#i was supposed to drive to my parents house so my dad could change my oil

[darby-rowe]

i woke up with such a deep headache, and i’ve been trying to let it go away on its own without having to take medicine but i dont think thats happening 🙃

#🧸; dally speaks #what a terrible start to my morning #i was supposed to drive to my parents house so my dad could change my oil #but thats not happening #ugh i feel like shit #i stg if my coworker got me fucking sick #i truly might have a meltdown

[atimeofyourlife]

A family Thanksgiving

This was supposed to be up yesterday, but it took on a mind of its own and instead of the few hundred words it was supposed to be, its nearly 3k. Happy belated Thanksgiving to anyone who celebrates! rated: t | wc: 2847 | cw: period typical homophobia, Steve's asshole parents

The offers from everyone to have him over for Thanksgiving had been great, any other year he would have loved such a choice, but for the first time in a long time, he was spending the day with family.

"But you hate your family." Dustin pointed out when Steve had told everyone about his holiday plans.

"No, I hate my parents. It's my grandma that asked me to go, and I want to see her and my cousins that I haven't seen in like five years. I'm driving myself to Chicago, so I won't be stuck in a car with my parents for hours on end." Steve explained.

"But you're working a late the day before, and I'm not going to cover you so you can drive up early" Robin replied.

"I'm planning on leaving by six on Thanksgiving morning. It's less than four hours to drive, so I'll be there before ten, well nine because of the timezone change. I took the late shift the day before so I had an excuse to drive myself, and my parents wouldn't have any reason to come by Hawkins before. And I drive home either the Friday or the Saturday, ready for our Sunday shift."

Come Thanksgiving day, Steve was somewhat regretting his decision. It had been nearly midnight before he'd gotten home, after a number of people came in just before closing insistent on needing a selection of movies ready for the next day. Then hadn't been happy when the movies they wanted weren't in stock, so they left the place a total mess, causing Steve to stay late to tidy up ready for the opener the next day. Then having to get up around five, so he could get ready and be on track to leave as planned. In an attempt to wake up, he was mostly surviving on a large cup of incredibly strong coffee. He was just counting down the minutes until he could get there.

When he walked in the door, he was immediately wrapped up in a hug from his grandma. "Stevie, it's so good to see you."

"It's great to see you too, Grandma." He returned the hug, melting into it a little. Exactly what he needed after the year it had been.

"Let me take a look at you." She stepped back slightly, giving him a once over. Her hand came up to trace the scar still on his neck from where he had been strangled by the bats and vines. "What happened here?"

"I. It's nothing. It looks a lot worse than it is." Steve replied, trying to get out of the awkwardness of the conversation.

"Oh, if you're sure. If you want to help with dinner, you can join us in the kitchen. But if you just want to rest, anyone who's watching football is in the living room, and the Macy's parade is on in the den."

"It's been a long drive, and I had a late finish last night, so I think I'm going to take a bit of a break. I might come out and help a bit later." He offered.

"Oh, honey. If you don't feel up to it, you don't need to help at all. Take it easy, and we'll call you once everything is ready." She kissed Steve on the cheek, before going back to the kitchen.

Steve made his way through the house, glancing into the living room as he passed. He could see his dad in one of the recliners, and decided against joining them. Wanting to delay the inevitable "you're a disappointment" lecture. He knew his mom would likely be in the kitchen, not actually helping, just drinking wine and gossiping. He moved on to the den, where most of his cousins were. He hovered in the doorway for a second, unsure what to say. So much had changed since the last time he had seen any of them.

"Wait, Stevie?" One of them, Lizzie, said as she looked up to see him.

"Uh, hey?" Steve replied, a little unsure, before he was being swamped in a group hug.

"Jesus Christ, when did this happen? Last time I saw you, you were like a little kid. Now you're a whole grown adult." Another, Mark, said.

After a long catch up, bringing Steve up to date on everyone else's lives, and him giving an abridged highlights of his last few years, they then got into more serious topics.

"Was everything okay after the earthquakes? I tried calling a few times, but I don't know if I had the wrong number because it never went through." Alice, the oldest of his cousins, asked.

"The phones were down across the whole town for a while after, then it was patchy for weeks after that. It was hard to get five or ten minutes without it dropping out. It took me like two weeks before I was able to get hold of mom and dad to let them know that the house was still standing, and that I was still alive." Steve explained.

"Wait, they weren't in Hawkins for the earthquakes?" Harry cut in.

"No, they've not been in Hawkins since February? Like over a month before it happened."

"Oh. They were telling us last night about how awful and hard it had been during the earthquakes, and how they were scared for their lives." Alice replied.

"That's such bullshit. They weren't in the country when it happened, they were in London. They didn't even know that it was Hawkins that was affected until I called them, because all they'd seen on the news was a freak earthquake hitting the Midwest. It hadn't even specified the state. And then they didn't care how I was, if I was hurt or anything, all they were interested in was if there was damage to the house, and how the earthquake could affect the resale value."

"Okay, I call dibs about bringing that up over dinner. I just want to see what shade of purple Uncle Dick can turn." Becca, the closest cousin to Steve in age, piped up. "But were you hurt?"

