#emotional support space heater

[andy-clutterbuck]

#SANTA BABY #Andrew Lincoln #* #andygifs #AND THE BEARD ON HIS CHIN WAS AS WHITE AS THE SNOW #(✪‿✪)ノ♡ 🐻 #if i'm ever over his colorful socks it's a cry for help #don't flash your ankle at me i'll turn into a victorian man #if you don't want to bear hug the shit out of him i don't trust you #excuse me that is my emotional support man #he is like human shaped serotonin #but also hot #figuratively and literally #he felt like a space heater when i hugged him #H A N D S #forearms are my jam #why are sleeves pushed up to the elbows so attractive #*that 'we just don't know' bird* #also his arm hair but i'm not gonna be that weird right now

[canisaureuss]

im semi awake and i am craving ships w/ jackal even though you’d have to actually lose it to develop feelings for her but. hh. ships. im a ship whore.

#ship partners get to actually see her w/o the mask #and also her hair is really fuckin soft u get to touch it?? plus shes a walking space heater come on #yeah theres also the inhumane actions but be shallow for a sec here- #JHGFDSDFGHJ #;sir this is my emotional support reprehensible garbage scientist. (ooc)

[ghoulish-fiction]

I rise from the dead to give you a short and sweet Rain/Dewdrop drabble about cuddling, flirting, supporting your boyfriend's mental health, and defending his honor by maybe biting people. Read it all under the cut. 🖤

“Hey, Rain Cloud.” Dewdrop said as he practically manifested next to the oversized living room chair Rain was curled up in. He reached out to fiddle with Rain's ear as he waited for Rain to finish the sentence he was on and close his book.

“Hey, Dewy.” Rain said as he finally looked up at Dew. It only took one glance to confirm what he had thought he heard in Dewdrop's tone, he wasn't having a good day.

Rain pulls back the blanket, an unspoken invitation for Dewdrop to join him. Dew is quick to cuddle up next to him, careful not to poke Rain with his horns as he buries his face in the crook of Rain's neck.

"A space heater was just what I needed," Rain said with a kiss to the top of Dewdrop's head as he smooths the blanket back over both of them. "What do you need?"

"I don't feel very real today. I miss home. I miss the water." Dewdrop explained how he felt, not feeling bold enough, an unusual state of mind for Dew, to actually say what he needs

"It's not the same as the waters back home,” Rain says gently, “but you know the Abby's lake is part of an underwater cave system right? It feels more like home down deep."

"Yeah I know, I just feel... out of place. I feel like the other water ghouls don't want me there because I'm a multi. A fire-water multi no less."

"There's nothing wrong with that. Did someone say something to you? I'll bite them. Make it look like a piranha attack." Rain said, only half joking.

Dew snorted out a laugh and snuggled in impossibly closer to Rain.

"Nah, that's alright. It's just the feeling I get."

Rain made a sound of acknowledgment and held Dewdrop a little tighter.

"You'll have to unpack that sometime with somebody more equipped to help. For now, want to do some grounding exercises with me to feel more real?”

Dewdrop nodded, and, with great emotional effort, sat up to face Rain.

"Okay," Rain starts, "What are five things you can see?"

Dew drew a deep breath and started listing things, "I can see your glass of water on the coaster, some of Cumulus's abandoned bobby pins next to that, the green throw pillow covers Mountain crocheted, the cover of your trashy novel-

"Hey!" Rain pouted.

Dewdrop chuckled and finished his list with, "And your cute pout."

Rain snorted and said, "Alright, alright, now take another deep breath and tell me four things you hear.”

Dewdrop was obedient, not something you see everyday, and closed his eyes while he breathed deeply, focusing on the feeling in his chest, and then on what he could hear.

Rain had to hold back a giggle that threatened to bubble up as he watched Dewdrop's long, pointed ears twitch this way and that as he listened. He thought it might just be one of the cutest things he's ever seen.

"I hear Aether tuning his acoustic in his room, the washing machine, Swiss humming, and you trying not to laugh."

Rain couldn't hold it anymore, "Ah, you caught me." He laughed.

A smile tugged at the corner of Dewdrop's lips. Rain laughing was one of his favorite sounds.

"Next, tell me three things you can touch and feel."

Dewdrop's hands began to wander. Rain caught himself blushing as he watched Dewdrop's fingers almost lovingly caress the blanket that covered them both.

"I can feel how fuzzy the blanket is," his hands moved towards Rain's chest, "the soft fabric of a favorite t shirt,"

Rain's blush grew darker as he smiled at Dew, even though his gaze was fixed to his own hands. Rain expected those hands to move to a final third thing, but they stayed in place and pressed firmly against him.

"And your heartbeat. It's always so strong and steady no matter what. It's comforting."

"I'm glad it makes you feel that way." Rain sait softly. He reached out to tuck a lock of Dewdrop’s long hair behind his ear. He softly traced Dewdrop's sharp jaw from ear to chin to lift his gaze from his hands to Rain's own face. They smiled at each other for a moment.

"Are you sure you needed grounding, or did you just want to flirt with me?" Rain teased.

"Why not both?" Dewdrop said with a wicked grin.

"Fair enough." Rain chuckled. "Two things you can smell?"

"That nasty ass weed that Mountain lit up in here last night. I don't know where he got such a disgusting strain, and I don't know if that will ever go away."

"I think you're supposed to list good smelling things."

"Hmm, well then that would be your shampoo." Dew said as he carded his fingers through Rain's curly locks.

"Heh, thanks." Rain said with a soft smile, "Feeling a bit more present?"

"You forgot one." Dew pouted while still running fingers through Rain's hair, claws gently scratching at his scalp, making Rain purr.

"Oh, well, yeah. I think the last one is always silly. It's not like you're eating while trying to ground yourself. Well... maybe sometimes."

"I could find something else to taste." Dewdrop said with a mischievous smile. With little warning he grabbed onto Rain's hair and pulled him in for a kiss. It didn't really surprise Rain. The kiss was innocent and sweet, but Rain deepened it as he pulled Dewdrop into his lap and held their bodies close together. Their tails tangled together as they sought as much contact as possible. Dew rocked his hips against Rain's as he got caught up in the moment, but he quickly reigned himself back in. He broke the kiss and pressed his forehead to Rain's.

"I taste mint. You brushed your teeth just before sitting down to read."

"And I'm glad I did. Didn't know I'd be leading a highly unprofessional counseling session."

"I won't report you to the board if you give me this session for free." Dewdrop said between the kisses he was peppering onto Rain's face.

"Ha! Deal." Rain agreed. "Now how do you feel?"

"Much better.” Dewdrop said sincerely, “Thank you Rainy."

"Anytime, dear."

#dew #dewdrop #dewdrop ghoul #rain #rain ghoul #nameless ghoul #ghoulish drabble #ghoulish fanfic #ghost #the band ghost #ghost fanfic #the band ghost fanfic #ghost fanfiction #the band ghost fanfiction

[blackbat05]

Red Wave

Frank Castle x Reader

Plot: The monthly monster descends on you. Nothing too bad for the great Punisher to handle.

Genre: PG-13 (Periods are natural so no warnings I guess?)

A/N: I know I said I’m on a break but it’s my coping mechanism during the monthly red wave okay😭 And Frank is just a giant space heater, I take no arguments.

Yeah, it’s here. AGAIN.

You go around doing your morning tasks, becoming increasingly fatigued, but you push it aside.

Your movements become more sluggish as afternoon hits and Frank sees you nestled in a blanket while you contemplate life on the living room couch.

The only thing that is peeking out from the blanket is the blank face of your emotional support plushie (mine’s a penguin☺️).

He gets down to business.

“Knock knock? I got you hot chocolate and pocky sticks.” And he sees the blanket move, revealing your bleary eyes.

Frank sits beside you, allowing you to lean on him as you sleepily sip on the drink and get a few sticks in.

If you’re like me and can’t stomach anything during the first few days, Frank brings back porridge from the nearby shop.

He helps you with whatever you need for the first few days, but once you get a little better, Frank pushes you for an easy exercise.

Matching your pace, he encourages you silently as you run around Hell’s Kitchen. You do feel better as you stretch your legs and let the blood circulate in your body.

Once finished, it’s a job well done. He gets whatever you want as a promise. You opted for chocolate waffles that day.

What’s an evening without cuddles? You are getting plenty of that as you settle into bed. Frank’s a GIANT space heater. Period.

In summary, your cycles can get real shitty but he manages to make it better every time. You can’t think what would it be like without him.

Nope, you don’t want to think about it.

I apologize for the minimal and unplanned content😅 I promise when life isn’t kicking my arse and I get my life together (soon), I will have better content. I hope you still enjoyed it!

#frank castle x reader headcanon #frank castle x reader #frank castle #frank castle headcanon #the punisher headcanon #the punisher x reader headcanon #the punisher x reader

[chopper-witch]

I’ll only accept Gale’s proposal if I can bring along my emotional support girlfriend. I need her for whenever he brings up his ex girlfriend (which is at least once a day) or considers suicide (which is at least once a day) or I just need a cuddle with a space heater (which is at least three times a day) or or or or or

#no karlach no me sorry gale #i need a personal heated and weighted blanket #you get both of us or none of us #bg3 #bg3 gale #bg3 karlach #karlach #gale dekarios

[crypticjackal13]

Hi- call me the snake annon! I'm here dropping an MK, Redson, Nezha, Mac and Wukong x Bunny demon reader? they can be fem or gendernutruel! extra happy if ya incloud fluffy cheast-...not at all bc i have been obsesed with that for months or what ever! XOXO ty for reading this and sorry if i have bad gramer english is my 5th laungeg -Snake annon

Howdy! This was a cute request! please enjoy, snake anon! :D

MK, Redson, Nezha, SWK, and Macaque x GN! Bunny Demon! Reader (Romantic Headcanons!)

MK - oh my gosh this boy thinks you are adorable. In the relationship he likes that you have the same kinda energy levels that he has! You two probably go on a lot of fun dates rather than serious ones(hitting the dance floor at the arcade as opposed to a fancy dinner). Also, he’s super affectionate with you in general, but it’s completely up to you if you let him pet your bunny ears or let him lean on your chest. He loves giving you bunny kisses(if you don’t know, it’s when you nuzzle noses with someone it’s so cute). 

Redson - probably very protective of you! After all, if you look this adorable, some other demon is sure to try and come after you…Red won’t let them get the chance :) anyways. You two are an interesting couple; a fiery Bull demon with anger issues and a very lovable and outgoing bunny demon…and yet somehow you cancel each other out enough that this relationship works out very well! You’re kind of like Redson’s “emotional support y/n”! And in turn you basically have immunity from any other demon attacks.  Red pretends to be very casual at first but at the end of the day he can’t resist those eyes that you give him when you want him to come cuddle with you. He’s a space heater, take advantage of it during the colder months! Also, he definitely uses your chest as a pillow. It’s the perfect way to convince him to get actual rest :)

Nezha - so so stoic but TRUST ME, he is internally screaming. How are you so cute and also want to be in a relationship with him of all people?? It’ll take a while, but he relaxes a bit and gets used to being allowed to be sweet and soft and romantic with you. When he’s stressed out he will definitely seek you out so he can chill, especially by just getting down to your level(assuming you’re shorter than him) and hugging you. His absolute favorite thing is wrapping you up in a blanket and carrying you around the house while he just does stuff because then he can have a kiss kiss whenever :3

Macaque - okay so prepare for some teasing from this man in the relationship. He’ll poke some fun at you and call you names associated with bunnies(lovebun is his favorite nickname to call you), but if it honestly bothers you he’ll ease up. Like Nezha, it may take him a minute to allow himself to let his guard down and actually let himself be loved as much as he’s loving you. He’s also pretty protective. He loves snuggling up with you at the end of a very long day more than anything else. It makes him feel safe.

 Wukong - remember the cooking with Chang’e episode? This is exactly like that except you’re not a robot trying to destroy him. Wukong cannot stop himself from squealing almost every time he sees you. He’s very into physical affection, so don’t be surprised if whatever activity you’re up to gets slightly interrupted by loud monkey purring as he nuzzles you. Similar to Macaque, he’ll poke fun at you, but it’s all very lighthearted and never meant as an insult. If you allow him to, he may shrink you down a bit so he can bring you with him wherever. He also cuddles with you and puts his head on your chest a lot.

