

His knees buckled and if it wasn't for Andrew he would have collapsed right onto the painful tiles. Instead Andrew helped him slowly to the ground. He felt exhausted, as if he'd played a whole exy game from start to finish. His breathing had finally slowed down but his body felt weighed down.

"Back are you?" Andrew asked while searching his eyes. Neil didn't understand how he could look at them and not get nauseated with the sight of them. Instead Andrew looked somewhat even worried instead of his normal neutral expression.

That more than anything took Neil back to the present to answer with "I'm fine".

"Sure you are, dumbass."

Huffing Neil let go of his grip on Andrew's sleeves, he hadn't even realised when he started to hold onto them, but now that he was back into his own body he realised and immediately let go.

He knew Andrew didn't like to be touched.

"I'm sorry"

"Don't"

"Okay" He didn't know what else to say. This was nowhere near enough for Andrew's help but he also thought to realise that Andrew wouldn't liked to be thanked either so he kept his mouth further shut.

-------

It wasn't until everything was over and the truth finally came out that he started reconciling with his eyes. His father was dead and gone, he could never hurt Neil again. His name was officially something he liked.

Neil Abram Josten.

It had a nice ring to it, Neil was happy that it was this name that stuck. He didn't know if the name was what had changed his feeling about it or the people calling him that, that made this name so special. But he was glad either way.

He had never really had a home, not only did he have a house to call home, he had people to go home to. Neil couldn't have asked for more.

Looking into the mirror was getting easier each day, but the only way he was comfortable to take a chance was when Andrew was in the room with him. He didn't know if Andrew had noticed, or guessed. But he always stayed and kept an eye on him either way.

Andrew probably knew, just like he knew about almost anything else, seeming without Neil having to tell him.

It took a long time to realise but the moment Andrew hadn't bought any cracker dust something tickled at him subconsciously.

Neil kept thinking back on it until he confronted Andrew.

"I thought you weren't going to keep our deal, I broke it." They were on the roof like so many other times, sitting right beside the edge side by side.

Andrew stayed quiet for a long time.

Neil knew to give him time and wasn't worried until he felt Andrew's hand on his knee. He looked to his left questiongly. After a while he grabbed Andrew's hand and tried expressing something without using his words.

It helped give Andrew the courage to speak because he said,

"I realised I didn't want you to leave."

That answer couldn't have made less sense but instead of saying that he thought about it some more.

He had once told Andrew that he should let go of his brother's pact, or promise of whatever you wanted to call it, if he wanted Aaron to stay. Neil understood why Andrew had allowed Katelyn to enter Aaron's life. But it didn't make sense in this situation, Andrew didn't like him.

That made him stop for a second. His brow furrowed together and his head popped up tilted to the side looking over at Andrew, trying to make sense of him. Then he finally realised.

Andrew loved him.

"Got it finally, huh?" Neil couldn't believe his ears, he smiled happily at Andrew, content with just smiling at him. He didn't realise for how long until his cheeks started hurting. Andrew had a small smile of his own.

Neil couldn't believe how lucky he was to have ended up here right beside the person he loved too. Neil slowly began to like his eyes, because it was hard to hate them when someone looked at them with so much love

[stormblessed95]

Alpha bf????? What are people even talking these days?

Jikook are real people, please anons stop such weird narratives. Cringe.

My favorite Alpha Boyfriends post because you gave me the excuse!

Charles Cornick - Alpha & Omega by Patricia Briggs

"Anna gave Charles a shy kiss on the cheek and strolled out of the room without a backward glance. Until she reached the doorway, and then, in full view of the curious who'd had the courage or discourtesy to linger in the auditorium after he'd dismissed them, she kissed her palm and blew it to him.

And despite... or because of their audience, he caught it in one hand, and pulled the hand to his heart. Her smile dropped away, and the expression in her eyes would feed him for a week. And the expressions on the faces of the wolves who knew Charles, or knew his reputation, would make him laugh as soon as no one was watching."

Adam Hauptman - Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs

"It's only fair to warn you that you sealed your fate tonight. When you knew you were in trouble, you came to me. That makes twice, Mercy, and twice is almost as good as a declaration. You are mine now.... Ben says you might run. If you do, I will find you and bring you back. Every time you run, Mercy. I won't force you, but. .. No more excuses, Mercy. You are mine, and I am keeping you."

Clayton Danvers - Bitten by Kelley Armstrong

What’s this?” Nick said. “Bedtime?”

No one answered him. I kept my eyes closed.

“You look positively content, Clayton,” Nick continued, thumping down on the floor. “That wouldn’t have anything to do with the fact that Elena is cuddled up with you, would it?”

“It’s cold in here,” I murmured.

“Doesn’t feel cold.”