"Uh, minor injuries. Nothing serious." Steve lied, not wanting to worry anyone. "I was able to start volunteering within a couple of days. You know, helping out at the relief center, helping search for missing people. And when everything calmed down I was helping rebuild and stuff. Just trying to do my bit. But I'm fine now."

"That's good. But thinking of Uncle Dick turning purple, who gets to bring up Fuck Reagan?" Mark asked.

"Stevie's been through the most, I think he should get the chance." Alice replied.

"Uh, I think that would go down about as well as if I told him that my best friend is a dyke and I've spent most of my free time in the last six months sucking off the local drug dealer, who was accused of being a cult leader and murdering three people." Steve said quickly, unsure if he wanted anyone else to pick up what he'd said.

"Was that for drugs, or for fun, or what? Like a hook up?" Harry asked.

"He's my boyfriend. I mean, it helps that I get free weed out of him, but I'd do it anyway." Steve admitted.

"That is something you missed out of your round up. But I love that all of us are some variation of queer."

Dinner was...interesting, to say the least. After saying Grace, they went round the table to say what they were thankful for that year. Steve had to bite his lip to keep himself from laughing as his parents waxed on and on about how they were thankful for their lives and being able to escape the earthquake unscathed. He couldn't keep from laughing when Becca spoke up against them.

"Really? Because Alice asked Steve how he found it after the earthquakes, and he said that he couldn't reach you for two weeks after it happened because the phones were down and you were in London. And you didn't even know that it had hit Hawkins until he called you."

"Steven, why are you telling lies about us?" His mother demanded.

"I wasn't? You weren't in Hawkins when the earthquake hit. You've not been there since February. When I was finally able to call you, you only cared about how the house was, not if I was hurt. And you were pissed that I hadn't called you sooner, despite the fact the phone lines were down for the whole town. I could have died or been injured in hospital, and you wouldn't have known."

"How dare-" His father started, only to be cut off by Steve's grandmother.

"Settle down. There's no need for arguing. I am inclined to believe Steve, because I do remember you telling me that you were going to be spending a few months in Europe at the start of this year."

Both of Steve's parents were visibly unhappy, but they didn't push it any further, allowing the rest of the family to talk about what they were thankful for.

Many small conversations broke out over the table, Steve loving the feeling of being surrounded by family for the first time in a long time. He got pulled into talking to different people, but he did his best to avoid his parents' eye. Not wanting to get trapped by them telling him all the ways he had bothered them since he'd last seen them. But he knew they were up to something, when his father got up before dessert was served.

"Before we have anything else, we do have a big announcement about the future of our family." He said, using the voice he always used when talking to the most important clients.

"You've sucked enough political dick to get what ever tax exemption you were after?" Lizzie asked, before anyone could take it too seriously.

Steve's dad just spluttered in anger as a call of "Elizabeth." Came from at least four different people around the table.

"Ignoring that horrible interruption. What I was going to tell everyone is about Steven's imminent engagement. He is going to be proposing to Melissa Downey, the daughter of my business partner, at Christmas, they've been seeing each other for nearly eighteen months now, and it is going to mean big things for our family."

Steve couldn't respond, processing what had just been said, as everyone started speaking, some offering congratulations, others in confusion.

"That's news to me." Steve said loudly, to get over everyone's voices, once he could form the words. "I'm not planning on proposing to anyone."

"Well, Arthur and I have been discussing it, and it is the only thing that makes sense now, the two of you have been together for long enough, the logical next step is engagement."

"I'm not dating Melissa. We went on one date over a year ago, just after I graduated. It was awful, all she was interested in was if I made enough money to bankroll her spending addiction. I made up a fake emergency to get out of it, and I would rather stick forks in my eyes than suffer through that again." Steve got to his feet, bracing his hands on the table. Knowing he'd been right not to be optimistic that the holiday could pass without incident.

"You will if you know what's good for you. If you don't, it could destroy our business. You wouldn't want to be the reason we go broke, would you? You could end up homeless. Where would you live?"

"First, I have plenty of friends who would be happy to take me in if I had nowhere else to go. It's something we talked about after the earthquake, because some people I know did have damage caused to their homes and I let them stay with me until they could move back in. Second, I don't really care about whether or not you go broke. You don't provide any money to me. You haven't since I started working at Scoops. I pay for all my food, gas, clothes. If you go broke, my financial position won't change at all. And third, I can't propose to her. I'm in a relationship, and we're both very happy."

"Is it that Buckley girl? Or did you somehow manage to convince that Wheeler girl that you're actually worth something? Because I can tell you now, you are going to break up with whatever little slut-"

"His name is Eddie." Steve shouted before he could think it through, and a silence fell across the room. "That's right. Your son is one of those awful queers that you keep campaigning against, to keep them illegal and get them locked up. And you know what? He's easily the best sex I've ever had. Especially when we get high first."

"Why you-" His father roared, his face turning a dark red in anger. "How dare you do this to us? After everything we have done for you. You'd better hope that those friends of yours would be willing to take you in, because you are not living under my roof any longer. You will have until the end of the weekend to collect your belongings, anything left will be burned."