#lego monkie kid #lmk headcanon #lmk x reader #lmk #lego monkie kid headcanons #lmk mk #lmk qi xiaotian #lmk red son #redson x reader #gender neutral y/n #lmk sun wukong #sun wukong #swk x reader #lego monkie king #lmk swk #lmk monkey king #lmk six eared macaque #the six eared macaque #six eared macaque #macaque x reader #lmk macaque #lmk nezha #nezha lego monkie kid #lmk prince nezha #nezha x reader #snake anon

[carboardserpent]

More Chick headcanons

(Because I can't help myself, I'm obsessed)

Relationship edition

(Humanised, of course)

Definitely giving closeted bi vibes. Probably with a good amount of internalised homophobia. As if he needs any more reasons to hate himself.

He walks that knife edge between hot-confident flirting and being too arrogant and often falls on the wrong side.

He's really not very good at the flirting thing - when people recognise him, they don't often want to give him the time of day, and when they don't, his false bravado is often enough of a red flag to scare people away.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again; gift-giving is his love language.

This guy is sitting on at LEAST eight figures in his bank account. Whatever his Baby wants, they get.

Takes them on shopping sprees literally any excuse he gets. He just wants to see them happy!

The kind of guy to fall hopelessly in love fast and hard, and make all kinds of cheesy, cliche declarations of adoration.

Gives people who watch his show little updates. "It's our anniversary soon, been thinking about what to get." "It's date night tonight, and you know what that means ;) ...dinner. It means dinner." "My other half said the funniest thing today..." etc.

'Baby' is his favourite pet name. Will occasionally fall back on 'Sugar' or 'Gorgeous'.

The sweetest guy behind closed doors. He will bend over backwards to see his SO smile. Never in public, he has an image to uphold, but in private? You are not prepared for the tooth-rotting sweetness of this man.

...because he's absolutely terrified that his partner is going to leave him. As far as he's concerned, he's not good enough for them, and he definitely doesn't deserve to be happy.

So selfless in his relationship that he needs to be reminded to think about what HE needs occasionally.

A break up or a divorce is just another kind of loss, and that isn't "winning at all costs". It doesn't matter if he's not happy, as long as his SO is.

Yeah, he has a lot of emotional baggage and really needs someone who can help support him through some much-needed therapy.

Wants to have kids but absolutely crippled with fear at the idea that he might turn into his father.

There are lots of nasty rumours circulating on the internet about how he probably treats his partner poorly. He tries not to let them get to him, but if anything, it makes him even sweeter and all the more caring in private.

Can and will space out frequently while staring into his (massive) tropical fish tank. He often gets upset about what's running through his head in those moments and needs to be reminded that he's loved and appreciated.

Cuddle bug. Cannot sleep unless he's practically smothering his SO in a full-body hug at all times. Get this man a body pillow. No, not a weird one.

Runs so hot. Human heater. Combined with the cuddling, if his partner doesn't run cold, there's gonna be issues.

Messy guy. Dirty laundry all over the floor, chaotic work spaces, probably the kind of guy to leave a mug somewhere and forget about it for months and end up having to throw it away. But it's okay because he pays a maid to take care of all that.

Definitely no gourmet chef, but he can cook some surprisingly decent (and healthy) home style meals. Just don't look at the kitchen after he's done.

#please get him some therapy PLEASE #I'll throw hands if you think he's as shallow as he pretends to be don't test me #he makes me violent #chick hicks #pixar cars #cars 3 #cars fandom #cars pixar #disney cars #cars 2006 #Cringe is dead you cant judge me for any of this

[assortedvillainvault]

heyy I know I sent in a request already that you haven't gotten around to so feel no pressure to rush to get this one done or anything, but would you mind doing headcanons for Hook and Hades (seperately) with an s/o that struggles with anxiety and ocd (it can cause a lot of depressive episodes and emotional outbursts ie. excessive tears/panic bc of the toll that intrusive thoughts can take on someone) ? Thank you ❤

Heya Bee, oh absolutely can do, soft villain headcannons incoming:

(also pls look after yourself, you're a lovely bean and I'm well aware the stress these thoughts of things can put us through. Big hugs across the screen from me)

Hook x Anxious/OCD S/O:

Oh love-

He knows, he knows exactly what it is you're going through. He spirals similarly enough, afterall.

You have activated Soft Gentleman, Supportive mode.

The crew are quiet, anybody making ...excessive noise is subject to Hook miming their innards being pulled out with a tuning fork. A threat he will act on if the disturbance continues.

He's wrapped you in his softest blankets, he's settled in as the big spoon, and you're free to talk about it if you want, no judgement. If you don't he understands also, he doesn't like to voice his worst days either.

The pet names are coming in thick and fast, as though through sheer force of sentiment he can oust the dark thoughts from your head. It's a 50/50 success rate, but you love him all the more for it.

He wasn't always this good at being your rock though.

When you first started being together, some of your outbursts took him by surprise, and his panic response is to match the energy. There was. A lot of shouting. He took some things personally when he shouldn't have, you said things you didn't mean, and it was a rough road for a while as the crew kept out of their irate captains way and you pointedly avoided anyone and everything.

Smee had to get firm with both of you.

The older man pointedly told Hook that he should have learnt from his own panic attacks and Smee's own treatments that escalating the situation only makes everybody feel awful. He, more gently, told you that Hook nor the crew are mind readers and better communication was needed between you both to ensure that your feelings were properly addressed without risk of sinking the Jolly Rodger.

The first proper talk was like pulling teeth on both sides.

Hook is not used to being someones emotional anchor, but rose to the occasion tremendously once you haltingly explained what exactly your emotions were doing to you. He even asked about anything he and the crew should avoid, thinking of his own triggers with Pan, Ticktok and long, dark nights of phantom pain.

His aquiesence and understanding immediately put some of your greater fears at ease. The more long lasting ones are dealt with as they rise, and it gets easier and easier to ask for help as you two go on.

You often fall asleep together after an outburst, curled on the bed in a blanket nest that is forbidden from being disturbed.

Hades x x Anxious/OCD S/O:

Hades is a bit slower on the uptake.

For all that he's an excellent manipulator and able to pick up your reasoning very intuitively, this isn't a 'reason' based thing, and gods often struggle to relate to mortal fears and feelings.

It's not something he can waft away with a couple glib jokes and a quick snuggle.

That doesn't mean that he isn't willing to put the work in to figure out how to help you once he realises just how serious this is.

He snaps you both to his 'resort' by the styx (officially the most relaxing place he's tried to make down there) and sits you both down. You end up basically in his lap, head on his chest, taking advantage of his space - heater warmth as he wraps both arms around you and sighs.

"Ok babe. Talk to me."

You start, stuttering and embarrassed, forcing words into the open even as tears come and he wipes them away with one gaunt finger.

It's terryfying to say it out loud, because saying it makes it real, but saying it also shines a different perspective on such thoughts. They take on a decidedly more insubstantial air when echoing in the vast patient expanse of the underworld, vs whirling around your cramped noggin.

Hades also has a very analytical way of looking at things, which helps you rationalise thoughts that you've been stuck on for days, weeks or months. You find you're more able to put them to rest once you've seen Hades turn the thought around in his mind like a puzzle, come to a conclusion, and say so out loud with a shrug and a squeeze.

You have to remember this as well - Gods literally have forever. They're patient, and view time very differently from mortals, who tend to cram so much into their brief lifespan that they barely leave room to think. Hades can and will sit with you for hours, Underworlds schedule be damned, and while there you finally take notice of how nice it is to slow down, properly take time to think, and appreciate being snug in his arms.

You talk until you start to feel sleep creeping up on you, your head lolling against his chest, limbs like lead.

Hades chuckles, and you find smoke curling along your sides and around your back, solidifying into a blanket the same weight and shade as his own himation (the black cloak pinned at the shoulder over his chiton).

"You should wear my colours more often babe, ya make sleepy look salacious."

You snort and flick him in the chin. He cackles and plants a kiss on your forehead. With another snap of his fingers you're both teleported away for a night of well deserved rest, content.

I hope these are ok for you Bee, I'm living for Soft Villain times. Thanks so much for the request and I hope you're having a lovely day!

#thalassa responds #disney villains #x reader #hades #captain hook #hades x reader #captain hook x reader #no I certainly don't want to be wrapped up like a burrito in Hades's sail-size himation what do you mean haha FUCK #soft villains give me so much life

[all-pacas]

Bg3 query! How do you feel about Karlach/Astarion, on a scale from 'can't stand it' to 'eh' to 'one of my OTPs (recognizing the irony in that phrasing)'?

I feel medium about it! I prefer Karlach/Wyll and kind of do believe they’re… I mean, they get a paired ending and openly talk about how much they love one another (as friends), it’s just so wholesome! But Karlach and Astarion have a very cute “softie and trying not to be charmed by the softie” dynamic, and of course the hot/cold thing. If I played an Origin run with Astarion she’d be who I romanced for sure! There’s something very very fun about how Astarion has to revise his seduction plan with her, and how they can’t sleep together and then can but won’t and just. It’s nice. It’s fun. It’s different!

Also I am a deeply petty person, and whenever I see someone earnestly explain Astarion is gay coded or “they can’t see him with a woman,” or that Karlach is clearly into girls and would never fuck a man, I ship the two of them harder out of spite. None of that “x leaning bi dating this person regardless” crap: when they are paired, in my brain, they are madly attracted and deeply het for one another.

I suppose if I had one knock on the pair — and it’s a very faint one — I am not utterly sure what Karlach would see in him besides the superficial. From Astarion’s POV it makes sense, she’s big and can protect him and be a space heater and they can kill demons together, zero downsides. And clearly they get along as friends fairly well, so it’s not like Karlach doesn’t think he’s funny/probably appreciate his violent streak/etc. But she’s such a softie, I kind of imagining her almost wanting that sort of classic romantic romance — but hey, watching Astarion struggle to figure out how to Do Emotions and be that supportive partner (emotionally) could make for a great story.

ALL IN ALL: 7.5 out of ten. Very good pairing, not quite my thing but no judgement on those who love it!

#oh this is fun i like these kind of asks #bg3 shipping

[boogiewrites]

Seeing Stars Pt. 22

Part 1 if you missed it!

The honeymoon phase after a dark period between Star and Eddie. They enjoy the feeling of being together and every corny, cheesy rom-com cliche they can experience, they do. Eddie takes her out on real dates, having fun before the big third date where he plans on diving into the emotions that led them to this high point.

CW: Dates, very fluffy. New bf/gf feelings. Some Steve and Eddie.

It had been dark for hours by the time Eddie’s van pulled into Star's driveway. She’d recently woken up, as Eddie had to find the heart to disturb the sleeping cherub next to him once they reached town. She looked around with half-open eyes still slow from sleep. The quiet white noise of the night crept through the glass and metal of the van as they sit in the sounds of popping and hissing as it cooled from the long drive it’d just politely endured.

“You want me to go in? Or I can go?” He was still giving her options to tell him to leave her the hell alone. He felt deserved it.

“No.” She shook her head clumsily looking toward her door. “I want you here.” She confessed turning to meet his awake and relieved face.

“Good.” His voice was quiet, the van falling silent except for the squeak of his seat as he leaned forward and filled the silence as he leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “I wanna be here.” He wanted to let her know where he stood at the moment. He was craving reassurance so he gave it to her.

He followed her in, watching her look around the space like she hadn’t seen it in a while. She was still wrestling with figuring out how she felt after the emotionally taxing day. After a slow complete turnaround, she stood facing Eddie’s poor postured, uncertain form. He’d switched on a light for her, she hadn’t even done that when she walked in. She didn’t look at him at first, her brow low but not angry, contemplative, and tired caused it.

“Do you need anything? Want me to make tea? Oh, you need to eat. Do I need to order pizza?” his eyes darted, his hands out as if he were waiting to catch something if it fell. Star smiled, her eyes now focused on him. He was more of a mess now than she was. She found it mildly entertaining since it’d felt so reversed lately.

“Leftovers should still be good.” she nodded to the fridge. She took off her sweater leaving a fitted tank behind after switching on her space heater. The cold felt amazing to wake her up and calm her down. “You heat those, I’ll go feed the cats,” she informed him as she tied back her hair.

She returned to Eddie sans shoes and outer layers. His hair was tucked behind his ears as he bent and stared into the oven. “I didn’t set anything on fire yet,” he said as if he was proud of the simple task.

“Of course, you didn’t.” she smiled softly and kicked off her boots, tall thick socks still protecting her legs underneath her long paisley skirt. He was comforted by the tenderness she extended toward him. First, he sat on the kitchen table, looking at the oven when she sat on her bed. He looked at her eventually after feeling her eyes on him. She put her hand on the bed bedside her. “I won’t bite.” He hopped up immediately and happily sank into the soft bed next to her.

