#star court mall

[kitkatdoodlez]

Scoops Ahoy break time ❤️🤍💙

[katsuhiras]

girlification beamed crazy:b

[italiansteebie]

"Steve Harrington Local Hero"

Eddie snorts as he reads the headline, what kind of hero is harrington? the hero of caring too much about your looks?

he scoffs as he reads further, "local teen rescues middle school students from mall fire." he squints at the fuzzy picture pasted onto the newspaper. wait-

this look like those twerps that have the middle school DnD party. he's seen them occasionally, nodded at the little byers kid and his DM folder.

man, how does steve harrington of all people know these kids?

he rolls his eyes as he skims the paper, landed on the subtitle "local teen" that's got steve's face plastered under it. damn, he looks fucked up, a fire did that?

no way.

and look! apparently robin buckley from band was tangled up in the mess too! and what's even more surprising is the pictures of her and steve squished side by side in an ambulance, wearing matching sailor uniforms.

what the hell is going on?

[starrystevie]

experienced some pretty strange things last night but the strangest thing of all was that i bought a $23 drink solely for a take home cup

[starstaiined]

sometimes, i look at him and all i can see is you. your favorite movie is his favorite movie, his favorite color was your favorite color, you have the same dark eyes glittering with wisdom beyond your years and framed with dark lashes. his voice pitches up, and for a moment of time, for a singular heartbeat, he is a ghost in your shape.

but then he laughs, and the illusion shatters. he is himself, and you are you. warm, and cold. present, and past. here, and long gone.

you would have loved him, i think. you would've been the favorite, i think. you never got the chance to meet, i think. two flickering halves of an always incomplete whole.

[mettywiththenotes]

Dustin being so happy to hug his friends every time they reunite >>>>>>>>>

[thedailymobile]

“USS Food Court: Ten Forward”

[alastor-simp]

Birthday Boy🥳 - Angel Dust x Female Reader Part 1/2

❥Warning- This contains some inappropriate subjects, so if you underage and reading this, Please skip it.

❥Summary- It's April 1st, which means its Angels birthday today!! The whole hotel planned a birthday party for him to celebrate. You have a gift for him, but you wanted to give it to him later....in private😏

❥Tags - Angel Dust, Flirting, Teasing, Fluff, Lingerie, Cosplay, Eventual Smut, Birthday Surprise, Mentions of Sexual Toys

❥Notes - Here is the sexy spider birthday smut you guys wanted. This will be split into 2 parts. Hope you all enjoy it.

The plan was set! You were going to distract Angel with a nice little shopping trip, while Charlie and the others stayed at the hotel and get everything ready. Charlie made it very clear to keep Angel Dust away until 5 pm, since it was going to take a bit to decorate. Nodding your head, you assured her that you knew what to do and not to worry. Heading over to Angel's room, you knocked on his door yelling "GET UP LOSER. WE GOING SHOPPING!!" There was a loud thump that came from the other side, probably Angel falling off the bed from you yelling. It was quiet for a moment, until his door swung open. He was wearing a pink and white fluffy coat that matched with his black heels, while also sporting pink diamond shades on his face. His face was in a small scowl, as he was a bit upset that you woke him up like that, while also giving you a middle finger with one of his hands: "Jesus toots! Ya couldn't have just woken me up normally? Nearly gave me a dang heart attack." Laughing, you uttered an apology, while grabbing his hand, tugging him out of his room. He allowed you to drag him along, sporting a smile on his face as the both of you went down the hallway, heading to the main entrance of the hotel.

As the both of you exited, you turned your head to see Charlie and Vaggie giving you a thumbs up, as you turned back and walked out the door. Heading into the city was a tad bit difficult, especially since walking next to Angel, a famous porn star, there was bound to be a few stares and wolf whistles here and there. Angel was paying them no mind, as he wanted to enjoy this little outing with you and not deal with the bullsh✪✪ and also get his mind away from work for once. The mall in hell was similar to ones on Earth, just a bit more run down and lacking the usual charm. Still it had stores and a food court, so it was better then nothing. Angel ran at high speed to the clothes stores, dragging you along by the arm. The both of you just explored around, trying on multiple outfits that suited the both of you best, along with taking selfies of each other. Angel looked good in practically anything that he tried on. He could come out of the dressing room in a plain shirt and jeans, and he have you gagging in awe.

The next store the both of you went to seemed more up Angel's alley. "Devils Secret" was what the large neon sign said. Upon entering in, you quickly realized it was a lingerie store. "Aww yeah! This is where its at!" Angel said, as he threw his four arms up into the air in excitement. You, however, were feeling a bit flustered, as stores like this always made you a bit red in the face. Angel had already disappeared from your view, most likely grabbing all the most seductive ones he could find. Not really interested at the pieces, you just walked around, observing everything.

One area of the store was hidden behind a large black curtain. Curious, you walked past and immediately flushed at what you saw. Behind the curtain was an assortment of intimate cosplays, along with various sexual toys like vibrators, hand cuffs and butt plugs. “No wonder this place was hidden by a curtain” you thought. Wouldn’t hurt to look around. There was a wide selection of cosplay outfits hanging, ranging from police officer to sexy nurse. You knew if Angel saw this, he would buy everything in here. Skimming through everything, your eyes caught the look of something interesting. It wasn’t anything extreme, but it was very detailed and seductive. Your thoughts immediately thought of Angel and his birthday, causing a smirk to appear on your face: “Perfect.”

You quickly bought it and threw it in the other shopping bags you had, to hid it from Angels eyes, as you went to look for him. Having found him standing in front of the dressing room mirror, you watched him as he struck many poses, making you blush. “Which one of makes me look sexier toots? This one or the other?” The one he was wearing was a floral embroidered bra and thong, that came with a garter belt while the other was a black satin babydoll mesh top. Smiling you shook your head, saying he looked sexy in anything he wore, earning a blush from him. Shaking his head, he gave a smirk back, "You know it baby!" and proceeded to head back into the dressing room to change out of it.

Checking the time on your phone, you saw that it was one hour from 5 pm, which was enough time for you to head back to the hotel for the surprise party. You texted Charlie to let her know you were coming back soon, so she had some time to double check everything. "Hey toots? Who ya texting?" Angel asked, as he was walking next to you, four of his arms holding shopping bags. You quickly put your phone away so he wouldn't see the text and came up with a good excuse. "Oh it was Charlie. She said something urgent happened at the hotel and she wants us to come back." Angel seemed to have bought the lie and gave a nod, as the both of you walked out of the mall.

**Back at the hotel**

"Ohhh finally! My legs are aching from walking all day." Angel groaned, as he walked closer to the hotel doors. "Maybe don't wear those long heels next time." You laughed out, earning another groan from Angel. "Hey! Leave my heels out of it." Angel responded back, as he opened the doors to the hotel. The hotel was pitch black inside, and no one was around the lobby, causing Angel to widen his eyes in concern. "Woah where the f✪✪✪ is everybody?!" Angel walked closer inside, with you following behind him. As you closed the door, the lights blasted on and a loud bang erupted in the room, causing confetti to fly everywhere. "SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!" Everybody had popped out of their hiding places, wearing big smiles and sporting birthday hats. Angel screamed when that happened, grabbing onto his chest to calm him down. "AHHHH! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?!" Charlie had run up to Angel, and gave him a giant bear hug. "ITS YOUR SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY ANGEL!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!" Her face was wearing a large smile, sparkles shining in her eyes. Angel paused at that and looked at everyone and the decorations, plus the large pink and black themed cake that was on one of the tables.

"Oh shit...I." Angel's face went blank, apparently still in shock, Everyone including you noticed his expression, wondering why he seemed a bit sad. No one said a word, but Alastor was the one to break the silence: "My dear effeminate fellow! Have you forgotten the day of your own birth?" Alastor walked up closer, head tilted to the side, wearing his signature smile. Angel just shook his head, one of his hands going up to wipe his eyes. Oh he was crying, you looked at him with concern and placed a hand on his back, giving it a rub. "No I didn't forget, Smiles. I....I didn't think any of you guys would actually care about it, let alone remember it." Awwws erupted from everyone, as they all ran and gave Angel a hug, except Alastor, but he at least placed a hand on Angels shoulder. Angel laughed while he continued to wipe his tears: "Okay okay get offa me. The sappy stuff is over, now its time to get this party started! Angel bumped his fists into the air in enthusiasm, followed by everyone else yelling out a "YEAH!"

The party had finally started. Everyone gathered around the cake and sang happy birthday to Angel. After that was done, and some of the cake was given out, it was time to present the birthday gifts. Charlie had gotten Angel tickets to the aquarium in hell. Vaggie had bought a makeup set and new sunglasses. Niffty had made a little outfit for Angels pet pig, Fat Nuggets. Husk had bought him some shot glasses that were in the shape of dic✪✪. Alastor had used his powers to make a vinyl record that contain all of Angel's favorite songs. Sir Pentious actually crafted a new weapon for Angel to use for any upcoming battle/turf war. Cherri bomb had gotten two matching spray painted T-shirts that said "Partners in Crime." It was your turn next, but you told them that Angel's present was in his room and you were gonna show it to him later.

The party was soon calming down after that, and everyone was either tipsy or passed out drunk from all the celebratory cheers they did. "I think it's time to head to bed now everyone." Vaggie had lifted Charlie up and walked back to their room. Sir Pentious egg bois had lifted the drunken snake and dragged him towards the bedroom. Alastor was swaying a bit, and his cheeks were a bit red, but he was still a bit alert. He lifted up Niffty into his arms, and used his powers to place Husk on the lobby couch, and make a blanket appear on top of him. He bid both you and Angel a good night, while he headed down the hallway to bring Niffty to her room. Cherri was knocked out on the other side of the couch next to Husk, you were honestly surprised considering how many shots she could knock back and not be buzzed at all, but probably all the celebrations and fooling around made her reach her limit.

Angel grabbed another blanket and placed it on top of her, wearing a soft smile. He then turned back towards you, grabbing one of your hands and headed up towards his room. His room was illuminated in a neon pink, giving off a very intimate atmosphere. His precious Fat Nuggets was sleeping on his back on the bed, making it easy for Angel to give him a belly rub. Heaving a sigh, Angel flopped against the bed, having removed his top, letting his chest floof pop out and his heels, exposing his spider-like shaped feet. He removed his bottoms too, letting his red thong flash at you, making you blush and lick your lips "Soooo?, Are you ready for my gift~?" You sensually walked closer to him on the bed, maneuvering your body to place yourself over on top of him. His pink eyes widen at your position on him, before he smirked and moved his hands to pull you a bit closer, hands caressing your soft body. "More than ready, baby~. What ya get me?" He spoke in a soft whisper, giving you goosebumps, as his hands kept massage your body, making it harder for you to focus and not melt into the pleasure. "I'll bring it out, but first close your eyes for me." Angel raised an eyebrow at that, before he shrugged and closed his eyes.

Angel felt you get off the bed, and heard the sound of the his bathroom door opening and closing. He moved up on the bed, going from a laying position to a seating position, with his legs crossed. He honestly had not idea what you were going to give him and it left him feeling nervous and giddy at the same time. The room was silent, with the only sounds the could be heard was Angels breathing and the little oinks coming from Fat Nuggets sleeping on his own bed now, as Angel had moved him before. The sounds of the door opening, caused Angel to jump. He could hear the soft pattering of your feet, until they stopped and he felt movement on his bed. "Okay, open your eyes~." You softly said. Angel slowly opened his eyes, until they widen at the sight of you. You were sitting on his bed, wearing a red body bow, with the bow being placed to cover your tits and only a string covering your butt. Angel nearly drooled at the sight of you, while his lower half began to rise.

Your eyes gazed at him with desire, as you tilted your head at him cutely: "Well~?" You continued to stare at him, while he continued to look at you with wide eyes and mouth opened like a fish. Finally he spoke, cheeks flashing red. "Holy sh✪✪! W-when did ya? How did?" He continued to stutter, obviously still in shock at you. Giggling, you told him that you found this at the lingerie store the both of you went to, saying it was hidden from others, answering his question. Smirking, you laid back on the bed, staring seductively at Angel, while you crooked your finger at him. "Sooo~, does the birthday boy wanna open up his present?

**TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2**

Tag List:

@pepperycookie , @yourdoorisunlocked, @ghostdoodlen, @aceofcards0-0, @jyoongim, @saturnhas82moons, @unholycheesesnack , @luujjvi , @forbidden-sunlight, @pinkcrystal44 , @veethewriter , @rains-sleeping , @danveration , @demoarah, @cookiekyo , @iiotic, @delectableworm , @91062854-ka , @alastorsgoldie , @lokis-imaginary-friend , @themysteriousslenderman , @huntlowfan , @pawstrey , @futureittomainn , @christinaatyourservice92 , @littledolly2345 , @just-trash-yeah-thats-it , @angelinevalentine89 , @yunimimii , @staryosh1 , @mihawksdemoness , @crystalreads , @blahblahbruhmeow , @madam-strawberryrose , @inkslayer , @azazel-nyx , @lixanjewel , @ainsliemac , @sweet06tart , @nobuharashinyao , @aria-tempest , @fluffismystaplefood @darischerry , @nightmarenaya , @moonie123 , @yakultt-art , @ktssstuff , @blakedbeanss , @sweet06tart , @ihyperfixatedagain , @alastorssimp , @sadnessiscoldtea , @artemisandhunters , @crystalreads , @thereeallink , @justchillaine , @felice-jaganshi , @batmanmonstarr , @dilucragnvindr-my-beloved , @imacollasaltitan , @ask-theradio-demon , @lousypotatoes , @ohmylovewhereartthou-blog , @crazed-flower

[tichiox1]

Going shopping with the kaulitz twins headcannons

Hello thank you for the support on my last post you guys don't even know how much it motivates me to write more and thank you again.

Also a fun fact about me is that i get my ideas when i listen to music so you guys can give me song recs and ill listen to them and maybe ill even write about it thank you again!!

-+-+-+-+-+-+-

Bill kaulitz☆☆

-Probably more excited than you

-when you two go to the mall he immediately drags you to hot topic

-when he tries on outfits he'll show it to you and sometimes makes you his personal manikin .

-He always ask for your opinion on things when he wants something he'll ask you "Is this good?" "should i get this?" "Do you think this would match with this?" in short he doesn't know what to pick .

-While shopping he'll always go to the food court to get snacks he always gets hungry mid shopping.

-When he sees something he thinks you'll like he'll always show it to you and says "This would look amazing on you!" and once you try it he will buy it for you .

-Matching shirts is a must!!

-he gets distracted easily so keep an eye on Bill because if you leave him he'll be across the room the second you look back.

-He saw these star hairclips and bought them for you because he thinks they would look amazing on you.

-When carrying stuff he won't mind carrying it but carry the other bags please!.

-He's also really excited to go to some make up stores to buy dark eye shadows and eye liner.

-Even when you two are shopping for hours he's not getting tired but if you do say your feet hurts and you want to rest he'll understand and will find a cafe somewhere where you two can chat and eat , and after that the shopping continues.

Tom kaulitz ♡♡

-He's excited because he's going to spend time with you!!.

-He doesn't mind going anywhere if you want to go there then there he goes with you he's like a puppy following it's owner .

-When you ask him about his opinion on outfits he'll always agree because he thinks that everything looks amazing on you! .

-When you're showing off outfits outside the fitting room he'll probably sneak in a kiss here and there.

-When you try to show things that you think would suit him he'll try it on for you (even if he doesn't like some of the things you show him he'll still try it on to not hurt your feelings).

-He'll ask you to go to the food court since he's hungry shopping takes a lot of energy.

-Don't worry about carrying the shopping bags he'll carry it he doesn't want you to get tired.

-Even if he's tired because of walking alot he doesn't mind as long as your happy but he does hint at times that he wants to rest for a bit.

-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+

Thank you for reading even if it's very short ill make one shots and headcannons in the future don't worry but if i don't post for a while im sorry ill probably be busy because of school but dont worry im working on a fanfic about bill well again but also tom so just wait ! Thank you again!

[spoodrm4n]

And I Would Do It Again

Parings: Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader

Summary: In season 3, instead of Steve getting beaten by the Russian interrogators, it’s you. Steve and Robin are still drugged so they don’t notice your life threatening injury at first. 

Warnings: Angst, mentions of injury, mentions of blood.

Word Count. 3.7K

 A/N: I suck at summaries. This fic took me 15 years to write. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE LOVE!!!!!

PART TWO

You weren’t quite sure how you had ended up with your little brother Dustin, your coworker and crush Steve Harrington, and other coworker and best friend Robin Buckley, and Lucas Sinclair’s little sister Erica in a secret underground Russian base beneath Star Court mall– but that’s where you ultimately found yourself. You had been beaten within an inch of your life by some of the Russians trying to get some answers from you. They had gotten nothing out of you, but you had paid the price. The guards had just thrown you into the room they were holding Robin and Steve. Just like that the guards were leaving again, leaving the three of you alone. 

You landed on the floor at their feet with a groan, closing your eyes and willing the excruciating headache you had earned away. You opened them slowly as you heard the two giggling above you. You could make out Steve and Robin’s faces even though it seemed like you had lost part of your vision in your left eye from the interrogation. 

“You klutz! You’ve always been sooo clumsy!” You furrowed your eyebrows at Robin’s slurred insult and looked up at the two, pushing yourself to sit back on your heels in front of them. 

“You have a rainbow… all over your face,” Steve was gasping at you, eyes wide and a goofy, opened mouth smile on his face. You blinked at them. 

“What did they give you two?” You were standing up, grimacing at the pain it caused you. You sucked in what little breath you could without jostling your broken ribs and walked over to them, starting on untying them. 

“You’re dripping on me, Henderson.” Robin scrunched up her face and you quickly apologized about getting blood on her white socks. You quickly realized after untying them from their chairs and each other that you were missing two other people. 

“Where the hell are Erica and Dust-” You were cut off by the door being blown open by your brother and Erica on an industrial cart. You jumped in front of Steve and Robin, shielding them from any debris. “There they are,” you laughed as Dustin and Erica rushed over, concern written all over their faces. Sirens started to sound through the base accompanied by bright, red, flashing lights. 

“Shit, Y/N what the hell did they do to you?” Your brother was all over you as you tried to push him away and lead Steve to the cart. 

“Plenty, as you can see, but we need to get out of here before they do plenty to someone else!” You urged him as he got the hint to help Robin to the back of the cart with Steve. You hopped in the back with the two as Dustin and Erica got back in the front. “Drive!” You yelled to your brother as you saw guards starting to file into the hall. 

“Wooo!” Robin was cheering and you winced at how loud she was. You flinched at the loud sound of gunfire behind you and ducked down, dragging Steve and Robin with you. 

