#there’s no way there’s an actual tag for this movie so i’ll tag the actor i guess ??

[valentronic]

“The real game will begin momentarily… Stay tuned :)”

Costas Mandylor as The Warden in Death Count(2022)

[moremaybank]

THIS LOVE (IV) — j.m

pairing actor!jj maybank x actress!reader

chapter summary you're set to turn down your management team's proposal, but a familiar face pops up and changes your decision. the plan is set in motion, and jj begins to move into your house. upon his arrival, you two share a moment that quickly turns sour and drives you away from him further.

warnings luke maybank (bleh), a trip and fall, an almost-kiss, language. let me know if i've missed any! [4.5k]

recommended listening daddy issues by the neighbourhood, nights like this by kehlani

this love — the complete playlist ;; the masterlist ;; the tag list

❝ CHAPTER FOUR ❞

Y/N

You press the lock button on your car keys, hearing the doors click. You make your way through the parking lot of Floyd Management. You’re about to tell Josh and Andrea that you’re saying no. You just can’t imagine having to embark on this journey with someone who left you with so much pain that it drowns out all the good times.

Contrary to what everyone may believe, this was not a rash decision. You chewed on it, going back and forth for days about whether or not you should just suck it up and agree to this fake relationship nonsense for the sake of the movie and the opportunities it might bring you. But then you thought about having to spend most of your time by the side of the man who broke your heart, kissing him and acting as if you’re in love with him. Re-connecting with JJ made your wounds feel so fresh again, and jumping on board with this plan would only add salt. 

And it’d sting.

You’re halfway to the entrance when you hear the voice of someone you never thought you’d have to deal with ever again. 

“Hey, there, sweetheart. You sure have done well for yourself.”

The hairs on the back of your neck rise, and you instantly grow cold. You shut your eyes and take a deep breath, bracing yourself for whatever is about to come.

“What are you doing here, Luke? Shouldn’t you be in prison?” 

Luke rounds your body so he can speak to you face to face. He raises a hand to toy with a strand of your hair but you flinch, backing away immediately and keeping your distance. All he does is laugh softly.

“You’ve definitely grown up. Interested in taking the original Maybank for a spin? Promise I’ll make it worth your while.” His voice drops an octave and it makes your skin crawl.

“You’re disgusting. Get out of my way before I call the cops.”

“What are you gonna tell ‘em, darlin’? That I spoke to you?”

You stay silent, knowing that he’s right. He technically hasn’t done anything, and you’d simply look foolish.

“Why are you here?”

“I’m here for you. I have a proposition for you, actually,” he says. 

“Oh, yeah?” You ask. “And what’s that?”

“I want you to help me take JJ down.”

You scoff. “I’m not helping you with anything.”

“You will if you don’t want me to release that sex tape of his and put an end to his career.”

You want to be surprised, but you aren’t. Luke Maybank has never been one to change or reflect on the mistakes of his past. He usually chooses the route of making more, and they’re always worse. And your sentiments weren’t just based on hearsay. You watched JJ go through all the misery caused by Luke. Had cleaned up the cuts and iced the bruises. Taken him to the hospital when his injuries were more than you could handle. You’d cook meals for him, bring an extra bag of lunch to school. Let him stay at your house when they’d shut off the power, water, and anything else they could thanks to Luke not paying the bills. He was an awful person, through and through, and though you were more than upset at JJ for how he scorned you, it’d never be enough to work with his father. 

“You know, all you ever did was make JJ feel small. You dedicated your life to drugs, alcohol and jail time, and you know what JJ got out of it? A mother who abandoned him thanks to your oh-so charming ways, and a father who did him more harm than good by sticking around. I wouldn’t help you if you were dying on the street,” you spit, shoving past him and trying to enter the building. 

“Then you can kiss your little costar goodbye.”

“Are you coked out right now? Or just delusional? I’m not going to let you do this to him. End of discussion,” you respond. 

“Well, you’d better hope JJ pays me and those girls that hush money. ‘Cause you know I’ll come to collect.”

-

JJ hurt you. The damage he’d done to you was once considered irreparable. It’d taken you years to work through that anger and betrayal and you still weren’t even a hundred percent there. But working with Luke? That was simply a line you’d never cross.

You ride the elevator to Josh’s floor, and once you reach it, you make a dash for the waiting area outside of his office. You spot the blonde you’re desperately in pursuit of instantly.

“I need to talk to you,” you blurt rather loudly. You don’t realize how booming your voice actually is until you realize that everyone else in the room is staring you down with confusion and shock written all over their faces.

JJ gets up from his seat and pulls you gently into a secluded area.“You didn’t need to come all the way down here to turn Josh and Andrea’s proposal down. I get that you don’t want to help me. I mean, why would you after what I did?”

“JJ—”

“No, it’s okay. Seriously, I did it to myself, and—”

You can’t wait any longer. “I saw Luke.”

JJ goes quiet immediately upon hearing those words. He’s so in shock that he doesn’t answer you right away.

“Did— Did you know that he was here?” You question, though you know the answer. You doubt he knew, because if he did, he wouldn’t be as quiet as he is at this moment.

He shakes his head slowly, “Nah…Nah, I didn’t.” He visibly chews on his words before hesitantly speaking again. “Did he…hurt you?”

“No, no. I’m fine. Just in shock.”

He nods. “He say what he wanted?”

You moisten your lips, and your eyes abandon his. “He wants me to work with him…help him destroy your career.”

“Right,” he nods, crossing his arms. “Of course he does.” 

You watch him pace down the hallway, but not too far, holding his head in his hands. 

“Goddamn it!” He bites out. The JJ you used to know would’ve punched through the wall in front of him by now, and you can tell that the current JJ wants to, but he holds himself back. Once he calms himself down a tad, he turns back to you. His steps are large, helping him make his way to you quickly. “Where is he? I’m gonna kill him for going near you, and then I’m gonna kill him again for trying to fuck with my life.”

“JJ, don’t. He’s not worth the energy,” you say, trying to talk him down from the ledge he’s on.

His hands come to rest on your shoulders. “Y/N, he approached you. He could’ve hurt you. And I wasn’t even there to…” he pauses, taking a breath, “to protect you.”

Your eyes dart away from his once again as your body tenses at his touch. He senses your discomfort, and pulls away from you immediately. “Uh,” he clears his throat, “Sorry.”

You shake your head, “No, it’s— it’s fine. You’re shaken up. And understandably so.”

Your eyes cautiously find his again once you find the courage, and you can see that he’s trying not to crumble. You know hearing his name alone is terrorizing, and now that he has to deal with Luke trying to rip away everything he’s ever worked for…your heart hurts.

“I wanna help you.”

JJ’s head instantly shakes, notifying you of his disapproval. “No. I don’t want your pity. I’ll be okay, I’ll figure this shit out. It’s my own fault that I’m in this mess anyway.”

“It’s not pity, JJ. I might not be thrilled to work with you or about what you did, but…I’d never knowingly let Luke hurt you.”

“You…you don’t have to do this.”

“I know I don’t,” you tell him. “I want to. But I need you to understand that this doesn’t make things okay. It’s just about work. Business. It can’t be anything more than that.”

“Well,” he says, proceeding with an immense amount of caution. “Will you at least let me tell you what actually happened that day? It’s tearing me apart, Y/N/N.”

For the first time since you’d seen him again, your heart warms at his use of your childhood nickname. You missed it terribly, and you partially wanted to slap yourself and bring yourself back to reality. You’re scared. He’s starting to make the walls you’ve spent so long putting up crack just by speaking to you and having that ache in those damn blue eyes.

“I’m not…I’m not ready, and I definitely don’t want to rehash everything right before we do this. Let’s just go into this meeting, tell everyone that we’re on board and take things one step at a time.”

“But, Y/N—”

“JJ, please don’t make this any harder for me.”

JJ looks into your eyes, and you hate it, but you both know you’re on the verge of falling apart. “Yeah. All right.”

-

“You know, if you weren’t paying us to do damage control, JJ, I’d say that you were trying to kill me.”

“I’m sorry.” 

“Not that I’m his biggest fan, but this isn’t his fault. It’s on Luke. He’s always been selfish like this,” you add, trying to ease the prominent frown lines on Josh’s forehead.

Josh nods, “Yeah, I know. But I just don’t know how we go about this now. I mean, if we pay the hush money, there’s still a ninety-nine percent chance that Luke leaks the tape.”

“Then maybe we release it ourselves, like you and Andrea said,” you suggest. “That way, we can control how the public views it, and Luke won’t be able to hang it over our heads anymore. He’ll have nothing.” 

“Great,” JJ huffs, running both hands through his hair. “Now everyone’s gonna know I’m an ass.”

“Some of us already know that.” You earn a laugh from Josh, and a small smile from JJ to which you return. The both of you know that you’re half-joking, so nothing is taken too seriously. “For real, though. We explain to the media how Luke orchestrated the whole thing. It’s not the perfect solution, but it’s better than them getting to the public first.”

“All right, well, I have to talk to Andrea and get everything sorted out, but we need to get a head start on moving you two in together. My guess is that you’re going to need a few days to get used to being in each other’s lives again, especially if we want the public to believe that you two are in love. Oh, and we need to get a press conference planned so we can release your porno.”

“Can we not call it a porno?” JJ asks, half-heartedly glaring at him.

“It’s funnier that way.” JJ rolls his eyes, and you can’t help but snort. “Andrea and I will ensure that you know what you’re going to say about it.” 

“Nah. I got this. I’ll run it by you guys, but I know what I’m gonna say.” 

While they’re speaking about their upcoming plans, your heart is about to burst right out of your chest, and not in a good or exciting way. Pretending to love someone is one thing, but pretending to be in love with someone who you were enamoured with for over a decade after getting your heart stomped on by them…let’s just say it’s a completely different ball game. Yes, you’d convinced yourself that helping JJ was the right thing to do, mostly because you feared what Luke would do to him if you didn’t. But it’s now dawning on you that this is no longer just about filming a movie. Now you two are going to be watched constantly, even more so if everyone believes that you’re in a relationship. And not only that, but the tabloids will be inserting themselves into it constantly, which will more than likely complicate things. That was proven when JJ made his declaration to the world.

JJ notices the worry flash over your face as your mind wanders. “Hey, are you sure we need to move in together, like, right now? Isn’t it a little soon?” 

“Well it’s not like we can spring you forth into the public when you can barely hold eye contact for a minute. They’ll never believe that you two are together. So, yeah. I’m sure.”

“So…when will this all be happening?” You ask. You aren’t even sure if they can hear you, because you can’t hear yourself. The only thing your ears are picking up on is a high pitched ring brought on by your nerves.

“As soon as possible. I’m thinking by the end of the week. But it all depends on which one of you is fine with moving the other one in.”

Your eyes widen at the possibility of having to move into JJ’s house. You’re sure he has a nice place. It’s not even about that. The thing is, you’re already forcing yourself to go along with this ploy. And now you’re facing the chance of losing the comfort of your home and happy place? 

“We can…we can use mine,” you voice out timidly. 

“No, I can’t let you do that. I’m already dragging you into my mess,” JJ argues, albeit lightly. “I won’t put you out like that.”

“Well, I don’t want to be ripped away from my house and everything I know, JJ. This is already a lot.”

He extends his hand out, like he wants to grab yours and hold it in his they way he used to when he was stressed, but it stutters and falls back into his lap. “Are you sure?”

“Yeah,” you confirm. “Besides, I have a million rooms in there that I never go into anyway. I’m sure you’ll make good use of them.”

He smiles slightly, “You got a game room?”

You know what he’s referring to, and you can’t help but sport your own tiny grin as well. “Of course I do.”

Flashback - Age 15

Y/N

“So, when you get outta here, and you become a superstar and buy an enormous mansion — which better have a bedroom reserved for me, by the way — what kinda rooms are you gonna put in it?”

You snorted a laugh. “What do you mean?”

He sat up from his place on your couch and rotated his body so that his head fell on your lap. He kicked his feet up on the other side, and looked up at you.

“Like, if I got my own mansion, the first thing I’d put in there is a game room. I’m talkin’ a pool table, a dart board, some arcade-style games like Pac-Man. A PlayStation. I dunno, the possibilities are endless. Oh! And I’d have a chess board for sure.”

You gave him a look, trying not to laugh. “You don’t know how to play chess, J.” 

“Hell nah, I don’t know how to play chess. It’ll make me look smart though.”

You hummed in agreement, letting your fingers run through his hair. You watched his eyes close as he relaxed into your touch. He let out an obnoxious moan when you started to scratch at his scalp lightly, and you smacked his chest with your other hand.

“Weirdo,” you mutter.

JJ simply laughs, before grabbing the same hand you’d whacked him with, holding it in his own. “Have you thought about it yet?”

“Thought about what?”

“What kind of rooms you’re gonna put in your house, dummy.”

You think for a moment. Different ideas float around, but then you land on one that you know you’ll make happen for sure. “Probably an entertainment room. Kinda like yours, but it’ll definitely have a big ass screen and comfy reclining seats like at the movies so I can feel like I’m in a theatre while crying my eyes out over my one millionth rewatch of One Tree Hill. It’ll have a mock concession stand, and a popcorn maker. And a Slurpee machine for good measure.” 

“Nice! I’m totally stealing that idea, just, without the whole crying over One Tree Hill part. ‘M not gonna waste my screen on that snooze-fest.”

“Oh, please. You were practically sobbing when Haley left Nathan to go on tour with Chris,” you mock. 

His eyes shoot open and his teasing smirk drops. “I thought we agreed that we’d never speak of that. I was high.”

“High on Naley, that is.” 

“Whatever.”

End of Flashback

“Then it’s settled,” Josh speaks, cutting you out of your daydream. “JJ, provided that Andrea and Y/N’s team are on-board, you’ll move into her house by Friday.”

Damn. Shit just got real.

JJ

It’s Friday, and JJ is now on his way over to your house in a U-Haul truck. He taps along to the rhythm of what he’s listening to on the radio, some Dua Lipa song that he’s certain is in the Barbie movie (and everyone should refrain from asking him how he knows that). The tapping is more mindless as he tries to settle the anxiety he has over this move. He knows that you’re already stretching yourself thin by agreeing to help him. But offering to let him move in to your house? Between this and his past mistakes, the guilt is starting to boil over.

Once he makes it to your gate, he hesitates for a moment before pressing the buzzer. 

“Who is it?” Your voice questions through the speaker.

“It’s J— ” he stammers, before correcting himself. “JJ.” 

So much for playing it cool. He couldn’t even say his name to you anymore.

“Oh, uh, hold on a sec. I’ll let you in. Just pull into the driveway, my security guy will come and help you.”

“Cool.” 

JJ hears a chime, and instantly, the gates begin to open. He drives through them, slowly pressing on the gas as he takes in the front view of your home. It’s fancy, but modest. A testament to you and your personality. 

Then, a tall man with a rather large build emerges from your front door and signals JJ to pull up to him. 

“You JJ?” He asks.

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m Y/N’s security guard, Dave,” the man speaks, introducing himself. He’s handsome — not that JJ noticed — and definitely more on the quiet side. “Throw the truck in park. I’ll get it unloaded it for you.”

JJ shakes his head. “Nah, man. At least let me give you a hand.”

“It’s all right. It’s easier this way. Go on inside, I’m sure Y/N will give you the grand tour.”

JJ gives Dave a nod, and approaches your doorway. This is it, he thinks. He enters your home, stepping into the foyer and taking a look around from where he’s standing. His eyes immediately land on two grand staircases parallel to each other, with a luxurious chandelier hanging right in the middle of them. It isn’t on, but thanks to the sunshine bleeding through the ceiling-high windows, it sparkles and casts a magical glow into your home. There was art hanging on the walls, sculptures on the front tables, and flowers that add a pop of colour into the monochromatic room. 

But something JJ can’t ignore is the smell wafting in from your kitchen. The unforgettable fragrance of your signature cinnamon rolls fill his nostrils and instantly take him back to much simpler times. He can practically see you now, with your hair clipped back and your World’s Best Baker apron secured behind your neck and your back. You undoubtedly have flour on your face, and your tongue poking out as you concentrate. 

You’d always been so domestic, a feeling that JJ longed to be around when he was younger. It’s nice to re-experience it now, even in his older age. Especially in his older age. He’s been coming home to an empty and quiet house for years now, and he hates it. It’s hard not to let the loneliness get to him.

As if you’re reading his thoughts, you yourself come through the entrance, just like he envisioned. Hair pulled back from your face, your same old apron attached to you (though it had worn a bit over the years), and a swipe of flour on your cheek. When you come directly in front of him, JJ’s tempted to reach out and wipe your cheek for you. Every time he did so when you were younger, the action never failed to pull a shy smile and heated cheeks from you. But now, he fears that you’ll back away and avoid him like the plague if he acts on his internal desires. So he doesn’t.

“Hey, have you been waiting here for long?”

“Nah. Not at all,” JJ assures you. He motions to your cheek, “You got a ‘lil something there.”

He watches you retrieve your phone from your back pocket and swipe to open your camera. Your mesmerizing eyes widen, threatening to pop out of your head as you scramble to scrub the powdery ingredient off of your face.

“Right,” you clear your throat, putting your phone back into your pocket. “So, uh, why don’t I give you a tour. Show you where you’ll be staying?”

“Sure,” JJ agrees.

“Okay, well, follow me.”

You turn around and begin to walk through the foyer. JJ, slightly distracted (okay, more than slightly) by your figure, stalls for a moment before his brain reminds him that he’s supposed to be trailing you. He takes large strides, catching up to you and praying that you didn’t notice. The two of you make your way around the main level, visiting the kitchen, dining room, living area. You show him the backyard, your pool complete with a swim-up bar and a hot tub. He notices that you have a few surfboards lined up against the wall of the change room and he smiles, happy memories of the two of you cruising the waves together back home flooding his mind. And last but not least, you made it to the room he’d been waiting for. Your rec room. 

It’s just as you described when you thought it out all those years ago. A huge screen for movies and TV. Rows of theatre-like reclining chairs. A snack bar with a Slurpee Machine. 

Next, you two focus on the gaming section. A colourful glow casts over the room thanks to the arcade machines, and it evokes a sense of nostalgia for JJ. His eyes light up as they trail over Pacman, Street Fighter 2, Super Mario Bros, Sonic the Hedge Hog, and Mario Kart. But the twinkle in his eyes lights up further when he sees Dance Dance Revolution in the far corner. 

“Hey, remember how we used to dominate at DDR back home? We massacred John B and Pope every time.”

You nod, the recollection of those times pulling at your heart strings. Still, you’re afraid of thinking too deeply on them. “Yeah, well, that was a long time ago. And they aren’t here, so, I doubt it’d be as fun without them.”

JJ gives you an earnest look. “I get it, things are different now. But we live together now, Y/N. I want us to be able to get along. I don’t want us to feel like we have to avoid each other all the time, and I’m also not planning on spending the next couple months arguing with you every day. Maybe…maybe we could have fun. Make this whole arrangement bearable.” 

“JJ, it’s not that simple,” you say. 

He leans in, his voice soft. “I know it won’t magically fix everything, but we can try, right? For both of us?”

You gaze into his eyes, seeing a glimmer of sincerity. Sighing, you reluctantly give in. “Fine, but don’t expect me to go easy on you.”

He smiles triumphantly. “Wouldn’t dream of it, princess.”

The two of you step onto the dance pad, and JJ chooses a song. Slide by Calvin Harris pulsates through the room. Your movements synchronize as you dance, and soon, laughter is spilling out of your mouths and mixing in with the song. JJ can’t help but look at you for a moment, all smiley and happy in his company for the first time in weeks. It’s nice to see you letting loose around him, finally. Unfortunately, things quickly go south when his foot falters, and he stumbles, pulling you down with him. You crash onto the floor in a tangle of limbs, and JJ lands on top of you. 

Your faces are mere inches apart, your breaths mingling. For a fleeting moment, time stands still, and it feels like before. It’s like he’s been transported back to your adolescent years, still best friends and teetering back and forth on the line between best friends and something more. And just when he inches closer, debating on closing the gap between you, you scramble to get up, gently rolling him off of you and making a beeline for the door. 

“Y/N, wait!” He calls after you. He practically has to chase you down the hallway. He reaches out, fingers gently circling your wrist and stopping you from getting any further. “I…I thought we were having fun?”

“Fun?” You ask, your tone seeped with indignation. “JJ, you tried to kiss me! I should’ve known this was all some ploy of yours to get into my pants again. God, I should’ve known better.”

“Wait, what? Y/N, that’s not what this was,” JJ defends. “That whole game thing…I was trying to reconnect with you. I never meant to bring up the past for you and hurt you again.”

Your eyes avoid his, and he knows you’re too scared to look into them. He’d reach out and hold your head in his hands the way he used to, gently force your gaze onto him so you can see his vulnerability, but this isn’t the past. You don’t trust him the way you did before. Hell, you don’t trust him at all. So his hands remain at his sides.  

“I’m willing to try. I’m willing to earn back your trust, to show you that I’ve changed. But you gotta give me a chance. Please, Y/N, just give me a chance.”

You ignore his declaration, and his plea. “I’ll have Dave show you to your room. The bed’s all made up, so you shouldn’t have to do much.” 

JJ watches you walk down the hallway. “Where are you going?”

“Out. I have to get out of here.”

JJ wipes a hand over his face, letting out a sigh of frustration. He was finally getting somewhere with you. Things were looking up. But in a flash, they all went downhill, and now, he’s slowly losing faith. 

Good thing that isn’t going to stop him from fighting.

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[vintagevict0ria]

𝙸 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞

Chapter 2 "Ive been watching you for ages..."

pairing: Adam Driver x f!reader content: alcohol consumption, use of Y/n. a/n: oh gosh guys im so sorry this took SOOO LONG!! I have not had any motivation but i was determined to get this out! part 3 will not take as long!! Added a tag for all my works: #victoriassecrets!!

Endless scrolling turned into you following asleep. When you woke up, you found a pool of spit under your chin and your phone was dead. Rolling your eyes, you sat up stretching your arms before plugging your phone in and wiping your face. Today you had planned to get breakfast with Carolina today, to debrief from the past few days. It had caught you by surprise how much your co-star had been on your mind- an unhealthy amount you should say…

Hopefully this date would help clear your mind and focus on the actual movie and not Adam Driver. 