“I didn’t want to crowd you,” he muttered, excusing himself with a shake of his head. “I don’t know what you need right now so I’m just…” he held out his hands, his shoulders shrugging.

“Neither do I.” a head shake he chuckled at herself. “I was focused on today for so long it felt like it’d never get here and now it’s over and I don’t know how to feel.”

“It did go well,” he said with an enthusiastic head lean. “It couldn’t have gone better, really.” he was supportive and soft with his brows high over darling cow eyes she’d missed getting to look into. “You were amazing. By the way.” He added quietly as if it might upset her.

“I was.” she nodded and smiled, her eyes still showing tired.

“I’m really proud of you.” he forced his hand out to place it over hers.

“Thanks.” she gave him a nod that told him it was okay that he touched her. “I am too.”

“Good. You should be.” a shy smile stayed as his eyes moved to the oven again. “You know… I was stoked when you said you had leftovers. I’ve missed your food so much.” a bigger smile appeared, curls bouncing as he turned back toward her with more of his trademark oomph.

“Really?” She asked with quirked brows, surprised. She knew he liked her food but she thought maybe it was more of a thankful for a homemade meal sorta deal.

“You kidding me? I love your cooking. It’s my favorite stuff now, you’ve got me hooked.”

“You’re not getting tired of it?” Her voice gave away her surprise. “I have like 3 things I make, that’s it.” She chuckled at herself.

“Never. Only Garfield liked lasagna more than you but I’m a close second. You could make it every day and I wouldn’t complain.”

“I should probably learn something else besides pasta and pizza. To keep it interesting, you know?” She paused with her mouth open before a slow blink. “That way…” she began with her eyes widening from her attempts at being more vulnerable. “…years from now you won't be tired of me making it for you.” She avoided his gaze for a moment before gathering up the bravery to have him see the cautious optimism in her eyes. At first, he was super soft, with eyes the size of dinner plates, and deeply touched by the underlying suggestion of her words.

“Years?” He whispered. She nodded wordlessly. “You want to be around me that long?” A huff of air, half-laugh half-nerves escaped him.

“Longer.” Her eyes relaxed, her cheeks rising in a warm smile.

“I can do that.” He nodded quickly.

“Yeah? You can forgive me after-“ she hesitated. “After the past week, the argument, my past?”

“Forgive you? I'm the one that should be on my knees begging for forgiveness here.” He looked at the ground as if he contemplated doing just that.

“Well…” she let out a little groan. “We were both wrong.” She admitted. “I should’ve been more vulnerable with you.”

“I shouldn’t have made demands like that. I thought a shitty ex was like… my parents, ya know? Or any number of domestic abuse things I’ve seen. I figure it was the usual shitty attitude and hitting your girlfriend and drinking too much. That old chestnut. I didn’t know how bad it was. I’m sorry. If I’d known I’d have never acted like that.”

“I never told you. How could you know?”

“I could've believed you when you said it was that bad. I’m sorry.”

“I should’ve told you too, though. When you want to be in a healthy relationship with someone you tell them things like that so they understand.”

“It helps. But I let my past get to me too! I just…” he swallowed audibly and wrinkled his nose. “I’ve been a secret too many times you know? And I gave people every reason I could to be with me like I was a person and not some object to be used to fill a need. And then when I realized I loved you it all came to a head and I got so angry because I knew you loved me too and it was like all that past shit came back and kicked me in my heart's balls.” He groaned and raked his lip a little. Star let out a laugh at his explanation which startled him.

“I’m sorry! Your heart's balls was really funny. The rest of it wasn’t. Sorry, I’m a little loopy you’re gonna make me laugh unintentionally.” She rubbed her face. “Thank you for explaining it. That makes much more sense.”

“And now your stuff makes sense to me.”

“Yeah all the stuff you heard, you can guess how he talked to me and why I thought I’d fuck everything up. I’ve never cared about someone like this and it scared me because if I make it real then I can lose it.”

“Tell me about it, I’m still scared shitless about it. This is new for me too.” He admitted and finally took her hand into his.

“So we were both wrong. That’s a very mature conclusion I think.”

“I’m proud of us.” He offered with a smile. “We got all the bad stuff out in the open now.” They both felt the weight they’d been carrying for so long begin to lift. “Well except one thing.” He said with a grin.

“What?” She asked seriously.

“Florence?”

“Oh my god.” She let out a laugh that hunched her over. “Yeah. That’s my government name.” She nodded and let out a noisy sigh of relief. “I hate it, I always have. So a few years back I changed it.”

“You hate it?” He asked with a confused tone.

“Yeah, it’s so… old-fashioned. I feel like an old lady.”

“I think it’s lovely,” Eddie said quietly, a subtle smile as he gazed at her lovingly.

“You do?” She looked frightened, perhaps it was the extreme surprise. She’d never been told that before.

“It’s a classic. It’s kinda stoic. Sounds like an important duchess or something. Lady Florence.” He paused and saw her cheeks blush. “Don’t get me wrong Star is badass and cool as hell. I would choose Star if I had to choose between those two but Florence isn’t bad at all. They both suit you.”

“I can’t believe I was scared of being with you.” The honest response given as a gift in the form of a content sigh caught Eddie off guard. “You’re the sweetest man in the world.” She shook her head and smiled at him.

“Wu- psh- I- uh don’t know about all that.” He looked down flustered like he had been when they’d first started fooling around. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

“I do.” She said it so confidently, demurely as she touched his cheek.

“I’ve got an idea.” He perked up. “I want to do this right. We started this out a little backward, right? I think we should reverse it. ”

“What do you mean?”

“I think we should start over. I can ask you out properly. Like I should have. I’ll take you on dates. I’ll take you somewhere nice. I’ll woo you properly. Like you deserve.”

“What do you mean by start over? Aren’t we a little far into this to start at square 1?”

“Not completely, I mean I wanna date you. Ask you out like I wanted to last year. You know, take you to the movies and hold your hand. Walk you to class and kiss you between bells. Have you next to me at lunch. I wanna give you all that. I wanna do this right this time.”

He watched her face soften impossibly so, he’d never seen that expression before.

“I’d love that.” She agreed. “But for tonight, can we be the dysfunctional idiots who sleep together and keep each other company more than people who just started dating should? I don’t want to be alone yet.”

“You couldn’t get me to leave tonight.” He grinned. “We’ll start at school tomorrow, kay? Tonight I’m gonna eat your food and cuddle up and sleep like the dead.”

“Sounds perfect.” She cooed.

-

They woke up together. Which was blissful enough by itself. But this morning they both realized they didn’t have the nasty cloud of negativity floating around them from the moment they woke. It was sweet and gentle. Eddie kissed her cheek as they both moved around the trailer with muscle memory getting ready in tandem.

Eddie guarded her like it was his job. Which in his mind, it was. He walked her to her classes and sat next to her again in the ones they had together. The usual close body language resumed at lunch as they flirted and got involved in the discussions. Their legs touched under the table, scooted as close to the corners as they could, getting in any physical touch they could while being around one another. Everyone felt it in their group. Things had fallen back into place. They left lunch together early, he was going to walk her to her class again. The guys left talked among themselves, grateful but beyond curious. At least it was peaceful again.

Eddie popped up next to her as she gathered her things to leave for the day, hip to hip as they chatted with ease to his van.

“Wait right here.” He asked with a precocious smile as he took her books, already in his arms, and sat them in the van. She did as he told, watching him jog back to her and wipe his sweaty palms on his jeans. “This isn’t exactly the same. It's my van instead of your car but, it’ll do.” He nodded. She stood with expectant eyes as he cleared his throat. “I was wondering if you wanted to go out sometime?” He asked with such genuine nervousness it made her heart stutter at how precious he was.

“Like a date?” She smirked. He saw her smile overtake her whole face, a soft girlish laugh followed that made him openly swoon.

“A date-date. I pick you up, we watch a movie and I worry if my hands are too sweaty to hold yours or if I should just be a man and put my arm around your shoulders the whole time. The whole shebang.” He shook his head animatedly as he spoke with a smile that beamed like hers.

“Will you buy me Good and Plenty’s at the concession stand?”

“Disgusting choice but yes.” He agreed with a laugh.

“Then yes. It’s a date.”

“Yeah?” He asked again with a crooked smile, stepping closer.

“Yeah.” She nodded and reached out to take his hand. “Thought you’d never ask.”

“Well, to be honest, I’m a huge idiot so it took a while.” He grinned and stood almost chest-to-chest with her.

“You’re smart, pretty boy. Don’t be so hard on yourself.” She bumped him with her shoulder.

“I missed this.” He whispered, smile still joyful but more subdued in his moment of reflection.

“I did too. You don’t have to miss it anymore though.”

“I mean I’m gonna miss it while I wait for this date. So you wanna go tonight?” He got a higher-pitched laugh out of her.

“Awfully short notice.”

“You took a few days off right? Might as well use them while we can.”

“You’re right. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to that.” She teased.

“Take your time, I’ve got forever.” He sighed contently.

“Romantic.” She muttered and scrunched her nose. “If we’re going on a date… does that mean we’re dating?” Eddie tilted his head and reminded her of how much he could resemble a puppy at times.

“Dating as in-girlfriend and boyfriend?” He clarified.

“Yeah.” She answered obviously.

“I think that’s up to you. I like to think you know where I stand.” His eyes softened with hesitation, worry for a moment.

“Ask me. Properly. Like you said you wanted to.” He lit up and put his hand on her cheek.

“Star?” He began with a slow-building smile. “Would you bestow upon me the honor of being your boyfriend?” She couldn’t help but chortle at the nerdy delivery. But that’s who she was in love with. A total dork.

“Yes.” She put her hand on his forearm.

“You’re my girlfriend now?” He said with antsy excitement.

“I hope so.”

“You’re ready for that? That’s okay? This is- good?” He asked quietly, nervously now holding her face in his hands.

“I am.” She nodded. “Did you doubt it?” She asked apologetically.

“I’ve wanted this for so long.” He confessed. “Since the moment I saw you.”

“You’re laying it on pretty heavy there, babe.” She smirked but giggled, trying to relax and let herself enjoy the tender clumsy moment between them.

“It’s all true. I was a goner from that night at the party.”

“I was too.”

“I was admittedly going pretty heavy-handed but now you’re straight-up lying.” He poked fun at her, bumping his forehead into hers.

“It’s true though.”

“You’re serious?”

“I didn’t remember you but I dreamed about you.”

“Please don’t be lying.” He said softly.

“I’m not. Drunk me knew a good thing when she found it. I dreamed about you before I saw you again. Tried to draw you too. You can look in my old notebooks, they’re dated, you’re there.”

“Star.” He whispered a blush creeping up his cheeks.

“I know.” She smiled, her tone apologetic. “I’m done fighting it. I’ve received every sign possible that I’m supposed to be with you. So I am.” She put her hands to his waist. “I’m all in now, Eddie. When it comes to you and me? I’m not running anymore. I promise. I’m not gonna push away something as special as you. You are a gift from the universe and I intend to try to take as good care of you, of us, as I can. Like a gift should be.” She was so earnest, her face expressive and set tight and apologetic as she pushed her chin toward him, speaking so the conversation was kept private.

Eddie's heart was about to beat its way out of his chest.

“I was gonna wait to kiss you and try to do this properly with the date stuff but please can I kiss you right now?” His hands were warm on her face. His voice rushed out desperately and low as he leaned toward her. Her face shifted to something resembling a milk-drunk kitten, high off affection and feeling the love for her pouring out of him. She nodded and met him halfway, a kiss that was far too intimate for the environment it was happening in. But nothing about this was appropriate so why start now? It went on for while, only moving forward so he could put an arm on her back to pull her to him properly.

As all this was happening the entire Hellfire Club was standing at the end of the parking lot. Too far away to hear but close enough to see the interaction go down. They’d been quietly making bets.

As they saw Eddie pull her in and kiss the hell out of her they let out a mix of groans and aw.

“Okay, so it was a good conversation.”

“I told you they were too chummy today. They’re back together.”

“Were they ever actually together?”

“They seem like they are now.”

“That does seem like a relationship kiss. Not a friend kiss.”

“Damn he’s really going for it.” One chuckled.

“I’m so proud.” Dustin beamed.

“You’re so weird Henderson.” They laughed.

“They’re still going.”

