#chapter 4 was probably my favorite so far I liked it so so much! | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

gaywarcriminals · 26 days

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Remember that time Xiao Jiu wanted to beat a kid with a brick?

The scene where Shen Jiu threatens Shi Wu is possibly my favorite scene in the whole novel because it tells us so much about qijiu's dynamic, both past and future, and namely, that they're both little freaks (affectionate) who show love in weird ways. I think it particularly exemplifies several of Yue Qingyuan's traits that often go overlooked!

I am just going in order. All excerpts are from the Seven Seas official translation, Volume 4, Chapter 24: Yue Qingyuan and Shen Qingqiu.

Shen Jiu fights for resources

“Shen Jiu, don’t think you can just throw your weight around. You don’t own this street. What gives you the right to tell us we can’t stay?!” This main street was wide and even, and many people came and went upon it. If one wanted to beg, it was the best and prime location. Some of the passersby watched this group of children fight, but even more hurried on their way. And this new brat had the gall to challenge him. Shen Jiu looked down and around, preparing to find a brick with which to teach him a lesson, when a tall youth happened to walk over. He saw Shen Jiu rolling up his sleeves, head lowered, and hastily went to stop him. “Xiao-Jiu, let’s go somewhere else.” [...] With Yue Qi standing in front of him, Shiwu grew bold. He leaned forward and yelled, “Every time we go to a new place,you always hog the best spot!

From this we know that Shen Jiu, without fail, tries to claim or fight for the best begging spots in every city. This isn't fully textually supported, but add to that the later section that mentions how Shen Jiu was far better at begging than Yue Qi and I think that, on some level, SJ feels responsible for both his and Yue Qi's wellbeing. Chasing off the other children is not just a selfish act, but also a protective one.

According to the orders given to them, Yue Qi should have wailed and wept, but no matter what, he never could manage to cry. Therefore, this task had instead fallen to Shen Jiu, even though he was faking an illness that supposedly left him too feeble to weep. But he was small and his face wasn’t too unsightly to look at, so whenever he sobbed and bawled, the passersby found him pitiful and generously opened their wallets. It would have been no exaggeration to call him a money tree.

Xiao Jiu fancies himself the breadwinner lol.

How Yue Qi reacts to accusations against Shen Jiu

That first youth took the opportunity to tattle. “Qi-ge, he’s bullying me.” “That wasn’t bullying, Shiwu,” said Yue Qi. “Xiao-Jiu was just joking around.” “Who’s joking?” said Shen Jiu. “I’m telling him to get lost. This is my territory. I’ll kill anyone who tries to steal it.”

I've anyways found this passage so telling of their eventual adult relationship! First of all, Yue Qi implicitly takes Shen Jiu's side, and immediately defends him. This seems to be taken for granted by all characters, so we can assume this is their standard dyanmic. Yue Qi, notably, does not deny that Shen Jiu was threatening Shiwu. In this situation where SJ is actively gearing up for a fight, it would be a very poor defense, and that's probably true of most messes Xiao Jiu got himself into!

Most of Yue Qi's actions in the scene are attempts to de-escalate. This is just my theory, but I think in Yue Qi's mind, who's at fault is much less important than making sure no one gets in trouble with a higher authority. Even if he knows SJ could win the fight, it would only gain SJ more animosity, and possibly the attention of someone who would be a real danger.

I think it's evident how Yue Qi's ethos of keeping their heads down and not causing trouble or drawing too much attention would feed into how he handled Shen Qingqiu's less commendable behavior as an adult and complaints against Shen Qingqiu.

In the brothel scene later in the extras, we can see that he's conscious of their image.

Yue Qingyuan yanked Shen Qingqiu off the bed. He was in a rare fit of anger. “Why are you like this?” “Why am I like what?” asked Shen Qingqiu. “Two of Cang Qiong Mountain’s head disciples getting into a huge brawl inside a brothel—does that sound good to you?”

Imo, now entrenched in the politics of the cultivation world, YQY sees protecting SQQ's image/reputation as an important part of protecting SQQ. Yue Qi spent his childhood managing Xiao Jiu, and as an adult, he's not able to so easily break the habit, not matter how SQQ scorns him

Shen Jiu does not get upset by attacks on his character, only from Shiwu calling Yue Qi "Qi-ge"

With Yue Qi standing in front of him, Shiwu grew bold. He leaned forward and yelled, “Every time we go to a new place,you always hog the best spot! Everyone’s been sick of you for ages! You think you’re all that? That everyone’s afraid of you?” “Shiwu,” Yue Qi scolded. Amidst the struggle, Shen Jiu kicked Yue Qi in the shin. “If you want a fight, I’ll give you one. Only losers would blame their spot for their incompetence. You bastard—who’s your Qi-ge? I dare you to say that again!”

Now granted these aren't the most cutting insults, but it's SO interesting to me that Shen Jiu doesn't react to the insults directly. To me, this is a little bit of evidence that, even at this age, Shen Jiu had already decided he was a bad guy, and stopped caring about what others thought of him. The glaring exception to that was, ofc, Yue Qi. I think part of the reason that SJ reactions to the "Qi-ge" specifically, is that Shiwu just said that no one likes Shen Jiu, and then tried to align himself with Yue Qi. I think to SJ, he sees a real threat in the idea of someone else stealing Yue Qi, the one person who likes SJ. SJ is so possessive of Yue Qi not just because he's Qi-ge, but also because, without him, Shen Jiu would have nothing and no one.

Yue Qi tries to deescalate by coaxing/appeasing Shen Jiu

“You’re the bastard! I bet you’ll get sold off soon and end up a pimp!” Yue Qi didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry. “Where did you learn that kind of nonsense language?!” Then he dragged Shen Jiu off to the side of the road while coaxing him. “All right, you’re the most competent one here. Even if you didn’t pick and choose your spot, you’d be the best. So let’s change streets.” Shen Jiu stepped on his foot. “Get off me! Like I’m scared! Come on, fight me! Wanna gang up on me? Go ahead!” Of course Yue Qi knew he wasn’t scared. If he really let Shen Jiu brawl with the other kids, he would fight dirty. He’d gouge at their eyes and kick them in the belly or crotch or shin. He was terribly vicious, and the other party would be the one to end up suffering and bawling in terror. Yue Qi forced down a smile. “Are you done stepping on my foot yet? If you are, stop it. Qi-ge will take you somewhere fun.” “What shitty ‘fun’?” Shen Jiu asked savagely. “The most fun I’ll have is if they’re all dead.” Yue Qi looked at him helplessly and shook his head.

Yue Qi only barely scolds Shen Jiu, even when Shen Jiu in the wrong (tried to steal Shiwu's spot and then almost beat up Shiwu). Instead, his reaction is to distract, coax, bribe, and praise him until SJ looses interest in whatever trouble he was going to cause. Yue Qi is so biased, and he spoils him 😂. Even when Yue Qi has so little he can give, he managed to spoil Shen Jiu by giving him so much favor, attention, and affection.

I think this is something that comes naturally to Yue Qi to the point that he can't help himself from doing the same thing as an adult, even when SJ scorns him. It's just the correct response to seeing a Xiao Jiu! He's the "why do we have hands" meme fr

Yue Qi smiles imagining Shen Jiu beating up the other kids

Of course Yue Qi knew he wasn’t scared. If he really let Shen Jiu brawl with the other kids, he would fight dirty. He’d gouge at their eyes and kick them in the belly or crotch or shin. He was terribly vicious, and the other party would be the one to end up suffering and bawling in terror. Yue Qi forced down a smile. “Are you done stepping on my foot yet? If you are, stop it. Qi-ge will take you somewhere fun.”

I don't have much to say about this, I just want to remind everyone Yue Qi finds SJ's violent, feral tendencies adorable. This man has no desire to train his cat, and he will insist it's friendly even as it gnaws on his arm.

In Conclusion?

This single scene shows us the trajectory of qijiu's relationship going forward, the strengths of their relationships that became pitfalls. It allows to imagine what they could have become if not torn apart by a world set to doom them.

#svsss #shen jiu #yue qingyuan #qijiu #svsss meta #fish meta

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swga-ficrecs · 8 months

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long fic recs

this is a list of fics that are, well, long regardless of the trope and plot. for voracious readers who aren't satisfied with short-length writing. all these fics are considered holy grails because i don't read long fics if they aren't well-written. all fics are finished unless noted otherwise.

✒️ unfinished

yoongi

third wheeling by @untaemedqueen i absolutely love everything about this. it's a lot of my favorite tropes in one giant fic. the characters are complex and fleshed out, the pacing is good, and i love the writing style. the smut is well-written and, though the catalyst for the plot, well-paced that it doesn't feel like a smut-centric fic.

suit & tie + drabbles by @jungshookz this is is a long fic but in bullet points, so i can only imagine how long this could've been if it was written in full sentences. another fic where yoongi does a 180°, but their dynamic is adorable from the beginning. not a lot of drama, a good fic to go back to if you want something lighthearted. you can probably tell by now that i love ceo fics.

desolate by @angelicyoongie this fic is long but has a very straightforward style of writing that's easy to follow and understand. it's one of the few hybrid fics i've read where they fight for a hybrid's right to freedom. i love how much yoongi opened up and changed throughout the fic. it's one of those fics where the idea of a hybrid isn't romanticized.

the deal by @untaemedqueen a great introduction to syndicate fics if you're looking for one. this is a chaptered fic that isn't too long and is easily digestible. it doesn't touch on mafia-esque activities so much. i have a thing for romance fics where the stone cold character evolves into a romantic, and this tickles that itch.

jimin

balletteacher!jimin x ballerina!reader by @jungshookz ✒️ this bullet point mini-series should be considered a full series already, considering the length of each drabble and how many of them exist. this is a forbidden romance between a teacher and a student with different personalities, so it's interesting and endearing how they developed their feelings over time.

i want to be with you by @oddinary4bts

a lengthy oneshot of strangers-turned-lovers and how love grows slowly between two people who are worlds apart. very well-written, i dreaded how quickly i finished reading it. i love how human jimin is in this fic. the oc is very relatable as well—very realistic and not overtly romanticized. i can easily identify myself in her if i were in her shoes.

taehyung

maybe i do by @chateautae another fic that is a mix of my favorite tropes. this fic has fewer but longer chapters. another smut-filled fic that doesn't feel overworked and serves as a good break between dramatic scenes. i love how both characters developed throughout the story.

jungkook

please love me by @ahundredtimesover i loved the complexity of the characters and how they navigated through their situation. they both had to do a lot of growing up in this fic, and it was done in a well-paced manner. the drabbles also give a lot of insight to this universe. i go back and read the drabbles a lot.

evolution of a lover's heart by @jeonstudios

a heartwrenching masterpiece. i waited a long time for this to be finished, and it did not disappoint at all. one of the most emotional and resonating fics i've read so far. my heart feels for both of them so much. the kind of love that people wish they would have.

the boy with galaxies in his eyes by @oddinary4bts

an emotionally captivating and heartwrenching oneshot that i never expected to read. both characters were well-written and well-fleshed out, it was easy to fall in love with them and understand their actions. the writing itself was really magical too—flowed so smoothly, it didn't feel as long as it actually was. an absolute hidden gem that everyone should read!

4-7-8 by @jiminrings

not the longest of fics, but a great read nonetheless. i read this a while back, and it was only after i reread it that i was able to truly appreciate the characters and their development. it has a very realistic plot that tugs at my heartstrings. everyone deserves this kind of partner and love.

our first and last by @thedefinitionofbts ✨️

if you love the concept of alternate universes and soulmates, this is a must read. the author utilized scientific concepts that i had a hard time grasping and, at the same time, supported the plot really well. i'm so glad i came across this fic.

multi-member

sanguis duology + (ongoing) oneshots by @borathae absolute monster of a fic, probably one of the longest ones i've read. even though i was annoyed at mc's stubborness, i think it was a driving force throughout the fic. i also never imagined the pairings in this, but i enjoyed the ride. there were some parts where i felt the author could've woven details better to make the story smoother, but it's charming in the sense that i need to think and connect the dots from previous chapters.

a place called home by @agustdakasuga i keep re-reading this fic every few years. i loved how each hybrid came into her life and how they eventually stayed. i also appreciate how each hybrid's personality isn't necessarily stereotypical. great pacing in each chapter, good to read if you like chaptered fics that aren't very long.

the road to you by @bonvoyagenoona

a slow burn masterpiece. this fic is a rollercoaster of experiences that is complemented by terrific writing and pacing. it's very instrospective, which is something i personally like. it has a little bit of everything and a good amount of smut, but it all works wonderfully together, the words flew by quickly.

#swga-ficrecs

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bigtreefest · 1 month

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Chapter 4: Neon Cowgirl

From: Bigger Houses Series

Pairing: Mountain Ranger! Ari x Reader

Summary: Miscommunications often lend themselves to worries, but almost everything can be fixed with the right tools and the right person.

Word Count: 2,911

Content/Warnings: Miscommunication, heavy drinking, crying, vulnerability, Ari in relaxed non-work clothes (this is very much a warning), kissing

Author’s Note: Wow, just wow. That’s all I have to say, and I hope you agree. Likes, comments, reblogs, and asks are sooooo welcome and appreciated!!

Dividers by @animatedglittergraphics-n-more

Below is the song which served as inspiration of this part. I think it’s my favorite incorporation of the lyrics thus far.

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You had been anticipating the date with Ari all week. In your rush to leave, you didn’t even know what time to meet him. You had no idea of his shift schedule or what the true plan was, and it was putting you on edge.

Were you going to get dinner, or was it just drinks? Was there a different bar in town? You looked it up and found a bar two blocks away from that coffee shop, but was there another one? Did he say two blocks and actually mean four blocks? Could he count? Could you count?

What was the right time to go? Not everyone ate dinner at 5pm like you, what would a normal person think? Six, seven? Ugh, you couldn’t even fathom eating dinner at seven. Might as well go to bed at that time, honestly.

Living alone was great, you loved having your own schedules and routines, so branching off outside of it was difficult. You started to get annoyed, and honestly, hangry. You made the final decision that you would eat dinner, then head down to the bar and get a drink and wait. He had to show up sometime, right?

You walked into the bar to hear the jukebox playing a slow country song. Neon lights and old pictures lined the walls, evidence of a well-worn and well-loved establishment. You couldn’t see Ari anywhere, so you walked toward the back and claimed a seat in the far corner of the bar.

The bartender made his way over to you, wiping his hands on a towel he threw over his shoulder. “Hey can I get you started with anything?”

“Well, I’m here to meet someone, so probably whatever’s best to not be absolutely plastered before he’s even here.”

He laughed and nodded, placing a coaster in front of you. “I gotcha, I think I have just the thing.”

You smiled gratefully as he turned away to get started.

He returned and slid the drink over to you and you took a sip. “This is perfect, thank you so much.”

“No problem. So you said you’re meeting someone? I might know them, so I can keep a look out for when they show up.” His hands rested against the bar as he leaned forward to engage in conversation.

“Um, his name’s Ari? We got coffee earlier this week, but kinda forgot to say exactly what time we’d be meeting tonight.”

The bartender laughed and nodded his head. “Ah, yes. I’m familiar. He’s a regular around here. I’m Sammy by the way, you new to town?”

He reached out his hand and you shook it in return, introducing yourself. “Nice to meet you. Yeah, I just moved in up in the mountains. I love it so far.”

He smiled back at you. “Oh, that’s great. Real beautiful views I bet, huh?”

You grinned down into your drink. “The best. Very beautiful, and very much all mine.”

“Well, I know the guy meeting you here shares in that that opinion. The mountains are his favorite place to be.” He pushed off the counter as another customer took a seat. He slid them a coaster and took their drink order, looking back at you as he made it.

“So Ari’s in here a lot? Should I be worried?” You laughed with a hint of uncertainty.

He sighed, looking down at his feet, before he raised his head and his gaze came back up to yours with a small smile on his face. “No. Not at all. I just know he went through a rough time awhile back, but he’s a lot better now.”

You nodded, taking in anything anyone could give you about this man. “And you’re the only woman he’s asked to meet here, or at all since then, as far as I’m concerned.” He tilted his head and looked at you knowingly. “If that’s what you’re worried about.”

You smiled and ran your finger around the rim of the glass. “Good to know. Thank you, Sammy.”

He gave you a curt nod, walking to check on his other customers while you leaned back in your barstool.

Come to think of it, Ari was the first one you had really put this time into since everything, too. There was just something about him and the way he made you feel appreciated and seen. There was something worth getting to know there.

Sure, you were nervous, who wouldn’t be? But you didn’t find yourself tripping over words, or trying to filter your thoughts like you usually felt you’d need to for a guy. Ari felt like the embodiment of comfort. But that’s what scared you. Because you’d been waiting here nearly an hour now. And for someone where everything meshed so perfectly, you so badly wanted it to continue. For it to be guaranteed and real. Genuine from the start. If Ari didn’t show up tonight, it would crush you, and honestly, any hope you had for men. That would be the sign to officially become a recluse, or maybe even a nun, who knows?

You were staring down at your empty drink, your eyes zoned out as these thoughts ran through your mind. Sammy grabbed your glass and replaced it with a fresh one, snapping you out of your trance. “This one’s on the house. I know Ari’s got some pretty weird shifts, so I can’t tell you what time he’ll come in, but this is one thing I can do.”

You smiled up at him, doing your best trying to make sure the sadness didn’t show through, as he grabbed a bowl of popcorn from a little further down the bar. He set down the wooden bowl before you. “You let me know if you want anything other than this.” He leaned against the bar on an elbow.

You gave him a thumbs up as you took a heavy gulp of your drink, half of it already gone. “Popcorn should be good for now, but I’m definitely gonna need another one of these.” You gasped, pointing to the drink.

Sammy nodded and got to work while throwing back over his shoulder, “I’m sure he’ll be here soon. He wouldn’t mess up something like this. He might just need a little patience.” Of course, he meant this in more ways than one.

You promised yourself that as soon as you finished your third drink, you would be gone. When you made a move to take the first sip of the fourth, you watched the door open, assuming it was just like any other time tonight, a random patron coming through.

You were wrong though, across from you stood Ari, frantically looking around and breathing heavily. Sammy caught his eye first, pointing back to you with a thumb over his shoulder. Both of their heads turned towards you, Sammy’s wearing a grin that said ‘I told you so.’

Ari’s face held a more complex range of emotion. Relief that you hadn’t left yet, remorse for not giving you more details and evidently making you wait for so long. He took long strides toward you in the bar, and that’s when you noticed he was still in his ranger uniform, carrying a duffel bag.

“Hey, I’m so sorry I’m late. I know we didn’t specify a time, but this is way after I intended to get here. I had to deal with a call.”

You stood as he reached to give you a hug and you returned it. That was the first time the two of you had hugged each other, and it was so warm and all-consuming that you never wanted it to end. You could feel the way his whole body wrapped around you and firmly squeezed, almost like the best weighted blanket.

Ari released you, letting his hands trace down your arms until you were linked only at your fingertips. “It’s no problem. Is everything okay?”

Ari nodded. “Yeah, all is good now. It was just a kid who got separated from his parents on the trail. Are you okay?”

He dipped his head down in an attempt to catch your gaze which had found its way to the floor and stuck there. “Yeah, yeah, I’m good.”

He tried again to break through, eyes still searching for yours while his callused thumbs rubbed over your knuckles. “Are you sure? Because you were kinda drinking alone, all by yourself in this corner. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say I could almost see how blue you were just from your eyes alone.”

You finally gained the courage to look up at him, tears coating your lashes, making his gorgeous face too blurry to appreciate. “Yeah.” You squeaked out. “You’re not wrong. I almost thought you weren’t gonna come.”

Ari moved one of his hands to your cheek, wiping the single tear that was falling down. “I’d never do that to you, I’d never stand you up on purpose, I swear.”

You nodded, bringing up your hand and placing it over his. “I believe you. Now what’s up with the bag? Spare clothes?” You let out a small laugh and a sniffle.

Ari laughed and nodded. “Yeah, spare clothes. I rushed right here, couldn’t keep you waiting longer or risk missing you all together by stopping home first. I’m gonna go change really quick. I’ll be right back.”

You nodded and he kissed your knuckles, gaze lingering on your eyes, walking backwards until he had to turn around to make sure he didn’t bump into anything. You watched him glide past tables and into the back hallway towards the bathroom, sure to enjoy the view those shorts provided. Sammy came over to you and set down a coaster, along with a beer that must’ve been Ari’s usual. “I told you he’d make it.” You gave him a lopsided grin, to which he returned a wink.

Ari in his ranger uniform was jaw-dropping, but Ari in regular street clothes was deadly. Once he had come back to you from the bathroom, he was wearing jeans and a t-shirt, his hair tucked under a ball cap.

He slid into the stool next to you and ordered some snacks from Sammy, offering to share, which was good, since you were way ahead of him alcohol-wise.

“I hope you don’t mind, it’s been a long day and I haven’t eaten since before noon. You’re welcome to have some, unless you want something of your own. Have you eaten yet?”

The corners of your lips turned up slightly at his concern. “Yeah, I ate before I came, Sammy told me you can have some weird shifts and I expected as much. But, I will definitely be stealing a few fries.”

He grinned down to you. “I wouldn’t expect any less.”

He sat there and continued to look into your eyes as your smile naturally faded before he spoke up again. “I really am sorry for being late. I should’ve given you a time, or asked to exchange numbers earlier into getting coffee when I knew I’d want to see you again.”

Your brain got caught up on what he said. He knew he wanted to see you again earlier in the coffee date? Not just because you had to leave so abruptly?

The truth was, Ari knew he had wanted to see you again way before then, even. But how do you ask a girl out when she just almost hit you with her car and it was entirely your fault? Well, he guessed he had figured it out the second time, at least.

He could see the blush start to form on your cheeks. “So could I get your number now so we don’t have to deal with that worry again?”

You simply nodded, reaching into your pocket to pull out your phone which had been happily tucked away since Ari arrived, as he did the same. There was no need for them when you were together, they were just a means to keep contact when you were apart.

After exchanging phones back, Sammy arrived with the food, and you talked with Ari for what felt like forever, but also the blink of an eye. Time passed quickly, yet stood still.

Then, you noticed a shift in his demeanor as the song on the jukebox switched to a new one.

“What? What was that, what’s going on right now?” You asked softly, gesturing to his face, as Ari looked down into his glass, running his fingers around the sides, collecting the condensation.

“It’s nothing, just been awhile since I’ve heard this song is all.” You gave a sympathetic nod.

“Does this have to do with a ‘hard time’ you were facing some months ago? Sammy told me something happened. You don’t have to go into any detail, but trust me, I can assure you that I get it.”

Ari looked up at you through his eyelashes. There was a new vulnerability in his features. It softened them, saddened them, and it killed you to see. He was so sweet with you when he first showed up, he deserved the same treatment in kind.

You shifted and hopped off your stool, holding out your hand for the man who now appeared even taller as he still sat in the chair. “Come on, ya bear. Dance with me. Make some new memories.”

He grabbed your hand and returned a smize, following you to the small section of open floor to the side of the bar. He pulled you close with a twirl, your face showing surprise at the smooth move which juxtaposed his mood just moments ago.

The two of you swayed to the music, looking deeply into each other’s eyes. Your hands crept from his waist, up his abs and chest, before they snaked around his neck. Sure, you were copping a feel discreetly, you appreciated the hardness that lied under his shirt, which hid nothing, but that wasn’t what this was about. This was about the two of you, sharing a moment together. One that was well-deserved on both ends. One that should never be shared with another.

It was like you could see the clouds breaking apart in his eyes. A storm which once raged on, thunder rolling, was getting blown away, replaced with light, a new twinkle.

You moved your hands to the sides of his face, the scruff of his beard rough against your palms as you whispered to him. “Rain stops falling. Hearts unbreak.”

You didn’t need to know his past, not unless he wanted to share with you, but what you could appreciate was being here with him now. And the fact that he was letting you in, letting you see his eyes and smile that could light up a room. What fool could ever hurt this man, tell him goodbye?

Ari was thinking the same in the shared moment. You were made to be taken dancing under these lights, he hoped you let the things that hurt you before ride away. Darkness couldn’t last forever, and he was finally, truly seeing the light.

His eyes shifted between yours as the song came to an end, and he caught a glimpse as you licked your lips. He leaned down slowly, wanting to be closer to you, just as you raised up on your toes and smashed your lips against his. The feeling was stronger than the drink in your hand before. You felt Ari’s teeth against your lips as he pulled away with a beaming smile, you doing the same, before going and sitting back down, two fresh drinks sitting there, courtesy of Sammy. He had been looking on at the two of you dancing, an approving smile on his face which you both missed.

You sat and talked for hours more until the bar was closing. By that time, you knew you were in no state to drive, so Ari offered to take you home. You gladly accepted, Ubers were scarce up here.