“It’s cold,” Clay growled.

“I could start a fire.”

“I could start one, too,” Clay said. “With your clothes. Before you get them off.

Ox and Joe - Wolfsong by TJ Klune

"It’s not destiny, Ox. You’re not bound by this. Not yet. There’s a choice. There is always a choice. My wolf chose you. I chose you. And if you don’t choose me, then that’s your choice and I will walk out of here knowing you got to choose your own path. But I swear to god, if you choose me, I will make sure that you know the weight of your worth every day for the rest of our lives because that’s what this is. I am going to be a fucking Alpha one day, and there is no one I’d rather have by my side than you. It’s you, Ox. For me, it’s always been you.”

Trent Kalamack - The Hollows series by Kim Harrison

"The want for that kiss had shocked him more than the interruption, and he fell back into the chair, cool and nonchalant as Quen came in with his questions and demands. He wasn't sure if he believed he'd really helped, but one thing was very clear. He wanted that again, that feeling of standing with her against all odds and succeeding. He wanted it so bad, he was going to risk destroying everything he and his father had worked for. He should walk away. Right now. But as she was ushered out the door under David's arm, all he wanted to do was follow her. What the hell was he doing, falling in love with her"

Andrew Minyard - All For The Game by Nora Sakavic

"Andrew had nearly killed four men for assaulting Nicky and would have broken Allison's neck for hitting Aaron, but when it came to crimes against his own person Andrew couldn't care less. He held his life in less regard than he did anything else. Neil hated that with a ferocity that was nauseating."

Scarlet & Wolf - Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

"Wolf, are you asking me to be ... your alpha female?"

He hesitated.

Scarlet couldn't help it - she burst into laughter. "Oh - I'm sorry. That was mean. I know I shouldn't tease you about this."

Still grinning, she made to retract her hand, but he was suddenly gripping it, refusing to relinquish the touch. "You just look so scared, like I'm going to disappear any minute. We're stuck on a spaceship, Wolf. I'm not going anywhere."

His lips twitched, his nervousness beginning to ease away, though his hand stayed tense over hers.

"Alpha female," he murmured. "I sort of like that."

Beaming, Scarlet gave a mild shrug. "It could grow on me."

Percy Jackson - PJO series by Rick Riordan

"Very slowly, using only two fingers, Annabeth drew her dagger. Instead of dropping it, she tossed it as far as she could into the water.

Octavian made a squeaking sound. “What was that for? I didn’t say toss it! That could’ve been evidence. Or spoils of war!”

Annabeth tried for a dumb-blonde smile, like: Oh, silly me. Nobody who knew her would have been fooled. But Octavian seemed to buy it. He huffed in exasperation.

“You other two…” He pointed his blade at Hazel and Piper. “Put your weapons on the dock. No funny bus—”

All around the Romans, Charleston Harbor erupted like a Las Vegas fountain putting on a show. When the wall of seawater subsided, the three Romans were in the bay, spluttering and frantically trying to stay afloat in their armor. Percy stood on the dock, holding Annabeth’s dagger.

“You dropped this,” he said, totally poker-faced"

It can be fun when it's fictional 😍🥰 Jimin and Jungkook aren't actually fictional though. They DID stare in 2 fictional stories though. HYYH BU and 7 fates: Chakho. And yes, all these recs above (except the last 2) have some toxic energy to them. Lol

[otdiaftg]

The Foxes try to come together.

Allison was the last one in and she locked the door behind them. Neil stood off to one side in the living room so she could get past and watched everyone get settled. The coffee table was covered with liquor bottles and clean glasses. Dan poured drinks and Matt passed them out. When Matt held one out to Nicky, Nicky caught hold of Matt's wrist instead. "Thank you," Nicky said, quiet but fervent. "I don't know why you did it, but—thanks." "Mom said she still owed you guys," Matt said. "Coach wouldn't take her money when she offered it last year, so she figured this was just as good." Neil was the only one left standing. Dan glanced at him, seemed to realize he wasn't going to budge from the doorway anytime soon, and got on with it. "Look, I know we have our differences, and I know we haven't exactly had the easiest ride. But we're all Foxes. We're a team. What happens to one of us happens to all of us, and we're going to get each other through this. If there's anything you guys need, just let us know. Whether it's space, a drink, an ear —whatever. We're with you a hundred percent." If it wasn't so terrible, it'd be brilliant. This was what Dan and Matt had been waiting for all semester: a catalyst to finally unite the team. Neil wanted to be proud of her for seizing the moment like this, except she sounded so sincere he doubted she realized what she was doing. "I don't know if Coach told you, but it's all over the news." Matt looked from Nicky to Aaron. "People have been asking us about it." "Looking for gossip," Aaron said, thick with derision. "It's human nature," Allison said. "Might as well give them what they want." "Fuck you." "Enough," Dan said, with a warning look at Allison. It was too late, because Aaron was already getting up again. Dan looked ready to protest, except Aaron still held fast to Katelyn's hand. Aaron might not want their help, but he was smart enough to know he needed someone right now. The two left without a second glance back, and Katelyn tugged the door firmly closed behind them. Neil locked it in their wake and went back to the living room doorway. Nicky looked almost sick to his stomach as he stared at the drink in his hands. Kevin was staring at the far wall like it had all the answers.