You arrived at the coffee shop shortly before Carolina did so you found a table by the window. When she arrived: she lit up instantly when her eyes met yours. “Hey girl!!!!” She let out a squeal of excitement as she frolicked over. Standing up, you embraced her in your arms. “Oh em gosh we have so much to talk about!!” Of course, Carolina couldn't wait to start talking. Sitting back down, you took a sip of hot coffee before speaking “So i want to discuss how JJ is planning on building and establishing me and- Sorry- Taylor and Johns (you and Adams characters) relationship”

“He wants you and Adam to get to know each other from the other side of the camera so that way we have something to build off of before we start filming.”  This caught you by surprise.In the past, no directors had asked you to have an actual connection that isn't just acting.

“We have 7 weeks till filming starts and I've already scheduled you and Adam a reservation at the restaurant down the road for tonight- lets get ahead yeah?” Dinner. Tonight. With Adam. It was hard to imagine what this could possibly mean. “So it's a date basically?”

“Oh gosh no silly!” She laughed, shaking her head. “Just think about it as a…” she paused. “Yeah it's basically a date.”

Oh Carolina, why would you do this to me!!

“No the red! No wait- the blue! wait - yes the red! Wait..” Holding up the two dresses and making Carolina pick was impossible. She was your hype woman and you looked good and anything but gosh this woman could not pick to save her life. “Girl, just pick! I'm going with the red-” before you could finish Adams manager walked in-”The cab will be here in an hour” she left quickly after dropping the news. Lovely, now I'm being rushed. 

“Ok pick a dress and i’ll get someone her to fix your hair and makeup-”

“No- I got this. I’ll be out in a few minutes.”

Carolina smiled, looking up from her phone and going over to hug you. “First impressions are everything” she whispered in your ear. All you could do was laugh.

Dress? Red(or blue?) No yeah red…

Hair? Down! No up!! Wait… Down!!

Makeup? Uhhhhhh…

“Ms. Y/L/N! The cab is here!!”

Crap! You quickly grabbed your purse and ran downstairs while still trying to put shoes on. After who knows how long, you finally got your shoes on and was greeted by Adam. 

“Evening.” He said, holding out his arm.

“Good evening.” You joyfully intertwined your arm around his elbow, letting him guide you into the cab. 

The flash of the cameras was bleeding. Being an actor in Hollywood meant stalkers, love letters, cat calls, and of course- paparazzis. Security did their best to quickly get you too into the car with little to no time for the cameras to catch a glance of you and your co-star. As soon as you entered the car- a woman- around the age of 20, started pounding at the window of the car. “Adam! You are so hot! Have my ba-” the car sped off before the woman had a chance to finish. You glazed over at Adam but he didn't seem fazed at all. Was he used to this? The ride was quiet. All that could be heard was the rolling on the car on the roads of LA and the faint playing of the radio. Before you could be relieved of the stress of this event, you stupidly went on instagram and your DM’s were full of pictures that the paparazzis had taken just minutes ago. The pictures were not as clear as expected considering you basically ran to the car. You could just faintly make out the scene of Adams' arm around yours. 

Once you arrived at the restaurant, the door swung open and a doorman held out his hand to you. You hesitantly grabbed it. Making sure your dress didn't get caught in the car door- you exited the vehicle and was once again escored beside Adam and security. Little to no paparazzis were around but somehow, many civilians knew you two were expected. Some profanities and obscure things were shouted but you too paid no attention to them. The restaurant lights were wildly contrasted with the dark outside. Adjusting to the lighting, you walked over to a table that was draped with a white cloth along with two wine glasses, silver wear, and a candle. Adam pulled out the seat, gesturing to you to sit down. Embarrassed, you smiled and whispered ‘thank you’ under your breath. Adam sat down across from you.

“So-” Adam began to speak, his brown eyes looked so whimsical in the lighting. Before speaking again, he cleared his voice. “Where are the menus?” He chuckled, looking around the restaurant. At Least he was trying to make this not awkward as possible.

“I was just thinking that! Have you ever been here before?” You scanned the room, it was quite empty- well entirely empty.

“No, you?” You shook your head. Right as you were going to say something, your waiter walked over, pen and paper in hand. “Apologies for the wait- what can I start you off to drink?” You both ordered a glass of red wine to start and shortly after receiving menus- ordered entries. Taking a sip of your drink, Adam asked “Thoughts on the film so far? Well, the script that is.” He brushed his hair back, still making eye contact with you. You couldn't believe you were having dinner with Adam Driver. He was so beautiful and there was something about him that wouldn't allow you to look away.

“I like it! Also- apologies for Carlonia setting this whole ‘date’ thing up- she can be really extra sometimes' ' putting date in quotes excentauted how awkward this dinner was. You hoped he would just laugh it off but- oh no.

“Carolina?” he laughed, shaking his head while looking down, “No, this wasn't JJs or Carolinas idea. It was mine.”

_________________________

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[steddiehickeys]

requested by: @kaiylynph

pairing: billy hargrove x female reader

tags: 18+ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT, besties w steve, established relationship w billy, hair pulling, degradation / name calling, slight manhandling, mean!billy but he’s still kinda nice, jealousy, fingering, p in v sex, doggy style, unprotected but on the pill (plz wrap it omg)

word count: 2,000+

a/n: this is my first posted smut ever!! so pls be nice but also pls give feedback! this was a request so i’ll be doing those as well as things i just wanna write :)

also just to put it out there; i obviously do not condone billy’s actions or anything, he is a shitty person who just happens to be played by a sexy ass actor. THIS IS PRETEND PEOPLE!!!

——————————————————————————

You can almost feel the shift in Billy’s gaze when he sees Steve approaching you two at your locker.

“Well, well, look who it is.” Billy smirked and cocked his head as he leaned onto the lockers with his back and crossed his arms.

“Yeah, hey, Billy.” Steve gave a sort of fake smile his way before directing all of his attention toward you.

“So, Y/N, I found this scary movie we haven’t seen yet; I know you told me that you think we’ve watched every one known to man-”

You tried listening to Steve ramble on about this movie but the only thing that could really hold your focus was Billy and his clenched jaw.

You don’t really understand why your friendship with Steve bothers him; you two have been friends since you started high school. He was the first person you talked to on the first day and you two sorta just clicked, but you see him like a brother, or your weird cousin.

Billy knows that, so that’s why you always get so frustrated when he reacts like this. You and Steve could never do anything like the things you and Billy do.

“Would you wanna come over this Saturday night to watch it, Y/N? I can stop by the store to grab some snacks and pick up some Dr. Pepper for you.”

You went to answer Steve before Billy beat you to it. “Actually, big guy, she’s gonna be out with me then. Looks like you’re gonna have to schedule your little date for another time.”

You watched the confusion and flusteredness sneak up on Steve’s face. “No, it’s not like that, I promise.” He chuckles as his cheeks turn redder by the second.

Billy pats him on the back twice as he takes your hand and walks past Steve. You turn over your shoulder to call back to him.

“I’ll talk to you after chemistry!” He smiled and nodded at your voice and gave a small wave. You felt Billy’s grip on your hand tighten at your words.

You and Billy had a free period now, which usually consisted of you two either going to his car to make out or going to his car so he can take you to get food.

The only thing that was different about your trip out to his car this time was the aggressiveness in his grip and the fact he hasn’t even looked at you since your interaction with Steve.

“Get in the damn car.” He said in a low voice. He didn’t bother opening the door for you like he usually does, he just got in the driver’s seat and slammed his door shut.

You sat down and didn’t dare slam your side of the car shut, you didn’t wanna make him more mad than he already seemed. Was this really all over Steve?

He peeled out of the parking lot and started driving, you assumed you guys were going to your usual place you grab food at, but you were corrected as you made your way to a familiar spot, Lover’s Lake.

Billy pulled over to a secluded spot where no one can really see and there’s more trees covering his car. You sat in your seat waiting for him to say something.

“Are you waiting for an invitation or something? Get your ass in the back seat.” He barked and motioned his head to the back.

Your breath hitched in your throat and you got out of the car and back in, but in the back this time. You played with the hem of your skirt as you waited for him to join you back there.

When he got in and shut the door behind him, he just sat there, lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. All you wanted was for him to say something.

You open your mouth to say something before a hand grips your throat roughly. “Now, I didn’t say to talk, did I?”

You shook your head.

His grip on your throat lessened but didn’t give up completely. He took another drag from his cigarette before putting it out in the tray he has in the middle console.

He tilted his head and looked into what felt like your soul. “What’re your plans with Harrington for this little movie date, huh?” He ran his fingertips gently up your thigh.

“Gonna let him touch you?” His fingers grazed where your panties met your thigh. You shook your head no and felt your wetness growing.

Billy gave a fake look of sadness. “Aw, but I’m sure he would loveeeee that, doll. Don’t you think?”

“Billy, no! Steve and I are just friends.” You shook your head quickly and all Billy did was give another dark chuckle.

“You don’t see the way he looks at you, Y/N. Pretty boy would devour you the second he got the chance. He’s just too pussy to do anything with me in the picture.”

You roll your eyes and Billy’s hand is on your throat once again. “Oh, you wanna roll your eyes, huh? I’ll make your eyes roll.”

He ripped your underwear down your legs till your glistening pussy was exposed to him.

You groaned embarrassingly loud when you feel his two fingers run up and down your slit, almost mocking how turned on you are by him right now.

Was Billy a fucking douchebag for no reason most of the time? Yes. Did you have some issues that made you dangerously attracted to him because of that? Also yes.

He didn’t break eye contact with you as he shoved those same two fingers deep into your pussy, causing you to grip onto his wrist out of ecstasy and pleasure.

“Don’t fucking touch.” He grabbed both of your wrists with his other hand and began finger fucking you at an insane pace.

The way he was curling his fingers as he went in and out caused your eyes to roll to the back of your head, you knew he was taking pleasure in that when you heard him chuckle to himself.

He attached his lips onto your neck, sucking dark marks as his continued to bring you closer and closer to your first orgasm. He wanted Steve to know who made you feel good every single day.

The overwhelming feeling of his lips on your neck, your hands being pinned to your side, and Billy’s fingers on your pussy was the perfect combination to have you so close to orgasm.

“I’m gonna, fuck- I’m gonna-” You tried to exclaim as you felt the heat growing in your lower stomach.

“No, you’re not.” He laughed again as he pulled his hands away, your orgasm dissipating completely.

You groaned out of frustration and tried leaning over to palm him through his blue jeans. “Nuh-uh.” He said grabbing your wrists once again and pinning them above you.

He laid you down so you were laid across the backseat and he was hovering above you. Your hands still pinned above your head, you feel his knee between your legs, your core begging for some sort of friction.

“You think Steve could do this to you, make you whine like a pathetic whore just from his fingers?”

You moaned and the sides of his lips curled up in a cocky smile. After not saying anything, you feel his hand make his way to your throat once again.

“Answer me, Y/N.”

“N-No, Billy. Steve doesn’t even like me like that-”

He let out a dramatic laugh at that point, his knee finally coming into contact with your pussy, making you whine.

“You’re so fucking clueless, Y/N. Guess I gotta fuck some sense into ya.” He flips you over so you’re on your stomach.

You’re still very much soaked from this entire interaction and your failed orgasm from not too long ago.

“P-please, Billy.” You could hear the sound of his zipper coming undone; he was moving at an agonizingly slow pace.

“I like the way you sound when you beg, do it some more.” You looked back at his smirking face before burying your head in the car seat.

“I need your cock, please, Billy! I want you to show me who I belong to.” His hand grabbed a fistful of your hair before bringing you up so your back was flush with his chest.

“That’s what I like to hear, pretty girl.”

You felt the head of his dick line up with your entrance before he slammed himself into you while shoving your head back down into the seat.

He growled as he bottomed out, plunging himself deep into you with no remorse. He was fucking you like he had a vendetta against you, and you loved it.

“Yeah—you wanna go around acting like a whore? I’m gonna fuck you like one, fuck.” His grip on your hair tightened as he continued his steady pace.

He let go of your hair and traveled his hand down so it was resting on your back, pressing you down into the seat.

He used his other hand to deliver a hard smack on your ass, the stinging on your skin remaining like a tattoo. That pain only added to your once again building orgasm.

“You think Harrington could fuck you how I do?” He let out a quick laugh. “He looks like he’d be too afraid to break you, but I know that’s just what you like, isn’t it, sweetheart?”

You could feel his cock hitting that right spot every single time he thrusted into you, you tried to talk reply, but you couldn’t even get a word out.

“Wow! Princess is so fucked she can’t even speak a sentence, you really do like getting fucked like a whore, don’t you?” All you could do is nod as he continued to slam his hips against you at a rapid pace.

“That’s my good girl.” That phrase was enough to have you coming undone underneath him without any warning.

“F-Fuck!” You felt your legs shake uncontrollably and you could feel your body going limp. Billy used his strength to hold your hips up for you.

“You’re so fucking h-hot, Y/N. You wan’ me to fill you up with me cum?” He said through gritted teeth as his grip on your hips got tighter.

You nodded once again as he fucked you through your orgasm into his own. You groaned as you felt the warm liquid shoot inside of you, you were very grateful for birth control at these moments in time.

He pulled out and watched his cum dribble down your leg. Instead of cleaning you up, he pulled your panties back up with his cum smeared all over your pussy.

He always did this, he liked knowing you had HIS cum drying on your pussy all day. He would smirk at you as you shift uncomfortably in class.

“You alright, baby?” He asked as he straightened your skirt back down over your thighs. You smiled and nodded at him as you looked into his intimidating eyes.

“You do know that I’m being serious when I say that nothing would ever happen between Steve and I, right?” You sat up and adjusted your shirt a bit.

Billy fixed his pants and lit another cigarette. You stretched your legs so they were laying across his. He traced his fingers up and down them in an endearing way.

“I know, but you do know I’m also being serious when I say pretty boy is totally in love with you, right?”

You’ve always known about Steve’s little thing for you, but he’s never talked about it or brought it up, and you don’t feel that way about him; so it’s just sort of something you choose to ignore.

You sighed a little before Billy spoke again. “But I also trust you, and like I said, he’s too pussy to do anything. So that’s why I don’t really give a fuck if you two hang out.” He takes a long drag from his cigarette.

You put your legs back on the ground and scoot closer to him. He puts his arm around you and says, “But if he does try something, I will literally-”

“I know, Billy, I know.”

[zablife]

Haunted House

Jake "Hangman" Seresin x female reader

Summary: You visit a haunted house with Jake so he'll hold you close, but you learn something about him you didn't expect.

Author's Note: Inspired by a post by @mrsroosterbradshaw02.

Warnings: language

You couldn’t remember who had suggested the corny haunted house, but after a few beers it sounded like a decent idea. It was Halloween after all and you wanted an excuse to wrap yourself around Jake. You’d always loved horror movies and gore so you weren’t actually afraid, but what could it hurt to let him think you were?

As you entered the cobweb-filled entry way, the sound system played a horrendously fake sounding loop of ear piercing screams and chains dragging the ground. Jake turned to Bradley and said, “Haunted houses are so stupid! Who wanted to do this?” Everyone chimed in for him to shut up as the door opened slowly for you to enter the “chamber of horrors.” You rolled your eyes at the silly theatrics, but snuggled into Jake. 

He pressed a hand to your lower back whispering, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you sweetheart.” As soon as you entered, you passed a room with a girl in a bloodstained nightgown reaching through the bars of a cell to claw at you. You suppressed a giggle and tried to make it sound like a gasp instead. You noticed how Jake’s arm tightened around your shoulder and you began to wonder if he was comforting you or you were comforting him. 

Then you rounded a corner where a man in a mask jumped out with a chainsaw. Much to your surprise, Jake let out the loudest scream you’d ever heard and bolted away through the darkened halls. You heard props being knocked over and other guests shouting, “Hey, watch out!” 

You looked over at Bradley and Bob who were holding their sides laughing at Jake’s overreaction. “What the fuck was that?” Natasha said, leaning past you. “Is he going to puke or something? What a baby!”

"Classic Bagman," Payback added. You couldn’t help but laugh and then you felt guilty so you found the exit, pushing past the actors who were trying hard to spook you. 

You found Jake outside breathing heavily. “Are you ok?” you asked approaching him slowly. He was still shaking like a leaf.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine,” he said trying to brush off the embarrassing moment you’d just witnessed. 

“Are you afraid of haunted houses?” you said as a smile pulled at the corners of your mouth.

Jake let out a huff of air. “I am, ok? I hate those damn things, but I couldn’t tell you that!”

“Hey, I don’t care. I just wanted an excuse to make out with you a little,” you said biting your lip.

“Oh, yeah?” he said, looking up at you with renewed hope.

“Mmm-hmm,” you said, sitting next to him.

“Now that, I can do, darlin’,” he said with a smirk and pulled you in for a kiss.

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

****If you liked this blurb, please comment and reblog!! Also, feel free to send me an ask and request another! I'm always willing to write more for Hangman or Rooster.****

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Tag list:

@floraroselaughter

@rikki-b-lake

@alanadetigy

@writeroutoftime

@deans-ch-ch-cherrypie

@peakyrogers

@justalonelyslytherin

@lovemissyhoneybee

@wandawiccan60

@l1-14

@luckyladycreator2

@kmhappybunny240

@blue-aconite

@littlebadariell

@hotch-meeeeeuppppp

[meraki-yao]

20 Questions For Fic Writers ✒️

I have a bit of time between now and my consultation for my essay so I’m finally answering these! Thank you to @luainthewild and @typicalopposite for the tags!!!!

How many works do you have on ao3?

13 right now! I’m a baby fic writer lol I only started in 2022 as a coping mechanism from university fucking me up, but I’m fully in love with it now. It’s so good to get back into writing for myself after writing for school and exams according to a marking scheme for so long.

What's your total ao3 word count? 43,982!

What fandoms do you write for?

浪浪钉 LLD (The collective ship name for the main ship Wenzhou and the rps Junzhe), Shadowhunters (mostly Show canon but I do have book canon fic ideas in my drafts), RWRB

I have a Sanders Sides Hadestown AU in my drafts too but that’s been gathering dust there for a while😅

Top five fics by kudos:

I’d Hang the Moon for It to Shine on Him Sleeping (RWRB)

I Need Comfort (But I Hate Being Comfortable) (RWRB)

Dancing Under Red Skies (Shadowhunters)

Take Me Out and Take Me Home (Shadowhunters)

Achilles Come Down (Shadowhunters)

Do you respond to comments?

Not really, mostly because I have no idea how to handle compliments🫠

What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

I’d say my first fic? Four Times Love Meant Sacrifice and the One Time It Didn't Need To, because that was literally four ships with a bad ending (or at least endings presented as bad) with one final happy ending ship. But otherwise I mostly stick with happy endings, or at least hopeful endings

But I will say my WIP that I posted on Wednesday is gonna break that record and have the angsiest ending, because it’s about Arthur Fox’s cancer diagnosis and Henry’s emotional journey through that point of his life

What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

I’d say most of them are fairly happy? But I do think I do hopeful endings more.

Probably Can I Have This Dance? It ends with Alex and Henry dancing around in the Texas family house after the election

Do you get hate on fics?

So far so good, no, and I’m hoping it stays that way 🥹

Do you write smut?

Very, very tame. The most explicit thing I’ve written is The Word of Your Body, which is a RWRB Movie Paris scene fic. It’s very tame, but writing the main event gave me such a crisis

Craziest crossover:

I don’t think I’ve done a crossover? Between fandoms, that is. And I don’t think I’ll ever plan to? Unless you count what I did for Four Times Love Meant Sacrifice and the One Time It Didn't Need To because I was mixing the actor’s characters from different projects and shipping them together (which is a really prominent thing in the LLD/JZ fandom)

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

No, not that I know of

Have you ever had a fic translated?

No, but with my growing interest in translation, I am thinking of translating some of my own fics, starting with the LLD (since that’s a dominantly Chinese fandom to began with)

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No, not yet!

All time favorite ship?

Aw, you can’t make me choose, that’s impossible!

What's a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

I have way too many ideas in my RWRB draft box, so there’s a lot of doubt there

But for fics I actually already started, it’s a song fic on “I’ll Cover You” from Rent for Junzhe. I was like 40% done with the draft, but the last time I touched it was in 2022.

It’s supposed to be a sort of exploration on cross-dressing and femineity which started because I was pissed at the government’s “Anti-sissy” declaration, and Zhehan (one part of the ship, but don’t search him online yourself a lot of shit happened and there’s massive misinformation everywhere about him) was really loved and known for his perceived femininity after holding a dominantly masculine image for most of his career. The gender neutrality in his style during and after Word of Honor suited him better, and I wanted to write about that

What are your writing strengths?

Descriptive writing and character studies, which is why most of my fics are either putting visual media into words, or missing scenes, or canon compliant

What are your writing weaknesses?

Dialogue and anything regarding movement and action, so choosing to write a Tangled AU for the RWRB Big Bang is a challenge I set for myself

Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

Be careful with it, and be respectful. (and of course, if it’s Chinese, I will be extra critical)

First fandom you wrote in?

Lang Lang Ding/Junzhe! Or if you categorize according to AO3 tags, Word of Honor RPF

Favorite fic you've written?

Eh, I’m pretty happy with most of my fics but I’ll go with I’d Hang the Moon for It to Shine on Him Sleeping, The Word of Your Body and Achilles Come Down

No pressure tagging @o0anapher0o @pippin-katz @lfg1986-2 @noemiettedraw @thinkof-england

[whatstruthgottodowithit]

Last Past The Post

Fandom: RPF, American Actor, Elvis Movie

Pairing: Elvis Presley x Female Reader, Elvis Presley x Female Reader x Jerry Schilling x Red West x Sonny West, Jerry Schilling x Reader, Austin!Elvis x Reader

Characters: Elvis Presley, Female Reader, Jerry Schilling, Sonny West, Red West, Austin!Elvis

Word Count: 4,018 // Rating: Explicit 

Summary: Elvis would give you anything you ask for but taking something that’s his is askin’ for trouble.

Tags/ Warnings: Sex, Oral Sex, Blowjobs, Penetrative Sex, Vaginal Sex, Group Sex, Wife Sharing, Kissing, Established Relationship, Extra Marital Sex, Smut, Possessiveness, Orgasm Denial, Memphis Mafia, Cream Pie, Arguing, Dom Elvis?, Accidental Creampie, Fingering, Angry Elvis,

Notes: the next part of the girl he left behind is a lil sad so i thought ya know what have some scandalous memphis mafia smut. this is based on movie characters cos they hit different than the actual memphis boys 

LINK TO THE MADE FOR THE MAFIA SERIES

‘You think that’s gonna impress her?’ Elvis chuckled as he stroked your hair holding it behind you in a makeshift ponytail. Red scowled and pulled back a tad as if he was a chastised child as Elvis continued, ‘you’re not even fully hard yet.’