“Shit! You two, stay down or so help me god!” You yelled at them both, hands skimming the bed of the back of the cart. You grinned when you felt a small handgun. “It’ll do.” You whispered, checking the ammunition, turning the safety off and cocking the gun. You popped back up from the cover of the cart and aimed at one of the guards running towards you. You fired and hit him in the shoulder, making him collapse and having a couple other guards trip over his body. 

“Badass,” you heard Steve whisper in awe behind you. You cocked the gun again and took aim, but before you could pull the trigger again one of the guards had taken a shot and hit you in the side. “Holy shit,” you gasped as you fell back into Steve’s chest on accident and bit the inside of your cheek, swallowing a scream. 

“You’re back,” Steve smiled down at you. You shot him an annoyed glare and breathed out, grabbing Steve’s red tie from his Scoops uniform and working to tie it around your wound to slow the bleeding. It had already stained your scoops uniform a bit. “Hey that’s mine!” He whined and you couldn’t find it in yourself to feel bad. You grit your teeth as you finished tying it around your waist to cover your wound and pulled your uniform shirt back down. You breathed out, sagging against Steve but it was short lived as Dustin slammed on the breaks. You flew forward, face first into the back of the cart and groaned. That earned you some giggles from Robin and Steve. 

“Come on, Y/N!” Dustin was yelling at you, tugging your arm to get out of the cart and into the elevator. 

“Grab Robin, I’ll grab Steve. Erica get in, fast!” You instructed, pulling Steve by his bicep out of the cart and into the elevator, trying your best to ignore the burning pain in your side. Dustin had Robin in front of you. You pushed Steve into the elevator and ducked in yourself, bullets flying over your head. “Woah! Take me to dinner first!” He giggled at you and you rolled your eyes. You flung yourself against the side of the wall as Erica frantically pushed the ‘up’ button and grabbed Steve by the back of his shirt, making him stumble to your side and out of the range of fire. Dustin and Robin were behind Erica. It felt like years before the doors were finally sliding shut and the elevator was shooting up with as much grace as it had falling down. 

“Are you okay?” You ran over to Dustin, wrapping him in a hug. You bit back a whimper as he hugged you back. Not only had you just been shot, but you also had been beaten within an inch of your life. 

“I’m fine, I’m fine. What about you–” Dustin was cut off by a snort from Robin as Steve hopped onto a pallet dolly and held his arms out as if he were surfing. You ran a hand over your face. What was wrong with these two? Robin jerked the cart and caused Steve to fall over into the corner, Robin cackling like a mad man. 

“Wipeout!” She cheered, motioning with her hands to Steve in the corner. 

Dustin crouched down to Steve and pried one of Steve’s eyes open, checking his pupils. Steve poked Dustin on the nose with a small ‘boop’.

“His pupils are super dilated.” Dustin spoke, turning to Erica. 

“Maybe he’s drugged?” Erica shrugged and you did the same. 

“That seems like a fair answer,” you supplied as Dustin turned back to Steve. 

“You drugged?” Dustin quirked an eyebrow and Steve almost scoffed. 

“How many times dad I don’t do drugs… it’s only marijuana,” Steve booped Dustin’s nose again. 

“I’m not sure what answer you were really expecting, Dusty.” You smiled, trying your best to find the humor in the situation. All of you fell on your butts as the elevator came to a screeching halt. Damn Russian elevators. The doors opened to the outside and you got up, helping Steve to his feet and out the doors. You ushered him out of the elevator and he trotted on out, Robin ahead of him and gulping in fresh air. You walked out with Dustin and Erica but froze when you saw more guards at the gate giving your all incredulous looks. 

“Shit! Come on! Other way!” You yelled, running and grabbing both Robin and Steve and pulling them back into the mall and slamming the doors closed behind you. You ran in front of the four, guiding them down the back tunnels that connected everything in the mall. 

“We’re going to take these two to the theater and me and you,” you motioned to Dustin, “are going to get in touch with Wheeler.” You made your way to the movie theater, remembering all the times you had shown the kids where to go and opened the back door, pushing the four of them through. Dustin led the way into the theater and made Robin and Steve sit down in two empty seats towards the front of the theater. 

“You two, stay here. Do not move!” Dustin hissed at the two and it wasn’t long before a man behind the three were shushing Dustin. You walked to the back of the theater to wait for Dustin as he talked to Erica. In the corner of the theater you leaned against the wall, lifting up your shirt to check the state of the gunshot wound on your side. You were met with purple and blue bruises littered all over your torso and the once bright, cherry red of Steve’s tie was now crimson. “Shit,” you muttered, pulling your shirt back down. Dustin finally came bounding up to you, leading the way to a supply closet. 

“Mike, this is Dustin. Do you copy?” Dustin kept on trying to get a response from Mike. You were just about to tell him to give up when Mike’s voice crackled through the speaker, static cutting in and out. “Shit! Low battery.” Dustin was fumbling through his bag now and all you could do was lean against the door frame, barely on your feet in the first place. You had your arms wrapped around your torso, trying to find any comfort at all. 

“Find anything?” You mumbled as Dustin set his bag down. 

“No. I don’t know where my spare batteries went. We’ll just have to go and find them. Let's go grab Steve, Robin, and Erica and get out of here. We have to tell the rest of the party about this.” Dustin shoved everything back into his bag and you opened the door, following him back out into the hallway. 

“I’ll wait here. You get them and meet me back out here. I gotta think of how we’re actually going to leave the mall without a car.” Dustin nodded as he went back into the theater and you leaned back against the wall. You squeezed your eyes shut and grit your teeth. You weren’t sure how much longer you could stay standing at this point. 

“Not too much longer…” You breathed out, shoulders slumping. You jumped and turned to see Erica and Dustin barging through the doors. 

“They’re gone.” Dustin spoke and you felt a bit of your resolve crumble. 

“What do you mean they’re gone? You’re kidding me.” Anger rose in your voice but it wasn’t pointed at Erica or Dustin– not even Steve or Robin. Just the shitty situation you all had been put in. “Okay. You and Erica search the bottom level of the mall, I’ll look for them on the second. You find them, you meet me at the front entrance. Be safe,” you patted your little brother on the head and the three of you parted ways, now on a man hunt for your drugged up coworkers. 

You exited the theater and climbed the stairs to the upper level of the mall, starting down the left side. “It would be my luck to get trapped in a secret, underground Russian base after a long day of work and get beaten the shit out of, shot, and now on a manhunt for my best friend and crush. Gotta love Henderson luck,” you thought out loud, running a stressed hand through your hair. 

You had met Steve one of the first times he had taken your brother over to the Wheeler’s house instead of you. You had questioned him and your brother on your doorstep on why they were suddenly best friends. It was odd to you, but they had made up a solid excuse which you believed for a while. You both started at Scoops and you became closer, sharing late night drives, dinners, movie nights, and taking care of your brother and his friends. You had also developed a crush on Steve in that time and Robin had called you out on your bullshit within the first week of you realizing you were in love with him. It didn’t help when he would always try to flirt with every girl that would come in, leaving you to cringe and seeth in jealousy beside him. He never had any success anyway, Robin’s ‘You Rule / You Suck’ Talley on one of the whiteboards at Scoops had kept track of it. 

Little did you know that Steve only did it because he thought he had no chance with you. It’s not like he wanted his attempts to succeed anyway, he only wanted to make you jealous but you were both too thick in the head to say anything to each other. It was driving Robin absolutely insane. 

 You caught sight of the two a little ways further down, staring up at the glass domed ceiling. You saw them sway on their feet for a second before they were plowing into a nearby bathroom. “That can’t be good,” you muttered before walking as fast as you could towards the two, which wasn’t fast at all considering the state you were in. 

You opened the bathroom door and found the two sitting on the floor of the first stall, laughing with each other. 

“Oh, Y/N! We were just talking about you,” Robin winked at Steve and you could’ve swore his face turned a bit pink. 

“Oh, sorry to interrupt story time, but I’ve been looking for you two everywhere. We gotta go,” you couldn’t help but be a bit annoyed as you wrapped an arm around yourself on instinct. You knew you were about to bite the dust soon and you needed to get out of here. 

Steve looked up at you and for the first time it’s like he actually processed the state you were in. “Holy shit, Y/N.” He breathed, standing up and rushing over to you. He held his hands out helplessly, not knowing where to even start as he looked you up and down. “What the hell did they do? Are you okay?” You looked into his eyes and you could see his pupils were no longer dilated and they didn’t have a haze to them anymore. 

“I will be okay as long as we get out of here, Steve.” You were being honest now. “Dustin and Erica are downstairs, we’ll meet up with them there and get out of here.” You explained, shoving his hands away so he wouldn’t find the bullet wound. You were almost out of here. You could do this. 

“Yeah, okay, sorry. Let’s go.” He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair, worried eyes trained on you as you turned to walk out of the bathroom. They followed you out and you three headed towards the stairs. You started falling behind and you felt yourself get dizzier. You looked down to see that Steve’s tie was no longer holding up and blood was soaking through your shirt. You pressed a hand to it, trying to slow the bleeding. 

“Henderson, keep up otherwi– Oh my god,” Robin stuttered out as her eyes trailed down to the crimson seeping through your uniform. You blinked up at her, but she was blurry. In a moment your knees were buckling beneath you and you found yourself on the floor on your back. “Y/N!” Robin’s face appeared above you and you squinted, trying to see her clearly. 

“What happened?” Steve was there above you now too. You felt hands pull your shirt up just enough to see the bullet wound. You don’t know when you started crying but you furrowed your eyebrows as you felt hot tears drip down the sides of your face. “Oh god, Henderson.” Steve again. 

“Steve,” You breathed, one of your hands reaching out for him. Robin grabbed it instead as Steve undid his tie around your waist and grabbed your own, replacing the soaked through one. “Oh fuck,” you groaned, eyes squeezing shut in pain. All the adrenaline from earlier had dissipated and you were in agony now. You swallowed the bile that threatened to crawl up your throat. 

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I’m so sorry,” Steve apologized, securing the cloth around your waist. You gripped Robin’s hand impossibly hard; you would have to apologize to her later. “When did you even get shot?” 

“Who got shot?” Dustin and Erica were there above you now as well. You hated that Dustin was seeing you like this. You were supposed to be the big sister who was always okay. “Y/N! What the hell happened Steve?” Dustin was crouching down next to Steve now, grabbing your other hand. 

“She must’ve gotten hit when we were driving away from those guards. I’m pretty sure I remember them shooting at us. That was like an hour and a half ago, though. How was she even still walking? And she got the shit beat out of her before getting shot? How are you even still alive Y/N, I mean you should definitely be–” Robin was rambling now out of nervousness. You cut her off. 

“Robin, stop. You’re rambling again and I’m gonna punch you in the face if you keep talking,” you grit out, sitting up on your elbows. “I’m fine, really.”

“Yeah, no. You’re definitely not. You need help.” Steve scolded, hand on your upper arm supporting you. “I can carry you down. There’s no way you can walk,” Steve hooked an arm under your knees and your shoulders. 

“Steve, really it’s fine, I can walk, I just needed a minute.” You felt your face grow hot as he stood up with you in his arms. You looked up at him. 

“Y/N, you’re literally an idiot. Just let Steve help you,” Dustin chastised at your stubbornness. 

“Absolutely not. There’s no way you’re walking. Don’t be ridiculous,” Steve scolded at the same time as Dustin as he made his way down the stairs with you. You just sighed and rested your forehead on his shoulder, trying to hide the blush on your face. This is not happening right now. 

You all got downstairs and to the entrance when you were met with Nancy, Jonathan, Will, Max, Mike, Lucas, and Eleven. Steve set you down carefully on a bench by them as they conversed. Each of the new members stealing a concerned glance at the shape you were in. You felt yourself start to drift off as their voices droned on. You shook your head, willing yourself to stay awake and stood up.

No one had noticed you get up, thankfully. You walked towards the bathrooms that were nearby and stepped up to one of the sinks. You white knuckled the ceramic, chest heaving with exhaustion. You turned on the water and splashed some on your face, trying to wake yourself up and clean the cuts as well. 

“What the hell are you doing?” You jumped nearly a foot in the air. You gasped for air and placed a hand over your heart as Steve came up to you and turned the water off. 

“I just needed to get up. I was gonna fall asleep. I can’t really do that right now,” You gestured to yourself, sarcasm dripping from your tone. 

“You need to sit down, you’re going to hurt yourself more.” He argued, hands on his hips. 

“What are you? My mom?” You grew frustrated. You felt like absolute shit, you just wanted to go home, and you were stuck potentially bleeding out in the mall bathroom. 

“I’m sorry I just give a shit about your well-being!” Steve yelled, throwing his hands in the air. 

“Oh, I’m so glad you’re doing the bare minimum!” You shouted back, hands going back to gripping the edge of the sink. 

“Are you trying to kill yourself, Y/N? Is that what you want? Just sit down and let me take care of you because I can’t– I can’t lose you.” Your heart shattered as his voice broke. You stared at him mouth agape. “I can’t Y/N.”

“I’m sorry, Steve. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” You whispered, eyes filling with tears. “It’s just, it’s funny– ya know? I’m going to bleed out in the mall bathroom after escaping from a secret, underground, Russian base in my Scoops Ahoy uniform. It seems so funny.” You were laughing now. You didn’t really know if it was due to blood loss or just because the scenario you were stuck playing was actually hilarious. 

“Hey, you’re not gonna die here. You’re not going to die anytime soon, if I have anything to do with it.” Steve stood in front of you now, hands gliding up and down your arms. “And as soon as we get out of here– alive and well– I’m taking you on a date like I should’ve done ages ago.” He smiled at you. 

“What? Am I dead?” You were definitely dead. Steve Harrington didn’t want to take you on a date. No way.

“Um no? Not unless we’re both dead and we’re simultaneously dreaming the same death. I like you, Y/N. A lot. I have since you answered the door that first time instead of your smartass little brother.” Steve laughed. 

“Hey, Dustin’s my smartass, okay?” You chuckled as he stepped closer to you. 

“They really beat the shit out of you, huh?” Steve was close to your face now, drinking in every detail of you. “Why couldn’t they have taken me?” He shook his head, eyes sad as they remarked your injuries. 

“I wouldn’t let them. If it had to have been anyone, it would have been me. And I’d do it again as long as you’re okay.” You spoke, eyes flicking from his eyes to his lips every now and again. Steve had always been so pretty. He was handsome, really handsome– sure, but he was also pretty. 

“And that’s the only thing I wish I could change about you.” A smile tugged at his lips. He leaned in finally and your lips touched. You breathed out through your nose, melting into him. Your hands stayed planted on the sink, your knees becoming even more weak. His hands trailed up your arms, to your shoulders, and finally to your cheeks. He made sure his hands were just gently placed there, being careful of your injuries. 

The both of you pulled apart and you smiled at him. “Steve?” 

“Henderson?” He grinned back. 

“I think I’m gonna pass out.” You said as you felt your head get lighter and your knees once again give out beneath you. Your vision started to go dark and you felt yourself let go.

“Y/N!” He caught you. You knew he would. 

[andalitean]

honestly the series didn't pay enough attention to the fact that rachel is exclusively responsible for tobias and ax's wardrobes and they go along with her choices. (she instinctively buys designer underwear for erek, so i assume that she also buys designer underwear for the boys and thinks nothing of it.) this means that when the gang's out and about tobias and ax are wearing absolutely slammin' outfits and jake and marco are just...there

Dheixjwodjekfn the juxtaposition when you see them in the mall food court...

Rachel tobias and ax look like they came from prep school

Cassie is wearing her comfy farmer core with the big galoshes

Marco has like a star trek graphic tee and khakis on probably

and Jake obviously sporting the matching neon nike shirt and basketball shorts combo

[rowretro]

Running from riki

Just a lil fluff imagine I wrote on wp

Warnings: none rlly just a bunch of cuteness<3

also im new to writting on here so idk how to make it pretty pls help

"Baby, listen, the whole time your hand will be in mine hmm? I don't want no running off kay?" Niki asked in a soft yet stern tone as You smiled nodding. Within the 5 seconds in which you entered the mall, your feet were itching to run to the nearest store, your mind already running from store to store as your eyes scanned the whole place.

"Baby- remember what I said-" Riki added, his eyes narrowing to the littlun beside him "Of course baby I will- OOH CLOTHES-" There you go, running to the clothing shop but Riki was quick to act...

In one swift move, he pulled you into his arms, hugging her securely as he stared down at your slightly flustered figure "What did I tell you, princess?" Riki asked as you hid your face in his chest.

The male smiled at this action, softly letting go, his hand still gripping onto yours as they walked through the mall. Yet again, your feet were taking you to all kinds of stores, Riki being quick to act, pulling her back, cautiously not wanting to injure her arm.

His eyes suddenly fell on a running toddler, the toddler's parents' holding the toddler on a leash "Babe- I think we need to go to a store that sells those leashes-" Riki pointed out as you giggled, mischievously.

"why? are we going to have a baby???" You asked giggling at the way his expression changed "WHAT- EH- NO- ONE BABY Y/N IS ENOUGH FOR ME-" Riki defended himself as you just laughed more at the poor boy.

"So what if I can't get a kids leash thingy- I can always get a dog leash- Im sure it'll fit around your neck-" Riki said as y/n kicked his ass. "OW-" Riki yelled and within seconds she ran off in a random direction.

"She a runner?" A man randomly asked, sighing as Riki noded, with a sigh "She's a runner she's a track star-" he replied "Mine too- so I put her on a leash-" the male said, pointing at his daughter as Riki simply walked away, searching for You.

"There you are, princess- I swear we're going to have to do online shopping from now on if you keep running like this-" Riki sighed as you giggled "But babe that's boring-" You whined as Riki placed a soft peck on your forehead.

His hand held onto yours again as you two left the store. Was it annoying? yes, was it exhausting? yes, but either way it made him happy.

It made him happy to see his beloved giggle and run happily when with him, and on top of that, it gave him a reason to hold your hand more often, he loved the thought of everyone in the store knowing he's your boyfriend and you're his girlfriend.

And overall, he loves you, the most important reason why he tolerates your chaos. "BABY BABY BABYYY- SCREW MC DONALDS IT'S TOO EXPENSIVE- LET'S GO WINGSTOP!" You squealed as Riki snickered, placing a soft kiss on your cheek.

"As you wish princess~" The boy smiled, his hand firmly holding yours, as he matched your speedy pace, the 2 of you walking to the food court as you ordered your food.

Poor Riki was met with an empty space beside him when he got the food, the male sighed as he looked around, only to see you sitting by an empty table, cleaning off the crumbs from the people before.

He walked over to you, hurriedly, hoping to not lose you again, he placed the food on the table and hugged you tightly. "You really are a runner- you scared me for a split second I thought I really lost you-" Riki mumbled as you blushed at his words.

You kissed his lips softly as you looked up at him "You know- you're really cute when you're shy- and worried- but don't worry- Im not going to disappear that easily-" You smiled as Riki ruffled your hair.