Day: Monday, November 13th Time: 5:30 PM EST

[deaddboywalking]

Hey, it's Rem. I haven't posted in awhile, so I'm gonna post my DPS fanfic (that's also on AO3 gimme those Kudos)

TRIGGER WARNING!!!

This is Dead Poet's Society, Neil doesn't die in this one (spoilers srry) BUT THAT SCENE STILL TAKES PLACE!! When I say hurt/comfort and su*c*de attempt I MEAN IT!!

This fic is 1357 words long, so it's a short read. This is also an Anderperry fic. And, one last time, WARNING, it's dark.

If you're still here, it means you're ready to READ THIS FIC ALREADY (I'm srry, housekeeping is important </3) So, with out further ado,

Confessions by DeaddBoyWalking

When I was four years old, I watched a man kill himself on live television. It was some politician, someone important. I'm not important. I'm just some kid. Some 17-year-old kid whose dreams have just been stolen from out under his feet. I'm a nobody with nothing to live for. And now it's my turn.

It's quiet as I creep down the stairs to my father's study, the crown of flowers I wore as Puck clutched in my hands. I cringe as one of the floorboards creaks under my feet, but I continue on.

Just a few more steps. I promise myself. Just a few more steps and this will all be over. I feel tears welling in my eyes as I open the door to my father's office. Is this selfish of me? I sigh and shake off the lingering doubt. Now wasn't the time for second guessing. I continue on, into the office and to the desk.

What would Todd think?

The thought catches me by surprise. What would he think? Scowling, I try to push the thought aside as I open the top drawer of the desk. I reach to the back of the drawer, feeling around until I feel the cool silver under my fingertips. Clasping the key close to my chest, I take in a shaky breath.

It's now or never.

My hand trembling, I stick the key into the keyhole in the bottom drawer. I give it a twist and pull the drawer out. Inside, wrapped in a handkerchief, is my father's revolver. Realisation hits me like a freight train.

I'm really doing this. I'm about to fucking kill myself... What will Todd think.

"Fuck," I mumble, picking myself up off the floor. Now isn't the time to think about Todd. I set the gun on the desk and as I sit in my father's chair, I rub my eyes, trying to remove Todd from my thoughts.

There has to be a reason for this. A reason that my own brain is torturing me further with the thought of him.

I stare at the gun.

Why does he do this to me? Why must my every waking moment be filled with thoughts of him, even when I'm about to take my own life?

My hand twitches.

Why do I have to care about him? He's just a boy. Just my roommate. Just... Just my closest friend.

I feel my thoughts race. I reach for the gun and pick it up.

Why... Why does any of this matter?

I put the gun to my head. I breathe in, tears flowing freely.

Because I love him.

I go to pull the trigger, squeezing my eyes tightly shut.

Goodbye.

Before I can squeeze the trigger, a sudden noise in the silence startles me.

Knock Knock Knock

Frightened, I drop the gun, my whole body quivering. The noise sounds again.

Knock Knock Knock

Someone's at the front door. I quickly pick up the gun and wrap it in its handkerchief, shoving it back into the drawer I got it from. My breathing is shaky and desperate. I'm terrified.

I stand slowly from the chair, creeping my way towards the door to the hallway. The knocking seems to have stopped. I linger in the doorway for a moment, before continuing slowly, quietly down the hallway. The knocking sounds a final time, more frantic than the others.

KnockKnockKnockKnockKnock

I undo the bolt and latch, opening the door slightly to peek through. There's a figure there, shivering in the falling snow. I open the door further to get a better look. Todd.

"Neil..?" His voice is quiet and gentle, "Neil is that you?" Still shaking, I pull the door open more. I'm in nothing but pyjama pants and the cold bites at my chest and arms.

"Todd," I begin, staring down at him, "What are you doing here?" The other boy only wrings his hands before responding.

"I-I followed you. I was worried, Neil. I was worried about you." He's shivering just as bad as I am, so I usher him in quickly.

"My parents will have you thrown out of Welton if they find you," I say, watching as he takes off his coat and shoes. He looks up at me, snow clinging to his hair and eyelashes. I think back to what I was thinking just a few moments earlier.