“It’s kinda sweet,” Lucas smirked, feeling nostalgic about Max's reincorporation back into the smaller friend group.

“It’s super sweet! Who knew the guy had it in him? This is downright romantic!”

“I wouldn’t call kissing in a school parking lot romantic, kid.” Gareth grumbled.

“Where isn’t important, look at them. That’s love right there.”

“Oh! He’s pulling away!”

“5 bucks says she slaps him.”

“Easiest five bucks I’ve ever made.”

When they pressed their foreheads together and soft laughs were shared before another much shorter press of lips occurred.

“Aw look at 'em.”

“Gross.”

“Jealous much?”

“Shut up!”

“Okay, they’re leaving now, act casual.”

They turned and pretended not to be watching. Opened notebooks and started in the middle of fake conversations as they all watched the two love birds walk around the van, Eddie running to open her door for her before running back around to jump in.

He didn’t notice them watching as he drove out of the parking lot.

“He’s even letting her pick the music.” Dustin cooed as a melodic guitar could be heard from inside instead of the usual heavy thrash beat.

“Damn. He sold out.”

“Making a girl happy isn’t selling out.”

“Not that you’d know anything about that.”

“Alright dick, too far.”

Everything was right back where it was supposed to be.

-

Eddie was in his van, hands hanging on the steering wheel as he growled. He was outside of Star's dwelling and in the short drive to her place from his he felt like he’d sweated through his shirt already.

“It’s freezing what the hell is my problem?” He griped in a high-pitched voice. He calmed down, winging out his jacket to let the vents hit him. He realized that he was nervous. With a face that looked annoyed outwardly, he wiped his palms on his jeans. “You made this woman cry, you’ve made her cum. There is no reason you should be nervous! It’s a date to the movies. This is middle school shit.” He talked aloud to himself. He didn’t remember the last time he’d primped himself so much. He had fussed with his hair and made sure he put deodorant everywhere. “This is good right? I should be nervous?” He asked himself, eyes to the rearview mirror. They’d skipped all these bits of relationship ships. The dates, formalities, and gifts. The waiting to kiss and the PDA. These just so happened to be all the parts that made Eddie nervous. He figured he was making up for lost time.

He stands at her door, hearing her music from inside. He wore a sweater she made him, plain black with red stitching. A denim jacket hung boxy on his lean frame as he shifted, suddenly second-guessing how he was standing.

Star appeared slowly from behind the door she pulled open. She was also the victim of the sudden onset of unsuspected nervousness. There her boyfriend stood, flowers in his hand and his curls practically frizz-free. He’d cleaned off his white sneakers, almost shining with polish and a black sweater looked neat with his mismatched denim shades.

“Hey, Eddie.” Simply saying his name made her lips turn into a smile now.

“Hello, beautiful.” He gave her an almost cheesy smile but the dimples that appeared made her want to kiss him.

“Let me get my coat on, come on.” She ushered him in.

“Brought you these.”

“They’re gorgeous, thank you.” She cooed, smelling the flowers and leaning in to kiss his cheek.

“What about you? I’ve not seen this before.” he wasn’t coy about looking her up and down as she bent over to grab a vase from under the sink.

“That’s because I’ve not worn it.” she turned to look over her shoulder at him, pleased he seemed to be staring at her legs covered in warm, dark sheer black tights over a very 60s mod-inspired mini dress.

“Why not? You look amazing in it. Legs for days.” He grinned.

“Didn’t have any hot dates to get all dressed up for did I?” She wrinkled her nose affectionately at him and went to grab her leather jacket. They looked like a matching pair, in their black and leather. “I missed it,” she sighed happily. “A lot.”

“I’ll take you out every day if I get to see more of this.”

“Maybe I’ll wear my little dresses and stuff again. I didn’t because I didn’t want the attention but if I’ve got you…” she lilted with a smile.

“I’ll make sure no one else says a god damned thing to you looking sexy as hell. I’m gonna make it so obvious I’m your boyfriend and you’re off the market you’re gonna be sick of me.”

“I’d like to see you try.” She challenges. “I mean really, I wanna experience that. The happy PDA, the whole thing you know? I’ve never had it. Not for real.” He saw the vulnerability he’d longed for in her face.

“You’ve had boyfriends though.”

“Eh, a few?” Shrugged. “And by a few, I mean a few like 3?” she counted on her fingers.

“Seriously?” his chin dropped and his eyes widened.

“I know. I’ve had a lot of one-night stands. I’ve not had romantic relationships where it’s all…. Nice ya know? Sweet and healthy with the little stuff like holding hands and all that. Dates were always a means to an end.”

“The end being in bed?”

“Pretty much.”

“And I thought I knew everything about you.”

“That’s the only good thing about me not oversharing. I’ll seem interesting for longer now.” She laughed.

“You are interesting.” He took her hand and pulled her to him. “I don’t think you have to worry about being boring, sweetheart. You’re gonna keep me on my toes I know it.” He smiles and tucked her hair behind her ear.

“I’ve-“ she huffed out a nervous laugh and looked down, he could see a blush coming across her cheeks. “Can I ask stupid questions and you not make fun of me?” She asked with a scrunched face.

“Me? Make fun of you? Always! I mean never.” He cheesed. “If you’re feeling sensitive just warn me and I won’t give you any shit. Promise.” he added candidly.

“Then I’m warning you.”

“Consider me warned. Serious face.” He swiped his hand down his face to take away his smile.

“Is it supposed to feel so…” she paused and smiled, tilting her head and thinking. “Whenever you talk about being together in the future. Long-term stuff. I just feel so…” she stutters and finds her words. “Is it supposed to feel so… good?”

“Oh, baby.” He cooed and cupped her cheek.

“I said not to make fun of me!” She giggled and hid her face in his chest.

“I’m not! I swear! I can’t help but act like you’re the sweetest woman alive when you say that shit. Makes my teeth hurt you’re so sweet.” He lovingly teased, rubbing his jaw. “It is babe, it’s supposed to feel good. It’s security. It’s… stability. Trust. All those things.”

“All those very important things.”

“Extremely important. I think it’s a new one for both of us.”

“Like our first adult relationship.”

“Good way to put it.”

“I feel like it’s so much so fast but it’s not. This has been going on since September.” She chuckled.

“Half a year.”

“That makes me feel better. I don’t want to be those annoying girls who are always in love and getting married 1 month in you know?”

“Nah, you’re not that impulsive. I had to work for it.” He smiled and kissed her cheek.

“Made you run a fucking triathlon.” She laughed.

“And I’d do it again.” He said earnestly with a smile. She let herself openly swoon, soft eyes and a big rise and fall of her chest. “Let's go on our first date then, huh? Ya ready?”

“Always for you.” She picketed her lips at him.

“Ah, c’mon you rascal.”

Eddie took her up on her challenge. He ran to hold doors open for her, starting with the van in her driveway. He offered to hold her purse while she ran into the bathroom. He held her hand in line for tickets.

“Two tickets for me and the lovely lady, here.” Was how he decided to tell the indifferent ticket person he wanted to buy.

He carried the snacks, he let her pick the seats. She crossed her legs towards him, huddled in close to whisper into his ear during the movie. She made the choice for him, putting her cheek to his arm and wrapping her arms around his to hold his hand while they smushed together in the old creaky theater seats. He got to rest his hand on her thigh while she played with his rings and mindlessly traced her fingers on his hands. She got to indulge in any impulse had now. She didn’t have to stop and wonder if it was too much. She could kiss his cheek or hold his hand or tell him how pretty he looked in the low light. It was like a whole new world had opened to her and she had never felt freer.

Eddie again insisted she never open a door for herself in his presence as he ran around the van to let her out. She thought it was a bit much but she wasn’t going to stop him. They stop in front of her door, him stopping outside it, halting her from entering from the tug of his hand in hers.

“I had a really great time tonight.” He said as he watched her soften up and smile.

“So did I. I had fun. Couldn’t ask for a better first date.” She kidded.

“Would you wanna go out again?” He asked, still playing by the rules.

“I want to go on so many dates with you that we lose count.” She leaned in and shook her head.

“Tomorrow. I’ll take you out to eat. Somewhere nice.”

“Nice? Are you sure? I really do like the hamburger hut, you don’t have to impress me, Eddie, you’ve already done it.”

“I’m doing this properly.” He whispered and kissed her forehead. “Speaking of- I had a suggestion.” She gave him her full attention with big doting eyes. “I know when people date, in high school I mean and we are almost out but - anyway- guys usually give their girlfriends their class rings or their letterman jackets? And I don’t have either of those but I wanted to see if you wanted something of mine? To have to like… wear ya know?”

“Besides the Star?” She asked reaching up to fiddle with the stone around her neck.

“Yeah, something that people would know was me. Like… these rings are too big for you- I probably have some smaller older ones at home if you wanted. You have a lot of rings already though.” He rushed through his words nervously. “I was thinking more like… my vest?” Her eyes went wide.

“Your vest? Are you sure? That’s like your whole thing. It’s YOURS.”

“Well…” he half shrugged and winced nervously. “I’m yours now so…I wanted to see if you wanted to wear it.”

“It’s so unmistakably you.” She said as if it were a reason she shouldn’t.

“That’s sorta the point. I want people to know we’re together.” She nodded slowly, understanding.

“How a letterman jacket has the guy's name across the back…” she hummed and nodded. “That’s a really smart substitution.” She praised him and saw his nerves break and a smile appear. “If you’re willing to part with it I’d love to wear it. It’s cool as hell.” She chuckled.

“Really?” He perked up with high brows

“Of course! I can be your little badass metal girlfriend.” She giggled more girlishly as he clumsily moved to take it off. “I’ll look like I match my big bad metalhead boyfriend.” She cooed as he stood catching his breath and handing it to her. “Ugh, I’m gonna be able to smell you all day.” She hummed and brought it up to her face. “That’s the good stuff.” She closed her eyes and smacked her lips.

“Feral girlfriend.” He chuckled and sighed, feeling his chest all fuzzy.

“All the good stinks are in this.” She nodded and whiffed again making him laugh. He groaned playfully and grabbed her up in his arms, forcing her head to angle up to his.

“My little gremlin.” He beamed down at her and she giggled back with the same adoring smile.

“We loves the vest, we do.” She warped her voice to something goofy and as Gollum-like as she could make it. “Master gave us his precious he did.” Her voice popped and cracked and Eddie didn’t know whether to laugh from joy or cry for the same reason.

“You’re my precious. We loves her, we does.” He cracked his voice back all garbled as he leaned in to kiss her. They snorted and laughed against each other’s lips. “I wasn’t gonna kiss you. First date and all that. But you had to pull out the Lord of the Rings references.”

“You can’t resist!” She said dramatically.

“I can’t. You’re so hot when you’re nerdy.”

“You're hot all the time.” She sassed back.

“Even more so when I’m nerdy though right? Sooo sexy when I’m pissed off about a fantasy game?” He joked.

“Sooo sexy.” She snorted a laugh. “The sexiest.”

“That’s what I thought.” He grinned and kissed her again. Something sweet and uncomplicated. Something he thought he could still get away with despite it being the first date. “I’ll pick you up at the normal time in the morning?”

“You’re not gonna stay?” She asked looking a little letdown.

“Don’t look at me like that baby, I’ll break.”

“That’s the point.” She pouted.

“Not gonna stay after the first date. Gonna go home and jerk off thinking about you, sleep and wait to see you in the morning.”

“After the second date?”

“Still too soon.”

“Playing hard to get. I can respect that.” She puckered her lips and nodded playfully. “Third date. Right? That’s the rule.”

“I can agree to the third date. I can stay after the third.”

“So after our third date tomorrow…”

“No! Sneaky thing!” He pinched her sides and made her laugh. “So bad.” He tsked and shook his head.

“Can I get a little baby goodbye kiss tonight? Tomorrow I can get a big girl kiss?” She bat her lashes up at him.

“Deal.” He nodded. “This is goodnight then, baby.”

“Night Eddie.” She whispered as he leaned in, a delicate hand to her hair as a single press lingered. “Can’t wait to see you in the morning.”

“Not more than me, sweetheart.”

They’d become everything they’d mocked in the past. Sitting in gaggles with friends and high-pitched voices mocking their smooching peers. They were those peers now. A lesson in not making fun of something unless you understand it.