(A/n: This is cute-ish I guess- BUT WHY DID I PICTURE LILY TUCKER PRITCHET TRYING TO RUN IN DISNEY LAND WHILE MITCH/CAM HELD HER ON A LEASH? IF YK WHICH EP IM TALKING ABT)

[protectspock]

(at a shopping mall food court) wow, this is just like Star Trek: Deep Space 9.

[the-lazy-cat-bakes-souffles]

I can’t stop thinking about the way that when Robin hears Nancy’s name in Season 3 she rolls her eyes and calls her a priss, but then not five minutes later she runs into Nancy in the flesh who’s apparently in the thick of the insane situation Robin has become unwittingly wrapped up in. Her makeup is smudged and her hair is messy and she’s terse with Robin and all Robin can do is utter a flustered reply while giving her this look:

And then shortly afterwards Robin watches as Nancy plants herself in front of a station wagon full of kids and shoots at an oncoming speeding car with a pistol, fully ready to sacrifice herself to protect them. That night at the Star Court Mall changes everything Robin thought about this dainty, pretty, prissy girl who turns out to be a certified badass with nerves of steel. 

After this, Robin is smitten. She volunteers to go with Nancy the moment an opportunity presents itself. When they’re waiting in the library, she assumes that Nancy has some genius trick up her sleeve because since Star Court she’s built up an idea of who she is in her mind: brilliant and brave and tenacious. Robin is so desperate for Nancy to like her that she loses all pretense of sardonic aloofness that we see around other characters and the words start spilling out, exactly as she described when venting to Steve about how she behaves around girls she’s crushing on. 

Robin is self-conscious and apologetic about how she comes across to Nancy, she repeatedly tries to diffuse the underlying tension between them in any way that she can, and is particularly keen to emphasise the platonic nature of her friendship with Steve. Despite barely knowing Nancy, she starts using the nickname “Nance” right away. There’s a sincere and earnest effort to win Nancy’s approval and affection; Robin needs it more than she even realises.

And the thing is, it works. Nancy starts off cool and irritable and exasperated (which, one should point out, may be in no small part because she’d been up all night looking for her friend who she just found brutally murdered - cut her some slack folks!), but after those two hours with Robin in the library, she realises that she’s remarkably bright and creatively minded and complements her own logical way of thinking so well. You can see the journey she undergoes in that short period of time written on her face: bemusement and impatience soon give way to respect and the dawning realisation that she’s met her intellectual match, someone with the same insatiable curiosity and a whole new way of seeing the world to show her. 

Nancy has so many emotional walls built up from years of repression and trauma, especially surrounding having and losing friends (not to mention, potentially, her own repressed queerness), but Robin despite her insecurities over her lack of filter and tendency to ramble and her other personal quirks manages to steal in past those defences. After that first encounter together, Nancy wants Robin by her side at all times. Even though she knows Steve, Dustin, Lucas and Max so much better, she picks Robin to come with her to Pennhurst, she asks Robin to explore the Creel House with her, she has Robin ride shotgun with her in her car. They stick together as a pair at every turn. 

This is so, so important: Nancy grows to like and care about Robin because of her being totally and utterly herself. The Robin whose mouth moves faster than her brain, the Robin who is relentlessly inquisitive and goofy and clumsy, the Robin who is at her most overtly neurodivergent around her. And Robin is slowly but surely finding confidence in herself and courage through that relationship, she’s taking risks she never would have before, and learning that her perceived flaws are actually strengths. When talking to Warden Hatch at Pennhurst with Nancy, it’s her runaway way with words that saves them and leaves Nancy incredibly impressed. The unmasked, unfiltered, beautiful gay disaster Robin Buckley is the person Nancy comes to admire and develops a deep fondness for. 

It’s been said many times before, but Robin and Nancy complete each other. As we’ve just established, Nancy quickly becomes a source of reassurance, inspiration and affirmation for Robin. And Robin is someone who can keep up with Nancy’s laser-focused fixations and faced-paced thinking, who can challenge her to consider things she never would have otherwise. She also encourages Nancy to be more honest with herself and makes her feel at ease at a time when she’s more lost than ever. Robin is always carefully reading Nancy and respects her opinions and feelings; she’s the friend and confidant Nancy has been missing in her life all this time since losing Barb.

When they’re talking in the woods, it’s not what Robin says about Steve or Jonathan that Nancy latches onto. What truly takes her aback is the realisation that Robin considers them to be friends, and both quietly, bashfully blush and smile to themselves at that confirmation. However adrift Nancy might be from her complex feelings over Jonathan and Steve or her unhealed emotional scars, she’s found an anchor in someone. However insecure Robin might feel about herself, she’s found a girl who she doesn’t have to pretend with.

And then we come to perhaps the most revealing scene of the season so far: when Eddie, Steve, Nancy and Robin are on the boat over Lover’s Lake. The parallels to Tammy Thompson are evident as Robin stares at Nancy who can’t pull her eyes away from Steve, and the way in which the camera focuses on the two characters in the frame imparts so much more than Robin simply being happy for the rekindled feelings of her friends. Her longing expression breaking into a soft smile and the bowing of her head feels like the sad acceptance of something she believes to be unattainable for her. 

Nancy demonstrates her trademark reckless abandon to protect the people she loves when she dives in to rescue Steve without hesitation after he’s pulled under, but Robin’s reaction is gut-wrenching as she cries out Nancy’s name and reaches for her. And then Robin, who beneath her snarky facade is far more scared than she likes to let on, pushes down those fears and without wasting a second moves to go after her with a sense of resigned determination. The framing of this scene, the dialogue and Maya Hawke’s performance make it clear that Robin is willingly following Nancy Wheeler into hell. As Eddie says, that’s as sure a sign of true love as these cynical eyes have ever seen. 

Regardless of whether the romantic subtext is intentional or this relationship is supposed to remain strictly platonic, Nancy and Robin’s blossoming friendship is a very special one. Having swiftly dismantled their presumptions about one another, they’ve found true synergy, inspiring and pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves. In spite, or rather because of their differences, the two are slowly but surely forging a profound bond that is already one of the most charming and memorable on the show to date, and with any luck, we’ll get some meaningful and moving payoffs to their arcs together in Vol 2. Perhaps, through each other, Nancy and Robin will finally find the closure, catharsis and connection they’ve been yearning for. 

Thanks so much to @meanlesbianrobin for providing the accompanying screenshots! 

[eddievanhammettmunson]

Heavy

Steve Harrington x plus size female reader

Author’s note- hola my ghouls, goblins, fellow gremlins. I’m here with a Steve one shot. I don’t write for him often so I hope o can do him some justice. Likes and reblogs are always appreciated.

Warnings- 18+++++!!!!!!! PLEASE DO NOT READ IF YOU ARE A MINOR THANK YOU. mentions of fat phobia, self esteem issues. Bullying, angst, fluff, cursing,oral (f &m receiving) smut! P in V unprotected sex!, squirting.

Summary- being a big girl in high school is hard. King Steve and his friends hadn’t made it any easier. Can he make it up to you now that you’ve graduated?10.8k words

You knew who Steve Harrington was. Everybody did. He was impossible to miss. All the guys wanted to be him and all the ladies loved him. Well. Almost all the ladies. All except you. You could admit to yourself Steve was a good looking guy but you couldn’t get past who he was as a person.

Back in High School you were mostly a loner except for a few friends you made in classes and a few people you sat with at lunch. Other than that you tried your best to keep to yourself throughout High School . That however was made difficult because of Tommy and Carol. Mostly Carol. She bullied you endlessly for your weight. Whether it was making a snarky remark in the hallway or laughing at you in gym class, she made your high school years hell. And with that came Tommy and Steve. Who usually stood behind her and didn’t say a word to defend you. On special days Tommy would chirp in and make snarky remarks with her. And sometimes you would catch Steve laughing.

The best day was the day you graduated because you knew you wouldn’t have to deal with any of them on a day to day basis anymore. Hell if you were lucky you wouldn’t even have to see their faces ever again. Or so you thought.

The summer after your graduation you found a job at a record store at star court mall. The stores name was Sam Goody. It was the best job cause you got to do your favorite thing. Stock records and listen to music all day. Everyday on your break you’d go to the food court and visit your old band friend Robin who worked at scoops ahoy. She was now going to be a senior and she managed to keep you up on all the juicy high school gossip now that you were out of high school.

Today had been a day just like any other. You’d stocked your records, listened to music, and flipped through magazines at the counter until it was time to close the shop and go on a lunch break. You walked into scoops ahoy just like usual and then suddenly stopped in your tracks.

There at the counter in that stupid scoops ahoy uniform was the one and only Steve Harrington. And he was busy talking to Robin. You were so frozen you didn’t even notice when Robin had turned her attention to you and tried waving you into the shop. But your eyes were trained on Steve. And as soon as he saw you, you quickly backed away and left the shop. Not bothering to look back. You feel bad about leaving Robin like that but there was no way you were going to subject yourself to “king Steve” now that you were graduated. And now that he worked there you’d have to find another place to go on your lunch break.

Robin was very confused when she turned to look at you and watched as you quickly fled the ice cream shop. She tracked your eye-line and figured you were looking at the boy next to her. Steve Harrington in training. It clicked for her then. She didn’t say anything but she huffed and returned to showing Steve the ropes of the shop.

Steve on the other hand was a bit distracted. He’d seen Robin waving at someone and trying to get them to come into the shop and when he turned to see you standing there, eyes wide like a deer in headlights staring straight at him, he got a pit in his stomach. That pit became much deeper when he watched as you practically sprinted out of the store.

Steve wasn’t an idiot. He didn’t need to be told what happened in that moment. He knew exactly why you decided not to come into the shop. And he felt guilty. But he decided to push it down and continue with his training. He’d worry about it another time. Surely you couldn’t avoid the shop forever. Especially since he sees that you’re friends with Robin.

Oh how wrong Steve was. He’s been working at scoops ahoy all summer now and you’ve yet to come back to the shop. He’s seen you around the mall and he knows you work at Sam goody but ever since his first day working there you haven’t stepped foot in scoops ahoy. Now you usually go get a hot dog on a stick and meet Robin behind the mall to chit chat on breaks or Robin comes to you at Sam goody.

Robin and Steve have grown a lot closer and consider each other friends. Robin has seen that the Steve she works with is no longer the king Steve that ruled Hawkins high. But Steve still wishes he could get that through to you. If you’d even give him a chance.

It’s a Tuesday and the mall is pretty slow. Even though it’s summer break a Tuesday afternoon still isn’t prime ice cream time. Steve watches as Robin walks back in from her break and next to her is you. Steve’s breath hitches. For a second he has hope you’ll actually walk in the store.

You glance past Robin and look at Steve and quickly turn your eyes in the opposite direction and keep walking, saying a quick goodbye to Robin. Steve’s whole body deflates. He leans back against the counter and runs his hands up and down his face.

Robin comes up to the counter and leans on the counter with him shoulder to shoulder. “What’s up Harrington?”

Steve thinks for a moment deciding whether or not he should talk to Robin about this. Since you and her were friends, maybe she could help him out.

He sighs heavily before speaking. “You and y/n are friends right?”

“Yup. Have been since I was a freshman and she was a sophomore.”

“Has she….well I don’t know…has she ever…talked about me?”

For once in her life Robin didn’t want to speak. She knew Steve wouldn’t want to hear what she had to say.

“Come on Robin I know she must have said something. She avoids this place like the plague ever since I started working here.”

Robin sighs and stands from the counter.

“Look Steve I know you’re not “king Steve” anymore….but she doesn’t… all she knows is the Steve who was friends with Tommy and carol who bullied her for being fat. Can you blame her for not wanting to see you? Why does it bug you so much anyway?”

Steve wanted to tell Robin why it bugged him so much. Why it’s always going to bug him that you hate him. But he couldn’t tell Robin that. And he could never tell you that. It wouldn’t be fair. How could Steve ever explain that all this time he’s thought you were beautiful and an amazing girl all the while he let his friends bully you to no end? How could he explain to Robin that watching you walk past the store and refuse to come in because of him killed him?

All Steve did in return to robins question was sigh and stand from the counter and go to the back to restock the ice cream.

Summer was moving swiftly and Steve had given up on his hopes of being able to talk to you. He had become content in knowing you would hate him forever and he would have to live with that cause it’s his bed and he must lie in it.

You had fallen into a routine of avoiding scoops ahoy at all costs whenever Steve was around. You managed to still get ice cream from time to time because Robin was very helpful and told you whenever Steve wouldn’t be working.

Today was a scorcher and Robin had told you yesterday that Steve wouldn’t be working today. So you did your usual closing the shop routine and walked over to scoops ahoy. You didn’t see Robin at the counter when you walked in so you stood there for a minute looking at all the flavors and decided which one to get.

After a few moments of standing there and looking at flavors you hear the door to the back swing open and you begin to say something to Robin about ignoring customers but you quickly shut your mouth and swallow hard when you see who walks through the door.

It’s not Robin. It’s Steve. He stops when he sees you too. Instead of your fight or flight kicking in, you’re just frozen. Stood there staring at each other for what is definitely too long. Eventually however you gain your bearings and cough slightly to snap Steve out of his trance as well. He stands up straighter and walks behind the counter.

You flick your eyes back down to the ice cream to avoid looking at him.

You’re the first to speak.

“I thought Robin was working today.” You say so quietly Steve almost doesn’t hear you.

“She uh called out sick this morning…. I’m happy to help you though. What can I get for ya?”

“The birthday cake flavor” your voice is somehow smaller than it was a second ago and it’s clear being in his presence is only making you more and more nervous.

Steve grabs a bowl and instead of giving you one scoop he gives you two. He hands it to you over the counter and for a brief second your fingers touch. Steve feels like he’s been electrified and it makes your entire body flinch back. Snatching the ices cream from him. He can see your cheeks turn a rosy pink. If you’d been looking at him you would have seen his do the same.

You walk towards the register and pull out some money and try to hand it to Steve.

“It’s on the house.”

You look up at him for a brief second, confusion flashed across your features.

“W-What?”

“I said it’s on the house.”

You suddenly become defensive. You don’t know what game he’s playing. Why he’s being nice to you. You’re still looking at the ground but you raise your voice a bit and it’s clear you’re not happy.

“I don’t know what you’re playing at here Harrington but whatever prank you’re pulling isn’t gonna work.”

Steve deflates.

“I-Im not playing any game here. I’m just-I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?”

He sighs heavily. “Yeah. I’m sorry. I’ve been hoping you were gonna walk into this shop for months so I could apologize for how I treated you in high school. But when I realized you were avoiding the store just because of me I figured I’d let it go and not bug you or make it worse. So when you walked In here today I was hoping we could form an olive branch ya know? And you definitely don’t have to forgive me. And you don’t have to say anything now. But just-just think about it okay? I really am sorry and if you want this can be the first of many ice creams trying to prove that.”

You finally look up from the floor and look at his face. His words sound genuine. And his facial expression reads guilt.

“I’m not saying I forgive you just cause you gave me free ice cream…..but thank you. For apologizing. I will accept the ice cream and the apology.”

Steve smiles and you smile back. You walk out of the store ice cream In hand and for once Steve feels like he has hope.

The next day you’re about to go on your lunch break to see Robin. Usually you guys meet out back and she usually gets there a bit later than you. Today however you decide to test the waters.

You walk into scoops ahoy to the surprise of both Steve and Robin. You walk right up to the counter and say hello to them both. Robin walks out from behind the counter and the two of you walk to the back of the building for your break.

“So you over your Steve fear?”

“I wouldn’t say I’m over it…but I’m working on it. He apologized to me yesterday when you were sick and his apology seemed genuine.”

“I’ve been trying to tell you he isn’t king Steve anymore.”

“Yeah but it’s much harder to believe that when I don’t work with him everyday Robin. Besides it’s not like him and I are friends or anything. It was just an apology.”

“If you say so.”

Weeks go by and you get better at walking into scoops ahoy and saying hello to Steve. A few times you guys even strike up a small conversation. What you don’t notice in these small conversations however is just how much Steve is trying to flirt with you. Which you don’t seem to notice at all. However Robin does.

Today after you leave scoops ahoy, two scoops of birthday cake ice cream in hand, free from Steve. Robin walks up to the counter and leans on it. Staring at Steve intensely. He begins to get annoyed by it.

“What Robin?”

“Ohhhhh nothing…..just that you’re totally head over heels for her”

Steve drops his ice cream scoop on the ground and clammers to pick it up.

“Pfft what? I have no idea what you’re talking about Robin.”

“Oh come on Steve how stupid to you think I am. Now it’s so obvious why her not coming In here bothered you so much and now that she does you’re trying to flirt with her. So come on, how long have hot liked her?”

Steve sighs and leans against the counter.

“Believe it or not I’ve liked her since freshman year. We had English class together and she was always so sweet. She was so smart too. Way smarter than me. And she was stunning. I stared at her constantly”

“Then why did you, Tommy, and carol bully her so much?”

“God I’m gonna sound like such an ass…I never told Tommy and Carol I liked her. I never told anybody. I was ashamed you know? I was king Steve. I was supposed to date the hot cheerleaders or the skinny preppy girls and well. She wasn’t. And I realize now how stupid that is and I regret it every single day.”

“Maybe you should tell her that.”

Steve shoots up like a rocket.

“NO! SHE CAN NEVER KNOW ROBIN AND YOU CANT TELL HER! Promise me you won’t tell her.”

“Why not? I thought you said you weren’t ashamed anymore and you regret it everyday?”

“I’m not ashamed Robin. But she hated me a few weeks ago. I just got her to start talking to me. If I were to tell her this she might go back to hating me and never talking to me again. I just got her. I don’t wanna lose her. If I can even be her friend I’ll be happy.”

Robin decided to drop the subject and promises Steve that she won’t say anything to you. And she doesn’t. Instead she observes. She observes over the coming weeks how much more comfortable you and Steve become. Like two pees in a pod. She watches as the conversations grow longer and eventually Steve joins you and Robin on your breaks.

Today the three of you are on break and you’re laughing at one of Steve’s jokes as Robin rolls her eyes. Robin takes notice of the way you put your hand on his arm as you laugh at his joke, and how hard you laugh at it considering Robin didn’t find it nearly as funny as you did apparently.

Steve announces his leave cause someone has to go back inside to watch scoops and he’s probably already been out there too long. Leaving you and Robin alone.

“Soooooo. You and Steve?”

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“I heard you but I don’t know what you mean. What about me and Steve?”

“Well do you like him?”

You choke on air for a second. Over the time you’ve been getting to know Steve you had to admit the boy was attractive….and funny…and a little dreamy. But you told yourself there was no use in day dreaming about a boy like him. That was nothing that would ever come of it so it didn’t matter what you felt.

“Robin I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Oh come on. Nobody laughs that hard at Steve’s joke. And I didn’t miss the way you grabbed his arm.”