Because I love him.

"I know," He says, "But I don't care." His piercing blue eyes gaze up at me as we stand there. He cocks his head, "Neil, why are you still wearing the crown?"

I'd forgotten I was wearing it. I reach up and take it off of my head.

"It's nothing," I reply plainly, shifting the costume piece between my hands. He gives me a skeptical look.

"You're a bad liar, Neil," His voice is gentle as he reaches out to me. I flinch away, startling him, "What's wrong?" I must look shaken because his eyes are filled with worry.

"Neil, I'm sorry- Please tell me what's wrong," I sigh and slowly shake my head.

"I'll tell you," I promise, "Can we please just go up to my room first? If my parents know you're here and you get expelled..." I trail off, but he seems to understand.

"Okay, we can do that," He says softly. He reaches out again, and this time I let him. His hand cups my face as I sigh quietly.

"I'm sorry, Todd," I whisper, leaning into the touch.

"There's nothing to be sorry for," He replies, wiping a tear from my eye. This only makes the tears flow more.

"But there is, Todd," I say, placing my hand over his, "I promise I'll explain in a moment, all right?" He nods, seemingly unbothered by my touch. We stand like that for a moment, silent, gazing at each other. I turn away first, dropping my hand and pulling back from him.

I silently lead the way up the stairs to my room. Todd follows close behind, carrying his coat and shoes. As we pass my father's office, he eyes it curiously. I shake my head, motioning for him to follow. He continues eyeing the door, but follows. When we reach my room, I usher him inside, quietly closing the door behind us.

"Sit anywhere you want," I whisper, sitting on the edge of the bed. He sits down next to me, so close our shoulders brush. My face flushes at the touch, which I hope he can't see in the dim light.

"Neil," He begins, "What's wrong? I know something is, with the way you and your father left." I anxiously fidget with the flower crown before setting it aside. Breathe, Neil.

"My father is enrolling me in military school," I say matter-of-factly, "He will never let me be an actor." I close my eyes and turn away from Todd, "I'm sorry."

Todd sighs, "Neil... Neil there's nothing to be apologising for," He promises me. I frown and shake my head.

"Todd, you don't understand," I say, "I'd rather be dead than go to military school. Than to never be an actor." To never have you. I shake my head in frustration, balling my fists. Tears well in my eyes and I sniffle softly.

"Oh, Neil..." His face is filled with a mixture of horror and pain, "Neil, is that what you were doing when I got here?" I nod grimly. Todd's eyes seem full of dread as he clasps my hand in his.

"Neil, I'm so sorry," He says, "I-I can't stop your father, but..." He lets out a frustrated sigh, squeezing my hand tightly, "But I don't think I could bear to lose you." I blink. He'd caught me off guard with that. I shift slightly closer to him, rubbing the tears from my eyes.

"I don't think I could, either," I reply. I knew I couldn't. I couldn't live without him, I loved him too much. He squeezes my hand reassuringly and rests his head on my shoulder. I breathe in.

"Todd," I begin.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Silence. Then...

"I love you too, Neil."

END FIC

Wowzers, that was rough. Either way, if you enjoyed it, notes are very much appreciated!! And if you ever feel so inclined, check out my AO3 (same username) I'm currently rewriting the first chapter of my original work House of Wolves (yes, the MCR song) and should be getting that posted soon!!

But yep, that's it! Have a fantastic day/night (it's 2am here) and be kind to yourself and others! Peace!

-♣️

(ps I'm including the song that was my fav to listen to while I worked on this fic)

[eddieheart]

BILLY JEAN

(Part 5)

Fandom: Stranger Things

Pairings: Billy X Steve

Words: 1230

Description: Billy just wanted to show everyone her dress but Neil got in the way

Part 4:

Billy was having a good day, for the first time in months she woke up feeling refreshed. After years of falling asleep with the weight of her secret smothering her.

She still couldn't wear nail polish or makeup everyday, but for once people saw her as herself, as Billy Jean. As Max Mayfield's kind older sister, not her mean older brother.

The new outlet Harrington had so graciously given her was helping tremendously. Finally she had an outlet for her anger, shame, guilt and sadness. A place to talk about her emotions without judgement and watch movies. 

Walking happily through the house Billy gathered her things. Tonight was the night. Tonight, she was going to show them who she really was. After one month and 4 meetings she was finally going to dress up.

She carried a bag with her as she grabbed up all  her necessities. Discreetly she shoved an old brown dress and some shoes into her bag, followed by a pair of small gold earrings.

The dress was soft to the touch and flowy, it was reminiscent of a sixties housewife in a way. The earrings were dangly and shinned in the light, they reminded her of a pair her mother used to wear.