‘Maybe if you’d let me touch-’ ‘I think we all know you can get yourself going just by looking,’ Elvis said leaning in to stroke your cheek.  He smiled down at you as if the two of you were having a simple conversation which was far from the case. You were currently on your knees with your husband’s friend’s cock so far down your throat you nearly gagged, a feat Elvis didn’t bat an eyelid at as he looked at you and said, ‘ain’t that right baby?’ ‘Seen it enough times,’ you giggled as you pulled your mouth off Sonny’s cock making the man whimper at the loss.  ‘Jerrys allowed to touch,’ Red countered with a grunt causing Elvis’ eyes to narrow. ‘Jerry can control himself,’ Elvis said coolly. Red seemed to know that this was not the time to argue back and nodded stepping away from you. Elvis looked around and spotted Jerry sitting on a chair in the corner straining painfully against his boxer shorts though he didn’t make a move to join in. Like every time he was waiting to be told.

‘In fact, he’s the only one of you who seems to be able to control himself,’ Elvis said, ‘ain’t that right Jer?’ ‘You’re the boss E,’ Jerry said with a shrug. ‘Suck up,’ Red mumbled causing Elvis’ glare to fall on him. ‘Keep talking like that you’re not gonna see any other kinda suckin’,’ Elvis said, ‘in fact, I think Jerry’s good behaviour deserves a reward.’ Jerry’s ears pricked up at the mention of his name and you pulled back from pumping Sonny feeling a change was about to be made. Sonny didn’t complain this time and instead moved away allowing you to be able to see Jerry properly. 

‘On the bed honey,’ he said stroking your cheek as he beckoned Jerry over. You scrambled onto the bed quickly earning a chuckle from him, ‘so eager.’ ‘Where do you want me boss?’ Sonny said. ‘Head of the bed with me. Jer down the other end make her feel good now ya hear?’ Elvis said moving so he was kneeling beside your head. Sonny was at your other side too but you weren’t focused on that as your hand instinctively wrapped around your husband’s cock which was red and throbbing from sitting on the side-lines for so long. He hissed as you touched him before he shuffled closer so you could take him in your mouth. He was bigger than Sonny but you could take him better after all you were used to him the most.  ‘Fuck honey,’ he grunted as he eased gently down to the base, touching your throat as he did so. ‘It’s like heaven right EP?’ Sonny said. ‘I’ll say,’ Elvis chuckled as you continued, your other hand lazily making its way back to Sonny’s cock so he wasn’t neglected. It was only then you noticed Jerry was ready for action. He kissed down your thighs tenderly before his tongue eventually found your sex, working it expertly as always. He was always the gentlest of the guys. Always the one to follow what Elvis instructed and the one that seemed to care the most about you. If you were being truthful he was your favourite.

And if anything he was the entire reason this situation had come about. It had been an accident initially. You’d been up late one night after a show, Elvis, you and Jerry up in his suite laughing and joking about all kinds. He’d been running on a post-show high and you on a lot of drinks when the conversation turned to Jerry’s new beau.

‘How’s it going between you two?’ Elvis asked as he gently twirled your hair between his fingers. You were sitting across his lap, nursing your drink as his fingers danced along your back, with Jerry sitting across the sofa nursing his own drink. Jerry shrugged.  ‘That bad huh?’ Elvis chuckled.  ‘It’s not bad per se just,’ Jerry said looking at you nervously, ‘…maybe this isn’t the time to talk about this.’ ‘Oh, she doesn’t mind right honey?’ Elvis said. ‘I might even be able to help,’ you said with a smile.  ‘Well she’s great don’t get me wrong but she’s a little…frigid,’ Jerry said sheepishly.  ‘Still not put out huh?’ Elvis smirked. Jerry let his head drop back against the couch and sighed. ‘I’ve not even rounded second,’ Jerry sighed, ‘and I know everyone has their own pace but…’ ‘You’re at risk of getting carpal tunnel?’ Elvis ribbed. ‘You’ve been there?’ Jerry said looking at his friend hopefully. Elvis cleared his throat though it sounded a lot more like he was trying to hide a laugh. ‘Can’t say I have,’ Elvis smirked stroking a finger down your chin. You gasped and swatted his chest making him laugh hard. ‘Elvis!’ you chastised as you noted Jerry’s smirk. ‘Oh come on princess,’ Elvis said, ‘are you gonna ignore the number of times we’ve been caught in let’s say a less than wholesome state? Hell Jer knows that more than most.’ ‘Still!’ you said with a pout though your mouth turned up at the corners with amusement. ‘Look at her pretending she’s all shy,’ Elvis said to Jerry who chuckled. ‘Well bully for you two,’ Jerry said sarcastically, ‘must be nice.’  ‘Hey maybe she can assist,’ Elvis chuckled. You smiled too though a thought flashed through your mind that you couldn’t quite push away. You. Jerry. Elvis. It was hot enough to send a shiver down your spine. And it was also enough for Elvis to notice it on your face. His smile faded a little as he looked at you making you drop your gaze. Jerry chuckled too though it faded as he noticed the serious look you were both sporting.

‘Wait you’re not serious?’ Jerry baulked his eyes bugging out of his head. ‘I was joking,’ Elvis said raising an eyebrow as he continued, ‘though it seems I may be onto something…baby?’ ‘Huh?’ you asked trying to sound nonchalant. ‘Have you got something to tell me?’ he asked. There was no anger or malice in his voice just our curiosity. ‘No,’ you protested. ‘Doll,’ he said doubling down. You squirmed on his lap biting your lip a little until you said, ‘it sounded hot.’ ‘Yeah?’ Elvis said, ‘get ya all hot and bothered?’ ‘A little,’ you said looking at him. ‘What? I’m not enough for ya?’ he asked though it was evidently a joke making you relax a little. ‘Always,’ you said leaning in to kiss his jaw. ‘You just wanna help huh?’ he asked making you nod, ‘this has nothing to do with you being a greedy lil minx huh? Just about helping out a friend?’ ‘You know me,’ you giggled, ‘I’d do anything to help out a friend.’ ‘And anything to suck cock,’ he said making you bite your lip. Elvis barked a laugh and placed his hand on your thigh, ‘how am I supposed to say no to that face?’ ‘You never do,’ you smiled feeling that shiver run back down your spine. You couldn’t believe he was agreeing to this. You’d experimented a bit. Elvis liked to try a lot of things and you were always game for whatever idea sprang to his mind. And though he’d enjoyed having a third party in the bedroom before you’d never dreamed he’d agree to another man in there. Let alone a friend. 

‘Do I get a say in this?’ Jerry said his voice laced with such shock he made you both whip around to face him. You’d forgotten he was there in all honesty. He still looked agog at the idea you were floating between the two of you and your hopes suddenly felt dashed. ‘Oh come on Jer,’ Elvis said, ‘you said yourself it’s been a while. What she not pretty enough for ya?’ ‘Of course she is! She’s gorgeous-’ Jerry said stopping in his tracks as if he realised what he was saying. ‘So what’s the problem? She gets to enjoy herself and you get your rocks off. Win, win.’ ‘EP she’s your wife-’ Jerry protested. ‘Exactly, so I think I know her a little better than you,’ Elvis said continuing as if you weren’t even there, ‘I know how insatiable she is.’ ‘And you’re just happy for us to have at it?’ Jerry asked incredulously. ‘Well I ain’t gonna leave ya to it,’ he said, ‘and we’re gonna have some rules but yeah. If you want. That’s what you want right honey?’ ‘I wanna try,’ you said, ‘if it’s not for us no harm done, right?’ ‘Right,’ Elvis nodded the thumb on your thigh now rubbing against your skin in soft circles. His eyes were seeking yours making sure you were being truthful with him. You reassured him with one glance and then looked at Jerry who still seemed to be wrapping his head around everything. When he looked up the pair of you were watching him. Elvis spoke, ‘so, what do you say Jer?’

His gaze flicked between his best friend and you a dozen times his mind obviously whirring as he processed it then with a sigh he fell back and said, ‘what the hell.’

And that was months ago. Since then it had become quite a regular thing. A bit of fun for all of you. But the boys could give a group of old dears a run for their money on the gossiping front and it wasn’t long before it had gotten back to Elvis that they knew what you had been up to. You didn’t know if they had any particular interest in being involved or rather it was the fact Elvis was leaving them out of something but you didn’t really care. Having more join had been fun for you. And Elvis seemed to come into his own.

With Jerry it was simple. Elvis was there. He told you what he was and wasn’t comfortable with and a lot of the time he joined in. As the boys got involved he became more of the boss. It was exciting for him. Being their actual boss he was always in control when it came to work but he was also their friend so he didn’t like to rock the boat. They didn’t often kick up a fuss but when they did he’d usually let one of the others sort it out or handle it indirectly but now, now he had free reign. You were his wife. He was your protector. He made sure you were enjoying yourself and that they were behaving. He could decide to make or break their night. 

Hence why he was punishing Red tonight. The last time you’d had a night together he’d gone too far. Elvis was fine with almost everything but he would never let any of them finish inside you. Most would think it was sensible. The risk of course was something to consider but you knew better. As much as he enjoyed letting you run riot he needed to know you were his. Solely. 

And Red had overstepped. He’d gotten too excited and failed to listen when Elvis had pulled him back. He’d apologised and Elvis had been stern about it but appeared to have forgotten about it. Well, you thought he had, until tonight. 

As Jerry’s tongue lapped at you eagerly you pulled off Elvis replacing your mouth with your hand for a moment. You looked on your other side and found Sonny still working himself though he was leaking precum and his breath was coming in hard last pants signalling he wouldn’t last much longer. Red however was lingering by the bed. He was touching himself though you could tell he was a little dejected to have been benched. As you made eye contact Jerry inserted his fingers inside you and curled them upwards making you whimper as a little wave of electricity flowed through you.

‘Fuck that’s hot,’ Sonny grunted. ‘You enjoying yourself princess?’ Elvis said using the hand that wasn’t coaxing himself to play with your nipple. ‘Feels so good,’ you groaned. ‘You hear that Jer?’ Elvis said making Jerry pull back with a smirk.  ‘I can tell,’ he said, ‘she’s fluttering around these fingers something unreal.’ ‘That’s cos she’s a hungry lil thing,’ Sonny chuckled. ‘And always wanting more,’ Elvis said, ‘ain’t that right princess?’ ‘Yes Elvis,’ you said with another whimper as Jerry massaged your clit with his thumb.  ‘You want more honey?’ he asked making you nod. Elvis nodded and pulled back standing up off the bed as he looked at the three of you. All the boys seemed to come to attention as if he was their commanding officer. ‘You three off the bed,’ he said. Sonny climbed off as Jerry pulled back making your whimper brattily. Elvis chuckled, ‘don’t worry Satnin you won’t be left for long.’ ‘Where do you want us boss?’ Sonny said. ‘Stay by the edge of the bed,’ Elvis said grabbing you by your legs and swivelling you around until you were panned out sideways on top of it. Your head was dangling off of the edge of the bed now with the three of them standing around you. Elvis climbed back onto the bed and onto his knees pulling your hips up so your ass was rested against his thighs, his cock ghosting across your sex eliciting another moan from you.  

‘Now here’s how this is gonna go,’ he said making you rise up on your elbows so you could look at him. His fingers were trailing up and down your folds making you shiver, ‘if you let them use that pretty little mouth of yours I’m gonna fill you up good and proper understand?’ ‘Yes sir,’ you nodded making him smirk before he looked to the boys, ‘and you chuckleheads. Well, let’s put it this way if you can’t get your kicks before she’s coming undone around my cock then your lucks out tonight.’ ‘EP,’ Red said unsure. You glanced back and watched as his face paled a little. He was behind. The others had been in on the action and even if Jerry hadn’t been touched yet he was already fit to bursting as always.  ‘You got a problem with that?’ Elvis challenged. Red looked as though he wanted to protest but he didn’t say anything. Unfortunately for him neither of the other boys seemed to want to defend him either. ‘Sounds good to me,’ Sonny said, ‘you ready?’

Elvis nodded and Sonny came towards you waiting for you to turn your head back so he could tease his tip across your lips. As he did you reached to grab his ass pulling him to you so he could bottom out. As he touched your throat Elvis moved his tip to your entrance easing in just a little grabbing your attention. He locked eyes with you as he entered you completely feeling full inside you. It was bliss. Whilst he started to move in and out his fingers played with your clit making it hard to focus on the task at hand though you didn’t need to do much work. The boys were fighting amongst themselves now, trying to get ahead of one another meaning none of them lasted long inside you before the other was pushing them out of the way so they could have a turn. 

‘Fuck doll you’re gonna make me bust,’ Sonny said. Your mouth was wrapped around him but he pulled back pumping himself quickly.  ‘I know the feeling,’ Jerry said. Your hands wrapped around each of their lengths as they knelt on the bed beside you though neither of them let you run things as they placed their hand over yours as if you didn’t know what you were doing. They were close and so were you as Elvis’ fingers working deftly around your clit sending mini waves of pleasure through you. ‘Oh my god,’ you whimpered, ‘I’m close.’ ‘Fuck Y/N,’ Sonny said, ‘fuck I’m gonna-’

He didn’t finish his sentence, instead, Sonny came fast and hard spurting hot cum across your chest. He fell onto his haunches beside you as his fingers went to your mouth allowing you to lick the remaining cum off them. At the sight of the pair of you Jerry’s breathing became haphazard, ‘Jesus you’re killing me.’ ‘C'mon Jer can’t leave my girl waiting,’ Elvis grunted. Jerry nodded and closed his eyes before he looked down at you as he fell forward bracing himself against the bed. You moved forward taking him in your mouth and swirling your tongue across his tip which was enough to make him lose it, his load firing down your throat. Once he was finished he pulled back gently, smiling at you before he moved to sit on the bed properly, spent and exhausted. 

‘Looks like you’re gonna be last one over the post Red,’ Elvis grunted as he started bucking his hips faster hitting that sweet spot of yours every time. In all honesty, you’d forgotten Red was there. He had used you as the others had but he was behind, having gotten off the starting line a little late. Red scowled and moved to place himself at your lips, not waiting for permission before he slid in. His hands found their way into your hair as he moved at a rough pace making you cough and splutter around him. Elvis seemed to ramp up too and the pair of them migrated into competitive territory. 

‘Ain’t gon’ be last if she keeps going like this,’ he said his fingers knotting in your hair. Elvis said nothing but he moved forward changing the angle as he rested on top of you, ignoring the stickiness on your chest as he kissed your neck his fingers working your clit. Then you were lost in him. He’d taken over now as if you were the only ones in the room. You pulled off Red with a pop your focus going to your husband as you made Red see to himself.  

‘Elvis,’ you moaned your fingers knotting in his hair as he suckled on your neck. ‘You gonna cum for me princess?’ he cooed. ‘Yes Sir,’ you squeaked feeling your release mounting. ‘Milk this cock for all I got?’ he asked. ‘Every drop,’ you panted. ‘That’s it Satnin,’ he breathed, ‘be a good girl for me.’

And then you were coming. It was as if no one else was in the room except you and him. Your walls clenched around him as you grinded your hips against him. He was coming undone, loudly moaning against your neck as he pounded into you before he cried three ‘fucks’ in quick succession and came inside you his cum spattering against your walls.

You flopped back against the bed devoured and happy as he pulled out of you his fingers teasing around your hole which was oozing with his load. He smirked at you before his gaze fell on Red who was desperate to get himself over the finish line. Again, you’d forgotten he was there. You’d forgotten any of them were there and it seemed so had Elvis, until now. A smirk formed on his face as he pulled himself onto his knees and looked at his friend and said, ‘unlucky.’ ‘Now just a minute-’ Red protested but Elvis glowered at him.  ‘She’s done and so are you,’ Elvis shrugged, ‘rules are rules.’

Red seemed to think about it for a moment, glancing at you and then the boys for reassurance as his movements slowed. The boys looked away, suddenly interested in everything but the scene before them and you were too blissed out to even be contemplating who was right and wrong in this situation. You supposed it was a little mean on Red but Elvis had made himself clear over and over again. And it didn’t hurt that you had benefitted from his jealousy. 

‘Anyone got a problem with the rules?’ Elvis asked sternly. Jerry and Sonny shared a look and then shook their heads. Red scowled and said nothing.  ‘Good, baby?’ Elvis said capturing your attention as his hand ghosted along your thigh. ‘Mmm?’ you said pushing yourself up to sit in front of him. ‘Let’s get you cleaned up,’ he said. You nodded and allowed him to climb off the bed, pulling you with him as he then placed a kiss on your temple. As you walked towards the bathroom he called over his shoulder, ‘get this place cleaned up and then go.’

You didn’t pay any attention to them. You didn’t even listen to the low angry whispers that started just as you stepped through the door to the bathroom. Elvis didn’t either. He placed you by the counter leaning down to kiss you tenderly before he moved to turn on the shower. In that moment you took him in. He looked gorgeous. His toned tanned body looked good even in the harsh fluorescents and his black hair was pushed back further than normal from where your fingers had been knotted in it. He was still hard too. Not enormously but enough you suspected he’d probably got at least one more round in him. When he turned around and caught you looking he smirked coming to wrap his arms around you and kissing you gently. 

The boss was gone now. Whatever need for control he had been feeling before long forgotten as he led you to the shower. You still couldn’t speak though you didn’t need to. He reached for some soap and lathered it, his large hands caressing every inch of you as he pushed the memories of the other men away. You could feel him against your ass as he held you from behind, his lips on your neck. You sighed contently.

‘You good Satnin?’ he mumbled against your wet flesh. ‘The best,’ you said with a yawn. ‘Don’t tell me you’re putting an end to this party early,’ he chuckled, ‘I don’t think I’m finished with ya yet.’ ‘I’m not surprised. You were so eager to get over the finish line I’m worried you didn’t enjoy it,’ you giggled. It was supposed to be a joke but you could feel him tense a little behind you.

‘You think I was too hard on him?’ he asked quietly after a beat. ‘I think you had a point,’ you shrugged turning around to wrap your arms around his neck as his hands held your waist, ‘I’m sure he’s learnt his lesson.’ ‘Maybe I should take him outta the runnin’ altogether,’ he said bitterly. You frowned and placed a hand on his cheek causing his baby blues to fall on you. ‘If you’re done with this that’s fine,’ you said, ‘if it’s too much.’ ‘I’m good,’ he said, ‘I know it ain’t that serious. I know there’s nothing to it.’ ‘I’m only yours baby,’ you said earnestly. ‘I know,’ he said, ‘figured as much when you forgot everyone was in the room the moment I needed ya.’ ‘You caught that huh?’ you giggled. ‘Honey I ain’t ever seen such tunnel vision before,’ he chuckled before following with a sigh, ‘it just bugged me that’s all.’ ‘Well you sure showed him,’ you said, ‘and I’m sure it won’t be long before he’s back in his suite showing himself a good time.’ ‘Yeah you’re right,’ Elvis said leaning down to press a chaste kiss to your lips. As he pulled back he rested his wet forehead against yours and murmured, ‘so how about we give him something to listen to?’ ‘Sounds good to me but remember,’ you said making him look at you sceptically, ‘the last one over the post loses.’ ‘You think that’s gon’ stop me?’ he smirked kissing you quickly. ‘Rules are rules.’

[eddiediazes]

temptation tuesday

okay i’m trying my hand at this this week for the first time! since i didn’t get in on the fun last week bc i was klmasdf Suffering. so i got tagged by @diazass for temptation tuesday, so here are some wips i have that i’m considering getting back into and/or possibly writing for the big bang?? in part i may be using this to decide what i’m writing for the big bang if any of y’all like any of these.

1. 118 ghost hunters au - i’ve shared from this verse a couple of times but it’s actually a wacky little thing i’ve dreamed up where the 118 (minus eddie bc he just moved to la) are LA’s only official team of ghost hunters, and they’re state/city funded just like other emergency workers but for ghosts. so ghosts are kind of a known entity but not everyone believes in them - but the supernatural is real, eddie’s house is actually haunted, and buck has a messed up trauma backstory relating to his own personal supernatural experience :) also. ghosts so i get to indulge my own interest in Spooky

2. action star buck / fight coordinator eddie - i have also posted excerpts from this like a thousand years ago now but. basically buck is an actor and the star of a popular action franchise (something like a blend between mission impossible and john wick) and he keeps insisting on doing his own stunts, and bobby and chim, who work with him, are genuinely concerned about him and think he isn’t coming at it from a healthy place. enter eddie, a mostly retired stunt coordinator who now runs a gym with lena bosko, who gets Pulled Back In For One Last Job by chim, because bobby thinks he could help out with buck. cue resentment and distance slowly building into friendship and then they fall in love :) also you know. movie sets and fight scenes and dangerous stunts and buck having Issues with thinking he’s expendable.

3. buck is a mind reader - i still don’t have much of this, but i like what i wrote - so it’s that fic based on the concept that buck actually can read minds like we all joked about but. i ended up going with him always having been able to instead of getting it from the lightning - with the one hitch that he cannot read eddie’s mind, kind of like how edward can’t read bella’s mind in twilight???? i’m a cornball i know i get it

4. hunter eddie au - this is also more vague and could maybe be combined with the above idea depending on how i handled it all but basically one night i spent like kasmdlf an hour or something spiraling in kaitlin @iinryer‘s dms over the concept of eddie being raised as a hunter (yes like supernatural style) and like. feeling very trapped by the system of violence and like the only thing he’s good for is hunting but then he meets buck who is some kind of supernatural creature and eddie doesn’t realize at first and he’s doing a lot of hard work on his own to rise above the way he was raised and the kind of things his dad said about “monsters” and then eventually he finds out about buck and - well. you know. you get it

5. eddie goes back to el paso - this fic has no real plot but it is like. my baby my cinnamon apple. originally i started it after 5b after hero complex and i was like. what if eddie stayed in el paso for a while to fix things with his family and then he invited buck to join him. and then instead it eventually became actually what if frank encouraged eddie to go back to el paso to really fully confront things instead of just taking a quick visit and he suggested eddie also take like. a safe person for himself and eddie was like well obviously that would be buck so then they go to el paso together and eddie walks buck through like. all his childhood memories and all the places he grew up and like. idk that’s the whole fic. but i think about her a lot sdkalfm

SORRY I’VE NEVER SHUT UP ONE DAY IN MY LIFE this is so many words about my silly little ideas. i’ll tag @spaceprincessem @comaboybuck @buckactuallys @iinryer @gayeddieagenda @fallingthorns @colonoscopys and anybody else who sees this and wants to do it please feel free to say i tagged you!

thank you to anyone who reads klmasdf any of this. please do tell me if they sound interesting. thanks bye <3

[shoot-me-now-or-shoot-me-later92]

• “Much Ado About Everything”•

Summary: London current days. You finally decide to start a basic acting class as hobby, you would never believe where this experience will lead you and especially the luck will bring you in the near future. Both in your career and love. But life isn’t all puppy dogs and rainbows…

Relationship: Pedro Pascal x (f) reader (y/n)

Warning: None for this chapter, maybe some cursing.