-

Both were up early the next morning, Star more so than Eddie by default. No matter how little of a morning person she was, he would always be less so. Star spent the majority of her morning trying to plan her outfit around Eddie’s battle vest. She wanted to find some balance of herself while being draped in the Munson Crest. She also quickly concluded that she wanted to look as attractive as possible while wearing it. She’d forgone the male attention purposely before, but now, wearing something that showed she was specifically under the protection of the Eddie Munson, not just a Hellfire Club t-shirt, she knew that anyone daring or dumb enough to act or speak on her appearance would be deserving of a brutal insult or a punch to the nose. She was reveling in the feelings of belonging to someone, exploring how healthy attachment and possessiveness felt for the first time. The thought of Eddie proud with his arm around her, her in his vest, and a hand in his back pocket made her feel warm and tingly from her chest to her neglected lower extremities. Since she’d struck the coy deal of friends who fuck with Eddie, she’d not gone long without getting the attention her body craved. She was figuring out a new aspect of herself where her emotional happiness was fulfilling her physical needs. She figured she’d have to knock the dust off her vibrator soon, but last night she was so tickled with kisses and sweet words that she snuggled right into bed and fell asleep without having to wear herself out. She floated through this new, healthy version of her mind as she threw articles of clothing around the trailer. She settled on a tight long sleeve black shirt under the vest, showing off her assets. She chose a pair of high-waisted golden corduroy flares and her well-loved boots. She matched the patch on the back and still felt like herself. In most anything else she’d felt like she was wearing an Eddie costume, and that wasn’t what she was going for. She still wanted her own identity, she never wanted to amalgamate into the same person as him, at least not personality-wise. Physically on the other hand…

She heard the rumble of his van into the driveway, she made a sound she was almost ashamed of, an excited chirp at the sight of him. He bound out of the vehicle as bouncy as she was, as she practically skipped to the door to open it before he could knock. She stepped out and jogged toward the door and bounded against his chest, arms around his neck into a kiss on sight. His eyes went wide at first, surprised before they fluttered shut, his arms finding their proper place around her body and squeezing her back. She didn’t deepen it, knowing he’d most likely scold her, but she did push her forehead to his and stay there for a moment.

“Mornin’ beautiful.” he grinned. “You happy to see me or somethin’?”

“Missed you,” she admitted with a warm smile.

“Aw, babe.” he groaned and blushed. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to you being so…” he sighed contently. “Sweet.”

“You better. You’re the one that has to deal with it.” she kissed his cheek and pulled away. He kept his hands on her waist.

“Let me see what I’ve got here.” he said suggestively, touching her hips before he instructed her to give him a spin to see the rest of her with a twirling finger.

“You like it?”

“I knew you were gonna look great in the vest because you look great in everything but damn.” he rubbed his chin.

“I wanted to look good so everyone can see what you’re gettin’ and they aren’t.” she let out a deep chuckle, fully amused.

“I guess I can say this now but god damn I love it when you wear pants.” he laughed. “I love the skirts, baby, don’t get me wrong. Especially with the easy access and all but getting to see the shape of you in these tight little numbers really does it for me. Ugh, work of art.” he gave a kiss to his fingers as if he’d eaten something delicious. “Put this ass in a museum. No, fuck that a temple. Worship this thing. Make sacrifices to it.” he made hungry sounds rubbing his hands together before stretching out his arms and doing grabby hands in the air while she turned to look over her shoulder, showing it off for him.

“Don’t get yourself worked up if you’re gonna make the rule that we can’t do anything about it.” she scolded, tapping his nose and batting her lashes at him.

“Too late, sugar.” he grinned and yanked her into his arms as their laughs melded together, pressing his lips to hers. “What’d I do to deserve a goddess like you, huh?”

“I think we’ll wait until the third date to get into all that. I’ll get all worked up.” she giggled as he smooched her cheek noisily, the threat of a bite with his teeth as he groaned playfully.

“Sweet, sweet baby,” he murmured into her cheek, making her blush. “You ready to head out? I’ve got a whole day of showin’ you off to get to.” he looked down at her, smoothing down her naturally wavy hair. She gave him sleepy, happy eyes, soaking in the tender affection.

“I feel like some high society girl announcing she’s off the market at some party.” she laughed.

“I can announce you as you come in if you like.” he cleared his throat. “Lady Florence welcomes you here to gaze upon her mesmerizing visage so she can announce her partnership with the lowsome fool Edward Munson. He is but a jester but he is big of heart. And other things he’s told.” he said loudly with his chest, playing a fake trumpet.

“To be a Dungeon Master you’re an awful lot like a bard.” she chuckled, shooshing him and tapping his arms down with her hands.

“Mmm keep talkin’ D and D and I might go back on my third date rule.” he wiggled his eyebrows.

“Take me school you nerd, before I bully you.” she scrunched her nose and hopped up to kiss him.

“What if I’m into that?” he stuck out his tongue as he followed her to the passenger side of the van.

“I’m counting on it.”

-

From the moment they crossed onto school property, Eddie took his enjoyment of staking his claim to Star at every chance. Much to his delight and relief, she did the same. She snuggled in as they walked, arm over her shoulders and her hand in his back pocket. He’d give her a peck before he jetted off to get to his class after walking her to hers. He passed her notes with no importance in their contents, only doodles and hearts and light-hearted insults back and forth. So it shouldn’t have surprised her when he yanked her into his lap at the lunch table. She held in her sound of surprise, having been focused on setting her tray on the table. Her arm naturally went behind his head to catch herself. He planted a kiss on her that made her smile into it, knowing most of the student body was watching.

“Come here often?” he grinned, looking up at her adoringly, his hand holding her in on her thigh and around her back.

“Not often enough,” she smirked, her face hidden, turned, from the audience of their friends. She leaned in to kiss him again, hand on his cheek. “Am I allowed to eat or do I have to sit here?” she asked mindlessly fussing with a few frizzy stray curls in his hair.

“You can do both.” he grinned before giving her butt a subtle smack and moving her from his lap.

“So,” Jeff smirked, the whole group moving into a subdued titter as they sat and turned to their food, their display of affection having passed. At Jeff’s voice, they both looked up, bright-eyed.

“I take it this is… a thing now?”

“She’s wearing his freakin’ vest of course it’s a THING.” Eddie smirked, taking his time responding as Star chuckled silently, starting in on her food.

“Go ahead,” she said with a nod to Eddie. “Announce it, bard.” she giggled.

“We’re dating now. Yeah.” Eddie’s smile tried to contain itself but couldn’t be tamed.

“Look at that face.” Dustin teased affectionately.

“Shut up,” Eddie muttered, turning his face down but still wearing a smile. “I’m... happy. Alright? Don’t give me shit about it.” he chuckled. Star reached out and held his hand on top of the table.

“Don’t tease the baby or I’ll have to defend him now. It’s the in the contract he had me sign.” Star said with a smile.

“You signed a-?”

“She’s joking.” Dustin clarified to Mike.

“Do we get to know what happened?”

“I asked her out and she said yes.” Eddie shrugged.

“Bullshit. You two were fighting. Then you were both gone Monday.”

“And we saw you making out in the parking lot.” Dustin chuckled.

“We had a fight and we made up. We both apologized. Then he asked me out and I said yes. So we’re together now. Officially. Boyfriend and girlfriend the whole thing.” Star explained with one hand, the other being doted on by Eddie.

“Letting her wear the vest, huh?” Gareth smirked.

“She looks better in it than I do.” Eddie shrugged, a precocious smile as he tried to focus on eating.

“No one’s arguing that.” Gareth joked. Everyone laughed, the lack of animosity and subtle support was a calming spell across the group.

“I’m glad you two figured your shit out. One less thing to worry about.” Dustin gave his stamp of approval.

“Yeah, it’s about damn time.” Mike grinned.

“You two look happy. It’s nice.” Jeff smiled at Star.

“I am. We are.” Star said perkily. “Sorry for dragging you all through the mud with us getting to this point. That’s on me.” she gave an apologetic cheesy smile.

“We knew it sure as hell wasn’t Eddie saying no to YOU.” Gareth laughed.

“Gee thanks for the support, man, love you too.” Eddie said with a nodding chin toward Gareth.

“You know I'm right.” he retorted with a smirk.

“You are.” Star nodded. “It’s not that I didn’t want to. I’ve liked Eddie for… a long time I just-”

“I KNEW IT!” Dustin gave a victorious fist pump.

“You did. You were right.” Star rolled her eyes and shoulder-bumped him. “I had a really, supremely shitty ex-boyfriend who ruined men for me.”

“To put it lightly.” Eddie chimed in.

“So I didn’t want a boyfriend when I showed up. But then this beautiful dork wore me down.” she chuckled and pinched Eddie’s cheek.

“Worth it.” he grinned and lifted her hand in his to kiss the back of it.

“Now we get to deal with the PDA. All this lovey shit.” Gareth made a sick sound.

“Better than them fighting.”

“Is it though?” he retorted.

-

Star pried Eddie off her so she could get inside and go get ready for a fancy date. She’d never been on a date to a nice restaurant. Granted, it was just the nicest place in Hawkins, which didn't measure up to much but she was still excited. Eddie was a wreck of nerves, knowing only one guy to call for help in an instance such as this.

“Hey loverboy, I heard the big news.” Steve’s crooning voice praised Eddie.

“News travels fast, shit.”

“Once Dustin knows…” Eddie could hear the laugh in Steve’s voice.

“You’re never far behind. I’ve gathered that.” Eddie chucked. “I need some help for tonight if you’re available.”

“Already? You just started dating man and you’re-”

“No. Nothing bad.” Eddie laughed at Steve’s immediate disappointment.

“Good. I was about to say-”

“I’m taking her to Enzo’s.”

“Look at you Munson, we’ll make a gentleman out of you yet.”

“Very cute.” Eddie rolled his eyes. “I wanted to take her somewhere nice. And that’s the nicest place without driving an hour both ways so- anyway I won’t pretend like I know what the hell I’m doing. I don’t do dates. I don’t do fancy restaurants. I'm way out of my element here, man.” Eddie cleared his throat, preparing himself to ask a favor. “But you… you’re Steve Harrington, you’ve been on more dates already than I’ll ever go on. You know fancy. I need that knowledge. What can I do to bribe it from you?”

“Man, just ask like a normal person.” Steve laughed. “Hey, dude I got a hot date, any tips?”

“Hey dude, I got a hot date. Got any tips?” Eddie mockingly asked.

“I’d love to help. This is much better than trying to figure out what the hell Dustin talks about with his radios. THIS I know.”

“Bequeath me with your wisdom, King Steve.”

“Former King. King adjacent now.” he chuckled. “And.. bequeath? Isn’t that when air gets inside a girl and-”

“That’s queef!” Eddie laughed and leaned away from the phone. “BEqueATH is to gift someone something. You’re in a totally different zip code man. I was keeping it PG.” Eddie snorted.

“Ohhh.” Steve nodded, mouth open. “I was wondering why you- never mind - you wanna come over? I’m better in person than over the phone.”

“Don’t sell your phone voice short Stevie, youv’e got me soaking my panties over here.” Eddie teased and made kissy noises into the receiver.

“You’re a married man now Eddie, behave yourself.” Steve snorted in amusement.

“Oh, she thinks the same thing.” Eddie giggled.

“Wh-huh?” Steve did a double-take despite being on the phone.

“See you soon big boy!” Eddie shouted as he put down the receiver.

“God he’s such a weirdo.”

-

“I’m gonna look like a kid in his dad’s clothes no matter what.” Eddie grumped, looking in Steve’s mirror as he put on one of his button-up shirts.

“If you keep saying that then yeah. It’s about confidence. You’re cock of the walk any other time. You’re loud and opinionated and everyone else can eat a dick about it.”

“I’m a married man Steve, stop it.” Eddie blushed and cleared his throat.

“What is it about some buttons that makes you not confident, huh?”

“They aren’t made of baby elephant tusks. You know I said strictly ivory from BABIES, Steven.”

“Shut up.” Steve laughed. “I’m not THAT kind of rich.”

“Your dad literally has a tusk in his office.”

“Yeah don’t tell anyone about that. They’re starting to crack down on that stuff.” Steve smirked.

“Well, he’s a lawyer I think he’ll be fine.” Eddie rolled his eyes.

“So the shirt? It’s black. That’s…your color. I mean I don’t think that’s what is the most flattering but we’re not going to get into that.”

“Are we not?” Eddie raised an eyebrow.

“If you showed up in something besides black she might not recognize you is what I'm saying.” Steve joked. “So best stick to black. Baby steps.” Steve nodded and fussed with Eddie’s collar.

“I feel like a poser in this.”

“What do the metal guys wear to their big award shows?”