“I’m sorry I actually found it funny. And I grab your arm all the time Robin. It’s just something I do. Don’t read into it.”

“I’m just saying. Would it be such a bad thing if you did like him?”

You sigh. “Even if I did, Which I’m not saying I do, it wouldn’t matter. He’s Steve. And I’m me. He wouldn’t ever like me that way so there’s no use in thinking about it.”

Robin became defensive of you for a second. You were her friend. How dare you talk down about yourself like that so casually?

“What do you mean “you’re you?” I know you and you’re amazing! He’d be lucky to have you. You know that right?”

You begin to stand up and walk inside.

“Robin can we just drop this. Please. I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

You and Robin walk back to scoops ahoy and you say goodbye to Robin and Steve.

When Steve gets off work that day he decides to do something without telling Robin. He watches Robin leave the store and head to her bike outside the mall. Steve would normally give her a ride home but he made an excuse saying he had to run errands at the mall for his mom so he would be there late.

That was a lie. His mom didn’t need anything from him or the mall. Instead after work Steve heads over to Sam goody. He walks in the store and you don’t seem to notice as you’re stocking some records.

He walks over to the records you’re stocking and takes one out of the crate you’re using to carry them around. When he reaches in the crate you look up at him in surprise and then smile.

“Oh hi Steve. What are you doing here?”

Now it was time to put his plan into action.

“Well I was wondering if you wanted to hangout tonight?”

“Oh! Sure! Where’s Robin?”

Steve slumps a little.

“Uh Robin wouldn’t be there. It would just be me and you…”

He notices the way you tense and the way your face contorts into confusion.

“So you want to hangout…alone….with me?”

“Well yeah. That’s kinda why I asked.”

“It’s just-I-well-“ you sigh and set the records down.

“Steve are you sure?”

Steve’s beginning to lose his confidence here. He was expecting either a yes or no. Definitely not this.

“Yes I’m sure. I was thinking maybe we could hangout at the diner in town and then go back to my place for a movie?”

Your face has an expression that Steve can’t quite read. And you can tell you’re making Steve nervous.

“Okay Steve. I get off in about 30 minutes if you wanna wait in here and listen to music while I stock the last of the records and cassettes.”

Steve’s face lights up like a Christmas tree. He walks over to the stool at the counter and watches as you work. He finds himself hypnotized by you. The way your soft hands flick through the records, the way your nice big hips sway as you walk, the way he can see your tummy is driving him wild. Then when he thinks it can’t get any better. You bend over to pick up a dropped cassette. He almost groans out loud. He quickly covers it with a cough and you look over at him and give him a smile which he returns.

The 30 minutes seems to last forever as he quickly realizes he’s growing a boner just watching you work. While you’re not looking he quickly sticks his hand down his pants and tucks his dick into the waistband of his pants. You finally finish stocking and look at the time and begin to close up shop.

Steve leads you out to his car and opens the door for you. You get in the passenger seat and Steve tells you that you can pick the music. You put on some Bon Jovi and it takes a few minutes but you begin to quietly sing along to yourself as you look out the window. Steve can barely hear you but he thinks your voice sounds beautiful. He smiles to himself as he listens to you.

Eventually the two of you pull into the diner and walk in and are seated as a nice booth near the window. You guys order some drinks and begin to look at the menu.

As you’re looking at the menu Steve wads up the little paper that comes on his straw and he throws it at your face to get your attention and you look up and give him an angry stare that he can tell isn’t angry. He stares back until you break and laugh.

He decides to test the waters and say something he wouldn’t normally say.

“You remember Ms Jones English class? Freshman year?”

Although you and Steve have been growing closer you’ve yet to talk about high school. Both avoiding it as a sore subject.

“Uh yeah?”

“I remember you always used to read this book. The same one all the time. Even if we were required to read a different book you’d always have that book with you. What was it called? We ended up having to read it senior year and I remember when we had to read it you were ecstatic cause you already knew everything about it. Pride and Prejudice right?”

You didn’t answer for a beat. You didn’t know Steve noticed you outside the times his friends spent bullying you. And the fact that he remembered what book it was caught you off guard.

“Uh yeah. Pride and Prejudice is still my favorite. I reread it all the time.”

“Why’s it your favorite?”

“Because it was the first book I read where felt like I could see the book laid out in my mind. Where I could imagine myself as the protagonist ya know?”

“Now I don’t remember a ton about the book but I remember her name was Elizabeth Bennet right? You see yourself as her. Why?”

Your face turns a little redder and he takes notice.

“Well- Lizzie was always seen as somewhat inferior. In terms of finances and looks compared to her sisters and I guess I could relate to that.”

“You’re not inferior.”

You sigh. “I didn’t say that for a pep talk Steve. I’m just saying I relate to her. Whether you think I’m inferior or not.”

“I know. And I know you don’t need a pep talk. But you’re not inferior okay?”

Just then the waiter comes up to take your orders. Steve orders a club sandwich with onion rings and you order a burger and fries.

The two of you laugh and talk as you wait for your food and eventually it arrives. Just as you’re about to dig in you hear an all too familiar laugh. You shut your eyes tight and try to pretend like you’ve disappeared. But when you open your eyes you’re still there. And so is Tommy H and fucking Carol.

You can hear carols witch cackle as the two of them approach the booth.

“Well well well look what we have here. King Steve out with the town cow.” Tommy says as he wraps his arm around carols shoulder.

Steve quickly stands up and gets in Tommy’s face.

“What did I tell you about shutting your damn mouth man?”

“Oh really Steve? You gonna fight me? Over that?” He points at you and you can feel the tears welling in your eyes. You didn’t want to be here.

Steve shoves Tommy back hard. Tommy bumps into a table and brushes off his jacket.

“I said shut.your. Damn. Mouth.”

Carol steps in front of Tommy.

“He’s not worth it Tommy. Don’t waste your time. Let Steve have the Heifer.”

Steve steps closer to the two of them.

“You leave her alone you hear me? I didn’t stop you guys shit back then and I should’ve but I’m not gonna let it happen now.”

Tommy huffs out a laugh and wraps his arm back around Carol and the two of them saunter out of the restaurant unbothered by the encounter. Steve turns his attention back to you at the table and what he finds breaks his heart.

There you are sitting with your head down. Breathing heavily, clearly trying to hold in your sobs. Steve can barely see your face but from what he can see, he can see tears streaming down them as you cry silently. He quickly squeezes in next to you on your side of the booth and he tries to wrap and arm around you but you quickly slide away and hit the wall getting as far away from him as you could.

“Y/n? I’m so sorry about them I had no idea they were even in town. I thought they left Hawkins I had no idea they’d be here.”

Your voice is just above a squeak as you answer.

“It’s okay. Thank you for defending me. I think I should go.”

“What! Why? We haven’t even eaten yet? Come on don’t let them ruin this.”

You huff a pained laugh. “Yeah like I need to eat this. As if I haven’t eaten enough already. Tommy and carol are right Steve. You shouldn’t waste your time hanging out with me. I get you feel bad about high school and everything but really you don’t need to hangout with me out of pity.”

Steve felt so much pain in his chest he wanted to topple over. He felt at fault. He’d never defended you before and now you had this horrible opinion of yourself. You viewed yourself as inferior: as a waste of time to hangout with. And he felt like it was all his fault.

He scooted closer to you and slowly reached up to grab your face in his hands and you let him. He turned your face to where you were looking at him with teary eyes. He began to speak in the most serious voice he could muster.

“You are NOT a waste to hangout with. I’m NOT hanging out with you out of pity. I’m here with you because I want to be. Please stay and eat with me? Please?”

You blink back some tears and nod your head yes.

It takes a few minutes but eventually Steve gets you laughing again. Mostly cause he starts playing with his food just to try and make you laugh. He notices you don’t finishes your meal and he wants to say something but he doesn’t want to push his luck.

He pays for both meals despite your protest and the two of you leave the restaurant and head back to Steve’s house.

The drive to Steves house is full of laughter and horrible singing impressions on Steve’s part. When you get there you’re shocked. You always heard about king Steve’s house in high school and how huge it was but you never expected this. You walk in and you’re very hesitant to touch anything. Steve can sense your nerves and he grabs your hand and leads you further into the house. He stops in the living room in front of the couch.

“Okay I’m gonna go change out of this stupid ass scoops uniform and I’ll be right back down if you wanna pick out a movie?”

As Steve turns to leave you quickly grab his hand and he spins back around.

“You okay?”

“I-I just…. Well. Steve what if your parents come home? And they see….well…me? Im not exactly the type of girl you usually bring home.”

Steve gives a lopsided smile and squeezes your hand.

“1. My parents are never ever home so the chances of them coming home and seeing you are like a billion to one. And even if they did screw them. I can be with whoever I want.”

Steve turns to leave again and this time you let him. You pick out a movie and sit on the couch and make yourself comfortable amongst the pillows.

Eventually Steve returns in his pajamas and with a bowl of popcorn in hand. He sits down directly next to you despite having a lot of open couch space left. He presses play on the movie and leans back in the pillows along with you and kicks his legs up on the coffee table.

About an hour into the movie Steve yawns stretches, moving his arm to rest on your shoulder. Without really thinking about it you lean into it and make yourself comfortable at his side. Steve smiles to himself and his small victory.

Eventually the movie ends and Steve puts on a movie as his choice and returns to your side. Wrapping his arm around you. As the night goes on the both of you just keep picking movies turn by turn. Eventually Steve notices your breathing has gone heavy and your body has fully slumped against his own. You’re asleep.

He smiles to himself and lays down gently on the couch placing you gently with him. He lets the movie play out and doesn’t put a new one in. Instead he just drifts off with you In his arms. It’s the best sleep he’s had in awhile.

Movie nights begin to become a regular thing between you and Steve. Neither one of you mentioning the mornings spent waking up together. Eventually you start leaving pajamas and clothing at his house and he begins to do the same at yours.

As the summer closes you’re at home one night when you hear about the awful fire at star court mall that killed a bunch of people. You weren’t working that day but you knew Steve and Robin were.

You drive as quickly as you can to the star court mall parking lot and desperately search for your friends hoping they’re alive. You’re standing in the parking lot frantically scanning faces when you hear a familiar voice call your name. You whip around to find Robin leaning against a car next to max who comes into the record store with her friends all the time. You run up to Robin and quickly give her a hug.

“Oh Robs! Are you okay? What the hell happened?”

Robin explains how there was some kind of fire explosion and a lot of people were hurt. The details she gives are kind of vague but you couldn’t care less because you’re just lucky your friend is alive.

“Robin. Where’s Steve?”

She points to a nearby ambulance and you quickly rush over to the back of it. What you see when you open the door shocks you. There Steve sits getting treated by a paramedic. It looks like he’s been beat to shit. You swallow hard. Your heart aches for him and what he must have been through to suffer those injuries. But you’re just thankful he’s alive. You suspect there’s more to this mall fire than everyone’s letting on.

Steve quickly looks over at you. Turning his head much to the paramedics annoyance. He says your name in a bit of raspy voice and reaches his hand out to you.

You grab his hand quickly and give it a tight squeeze. You climb up in the back of the ambulance and sit next to Steve as he’s being treated. Every once in awhile you squeeze each others hands. Eventually the paramedic finishes up and leaves the ambulance to tend to someone else. Leaving you and Steve alone. You take a deep breath and gently cup Steve’s face in a way that ensures it won’t hurt him and make him turn to face you.

“Steve. I know this wasn’t just a mall fire. You don’t have to tell me what happened. You probably can’t. And I understand that. Just know I’m so happy you’re alive. And I’m here in any way that you need me.”

He gives you a weak smile and pulls you in for a hug that makes him wince in pain. But he doesn’t care. He holds you tight regardless. He whispers in your ear.

“Take me home?”

You nod your head yes and grab his hand as you leave the ambulance. You say goodbye to everyone and offer rides to Robin and some of the kids but they all say they’ll be okay. You drive Steve back to his house and help him inside.

You walk to where you have your pajamas stored and go to change. When you come out of the bathroom you hear Steve struggling in pain. You rush over to find him in his room changing. You quickly try to turn around and head out of the room but you bump loudly into the door. Catching Steve’s attention.

He turns around to see you standing there.

“Sorry! I heard you and it sounded like you were in pain so I came to check on you and you were changing so I tried to leave but then I hit the door. I promise I’m not a creep!”

“Sweetheart. Could you actually help me out here?”

“W-what?”

Steve sighs. “ I’m in a lot of pain here and I don’t think I can change into my pajamas. If you can just help me get my shirt and pants off so I can sleep in my boxers you’d be a life saver.”

The thought of undressing Steve and seeing him in his boxers makes your cheeks go rosy and makes you tingle all over. You had to remind yourself you were just helping out a friend.

You make your way across the room to Steve and tell him to lift his arms above his head as best he can. He obliges. As gently as you can you grab his shirt and roll it up his body as slowly as possible to avoid tugging on anything or causing him pain.

Eventually you get his shirt off and you toss it to the ground. Here you are standing in Steve Harrington’s bedroom with him shirtless as you’re undressing him. You know about a hundred girls who would kill to be in your position.

The next part is what has you nervous. You reach down and undo his belt and slowly pull it through the loops. It gets a little caught on a loop so you tug just a little and you hear Steve groan.

“Sorry Steve!”

“It’s okay sweetheart. You’re doing great.”

Steve noticed your hands are shaking a lot and he gently grabs your wrists.

“Are you okay?” He asks quietly.

You laugh gently. “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

He gives a gentle laugh as well. “I mean your hands are shaking.”

“Yeah. Yeah. I’m okay. I just-well. God this is so stupid. I’ve never been this close to anyone before. And I’ve certainly never undressed someone before.”

Steve hadn’t even considered that when he asked you. He didn’t mean to make you nervous. He was just in so much pain. And you were being so gentle with him.

“I can try and finish undressing myself if you want. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“It’s okay Steve. You’re in pain. I’m a big girl I can do this.”

You move your hands out of his grasp and go to undo his pants. Suddenly it’s Steve who realizes he might have a problem. With you being so gentle and so close to him and him being so out of it he knows he can pop a boner any second and there’s no way he can stop it.

It’s even worse when you begin to move his pants down his legs and you kneel to make it easier on you. He looks down for a brief second and you look up at him and he realizes he’s fucked. His head quickly snaps up to look at the ceiling cause there’s no way he can look at you on your knees in front of him like that, like the way he’s dreamed, and not pop a boner.

He starts taking deep breaths through his nose and you ask him to lift up a leg so he does. He steps out of the first pant leg and then the next. Leaving him only in his boxers. You stand back up and throw his pants across the room and they land with his shirt. He looks back down from the ceiling and finds you staring at his shirtless form and it makes him smile a little to know you’re checking him out.

You however quickly realize what you’re doing and you clear your throat and say goodnight as you move to leave Steve’s room. Having planned on sleeping in one of the guest rooms. As you move to leave Steve gently grabs your arm and pulls you close to him.

“Stay with me?”

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to be in pain cause I’m laying with you?”

“Honey I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep without you.”

The way he says it has your heart melting. In this moment you realize no matter what you told yourself and no matter how hard you tried to deny it. You were head over heels for Steve Harrington. You were so relieved to find out he was alive tonight. But now him saying he needed you? Oh you were so fucked.

You silently nodded your head and Steve led you to the bed where you both laid down and made yourselves comfortable holding each other. Despite all the horrible things he’d been through. Steve didn’t have a single nightmare with you.

The months go by and Steve and Robin find new jobs at family video. You follow them and get a job next door at the arcade. Everyday you all still take your breaks together and everyday Robin notices your and Steve getting closer and closer.

One day Steve has to stay in on break and help Keith check in some late videos so it leaves you and Robin alone. She decided to breach the subject again.

“Soooooooo I’m gonna ask something you’re not gonna like.”

You give a chuckle and continue to fiddle with something on the bench.

“Okay robs go for it.”

“When are you gonna tell Steve you like him.”

There’s a loud thunk as you slam your head onto the table.

“You’re right Robin I didn’t like that.”

“Well?”

You sigh.

“I’m never gonna tell him Robin.”

“AHA! So you do like him!”

You hit your head on the table again and Robin moves her hand to become a barrier between your head and the table.

“Can we drop this please?”

“Absolutely not! You have to tell him!”

“I don’t “have” to do anything. Especially when it would be pointless. Steve is my friend and he would never see me that way. End of story. I’m not gonna tell him that just to lose him.”

Robins internally screaming at how stupid the two of you are.

“Why don’t you think Steve could see you that way?”

“Robin come on? The last girl he dated was nancy. The girl before that was Stacy. The girl before that was Rebecca. You know what all the girls Steve’s dated have in common?”

“Um… they all have a vagina? I think?”

You laugh. “Well yeah…but none of them are fat. Steve wouldn’t date a fat girl like me and I don’t blame him. I’m just not attractive and that’s something I have to live with.”

Robins about to respond and tell you off for speaking so lowly of yourself when the back door to the video store swings open and out walks Steve. The two of you go oddly quiet and Steve gives a confused look between the two of you.

“What did I miss?”

“Nothing! I just remembered I have to go empty the change out of the arcade machines so I’m gonna go.”

“But we haven’t even gotten a chance to talk or eat yet?” Steve says a little sad.

“Sorry Stevie.” You quickly walk back in the building leaving Steve and Robin alone.

“What the hell was that about?”

Robin doesn’t answer.

“Robin? Hellooooo?” He waves a hand in front of her face and snaps a couple of times.

“I want to tell you something but I don’t want to be a bad friend but I also just want my friends to be happy.”

“Robin what the hell are you talking about?”

“SHE LIKES YOU!” Robin blurts it out without thinking too much.

Steve stands there frozen.

“W-what?”

“I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Well Robin you can’t unsay it so now you have to elaborate.”

“Okay okay. She likes you. But she doesn’t think you could ever like her back so she has no plans of ever telling you or doing anything about it.”

“What? Why doesn’t she think I can like her back? Isn’t it like stupid obvious that I’m absolutely gone for her?”

“She says she thinks she’s too fat for you. That you’ve only ever dated skinny girls so that’s all you must be interested in and there’s no way you could like her. She said and I quote “I’m just not attractive and that’s something I have to live with.””

Steve sits down on the bench and slides a hand over his face.

“Fuck! Doesn’t she realize how beautiful she is? How do I make her see that Robin? How do I make her see that I want her?”

“Maybe. Dingus. Start by telling her? Maybe she’d believe it if she actually heard it.”

He swallows hard. She’s right. He has to find a way to tell you. He gets up from the bench and walks towards the door to the arcade and walks inside. He finds you not changing out the money in the machines but instead he finds you resting your head on the counter.

“Hey.” He says quietly.

Your head shoots up off the counter.

“Hey.”

“Wanna come over for movie night tonight?”

“Sure. You gonna grab some movie options from work?”

“You know it baby.”