Tags: cursing, mention to anxiety.

Words count: 1,330

Notes: This is the first time I’m writing after almost 15 years. I’m sorry for any error or mistake, English is not my first language. I was inspired by something that is actually happening to me adding a bit of fantasy. I hope you’ll enjoy it! :)

~ Chapter one ~

You couldn’t believe this was happening. “Just luck” you thought staring blankly to nothing.

Last year you forced yourself to do something for you, something to enjoy and entertain yourself: signing up to acting classes. You always loved cinema, the core of it, how movies were made, scripts, pre and postproduction and you always had an interest in acting but you never believed you could be any good. This time, something changed: “It will be just as a hobby. I’ll meet new people, hopefully make some good friends and sharing the same interests!”. So you did. The course went by quickly, you moved from basic to intermediate, from character building to stage techniques.

You were loving it!

At the end of the year, your teacher organised and prepared all the students to stage a play:

“Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespear.”

You were Beatrice who falls in love with Benedict.

On the same day of the premiere, Marcus, your teacher spoke to all of you with good news:

“I took a step forward and I have invited few friends from the industry to come and see the play.

I know you were expecting something more intimate and low key, but one of them is a talent scout and one... a Hollywood actor.”

The tension in the room spiked up and you all started chatting and trembling with anxiety.

“Alright alright, calm down! I didn’t want to tell you and spoil the surprise! I thought you were going to be excited; I didn’t think I was going to cause destress! Just enjoy the evening, don’t think about anything I said, do everything you did during the rehearsal and especially… HAVE FUN!”

Your friend Martha started whispering to you “Who do you think the actor is?” “I don’t know, I don’t want to even think about it, or I’ll freak out. Plus, if I have to be entirely honest, I don’t care about the actor but more about the talent scout. If this person is here I guess they are looking for someone for a minor part or something like that!” You said while creaking your fingers.

The play was a success and all of you seemed to have forgotten what Marcus said at the beginning.

The theatre was small and there were probably around 100 people among friends and family.

You were all happy and satisfied with how it went, especially Marcus.

All of you rushed to the backstage hugging, laughing, screaming, releasing all the tension tat was built up for months! Marcus entered the room and behind him two people following him. He joined the hug and congratulated each of you.

“I can’t express enough how happy I am with how this evening went! Everything was perfect: except for you David farting on stage during the scene!” everyone laughed. “Hey! That was intentional! It was to break the silence and save the moment!” David said ironically.

But it was true, you were not that happy because the silence during the scene was caused by you forgetting the line. You panicked, but David “gas release” gave you the time to look at Marcus to give you the line while the audience was laughing.

“Yeah… sorry guys!” you said crossing your arms and looking at your feet.

“Don’t be silly Y/N! It could have happened to anyone; the most important thing is that we found a way to improvise and save the moment as a team… even though it was David’s fart!” Martha said squeezing your shoulders. You laughed but It didn’t make you feel better though.

“It’s not like you fell, broke a rib and had to continue acting like nothing happened while in total and visible pain! Believe me, that is the worse, talking from experience.” It was the voice of one of the two people behind Marcus. None of you really paid attention when they entered the room behind him, you were all too excited, but in that exact moment you all looked at where the voice was coming from and there he was: Pedro Pascal.

Jaw dropped and eyes out of the orbit. You all knew him of course, but none of you could believe he was there, I mean, a shitty play from a minor theatre company. Marcus must have had very good friends in the past.

Pedro winked and smiled at you to make you feel better. You were out of words. “So don’t think about it, no one noticed it, you were great!” he added, and you blushed. “You were all great guys! Qudos to all of you!” he said looking at everyone to break your clear embarrassment to the compliment.

“Guys, this is Lynda Erkiletian, she is a talent scout looking for new faces for an upcoming project. And of course… I guess he doesn’t need an introduction: Mr Pedro Pascal, my dear friend from NYU.”

Everyone thanked and approached Lynda and Pedro sharing compliments and questions. The night ended going out to a pub till. You were all impressed by how Lynda and Pedro were so easy going and approachable. You went back home drunk, lying on your bed with a big smile and thinking what an incredible experience you just had.

The next morning you woke up in complete hangover and with a mix feeling of happiness and sadness for realising that the course ended, and that the experience was already just a memory. Back to reality, it was Sunday and from tomorrow you were starting over your boring office job.

You filled your mug with some hot strong coffee and you sat on the kitchen chair contemplating the absolute nothing. Zooming out, you were remembering every bit of last night with a smile and absent eyes.

The moment was interrupted by your phone buzzing. You look at the screen: It was Marcus.

You answered with a cracked voice: “Hello teacher!” “Hello my dear, how’s this morning going? From how much you drank last night and your voice I bet you are in pain!” laughing.

“Jesus Christ Marcus, keep it down, my head is exploding!” you said placing your hand on your forehead.

“Well, if your head is exploding now, wait until I give you the news… you’ll be bloooown”

“What’s that? What did I do? What happened, SPEAK YOU DEVIL!” you never liked being left with anticipation and guessing.

“Let’s just say that you gave a very good impression to Lydia and Pedro last night..” you could hear his smirk over the phone.

“What you mean? They barely spoke to me after the play.” You were confused as they spent the night talking to Martha and David thinking that they were the “chosen ones”.

“True, but apparently it was done on purpose as they kept an eye on you during and after the play to see what kind of person you are without giving a hint or pressuring it.”

“Shut up.” You said. “What?!” Marcus replied. “I was drunk, a fucking idiot, Marcus! I thought they were into Martha and David so I didn’t bother at all!”

“Well… I guess that’s what they were looking for and they liked you for who you truly were last night!” he said, and you couldn’t think of anything to say, your mind was already spinning and your heart racing.

“Anyway, before you start throwing up, they want to meet you for dinner tonight and Lydia wants to talk about a small part in a movie with Pedro, if you are interested. I’ll be there with you, don’t worry. I’ll give you the lines if you freeze again!” he laughed.

You couldn’t believe that was happening. How could it be? You?! You never took this course seriously; it was just a hobby. Yes you liked it very much but you never thought it could become anything else than just a nice experience.

“Just luck” you thought hanging up on Marcus after a quick “ok”, leaving your phone on the table you kept staring at nothing.

In shock.

A lucky shocking moment.

[carolinemathildes]

thank you for tagging me, @onehelluvamarine 🩵

A band you don’t like that many others do: I cannot think of any bands right now but there are so many solo artists like the entirety of the current Top 20 Billboard Hot 100, I do not keep up with new music in any way.

A childhood memory that you remember vividly: riding a scooter down the front steps at my grandmother’s house for some reason.

Least favorite animal and why: gonna say it and be honest and take the hate, dogs. I think there are some nice individual dogs but overall I find them loud, annoying, messy, too needy, too disruptive. I refuse to ever live with one. I do have a phobia of another animal I won’t say because I don’t want people to send me pictures of it lol so I probably hate them more but I encounter dogs more so they’re on my nerves more often.

Hot fandom take: Aragorn is not THAT hot. there were hotter guys in those movies.

Do you wear any jewelry, if so, what’s your favorite piece: I don’t. I wish I did! I have a nice ring and a nice necklace but I don’t really wear them. I wish I had a like, a signature piece or something.

A movie others liked but you didn’t: recently, which I know I’ve mentioned, Past Lives is so well-reviewed and god I just really hated it, I’m sorry but I did.

Three things you love about yourself: I was once bold enough to sing Let No Man Steal Your Thyme a cappella in front of a group of strangers at a hostel. I once took an 18-hour bus ride just to see a movie (and then another 18-hours back). I’ve read all the Hercule Poirot books.

A place you hope to visit in the future and why: Wales. I think it just looks lovely. I was supposed to do a semester abroad there once but couldn’t swing it financially. I’ve been to England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland so I’ve got to go to Wales. I wrote a story that is set so much there! I need to see it for myself.

An actor that gets on your nerves and why: RDJ because he made terrible comments about Alejandro González Iñárritu, he defends the worst Chris, and he’s going to win an undeserved Oscar this year.

Things you’re excited for in the nearby future? I’m almost done the first draft of a novel/story I’m working on, so I am excited so have a first draft and then I’m excited to start the second draft.

Least favorite ship in a fandom you’re in: I never shipped Ted/Rebecca from Ted Lasso, never once even for a second.

What’s the most toxic fandom you’ve been in? I never wrote in it, just read and observed, but The Old Guard by far by faaaaaaaaar.

List three things you find beautiful about life: my nephew’s wavy red hair, when a cat comes over to you for pets, and watching someone hit a home run.

Any dreams for the future? I’d like to see my favourite football club, Man City, play live someday. I doubt I’ll get to Manchester maybe ever, but they’ll be playing in the US soon-ish so it will probably be a lot easier to see them there.

How are you really feeling today? I genuinely struggle with life every day. I wish it was in a cool way that made me stronger on the other side but it’s not. today was okay because I got to talk to a coworker I like (I WFH so I don’t talk to people a lot) and I went to the cinema that has the best popcorn in the world but I also am never actually happy and am always lonely which is a tiring existence.

[licncourt]

As far as engagement with your fics dwindling, I think it’s mainly a result of the ao3 tag naturally being flooded with show verse content and book writers disappearing. There’s also the increasing rhetoric among popular show writers/bloggers that continued art and fic for book Louis and Armand is inherently racist so my guess is no one wants to out themselves as someone who enjoys book fic for fear of being shunned. Which is disappointing but with a large fandom that is mainly centered around a popular show, not surprising (not that there wasn’t gatekeeping preshow but the fandom was significantly smaller). I think most fans of the show think with these new (and improved) incarnations of the characters, there’s no need for their book counterparts. And the belief that people who do still enjoy book Louis and Armand are ignorant and fundamentally don’t understand the vc characters. It sucks because it would’ve been sweet if it could all be enjoyed for the multiverse it’s become since there are fans (like myself) who enjoy both the books and the show but there does seem to be an unspoken rule that you shouldn’t still be interested in producing content for the books. However, I’ve always been a huge fan of your works (and meta/thoughts!!) and the quality of your writing and grasp on the characters is still just as compelling as ever so I selfishly hope you continue writing 🫶 I promise I’ll make an effort to drop comments! lol

Well first of all thank you!! I just want to reiterate that the point of my original post was never to fish for comments or anything, I was just curious about why the engagement was happening on here suddenly vs ao3, but I always appreciate comments, kudos, reblogs, etc, it makes me so happy to know people like my writing because I really love doing it. I have plenty more stuff planned just because I love writing fic and I love the characters, so no worries there!

That also makes a lot of sense actually as far as people wanting to send me anons instead of comment. That's a crazy take though, like the books are forty years old you can't expect them to suddenly not have fans because of a new adaptation...? And I think it's a wild take to say that the original books/fans of them don't understand the characters?? Tumblr discourse is on another level always.

Liking the show better is absolutely fine, everyone can have their own preferences in media, but I don't believe for one second that the show is "less problematic" than the books. They just found a different way to be insensitive and offensive 😭 I think Anne Rice IP is just destined to be a morally bankrupt trainwreck and we all have to accept that. No one has moral high ground here really. And in a way it really feels like people coming into OUR house and saying we suck and aren't welcome.

This might be a selfish way of looking at it too, but I didn't get called literal slurs for months because I was defending the show and diverse casting for people to act like I have a problem with black Louis or brown Armand. Myself and friends of mine were harassed (including racially and sexually) for speaking positively about the casting decisions from day one, before most of these people knew the show or IWTV existed. My issues with it only started after episode 5 and that will always be my reason for jumping ship on the show.

I really wish things could have been different too, I was hoping the show would bring new people into the fold and just generally expand the VC multiverse like the movie did except with a new take on the story, but of course everything has to degenerate into a slap fight on the internet.

**There are absolutely people who don't like the show because they're racist shitheads and that is absolutely not a valid opinion to have btw. Just a blog reminder that I will absolutely never support or tolerate racism surrounding the show/the casting/the actors. It could have been a really great thing, unfortunately I just deeply disagree with how it was handled.**

[insomniactalks]

I have about 10 different asks sitting in my inbox regarding the “leaks” for S3, and I finally found some time to address them today. Instead of answering each ask one by one, I’m just gonna address all those concerns/questions in this post. If you are one of the several anons who’s sent me an ask about the “leaks,” and have been patiently waiting for an answer, keep reading! This is the only time I will address the “leaks” b/c I think it’s best to just wait and see what happens at this point. (Typing this up from my laptop, so I apologize for the length of this post...hehe) 

To start, I’m so sorry if you’ve been waiting a while for a reply. July has been hectic for me. Thank you for ur patience! A few things before I start: I won’t tag Ricky and Gina’s ship in the main tag b/c I assume they may not want to read my thoughts on the matter (which is totally fair! LOL) I think I’ll start tagging Gicky instead from now on b/c that’s also a combo of their names and so I can keep my own blog organized in some way. Also, my thoughts on the “leaks” are less from a Portwell stan’s point of view and more so from my thoughts as an English major in undergrad and grad school. I will try my best not to insert my own bias here. I’m simply looking at the story that’s being told on the show and the evidence.  

Yes, I have seen the “leaks,” both the Twitter thread and the screenshots/“script” from back in April/May. And no, I will not share any of that with anyone b/c I promised the person who was kind enough to share it with me that I wouldn’t do that. That being said, lemme get into it! 

Is anyone really surprised S3 would have another semi-formal event given S1′s HoCo episode (1.05) and S2′s quinceñero (2.05)? We all shoulda known S3 would follow that trend, so I’m not surprised by 3.07 apparently being another dance/formal event, “Camp Prom” I believe is the name. What corroborates “Camp Prom” is the actual evidence to back it up. The screenshots for this are actual pics from crew on set while they were filming, which show colorful 70s-themed décor. It’s not just someone’s words that’s taken as truth, there’s legit posts from crew on their Instagrams. All that confirms is that there will be a dance at camp (which seems so fun! Can’t wait to see it.) The only reason the “leaker” was right about that is b/c of the crew’s behind the scenes pics.

The “leaker” claims Ricky and Gina “have a great moment together” in the prom episode and that they “make eye contact across the room” at some point. I can see how one would easily assume this scenario to mean something romantic for Ricky and Gina, but just b/c 2 characters “share a moment” together doesn’t inherently make it a romantic scene. BTW, the “leaker” never claims Gicky “almost kiss” at prom, they only said what’s stated above. There’s a screenshot of part of the alleged script for “Camp Prom” that claims they “almost kiss.” I have several issues with this “script,” starting with the font used. I’ve seen plenty of official scripts from other shows (Riverdale and SPOP in particular) and even from Tim himself. They all have the exact same font and font size (no idea what that font type is called, but all shows/movies in the industry seems to use it. It must be standard practice b/c that font is sorta boxy and spaced out, making it easier for actors to read). Tim’s even shared part of the script for 1.06 before, and the font used is very different from this “script” from 3.07. I’m not claiming Ricky and Gina won’t share a moment in 3.07, I just highly doubt it’s an almost kiss. This “script” goes from Jet and Maddox on stage, to the coat check area where Gina “spills her bag” before her and Ricky allegedly almost kiss. There is no description for what Gina does after her “bag spills.” It just says she and Ricky “almost kiss” immediately after that. That makes no sense. Any person would be fumbling to put stuff back into their bag if everything spills out. This “script” is missing so much context, on top of being the wrong font and font size, that it makes me question it’s legitimacy. Seems pretty fake to me. Also, anyone notice how none of the “leaks” have ever stated anything specifically about Portwell? All these “leaks” seem to be in favor of only one ship (Gicky), yet official releases for S3, such as posters, the trailer, the “It’s On” music vid, etc, have continually presented Portwell as a team. I’m not saying Gina and EJ won’t be dealing with couple drama in S3, of course they will, but I doubt S3 will be the end for them.

One of the anons bring up Channing and Corbin filming Gicky during rehearsals for the musical for the documentary, and EJ possibly seeing that footage as the director. That’s deff a solid theory b/c the show could do that to add more drama. But here’s the problem. If Gina and Ricky are the leads in the musical, they would be playing romantic interests. Just like in S1, EJ will be in the exact same position in S3 where his girlfriend is playing romantic leads with a guy she has/had feelings for. By S1′s finale, EJ accepts Nini’s decision in choosing Ricky and truly lets her go (which is a moment he’s “really proud of” (2.10)). He learns a lesson in S1 about letting someone go and putting their interests before his own. In 1.04-1.06, EJ was still trying to win Nini back and hold on to their relationship, even when she was clearly done. However, thanks to character growth (and a certain someone! *ahem* Gina) EJ does the right thing. What would be the point in having EJ placed in the same situation as S1 again, where his girlfriend and the guy she has a past with are playing romantic leads, and have him go thru that rejection again? With the same other guy (Ricky) no less? There’s no point in EJ learning the same lesson from S1 again cuz he already went thru that. Don’t ya’ll think the writers know this? I think the more likely story that will be told in S3 is EJ having to confront his past insecurities with Nini, and how that affects his present relationship with Gina. The writers may have set up what seems like the same story from S1, but I’m pretty sure there will be a different outcome in S3. Doesn’t make sense to repeat the same lesson of rejection for EJ’s character in S1 in S3. There should be another important lesson to be learned here for EJ, such as someone other than himself actually wanting to “hold onto what they had over the summer” (1.04). Nini couldn’t do that for him unfortunately, due to the feelings she clearly still had for Ricky in S1. EJ was always gonna be a rebound for Nini b/c she was just trying to move on from Ricky over the summer he broke up with her. Gina, on the other hand, waited several months, during which she was actively moving on from her romantic feelings for Ricky, before she even considered being more than friends with EJ. 

That doesn’t mean Ricky and Gina shouldn’t have a convo or two in S3 to clear the air b/t them, and work on rebuilding their friendship. This may very well lead to Gicky sharing moments this season, but I’m not convinced they'll be romantic moments. Every time EJ witnessed or suspected s/t going on b/t Ricky and Nini in S1, he was actually right. While he did NOT handle it in the right way, his suspicions were correct (esp in 1.02 w/ Ricky and Nini sharing a moment on stage/voicemail and even in 1.04 where Nini and Ricky almost kiss the same day she broke up with EJ). Having already gone thru that with Nini and Ricky, why would the show make EJ live thru that again with Gina and Ricky? Unless....there’s a different outcome! (That being EJ seeing Gina and Ricky interact and actually having to confront his insecurities this time instead of just being on the defensive. Who’s to say this won’t lead to more honest conversations b/t Portwell? Better yet, EJ and Ricky having the conversation they never really had in S1, where Ricky really overstepped certain boundaries in EJ’s relationship and Ricky comes to terms with that now. What if Ricky acknowledges his wrongs in the past and chooses to want a more genuine friendship/comradery with EJ this time? Just a thought.)

Last thing, S3 is confirmed to be only 8 episodes. The writers spent 8 episodes in S2 having EJ and Gina just flirt with each other. I doubt Portwell will date and break up (and stay broken up) in the same season they just started dating. They even set up the strong possibility for a Portwell love confession someday b/c of the following allusions to love in regard to Gina and EJ: (2.06) EJ would ask his future self if “he could learn to love anyone after Belle,” then takes a seat right next to Gina [visual foreshadowing]; (2.08) Howie singing, “No lesson could teach me how I could have loved her and make her love me too” as EJ takes care of Gina while she sleeps by placing his Duke hoodie over her; and (2.11) Ricky and Ashlyn singing “Something There,” a love song about 2 ppl unexpectedly falling for each other while Gina and EJ send e/o hearteyes thruout the performance (at least 3 times!). When writing a story, like the writers for the show, you include these subtle/indirect hints, like love in relation to Portwell in S2, in order to bring that concept back up again in a more apparent way. I couldn’t help but notice the set up in S2 for a Portwell love confession, but there’s a clear lack of a set up for an EJ/Gina/Ricky love triangle. By S1 finale, we knew Gina still had feelings for Ricky, hence the somewhat awkward moments b/t them in the dressing room after “Stick to the Status Quo” performance and their hallway convo before “Breaking Free,” which was the writers setting up Gina’s storyline for S2. She was obviously still grappling with her feelings for Ricky, hence the S2 promo posters placing Ricky b/t Nini and Gina b/c he was gonna be an important part of both their stories that season. It was a love triangle -adjacent situation. In contrast, S2 does not set up a Gicky/Portwell love triangle by the finale. The writers have already set the foundation for a Portwell love confession and a long-awaited conversation b/t Ricky and Gina to restart their friendship. I am hoping that happens with Ricky realizing how poorly he treated Gina in S2, apologizing for it, and wanting to be good friends again.

Bottom-line, let’s all stop acting like the writers are gonna fuck it all up just for the sake of drama. EJ and Gina’s stories (both individually and together) have been wonderfully written so far (the writers going as far as paralleling PW’s first moment ever in 1.01- with EJ watching Gina from the wings with mutual respect for her as a performer, to their 2.11 moment- with EJ proudly watching Gina from the wings, tenderly admiring the kind of person she is. See here for gifs!) This show even brought in not one but two different guest stars to help further develop Portwell’s relationship in S2. Just sayin’. 

I see it this way: Gina and Ricky should be having positive interactions again in S3, esp after S2, and I’m hopeful for their renewed friendship again. And, if EJ and Gina don’t have their love confession this season, that’s deff something to look forward to in S4! Let’s face it, PW love confession is on the horizon, and the writers have set it up that way.            

[xbunny-k]

The Actor & I: PART TWENTY-SEVEN – What If We Just Hook Up And Then It’s Awkward?

SO SO SORRY FOR THE DELAY! my IRL job came in and took over my life, but i am making time for this over christmas! This is part TWENTY SEVEN of a very long, SLOW BURN series on Austin Butler and a Production Assistant on set of Elvis (2022).

Masterlist here!

Anything italicized is main character’s thoughts!