Her father was on a rampage today, yelling and screaming at ever misstep. Billy was nervous and a little shakey. Every step was calculated, she tried to make as little noise as possible while walking around the house. Hopefully her lack of noise would appease him.

The sound of footsteps walking to her little sisters room startled her, quickly she shoved the offending bag under Max's bed and stood at attention. A shiver ran up her spine, making her hairs stand on end. Goosebumps crawled up her arms and legs.

The door swung open and Neil stalked inside, eyeing Billy with a look of distain.

"What the hell are you doing in your sisters room? Didn't I teach you enough respect!" He stormed forward and grabbed Billy by her shirt collar.

He dragged the young girl by her hair out of the room and threw her to the ground. Storming over he gave a swift kick to her stomach followed by another placed just below it. Neil gripped onto Billy's hair and yanked her head up before placing a harsh slap onto her face.

Her head felt fuzzy as Neil kept distributing violent blows to the young girl. The edges of her vision turned black and fogging, her ear rang loudly as a soft voice called out from somewhere.

After what felt like months the pain finally stopped, someone was yelling, shaking her. A little while after she felt soft hands caress her back.

Waking up with a blinding headache she surged upwards. Her hand reached out beside her, she felt a soft, plush material under her. Something far too expensive for Billy's family to own.

She must be at Harrington's, maybe Max called him?

Her eyes fluttered opened and she surveyed the room she was in. The walls were blue and white pinstripes and there was a picture of a red car on the wall. Opening and closing her mouth it was dry and felt like cotton.

"Hey, hey, slow down." A soft voice said.

Billy turned to face the doorway, sure enough Harrington was rushing over from outside and over to him. He knelt at her bedside and placed a gentle hand into hers.

"You got hurt real bad baby, take it easy." Steve  said, smiling into her eyes.

Something odd happened, a flutter in her stomach, like a feather tickling her insides. She couldn't like Steve, could she. A faint blush tickled her cheeks.

Steve gently moved a piece of hair from Billy's face and looked deeply into her eyes, brushing her cheek softly as he did.

"I'm gross." She mumbled out, looking down to the wooden floor in embarrassment. "Need'a change."

"Want me to help clean you up?" She gaped at him.

Clearly he couldn't be serious. Of course not. Manly man Steve Harrington wouldn't help him clean up.

"Max brought over a bag she found under her bed, I could help you get dressed up." Her eyes glistened, Steve's hand still gently resting on her face, thumb brushing her skin softly.

"I was gonna wear that tonight. I was gonna show you guys, everything." She said pathetically.

"Y'know my parents are never home and my mom always leaves her stuff. I could help with your makeup 'n stuff, if you wanted. I think we even have hair curlers." Steve replied timidly.

Billy chewed her lip nervously, she really did need to wash the dried blood from her face and she wouldn't mind changing either. 

"O-okay."

Steve gently brushed an hand up her arm and steadied Billy so she could stand. She stumbled a bit, leaning onto Steve as they tripped into the bathroom. She caught a glance in the mirror and stopped. Her nose was clearly broken, blood pores out from underneath it, her eye was a dark purple and her lip was split.

"C'mon, let's get you in the bath. I won't look I promise, there's um... towels in the drawer and uh... I'll start the bath." Steve stammered out nervously, reaching for the faucet.

Billy chuckled to herself, it's not like they hadn't seen each other naked before, in the showers that is. Billy showily stripped her clothes off and covered herself with the plush towel.

The Harrington's bathroom was huge, their bathtub too. It was a beautiful porcelain claw foot big enough for two right under a window.

Billy glanced down at the tub, it was filled almost to the brim with foamy bubbles, it smelled of jasmine and rose. She slipped off her towel and shimmed into the hot water, Steve staring respectfully at the floor until she was covered.

"Want me to do your hair?" He asked softly.

She hummed in response. Steve gently ran his fingers threw her tangled mess of hair and grabbed a hairbrush to comb it out. Softly he applied shampoo, rubbing her scalp and massaging her head.

He rinsed Billy's hair out and rubbed in conditioner, slowly Billy rose from the water and dried herself off. She felt floaty, like she was dancing in clouds. Steve got up and rushed out of the bathroom only to return with a white silk robe, a makeup bag and a giant smile.

Billy chuckled and let Steve help her slip into the garment.

"Okay so makeup." Billy nodded in response.

"Just a little, eye shadow and mascara, little lip." She mumbled out. Steve looked confused for a moment then fished into the makeup bag for the necessary items.

Billy grabbed the eye shadow rubbing a small bit of light brown onto her eyes, she then grabbed the mascara. Her arm was still bruised and in pain so she looked to Steve with a small smile.