“Okay I’ll see you when we get off then.”

Steve returns to family video and rents all your favorite movies. At the end of your shift the three of you climb into Steve’s car. He drops Robin off at her house and takes the two of you back to his house.

You walk in as if you own the place and quickly change out of your work clothes and make your way back to the sofa. You sit down and swing your legs over Steve’s. He lets the first movie play and orders some pizza.

By the time the second movie plays and the pizza has been eaten Steve thinks it’s time to try and talk to you. He doesn’t know where to start so he starts stroking a hand up and down the legs that cover his own. He moves his hand a little higher to rest on your thigh and he gives it a light squeeze. You turn to look at him and find him already looking. He grabs the remote and pauses the movie much to your confusion.

“Can we talk?”

Steve notices the way your face turns into nervousness.

“Yeah Stevie what’s up?”

He sighs and takes a deep breath and you can tell whatever he’s trying to say is hard for him. You reach a hand up and swipe some of the hair out of his face and run a knuckle down across his forehead in a soothing motion.

“Sweetheart I’m just gonna come out and say it. I’m crazy about you. I always have been. And I know you like me too.”

You retract your hand quickly.

“That’s not funny Steve.” The look on your face is full of confusion and it’s slowly morphing into anger.

“Robin told you didn’t she? And now I’m what? Some joke between you two? Haha the fat girl likes me. Let me play with her emotions is that it Steve?” You start to move off the couch and Steve desperately starts clinging to you.

“NO! No! Absolutely not! That’s not what this is! I would never do that to you! Yes Robin told me you liked me but she only told me cause she knows how crazy I’ve been about you!”

You’re still trying to move off of the couch and now you’re starting to cry. Steve thinks to himself fuck how could this go so wrong.

“B-but you don’t like me Steve. Y-you can’t!”

“What?”

He grabs hold of your arms and tries to get you to look at him but you refuse.

“Honey what do you mean? Why can’t I like you?”

“BECAUSE IM FAT STEVE! BOYS LIKE YOU DONT LIKE GIRLS LIKE ME! IT JUST DOESNT HAPPEN!”

Steve’s taken aback by you shouting at him but it doesn’t sway him one bit. If anything he tries to pull you closer to him.

“Please look at me.”

You can hear the desperation in his voice so you decide to glance up at him. You find him staring deeply into your eyes.

“Sweetheart I’ve been head over heels for you since the day I met you in that stupid English class freshman year. I watched you every day to see what you were reading or writing. I was so fucking stupid for being friends with Tommy and carol and letting them treat you the way they did but my head was too far up my own ass to realize that what I was doing was wrong. I should have been letting you know every fucking day how stunning you are. And you’re right. I don’t like you. Because you’re not the kind of girl boys like. You’re the kind of girl boys fall in love with. And I’m that boy. Can’t you see I’m in love with you?”

By now the tears were just streaming down your face and you couldn’t stop them even if you tried. Nobody, especially not a boy, had ever said you were stunning or beautiful or anything of the sort. Steve slowly let go of your arms and when he saw you weren’t trying to run away he gently lifted his hand up to your face where he cupped your face and began to wipe the tears away.

The way he was being so gentle with you made you want to cry even harder. And you did. You’d never known this kind of affection and you didn’t even even know you were missing it. You melted into Steve’s touch and let him hold you for a few minutes before you began to speak.

“Steve?” You whisper.

“Yeah?”

“I-I love you too…but I don’t know how to be loved. Or how to love really.”

“Sweetheart. That’s okay. I can show you.”

Steve looked into your eyes and started to lean in. You didn’t know what to do. So you shut your eyes and let him come to you. Only a second later you felt his lips make contact with your own. His lips were soft against yours and they melded right together. You were hesitant but you began to kiss him back. As your lips moved together you pressed further against each other. You sighed into against his lips and your mouth opened slightly.

Steve saw his opportunity and slipped his tongue in your mouth. Much to your surprise. Although it wasn’t unwelcome. You let him explore your mouth and then you explored his. Eventually your head starts to get a bit foggy and you’re running out of breath so you gently push back on him a bit and your mouths disconnect with a string of spit in between you. You’re both smiling like lovesick fools and while you catch your breath Steve finds he can’t get enough of you. He moves his lips to your cheek, then your jaw, and down your neck. He starts at your ear where he gives your lobe a little nibble that makes you whine a little. Barely loud enough for Steve to hear but he does. So he keeps going. He starts to kiss your neck and suck on spots that makes you whine. The first time he bites gently on a spot he knows you like though and he hears you moan for the first time. God the boys in heaven. But he stops. Much to your disappointment.

He pulls away and finds you looking disheveled. Face flushed and breathing heavily .

“Is what we’re doing okay baby? I don’t want to take things too far. I know you’ve never..”

You’re still breathing a little heavily as you answer.

“Yeah Steve. It’s okay. I trust you. Just…be gentle with me please.”

“But are you sure you want this? I know I want this but I don’t want you to be caught up in the moment and regret it honey. I want this to be something you want.”

You grab his face in your hands and pull him so close into you’re own that you’re almost kissing him again.

“I’m sure of this Stevie. There’s no one else I’d want it to be.”

Steve kisses you again. With much more ferver. He works his way back down to leaving you more hickies on your neck. He can tell your neck is sensitive. All the whines and moans you’re making are sending the blood rushing straight to his dick.

Still on the couch with your legs draped over his. He begins to move his hands around your body. Squeezing at the thick flesh and feeling it mold beneath his fingers. The more he squeezes the more sounds you let out. Your hands find their way to his hair where you tangle your fingers in his strands.

After a few more kisses Steve stops.

“Is it okay if we take this upstairs. I don’t want your first to be on a couch.”

The two of you walk up stairs and Steve starts kissing you again before you even reach his bedroom door. He opens it and backs you towards the bed but you stop him.

“Whats wrong sweetheart?”

You look a little red in the face as if you’re embarrassed. He taps your chin to look at him.

“Come on honey. Tell me.”

“I wanted to do something. Involving you.”

“What is it?”

“Do you remember that night when star court blew up? And we came back here… and you had me undress you?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“I was wondering if I could do it again?”

Steve practically melts right there.

“Of course you can sweetheart. Have at it.”

You give Steve a quick kiss before telling him to lift up his arms. He obliges. You slowly move your fingers to the hem of his shirt and pull it up and over his head and toss it to the floor. Now that his shirt is off you move your hands gently to Steve’s bare chest and let them roam. You lightly scratch up his torso and watch as his muscles react under your touch. Your hands move slowly to his pajama pants and you can’t help but notice a large bulge underneath the fabric. You take a deep breath and slowly start to pull the fabric down. As you pull the fabric down you kneel to the ground and Steve looks down at you. You look up at him with your big eyes and Steve can’t help the way his dick twitches. You catch the movement and smirk.

Once you work each leg out of the pants and discard the pants across the room you run your hands up Steve’s legs and give his thighs a squeeze. You reach for the waistband of his boxers and curl your fingers inside. Before you pull them down you ask one more time if it’s alright. To which he says yes.

You slide his boxers down. Unveiling his painfully hard cock. You’ve seen enough porn to know that was Steve has is practically a horse cock. Hell if he wanted to he could probably be a guy in a porno. You hadn’t realized you were staring wide eyed at his dick until you hear Steve huff a laugh.

“Honey if you keep staring at it like that I’m only gonna get harder.”

You don’t say anything. You just move your hands and quickly grip his cock. Not too tight but with a nice grip. You don’t really know what you’re doing but you know you don’t want to stop. You begin to slowly move your hand up and down his shaft and when you get to the top you give it a little squeeze. You hear Steve release a broken moan above you and so you decide to focus on his tip a little more.

You decide that instead of using your hands you want to use your mouth. So you lick your lips and lean forward to give his cock a little kitten lick on the end before taking the tip in your mouth.

Steve wasn’t expecting you to do any of this and watching the girl he’s been pining after for years on her knees for him is driving him crazy. He feels himself rushing towards an orgasm at your slightest touch and he just can’t have himself cumming in your mouth in under 30 seconds. So he backs a way a bit and pushes your head away. He leans down and grabs your hands and helps you stand to the floor.

“Since you got to undress me I think it’s only fair I return the favor.”

Steve gives you a brief kiss that takes your breath away as his hands rake up and down your body. Squeezing your breasts, your stomach, your thighs. Anything he can grab he’s squeezing. And you’re letting out all sorts of glorious sounds for him.

Since you are just in your pajamas he doesn’t have to remove much. He starts with your shirt and much to his already known delight. You’re not wearing a bra. He’d imagined your breasts plenty of times but seeing your big breasts bare for him. Now that was driving him wild. Before you can cover yourself up from self consciousness he’s dipping down to kiss and lick all over your breasts.

Your nipples have perked up due to being exposed to the cold air. Steve takes advantage of this and sucks one of your nipples into his mouth while pinching the other between his fingers. You cry out at the new sensation. He continues doing it as he backs you towards the bed and once you hit it he lays you down gently.

He begins to kiss down your body. Stopping to give your plump tummy a few squeezes and kisses. He reaches the top of your pajama pants and looks up at your for confirmation. You nod your head yes and he begins to slide the pants down your legs. Much to his surprise you aren’t wearing any underwear.

You try to close your legs but he quickly stops you and just stares at your dripping pussy. The longer he stares the more self conscious you become. You’re about to say something or move when he finally dips his head down and inhales the scent between your legs. He takes a heavy inhale and sighs on the exhale. His hands move to your thighs where he starts kneading and squeezing them.

He moves his lips to your inner thighs where he starts nipping at the skin and sucking hickies into the flesh. After you’re properly worked up and whining for him, he moves towards your center. Placing a gentle kiss on you clit. Making you jump.

He runs his tongue through your folds. Licking at your hole all the way up to where he starts sucking on your clit. The new sensation is driving you wild. You’re reaching for the sheets, his hair, the headboard. Anything that can ground you but he just keeps on making you feel like you’re floating.

Then you feel something teasing at your entrance. A single finger. He then dips it in slowly just a little bit. And back out. He works his finger in and out of your until he’s knuckle deep. You’re moaning out his name and Steve starts to hump the mattress just to relieve himself a little bit.

He adds a second finger and starts to stretch you out a bit. Your back begins to arch off the bed and your thighs are closing around his head. And with the plush of your thighs surrounding his head Steve thinks to himself. “If I were to die in this moment I would die a very happy man.”

He continues to suck on your clit and pump his fingers in and out of you. Listening to the way your slick coats his hand and the whimpers and moans falling from your mouth.

He can tell you’re getting close by the way you tighten around him and the way you’re chanting out his name as if it were a prayer.

He starts working in and out of you faster. And eventually you feel that tight knot in your stomach snap as you scream his name and scratch at the headboard. He feels you cum all over his face and fingers and he licks up every drop of it.

Slowly your thighs loosen their death grip around his head and he sits up to take a good look at you. All pretty and splayed out beneath him looking absolutely wrecked. He wanted to wreck you even more.

He kissed his way back up your body. Making sure to squeeze you tight everywhere he could. Once he reached your mouth you started to lazily make out as he began to grind himself against you. Making you whine against his mouth.

“Are you ready?”

“Yeah stevie. I’m ready.”

“You tell me if it hurts or if it’s too much okay? You say the word it all stops. I promise.”

“I trust you.”

Steve lines himself up with your hole and slowly pushes the tip in as he intertwines his fingers with yours. You gasp and squeeze his hand. He stills for a moment and lets you adjust.

Once he feels you relax around him he pushes in a little more until he feels you tense up again. He stills and starts to kiss your face until you relax. He repeats this process until he’s all the way in. You’re breathing heavily and your face is flushed.

“Are you okay?” He asks quietly against your ear.

“Mmhmm. Yeah. I’m okay Stevie. Just-fuck- it’s a lot. Feel so full.”

Steve let’s you take as much time as you need until he feels your hips start to rock against this own. He pulls out almost entirely and pushes back in. You gasp and moan and Steve groans. He begins to snap his hips even faster and you start to scratch down his back and pull his body closer into your own.

You’re still worked up from your last orgasm and from the way Steve is driving in and out of you, you feel that coil in your stomach growing even tighter than it did before.

You’ve had orgasms before but none of them felt quite like this. You almost wanted to warn Steve that you didn’t know what was about to happen but you couldn’t form the words to tell him. Instead you just let yourself get lost in the feeling. Your orgasm approaching rapidly.

Steve was panting and moaning in your ear.

“I’m not gonna last baby. You’re so fucking tight- I- I can’t think straight.”

He grabs onto the headboard and starts driving into you even deeper and harder than you thought possible. You’re letting out noises you didn’t even know you could make. And then you feel his cock brush something inside of you you didn’t even know was there. It makes your entire body convulse and you’re screaming out his name.

Steve feels your pussy squeeze around him impossibly tight and he knows you’re cumming. What he doesn’t expect is the squirts of liquid that come with it. It takes him a second to realize he just made you squirt all over him. The second he does realize it however it’s over. His entire body tenses and his thrusts come to a violent halt as he continues to grab the headboard so hard he thinks he might break it as he pumps you full of his warm cum. His head dips into the crook of your neck and he starts to whine cause he just can’t stop cumming. He’s pretty sure he’s never come this much or this hard in his entire life.

When Steve finally comes to you’re holding him. Stroking the back of his head as he lays on top of you. Practically suffocating you. He gently pulls out of you and gives you a quick peck before standing on wobbly legs. He goes to the to the bathroom and comes back with a washcloth in hand that he runs between your legs.

He lays down beside you and you curl into his arms. The both of you fall asleep. The world for both of you feeling a lot less heavy.

The next morning when you wake up in his arms both of you naked. You turn to face him. You stroke his face gently and it rouses him out of his sleep. His eyes flutter open and a soft smile crosses his features.

“Morning beautiful.” He leans forward and presses a kiss to your forehead.

“Morning Stevie.”

“How are you feeling honey? Was last night okay?”

“Last night was amazing Steve…but I have a question?”

He strokes your face gently

“What is it honey?”

“What does this mean for us? What are we?”

“Well I was hoping this means we’re together. You and me. And I was hoping I could take you out on a nice date. If you want to of course.”

“I’d love to go on a date with you Steve.”

You start to roll out of bed because it’s time for you and Steve to get to work but Steve grabs hold of you and pulls you back into him on the bed. Making you giggle.

“Steve we have to go to work!”

“Come on let’s just call out today. Spend the whole day together.”

“And leave Robin and Keith alone? Robin will kill us.”

“Can I convince you to be a little late then?”

“Oh? And how would you do that?”

Steve starts leaving kisses along your shoulder and down your chest.

“I’ve got a few ideas…”

You and Steve arrive to work about an hour and a half late. You walk into family video hand in hand. Robin looks up from the counter.

“I was so going to give you shit for being late but I’ll let it slide this one time because you two are happy.”

You give Steve a kiss and leave family video and walk over to the arcade. Leaving Robin and Steve alone.

“So you finally told her?”

“Yes Robin I did.”

“Well….what happened? Give me every detail!”

“Trust me Robin you don’t want every detail.”

“Ew! Gross! That’s my friend you’re talking about!”

“You asked!”

Robin and Steve share a laugh and Robin quickly realizes she’s going to probably have to start covering for both you and Steve a lot now. And after you and Steve’s first official date you immediately prove Robin right by showing up 3 hours late for work the next day. Both of you practically covered head to toe in hickies.

[kaynothanks]

Tape From Hell

Billy Hargrove x Fem!Reader, more

Ask: @hargrove-stan: Can I request an imagine where the reader and Billy are dating and instead of billy getting possessed by the mind flayer it’s the reader? And billy is the one trying to free the reader from the mind flayer’s possession in star court mall? Reader doesn’t die!

Warnings: NSFW! swearing (like a lot), t o x i c relationship, SMUT, oral (f receiving), p in v, choking, dirty talk, a hint of degradation, billy being bat shit? Idk if it's a part of his personality comes with the package, crying, angst, sad shit, violence! (not from Billy for a change), it's dark I ain't gonna lie, minors dnr

Word-Count: 14k (I know she’s a long one but it’s worth it)

There were a few things about Billy that had you seething with anger for a big part of your relationship. For one, Billy Hargrove was one big asshole. He could be oh so selfish and self-obsessed and sneaky as hell. Something about his way just played into one’s annoyance just right. Perhaps it was a talent, really, for him to be able to change someone’s mood from happy to sour with only a few words and calculated looks. Just like he had done to you only half an hour prior, leaving you to sit in your car, anger brooding in the back of your mind.

You had been on your way home, punching your steering wheel furiously, as you cussed him out, the mixtape he had made for you playing loudly in the background when you almost hit a tree. Deciding it was better to stop for a few moments and calm yourself, you now sat at the side of the road, head thrown back against the seat, eyes closed as you forced yourself to stand over it.

Everything had been just fine; you knew his temper and his habits of flirting. You knew and it was fine. But when you came to the Hawkins Community Pool, where you had planned to surprise him with some food and a new bikini, which you knew he would drool over, only find him grinning down at Karen Wheeler, while biting his lip and moving his hand to gallantly pull at the strap of her swimsuit – which was quite unsuitable for a woman her age, by the way. He had seen you then, after giving a wink to one of her lady friends. And he knew what he had done too, for the sly smile had frozen on his lips and his limbs seemed to stiffen dramatically. You had turned around then, walking back to your car with the two milkshakes and bag of food in hand. He had run after you, too, and you thought had he not done so, you would have been less angry now. It was nothing, he had said. They just like to look, no need to overreact. That one had gotten you and God you had reacted, for he had pulled such shit, too, back when you were both still in high school.

All images of him ever flirting with other girls and women while you two were dating flashed in your mind. And Jesus, they were a lot, but you knew what you were getting into when you first started seeing him. You knew and you didn’t care, because all that Billy was, he was good, too. He was so very good sometimes that your heart sputtered over with love and happiness, so much you had never felt anything to compare it to. Sipping the milkshake that hadn't landed on top of his head, you started up the engine of your car again, continuing your drive further into the town. You had just gotten off one of your jobs, where you worked as a secretary for men, who showed not a single bit of respect for you, only to gain further humiliation at your second job having to wear an orange-shaped head, while selling orangey beverages all evening long.

You parked the car, which once had belonged to your father, in a sunny spot close to the entrance of Starcourt Mall. Your head plopped down against the steering wheel, eyes lazily turning to your passenger seat. A pout worked its way to your lips at the orange, green-collared, pink-buttoned work uniform. With a huff you stripped of the fine shirt you were currently wearing, leaving you in the bikini top you had purchased. For Billy.

You rolled your eyes and slipped on the orange piece of pure torture, gripping the silly hat and locking your car. There was another half hour before you had to start your shift, so instead of heading straight for Orange Julius you went up the stairs, ready to bother the shit out of your one friend.

