#did little 14 year old joyce think this is what she would STILL be talking about? nO

[theghostparty]

Roméo et Juliette: de la Haine à l'Amour - Redesign - 2024

To understand my completely unnecessary desire to redesign a musical that is over twenty years old, you have to understand that Romeo et Juliette is my Roman Empire. Long explanation under the break.

I wanted this design to be an homage in the silliest way possible.

I really leant into the sensibilities of original costume designer Dominique Borg, who used contemporary colour and technique and applied it to historical (or pseudo-historical) silhouettes.

Broadly, I wanted the Montagues to feel English in their shapes--Elizabethan doublets, high necklines, and ruffs, in homage to Shakespeare and the source text. They're all leather, denim, silver hardware--a little bit punk with status.

The Capulets would be deeply Italian Renaissance in their silhouettes, in reference to the setting of the play. They're all velvets, lace, chiffon, satins, and gold hardware--giving them an airiness of the Mediterranean while still allowing some drape here and there.

I wanted each family to have a slightly more broad palette than most versions afford them--which is why the Montagues have a smattering of green and magenta while the Capulets play with some soft yellows and lavenders.

The ball scene is largely Arthurian in inspiration--just because I took the idea of "what would the 1500s consider vintage and costume-y in the same way we think of the Victorian era" and ran away with it. There's also some silly Y2K nonsense because I rewatched the "On dit dans la rue" music video and thought "What if the Capulets threw this big Arthurian affair with full elegance and the Montagues cobbled together some gay club outfits circa 1998 fits out of a suit of armour."

FINALLY, I wanted Roméo and Juliette to take on elements of each other's family's style and colours for the end of the play--because to be loved is to be changed.

So here is a breakdown of my choices for each of the looks.

Un Jour: Here we see Roméo in his base look. It's a two-tone patent leather double with multiple zipper details. The peplum is criss-crossed zippers. The wings over the shoulder seams are edged with zipper teeth. The ruff detail at the neckline is also edged with zipper teeth. He has along zipper across the front of his boot like he's trying to be the next Sailor Moon. I don't know y'all. I went a little feral with trying to figure out all the places I could put zippers in.

Juliette is the most juvenile looking in Un Jour. I imagine that in this scene, she's being dressed by her family instead of her own volition.

She's in an asymmetrical, empire-waisted gown that is likely a brocaded or printed silk. Her chemise is a sheer lavender georgette or chiffon that peaks through the lacing at the shoulders and along the upper arms. She has a velvet choker and velvet belt and a heavily stoned velvet headband. Her hairstyling (it would have to be a wig, it would be NUTS to not make this a wig) is an homage to the open-weave Juliet caps that were similar to nets worn in the period on hair. Italy was, fun fact, one of the few countries where women didn't cover their hair during the renaissance.

L'amour heureux: As I explained above, Roméo's outfit is so silly. The wrap around glasses. The one arm of armour. The sheer, stoned period shirt. The gold brocade on the trousers. The pearl earring. The many, unnecessary belts. Bless this mess. It's also a cheeky little nod to Baz Lurhmann's Romeo + Juliet.

Juliette is, ostensibly, cosplaying as Guinevere or Lady Macbeth or Ophelia or any number of Middle Ages women. The ball is the Capulet's opportunity to really sell their daughter as marriage material so I wanted the look to feel bridal, hence the veil. I wanted to give reference to exaggerated surcote sleeves without actually doing them, hence the sleeve-into-glove and bow detailing with trails down to the floor. There is also a hint of yellow chemise underneath, which is actually just her Le balcon look underdressed for ease of the quick change (yes, I did think about this.) The dress is velvet with one panel of lace in-set into the underskirt. The bows are satin-face organza.

Le balcon: Romeo would change into his base again (during Le Poète). Juliette is in a simple yet totally impractical sheer chemise + slip combo. I wanted this soft yellow for this sequence because I always think about the lines "O she doth teach the torches to burn bright!" and "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?/It is the east and Juliet is the sun" when it comes to describing her. The chemise would likely be a chiffon, while the slip would be silk.

Aimer: I say this with my whole chest--I hate how they changed the palette for Aimer in the 2010 production. I want my lovers soft and angelic and matching in this moment of union. Here we see a bit more of Romeo's lace shirt--his sleeves are laced like Juliette's in the first look. His doublet, trouser, boot combo are off-white leather in homage to the original production. Juliette's dress has a similar train length to her ball look (again, bridal) and we see the neckline creep up into a ruff (Elizabethan, rather than Italian). Lots of sheer net and lace with cream bridal satin as a skirt. Tiered sleeves. A little circlet on her head.

Le poison: Honestly? Just wanted her to have another outfit change before her death dress as a transitional choice. There's so much more of the purple in this look because it's going to take us into the blue elements of the final dress.

La mort de Roméo/Juliette: Again. To be loved is to be changed. Juliette has a dropped waistline, a high neckline and ruff, and a heart shaped cut-out detail (see: boob window). She's straight up in blue, and all the sweet and soft pinks of her youth are gone. Romeo has lost his high neckline, ruff, wins, and peplum in favour of a shorter Italian silhouette. He's asymmetrical (a call-back to Juliette's asymmetry) and all the edging detail is done in red. Mantua as a setting is patchworked, torn, and dirty, so I imagine the doublet is pieced together from scraps of jersey (so it's drippy and sad and hangs off him in a lovely manner).

#romeo et juliette #damien sargue #cecilia cara #joyce draws #retj redesign 2024 #retj #this is the most unhinged thing I have ever dreamed up #anyways more to come soon #will probably do mercutio and the prince and benvolio and tybalt together as one post #did little 14 year old joyce think this is what she would STILL be talking about? nO #also if you've ever wondered what my costume design process looks like it's this

[willel]

About Hopper

I lost the post that i wanted to respond to, so I guess I'll just make my own post about it. It's about Hopper and my complicated feelings about him.

At the end of the day, I do like Hopper. I didn't like how he was written in season 3, but I definitely don't hate his character at the end of the day. So let's get into the nitty gritty.

Leading up to this point, Hopper has made a shit ton of mistakes with Joyce, El, and Mike, some more egregious than others. Let's start with Joyce, then Mike, then El.

The main issue with Joyce and Hopper pretty much all stem from season 3 for me. Hopper was being a big ole brat about dating Joyce. I'm sure in the back of his mind his reasons were justified, but that doesn't really make it better.

He didn't want Joyce to move away. He was trying to give her reasons to stay there, whether it was making her feel safe, or giving her a shoulder to lean on (him). I can see why he was desperate to make his feelings known before it was too late and she disappeared but still. I can also understand he was probably off his meds he's been taking for years at this point so he's doubly moody.

But still. In a perfect world, we would've gotten a moment where he sat down quietly and apologized for being such a dummy and explained his reasoning to Joyce. He would've given her an opportunity to be like "Hm... ok I understand but I didn't like it. So thanks for apologizing" before jumping right into Joyce asking him out on a date. You know?

From a writing stand point, like many other things, I feel like they could've done way more to show that kind understanding Hopper we saw in season 1 and season 2 return and get his senses knocked in.

As for Mike, I know what the writers were trying to do here, but it was dumb. They were trying to play off the "Dad hates his daughter's boyfriend" stuff to really drive home how much of a dad Hopper is towards El now but it was just too much. Yes, Mike was being a little shit, but he's 13/14 years old. Hopper is a grown man.

Not only that, Hopper has already had a "heart to heart" with El before in season 2 where he laid all his feelings and sadness bear to her. He would've been able to talk to El about how he was feeling, which is all that really mattered here, not Mike.

Again, I wish the writers had taken the time to allow Hopper and Mike to have a mature conversation, but I guess they felt like Hopper telling Mike to "take of El" in the final episode of season 3 was enough to tie up the knot and misgivings between them.

I'm also coming at this from the standpoint that I don't think Mike and El's breakup in season 3 was all that series. Again, the writers went a little heavy handed with the teenage drama stuff, but it was obvious that neither Mike or El took that break up super seriously. Neither did Max, because Max already knew Mike would do everything to "get back with her" just like Lucas. It was all a game. That's why Mike and Lucas were farting and burping joking about girls being a different species and only running on emotion.

When things got serious, we saw how all the stupid drama slid right off their shoulders and how they stepped in to protect each other. To this day people still think that season 3 drama was super serious and I just don't know how when they themselves didn't take it that seriously.

To summarize, they should've done more to show Hopper being apologetic for his behavior towards Mike.

And now, the big guns. El. El and Hopper's complicated situation.

From what I remember about the post (I'm so mad I haven't been able to find it again because I didn't finish reading it.), they pointed out Hopper's behavior towards her in all seasons so let's start at season 1.

Hopper ratted El out. This has been a stain on him for a very long time, but it's also freakin' complicated. It's not black and white. We can say "Hopper that wasn't a great thing to do" while also acknowledging he had no damn choice BUT to do that to save Will. He ultimately traded one kid for another, but even that is not that simple. Will was on the verge of dying. El was on the verge of being held captive by scientists, but not dead.

Who knows what he would've had planned after he saved Will. I definitely don't think he would go back to his police station casually eating donuts and drinking coffee every day like he didn't know a little girl who saved Will's life was being held there against her will. We'll never know what he had planned for El because that's not what happened in the story.

I did wish that the rest of the team found out what he did, but everyone who knows what he did other than himself is dead. There is still a chance that Vecna could bring it up to use against them, but we'll see.

Maybe a few seasons ago this could've been a damning action that forever tarnished Hopper and El's relationship, but at this point, I really do feel like it's small potatoes. At the end of the day, it was an attempt to save another child's life, not in exchange for money or fame or something else stupid and selfish.

Next, season 2. In season 2, again, you can kinda understand what Hopper was trying to do while also acknowledging he was being really stupid. Hopper had a daughter once, everything he's trying to do with El is entirely based on that but he's failing hard because El is NOT his daughter, but also, El is not a 6 year old like Sara was.

While I'm sure some of his actions were because he was being possessive, it was also because El is wanted by the entire government. If anyone were to find out that she is alive, or that he is involved, it would jeopardize him, her, all her friends, and the Byers. The entire fragile situation would collapse into a thousand tiny shards. So no, I don't think Hopper was wrong to keep her hidden away as much as possible.

Where Hopper was wrong was not moving fast enough to find a way to let her live more freely. He could've been doing WAY more for her to keep her less isolated. He could've been exchanging letters for her with her friends. He could've let her go out on halloween dressed like that. There were plenty of things he could've done for her but he was being overprotective and a little selfish.

Once again, this is not black and white. If Joyce is white and Brenner is black, then Hopper falls somewhere in between. No, I don't think he's as bad as Brenner keeping her locked away in a lab, experimenting on her, electrocuting her, forcing her to use her powers for him, etc. At the same time, I think Joyce could've balanced El's life WAY better because she has much more experience in raising kids and understands the importance of socialization and friendship. Hopper falls somewhere between them, he's as grey as can be.

This has already been resolved though. At the end of season 2, he gets punched out by Mike for what he did and apologizes to El for his behavior. I could understand if he still acted this way in season 3 (literally keeping her locked in the cabin and not communicating with any of her friends), but he's not. He's grown from that, so I don't know why this is still presented as a problem when it's old news. (though I was hoping we'd get a scene of Joyce being like "You're so goddamn stupid Hop" but oh well)

And then finally, we have season 3. Sigh. As usual, I have a lot of problems with season 3. To be honest, the problem with season 3 is more on the Hopper and Mike side, which I have already explained in depth so I don't really feel like repeating myself here. Hopper was being stupid and jealous. I wish instead of El just agreeing with him later for what he did ("What if he's right?"), I wish she'd have a moment of "Gasp, I can't believe he did that. >:C" even if she also somewhat agreed with him. After all, what Hopper said is not that much different than what Max said. El WAS spending a bit too much time with Mike. Her socialization is important, and it shouldn't just be with Mike even if she wanted it to be at first. She needed to expand her horizons beyond Mike, Hopper, and that dingy cabin.

All of this leading to the final conclusion. I'm pretty sure none of this will be addressed. It will all be buried and laid to rest by the time season 5 gets here. Why? Because fate has already punished Hopper for every single mistake he's ever made. It's a tv show so people paint over it with a "so what" attitude, but torture is no joke. What Hopper went through is... pretty bad. It will change a man forever.

We can see some changes already, starting with Joyce. Joyce is technically the one to initiate any and all intimacy in season 4.

It's not Hopper pestering her reminding her of their date, yada yada. Joyce brings it up. Joyce initiates the flirting. Joyce teases him about thinking about food rather than thinking about her. If this were season 3 Hopper, he would've tried to kiss her as soon as he saw her at their reunion. We must acknowledge a character's mistakes, but we should also realize what and how they have changed and progressed.

With Mike, we only got a little bit of it at the end of season 4 (by nature of Hopper not being around them) so hopefully it continues into season 5. We see Hopper teasing Mike like he used to, but then they hug. If I were the writers, I'd continue this trend by having Hopper trust Mike with more responsibilities or even asking for his thoughts. I'd have him not at all questioning Mike and El's relationship. I'd have Hopper giving Mike words of encouragement and support. This, in my opinion, would be another great way to show how Hopper's character has grown and learn from his mistakes and not just ignore his stupidity in the past. We should see Hopper making an effort to do the opposite of what's he's done in the past just like we've seen for Joyce.

As for Hopper and El, that answer is a bit more complicated. In all technicality, Hopper has always been supportive and protective of El. We've already seen him make up for ratting her out in season 2 by hiding her away (hiding her a little too much). We saw in season 3 that he's learned from his mistakes in season 2 by giving her way more freedom to do what she wants, he doesn't question Max coming over and doesn't even question her new clothes or being at the mall or anything. There's not much else he can do to "grow" in that way.

The only thing really left is resolving the El-Brenner-Hopper secrecy. But how would that really even come about or happen? Would El care at this point? That's what we really should be asking. Should El care what Hopper did after everything that's happened in season 2, 3, and 4? From a writing perspective, it could be interesting, but it could also just be retreading stuff we already tackled in 3 other seasons.

And then, on the subject of her last name. I've struggled with this a lot, especially after season 3, but I think Hopper is an appropriate last name for her. Why? Because I'm always reminded in the back of my mind that "Byers" comes from Lonnie Byers. Screw that asshole, El should NOT take his name.

I remember the post wondered why El couldn't take the name Ives. That's pretty obvious isn't it? It'd be that much easier tracking her down? Without a doubt Terry and Becky are being monitored all the time, especially after season 1 and 2. As I always say though, El has many names. And Jane Ives is one of them, just because it's not officially on her forged paperwork that is intended to protect her identity doesn't make it not true.

And so there we are. My complicated feelings about Hopper. I feel the writers could've done way more with him, and yeah, sometimes it feels like the story has forgiven him way too easily. At the same time, after all that torture and stuff with Russia and how he's been behaving towards the people he's wrong in the past, I don't think it's fair to his character to pretend like he hasn't changed quite a bit at this point.

#stranger things #thinking thoughts

[lovestuckyhatemarvel]

I took a day or so off because of life factors and now it’s a rainy Saturday and I’m gonna at least watch a few episodes and give some reactions to random stuff as well as note things I forgot or didn’t notice before. I at some point will stop doing an intro since I don’t think anyone is reading these consistently.

1.) I forgot El really just starts this episode back at the last time we saw her in episode 1, like almost a full year before season 2 starts.

2.) honestly I’d forgotten this sequence in general of her reaching through the placenta hole in the wall and then making it bigger.

3) I especially forgot that Mike kind of saw her through the window while agents are trying to get him to talk and he just keeps staring at the window like a dipshit

4.) I love this comically large tree that El can hide under that no one checks.

5.) Jonathan still does scrambled eggs and toast as a speciality

6.) Erica exists now

7.) the montage of the costumes us so cute

8.) Mike being a little bit racist

9.) I forgot literally no one else dressed up

10.) hopper is still very sweet and patient about Will when talking to Joyce

11.) I don’t care about these guys in the lab even though I probably should care about them fixing a power issue

12.) I fully understand where Nancy is coming from and I hate that at this point the Hollands are wasting their time and money and are tearing themselves looking for Barb when she will never come home. That being said, Steve isn’t wrong here. There is a shadowy agency that literally killed a man and covered it up as a suicide and covered up Will’s disappearance with a fake body that resulted in a funeral. They could really put themselves and others in danger. And something not fully discussed in this scene is: literally what would they even say? “hey, long story short, your daughter was killed by a creature from another dimension and her body is still there but you can’t talk to anyone about it or get her back or anything. Anyway, thanks for the McDonald’s.” Like that would be worse and they probably would not believe it anyway.

13.) Steve doesn’t even say forget forever, he asked to pretend to be normal on Halloween for one night

14.) I adore Max and if I’d known her in middle school, I’d desperately want to be her friend

15.) ok but how did el go from not knowing what half of food is to knowing how to skin and cook a squirrel? Like who taught her to do that? Her skill level varies wildly

16.) Billy is the fucking woooooooooooooorst and if he hadn’t died in season 3, it would have been something I did on my own in fanfic. People wanting to save him is crazy to me. He literally ran a bunch of kids off the road with his speeding car as one of the first things in the show!!!

17.) Jonathan not seeing what his mom likes bob is kind of hilarious to me because there’s a non insignificant chance that’s what he’s like when he’s 40

18.) still love Jonathan and will being adorable bros

19.) why is Billy so greasy???? Did he lather in baby oil before doing a keg stand???

20.) It was Nancy’s idea to go to this stupid party in the first place but now that she’s going with Steve instead of Jonathan, its a chore. Like ma’am you could have stayed home or insisted on doing some other normal thing. And by you, I mean the Duffers could have made up their minds

21.) bob and Joyce dancing in the living room is so cute

22.) every time max appears on screen I grin and whisper, ‘that’s my girl’, especially when she jump scares boys

23.) hop broke a promiseeeee but also that small child was only out there for hopper to buy candy off of

24.) max lives on Old Cherry Road

25.) Mike hating Max for no damn reason is so annoying

26.) jump scared right into the upside down

27.) Jonathan shows up to the party. Forgot that happened.

28.) all Steve was trying to do was stop Nancy from giving herself alcohol poisoning and he did apologize. But then she shatters his heart.