"Could you?" She asked. He seemed shocked but nodded none the less.

Grabbing the mascara tube he pumped it a few times before slowly approaching Billy's face. It was a sight, to see Steve 'the hair' Harrington with his tongue sticking out gently applying mascara onto Billy's lashes.

"They're gonna be here in about half an hour, want to tackle the dress next?" Billy smiled up at the boy, he really was something, wasn't he.

@buggylad

[strangerthingfanfic]

Chapter 1 and 2

Max and The Family Affair

Title - Max and The Family Affair

Fandom - Stranger Things

Rating - Teen and Up

Couples - Hargrove (Steve Billy)

Trigger warnings: mention of physical and mental abuse

Summary: When we moved to Hawkins my life got even stranger. I just hope Billy and I can find middle ground to survive what Hawkins throws at us

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

chapter 1: Big Brother

I will remember that day like it was yesterday.

It was a day off school and our parents had gone to work for the day.

Usually, I would just go and visit my friends but I just wanted to relax and without my parent's home, especially Neil, it was easier.

I was in my room when the knocking on the door started.

I knew that Billy was in the living room lifting weights because I could hear the tv on.

The knocking continued which meant two things, one, Billy couldn't hear it over his stupid program, or two he didn't care if someone was there.

Sighing I headed past the brute in the living room and went to front door where the unwelcome visitor was still pounding on the door.

I undid the lock and opened the door slightly unaware that Billy had stopped what he was doing and kept an eye on me.

The person on the other side shocked me. It was Jason Carver, a junior member of the high school basketball team and an all-around annoying jock.

“Can I help you?” I asked cautiously as I knew him and Billy were not friends. Billy had made that quite clear on our trips to and from school.

Jason smiled. “I am here to see you, of course beautiful,” he said and tried to push the door open.

Groaning, I leaned against the door and something glistened in the sunlight.

That's when I saw it. The gun resting in his side pocket and started freaking out on the inside while remaining calm on the outside.

“I know your shithead brother is in there, I saw his ugly ass car. Why doesn't he come and face me like a man” Jason said, his eyes flashing with anger.

Not knowing what to do so I asked “what did Billy do to piss you off?” Meanwhile, hoping that someone was on my side, I made a finger gun behind my back in all hopes that Billy would see and understand.

And to my surprise, he did because he was behind me in seconds, pulling me in close and protectively wrapping his arms around me and that's when I realized he had been supervising the whole time.

“What the fuck Carver? Bringing a weapon to my house and scaring my little sister. She could've been hurt if you started waving it around” he said, his arms still holding me tightly against his chest.

I watched as the ferocity in Jason's eyes intensified. “You come into town and suddenly they're talking like you should be captain for the rest of the season. I am just here to make sure you don't want the position” Jason said as he placed his left hand on the gun.

I thought for sure billy would move me and take a swing but he stood there calmly and replied “Carver the basketball team is all yours and King Harringtons’. I've got a sister and grades to focus on, not some hotshot jocks”.

My eyes probably bulged as big as Jason's who scoffed and turned around. Steve was walking up the path as he was leaving.

“What did he want?” Steve asked, confused by the whole scene in front of him.

“Aww he just wanted to threaten me about being on the basketball team Harrington, no biggie except he was packing and could've hurt Maxie here” Billy said literally making me confused and happy at the same time.

Billy finally let go and motioned for Steve to follow them in. They had secretly (basically everyone knew but stayed silent) been dating for a few weeks and we're working on a plan for them to come out without Neil killing Billy.

As Steve got to the doorway I motioned for him to stop for a minute. “What's up Max?” he asked worriedly.

“Not only did Billy take a protective and nonviolent stand against Jason, but he also called me Maxie which he hasn't done for years. I'm worried he's sick or something” I replied honestly.

Steve, smiled, ruffled my hair and said “You will never understand how much he truly loves and cares for you. I have been working with him on showing it more and hopefully, soon you will both be living with me”.

I watched as he headed in and Billy kissed him on the forehead. I wanted to cry with happiness but I took a deep breath and told myself I would save that if all of what Steve said comes to pass.

Chapter 2: Steve

The next day as I exited the middle school I saw my brother's prized Camaro.

He didn't normally pick me up at school, I usually met him at the high school.

I was even more shocked when I approached the driver's side and the driver's seat was empty.

Looking around I saw Steve talking to Dustin who must have a Steve radar because she didn't see him there at all.

Going over I saw the look Steve had and knew immediately something was really wrong especially since he had the keys to the Camaro in his hand.

“Where's Billy?” I asked the two guys. Steve came over when he heard me and guided me to the Camaro, Dustin following in tow.

He motioned for us to both get in. I climbed in the passenger seat and Dustin got in the back.