Ignoring the people whispering upon noticing your fast pace, you vanished inside the little shop, crossing it in seconds as you pulled a chair up to the counter, causing it to screech.

"Jeez," Robin stared down at you, as you let yourself fall on the uncomfortable plastic that made the skin of your thighs stick to it. You groaned at her look, pressing your face against the cold surface of the counter, barely missing the little bell there.

She pressed her palm flat to your forehead and lifted your head. "You know how many disgusting toddler hands were all over that surface? Remember the acne you had freshman year? Be ready to embrace it 'cause it's coming for round two, baby."

"Wheeler," you whined. "Goddamn, he was flirting with her."

"Nancy?" She clicked her tongue. "Can't blame him."

"No," you moaned ready to press your face back to the counter, but her hand stopped you. "Mrs. Wheeler." You pulled back then to lean against the chair, pushing back strands of hair. "I mean, what is it? Am I- I not wrinkly enough? Do I need to put on old people's clothes?" Your hand reached for her arm as you pulled her closer. "I'm not ready to look like an old lady, Robin."

She flicked at your hand so you would let go of her. "Ah, yeah, Hargrove. Such a nice guy," she mused sarcastically. "Been telling you how much I like him, right?" She grinned falsely, batting her eyelashes. "Dreamboat waiting to sail. Nothing wrong with that guy." She rested her elbows on the counter. "One could think you are a bull with how much you go for the red flags."

You rolled your eyes, before letting them wander over the different sorts of ice-creams. "Worst thing, I spent money for him. Again."

"Did you buy him shitty expensive cologne again? 'Cause everybody needs that in their life."

"Okay, firstly, it was his birthday and he liked it. Secondly, no I didn’t. Thirdly…" You quieted as you thought.

A chuckle from behind Robin got your attention. "You don’t have a third point, do you?"

You narrowed your eyes at the brunette. "You haven’t gotten your dick wet yet, have you?"

Robin snorted. "I should make a new scoreboard. This happens way too often for there not to be a scoreboard."

"What did you spend the money on, though?" Steve questioned. You shamelessly unbuttoned a bit of the work uniform which had Steve chocking on his own spit. Pulling away the orange fabric, you showed off the bikini.

"That is…" Robin cocked her head, her hand dangling in front of her own chest as she tried to gesticulate. "Tiny… very… strappy?"

"It's hot," you argued, buttoning the uniform back up. Pointing to Steve, you gave Robin a triumphing grin. "Shut Harrington up and he didn’t even see the bottoms. Two words for you; tiny and strappy."

Robin, too, gave a glimpse over her shoulder at her colleague. "Talking about scoreboards," she mumbled, getting the whiteboard from the back. With her teeth, she pulled off the marker's cap and drew a thick line on the YOU SUCK side of the scoreboard. Your eyes landed on the empty YOU RULE part.

"Why don’t you just dump him?" Steve inquired, coming to stand beside your friend. "I haven't seen him since school ended and let me tell you, the guy's not very miss-able."

You pouted. "Because I lo-"

"No!" Robin groaned, shielding her ears dramatically. "I had to listen to three months of whining because he wouldn’t take you out. I went through that and took it like a mother-effing champ. Don’t say the other thing. I can’t take that yet."

"Robin, Billy and I have been dating for a while, you know? Pretty sure you should get ready for hearing the L-Word."

"What, it's been like a month. Big deal."

"A year," you spoke slowly. "We have been dating for a year."

"Huh," she made. "Guess time moves differently with one foot in hell."

"Did you just call my relationship hell?"

"Yup."

You crossed your arms. "You owe me free ice cream now."

"No freebies for you anymore," Steve grumbled.

You frowned. "C'mon," you whined, patting the counter expectingly. "Give me the scoops, Ahoy Boy."

"No," he squeaked, scrunching up his face. "Not after last time." The last time he had lost a bet with you, saying he would be able to get some girl's number. He hadn’t been able to do that, winning you all the ice cream you wanted for a day, straight out of his pocket. You hadn’t held back, going home with a crucial tummy ache that evening.

"Doesn’t your shift at OJ's start like four minutes ago?" Robin chimed in, still playing with the marker between her fingers.

Once more a pout grazed your lips as you stood. "This isn't over yet, Harrington. I'm going to get my scoops."

Pushing the chair back where it belonged, you waved to Robin – the one friend you had had through High School before Billy had shown up from California. You had noticed him the second he pulled up in that beautiful Camaro of his. Unlike the car that you owned, his was polished and treated with care. Treated with love.

Billy didn’t hold love more many things in this life but his car surely was one of them.

After his big entrance, everyone around you had his name in their mouths, with the rumor-mill stirring like crazy. Before the first period had even started, you knew his name, age, and half of his family history. And he had known absolutely nothing about you. Not even known you existed – until later in the week.

You had been on your period, you remembered that. Remembered the ache in your lower abdomen, and that you had been forced to change pants after the gym class which the teacher hadn’t allowed you to sit out. So, you were walking the halls of Hawkins High in an already sour mood that had gotten significantly worse about halfway through Miss Click's history class. She had given back a surprise test that you hadn’t studied for, which was pretty clear after you saw the grade.

To say you were a bit feral that day – big understatement. When Billy Hargrove then ran into you after his afternoon basketball practice, you exploded into a fit of rage that the school hallways had never witnessed from you before.

"Are you blind? Or just blind stupid?" You had hissed at him. "I mean, understandable. That big goddamn ego of yours must be leaving no place for even just part of a brain, is it?"

As Billy spotted the crease between your brows and the furious fluttering of your nostrils and how you still just looked just so damn sweet, he knew he needed to have the devil in angel's clothing. No matter how much you resented him at first. He had managed to make you want him, so much that you spent months ranting about him to Robin. How he had managed it, you still didn’t know.

After receiving shit about the five minutes you were late, you took your spot and hat and filled the beverages in round glasses for the customers to enjoy. Once they were done, you were there to gather the dirty dishes and bring them to the back. It went on for about an hour until a perfectly styled mullet entered your vision.

"No," you said flatly as you saw his little grin. "I'm working and I don’t feel like talking right now."

His hand reached out to tug at the embarrassingly big hat you wore, which you slapped away with a huff. Mrs. Wheeler surely didn’t have to wear something so stupid. You took a step back and crossed your arms, watching as he harshly bit down on the minty chewing gum. He turned his back to you, giving you a second to freely roll your eyes, as he changed the sign on the glass door from open to closed.

"Billy," you warned. "I'm working. I don’t have time to listen to you try to talk yourself out of the deep shit you're in."

"Oh, Sweetheart," he mused, showing off his pearly whites. "Never said anything about talking, now, did I?" His fingers went up to pull out the piece of chewing gum which had probably already lost its taste.

"I swear to god, if you put that down somewhere without properly throwing it away, I will stick it to your forehead," you warned, already scrunching up your nose at the thought of having to scrub gum off any more surfaces. The ones beneath the tables were disgusting enough to clean each month.

"Princess," he spoke up, stalking closer which made you shift from foot to foot. You wanted to close your eyes and hit your head against one of the mixers to remind yourself not to let him get to you.

"No," you insisted, putting a hand out to push him away. "I don’t want your apology."

Seeing the seething red in your eyes, he sighed and finally took a step back. He leaned his back against the wall across from you, clenching and unclenching his fingers. You knew he did so to center himself, slightly pushing his nails into his skin as a reminder not to blow up when talking to the people important to him. "I'm sorry."

You lifted a brow. "For what?"

His mouth opened unsurely. "Everything."

"Everything," you whispered to yourself, before a light chuckle escaped you, with a shake of your head. "You're a bad liar, you know that?" As he went to argue about your statement, you lifted a finger, signaling him to just stop with the whole goddamn charade. You gripped the orange-shaped hat from your head and flung it aside, as you stepped further into the back. Distance was needed before you got close to bursting into tears from all your pent-up frustration with him. In front of the giant fridge, you stopped, far out of his reach, out of his sight. Both of your hands went to your face. You wanted to shout into a pillow, like you had done back in Highschool when something angered you. Or perhaps punching something, anything that would have eased what you were feeling.

Your name sounded from his lips as he rounded the corner, causing you to straighten your back. "Talk to me," he spoke, confusion in his voice as though he had no idea whatsoever of what was going on inside of your head; your heart.

"Fine," you hissed and turned to face him; angry tears stinging in your eyes. "You act like nothing's wrong when it clearly is! And I keep trying to tell myself that all of… all of your shit is just that. Your shit. And that it's going to stop at some point. That you will grow out of whatever egoistical trip you're on. But no matter how long I wait and how much I tell myself the wait is worth it, somehow, it's always a losing game with you!"

"I'm sorry," he repeated, eyes averted to the checkered floor.

"Oh, stop it." That got him to look up. "You're not. Because this is what you enjoy, Billy. God knows why but you fucking love me screaming at you, you like seeing me angry, you like us fighting."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" He growled, unable to stop his own fury from rising. "I work at the goddamn swimming pool. I wear swimming trunks and I can’t fucking help them ogling me!"

"That's not even what this is about anymore!"

"What the fuck is it about then?!"

"You treating me like shit, Billy!" You shouted, throat hurting with the tone you were hitting. "What the fuck happened to all of your promises? I will take care of you, I promise to love you, I can’t wait to start a life with you," you spat in his face, ready to grip some of the filled cups that you had falsely made – in your occupation of mind - and were sent back, just to see something run down that goddamn annoyingly pretty face of his. Even if you had already smashed a milkshake on his head only hours prior.

Angry tears were pricking at your waterline, eyes burning. Or perhaps they weren't simple angry tears at all. They were a realization that somewhere along the way so much had gone wrong and still you couldn't bring yourself to give him up. You couldn't bring yourself to turn your back on the bad seemingly following your relationship because every time you tried, all the good moments invaded your thoughts, as though it was a sign that your relationship still could be everything you had hoped for.

You knew he could be. You were certain of it, had seen it in the way his eyes would make sure you were alright after coming home from a stressful day of work; In the way he checked if you had gotten enough water over the day since you tended to forget. Or how he brought back tapes which he thought you would like when it was actually him that had wanted some new music for blasting in his car.

He had a well-tuned stereo in his room, boxes placed so the center of the room would be hit with the perfect tune. You had laid on the floor the first time he played you a tape and he didn't question it, didn't look at you with anything else but adoration before joining you.

Not wanting him to see you cry, you turned with your head hung low, one hand pressed against your lips in case an uncontrollable sob tried forcing its way from your throat, while your other hand wiped at your eyes. Arms snaked around you from behind, pressing you tightly against his solid front.

"I'm sorry," he whispered over and over again, nosing at the side of your face as he pressed a kiss to your temple. You shut your eyes, turning your face to the left, away from him, and yet he continued. Admitting to being an asshole, admitting he didn't deserve you, admitting he loved you. Your heart ached until suddenly you couldn't help it as you turned your head to the other side, his kisses now falling to your cheek.

"I'm so fucking sorry," Billy murmured once more and you craned your neck then. His lips found yours immediately. Desperate and scared of losing you. Of having finally crossed the line after coming so, so close too many times to count. He couldn't understand why he was so intent on fucking up the thing he thought was the most precious achievement he had ever made. He didn't care about being popular, didn't care about making people gawk after him, not really. He cared about you so fucking much it scared him.

There were so many things in your relationship he was afraid of and somehow, he had already managed to do half the things he tried avoiding so furiously. He knew you deserved so much more, so many things better than him, better than this goddamned town. He had meant it when saying he wanted to start a new life with you somewhere else, had started circling ads for houses or apartments in newspapers that he usually wouldn't bother giving a second glance to. He had started saving up, too. Though money was one thing he couldn't say he had a fair share of.

"I'll be better," he promised, hushing it against the sweet flush on your lips which his kisses had caused. "You deserve better."

"I know," you whispered, promising yourself this was the last chance you were granting him as he turned your form in his arms. His hands, calloused by basketball and weight-lifting, fell to either side of your face, and once more his mouth was on yours; no less desperate, no less scared, no less guilty.

It was in the snap of a second that the softness faded and all the pain and betrayal was put into a messy clash of tongue and teeth. Your arms circled his shoulders as he backed you up against one of the metal tables. He tugged at the polo shirt you were wearing, almost tearing it over your head as he carelessly threw it over his shoulders.

The decorative orange and green lighting was a blur as he heaved you onto the cool surface. He halted for a moment, letting his eyes wander to the newest addition to your closet. A grin spread on his lips as he gave a swift tug on the fabric.

"Did you get that for me, baby?" His face was molten with a hint of cockiness, shaped slyly by his lopsided smirk. "Wanted me to tell you how pretty you are?" Billy questioned, lips hovering over yours before he dipped in for a soft peck. "You are, baby. My perfect girl."

My girl. Your breathing picked up and not a second you had his hair in your grasp, pulling him in close. His lips smashed onto yours in a forceful kiss. With expert fingers he snapped open the bikini top, making it join your shirt on the floor. Billy's rough hands found your hips as he pushed you closer to the ache pressing needily against the prisoning material of his jeans. One of his hands trailed up along your naked waist, finding one of your sensitive peaks, letting his thumb brush over it until he gave it a sudden pinch. You gasped.

"You liked that, baby?" He questioned against your lips, deepening the kiss before you could answer. His nose tenderly landed on your cheek, trailing down further. A small, innocent kiss was pressed against your neck as simultaneously his left hand tightened, digging into the flesh of your hip. With the tip of his tongue, Billy trailed along your pulse point, causing your eyelids to fall shut. There was no denying the comfortableness you felt when being in his arms, his kisses something to give you bliss and steal your breath.

"Billy," you sighed, the name falling from your tongue coated in all the sweetness you weren't sure he deserved. Your head felt as though it was rising to the clouds and every stroke of his tongue across your skin lulled you in contentment.

Though suddenly his mouth left your skin. You opened your eyes in confusion, only to find him sinking to his knees. "I'm gonna show you just how sorry I am."

Your thighs tensed, his bigger hands around them, spreading them however he desired, while your hands unconsciously followed the feel of his soft, blonde locks. Lightheadedness struck you as his breath fanned over the sensitive insides of your bare thighs. You didn't like a lot about your work uniform but the skirt you were growing quite fond of. The warmth caused your legs to clench as something deep in your lower tummy tightened.

"I don't care about any of them," he told you and you knew he meant the ogling women while his hands were squeezing and lifting your leg onto his shoulder. He brought your ankle to his lips, eyes boring into your own before he slowly worked his way up. "Only thing I want is you," he murmured, words smeared against the heated skin of your thighs. "Having those pretty legs spread just for me." He teethed incautiously against your sensitive spots that he knew oh so well. Again, a bright smirk spread across his face. "Getting to hear those perfect little noises from that smart mouth of yours when I make you cum."

Your legs shook as his hands bunched up the fabric of your skirt, hearing him suck in a sharp breath at the tiny bikini bottom barely covering your core. "You were going to wear that to the public pool, baby? Show everyone how pretty you look for me, how much of a whore Hawkins good girl really is?"

You swore silently as he gave a slap to your inner thigh, arching your back to press your core close to him. He gazed up at you through his gorgeous collection of thick, dark lashes that you had adored from the first moment of noticing them. "Billy- please, need it," you mumbled, brows furrowed.

He huffed out an amused chuckle. "Hold on, darling." Within seconds he had loosened the little bows and ripped away the bikini bottoms; him almost sending you from the edge of the counter, though before you could get far, he had you caged between the prodding muscles of his arms. There was little time for preparation as he pressed a messy kiss to your most sensitive bud. Your leg jolted at the sudden surge of pleasure that ascended from the very tips of your toes all the way up your spine, your nipples hardening. The hand in his locks tightened, forcing a groan from his lips, sending vibrations of his dark rumble through your core. There was no question that Billy knew what he was doing. No doubt as he parted your lower lips with his sinful tongue, exploring your pussy with a growling hunger. You shifted, the raw sensation of his muscles circling your clit too much but his arms kept you locked tightly against his tongue.

You whined loudly, forgetting about the masses of people outside the paper-thin walls, as his tongue prodded at your clenched hole, nose bumping into your glistering wetness. Billy flattened his tongue against your mound, nuzzling in messily with a slight shake of his head. His lapping at your folds didn't cease, the lower part of his face drenched in your slick.

Your hips bucked, and you weren't sure if you were trying to get away from the overwhelming stimulation or get impossibly closer to the pleasure he was giving you. You moaned out his name, purposefully tugging him closer by his blonde mullet. He sucked your clit into his mouth, your legs clenching before he let go of it with a pop.

"You're so fiery, princess- makes me want to fuck you so hard." With his teeth, he tugged on your throbbing bundle of nerves causing you to jerk forwards with a surprised moan. "You gonna let me do that, huh? Let me make you cry for the right reasons, baby?"

You nodded furiously, pleas escaping your swollen lips, easing up only at the sound of his belt unbuckling. Your ears picked up the ripping of plastic before his warmth returned between your thighs. His thick hardness nudged at your sopping entrance, as one of his hands pulled your face to his, fingers digging into your neck. "Tell me I belong to you."

You opened your mouth and though he had pressed you for a response he pushed in in one swift motion, rendering you utterly speechless.

"Tell me I belong to you," he whispered against your ear, pulling out until no more than the tip was left in your clenching core before he dove forward with no hesitation. You wetly gasped his name, nails digging into his broad shoulders but he remained relentless. "You're not gonna tell me, baby?" He teased. "Can't even think with my cock stretching that tight little cunt, huh?" Whining, one of your hands fell to his forearm while the other searched for something to hold on to behind you. It was all too much; the filthiness of his words paired with thrusts so deep your tummy felt as though it was bound to burst. "I still wanna hear it, baby," he insisted, hand circling your throat as he gave it a warning squeeze. Billy brought your ear to his lips. "Be a good girl."

"Fuck, Billy," you whined as he hit a certain spot deep in your cunt. "You bel-ah! belong to me."

"There were go, darling." His teeth tugged at your earlobe, delivering another sharp thrust that had tears pricking at the corners of your eyes. "Know how you feel, princess. If anyone looks at you- fuck- touches you, I'm gonna fucking kill them," he whispered, tightening his grip on your neck ere his tongue licked at the sweaty skin of your neck where his hand didn't reach. You clenched around him, head falling back in defeat as his length continued to split you open.

"Are you close, princess? Can feel you squeezing me."

"Uh-uh," you whimpered, nodding your head. "So close."

Billy landed a spank on your ass as he yanked you closer onto his cock. His hips stuttered when you tightened at the stinging sensation, tip slamming into your spot, making you choke on your moan. "Cum for me, princess, be a good girl."

Your toes curled in pleasure, thighs trembling under his every action. You cried out his name, your sudden orgasm leaving your lungs empty of air; voice broken as Billy continued his forceful thrusts for a few moments before a low rumble of a curse fell from his lips and he stilled. He lifted his head, resting his forehead against yours, thumb stroking your throat which he had been gripping with no remorse mere seconds ago.