“Leather.” Eddie nodded. Steve blinked and frowned. Not the answer he expected.

“Anything else? They wear a suit jacket?”

“Sometimes. But like, a t-shirt under it. Or a vest over a shirt with a print on it. Usually all dark colors. Black, duh but also navy.”

“Alright now we’re getting somewhere. We’re gonna try something else.”

“Ugh, you’ve been talking about this the whole time!” Eddie whined. “Now we’re doing something else?

“Do you trust me?”

“When it comes to this, yes.”

“You know words hurt, Eddie.” Steve fake pouted.

“Yes, I explicitly trust you in all situations, dimensions, and realities Steve Harrington. Is that what you wanna hear?”

“Honestly? Yeah.” he gave him a perky smile.

“Fine. Dress me up like a fuckin’ doll. I need to look good.”

“Now you’re open to taking orders?” Steve laughed and shoved Eddie’s shoulder.

“That is usually reserved for Star but play your cards right and I might let a handsome man like you give me a few suggestions.” Eddie cheesed and made Steve blush but he shook his head and the thought away. “I mean you’ve got me topless already.” Eddie giggled and covered his nipples.

“You’ve been begging for it, admit it.” Steve laughed, putting his hands on Eddie’s back. “C’mon, let’s find you something else.” He said shoving Eddie towards his closet.

-

Star and Eddie were content with their final decisions. They both stood in front of a full length mirror and nodded in approval. They both went simple and of course, black.

Star had gone vintage, no surprise there. She’d pulled out a tight black dress that was worthy of the sexiest woman at the jazz club in the 60s. It went right above her knee, cut in and snug. The sleeves to her elbows and a high modest neckline. After getting ready she took her hair out of its rollers and chose red lipstick with little else pulling attention from them makeup-wise. She kept looking at her body in the mirror, realizing how much it’d changed. Maybe it was getting older, or the comfort she’d found in food while staying in so much with Eddie. She’d gained the relationship weight before the relationship began, she chuckled to herself. Her hips were wider, her chest hanging a little more, and a slight roundness to her lower belly to balance out the much larger rounding of her ass. She didn’t look like the girls in magazines, stick thin and sculpted but all the great painters she admired had immortalized women who looked like her in their paintings, and that had always made her accept her shape at the bare minimum. But the way Eddie talked about her body now, she found herself reaching above the minimum and learning to like it.

So the way his shoulders slumped as soon as he laid eyes on her, more flowers to add to her quickly growing collection in his hand made her feel as pretty as she ever had.

“Jesus Christ, Star.” He whispered, eyes not knowing where to look, afraid he’d miss something. “Hell, baby you look…” he took a deep breath and blew a raspberry with his lips. “Is there a word that means better than perfect?” he asked with a shrug. Star beamed, slinking right up to him and putting a hand on his chest.

“Can’t find any words in that big brain of yours?” she cooed, twirling a stray curl hanging down by his face. Steve had begged him to wear it back, Eddie almost fist-fought him over it, but Steve and his undeniable charm won out. They’d compromised when he let Eddie pull some hair down around his face.

“Not when I’m looking at you.” he gave a dopey grin. She looked down, putting space between their bodies to whistle.

“And what about you? You look like some rockstar.” she giggled, her hand slipping over the black button-up he eventually settled on, and a pinstripe vest over top of it. The vest somehow made him not hate the shirt. She nuzzled her nose to his, as he stuttered and blushed. “Seems I’ve been promoted from groupie.” she laughed and straightened his collar.

“You can be… who’s that one you like?” his nose scrunched in thought. “Marianne.”

“She wasn’t exactly a groupie but you get all the credit for remembering.”

“I’ll take it where I can get it when it comes to you, sweetheart.” a cheesy grin full of teeth and dimples made her kiss his cheek, promptly wiping away the lipstick with her thumb. “Leave it.” he chuckled. “The easier it is for people to tell I'm with you tonight, the less chance I’m gonna get in a fight.” Star laughed at that, continuing to wipe away the smudge.

“I don’t think anyone is gonna fight you at Enzo’s.” she snickered. “The Hideout maybe. But not Enzo’s.”

“Good, because I don’t have a good range of motion in this shirt.” he windmilled his arms and squatted a bit, Star sighed, perplexed as to how she fell so hard for such a goof. She didn’t truly mind though, his charm was offbeat and found in his quirky honesty. She found the nervousness adorable, the impulsive movements entertaining. He kept her from taking herself too seriously.

“You look very handsome in it though.” she put her arms to his shoulders and he calmed. “This is nice. Have you had this waiting around?”

“If I tell you, promise not to make fun of me?” he said with a lowered chin and puppy eyes.

“Why would I- ugh, no, I'm not going to make fun of you.” she shook her head and rolled her eyes, batting her lashes and smiling.

“It’s Steve’s.”

“Steves?” she said surprised.

“Yeah, I asked for his help 'cause you know… I’m no good at this stuff and I wanted to impress you and we both know he’s good with the ladies so...” Eddie shrugged.

“You asked him for help?” she pouted.

“Yeah?” Eddie added hesitantly.

“That's the cutest thing I’ve ever heard. I’m so glad you two started hanging out. I knew you’d like each other if you tried.”

“Another instance of you being right and me being a dumb ass.”

“Dumb ass is a bit strong. I think stubborn is better.”

“Again. You’re right.” he said mockingly but they both knew he was joking.

“Good way to butter a girl up. Telling her she’s right.”

“Yeah?” he smirked, putting an arm around her. “That might be something I’m interested in doing tonight.”

“Besides me?” she wiggled her brows.

“In this dress, baby, you’re testing the mettle of man. Seriously. Shit, you look good.” he got distracted again by her body being shown off in tight clothes.

“Maybe I should’ve worn it next time.” she flirted.

“I would normally agree because I would love to peel that off your body inch by inch with my teeth, BUT for the next date, I was gonna tell you, I need you to dress in something comfortable. Maybe something you don’t care about getting dirty.” his eyes narrowed as he thought.

“The infamous third date I need to dress like I’m NOT trying to get you in my pants?” she giggled.

“You don’t have to TRY.” he laughed with a snort. “And I’m going for… emotional impact ya know? Tonight’s about treating you to nice things like you deserve. The next one is about us.”

“Us?”

“Yeah, I’m gonna take us somewhere really nice and secluded and we’re gonna be together and talk.”

“Oh.” she said with batting lashes.

“Disappointed?” he asked with genuine worry.

“No.” she shook her head quickly. “I was having fun and being flirty and keeping it light you know? But you’re right. We can sit and let it all out. Go through all the things we’ve wanted to. All the stuff we’ve not said.” her eyes gave away the meaning of her words as they shifted nervously.

“Exactly. Tonight I feed you fancy pasta and tell you you’re gorgeous. Tonight’s gonna be nice. And fun! I mean I have fun when I’m with you no matter where we go. We could hang out by a dumpster and I’d have fun.”

“You’d have more fun at a dumpster than Enzo’s.” she laughed.

“Again! You're correct!” he said loudly, laughing. “But as much as I kinda hate this overpriced stuff I want to do that for you. Wayne taught me a lot about women, and I know you show them when and how you can that they’re worth the effort when it comes to taking them out. So I wanted you to get all gussied up like you like to do and I wanted to be the reason you got to do that ya know?”

“I'm gonna have to thank Wayne one of these days for raising such a good man.”

“You taking me off his hands is thanks enough I think.” he grinned.

“I bet you were a holy terror as a child.” she laughed.

“God, he’s gonna enjoy embarrassing the shit out of me and showing you photos.”

“I do wanna see baby Eddie.” she smiled softly.

“I looked like an angry fuzzy lump.” he laughed.

“And look at you now. A slightly bigger, fuzzier, angrier lump!” they both laughed at that and he kissed her cheek with firm pressure.

“Keep me humble, why don’t you?” he laughed into her neck.

“Shut up gorgeous. Prettiest man I’ve ever seen.” she kissed the side of his head where it rested as he held her. “Take me out and let me show you off all cleaned up, Munson.”

“Whatever you say, babe.”

Eddie took the lead and Star watched with amorous eyes as he did. He’d made a reservation and everything. It was the cutest he’d ever been. Trying to stand up straight and not let his voice crack. He didn’t let go of her hand once they entered the building. It was a lovely sentiment to feel like she was being useful to him for once.

Quickly the lipstick she’d meticulously applied was gone. Happily lost to breadsticks and pasta. They made sure they ordered something different, trying each other's food. The highlight was Star almost laughing out a mouthful of food when Eddie caught her off guard, holding up to two meatballs like they were boobs to his chest. The food was amazing, even Eddie had to admit it. He reassured her that no matter how good their lasagna might be he’d always prefer hers. They held hands over the table, chipping away at a cheesecake. The candle on the table did them both all the favors when it came to making them look lovely. Star wished she’d had her notebook, sighing and committing herself to draw Eddie lit by candlelight soon. They two were entirely out of place. They laughed too loud, they ate too enthusiastically. But they couldn’t take their eyes off each other to bother seeing any side eyes glances. He told her how pretty she was an almost annoying amount of times, apologizing after each and looking down, blushing. Confiding he was simply star-struck, pun intended.

“I had a lot more fun than I thought I would.” he confessed with a bashful smile.

“I knew I’d have fun. I had a great time.” she shrugged and gave him a nose wrinkling smile.

“So.” he nodded and blushed. “Do you wanna go out again?” he asked with bashful big eyes.

“You know I do.” she laughed. “You don’t have to keep asking, you know.” she stepped in closer. “I’m yours, Eddie.” she promised with a tilt of her head, watching his eyes go all glassy.

“I’m not gonna stop asking.” he leaned in and whispered, pulling her close. “I’m going to earn every date. I’m not taking any of this for granted.”

“I’m not either.” she promised, sighing with fluttering lashes in his arms.

In her doorway, he properly kissed her. Her lipstick was long gone and not serving as a hindrance to kissing her in his mind. It took no effort for them to come together, her holding him tight around his back, him pulling her closer and holding her cheek, sure to linger before he landed a kiss to give her the build-up and attention she deserved. He felt her give a little in his arms, a feeling he had quickly become addicted to. Instead of a long drawn-out press, they took turns, a gentle caress of a bottom lip to a top lip then switching, the slightest hint of tongue, reserved. They held firm, hands not wandering, each time they thought it’d be the last turn, but they found themselves falling into it again, not wanting to stop.

“Eventually we have to stop,” she whispered, he felt the heart-aching movement of her lips forming a smile against his. “Although standing here with you like this…” she sighed contently and let out a happy whimper. “I am open to staying in this moment with you as long as humanly possible.” her voice was teeth achingly soft, her fingers light and doting on his back. “I missed you so much, Eddie.” she confessed, her chest feeling full to the brim with warm affection that was begging to be given.

“I love you,” he whispered back, faces still notched together, heads tilted, and noses almost touching. “You don’t have to say it back. No pressure. I just.. do… so much and right now if I didn’t say it I might explode.”

“I know.” she grinned and he then broke, backing away to slump and laugh.

“Hitting me with the Han Solo.” he said clutching his chest. “And people have the nerve to call ME the nerd?” he said as if he were insulted before laughing and diving back in to kiss her, much more clumsily and squeezing her, swaying her back and forth. “Fuck, I love you. You big dork.”

“Don’t tell anyone.” she giggled as he noisily smooched her cheek and neck, more playful now than tender.

“Never. I’ve got a reputation to uphold,” he said as if it were obvious. He kissed her again on the lips, soft and sweet. “I’ll pick you up in the morning.”

“I’ll miss you until then.” she smiled, holding his hand.

“Can I call you?” he asked with big puppy eyes as he stepped away.

“I’d like that.” she nodded. “You can play me to sleep.”

“I’ll call as soon as I get in.” he said taking another step away, still holding her hand as she giggled, covering her mouth in shyness for how precious they were being.

“Take your time, baby, I gotta get comfy. Get all cozy then call me.”

“No I’m gonna do it as soon as I walk in.” he cheesy grinned and she laughed. She kissed the back of his hand and released it.

“The quicker you go the sooner you can call.” he nodded, bright and floppy-haired as he bounded to his van, dropping his keys and her chuckling at him as he fumbled for them. She was in so deep, finding his clumsiness so charming. But man, did she not care.