29.) Steve did leave her at the party which sucks but idk how I would be able to do anything else if someone called me a killer and said our love was bullshit

30.) I forgot El visits Mike through the void

31.) oh hi demodog. I remembered you were found in a trash can but not that you technically show up in episode 2, although not like seen by the audience

#stranger things #stranger things rewatch #season 2 #s2e2

[bellamygateoldblog]

My opinion is that a good amount of the fandom doesn’t see El as her own person and only sees her as an extension of Mike even when they try to deny it, and that not being together romantically would be a lot healthier for both of their character growth.

oh this. ive found in my short bursts of exploring the stranger things fandom that far too many el stans for my liking erase or twist everything that makes her HER, or seem to get defensive over characteristics that el DOES have and things that el DOES do. not everyone loves characters the same way, sorry that you can't appreciate el's hot-headedness, intellectual struggles and probable post-institutional syndrome, and tendancy to mimic other people around her as she learns the world, but that's a you problem shawty <3

i think a lot of people just don't care to engage with her character on any deeper level other than thinking she's a cute badass who kicks monster ass, and that's okay. i do get the impression with how they talk about el and mileven, and the type of content they make, that a group of fans simply use el as a self-insert because they find finn cute. i tend to think el does have her own distinct personality, but for those who don't necessarily engage with her character, i can see how she'd come across to them as a semi-clean slate they can project onto.

and actually ive decided to go on a tangent because this just reminded me of something lol and im using this anon as an excuse to try to collect and organise my thoughts. in the conflict scene between mike, max and nancy regarding mike's concerns of treating el like a weapon, nancy was literally projecting in that scene...she's personally dealing with sexism in her own plot and thus applies her own feelings about her own situation to el's, growing defensive over mike's genuine worry, batting it away with 'el knows her own limits. el is her own person' and she's misguided because even though el does know a great deal more about her power than anyone else, she's been shown to be extremely brave, protective and sacrificial (which mike helplessly WATCHED the first time) for the people she cares about and would absolutely exhaust herself and push herself past her own capabilities if it meant saving them for a little bit longer. that's ALSO who el is at her core. a girl who loves deeply.

to me it's not that mileven is 'unhealthy' like they're kids tbh, tho mike has been paralleled to hopper in s3 numerous times with his possessiveness, talk of others "corrupting" her, and typical 80s teenage boy behaviour, for me it's that i don't really like where that dynamic puts mike's character and by extention how other characters have to kind of...revolve around mileven when it's romantically A Thing, as they literally did in season 3. mike is a group leader but in season 3 he really wasn't, mike loves his friends so much but in season 3 he was really slacking on the whole 'i would literally DIE for my friend' thing and was so obsessively preoccupied with girlfriends (while the girls, on the other hand, were living their best single lives) that he shoved aside 2 out of 3 friends etc.

el on the other hand isn't that much affected as a character by having a boyfriend/love interest as far as we can tell, which I really love, however I find it...odd...that she's this really traumatised child with actual powers, she's WEIRD she's not normal, she's no particularly well-adjusted, she's still learning language, context and behaviours and such, she doesn't know who she is or what she likes, she's barely seen the world, but right away she's just acting like a normal teenage girl with unconventional speech patterns trying on clothes, eating ice cream, skipping through the mall, oogling boys and dealing with angsty teen drama, which isn't bad, I'm just wondering where the rest went and why they can't co-exist. a quick shot of el feeling watched and uneasy while she's in the mall surrounded by all those people. something. that's not really a gripe i have with mileven, but just how it's been fitted in with the other elements of the show and how it was so in our faces all season 3. with that being said im in agreement with the metas discussing how season 3 is supposed to be superficial and goofy and emphasises how mileven doesn't really work and has been moving quickly, i think we were supposed to be uncomfortable with that makeout scene watching through the crack in the door where hopper is, being told the kissing is constant, having joyce ask hopper to clarify it's ONLY kissing these 14 year olds doing, that awkward one-sided kiss with mike's eyes wide open, everyone teasing them or expressing frustration towards them, etc. i have no hard feelings for mileven, i don't actually mind it (or i didn't until all that i just mentioned in s3 plus some), i think it's very sweet in s1 and s2. really i don't take major issue with the relationship itself when you remove it from everything else and look at it, i simply just prefer byler. LOL.

#sorry i say etc so much SJFNSHDJ #i think in 3 thoughts at a time #stranger things #mike wheeler #el hopper #el byers

[mediocre--writing]

Sad hc but Billy teaching Will about what’s going on with AIDS and giving him a really strict talk about it and being careful/cautious about who he gets involved with

Also, Billy helping Will learn to sort of “hide” his queerness in Indiana to keep him safe

oooooh i like this one

so i’ve seen another story or blurb about this (it was either on here or ao3 but i don’t remember who wrote it) but i really liked it and am making my own twist on it

steve and billy have been dating for a few months, now. the kids haven’t given them more than the wave of a hand at the specifics of their relationship, other than the ‘shovel talk’ the boys gave to billy, and the one max gave to steve

other than will. not in a critical way, no, just pure curiosity and wonderment about how they’ve managed to find one another and remain happy together

it’s not until a few weeks after wills initial wondering that things start to piece together, the stupid names his dad would call him, his dependency on mike, the way he never felt to strongly towards girls

will is gay.

how could he not have realized, all the clues were right there! maybe he was ignoring that part of him from the awful things that have been ingrained into his mind at an early age

but if steve and billy are met with love and kindness from their friends, then will should be too, right?

but with acceptance came one crucial point: telling people. will was not ready for everyone to know

so he went to an expert

steve had been brushing his teeth, getting ready for bed when he heard the doorbell ring. rushing downstairs, toothbrush still in his mouth, he quickly unlocked the door and opened it to reveal... a sweaty will byers

“uhh... kid it’s late and i—“

“i’m gay.” will cut steve off

steve’s jaw dropped and, as a result, his toothbrush went clattering to the ground

“that’s great! i mean, it’s not great— wait it’s good that you are— shit i’m no good at this? i’m sorry. billy is much better at dealing with these kind of situations,”

and steve left will standing in the open doorway as he ran upstairs, after bending down to pick up his toothbrush

will, shocked to his core, just stood, waiting in the open door

but how was he to know that the most surprising thing to happen that night was billy, groggily and probably just asleep, coming down the stairs quietly scolding steve (who was pattering next to him)

billy took one look at will, still bundled in coats standing outside the door, and gave a look to steve

“go make hot chocolate, we’re gonna be here a while,”

steve walked off to the kitchen and billy invited wills in, closing and locking the door and sitting down on the couch with will

“so... you’re gay?”

“uhhh... yeah”

“alright so what’s the story?”

“i’m sorry?”

“what made you realize you were gay, or who?”

will felt the blush creep up his neck and felt like dying in that moment. seeing the boy floundering, billy began speaking,

“when i was in california, there was this boy when i was 13, his name was jackson, and he was one of the coolest people i’d ever known. he skated, much better than max does, and he had this long, black hair and wore these cool, painted jean jackets, even when it was super hot outside

“he had really dark brown eyes and wore this cool, feather earring. he had the prettiest smile and we had been friends for years before that, but one day, we were sitting on the beach, and the sun looked so pretty shining down on his face, and i realized i liked him, a lot,”

will didn’t think that billy realized he was smiling as he reminisced. he doesn’t think billy knows that steve is peaking out of the kitchen listening either

“did you date?” will asked innocently, seeing the way the light in billy’s eyes started to dim at the question

“not, not really. my dad, he wasn’t a fan of our kind, if you know what i mean. we kind-of started dating at 14, snuck around for two years. we would go on dates, but would usually go in a group of friends so it wasn’t too obvious. we would kiss, sometimes, but we never were really ‘together’

“it’s the reason we moved here, ya know?” wills interest was peaked, “my dad caught us kissing and that, of course, wasn’t ok, so he moved us out to the most conservative place he could find, far away from california, and i haven’t talked to jackson since. but i found something better, i was lucky and i—for whatever reason—got steve,”

will figured that steve disappearing back into the kitchen was a result of the tears that were coming out of his eyes.

“so what’s your story, kid?”

“i think, i might like mike. but i didn’t realize i was even... gay until you and steve came out and were happy how you were,”

“ok, so why didn’t you tell your mom, or jon?”

“you guys understand. they would support me so much, but they just wouldn’t get how hard it is to feel, to feel this way! because, i don’t know everyone says we’re going to hell or are awful and i don’t wanna be hated because i like guys!”

wills eyes were all teary after his confession, and billy gave him a comforting side hug (will realized max wasn’t lying when she said that billy gave the best hugs) and steve came out with three hot chocolates

billy was still shushing him in his ear, whispering ‘i get it, i understand, you are still you, doesn’t matter who you like,’ and will swears he has never felt more comforted by anyone other than his mother before

will stopped crying a few minutes after, taking a cup of hot cocoa and sipping on it in peaceful silence

steve was more than half asleep on the opposite end of the couch, but billy was wide awake next to will, despite how tired he was earlier

“how much do you know... about, gay things?” billy cringed at the way he phrased it, but assumed joyce and jon weren’t exactly the best people to explain the situation to will

“what’d you mean?”

“like... aids?” billy set his mug down and leaned foreword, resting his hands on his knees, “you know anything about that?”

“i... have seen some things. not a lot, but i know of it,”

“well, i want you to be safe. this isn’t some thing you should be joking about at school or anything. it’s serious, like really fucking serious. i knew a guy, he owned a diner in cali, and he got it from... a partner... and he died. you understand that this is serious?”

will nodded his head quickly, billy continued

“you don’t sleep with just anyone, ok? you don’t seem like a person who would, but just be careful, always use condoms, always be careful. don’t do drugs, at all, because i’m not dealing with you if you become a heroin addict, ok?”

will nodded, but there was something in billy’s voice that told him that id he did get addicted to heroin, billy would try his hardest to take care of him.

“if you sleep with someone and you just want to be sure, get tested. its better safe than sorry, alright?”

“alright,” will nodded again. “what about you and steve?”

“we both got tested and we aren’t sleeping around with other people, we’ll be fine, kid,”

“ok, good,”

“no need to worry about us, ok?”

“i worry about all of my friends,”

“kid, i really want you to be safe, alright? and you know you shouldn’t really blab about this to the town, me and steve haven’t even told our parents, your little group are the only ones who know,”

“they already call me a f—“

“i don’t give a shit and don’t you dare call yourself that! you’re better than whatever shit they wanna call you. you’ve got a great future and you’re not gonna get it if some hick in this town kills you because you like dick, alright?

“i want you safe, and if anyone gives you trouble or you have questions, you can come to me or steve, any time, any day.”

billy’s eyes were intense and will felt small under them, but also felt safe and loved as an entire person, as who he truly is and who he wants to be.

steve was still snoring lightly at the end of the couch, making billy chuckle a little

“well, if it’s past 10:30, steve’s not gonna be awake, he’s an old man on the inside,”

will laughed at the comment and steve choked on a snore as he woke himself up, wild eyes looking around, catching a bashful will, who was still laughing

“wha—“

“go back to sleep, princess,” billy chuckled and steve nodded, laying his head back on the pillow and closing his eyes

“can i sleep over? my mom thinks i’m at mikes, and probably wouldn’t like me biking this late,”

“course kid, this house has like six extra bedrooms, we’re lucky steve’s all rich ‘n shit,” billy wiggled his eyebrows and led will to a guest bedroom and made sure he was settled in before going to pick up steve and carry him to bed

will figured he’d still have to tell his mom and friends, but he felt safe here with billy and steve, so he guessed things wouldn’t be so bad.

#stranger things #harringrove #steve harrington #billy hargrove #will byers #mw harringrove #mediocre—writing #will and bill(y) #billy x steve #steve x billy

[pterawaters]

First Lines tag game

I was tagged by @stephmcx ! Thanks for thinking of me!

Guidelines: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all.) Choose your favorite opening line, tag some friends!

1. The Kidnapped Omega Job

“I don’t like it,” Parker says, dropping the book onto Hardison’s desk.

2.  Does This Marriage Come With Any Perks?

The first thing Danny realized was that his tongue felt really dry. Cotton-ball dry. So did his throat. What the hell did he do? Had Jerry talked him into one too many Blue Hawaiians again? Shit.

3.  Once Bitten

“How do you know we’re even gonna find this thing?” Steve asked, his nail bat resting on his shoulder. “The full moon isn’t until tomorrow night.”

4.  Now and for Always

Steve leaned on the grocery cart, pushing it down the chip aisle as Nancy picked things out and tossed them into the basket. Jonathan walked next to Steve, one hand idly resting on the cart handle next to Steve’s. Steve brushed his pinky against Jonathan’s and asked, “Are you absolutely sure, though?”

5.  The Empty Pillow Next to Mine

Nancy watched the moving van rumble away from the Byers house, Jonathan in the car behind it. Beside her, Mike said, “I still can’t believe she’s doing this to you.”

6.  All the Way Home I'll Be Warm

When the doorbell rang, Nancy was the closest to the front door. She sat down the book she was reading for her literature class and went to open it. Standing on the other side was Steve Harrington, wearing a dark gray pea coat, a red scarf wrapped around his neck and shoved into the collar of his coat. “Steve!”

7.  Cursed

"Oh, look!" Joyce said, grabbing Lonnie's hand and tugging him through the fairground. Jonathan was ten months old and strapped to her chest, gnawing on the front edge of his carrier with teething gums. "There's a fortune teller."

8.  To Err is Human

It was a Tuesday night in December when Nancy came into the video store, her eyes red-rimmed, and asked Steve, “Can I talk to you?”

9.  Riot Away

“That was an amazing set!” Steve cried, jumping a little down the hallway from the stage to the green room. “Right?”

10.  Whipped Cream

Jonathan was lying in bed, doing his reading for literature class, when Steve came into the room carrying a bowl, a spoon, and a canister of whipped cream. When he flopped down on the other side of the bed, Jonathan noted that the bowl had two big scoops of ice cream in it. Steve said, “Hey,” right before taking a spoonful.

11.  Lace

Getting back to her dorm room after a shopping trip out to the mall, Nancy pulled her purchase out of the bag and held it up, smiling to herself. When her roommate, Emma, came in, she stopped short and whistled. “What’s that for?”

12.  All Laced Up

Still in the bathroom, Danny called out, “You have to promise not to laugh.”

13.  Under the Table

“I’m bored,” Steve said, dropping down into the kitchen chair next to Nancy’s. “It’s Saturday. You shouldn’t have to work on Saturdays.” He pouted at her, making Nancy chuckle.

14.  Mirror, Mirror

“Mr. and Mrs. Byers?” asked the hotel clerk, getting Jonathan’s attention.

15.  Signed, Sealed, Delivered

Nancy gave Billy one last kick in the stomach before looking up at the crowd that had gathered around them. She wiped her bloody hands on her shirt as she asked, “Anyone else want to dispute my claim?”

16.  Glamor Shots

Jonathan had a spoon of tomato soup halfway to his mouth when Nancy said, “I need your help with a project.”

17.  The Old College Tie

The day Nancy moved into the dorm her freshman year of college she met a lot of new people.

18.  Good, Clean Fun

Nancy thought maybe she’d been dozing in the tub when the bathroom door opened. She sighed, sure it would be Josh, having somehow evaded his fathers and found her here. Instead, the voice that murmured, “Hi,” was Steve’s.

19.  Birthday Presents

"Steve, what is this?" Jonathan asked as he was driven into the parking lot of a store with suspiciously blacked-out windows. Reading the sign over the door, he said, "Good for Her."

20. Haven

Jenny yelled, "Bye, I'm going to school," in the direction of her parents' room, and waited for a faint, "Bye, Honey," from her mom before leaving the house. She skipped down to the bus stop, enjoying the way the pigtails her sister helped her with earlier that morning bounced against her shoulders.

I think of these, either #1 or #8 is my favorite! 

I’ll tag anyone who wants to play!!

#tag game #ptera writes things

[crazycoke-addict]

Nightstalker: A Hunt for a serial killer review

I wasn’t going to make a review on the Nightstalker documentary. Because there’s nothing to say, I didn’t had any opinions on it. I’m not someone who makes review straight after I watch a movie or show or even a documentary unless I read something that’s related to the subject and this is when my essay mode goes in. So if you aren’t aware about what I’m talking about. On January 13, Netflix released a new documentary series called Nightstalker: The Hunter for a serial killer. The series talks about how a notorious serial killer name Richard Ramirez was responsible for the murders and terrorisation during the 1980s in California and San Fransisco. He killed 13 people and they were all mixed I mean he didn’t exactly had a main target so anyone could be next which made it more terrifying especially when he’s breaking into your home. I’m gonna start with what happened in the documentary and also the point of it than there are other stuff I want to discuss because of an article I read.

The first episode starts with the 80s was a good era especially in California. They mentioned how the pope and the queen visited, the Olympics happened and the crime was at its low. This is contrast to the Ted Bundy Tapes documentary when they said that the 70s was a dangerous era. However they also mentioned that it wasn’t safe because on the other side spectrum that’s when the danger comes in. Throughout the series, they kept his name hidden until the last episode when the detectives found out about his name. One of the things I’ve noticed whenever people have their opinion is how they don’t go into much detail about Ramirez himself like his childhood or what made him do all those things. I personally understand why people would feel that way but the whole documentary is hearing it from the detective perspective and even the survivors and the victims of families who participated in the series.

The victims are always brushed off while the serial killers have books written about them, movies created about them and even documentaries about them. The series gives you more new information that you probably didn’t know and the fear that he spread throughout California and San Fransisco. It’s also nice to hear stories about some of the victims like Joyce Lucille Nelson who was a single mother and grandmother. She was described as being an active person who would do cart wheels in her backyard like her age was going to hold her down. The fact that she fought off Ramirez as much as she could shows that she was also a tough person. I read about the case and just thinking about him being chased down by neighbors who were living where he was sound poetic when you think about it. Because here’s someone whose breaking into your house which is where you’re in the most vulnerable state than later on, you hear about it on the news. You buy a gun to protect yourself despite may not know how to use one, you do defense class and you basically do everything you can in order to protect yourself but also protect your love ones. You’re living in constant and you don’t know when it will end so when you hear that person who has hurt and kill people is somewhere in your neighbourhood that fear becomes rage and you don’t want to cower but bring him down so he doesn’t hurt another living being ever again.

Screen rant published an article called ‘What Netflix’s Documentary Leaves Out About Richard Ramirez’ and the whole point of the article was how the series left out like Ramirez’ motive and not going into detail about his abused childhood but like mentioned there wasn’t about him but rather about the victims, the civilians and the detectives he caused a lot of harm to both physically, emotionally and even mentally. I understand going into the mind of the serial killer and the only to do that is to look into their childhood because Evil is made not born. Despite being a notorious serial killer, he wasn’t well known like Ted Bundy. There’s a chance you would known from American horror story whether it be the episode from Hotel or even him being in 1984. However I had a problem when they go into detail about why him killing people could be leaked to his childhood by saying he killed man because his father was abusive and he went after women because his mother didn’t protect him from abuse despite being abused himself and him attacking little kids is because everything that happened to him when he was a child. Given the background, a lot of kids around the world come from abusive homes but not all of them didn’t turn out to be horrible people. In my opinion I think his cousin is more to blamed than anything because when he started hanging out with his cousin, he was 12 years old and the age where boys start going through puberty is between 9 and 14. So here’s a kid whose going through hormones and his cousin is showing him graphic pictures of women having their heads cut off and the graphic details went into saying he and his troop raped them and killed them.