With one more kiss on your forehead, he pulled out carefully, asking you where you kept your towels. You wordlessly pointed to a drawer of freshly washed cloths, not sure if you could trust your voice just yet. Watchful eyes followed Billy's every move while he took out what he deemed to be the softest towel, as he moved on to wet it in the sink before stalking back to you. He gave a quiet tsk as a sign for you to open up your thighs. Unnaturally gentle, he cleaned up the mess he had forced out of you in the best ways possible and expertly threw the wet towel into the laundry basket across the room; ever the basketball star.

Billy took his place between your thighs, gripping them though tender and attentive - nothing like the bruising digging of his fingers from before. "I'll be better," he promised once more, followed by a small peck on the lips.

You grimaced, encircling his neck with your arms. "You can say it over and over again, Billy. It won't change anything. I need you to show me."

"I—"

Knock, knock, knock, knock.

Both him and you groaned simultaneously, heads dropping at the interruption. You jumped down from the metal surface, now sticky with sweat and you knew you would have to thoroughly clean and disinfect everything before leaving that evening. Hastily you pulled on the bikini top and shirt Billy held out for you, waiting for him to hand you the panties only to stare dumbly as he shoved them into the back pocket of his jeans.

"Billy," you stated with a tone to let him know you wanted them back now, though you were met with his cocky, pearly-white grin.

"You didn't think we were done, did you, princess?" He stepped closer, hand finding your bum as he gave a few innocent pats. "Haven't made you cry yet, now, have I?" He brought his lips to a level with yours. "Kiss."

With a pout you obeyed, agreeing to meet him back at his place later, since Neil and Susan wouldn't be there, going on a date night which Susan had insisted on.

...

After your shift – and another half an hour of cleaning – you closed the store, exiting the partly dark Starcourt Mall. On the drive home, you tried getting the static out of your old car radio, frustration clawing at you, you barely caught what was in front of you. You hit the brakes; heart-rate picking up as you understood that this situation could have ended so much worse.

Almost comical that Billy now seemed to be the better driver out of the two of you. He sure as hell wouldn't have almost hit the massive tree blocking the street. You rolled your eyes, knowing that now you would have to take the biggest detour of all. It was an almost complete round of the town to some old industrial district with many abandoned buildings and factories.

With a sigh, you turned the car around and headed in the other direction.

One of the tapes Billy had given to you was playing just loud enough for you to be able to blend out your own singing. Your fingers were tapping on the steering wheel as you squinted your eyes at the next factory you were to pass. Brimborn. You noted though it was too dark to make out what was written smaller below.

Ere you could get a second look something hit your windshield, shattering it. You turned the wheel in shock, the wheels of the car slipping on the sandy street, making you drift out of control as you once more hit the brakes until the car stilled. Cursing out every swear word you had ever heard, something dripped from your forehead. You lifted your hand carefully to your skin, finding it covered in red as you examined it.

Growling your clenched your hands into fists and pushed open the car door to get a look at your car. Smoke was rising from the engine hood which made you weary to even get close but then your eyes caught something weird. Brows furrowed, you stepped closer to the windshield an eerie cold running over your back as your fingers touched the gooey liquid covering the glass.

What in the holy hells did you hit? A jumbo toad?

Leaves rustled. You turned sharply, pressing closer to the smoking hood. It seemed better than being hacked up by an axe murderer from behind. A weird gurgling screech came from the dark.

"Oh, hell no," you whispered to yourself, rounding the car, and heading for the door. You pulled and rattled but the damn thing was bent shut from whatever it was that hit you. Something snaked around your ankle. You gasped about to look down when you were yanked from your feet. Screeching you tried digging into the ground to keep from being pulled into the factory by whatever this thing was. Your hand caught the iron of a handrail as you strained with all your might against the force of whatever dread awaited you in the dark.

The iron gave a creak. Your eyes shot up. It was in the blink of an eye that the iron gave and nothing of you remained in the light.

The stone floors were icy when you next opened your eyes. It was as though no more than two seconds had passed when you ripped yourself free from whatever had you in its grip. With a furiously beating heart, you dashed for the creaky metal stairs illuminated dimly by old street lamps. The gurgling of that thing still close on your heels, you took the steps two at a time, tripping when you finally reached the upside.

A shout of terror flew from your mouth as you thought it would get you once more and you hastily scrambled back to your feet and out of the steel mill. You opened the passenger side of your car and climbed through to the driver's seat, making a run with screeching tires.

Blood tickled into your eyes from the wound on your forehead. You went to wipe it away as you took in your hand covered in glinting red. Breathing picking up, you turned the rear-view mirror, a sunflower pendant Billy had gifted you dangling from it.

A figure covered in red stared back at you from the backseat. You screeched and hit the brakes. A hand shot forward from the backseat and you dodged it barely. Rattling on the dented car door curses flew from your mouth before you gripped the door handle and with full force rammed your shoulder against it. It fell open and you toppled out onto the street. Your eyes went back to the car, though the figure was there no longer.

The street lights went black. Tears of dread fell onto your cheeks, not able to see your own hand in front of you. You stumbled back to your car, tripping over something as your hand landed on the grimy surface of the engine hood.

"Build."

You whirled around and out of the black shot a streak of red lighting. The sky was lit up in a second as white flakes started to rain down from above. An eerie cold surrounded you and out of desperation, your eyes fell shut, trying to escape what was happening around the same way a child hid when being frightened.

A vision of rats zipped over your inner eye. The monster that had taken you; as its appalling arm loomed over your form back at Brimstone mere moments before everything went dark.

With a gasp, your eyes shot back open only to find the figure from your backseat grinning at you. You squinted your eyes, trying to make out who or what it was, as the horror inside your gut found a sudden surge of courage.

"What the hell do you want?!" You shouted but the figure did no more than chuckle darkly.

"Build." "Build." "Build."

The whispers came from everywhere around you. There were no more places left to hide as the figure dripping with blood moved toward you. Another sinister bold of lighting struck and the air flew from your lungs as your own face loomed back at you. The creature might have worn your face but the darkness in it was nothing you could have ever conjured.

This creature was a nightmare sent from the darkest of realms, you were sure of it, and for a second you contemplated whether it was the devil itself standing across from you.

"Build," she stated and leaped.

...

You shot up utterly breathless and disoriented in a way you had never experienced before. There was a ringing in your ears, a distortion in your vision and it took you a few minutes to understand you were at home. The room was dark, curtains shut completely which was unusual for you since you liked sleeping with the moon bringing a bit of light.

The ringing in your ears was joined by the unsteady thumbing of your heartbeat. You stumbled out of bed and into the bathroom across the hall which your mother had remodeled in an obnoxious shade of lime green. Gasping, you shielded your eyes from the sun streaming in and turned on the cold water. Your eyes caught your reflection in the mirror over the sink. The wounds on your face were gone. You cocked your head, furrowing your brows. Something was off. You lifted your hand, moving it toward your reflection and the second your skin came into contact with the cold surface, the bathroom was dipped into darkness. Black vines were running over the furniture and the floor and those white fragments filled the air. You let go and it all vanished. Shaking your head, you spattered some cold water onto your face before deciding on taking a shower.

No amount of droplets splattering against your shoulders helped you clear your mind as you exited and wrapped a towel around your body. You brushed your teeth as you did every day and applied some sun protection on your face as your vision stopped at the right side of the mirror. The cabinet stacked with your mothers cleaning supplies. As though you were caught in a trance, you set down the yellow tube and turned. Your mind was empty of thoughts or will, the only thing filling your thoughts was a spur of purpose that was not your own. You reached out and opened the lime-painted cabinet door, grasping a bottle of tile cleaner.

A concerned shout of your name went through the house. You staggered back just as your mother knocked on the door, the cap of the cleaner in your other hand. "Honey? You're going to be late for work."

You shut the cleaner, leaving the bathroom in a hurry, almost running over your mother, as you slammed the door of your room shut behind you. You pressed your hands to your face, fingers pressing into your scalp, as you pushed down the eerie cold inside of you. For the first time since you awoke, your mind felt free. You went on to get dressed and grabbed your car keys ere making your way downstairs. Close to the front door, your mother called for you once more. You stilled; the ringing lowly returned as you turned your head to the side.

"Build."

Your feet moved by themselves and before you knew what you were doing, you found yourself in the kitchen, the handle of a frying pan clutched in your hand. You took a swing, just as your mother turned to you, a plate of eggs in her grip. The plate clattered to the tiled floor and your mother yelled out with wide eyes as the pan found its mark for a second time.

You stared for a second at the unconscious form of your mother. There was no remorse or any other emotion in your bones. Making your way to the garage through the connecting door in the kitchen you searched your father's man-cave for some duct tape. You put a piece over her mouth and bound her arms and legs with it. Carelessly you let it fall to the ground before you took a hold of her legs and pulled her sleeping form after you. Opening the trunk of your car, you heaved her up into it with grunts and straining muscles and shut it after the deed was done.

You pressed the button in the corner of the room which opened the garage door and sat in the driver's seat before hitting the gas pedal; the garage door just opened enough for the car to fit through. The pace you were going was something you would have scolded Billy for with no end in sight as you entered a familiar area close to your destination. Brimborn, the sign read as your car came to a halt. For a few moments, you stayed seated as a sense of wrongness crossed over your shoulders, but in the blink of an eye, it was gone and you were pulling your mother's writhing body out of your car trunk. She hit the floor with a dull thud, leaving behind a trail in the dirt as you pulled her inside and down the flight of rusted stairs until reaching the bottom.  

Shushing her whimpering you noted a streak of blood running from her head that you were the cause of. Your hand tentatively ran over her face. "No need to be afraid, Mom," you whispered. "I need you to stay still, okay?" A tear escaped her. You caught it with your forefinger and once more let out a shushing sound. "Don't cry. It's gonna be over soon." You pulled off the piece of tape on her mouth and stepped back. Unnatural snarling emerged from the darkest corner and your mother turned her head toward it slowly. The creature roared lowly in approval of what you had brought, its barely made legs bringing it forward as an arm extended from the gooey mass.

Your mother gave a scream of terror before the arm crept over her face and any noise stopped. Something like horror scratched at the back of your mind as you watched the scene and involuntary tears pooled at your waterline. The hint of emotion was snatched away then and you turned, going on about your day.

...

When reaching the Starcourt Mall, the sun was blazing high up in the sky. Sweat soaked your work uniform the second you stepped out of your car. Shielding your eyes you hurried inside, the sun burning on your skin as though someone was trying to brandmark you. Your shoulder rammed into someone making you stumbled as they complained and threw an insult your way. Looking forward you found a crowd of people in and outside the mall. Your breathing picked up; vision blurred and skin burning from the exposure to the sun.

Pushing open the glass door of the Orange Julius shop and headed straight for the back, ignoring your boss shouting after you that you were more than half an hour late. A few customers were seated out front and after making sure that everyone was served, he followed you. You ripped open the door to the walk-in-freezer, grabbing a few packs of ice which you held to your neck, trying to calm down the throbbing of your skin.

"Do you hear me?" His hand landed on your shoulder. Your head snapped up at the gruff voice of your boss. "One more time and you're fired."

"Build."

He turned to walk away and you followed with quick steps, grabbing one of the aprons of the hook used by only a few co-workers. You wrapped one end of the string around your hand as you jumped on his back and pulled it tightly against his neck. He stumbled and your feet landed on the floor, while his hands pulled at the fabric around his neck, but the strength you possessed was not your own. Soon his movements slowed and he, too, fell into unconsciousness. You bound his limbs using whatever you found and stuffed a rag into his mouth before pushing him into a storage closet.

Taking one of the stupid hats, you wiped some sweat from your forehead and placed the orange-shaped cap on your head before making your way to the front of the store. Two customers you served, expression bland and words sparse until Billy's sister entered the store.

Her smile was bright as her eyes landed on you. She greeted you happily and introduced you to her wide-eyed friend. It had been a while back since Max had thanked you for dating her brother. She said she had never seen him being less of an asshole and their relationship had taken on a civil level. You tried paying attention to what she was telling you but your eyes fell back to her friend. Something inside of you thought you recognized her as a feeling of anger and want for violence zipped through you. Hatred, you noted.

Her eyebrows twitched as she found you staring. Max's repeating of your name snapped you out of it. "You okay?" She questioned. You blinked at her before giving a short nod and making the order she had given you. Your eyes still resting on the girl, you watched as they skipped away hand in hand.

At the end of your shift, you put the chairs up on the table and gave the floor a quick sweep before you locked up and went to the back. Your boss – no longer unconscious – was begging and squirming, trying to free himself from the knots you had bound around his arms and legs. After making sure he hadn't loosened anything, you excited through the back entrance of the Orange Julius with him in tow. It was usually used for bringing in massive amounts of oranges and down the hallway was an elevator, big enough for you and Billy to have had some fun in it.

On the level below, you stepped out of the elevator, dragging your boss after you. It was so late, you were certain no one else would be back here, as you opened the door and pushed him outside. You left him there for the time being as you went to get your car from the parking lot. The area was almost completely empty, except for the car of the cleaning people, your own, and the blue Camaro beside it. Billy was leaning against it, a cigarette hanging from his lips. The second his eyes landed on yours, he plucked the smoke from his lips and threw it aside.

Your steps ceased, heart racing. Pressing your eyes shut, you shook your head. The whispers in your mind didn't stop their churning. Whirling around you moved away from him but he shouted after you, big steps hot on your heels. A hand wrapped around your wrist and he yanked you to face him.

The ringing in your ears exploded. "Build."

"No!" You shouted, ripping yourself away from him. With fists, you hammered against your head, the ringing hurting. A pressure engulfed your head, feeling as though it was bound to split open. You screamed, falling to your knees, head clutched in your hands. Billy was at your side, concern running through his body in a way he had never thought it possible as he gripped your shoulders and shouted your name, not knowing what else he could do.

"No, no, no," you continued to plead as the whispers within got louder. Determined you steadied your breath. "No," you stated once more and the whispers subsided, the ringing eased and the pressure on your mind vanished. You sobbed as he took your face in his hands, kneeling in front of you. "Please," you cried. "I don't want to hurt you. Leave...please, please."

He pulled you against his chest as you begged him to leave, your hand grasping his wrist to feel the throbbing of his pulse beneath his skin. You could feel how fast his heart was beating; scared for you. "What's wrong, baby?" he pressed again after you distanced yourself enough to look at his face. Billy wiped away your tears, eyebrows furrowed at what was going on with you. "C'mon, Y/n, talk to me."

"He... He is inside my head, Billy," you whimpered. "I didn't want to hurt them, I promise, he made me." Tears blurred your vision. "He made me hurt them," you repeated just as a sliver of the ringing returned. In panic, you pushed him back and scrambled to your feet. As he tried going after you, you held out your hand in warning. "Stay away from me."

He stepped forward again. The ringing picked up. "Y/n—"

"Leave!" You screeched and he halted in shock. "Leave me the fuck alone!"

"No!" He belted out. "I'm not just going to—"

"I don't want you here!" You shouted back at him; your heart breaking just a bit. "I don't want you." You swallowed hard as hurt flashed in his eyes. "Just leave!"

Whispers crept in. "Build."

His nostrils flared and you saw a hint of a nod as he flexed his jaw. Billy turned on his heels, returning to his car and slamming shut the door behind him. The Camaro roared to life and Billy sped out the parking lot with tires screeching in protest.

"Build." The hurting in your chest was gone. You cocked your head as you looked after the car for a second longer before returning to what you were told. Building.

At Brimborn you brought your boss down the metal stairs, ignoring his cries and please. You removed the rag from his mouth and shushed him, telling him the same thing you had told your mother. It would all be over soon. The thing in your mind stirred, sensing something that shouldn't be there. Following its senses, you turned, squinting your eyes at the blurred figure of a girl.

"Her." The thing seemed to whisper and you took a step closer. Just as you went to reach for her, she was gone. You stared after her as a vision clouded your eyes. The girl all by herself shutting it out. Locking it away before it was able to do what it came here to do.

When you got home that night, your father was just taking off his jacket, and turning on the TV. He greeted you, asking how your day was to which you barely gave a reply. You found your mother in the kitchen, a row of empty plastic bottles of cleaning supplies on the table. She turned to you with a smile and a tenderizer in one hand.

"Could I borrow your car, honey?" She asked and waited, straight-backed.

"Of course." You handed her the keys and she went into the living room, still smiling as she took her first swing at your father's head. Leaning against the door frame, you watched and as the ringing got louder you, too, found yourself smiling.

...

Later that evening a storm was raging over Hawkins and your mother had taken your father into the car and left, while you threw out the empty bottles. You took the bloody tenderizer from the sink and let the water run over it. Humming to yourself, you took the dish soap and a sponge and scrubbed at the metal kitchen tool.

"Y/n?"

Your humming halted before you turned off the water. "Max," you spoke questionably and faced the ginger girl. And her friend. "El, " you greeted and had to force yourself to look away from her. "What are you doing here?"

"Where is he?" The other girl spoke. Your eyes fell back onto El and the girl repeated her question. She knew.

"Who?" You inquired and smiled at them.

"Your bo-"

"Boyfriend!" Max interrupted, though you could see that was not what El had wanted to ask. "We were looking for Billy. I, uhm, was, uh, concerned. When he came home before he was really mad and, uh, kinda out of it. He left in a hurry and I thought that maybe he might be here?"

"No," you clicked your tongue and smiled. "But it is so nice to see you getting along like that. That you are concerned about him." Your gaze flickered to El. Challenging almost ere looking back to Max. "Oh, excuse me. Are you two thirsty? I might have some cherry coke in the garage."

"Uh, no, we should be going," Max said quickly. "Thanks though."

"Are you sure you want to go out in such terrible weather?"

"Oh, it's no problem. You know, since we live so close by."

"Do you want me to take you? I could take my father's car," you smiled as your fingers found the metal handle of the tenderizer in the sink behind you.

"No, thank you!" Max exclaimed and took El's hand. They passed by the couch and you noted Max slowing before picking up her pace again. You followed after them when they had closed the door and watched them leave from the window. When they were out of sight, you went up to the couch, taking the bloody cushion with you.

...

The next day you went on just the way you had done the day before; working and spending your break in the freezer and in the evening, you went home. You had hardly put down your keys when the telephone rang.

"Hello?" Your name was said, followed by a small whimper. Confused you tried placing the voice until it made click. "Max?" You questioned. "Is everything all right?"

"Billy," she sobbed. "He was really angry and started shouting." Another sob was heard. "He left me at the pool. No one's here. Can you come and pick me up, please? My mom is not answering the phone and I didn't know who else to call."

Ringing entered your ears which wasn't there before. "Build."

"Sure," you replied. "I'll be right there." Smiling you hung up the phone and picked up your car keys. And so, the building would go on.