Ari guided you out of the bar and into the chilly mountain air, draping a jacket from his bag over your shoulders that he knew you’d need. He helped you up into the passenger side of his truck and closed the door, jogging around to the other side as you scooted over to the middle of the bench seat.

He got up in the driver’s side, smiling when he saw you had moved closer and started the truck, following your directions to climb higher in elevation. At some point in the drive, he hand crept closer to yours, his pinky reaching out, as you noticed and happily obliged him, interlacing your fingers, pulling his arm towards your chest and kissing the back of his hand.

When he pulled into your driveway finally, Ari looked over to you, your head snuggled up against his shoulder, hands still woven together. You blinked up at him through your sleepy eyelashes, blanketed in a slightly buzzed and lovesick haze. He smiled at the sight before him as he cracked a joke.

“So what do you have this house here, way up on a mountain for? What are you, royalty? You think you’re some sort of queen?”

You laughed in response. “Oh no, a queen? You give me too much credit. I think I’d consider myself more of a duchess.”

He softly smiled back at you. “Okay then, Duchess, let’s get you inside.”

Next >

Bonus A/N: (This is fitting for both my mention of neon signs early in the chapter, as well as the chapter title.) Neon signs have been around for over a century! They work by sending an electrical current through elemental neon gas (housed in a glass tube shaped into lettering and such), which excites electrons. When these electrons ‘relax,’ they emit that extra energy at a wavelength that shows up as reddish orange light. If you see a ‘neon sign’ that glows a different color, it’s not actually the element neon. It could be another gas that emits a different energy/wavelength of light. This could be argon (blue, green, yellow, or white), helium (pink/red), xenon (lavender), krypton (yellow-white), or any combination of these stable noble gases and other elements.

Series Taglist:

@patzammit

@hawkeyes-queen

#Ari Levinson #Ari Levinson x reader #Ari Levinson x you #mountain ranger ari #mountain ranger! ari x reader #mountain ranger ari x reader #park ranger ari x reader #park ranger ari #park ranger! ari #mountain ranger! ari #mountaineer monday #ari levinson fanfiction #bigger houses #bigger houses chapter 4: neon cowgirl #st does research like the neurotic little scientist she is #neon cowgirl #SoundCloud

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security-chief-odo · 3 months

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The Fake Dating Job - Chapter 4

Elliot Spencer x Reader

Previous chapters: 1 2 3

Note: Thanks for your patience. My life has been crazy as of late. In exchange for bearing with me, I offer you, probably my favorite chapter so far of any of my fics.

Word count: ~3.7k

Description: You and Eliot pine for each other throughout the reception. Will your ex get in the way of your happiness?

• • •

After the ceremony, you and the rest of the bridal party are asked to hang back for photos. As the rest of the guests file into the reception hall for the cocktail hour, Eliot makes a brief detour to give you a peck on the cheek. “See you inside sweetheart.” he says softly before rejoining the rest of the guests.

Your mind occasionally wandered to Eliot throughout the photo process, whereas his mind never left you from the moment that he left the bridal suite this morning. You looked gorgeous in the dress your sister had picked out for you. Maybe he could blame the dress for why he spent more time focused on you than on the actual wedding.

Though that is the beauty of this whole plan, there would be nobody to explain it to as he was supposed to want to stare at you. There would be no moment where Hardison calls him out for staring at you for a little too long. There would be no explaining, rather lying, to Parker about how protective he gets over you on a mission. There would be no knowing look across the room from Nate or well meaning advice from Sophie. There would be nothing but his own thoughts and delusions that you would ever want him to be more than just your fake boyfriend.

When the bridal party finally makes their entrance into the reception hall, his eyes are searching for you. Despite how happy you are for your sister, a feeling of relief nearly consumes you once you find yourself by Eliot’s side once again. Though, as you make your way to the table, your relief falters slightly at the realization of who you’ll be seated near. Your ex is seated at the same table as you, only two seats away.

Eliot’s warm embrace calms you though. This is what he was here for ultimately, to be a barrier between you and your ex. To make the night go better for you. And in a small way, he was already doing just that.

After the couple shares their first dance, dinner is served. You desperately try to avoid giving your ex any attention, and Eliot makes that easy. He eats slowly, taking time between bites to shower you with little bits of affection. His hand rests on your thigh through much of the meal and you hope that the flush that crosses your cheeks isn’t too obvious in the dim lighting. You could get used to these casual touches, if only they weren’t for show.

“How’d you like the food?” you ask, hoping that a bit of small talk can keep your wishful thoughts at bay.

“It was alright.”

That response alone was very telling so you quietly finish the sentence he was too polite to complete. “But you could’ve done better?” You raise your eyebrow at him as he half nods.

“I’m just sayin’ I know what these wedding caterers charge and they should take a bit more pride in their work.”

You can’t help, but chuckle at this as the DJ announces the father daughter dance. You turn your chair towards the dance floor to watch your father and sister share this moment and Elliot does the same beside you. He wraps his arm around you and pulls you closer to him. You can’t help but lean into the touch. You probably don’t need to do as much as you are to sell the act, but damn it, if this is your only opportunity to be this close with Eliot, maybe relishing in it a little isn’t a bad thing.

After the dance, cake is served and this time Eliot has no complaints. The cake is as close to perfect as any cake could be. As you finish, you remind yourself to ask your sister where she got the cake from so you could maybe stop by the bakery on your own before you leave town.

As the dance floor opens up, you take this opportunity to go talk to your parents. You haven’t had enough time with them this weekend and you really have missed them. Ever the gentleman, Eliot insists on tagging along to properly meet them. He is far too good at this fake boyfriend thing.

You greet your parents with a warm hug. “I’ve missed you guys!” you say trying to be heard over the music. “It’s been too long.”

“And whose fault is that?” your dad asks.

Your mom nudges him and gives a disapproving glare at his bluntness. “You should visit more. Maybe then it wouldn’t have taken so long for you to introduce us to this handsome fella.”

“I’ve been telling her the same thing.” Eliot steps in with the charm offensive in full force. “I’m Eliot.” He shakes each of your parent’s hands. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“All bad things I suppose?” your mom asks teasingly.

“Hardly. She’s told me so many fun stories about your family. Though maybe a few of those stories could be classified as embarrassing.”

It’s nice to see your parents get along with Eliot, though it shouldn’t matter to you. You will have a fake breakup in a few weeks and this will be nothing but a memory for both of you. A damn good one too.

You’re broken out of that train of thought when you hear your mom reply, “Oh, is that so?”

“She’s got plenty of embarrassing stories of her own.” your dad adds in. Eliot lets out a hearty laugh at the prospect.

“Oh? Any worth telling?” You bury your face in your hands in fear of the mortifying words that may come next from either of your parents.

“How about you buy me a drink and I’ll tell you anything you wanna know about our dear Y/N?” Your mom suggests.

“Gladly” Eliot guides your mom to the bar and out of your earshot as you sit with your father.

You sit in silence at first, just enjoying the shared time. Minutes pass before your father speaks again, without even looking directly at you, “He’s good for you, you know.”

You figure the best way to avoid being caught in a lie is to just stay as close to the truth as possible, so you tell your dad your real thoughts on Eliot. “I know, he’s a really nice guy. He’s funny and caring. I really love him.”

“That’s not what I mean.” He turns to fully face you. “I just haven’t seen you this happy in some time.”

“Oh.” you say, stunned. This statement catches you off guard but luckily your father continues, so you don’t have to fill the silence.

“You seemed so sad before, especially with James. You used to force those tight lipped smiles that you thought we didn’t notice. This new guy has brought back your infectious smile. The one you don’t even seem to notice, you just do it.” He pauses slightly, “I missed that smile.”

This conversation comes to an end as your mom and Eliot return laughing loudly. Once he approaches the table, he stops in front of you. “Care for a dance?” He offers you his hand.

You gladly accept and follow him out onto this dance floor.You dance through several upbeat songs, joking and laughing at each other’s goofy dance moves throughout. For a moment, you forget how painful going back to normal life may be because having this much fun with Eliot reminds you how important your friendship is. The heartbreak could never break this bond. The bitterness of pining could never overpower the sweetness of these moments you share.

He spins you around and holds you close to him, your back to his chest. As you sway together to the music Eliot whispers in your ear, “You know, your mom told me some interesting things about you.”

“Oh god. What did she say?” You brace yourself for whatever ungodly stories from your youth your mom may have dug up for this occasion.

“Nothing too bad. I actually thought it was cute.” You turn in his arms to face him and raise your eyebrow as if to ask him to elaborate. “First she told me about the time you cut your own hair.”

You let out a chuckle, mostly in relief at how benign of a story that was. “I can still remember the terrible bangs I had in my school pictures that year. It felt like it took forever for those to grow out.”

“So is that why you convinced your sister to do the same just two years later?” He looks at you accusatorily and you know that your mom had to have given him more ammunition if he’s already digging in on the teasing.

You raise your hands defensively, “I just handed her the scissors and told her I thought she’d look cute with bangs. What she did after that is not my business.”

You wrap your arms around Eliot as you continue to dance as you bicker. “Oh I’m sure it was all her own idea.” His smile only widens as he continues, “She also showed me this picture of you as a kid where you were laying face first into your plate of mashed potatoes. It was cute. You’re still pretty cute when you get all sleepy like that.”

This catches you off guard because it’s just one more moment that’s a step past friendly without any reason for it. Nobody could really overhear your conversation over the music. He said that just for your benefit, or maybe just to sell the act. Maybe in a different life Eliot could have been an actor, he certainly played the part of lovestruck boyfriend pretty convincingly.

Trying not to focus much more on his words, lest their implications consume you, you add, “Did she tell you how I used to fall asleep at my bedtime so religiously I would sleep sitting up at family gatherings or in the cart at the grocery store?” He shook his head in response. “Yeah I wish I was still that committed to my sleep schedule.”

“Well ain’t that the truth sweetheart.” There’s a softness about him that is so rare and nearly indescribable. It’s a nearly magnetic force and you find it impossible to look away from him. It feels like if you even glance away for a second, the levity will be gone and the weight of the world will once again return to rest on his shoulders.

Soon you have to shift your focus as the DJ announces the bouquet toss. The men clear off the dance floor as all of the unmarried women gather. Sure, it doesn’t really mean anything if you catch the bouquet, but you find yourself reaching for it nonetheless. Maybe it was fate or maybe just luck or maybe it was set up by your sister considering her earlier remarks, but regardless the bouquet is in your hand and you’re staring down at it in shock.

Your sister hugs you and you know it’s going to break her heart when you and Eliot “split up.” Though by now, you’re too deep into it and so you have to act excited about this turn of events. A small part of you is excited though, the part that has clung onto every romantic moment this weekend as if it’s more than a fantasy. Perhaps that part isn’t so small.

On the side of the dancefloor the excitement over your purely hypothetical future builds in Eliot too. Fuck it. He won’t have many more chances to do this. He makes his way across the floor to you and happily pulls you to him, first in a tight hug, then into a lingering kiss. One that he has to hope you can’t just feel the sincerity of his desire dripping from.

You could get used to being kissed like this. Though, as your family is currently about half of the room, you pull away from Eliot, you can’t convince yourself to go very far away. Your foreheads rest against each other and the tension is palpable. Damn. He really is committed to convincing your family. He would have you convinced if you hadn’t been the one to set up this whole ruse.

Around you the dance floor fills again as the DJ turns on a slow song. You and Eliot hold each other close as you dance. Eliot softly sings along in your ear. His soothing voice slowly erases every worry you’ve had about this night. You feel safe and at home in his arms, and even if it won’t last, you can’t help sinking further against him. Truly if your heart must be broken, there’s nobody you would trust more to break it kindly.

You and Eliot are lost to the world around you as you both relish in what little time you have left to hold each other. That momentary bliss comes to an abrupt halt as the song fades out and you notice a presence looming just behind you. Just then you hear James’ voice behind you as his hand touches your back, sending a chill down your spine at your own unease. Speaking to Eliot he asks, “May I have her for this next one?”

Something seems off to him, but you reassure Eliot that it’s fine with a polite nod. There’s a sinking feeling in his chest, of course this was never real so he should have been prepared for rejection, but it still stings seeing you in someone else’s arms. Maybe that’s why you invited him, not to avoid your asshole ex, but to make James jealous.

Eliot goes to the bar to drown in something other than his own self pity and insecurities, and is met with your mother inviting him to sit next to her. Despite his own feelings, he won’t ruin things with your family so he orders a drink and sits at the open stool she has offered him.

“You’re good for her, you know?”

“I try to be.”

“I mean it. She’s happier with you than she has been in a long time. She still thinks she doesn’t deserve you though.” your mom looks at him with a sad sort of smile.

“What?” he asks incredulously.

“She’s always been a worrier. You can see it in the way she holds you,” she pauses in thought before correcting herself, “in the way you hold each other. You’re both so scared the other will leave. You don’t think you deserve her either, do you?”

It’s a relief in a way to be able to be truly honest for once this weekend. “No ma’am. I can’t say I do. I’m happy to have her until she realizes that though, and that’s enough for now.” He waves to the bartender and orders a second drink.

“You’re both idiots, I swear.” Your mother lets out a long sigh. “Do you treat my daughter with kindness?”

Suddenly, under your mom’s gaze Eliot feels like he’s sitting in the principal’s office facing detention. He feels small. “Of course.”

“And you love her?”

“Yes.”

“So are you saying Y/N doesn’t deserve your kindness and love?”

“No ma’am.”

“Then pull your head out of your ass and stop acting like she’s going to leave you. That girl loves you, anyone could see that, so why are you sitting here with me at the bar, drowning your sorrows?”

He hangs his head in defeat, he couldn’t argue the point of your affections, not without ruining your plan, so he settles on the easier argument. “She already has a dance partner.” He gestures to the dance floor.

Your mom finally glances over to you and rolls her eyes. “God I’ve always hated that son of a bitch.”

Eliot can’t help the deep belly laugh that escapes him. Your mom cursing in anger is funny when it’s not directed at him. It’s then when you turn to where he can see your face, your features lined with sadness. His protective instincts finally kick in and he heads your way. He tries to hang back to get the full scope of the situation.

As Eliot was at the bar, your ex had been saying truly awful things. As Eliot reapproached, he continued. “He’s gonna leave you, you know?”

Eliot couldn’t make out any of what was being said, but he knew from the tension in your body that you weren’t happy. He’s kicking himself now for letting his own insecurities put you in the exact kind of situation he was here to help you avoid.

Not wanting to cause a scene, you plaster a fake smile on your face and through gritted teeth say “I fail to see how that’s any of your fucking business James.”

“I’m just looking out for you, babe.”

“Don’t call me that” you cut him off.

He continues, not acknowledging what you said. “I may have moved on, but I still care about you. You don’t deserve to be hurt when he finds a prettier girl and runs away with her.”

“Fuck off, James.” Eliot isn’t going to stay with you, but that doesn’t mean you need to tolerate James’ bullshit. You pull yourself out of his hold but he follows behind you.

Eliot quickly approaches as he sees this and is in earshot finally for the last insult James throws out. “You know, I don’t know why you bothered catching that bouquet. Nobody is ever going to love you, much less marry you.”

In an instant, James is grabbed from behind, turned, and pinned against the nearby wall. You barely hear the commotion behind you as you exit the reception hall and finally let a tear run down your face.

Inside all eyes are on Eliot and your family has gathered as he begins yelling at James, “What’s your fucking problem, man?”

All too cocky, James smirks, “Here to ask if you can have my current girlfriend when we break up? You clearly love my leftovers.”

That earns him a broken nose. Eliot’s fist makes sharp contact with his face and the blood from his nose quickly stains his white shirt. “You need to shut the fuck up and leave Y/N the fuck alone, or you’ll find out just how quickly I can break another bone.”

Ever the idiot James opens his mouth to reply, but, before he can, your sister yells at him, “Better yet, get the fuck out of my wedding.”

With the bride’s blessing, Eliot and your father drag James out to his car and, seeing he’s been beat, or perhaps fearing being beaten again, he leaves without another word.

He sees you sitting on a bench outside the reception hall and breaks into a jog, wanting to comfort you. He holds you to his chest as you gently sob. As much as you didn’t like that James was saying it, you couldn’t shake the feeling that he was right, but you let that insecurity burrow further inside your heart as you realize something far worse. You probably just ruined your sister’s wedding.

You sit up abruptly and wipe the tears from your face, “I need to go apologize to my sister.” You run inside, leaving Eliot to slowly follow, though he washes your ex’s blood off of his hand before re-entering the reception hall.

Your eyes scan the room and finally land on your sister. The anxiety makes the words practically spill out of your mouth, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to cause a scene at your wedding. I know I can’t make it better, but I’m sorry for ruining your night.”

Both of you are crying now. “You didn’t ruin anything. I shouldn’t have let him come, even if he was dating one of the other bridesmaids. If anything you fixed the wedding by getting rid of that piece of shit.”

“Well I’m pretty sure the getting rid of him part was more Eliot than it was me.” you chuckle. He walks up behind you, as if summoned by the mention of his name.

He looks toward your sister and her now husband as he wraps his hand around yours. “I am so sorry for,” he pauses and gestures vaguely towards the spot he had pinned James, “well, all of that really.”

Your sister laughs, “No need. We’ll just call it dinner and a show, and it was quite the show.” she leans in towards you both and in a far more serious tone adds “I heard from some of the others what he was saying before. You did the right thing, you could’ve gone a bit further to teach him a lesson if you ask me.”

He looks to you, now remembering that your ex had plenty of time in his absence to say far worse than what Eliot heard. “Wish I would’ve.” he lets out a nervous laugh, still unsure where he stands with everyone else. “I’m just glad he’s gone though and can’t cause any more trouble.”

Your sister replies, “Agreed. Though maybe try not to hit anyone at the next wedding?”

“I think I can manage that.” He smiles, glad to see that everyone is still in good spirits.

The groom, also seeming to relax, throws in, “You’d better because if those flowers are anything to go by, it’ll be your own.”

Eliot wraps his arms around you, and with more sincerity than you were prepared for says, “Hopefully.”

Trying so hard not to get lost in your imaginary future with Eliot, you change the topic. “Your wedding was really beautiful by the way. Congratulations.” You hug your sister. As you pull away, you lean back against Eliot and say. “I think it’s time for us to go back to the hotel though. I think we’ve created enough of a story tonight.”

“Of course,” she agrees. “Have a good night. Thank you both for coming.” Then as you walk away, your sister calls after you, loud enough for about half the room to hear, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, lovebirds.”

This leads to a few hoots and hollers from the other guests, just trying to tease and embarrass you further. You flip your sister off as Eliot guides you out of the room.

• • •

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deansapplepie · 3 months

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Inherited | Chapter 5

Summary: You go find Merle and end up drunk with him. Rick Grimes have to call Daryl to get both of you. With the alcohol come some confessions and

Warning: Mentions of Leah (Daryl’s not a cheater, just stupid), alcohol consumption, drunk people, mentions of drugs, mentions about sex, Daryl and his lack of knowledge about technology, very small hangover, lil bit of jealous Y/N. Minors DO NOT interact 18+

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Reader

Word Count: 3,166

A/N: Sorry for taking too long, but the ones that follow up the things I share know how my life has been. Thanks for your patience, love you all.

Series Mastelist

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Chapter 4 Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Why d’ya hate me?

Days passed and he didn’t say a word about the picture or Merle. You also didn’t find it in the trash, so you considered he kept it. Your conversations were simple and plainly about business, from time to time of course you’d throw a bitter comment at each other.

That day you didn’t see him around, he had gone hunting and didn’t even bother to tell you. Well, it’s not like he had to, but you lived together and it’s good to know where the people you live with are, for safety, what if the person is murdered or kidnapped and nobody knew where this person went?

You spent the whole morning doing some work for Aaron as you promised, by lunchtime he still didn’t have arrived back at the farm. ‘Fuck him’, you thought. You were also going to leave and you’d not tell him. You took your bag and the keys of the old truck, and left to do what you should’ve done days ago.

You took the old road going deeper and deeper into the woods. You were surprised you still remember the way, because when you started this journey you were afraid you’d get lost. Soon, you were parking your car in front of the Dixon’s cabin. You got off of the car and walked to the front door. ‘I hope Merle is here, and sober’, you thought. You knocked on the door, once, twice, 4 times and after 15 minutes you gave up. There was two options for Merle, 1 he was passed out after drinking and/or drugging himself too much, 2 he was out at town. So you decided to bet on the chance that he could be in town.

You drove your car on the streets, hoping to see him in one of the bars and you weren’t wrong. You found him just where you thought he’d be, at a bar. You parked the truck and went inside the bar to see your old friend.

“I knew soon or later ya’d come and look for me doll.” Merle said before you got close to him. “What took ya so long?”

“Your asshole brother, I guess. And of course, now I have a lot of job to do.” Once you got close to him, he engulfed you in a tight hug. A so welcome and familiar hug, damn Dixons knew how to give a good hug. You missed it. “How have you been? Your brother wouldn’t tell me a thing!”

“I’m busy during the week, working on some… business and hunting too.”

‘Oh Merle, you’re still involved in this kind of business?’, you thought.

“Don’t you get tired of seeking trouble?” You ask him, already sitting next to him.

“I’m not looking for trouble, I’ve been busy and there’s some years that I don’t get arrested. At least not for the things you’re thinking.” He defended himself.

“Still a hot head and getting involved in bar fight, ain’t you?” You know this was probably the reason.

“It’s making wonders to my friendship with my favorite officer Grimes.” You laughed, you knew him and Rick were far from friends, they mostly despised each other. Rick was probably tired of arresting him and having to call Daryl every single time.

“You’re really something Merle.” You missed his lame jokes too. You wish you had come to see him earlier.

“How’s baby bro?” Merle asked and suddenly the small cup of alcohol he had in front of him became very interesting. “He’s not talking to me. Since ya returned. Guess, I should blame ya.”

“Not my fault. I have no idea what’s going on in his head, I’ve been trying to make things easier between us, but… I guess it’s impossible. We can’t have a conversation without being dicks.” You said honestly, it really annoyed you all of this, and you had always found a good listener in Merle. “But… answering your question, he’s the same grumpy ass and I think he’s still pretty much affected by everything that happened to my dad. He always locks himself in his own shell, and it’s difficult to get past it. You know how he is.”

Merle nodded but didn’t say anything. “I think you’re right, it’s my fault he’s not talking to you. He mentioned I’m good at telling you things and talking to you. Because you opened your big mouth to scold him for the things I told you.”

“And I dun regret scolding him, he deserved.” He was a stubborn ass, he would never admit it.

You asked for some beer and appetizers and continued to talk with Merle. “He hates me Merle…”

“Pffft… don’t be dramatic no one could ever hate ya sweet pie!” Even drunk he managed to be nice to you, many times you got caught in your thoughts thinking why he couldn’t do the same for other people.

“He does...” You said, and then started bickering your beer.

You wanted to talk to Merle about the idea you had of him working in the farm with you, but of course you had conditions for it. He was already a little tipsy when you arrived, you preferred to call to him sober – if it was possible – so you took the afternoon to drink and talk to him.

The afternoon soon became evening and some hours later old John Lee wanted to close the bar and go home to rest and see his wife, but Merle and you were passed out in your table. The poor man had no option but to call Sheriff Rick Grimes to help.

From all the people in the world, you were the last one that Rick would think that would have to make him need to come to a bar to solve a problem. He took his phone and called Daryl, after what seemed like an eternity he answered it.

“Wha’ did he do this time?” It was late, for Rick Grimes to call at this hour, it had to be Merle causing problems.

“Not exactly him… he’s here, but he did nothing. Y/N and him are passed out at Lee’s. He needs to close the bar. Can you come and take them?” He drawled, his hand passing on his jaw, a little bit worried.

“Do I have a choice?” Daryl asked to no one in particular, he didn’t need an answer. “Gimme 15 minutes, and I’ll be there.”

Shortly after he got to the bar, he speeded so much that he didn’t even need 15 minutes. Your truck was parked in front of the bar, so he’d need to use it to take you back home. He wasn’t prepared to see you and Merle passed out. Your head resting on the older Dixon’s shoulder, while his head was hanging behind and he didn’t even seemed to be uncomfortable with it.

“ ‘m sorry…” Daryl apologized to the old man, it wasn’t the first time he had to apologize to him, it wasn’t the second time either.

“It’s ok kid. The young lady seemed like she needed to drink and a good conversation with a friend.” John Lee said and moved his head in your direction to indicate he was talking about you, even though it wasn’t needed.

“Hm..” he grunted he didn’t want to stop and think about what the man said, because if he did his line of thought would remember him of all the reasons you had for it. He took his wallet and asked the man what they owned him and paid it, like he always had to do when he needed to come for Merle.

“Why did she drink like this? It doesn’t sound like her drinking this much.” Rick asked Daryl in curiosity, of course he had already seen you drunk, being silly, happy and dumb, but never passed out drunk.