It also gives you an understanding on why sometimes Ramirez would go after Asian people. Although he killed 13 people and they were mixed, about six them were of Asian descent. He was also obsessed with Asian women to point where it was fetishisation. During an interview, he asked the reporter if he could sent him a soft core picture book of Asian girls on bikinis and/or clothing items. They also mentioned how because the series doesn’t go deeper into his childhood, Ramirez was simply born evil and wether or not he even had remorse. It’s still unsure if he ever had remorse, however anyone who got in close in contact with him like detectives, reporters believed that he didn’t had any remorse to what he did.

Richard Ramirez was sentenced to death row and would spent 2 decades in prison until June 6th 2013 where he died of natural causes. It’s been reported that his skin looked like a highlighter green which is very interesting. Anyways that’s what I wanted to say.

#serial killer #nightstalker #richard ramirez #true crime

[imaginesrus]

Kiss Me In The Dark

Steve Harrington x Henderson!Reader

Thank you for the response to my previous imagines. I hope you enjoy this one as well. Also my ask box is open if you would like to leave a request. 😉

Summary: Henderson!Reader is back in Hawkins for her little brother’s wedding. Which means also seeing Steve who she has been avoiding since moving away from Hawkins.

Word Count: 2690

Warnings: a little smutty, nothing too explicit, but it gets steamy

You pulled awkwardly at the garment on your body, wincing slightly at the way that it clung, before examining yourself in the hall mirror again. You tapped your shoulders, still flummoxed that shoulder pads could be that size. You felt like an overgrown Barbie in a bright fuschia colour that should be illegal. You guess it was really true what they said about bridesmaid dresses. 

“You look beautiful sweetie,” your mom said as she walked in placing the bouquets on the kitchen table. 

You gave her a disbelieving look, your mom was sweet, but a terrible liar. You examined the flowers on the table, running your fingers over the delicate petals. They were beautiful and you lifted them to your nose to inhale the scent. Hoping that the scent may calm your nerves. 

It wasn’t just the thought of standing in front of all those people, watching your little brother marry the girl of his dreams. But it was another member of the bridal party who, despite your best efforts, occupied your mind. 

You had moved away from Hawkins as soon as the opportunity had presented itself. Despite the realisation that the town was quite clearly cursed after the events at Starcourt Mall.  A whirlwind summer romance with Steve Harrington had left you heartbroken and desperate for an escape, from a town that only seemed to bring misery.  

You had come back to visit, of course, but had actively avoided the places where the two of you might run into each other. The video store, the arcade, at times even your own house, instead making your excuses to visit Max or El. And as for the parties and family celebrations which seemed to automatically include Steve now, you tried to avoid him, not always successfully. Steve had become a permanent fixture in your brother’s life so it had really been no surprise when Dustin told you that he was a groomsman. 

You had given a tight smile, and lied through your teeth that it wouldn't be an issue. It had been years. You were a fully grown adult now, and you were going to be damned if you let Steve Harrington get under your skin again. Besides it was Dustin's day and you weren't about to let your history with Steve get in the way of that. 

Your mom’s shriek broke your train of thoughts and you looked up to see Suzie coming down the stairs, looking like a real life princess in her flowing white dress, sequins and lace. A smile spread across your face, and you damned the tears welling in your eyes, rubbing them with the back of your finger gingerly, careful not to disturb your make up. 

Your mom was by the stairs in an instant, scooping Suzie up into her arms before fawning over her dress. Suzie’s parents had not approved of your brother, and in turn your family. Your mom had adopted her instantly and she had become a part of the family. 

“You look stunning, Suzie,” you said as you in turn gave her a hug, squeezing her tightly, “Dustin may for the first time in his life be rendered speechless.” 

Suzie gave a small laugh and you released your grip, your mom handing you both a tissue.  

Max and El came down the stairs next, giggling to each other, also dressed in the matching Fuschia bridesmaid dresses. The whole party seemed to have adopted Suzie into the group, as your family had done, embracing her as one of their own. 

“Okay girls,” your mom said, grabbing the camera from the kitchen bench, “Some quick photos and then we better get going. Don’t want to keep the boys waiting forever.”

You cried, of course you did. To see Suzie and Dustin so happy, your mom and dad, hands intertwined as they sat together, the look of pride and love on their faces warmed your heart. 

You met Steve’s eyes from across the hall. He gave you a soft smile, which you inadvertently returned before making a concerted effort to keep your eyes trained on your brother and Suzie. 

You had promised yourself no more slip ups. You were over Steve. He would be over you. What happened at the annual Henderson Christmas Party two years previous was a slip up. Nothing more. 

A moment of weakness under some mistletoe that gotten out of hand. 

"You may kiss the bride," the priest said to a raucous applause as the happy couple sealed their vows with a kiss. 

The couple began their walk out of the church, linked arm in arm, smiles bright and carefree as the rest of the bridal party followed. 

Mike with El, Lucas with Max, Will linked his arm with Sally a friend of Suzie's.

As you approached the walkway Steve held out his arm and you reluctantly linked your arm through, ignoring how good it felt, the closeness of his body, he even smelled good. It was just purely for appearances, you told yourself. It would look odd if you didn’t take his arm. People would talk. 

He didn’t try to talk to you, which you were thankful for as you silently made your way out of the church.

***

The music thundered through the speakers as you made your way to the outskirts of the dance floor. Suzie and Dustin arrived on the dance floor arms still interlinked like they hadn't separated from one another since saying 'I do'. A familiar song played as Dustin gave Suzie a spin, his eyes never leaving her as the first bars of the song began to play. 

Turn around

Look at what you see

In her face

The mirror of your dreams

Of course. 

It was their song, despite the horrors of Hawkins, they had survived, they all had. Some a little worse for wear than others. You could remember your hand linked with Steve’s as the lines of the song played out over the walkie talkie, Robin shooting you both a look of disbelief as you were listening to a 14 year old sing his heart out to his first love, while being chased down by a giant monster made of people. 

“You look beautiful,” Steve's voice whispered in your ear, while you kept your eyes trained on the dance floor in front of you. 

“Please Steve, I’ve seen the dress,” you quipped back, careful not to lean in his direction, taking a sip of the champagne you had been nursing for a while now. 

“I’m not talking about the dress,” he countered, your fingers tightening on the stem of your glass. His hand moved to your waist and even through the thick fabric of the dress you could feel the heat from his skin. 

“Steve,” you warned, but made no move to remove yourself from his grip. His breath ghosted on the side of your neck, sending a shiver down your spine. 

“I’ve missed you.” There was a faint trace of alcohol on his breath. 

“You been drinking?”

“I may have had some nerves that needed steadying.”

“You giving a speech?”

“Please, public humiliation it’s second nature.” He gave a chuckle before his voice lowers.“But seeing you.” 

Rhymes that keep their secrets

Will unfold behind the clouds

And there upon a rainbow

Is the answer to a never ending story

You take another sip, in hope that that alcohol may numb your sense of touch, but his hand only feels heavier on your waist, his breath continuing to send shivers down the back of your neck. Happy couples, family, friends start to make their way to the dance floor to join the happy couple. Even Joyce manages to drag Hopper up, despite his quiet vocal protests to the contrary. 

His hand leaves your waist and you breathe a sigh of relief at the removal of the temptation to fall into old habits. Only to be faced with the object of your distraction face on. His hair has progressively become more unkempt through the night, which you can only attribute to him running his fingers through it, a nervous habit, an endearing one. He gives you a small lopsided smile, that reaches into that part of your heart that you keep swearing is closed off to him, but is easily opened with just that one smile. 

“Dance with me?” He held out his hand, taking a step backwards in a bow. You search our mind for an excuse, a way out, but either you can’t find one or you don’t want one because you take his hand in your own, placing the glass of now finished champagne on the table beside you allowing him to take you to the floor. 

His hand settles again on your waist, your hand on his shoulder, his eyes meeting yours briefly before you concentrate on the wall behind him, focusing on the intricacy of the decorations that adorn the simple community hall. His hand tightly clasped around yours, squeezing a little harder than maybe he means to. He moves you both slowly around the dance floor, body moving in time with the music. 

You suppress a small laugh as you hear him murmur the lyrics under his breath, while he continues to guide your movement with his body. As you continue to maintain a safe distance. He twirls you around, the suppressed laugh leaving your lips as he does so and when you join together again that safe distance is gone. Your hand now against his back, as his trails from your waist to your upper back, pulling your body against his. His fingertips brush against the bare skin of your back where your dress finishes, and his hand splays across your skin, and you can feel yourself melting into his touch. Your head resting against his chest as you lose yourself in the feeling of comfort, of the touch of another. 

“I missed you too,” you whisper, feeling his body still for a moment, before he continues to move again. 

“Does it help if I tell you I’m sorry? That I was an idiot for even thinking -”

“Don’t,” you stop him, looking up to meet his eyes. “I don’t want to go over it again.” Your hand reaches up to cup his cheek. A longing for things to be simple. Like you thought they used to be. 

He nods, and you rest your head again, swaying in time with the music, feeling his heartbeat against your ear, so loud even amongst the sound filling the hall. And then the song ends, applause filled the hall again as Suzie and Dustin bow, before sharing another kiss. 

So happy. 

Steve’s hand tightens around your own, as you both watch on. He gives your arm a tug and you find yourself following without even questioning where he is leading you. There is a storage cupboard down the hallway to the left. You know that because it was where you both found yourself after a town hall meeting. When the town of Hawkins had lied to itself about what was really going on within it’s borders and you both needed to find an escape from that lie and found it in each other, wrapped up in each other’s arms with hushed whispers and affirmations of love. 

He opens the door and waits for you to enter. A last chance to back out. To continue the charade of ignoring him everytime you come back. You enter the darkened space, tugging on his arm to pull him in with you. 

His lips are against yours before the door even closes. His lips move desperately against your own, a faint taste of alcohol on his tongue. His hands lock onto your hips, pushing you up against the now shut door, his lips barely breaking contact as you groan against his mouth at the impact of the solid wood against your back. 

“Sorry,” he murmurs, and you shake your head. Your hands moving to his hair to direct his lips back to your own. Your fingers tugging, a little harsher than you intend in the desperation to have his lips back to where you want them, where you need them. 

But it’s not enough. Your hands move to his shirt, tracing down the crisp material, and the outlines of the buttons. Hesitating, before his lips brushing against the side of your neck have you pulling and pushing desperately at the buttons to get them undone. Your concentration slipping and you fingers following suit as the button falls from your grasp, as he finds that spot that makes your knees want to buckle and he tightens his grip on your hips, at the sound that leaves your lips. 

“Steve.”

You decide to abandon his buttons, for now, instead pushing the velvet jacket from his shoulders, hearing it fall to the floor with a muffled thump. Your arms wrap around him holding onto his shoulders to keep you steady. 

His hand moves from your hip, tracing the material of your dress, before brushing up against your breast, earning him a breathy moan as you lean further into his touch. He grows bolder his fingers tracing across the skin not covered in the constricting material of your dress. His movements purposeful and precise, as if he remembers exactly how you like to be touched and is retracing old memories on your skin. 

“I need,” you stammer out, pressing your hands against his chest. 

“I know Y/N.” His fingers move to his tie, not bothering with the knot, instead yanking it from his neck, before he begins to un do the buttons of his shirt one by one, his fingers trying to catch up with his mind, not working quite fast enough as he groans in frustration, before he manages to wrangle that last one free, pulling the shirt from his pants and you help to remove it from his body. Your hands tracing his bare back feeling his body pressed against your own and the heat radiates from him. 

His lips return to your own as he cups your breast, while his other hand reaches behind you searching for the zip at the back of your dress. The sound of it unzipping filling the room, before his lips are lavishing the newly exposed skin and your hands are back in his hair, pulling him closer, needing more of his touch, his lips, more of him. You had kept this bottled up for so long and now you couldn’t hold back. 

You pulled his lips to yours, your hands moving lower to his belt, undoing it quickly, while his hand slipped under your dress, past your underwear finding you wet and wanting. His eyes met yours, his pupils dilated, your lipstick smudged around his lips, hair a mess and you don’t think you have ever seen someone look so attractive. 

“Steve, please,” you whisper. 

You cling to him as shifts your underwear aside and enters, your senses overwhelmed as he begins to move and you try to keep up. You leg hooking over his hip, keeping him close.

As you both find your release, clinging to the other as you regain your breath. Nuzzling into his neck, his chest rising, as he presses a kiss to your neck. Sweet and tender, in direct contradiction to your previous hurried actions. 

***

The sunlight hits your eyes, as you struggle to keep them open. The curtains left undrawn from the day before, allows the light of the early morning to stream in. You turn to your side in attempt to escape, coming to the realisation that you are not alone in your bed. 

The sun hits his bare back, and you can’t resist the temptation to run your fingers along the muscles of his back, and down his shoulder blades. He stirs and you snatch your hand away, he turns to face you, his eyes opening slowly as a smile spreads across his lips at the sight of you. 

“Hey,” he greets, brushing a stray curl away from your face. 

“Hey yourself,” you answer, allowing him to cup your cheek and pull you in for a kiss. 

Weddings really do bring people together after all. 

#steve harrington #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington imagine #stranger things imagine #steve harrington x henderson!reader #st3 spoilers

[okaybutlikeimagine]

(a little fic where Billy has been adopted by Jim, Jim and Joyce are together, Billy doesn’t know how to call Joyce ‘mom’ yet, and Billy has to give Will “The Talk” TM. Based off of a tumblr post that briefly mentioned this idea! if anyone knows the post pls let me know so i can credit them ♥)

Billy drags Will out to get some ice cream so they can get away from the mess that is Joyce and Hopper trying to explain to their children how to have safe gay sex. Really, it was probably the most embarrassing thing Billy has ever seen, and it only lasted for a total of 60 seconds. He got that boy out of there as quickly as he could, throwing a promise back to Hopper and Joyce that he’ll tell the boy all he needs to know to be safe.

But now here they are in the little Mom and Pop ice cream parlor in the next town over because the mall was destroyed a month ago and Hawkins has no other place to get ice cream. And they got here a little later than Billy was planning on because he forgot Will gets a stomach ache if he drives too fast, so he had to drive a little under the limit. They’re at a small two person table eating ice cream across from each other. Billy tries to think about how to start this conversation. It’s not like anyone had an actual civil conversation with him about this stuff when he needed it so he just says the first thing he can think of which is:

“So, condoms.”

It’s not smooth. No part of it is smooth but he doesn’t know what else to say at the moment. Will just looks up from his sundae, eyes wider than Billy’s ever seen them. His face is turning the color of the two cherries sitting on his ice cream. It’s a little concerning, honestly.

“They’re important.” Billy starts again, tilting his ice cream cone a bit towards Will who merely nods in response.

Well this is fun. Billy thinks sourly, catching the eye of a teenage girl among a big group of friends a table over. She’s giving him an irritatingly judgemental look, and starts whispering to her other friends, who look over at the two of them and cackle. He looks back to Will, whose eyebrows are knitted in what’s probably anxiety as he looks down at his ice cream. 

Fuck this.

“Y’know what? Let’s go sit outside.” Billy says, standing up and waiting for Will to walk ahead of him so he can glare the girls down.

He knows Will’s body tends to run cold and the weather is a little cooler than he’d like it to be now that they’re nearing the end of summer, but it’s balmy and warm enough. He just wants to get Will comfortable and being away from people seems like the only way. And he promised Joyce and Hopper he’d do this. Lord knows why he promised Joyce and Hopper he’d do this, but he kinda likes this kid. He’s not as fucking irritating as the rest of the nerds.

Billy takes a deep breath before he sits down at the table that Will has chosen.

“You know you can talk to me, right pipsqueak?”

Will rolls his eyes at the nickname and slides down the chair a bit. He nods, eating a spoonful of ice cream.

“Great. Right. You probably know about condoms too, right?” Billy definitely knew about condoms at 14. He didn’t know everything, but he knew enough to know of their existence and how to put them on.

Lord save me from having to put a condom on a fucking banana.

“Yeah, I know.” Will says, looking at his ice cream like it’s trying to ask him something. The pause is so long that Billy thinks Will is done talking, until the boy takes a small breath. “I just… don’t understand why.”

It’s so quiet Billy’s surprised he heard it.

“What?”

Will’s struggling.

“Why are they so important?” He asks again, looking up at Billy. “I can’t… neither of us would be able to get… pregnant.”

Realization falls over Billy. “Yeah, but see, there are more worries than getting pregnant.”

Billy takes a few licks of his ice cream as he watches Will attempt to process his words.

“Really?” He asks quietly after a few beats.

Billy sighs. In all of his life, he truly never thought he’d be the one to explain STDs to a gay 14 year old boy. He never thought he’d be the one to explain this to any child, really, but definitely not a gay 14 year old boy that he now calls his… brother?

“Yup.” Billy tries to buy himself some time to figure out how to word this by licking his ice cream cone. “See, there’s these things called STDs.”

Will’s screwed up face makes Billy retrace his steps.

“They’re these… diseases that you get through sex. The big one right now is AIDS, so when you put a condom on, you’re making sure you don’t get it.”

“Oh… a disease? Really?” Will asks. The fear in his eyes pulls at Billy’s heart.

“That’s what condoms are for. You can’t get it if you put a condom on. And he does too. Depending on what you’re doing.” Billy hates his cheeks for heating up. Why did he offer up being the dad in this situation again?

Then again, maybe he’s not being the dad. Maybe this is him being the big brother.

Fuck, never thought it’d get to this.

“But how does that work?” Will asks, his dish of ice cream sitting almost abandoned on the table and his hands in his lap. “I don’t understand. Other diseases don’t work like that. Are you sure I can’t… there’s no other way to get it?”

Billy shakes his head, eating at the cone now. “Nope. They thought you could get it just by being around people for a little bit, but they were wrong.” He takes another bite of his cone and speaks around the crumbs. “Oh, and if you do some hardcore drugs or something, needles can give it to you. But I don’t think you’re going to be shooting up heroin.”