I turned and looked at Steve and said “explain now”.

Taking a deep breath Steve said “Billy and I had met at his car during lunch for a quick make-out session.

Of course, Neil decided to show up at the school for the first time ever for something and caught us.

He literally dragged Billy out by his hair, told me to stay away from his family and threw Billy into the front seat of his car.

Before he did though Billy tossed me the keys and said to make sure you don't get around them ever again.

I haven't heard from Billy since, so here I am. We will find him, Max”

I shrunk into my seat as Steve started the car and headed to his place.

My heart was racing and I couldn't stop the tears. Billy and I had finally started repairing the relationship that Neil had broke and now he was gone. Possibly forever.

I didn't even notice when we arrived back at Steve's place. It wasn't until I heard car doors opening that it even hit me.

Silently I got out and followed Steve and Dustin to the house. As we approached we saw sheriff Hopper and my heart dropped to the ground.

“They had found a body, I just know it,” I thought to myself as we finished the approach.

Hopper looked at me with the look of someone delivering horrible news.

“Just give it to me straight Hopper,” I said planting my feet and willing my body to stay right where it was instead of taking off.

Taking in a deep breath he said “we found Billy Max. He is in a psychiatric facility that specializes in “helping” people not be gay. We are working with law enforcement in Indianapolis right now to get him out but it could take a while and I don't know what shape he will be in”.

He was alive. That's all that mattered at that point. “He will get out you will see,” I said and ran up and gave Hopper a huge hug.

“As long as he's alive he will get out,” I said again and ran inside.

Later that night, after Dustin’s mom picked him up, Steve and I were sitting in the dining room having dinner when a loud knock sounded from the front door.

I must've gone pale with fear because Steve placed his hand on mine and said softly, “Neil is in jail he can't hurt you, Max”.

I nodded and both of us headed to the front door.

When we opened it there stood Billy, battered, bruised, bleeding but standing there.

“Can I come in or are you both going to just stare?” Billy asked, annoyed.

Steve threw his arms around him and gave him a big kiss. Billy grunted but didn't back away.

I just stood in the hallway with tears running down my face.

I felt his arms before I saw him. He was the one who was in pain but he was comforting me.

At that moment I realized my big brother was not going anywhere. I will always be safe.

Or so I thought.

[paradoxolotl]

(Secret)

~~

Inching closer to the door, Neil felt something close to fear creep into his bones.

“You can’t do that,” Andrew said, and there was fury in his voice, anger like Neil had never heard from him before. “You can’t do that to him.”

“I’ll do whatever I need to do,” Stuart snapped. “You’re not in charge here, Andrew, and you’d do well to remember that.”

“If you do this, you are no better than him.” Neil flinched at Andrew’s tone, the words. “I won’t let this happen, Hatford. I don’t care what you’ve agreed to. Undo it.”

“You will stand aside.”

Andrew’s voice turned tighter, almost pleading. “You can’t just turn your back on him. After everything, how could you-“ he cut himself off, and Neil held his breath, heart hammering in his chest.

Here was a shuffle, the creak of the floorboards under a foot. “Neil,” Andrew called.

Knowing there was no point in denying it, Neil pushed open the doorway, waiting silently. Stuart stood behind his desk, Andrew on the other side. Andrew’s sleeves were rolled haphazardly up his arms, suspenders hanging by his thighs. His face was a mask of neutrality, but his eyes held back a storm.

“What’s wrong?” Because anything that made Andrew look like that was something to worry about.

Stuart opened his mouth, but Andrew stepped forward with an easy smile on his face, and Neil’s brain screamed lie lie lie. “Nothing,” Andrew said smoothly. “It’s getting late, Neil, you should head to bed.”

“I-“ but he had no words to say, confusion and terror closing his throat.

Shooting a glare at Andrew’s back, Stuart shook his head, turning away in a clear dismissal. “We’ll speak in the morning, Nathaniel,” he said, and Andrew’s mouth twitched.

After a moment, Neil backed out of the room, staring at Andrew for help. But Andrew only watched him go, that terrible smile on his face, his eyes so very empty. The expression followed Neil to his room, vivid even when he closed his eyes.

[grey-sides]

hi greye! could you write some domestic angst harringrove? like perhaps they’ve been living together for a while but they fight about things like money and other household stuff! thank you <3

Hello, anon!! So this does not feature money angst because that hits a leetle too close to home for me. It's also not excessively angry fighting because these drabbles won't reach a very large peak of emotion due to their short nature if I want it to have a happy ending. (I always do) But I hope you enjoy it anyway! (Thinking about this drabble makes me want to dive into something longer to be able to give more emotionality, so thank you for that!)