“Yer guess is as good as mine…” he answered and Rick gave him a look that said ‘you don’t think I’m going to believe it.’. He went to you and looked if you had a bag or anything, nothing. Just great, the keys were probably in your pocket.

“Y/N…” he called you, you just hummed in response. “Y/N, where’s the key?” Nothing. Freaking fucking shit. He didn’t want to be a creep and shove his hand in your pockets. “Ok… I’m gonna look in yer pockets and gonna take it, al’ight?” He said as if you were going to understand a thing in your state.

Once he found the keys he took it as fast as possible from your pocket and threw it at Rick so he could open the car for him. Daryl took you in his arms and stiffened when he felt you snuggling against his chest. Damn, there was a long, long, looong time he didn’t have you in his arms, and your smell it was still the same. If it wasn’t weird and against everything he had been saying and doing, he would allow himself to burry his face in your hair and smell it. He took you to the car and sat you in the middle of the sit, fastening the seat belt before he went back to Merle.

“Merle! Wake up!” He commanded and kicked his brother’s foot slightly. “Com’on sleeping beauty, I’m not carrying ya to the truck!”

“Do ya wanna some help?” Rick asked, by the looks he knew Merle wouldn’t cooperate.

“Think so…”

Rick helped Daryl taking Merle to the car and once everyone was settled, he left town with the two drunks and praying his baby, his bike, wasn’t stolen or harmed until he came to take it home again. The drive was long and silent, he had a lot of time to think about all sorts of things. When his thought came to you he tried to put them aside, but your head that had fell on his shoulder wasn’t helping it at all.

Once he arrived at the farm he took care of Merle first, despite the older Dixon not being able to keep his eyes open, at least he cooperated a little with his legs not letting all his weight fall on Daryl that was supporting him inside the house. He took Merle to his room in the basement and almost regretted it the moment he tripped on the stairs and the two almost rolled it. He put his brother in his bed and didn’t even bother to take of his shoes or anything and left to take you from the truck.

He had to carry you once again, this time you were a little bit more conscious because you wrapped you arm around his neck. You inhaled his scent and it brought a comfort to you while he carried you to your room, but it also made you remember that you shouldn’t, deep in your subconscious you fought a battle that not even yourself had any idea. He kicked the door of your room open, put you in bed and worked on taking off your boots. He checked you one last time and when he was leaving, he was surprised by your hand yanking his pulse and his name been called, taken by surprise he fell on his ass on the mattress a few inches distant from you, and he needed to be grateful for it because it spared him from the embarrassment and probably crushing and hurting you.

God damn, what could you want from him at this time and in your state? He looked at your face and you had your eyes half open. “Why? Why d’ya hate me?” You drawled, your southern accent showing up in your drunk state, since your brain was relaxed and you didn’t have to worry about masking it. You knew you didn’t need to mask it anymore, but the trauma you had with the other kids made your brain being in constant alert even when you didn’t need to.

He was taken aback by your question, it shouldn’t surprise him, you were 24/7 bickering at each other, but he didn’t have a strong feeling like hatred for anyone, except Shane, Dwight and Negan, but they didn’t count. Most people hated them too, maybe not Dwight but… “I dun hate you.” He answered. You had hurt him, but he had not gone easy on you and after that he said so much worse. Despite all the anger he felt inside himself and all the mean things he had told you, part of him didn’t know if he said it to torment you or to punish himself.

“So, why…?” You asked again and he was almost ready to say one more time he didn’t hate you, but you spoke first. “Why did ya sleep with ‘er?”

He was taken aback, what were you talking about? He hadn’t been sleeping with anyone. Were you drunk hallucinating? “You could have fucked any girl, we weren’t together… so, why her?”

“What are ya talking about? I dun understand. Yer drunk, go to sleep.” He said trying to free his arm from your hand, but you tightened your grip.

“Leah… why her? I was going to call ya, I wanted to apologize, but that photo… it killed me.” Fuck. He had just slept with Leah once. After she showed him a photo of you and Aaron at uni. She wanted him to be mad at you, nobody knew you had broken up, he hadn’t told it to anyone. Until that moment, when he faked indifference and announced you weren’t together anymore. He didn’t think about it. He was 19 and stupid, and he had sex with her one time. But which photo? “Ya knew she hated me. Why?”

“I was stupid, stubborn and dumb. That’s why.” He said, he could see your eyes shining, the indication of tears. He caressed the hand that held his arm until you relaxed and he could release it. “Which photo are ya talking about?” He asked, gosh he really hoped you were too drunk to remember it the next day.

“The one… the one she posted on facebo..” and you had fallen asleep, as easy and simple like this. Facebook? Damn, he never had one. He hated all that social media shit. Probably that’s the reason he never knew about. He put a blanket over you and swiped 2 lonely tears that came from your closed eyes.

He headed downstairs and entered the office, turning on the computer. He took his phone from his pocket and called back to the last number that had called him.

“What the fuck, Daryl? Do You know what time is it?” A sleepy Rick complained on the other side of the call.

“Ya call me late at night to pickup my drunken brother from time to time, ya own me.” The cowboy argued.

“ ‘kay, what do you need?” The sheriff asked impatiently.

“How the heck do I make a facebook and how can I see the photos someone posted?” He threw the random questions that got Rick even more confused.

“You own me an explanation after this, and I want the whole story. Wait a minute…” The sheriff said, then covering the speaker of the phone, his voice resonated through his house. “CARRRL!”

The following morning you woke up with a stinging pain in your head, the sunlight that came through the window almost blinding you. You sat on the bed and felt your stomach aching. How did you end up like that? You just remembered being at the bar with Merle, drinking and… nothing. Everything was a blur. Did you drive back home in your drunken state? Impossible. No.

You got up from bed and took care of yourself before heading downstairs. When you entered the kitchen you saw Merle at the table and Daryl in the kitchen. “ ‘morning…” you said weakly damn, you should never drink like this again. “Merle, what are you doing here?”

“I had to pick your two stupid asses at Lee’s. Merle, I’m always expecting this from him, but you…” he said pointing his finger at you, a dishrag on his shoulder and a spoon in his hand. “It was as very unexpected, even coming from you.”

You sat and looked at him, finding very funny the whole scene. “Ok, mom. I’m not doing it again.”

“Listen here, ya little shit…” he started to say, but stopped mid-sentence when he noticed that he was actually behaving like a mom.

He turned back to the stove and put 2 bowls of chicken noodles soup with veggies and eggs. He put the bowls in front of both of you. “What’s that, Darylina? This isn’t breakfast.” Merle complained.

“It’s a noodles soup. Carol said it’s good for hangover, eat.” He said and went back to take a bowl for him, that wasn’t his usual breakfast, but no way he would do any other thing.

You looked at him, squeezing your eyes as if you couldn’t see things clearly. Since when did he listen to anyone’s advice? And was he this close to Carol that she went giving him advices like this? Did they get drunk together? “And what does she know about it?” You threw the question before your could close your mouth and keep the words to yourself.

“She’s a mom, mom’s know this things.” He answered as if it was obvious and sat at the table to start eating.

“Her daughter is 15, Daryl. She doesn’t get drunk.” You said taking a spoonful of the soup.

“We got drunk the firs’ time with less age than her, so I ain’t understanding your point.” He answered. If humans snarled, you would have snarled at that moment. Damn him and his necessity of being always right. “Take yer soup, and stop talking.”

“As if you’re the boss of me…” you muttered, but he preferred to ignore it and eat. Were you jealous of Carol? No, he shouldn’t think about it. The day before had already a lot of happenings to make him think about.

Merle silently observed both of you having your little argument. If he wasn’t busy with the food, he’d have to comment that you still had the hots for each other, but instead he chose to eat while he had free entertainment. That was a good way to start his morning.

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#daryl dixon x plus size reader #the walking dead #twd #daryl dixon #the walking dead daryl #twd daryl #daryl x reader #daryl fanfiction #daryl x y/n #daryl imagines #twd daryl dixon #inherited twd au #deansapplepie

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willalove75 · 7 months

Text

The Estate | Lady Dimitrescu x Fem!oc Chapter 4

Summary: Friday is finally here, concluding your first week of work! You get to know Alcina a little better and meet up with a "friend" after work for some much needed stress relief.

Warnings: 18+ minors DNI

Tags: fluff

I'll add more tags as needed!

Notes: Chapter 4! So sorry this is a little late! Hope you all enjoy💕

Gif source

Finally, it was Friday. Even though it's only your third day of work you were definitely looking forward to the weekend. The day seemed to be flying by pretty quickly and you were grateful for that. You had seen Alcina throughout the day, each time she saw you she politely said "hello" and flashed you her gorgeous smile.

After getting your hands on one of the new wines that will be debuting in the summer, you and Bela decided to take some photos of it for social media. Alcina wandered in and stayed for a little bit to watch. When you were done she asked to see some of the pictures and you happily obliged. She stood close to you - maybe a little too close, but her presence was comforting regardless - and looked over your shoulder at your phone. As you inhaled your nose filled with her perfume. It wasn't overly fragrant but still floral. You couldn't pinpoint what the scent was composed of but you thought you smelled a hint of rosewater and a few other notes you couldn't quite put your finger on. Whatever it was, it was heavenly and probably expensive. She grumbled to herself and you looked over to see her shaking her head and pulling her reading glasses down to her nose. Her short hair, that was straightened today and not in its natural curls, cascaded across her face before she tucked a few strands behind her ear with a perfectly manicured finger.

Her blue-grey eyes flicked over and met yours and you swore your heart started hammering in your chest. After exchanging a smile she looked back down at your phone and you showed her the images. Alcina pointed out which ones were her favorites and you made sure to favorite the ones she liked best so you would remember.

As you were scrolling through the images you took you were going backwards through your camera roll. When you came to the first image as you were showing Alcina and Bela, you went back one picture too far to one of you and Emma in your parents living room.

"Oh, too far." You feel your cheeks redden and go to scroll back but you're interrupted by Bela.

"Oh my god who is that?!" Bela asks.

"That's my daughter, Emma." You say proudly.

"Stop she's so cute!"

"Aw, thanks. She's amazing."

"How old is she?"

"She's three and a half."

"Oh what a fun age!" Bela says and you look over at her.

"Bela is going to school for childhood education, she wants to be a preschool teacher." Alcina clarifies.

"Oh! That's great!"

"Is she in preschool?" Bela asks.

"No, not yet. She'll be going in the fall."

"So is she in daycare?"

"She starts Tuesday, she'll be going twice a week. There was a bit of a waitlist so my in laws have been watching her this week. When she's not in daycare she'll rotate between them and my parents."

"I can't believe how green her eyes are and how curly her hair is!" Bela says.

"She looks just like you." Alcina says, looking at the picture. The corners of her lip just barely curling into a smile.

"Seriously! She's like your little twin. Her dad must be either pissed or thrilled she looks so much like you. Is she a daddy's girl or a mommy's girl?"

You know that Bela was just being friendly, but her question stabbed you in the heart. Tears threaten to sting eyes as you try and brush off the feeling of sadness creeping its way into your chest.

"Actually, I'm a single mom." You say, trying your best to not make the situation awkward. "So by default, she's a mommy's girl."

Alcina tries to give Bela a subtle look but you notice it. Bela looks like a deer in headlights before trying to dig herself out.

"Oh, well, mom's a single mom too!" She says with a nervous laugh. "She raised the three of us all by herself for the most part. Even when she technically wasn't a single mom she still kinda was."

Alcina's eyes narrow at her daughter whose pale cheeks begin to turn a bright shade of pink.

"She is beautiful." Alcina says, trying to divert the awkward energy that took over the conversation. "When we have our summer staff barbeque you should bring her. Most of the staff with young children bring them, it's a wonderful family event." She says coolly.

"Yeah, sure. She would love that. She's a little social butterfly."

"Wonderful." Alcina says with a smile before glancing at the watch on her wrist. "I must be off. The pictures are fantastic, great work both of you."

Alcina walks out of the room and Bela starts talking about the barbeque and how there's games, food, and activities for the kids. When the two of you walk into the tasting room you spot Daniela walking in.

"Hi Katie!" She says with a big smile.

"Hi Daniela, how was school?"

"It was so boring and I had a math test. Talk about a shit Friday." She grumbles. "What were you two talking about? I heard something about games."

The three of you begin to head back towards the offices.

"Bela was telling me about the summer barbeque."

"Oh! It's SO much fun! I love that. I think I like that more than the annual holiday party."

"Mom told Katie she should bring her daughter and-"

"You have a daughter?!" Daniela asks.

"I do."

"Do you have pictures?! How old is she?!"

"Yes, I do. And she's three and a half." You say with a chuckle.

Pulling out your phone once more, you show Daniela a few photos of Emma and she squeals in delight.

"SHE'S SO CUTE! Oh my god look at her little squishy face!"

You can't help but laugh at Daniela's excitement. She really is a sweet kid with a ton of energy. It came as a bit of a surprise to learn that Alcina was a single mother as well - especially to three girls. Being a single mom to one kid is hard enough. It amazes you that she was able to raise such good kids - for the most part, the jury is still out on Cassandra if you were being honest - and run a business. The complexity of Alcina Dimitrescu continues to grow and the more it grows, the more she seems to fascinate you.

After you head back into your office you decide to shoot your current friends-with-benefits guy a text.

Will you be around tonight?

Depends, what time?

5:30?

Sure, let me just make sure I have someone to watch my daughter.

You send Michelle a text to see if she can watch Emma a little later tonight, lying and telling her a few friends invited you out for drinks after work. She responds saying it was no problem and says she hopes you have fun.

6 works.

Okay, meet me at my apartment.

See you later.

The end of the day comes quickly and before you know it you're walking into Alcina's office to see if she needs you to do anything before you leave and to say goodbye.

"Ah, Kathleen." She says as she takes her glasses off and places them on her desk, giving you her full attention. "Leaving for the day?"

"Yeah, unless you need me to do something before I go?"

"No, not at all. Although I did want to speak with you, if you have a moment?"

"Oh, yeah, absolutely." You say.

Claiming one of the chairs in front of her desk, you drop your bag to the ground and meet her gaze. Her blue-grey eyes really are stunning, they contrast beautifully with her dark hair and compliment her fair complexion.

"I just wanted to let you know that you've done a wonderful job this week. I am aware that you didn't work a full week but I am still impressed with your work ethic and what you've already brought to the table."

"Oh, thank you so much." You're a little surprised by her compliment but grateful that she can already see how dedicated you are. "I really, really appreciate hearing that."

"Of course. I always do my best to let my staff know when they're excelling. It's always been my business model as a boss to compliment more often than I critique."

The corner of her lip curls into a small smile and she looks away for a moment before looking back at you. As she looks back you notice a change in her demeanor. Something softer, almost more intimate than she was two seconds ago. It makes your head spin at how quickly she's able to shift gears on a dime.

"I also wanted to thank you for being so kind to my daughters, especially towards Daniela. I know she can be a handful but she seems to have taken a liking to you. She can be quite the distraction and there have been a few occasions where other employees have not taken as kindly to her as you have. So as the owner of this establishment, I appreciate your understanding and your professionalism. And as a mother," she says in a softer voice before pursing her lips. "thank you for being so kind to my children. Even Cassandra. Who I am aware has been less than welcoming - we have had multiple conversations regarding it. Please know it has nothing to do with you, she can be quite difficult and doesn't adapt well to change."

She lets out a sigh and for the first time you see a flash of Alcina Dimitrescu, the mother. Not your boss, not the owner and founder of the estate, but you see the single parent who is trying her best to juggle three young girls; one with an attitude problem, one with endless energy and one who's starting to go off on her own; as well as running a business and all of the other things that go along with life.

"Of course." You say with a smile. "They're all really good kids, you did a wonderful job raising them."

By the way her ears perk up at your words you can tell that she isn't told that very often. There's a softness in her eyes you haven't seen before and you can't help but smile in response. For a brief second you feel a charge in the air that almost immediately dissipates.

As quickly as her walls came down, they were back up. She seemed to have caught herself and she adjusts her posture in her chair. Alcina Dimitrescu the boss is back. It's not that Alcina runs her business with fear, but she doesn't keep it a secret that she holds the power. You've only been here three days but it's evident that everyone knows not to cross her or get on her bad side. You wonder if anyone else on her staff - outside of her children - have ever seen that softer side of her you got a glance at.

"Thank you." She says as she clears her throat. "That was all, is there anything you need from me?"

"Uh, nope."

"Well then, have a nice weekend Kathleen."

"You too. See you on Monday."

She gives you a nod as she puts her glasses back on and turns towards her computer screen. Grabbing your bag, you sling it over your shoulder and head towards the tasting room doors.

"Bye Katie!!" You hear Daniela call.

Looking over, you see her standing at a table in the middle of taking the patrons orders.

"Bye Daniela, have a nice weekend!"

She gives you a big wave as the people sitting at the table she's waiting give her a look. You can't help but chuckle to yourself as you make your way to the doors.

"Have a good weekend Cassandra." You say.

She responds with an eyeroll and you walk out of the building unfazed.

Since you weren't meeting up with your friend-with-benefits right away you decided to run home and jump in the shower before heading over to his place.

Pulling into the modest apartment complex you keep your eyes peeled for a spot. Driving through here makes you grateful that you live with Margie. It's not that it's in a bad area or that it's a crappy complex, it's just jam packed with people. You've only ever been here twice before but both times it was a nightmare trying to find a spot. At least at Margie's house you have a driveway you can park in so you don't have to worry about walking across the complex with a toddler - especially when the weather is bad.

Luckily you were able to find a spot close to the apartment.

Walking up the steps, you knock on the door and you hear footsteps on the other side. A few seconds later the door opens, revealing a taller man with sandy colored hair.

"Hey, how are you?" He asks as you walk in.

"I'm good, and you?"

"Not bad."

The man, who you know as Eric, was about 6 feet tall, if you had to guess he was in his late 30s and despite his small apartment, he was well off. The two of you really don't know anything about each other, you met on a website where people are looking for steady hookups, no strings attached, but wanted to keep their lives private. You both decided to even use fake names with each other. The only thing you do know about him is that he was married but him and his wife were currently separated, which is why he lives in this apartment. You also know he has a daughter as well, but she's in high school.

As he leads you into the bedroom you feel your anxiety crawling up higher and higher. You do your best to push it aside and take a deep breath as he closes the door.

The next hour and a half goes by in a blur and by 7:30pm you're heading back to your car to go pick up Emma.

The time you spend with Eric is really nothing but a way to relieve some stress and tension. Truthfully, he's kind of annoys you, but he's not terrible in bed, good enough to relieve any sexual tension you've had pent up at least - and he's using you for the same reasons you're using him so it's a fair trade.

The post-sex shame starts to settle in as you drive and you try to keep yourself from getting too wrapped up in it. There's absolutely nothing wrong with what you're doing - something you have to remind yourself of often. Yet the guilt still eats away at you every time. You pull out the heart shaped necklace from under your shirt and trace the shape with your thumb as you drive, trying to ground yourself.

"It's okay. It's been two years, there's nothing wrong with being with someone else. There's nothing wrong with what you're doing." You reassure yourself as you drive.

Finally arriving at your in-laws house, you walk in just as they're sitting down for dinner.

"Katie! Perfect timing!" Michelle says as she gives you a hug.

"MOMMY!!" Emma yells as she runs into your arms.

"Hi baby!" You say as you lift her and give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Come, sit and eat." Michelle says.

"Oh, thank you! I promise I didn't time this so I'd get a free meal out of you." You say with a laugh.

"Yeah right." Richard says with a wink before he nudges you with his elbow.

"How was your first week of work?"

"It went really well." You say as you put Emma in her booster seat. "I really like it. My boss is great and so far the people are really nice. The CFO seems a little phony, but I really like everyone else."

"That's wonderful!" Michelle says. "Are there other people there your age?"

"Yeah, we had an all-hands meeting yesterday and there definitely seem to be people around my age. Honestly I've spent more time with my boss and her daughters than anyone else."

"Her daughters?"

"Yeah, she has three girls. One is about twenty, the other probably nineteen and the youngest has to be about 16."

"Do they work there?" Richard asks.

"Yeah. The oldest one, Bela, she was the one doing the social media channels before I was there. But she's starting her last year of college in the fall so I'm taking that over from her; she's been showing me what she was doing before I came. The middle one, Cassandra, she works the bar and is by far the least friendly of the three. Then the youngest is Daniela. She's a really sweet kid with a ton of energy. Obviously she's still in high school but she waits tables after school."

"Wow, seems like a real family business."

"Yeah, or just a way for her to be able to wrangle her kids by keeping them there." You say with a laugh.

"What about her husband?" Michelle asks.

"She's not married, I don't know if she ever was honestly. But Bela had told me today that she was a single parent."

"A single parent, to three young girls? And she runs a business?"

"I know, I have no idea how she did it. Raising this one alone is hard enough." You say playfully as you tickle Emma and she squeals with laughter.

"Stop mommy! That tickles!"

By 8pm, Alcina and the girls have finished having dinner together - something she tries to do with them at least once a week. Soon after the dishes are clean and the kitchen is put back together. She settles into her home office and types away on her keyboard, her perfectly manicured nails clacking away on the keys. Grabbing her wine glass, she leans back in her chair and takes a deep sip, trying to unwind from the week while she finishes up some last-minute things.

"Mamă," Daniela says as she walks into Alcina's office.

"Yes, bug?"

"Do you want to watch a movie with us?"

"What movie?"

"If you join us we'll let you pick!"

"As long as it isn't one of those boring black and white movies!" Cassandra yells from down the hall.

Alcina playfully rolls her eyes and looks at her watch.

"Okay, give me fifteen minutes. Let me finish up here and I'll be right down."

"YAY!" Daniela shouts. "I'll get the snacks and popcorn!"

She runs out of the office and Alcina chuckles to herself and dives back into finish up her work.

As promised, fifteen minutes later Alcina makes her way down the stairs. The girls are sitting on the couch, Bela and Daniela on the four-seater, Cassandra on the loveseat to the left. The girls left a spot in the middle of the four-seater for Alcina. She takes her spot between Bela and Daniela, who pulls the blanket across Alcina's lap and cuddles into her. Putting her arm around her youngest, she scrolls through the movie options on the television and clicks on Singing in the Rain.

"Ugh, not a musical!" Cassandra whines.

"You said I could pick whichever movie I wanted - as long as it wasn't one of those terribly boring black and white movies." Alcina responds.

"You could have picked something more modern!"

"Cassandra you loved this movie when you were little." Alcina says.

"Yeah, when I was like seven."

"Cass, shush! Unlike you I actually like and want to watch this movie." Bela says. Cassandra rolls her eyes at her sister.

Bela and Daniela begin singing along to some of the songs while Alcina happily hums alongside them. As the movie continues Bela and Daniela sing louder and Alcina eventually joins in. The song Good Morning starts and the three of them are singing and dancing in their seats. When Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Conner grab the raincoats off of the coatrack in the scene Daniela imitates their dances with the blanket, causing Bela and Alcina to laugh. As the dance number continues Bela and Daniela get up and dance to their own choreography they made up to the song when they were kids.

"Come on Cassie!" Daniela says, grabbing Cassandra's arm. Cassandra pulls back but Daniela's grip is firm. After a moment, Cassandra huffs in defeat and gets up and dances with her sisters. After a minute of acting like she doesn't want to be there, a smile grows on her face and she laughs and dances with Bela and Daniela.

Alcina watches her girls with pride as they dance around the living room. It warms her heart seeing Cassandra, who's usually withdrawn and isolated, dancing and laughing with her sisters. It's not a side that Alcina sees of her middle daughter much anymore, but when she does get to see it, she cherishes the moment.

The number ends and the three girls collapse back into their seats.

"You did wonderful my darlings." Alcina says, kissing Daniela and Bela on the head and blowing a kiss at Cassandra. Daniela lays her head on her mother's lap and Alcina runs her fingers through her daughters strawberry red hair.

When Singing in the Rain comes on, the four women sing along to the song - sans-dance this time. As the movie ends, Daniela is fast asleep in her mother's lap, lightly snoring.

"Daniela, haide dragostea mea, trebuie să te ridici." Alcina says as she strokes her hair. (Daniela, come on my love, you have to get up.)

"Mamă, du-mă în pat." She replies, half asleep. (Mom, carry me to bed.)

"Nu Nu. Ești prea mare pentru asta. Dar te voi pune înăuntru dacă te trezești." (No, no. You're too big for that. But I will tuck you in if you get up.)

Daniela grumbles before lifting herself off of her mother's lap. Alcina wraps her arm around Daniela's shoulder and leads her upstairs into her bedroom.

Daniela crawls into her large four-poster bed. Alcina pulls the covers over her and sits at the edge of the bed, running her fingers through her hair.