In his weird attempt to lighten the mood, Will just gives Billy a blank look before rolling his eyes with a small smile. But Billy can tell: the boy doesn’t understand half of what Billy just said. Will doesn’t know anything about hardcore drugs. Hell, he might not even know about weed, even though Jonathan smokes with Billy out in the woods every week. Jonathan’s a good brother though, an actual good brother; he probably doesn’t talk to this 14 year old kid about the drugs he uses.

Still, Billy is a little surprised to see that Will doesn’t seem to know about drugs yet. He doesn’t remember 14 like it was yesterday, but he’s pretty sure he had at least an inkling as to what heroin was, and he lived in San Diego, where there’s arguably a shitton of stuff to do. Hawkwins, Indiana may very well be the most boring town in America, save for crazy lab experiments that insist on tearing the town apart and enslaving mankind. But it’s not like more than a handful of people even knew that stuff existed here. Surely there’s a bunch of kids getting hammered and taking any drugs their older siblings’ sketchy friends will sell to them. That’s how small towns work, right? Nothing but a single movie theater in downtown and a mall that got obliterated so the next best step is to get wasted on anything in sight?

But Will… Will’s a good kid. He doesn’t do much but listen to music with his brother, play that nerd game with the gang of dorks, and draw and color like a maniac. Sometimes they come over and run around outside or something, they go to the arcade… and now that Billy thinks about it, he can’t imagine him ever being exposed to that scary world of illegal drugs.

“Who is ‘they’?” Will asks, eating a spoonful of his ice cream that is slowly soup-ifying.

“Ah, like doctors and stuff.”

“How do you know so much about all of this?” Will asks around another spoonful, looking up at Billy shyly.

Billy pauses a bit, taking more bites of his cone.

How does he explain? How does he tell this boy about those final years in California when the major burst of AIDS hit? When the one news outlet his dad had fallen asleep watching began talking about this new disease that was found in 5 young -and previously healthy- gay men up in Los Angeles? An emphasis on gay. When Billy tried to get it out of his mind but started to secretly record those newscasts when he wasn’t able to catch them, to check up on it and see what was happening? When he would steal newspapers and check on them religiously for any updates?

When gay men started dying, 1,292 of them by the end of ‘83, and no one seemed to care.

He felt possessed. Obsessed. He learned everything he could. A young gay boy who had just began to be sexually active now learning that his passion, his desires, were actually dangerous? Just like everyone said they were? It was torture. God condemning him -all of them- right? Proving once and for all that gayness really is sin.

Back then it seemed like the threat of AIDS was scarier than his dad, most days.

He still checks up on it now, avidly. Hopper doesn’t say anything, but he gives him an encouraging pat on the shoulder before he sits down next to him while he watches more news come up. The physical presence irritated him at first, but it’s slowly become comforting. Joyce gives him a warm glass of milk sometimes and reminds him that he’s a “smart boy”. Billy’s never really sure what she’s referring to when she says it.

Billy wonders how the two of them would have brought up this topic with Will.

“I’m well-educated.” Billy responds, as if that makes sense. “I keep up with the news.”

“It’s on the news?”

“Well, yeah, it’s getting pretty big…” Billy’s voice fades a bit at the end, feeling like an idiot. Who ever thought he’d be able to do this? 

God, Jonathan should have done this, he’s bisexual, right? Probably never had sex with a guy, though…

He looks up at Will, who looks way too nervous and scared for Billy’s liking. Never in his life did he think he’d be so concerned for this boy but here he is, wanting nothing more than to comfort the shit out of him.

“I mean, on the bright side, I hear they won’t let us donate blood anymore. No big scary needles.” Billy begins, keeping a lightness in his voice that Will seems a little unimpressed by.

“Because… we’re gay?”

“Yeah.”

Will sits silent for a second.

“That’s… kind of awful.” Will’s voice is quiet as he looks up at Billy with confused and sad eyes.

Fuck.

“Yeah, it’s kind of shit…” Billy admits. He knows he was pissed as hell when he read that the Red Cross enforced that. Not like he was dying to give blood or anything, but it’s the injustice of it that gets his non-donatable blood boiling. “But I mean, I heard Murray said the Red Cross is just a group of vampires trying to collect our blood for their feasts or something. So at least they won’t be pestering us to give into their evil plans. Or whatever.”

That makes Will laugh. Actually laugh. He sits forward and eats more of his sundae, scooping up some of the soupy parts.

They sit there at the table, laughing quietly to themselves with the little lights of the shop illuminating them, an occasional car passing by.

When their laughter fades, Billy’s smile remains as he takes the last bites of his cone. He looks to his right, enjoying the silence, feeling a little better about all of this, when Will asks:

“Do-… Do you and Steve use condoms?”

It takes Billy out of it for a second. He looks over in shock at this boy who’s now beet red and spinning the soupy parts of his ice cream around in the dish with his spoon.

He blinks a couple of times.

“Yeah. We do. But uhm… they made a test. So we’re… going to get tested soon and if we’re clean then we’ll probably stop using them.”

His face is burning up. If he was in his right mind he might wonder why the kid is asking something so personal, but right now he’s spinning away with thoughts of Steve Harrington.

“Why?”

“Because-” Billy starts answering immediately, and he’s a little surprised at himself but he can’t stop. The image of those big, wide, brown eyes are melting him down. “-because I think Steve and I are in it for the long haul.”

“Really?!” Will asks immediately, all of the excitement in the world in his voice.

Billy is sputtering like an idiot, looking into Will’s face as he looks at Billy like he’s just promised him a new puppy or something.

Shit, what did I just say?

“I…” Billy falls flat. He doesn’t even know what he was planning on saying. Did he really just admit that to this little pipsqueak? “Shut up and finish your ice cream.” Billy mutters, crossing his arms and sliding down the chair a bit, tapping his right boot on the ground in irritation.

Will is smirking, going back to his ice cream with an irritating as hell look. Like he knows something now. Like he knew something this whole time.

Billy’s mad, especially mad that he can’t hold back a chuckle.

“You know,” he says, not looking at Will. “You’re annoying as hell.”

There’s not a lot of bitterness in his voice, but he slides his eyes over to Will to gauge his reaction. The boy still has that dumb smirk on his face.

“I know.” He admits around a spoonful of ice cream. “But you don’t think I’m as bad as everyone else is.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, I heard you talking to Max.” Will smiles like he’s won.

“You’re right, you’re not as bad. You’re worse.” Billy says it on a chuckle and kicks at Will’s foot, who laughs along with him.

“Well you’re worse than Steve.”

Billy sighs through his grin. “You’re not wrong about that.” He looks wistfully away, thinking about his boyfriend, wondering where he is right now. Thinking about the words he said to Will… about being in it for the long haul.

He meant them. He and Steve had talked about it a bit, albeit when they were both a little crossfaded and dizzy and pliant. But they talked about it. For like, three hours. Talked through plans and ideas and dreams.

Billy snaps out of it, looking back to the boy scooping up the whipped cream.

“Seriously, finish up. Mom’s going to get worried if we’re back late.”

And when the two boys share joint shocked, owlish looks with each other at the word that just came out of Billy’s mouth, they don’t talk about it. Not then as they let the sound of the occasional passing car fill in the silent space, and not on the ride home as they let the music fill in the space there. But there’s a feeling. It’s warm and it nearly suffocates Billy but… it’s good. It’s nice and soft and scary but… it’s good.

(find it on A03 here)

#harringrove #will byers #billy hargrove #gay brothers being gay #stranger things fix it #fix it #just givin us the cute brotherly fluff we all deserve #drabble #??? #sorta kinda #it's under a read more bc it's long and i'm sorry #i posted this onto AO3 too #if you wanna look at it there or something?? #thE HARRINGROVE IS ONLY BRIEFLY MENTIONED AT THE END #i'm sorrryyyyyyyyy #this is more billy and will bein cute and brotherly #bc i love that shit #i think it's cute #augh #fic

[thethingwewrite]

Choose Your Side

Part 1:  Witch?

Summary: (Y/N) didn't know what she was getting into when she found the book in her locker. Would using it be just all the fun she thought she could have or something darker than she except?

Pairing: Dean x Reader (in the future)

Word Counts:  2817

Warning: Bullying, little angst

A/N: Hey guys, here is the new fic and series, I was working on. As you know its a charmed crossover but they aren't in the first part but in the next one, the same is for Dean. There is only Bobby in this part so bar with me, I like her to discover the whole new world first then bring anyone yet. Like I said it was supposed to be a co-writer fic with @secretlyfurrydragon . She inspired me a lot and I really believed she is a great writer. Thanks to @mrswhozeewhatsis for betaing this as always she is just doing a great job with me :). I hope you will enjoy this and let me know what you think about it.

Tag: @dr-dean , @helvonasche, @wevegotworktodo, @thorne93, @aprofoundbondwithdean, @faith-in-dean, @roxy-davenport,  @fangirl1802, @percywinchester27,  , @girl-next-door-writes, @kittenofdoomage, @supernatural-jackles, @mysupernaturalfics, @izawrites,  @jelly-beans-and-gstrings , @ariannnawinchester, @thing-you-do-with-that-thing, @jensen-jarpad, @secretlyfurrydragon, @thisismexxo,  @wonderfulworldofwinchester, @just-another-busy-fangirl, @mrswhozeewhatsis

Spn Tag Sheet: @thinkwritexpress-official , @itsemmyb , @ezauraemmaline, @charliesbackbitches, @deandoesthingstome, @deerlululucy, @walkingencyclopediaoffandom , @gryffindorable713 , @manawhaat, @growleytria, @thegleegeneration, @samtomydeanwinchester , @supermoonpanda , @sis-tafics , @amaranthinecastiel , @becs-bunker  , @meganwinchester1999 , @samanddeanwinchester67 , @ferferelli, @iridianuniverse , @the-morning-star-falls , @ackleslaugh , @fangirling-instead-of-working , @hellbentcrowley, @eyes-of-a-disney-princess , @kayteonline ,  @spnsimpleman,  @mamaimpala@for-the-love-of-dean , @winchesterfiesta ,  @salvachester, @sleep-silent-angel,  @gadreelsforbiddenfruit , @trenchcoats-and-bees  , @curliesallovertheplace, @jencharlan ,  @skybinx-blog,

March 1998

It was a dark, raining night filled with thunder every now and again. From the window of your room, you observed the scenery and wondered if you had been the reason the rain started in the first place. You bit your lips and glanced at the night table you converted into a ritual table surrounded by candles. You did not know whether you could be happy about it or worried, so you slowly decided to walk to it and read the page you used to cast a spell. You took a deep breath as you reread it for the third time.

You had been practicing witchcraft for a whole week now. So far it's only been fun. Any little trick here and there, but you never dared to try the bigger one until now. Being 14 year old, (y/h/c) and plus-size was never easy. So when you found the book in your locker a week ago, you thought someone was pranking you, especially with the weird note, you discovered with it

“(Y/N). You had been chosen to use and protect this book. Make sure it never falls into the wrong hand. Also, This book is a gift and can also be a curse too. If you have good intentions, you will only face minor consequence in your life, if not, get ready for a lifetime of nightmare and losing your loved one.”

That note worried you, mainly because no one knew your locker code but you. You made sure of it. So you quickly put the heavy book in your backpack and went to the library. Stupidly thinking the book belonged there and the look the librarian gave you, it was something you never want to do again. So you left quickly without the book and did everything to avoid the odd look you received on the way to your class.

The whole day, you had received comments from your classmate calling you a witch or fat witch, particularly because the book pop up at any particular moment, even though some of your teachers confiscate it from you and you also throw it in the trash bin on the way home but found it on your bed. You had stopped freaking out after the third time and after receiving from one of your teacher a note to be in detention. You were just bothered and annoyed by everything, so you just gave in and opened the book.

A rumble of thunder startled you and brought you back into the problem. You slightly smiled as you noticed that this spell would only last 12 hours.

“Good,” you said to yourself then closed the book.

You smiled and promised yourself that you wouldn’t use the book anymore, while cleaned and put everything that was on the night table in your closet before going to sleep.

The next day like you predicted, the storm stopped around 9 am and you were pleased to know that the weather came back as it's expected to be. After that, nothing major happened other than two of the four kids that bothered you didn't come into class that day, you did not mind. You figured that they were sick or something, but while you had your lunch break, the two left came to your table.

“Where are they, fat ass!?” Joyce queried

You raised an eyebrow “Who are they? ” You asked back

Joyce grabbed your arms and put pressure on it, you wanted to react, but her boyfriend pressed a knife against your side under the table “Don’t even try anything. Or Jamie will deflate you before you even have the chance to say a word” She threatened you, “Again. Where are they?”

Your heart thundered in her chest while you grimaced slightly in pain while the blade of the knife pressing against your side. “I...I swear I don't know who you are talking about Joyce” You implored her.

“Babe, is she that dumb?” Jamie grumbled “Jack and Jerry.”

“What about them?” you quavered

Joyce didn't have the time to say anything that the janitor came in the way. “Is everything ok kiddo?” He questioned

Jamie narrowed his eyes “She is fine! Now move grandpa” he spat

The harsh look the janitor gave Jamie made the three of you widen your eyes. Joyce let go of your arms and Jamie slide away from you. Both of them left the table without looking back at you.

The janitor’s face smoothed slightly and changed into a concerned look. “You ok kiddo?” he asked one more time

You nodded “Yes, thank you Mr…" you trailed off

“Singer. Bobby Singer,” he introduced himself “Don’t let those idjits…” He started, but he was interrupted by a black male came into the conversation

“Bobby. We need to go” He said not even paying attention to you

Bobby nodded before turning back to you, but once again he didn’t have a chance to speak anything that the man grabbed his shoulder and took him away from you. You observed them leave, linking Bobby already even with the little talk you had. He had saved you today.

Two days later

After the incident and Bobby’s help, nothing significant happened, aside from breaking your promise not to use magic again, but this was an emergency some of your classmates had been slowly disappearing. That’s when you understood what Joyce accused you of being behind those events. She was wrong, at least you hoped even indirectly related to the disappearance you didn’t want to be the one to blame for it. Now here you were with your book open on a tracking spell. All of the incantations were in Latin, and you weren't sure that you pronounced them correctly. Because let's be honest here Latin was the only class you had been failing this year and the fact that those spells even if they were fun to try were in Latin, didn't help you at all. Not to mention you barely understand any of it, you only hope it wasn't something wicked.

You took a deep breath before, chanted the last word of the spell as you dropped the powder inside the cauldron. A small explosion could be heard, and some smoke moved up, you waved off, then grabbed the white stone inside the container before putting it on the map. The second the rock touched the map. It melted like it was burning from the inside and turned into a silver liquid which moved around the map to form a circle around a group of houses. You frowned, it wasn’t specific, but at least you knew where those houses were.

You arrived at the house's neighborhood a few 25 minutes later. Your bike stopped near one of the houses, this area was new construction, and nobody would come here for any reason because some of them still needed to be built. You glanced at them one by one not sure which one you should check first; luckily you took the map with you, you pulled out of your backpack and opened it. You noticed the big circle slowly started to get smaller, as you walked and pushed your bike.

Night had come quickly, by the time you arrived in front of the right house. A big old house, you raised an eyebrow and tilted your head to the side ‘What the hell?’ You thought, wondering why this house was still there in the middle of all those new houses. You stared at it for a few minutes as you walked toward the manor, nervously because it was giving you the creep and you couldn’t shake a strange feeling. You walked into the house after a few moments of wrestling with the door.

Now that you were inside the house, the creepy feeling you had earlier was getting stronger. The door slamming shut itself, startling you. You placed your hand on your chest and tried to calm yourself. Your eyes traveled around the dim hallway, too dark for you to be able to see anything or your eyes to adjust to it. You took your backpack and searched for a lamp, but you didn’t seem to have anything else but the book when you realized the book was there one more time.

You sighed and shook your head ‘Shity book’ you thought.

Even though it was starting to get on your never, you pulled the book when you noticed the book was shining a little. Maybe you could use to walk around or just to find a spell to use, so you have lights in there? You ran the thought in your mind for a few seconds before kneeling down on the floor and putting the book down then flipped the pages until you found the right one.

You smiled “ ego indigeō lucis” (I need light) you repeated three times

You looked around for several minutes as nothing happened, you frowned and closed the book thinking you would just have to carry it around. You closed the book, but it wasn’t shining anymore. Magic was so complicated that you weren’t sure if you still like it. You put the book back in your backpack.

“How Am I going to see anything?” You wondered out loud.

Like someone turned the light on, your hands started to shine the same the book had a few moments ago, you widened your eyes and looked at your hands impress with everything. A smirk appeared on your face; you grabbed your backpack before starting to walk with a hand extended in front of you. As you walked into the vast and dark hallway with the only company the light shining from you had, you got startled by some rats running past you. You watched them go like there was something off about that. Well, rats running away has usually been a sign of danger.

“Hey You!?” someone called out

You turned to face a man, you weren't sure where you saw him before, but you didn't care because the look on his face when he saw your hand shining wasn't good at all, especially because he pulled his gun out “No don't! I am not here to hurt you" you quickly said, holding your hand up, but it wasn't a good idea because your hands started to shine more and slightly blind him making him groan

“Like hell you are!” He barked

Call it intuition or weird feeling, but you didn't feel like staying there and feel the consequences of this, so you turned around and ran away from him, and you were right. You heard the sound of the wind when a bullet came near you. You knew you made the right decision; you ran as fast as you could, not caring where you are going before falling your face first as someone jumped on you to pin you down on the floor.

“Please don't “ You begged as the person gripped at your shoulder to hold you on the floor

“Well, I’ll be damned”  The voice you recognized cursed

“Bobby?” You asked, surprise

“Watch her hand!" Another voice

“Get up" Bobby ignored the man and stood up. You obeyed putting your hand down not wanting to show them, but Bobby grabbed them, and the shining light was on again, “How can you do that?” He asked as the other male came next to you.

You barely had the time to say anything that the other man beat you “She is a witch! Bobby! I told you a witch was behind this” He grumbled showing Bobby the book he found in your back

You shook your head“No! I am not behind this! I am here to help them,” You protested

“Right! We are dumb and Dumber” the other man sneered

“Andrew. Let her answer” Bobby said then turned to face you “Listen (Y/N), we are not going to hurt you…” He began before being interrupted by Andrew  again

“Like hell we aren’t!” He hissed

You shrank back; Bobby let you have a small space between the two of you. However, he was still holding your hand “We are not going to kill you…Yet” Bobby corrected

You palled and tears formed in your eyes. You weren't sure if you were supposed to be happy or not with the fact that the place was dark “What!?” You fretted

“Just tell us where the other kids are and we might consider if you live or not” Andrew  maintained

Your breath quickened, and you pulled one of your hands away from Bobby’s grip “I.. I swear I didn't do anything to them. I… I just want to save them…. I used magic so that I could see in this hallway. Please don't kill me” You begged while your tears fell down your face

Bobby took the book from Andrew  “You know those books are dangerous. There is always a prize behind every spell this book does” He tried to calmly explain it to you.