Warnings: Possessiveness, smidge of misogyny, Smut, Fluff, eventual Spoilers for Elvis (2022), language (If i missed anything, please comment so i can add!)

Tags: @manddor @pumkiinpasties​ @its-funny-til-its-not​ @karamelcoveredolicity @butlerstyles @feral4austinbutler @mirandastuckinthe80s @emilykolchivans @atombombbibunny @francescababy @starry-night-20 @yeetfack-blog @milaa24 @londonalozzy @xo-aurora @chaoticbilly @mamaspresley @sageskywalker @cryingabtab @readerloverlevy @jakiki94 @dancer4j @pennyroyalcreep (Let me know if you’d like to be added!)

Please, if you like this, share it, comment, like it and enjoy xx

Day Two of intital fittings starts off much like the previous day except this time there’s a dresser to help with Austin getting in and out of costumes. As much as I’m happy to avoid incidents like yesterday, I do miss being so close to him. Ana, you can’t stop saying you want him to stop acting like your boyfriend and you want to be completely friendzoned, but then you complain you’re not helping him get dressed and undressed… I rub my temples at the thought. The day goes late again and by 8:45 PM, we start heading out.

Before I leave, I clean up the space and make sure everything is ready for pick up in the morning as a driver is coming to pick up Catherine’s costumes and bring back to her studio. I leave last again and lock up before heading to my car. Once again, Austin is leaning against my car, but this time he’s on the phone. I’m not sure who he’s talking to, but I hear him say, “No, it’s just not smart. I just got out of everything with Vanessa. I need to be alone for awhile…”

What isn’t smart? Should I eavesdrop or just interrupt? I decide to just listen for a few more minutes and hear Austin say, “She just started at this job, I can’t even risk that for her. What if we just hook up and then it’s awkward? She’d quit? That’s fucking awful, man.” I gulp, there’s no way he isn’t talking about me. What am I supposed to do? What does it mean he’s talking about our situation to someone else? Is that good or bad?

I decide I’ve heard enough and I make my way to my car putting myself in his line of sight. I see him start wrapping up his call and by the time I get to my car, he’s hanging up with whoever he’s talking to. I giggle and say, “Well, fancy meeting you here, Mr. Presley.” He beams at me and asks, “Ok, where are you taking me for a late dinner because I’m too wired to go home.” I smile at him and say, “Oh, where am I, assistant, taking, movie star, to dinner?”

I giggle and he laughs before saying, “Ok, ok. Where am I, actor not movie star, taking you, amazing more than an assistant, for dinner?” I laugh and say, “That sounds much better. What are you in the mood for? Like does diner food sound good?” Austin’s face turns into the biggest smile and I giggle as I say, “Well I’ll take that as a yes.”

Austin and I drive separately to a diner near my place. He beats me there and waits out front of the restaurant for me as I park. I freeze with embarrassment as I’m a terrible parallel parker. After many attempts at fitting into a spot, I finally get out and walk up to him giggling as I say, “Don’t judge my parking skills, I’m really just….bad at anything to do with driving.” He laughs and holds the door open for me as I walk ahead of him. We sit in a booth on opposite sides from each other as we look over the menu. After we order, we just go over the day and how much work it was for him to get in and out of certain leather costumes.

“Well, Baz and I are actually going to Memphis next week,” Austin says as he plays with this spoon in his coffee. “Aus, that’s amazing. Are you going to Graceland,” I ask with big eyes as I look at him instantly relaxing. It looks like he feels much more comfortable now than he did before we left the studio space.

“Anastasia, I can’t wait. We’re going to Graceland. They’re working to get me to meet Priscilla even,” he says as he looks up at me. His eyes stare right into mine like he’s looking for something. I give him a warm smile as I say, “Aus, that’s incredible. You have to really decompress before and just get in the best headspace for that, ya know?”

Austin looks at me deeply and then looks down as he says, “We’re going to record some songs in the studio Elvis recorded in too. I just cannot believe this is my life. This is what I’m doing for work?” He shakes his head in disbelief. “Aus, of course it’s your life. You work so hard, and you’ve been chipping away to get to something like this,” I say firmly, but softly. He beams at me and asks, “Well you’re coming with us, right? It’s definitely something I need you there for.”

I glare at him. He needs me…? Before I can say anything, our waiter drops off our food and we both thank them. I mess with my eggs on my plate and say, “I feel like you and Baz should do this together. But you can call me so I can hear your singing.” I giggle and he doesn’t look pleased. “I’m gonna have him talk to you, you have to come,” he says very matter of fact-ly. I sigh as I look at him before I start to eat my food. He pulls his phone out and apologizes as he sends a text.

Our waiter comes back and Austin orders a vanilla milkshake and I stare at him as he laughs and says, “Our first phone call you said they were your favorite.” I smile at him and he laughs. “I can’t believe you remember that. Wow, that feels like it was so long ago,” I say and he looks at me. His eyes darken as he whispers, “Anastasia, I don’t forget anything you tell me.” Why does he have this effect on me?

My thoughts are interrupted as my phone is going off with a phone call from an unknown number. I apologize to Austin as I step away to answer the call and I’m met with a familiar voice, “Hi Ana, it’s Baz, sorry to call you late after a long day.” I giggle as I say, “Oh, hi Mr. Luhrmann, no it’s totally fine! What can I do for you?” Why is he calling me? Does he know I’m with Austin? I shouldn’t keep hanging out with him this is so unprofessional.

“Ana, please, it’s Baz. I was actually wondering if you’d be able to check over your schedule for next week as Austin and I are going to head to Memphis and go to Graceland. We’re going to do an in-depth private tour and start recording some songs for the film. I think you should come along so you can help with any content we want to record for promotion and be someone we all feel comfortable having in such an intimate, important moment,” he says firmly.

At first, I’m over the moon excited, but then I realize Austin definitely just texted him to ask me. I don’t want him speaking up for me or looking like he’s doing any favors for me…

“Mr. Luhrmann, I mean Baz,” I giggle as I continue saying, “I would be so honored. I can move around whatever I need and work from wherever! Plus, I know the studio is going to love the idea of having content of you both going there.” I smile as I look in Austin’s direction as I can see him clearly watching me on the phone. I stick my tongue out at him as I listen to Baz continue about their plans in Memphis.

“I’m really so honored to be included and I’ll coordinate with your team on booking transportation and putting together an itinerary,” I say and Baz responds with one of the best compliments I’ve ever received, “Ana, we’re so lucky to have you on this. Your attention to detail is going to help every step of the way. I’m glad you were assigned to us.”

I thank Baz for the amazing compliment, and we hop off the call. I head back to Austin at the booth and before I can sit, I giggle as I ask, “So what did you text Baz?” He smiles and says, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I smile at him as I sit across from him and sip on the milkshake waiting for me at the table. “Well, he asked me to join y’all on your trip to Memphis.” He beams at me and says, “Good, good. I told you I’d get you to come.”

I giggle and we spend the rest of the night talking about Graceland and him recording music. Austin really opens up and he looks so at ease. Eventually, I realize the time and say, “Aus, it’s almost midnight. And I have a long day at the office tomorrow.”

We both get up from the table and I stretch before we walk out. As I’m stretching, I see Austin’s eyes run up and down my body. His eyes darken and he sinks his teeth into his bottom lip. He walks me to my car and before I get in he says, “When are we hanging out again? We should watch some of that Elvis footage of him performing this weekend so I can prepare to record next week.”

I smile at him as I answer, “Yeah, that sounds nice. Are you free Saturday?” He beams at me and says, “You can come to my place this time and I may even cook us dinner.” I giggle and say, “I don’t know… what are your kitchen skills like?” He laughs and closes my car door as I slide into the seat.

[deylightsfictionalcompanion]

A while ago [see: when Stranger Things season 4 first came out] my friend and I were talking about “what would the gang think about Princess Bride? It came out around Halloween of ‘87, so they absolutely would have seen it.” And thus, the story was born.

I haven’t written a story in years [see: because college] until I just sat down one day and cranked out this 12k thing. I wrote this giant Steve Harrington x F! Reader fanfic like it sustained my whole life (it did, though, in a way).

I’m sharing it on tumblr first (it’ll go on AO3 after some minor grammatical edits) because why not.

More under cut

Fandom: Stranger Things

Genre: xReader (thought I hate Y/N so you’re Dustin’s older sister in this as “Ms. Henderson” mostly)

Word Count: 11.9k

Rating: I’m gonna go with Teen but think more CW Teen than normal Teen.

Synopsis: You’ve known Steve since high school. You’ve been apart of the craziness coming from Hawkins since the beginning. And worst of all: you’ve loved Steve ever since he first took your brother under his wing—but you’ve kept it a secret. Until now. All because of The Princess Bride.

Important info: I’m a lover of pop culture, and there’s so much of that in Stranger Things, I’ve tried to keep that feeling. This is why the bulk of the story revolves around The Princess Bride and Halloween. I’ve tried to keep it within a 1987 time frame too, just because.

Tags: #Steves A Dork #Everyone Lives #Eddie/Chrissy is there because I love them both your honor and they deserve nice things when Steve is too busy being in love with you, the reader #Listen I know there’s some small grammatical issues I’ll fix them later #Copious amounts of 80s product placement #Theres some heavy petting but like. Again, nothing worse than what you’d see on the CW #Also Eddie took Will under his wings and they DM together #Robin plays too cause they let her woo princesses #I tried my best and therefore anyone may constructively criticize me #Oh yeah Robin/Vicki are there too because I say so #this is my first time posting fanfic so like please be gentle at a time like this ;)

As You Wish

By Deylightsfictionalcompainion

Somehow the light always felt brighter after coming out of the movie theater. It wasn’t a surprise, given you went to see a matinee on a Thursday and the movie was less than two hours long, but still. That initial shock of stepping out from a darkened theater to the afternoon sun made it difficult for you to see for a while. You imagined it was the same for everyone in the group.

“Do you think when Peter Faulk said ‘As You Wish’ at the end, he was implying that maybe it was his book? Like, you can actually check it out from the library or something?” Robin asked, her rough-cut voice echoing in the parking lot. She held up a hand to her forehead to block the sun and looked back at the rest of the group.

“I very much doubt that, Robin.” Dustin let out a small chuckle. “I’ve skimmed every part of that library and I have never come across a copy of The Princess Bride by S. Morgenstern, let alone one written by Columbo.”

“Well, it still would be cool if it was an actual book to check out. But I guess I’ll just have to look into more movies directed by that guy that plays Michael Stivie from All In The Family. Personally, I think he’s a better director than actor, but that’s just me.” Robin shrugged her shoulders and grabbed the handle to the passenger door of Steve’s car, placing her weight on one foot as she waited for the rest of you to circle around the car and get in.

You caught up to her in no time and leaned in on the hood, watching as Dustin, Eddie, and Steve slowly made their way around.

You’d picked this Sunday to go because most of the group was off. Nancy and Jonathan insisted on watching it as part of their new attempt at foraging a date night together and Mike, El, Will, Max, and Lucas had already seen it last weekend—they actually convinced everyone else that they had to see it too.

“I’d love to make it into a D&D session,” Will had beamed up at Eddie during the last D&D session they’d had together. Eddie had, upon meeting Will, found it necessary to take the kid in under his wing since he was the only one of the boys that he deemed could carry on his title as DM of Hellfire. Will took an instant shining to him, and in return, started to really take his newfound apprenticeship seriously. “I think I could really work in the part about the Pit of Despair and Dread Pirate Roberts lore. You should see it so you can help me get it set up.”

“Very well,” Eddie responded to him, slouched in his chair that somehow survived Jason’s rampage through the club room. It looked a little out of place sitting in the basement of Steve’s perfectly primmed house—but Eddie had insisted if Hellfire (at least for the summer) was to continue, he’d need his chair. And since Steve was tired of being a taxi service from one end of Hawkins to the next, he’d given up and let the club just meet up in his [empty] house. “I will see The Princess Bride whenever the Henderson’s convince Harrington to take us. See for myself if I can accurately get a feel for how to home brew the storyline into Hellfire’s campaign trail.”

Dustin immediately started to bounce at the thought and turned to look at you. “You gotta convince him.” He said, his eyes shining in the way he knew you couldn’t resist. “I’m all out of favors to ask him this month, and I don’t wanna push my luck asking for another ride.”

You sighed, closing the book you were reading (well, half-reading. Sometimes the campaign they’d play was exciting enough to catch your interest, and you’d tune in to the boys—and Robin, who weirdly got into the game one night when she found out both Will and Eddie would let her seduce princesses—as they’d play). “I’ll ask him next shift. But you owe me chore duty for a week without mom knowing.”

Dustin bounced harder. “Absolutely. It’s a deal.”

Which is how you found yourself leaning over the counter, pleading with Steve the next day.

“Come on, Steve,” you’d said to him as you watched him restock the shelves of Family Video—something you honestly hadn’t expected to still be working at after the events of ’86, yet you, Robin, and Steve all got to come back. “It’s an action-adventure story. Mostly. Just a little bit of romance. And if you watch it now, you’ll be able to recommend it better once it comes to the store. Maybe woo a few hearts with it?

“It’s not the movie, Ms. Henderson,” Steve complained as he shook his head, his hair swaying. He finished putting back the last of his VHS tapes and looked up at you. “Why do I always have to be the one that drives?”

“Not that you don’t make a point,” your words fumbling out of your mouth, still trying to become used to him calling you ‘Ms. Henderson’ after you made a joke one day last week when Janet Jackson’s Nasty came on the radio. “But do you really want me to drive? I already convinced Robin to come along with Dustin and Eddie—so you know they’ll just end up dragging you along regardless—and it would be a shame to have me, the only other licensed driver of this particular bunch, drive. Especially because last time, you compared it to—”

“Max,” he sighed, placing a hand on his hip and closing his eyes. “Never again. You’re as bad as Max.”

“She’s gotten better, you know.”

“Don’t want to.”

“So you’ll drive?” You smiled at him—the one that seemed to always work, since more than once you caught him signing and closing his eyes when you’d break it out.

“Robin and I are off Thursday,” he sighed, closing his eyes.

You bounced—a Henderson trait, it seemed—and leaned farther over the counter to give him a quick hug. “Perfect. It’s a date then, Steve.” You turned around and walked over to the return bin, only half listening to Steve as he mumbled under his breath and walked towards the back of the store.

“So boys,” you said as they each got to the car, opening it and sliding in, your tone curious. “Thoughts?”

Steve started up the engine and turned down the radio. “Loved it.” He took one look in the review mirror at you and smiled before placing the car in reverse and exiting the parking spot.

“I can absolutely see how Will and I could work this into a session or two for Hellfire,” Eddie grinned, shifting in his seat so he faced you and Dustin. “Those ROUS’s would be fun to work with. And the kid was right about the Pit of Despair. God damn title for a campaign if I’ve ever heard of one. Plus I think even our little Robin would enjoy this campaign,” he turned his attention toward the passenger seat, reaching a hand to place on Robin’s shoulder. “Up for saving a princess, Buckley?”

Robin turned back to face Eddie and smirked. “Always down for saving a damsel in distress, Munson. Especially if she’s anything like that Buttercup. Ugh. Talk about Hot. I even enjoyed the romance aspect of the film, believe it or not. And that’s so totally not my thing.”

Eddie leaned back into the seat of the car. “The romance wasn’t so bad. I think I should take Chrissy when she comes home from State. She’d love it, and I’d get a chance to analyze it better.” He flashed a smile for a second before glancing quickly out of the window to hide it.

You smiled at his bashfulness, happy that Eddie and Chrissy had finally started dating after countless hours of flirting back and forth—including when he’d played Master of Puppets in dedication to her, and she, in turn, saved his life when he heroically tried to buy them time with the Demobats. He’d nearly been inconsolable when she’d finally left to attend Indiana State University in the fall, but he’d been so proud of her for getting in he’d put on a brave face until her visits back to Hawkins would come up. “I’m sure she’d appreciate the chance to see it with you,” you said, tapping Eddie’s leg and bringing him back to the present.

“Ah, yeah. Anyway,” Eddie coughed, clearing the air. “What about you? Thoughts?”

“It was sweet. Billy Crystal and Carol Kane were probably my favorite part, though. I’m also strangely craving peanuts now too.”

“Peanuts after Hellfire, please,” Dustin said, looking at you. “Will’s been waiting for us since I told him we were seeing the matinee.”

“God, Henderson, you’re going to make me drive out again to get your club snacks, aren’t you?” Steve glanced into his review mirror, his eyebrows slightly raised. “Why can’t you guys ever just eat what I’ve got at the house?”

“Because dingus,” Robin chimed in, “when you sit in on the game you try to justify every choice that we make, and I’m tired of having to explain how things work to you. It’s fantasy. You’re not supposed to sit there and question how spells work. We have to give you reasons not to bug us every five minutes.”

Steve opened his mouth for a moment before quickly closing it. He fiddled a bit with the driving wheel before quickly flicking his eyes up to the review mirror to look at you. “Fine. But since Ms. Henderson doesn’t play, she’s got to come on snack duty with me. Especially because she’s the one that wants the damn peanuts.”

You look back at him through the mirror. “I suppose that’s only fair. But it’s on your dime, Harrington.”

Steve clenched his eyes in defeat and turned the corner, mumbling under his breath again, his big, brown eyes glancing up at you every so often for the rest of the way back to his place.

…

“And that,” Will said, his voice echoing around the room, “is where we’ll have to leave off for tonight.”

The group around him made a collective of noises, disappointed that their session had ended, once again, on a cliff hanger.

“Lady Applejack could have had time to cast a spell, if you hadn’t stopped there, Byers,” Erica chided, closing her trapper keeper and shoving it under her arm. “She better get first turn next week, or you’re going to suffer for it.”

Will turned to look at Eddie, who was smiling with what looked like pride in his eyes. “You’re DMing next week, that’s on you, Eddie.”

Eddie simply nodded his head from his chair and looked at Erica. “Lady Applejack shall get the first roll next week, don’t you worry, Erica.”

Erica smiled. “Good. Come on, Lucas. Mom said we better not be late for dinner tonight, and I’m not going to be the one to have to deal with her and dad because you can’t say goodbye to your friends fast enough.”

Lucas turned to face the group. “See you all later,” he said, following Erica up the stairs. Mike followed them shortly after, muttering something about going to meet up with El early tomorrow, leaving you, Will, Eddie, Dustin, Robin, and Steve sitting around the basement.

“So,” Will began, turning his chair to face Eddie’s. “What do you think about my idea for a Princess Bride themed session?”

Eddie smiled. “I think we could make something work out.”

Will’s face lit up. “Great! What were your thoughts?”

You put down the book you’d been half-heartly reading and got up from your chair, walking over to the stairs to head up and get a drink while they talked. It wasn’t that you weren’t curious—you were—but you’d been waiting until the session ended to go up and get yourself a refill on the Coke Steve had in his fridge.

“Mind if I join you?” Steve said, following you up the stairs. “Robin refuses to leave this conversation to get herself some snacks. Said she needs to make sure the princess arc in it is challenging enough or something.”

You nodded your head as you continued up and turned to wait for him until you were both off the stairs and in the Harrington kitchen. “I only half listen into their sessions—more for the plot than game play. Plus it’s fun to watch Dustin have fun again. Thanks for letting Hellfire make base here.” You walked over to the fridge and opened it, pulling out a can of Coke for yourself. A quick open, the fizzing noise echoing in the room, and you take a swig before pulling back the bar stool from the kitchen’s island counter and sitting down. “I don’t know if I’ve ever really thanked you for being there for Dustin in a way I couldn’t, really.”

“Henderson’s a good kid. And I know you’re an amazing sister to him. But I get it,” Steve opened up a cupboard and pulled out a bag of microwave popcorn. He walked over to the microwave and popped it in, hitting some buttons until it turned on, and swung around to face you, his hips lightly resting on the edge of the counter. “Not that the little shit gave me much of a choice in the matter, but he really just needed some man-to-man conversations. Pain in my ass, still. But he’s grown on me. All those little shitheads have grown on me. They’re like—”

You take another sip of Coke and smile slightly up at Steve. “Your chicken nuggets?”

The microwave dinged and Steve blinked. “You talked to Nancy, didn’t you?”

You tactically looked around the room, taking yet another sip. “It…may have come up the day we helped Chrissy pack for State.”

Steve lowered his head, carefully turning around to open up the microwave and take out the popcorn, shaking it sadly to make sure all the pieces were covered in the fake butter from the packaging.

“Steve,” you said, your tone shifting into one of sympathetic laughter, “hey. Listen.” You got up from the stool and walked over to him, lightly placing a hand on his shoulder. “I think it’s really great that you want to have a big family. You’re good with them…even if you go around calling them shitheads all the time. You’ve kept them all safe, just like they were you own. You taught them important things, and helped them out when they asked, and most importantly?”

He turned to face you, popcorn bag in hand, his brown eyes wide and looking up at you through his lashes. It catches your breath for a second—enough for you to feel your heart skip a beat—and you have to close your own eyes to finish your sentence. “Y-you never fail to always keep on with that charming Harrington attitude. I know you hate always being the god damn babysitter, but Steve?”

His full attention is on you now, and you can feel yourself getting closer to him; his face inches from yours. “You are a genuine, caring person underneath all that hair.”

“HEY DINGUSES,” Robin’s voice shouted from the bottom of the basement stairs. “I can smell the popcorn! What is taking you so long?”

Steve backed away from you, and you turned around to grab your coke, your cheeks surely as red as they feel hot.

“Coming, your Highness,” Steve yelled out, “Or whatever it is you call yourself.”

“Dame Gaylord, for the record, Steve.” She called up. “Just hurry up with the popcorn, I’m starving down here!”

Steve looked over at you, shrugging his shoulders as he walked back down the stairs, popcorn bag in hand.

You gulp and sit down for a moment back on the stool, cradling your hands in your face.

What was that, you think, staring at the off-white counter. Did…am I going crazy? Or was that—you shake your head.

Your crush on Steve wasn’t new to you, but it had never seemed to be more than one sided. You had painfully made yourself make sure he never noticed it. So why now? Did he notice it now?

It started when you were both still in high school—he was the king of Hawkins high: all smiles, all suave charm, the way he carried himself…you couldn’t help it—but as you grew to know him, especially as he started to interact more with Dustin, taking him under his wing and helping him out; as you watched him time and time again put himself first to protect you and the rest of the gang, never failing to keep a smile on his face even in the most drastic, dangerous situations—your crush developed beyond a schoolgirl trope. You fell hard for Steve Harrington. It was hard at first to keep those feeling in check. Once or twice you had to hide your blush from him and shake it off cleverly, smiling and laughing, or changing the subject to something you know he could talk about for a ridiculous amount of time. You were pretty sure that he had no idea how much you liked him.