Billy knows Steve has been monetarily spoiled during his life, if not emotionally. Knows that he has had the privilege of living in a house full of luxuries like a washer and dryer on the first floor and a fancy dishwasher. Knows that old habits die hard and is never deliberately trying to be an annoyance. But.

But Billy works all day and Steve is living off his inheritance for the most part during the semester so he’s home a lot more. Of course he has some shifts at the pizza place and he has to do classwork, but doing the dishes takes fifteen minutes at most if you don’t let them pile up. And Steve tends to let them pile up.

It’s a common argument in their household because Billy hates coming home and finding dishes in the sink. He hates walking up the steps into their apartment and seeing a mess waiting for him while Steve is sitting at the breakfast bar reading. Or watching television or generally not taking care of the dishes that are clearly his because Billy hasn’t been home all day. 

Steve likes to tell Billy that they always get done and it’s not a big deal. And Billy logically knows it shouldn’t be a big deal. They do always get done and if Billy asks him enough times, Steve will do them with no complaint. But Billy hates asking. Hates doing them himself if Steve is in the middle of something. Domestic work just takes two people and Billy feels like he tends to pull most of the weight. 

“We need a chore chart or something,” Billy grouches, scrubbing out a pan Steve left “to soak” in the sink.

Steve looks over the top of his article for class and raises his brows. “What?”

“A chore chart. Something to help keep track of all the shit we need to do on a regular basis in this place.”

Steve’s mouth closes and he purses his lips, looking confused. “I mean, we’re not like kids. We know what we have to do.”

Billy takes a deep breath, tries to count to ten, shuts down at about five. “Okay, but you don’t do the things we need to do in the apartment unless I ask you to. I don’t want to keep doing that and I think a chore chart will help you remember.”

Steve frowns and he puts his article to the side. “What do you mean? I do stuff! All the time!”

“After I ask you,” Billy repeats. He puts the pan in the draining board and wipes his hands off with a dishtowel. 

Sometimes, Billy thinks all of this is from Neil, his desire to keep a house clean. If Neil had come home to dishes in the sink, he would have beat Billy’s ass for it. Billy doesn’t have a desire to beat Steve, but he does hate Steve’s constant excuses.

“Sometimes I just forget. It’s fine, we don’t need a chore chart,” Steve insists, holding his hands up. 

Billy sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. “It’s not just the dishes, Steve. It’s the fact that trying to actually clean the apartment becomes an argument. Or how you leave the stove a mess after you cook and don’t clean it up. It’s a bunch of stuff and I’m tired of having to keep it all straight in my head.”

“I wiped down the stove this morning!” Steve defends. 

“It still has grease on it!” Billy snaps and he stops himself. Takes a breath. He’s not going to blow a lid over the chores not getting done the way his father would have expected.

Steve gets up from his barstool and walks around to stand in the doorway to the kitchen. He looks at the stove for a moment and looks back at Billy. “I just think your standards of cleanliness are different from mine.”

Billy purses his lips and puts his hands on his hips, a habit he’s picked up from Steve. He manages to actually count to ten this time. “Steve, I am asking you to please help me out on this. This is how you keep a home whether you want to or not. It’s easier to keep clean things clean.”

Steve looks like he’s going to argue further, but they’ve both been working on this. Arguing less, trying to see things from the other person’s point of view. Not jump to conclusions and not bitch about every little thing with their friends. 

Steve mirrors Billy, hands on the hips for a moment. He seems to be calculating something in his mind. A moment later, he opens the cabinet under the sink and pulls out the stove top cleaner. He steps closer to Billy and squirts it over the stove, wiping it down a couple times until it’s actually clean and looks at his partner. “Better?”

Billy gives him a faint smile and bobs his head. “Better.”

He doesn’t think they’re at the point yet where they can each admit what they’ve done wrong. But they’re also not at each other’s throats or making threats, so it’s progress. Billy’s just glad the stove is clean at this point. 

Steve nods once and looks around. “Alright, you cleaned so let me get started on dinner, okay? Do you mind picking your boots up from around the front door?”

Billy gives him a wry smile and walks back out of the kitchen. Sure enough, he has four pairs of boots sitting by the front door because he always forgets to carry them back into the bedroom. In that regard, it’s not surprising that Steve forgets to do things too. 

Of course, when Billy goes to get ready for bed that night, he discovers the bed covered in an array of Steve’s clothes from when he changed his outfit multiple times that day. Billy takes a deep breath, counts to ten and shouts, “Steve!” 

Steve skids into the room, cheeks flushed as he hurriedly grabs his clothes to put them away. It’s a work in progress, kind of like the car Billy has sitting at the back of the lot at work. Even if it never gets perfect, it’ll still be worth all the effort.