"Noapte bună. Vise plăcute." She says, placing a kiss on top of Daniela's head. (Goodnight bug. Sweet dreams.)

"Noapte buna mama. Te iubesc." Daniela mumbles. (Goodnight mom. I love you.)

"Si eu te iubesc draga." (I love you too darling.)

Daniela quickly falls asleep and Alcina continues to run her fingers through her hair and looks down at her sleeping daughter.

"Când naiba ai crescut atât de repede?" She whispers to herself. (When on earth did you grow up so quickly?)

Alcina kisses Daniela's head once more and leaves the bedroom, closing the door behind her. Heading back downstairs, Cassandra and Bela are cleaning up the bowls the snacks were in.

"Thank you for the help, girls." Alcina says.

"Of course mom." Bela says.

"I am going to bed. Don't stay up too late." Alcina says before kissing both girls on the head and making her way back upstairs.

"Goodnight mom!" Bela says.

"Night." Cassandra says.

Alcina lays in bed thinking of her girls. It feels like it was just yesterday they came into her life. It's hard for her to accept that so much time has past. It's hard for her to believe that Daniela, her baby, is going to be sixteen soon. She still remembers holding her in her arms for the very first time. She was so tiny, so small and fragile. Alcina swore to always protect her, to protect all of her girls and she hopes she did a good job of keeping her promise. It's been seventeen years since the girls first came into her life. Alcina reflects on how terrified she was back then, the weight of being responsible for two, soon to be three, young girls weighed heavily on her shoulders and she was barely 30. Of course she made some mistakes, what parent doesn't? But regardless of how the girls came to her, she's grateful to have been able to give them a stable, loving home. For the most part, at least. There were things she'd done in the past that she would change if she could, but overall, she's proud of the women her girls were becoming.

You were awoken by the baby monitor in the middle of the night, Emma was crying. Looking at the clock you saw that it was 2am. You let her cry it out in hopes she would fall back asleep, but when she started calling out for you, you gave up and went into her room.

"Emma, baby, what's the matter?" You said as you came into her room.

"Mommy, I had a nightmare." Emma says through tears.

"Oh sweetie, it's okay. Come here." You sit on the edge of the bed and pull her into your lap and hug her. Running your fingers through her curls, you shush her and rock her until her sobbing slows. "There you go, it's okay. How about we try and go back to sleep?"

You move to lay Emma back down but she clings to you for dear life.

"No mommy, I want you." She says and starts crying again.

"Oh, love. It's okay, it's okay. Do you want to sleep in mommy's bed tonight?"

"Yeah." Emma says

"Okay, come on."

You pick up Emma and bring her into your bedroom. Laying down with her in your arms, you run your fingers through her hair and try to stay awake until she falls asleep. When she doesn't fall asleep, you rub your finger up and down the bridge of her nose, over one of her eyebrows and back, down and up her nose again, and over the other eyebrow. You repeat this pattern for a few minutes as Emma's eyes grow heavier and heavier before she finally gives in to sleep. Even though you know you should be going to sleep, you can't help but stay awake and look at the little girl in your arms. Your whole world. Without realizing it, your eyes start to close and you too drift off back into a deep sleep.

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the-obnoxious-sibling · 4 months

Note

Do you have any shuggy fanfic recommendations? I already read and rearead (and reread) yours one piece ff…

i can certainly give you some recs!

everything's hosted on ao3 and set in the one piece universe; i do read modern/mundane AUs but i'm always really picky about how an author adapts a ship's canon history into an AU, so i've yet to find one that really grabs me except that one college AU i forgot to save a link to… i hope i'll find you again someday…

for all my life i’ve watched from afar, i’m too afraid to try by Badopportunities - complete, 18k

this is probably my favorite shuggy fic i've read so far. a canon divergence in which shanks hunts down ace instead of whitebeard to warn him off the blackbeard hunt directly, and just so happens to find ace while he's hanging out with buggy's crew. love the outside POVs on shanks & buggy before their history was common knowledge, love their dynamic while trying to keep that history secret, love the optimistic way the story ends.

uncharted waters by vestigialmoods - complete, 41k

a long, multi-POV sorta kinda get-together—this one written after we knew the warlord system was being dissolved but before we learned about cross guild. buggy tries to figure out what to do now that he's lost government protection; shanks is encouraged to go for what he wants for once, instead of passively letting fate decide his path. features very fun characterization for both crews, and a really well-crafted scene that deals with phantom limb pain and sexual tension simultaneously.

in the deepest depths i lost myself, i see myself through someone else by Badopportunities - WIP, 36k

it may be gauche to rec multiple fics by the same author but Badopportunities has yet to steer me wrong! this is set during the timeskip, while buggy is searching for an island to claim as his warlord base of operations and shanks is trying to look after former whitebeard territories. they clash. uses one of my favorite lines for a childhood friends-to-lovers ship: one of them says he's single because he's having trouble finding a partner with “similar life experiences.” iykyk

currently incomplete at 4/5 chapters, last updated in 2022… but they just posted a new chapter of their other shuggy wip (which i also recommend, buggy time travels and saves ace & uta) this week, so it feels like anything's possible!

I'll See You in My Dreams by doublejoint - complete, 4k

shanks keeps dreaming of being older, on a ship with only buggy for company, wearing matching rings and sailing for who knows where. i love how efficiently and effectively this fic explores his thoughts on these dreams over the years—are they visions of the future, his secret desires, bad gas? the ending is very sweet.

We Are Never Ever Ever Getting Back Together (and other lies Buggy tells himself) by Transformatron - complete, 11k, explicit

i am not much for smut (being ♠️🏳️‍🌈 and all), but occasionally one gets in the mood, and this fic has some intense emotions to go along with the intense, kinda kinky smut. shanks has found out about cross guild and comes to see buggy, not convinced that this is a safe, sane, and consensual situation buggy's found himself in. they fight about it, and then… 😳

there is background established buggy/crocodile/mihawk, but crocodile and mihawk aren't present for the explicit portion of the fic.

i like lipstick on my neck by kiriya - complete, 20k, explicit

if i'm recommending smut-with-feelings, i have to rec this fic. genderbent butch/femme shanks and buggy run into each other in east blue, post-roguetown and pre-canon, and spend three chapters bickering, drinking, and… you know. absolutely fantastic characterization, buggy is an awful little gremlin and shanks likes her very much despite herself.

i don't know if the fic was inspired by this art or if the art was inspired by this fic, but either way… if you read the fic you should look at the art. that butch shanks is just. absolutely inspired.

#asked and answered #fic recs #one piece #shuggy

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internallyinarticulate · 7 months

Text

Sally Face lore from the Sally Face: Strange Nightmares Kickstarter

I haven’t seen anyone do this yet (as far as I can tell!) and I’ve always admired the sally face community. With how lovely the community continues to be and with the revitalization it’s been given due to the sally face kickstarter; I’ve decided to come out of my shell and give back to the community I admire! I’ve gone through every single scrap of info through the entirety of the kickstarter (streams, lore given to backers, and some questions he answered on twitter!) to put all the lore revealed by Steve Gabry himself into one place for everyone to use however they wish! If anyone would like to watch the streams then please go to:

Beneeta_K (Twitch Streamer)’s 2 streams they did with Steve Gabry:

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1739974869 (Where they play the board game from the kickstarter)

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1752120791 (The kick off Q&A they did at the start of the kickstarter)

And the 4 streams on Steve Gabry (Portable Moose)’s youtube channel will be located under the ‘Live’ tab. Here’s a link to his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PortableMoose/streams

This is made with love from a sally face fan who’s been around since chapter one came out all those years ago, thanks for making such a wonderful game Steve! I hope you all enjoy! <3 (Sorry it's so late!)

Pink is Steve Gabry answering questions and Black is the Questions!

-THE STREAM LORE- (in no particular order)

:Q: “Are any of the gang in a band?”

A: “They tried to start a band together at some point, but they didn't do much with that.”

Q: “What instrument does each character play?”

A: “Sal plays the guitar, Todd plays the keyboard,Larry plays the drums, Ash sings and plays bass.” Steve at the end says, ‘By the way, I didn’t say they play well. They loved it though.’

Q: “What kind of music did the band make and what were they named?”

A: “They would have played grunge rock with a 90’s vibe with the keyboard.”

(Steve says in the stream that they did not pick a band name, he would imagine that they would have a long piece of paper with a lot of band names on them, some crossed out some not, but they wouldn’t have been able to pick one lol.)

Q: “What song would Sal absolutely love?”

A: “Before he met Larry, he was mostly into rock, grunge, and punk, And then when he met Larry he started really getting into metal.”

Q: “What is Sal's favorite baked good?”

A: “You know what, let’s make it cinnamon rolls.”

Q: “Is Gizmo okay?”

A: “Gizmo is fine, he’s doing good.”

Q: “What is the story about the homeless man on floor 5?”

A: “Well he’s a man, he is homeless, he is on floor 5, sometimes he’s not on floor 5; how ‘bout that?”

Q: “Who was the intended person for Travis’s note?”

A: “I’ve answered this question many times, but people don’t like the answer, so they keep asking. So the answer is, I have someone in mind, but I purposely left it open for you guys to think about who you want it to be.”

Q: “What is Sal’s ideal date night?”

A: “Having a date.”

A: “I think he would enjoy doing something in nature, he would also enjoy just going to see a horror movie, playing video games, going to a concert, something like that.”

Q: “What is Larry’s ideal date?”

A: “Definitely listening to metal, in some form, going to a metal concert, getting some pizza.”

Q: “What is Travis’s ideal date?”

A: “I feel like getting far away from Nockfell and doing something outside the city, getting away from his parents and school. Just a place where he doesn’t have to be around people he knows.”

Q: “What is Ashley’s ideal date?”

A: “She probably would like to go to an art museum or some sort of art exhibit or maybe going to see a play.”

Q: “Todd’s ideal date?”

A: “Definitely going to some sort of science center, going to see some kind of new technology, some educational thing you would enjoy doing or going to a paranormal convention.”

Q: “Did the four horsemen have sleepovers?”

A: “Oh yeah, 100%, all the time.”

Q:“What is the story between Janice and Ray?”

A: “They’re Todd’s parents, they are a little bit ‘burned out’, you know? They’re very loving, open-minded, and kind hearted. They’re a little bit ‘burned out’, they’re spacy, Janice is a little more ‘burned out’ than Ray you may have noticed. She gets ‘burned out’ and forgets what she’s talking about a lot.”

Q: “Is Ash emo?”

A: “No, I mean you have to remember when they're in high school it’s like the 90’s it wasn’t really, you know… there’s Daria hahaha.”

Q: “If Travis survived from the hole,what do you think he’d be up too?”

A: “What do you think he’d be up to?”

Q: “What are the kiddo’s favorite colors?”

A: “Sal’s is blue or pink, Larry is red or black, Ash is purple, Todd is green, Travis likes black.”

Q: “Why did Jim’s puzzlebox turn into a rubix cube?”

A: “Why did that happen?”

Q: “Where did Gizmo get all those stickers from?”

A: “Where does anyone get stickers from?”

Q: “Is Gizmo a salmon guy or chicken guy?”

A: “He loves both, Gizmo just likes to eat.”

Q: “What is Larry’s love language?”

A: “Larry’s is physical touch.”

Q: “What is Sal’s love language?”

A: “Sal’s love language is definitely quality time.”

Q: “Does Sal have a game cube?”

A: “Yeah, he has a game cube.”

Q: “What flavor is Addison Tea?”

A: “It’s Addison flavor.”

Q: “What is the vending machine’s love language?”

A: “Physical touch.”

Q: “What is the homeless guy on floor 5’ love language?”

A: “Here’s the thing with the homeless guy, before it would have been giving gifts, before the way he is now.”

Q: “How often does Travis cry?”

A: “I think he probably cries frequently but secretly and intensely.”

Q: “Is Todd autistic?”

A: “You know he might be on the spectrum, he’s very socially allowed and very blunt. He doesn’t have a lot of social cases.”

Q: “What was Todd and Neil’s first date?”

A: “They met in the library, their first date, probably would have just been going for a walk somewhere and talking.”

~Backer Bonus Lore Given~

-Waiting for Chocolate: In episode two, chug is downstairs waiting for the vending machine guy to come and refill it with delicious snacks. He usually comes every other Saturday and Chug is always there to greet him. However, this time, the vendor does not show up. I originally had a side story planned about the vending machine guy going missing and Chug being very concerned about that. Even though that story didn't make it into the game, the detail is still there. The vending machine guy is gone and his machine remains empty for the rest of the game.

-The Open Road: Ash's dad, Adam Campbell, was a mechanic and always had some project going on in the garage. One of his prized possessions was eventually passed down to Ashley, once she was old enough. It was something she had her eye on for a long time: his motorcycle. Adam even taught Ash to to ride at a young age. So she was already comfortable riding it by the time she was legally allowed to. It became second nature to her. Sometimes she goes out riding, just to clear her head. Ash loves the freedom of the open road.

-Nutmeg: Grieving Mrs.Gibson recives an unwanted gift from a relative. It's a little brown rabbit. Somehow this animal is meant to fill the hole left by her late husband. The rabbit was seen as a burden to Mrs.Gibson, just another thing to take care of. She was too old for this. She didn't even bother to name it at first. Then, slowly, she found herself growing attached to the little critter. When the rabbit was one year old, Gibson made a special meal for her and finally gave her a name. She decided to call her Nutmeg. A nickname that Gibson's husband used to call her.

-Twitter Spontaneous AMA-

Q: Did Travis know about the Devourers of God and Kenneth's involvement in it, or was he kept in the dark about it until he joined?

A: He didn't know when he was younger.

Q: Did the characters come first or were they designed after you came up with the concept for the game?

A: Sal came first, then Larry with the basic idea, then the story and other characters came at the same time.

Q: Two very important questions: Would you consider making it possible to pet gizmo in sally face two (if he's still alive) and do you have this wedding photograph in higher quality?

A: Maybe! And it was drawn at that small scale, so this is the in-game asset is as high res as it gets-

Q: When is the next video game coming?

A: I'm HOPING to release a small project with Wither Studios (nothing SF related) MAYBE towards the end of this year. These things are very hard to predict in advance. Which is why games are always being delayed. So I try not to make promises until I know for sure.

Q: Will we get the $250k stretch goal on the Kickstarter even if we don't reach it?

A: I think we'll definitely pass that goal (The goal at the end was $306,947!)

Q: Is Sal legally allowed to drive since he is missing an eye?

A: Yes!

Q: Did you write and sing all of the Sanity's Fall songs?

A: Yeah, I did all the music including everything for the SF songs.

Q: What program did you use to make the sally face art?

A: I used Photoshop and a Wacom drawing tablet.

Q: Why were Chug and Soda dull when cleansing the apartment?

A: You can actually find this answer in the game! If you play close attention during that part.

Q: 1) Why does Sal grab his pigtails in Packerton's apartment when he thinks they're about to get caught? Is that something he does for comfort? 2) When did Sal first start expressing himself with his hair, and what did Henry initially think?

A: 1) It's a nervous response. Just like someone may cover their face or mouth when scared. 2) Once his mom die, he let his hair grow out. Soon after it got long enough, he started with the pigtails. Henry thought it was a little odd at first but was fine with it.

Q: Did it ever cross your mind to add voice acting to the game? Recently watched Featherfall studio's fan-dub and the game looks even more interesting with voices.

A: It's something that I've thought about but I would be SO picky about getting the right voices. So idk. Plus it'd be a big pain to add retroactively. Maybe more likely in the second game, if I decide to add voices.

Q: We know Travis and Todd are gay, but what about the other characters? Do you have any idea?

A: I will say that Sal is purposely left ambiguous so that players can project their own feelings onto him. Though I have my own ideas about him too.

Q: What was your favorite part about developing Sally Face (Or making the board game)?

A: I love creating the world and seeing it come to life. It's also something truly special to see people connect with my work on an emotional level.

Q: One of my favorite Youtubers just finished the game, ad i was wondering when the second Sally Face is going to come out because it did say it'll be continued.

A: It's very early in development, so I don't have any timelines right now. If you're interested, I made a retrospective of the development history and some more insight here; https://youtu.be/JZPOx2jMLxE?si=r-N4mcDZC40MrtJr

Q: Is there a reason why Sal has long hair instead of short hair?

A: Because he likes it long.

Q: If I were to make a video playing the game Sally Face would you take down the video for copyright?

A: I'm always happy to see people playing Sally Face. I wouldn't copyright strike any content creators for playing or streaming the game.

Q: Why were there so many empty letters addressed to Sal?

A: They may not be so empty after all.

Q: What's in Addison's Tea?

A: You don't wanna know.

Q: Is Lisa Johnson a Latina?

A: Her family is mostly from Spain and Italy.

Q: Do you think some people would actually believe Sal on trail since it was close to the satanic panic era, or the satanic panic era was already dead then?

A: There might be some people out there who believe him.

Q: Are you planning on adding more official language translations into the game, and what ethnicity is Travis intended to be, if he has any?

A: I don't have any concrete plans right now, it just takes a lot of time and effort. But I'd like to add some more language support in the future, if possible. And Travis is multiracial.

Q: What are the SF character's favorite IRL songs?

A: Larry's favorite song is a Sanity's Fall on you haven't heard yet.

Q: How and when did Todd and Neil meet?

A: They met in the library.

Q: What was the idea behind different art styles in the game?

A: I've been obsessed with the idea of alternate realities since I was in high school (before all the cool kids were doing it lol) and for a long time I've wanted to make a game with multiple art styles, revolving around this idea of different realities.

Q: Since Lisa's family is from Spain, does Larry speak or know any Spanish?

A: He knows some but isn't fluent.

Q: Will the second part of the game be released in episodes like the first.

A: Still debating on this. I'm curious to see what fans think, I'll make poll! (He did create a poll, staggered episodes was what won the poll on twitter.)

Thank you very much for reading this post! Have a Great Day or Night!

#sally face #sally face lore #sal fisher #larry johnson #ashley campbell #todd morrison #sally face neil #travis phelps #portable moose #steve gabry #sally face community

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toracainz · 3 months

Text

Tell Me Where to Put My Love pt4

You and Steven haven’t been together very long, but that won’t stop either of you from fighting tooth and nail for a chance at a future together.

Series Masterlist

Part 3 - Different Kind of Danger in the Daylight

Part 4 - Unavailability Is The Only Thing That Turns You On

Part 5

Warnings: Inaccurate depictions of DID (only knowledge from the show and some light research). Swearing. Established relationships. Married relationship. Use of term “priest” in a gender neutral sense. Discussion about cheating. Discussion about homewreckers. Canon typical violence in later chapters. Mentions of food. Angst. Fluff.

Word Count: 4k

A/N: I am so sorry it's taken me this long to post the next part, been stewing over this part for so long. 😭 Personal stuff happened and then writer's block and ugh. Anyways, I hope you like it. 🥺

There you were, outside his flat, standing by the road looking up at his floor. You had to go in sooner or later, but the pit in your stomach made it hard to move any further. You were honestly lucky you made it as far as you did thanks to some encouragement from Tutu. It was strange that he seemed to care so much, maybe he really did. You were sure that by now Layla was in town and inside the flat. The bustling sounds of average Londoners going about their day helped keep you calm (well, calmer), oddly enough.

“He’s not going to come to you, child.” Tutu stood atop the nearby building. “Though knowing him, he might actually.” The god chuckled. “Go. All will be well. You are strong.”

Glancing up at his masked face you can almost feel the reassuring smile hidden behind it. With a nod, you take a moment to collect yourself before starting inside the building. What would you say first? What do you say first? Obviously introduce yourself, or maybe Steven would introduce you. Wait, who’s going to be fronting during this? Are they going to be, what did Steven call it? Co-conscious? How easy was it for them to switch? Steven had mentioned he and Marc could do it pretty effortlessly now that they were closer. You still hadn’t actually seen them switch yet. Since he had come back it had always just been him with maybe a stray comment here or there in Steven’s head from Marc.

The lift seemed to be moving so slowly, compared to the speed of your thoughts racing through your mind. Oh God, would Layla even want you to step foot in the flat? What would Steven do if she refused to talk to you? Surely, she would at least talk…right?

Oh. When did you get in front of his door? Muscle memory must have carried you here. Well, you’re here. You take another deep breath sensing Tutu’s reassuring presence as you lift your hand to knock. That’s when you hear it. Layla is talking, but you’re not sure to who, was it Marc or Steven? You imagine probably Marc, that’s who she’s here to see…unless... You try not to dwell on it and find yourself knocking on the door. Things fall silent in the flat other than a low voice, maybe Marc, and the sound of approaching steps. To say you were relieved when Steven swung open the door with a smile was an understatement.

“Hello, love. Come in, come in. Make yourself comfortable of course. Uh…but first I think it’s best to get the introductions out the way, yeah?” He ushers you in, his hand finding a gentle place on your back out of habit as he introduces you to Layla. She gives you a curt smile, brows lifting slightly as she reaches out offering a handshake. You take it with a nod.

“Steven has said a lot of nice things about you.” She rests her hands in her pockets glancing between you and Steven. “So, I guess now that everyone’s here…we should eat.” She says, trying to change the subject. The air was so thick with tension you weren’t sure you could move from where you stood.

“Oh right, yeah.” Steven says to Layla as she starts into the kitchen to get out plates and cups. He turns to you with obvious concern on his face. “I truly am glad you came. I made your favorite and look…nothing has to happen tonight. I certainly don’t expect things are alright between us, but I’m just happy you’re here. Um, Marc and I, we’ll be switching a bit so just warning you. It’s not scary or anything, I just…well Layla’s seen it so she’s used to it. I just didn’t want you to be surprised.”

Oh, God did you love him. He was so concerned about you being comfortable despite the very uncomfortable situation you all found yourselves in. He had made your favorite dish and was trying to make sure you knew that there were no expectations and that you wouldn’t be surprised by his and Marc’s behavior. You nod letting a small smile appear. “Yeah, alright, Steven. Thank you.”

He smiles back with a nod. He would have usually kissed your head, but he resigned himself to just placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. It didn’t feel right, even with the context of everything happening. The very demure gesture when both of you were very much comfortable with hugs and kisses just felt foreign.

“Uh, Steven? The food?” Layla approaches the cleaned off dinette table and starts setting it as Steven hurries into the kitchen to bring the dishes over.

“Is there anything I can do?” You offer, trying to rescue yourself from the role of knot-on-a-log.

“Yeah, love. Could you get that dish there on the counter please? We’re doing a sort of pot luck style, just get what you like sort of thing.” He set the dish down before going to get the drinks. “Hope everyone enjoys. Marc tried to make one of Layla’s favorites and one of his. I, of course, made a favorite of mine and of yours. We can all dig in! Try out each other’s favorites!” Suddenly, Steven’s face scrunched up like he smelled something bad, but it wasn’t Steven that spoke. The seamless way they switched was something entirely unexpected.

“Hell no, Steven, you can have your vegan food. I’m gonna stick with my corned beef kugel. I won’t make you eat it, so don’t make me eat yours.” He shook his head with a huff as you all gathered around the table and took your seats. Just as seamlessly as Marc appeared Steven was back.

“Oi, rude. I didn’t say you had to, Marc. Just that everyone could if they wanted. He didn’t sleep well, stressed about cooking everything. Told him not to worry, that I could help. He’s a bit crank-“

“I am not cranky, Steven.” Marc returned to the front annoyed as he started to plate his food. You and Layla just watched as the two bickered about the food. Layla watched curiously while plating her own food. She had seen them do this while fighting in Cairo, so fighting amongst themselves in their flat wasn’t too different. You on the other hand tried not to stare. Not because you were weirded out or thought they were crazy. It was just incredible to experience, after all you had never known anyone to do this before.

You remembered how Steven was before he disappeared. Sullen, but still hopeful about life. A dark cloud always not far behind. Steven had been so beat down that he had nearly accepted his lot in life, lonely gift shoppist destined to never be a tour guide or have a partner of any kind, no friends, just unreturned voicemails to his mother and the living statue man. Steven seemed so free now. Free of his past burden, the secret life Marc was keeping from him, he was lighter and smiling much more, much much more. You loved it. Seeing him so happy and full of life. Even bickering with Marc seemed to elicit some degree of joy, poking fun at each other.

Layla had been there for them during such a chaotic time. She was strong after all. Stronger than you. The voice from your dream comes careening back through your mind, “What can you do that she can’t do better?” You close your eyes as you pick at your food, nibbling on the different dishes, trying to block out such thoughts. But what if there was truth to it? What if she really could do better for them than you could? You didn’t realize you had gone still until you felt a hand rest on yours. Following the hand up to its source you’re met with Steven’s concern filled eyes.

“You alright, love?”