That is.

Until now.

The carbonated fizzle from the can of Coke beside you shook you from your thoughts, and you grabbed the can, chugging down half of it before walking back downstairs.

“But what I’m hearing,” Dustin’s voice rang through the basement, “is that you have tomorrow off.”

“I said I would think about calling off tomorrow—” Steve began, his hands planted firmly on his hips.

“Matty owes us time, Steve,” Robin said, tossing popcorn into her mouth. “We haven’t taken a day off since our shifts started back up this summer.”

You walked over to Eddie, who had his legs swung over the arm of his chair. “What exactly did I miss here, Munson?”

Eddie looked at you, a smile spreading across his face. “Midnight ride. Dustin’s trying to book us an overnight stay to finish plotting out Will’s Princess Bride session while the memory is still fresh in our heads. I know you’ve got the day off tomorrow, and I took afternoon shift at Motorwork’s. So, it’s all about convincing Harrington.”

You looked back over at Steve, who was slowly losing the battle against your brother and Robin. You couldn’t help but tilt your head a little bit and smile. He’d cave. He always caved for those two.

“Word has it, Henderson,” Eddie adjusted how he was sitting and leaned in closer to you, his hair brushing against the back of your head. “That all it would take to get him to cave right this minute is a smile from you.”

You snap your head to face Eddie, your brows knit. “On whose authority?” You questioned, your tone coming out angrier than you meant.

“I have eyes, Henderson. Unfortunately,” he leaned back into his chair, crossing his ankles and linking his hands together to support the back of his head. “I also know that sometimes our own eyes fail us at seeing the bigger picture when everyone else already can.”

You stared at him for a moment, your expression unchanging. Eddie was an assortment of flavors—you’d seen him go from being a chaotic punk to screaming child to love sick puppy in under 24 hours—but he never said anything that wasn’t true. And that would also mean that earlier…you weren’t imagining…

“How long,” your voice was quieter as you leaned back towards Eddie. “Have you noticed?”

“For you, darling?” He smirked. “First time I saw you two together. You were worse than I was with Chrissy.”

You bit your lip slightly. “And him?”

“Now, what would be the fun in telling you that?” He brought his arms back down off of his head and rubbed them on his thighs. “All I know is that if I had that kind of power over Harrington—and believe me, I’ve tried—I wouldn’t waste it.”

You blinked. A shiver ran down your spine and something inside your head—a usually very, very quiet voice—rang out. “If you won’t tell me,” you began, your eyes now focused on Steve, who was standing with both hands on his hips, slowly deflating under the weight of Dustin and Robin’s harassment. “Then at least help me figure out how to harness it.”

Eddie’s face lit up. He chuckled as he straightened out on his chair, his feet landing firmly on the floor. “Didn’t you say you wanted peanuts earlier?”

“Steve,” your voice came out louder than you anticipated, “call off tomorrow. It’s a Friday in October and the theater has better options. Matty can handle one night. Besides, you deserve a day off. Not to mention that I still want peanuts, and we’ve yet to go out and get some. We can pick up stuff to make for breakfast while we’re out.”

Steve looked at you, eyebrows raised. His stance softened a little and he tilted his head. “Why are you—”

“Are you seriously questioning my sister right now, Harrington? Go get her the damn peanuts. And pick up some Tang for the morning!” Dustin said, slapping Steve’s back.

You smiled—the one that seemed to always work; the one Eddie had noticed and said something about to you—and you watched. You watched as Steve sighed and closed his eyes.

“Anything else I can get for you assholes here at Harrington’s Bed and Breakfast?”

…

The drive out to the store felt awkward to you, but you did your best to ensure that it didn’t feel like that for Steve. It was hard, though, now that you’d had Eddie confirm Steve clearly had feelings for you to keep your usual calm, playful demeaner you’d worked so hard on the past several years. You’d tried simply keeping the volume up on the radio—you both loved to sing along to it, despite the fact that neither of you were exceptionally good at it—but that only worked until Tiffany’s I Think We’re Alone Now came on, and you couldn’t help but think that whoever was working the radio at the time was playing a cruel, cruel joke on you.

“I thought you loved this song,” Steve said, shifting his head quickly to look at you after you went to change the station. “Why change it?”

He reached over your hand and changed it back, turning it up.

“I think we’re alone now,” he sang at you, loudly. “There doesn’t seem to be anyone around.” He shook his shoulders and tapped the steering wheel in time to the song. “Come on, Ms. Henderson. Don’t even try to deny it. I’ve seen you sing this song into your hairbrush.”

“The beating of our hearts is the only sound.” You sang back at him, the smile returning to your face.

“There she is! That’s my girl,” he chuckled. He turned the volume up louder and you both sang along to the rest of the song until finally you pulled into the Kroger parking lot and he pulled into a spot, killed the engine, and turned to face you.

“Penny for your thoughts,” Steve said, looking at you, his brown eyes darker in the florescent glow of the parking lot lights.

“I am just focused on our task at hand,” you waved your hand at him and reached down to unbuckle your seatbelt. “That’s all.”

“Getting peanuts shouldn’t distract you enough that you change the radio station like that. I know you better, give me a little credit.”

You turned to face him, taking in how he was propped up in his chair; one arm over top the steering wheel, the other linked back around the seat. “I…I,” you had no idea how to bring out the question do you like me like I like you? in any manner that wouldn’t be embarrassing, so you just said the first thing that came out of your mouth instead. “I am just trying to think about how the boys and Robin are going to put The Princess Bride into their campaign.”

Steve blinked back at you. “S-sure.” He said, not quite believing you, you could tell, but also too polite to call you out on what clearly was a lie. “I mean, if they had asked me, I would have told them to focus mainly on the dread pirate Roberts stuff and go from there.”

The look you gave Steve was one you couldn’t stop yourself from making even if you tried. “Have you thought about this? I thought you didn’t understand D&D?”

“Yeah, well, I don’t get how you play that stupid game, but I know how to tell a story, thank you very much.” He said, taking his hand out from behind his seat and turning himself front facing. “I watched the same movie you guys did. In fact,” his tone in voice shifted, one that sounded like it had a bit of pride mixed in with shame. “I’ve seen the movie twice already.”

“When the fuck did you have time to see the movie?” You blurted out, unable to stop yourself.

“First time was on a date with…Stacey? Or maybe Sandy. Can’t remember. Second time was by myself, because Stacey-slash-Sandy was too busy trying to stick her tongue down my throat for me to pay attention to the movie. And I just. Really wanted to pay attention to it. It was a good movie.” He sighed and turned to face you. “That’s why when you asked me to drive you all to the theater, I wasn’t upset about the movie choice.”

You blinked. Fast at first, and then slowly a second time. “Steve Harrington likes a rom com.”

“You make it sound like I’m not allowed to enjoy movies with romance in them.” Steve said, offended.

“No, it’s not that. I just. Never pegged you for someone who would go see a movie like that on your own. The date thing I get. Me and the rest of the gang dragging you to a movie, yes. But on your own?”

“Yeah, well, a lot about me had changed in these last few years, if you hadn’t noticed. Though you should,” he said, his hand coming up to rest on your shoulder. You shivered. “You’ve been there alongside me. Hell, helped me change even. I’ve got a lot to thank you for, Ms. Henderson.”

You smiled at him, soft; warm. “Really?”

“Shit yeah, Henderson. You seem to genuinely care about me and call me out on my bullshit when I need it.” He looked down and smiled, his voice shifting in tone. “You’ve helped pick me back up and sewn me back together after all those times I’ve taken a beating; shown me how to grow and find ways to be part of the solution rather than the problem. I’m really lucky to have you in my life.”

The red in your face burned. But you didn’t care. “Steve, I—”

He cut you off with a single look up through his eyelashes. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now. But I’ve never had the chance to. Until now.” He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he leaned in closer to you. “I’ve had a crush on you for a while now. I just didn’t know how to tell you in case you didn’t feel the same way I did. I didn’t want to ruin what we already have by putting my feelings into the mix. But I have to tell you now. Especially after what almost happened in the kitchen. I’d regret it if I didn’t.”

You stared at him. For several seconds, unsure of what to do. It was like being caught in headlights.

He stared back; tried to lean back to give you your space, his hopeful smile starting to faulter, but you grabbed his hand tightly in yours and squeezed. “Steve, I…” you start, your brain firing off thoughts in different directions and your mouth unable to release any of them.

“Hey,” he said, patting your hand. “It’s okay. I get it if you—”

You pulled him in and lightly placed a kiss to his lips, messy and simple, because it’s all you could think to do to let him know how you feel; that his feelings were reciprocated.

When you pull back, Steve’s eyes were closed, his mouth slightly opened. You stared at him like this, wondering if what you did was the right move when his eyes snapped open and his mouth spread into the biggest grin you’d ever seen.

“I am going to take that as a positive sign,” he said before leaning in closer to you. He grabbed both of your hands and looked down at them, his thumbs rubbing random patterns into your palm. “But I would really, really love it if you’d say something.”

You looked down at your hands, your brain still processing what you’d just done, unable to look at him in the eye yet.

“Hey,” Steve lifted up your chin and brushed your hair carefully behind your ear. “I’m kinda sticking myself out on a limb right now and I could use some good old Henderson comforting I’ve come to love.”

Your brain finally stopped. “I’ve had a crush on you for a while, too.”

“That was what I was hoping you’d say,” he said, bringing his face in closer to yours, inches from your mouth. “There’s just one more thing I’m hoping for, though.”

You looked up from his mouth and into his eyes, confusion swirling in your thoughts.

“There is?” You breathed, so close to him you could hear the beat of his heart and smell his shampoo.

“Tell me that I can finally kiss you.” He whispered. “A real one.”

You smiled—the same one you’ve used so many times before. “Absolutely.”

Steve smiled back. “Have I ever told you that that little smile of yours does things to me that I’m not particularly proud to admit in detail yet?”

“Steve,” you plead, your arm now reached up and carded through his hair.

“Tell me I can kiss you again?” He said, his lips brushing against yours and his nose nudging your cheek.

“For you, Harrington?” you said, bringing him in closer. “You can kiss me any time you want.”

You felt his smile as he kissed you; light and soft at first, quickly turning into something deeper as he slid his hand from the base of your jaw to your ear, slowly combing through your hair as he cupped the back of your head. It was breathless and loving, unlike any kiss you’d had before. You lost yourself within his embrace and it was only when he bit your bottom lip, pulling you closer and tilting your head that you were able to catch your breath. In doing so, you moved your hand to his shoulder and forced yourself to pull apart, deep breaths taking over you both and fogging up the windows surrounding you.

“That was—” you started, your focus still lingering on his mouth.

“Worth the wait,” he finished, resting his forehead on yours. He grinned and leaned back in again to steal two more kisses from your lips before you pushed yourself off of him again, giggling.

“Steve,” you protested as he turned his head and began gently placing kisses along your jawline and down to your neck. “Steve, we’ve still got to go in and get those peanuts or everyone’s going to get suspicious.”

“Who gives a shit about what they think,” Steve said in-between kisses. “We’re alone now. I’ve finally got you all to myself, and I don’t want to waste a second of that.”

You felt a jolt of electricity tingle in your head and it softened your eyes. You could just forget about everything for a while—enjoy they fact that Steve Harrington was here, kissing you after professing his crush. And wouldn’t that be enough?

You grabbed Steve’s head, pulling him up so you could look him soundly in the eyes. His hair was messy, his pupils blown, and his lips plump from kissing you. He looked almost feral—flushed and salacious—but still soft, comforting, gentle. “I promise,” you stroked his cheek with your thumb, doing your best to hold his attention. “I won’t let you waste any second you’re with me. But there will be so much more time for that if we get what we came for and go back to your place. Steve,” you gave him a quick kiss, reminding him you were still there with him, “the quicker we do this, the quicker I can show you just how long I’ve waited for you.”

Steve stared at you, his eyes trained on yours.

“Because there’s only so much I can show you in a car. It’s…a little cramped. I expect your bed will accommodate many more things.”

He pulled himself from your grasp at that, and you watched as your words ignited a fire in him. “Pancakes or French toast for breakfast?” He said, opening up the car door and swinging his leg out. “Come on, Ms. Henderson. Let’s go! Move your ass, we’ve got things to take care of. Mainly…me.”

“As you wish,” you chuckled as you opened the door and stepped out in the cold night air.

…

Halloween was Saturday. The Byers were throwing a party because the kids all complained they were too old for trick-or-treating, and you and Steve had decided to go in on a couples costume as The Princess Bride herself and The Dread Pirate Roberts.

Steve was more excited about it than you—he hadn’t stopped telling everyone about how much he loved the film (even though Robin, sick of hearing him quote the movie endlessly at her, threatened to push him down a hill if he didn’t stop it at work), and he was quick to ask you about doing couples costumes once he stopped prompting make-out sessions.

“I didn’t take Steve Harrington for one wanting to do couples costumes.” You said when he’d asked you.

“What can I say?” He responded, hand on his hip. “I like to surprise people. Plus I’ve been thinking about all the things I used to be—who I was in high school—really wasn’t who I wanted to be. It was all some deliberate attempt to be someone my father wanted me to be. Everything that people say you should care about, it’s all just bullshit. When I’m with you, I feel like I can drop the bullshit and just be myself. And myself is someone who wants to do a couples costume with you from a really good movie.”

You stepped closer to him and grabbed his hand, kissing his cheek and smiling. “That is why I started liking you in the first place. Because I watched you challenge yourself to be the best possible version of you that you could be.”

Steve blushed. “Turns out all I needed was a thump on the head to change my life. And I’m grateful for it every single damn day.”

You cupped his face and rubbed your thumb along his cheek before pulling him into a hug. “I am too.”

“I’ll see you and Dustin after my shift tonight.” He said, breaking away from the hug. “You’re going to have to tell me how you convinced Matty to give you the best shifts when I get there.”

You laughed. “I don’t get the best shifts. I just get lucky. I also don’t spend half of my shift trying to flirt with you, Steve.”

Steve shifted his stance. “You saying you want me to stop, Henderson?”

“No,” you chuckled. “I’m just saying Matty doesn’t do love-sick.” And love-sick was probably the best way to describe Steve ever since last Thursday. It was almost like he couldn’t get his fill of you—stolen glances as you two put movies back on shelves; winks and nods while on lunch; a stealthy grabbing of your hand as he walked you to his car at the end of a shift, a passionate kiss sometimes on the hood that left you both aching for something more.

Those days were the best, because as he drove you back home, anticipatory for intimacy, you’d talk. About your day, about your struggles and excitements and plans for the not-so-distant future dates you’d take. The make-out sessions you’d had in his car were amazing (Steve was an excellent kisser. More importantly, he was good with his hands. The way he’d cup your face, his thumb on your jawline, fingers behind your ear. How it slowly slid back until he held the base of your skull and moved your head so he could get the best angle. How his other hand carefully caressed your back and slid to your hips…or sometimes…sometimes, when the day had been particularly stressful, he’d reach around and lift up the side of your shirt to cup your breast, teasing your nipple in such a way that it would send a wave of pleasure through you and create a small hitch in your breath that always produced a toothy smirk from him. This was, of course, followed by a pull on your lips so forceful it dragged your entire head forward and allowed the kiss to become deeper—his mouth opening yours and his tongue finding its way inside. You’d get him back, though. After the kiss deepened, you’d push him backward and climb on top of him, running your fingers through his ridiculously perfect hair; starting at the base of his neck and grabbing and pulling it slightly once your whole hand had found its way into the feathered layers. Then you’d grind into him a little bit until you could feel the bulge in his pants, give him your own deepened kiss until you could hear him moan, and then…excuse yourself off of him, kiss him one last time—soundly on his cheek or forehead or a peck on the lips���and bid him goodnight, enjoying the dazed and confused look he gave as he watched you walk up to the front door and blow him a kiss before stepping inside) but those conversations before then were something even better. You’d always been close to Steve, but this was new territory. And it felt…right.

“Lucky, sure.” Steve picked up a bunch of VHS tapes and walked over to an aisle. “I’ll see you tonight, Ms. Henderson.”

…

“Hey,” Dustin called through your closed door, knocking once before letting himself in. “I just need a bit of help getting my hair just right.”

You looked him up and down, smiling at your brother’s costume. “Han Solo. I am guessing Suzie is Leia?”

“Yeah. We’re going to be calling each other later tonight to watch Empire Strikes Back together over the phone.” He sighed, sitting down on your vanity chair. “But for now, I’d like some help getting my hair to be less curls, more poof.”

You chuckled and moved towards him to help. “No problem.”

“Are you and Steve going as Princess Buttercup and Westley? Your costume looks spot-on.”

“We are. And thanks, Steve sewed it himself.”

Dustin broke away from your comb and turned to face you. “Steve knows how to sew?”

“He took Home Economics our sophomore year to impress some girls and wound up actually enjoying it. Says it was worth the entire class because now he knows how to hem his pants and cook basic meals—which he also thought doubled his chance at being able to woo women.” You turned Dustin back to face the mirror and started to brush out his curls again, taming them with whatever product you could find so they fanned out around his face.

“I have heard the ladies love a man who knows how to cook,” he said, watching you work in the mirror, a giant grin on his face.

“Ladies love a man that knows how to take care of themselves, Dustin. That’s like…bare minimum qualification. Know how to take care of yourself, which includes being able to ask for help when you need it. And, suffice to say little brother, you’ve got that down.” You applied some hair spray to the top of Dustin’s head and leaned down so your face was right next to his. “Suzie is one lucky lady to have a guy like you.”

“Thanks,” his face turned a light shade of red. “But I feel like I’m the lucky one.” He took one last look in the mirror before he got up and headed toward your door. “I’ll be downstairs with Steve, attempting to calm mom down about us leaving for the night. But don’t take too long. I’m starving, and Argyle is supposed to be bringing pizza. I want to get there before there’s nothing but pineapple left.”

You smiled. “Be down in a minute, then.”

It was time for the final check. You walked over to your mirror to look at your reflection. Buttercup’s head piece was neatly pinned into the cheap wig you’d picked up and her belt was securely wrapped around your waist. The bottom of the bright red dress was hemmed perfectly so that it fell down at your ankles and you smiled in spite of yourself, feeling like an actual princess. You only got to see Steve’s costume once while he was giving you yours, but it wasn’t on him—just casually draped over the back of a chair. In fact, the only part of the ‘costume’ you’d gotten to see at all was the thin little mustache Steve had been growing since you agreed to do the couples costume. It was a good look for him, actually.

A final brush of your dress and you opened your door.

“Dustin said you were almost ready, but to try and convince you to come down faster so he wouldn’t be stuck with pine—wow.” Steve took a step back from your door, glancing at you up and down. “That dress really. It really works for you.”

You grinned and looked down at the dress. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Steve regained his composure and took a bow. “At your service. M’lady.”

You giggled and pushed past him, heading for the stairs. You could have stayed there, in your doorway, eyeing him up and down in that costume though. His pants were a little tighter than the ones Cary Elwes wore, and the thread that was supposed to lightly fasten the top of his shirt was loose, exposing the top of his chest hair. He’d yet to put on the mask and black cloth around his hair, but that was what made it better. But if you did that, you knew you’d never get to the party on time and Dustin would berate you for missing the non-pineapple pizza for the next three weeks.

“Let’s get going to the party, less Han over here gets stuck with pineapple pizza,” you called out as you descended the staircase. “We’ll be home late tonight, mom. If you desperately need us, call the Byers.”

“Finally!” Dustin threw his hands up and opened up the front door. “Let’s go, Harrington! Get your ass down here so we can leave.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t get your panties in a twist, Henderson.” Steve said, trailing out the door and unlocking his car. “We still have to pick up Robin and Vicki.”

You followed them both out, blowing a kiss to your mom before shutting the door behind you and heading towards Steve’s car.

“Why are you always the chauffeur?” Dustin asked, opening up the backseat and sliding in.

“You know, Henderson? I ask myself that same god damn question every single time I get in my car.” The engine roared to life. “If you—either of you—want to tell me how I ended up with this job, I’d really like to know.”

…

Hopper opened up the door, his skin painted green and a brown suit swimming on his body. “Glad you kids could make it!” He said, moving to the side to let you all in. “Argyle’s late with the pizza, but we’ve broken out snacks until he gets here.”

“Thanks, Hopper.” Dustin said, pushing past him. “Good to know I won’t miss out on the good pizza.”

You smiled as you walked past Hopper, your hand holding Steve’s.

“Well, that’s new.” Hooper closed the door and turned back around to face you. “When did this happen?”

“A couple weeks ago,” Steve said, gripping your hand tighter. “But it’s been a long time coming.”

Hopper laughed. “I know the feeling. Joyce is around here somewhere, make sure you tell her the party’s going great. She’s been on edge since this morning about decorations and party games. Even though I told her you kids were probably just going to end up playing that game you guys always play. Or watching whatever monster flick is on the tube tonight.”

“Will do, Herman.” You nodded your head at Hop, letting a single chuckle escape your mouth.

“And here I thought you kids wouldn’t get The Munsters reference.” Hopper smoothed down his jacket, grabbing it by the lapels once done.

You smiled and pulled Steve forward into the living room, where you found everyone else sitting around, talking.

“I see Buttercup and Westley have made their grand entrance, finally.” Eddie said, standing up from his seat to walk over to you. “M’Lady,” he made a swift bow when he reached you, his hair falling down in front of his face and his arm raised behind him. “Glad to see that you could make it with Harrington, in matching costume, no less.”

Steve pushed Eddie back slightly on the shoulder and grinned. “Looks like we’re not the only one in matching costume.” He pointed towards Chrissy, who was busy talking to Nancy.

“Aragorn and Arwen, from Tolkien’s masterpiece, dude.” Eddie grinned, his face going soft when he looked at Chrissy. “I sent her with all the books to read while at State. She’s really gotten into them. She’s the one who suggested we go as Aragorn and Arwen, and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to dress as the great Strider.”

Steve’s expression turned into one you recognized as confusion. “This is like, related to that Mordor thing, isn’t it?”

“Lord of The Rings, Harrington.” Eddie patted him on the back. “It’s a good thing you’re pretty.”

“Alright!” You clapped your hands, walking farther into the room. “Who’s ready to finally have some fun for once?”

“I know I am,” you turned to see Max approach you, dressed as Freddy Kruger—or, at least you thought that’s what she was going as from the looks of her sweater and hat.