PART 23

If you enjoyed my work, let me know! Reblogs and comments really help writer's out! ❤️

Here's the playlist for her mixtape if you're interested:

Tag List:

@kik51199 @banannie2555 @paracetamollvrr @honeyshifts @simonsblueee @suspiriann @likeficsinthewnd @hollyismentallyillhelp  @eddiesgoodgirll @ouuwitchywoman @michaelfuckinglangdon  @hannahdinse8 @thikkiesixx @idyllicbutterfly @lonesome-doveee @kaelyn-lobrutto24 @eriseffigy @kriffingstars  @psychedelephantt @laurathefahrradsattelltel @munsins @secularlunarsorceresssss @angelofthorrr @eddiemunsonsbedroom @justiceiswater @unnecesarysstuff @divadinag @boomhauerr @br0ck-eddiee

 @the-fever-of-mankind @nitafromtheshadows @sammararaven  @bambipowerblueadditionaddtion @trixyvixx @bimbobaggins69 @sillypurplemurple @sunnyhoney420 @sugar-bears-smile @hellfires-harlot

#eddie munson #eddie munson x f!oc #eddie munson x f!reader #eddie munson fan fic #eddie munson fic #eddie munson fics #eddie munson fix it fic #eddie munson ff #eddie munson fan fiction #eddie munsom au #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson x reader #stranger things #eddie munson drabble #eddie munson imagine #joe quinn #joseph quinn #stranger thing au #stranger things s4 #stranger things eddie munson #eddie munson stranger things #stranger things fic #stranger things fan fic #stranger thing fan fiction

[sailor-cerise]

Since I don't see exhaustive examples of what types of support low support needs might entail, I've put mine below. The vast majority of my struggles are from my autism, but my physical disabilities and ADHD also contribute.

The reason I share this is to help people think more deeply about what "supports" means, and understand the different support levels.

Examples of tasks I need significant help with:

Handling any maintenance or repair tasks. I can and have done things like called a plumber, but I cry afterwards and am shaky and on edge the entire time they are on the phone or in my room/house. I have the capacity to do this a few times a year, spread far apart, which is typically much lower than the number of times I need this done. This includes car maintenance, which my partner helps me with.

Doing my taxes. I literally cry while downloading my W2 for my partner to do our taxes, and have had a panic attack because I needed to find an email receipt for tax purposes.

Paying a bill. Best case scenario it's something I can pay online, but I still cannot do more than one at a time and greatly benefit from emotional and logistical support.

Any other financial stuff: transferring money between accounts, managing investments, etc. I log into my accounts and my partner does things for me. I recently gave them access to most accounts now so they can do this without the first step and this one is scary to me but has been so so beneficial. We've been together about 15 years and they always ask permission and tell me specifics. Be careful who you trust with this if you have any choice.

House cleaning. I can do more than my severely physically disabled mother could when I was growing up, but not much. My partner also struggles here but we help each other.

Making decisions. I can decide what to eat and things related to my special interests (e.g. what book to read) for myself, but I really struggle deciding what color of sheets to get, alternatives to grocery brands when one is out of stock, how to cut my hair, which route to take while driving, which parking space to use, etc. and truly cannot do anything bigger (color to paint the kitchen, replacement water heater brand). I will completely shut down.

Examples of things I can do mostly independently (after having put in lasting supports with help from my partner and/or with significant effort). This is what makes me low support needs rather than medium: I can do these things.

Buy groceries (I order online and pickup curbside)

Make food for myself (I cannot reliably prepare food for anyone else)

Shower (I have a blue tooth speaker that I have a hard time showering without, and am able to shower 1-3 times a week)

Driving (sometimes I cannot drive due to physical issues)

Make and attend doctor's appointments (this one is mostly practice and saving up energy for it. I haven't been able to get support for this)

Take my medications (I have set up various systems that work well for me)

Renewing my prescriptions and picking them up (this is super hard and draining and I wish I had more supports for it, but it's something my partner struggles with too)

Working. I have so many accomodations here it's a separate long post. This includes work-related communication (often quite complex)

Ambulating. Sometimes I cannot walk more than a few steps. This is not from my autism.

Changing clothes. I hate doing this and would do it way less often than is appropriate if I did not have a partner that would be bothered by that

Brush my teeth. Oohhh boy this one took me most of my 33 years to sort out, and needed help from one of my best friends. Children's unsweetened toothpaste and ultra soft brushes are essential.

Flossing my teeth. Specific brand and type of floss, one in every room, and I'm actually good at it then. Really really proud of this one.

Brushing my hair. It's a whole Thing for me and I don't do it as often as I should but I can do it.

Making plans with friends or family. This is really hard and my mother helped me with it until she died and now I have some friends who are able to support me in this and I so appreciate them. My partner handles family plans mostly because most of my family is dead or lives very far away.

Speaking on the phone or in writing outside of work contexts. This is very very hard for me. I can do in person okay.

Socializing. This is very very hard for me but I do like it sometimes and have worked hard my whole life to be good at it. I tend to get along with people in a shallow manner.

Going into a crowded space. I need hearing protection (earplugs or headphones), and cannot do it for long periods. I handle it much better when I have a person with me, but hit my limit quickly.

Things I can do most days with no supports (most bADLs):

Basic in-person verbal communication, including limited quantities of small talk

Small purchases (cup of coffee, new book, etc.)

Toileting and continence

Going to bed and waking up

Remembering to eat and the act of eating

Drinking water

Get some gentle exercise of some sort, even just stretching in bed

Participate in one of my special interests. Any limitations here are usually from my physical disabilities, though I've lost this ability during autistic burnout before.

I am also fortunate to be capable of dealing well with emergencies (car accidents, injuries, de-escalation of a dangerous situation, pet emergencies, flooding), though like most people I break down if there are too many in a row. This isn't on any of the IADL lists I've seen, but I personally think it should be.

Reference:

#Low support needs #Meaning of supports #Autistic #Autistic adult #late diagnosed autistic #autism #AuDHD #Long post #Personal stuff

[itlivesproject]

Do you have some established romantic headcanons for Jocelyn x female!mc? It's missing Jocelyn hours for me 😭

i’ve always got more headcanons to spare! don’t you worry anon :)

Jocelyn loves being workout buddies. MC and Jocelyn are the type of couple to take hot gym pics together and post them on Instagram, and everyone thirsts in the comments. She loves it even more when MC wears matching workout clothes. The power couple vibes are very strong.

MC and Jocelyn love to watch trashy reality TV together, specifically dating shows. She’ll watch The Bachelor with her and they both argue over who the hottest girl is. Bonus points if she agrees because otherwise MC will spend the rest of the season hearing why she’s wrong.

Jocelyn loves Halloween, especially because of the couple costumes. Her and her girlfriend still go trick or treating despite being way too old, and like to trade candy afterwards. She dresses as Catra one year and makes MC go as Shera, and makes her shout “For the honor of gayskull!” at every house they trick or treat at. It makes her laugh every time.

When shark week comes around, Jocelyn is surprisingly supportive and helpful in any way MC needs. She’ll go out and buy her any supplies and cravings, she buries her in her hoodies and cuddles with her at all hours of the day. If anything, she’s benefitting too because of her love for physical affection. When her shark week comes around though, she’s a wreck. Super emotional, and generally more vulnerable than usual. The two of them watch sappy movies and she cries into MC’s arms about the tragic nature of romance. Frankly, it’s super adorable.

Jocelyn is built like a space heater, but she’s your space heater. The colder months of the year it’s a blessing because MC can latch onto her and she’s super thrilled. In the summer though? Jocelyn is constantly complaining about the heat. Cuddling is less than ideal, and she doesn’t even sleep with a sheet on the bed. Instead, she makes do with MC playing with her hair. Since it’s basically all she can get, she’s constantly grabbing MC’s wrist to move it to her head. Any time someone comments on it she just glares at them and resumes giving heart eyes to her girlfriend.

Jocelyn isn’t the best with words, but she loves to give romantic gestures all the time. She’ll buy MC a bouquet of her favorite flowers during the week just because, she’ll basically give MC her entire wardrobe despite the fact that her clothes almost never fit, and she is constantly attached to her at the hip. She tries to write MC a love letter once and it’s the sweetest thing she’s ever done because of how willing she is to push herself out of her comfort zone for her.

#anon #ask #mod alex #jocelyn wu

[nerdby]

I've been like slowly melting down since like August because a bunch of new people moved into my apartment building and now there is a bedbug infestation. My apartment has been sprayed twice and it's done absolutely nothing. So I have to move even though I can't really afford to live anywhere else and I will also most likely have to rehome one of my cats because most places won't let you have any pets except for an emotional support or service animal and you're allowed to have one. I got lucky because my current apartment building waived the limit for a number of pets tenants are allowed to own as long as the animals aren't endangered.

I also had to get rid of all of my clothing because it was destroyed because the laundry machines are full of mildew and have not been cleaned. Even though I have reported the issue the building manager is not taking my complaints seriously. So I also have to set aside money for extra bus and cab fare so that I can go to a laundromat outside of the building.

There is also no heat in my bedroom and has not been for the three years I've lived here. I've been using a space heater to heat my bedroom.

So, yeah, I've been freaking out.

I did find out that there is currently no wait-list at my old apartment building for one bedrooms and I would be able to move in right away. The problem is that the rent is so high that if I moved there I would only be able to afford the bare minimum of everything. And like I don't really care cause it's not a bedbug infested shit hole where my ceiling could cave in at any moment -- yeah, that happened -- and I would hopefully have heat in the bedroom.

But I just really don't want to have to rehome my babies, and I don't want to have to start over with nothing. And I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm drowning. Nothing helps.

Getting that stupid Happy Meal was the happiest I've been in months.

#random #my life #life update #adulthood #adulting #apartment life #stressed out #i dont know what to do #cat lovers

[dragonballnewstar]

Whats Boba’s type?

Honestly - Varies!

In her current canon, she's dating Yan (Dakkori's kai-in-training). He's quick to action but if you can manage to talk to him logically, he'll hear you out. He's pretty matter-of-fact and not good at expressing himself emotionally, yet the two have some tender moments. She's also his first female romantic experience

There's Sabal, the Hera. She's rough around the edges, having grown up with no support and having to be a runner for gangs just to get by. She keeps to herself mostly. She's on Kali's team and only agreed to join for the payday. Boba and Sabal had a good heart to heart when Boba was dealing with a lot of stress and has worked as her emotional support.

Kero is our Heater and he's literally a criminal lol he's a Patroller as a form of parole. He's cocky and constantly pesters Boba, but he's also able to make her laugh when she needs to calm down

And most recently Celtis - Turles' son. ((There is reason Turles has a son-)) He's a space pirate whose wanting to show that he's better than his dad. He's friends with Kero but prefers solo work. Treasure hunts and sells to the highest bidder. He's a dick who pushes all the wrong buttons, but Boba was dealing with her parent's divorce at the time and was unnecessarily harsh. She apologized, he...didn't mind a cute girl "being mean". That being said, he's not used to girls since he was always stuck with his old man out in the wilderness. He also keeps a fake Fruit of Mught to psych out opponents.

....She has questionable taste.

#ooc: mun speaks! #anonymous #boba #“it varies” #mostly criminals...

[myherochedaia]

Fuyumi's Class

Names from left to right are:

Sally- Salamander- Bubbly and outgoing.- Abandoned at birth, in a group home with lots of older kids right now

Hiro- Lizard- Hero worships his uncle, Spinner. He’s passionate about one thing. Shy at first but once he opens up he’s just an excited kid like anyone else.- Has a mom, Dad is Spinner’s older brother but he died a year ago.

Kage- Spider (mostly just his head like Tokoyami)- Shy but kind, loves spider man.- Bullied and neglected, parents can barely stand to look at him.

Natsu- Space Heater- Nervous energy, very ADD, blurts things out without thinking them through.- Parents are frazzled and exhausted, he burned their house down on accident so the teachers worried he’ll burn the school down.

Tobio- Dove- Often nonverbal. Haruhi is his emotional support person. still flinches when women raise their voices.- Wings clipped. Removed from his abusive mom, now Dad has sole custody.

Kuro- Electric Shock- Angry, just, such an angry kid. Immature. Defensive. cares about his friends in a grumpy way. Ex. I hate gold fish crackers! If you don't want them I'll through them away!- Electrocuted mother by accident when his quirk came in. Father works a lot, loves but avoids him

Alex- Freeze Time- Defensive but mischievous. Thinks that he’ll always be defined by who his father is. Lies a lot.- Son of a villain, his mom loves him lots.

Anya- Camouflage- Thinks that Hagakure is the coolest person ever. Loud to try to compensate, never in her seat.- Neglected. She has five siblings and is lost in the shuffle, usually literally.