When you arrived at the pool, you expected her to be standing outside, waiting for you. Instead, the gate of the pool was opened widely. Huffing, you turned off the car's engine and went inside. "Max?" You shouted as a door slammed shut in the direction of the showers. Once more you called out for her. When no answer came you went inside the building where the showers and lockers were located.

No later you could clearly make out sobs. Following the sound, you went past the shower stalls and past the lockers to the far back. You saw a light on in the sauna, the door, too, open. When you got closer, your gaze dropped to the hooded figure bundled up in the corner. Your worry for the young girl exceeded the ringing and whispers. "Max? Are you okay?" You hurried forward, putting a hand on her shoulder as you turned her toward you. Confused you stared into the face of a puppet. The sauna door slammed shut behind you.

You whirled around, eyes landing on a group of children. Including Max and El.

"Her," he whispered in your mind, trying to take away the confusion and worry, but you pushed him away.  

"Max?" You questioned; your voice unsure. "Why are you doing this?" Laying your hand on the door, you peeked out the window in the sauna's door – trying to focus on her, but he was so curious about her that you couldn't help the glances in El's direction.

"Do it," the blonde spoke then. A boy went forward at her command, turning up the heat. Anger flared up inside you which wasn't your own. You stumbled back as heat filled the small room, sitting on one of the benches. The room was quiet, filled with nothing but your labored breathing as sweat started soaking through your work uniform.

"Please," you whimpered desperately; your skin on fire. "Please, Max. It hurts." Your hands rubbed over your skin irritated, attempting to soothe the ache. "Please, it's too hot for him, Max. It's hurting him. Me. It hurts so much."

Max stepped up to the window. "It's too hot for whom?"

"The darkness," you whispered with a shuddering breath. "He is inside my mind, Max. He made me do so many bad things." Wiping away the sweat that was running into your eyes, you stood and moved toward the door. Your eyes flickered downward to where a web of blackness spread under your skin and his anger coursed through your insides.

A door slammed shut as a furious shout followed. Billy. Max turned toward her brother, gaping with a wide mouth. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I went to get my wallet and find you here with a group of boys? Is that what you have been doing, hm, Max? Do you th-" His eyes landed on you and all color drained from his face. "What the- Let her out!" He roared, pushing past the group of children and taking out the metal bar from the door handle.

"No, Billy, don't!" Max shouted and pushed aside her brother when he started fiddling with the metal chain working as an insurance lock.

"I feel him," another boy in the back spoke, but your hand had already balled into a first, slamming through the thick glass in one hit as you went for Max's throat. A sudden surge of unseen power slammed you back against the tiled wall. Landing on the ground, you gasped for air, nostrils flaring in fury as you pushed yourself to your knees.

Her. Nothing like you had ever felt circled through your veins as the lights all around you started flickering. The shadow loomed in and found root deeper than before; webs spread around your body fully. You roared, throwing yourself against the door with an unnatural force. From the outside you heard Billy's angry shouts at Max, demanding to know why and what they had done to you, before you threw yourself against the door a second time, the metal of the chain creaking. Stepping back, you heaved, and for the last time your body connected with the thick iron door. The chain snapped. You came face to face with her.

She screamed and you were ripped from her feet, back smashing into a wall, a barbell flying toward you; caging you. It pressed against your neck and again Billy shouted out in terror.

"Her." "Her." "Her."

Your hands pressed against the bar, teeth clenched tightly, as you pushed against the invisible force until it gave. You hurled the barbell toward the girl, throwing her to the floor. One of the boys rushed forward, a broken pipe in hand as he went to hit you, but Billy caught the pipe and pushed back the lanky boy. Grinning you stalked toward the girl. But before you could get there, she lifted her hand. In the blink of an eye, her nose started bleeding more and she yelled out in strain before flinging you aside with such a might, you broke through the brick wall.

Bones inside your body cracked, setting themselves back together as you lifted yourself onto your feet and ran. Ran to the place you knew safety awaited you. Brimborn. You gave a full report of what had happened, letting them know that now she knew about you. "She could have killed me."

Your mother brushed your forehead and nodded to the darkness. "But not us." Your eyes followed hers to the crowd of people – all of them him. "Not us."

You gazed past them all, at the body, he had built for himself as he straightened and roared. "It's time." You stood, which had your mother give you a questioning look. "She is a curious thing, that girl. She will come looking. And this time, I'll be ready." You walked home then, with no tiredness or muscle ache. Numbness filled your being as your body healed from the fight with the girl; the shadow made sure of it. In your room, you took a seat, grabbed a trashy magazine and waited.

It wasn't long until you felt it. Her; tucking at the strings of your mind as her voice carried through, distorted but there nonetheless.

Can you hear me? It echoed lowly. Can you show me what happened to you? Your eyes snapped up to her, your hand going for her arm. She gasped. The corner of your mouth lifted as you pushed her back and she fell into the depths of your mind. In concentration, you watched her cross through, allowing her a little insight into the past you had lived before she came to the turning point of it all; the day of the car accident and your big fight with Billy. You closed your eyes and waited for a moment - just as she was about to leave, open her mind back up, you lunched.

When your eyes opened you found yourself in the bedroom encased by wooden walls.

"Mike?" Her voice questioned in panic at the sudden emptiness.

"He can't hear you," you spoke dimly, stalking out of the room, causing her the take a few steps back. "You shouldn't have come looking for me. Because now..." You smiled even though you didn't want to do so. "I see you." You cocked your head eerily. "You let us in and now, you're going to have to let us stay." The more she distanced herself from you, the closer you tried to get. You fought to stop yourself, strained on the inside for some kind of power. "Don't you see? We've been building it." Bringing your left hand to your chest, a sighed. And below it all, not even your heartbeat was your own. Running at a pace too slow for any human being to survive. "All that work and now... it's time. Time to end it. And then, we are going to end you." The meaning behind the words sunk in, something that had been in the air, between the lines, from the first moment you – he – had laid eyes on her. There weren't many steps for her left to go, you noted, three more and she would be backed up against the kitchen's sink. "And when you're gone, we're going to end everyone." A tear trickled from your cheek, the only sign that whatever mind you possessed hadn't fully been canceled out by the giant shadow in the front of your mind. That you weren't him. Not yet.

"No!" She screamed and with one sharp tug, ripped herself from him, the way you hadn't been able to do, no matter how hard you had tried it.

Alone in your room, he didn't leave you alone like he usually did. Instead, there was something new he needed you for. You felt as the others joined him, became him, and went to find her. There was an unexplainable connection between the shadow and everyone he had taken. A pain that wasn't your own seized your body. You roared out in pain, gripping the duvet as you waited for the strange torture to end; and for your new mission to find its beginning. The abnormal net of darkness unfurled under your skin and you watched helplessly – caged inside your own mind - as it took over every inch of you. His intentions became your own and his drive for revenge moved you. Within seconds you were seated in your car, engine scorching as you followed the call of the hive mind.

He had fought her once more; you knew, somehow. She had won once more, though this time it was a close call, getting injured when trying to hold her ground – getting infected. And you followed that part of you, of them, of him, inside her being. Your car slowed to a stop outside Bradley's Big Buy, watching to see for any movement inside, though the shop seemed to be dipped in dead silence.

Directly upon setting foot inside the deserted space your gaze caught the flickering lights and the groceries strewn carelessly over the floors. You took a deep breath, plucking out the tinge of fresh blood in the air and following it. Gauze, half-empty water bottles, and other medical supplies were sitting on the floor surrounded by small puddles of glinting red liquid. Crouching down, your finger dipped into the enticing redness. Your breathing picked up as you rubbed it between your fingers; she.

"Close," the whisper echoed and dreadful, unfamiliar joy spread in your chest. "So close." Your eyes fell shut, concentrating on where they had moved on to. Leaving back the chaos, you took a seat behind the wall and hit the gas.

You screamed but no sound made it to the outside. His plan, now unfolded shamelessly in your mind, left you with little hope – little power. But as you screamed internally and the ringing was drowned out by the throat-ripping screech, your fingers on the steering wheel cramped up and a small trickle of blood flowed from your nostril.

The mall, even illuminated by countless signs so late at night, stood proud and new as you turned into the parking lot. The well-known blue Camaro stood aslant in one of the parking spots beside a car which you had seen Mrs. Wheeler take to the pool. Whistling you turned off the engine, stepping out and up to the closest car. As your hands went to tear open the hood of Billy's car, some sense of what was happening filled you, and your movements wavered for just a split second. The aluminum of the hood was pleasantly cool under your skin as you pried it open and ripped out what Billy had once explained to you to be the ignition cable.

Once more your actions slowed to a stop as a memory of you two flashed before your eyes. It was at the beginning of the school year after you had miserably failed the first math test of the season and were utterly certain you wouldn't be receiving your diploma with the rest of the class of '85. Billy had offered you a ride home, gave Max money for the arcade – which you had found incredibly odd – and had taken off at a pace too fast for the small people of Hawkins. You had gaped when he kidnapped you in the other direction of your home, refusing to answer any of your questions. Instead, he had given you a bright smile. "Can't have my baby frowning all day long," he had said and taken you to a diner far outside of Hawkins, pushing you to order anything you wanted and more. With four bags of take-out, the drive had continued to a quiet spot, where you spent the rest of the night sitting between his legs on the hood of this car.

"Have you ever seen the ocean, princess?" He had questioned out of nowhere, to which you shook your head, plucking at a cold fry. "I'm going to show it to you one day," he had promised. "Gonna show you everything you want to see."

Warm, salty droplets fell to your cheeks as you closed the hood and moved on to the Wheeler's car, ripping out the second cable to leave them trapped, too, inside a small space with nowhere to go. And God did you know the feeling.

...

Billy paced inside Starcourt Mall at a safe distance away from the group of freak kids and airhead Harrington with his parade of nobodies. You had levitated, he thought again, turning once more beside the unconscious Russians – or something -  to start his circling anew. His girlfriend had levitated and had been thrown through a wall of bricks and had continued running. The quick rundown of the shitshow going on behind the backs of Hawkins' citizens Maxine had involuntarily given him - after he was about to go out and search for you – did not help him understand shit.

"She is possessed!" Max had shouted after he hadn't stopped raging at her which had gotten him to shut up. Though only for a moment before he had started laughing at the absurdity of it all. "Billy!" Susan's daughter had stomped her foot and pulled his collar down, catching him off guard. He was about to grip her the same way, anger present on his face when she stared into his eyes. "She is in danger."

He had been forced to listen then, listen to the hundred possible ways you could die or could kill them, listen to what that thing – the Mind Flayer – was doing to you.

Wailing from behind him caused Billy to turn, finding the girl, whose name he couldn't remember, writhing on the ground. The other freak Byers was standing over her with a knife in hand and Billy blinked at the scene dumbly as all the other kids gripped the young girl to stop moving. Even he flinched as the older Byers made the cut, trying to pull something out of the wound with his fingers. The weird wonder girl took charge, screeching as she extended her hand and he watched unmoving as a piece of gooey mass was lifted out of the wound by some invisible hand. She flung it aside and he carried on speechlessly staring as the alive mass robbed forward on the floor.

A foot landed on the gooey thing. His eyes followed up the leg and beer belly to the familiar dickwit's face that had cost him more money than he had earned in the few weeks of being a lifeguard. Sheriff Hopper. To his right stood a lanky woman whom he had seen around town once or twice and on the sheriff's left someone that looked as though he belonged in the '70s porn industry.  

What the actual fuck was going on?

He sat on a bench, head reeling. Face planted in his hands his breathing was uneven, heartbeat thumping irritatingly in his ears. You might die. A voice reminded him. Yet again he might lose someone he loved. His chest ached. You might die and he hadn't kept any of his promises. He had made you cry the last time you had been yourself, hadn't taken what you had said too seriously. Instead, he had hidden that he cared so much for you that he didn't know how to handle himself and had taken it for granted.

At the end of the night, he might not ever get another chance with you ever again.

"Billy!" Max called out and when he looked up, half of the group was gone and the ones that were left were trying to carry the girl to the outside. He wiped at the wetness in his eyes and joined them wordlessly.

...

Your attention picked up as a group of people left the mall and your smile faded, hidden in your car by the darkness of the night when you didn't catch sight of her in their midst. The engine of your car gave a loud howl after they had seated themselves in the Wheeler's car, while Billy went to his beloved Camaro; their head snapping toward you as the lighting of your floodlights blinded them. In vain they tried starting their cars only for both Jonathan and Billy to hastily pop their hoods.

The grin on your face returned at the dread in theirs as they hurried back into the mall, the place they thought to be safe. And you stayed back. Silent and waiting. As he entered proximity your skin prickled. With unblinking orbs, you watched as he climbed onto the full height of Starcourt Mall and broke through the glass roof. Your eyelid twitches, hearing its frustrated roars and screeches until out of nowhere, the group of kids poured from the back door, dashing for the car.

Your foot pressed down and once more the engine bellowed. Nancy Wheeler lifted a handgun with the precise aim as though she had done so all her life and took her first shoot. The bullet hit the windshield, splintering it, as it went past your shoulder. Fear settled into your bones. Your very own. And the next bullet hit.

Not able to witness the scene playing out in front of him, Billy gripped Nancy's arm, trying to wrangle the gun from her grasp and suddenly your car took off in their direction. Your heart rate skyrocketed no matter how much he tried to control it as you saw the headlights reflect in Billy's glassy eyes. Not able to stop it, your eyes fell shut, blood seeping down to your lips; your mouth filling with the metallic flavor.

The breath was wrung from your lungs as you flew to the side, head smashing against the car window. A male screech of your name faintly entered your ears but your limbs felt too heavy to lift, mind too foggy to respond. Your car door was ripped open and you fell. No harsh floor collided with your side, instead, you were engulfed in a loving embrace.

You didn't need to see his face to know who it was that even after everything you had done, tried to keep you safe. A sob fell from your lips out loud and no longer locked inside. "I told you to leave," you whimpered and the shadow loomed over your shoulder.

"When have I ever done what you told me?" He joked, choking on his words.

"Please," you cried. "He is coming. And I don't think this time he is going to go away again." You kept repeating your please as Billy's arm slid beneath your knees about to pick you up when your gaze caught hers. In one flash, each vein in your body was dipped in black and Billy gasped as you swung him aside. You rose to your feet, no matter how many broken bones were left in your body. They ran and you followed them into the back entrance of the mall.

The lights flickered as you followed the sound of reverberating footsteps in the emptiness of the halls until you a bolt of ginger hair rounded the corner. Max turned to you, eye flitting to her friends still struggling to get away. "Y/n, please, stop," she begged. "Remember! You are Y/n, you let me stay at your house when my parents fight. You love Billy no matter what shit he pulls. Please, remember- I'm Max and you treat me like your little sis—"

With no remorse, no hesitation you had smashed her head into the wall and brought your focus back to her. The lanky boy you flicked aside with no strength needed whatsoever, his head hitting against waterpipes. The girl threw out her hand and you felt the pressure of her powers, though before she had time to react, you gripped her head and pushed it back against the wall. Unconscious, she fell. You took a hold of her feet and dragged her into the elevator and into the center of all shops. Presenting her to him. Kneeling you leaned toward her ear.

"No need to be afraid," you spoke. "I need you to stay still. It's gonna be over soon." Her eyelids fluttered open and snarling he turned. You stood and watched as an arm broke loose from the mass and dove for her. Before it could reach her, an explosion rang through the mall, and a torturing burning spread across your back. You fell to your knees, screeching in sync with the creature as explosion after explosion hit. The girls scrambled away and you just so managed to grasp at her ankle and pull her back.

Arms slung around you from behind, rendering you unable to move as you trashed in the embrace you had always found to be a safe place. "Help her!" Billy cried out to the girl still laying on her back on the floor.

"I—" She scrambled to her feet at his anguished tone. Her eyes bore into yours as she tried to find a way, her powers as good as gone from the strain of having to fight him off. "Tell her," she spoke after a heartbeat of recalling what she had seen in your head when wandering through your memories. "Of the night you met her parents. Her happiest memory."

With one straining grunt, he forced your trashing form against the dirt-covered floor, caging you with his body; your wrists in his hands pressed beside your head.

"Graduation night," he started. "You were going crazy because you thought your parents would kill you for having a boyfriend." He grinned through the throbbing in his chest, recalling that night. "You remember how your dad's face dropped when you brought me into the kitchen?" He chuckled. "And your mom... she just knew all along, didn't she?" A tear dropped from his eye, hitting your cheek. "I heard her, you know? When your dad took me out back for a man-on-man talk. What she said." You writhing ceased at that. "She told you she knew that look on your face. Because it was the look she wore when she decided she would marry your dad." He laughed then. "And when I asked you what you two talked about, you turned so red you looked like a tomato. And that's when I thought she had to be right because I couldn't see myself with anyone else but you." His hand let go of your wrists, encircling your cheeks, while his thumb tenderly cleaned away the blood on your face. He brought his forehead against your icy one and for the first time in so long you longed for warmth.

You wept as you pressed closer to him, drowning out the screeches of a dying creature, as that thing inside you lending you its power vanished and you were left to feel what was broken. "Everything hurts," you cried. "I don't wanna die, Billy."

"No, no, no." He shook his head furiously. "You won't, you won't." Billy looked around at the strewn kids and teenagers, cradling you closer. "Someone get a fucking ambulance!"

From the outside light flooded the mall as soldiers equipped heavily with different kinds of weaponry stormed in. Sirens of ambulances and firetrucks sounded. More and more people rushed in, as someone loaded you onto a stretcher and Billy thanked every god from above and below for the chance to fulfill his promises to you.

...

One year later

"You're holding it wrong," Billy complained as you sushed him. His hand went out but you dodged out of the way, smacking his fingers. "We're going to end up driving off a cliff," he huffed to himself.

"You concentrate on driving," you stated stubbornly. "I'll handle this."

"But you are holding it wrong!"

"Maybe you just have no sense of direction."

"I might not but I know for sure that the N for North isn't supposed to be at the bottom!"

Your eyes fell to the bottom of the map, where indeed an N stood on its head. "I just have a different way of reading maps," you declared but he drove to the side of the road nonetheless, where there was a designated spot for stopping.

"Gimme."

You pouted, reluctantly handing him the map. He turned it the right way around, giving you a triumphing side-eye as you leaned over with a roll of your eyes, placing your hands on his shoulder. "You know what?" He hummed in question and you continued. "I want to visit every art museum on the way and look at paintings I don't understand the meaning of and I want to speak to people who know lots about lots."

"Any other wishes?"

You bit your lips, trying to keep your smile at bay. "I want you to teach me how to surf, meaning you'll need to save me from drowning several times. That's it for now." You sighed. "I can't wait to see the ocean."

He smiled, taking your right hand and pressing a kiss to it, as his thumb tenderly grazed the diamond-studded ring there, and he looked at you like you were the only thing worth having eyes for. "I'm gonna show you everything you want to see."