“Bit too much on the nose, don’tcha think, Red?” Eddie sat down next to Chrissy, who beamed up at him, and wrapped his arm around her.

“Thought it was funny. Plus I wanted an excuse to wear a sweater and jeans,” Max said, plopping down on the couch across from where you stood. “Lucas wanted us to do a couples costume this year, but he and I couldn’t agree on one we both liked. So, I chose Freddie Kruger, and he—”

“Decided to go as The Terminator,” Lucas finished, walking into the room wearing a leather jacket and a pair of sunglasses. “I ran out of time at the last minute because someone didn’t want to do The Breakfast Club with me.”

“Sorry Lucas,” Max said. “But I’m no princess. No offense,” she added, looking at you and Chrissy.

“Oh, none taken, Max! Truth be told,” Chrissy said, adjusting her legs so they no longer crossed. “I always hated being shoved into that princess stereotype, so I understand. Before I met you guys, I didn’t think I’d ever be able to break it.”

“With that roundhouse you’ve got,” Eddie beamed, “I never doubted for a second you were anything but a terrifying badass.”

“Yeah Chrissy,” Dustin chimed in. “Who’d a thought you could take out so many demobats with backflips and cheer movies. Most metal thing I’ve ever seen.”

Chrissy blushed, tucking away a strand of strawberry blonde hair behind her ear. “Thanks guys. And also, just for the record, Arwen isn’t a princess. She’s the daughter of Elrond; Lady of Rivendell and later Queen of the Reunited Kingdom.”

Eddie placed a kiss to the side of Chrissy’s head. “That’s my girl.”

You chuckled and shook your head, turning to face Max. “Believe me, Max. I don’t think anyone here is princess material, despite their costumes.”

“I thought about being a princess,” El chimed in, her hair piled in curls on top of her head. “But then Mike and I went to see Alien and I thought I would make a much better Ellen Ripley.”

You turned to get a better look at El and realized she was in a near-perfect replica jumpsuit, complete with a stuffed cat and plastic gun slung around her.

“You make an excellent Ripley, El,” Lucas said, opening up a piece of candy from the table in the middle of the room. “You’d also give her a run for her money. Not that I think you two would fight. But….that might be a cool match to see.”

You leaned over to Steve to let him know you were going to go grab something to drink before walking out of the living room and towards the kitchen. The Byers’ house was a lot bigger now that Hopper and Joyce were living together and you could tell it was slowly becoming well-loved. Pictures hung up in the hallway on your way there: Will smiling as he was painting, Jonathan contemplating in the background; El and Will sitting on the couch reading together; Jonathan and El sitting on the floor of the living room, headphones on and listening to music; Joyce and Hopper smiling and looking at each other, snow on the ground with Christmas lights in the background; all five of the found family laughing around a table covered in pumpkin guts from last year’s Halloween. It was comforting to know that they were able to create a sense of normalcy again after all the trauma they’d endured the past couple of years.

“Princess Buttercup.” Will’s voice, now deeper than it had been just a summer ago, caught you off guard as you entered the kitchen.

“Luke Skywalker.” You took a step back, your head tilted to get a better look at his costume.

Will smiled before pulling down on the black sweater he was wearing. “I’m glad you know who I am.”

“I’m sorry sweetie,” Joyce bent down and put a glass pan that appeared to be full of cheese inside the oven. “I’m sure he’s a wonderful character from that film series you and Jonathan won’t stop talking about. I’m just a little preoccupied at the moment.”

“Mrs. Byers,” you said, as you took a step closer to her, “do you need any help with that?”

“Sweetheart,” she replied, adjusting her long, black wig that had fallen forward on her face. “I’ve told you—all of you kids, actually—Joyce is just fine. Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got it handled!”

“She’s just making some nachos to tide us over until Argyle gets here, whenever that may be.” Will said as he walked over to the kitchen table to put on a belt. “I could use your help with this, though. I couldn’t find a scabbard to wear, but I did manage to construct Luke’s lightsaber and belt just right. I even found a pair of boots at the thrift shop that work. But…I can’t seem to get it on without help.”

“No problem,” you stepped forward and turned Will around to help attach the belt.

“I’m guessing that Steve is dressed as Westley?” Will questioned, his head turning slightly to the side to see your face.

“Yeah. It was his idea too. He’s seen the movie something like three times now and convinced me we’d be the perfect Buttercup and Westley.”

Will let out a small laugh. “I’m glad you guys are going out. It was painfully obvious to everyone else that you two needed to end up together—”

“God, every single time we had Murray over for dinner he wouldn’t stop talking about putting you both in a room rother until you came out a couple.” Joyce called from the pantry, interrupting Mike mid-sentence and causing you to raise your eyebrows. “I knew eventually you two would work it out—like Hop and I did—because god knows Murray doesn’t need to control everyone’s love life around here.”

“I like Murray well enough, but she’s got a point.” Will said, holding his belt up as you gave it one last adjustment before turning him around to face you. “We all knew you’d wind up together one way or another. Except maybe Mike. He still thinks Robin and Vicki are just friends.”

You snorted a laugh. Robin had come out to the group a little after what happened last spring, right before Steve helped her get the courage to ask Vicki out. Everyone took it pretty well—especially Will and Eddie, who hugged her excessively when she was trembling her way through her speech—but Mike had just sort of stood there, unable to grasp what it was Robin was saying. “He’s very dense. Nice, but…”

“Yeah,” Will sighed, stepping back and smoothing out his pants. “Thanks for helping me. Though I’m sure that’s not what you came into the kitchen for in the first place.”

You blink, trying to remember what it was that you came in here for. “Coke.” You finally blurt out, your thoughts distracted by the tone in Will’s voice.

Will turned and headed over to the fridge to pull out a can for you, his arm stretched out as he comes back. You wavered a bit before you decided to reach out and pull him into a hug, your arms clasping around his back, his hand still outstretched, holding a Coke. Everyone had been through a lot over the years, but it was always Will that seemed to need a little more comforting than everyone ese. You knew Jonathan would always be there for him, and since Eddie had met him, he’d made sure Will knew he was accepted into the Hellfire club. But still. Maybe it was just the sister instinct that took over when you were around Will that made you want to comfort him. “Thanks Will.” You pulled back from him and smiled, grabbing the Coke out of his hand. “Make sure Dustin see’s your outfit. I have a feeling he’ll go bananas over it.”

Joyce walked out of the pantry, a bag of tortilla chips in her hand. “Happy again to hear about you and Steve, sweetheart. These nachos should be done in a couple minutes, make sure to let everyone know there’s something here in lieu of pizza.”

“Will do, Mrs. Munster.” You smiled.

“Lily.” Joyce corrected.

You laughed as you walked out of the kitchen and back towards the living room.

“Robin and Vicki did a couples costume! We could have had the whole Breakfast Club!” You heard Lucas shout as you entered the room. You saw in the corner that Robin and Vicki had finally made their way into the Byers house (they opted to stay in the car to get ready, as when you went to pick them up, neither one of them had costumes on), and you couldn’t help but wonder why they were dressed as Ally Sheedy and Molly Ringwald from The Breakfast Club of all things.

“Feel free not to answer,” you said, walking up to the two ladies. “But The Breakfast Club?”

Vicki smiled and placed her hand on Robin’s shoulder. “Your idea, so you explain it to her.”

Robin took a sip from the cup she was holding and closed her eyes. “So,” she began, her voice competing with the sound of the music someone had put on while you were gone, “you’ve seen the movie, right? There’s that scene, in the end, where Molly Ringwald’s character takes Ally Sheedy to the side and completely redoes her make up. Which, first of all, didn’t need to be done. Because she was just fine the way she was. But, more importantly, she did the make up the way she though would make her look better. It was soooo intense. And it just, clicked? You know? They totally could have been a couple. The princess and the oddball. It’s a huge literary trope, so, why couldn’t it be like that with the two of them? Honestly, that whole film could have been the gateway into making gay history. I mean, it’s clearly an undertone of the entire film. It’s subtext—”

“Robin, sweetheart,” Vicki chimed in, placing a hand on Robin’s shoulder. “The film did a pretty good job with the written material, regardless of the subtext. Not that your theory isn’t fascinating. But…I thought Claire’s make-over for Allison was nice. All she did was wash her face and pull her hair up so you could see her eyes. I liked how simple it was.”

“Vicki, Vicki, Vicki,” Robin said, turning to face her girlfriend. “You’re missing the point. We’ve talked over this! It’s—”

Vicki placed a finger on Robin’s lips. “Okay, smartypants. I secede. Why don’t we go and get something to eat? I’ve been smelling nachos for the past five minutes, and I want to grab some before the teenaged boys do and leave nothing left for us.”

Robin smiled. “Yes. I am famished.” She turned back to face you, her hand now captured in Vicki’s. “As for you, don’t think I didn’t notice how you’re dressed up as Buttercup when Steve is Westley. You and I will have a chat about that later! I know I can convince you to have him stop quoting that damn movie all the time!”

Vicki tugged at Robin’s arm and the two headed back to the kitchen.

You went to go and stand next to Steve, who was sitting on the arm of the chair next to Dustin, watching Michael Jackson’s Thriller video on the TV, when the front door opened.

“Happy Halloween, brochacos,” Argyle said, walking through the front door, bringing with him the scent of pizza and weed. “I’ve brought the pizza and Halloween because I think it’s absolutely the right way to go about today.” He set down five pizza boxes on the couch and held up a VHS. “And one of those pies has pineapple, my guys. May I remind you again, try before you deny.”

El smiled. “I enjoy pineapple on my pizza, Argyle. But I do not understand your costume.”

Argyle laughed. “I am Brand from The Goonies, my alien fighting friend.” He snapped at his red head band. “Please tell me someone here has shown her the greatest movie of our time.”

“I’ll make sure she sees it, Argyle.” Will said, walking over towards El. “It’s one of my favorites. It’s about a group of kids that go on a treasure hunt in order to save their home. Mikey’s optimism got me through the worst of the nightmares after last spring. He just. Reminds me of someone I know. I think you’ll really like it.”

“If Will says it’s a good movie,” El said, “then I will be sure to watch it, Argyle. But first…pizza.”

“Second on that,” Nancy said, moving out from her corner and towards the couch, adjusting her sweater and corduroy pants. “Thanks for bringing the pizza, Argyle.”

“Totally no problemo, Nance. Or should I say…?”

“Oh, I’m Carrie Fisher’s character in The Blues Brothers. Jake is around here somewhere.” Nancy said, picking up the gun she’d placed on the floor.

You looked closely at the gun, your eyebrows raising when you realized—

“Excellent prop gun, Nance!” Argyle smiled, his entire face beaming with joy for a moment before his eyebrows crossed. “Right?”

Eddie snickered from the corner. “Guess again, my friend.”

“Can’t be too lenient around here, even if things have quieted down. Had to work this thing into my costume somehow. It was easy enough to dress Jonathan up in a suit, too. Plus,” Nancy walked over to the pizza, opened the box, and took out a slice. “I just like Carrie Fisher.”

“Me too,” Argyle said, his smile returning to his face. “I don’t know if I would have gotten that one right away. Not like Westley and Buttercup over there from the second greatest movie of our time.”

“Thank you!” Steve said dramatically, raising his arms. “I am not the only one here with taste.”

“It’s not that you don’t have taste,” Robin walked over towards the pizza, a can of Coke in her hand from the kitchen. “It’s that you’re annoying about it.”

Steve just stared at her, his mouth slightly open, trying to think of something to say back to her.

“Aw man, just let it go. Best not to argue with Allison Reynolds.” Argyle slapped Steve on the back. “Which. Digging the costume, Robin. I take it Vicki is Claire, because of that whole make-up scene, right?”

“Argyle,” Robin said, opening up the pizza box with pineapple and grabbing a slice. “You have excellent taste.”

“Thanks, dude. Now,” Argyle slapped Steve on the back again, causing him to flinch slightly. “Why don’t you and your princess come grab a slice of pineapple before it’s all gone. My taste extends beyond that of film!”

You grabbed Steve’s hand and walked over to grab a slice of pizza together, enjoying the atmosphere of being surrounded by your friends.

…

“You seem a decent fellow,” Steve said, circling the table in the middle of the living room. “I hate to die.”

You watched as Steve and Dustin continued to circle each other, Steve holding up his plastic sword and Dustin his plastic blaster. Everyone was in various degrees of watching them—Eddie was enthralled by their performance while Robin and Vicki had left the room completely after Steve brought out the movie quotes.

“This is such a boring conversation,” Dustin stopped circling and held up his blaster. “Besides, ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side.”

“There is something I ought to tell you,” Steve said, his sword now in front of his face—which had lost the mask and bandana long ago, giving his hair a wild look to it.

“Oh? As long as it’s not the odds. Never tell me the odds.” Dustin motioned his plastic blaster so it dropped a little.

“Get used to disappointment.” Steve lunged forward at the exact time Dustin began making blaster sounds and ran his sword under Dustin’s arm.

“Laugh,” Dustin choked, dramatically falling to his knees. “It,” he dropped his blaster and looked down at the floor before lying down, the sword still sticking out from his armpit. “Up,” he coughed. “Fuzzball.” Dustin closed his eyes and curled up, faking his death like the dramatic kid he was.

You clapped. “Alright, can we please head out now? Some of us have to work in the morning, you know.”

Steve turned to you, his expression of satisfaction still plastered on his face.

“You’re really not going to mourn the death of your own brother?” Dustin said, looking up at you from the floor.

“I shouldn’t need to mourn. Han Solo doesn’t miss. Maybe you should have dressed as a Stormtrooper,” you joked, watching Dustin’s brow furl. “Kidding. I’m very sad for you, Dustin. But I also really just want to take a shower and get to bed. It’s almost eleven. Half the party is gone, anyway.”

Besides Robin, Vicki, Eddie, and Chrissy, everyone had trickled out of the Byer’s house throughout the night.

“Your sister’s right, Henderson,” Steve said, walking over to you and wrapping his arm around your shoulder. “Besides, aren’t you supposed to call Suzie tonight or something?”

Dustin shot up. “She’s gonna kill me if I’m late! Movie’s on at midnight.” He rushed to the door. “Robin! Vicki! Let’s go! Thanks for the party, Mrs. Byers! See you at Hellfire, Will!”

You shook your head and waited for everyone to say their thank you’s and goodbyes before walking out and getting into Steve’s car. You dropped Robin and Vicki off first, then turned the radio on and enjoyed the ambiance of Halloween decorations to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. When you finally pulled into your driveway, Dustin shot out of the car, barely thanking Steve as he ran into the house to call Suzie.

“That kid has it bad,” Steve said, shutting off the engine.

“Suzie’s good for him, I think.” You said, shifting to look at Steve. “I’m glad he’s found someone.”

“I’m glad I found you,” Steve said, pulling you in for a kiss. “Thanks for being my Buttercup tonight and every night.”

You smiled. “I’m glad I found you too, Steve. Thanks for being my Westley, babysitter boy.”

Steve chuckled as you opened up your car door and got out. “I’ll see you later.” You blew him a kiss and headed for your front door, a faint mumble from Steve barely hitting your ears.

…

Turns out, a hot shower after a long night can also wake you up considerably. You were lucky enough to have a bathroom attached to your room; it made the transition of getting out and getting dressed easier.

Or so you thought.

“There’s a shortage of perfect breasts in this world,” Steve said, lying on top of your bed, his arms behind his head. “T’would be a pity to damage yours.”

You stood in the bathroom doorway, robe halfway on, your hair tied up. “Steve?”

“Guilty as charged.”

“What—how—why—HOW did you get into my room?”

“You keep your windows unlocked. I’ve been plotting a route up here for days, ever since you agreed to do Princess Bride costumes. I wanted to surprise you.”

You stared at him, open mouth, not paying attention to your robe as it slowly opened up more. He smiled at you wider, sitting up a little on your bed. “Too much? Too cheesy?”

You shook your head and grasped at your robe, pulling it tighter (causing Steve’s smile to fade a bit). “Steve, I watched as you and Dustin made pew-pew and clanking noises for five minutes. I don’t think it was too cheesy.”

He sat back, relieved.

“Besides,” you walked over to your bed and sat down on the other side. “What I like most about you is your cheesiness.”

Steve quickly turned his head towards you and scoffed. “I am not—”

“Steve. You’re cheesy. Charming. Gallant and almost stoic to a fault. Maybe not the most gracious with words or coordination…but that is why I love you.”

Steve looked at you, his mouth a straight line. “Ms. Henderson,” he began, sitting up once again. “I believe you’ve just said something there is no going back from.”

You blinked. “I did?”

He smirked and scootched closer to you. “You looooooove me.”

You felt your cheeks grow hot—not just because you were embarrassed, but because you hadn’t planned on telling him on accident. There were three options you could go with now. Option one: playfully hit him and deny it. Option two: kiss him to shut him up. Option three: disrobe and distract him completely.

You knew which option it had to be.

You faced him and gently reached up to cup his cheek, pulling him closer to you. “Steve Harrington, I have loved you since the first day you brought Dustin home with a smile on his face. I love your charm, and your determination, and how incredibly stupid you can be, risking your life for everyone in an attempt to always be a better version of yourself.” You kept eye contact with him, watching him as he watched you. “You may act like you don’t care, or that you’re too cool, or that you hate being the babysitter, but I know you Steve. And I love what I see.” You reached up to run your fingers to the back of his head, your eyes flicking between his and his lips. “I love you, Steve Harrington.”

This kiss was different than the ones you’ve had in the past. It was more passionate—more pure; it left all the others behind Steve would quote to you later on—and left you feeling light headed. Slowly, you found yourself crawling up on your knees. He grabbed at your waist and pulled you flush against him, one hand pawing at the small of your back and the other cradling the back of your head, reaching up to loosen your hair so it cascaded down and tickled your ears. You turned your head to deepen the kiss, your hands digging into his hair to keep a semblance of keeping upright. Ultimately this was useless as you found yourself melting into him, sighing unapologetically as he nipped at your bottom lip. He reached his hand up to cup your face and pulled apart for the briefest of seconds before he lightly kissed you once; twice; three times before resting his forehead on yours, his breathing faster in effort to catch his breath.

His eyes remain closed, but yours looked at him gently, your cheeks red and your mouth slightly agape.

“You know, Ms. Henderson,” he opened his eyes finally and flicked them up to match yours, a cheeky smile growing on his puffy lips. “I love you too.”

You leaned in to give him another kiss, soft and gentle, the smile on your face growing wider. “You know,” you said, breaking away from the kiss, much to Steve’s disappointment. “Since you went through all that trouble of recreating the scene where Westley comes to rescue Buttercup…”

Steve gently fixed your hair behind your ear, his eyes only leaving yours for a minute. You reached up to place your hand on top of his before placing it back down across his chest. You smirk. He had less than a second to register as you pushed him down on the bed, straddled him, and reached for the belt of your robe, loosening it. “Why not really give into the scene?”

Steve’s mouth closed shut as his eyes moved up and down on you, watching as you leaned forward and began to kiss him, starting with his forehead and working your way down to the two tiny little moles along his jawline.

“Gently,” he whispered, his hands on your hips.

“At a time like this, that’s all you can think of to say? Gently?” You tuck one hand behind his head and lift him up slightly, grabbing his mouth in yours.

“Gently,” he said again before you released him from your kiss, his head knocking against the headboard of your bed. “Ouch.”

You giggled. “That’s for Robin. Stop quoting the movie to her at work so much.”

Steve took a hand off of you and rubbed at the back of his head. “Fine,” he said, scooting himself down further so his head was at the bottom of the pillow. “I’d much rather hear you quote the movie to me anyway. It’s hot…”

You placed a finger over his mouth and smirked before leaning back down to kiss him again. “As you wish.”

[arafainsilver]

Just imagine , people who start to bug me because I used Sauron as tag because RoP Sauron wouldn’t be Sauron because Amazon invented a different ‘story’. News flash it is an adaption and Halbrand being Sauron repenting is actually canon.

Like go cry my a river and scroll past it. You don’t see me replying to your bs post about how PJs world of Tolkien is canon.

Let’s talk about PJ shall we and overall misconceptions of Tolkien’s Lore shall we

-It was glorfindel not Arwen who saved Frodo

- It was Galadriel who asked where Gandalf was not Celeborn

- It was Celeborn who went to war vs Dol Guldur, Galadriel only came after he gotten rid of the remaining evil creatures.

- the scene of Galadriel and Gandalf in the movies during dol guldur never ever fucking happens

- Cirdan and Celeborn don’t sail with the ringbearers.

- Saurons seduction meant power wise not in any Fcking way as in he is in love with Morgoth or Celebrimbor for that fking matter

- Sauron isn’t gay or bisexual. Tolkien is FKING STRICTLY RELIGIOUS. If you accept Sauron being gay or bisexual but won’t accept Amazon RoP than you are a massive hypocrite.

I can continue if I want to but I’ll keep my rant short.

Main thing is scroll the fuck on, I didn’t complain about your retarded Sauron “fan red head art” until now because I was glad RoP used a proper looking actor who can pull Sauron off.

Oh another thing ; I will just use the tag again because it annoys you so much.

[darklydeliciousdesires]

Beyond the Blood Tie - Chapter Sixteen.

Thanks so much to the little core group continuing to give this life! Eeeep, y’all might be a bit angry at me after you read this, though... awaiting @withmyteeth​ especially to come flying into my DM’s... xD

Previous Chapters - One  Two, Part One Part Two  Three  Four  Five  Six  Seven  Eight  Nine  Ten  Eleven  Twelve  Thirteen  Fourteen  Fifteen

Words - 5,605

Tag list - In the comments. Please DM to be added/removed

Warnings - 18+ content throughout. Minors DNI!

Edie's POV

Fifteen days. Fifteen days have now passed since I last saw Angel, and I actually feel a lot better for not seeing him, if I'm truthful. If I'm one hundred perfect honest, I can’t deny I've really missed him. He has a lot of presence, and I like it. I also like the feeling of peacefulness he gives me, the nice feeling of contentment I get when I'm next to him.  

I remember that one time we shared a bed two weeks ago, after I turned over because I couldn't stand being nudged with an erection. I lay there for a while, eyes closed but not able to immediately drop off. Just before I did finally fall asleep, I felt him move closer to me, he kissed my shoulder and then put his arm around me and moved no more. It was a little spooky when I woke during the night and moved him and he just flopped onto his back like a dead body. I suppose that's essentially because he is.