“That’s not what the note says. I am not allowed to use this for personal gain otherwise I would lose people I care” You confess

“(Y/N) How can you not think about this being weird when you receive that kind of message” He scowled

Before you even had the chance to open your mouth, an invisible force thrown the 3 of you apart from each other. You gasped, and your heartbeat quickened, with a long bang your head hit furniture. All dizzy and barely able to stand with your arms falling along your side, a loud high sound in your ears as you tried to focus on your surroundings, yet failed as you passed out. Occasionally coming in and out, every time you did, you had to concentrate which take her almost all her strength each time. Only some images remained in your mind, with Bobby and Andrew fighting the best they could something, you weren't sure what exactly before you fainted for good not able to hold the pain in your head anymore.

You woke up after a few hours with the sound of the two voices bickering over something you barely or didn't care due to a huge headache you had. You tried to listen. However, your head didn't allow you to sneak on them. It needed too much concentration, and you didn't have the strength to do that. You just gave up and sat up in what looked like a bed “Could you keep down so my brain could rest a little” You said not caring whoever it was

“See Bobby Cinderella is awake now,” Andrew  said sarcastically

You massage your temples, trying to make the pain more bearable, of course, it failed as you watched Bobby come to you and sat next to you. “You look like I did something bad,” You told him

“More like several bad things. Princess” Andrew  said

“What my partners mean is, even though you saved our lives. You did put everyone's life in danger” Bobby said

You widened your eyes and shook your head “No. No, I didn’t hurt anyone. I promise” You blurted as tears came down your cheek.

“The spell you use of that book where market each time you used them. Do you even understand what they mean?” He asked

“Some I did,” You said as more tears fell down

“Oh please,” Andrew grumbled, “Listen, those were dangerous. You were sending each of your friends to a demon!” He fumed

“I...I am sorry” You sobbed “I...I didn’t know. I won’t do it again.”

Bobby nodded “Alright, as long as you stop that I am ok with that” He sent a glare to Andrew

Andrew shrugged “Yeah, don’t, or else we will have to kill you.”

You gasped “I promise I won’t,” You said

Andrew grabbed the book “We are taking this with us as insurance” He said putting the book in his bag before walking out of the room

You nodded, barely able to say anything as you only sob. Bobby shook his head at him, then helped you up. They brought you back to your house, luckily your parents weren't home, nobody to ask you any question. When you got to your room, the book was there again.

#Spn #supernatural #spn fic #spn fanfic #spn fanfiction #supernatural fanfiction #supernatural fic #supernatural fanfic #bobby singer #bobby singer fanfic #bobby singer fanfiction #reader insert #bobby x reader #bobby fanfic #dean winchester #spn crossover #Supernatural Crossover #dean fanfiction #charmed

[diarythebookwyrm]

Thoughts on Stranger Things 3

So Stranger Things 3 aired almost two weeks ago. I binge-watched the entire season on that Friday afternoon/evening/night. Naturally, that meant I had to take some time to sort through what I had just watched. I have since sorted through my thoughts and decided to share them.

Below the cut, because this is gonna get long and I don’t wanna spoil anybody who hasn’t caught up yet.

So...first, some character thoughts.

This season absolutely cemented in my mind exactly which characters are my favorites and which I couldn’t care less about. This is particularly true of the two main characters who just rub me the absolute wrong way; Jonathan Byers and Mike Wheeler.

Now, I’ve had issues with Jonathan since season one. Let’s explore why that’s the case, shall we? Within the first half of the season, Jonathan not only stalked Nancy but took pictures of her naked and having sex without her knowledge or consent. That’s already pretty damned creepy, but it gets worse when you remember that Nancy is a minor. Jonathan’s pictures count as child pornography by the modern definition. Yes, this is in the 80s, but that doesn’t make it any less creepy. Yes, he and Nancy have “shared trauma” after being in the Upside Down for a short time, but that...is not enough to build a relationship on??? Then the way he and Nancy do end up together is sketchy at best.

So...yeah. Jonathan is not my favorite character.

As for Mike...

Mike, Mike, Michael, Mikey. He is my absolute least favorite of the original Party. Why? Because he’s a selfish, entitled little asshole. I have two younger brothers; one five years and one ten years younger than me. I’ve lived in a house with a 13-15-year-old boy when I myself was 18-20. It was...a trial, to say the least. But Mike takes the typical early teen boy angst and dials it right up to thirteen. Not eleven; thirteen.

In this season, that was just emphasized even more than the past two seasons for me. His behavior towards Hopper has always been a bit of a pain for me to watch, but this season it just got worse. Just because Mike is El’s first boyfriend, he acts like that means he’s entitled to all her time and attention. Hopper was completely justified in flipping out the way he did.

Which brings me to Hopper’s characterization this season. I thought it was perfectly in line with the man we’ve spent so much time with so far. For one thing, this is the mid-to-late 80s. 

Let me put that in perspective for everyone. My dad was about Steve Harrington’s age in the mid to late 80s (my mom was about Nancy’s age). My dad was a bit of a...snark as a kid. My grandfather was and still is a very down-to-earth and straight-shooting man. He did not put up with my dad’s bullshit. Full stop. End of story. Hopper is similar to my grandfather in that respect. The scene where Hopper gets Mike alone and then lays down the law? My grandfather would have pulled that if he had a daughter with a snarky, disrespectful asshole of a boyfriend.

Hopper is also raising a teenage girl for the first time. His daughter died before she ever reached her teen years, so Hopper is figuring out what is the best method for handling things like a first boyfriend or a girl’s nights at the house. This is a man who spent years after his daughter’s death living as a confirmed bachelor who was a bit of a slob because he was also self-medicating with alcohol. I’m honestly surprised he didn’t actually follow through on the thought to kill Mike.

Joyce was, as always, my favorite of the parents. She’s a wonderful mother who is just trying to keep shit going for her boys’ sakes more than her own. I can’t really blame her for wanting to move out of Hawkins after what happened with Bob. Did that mean I enjoyed that plotline? No, of course I didn’t. But that doesn’t mean it was a bad one.

Murray was...Well, Murray. I did like his interactions with Hopper and how he’s the only person who actually was calling Hopper by his first name.

Nancy’s plotline in this season...it felt a little weak to me, I’ll be honest. Ever since Nancy and Jonathan got together last season (which...again, I think that was poorly handled from the start), Nancy has not been my favorite person. Am I saying she should have stayed with Steve? Absolutely not. It’s very clear that Nancy was not nearly as invested in that relationship as Steve was. I honestly think that if Nancy were not in any relationship, her story might have been a bit better written. As it is, she just feels like she’s filler alongside Jonathan while Steve actually grows as a person.

Steve, as always, is continuing to grow and develop in ways neither Nancy nor Jonathan has in the course of the show. When we first meet Steve, he’s the hot man on campus, the popular jock, etc. etc. etc. Did he do and say some problematic things? Yes. But, I would like to remind everyone of just what kind of dumbasses we all were at seventeen. Do you remember being seventeen? I do. I was a bitch. And it’s very clear in season one that most of Steve’s assholery comes from having shitty friends as much as anything. He had a point about Jonathan being a creep, and while breaking the camera might have been extreme, it was certainly justified. I think the worst thing he did was helping with spray painting Nancy “The Slut” Wheeler on the sign, and that was clearly more something that Tommy H. came up with. He even stayed behind to help clean the graffiti up. Was Steve an idiot in season one? Yes, but I still loved him even then because I saw potential and he has more than lived up to that.

The rest of the Party along with Max and El remained pretty firmly where they had been in my estimation before season three with only Max and Will moving slightly higher up on my list. Lucas has never been my favorite, but neither is he my least favorite. Dustin is my son and I will protect him. Will has grown on me and I just want to bundle him up in a blanket and feed him cookies. El is, as she always has been, a badass. Max wasn’t necessarily my favorite last season, but I didn’t dislike her, and she’s certainly grown on me with this season.

Robin and Alexei are darlings and I love them both dearly. Erica...yeah. Those of us with younger siblings either are like “yeah, been there” or find Erica a bit too close to home to enjoy. I’ll let you judge for yourself where she falls.

Now for the one character I never thought I would ever feel sympathy for: Billy. When Billy entered the show in season two, I hated him. I hated everything about him, and that was kind of the point. We were supposed to hate him. What I think is a great credit to both the writers and Dacre Montgomery’s portrayal of Billy is the fact they did invoke sympathy from me this season. Billy has still done awful things, but as I watched him become the pawn of the Mind Flayer, I actually felt sorry for him. Dacre was amazing in this role, and I’ll never forget the scene where El and he are facing off in the Starcourt Mall. It’s one of the most poignant scenes in the entire series, as far as I’m concerned.

Moving past the single characters and into the relationships:

I...have never shipped Mileven or Max/Lucas. Why? Because they are children. Mike and Eleven are about 12-13 when they meet, so...for me, the idea of shipping children has never sat well with me. It’s part of why I don’t actively ship series-era Kataang in Avatar: The Last Airbender. By season three, Mike, Eleven, Lucas and Max are about 14-15 which...is better, but not by much. I’m twenty-nine, so for me, those are babies. Also, they’ll grow up and probably have other loves in their life. Shipping children that young is problematic because most people don’t stay with their first love forever. It’s considered healthy to have multiple early loves, and I think that’s part of why I was so adamantly against Mileven this season.

I’ve already addressed some of my biggest issues with Jancy from last season, and I mentioned that I just felt like they were filler this season. Also, Nancy talking about “what if I just...don't let you go” made me facepalm so hard. Again, Jonathan is one of Nancy’s first loves. Few people stay with their high school boyfriend for the rest of their lives. True, it was certainly more common in the 50s-80s, but that doesn’t mean it’s something that should inspire great shipping material. Nancy is at least 17 or 18 in season three. She’s still figuring out what she wants out of life, and so is Jonathan. Making them out to be this great romance that will last forever is just...weird?

Jopper...Jopper broke my heart this season. I’d shipped it on the side since season one, but put it on the back burner when I saw how happy Joyce was with Bob. This season, it just reminded me why I love the dynamic between Joyce and Hopper. I’m so sad that they’ll never have that date at Enzo’s, and I wish the writers would stop making Joyce watch the man she thinks she could settle down with die horribly.

The plot:

I knew the Mind Flayer was going to be the Big Bad, so that was no surprise. What was surprising was the army of the Flayed, and I rather enjoyed that. The Russians were a wonderful addition as far as I’m concerned. I loved the way it was handled, both comedically and dramatically. It makes sense to me that if American scientists discovered the Upside Down, the Russians would have too. I mean, this is the end of the Cold War after all. America and Russia were constantly racing against one another to find the next great discovery first.

Overall, I loved this season. It was not a let-down in any way for me, apart from the focus on certain characters that still irk me. Also, I’ll just be in my lovely house on the river Denial quietly shipping Jopper.

#stranger things #spoilers #my thoughts

[kyloren]

Mileven post-S2 fanfiction recommendation list: PART II

This is a follow-up part II to the first Mileven recommendation list I made. I actually haven’t finished going through the entire Mileven tag on ao3, but as soon as I power through another good chunk of it, I’ll probably do another part of the rec list. If your fanfic isn’t featured, apologies. Message me and we’ll amend that grievance in the next rec list instalment. 

* marks the ongoing stories. 

canon: 

even outdoor rpgs in the sun have rules!* by christah88: ““It’s summer!” Dustin called over his shoulder, converting a deep lunge to a leapfrog. “The sun is shining, it’s hot but not too hot, we’re with all our friends, we don’t have to go to school, we’re young and we’re free!” He stood up and threw out his arms. “Why aren’t you guys running around screaming?!” They looked at each other. “He actually — you know, I think he actually has a point,” Will said, a bit shellshocked.” [This is the funniest fic I have ever read. Ever. Read it.] 

devil’s in the backseat by ceruleanstorm: “Mike Wheeler is not a bad boy, but when he comes to school in a leather jacket, it’s the only thing anyone can talk about. Eleven knows something is up — if only he would stop avoiding her long enough for her to ask. Max, Dustin, and Lucas may have a gambling problem, and Will’s caught in the middle of it all, stuck keeping everyone’s secrets.” 

promises to keep* by AriaCessair: “Unconsciously, the promises make their way into their lives. In the end, it is what keeps them together.” 

watching through windows, you’re wondering if i’m okay by elsaclack: “The aftermath of the group’s collective brush with the Mind Flayer and his army.” 

and i feel life for the very first time by quinnking: ““I wanted her to have something special,” he says, his voice rumbling. “To welcome ‘85 in with… people.” “With people,” Joyce repeats with a chuckle. “You mean with people who love her?”” 

paladin vs witch by Someone_else_before: “El loves Mike. Mike loves El. Kali has… concerns. On a visit to Hawkins, El’s big sister starts feeling protective and comes up with a few simple tests to make sure Mike is as good a guy as everyone says he is. The tests aren’t exactly ethical, but since when has that ever stopped Kali before?” 

let your heart be light by evenhisfacewasanalias: “Takes place after the Snow Ball, with Mike introducing El to a few holiday traditions.” 

smart things by Strange_Archivist: “Nancy reflects on love, the importance of female friends, and staying true to oneself.” 

babysitters club by SmoothFluffle: “Mike and El (and Holly) as babysitters.” 

but we could be safer for just one day* by dragonyfox: “See, the thing is, they figured they were done. Done with monsters, done with baseball bats embedded with nails, done with lighting things that are trying to kill them on fire, done with worrying about their people. Things go back to normal.” 

like a distant star* by Someone_else_before: “Now that Mike knows El is alive, he’s not going to let even the scariest police chief in the world get in the way of seeing her again.” 

i am small, and needy by kittenCorrosion: “As El adjusts to life in Hawkins, she dreads the impending trial known as “school”. Mike knows just what to do, as usual, and comforts her.” 

stringe il cuore della stella morente by shipwrecks: “Months go by. Years go by. Everybody else remembers her only as a hero, there when they needed her. He shakes the core of a dying star.” 

i’m not gonna teach your boyfriend how to dance with you by topangamatthews: “Mike Wheeler is not El’s boyfriend. So why is he so jealous of the boy who’s trying to be? (In which Mike Wheeler is an idiot and waits too long.)” 

+ its sequel: and suddenly you’re mine* by topangamatthews: “There is nothing stranger than dating in high school. (A collection of one-shots of Mike and Eleven through their high school years, hand in hand.)” 

july, july* by IrisVioletta: “Eleven adjusts to her new life, in her new family (now a life-spanning collection of oneshots.)” 

senior year by serendipitous_rambles: “Senior Year is almost at an end which means College is right around the corner. El is still unsure and confused about what she wants to do when she graduates and it feels like everyone else is moving on with their lives. But when Mike gets some news, it could mean heartbreak.” 

fake it ‘til you make it by TheMikeWheelers (jasongracefully): “Mike and El figured they would just mess with their friends a bit, they could get back at them for all the years of teasing. But fake dating never works out so easily.” 

l-o-v-e in hawkins by JoMo3: “A 5-part Mileven/Jancy Valentine fic.” 

alternative universe: 

speechless* by BimeyMooMimey: “A new girl comes to Hawkins, and the entire town takes notice. Little does Mike Wheeler know that she’s about to turn his life upside-down...without even saying a word.” 

survive the tide* by richiewheeler (jormaperalta): “After being rescued from a foster home run by a horrible man, “Eleven” is adopted by Chief Jim Hopper and tries to make Hawkins her home. But the schoolchildren are mean and she’s having a tough time fitting in, plus she needs a job for the summer. Then, she gets an opportunity to babysit Holly Wheeler, and finds her life entwined in AV Club President Mike Wheeler’s life as he navigates his last summer before he graduates from Hawkins High. As they start a summer romance, Eleven’s past starts to catch up with her as Mike’s future slams into his present. Can they survive the summer? Can their relationship?” No Supernatural AU. 

everybody talks* by hannahberrie: “What was he supposed to say? ‘Hey, so, I saw you looking kinda lonely over here, and I thought I’d come sit by you, for no apparent reason. Yeah, I know, it’s weird. Yeah, I’m kinda a total wasteoid.’” an 80’s High School AU featuring punk!Eleven and nerd!Mike. 

don’t stop believin’ by hoars: “In a world inspired by Dungeons and Dragons, the party comes to terms with their classes.” Magical Realism AU. 

wrong house by richiewheeler (jormaperalta): “The Party has a plan to egg Troy’s house on Halloween, but they accidentally get Chief Hopper’s instead.” No Supernatural AU. 

years that have gone, and years that will come by rileyhart: “Mike Wheeler has been able to feel his soulmate for as long as he can remember, and he’s been attempting to find her ever since. And he’s finally about to find her, after all those years of searching.” Soulmate AU where you are born with ability to feel the other’s emotions and pain. 

miles from nowhere* by kittenCorrosion: “Mike Wheeler and his friends really just want their band to catch a break so they can hit it big. But the week long road trip to a battle of the bands in the middle of nowhere gets complicated when his sister’s rival band shows up, one of his band mates gets tangled in a dark force, and the girl he starts falling for along the way turns out to have a dangerous secret.” Band AU. 

unpack your heart by mysterytwin: “They say home is where your heart is, and sometimes it takes a while to find exactly where that is.” Soulmate AU. 