Asami- Mind Control- Too cool, detached as a defense mechanism.- Neglected, teacher’s are creeped out by her and she knows it.

Haruhi- Mind Reading- Tries to please everyone all the time so they don’t hurt her. Also is genuinely kind, she just doesn't think so.- Removed from an abusive home, lives with grandparents, no formal charges were ever filed. Teachers think she’s creepy and she knows it.

Patti- Quirkless- Cries easily, sweet but insecure. Catastrophizes. Sensative.- Abandoned upon diagnosis.

#ocs #my hero academia #bnha #mha #fuyumi's class #fuyumi todoroki

[tsukikoayanosuke]

“So, what’s the story about?” - TW:OPT main genre/trope

Hello there!

Welcome to the first entry of this celebration week!

Originally I was going to post this last Saturday or Sunday, however, I had a family problem that kinda drained our emotions, so I pushed it today. I might make another post after this, but we'll see.

For this entry, we're just going to talk about the main trope surrounding TW:OPT and maybe you can learn more about myself in a bit. I've separated this into five parts. Those are:

Magic Academy in a Magical World

Friendship & Family

Angst, Drama & Hurt/Comfort

Earn Your Happy Ending

Romance

If you guys have any questions or want me to elaborate more, feel free to ask. Enjoy reading!

Magic Academy in a Magical World

If I can tell you one silly fact about myself, I'll say this: my favorite Barbie movie is Barbie Princess Charm School.

I always have had a fascination with the magic academy trope or just special academy in general. Do they only learn how to play card games in Duel Academy or also how to design cards? How does the boarding system work with the Sorting Hat? What do the lady royals do once they graduate? Are you saying Fairytopia Elina spend her whole school life just to shoot a ball of blue light? Can we see more of the U.A. High School support class?

These tiny things can make a high school interesting, especially a magic high school that will tie with the world building.

Twisted-Wonderland goes through the same process. While I, like many others, got dragged in because of the twistified Disney villains, soon I was fascinated with the school system: the magic mirror sorting, the happy beans day and wish upon a star event, the fact that Scarabia has a heater controlled by either a magic gem or the fairies, everything about Ramshackle being an abandoned dorm, how many clubs are they, etc.

To this extent, you can ask about the magic system and the world-building: can you do magic with your cellphone, how does one develop their unique magic, how many races are there, how many languages are there, where does ghost come from, what the heck is Grim's species, etc.

So many questions, so few answers. Or I just didn't read enough.

When writing TW:OPT, I was playing it tame because there was already canon. Mostly as a guide on how the timeline will work.

And then I wrote the Ramshackle history and hoo boy I threw canon out of the window. So far, there is no canon lore for Ramshackle Dorm. In the fic, the Ramshackle Dorm is the oldest dorm (along with Pomefiore). However, it was shut down after an incident where someone exploded it.

I guess through time I've become daring.

Worldbuilding like making fan continents that were eventually debunked, headcanons around Queendom of Rose, you know, simple stuff. But then I tried more and more, like the new magic system.

I think that was the point where I just thought "wait, is the rewrite still relevant?" To put it short, I want to rewrite TW:OPT, mostly because I have some pacing issues and some inconsistent plot points. But at the same time I want to give TW:OPT my own flare. However, I feel like, despite claiming I don't have canon divergence, it might be too much. Maybe I'll talk more about the changes between the fic and canon soon.

But the bottom line is, the magical academy is interesting. Night Raven College is interesting. With the various space left, maybe I can just add my own spice. And then I just look in the entire world-building.

  Friendship & Family

I am on the camp who is glad that Twisted-Wonderland isn't an otome game. Yana-sensei says that she wants to explore more about the relationship between the boys and I'm so glad about that.

If there's anything I like best in fiction is the sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. As an older sibling myself, I love my brother dearly. So, seeing siblings or friends taking the stand to protect others will always warm my heart.

That's the greatest appeal in Twisted-Wonderland: the beautiful friendship between friends. The bond between Yuu, Grim, Ace, and Deuce. Riddle and Trey bittersweet childhood. Rook and Vil dynamics. Octavinelle mafia vibes. Everything about Kalim and Jamil.

There are so many relationships in this series, even outside your average daily days of (magical) high school boys. I'm always interested in Riddle and his mother's relationship, Leona and his brother's, and even Lilia and Silver. Familial love is fragile. Your parents can claim that they love you, but sometimes their action doesn't speak.

Just for a sec to talk about myself. I came from a simple family. It's not perfect, but cozy. Then 2020 came in and tested us. Now, we're still going through the healing process and there were times when I just stopped and think "Wow, my family is not as good as I thought it was." Fanfiction is my escapism for that warm family I carve. The same goes for friendship. As someone who was bullied for years throughout elementary and middle school, who now has a problem in communication because she doesn't know where to begin and nobody ever taught her how, I want to read those fics with the power of friendship. Seeing the characters having this growing friendship, something that I never had until I grew older, is beautiful. Seeing them navigate through their relationship, solving problems, even fights. Thus, I wrote Jonah with all these relationships: his blooming romance between Riddle and Azul, the respect he gets from Leona, the brotherhood between the first years, Birddad and Spiderson, etc.

I do want to talk more about I do still want to make that Jonah's relationship essay, but for now, this is what I'm aiming for Jonah. To have him bond with as much as he can, or at least be acquaintances with many of the cast. Because that bond will be put to a test.

  Angst, Drama & Hurt/Comfort

If you know anything about TW:OPT, you know that it has many, many moments of angst. Perhaps it's my love for tragedy, perhaps it's my need to see my favorite character suffer (I mean, come on, we've been at that pace). But one thing for sure is that I'm eagerly waiting for the happy ending at the end of the tunnel.

When I write TW:OPT the first time, I was trying to stick by the canon game story. Putting aside Jonah Argentum and Birddad Agenda for a sec, you can say the first part of the fic is really a straight adaptation. It was only after reaching Savanaclaw Arc that I decided "Okay, I think we need to change the plot." Mostly, it's because in favor of Jonah and his twisted villain. We all know what happens in the Savanaclaw Overblot battle. Leona disintegrated Joanh's arm, leaving him with a prosthetic arm made by Idia. Why Jonah has to lose his arm? I don't know. Why does Treasure Planet Long John Silver have a cyborg's arm? The actual Long John Silver only missing a leg (oh, and you bet Jonah will be losing his). But it was a delight writing that chapter and the overblot battle in the next.

After that, I told myself that I was going back to the original plan in straight adapting the game story.

But then JonAzul happen and hell went loose.

Octavinelle Arc, to this day, is my favorite arc to write. The many ups and downs, the drama, the tension, the broken friendships, it was fun to write and see the reactions after. The arc is a soap opera, a loose tragedy. But, in the end, it does ends, essentially, in a similar way to canon, the villain loses and the hero wins. However, the angst makes it feels different. But, because I'm the writer, I know that the angst won't last forever because there's always going to be a truly happy ending. And Octavinelle Arc's ending happens in the second part of Scarbia Arc. Octavinelle Arc is a tragedy, but their reconciliation chapter in Scarabia Arc promises a happy ending.

Scarabia Arc on the other hand is kinda tricky. Technically speaking, Scarabia Arc does end on a more bittersweet note even with the Oasis party. Kalim and Jamil would never be the same after the betrayal and you can see Kalim changes in Pomefiore Arc. Scarabia Arc, for me, I would rank as number two if I have to rank between all current storylines (only being beaten by Ignihyde, maybe Diasomnia will follow soon). When adapting Scarabia Arc, I knew this will be a bittersweet ending and I know I can't just finish it with just a single arc. This is the thought process behind Kalim Disappearance Arc. Scarabia Arc set the tragedy, but Kalim Disappearance Arc promises a happy ending.

I guess this is what you call hurt/comfort. The hurt can only work if you are promised comfort in the end (unless you are dedicated to making it hurt no comfort). If you want a happy ending, are you willing to go through the tragedy?

  Earn Your Happy Ending

I guess nobody is really questioning why the story in Twisted-Wonderland plays almost like their Disney Movies. It's the nature of adaptation. Twisted-Wonderland is a game where the Disney Villains are anime boys, how can they not make the story based on their movie? Yuu doesn't know why they see the vision of the Great Seven, but we know they are Disney Movies and are just waiting for an in-universe explanation.

When adapting for TW:OPT, I know I have to do something with the Disney vision and tried to think of an in-universe explanation (looking back, I think this was my first instance of diverging from canon). Thus the concept of reincarnation appeared.

You can say this is an adaptation of the time loop theory where time reset when we lost against the overblot monster in the beginning. You are 'cursed' to relive the story you were based on and if you're a villain, you are doomed to lose every time. And in TW:OPT, the worst ending is death and/or overblot.

For this, I did play it straight as seen in the final episode explanation. Riddle is not forgotten like a dream, Jamil is not shackled to his lamp, and Leona and Azul didn't die. But then, what happens? What happens after you cheated your overblot death? What happens after your supposed ending?

It's about redemption, mending the bonds, making your own future, finding courage, and just living. There is hope beyond the tragedy.

  Romance

To end this entry, let's talk about romance. As you know and I've said this a lot, I'm not a big fan of romance. But that doesn't mean I dislike romance. If I have to make an illustration, romance is like whipped cream on an ice cream sundae. It's good when it's just a little squeeze.

Though, I think this is a bit complicated. For one, if I'm allowed to go on a bit ramble, In addition, I've never really understood the concept of simping. I understand that you have your favorite character and you ship them with your oc. I do that too. But am I supposed to feel something more than just "wow, this looks cool"? Sure I want a pretty lady to step on me, but is that simping? Do I have to bark every time I see a sexy picture of my favorite boy? And sometimes this does make me feel left out because I just don't understand the appeal.

Opening up for a bit: until this point, I honestly can't figure out my sexual orientation. Maybe I'm aromantic or demiromantic. Or maybe I just haven't found the perfect guy. For now, I'm putting aside romance.

And I think this does reflect my writing and reading taste. While romance is not my big priority right now, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy romance stories. Now, this is something that I always have been confused about me for a while. I like shipping, I like romance fanfic, then why I don't vibe much with 'x reader'? It made me think "Ironic, isn't it?" I guess the simplest explanation is: "I like it when it's someone else romance's story, but I don't necessarily want it to be my romance story."

So, for example, I don't mind reading Vil/Rook fanfic, but I'll have a problem reading Vil/reader. I feel like most will understand. Sometimes the headcanon doesn't fit our expectations, sometimes the reader doesn't reflect us. But I guess for me, I just... I just don't want romance or relationships that much. So, why read something that's supposed to be a, essentially, romance fic that would indulge you in a fantasy when you don't want it?

I've learned through writing TW:OPT that a fic can be a part of someone's self-indulgence, just like how TW:OPT is for me. I can control how the relationship progress and who will end up with who. So if the headcanon or vibes don't fit my preference for the ship, I won't read it. "Don't like don't read".

When reading fanfiction, you kinda expected romance and shipping. And I like that. I love having my plate full of so many great fanfictions, but I have my own tunnel vision. I mean, we all have our favorite fan fiction tropes, right? So, if you can't take the romance out of the equation, just indulged yourself with your favorite tropes.

And if I have to pick one trope to explain the romance in TW:OPT, it'll be the slow burn!

Look, if watching danmei affected me in some way, it's strengthening my love for slow burn stronger.

I love slow burn so much. It's about the pining, the yearning, the 'I like them but I don't think they deserve me', the forehead kiss, the tiny things when their fingers accidentally touch, and the oh so many subtexts.

I can say four pairings that I push for in TW:OPT is a slow burn: Ace/Deuce, Riddle/Jonah, Azul/Jonah, and Jamil/Kalim. Among the four, if I can pick one pair to be canon in the OPTU, it's Ace/Deuce. I adore friends to lovers and idiots in love, and Ace/Deuce fits the bill. Jamil/Kalim is kinda tricky because while I do ship them, I don't think it's the time they got together. One simple apology probably won't fix nearly sixteen years of power imbalance.

Riddle/Jonah and Azul/Jonah, as I said, will be explained soon. But for now, both relationship is in the similar status of Ace/Deuce high school romance with more ups and downs than the Ace/Deuce sweetheart relationship. However, while Azul/Jonah is canon one-sidedly, Riddle/Jonah has a lot of hints as well.

#twisted-wonderland: our precious treasure finale celebration #twisted wonderland fanfiction #twisted wonderland fanfic #twisted wonderland ifc #twst fanfic #twst fic #twisted-wonderland: our precious treasure