You take in a shuddering breath. Were you starting to panic? Oh no, no not now. Not in front of her. “I uh, I’m sorry I just…I’m sorry. I just have to go to the loo.” You get up and try not to seem desperate to escape the room as you enter the bathroom sliding the door shut. Not much privacy, but it’s better than sitting in front of her. Comparing yourself to her. Being judged by her. Leaning against the sink your chest begins to rise and fall with hastened breaths. You try to force them to slow and deepen but they only come out shaky.

She was definitely better for them, both of them, than you were for Steven alone. She was strong and he deserved that. He didn’t need to be coddled or looked after like before with you. Layla could keep up with him and Marc. But you? Where could you fit in all of this? You can't find a place to fit. This is a different puzzle, one you’re certain your piece didn’t belong to. You look up into the mirror, seeing Tutu’s visage behind you. A gentle hand rests on your shoulder. Again, the mask hiding what could only be a look of sympathy…and perhaps pity.

“This isn’t going to work, Steven. This…whole thing is just…it’s too awkward. I don’t see this lasting long.” Layla says to Steven in a hushed tone, not enough for you not to catch some of it. Somehow your breathing quiets enough for you to listen, Tutu unsurprisingly gone now.

“They’re just nervous. This will work. It’s going to work, Layla.” Steven doesn't look at her as he shakes his head. “It has to work.”

“What? So…are the four of us going to live in the same house, hmm? Go on some weird double date, cause this dinner was going so well.” Her voice dripping with sarcasm as she moves to try and make Steven look at her, leaning forward slightly. “Marc and I haven’t even really started working through our own shit and now this?”

Steven stands up harshly, you imagine from the sound of a chair sliding back suddenly. He squeezes his eyes shut, staving off Marc’s attempts to front. “No, mate, you can talk to your wife after I make sure they’re okay.” This time he does look at Layla, his gaze firm, before starting towards the loo, his steps becoming softer and more careful the closer he gets.

“Love? You alright? You sick? If you need anything I’ll g-“

You open the door miraculously fighting off your tears. Looking up at him you reach out and his hand instinctively finds yours, his other one hesitantly reaches up to your cheek. Before it can make contact you move past him towards the front of the flat starting to grab your bag. You turn and look Layla in the eye, her slightly surprised gaze meets yours. No doubt surprised someone like you had the nerve to even look her way again (or so your brain was telling you).

“I’m sorry.” You find the words spilling out before you mean for them to, if those were even the words you wanted to say. Steven had followed you from the loo watching you wondering what you’d say next. “I’m sorry for…whatever it is you think I’ve done. I truly had no idea about you and Marc. How could I? I know I’m something akin to a homewrecker and I never meant to be. I just…I love Steven. I do, but you are clearly more capable and better suited for both him and Marc. I’m not you, by any-“

“Love, what are you saying?”

“They’re leaving, Steven.” Layla says. You just nod, unable to fight the tears any longer.

“I truly do love Steven, but from what he’s told me about you…you can take better care of both of them. I would just get in the way.” You sniffle, wiping your tears as you turn to start out the door. As your hand grabs the door knob a strong calloused hand grabs your arm. The fiery determination in the warm brown eyes that look at you catch you off guard.

“Now wait, just hold on, just a minute…time out. Now let’s all just chill the eff out, yeah?” He looks from you to Layla. “Yeah, alright, this isn’t ideal. But I love them and they love me, you heard them.” His grip on your arm isn’t painful despite how firm he holds on. Looking at you, his expression begs you to stay, but his eyes burn with a fire you’ve never seen before. “This can work if we are all willing to try. I won’t just give up…not getting rid of me that easily, love.” His focus is drawn away from you and to the mirror next to the door. He must be listening to Marc.

With the room growing quiet, expectant of what would be said next and by who, Layla decides to fill the silence.

“If they want to go, Steven, you can’t make them stay.” She stands up from the table.

Steven, shaking his head as he tries to listen to Marc and Layla, something that never went well in the past, steps away from you.

“What about what I want? I want to be with them. I never wanted to be Khonshu’s avatar, never wanted to have a “sleeping disorder”, and…no! I’m not giving you the body, you can talk with Layla when I’m through!” In the middle of Steven’s rant his head snaps to the fish tank, hands flying to his head, fighting against the pull from Marc trying to take control. Things are escalating and neither Marc nor Steven want the people they love to leave, and Marc knows Layla might.

“I believe I may be of assistance.”

His voice carried over the flat like a blanket, though a little louder than Steven or Layla would have liked. Both of them flinched, yelping, Steven jumping closer to you almost protectively (though screaming a little louder than he intended), and turning to see Tutu standing there in the middle of the flat. Layla suddenly was no longer in her normal clothes but instead in the gorgeous suit Taweret had gifted to her, holding her two swords out, almost like a reflex.

“Ha! I knew it!” Marc says, pushing to the front. Pointing at Layla, a satisfied grin on his face, confirming that she was still an avatar distracting him enough from the fact that there was a god standing in the flat. Layla looked as embarrassed as she would let herself appear to be as the suit dematerialized leaving her in her casual clothes yet again.

“What? Alright, yes I’m still Taweret’s avatar and because of this suit I’ve helped a lot of people.” She stood firm, justifying her connection with the goddess, her contrapposto posture contradicting her conviction as she defended herself.

“No, that’s great. I mean, Taweret was actually really nice so I don’t imagine she’s like Khonshu…manipulating and threatening,” Marc couldn’t help but smile at her. You recognize that smile. Love. A smile Steven would give you, and you fear that he has given that smile to Layla as well. Suddenly, Marc shifts and his posture changes.

“How?” Steven asks, turning the attention back to Tutu. Talking with gods had become fairly normal for Steven during his recent adventure. “You're the god of tombs and the protector of dreamers. Sorry, but…I’m not sure I understand how you could help.”

“You are correct, but it is my skill set that is more than capable of assisting.” His golden head nods towards Steven, as if to say “I’m at your service”. “I believe my avatar already knows what I intend to offer.”

With that, all eyes fall on you, your back against the door, eyes wide but drying up now that Tutu has appeared. His presence always a comfort to you. “Yeah…I know.”

“Well, what is it, love?” Steven’s brows gather in a myriad of emotions: confusion, curiosity, concentration.

“He intends to put us all into a dream. Any one of us could be the dreamer, but he would give us all the energy to lucid dream…in a space where we all could have a voice.” As if reading the god’s mind, you explain Tutu’s plan. You’d never done this before, created a dream space where you and another could interact. All of Tutu’s missions involved lucid dreaming, entering someone’s dreams and being fully in control of yourself. For the average person lucid dreaming is something you train yourself to do through repetition and practice.

“Yes, within the dream perhaps communication could be more effectively practiced.”

It was worth a shot, if all parties agreed, but something told you that Layla didn’t want to try it, didn’t want this to work. You couldn’t blame her. She was “here first”, and was actually married to Marc. If it were the other way around, maybe you might feel the same? Honestly it’s hard to truly know how you’d react in a situation until you’re actually in it. It’s easy to say “I’d do this” or “I’d never do that”, but when it really comes down to it you never really know.

Steven’s eyes and mouth open wide, mind racing to conclude how this could work, what it would feel like, if this would even be something he (or Marc) would feel comfortable doing. Communication is a little difficult, sure, tensions and stakes are high–not ‘ancient Egyptian god trying to take over the world and eat people’s souls’ high…but still high.

“I…I think…I think Marc and I need to talk…alone. The last time we were…not together…it wasn’t exactly a pleasant experience, yeah? Don’t think that this would be the same, no, it’s just…I think we should talk about it first.” Steven can’t help how his hands find each other to fidget like he had done so many times before, taking a deep breath he wills them apart. Things are different now, he’s not quite as timid or unsure of himself as he was before Marc, before Cairo. Things are different. He has Marc now and this is the life they wanted to share with each other, but the thought of someone catching a glimpse of one of their dreams, their nightmares…it was scary.

“Of course, Steven…Marc. Both of you. Not sure I like the idea much either but…stranger things have happened, yeah?” Layla’s voice has turned soft and tender. She can only imagine what could be going through Steven’s and Marc’s head. You felt the same. The two of them had been through so much in such a short time. Being vulnerable and open is still so new to them. If they were uncomfortable with entering a dream world, then maybe you all could find another way. You nod with a short agreement to Layla’s words.

The air in the flat was thinning in a good way, from the thick tense air that had begun to settle. You think that maybe it was Tutu’s presence that was facilitating this calm and maybe you'd be right. He’d never admit to such, but it’s welcomed all the same.

Steven looked at you and Layla, his lips curled at the corners into a gentle smile. “Thank you, both of you. I promise, we’ll try and have an answer for you both soon…uh well for all of you.” He turns to Tutu, his smile turning sheepish.

“Take your time. I’ve waited this long, right? I don’t mind waiting…I’ll always wait for you, Steven.” You could feel your body wanting to take his hand, but could you? Would that be weird in front of Layla? This whole night had been weird so what’s one more thing? Before you can worry about that, as if he feels the pull too, Steven takes your hand. When your eyes meet it’s like the warmth from his hand spreads through you, even to your cheeks where a smile has found its way across your lips. This could work. It had to. You didn't really want to walk away. Sure, you still worry about being compared to Layla, but that will just be something to work through…with Steven.

~*~*~*~

After saying your goodbyes, each of you to your respective man, you and Layla share a very awkward elevator ride. If you thought the ride up was slow, this one is moving at a glacial pace, as if the weight of the tension was straining the mechanics. Thanks to the mirror covered walls you steal glances of Layla, seeing how beautiful she is this close, feeling how confidence just falls off of her. You could see why Marc and even Steven could fall for her. Taking a deep breath, you try and keep those dark thoughts from growing again, the last thing you need is to have yet another panic attack in front of her.

“It’s nothing personal, you know,” Layla says, breaking the silence, not turning to look at you but opting to look at you in the reflection facing you both. Your eyes widening a fraction prompt her to continue. “I get it. Finding out there’s ‘someone else’ is…it’s not fun. I mean, every time I think I know him, Marc I mean, it seems something else comes up and it’s like I haven’t known him at all.” She took a deep breath, her shoulders relaxing a fraction. You really could sympathize. You could only imagine what it must have felt like for her, to think that her husband was cheating on her. You and Steven weren’t married, but it still hurt a lot.

You take a moment to mull over her words. What do you even say? “Yeah, it was a not-so-pleasant surprise…guess we’ll just have to wait and see what’ll happen next.” What more was there to say right now? It was clear by how she was talking to Steven that she didn’t think this would work or maybe she didn’t want it to work. There was something that neither of you realized you had in common…persistance. Neither of you were going to give up the man you loved so easily, even in the face of uncharted territory.

Layla’s gaze went from the light indicating what floor you were passing back to you. It was…intense wasn’t the right word. Strong definitely, but there was something else there. You didn’t know how to react, if you should, but you could feel it. Like she was assessing a threat in battle. Your posture straightened, your expression steeling…you couldn’t let her get to you, whether she was meaning to get to you or not. If this was going to work, you couldn’t continue feeling so very small around her. You’re an avatar just like her, you can do this.

“Guess we will.” She said just after the elevator door dinged and opened to the ground floor hall. Her words felt like a challenge. It almost felt like she was expecting you to throw in the towel right then and there. Putting her hands in the pockets of her jacket, Layla started for the front door without looking back…she didn’t need to. You took a step out of the elevator and watched as she left, looking dazed? Stunned? You weren’t sure what you were feeling, anxious certainly, but there was so much going through your head you weren’t sure what to call it.

Once you were outside the building and headed for the sidewalk, you took a moment to look back at the building, up to the floor where Steven’s flat resides like you had only a hour or so ago. Your hands gathering together to fidget with the other, you could almost still feel Steven’s touch. With a sigh you turn and begin the trek back to your own flat.

Tutu loomed, ever watchful of his avatar, his golden deathmask for a head concealing any expression that might give away how he felt or what he was thinking. However, the god couldn’t hide how his body tensed, the way his hands clenched into fists. Ever so slightly, his head turned to glance behind him in the direction of Steven’s building, though there was nothing to be seen, there was no mistaking what he heard, what he sensed. Not wanting to be too far from his avatar (or at least that’s what he told himsel), Tutu disappears.

The sound of fabric fluttering in the wind was all that could be heard in the light of the crescent moon.

Don't forget to reblog and/or comment! I love to hear from you all!!

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strangerthingsn · 7 months

Text

My evil dad

Summary: You’re Eddies pregnant girlfriend during season 4 of stranger things. Eddie is not gonna die at the end tho!

a/n: I just came up with this idea a week ago so now I started writing it! (If you find any type faults or anything else please mention!)

warning:kissing, make out, sex , pinv , 18+, she/her reader, dad!eddie, if I missed something please let me know!

Chapter three ~ the monster and the superhero

You slowly started waking up. It was 11:03, pretty late. You was wondering why Alice hasn’t cried you awake yet. You open your eyes and sit up. You look at her crib, finding it empty…

“Uh..?” You immediately get up really confused. You look in your room but no. No Alice. Then you rush downstairs. No time to put anything else on.

“I have her” your mom is sitting on the couch in the living room.

“You scared the hell out of me.” You put a hand on your chest.

“Im sorry, I thought you can sleep a lil longer, you still need to get rid of your little baby bumb. Cost your body much energy.” She is giving Alice the bottle. You walk over to them and sit next to your mom.

“Does she drink out of a bottle?” You look surprised.

“Yeah she was so hungry because her mom won’t wake up” she teases you.

“Mommmm” you roll your eyes. You feel someone starring at you. You look down at Alice and give her kisses on her face.

“My sweet girl.”

“You heard anything from Eddie yet?” Your mom looks at you both.

“Uh-..noo…not really.” You were not a good liar but it seems like your mom believes you.

“I miss him around, I heard about what happened. I heard it on the radio and I called Wayne.” Your mom looks at you.

“Me too I wish he was hire” In meanwhile Alice had pushed the bottle away. “You don’t want it anymore?” Your mom smiles at her. You get up and walk to the kitchen.

“you not gonna work or something?” You are looking for breakfast.

“no I took a day off today to be with my daughter and grandchild.” You mom smiles and turns the tv on.

“how nice” you smile. Then grab some milk and cereal to put it in a bowl. Getting a spoon and you walk to the couch.

You sit down at you look at Alice. She gives you a soft smile. “you wanna go to mama?” Your mom sees her smiling, “let her finish her food first okay?” She kisses her cheek.

You giggle and start eating. You watch a bit tv and watch Alice fall asleep. You thought about Eddie probably being hungry by now. But how can you bring any food while your mom is hire?

she absolutely can’t know Eddie is hiding there. Maybe you can say you’re gonna visit one of your best friends.

“mom?”

“hm?” She looks at you.

“can i vist Gareth today?”

“yeah sure, but if you gonna drive in your car just don’t go too far and keep your eyes on the road.”

“yes mom I know. I’ll take Alice with me “ you smile.

Well that was fixed. Now only a reason to bring a bag with you. Well ofcourse diapers for Alice? That will work.

“I’ll already go pack my bag” you put the bowl on table and get up, “and I’ll put Alice in her bed” you take Alice from your mom and you kiss her nose. Your mom turns back to the tv while you walk upstairs.

You walk into your room to lay Alice in bed. Then you go to your records. You grab a wham! album and put it in the record player. They are one of your favorite music artist.

you grab a bag and put diapers in it and you walk downstairs again to put some chips, fresh bread from the baker and candy in it.

“where you need all that food for?”your mom suddenly stands behind you.

“I-..” you needed to think about something,”I’m very hungry always and Gareth told me he needs to do some grocery. So I thought I get some things so he doesn’t have to do that.” You talked fast.

“uh okay..” your mom give you a weird look.

“what?! Im for real.” You look irritated.

“your hormones are still working.” She rolls her eyes and walks back to the living room. You sigh. Ofcourse she had to be grumpy again.

“did you give Alice her new diaper?” You pack a beer and some other drinks.

“mhm about like a hour ago”

“okay.” You set the bag in the hallway.

“are you already going? Its literally 12 AM” your mom sits on the couch again.

“I’ll wait until she wakes up then.”

——-

The loud baby sounds. You wake up again. You decided to just sleep for a bit again because you needed to wait for Alice to wake up anyways. You get up and pick the little lady up then you lay her down on bed. “Come hire babieee” you give her kisses all over her face to make her stop crying. You tickle her feet a little and she finally stops crying.

“Good girl, you don’t have to cry mommy is hire” she gives you a soft smile.

“so pretty.” You kiss her nose and you grab some clothes for you and Alice. For her black jeans a Metallica shirt and thick socks. For you grey jeans and a simple hoodie. You put it on while Alice lays down looking at you.

“you ever heard from privacy miss Munson?” You smile at her, after your clothes are on you just put some mascara on with some eyeliner.

“I think I have to go buy you some stuff for your curly hair, I’ll ask your dad what we need for that.” You don’t know what he puts in his hair, it are much bottles. Eddies hair looks always good but you don’t have curly hair so you have no idea what to buy Alice. Alice starts making a little crying noices, she clearly wants something.

you walk over to her, “what’s up young lady?”.

You look at her crib for something she might had lost and then you notice her pacifier.

“oh sorry sweetheart.” You grab it and put it in her mouth carefully. You grab your comb and you sit next to her on the bed. You brush your hair a bit and you just let it down.

“I need to brush my teeth you staying hire? Don’t move, I’ll keep my eyes on you.” You giggle and walk to the bathroom. Then you grab your toothbrush and start brushing you teeth.

When you finish that you put Alice her clothes on. When it’s all done you put your jacket on to put Alice in it.

not much later you step in your car.

——

You step into ricks garage (Eddies hiding place) still scared of Eddie attacking you.

“don’t want any knifes to my or Alice face.” You look around for Eddie.

“not gonna happen.” He smiles and sits in the same corner as last time you saw him.

“hey baby” you walk over to him and you give him a couple pecks.

“hello princess.” Eddie immediately takes Alice out of your jacket.

“hey sweet girl.” He smiles and kisses her forehead.

“you had a good night?”

“yeah actually thanks for the pillow and blanket” he looks at you again.

“anything happened? Or still boring all day in this garage?” You throw your jacket next to Eddie, today was a pretty warm day.

“actually… yesterday Dustin, Steve, Robin and uh…a redhead found me…” he sighs.

“Oh…shit” you look surprised down at him.

“it’s okay…actually they helped me. They got me some cereals as breakfast.” He nods.

“well let’s hope they not telling anyone.” You walks a little around.

“Dustin as a good guy, and they told me some-…stuff… about Hawkins..”

“stuff?” You look at him again.

“I’ll tell you later.” He smiles.

“How did you even came hire while your mom is home without her knowing” Eddie looks at you while holding his daughter.

“Just being smart.” You wink at him.

“come hire.” He grabs your ankle. You smile and sit down next to him.

“I was thinking… it’s a really long time ago we had sex.” He looks at you. You first ook at his face to look if he’s serious.

“just about four or three days ago. Not that long.”

“too long for me.” He wraps his arm around you.

“well just telling I’m not having sex with you in the cold garage of your drugs dealer with a baby.”

——

You were wrong.

You moan loud. “AH. Eddie f- feels so good baby.” He smirks with his eyes closed and keeps trusting into you.

“So pretty for me” he kisses your neck, while you sit on his lap. Your legs were on either side of him. You have probably already been fucking for 10 minutes. The sweat was on Eddies forehead.

He speeds up. Hitting your g-spot every single trust he makes. The moans from both of you were getting louder. He opens his eyes just to look at you. You were already so fucked out but if feels so incredibly good.

“giving birth of our pretty girl needs to be rewarded, huh?” He leaves a couple hickeys on your tits. You looked down at him for a minute before your eyes fluttered shut again.

“y-yes babe.” You moan out. He puts some hair behind your ear and speeds up a little again. “Is my baby gonna cum for me?” Eddie has now both of his hands on your waist. You just nod at his words.

“I need words darling” he whispers in your ear.

“yes!” You whine. Eddie smirks proud and his hands rubbed along your sides softly. You moan loud. Eddie bites his lip. He absolutely can’t handle it anymore. You moan his name, as you cum. He was spilling his warm cum into you at the same time.

You let yourself fall on Eddies chest. He rubs your back carefully and soft.

“good girl. Are you okay?” He kisses the top of your head. You nod with your eyes closed.

“m’ good…” you rest against his chest. His warm breath in your neck and you could hear his heart.

——-

Your wake up and open your eyes as you feel anything on your nipples. “it’s okay baby just letting Allie drink.” Eddie kisses your forehead. You lay on the ground on your jacket and Eddies. The blanket over you and your face on the pillow. You have your panties and jeans on again, all cleaned up. Also your hoodie but it was lifted up over your boobs so Alice can drink.

“I’m sorry I felt asleep.. how long was I gone?” You wrap your arms around the baby on your chest. Eddie looks at the clock behind him.

“About two hours” Eddie chuckles. You shake your head while giggling.

“but the lil girl started to get impatient.” He smiles and lays next to you. He goes with his hand over your cheek.

“fuck I love you.” He kisses your nose.

“How did you clean me up?”

“my old shirt. I saw you had a new one for me in ur bag, you just have to clean the other one at home.” He gives a soft smile.

“I love you.” You smile back at him.

“love you more.” He plays with your hair.

“don’t forget your morning after pill. I don’t want another one yet.” He giggles. You laugh.

“no seriously don’t forget it y/n” he smiles and cuddles you.

“I promise babe.” You lay warm against him.

“I have dinner for you in the bag” you smile at him.

“what is it?” He lays his head in your neck.

“sushi! I got it for you yesterday I thought you can eat it cold that’s easier”

“ill pay you back after I worked again and I’m not wanted hire in Hawkins.”

“you don’t have to. I don’t need to money back” you go with your hands through his hair.

“but I’ll atleast try to pay you back.” Eddie is so nice. His uncle absolutely raised him perfect. He actually never told you where his parents are. But that’s probably a trauma for him. And that’s the worst thing. A boy with a trauma getting another one. But he’s still so strong.

“no is no.” You grin.

“Fine, y/n. Fine” he chuckles softly in your neck. Alice finishes drinking so you put your shirt down. It was just 5PM but you stayed until Eddie ate and you leaved around 12PM.

The rest of the time you was there you lay in eacothers arms.

To be continued…

—-——

im so sorry y’all. This part is pretty short I just had not enough time this week so I finished this in a day. But I really wanted to give you all a part 3 rn. I had to post this quickly so let me know if you see any typfaults

Tagglist: @kellyxo1 @wish-upon-a-star-1310 @notsobubblybaby @amira0303 let me know if you wanna be added 🤍

#eddie munson #eddie munson x you #eddie stranger things #eddie x reader #eddie x fem!reader #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson x reader #dad!eddie x mom!reader #dad!eddie munson #eddie munson fluff

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haziel-luz · 4 months

Text

His Priority {Donnie x Reader}

Chapter 4: Let Him Go

The past three weeks gave you surprises, like Casey finding you, and revealing his break up with April. You didn’t want to even think about your own break up. Right now, you’re hanging out with Raph, training on the rooftop. He really made you work out your anger, and it was satisfying.

“Alright bug, that’s it for today, feeling better?” Raph pulled a towel and water from his bag and tossed them to you.

“So much better, thanks for this.” You wiped your face and neck with the towel. “I really appreciate you taking the time to train tonight.” You open the water bottle and begin drinking it in gulps.

“No problem, but is that all you called me for?” Raph raised an eyebrow and hanged his towel around his neck.

“What do you mean?” You asked, as far as you thought, you just wanted to release some stress.

“It’s been a few days since then, I was just wondering if you had any curiosity.” Raph leaned against the wall opening his bottle. Well, he wasn’t wrong, you did have some questions about how Donnie is now, but you were better off not asking.

“I do, but it’s better if I don’t know anything. Whether he’s figuring things out, comfortable, heartbroken, or moved on. I rather not know any of that right now. I know he’s your brother and you care for him, but since he’s my ex, there shouldn’t be a reason for me to hold his burden. Whatever that may be.” You sat down and sighed out of exhaustion. You’ve always been honest to Raph about how you really felt, and you hope that this doesn’t change your friendship. Looks like Donnie really did listen to you this time. He left and didn’t come back, the city has felt silent at night since then.

“That’s alright, but since we’re on that topic, how’s Casey?” Raph smiles when you playfully glare at him.

“He’s annoying as usual, thanks for that.” You threw your towel towards him, he instinctively doges the towel in disgust. You laugh and continue, “He’s doing good, he found a new roommate to crash with while he tries to look for an apartment. Maybe just a studio apartment.”

“Ain’t he crashing with his cop buddy? What’s his name..” Raph sits next to you, thinking.

“Benjamin, he just calls him Ben though.” You snicker at the name, sure it’s a ridiculous name, but your ex was named after a literal artist.

“Ah right, Benji. Anyways, since you're both doing good, how about the three of us hanging out next time? Drinks are on Casey.” Raph smirks, probably plotting what to do for that night. Knowing his schemes, this might include turning Casey into his drunk puppet. Oh how you missed the embarrassing display.