+ its prequel: beneath the stars came falling on our heads by mysterytwin: “Mike tries to figure out the beginning, the middle, and the end of his story with Eleven. Mike tries to figure out the beginning, the middle, and the end of his story with Eleven.” Soulmate AU. 

ineffable* by princesspret: “An alternative universe where Mike Wheeler meets Eleven, “Jane Hopper,” in 1989. Unfortunately, he’s a little irritable, irrational, and rebellious but she loves him all the same.” bad-boy!Mike AU no-one asked for, but secretly kinda wished for. 

the place i call home* by notreserenade: “If one was to ask Mike Wheeler’s parents whether their son had a girlfriend, they’d scoff. Awkward, lanky Mike speaking to a girl? That’s ridiculous. But little did they know, though, that their son was very much in love with a girl. A girl of very few words. A girl with very curly hair. A girl… whose heart was as fragile as the raw emotion one gets during a sunset. A girl that — to Mike, was like no-one he had ever met.” No Supernatural AU. 

crossover: 

lionhearted (we’ll make this right)* by bottlefullofarsenic: “Normalcy should be easy to obtain. After all, they closed the gate, they defeated the monster, right? Life should go back to normal. If only it was that simple.” Stranger Things x It (2017) Crossover. 

curiosity door* by bananannabeth: “The Ghost Riders’ dimension isn’t the only one with portals into Beacon Hills.” Stranger Things x Teen Wolf Crossover. 

kingdom come deliverance by TheFlirtMeister: ““You musn’t—” Mike kneels down in front of her, Endleofan cheeping in his ear, nibbling on the lobe. “You can’t touch other people’s dæmons.” “Dæmons?” The girl repeats. “Oh brother.” Lucas says. “You don’t know what a dæmon is?”” Stranger Things x Dæmon Fusion. 

the upside down games* by peraltiagoisland: “Mike Wheeler lives in the Victor’s Village, thanks to his sister Nancy who won the games when she was 14 years old, allowing the Wheelers to live in the lap of luxury — or as luxurious as living in District 12 can get. Sadly, having a sister as a victor doesn’t protect Mike from the reaping. It also doesn’t protect him from getting picked to represent District 12 in the 83rd Hunger Games. Oh, and the thing about the arena that year? It becomes another dimension at night. It becomes the Upside Down.” Stranger Things x Hunger Games Fusion. 

+ bonus: wherein Steve Harrington is a good Team Mom™: 

that’s what friends are for by jibberjabber599: “It’s this action that seems to make his presence a welcome one when Dustin drags him around, even though he’d like to remind the little rugrats that he’s the one who got them out of that hole and saved their lives. Steve doesn’t really have a reference point when it comes to being a big brother—he’s an only child, never really willingly hung out with anyone younger than him—but he’s pretty sure it must feel a little something like this.” 

crazy or impressive* by WitchWithWifi: “Steve all but adopts five middle schoolers, their weird telekinetic friend, and all the crazy shit they come with.” 

the ache for home lives in all of us (a safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned) by Dontfloatthe100: “The six times Steve Harrington was a mom to the kids, and the one time he didn’t have to be.” 

steve harrington’s guide to parenting* by untuneduke: “The adventures of Steve and his 6 adopted children (and the rest of their family).” 

this is home* by PatchworkMedley: “The Party realise that maybe Steve is worth more than just driving a car and welding a nail driven bat. And Steve realises that when five pairs of eyes are giving you that puppy look, you don’t stand a chance. Now if only he had those looks when dealing with Hopper…” 

.

.

guys, you know I’m gonna be pumping out these mileven fic recs until I feel like I’ve read every single fic in the ao3 tag, right? oh, god, what I have committed myself to? stay tuned for the next instalment. 

UPDATE: part III is out. 

#mileven #mileven fanfiction #mileven fanfiction recommendation list #mileven fanfiction recommendation #character: mike wheeler #character: eleven #pairing: mike x eleven #tv: stranger things #fanfiction recommendations #in this tag resides fanfiction #♔: victrix #*

[willel]

Season 3 Review

TLDR; I’ve only watched it once so far. My opinions are relatively positive, but I did have this... weird feeling like something more was meant to happen but didn’t. 

The Review:

Here’s the order I will go in. Plot review, and then character by character review. For the characters, I’ll try to put the shorter reviews on top. Don’t expect a perfect review, these are my free flowing thoughts. 

Plot:

Plot was ok? I’m going over it in my head right now and there’s nothing in particular I didn’t like. Like last season, maybe they could’ve spent more time on other characters and relationships? Relationships that REALLY needed it? The flow of the story moved at a decent pace. I didn’t really feel like it was dragging at any parts. 

I know this will be an unpopular opinion, but they just have way too many characters. When you have this many characters, you spread your story thin. It happens every single time. Why do writers never learn from this? The more you add, the more time you have to give them, time you don’t have?

But now it’s too late. Maybe some of these characters can fall back into the background? (Such as Robin, who I didn’t mind really)

As for how everything resolved, it was ok I suppose. The Mind Flayer? He was cunning, sure. But not nearly as cunning as the fandom dreamed him up to be, and I preferred the fandom interpretation. For a while we’ve all been predicting the Mind Flayer wouldn’t immediately go for El. He’d go for her friends and family, or Will’s friends and family, or Will again and then make it’s way to her. It’d make his beef with her very personal. Like take Mike. Or Hopper. Someone she’d least likely expect. 

But no, it was taking random victims from town, or people El already didn’t like or know. (which by the way, I feel sorry for those poor people. Some were just children. Tsk)

Things could’ve gotten so much more cunning and creepy. Like they’d all be questioning if they’d been infiltrated by the MInd Flayer and someone in the Party wasn’t on their team or something. I dunno. Something. 

As for how everything wrapped up, I don’t think Hopper is dead for one. Joyce was breaking down and assumed he was dead, but was she actually looking at his crispy body, or just an empty spot? If it’s empty, why do I feel like he escaped into the portal or hid somehow? Huh

And the very end?? As predicted, the Byers are moving away. I know before the season released the big theory was Will and El would be kidnapped, but after we got a still of Jonathan caressing Nancy’s face (they both looked to be crying), the shot of The Party biking away from the Byers empty house... I dunno. Something was off. Would Joyce still move if they were gone? I mean surely she would’ve stuck around Hopper to get help in finding their kids, and I highly doubt Hopper was gonna move anywhere. 

I remember a very long time ago, Noah mentioned something about characters coming together, but not in the way he expected. And more recently, he said something happens at the end of season 3 that will give him and El more screen time next season. 

This leads me to 2 conclusions. All that Byers fluff I wanted is next season... AND SO IS ALL THE EL AND WILL I WANTED. 

But... I feel like there was so much opportunity to put some stuff in THIS season, you know? So, I’m kinda conflicted right now. I look forward to it next season, but I also feel it could’ve fit in this season 2. 

CG looked good. Better than I was expecting. So good job folks. My biggest takeaway is simply too many characters. There just is. 

So, onto the characters!

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

Characters 

Erica: Very happy with how this turned out. We’ve already got black nerd rep with Lucas, but now his little sister too? So rare to see in media to be honest. It would be so cute if she joins The Party for DnD games. Not as a main maybe, but the person to go to for math.

Robin: You know, I’m glad it took the turn it did, with her being gay and all. I’m glad they aren’t trying to pair every single person under the sun. I think it’s good that Steve found someone that gets him, but that is truly just his friend that happens to be a girl. That said, I don’t know what there would be for her to do in future seasons, you know? Like, maybe she serves a role similar to Mr. Clarke where she can crack some code or something. But as a character? There’s no where for her to go, you know? And that’s not a bad thing! I think she can totally work as a supporting character. (though I feel conflict with that too. Cause she’s LGBT representation and we’re kinda imbalanced with the cast if you know what I mean)

Steve: I was fully expecting them to turn Steve into a complete goof and lean in too hard on the meme. They still kinda did, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. His doucher side still popped out now and then. Some scenes with Robin I liked (the bathroom discussion). Other times they spent WAY too much focus on his story (the “do you remember ms. Clicker” and “ooo the ceiling is wavy”). That said.... I feel like Steve’s character has also been mostly resolved? Where does his character go from here? Maybe he’ll get a girlfriend, but like Dustin’s girlfriend, I don’t find it necessary to focus on or anything. He’s got a friend his age now, still friends with Dustin. If there weren’t so many Steve fans, I feel like it’d be a natural progression to have Steve fall back a little too. (but I doubt that’s going to happen.)

Dustin: Dustin. Mmm. Dustin. I always feel like I have so little to say about Dustin. Not because I dislike him, but hey. We all have our favorites, right? I’m glad he took Erica under her wing and showed her it’s ok to be a nerd.... SD THAT HE BROTHER COULD’VE HAVE DONE THAT, but I digress I digress. Sometimes, your sibling isn’t the one to show you the way. It’s cool that he got a girlfriend I guess, so he actually wasn’t upset about Max and Lucas at all. He basically had similar feelings to Will, but less angry and intense. Was not interesting in the whole singing situation, but it was nice to have a comedic comeback with Lucas and Max teasing him.

Lucas: Lucas, my other son. He served the role I thought he would this season. The love doctor, trying his best to set his bestie on the right path. I mean, I guess his advice was sound, but El isn’t Max. His and Max more toned down relationship is how I feel like 14 year old romances should be. Teasing each other. Teasing mutual friends. Playing around. Hugs. They’re sweet. Wish we’d gotten more time of them talking about stuff going on though. I thought Max and Lucas would kinda work together to give their friends some space and give them time to think or something. Not Lucas actively working to get them back together and Max almost doing the opposite. I’m so happy that he was trying to apologize to Will about the dnd campaign. Will insisted he didn’t care anymore, but I bet he still appreciated Lucas bringing it up and saying it was a good campaign. What a good friend. So cute that they worked on the fireworks together. AND THE SEASON STAPLE HAPPENED, THEY HUGGED! YES. AND LUCAS WAS ACTION MAN, CUTTING EL FREE OF THE BEAST

Max: Max was definitely out of have fun this season. I’m glad she made a new bestie and they got along great. Though I do think Max could’ve approached the “you should be more independent” situation more gently (because El will take it all literally and do stuff word for word), it is what it is. The end result was positive. I’m glad Max called Mike out on being a little too controlling/protective, but you would’ve thought the others would’ve said something sooner? I guess Will tried but we all know how that went. Lucas poked fun at him, but didn’t really push for change. So, it’d make sense for Max to be the one to do it I guess. El had to make things change, not Mike. What I did not like this season was Max on multiple occasions trying to get through to Billy? We saw what their relationship was last season. Toxic as all hell. I’m sure Max wouldn’t want Billy to die or get morally wounded or involved in the supernatural shenanigans but... something was just off about everything. Mm.... like... she’s seen what Billy can do. Would she really doubt he did something bad that hard? It would have been nice if El had a “I need you to trust me.” line with Max like she did Mike. They’re both in their own way trying to dictate what El should be feeling (Max much less so, but still). Even if Max believed her, would’ve have changed much either way. Moving forward, where can her character go? Maybe some family stuff? Billy’s dead now. Where will Neil’s abuse go? Because, it’s clear he’s always just been a piece of shit. 

Mike: Mike wasn’t as cruel as he could’ve potentially been, but he certainly was a little shit sometimes. His love and affection for El was clearly becoming an obsession. I’m glad he was basically forced to take a step back and had to try and work things out. El gave him virtually no pity or reward until she felt like he earned it. And the whole thing with Will? Ooof. What were you thinking Mike? Will obviously put a shit ton of work into his campaign and then you treated it like a joke the entire time and didn’t realize you were being a butt until Will finally had enough. Mike has always been very emotional and hot headed. He easily gets tunneled visioned too. But you know, despite liking girls and being with a girl, Mike Wheeler is still Mike Wheeler, a nerd who doesn’t know how to deal with girls really. I’m sure by the next time we see him, he’ll be much better.

Hopper: Hopper??? He was.... basically a dick the whole season. While I didn’t mind he was being the “leave enough room for jesus” trope he had going on, threatening Mike and making him lie to El was just.... what the heck are you doing Hopper? You’re really going to risk your relationship with El and Mike because you don’t like that they’re kissing so much? I get that you miss spending time with your brand new daughter, but I’m sure eventually all those butterflies would calm down and you could have your father and daughter times again. He should’ve swallowed his pride and did what Joyce said. And then Joyce? Omg Hopper please. She lots the man she was potentially going to marry and move away with less than a year ago. I know you’re horny, but please have a little class? I don’t hate Hopper, but man. He was WAY out of line sometimes. And I probably only feel this way because Joyce essentially told him “Screw you” multiple times. I can see why Joyce was hesitant to jump into a relationship with Hopper. He does share a few qualities of Lonnie. Don’t get me wrong, not NEARLY as toxic. But Joyce spend the whole season arguing with him like she did her ex husband. That can’t feel good, you know? Hopper needed to be better. He needed more time. Buttttt, unfortuntelyyyyy, time that could’ve been used for that.... wasn’t used for that. As for his death? To be honest, I won’t be convinced until I see a proper body. But just.... he was so considerate and patient last season with Joyce. What happened? Ooof

Joyce: Joyce. Best mom Joyce. I love her. Always have, always will. She did not take any shit this season from anyone. I can tell she was beyond pissed that Hopper was blowing off her concerns yet again. It was hilarious that she left him alone to yell into the void and was like, “No it’s ok. I’m just gonna borrow these and break into the facility without you.” I wanted soooo much moRE TIME WITH HER SONS. OR WITH EL. What are you doing Duffers? Then again.... when I really think about it, Joyce hasn’t had anything to do except worry about one of her sons in season 1 and season 2. It was a nice change of pace for her. She had her own adventure of sorts and that’s great. That said, I did love the .00002 second clip of her and Jonathan wiping his face. And I love that she was hugging Will so tightly that he actually said, “I’m suffocating.” I also liked that Will and Joyce cried in each other’s arms..... BUT WHAT THE HECK, SOMEONE GIVE EL A HUG PLEASE

Jonathan: I will say Jonathan’s nonchalance toward Nancy’s treatment did not feel quite like him, but I guess I understood his point of view after they were fired. Like, OBVIOUSLY he didn’t like Nancy’s treatment, but I guess the Byers financial situation has gotten so bad he just.... let that stuff slide (Joyce mentioned how Hopper was her first customer and she’s doing nothing but putting clearance labels on all their store products, so her job is definitely not safe) I’m glad we were granted not only the arguments, but also their apologies and whatnot. I feel like it’s in Jonathan’s nature to be skeptical until he’s proven utterly wrong. Not a bad trait to have, just makes him a wee bit hard headed. I was sorely missing Byers bro time. Omg there were so many opportunities to have them not just next to each other, but speaking and stuff? Or worrying about their mom? Or something? What is up with that? Ooof. They said this season was reminiscent of season 1, but I don’t see that at all. Even when Will wasn’t there for most of the season, the Byers still just... had so much???? going for them??? But now? There are no gifsets I can make this seasons of the bros basically. Or of Joyce and Jonathan. Like, nothing. And that’s a shame. (Just that scene of them driving in the car basically) Though, LET ME JUST SAY IT WAS SO BIG BROTHERLY THAT JONATHAN WAS TRYING TO HELP EL BUT WAS UNABLE TO CATCH THE WIGGLY CREATURE. AND TRYING TO PROTECT EL FROM THE WRIGGLY MOUTH TENTACLE. He’s so soft. 

Nancy: Nancy had a lot to do this season and that’s great. I wonder now that the two hot dogs holding her back the most in the post are gone if she can finally shine and make a name for herself? Or maybe she’ll follow her mom’s advice and work for a different paper? I’m glad she stood up for herself and followed through with her investigation. Also, it was kinda cute that Mike called for her when the big beast was breaking through the ceiling

Karen: KAREN. I thought I was going to be really mad at you this season, but I’m glad you turned things around. Ted sucks, but he’s not a creep or abusive. If you want a new life Karen, then I hope you do it the proper way. Just divorce him or whatever. But you know what? Karen dragged his ass out to a crowded fair and he actually seemed to be enjoying himself so maybe he just needs a push in the right direction. As for the kids, omg. I’m glad Mike and Nancy finally came to her to cry and talk. Maybe they didn’t tell her everything, but at least they told her something? You know? And she had beautiful sound advice for Nancy. Karen is back in the graces of good moms again. 

Will: WIll my boy. I know they said Will would be getting a break this season, but other than his friendships falling apart and feeling like the worst... to me, it was kinda odd how the Mind Flayer didn’t care about Will at all? Will is basically giving away all of the Mind Flayer’s secrets and he doesn’t care at all? Does he not know? Surely the all powerful Mind Flayer can tell... unless it’s not the Mind Flayer piece that’s giving Will this ability to sense him. Like, Will really has a sense evil ability I suppose. Which leads me to WIll’s power. I think this can be considered Will’s power, but I have a problem with the way they implemented it. Will sensed things sure, and could tell the Party if the monster was nearby or something. But... why have Will feel that so late? Wouldn’t this plot point be better implemented by Will feeling the Mind Flayer much much sooner? Or within people when they aren’t acting psycho with black veins? Why have Will say “Oh yeah, something bad is here.” When it’s obvious something bad is here. You know what I mean? I mean, technically he was feeling it before anyone else noticed anything, but not enough time to properly warn them. You know? Maybe this is a matter of practice makes perfect. He needs to work his new muscle to get a faster heads up. But yeah, my prediction in that way was right. His powers would be related to sensing or feeling. In some episodes, there were these various moments where I was sure Will was going to step forward and say something. Or offer El advice or comfort (like when she was diving deep and Flayed Billy was being mean, because he’s seen and felt some shit too), but it never happened. It always fell onto Mike to resolve. And I mean, that’s ok I guess. And typical of him to do so. I was also expecting more people to notice when Will was touching his neck and stuff, but Mike only noticed that one time in the movie and no one else paid attention. Also, it was weird that it took Will so long to notice Nancy and Jonathan’s struggle in the hospital. Side note, Will the Wise had me ROLLING. Will should join the drama club after all. He’s amazing. He should become an actor. On the topic of his sexuality, I have changed my mind on it. While before I was certain he was gay, now I think he’s either gay or aroace. Or both. To be honest, I’m not well versed on the subject, but whether he’s ace or not, I think he’s still gay. As for where his character is going? I hope his BRAND NEW SISTER EL can get him to chill on the “All girls are icky” routine. Pffff. My boy, you don’t gotta romantic like a girl to be friends ya know. Honestly, I can’t believe Will and El only really had 1 conversation on screen. That is BOOTY. P.S, I’m glad there wasn’t a love triangle. It would have been a mess. Lol

El: And nowwwww, to El! El dealt with a lot this season. I remembering mentioning to a friend that everyone demands Will get a break, but never mention El getting a break. She was basically tortured this season. I’ve discussed her a lot in Mike’s section, but to summarize, I’m glad she found her own form of independence this season. She was taking on a little too much Max (like she was with Kali. And before that, Mike), but by the end, you could clearly see she really coming into her own. A little mix of everything with her own self coming through. Now, onto her powers. So, they’ve changed how they work a little. Apparently, El decides who can and can’t see her in the void. That means, the ONLY people who have broken this rule is her mother and Flayed Billy. That whole thing with Will? That’s because she wanted him to hear her at the very least. And also, apparently anyone can talk to El while she’s in that place because she heard Mike like she heard Joyce in season 1. Also, that power to dive into memories wasn’t Terry’s power. Or rather, that’s yet another power El has that her mother has too. At this point, it kinda feels like they’re just piling any ability onto El that fits what they’re trying to do with the plot. It is an interesting choice that she’s lost them for now, but I wonder why exactly. You can still hear when she’s using her power, but nothing happens. Now El can really be a “normal” girl until they reappear (which they’re bound to do). Also, IT IS SO SO AMAZING THAT JOYCE TOOK HER IN AND NOW iT’S A FAMILY OF 4 AND JOYCE IS LEGIT HER MOM OMG. EL HAS A MOM!!! (Ok, she’s always had a mom. But you know what I mean) She’s now living in a house with more people. And although Joyce is a very clingy paranoid parent, she is not clingy and paranoid like Hopper. If there’s a problem, she properly address it with her kids. I think El will really like this new take on family with Joyce. 