I'm getting on with life, though, because I'm not some lovesick teenager. I'm just disappointed, because I think we could be good together, but realistically, it'll never happen, or at the very least we'd have a damn good time in the bedroom, if it wasn't for his not so little problem in that department. If only he could control it. But hey, you can't live your life in 'if only' land, can you? Well, I know some people do, but I don't. If I did, I'd have never gotten over what my mother inflicted upon me. In other news, though, it seems my mind has been taken off him in another way, the way Ahmed suggested, in fact.

"Come here, you fell asleep with those false eyelashes on! Look at this!" Katya announces to me in bed on Saturday morning, just under two weeks after I first met her and had what I thought would be a one-night stand. I've seen her four times since then. She's just reached across and pulled off one of the false eyelashes I did indeed fall asleep wearing, after we'd had copious amounts of sex, that is.

"I wondered why it felt like I had spiders crawling across my eyes," I exclaim, pulling off the other one while she laughs. She met me from work last night, and we went for some late night eats and a few drinks, and today we're going to the movies to watch a screening of the old classic Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Harrison Ford has to be my favourite actor. I sometimes wish I'd been born pre-disaster, so I could have enjoyed his films while he was still alive.  

After that, I'll be coming home to have some Edie time before I'm going out with my friends, but I've planned to see Katya again next Wednesday before I go to work. Again, last night when we came home, I could feel Angel right outside, just as he has been any other time she's been here. He stays until dawn is about to break and then I feel him leave, the blood tie getting weaker when he isn't right outside my bedroom window. It would seem creepy, if I couldn't pick up on what he's feeling when he's out there. What I can sense from him are feelings of jealousy, resentment, and even sadness and longing.  

I've made sure my bedroom curtains have been closed fully together though, so that his possible face at the window hasn't scared the shit out Katya again like it did the first night she was ever here. To be honest, I have been wondering if he ever will get in touch with me again, or reveal himself to me when I know he's been watching. He only does it when I'm with Katya, though, never when I'm by myself. I have pondered popping down to the tattoo shop, but I don't want it to look like I'm chasing him.

"Tell you what, little miss spider lashes. I'm getting a little more used to where everything is in your kitchen now, so how about you go get showered and I'll make us some French toast. You got eggs and bread and all that?" Katya asks me, sitting up and giving my leg a little stroke from where it's sticking out from under the covers.

"Sure, means I can give you a proper kiss after I've brushed my teeth too," I say, about to move before she grabs my arm.

"When I stink like something died in my mouth too, I don't give a shit," she giggles, leaning around and giving me a big kiss. Okay, so her kisses don't arouse me as much as Angel's do, but she's damn good at it. After being held down by the gorgeous, leggy redhead and kissed within an inch of my life, we get up, me going to the bathroom and her heading to the kitchen. By the time I'm done in the shower, I move to the kitchen and immediately fall into hysterics, finding Katya naked but an apron and her skyscraper heels.

"I have to say, I approve of your outfit choice," I giggle while admiring the view.

"I thought you might! Anyway, sit down and eat before it goes cold." She says, before turning to fetch the coffee. I think I might be onto a good thing here, and not because she makes me breakfast in only heels and an apron. I can't say I'm looking for a relationship, and I've been very straight with her in letting her know that. She's fine with it as well, saying she's 'happy just getting to know you a little better' as the lady herself words it.  

After we've eaten and she's got herself ready, we leave my house, going to do a little shopping before we take a cab to the movie theatre for the 1pm showing. She's a great girl and we get on really well, the sex is good too, but I dunno. There isn't that sparkle there with her, you know when you first meet someone, and you get on so well with them that you're dying to see them again the second they leave your side? I don't get that with her.  

When we go our separate ways at 4pm later this afternoon, I register straight away that I feel nothing even remotely close to missing her, or excitement about seeing her again. I used to feel that with Angel, the second he'd leave my side, I'd miss him. I have a connection with him, but with Katya, from my point of view at least, I don't really feel we do. I suppose that's my feelings for Angel overshadowing it. I think I just need a little more time to adjust to the fact that I really am becoming emotionally attached to him, and I can't let myself. Maybe this whole thing with Katya is being marred by the fact that I feel so drawn to Angel, and felt that so very soon after meeting him as a detainee. It just grew even more when he was released.

"Why the hell can't you get over someone you were never even with, Edie Larissa Bailey?" I ask my reflection as I do my makeup later on after arriving home. Really, what's with me? This just isn't like me at all, as Ahmed correctly identified over two weeks ago, I usually don't get hung up on people. I'm very much a move onwards and upwards kinda gal. It's with this in mind that I continue my makeup applying routine, stick on a set of false nails and then dress ready for what promises to be a good night out. It's just me, Sasha and Miley tonight, and I meet the two lovely ladies at 7pm sharp down at a new bar that's opened up called The Lemon Tree, finding them sitting at a table close to the bar when I arrive ten minutes late.

"Sorry, sorry I just couldn't get a damned cab!" I reply, which is the honest truth.

"Too busy enjoying yourself with Katya, more like," Sasha teases me with before pushing a bourbon over ice across the table to me.

"No not at all, I saw her last night and she stayed over, and then we went to see a movie earlier, but went our separate ways at about 4pm," I explain.

"So, how's it going with her?" Miley asks, looking more excited about it than I actually feel.

"It's going well. I'm seeing her again next Wednesday. We're not serious though, and I don't want it to become that either. I'm just not looking for that.” Somehow, my friends don't quite look convinced.

"You're still thinking about him and what could be, aren't you?" Sasha gently suggests.

She’s got me. "A little, yes. Look, I really don't want to talk about him, girls. I think about him enough as it is, I just want to get on with things without his damned name being mentioned.” My request is honoured, receiving understanding nods before our conversation moves on.  

We have a really good night there at the new bar, well, we enjoy ourselves until around 9.30pm, when I'm ordering the last round of drinks before we move on to a club, when I attract the kind of attention I definitely don't want.

"Yeah you've got strange coloured hair, but I'd still do you, babe," some creep at the bar tells me, sidling on over to me.

"Oh, am I supposed to be grateful for that comment? What, you think my hair colour stands against me getting laid?" I turn my head to ask him.

"Woah, no need to bite my head off, sugar. Just being complimentary is all. What a nice little ass you have too," he then continues, before making the most fatal mistake he ever could. He reaches under my dress and squeezes my bare ass, earning himself a fist in the face when I turn around and punch him.

"Back off! You can’t just go around grabbing hold of any woman you please! You should be ashamed!" I shout at him before turning to take the drinks back to our table. Except when I go to walk away, the pervert who just grabbed my ass stops me in my tracks by grabbing a handful of my hair, dragging me backwards before slapping my face a few times. The other men around the bar immediately jump to my aid, Sasha even steaming over holding a chair while people shout 'hey, let go of her!' and similar all around us.  

Everything starts to spin into frenzy as I feel myself being dragged backwards, my scalp burning as I try and reach back to elbow him. He grabs my wrist, moving me as I struggle against him, and just before he goes to smack my head off the actual bar itself, there's suddenly a boom of the bar doors crashing open, and a voice so loud and scary following it, the entire bar goes quiet in an instant.

"Let her the fuck go. Now," Angel booms from the door, pointing at the man who has hold of me. The man stops just as everyone else has, but yet he still has hold of me by my hair. I blink, and Angel is right in front of us, staring at the man so hard and so coldly, I really don't know what is about to happen. The man smirks, actually squaring up to him. Oh dude, big, big mistake. When you've a vampire looming over you, growling in the back of his throat, a growl that sounds eerily inhuman, and a pissed off crease in his forehead with the same depth as the Grand Canyon, you back down. For the sake of your life, you back down.

"I said let her go," he hisses in a dangerously quiet voice, his eyes set in an unblinking stare. Still the man looks defiant.

"What fucking business is it of yours, huh?" he almost laughs. I can see half the bar already starting to wince, the half that know just how dangerous vampires are when they're annoyed. Just then, Angel's hand shoots out, gripping the man's wrist so hard, I hear bones shattering under the strain, the man screaming in pain before finally, he lets go of the painful tug upon my hair.

"Are you okay?" He asks, while continuing to crush the wrist within his grasp. I nod, actually trembling a little. I'm not scared of what happened, I'm trembling because of the wild emotions running through me, Angel picking up on the fact I was in trouble and zooming to my side immediately.

"If you ever, ever come near her again I will personally rip out all of your organs in alphabetical order, drain your blood and leave what is left for my wolves to eat for dinner. Do you fucking hear me?" He snarls, hand moving to grip around his throat as he continues to growl at him. Goddamn, that's a scary noise, the sound of a vampire growling with displeasure. It neither sounds human or animal.

"Y-yep, I-I p-promise man, j-j-just let go of me, I won't come near her again," the man stammers, scared and embarrassed as he realises being cocky with a vampire really didn’t earn him any favours.

"Damned straight, you won't," Angel vouches, literally throwing him from one side of the bar to the other with one hand. The man's body goes flying through the air before it crashes against the many bottles and glasses stacked behind the bar, the wood behind where they were all placed completely broken through. Still, everyone is silent, just staring at Angel as he takes his wallet out and then pulls a credit card from it.

"Please, ring up the estimated costs of the damages on that. I'm sorry I had to smash up a part of your establishment, but no one does that to her and gets away with it," he tells the bar owner who is standing by the register looking stunned.

"Erm, that's very good of you. Thanks,” he nods, taking the card from Angel with a slightly shaky hand and putting it into the credit card machine by the register. Once he's charged up the amount and Angel tells him to take another five hundred dollars for his trouble, he takes his card back and then turns to me.

"I need to talk to you; I won't keep you five minutes.” Taking my hand and leading me from the bar as everyone all around begins to talk again, the music starting up once more too, I indicate to my friends I'll just be a minute before heading outside. Once we’ve left, he leads me away from the frontage of the bar and down to a small alleyway three buildings along. Letting go of my hand, he stands and stares at me for a few moments, shaking his head sadly, kissing my forehead as he takes my face in my hands. I look up at him, and see his eyes brimming with bloodied tears.

"Angel, what..." is as far as I can get, before he leans down and kisses me. He kisses me with everything he has, it almost feels, a kiss that is ten times more intense than any other I can remember sharing with him, or with anyone else for that matter. Oh fuck, this isn't good. Two weeks apart and he still can’t fight the urge to kiss me, and I still can’t pull away from it either when he does.

"I'm sorry for kissing you again, but it's the last time I'll ever do it, so I wanted it to be a good one, one that I'll remember for the centuries without you to come," he begins, sounding very serious and dramatic. Just as I'm about to ask him what he's talking about, he continues. "I can't see you again, Edie. Not ever. It's too hard, wanting you in the way I do, without being able to have you. It isn't just sex; it goes beyond that. Maybe if it were, I could get over you, but the only way I can is to cut you out of my life completely. I don't want to do it, please see that I don't. But I have to," he states, blinking two bloodied tears down his face. Inside, I feel like my heart just burst, but not in a good way. The sadness I feel is only multiplied more by the fact I can feel the exact same thing coming from him. He doesn't want this. Neither of us do.  

"I understand, I don't like it, but I understand if this is what you feel is best, then I have to begrudgingly accept your wishes. I just know I won't forget about you as easily as you'll forget about me, but I have to just deal with it. Bye, Angel," I sob, turning away with tears in my eyes that I don't want him to see. Just then, I feel both of his arms lock around me, stopping me from walking another step.

"Do you want to know when I'll forget you, Edie? I'll forget you after the faces of every other person I've ever loved blink themselves out of my memory, and all that's left is you. So don't, don't tell me I'll forget you easily, when I never, ever will. In hearing that, you should damn well know what you mean to me, and it's because you mean so much to me that I have to let you go. Just don't ever, ever think it's because I wanted to." Those are his last words to me, for a second later, he's gone, out of my life forever.  

Standing here alone, I uncomfortably absorb the shock of his words, or at least try to deal with how it's made me feel, to know I'm never going to see him again. I know Aileen suggested to me that perhaps not seeing him would be the best thing, but nothing could have prepared me for what I feel right now, like a cold wave has washed over me, knocking me down completely. I feel capsized, in the middle of a lonely sea, tears rolling down my cheeks as it hits me. I’m never going to see him again.  

Angel's POV

I hate myself right now. I absolutely, categorically, did not want to do what I just did. I do not want to cut Edie out of my life, but I have to. I can’t be around her; it's destroying me enough, having her on my mind constantly, even though I haven't seen her for two weeks. In those few minutes I spent with her tonight, though, it all came bubbling up, everything about her that pulls me in closer than any other human has through my entire time being a vampire. Feeling her feelings right now, I know she's upset, and all I want to do is go back and wrap her in my arms, tell her I'll never leave her side again. I can't, though, I have to be without her, and there is absolutely no way around it. I'll never forget her, because she's simply unforgettable.

Her strength, her resolution that no one or nothing would stop her from being happy, from surviving after all she was put through, how calm and peaceful she makes me feel, how I know her presence helps me settle into myself more, how I feel nothing but contented and happy when she's around, how I love those beautiful blue eyes and her little giggle, none of it will leave me.  

Every memory I have of her is burned into my mind, ready to replay when I feel myself missing her. At least, just fleetingly, I knew her at all. Every time I've had sex with Sissy or any other vampire over the last fortnight, it's been Edie I've thought of, Edie's face I've seen, Edie, Edie, Edie. I can't get her out of my mind, so cutting her out of my life is what I have to do. I can’t torture myself, and I can’t do the same to her either.  

"So, where was the fire?" Eric asks, when I zoom back into the tattoo shop and glove up again quickly, apologising to my client, who left sitting here in the chair when I felt Edie's distress flare up massively. Luckily, she's okay about it now I've returned to finish her tiger tattoo, which stretches down the side of her ribcage. I wouldn’t really care if she wasn’t, though. Edie comes first. Came first. Past tense now.  

"I just had something to attend to, nothing to concern you." My words are delivered with a look that tells him loud and clear not to question me further, Eric taking the hint and turning back to the light box, where he's sketching out a line drawing without another word. I don't want to talk about Edie to anyone ever again. Her name is not to be mentioned to me, and once we're clear of clients, I actually let Eric know that.

"Alright, dude. There’ll be no further mention of the E word. It's a fucking shame, though, she was a nice girl.  I liked the influence she had on you. You were more chilled when she was around, even though that time was very brief. Sorry, man," he offers, looking about as sympathetic as a vampire can.

"Yeah, it is a shame." is all I reply with before my next client comes through the door and I'm busy getting her line drawing done of the photograph of her two twin babies she wants etching onto her shoulder. Portraits are tricky, getting that likeness absolutely spot on, and I enjoy the hour it takes me to do them both, because I concentrate so hard on getting the two faces exactly like the photo, that Edie is taken away from my thoughts completely.  

It isn't until I'm finished for the night that I pick up on her, and I know she's still upset. It's like everything within her is calling to me to come and make it all better again, I know she wants me to be by her side as much as I truly want to be there. Nothing has ever made me feel this weak, nothing as a human or a vampire, for that matter. I cannot cave to her though, I just can't do it.

"My dear child, what on earth is the matter? Your sadness, it weighs on you so heavily," Ursula asks me with concern, after following me up to my room later on, where I was hoping to abscond to for a little privacy.

"Earlier this evening, I told Edie I never want to see her again, that's what's weighing heavily upon me," I mutter, staring at the floor until I feel her fingers lifting my chin. She then lays a little kiss on my lips before sitting down, wrapping me in a hug.

"This is not something you truly want either, is it?" I shake my head to indicate my reply is a firm no. "I must say I am disappointed in how you've just given up, but I know the reason why you have, and why it would be too difficult to keep her in your life," she begins before for the first time ever, I cut her up.

"I know what you're getting at, but it isn't that, and I don't want to speak of Edie for a moment longer, because I can’t. I'm sorry." I state, unravelling from her embrace and leaving the house again just as quickly as I came.

“Angel, wait,” she calls.  

“No. I need to be alone.” I throw over my shoulder, while hurtling from the house. That was the first time I ever dared interrupt my creator, and I wasn't scolded for it as I expected. I guess she knows only too well what turmoil I'm going though right now, that the maelstrom of thoughts circling my brain is too much for me even as a vampire to begin dealing with. Cutting Edie from my life is what I needed to do, but yet the aftermath of doing that has sent my thoughts into total chaos. So much chaos that I unintentionally end up somewhere I probably shouldn't have gone, either.

Walking through the Nevada desert, sand pouring into my boots with every step, I hear the noises it yields all around me like sonic booms. Rattlesnakes, crickets, everything is even more amplified to my ears right now, my senses blazing. I wish there was something I could imbibe, to take the edge of what I feel, an intoxicant of some kind. I can’t be bothered to go virgin hunting, though, which is the only thing that works in getting us drunk, so I'm stuck with mentally wrestling everything in my head. I'd switch myself off, but it'd only be there when I was fully alert again.  

“I wish I'd never met you, Edie.” I say aloud, into the nothingness of the desert. Or rather, what I think is nothingness.

"Who's Edie then? Another girl you had sex with and killed at the end?" I hear a voice ask me. Fuck, fucking fuck! I shouldn't have come to this specific place, because of a fact about vampires you do not know (do you? I stand corrected if you do). We can communicate loud and clear with the dead, with ghosts. We can see them, hear them and talk to them, whereas they seldom make themselves known to humans. It's very difficult for the dead to connect with the living, but with vampires, since we’re dead too, it means we can. Who I just heard was the ghost of the last human girl I tried to have sex with. Of course, I buried her out here. That is a fact I had completely forgotten about, until I heard her voice.

"Kate," I sigh awkwardly, turning around and seeing her transparent form walking across the sand to me.

"That's all you can say, just my name? After you killed me and buried me out here instead of giving me a proper grave, that's all you can say, 'Kate'?" she continues tersely.

"I couldn't help it, I'm sorry," I tell her honestly.

"Yeah, I know that, now! Five years ago, while I was still fucking alive it might have been nice to be given the option of death by orgasm or not, don't you think? Selfish vampire asshole," she fumes at me, seething sarcasm. I can't blame her for it, she's dead because of me, after all.

"I really should have given you the choice, but I was confident in the fact I could control myself, when I really couldn't. You paid for my mistake with your life, and I do feel genuine regret over that," I explain. God, this is bad. I didn’t think I’d ever have to deal with the consequences of my actions in such a direct way.

She snorts loudly, folding her arms. "Hah, you're a vampire. Like you regret anything!”

"I do, believe me I do," I enforce to her.

"I should have known better than to trust one of your kind. My daddy told me you were all bad, completely selfish, blood sucking, murdering assholes! I had so much to live for, Angel!" she cries.

"I'm so sorry, Kate. I wish I'd never have bothered, and you're right, I was selfish. Not any more though," I tell her, feeling just as awful as I did when I gently laid her body into the ground five years ago.

"Oh really, with how many lives lost to you, you decide that now? Well, that's too fucking late for me! My parents, they still search for me, you know. I've trailed after them screaming as they've walked this desert, calling my name over and over, I've been shouting at the top of my fucking voice that I'm there with them, but they just can't see me. You broke my parent's hearts, you fucking bastard! I was twenty-one years old!" she continues to vent at me, beginning to cry.

"I said I'm fucking sorry! I didn't want you to die; I didn't want any of you to die!" I roar at her, turning and then moving to right in front of her ghostly form. "I didn't want to end up murdering you, you need to believe that. Now stop fucking haunting me and fuck off."  

"Whoever Edie is, I hope she's still alive." Those are the last words Kate speaks, for when I turn around, her ghost is gone. It makes it hit home even more, how I really cannot let the same happen to her. I've done the right thing by her in refusing to see her again, severing all ties with her. It feels like the most wrong though, the most wrong thing I've done in recent years. I feel like I'm fighting against my nature somehow, which is because, to emphasise my point once more, I did not want this. I came to this resolve four hours ago, and it feels like four years have passed since I kissed her goodbye in that alleyway. No woman has ever made me feel like this in my vampirism, no one at all.

I also feel angry at myself, for giving up on befriending a human, my sex drive as well as other factors I'm not prepared to admit to myself driving a massive wedge in the way of it. It makes me feel weak, and I am far from it. I’m proud and strong, yet I've given in at the first hurdle, because of a massive weakness for Edie. I feel like I'm failing Ursula, too, in the fact she told me I should treat this as a test of my maturity. I just gave up, because it was easier to do so, but I did what I did for Edie, ultimately. I'm no good for her. I'll just keep messing her around, making my actions betray my words all the time, not having the willpower just to be her friend.

"See, your life is simple. Reproduce, eat, look cute, and hide from snakes." I tell a wild fennec fox I see running out from between his den to a large rock, stopping mid-way and staring at me. There are so many little critters around here that you wouldn't have found in the Nevada desert a hundred years ago. Fennec foxes, native to Africa, are just one of them. He makes a little noise and two more come running out before the three of them scamper off at speed to another rock two hundred yards away. My life simple before Edie came along, but I know it'll get better in time. What I can't stand more than not seeing her is still being able to feel her, and right now she's not happy in the slightest. This is entirely my fault.

Knowing I need to feed, I head back into Las Vegas at speed, going to one place in particular. I make a visit to a vampire bar and find the first willing human I can to procure my second feed of the night, drink from him and then leave, heading to a place I really do know I more than likely shouldn't be going to. There's a large tree in Edie's back yard, and after shooting to near the top of it, I sit on the branch and look in through the open curtains of her lounge. 

She's sitting on the couch, all curled up in a ball, just staring at the flickering television in front of her. Feeling her through the blood tie, I can feel that she's really sad. Her head turns as many thoughts as mine does. I want to jump out of this tree and go let myself into her house, hold her tightly to me and tell her how wonderful she is and how she shouldn't be sad over me. She'll find someone, in fact I think she already has found someone. I'll never find anyone else like her.

After a few minutes she gets up and stands by the glass doors that lead out to her back yard, looking even sadder as she looks all around her garden. She can feel I'm close by, she's looking for me, so to not cause her further upset I leave at that moment, moving at speed until I'm up on the main road that leads back to where I live. I need the walk before I head home, because I know Ursula will have plenty to say when I arrive.  

I can refuse to talk to everyone else, and I even managed to hold her off for a little while, but I know I have it coming, her sitting me down to talk to me. She's always been the same, she's a very involved creator, who always wants the best for me. She'll get me to express my every thought to her, and then talk me through some sort of solution to the overall problem. Yet when I arrive, her simple statement requires nothing in depth, just the honest truth.  

"You’re in love with her, aren’t you?" she asks, as I close the front door behind me, turning to her.

I pause, sighing. “Yeah, I am.”