A notification sound came from Raph, he grabbed his cell and slumped at the message. Guess it’s time to go back to work.

“Patrol time sucks sometimes,” Raph stands along and picks up his bag, “Get home safe, alright bug?”

“Alright, see you later, snappy.” You chuckle at his groan as he walks away. This time, going home isn’t a problem. Your thoughts are not loud and your body just wants rest for the first time in two days. You're betting that tomorrow is gonna get better.

____________

This morning felt so refreshing, no work today but you guess a walk around the city can help you occupy your mind. Your body has been feeling sore from training last night, you hate that feeling when you just want to be energized. Grabbing your bag and keys, you left your apartment and walked outside on the busy sidewalk.

You’ve been keeping tabs with Casey this morning, he wanted to grab breakfast again but something came up for him. So, it’s just you listening to your music, minding your own business. You gave your single life luxury, there's no way you can stay away from your favorite stores.

Then there it is, your store, more like your playground. It’s a store that had it all aside from clothes, you were more into gaming. A nerdy side to you that you didn’t show often. Why not see what’s available for today.

Going into the store was like going through your Christmas list. So many consoles and enough games to entertain you for months. As you're going through the games on the shelves, you didn’t realize someone was talking to you. You felt a hesitant tap on your shoulder and you turned around surprised. It’s April…great. Now you wish you didn’t even turn around.

You refrained from rolling your eyes and took out your earphones reluctantly. “Can I help you?” Your voice was neutral, and you didn’t want her to think that there's a chance for any sort of friendship.

“Uh hey, I just wanted to see if we could talk.” She seemed a little hesitant by this interaction, but she stayed firm.

“We already are, I doubt you're here to have a girl time.” You exhaled through your nose as you slowly walked around the store to see more game options.

“Yea…I just wanted to say that nothing happened between me and Donnie. He was just someone I could always count on when things got difficult.” April explains while following you around, and you clench your jaw a little. And Casey isn’t?

“I already had this conversation with him. Look, I appreciate you defending him, but things are a little more complicated because of him.” You tried to wave her off, hoping that your response would be enough to make her walk away. She was quiet for a moment, and you took that as a cue to walk away. “Alright, if that’s all it is then, bye-”

“He’s not in a good place.” April stopped you from ending the conversation with a slap of a burden. You talked about this with Raph last night, and now she’s the one feeding to your unwanted thoughts.

“Are you serious right now?” You stared coldly into her eyes.

“He’s not in a good place. Donnie hasn’t been himself lately, he refuses to leave the lab, barely eats, and works himself to the bone, even in the dojo. Everyone’s worried about him, while you're picking out a game. Just where he knew you would be.” She stands her ground and frowns slightly at your reaction.

Your blood was boiling and your hands were clenching in the pocket of your hood. There is no way that she felt like she had the right to call you out as if you were in the wrong. You couldn’t really help but be angry enough to laugh at her. She was taken back by your sudden laughter.

“You think I can help him cure his depression? Make him happy? You? The girl who became his number one since day one. The redhead that couldn’t help herself to be around him when it was convenient.” You stared at her menacingly. Two can play the “talk shit” game. While she’s here you might as well humble her.

“Yes, I do think that maybe if you talk to him, he can get better. I know I’m the last person you want to see, but if you put your petty feelings aside then you can help Donnie. I wasn’t exaggerating about his well-being.” She speaks as if she’s wise and reasonable, but let’s play this out.

“Fine, but under one condition,” You step forward, making her take a step back, and you lean forward a little, “let him go.” Her face shows how confused she is. How pathetic.

“Let him go? What are you-” She was about to say something ignorant, until you cut her off on her bullshit.

“‘What are you talking about?’”, You mocked her, “Oh please, save me the fake confusion. I have the right to be petty, you don’t have the right to be so righteous. You want to be his savior sweetheart , then you should start giving him some type of closure. Let. Him. Go.” You sternly gave her the option, no, the obligation to make the choice. You know deep down that if you went to help Donnie, she would be given the credit, his appreciation, his admiration, his praise.

Her eyes widened at your demand, she readjusted herself and exhaled through her nose, "Letting him go would mean that I would be losing a best friend. I can’t just cut ties with him like that. We can establish boundaries, if that’s what you want.”

“Ah, there it is.” You chuckle humorlessly.

“I’m being serious. We can get along somehow, we-” April wanted to keep her composure as best she could by extending the olive branch. You're just not in the mood for “peace” right now, not this kind.

“We? Let me be blunt, you have rubbed me the wrong way ever since I had to watch Donnie make a fool of himself for you. Even right before we broke up, he just lied to make you a priority over me. You want to be the peacemaker for Donnie’s sake, good for you, but I’m not sorry for not enjoying your presence, or even listening to your annoying noun of a name. Good-bye.” You readjusted your bag and walked away, your feet dragged you out of the scene as fast as they could. Another minute with her and you probably would’ve seen red.

All you wanted was a damn game, but no, somehow that’s ruined too. And Donnie… now that you know that he isn’t doing well, you hope that he can understand the situation. Wait, understand ? He should do whatever it takes to figure himself out even if it’s breaking him. You’ve been dealing with almost breaking apart for almost your whole relationship, even friendship. It’s only fair.

You heard her raising her voice, she’s still following you outside. “Wait! Hey, we're not done here.” She calls out your name and finally catches up to you. Her hand lands on your shoulder. Bad move. You turn around and slap her arm away and you finally give it to her.

“For fucks sake- Just go out with him! How stupid do you think I am? You honestly expect me to believe that you were never once curious, because even Casey thinks so.” You were seeing red, you really didn’t want to hurt her, so you might as well bring her down. April glared at you, she finally looked just as angry as you did.

“That was really uncalled for, what happened with me and Casey-” She instantly shut her mouth at a familiar voice.

“Me and Casey what?” Casey raised an eyebrow as he stood behind her. Everyone stood silent, so much tension was in the air that everyone walking on the sidewalk avoided their gaze. After a minute, Casey walked past her and stood right beside you, he looked down to meet your eyes.

“Are you okay?” He asked, tilting his head. His face was calm, as if he wasn’t even standing in front of his ex right now. How is he doing that? You didn’t trust your voice, so all you did was nod.

“Casey…” April whispered almost longingly, her eyes stare at him in disbelief, and in awe. He did mention to you that he hasn’t seen her since the break up, and that was three weeks ago. Yet it seemed longer for her, based on her expression.

“So what’s this about? If I can even ask.” Casey gave her a neutral look, his voice was almost freezing cold. April didn’t seem prepared to encounter him.

“It’s just… Donnie isn’t doing very well.” Her nose slightly scrunched at the name she blurted out.

“Donnie huh? Well, send him my best. Shall we?” Casey lays one hand on my shoulder to turn us away.

“I know you're not his biggest fan, but his condition is really bad, he needs help. I’m doing what I can, but he needs her.” She just wouldn’t let it go. Your hands clenched tightly, and he noticed.

“She’s not your biggest fan either, so I’m helping her right now. He needs her now, but she needed him way before this. So, I’m gonna have to ask you to stop trying to fix something out of your reach. It’s tiring.” He sighed and continued to make us walk away from her. You turned your head and observed how defeated she looked. You didn’t know if it was for Donnie or Casey. Casey said your name softly, rubbing your arm.

“If something like this happens again, just let me know. You almost seemed ready to punch her.” His calm voice was bringing you back from your thoughts. This became emotionally draining for you, and you were really thankful that Casey was around.

You were also worried about Casey’s wellbeing, but he repeated several times that he’s fine. As you both walked, there was still silence, but a calmer silence. This is what you needed, a moment of peace from the angry thoughts running through you at a thousand miles a minute.

Ugh, how annoying.

______________

Next => Chapter 5: ? (Coming Soon)

Previous <= Chapter 3: Figure It Out

#tmnt fanfiction #fanfic #fanfiction #donnie x reader #donnie tmnt #x reader #angst #drama

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batty4steddie · 2 months

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Written with @spicycinnabun ❤️️ | Rating: M | cw, read, kudos and comment on ao3 | We have a playlist. 🦇 | Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Can I Keep It?

Chapter 7: Bad Vampire!

Eddie stepped on the gas and took them back towards Lover’s Lake, turning up the music so they could drown their thoughts. Skull Rock was close to Rick’s house, which was funny in a not-so-funny way because Eddie had spent all weekend wishing he was far away from it, and now he was right back. Eddie had spent many a night in these woods, but never for pleasure like Steve. Eddie went purely for business. Horny teenagers were good customers.

Rock music flooded Steve’s ears. He didn’t mind. It was nice. Steve looked at Eddie for a long moment. The moonlight reflected off his pale skin, highlighting his long, milky neck. It was completely bare; Eddie was still in disguise, his hair pulled back. He was absolutely glowing, and Steve could feel his mouth watering. He quickly turned his attention back out the open window. The breeze brought in a variety of scents, which felt a little less overwhelming than how good Eddie smelled to him. Steve took another deep breath of fresh air.

Fifteen minutes later, Eddie pulled the beemer into the cozy spot multiple tires had sat in before, the grass yellowing in two straight lines. The familiar skull-shaped rock was lit by the car’s head beams, emphasizing the shadowy caverns of its eye sockets and making it look even more Halloweenish than usual.

What was he thinking, going into the woods alone with a hungry, possessed vampire? Was he stupid? Yes, Eddie’s brain supplied for him immediately, very stupid. But would the guy who’d taken Eddie home, comforted him, and fed him his mother’s cooking really kill him?

…Maybe, maybe not, but his instincts said no. His gut said no. It had been right about a thousand times before.

Eddie turned down the music, figuring it was probably best they didn’t make too much noise out here. Who knew who, or what, was listening, waiting, or watching. Ugh. “Maybe you can sink your fangs into the raccoon population terrorizing the trailer park,” he suggested. “My uncle’s been unsuccessful in dwindling their numbers so far.”

Wayne’s attempts consisted of a bunch of broken traps and a lot of cursing. Mostly about all the bullets he would have to waste to kill the damn things. Eddie personally thought they were cute. Tiny trash bandits waving their little hands around and screaming at people who came near their treasure. Their homes had to be in the forest, right? Not only in the dumpster behind his favorite Chinese restaurant, Wok My World.

As soon as Steve turned his head back in Eddie’s direction, Eddie’s scent invaded his nostrils again. He flared them, trying to stop the excitement that began to pump through him. It felt like he was here on a date, about to get laid. He wished. The bite on his neck started throbbing, and his pulse quickened. He was beginning to feel aroused.

Eddie’s suggestion distracted him momentarily. However, the thought of munching on raccoons wasn’t appealing to Steve at all. “They’re too cute to eat.”

Steve kind of thought Eddie had a cute raccoon quality. He was going to have a hard time with this. He didn’t want to get out of the car, and he didn’t want to be a vampire.

“Too bad,” Steve heard. Not from Eddie but from inside his head. Like somebody was invading his mind. Steve knew that voice. It was the one and only and very dead, Billy Hargrove. He was doing this? “Harrington, I think you have a little crush on someone, don’t ya?”

Eddie raised his brows, oblivious. “You’re going to have a hard time finding anything to eat if you think all the animals in the forest are cute.” He poked his tongue out the corner of his mouth. “Maybe you should eat me instead?”

Eddie wasn’t cute. He probably wasn’t delicious either, but he had to be easier to swallow than raccoons and bunnies.

Eddie expected Steve to laugh or roll his eyes in that semi-fond, semi-irritated way like he did with the kids (because maybe, just maybe, Eddie was growing on him the same way they had). Instead, he zoned out, expression taking on an eerily dormant quality—lights on but nobody home. Eddie’s smile fell.

“No!” Steve suddenly yelled, his upper body jerking, expression contorting like he was in pain. A few seconds later, he went limp, head dropping to his chest. Steve wasn’t saying no about his little crush because he couldn’t even contemplate that… that he had a crush on Eddie. He couldn’t believe Billy was back either—from the dead and currently controlling his entire body. He didn’t want that. Internally, he was pitching a fit; thrashing his body around, growling, foaming at the mouth and throwing punches.

“Sweet baby Jesus, what now? ” said Eddie, almost exasperated by the stress. His stomach felt like it shrivelled to the size of a pea. He reached out, tentatively placing his hand on Steve’s shoulder. Steve only swayed a little; a puppet with its strings cut. “Stevie?”

Eddie didn’t know what to do. Shake him, slap him, yell at him?

Steve re-animated just as Eddie started shaking him, lifting his head and rolling his shoulders, dislodging Eddie’s hand from him. His eyes were liquid black, and his face transformed with a smirk. It was a twisted, serpentine thing. Somehow, it didn’t look like it belonged on Steve’s face. It looked like someone else was wearing his face. Possession. “Wrong. It’s kind of pathetic, don’t you think? What you’re doing right now.”

Eddie gaped. That was Steve’s voice, but it also wasn’t. It had a cruel, mocking quality that didn’t fit Harrington. Not the version Eddie was starting to get to know.

“I saw everything that happened in his bedroom back there. Do you really think pretty boy is interested in you like that? I mean, even if he does swing that way occasionally, freak meat isn’t what he goes for. ” Not-Steve laughed, and that sounded wrong too. Overly theatrical and biting.

It didn’t stop Eddie from turning a deep red. Mortified at being outed so casually, angry at being spied on by a fucking Upside Down wizard. At least he wasn’t scared anymore. “Who the fuck are you? Vecna? Get out of Steve!”

Outside, an owl hooted—the who, who, whooo taunted Eddie in a way that was too coincidental.

Not-Steve bit his lip in amusement, rolling his eyes. “I can’t claim that title, but maybe one day. I’m someone else.” He shrugged. “And no, I don’t think I will. I’m enjoying being inside him. Wouldn’t be the first time, if you get my drift.”

While Eddie tried to figure that out—was this someone who knew Steve? Had... been with Steve? Somebody Vecna had killed? Was Not-Steve a woman or a man? That comment made it seem more likely it was a man. He was also getting major douchebag vibes. “Dude, that is incredibly disrespectful.”

Yeah, this was no powerful wizard. More like a minion of Vecna’s, just like Steve had suggested.

Steve was having an out-of-body experience. Completely paralyzed and unlike in the convenience store where he had blacked out (that must’ve been Billy, too), Steve was conscious. He was there, in the Upside Down, with Billy, but also still in the car with Eddie. He could see Billy talking to him but also see himself with Eddie. Billy’s ability to read Steve was uncomfortably uncanny. Billy had always seen right through Steve, and now he was reading Eddie like a book and using Steve to do it.

Billy looked the same. He was the same gorgeous asshole with perfectly tussled curly hair, smug shit-eating grin, barely buttoned red shirt, in the tightest jeans that gave Steve’s a run for his money—all topped with his signature leather jacket.

Steve felt utterly violated and spied on, and the comment about Billy having been in him before made him feel queasy. He’d never been in him. Sure, Billy had been on him before, by elbow checking him, grinding against him just to push him down when he hadn’t planted his feet like Billy insisted he did when they were playing basketball and again when they were outside the Byers’.

Billy had gotten something out of taunting Steve and roughing him up. When he’d finally and rightfully socked Billy in the mouth, it was like that had turned him on. Billy had liked it, and it was like he had been waiting for it.

The version of King Steve everyone talked about was the basketball captain, the good-looking great fighter and keg king with a perfect family. Billy was desperately trying to become king and take all of his titles. Only none of them were up for grabs. The title of king still belonged to Steve.

Steve could be dense, but with the way Billy looked at him and flirted with him by calling him pretty boy more than once, Steve had thought Billy was queer. When Billy had straddled him, fighting him, Steve could’ve sworn Billy had been hard, but Billy had thrown a few good punches to make Steve loopy. Steve didn’t want to think about if the kids hadn’t been there or if Max hadn’t stabbed Billy in the neck with the tranquillizer. If they had been alone, Billy could have gotten a couple more hits in and knocked Steve out.

Maybe Billy was talking about a sick fantasy he had been planning when he said it wasn’t the first time he’d been inside Steve.

“Maybe we should eat him,” Not-Steve mused, not talking to Eddie anymore but to the car at large. Or so it seemed until he added, “What do you think, pretty boy? He’s like cafeteria food. Not hot or appetizing, but he is cheap and available.”

Eddie spluttered. “I am not!”

“I would say I'm sorry if I thought that it would change your mind, but I know that this time I have said too much, been too unkind…”

Steve’s guilty pleasure song, Boys Don’t Cry, came over the car’s radio.

Steve didn’t want to eat Eddie. He couldn’t even bring himself to eat Thumper or Bambi. “Fuck no, I’m not going to eat him. He’s more Bambi than Bambi—the most doe-eyed guy I’ve ever seen,” Steve said, and suddenly he could speak and was very much back in his body and out of the Upside Down.

If Steve weren’t a vampire, he would’ve turned red because he had just told Eddie, and not Billy, that he wouldn’t eat him because he thought he was cuter than Bambi. Fuck was right.

Eddie was still trying to recover from being compared to the slop they served in the school cafeteria when Not-Steve’s eyes drained of their demonic color. Not-Steve had left the building (body), and this time, it was very clearly Real-Steve who had spoken.

Bambi. That was a new one. Of all the things people had called him, some even downright creative with their nastiness, nobody had ever compared him to a Disney character before. Doe-eyed. Did Steve really think his eyes were doe-y?

While his face wasn’t burning with embarrassment, Steve dropped his gaze because he still felt it. He hated Billy, hated that he was right about their feelings. He didn’t like being used as a puppet and to accuse Eddie of anything.

Steve could tell by Eddie’s gaze lingering a little longer on him that Eddie liked him, but Steve liked that. He liked being liked, and he’d been enamored with Eddie, too. Steve looked down at his hand as he flexed his fingers, happy not to be paralyzed anymore and in control of himself for now, skull ring glimmering on his ring finger.

The loaded silence stretched between them as the song continued, “So I try to laugh about it, cover it all up with lies. I try to laugh about it…”

Eddie broke the tension with a nervous laugh, twisting one of his rings around his finger. Steve looked like Steve again, which was a relief—such an immense relief, even, that Eddie had to stop himself from jumping over the console and throwing his arms around him. He fiddled with his rings more. “Fuck, well, that was a trip. You okay? The… that thing isn’t still inside you listening, is it? You got it to scram?”

Eddie’s voice got Steve to look up. “I’m okay, but I… I don’t know.” Steve felt alright—a little dehydrated, but that was it, and surprisingly, he didn’t feel like Billy had been in him in any way. “That thing was Billy Hargrove. Max’s brother, if you remember him from school. He’s such a motherfucker.” No pun intended since he probably slept with at least half of the housewives in Hawkins. “I thought he was dead. I hope he’s not listening or going to do that again, but knowing him, he likes to fuck with me. Think that was him back at the store, so that’s the second time he’s used me.”

Billy Hargrove. That name rang a bell. Eddie’s gaze darkened briefly. He felt a surge of protectiveness for Steve. “I remember Hargrove.”

Two years ago, when he transferred to Hawkins High, Billy Hargrove had been the name on everyone’s lips. The Californian Adonis who’d rocked up in a blue Camaro, guns blazing. Eddie had met him. Had a begrudging appreciation for the style and theatrics and had been unwillingly entranced by the pretty face, but that was where any admiration ended. The guy couldn’t have been more of a sexist pig if he tried, and he’d banded together with Tommy Hagan, which explained more than enough about his character.

Knowing that was who was possessing Steve was just the worst fucking thing. Yuck. Just. Yuck.

Steve swallowed. He’d pushed a lot down that Billy had brought right back up for him. At the time, he had been trying to make it work with Nancy, and had been fucking up in school, and there came Billy, the good-looking bully, who’d tried to take over his whole persona. Steve had been frustrated for more than a couple of reasons.

“I’m sorry he talked to you like that, I wouldn’t… he didn’t, you know… he was lying.” It wasn’t like Steve cared much about his reputation, but he wouldn’t let that go. No matter how he swung, he didn’t swing that way for Billy.

Eddie’s eyes widened. His insides squirmed, screaming at the fact that his thing for Steve was now hanging awkwardly between them, and Steve was fully aware of it. Great. That was just fucking great. At least Steve didn’t seem too disgusted. It didn’t seem like he was about to throw Eddie a knuckle sandwich. But maybe he was still in shock from being fucking possessed two minutes ago.

“No, yeah, no, I didn’t think so,” he reassured Steve quickly. “Demons are notorious liars, man.”

And that was what Billy now was: a demon who had possessed Steve like Regan in The Exorcist, thankfully without the head spinning and projectile pea soup.

Of course that asshole had been lying. Eddie was glad Billy had never been with Steve that way, but if Steve had occasionally swung in his direction, that would have been… ideal was a creepy word to use, but it would have been nice, maybe. Steve wasn’t interested in him—that was clear as day—but to know another dude who was also interested in other dudes would have been refreshing. There were only two people Eddie was aware of who leaned the same way as he did, and they were—

Steve’s back went ramrod straight, catching Eddie’s attention. His body language mirrored Steve as he followed Steve’s stare and caught sight of the bushes in front of the car’s head beams rustling ominously. Eddie was almost relieved for the next bout of fuckery about to be laid upon them, if only to escape this conversation.

That was until three letterman jackets appeared, one belonging to Hawkins’ very own basketball star and Chrissy’s loving, devoted boyfriend, Jason Carver. It sure was impressive, the way he’d carried on with his Mr. Faithful schtick after he’d let Eddie jerk him off. So devoted.

Eddie’s messed up heart decided to start booming over twisted feelings instead of the actual alarming problem at hand, which was that one of the jocks was holding a baseball bat, and they all had bloody murder in their eyes.

“Shit,” Eddie muttered. He tried to restart the car but fumbled the keys. They dropped from the ignition and hit the floor with a jingle. “Christ, damn it!”

Eddie folded himself sideways to disappear from view, inadvertently placing his head in Steve’s lap. The lights hopefully blinded the jocks enough that they hadn’t seen him.

Here, Steve had been worried that his dick wouldn’t work as a vampire, but the second he felt Eddie’s nose graze his cock through the fabric of his jeans, it started to stir. Thankfully, it was very much alive, but Steve didn’t want to find out like this by accident. Eddie’s head was in a place he wanted it to be, but before his mind could go there and make him cream his jeans, Jason fucking Carver appeared.

Carver and his gang were already charging toward them as Eddie scrounged on the floor for the stupid keys.

“Harrington!” Jason called, obviously having recognized the beemer the closer he got. He stopped by Steve’s window, which was still open from earlier. Eddie froze. “Hey, have you seen that little freak, Eddie Munson? We’re looking for him. He killed Chrissy.”

Steve’s eyes narrowed. Jason was talking to him like they were good friends. That always annoyed him because they were never friends. Jason was a little too perfect, always in his letterman jacket, like there wasn’t anything beyond basketball and Chrissy.

Eddie held his breath, staring at the close-up fibers of Steve’s jeans. He still had the flimsy disguise on, but the sunglasses were slipping down his nose, and he knew from the soft intake of breath up above that Jason had realized he was there.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to interru…”

Eddie’s sunglasses fell to the floor.

There was a long, horrifying pause. “… Munson,” Jason spat.

Suddenly, Eddie was being yanked up by his ponytail and dragged out of the open window. Jason must have been eating his Wheaties because that fucking hurt. Eddie yowled like an alley cat, twisting wildly to free himself, but Jason still had his hair in a tight grip and the collar of Eddie’s jacket in the other. He felt Steve’s vice grip lock around his legs, keeping him from being yanked out completely. Jason’s bare arm was right beside his face, sleeve shoved up from the scuffle. Eddie growled and did the only thing he could think of, taking a page out of Steve’s new book by opening his mouth and biting Jason’s arm hard until he tasted metal.

Steve heard teeth breaking flesh and then immediately smelled blood. Fresh fucking blood. His fangs emerged. He had to have it.

Crack! Eddie let go as a burning pain lanced through his cheek. Carver had just bitch slapped him. Blood dripped into Eddie’s teeth as he was pulled back into the car.

He was a little dazed, but when he locked eyes with Steve, he must have started fucking hallucinating. Steve looked monstrous again, eyes red and black veins practically popping from his skin. He had a rabid hunger and anger on his face, staring fixedly at Eddie’s lips. “Gonna make him pay,” Steve promised.

Eddie’s eyes dropped to Steve’s lips as they released their vengeful threat. Steve rubbed Eddie’s cheek with his thumb, then leaned in and kissed the blood right off Eddie’s lips. It didn’t last more than a second. Steve’s cold lips hitting his, his growing fangs poking Eddie and making him let out a small whimper. Then it was over, and Steve was licking Jason’s blood off like he’d just enjoyed a delectable treat.

Steve immediately wanted more: blood, kisses and sweet revenge.