Other:

Was SO happy to see Bob. I’m glad his memory is alive. Would’ve liked to see Will think about him, but I guess Will had another things going on. Still. Would’ve been nice. Very nice. Also glad to see Dr. Owens for a split second. You know, I really liked that Alexei guy. He turned out to be kinda adorable and was really trying to help. It’s so sad what happened to him honestly. Didn’t care for trying to make Billy sympathetic, but I guess if you’re going to kill him off, you should better understand why he’s suck a dick. I guess. And, it’s quite sad all those people disintegrated into poo. I feel like I already said this. 

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

Conclusion

Although my feelings have not completely settled, there is one thing that’s clear. I still prefer season 1 and 2. I basically feel like everything I expected to happen this season is actually going to be next season. It’s a weird feeling to have. Makes me feel uncertain. Should I really be looking forward to the promised next season when I felt like this one surely could’ve had more? Know what I mean? 

I want to say I should definitely be getting what I want next season. But... I wish it were this season. 

As for what’s coming next, well, obviously the Russians are dumb and they opened a gate. And they have an American prisoner. But anyway, I wonder what the Mind Flayer/Demogorgon is going to do next. Track down El? Mmm.... and I guess the US government right now must not be a threat whatsoever. Not with Owens in charge. Mm. El faced no backlash being seen by all those government goons. 

Ok that’s it for now. If ya got questions my askbox is open.

#stranger things #spoilers

[nancykali]

❤️stoncy through the seasons

Winter 1984-1985

Nancy remembers how chapped their lips were, when she andSteve kiss for the first time after their fight. The wind is vicious and she can’tfeel her fingers grasping his coat, but she feels his hands around her waist andthat’s all that matters.

When the three of them pile into the backseat of Jonathan’scar, they can all see their breath, and it takes a long time for the car to warmup. But Nancy has her coat off long before then. Jonathan’s hands are warm frombeing in his pockets, as he’d stood on the driver’s side waiting for Nancy—andhopefully Steve, too. He ends up between Steve and Nancy in the backseat, Steveplayfully applying Nancy’s chapstick before he kisses him, while Nancy guides hisright hand beneath her sweater to reveal she isn’t wearing a bra.

Nancy counts down the days to Barb’s funeral, and each nightit’s harder to go to bed. She barely sleeps. Eventually she doesn’t even turnher lamp off. The night before the funeral she has both Steve and Jonathansneak in and sleep beside her.

They all remain clothed and Nancy always remembers how herboys’ clothes smell of snow and cold air, and how stiff Steve’s hair isbecause he’s recently showered and didn’t let his hair dry before goingoutside. They let her babble on, about school, about Mike and Will and El, aboutthe stupid Halloween party, about Murray, about the Upside Down, and finallyabout Barb, until she can’t hold back the tears anymore.

After Nancy tells them maybe eight or nine times it was okayfor them to sleep, Steve and Jonathan doze for a bit. She holds both theirhands, Jonathan’s draped over her stomach, and Steve’s laying across her chest,curled over her collarbone. She lets her tears dry on her face as she just liesstill and listens to them breathing. Trying to think more about them being withher instead of who they’d be “burying”.

Nancy waits until the last possible minute to wake them up.She knows her mother would be up at six. She watches the digital clock on hernightstand go from 5:20, to 5:21, 5:22…Finally at 5:30 she gives in and wakesthem. The boys sneak back out to catch maybe a couple more hours of sleepbefore the funeral. Steve has to arrive separately in his own car.

Christmas is better. Nancy sneaks a bottle of champagne outof the house on December 26th, around 12:15am, when Jonathan pullsup with Steve in the front seat. She’s still wearing her Christmas dinnerdress, but snow boots instead of heels.

They go out to the junkyard and start a bonfire. This is howthey like to celebrate. It’s almost out in the open, outside of their ownhomes, but away from any unexpected company or prying eyes. They get drunk andhigh and drunk again, and exchange their gifts. Jonathan gives Steve a newcoat, and Nancy the first mix tape he’s ever made for her. Steve gives Jonathana new Zippo lighter, and Nancy a gun. A real gun. “Pulled a few strings with the chief,” he says, kissing theawed look off her face, grinning the whole time.

Most of what Nancy remembers from that night is thefirelight in Steve and Jonathan’s eyes after she gives them her gift, two ringson two silver chains. They’re all close to tears. And the taste of roastedmarshmallows and champagne together. And how weed, wood smoke, and snow smellstogether on Steve’s coat that she wears on the ride home. Before she gets outof Jonathan’s car, she tries to give his coat back to him, but he’s still highand refuses to take it, and part of her doesn’t want to let it go. They have tokeep their secret, but she sleeps with Steve’s coat that night, tucked againsther chest. Her sheets smell of his hairspray and wood smoke the next morning.

When she sees Jonathan the next day she asks him if he’dgotten a picture of her last night wearing Steve’s coat. Of course he did.

That particular coat keeps getting passed around. SinceJonathan got Steve a new coat for Christmas, he sees no problem with lettinghis gf and bf share the old one. No one but Karen, who has a sharp memory andthinks the coat is vaguely familiar and out of place, suspects anything.

Spring 1985

It’s Jonathan’s favorite season, and the season of hisbirthday. It’s also the season Steve graduates high school, and reveals he’schoosing to stay in Hawkins and work at the mechanics shop. His parents arefurious, and for a few weeks he has to sleep over at the Byers, while his dad’stemper cools off.

He and Jonathan stay up past 1am nearly every night,watching movies, debating about different bands, Jonathan showing Steve how tomake mix tapes. Steve also learns how Jonathan gives such great foot massages,and they give each other back massages until they’re a hot, aching mess. Theytalk until their voices are hoarse, about their fathers yeah, but also aboutNancy, about Will and Joyce, about Mike and Dustin and what’s going to happento Max and Lucas. They talk about the video games Steve loves that Jonathanjust can’t get into, how Jonathan learned to cook, when Steve smoked his firstcigarette, when Jonathan smoked his first blunt. And a few times they talkuntil they start hearing birds chirping outside even though it’s still pitchdark, and drift off giggling inside jokes at each other and trading teasingkisses that go deeper just before fatigue can take over.

Steve does household chores without being asked and Joycecan’t dissuade him no matter how hard she tries. His dad doesn’t allow him touse his car, so Jonathan helps him get to his new job for the first few weeks.Nancy is the first to storm over to the Harrington’s and give Mr. Harrington apiece of her mind (as politely as she can). It works on Steve’s mother, but nothis father.

She does, however, get Steve’s car keys back. She drives upthe Byers’ driveway in Steve’s car on a sunny Saturday afternoon, the mosttriumphant smile on her face. Steve picks her up and spins her around, kissingher soundly in front of Joyce and Will and El, prompting Joyce to do quite abit of explaining to the two 14 year olds who’ve thought Nancy was just datingJonathan this whole time.

Steve and Jonathan and Nancy of course do their part in theexplaining, and Nancy begs Will to let her tell Mike, but to let this remain asecret for a little longer. (Hopper remains in the dark for a few more weeks.)El is of course completely trustworthy, and unabashedly intrigued, while Willremains confused but fully accepting. He and Jonathan have already talked a fewtimes about Will’s interest in boys by then.

Jonathan has to work a lot, so they celebrate his birthdayafter he’s done with a long shift at the movie theater, nearing 2am. Stevebrings a blunt for them all to smoke as a birthday surprise. Nancy does have to drive Jonathan home, thoughshe offers as a courtesy more than anything. The next day Steve teases Jonathanabout it mercilessly anyway, knowing Jonathan got most of the birthday blunt,and so was probably unfit to drive. Nancy later reveals that Steve fell asleepin Jonathan’s backseat last night, and she couldn’t wake him up (he sleeps likethe dead) so they’d have to ride with Jonathan to work that afternoon so theycould pick up Steve’s car from the theater parking lot.

Steve and his dad eventually reconcile, but things remaincool between them. Steve spends far more time at the Byers than he does in hisown home. This eventually results in Hopper accidentally finding out about theirpolyamorous relationship. He cuts off every single attempt Nancy makes toexplain the relationship further to him, and Joyce eventually tells Nancy to lether do the talking. “He’s not sexist, honey, he just doesn’t like young peopleexplaining new and unfamiliar things to him. He was like this when I firsttalked about smoking weed with him.” Joyce says this completely within earshotof Hopper and she knows it.

Summer 1985

Nancy gets a part time job as a waitress. Karen drives hermost of the time, she doesn’t get her own car. Sometimes she rides her bikethough, and Steve is quick to point out how quickly her legs get toned becauseof all the riding. This makes her blush crimson before she playfully punchesboth of her boyfriends in the arm for laughing.

Sometimes if their schedules coincide, Jonathan drives herto work. Steve usually picks her up, especially if her shifts go late, and theyspend the night at the Byers’. Honestly if they’re not spending the night atthe Byers’ it’s because they’re pooling their resources to get a cheap motelroom somewhere outside the Hawkins city limits.

They do this at least four times throughout the summer.Twice Nancy pretends she’s dating only Steve. The very last time they got amotel room, in August, at a motel they’d never been to, she pretends she’s withboth Steve and Jonathan, but separately, at different times, confusing thehell out of the staff.

They spend the fourth of July out by the lake closest toHawkins. It had been over ninety degrees in the shade that day, and they goskinny dipping after dark. Steve hides Nancy’s bikini, with Jonathan as hisaccomplice. But she couldn’t care less because it’s pitch dark except for moonand starlight and distant fireworks, and the only source of light out here isJonathan’s car, his Zippo lighter, and a few sparklers they got from the party.They don’t even light a bonfire, it’s so hot.

Nancy ends up falling asleep with only a duvet covering her,using Jonathan as a pillow, and Steve using heras a pillow. She wakes up first, maybe only a half hour after the sun rises,and drives them all back to the Byers (after finding her bikini hidden underthe passenger seat, and stealing Steve’s shirt right off his back—he sleepsthrough it of course). Jonathan wakes up during the drive and she tells him tolet Steve sleep with a mischievous smile on her face.

El is the only one up and is making waffles for everyone. Nancyquietly enlists her help in waking up Steve. She gets a can of Reddi Whip andshows El how to coat Steve’s hands in the stuff, then tickle his nose until hewakes up with the whipped cream all over his face. Nancy and Jonathan’scarefree laughter prompt El to laugh too, and she ends up laughing harder thanshe’s ever laughed. Steve’s surprise soon gives way to laughter too, and heeventually takes the Reddi Whip from Nancy and starts chasing her, trying toget as much as he can in her hair. The grass is still slick with morning dew andthey both end up slipping and falling on each other, laughing until they’rebreathless. Jonathan then calmly walks up, takes the Reddi Whip, and sprays aneat little dollop on each of their heads, before walking back inside with El,yelling over his shoulder for them to clean each other up with the garden hose.

Jonathan goes back inside with El to help her finishbreakfast, while Steve and Nancy clean up outside. After Steve gets all thewhipped cream off himself, Nancy gives him his shirt back. It’s only slightlydamp and reeks of lake water. Steve, seeing her back in her bikini, sprays her mercilesslywith the garden hose, getting her soaked. She gets him back of course.

Steve ends up carrying Nancy into the house bridal style,both of them damp and grinning like idiots. Seeing Jonathan at the sink, and Eland Will at the table, both of them hold a finger to their lips to signal thekids to stay quiet, and Steve sneaks up behind Jonathan with Nancy still in hisarms.

Nancy, hoping the running water in the sink has masked theirapproach, leans close to Jonathan’s ear and whispers, “You were gonna be ourcherry on top,” before she jumps out of Steve’s arms and they tackle theirboyfriend. The kitchen is suddenly full of yelling and laughter as Steve andNancy shower Jonathan with damp kisses, tickling him and pulling him away fromthe sink, until they’ve both got him on the ground, tickling him until he’sscreaming laughing and then trying to tell them their waffles are getting cold,which only prompt them to tickle him more. Joyce and Hopper run in at all thenoise, still half asleep, to find Will and El calmly eating waffles while all thisis going on. And that’s how they start off July 5, 1985.  

Fall 1985

Fall becomes the season for monster hunting.

Nancy makes the connection first. The demogorgons, the mind flayer,they like it cold. The past two years in Hawkins, they’ve always been beatenbefore winter set in. The Hawkins gate is closed, but El helps them realizethere’s more than one gate that’s been opened, and there are more monsters outthere.

Hopper forbids them from leaving Hawkins when they bring itup. He says he’ll follow the leads, tell them what he learns. Nancy demands toknow if a monster has killed anyone outside of Hawkins. Hopper sees thevengeance and pain still burning in her eyes and knows he can’t stop her, so hesays he’ll tell her everything heknows, as long as she stays put. For now.

Nancy goes to do target practice in the woods a lot moreoften. Jonathan and Steve are usually with her, but sometimes she wants to bealone. She keeps the part time waitress job, saves up, works late nights, takesadvantage of her insomnia to study, catch up on homework. It gets harder tokeep her relationship with both Steve and Jonathan a secret, harder to keepfrom telling her parents she’s not going to some classy university next fall,she’s going to go wherever Jonathan goes, and so is Steve. Just as long as it’sfar away from Hawkins, Indiana.

And she begins studying medicine, first aid. It’s just ahobby, she thinks, at first. She likes science, maybe she’ll pursue nursing.But then Jonathan gets in a fight.

Steve never stops beating himself up that he wasn’t there. Jonathanand Nancy were walking to Jonathan’s car after school, he could’ve met themthere, like he had so many times before. But he’d been working.

A group of guys had surrounded them, accused Jonathan ofbeing a fag, claimed they saw him kissing Steve Harrington. Jonathan saidnothing. So they ambushed him. Nancy, powerless against four 18-19 year oldsmuch bigger than her, got pushed away once, smacked the second time for tryingto stop them. They only stopped when a teacher started coming over to see whatwas going on.

Jonathan was barely conscious, and his car was closer thanthe teacher. Nancy hurried to put Jonathan in the backseat, then sped off,heading for the hospital. She yelled at Jonathan to stay awake until her voicewas nearly gone, drowned out by her sobs and the aching in her skull.

Less than twenty-four hours after Jonathan is dischargedfrom the hospital, Hopper comes by the Byers’, knowing he’ll find Nancy there.

She’s dozing on the couch, Jonathan’s head resting in herlap. Steve is sound asleep on Jonathan’s other side, his hand resting inJonathan’s hair, where he’d fallen asleep in the middle of running his fingersthrough it. Jonathan’s favorite, BladeRunner, is playing on the VCR for the fifth time that day. Neither Jonathannor Nancy have been to school since it happened.

Nancy wakes up slightly at hearing Hopper enter, and resumescounting the stitches on Jonathan’s face as if she’d never stopped. He almostlost vision in his right eye. Would he have still been able to do photography?She didn’t want to think about it.

“Nancy,” Hopper says, his large form blocking out thetelevision. She looks blearily up at him, can’t imagine why he’s there.

“We found them,” Hopper says, and holds two files out toher. She takes them.

“The boys that beat up Jonathan?” she asks, opening the topfile. In the low lamplight, she recognizes four mug shots.

“Yeah, they weren’t hard to find. But there’s somethingelse. The second file. Open it,” Hopper says in his gruff way, indicating thesecond file with a small flick of his wrist at her.

She opens the second file. It’s a case file from a precinctin Iowa. She scans the first page, zeroes in on the words “unsolved” and “suspectedhomicide”. The victim is only fourteen years old. Missing for nearly a week.

“The first victim outside Hawkins,” she whispers. She can’tmove her eyes from the document in front of her, even as her vision blurs, evenas she feels Jonathan stir beside her.

She looks directly up at Hopper, sees his guardedexpression. “You’re going to let me kill it,” she says, her voice louder.

“Nancy—”

“I turn eighteen in two weeks, you can’t stop me.” The filebegins to shake in her hands. Hopper takes it from her, not too quickly. Hekneels in front of her, so they’re at eye-level.

“If you break the law I can. Don’t go barreling into thisbefore we know what we’re up against.” His voice is more hushed than hers. He’snever forgotten that they bugged his trailer. Nancy knows they haven’t buggedanything now, and his unnecessary caution only angers her further. She clenchesher fists, swallows the words that want to break out.

Hopper doesn’t touch her. He knows better. But his eyes aresteady on hers. “Listen to me. We’re going to get it. But you have to let me takethe lead on this.”

Jonathan lifts his head from her lap, braces himself up onone arm. “Nancy? What is it?”

Nancy blinks, turns her head to face him. “Nothing. Hopper’shere. Do you need more meds?”

“I’ll get ‘em, Nance,” Steve’s voice, only a little heavyfrom sleep, sounds from Jonathan’s other side, and Nancy watches him rise andhead for the kitchen. She absently kisses the top of Jonathan’s head, puts herhand on his cheek. “How are you feeling?”

“Head is pounding,” Jonathan murmurs, laying his head backdown in her lap. She pets his hair, his shoulder, his arm, wishing she couldabsorb all his pain.

“We’ll talk more about this later,” Hopper says to Nancy. “Restup, kid.” And he reaches out and pats Jonathan’s shoulder, before rising.

“Thanks,” Jonathan says drowsily, and Nancy looks down tosee Jonathan closing his eyes again. Hopper opens the front door, puts hiscowboy hat back in place, and then he’s gone.

Steve comes back in with a glass of water and Jonathan’smeds, gives Nancy a hard look. She just shakes her head. Later. They all settle back on the couch, much as they were before.

Nancy focuses back on the movie. It’s about to end. Shewatches the Replicant become acorpse, the rain falling mercilessly over him. The stillness of his deathencompassing the entire screen.

Feeling the heavy warmth of Jonathan’s body against her,knowing she had almost lost him, makes her anger roil closer to the surface allover again. Her own words echo back at her. I want to kill it.

She feels Steve’s fingers skate over her own, and claspsthem. They exchange glances again, their joined hands resting on Jonathan’sback. Steve glances at the screen and back at her, and she knows he’d heard.Heard everything she just said to Hopper.