He let go and threw open the car door, hitting Jason with it. He got out and shut the door behind him to keep Eddie safe. With Jason on the ground, his lackeys came out of the woods, but it was too late.

Steve had just kissed him. Eddie sat there, dumbfounded and still processing that, as Steve bolted out of the car and attacked Jason. Once again, his speed was immeasurable. Eddie’s heart pounded as he stared out the now-closed window. Steve was straddling Jason, hunched over his body, the same mouth he had just kissed Eddie with attached to Jason’s wrist and drinking his blood.

Unlike Larry’s, Steve didn’t mind Jason’s blood. It was sweet and tangy, kinda like the orange sauce on orange chicken. Steve watched the light in Jason’s eyes fade as he drained him. It excited him that the evil bully was circling the drain. It was satisfying for a reason that Steve couldn’t put his finger on. He felt no remorse, surprisingly, since he was sound mind and body for this kill.

Drinking Jason’s blood was something he wanted to do, had to do, to protect Eddie and satisfy his vampiric needs. He didn’t regret it all. He was proud and full of sweet ‘n sour vampire fuel. There was little to no mess this time. Steve let Jason’s limp arm fall and punched him in the face for good measure.

Steve was back in the car before Eddie could decide, once again, what the fuck he was supposed to do about the situation. The other jocks were white as sheets. They looked at what had happened to their leader, looked at each other, and then booked it, running in the opposite direction. Not very loyal lackeys, Eddie thought faintly.

“Got him back for you.” Steve grinned at him, pleased as punch.

And it was almost endearing. His fangs were stained like he’d just been eating a cherry popsicle. Eddie felt the absurd instinct to pat him on the head and call him a good vamp.

“You… did,” answered Eddie slowly, fighting the weirdest combination of emotions known to man: terror mixed with dread mixed with affection mixed with heart-fluttering flattery.

Eddie still seemed to be in shock, so Steve started the car for him. “In case Jason pulls a Larry, let’s fucking go!”

Eddie shook himself. “Steve, you’re not thinking straight. You’re really not thinking straight, buddy.” You kissed me! You killed Jason Carver! Killing Jason was actually the more likely thing to happen compared to Steve kissing him. It was just the blood on Eddie’s lips that he had been after. He’s a fucking vampire, Eddie reminded himself. And then, for the fifteenth time that day, he screamed at his mind to focus on the real problem. “You know what? Let’s go to the cemetery. There’s nobody with blood there to be in danger of those chompers.”

Except for Eddie, but now that Steve was full of… Jason, he probably didn’t need any more blood—at least for a while.

As they backed out of Lover’s Lake, Jason rose to his knees, mouth opening wide. The headlights caught his new fangs and black hole eyes. Eddie stepped on the gas and turned the wheel, tires squealing as they got out of there.

“Maybe there isn’t anything straight about me anymore,” Steve said quietly. Steve’s skin warmed up full of tasty blood, and his darker veins dissipated slightly. His eyes went back to their normal honey-tan color. Steve had gone from a normal guy to a bloodsucking killer. “Technically, I’m not even human anymore.”

It was laughable and a lot, not just for him but for Eddie. He wasn’t sure why Eddie hadn’t run away from him when he’d turned in the convenience store. Now, he suggested they go to the graveyard. If he weren’t a vampire, that would’ve given him the creeps.

Eddie blinked hard but didn’t suddenly wake up in his bed, so he wasn’t dreaming. Had Steve just told him he wasn’t straight? There was no way. This had to be Hargrove’s influence. He was fucking with Steve, had control of his body and now his thoughts and feelings too. “Tell me that again after we’ve reversed this curse, and maybe I’ll believe you.”

Steve wasn’t sure what Eddie was referencing. He revealed something that Eddie didn’t believe, but he wasn’t lying about anything. That left him feeling miffed.

Eddie cleared his throat and continued, “I don’t think the police will check the boneyard. They’re gonna be after you now, too.” Especially as soon as Carver’s buddies squealed about what had just happened. “We need to get your Ghostbuster gang together to figure out how to fix you, stat.”

Eddie wasn’t too worried about Steve biting his friends. So far, it only seemed to be the people who angered Steve that got fang-banged by him. (People who insulted Eddie and tried to hurt Eddie, but Steve probably would have fang-banged anybody to defend them, not just Eddie.) The trick was to keep Steve away from people who triggered his knightly instincts.

Steve couldn’t tell if Eddie was happy with him or not. Maybe Eddie feared him. He had just killed Jason, kind of. Temporarily stopped him from killing Eddie was a more accurate description. Also, drinking blood had finally satisfied Steve’s thirst. He hadn’t realized how thirsty he had become for blood and Eddie. Kissing him had felt like the most natural thing. And Eddie had done something that excited Steve. Biting Jason and drawing his blood had been really fucking hot.

Steve wasn’t trying to hide that he liked Eddie back. He thought he’d made it clear by kissing and protecting him.

“Do you think we can find an empty coffin for me to hang out in when it becomes daylight?” Steve asked with a smirk, reaching down to grab his sunglasses from the floor. He put them on. “It’s a myth about the sunlight, right? The sun is gonna come up soon, so maybe you won’t have to worry about me eating you. Or do you think these shades will protect me?”

Eddie glanced at the sky. It was turning a golden orange. The sun was minutes away from coming up. He knew Steve was joking but answered thoughtfully, “An aversion to garlic was supposed to be a myth, too, so I think we should be careful. Try to avoid it.” There wouldn’t be any empty coffins, but if things got bad, Eddie guessed they’d have to stick Steve in the trunk or something. He added, “Call me crazy, but I’m not worried about you hurting me. I trust you.”

That was the God’s honest truth, and Eddie was probably a lunatic for it, but he felt safe with Steve. It was the whacked-out supernatural forces he didn’t trust, not Harrington. What was happening to Steve wasn’t Steve’s fault.

Eddie’s answer was logical. Steve hadn’t been too worried. He was worried enough to bring it up, but at the reminder of what the garlic had done, he took the sun coming up more seriously. He hadn’t felt pain since the garlic jerky burnt his fingertips. He couldn’t imagine what the sun would do until they saw it themselves.

Steve looked at Eddie. He noticed that Eddie’s hair tie was barely hanging on, so he reached out and took the elastic off. “How’s your head?” Steve asked, having forgotten how violent Jason had gotten with him. His cheek was still really red. Steve gently ran his fingers through Eddie’s hair to detangle it. It felt really soft, probably thanks to his shampoo. He sunk his fingers into the top to rub Eddie’s scalp, knowing it was probably sore and tender. “I liked it when your head was in my lap. We could’ve put on a show if he hadn’t noticed it was you.”

Focusing on the road was getting a little tricky, what with the lack of sleep, but Eddie didn’t lose focus entirely until he felt Steve’s fingers in his hair. His claws had retracted so Eddie could feel Steve’s soft fingertips grazing his scalp. He hadn’t been paying attention to the pain in his scalp, too caught up in adrenaline, but his hair follicles were screaming now with the attention brought to them, so the soothing touch made him make an embarrassing sound. It could’ve been something close to a moan, but then Steve had to get Billyfied again, and Eddie’s brain imploded.

The car veered dangerously off the road and onto the shoulder for a few seconds before he pulled it back on track.

Steve growled and bit back the urge to pull Eddie’s hair for that stunt. “Dude! Be careful with my car, would ya!” He let go so they could get to the cemetery without crashing.

“I was being careful until you molested my head!” Eddie snapped, losing his cool and white-knuckling the steering wheel. “Quit distracting me! And quit… flirting! ”

“That wasn’t what I was doing.” Molesting Eddie’s head. Wow. Steve was just trying to make Eddie feel better. He was taken aback at being told to stop flirting, too. Jesus Christ. He wasn’t the one that almost took them off the road.

Now, both of Eddie’s cheeks were scarlet, not just the one Carver had slapped. Eddie was used to being the flirty one, the inappropriate one, the I will make you uncomfortable before you make me uncomfortable one. He didn’t know what to do with this openly flirtatious, straight but not acting straight jock.

And then there was the whole consent issue because Steve was under the influence. It was rapey of Eddie to like that comment, to like that kiss, to like Steve at all. It was fucking with both his head and his heart, dear lord. So no, neither of them were doing very well right now, thank you.

Eddie took the next turn aggressively, going over the curb.

If looks could kill, Steve’s narrowed eyes would’ve gotten the job done. A dirty look would do since telling Eddie to be careful hadn’t gone over well.

The sun had started to rise, and with their new direction, the glare was very close to hitting their windshield. Just when Eddie thought things couldn’t get worse, he saw smoke up ahead. “Is that a fire?”

He leaned forward, and yeah, those were flames, but the closer they got, the more human-shaped those flames became until it became very clear that somebody was walking along the side of the road, on fire.

Eddie hit the brakes hard, making them both jerk forward. He hesitated instead of getting out of the car to help because this person wasn’t screaming or acting panicked like a normal person on fire would. They were calmly, sluggishly walking as their flesh melted off. Eddie rolled down his window.

“ GRRRUUUUUUHHHHH….”

Eddie rolled the window back up, cutting off the crackling groan. “That is barbecued vampire bacon right there.”

The sunlight was slowly creeping into the car. It reached Steve’s collarbone. “Shit, Steve!” Without thinking much beyond preventing Steve from being flambeed, Eddie reached out and yanked Steve sideways out of the line of fire. Steve’s face hit his lap.

What they saw out Eddie’s open window was horrifying. A zombified vampire was on fire. Was Steve going to spontaneously burst into flames and go up into dust, too? Not on Eddie’s watch, apparently. Steve wasn’t sure what the fuck Eddie was doing to him or why his head suddenly needed to be buried in his lap. This was comical.

“Who’s molesting who now?” Steve snarked as he got comfy. Maybe if he just went to sleep here in Eddie’s lap, the sun wouldn’t make him go up in flames.

Eventually, he felt the sun on his legs, and he didn’t feel like he was burning. So, was he going to be okay? “Do you think me going down on you is the antidote or something?” Steve smirked and started to undo Eddie’s belt. Something about being a well-fed vampire was making Steve horny. Surely, Eddie wasn’t going to let him get his pants open, but Steve was going to try. He thought it was a grand invitation.

Eddie spluttered. “Do I—Jesus Christ, no .” If Eddie’s dick had magical vampiric healing properties, that would be too good to be true. There was the sound of metal clinking and—

“ Steven. Bad vampire!” Eddie smacked Steve’s hand away from his pants. The little fanger had actually gotten Eddie’s belt open and was starting on his zipper. Eddie didn’t know if Steve was short for Steven, but it felt right. “When I said you could eat me earlier, I meant the blood in my neck, not there. ”

Well, also there, but Steve wasn’t supposed to actually take him up on it. Billyfied Steve was really testing Eddie’s sanity. Eddie gripped the wheel so he didn’t do something stupid like bury his hands in Steve’s beautifully luscious-looking hair and say, “Let’s try and find out, shall we?”

How was he supposed to survive? Hell, he’d take facing Vecna over this sort of personal torture.

Steven, ugh, that sounded like his mom was getting after him. Steve had to laugh when it was followed up with a bad vampire and a smack to his hand. Steve stopped and moved said hand out of the way, letting Eddie do his pants back up.

Eddie didn’t trust himself yet to step on the gas pedal again, too busy willing himself not to get the world’s most inappropriate boner by thinking of sad and gross things like dead kittens and that time he accidentally walked in on Wayne in the tub.

That worked, thank God.

Eddie defended himself. “I’m not a creep like that, man.” Steve had to know he wasn’t about to take advantage of him in his current state. He didn’t know what sort of impression Steve had of him by now, but he would never sink to that level of grody human trash. “I was just trying to keep you from being turned into a fucking fanglet mignon. The sun almost grilled you through the window just now.”

There was sunlight on Steve’s legs, but his jeans must have protected his skin because nothing was happening. “There are some big shade trees at the cemetery we can sit under. Just stay down until we make it, okay? Or hide in the fucking back seat."

That was a way safer option for all parties. Eddie continued to scold him, totally killing Steve’s blood buzz. He hadn’t had anyone stop him or complain when he took their pants off before. He seriously considered biting Eddie’s thigh through his jeans just to shut him up. Steve shifted off Eddie’s lap but stayed low like he suggested. “When I need blood again, I’m taking you up on your initial offer. I just thought we could’ve had a little fun after the day we’ve had. Since you’re not like that or into having my mouth on you, I’m gonna keep it off you.” Steve’s good mood was quickly dissipating. He climbed into the backseat, deciding that some space between them would be good. He sighed and stared up at the ceiling as Eddie started the car.

Eddie’s stomach gave a little jolt, his eyebrows crinkling in instant regret. He bit his lip. Oh, how fucking wrong Steve was. But Steve was also overridden by lusty Billy-infused vampire hormones right now. He didn’t know what he was saying. He would get over it pretty quickly once he was regular Steve again. He would probably be disgusted by everything he’d said and done toward Eddie. There was no way these were his true feelings.

And besides, maybe Eddie wanted to be more than just a little fun. He’d been the experimental fun for Carver, and look how well that had turned out. Maybe he wanted to be… You know what? It didn’t matter because this wasn’t happening. Steve would thank him later for preventing it.

It was a bit awkward since it was on the floor near him, but Eddie reached back and grabbed a pack of strawberry Big League Chew from the basket, keeping his gaze far away from Steve’s after he noticed an honest-to-God, actual pout gracing the guy’s lips like he’d been denied his favorite toy. (And that was so cute it was fucking unfair.)

Eddie tore the pack open, shoving the entire contents into his mouth so it would be occupied and wouldn’t run off on all the ways Steve was wrong about him not being like that or not into having his mouth. Eddie scrunched the bubblegum wrapper in his fist and chewed his frustration out until they got to the cemetery.

#steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #steve x eddie #steddie fic #steddiebang23

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absolutebl · 1 year

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This Week in BL - OMG PLEASE STOP SINGING

May 2023 Wk 2

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Step By Step (Thai Tues WeTV & Gaga) ep 4 of 10 (MDL still says 12, but Gaga still says 10) - Jeng trying to improve himself so awkwardly is kinda sweet. I love that Bruce it here & queer! Yay! Chot is my favorite but Pat is my spirit animal, I always sniff people’s bath products. Jeng looking at Pat in the suit = hello, future husband. The irony of Pat running around trying to find Jeng’s weakness, when it’s clearly him. Also WASH YOUR HANDS & NO SINGING.

La Pluie (Sat iQIYI) ep 3 of 10 - still loving this one, enjoyed seeing the seme’s side of the meat cute. The miscommunication seems properly vested (although we may be manipulated by the visuals into thinking it’s kissing when it isn’t). But so far I am all in. Also killer chemistry with the leads already. My catnip. BUT... NO SINGING!

Our Skyy 2 (Vise Versa) eps 7-8 - Each day of the month is a BL trope? That jives. The kid was a fun plot twist - if he had been real and not a lie. I chortled a lot and all the domesticity was nice, but I wasn’t surprised when it was all Pluen lying again. Once a liar, always a liar. Could Jimmy please play a better character next time? Also. NO SINGING. 6/10

Pastsenger (Thai Weds Gaga) ep 10 of 12 eps - Amnesia just makes me feel like we backslid and all the previous work of watching 9 eps is for naught. And it was WORK with this show. At least it only lasted one episode, but still, they’re gonna use it to continue the rift? Sigh.

A Boss and a Babe (Fri YouTube) ep 11 of 12 - As much as I dislike these characters being constantly betrayed by the narrative, I really do love Cher. A sunshine sweetheart who is actually a decent honest human, who’s not ashamed of his love or his personality, it’s really rare and admirable on screen. I have to give B&B props for this character, if nothing else. And there is nothing else. This was possibly one of the stupidest episode 11 dooms ever fielded. And I do not say that lightly.

The Promise (Thai Weds YT & WeTV) ep 8 of 10 - This show has got to stop dwelling on the separation, every time they do it it just makes Phu look worse. I legitimately didn’t think that was possible. I LOVE Party so much. Not only is he a good friend, and probably an excellent boyfriend, he’s a great businessman. Khun is lovely too. Happy to have him win Nan’s heart. Really, anyone but Phu. Also Nan = an ace who collects hotties everywhere he goes? Props baby.

House of Stars (Thai Mon iQIYI) ep 2 of 12 - Very soap - kinda creepy, too long pauses, bloated cast, and utter confusion. Odd. The captions are insane, one name can (and will) be spelled 3 different ways. It’s a VAST cast and I can only really identify 3 characters: 1. the actor with the (beard?) gf who’s a suspiciously militant ally, 2. The oldest actor in the house with dark traumatic past, 3. The adorable evil femme who needles everyone. I might drop this show, I’m only really still watching bc it’s the only BL airing on Monday. Also: NO SINGING

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Our Dining Table AKA Bokura no Shokutaku (Japan Thurs Gaga) ep 6 of 10 - I’ve been waiting for this chapter. It’s one of my favorites from the manga.

Love Mate (Korea Thurs Viki) eps 3-4 of 8 - Aggressive flirting or stalking? These 2 give Lovely Writer vibes. Honestly, I never thought Korea would go so very old school yaoi. Also went quickly to a high heat place I wasn’t expecting (but Japan would). 50% for a sex scene is very gay but wild for a KBL. If this were Strongberry it would’ve ended on this episode and I would’ve been fine with it. Now what? 4 eps of boyfriends? That’s cool but what is this crazy surreal BL world I am living in?

Happy Merry Ending (Korea Thurs Gaga) eps 5-6 of 8 - Honestly, Korea, does it always have to be a love triangle? Always? Anygay, timid tsundere & confident sunshine is an interesting match. They’re sweet together, almost kindly. I like the calm ache of this pair. At first I thought it would be too much like Love Mate, but they’re completely different. I really want someone to punch the CEO ex, oh goodie! Battle of the hyungs.

Vian the series (Vietnam YouTube ) - very in line with the my cat boyfriend tradition but honestly how can any human look like that? He truly myst be a cat.

The Day I Loved You (Pinoy YouTube) eps 4-5 of 10 - It’s cute. They’re cute. Truth comes out when locked in a bathroom. Yay a new pinoy BL I actually like for a change. It’s been a LONG time. However BOOO for the doomy “I want to be remembered, are you dying”. But a nicely dramatic midpoint.

Naked Dinner AKA Zenra Meshi (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 5 of 12 - How can he be so completely unaware of how in love he is? Ah well, I suppose we aren’t yet half way through and it’s one of THOSE JBLs. In yaoi half the time you are husbands before you even confess you like the other person.

It is unfair for a real live human to be this beautiful. We talking Hunjin-level unfair. WTF Vietnam? Why you gotta broadside us like this?

It’s Airing But ...

Love Syndrome (Thai Sat WeTV) stopped at ep 2 of 12 - I’m just not into any aspect of it (except Lee Long Shi) - saving to binge if the end is solid.

Venus in the Sky (Sat YouTube) pilot/tester?) 0 of 10 - not entirely sure what’s up with this one distribution-wise, but the pilot was classic university-set pulp. I hope it happens because the leads are cute with good chemsitry and I thought it was fun. However, this pilot holds together as its own little short too.

Stormy Honeymoon (Vietnam)

My Story (Pinoy Sat YouTube) ep 4 of 10 - I bounced.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Star Struck (Korea iQIYI) ostensibly starts Thursday but icky is being janky about it, so we shall see - A boy has had a crush on his childhood friend for a long time. Stars Zuho (Kpop SF9 - noted good egg) opposite rookie actor Kim In Sung (the one with the crush).

Happy Merry Ending and Boss & Babe both end. Be My Favorite will be taking the GMMTV Fridgay time slot.

Coming in May 2023:

5/26 Be My Favorite prev title: You Are My Favorite (Thai YouTube) Adapted JittiRain y-novel (2gether, FUTS, ToL, Vice Versa) one of those “rewrite the past to change the future.” Stars Krist (SOTUS) + Fluke Gawin (DBK, Not Me). Expect this to be v low heat, full of LIES and manipulation.

5/27 The Luminous Solution (Thai ????) 10 eps - Thana is having trouble at work and in his relationship. He can't seem to catch a break. So he makes a wish to change everything. The wish has a price.

5/27 Takumi-kun Series 6: Nagai Nagai Monogatari no Hajimari no Asa (Japan) - NO ONE ASKED FOR THIS (but that has never stopped Japan before) and no, I have no idea where to get it, why would I ????? (Say it with me everyone: Oh Japan, must you?*)

* At least I never have to tell Japan to stop singing. Small mercies.

2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED)

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

House of Cards. I like this character. I don’t have any idea who he is or why he’s so militant of an ally but I still like him.

I LOVE HIM SO MUCH JUST LEAVE ME ALONE. (Vice Versa’s Our Skyy eps)

Preach, sweetheart.

Yes, please and thank you. (Both Boss & Babe)

(last week)

Current Kpop earworm? ONEUS - ERASE ME, I like the concept (suits! corset! kinky!) and it’s catchy enough

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steddieas-shegoes · 4 months

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this place is such great motivation for anyone trying to move the fuck away from hibernation

chapter 6: spend the rest of my life with what could have been rated e | start at the beginning on AO3 Chapter 1 / Chapter 2 / Chapter 3 / Chapter 4 / Chapter 5

🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰🧰

The next few days with Steve went by too quickly for Eddie to even process everything he was feeling.

Steve had other plans while he was there and Eddie still had to work, so they didn’t spend all their time together despite how badly they both wanted to. Life felt normal, but with an undercurrent of incoming change.

Every moment they had together was cherished, though. Mia hogged quite a bit of Steve’s attention, but Steve didn’t seem to mind. He was constantly enthralled by her, sitting on the floor to play with whatever toy she wanted, singing and dancing along to her favorite songs, keeping her busy while Eddie made dinner or a bottle for her.

Eddie watched as Mia stole Steve’s heart as much as Steve had stolen theirs.

On the day Steve left, Mia woke up cranky, almost like she knew that it wouldn’t be a good day.

She immediately started asking for “Mama”, and Eddie was doing his best not to cry about how little time they would have before Steve had to go back home.

He was having breakfast with the Hendersons and Max, then stopping to say bye to the Sinclairs and Wheelers before making his way over. Eddie had arranged for the morning off, agreeing to close up to make up for his late arrival.

Mia wouldn’t let Eddie set her down in her chair or on her mat, and he’d barely slept the night before, and he was trying to stay calm and not panic about Steve leaving again.

This time was different, he had to keep reminding himself of that.

When Steve finally showed up, Eddie immediately handed Mia to him and sat down on the couch, head in his hands.

He felt the couch sink next to him and listened to Steve whispering to Mia.

“What did you do to him, princess? It’s only 10:30 in the morning and he looks like he wants to go to bed.” Steve’s hand fell on his knee, squeezing once in silent comfort. “You alright, baby?”

Eddie nodded, and he already knew Steve wouldn’t believe him, but he didn’t really feel like going into everything now and ruining their last few minutes together for a while.

“Sorry, sweetheart.” Eddie looked up and over to where Mia was curled against Steve’s chest, her face buried against his neck. He felt a sting behind his eyes as he fought tears.

How was he supposed to do this? Sure, things were different this time and eventually, he’d be with Steve again. But right now, that felt too far away.

“It’s just a month and then we’ll see each other again, right? We can do a month,” Steve said softly, rubbing his hand across Eddie’s leg. “And then soon enough you both will get to be with me all the time.”

“Yeah,” Eddie took a deep breath. “I wish it could be now.”

“I know, love. I know.”

They stared at each other for a moment before Mia let out a small snore and disrupted them.

“Is she asleep?” Steve whispered, eyes wide. “How?”

“Neither of us slept great last night and we both got up earlier than we should’ve,” Eddie shrugged, placing his hand on Steve’s.

“Is it the teething again?” Steve kissed the side of her head. “I thought that got better once the tooth popped through the gums.”

“I think we both just don’t want you to go.”

The tears Eddie fought all morning finally fell, comfort in knowing Mia was asleep and wouldn’t see the only reason he decided to let it happen. He knew it would probably happen again tonight when she was in bed, and he was in bed wishing Steve was in his arms.

“Oh, baby,” Steve sighed, pulling Eddie against his side so he could rest his head on his the shoulder not occupied by Mia. “If I could bring you both with me right now, I would. I’d pack your bags myself.”

“Maybe I could talk to Rick, see if he needs anything sold. If I get some extra income-“

“Absolutely not.” Steve’s tone was harsh, but his hand on Eddie’s shoulder was still light, thumb tracing along his shirt. “What would happen to Mia if you got caught? Hopper doesn’t have the pull needed to get you off a felony drug charge.”

“I know. I wouldn’t do it,” Eddie didn’t even know why he suggested it. Wayne would kill him, and there was way too much of a chance that he would get caught and he couldn’t do that to Mia. “I just don’t wanna be without you.”