The understanding she sees in Steve makes relief and pridejoin her anger. She smiles at Steve, and he smiles back, reassuring. Death isn’t coming for them. It’s coming for any monster that dares step out of theUpside Down.

I’m going to kill it.

#nancy wheeler #steve harrington #jonathan byers #stoncy #stonancy #jim hopper #eleven #jane hopper #will byers #joyce byers #jopper #the last part wasnt supposed to get srs guys sorry #FLUFF TO ANGST YAAAAAAAAAAY #and back to fluff #my writing #message #anon #all the links are links to my own hcs/fic

[zoekennaargeluk]

When I was 15 years old, I ran away from home because I was pissed off at my parents for a reason I cant remember. I didnt have much money, so I decided to hop onto the skytrain(public transport train in British Columbia) and ride it as far as it would go. I reached the end of the line in less then an hour, and decided I wanted to ride it all the way back again, while trying to formulate some kind of plan of how I wanted to live the rest of my life without my parents or anyone. At the last stop, or the first stop depending on your perspective of it, a girl came on and sat in the row right behind me. I didnt pay much attention to her at first, as I was busy writing my life plan on a napkin. It was a few minutes later that she got up and came sat next to me, curious as to what I was writing. I told her the story, and after a few laughs, we began talking about everything and anything. Her name was Amanda, 17 years old, and absolutely wonderful. She told me she was getting off at the last stop, which was also the first stop, depending on how you look at it. It was also the stop I had gotten on originally, and I told her we would ride to it together. The train ride took less then an hour, and what a wonderful hour indeed.

When the last stop did come, we both knew we probably wouldnt see each other ever again(this was before the days of cellphones, and I was a shy little kid afraid to make moves). As we got to the end of the sidewalk which split in two different directions, she went right and I went left. Before saying goodbye she turned to me and asked me a question that has become a wonderful part of my life; she asked me, “Tell me something you have done, or want to do, that you think I should do? It can be anything, as challenging as you want it to be, or as easy. As long as you give me the rest of my life to complete it, I promise I will do it..” I was confused as to why, but I thought about it, and told her, “Sing a song acapella in a room full of strangers.” She said perfect and asked me if I would like a challenge as well. I told her I did, and she told me, “read, from start to finish, “Ulysses” by James Joyce.” I had never heard of it at the time, but I agreed, and we said our goodbyes.

I have a awful memory, and cant remember most conversations I have with most people. But I remember all of that clearly. You know why? Because of the challenge she gave me. In the 12 years that have past since, I have tried to read that book in over 150 different sittings. Everytime I open my copy of the 780 page monster of a book, I always think of her, and I always think of that day. Ive never been sure if it was her intent or not, but she left her lasting memory on me with that challenge. I soon after learned what she did, was a completey wonderful and amazing thing for me. So I decided to keep it going. Ive met a lot of strangers in my life; some that have become friends, and some, due to living in different time zones and whatnot, didnt. I dont want to just have experiences and then let them go. I want to remember these meetings, and embrace the fact that they happened. So whenever I leave someone who has left an amazing impact of my life, I always make sure to add them to my Ulysses Bucket List. I ask them to give me a challenge, as difficult or as easy as they want it to be, and regardless of the fact that they have done it or not; simply something their heart has had wanted to do.

Some have been easy and fun; I met a man in India 9 years ago who told me to, for a week or a month, cook/buy twice as much food as I intend on eating, and give the other half to a stranger in need. I completed that mission 8 years ago, and thought about that man and the time we had all the way through. I met a girl on a cruise 6 years ago, who told me to jump into a body of water on a slightly cold day, without touching or feeling the temperature of the water first. I did that the very same year. I met a couple at an outdoor music festival a few years ago that told me to wear the most bizarre outfit imaginable and walk through a public place, completely oblivious to the fact that you arent looking normal. I did that task the very next day, at the same festival. Some have been difficult, to say the least: three guys I met in Amsterdam and smoked all night with, told me to go to a mall and give 10 strangers 10 presents. That one took a lot of courage, but I did it a year or so after I met them. It was nerve racking, but at the same time exhilerating leaving my comfort zone. A girl I met on a plane told me to sky dive; Im still in the process of getting that done. A couple I met in Cali on the beach told me to tell the 5 people I hated the most, that I love them and respect them. That one was very difficult because of my stubborness, but ive come close to completing that list many a times(still in the process, 2 more people to go).

And some things, have had an everlasting impact on my daily life. I met a girl at a music festival, who told me that whenever I get mad at someone, walk away, sing my happy song in my head for 5 minutes, go back to the person im mad at with a clam heart and mind, and work things out. Ive made this my way of life. I once met a man at a gym in a hotel I was staying at, that told me “whenever your body and brain tells your that you are exhausted and done…use your heart instead and push out 2 more reps.” Ive made this my motto when working out or working on any kind of extrenuating exercise in which my body demands me to quit. I also use it while working on anything, and while studying. One of the best pieces of advice ive ever received.

There are many others that each brought joy to my life. There are still many tasks I have yet to accomplish, and everytime I think of these tasks, I think of the people that gave them to me. It amazes me how well I remember all these people, while I cant remember so many aspects of even yesterday. These experiences, not only do I take from them a “mission” or a “challenge”, I also take from them a memory of them that never fails to appear inside of my mind. I opened my Ulysses book for probably the 300th time yesterday, and read a few pages, which prompted me to share this story with you today. Im in the final 30 pages of the book, also known as the most dreaded of the read(in the last 40 pages or so, James Joyce doesnt use a single punctuation mark; no periods, no commas, no nothing; a straight 50 page run-on sentence).

I never saw Amanda after that day, nor do I know if she ever did get a chance to sing a song to a room full of strangers. But what I do know, is that she gave me a gift that has never once stopped giving. So wherever you may be, thank you for giving me the Ulysses Bucket List. And I swear i’ll finish it one day. My life advice? Simple: Create your own Ulysses bucket list.

Edit 1:fixed some spelling mistakes. Going to leave 'clam' as is, haha!

Edit 2: Ulyssesbucketlist subreddit is now a thing!

Edit 3: I'm trying to reply to all of your comments and give everyone who asks for their own challenge! Please bare with me, I'll get to you I promise!

Edit 4: Monday 5/19/2014 UPDATE: I'm kind of lacking words at the moment, and am in awe of the power of the universe. Writing this story was just to relive a moment in my life, and to share it with others and maybe help them in some sort of way(or just give an entertaining story to read). Never did I think there was the slightest chance I would actually get to talk to her again. But thats exactly what happened. Last night I found out that the Amanda that ThatGuyWhoAte knew, was in fact the Amanda I met 14 years ago. Thank you Reddit. From the bottom of my heart, I give to you the sincerest Thank You I can possibly give. You gave me a chance to continue a life story that stopped writing 14 years ago. I will never forget this.

// 

A thing on reddit i thought was really cool.

[blackrosesfanfic]

Chapter 202

April

"Diva, How are you Mama?"

"Hey, Joyce, you fool." I chuckle.

She laughs. "Where are you going to be this weekend?"

I touch Caden's foot and smile. "Taking the babies back to LA. Cammie is cooking me a dinner then we going shopping in the morning."

"Before I comment on your fucking life... I would like to say how damn proud of my baby I am. He has not been in any type of trouble this year. I would personally like to blame it on my perfect daughter in law."

"Chris has been doing well."

She makes her eyes big. "I call and he answers. I offer my help figuring things out and he tells me his already well formed plan. I mean thank you God. He even has a golden relationship with this baby's mother of his. I call him asking him when I will see the baby. He tells me to go pick her up and where to get her from. Sure enough the gurl was there with the baby. No attitude no nothing."

"And they say mothers can't pick their children's partner. You said it from the get go. Chris needs to be with Amber. She is second only to Cammie."

"Oh whatever."

I chuckle then stop. "Let me tell you. I'm headed to Charleston because some little whiny thing wants to feel like she not being included as a grandma. Her husband upgraded my ticket and purchased one that has a layover in Charleston. How fucking convenient?"

"Stop. She complain because she not active? I mean do you see me asking? I make shit happen."

"Exactly. Not whine to my damn children."

"Bitches. So how long will you be in Charleston?"

"About two hours. I am not going to church with them. Not again. White ass church. Everybody scared to get up and clap. Got a nerve to have a damn limit on offerings. Grandma gave the little boy $2 saving the lord has his eyes on you put both of them in."

Joyce claps her hand against something. "Shut up, April."

"Buggiz going to church with them to make sure everything go well. If taking my grandbabies to church with you settles all else then by all means take them to church. But I will not be going."

"Hold on, April."

Lane walks into the room stripped down to his boxers. "I not going nowhere."

I tilt my head at him. "Excuse me?"

"We not are-ne. I not go. K?" he says putting his hand up and walking back out.

"This boy done lost his mind." I say out loud to myself.

Joyce comes back to the phone. "I was saying who from across the room. Who?"

I shake my head. "Lane's ass comes in here with no clothes telling me he not going and we not arguing about it. Who the hell he think he talking to?"

"He said he not arguing?"

"Yes. Then said okay like I need to understand that it's final. Lord, help this child."

Joyce laughs. "Oh be quiet. You not going to do nothing. Look at my sweet baby."

I smile. "Awh, hey, Royalty. She is too cute."

"Yes she is in grandma outfit. She trying to get back to the dog." Joyce says putting her down.

"So cute. If only Lane were that easy to deal with. I miss that age. He was just grandma sweet baby. Now that mouth. I be like Lane..."

He yells. "Huh?"

"Boy come here. Nobody called you."

"Huh?" he says at the door.

I turn the camera to him. "Look at this J."

She busts out laughing. "He has nothing on."

"Lane where your clothes?"

"Bathroom."

"Go get your clothes on."

He puts his hands on his hips. "I not going, Nanma. Told you that."

I roll my eyes. "I'm not going to be dealing with this poorly articulated preteen all day. He gonna make me call his mama. Joyce you should hear him telling me he told me he not going. How old is he?"

"He is 14 years premature."

"Yes!" I look up for him. He playing with his truck like it's nobody business he naked. "Let me get off this phone."

She laughs. "Call me when you get in."

I shake my head. "You know I'm going to."

"Lane!"

"You yelling? Wake that baby now."

I cover my face. "I'll just call Cammie because we not going to get no fucking where."

"Geesh." he says walking out.

"What?"

He doesn't say nothing. Cammie just don't know that this boy repeats everything he hears her say to him. He knows way too many word combinations and he can barely say the damn words. Too smart. Here he comes with new clothes. Not the ones he had on before. What is his reason for this?

"Those are not the same clothes. Where are your other clothes?"

"The bathroom."

I stand up. "Lane, I'm not playing with you boy."

He starts crying. "Sorry, Grandma."

"Oh really." I say walking out.

"No." he says grabbing my hand and stomping his feet.

What did he fucking do? Stupid of me to let him be alone. I walk into the bathroom across the hall. No clothes or signs of Lane. I go down the hall to Forrest's bathroom. He laying across the floor with a towel on his head.

"What are you doing?"

"Only way I can tell when that devil coming."

I suck my teeth and peek into his bathroom. "Look at this shit. You didn't hear your damn nephew playing in water?"

"Huh?" he says sitting up. "Playing in what?"

"Clean this shit up."

Forrest drops his head when he peeks in the bathroom. "Man that little fucker."

I hit him. "Don't call him that."

"Go hit him for fucking throwing his shit in the toilet. Where the damn water come from?"

"He can turn on water." I push Forrest and walk away.

I get to the room ready to fuss at him. He is on the bed with Caden in his underwear with his pants halfway on. He turns his head looking at me then he turns back burying his head into Caden's side. Caden doesn't even move.

"Lane."

"I can't."

I sigh. He making me sad. "Come on. Let me help you."

I fix his pants and put his shirt on. My phone rings. He drops it answering it before I could.

"Grandma." he says. "Hey, Grandma."

I put it on speaker then finish putting his shirt on.

"Hello, Lane. You going to come see me?"

"I go see mommy."

"Where is your grandma April?"

I button his shirt. "I'm here."

"I canceled the thing at church. I'm not spending my 3 hours staring at the pastor's wife speak. What do you think about wine sipping and the fun park with my other grandbaby?"

"Let me find out you cool people behind that church dress."

She giggles. "I was able to entertain an entertainer for years. I'm no slow church hat wearing nun."

"Okay." I laugh. "But I'm not going anywhere with Lane and that cute she demon."

"I called her Sula. Like from the Little Mermaid. But she has a nanny."

"Fancy."

She giggles. "Only when she is with me. I can't handle that girl. Her mother can't do nothing with her. She only listens to Cammie and her father."

I laugh. "Poor nanny."

"What? No she gets paid. I warned her. It's all fair."

"Let me get ready to the flight."

"Okay, be safe."

I cut my eyes at the phone. Let me find out that Cammie mother has another side to her. One not so bitchy and stuck up.

  Cammie

"I don't even know." I blow. "I'm so ready to see my babies."

"I bet so." MiMi says.

There's a rock at the door. I wipe my hands off and look out of the kitchen. Trey isn't nowhere to be seen. I sigh then walk to the door. I forgot to tell MiMi to hold on. Some little kid screams. I get happy thinking about Lane then I suddenly get sad. He doesn't even make that noise.

"I told you, Mommy!" King yells. "Where Lane?"

"Calm down boy." I say. "Lane on the airplane. He not here."

King ignores me running pass me. "Trey! Hi!"

"What's up, Cairo. Angela."

"Where Lane?"

"He at the store." Trey says.

King sits on the couch. "Where boy at?"

"Who Caden? The baby?"

"Yeah."

"Hey, Boo." I say hugging Chyna.

She makes her eyes big then rubs her belly. "Guess who packing?"

I pull her towards the kitchen. "Shut up. Another baby?"

"You made it look so easy."

"And the daddy?"

She giggles. "Not telling your trifling ass cause you so wrapped up in your life you don't care about a bitch."

"Bitch." I giggle. "MiMi!"

"Where you went?" MiMi snaps.

I get close to the phone first. "This pregnant slut came to my door."

"Who?"

"Angela the fake ass china doll."

"I hate that bitch." MiMi snaps. "I don't even know why you telling me about her."

Chyna laughs. "You dick mouth bitch."

MiMi sucks her teeth. "I bet she don't know the daddy."

"I hate y'all. King! Let's go. Lane not home."

"Wait." I laugh. "Who the daddy? Cause last I checked you were single."

She sticks up her middle finger. "Find out before I get back or fucking hold your breath and die."

King comes into the kitchen with Lane truck. "I stay. Bye."

"No, come on. You can come back when Lane gets home." She says nicely. He falls dropping the car and screaming. "King I said... Oh my fucking gosh."

"Bad parent." MiMi yells.

Chyna giggles. "Shut up your baby still sits down to pee."

I laugh. "You so dumb. King stop showing off. Get up."

"Okay." He pouts. "I stay Cammie?"

"No, we going to get your car. Stop acting stupid. I swear. Fine stay. I can save all my money. You won't get the car."

He falls out again. "I want my car!"

Trey walks in the kitchen. "What are y'all doing to him?"

"Nothing." Chyna says grabbing his arm. "We will be bad after he gets his car. What time Lane coming?"

"5." King says.

Chyna looks at me. "What time?"

"Actually it is 5. I say looking at the clock. Who told you that, King?"

"Trey." King says snatching away from Chyna and running to the door. "See you later!"

"Bye, King."

Trey sighs. "Damn, I thought Lane did too much crying."

Chyna rolls her eyes. "I will be bringing him back. He not going to shut up about Lane."

"That's fine. Bring clothes for him. You minus well."

"I'm glad you already know." She says grabbing some grapes. "And make me a plate. MiMi ol stank ass."

MiMi laughs then stop. "Cammie! Guess who came by today with gifts and shit."

"Chris?"

"No girl. You warm."

"Umm... Joyce?"

She sighs. "No, you not gonna guess. Fucking LyLy."

"Chris sister? What? Gifts?"

"My fucking son. I swear. K don't know when they spent time together. She says he told her that she forgot 5 of his birthdays. He not fucking 5. So what he talking bout. She gave him 5 gifts. This little guy got the world figured out."

I laugh. "He is a mess. I swear. These bad ass kids."

"Mama say they gonna be late."

"What?" I snap turning to Trey.

Trey shrugs. "They got to wait for a later flight."

"How they even... MiMi let me call April."

"K." she says hanging up.

I call April. She answers the phone laughing. "We still haven't left yet, Cammie. Caden has exactly 3 bottles thanks to Lane."

"What did Lane do? Waste it?"

"He drunk it. He opened the bottle top and drunk it. Said that it was his Mommy milk for him."

I laugh. "What is his problem? Do I need to start pumping for him?"

"What happened?" Trey asks.

That reminded me of him saying they were leaving late.

"So if he only has 3 bottles how late are you planning on leaving? That's not going to last long."

"Girl, calm down. I'm in Virginia on schedule as planned. What are you talking about?"

I cut my eyes at Trey. He smiles and shrugs. Lying ass. What was the fucking point of doing that? I roll my eyes at him.

"Trey told me you were leaving late."

"Don't follow that boy up. I will call 'YOU' with any changes. Plus I only have 3 bottles. I'm going to be there by 5."

"Okay just call when you land in South Carolina, Ma."

"You know I will."

I put the phone on the counter then turn to Trey. "Tremaine?"

He shrugs again. "We have 4 hours before the boys are home. Can I have my wife to myself?"

"Unbelievable. Put those cans up. Are you going to help me clean up and get this dinner started?"

"In 3 hours."

I roll my eyes. "I'm trying to have this dinner ready for your mother, Tremaine."

"2 and a half hours."

"What are we gonna do for 2 hours?"

He puts a grape between his teeth then lick around it. I turn away from him and dump the chicken into the slow cooker. I already planned for dinner as though the kids were home. I know Trey isn't going to let me cook and clean without catering to him in between. I wash my hands then look to see if he put the cans up.

"Tremaine?"

"Are these cans sorted out? Why? In alphabetical order? Get the fuck out of here. Who took the time to fucking do this?"

I go to the pantry door. "I had someone else do it."

"You paid someone to organize our pantry?"

"I did. Kid freely. See... Big stuff on the ground. Snacks knee high. Cans secure, shelves secure, and child locks for wine and liquor."

He throws some grapes in his mouth. "Fucking pathetic. This some shit I would do."

"Wanna see if it is safe for us?"

"How? Climb the shelves?" he says grabbing a shelf above his head.

I take my shirt off. "A little less ambitious."

He looks at me then smile. "Get over here."