“It’s just for a bit, right? You’re gonna visit soon enough and then you’re gonna make the move soon after that.” Steve kissed the top of his head. “And we’ll talk on the phone so much, you may get sick of me.”

“I doubt that,” Eddie pouted.

“Are you pouting? Oh my god, you’re pouting!” Steve tried to hide his laugh, but ended up letting out a strangled noise that made Mia squirm against him. “I don’t even have to see your face to know it looks exactly like Mia did last night when you tried to give her the green bean baby food instead of the carrot.”

“Shut up, that’s not what I look like.”

Steve nudged him off of his shoulder and looked down at him. “Uh huh. Just as I suspected. Adorable.”

Eddie rolled his eyes, but smiled, didn’t want to tarnish their last few minutes with a bad attitude.

“I’m gonna go set her in her crib and be right back.”

Eddie nodded and watched Steve slowly get up and walk towards their bedroom. He could hear him whispering, but Mia didn’t wake up, content in Steve’s arms.

When she woke up, she’d be a nightmare. Hopefully, Wayne wouldn’t hate him too much for it.

Steve was wiping his eyes when he came back, not looking at Eddie as he straddled his lap and wrapped his arms around his neck. He let out a shaky breath.

“I don’t wanna leave,” Steve whispered against his neck. “Wanna stay right here in your lap and kiss you whenever I want.”

“What about my job?” Eddie smiled to himself, full of sadness, but trying his best to stay strong for just a little longer. “Mia’s diapers won’t pay for themselves.”

“I dunno, maybe we could potty train her.”

“From the couch? At her age?” Eddie laughed. “I love you.”

Steve pulled back and looked at Eddie. “I love you, too. I’m waiting for you. Don’t get in your head, okay? Promise me.”

Steve knew him well. He’d already been in his head enough, and once he was alone, he knew he’d be back in it, spiraling about how much he missed Steve and how much Steve probably didn’t miss him.

“I’m gonna miss you,” Steve said fiercely, as if Eddie’d spoken the last part out loud. “It’s gonna be awful not having you with me. But I’m gonna focus on the endgame. I’m gonna get Mia’s room ready and look for open positions you can take nearby and start babyproofing the apartment. Robin already bought stuff for the cabinets because apparently our apartment is a death trap to a baby.”

“Robin said that?” Eddie had to admit, it was weird thinking about Robin panicking about his child. She really wasn’t the motherly type, and he didn’t think she’d be super chill about having them in her home.

“She’s actually pretty excited. She said she’s never changing a diaper, though.”

Eddie barked out a laugh. “I wouldn’t have expected her to. That’ll be your job.”

He expected Steve to laugh it off, maybe joke about changing his mind. He didn’t expect him to smile fondly and nod.

“Yeah, that can be my job. Whatever you want me to do, I’m happy to do. I’m in it for the good and the not as good.”

Eddie let out a sob. “You’re ridiculous.”

It was soft, endeared.

So was the look Steve gave him in return.

“I wanna be there for both of you, whatever you need, or want. I’ll do it.” Steve kissed him softly. “I’ll always do it.”

Their lips met again, this time harder, a physical reminder that the clock was ticking and Steve had to go. Eddie let himself cry, felt Steve’s tears mix with his as they tried to devour each other, neither wanting to separate for anything, not even breaths.

Eddie couldn’t let him go, couldn’t watch him walk out the door. He knew it was cowardly, but he needed Steve to be strong for them both and be the first to step away.

Luckily, Steve did.

He pulled away, but kept his eyes closed and ran his hands down Eddie’s arms. “If I don’t look at you, it won’t hurt so much, right?”

Eddie huffed, unsure if he was actually laughing or just holding back another sob. “I don’t know, I kinda wanna look at you every possible second.”

Steve’s eyes opened at that, tears pooling and making his eyes that much prettier. “I have to go.”

“I know, sweetheart.”

“But you know it’s not like last time.”

“I know.”

“And you know I love you and I love Mia and I’m not abandoning you and I will call you as soon as I’m home and probably every day for the next month.”

Eddie smiled, nodded. “I know.”

Steve leaned in, kissed the corner of his mouth, smiled against his skin. “Gonna miss you every second.”

Eddie closed his eyes and nodded. “Already miss you.”

Steve backed away.

He was being strong for them both, had to be. Eddie wasn’t gonna be able to push him out the door.

He opened the door and Eddie pretended not to see the tears falling, pretended the sob he heard come from Steve was just a laugh that got caught in his throat.

Eddie’s vision blurred as Steve stepped out of the doorway.

“Steve?”

Steve froze and turned fully towards him. “Yeah, baby?”

“It’s just for a little bit.”

“I know.”

“I love you. Mia loves you.”

“I know.”

“Be safe driving home.”

“You’re my home.”

Eddie snorted. “That was cheesy. Call me when you can so I know you’re okay.”

“Okay. Love you.”

“Love you.”

Steve closed the door and Eddie dropped to the couch, letting out another sob.

He listened as Steve’s car started and idled for a minute, then two. A part of Eddie wanted him to shut his car off and come running back inside, tell him that he wouldn’t leave without them and they’d figure it out. Eddie would pack their things and he’d follow Steve back to his apartment, Mia babbling in the backseat. He’d find a job immediately and everything would be perfect.

But the reality sunk in as he heard Steve’s car backing out of the gravel drive. He had to have a real plan, one that kept him and Mia safe and fed and cared for, one that he wouldn’t regret going through with.

He stood up, wiped his eyes, and got ready for work.

- - - - - - -

Steve called. Of course, he called.

He called almost the moment he got through his own door, which was conveniently when Mia had realized that he wasn’t coming over.

She was too young to understand why she could hear him but not see him, but it was better than nothing.

He called every night at roughly the same time, managed to work it out that he could take his 15 minute breaks at work at roughly that time when he had a shift. He’d apparently told his boss all about Eddie and Mia, all about their plans, and his boss was very happy for them.

They had to fit a lot in in such a short call, and Steve always wanted to reserve at least a couple minutes for Mia, telling her silly stories and trying to have a conversation with someone who couldn’t say anything except “mama” and make babbling noises. Eddie found it endearing as hell and wouldn’t dream of interrupting them.

Every couple of nights, Steve would call Eddie when he got home from his shift, after Mia was in bed and Wayne was either asleep or at work.

Eddie would pull the phone into the bathroom, keeping the door cracked so it wouldn’t damage the cord. He would usually try to whisper whatever filthy words he could while Steve stripped his cock and whimpered into the phone. Sometimes it didn’t take much, sometimes Steve begged him to take it slow. Eddie’s hand always found its way to his own cock on those nights, savoring every whine and moan Steve let out as Eddie talked about everything he’d do when he got his hands on Steve.

Wayne caught on after a few times, giving him a gentle reminder that the noise from the bathroom carries directly across the hall to his room and he’d just appreciate a heads up when he’s gonna be having certain discussions with Steve. Eddie blushed, nodded, let him know he’d try to keep it to the nights he was working, apologized for anything he might have heard.

He put in for a few days off to visit Steve, started preparing for what he’d need to bring for himself and Mia. He figured it might make things feel more real if he brought a few boxes full of things in preparation for the move. Wayne agreed and brought home a few boxes from the plant so he could figure out what he could do without having here for a bit.

The time passed faster than he expected it to.

Mia kept him busy, work kept him busy, and trying to figure out his and Mia’s entire future kept him very close to a crisis.

Sooner than he realized, he was shoving boxes and borrowed luggage into his van and getting ready for his drive to visit Steve.

Wayne was getting Mia changed and saying his goodbyes, insisting on giving her a talk about being on her best behavior and enjoying the big city.

Eddie knew he just wanted to try to hide any tears from him.

“All packed and ready!” Eddie called out as he entered the trailer.

“Mia’s ready to go,” Wayne said as he came around the corner holding her. She was dressed in an outfit Steve sent last week, a onesie with guitars all over it he found at a record shop not far from where he worked. It was a little big, but bigger was better when it came to baby clothes. Mia outgrew everything so quickly, he was tempted to just keep her in diapers until her growing slowed a bit. “Did you already grab her bag?”

“In the front seat.”

“And the box of diapers I left on the porch?”

“In the back.”

“You grabbed the extra formula too?”

“Wayne.” Eddie smiled at him. “I got it.”

“I know you do.” Wayne sighed and kissed Mia’s head before handing her over to him. “Just not used to you not being right here.”

“I know. We’ll be fine though, won’t we, princess? Gonna have so much fun with Mama.”

Eddie had started referring to Steve as Mama to Mia, mostly because she was so insistent on calling him that. Also, it made Steve stutter and probably blush a bright red.

“You be safe. Say hi to Steve for me,” Wayne hugged him, his fingers squeezing his shoulder tight.

“We’ll call when we get in so you know we’re safe.”

“I’ll be waitin’.”

Eddie knew he wasn’t kidding; He’d probably be sitting right by the phone all morning waiting for the call.

“You know, you could maybe invite Hop over or something to keep you busy. He’s been bored with Joyce gone to visit Jonathan. Play cards or whatever it is you old folks do in your spare time,” Eddie gave him a teasing smile, a wink, and turned to leave.

Wayne grumbled something under his breath, but Eddie left it. He wanted to get on the road.

Steve was waiting for them.

- - - - - - -

Steve had warned him that parking would probably not be an easy task when he arrived, but he hadn’t expected this.

He’d been to Chicago and Indy plenty of times in the van to know it wasn’t the easiest fit along the sides of the street, but it was always manageable. Not today.

This was the first sign.

When he finally managed to find a parking spot almost at the end of the street, he decided to leave everything except the diaper bag for now, and hopefully a spot closer to the apartment would open up later so that he could bring up the boxes and luggage.

He got Mia out of her car seat, shouldered the diaper bag, and locked up the van.

Her eyes were wide as she took in their surroundings, people walking along the sidewalk, taller buildings than she’d ever seen on both sides of them, cars honking as they drove by.

He could hear children yelling in the distance, maybe a few blocks over, and someone was dumping trash in a dumpster in the alley directly across from them.

It was damn near overstimulating for him, and he was slightly worried that it would be too much for Mia, especially after napping for most of the drive.

She let out a giggle, and then babbled while smacking her hand against his shoulder.

“Oh? You like all the noise and people? Look, that man is wearing a red coat. You see his red coat?” Eddie read once that pointing out obvious things for babies helped them understand the world better, so he made it a point to do so when they went out. Even back in Hawkins, he always made sure to point out colors and shapes, pointed to simple words on boxes, and animals when they passed them in the car. “I bet he’s nice and warm in that thing.”

Mia kept babbling as Eddie walked up the street, a bit more nervous about the amount of people walking around than he expected to be.

If it were just him, he wouldn’t mind, probably wouldn’t even notice.

But with Mia so vulnerable in his arms, all he could think about was every worse case scenario.

Before he could spiral too much, Robin yelled out to him.

“Eddie!”

“Robin!” He walked faster to close the short distance to the building she was standing in front of. “Mia, look it’s Robin!”

Mia stopped babbling and took in Robin, who seemed very nervous to be in the presence of a baby, and maybe a little nervous to be in the presence of Eddie.

“Hi, Mia.” Robin waved, which was better than what Steve said she would do: offer a handshake. “You’re actually super cute.”

Eddie snorted. “Don’t inflate her ego too much, Robbie. Steve already spends too much time hyping her up. She’s gonna actually think she’s a princess soon.”

“Wait until she sees her room,” Robin muttered, probably trying to be quiet enough for Eddie not to hear her but failing. “Steve is gonna be back any minute. He forgot to grab something at the store and had to make a quick trip. I can let you guys in, but I have to run to class.”

Eddie nodded. If he didn’t know that Robin was just a fast-paced, rambly type of person, he’d think she was trying to avoid him.

She led them through the front door - unlocked, a sinking feeling settling in Eddie’s gut - and up two flights of stairs.

“It feels like a haul at first, but it gets a lot easier going up and down,” she said as she unlocked the door to their apartment. “It’s the only real exercise I get.”

When the door opened, Eddie’s eyes zeroed in on his worst nightmare since having Mia: a balcony.

He couldn’t explain it, it’s not like he was ever anywhere that would have one, but even just the thought of her falling off the porch would send him into a panic attack. It’s just the thought of Mia falling from something, getting hurt or dying because he took his eyes off of her for one second, he couldn’t handle it.

He immediately felt his breath leave his body, his chest heaved trying to catch it, and his legs went numb. The couch was close, so he sat down, holding Mia close to him so she couldn’t possibly crawl away.

Robin didn’t notice at first, made a comment about making himself at home while she grabbed something from her room.

“Eddie?” She was standing in front of him, worried eyes searching his face while her hands hovered near Mia like she would take her if he needed. Maybe she would. Maybe she was that worried. “What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t know there was a balcony,” Eddie whispered, surprised he even had a voice at all with how terrified he was.

“Um, yeah. We don’t really use it, and it stays locked if we aren’t on it, but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy some fresh air.” She still had her hands hovering, ready to hold Mia or comfort Eddie, maybe both. “It’s locked right now, do you wanna check?”

God, Steve really lucked out with Robin Buckley, didn’t he?

He nodded and handed Mia over to her. If he wasn’t so panicked, he probably would have laughed at the looks on their faces: Robin petrified and Mia silently judging.

He walked over to see the lock in place, pushed down and pulled up on it as hard as he could, pushed against the glass to make sure it wouldn’t collapse, and sighed.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

His heart rate was slowing down, he was able to see more of his surroundings without a haze.

“Yeah. Sorry. I just worry.”

Robin nodded, like she understood, but she probably was just humoring him. “I get it. We’ll keep it locked while you’re here, okay?”

“Yeah. Okay.”

She smiled reassuringly, and he took Mia back before things could get awkward. Mia seemed grateful, tucking her head into Eddie’s neck and curling her fists into his shirt.

“You okay if I go? I can wait if not. Being late for class wouldn’t even phase my professor. Pretty sure she’s extremely high all the time.” Robin covered her mouth. “Sorry, should I not say that stuff?”

Eddie snorted. “She’s too young for it to matter yet, it’s fine. But I’m okay. Get to class!”

“You’re awful good at that.”

“I heard it enough,” Eddie shrugged.

Mia sighed against him, like she was sick of what was happening. She remained quiet though, surprisingly shy.

“Okay, I’m heading out, then. Bye Mia!” Robin waved and booked it out the door.

Eddie sighed. “Well, princess, should we look around? Get to know the place?”

Mia moved her head back to look at him, but didn’t babble or do anything else to acknowledge him.

He decided to do it anyway, figured she would probably become more interested the more they looked around.

The shared space was small, similar to the trailer in everything being more open. The living room was basically a couch, coffee table, and small television with a table next to it for a VHS player and a record player. The VHS tapes and records were piled up next to the table.

Eddie gulped. Mia would knock those over within seconds if he set her down and turned away from her.

That was just a small thing though, they could move them to a place she couldn’t reach.

He turned and saw the dining area, smiling to himself over the highchair that was sitting in the corner, clearly used but sparkling clean like someone had scrubbed it with every cleaning product sold on shelves. The kitchen was a little cluttered, but clean, and all of the sharp objects were put away in cabinets or high enough that there was no way Mia could reach them. He tried to open the cabinet under the sink and was met with a child safety lock and the same happened when he tried to open the cabinet next to the fridge.

He let out a breath.

This would be okay. They’d clearly thought of some things and maybe just needed Eddie to figure out the other stuff. That was one of the reasons he was here, right? To find what they would need to make this work.

He opened the fridge and saw tons of Mia’s favorite fruits and vegetables. The cabinet by the fridge had a can of her formula and some of her favorite baby food flavors, along with the rice snacks and Cheerios she liked to snack on while Eddie made dinner.

Steve had clearly thought of so much, he couldn’t really blame him for forgetting about stuff that seemed relatively harmless on the floor.

He bounced Mia in his arms as he walked down the hall, passing by the first door on the left. He had no interest in going in Robin’s room, even though he was a little curious.

Maybe later.

The next door on the left was the bathroom, and Eddie was pretty sure he was gonna cry. The cabinets had the same child safety lock on them, and the toilet lid has a special latch that would require two hands to unlock it. The baby shampoo and soap that Mia used was on the side of the tub, as well as a few bath toys. There was a toothbrush for Eddie on the sink, and hair ties on a hook hanging by the basket with a hairbrush and hairspray.

There was a note on the mirror that he knew wasn’t for him, but he couldn’t help reading.

Pick up bows for Mia Crib liner? Might not need Batteries for baby moniter

Eddie sniffled, not realizing that tears had come to his eyes while reading the note.

“He loves you so much, princess.” Eddie knew Steve was giving this everything he had, and couldn’t imagine how much money he’d spent to try to make this perfect and feel like home for them. “We’re lucky.”

He heard a door close downstairs, but assumed it was just a neighbor, so he walked across the hall into what was going to be Mia’s room.

He let out a gasp at how perfect it was.

The crib was white with light pink sheets and a hand-crocheted blanket in the corner, a small stuffed rabbit in another. The wall behind the crib was painted with a mural of a castle, a dragon flying in the sky, a princess painted in front of the castle with dark curls and a bright smile. There was a rocking chair next to the crib, and a changing table across the room. He opened the top drawer to find plenty of diapers and wipes, diaper cream, and a few pairs of socks and plain onesies. The next drawer down had some more onesies, but colorful and many with cute patterns. The bottom drawer had shorts, pants, and overalls, and what looked like a couple of dresses.

There was a small bookcase, possibly even built from scraps of wood by Steve himself, in a corner, filled with a few cardboard books. He’d look at them closer later, but he already knew Steve put thought into each and every one.

The rug in the middle of the room was also crocheted, matched her blanket, and Eddie felt safe setting her down and letting her move around a bit. He saw the toybox at the same time she did and smirked.

“Go ahead, Mia girl. Those are yours to play with,” he said before sitting in the rocking chair.

He watched her scoot her way across the floor quickly, reaching into the shallow box, and pulling out a plastic key ring set just like she had at home. She’d used it more as a teething ring lately, but her excitement was palpable.

She kept pulling out toy after toy. Normally, Eddie wouldn’t let her have all of her toys out at once, wouldn’t want her to be overwhelmed, but this was a good exploration. He could put some of them away in a few minutes.

He heard the front door open and Steve call out to them.

“In Mia’s room!” Eddie yelled back.

And for some reason, that’s what did it, what made this all feel so real.

And he wasn’t entirely sure that it was all positive.

He looked up when Steve came in the room, his beaming smile lighting up the room.

Mia noticed him immediately. “Mama! Mamamamamama! Uh uh uh!” She scrunched her hands into fists and threw her arms up, rocking on her knees to try to get him to pick her up.

He gave in immediately, wouldn’t ever let her think he didn’t want to hold her.

“Princess! I missed you so much!” Steve’s voice was shaking, Eddie could hear the emotions pouring out as he planted kisses all over Mia’s head. “Do you like your room?”

“Stevie, you didn’t have to do all this,” Eddie said, tears in his eyes at how excited they both were to see each other. “This must’ve cost a fortune.”

“We thrifted most of it, and I made the blanket and rug. The bunny was a gift from my boss. I really only bought the diapers and some of the clothes. I told you I’d take care of it.”

Eddie had to let himself have this. He had to accept that Steve wasn’t doing any of this to show off, or buy their love, or make it impossible for him to leave. He was doing it because he loved them, and he wanted them to be happy and comfortable here.

Steve set Mia down, who seemed pretty content with going back to her toys after getting so much attention from Steve.

He made his way over to Eddie and leaned down, placing his hands on the armrests of the rocking chair, bracketing Eddie in.

“I missed you even more,” Steve said quietly, leaning in to peck his lips softly.

Eddie took it, wanted it to be more, but knew it couldn’t yet.

“You guys settle in okay? Hope you haven’t been here too long.”

“Nah. Just kinda walked around the place. Most of the stuff is still in the van that’s parked halfway back to Hawkins,” Eddie half-joked.

Steve frowned. “You couldn’t find parking?”

“No,” Eddie frowned. “I’ll move it later when something opens up.”

“I had to grab stuff for dinner or I would have been here when you got here. I assumed spaghetti would be okay?”

Eddie nodded. Exhaustion was settling in as he crashed from the adrenaline of…well, everything.

“You okay?” Steve asked, kissing his forehead before pulling away and looking over at Mia. “If you wanna go rest in my bed, I can watch her for a bit.”

Eddie didn’t want to waste any time he had with Steve, even if he was ready to fall asleep, but it was hard to turn down a nap in Steve’s bed.

“Okay. Wake me up to help with dinner?” Eddie yawned.

“Sure, baby.” Steve sat down on the floor next to Mia, reaching for a ring for the plastic ring toy. “Mia and I are gonna hang out and have a chat.”

Eddie made his way to Steve’s room, barely paying attention to the board hung up in the hall with polaroids and pieces of paper. He barely even noticed anything about Steve’s room other than the bed, which was surprisingly big and surprisingly soft. It smelled like Steve, and Eddie didn’t even have time to process any thoughts before he was asleep.

- - - - - -

When he woke up, he could hear music playing and Mia giggling.

A noise he loved to hear, especially when he knew that Steve was the one making her laugh.

He got up and walked to the kitchen, smiling when he saw her sitting in her high chair with some rice snacks on the tray, Steve standing at the stove stirring a pot of noodles.

“You two having fun without me?” he asked, making Steve jump.

“Scared me, Eds.” Steve smiled at him. “We’ll have even more fun now that you’re here.”

Eddie hoped that was true.

He felt out of place for some reason, like he was a guest in a life that Steve and Mia lived. He’d never quite felt like that before and something in his brain was telling him get out, to go back to Wayne and what he knows before he ends up hurt.

He did his best to ignore it though, smiling at Mia, kissing Steve on the cheek.

They had dinner like a family, and Eddie washed the dishes while Steve brought Mia to the bathroom for a bath before bed.

They both tucked her in, kissed her forehead.

Steve whispered that he was grabbing batteries for the baby monitor in the morning, but they could leave the door cracked open tonight in case she cried for them.

Eddie knew he was being quiet.

He also knew Steve desperately wanted to say something about it, but probably didn’t want to risk ruining their entire weekend.

They went into Steve’s room and got undressed, climbed into bed, faced each other.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” Steve asked, rubbing his thumb along Eddie’s cheekbone.

“I-“ Eddie didn’t quite know. He had a sense of wrongness, a sense of sadness, but had no idea why it was hitting him now, here.

“Baby, you can tell me. Is there something missing? I went through the list, but we can always get whatever you need. I mean I may have to save up for some of it, but I-“

“Stevie, I don’t think I can move here.”

Steve’s face fell immediately.

Eddie’s heart dropped in his stomach as he realized that he meant it.

He didn’t think it was just fear, either.

Something was telling him it wasn’t the right thing to do.

“But-I don’t understand,” Steve admitted, his voice small.

“I don’t either. I just have this feeling, this thing in my chest and my head telling me that I shouldn’t. And it’s nothing you’ve done wrong or forgotten to do, I promise. It’s so wonderful. You’ve done more than I could have ever asked for.” Eddie paused, tried to figure out how to phrase this next part. “I had a panic attack when I saw there was a balcony. And I know it’s locked and she’d never be able to get out there on her own, but in the back of my mind, all the time, I’ll be wondering if she somehow is the one baby who can undo window locks. And I’m just thinking about how walking down the sidewalk with her felt like I had to use all my energy just to stay alert enough to protect her. I can’t do that all the time, I can’t live my life constantly at the highest level of stress.”

He could feel tears falling, but somehow managed to say everything he needed to.

Steve was crying, his hand gripping Eddie’s hips, hopefully leaving bruises that would stay with Eddie for days, weeks.

“Baby, this neighborhood is safe. I promise. I even looked into the daycares and school ratings and they’re all good. She would never be alone anywhere and you know I’d protect her with my life just like you would-“

“Stevie, I know. I know all of that.” Eddie kissed him fiercely, tried to make him understand. “But knowing it and processing it are two different things. I know I can’t live like that.”

“I can’t go back to Hawkins.”

Eddie nodded. He knew that.

He knew neither of them could do what the other wanted.

“So what do we do?” Steve sniffed, covered his mouth as a sob left him.

“I don’t know, sweetheart.”

Steve shook his head. “We can’t just give up. I can’t not have you.”

Eddie could agree. He couldn’t imagine being without Steve now, couldn’t imagine Mia not having him, not even having a chance to be a family.

But he had no idea how to fix this.

“I don’t know how to have you, though.”

Steve blinked at him a few times before sitting up and moving to the edge of his own bed.

“We should sleep on it.”

Steve’s voice was broken.

Eddie had caused that.

Eddie hadn’t been able to suck it up, try it out for the weekend.

Eddie was running before the race even started.

“Yeah. I guess we should.”

#steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things #ao3 fic #chaptered fic #mechanic eddie munson #dad eddie munson #this one ends on a sadder note #but happy endings always i pinky promise

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