"Except, it isn't your roof, is it Richard? If I remember correctly, I was the one who paid the mortgage. My name is the one on the deed to the property in Hawkins. I just allowed you to live there, rent-free might I add, because it made sense for you to live somewhere close to Indianapolis when your business was taking off. I had been planning to sell up. So I think maybe you should be the one to collect your belongings from that house, because I'm not sure if I want you living under my roof any longer. It sounds life you're almost never there, anyway." Steve's grandma replied.

"But, mother-" His father started.

"But nothing, Richard. I don't know where you learnt your hateful attitude, because I know I did not raise you to be the sort of man that would kick your own son out over something as minor as who he loves. I really thought you were a better man than that."

"It's disgusting." Steve's mother added. "So unnatural, and that disease."

"What is disgusting is your bigotry. I think I want you both out from under my roof, now. So, if you would both kindly leave. And I expect you to move your belongings from the house in Hawkins, as that is now Steve's house, not yours. And you better not touch anything that isn't yours, or cause any damage, because I will take legal advice." Steve's grandmother stood up, anger radiating from her tiny five foot frame. "And, unless you change and apologize for your outdated beliefs, you can forget any inheritance. I will not have any of my money going to support hatred."

"Mother,"

"Leave, Richard. Now. I'm not afraid to get the police involved here."

Steve's parents looked at him with their faces filled with utter disgust, before they turned and left. His grandmother escorting them off the property.

"Are you okay, Stevie?" His grandmother asked after the end of the meal.

"I. I think so. I think I need to make a couple of phone calls." He replied.

"Use any of the phones, dear. Maybe if you know someone who can keep an eye on the house."

"Yeah. I babysit for the chief of police sometimes, so I might call him. He'll make sure nothing happens."

"Good. And, if you're talking to that boy of yours, tell him that he's got to come up here for Christmas. I want to meet him, and make sure he's good enough for you."

"Grandma." Steve protested.

"I'm just saying." She replied before walking away.

Steve shut himself in one of the bedrooms, for a little privacy from the still crowded house while he made the calls. The call to Hopper was quick, just outlining what was going on, and Hopper agreed to keep a check on the house until Steve was back in Hawkins. Then it was the call to Eddie.

"Baby, I wasn't expecting you to call. How's your Thanksgiving?"

"Interesting. My parents decided to announce that I was going to propose to dad's business partner's daughter. They wouldn't accept that I wasn't interested in her so I accidentally came out."

"Shit, I hope that didn't go too bad?"

"Uh, it could have gone worse? Somehow me coming out got my parents removed from the will and kicked out of the house. Because my grandma wasn't happy with them being assholes about it."

"Oh, badass grandma. I kinda want to meet her now."

"I was hoping you would say something like that. Because she has told me that you have to come here for Christmas. She wants to make sure that you're good enough." Steve couldn't help smiling as he talked, somehow the day had gone so much better than he'd ever hoped.

#steve harrington #eddie munson #steddie #steve harrington has bad parents #steve x eddie #steve harrington x eddie munson #stranger things #atimeofyourwrites

[finntheehumaneater]

I owe you a black eye and two kisses (pt 14)

(Part one) (part fifteen)

ao3 | pinboard | playlist

sorry for the short break, guys, I’ve been busy and tired—but I slept last night so I’m a little bit less tired :)

also please let me know what you thought about this part because I don’t know if I like it or not

likes/reblogs/follows are appreciated, I’m an attention whore 🩵

(More notes under the cut)

Things were supposed to get worse before they got better. Steve had heard that too many fucking times to count. That his life would get more fucked up before he could be normal again. Before he could go to sleep without nightmares. Before he could lift his arms fully above his head without it hurting. Before he could look at himself in the mirror and not see blood. 

It was going to get worse before it got better, and Steve had no patience, left to wait for ‘better’ to happen.

“So, you’re taking your kids out today, right?” Eddie asked, and it took Steve a moment to register what he was saying from where he was sitting with Wayne at the table. 

“Hm? Oh, uh, they’re not—not mine,” Steve said quickly, his face flushed. He felt hot in Eddie’s hoodie, his fingers tugging at the sleeves. “I just babysit them.”

“I know,” Eddie said, and Steve could feel the smile on his lips when he placed his hands on the back of the chair he was sitting in and pressed a kiss to the top of Steve’s head. 

Steve wished he would be less touchy when Wayne was around—but he didn’t say anything. Wayne didn’t seem to mind, but it felt weird to be touchy like that around someone’s parent. Or not parent, per se, but close enough to one.

“If you want me to drive them instead, I could,” Eddie offered, and Steve nearly hit his head into Eddie’s chin when he shout out of his chair, stiff and panicked even though he didn’t know why. Except he did know, but he didn’t want to admit it.

“No—no,” he said quickly, and he felt his stomach twist when Eddie’s face fell, his hand sliding off of the chair. Wayne stayed silent. Steve wanted him to say something—to change the subject or to leave because the room because this was embarrassing enough as is.

“I mean…no, eds, it’s fine,” he whispered, stepping back over to Eddie and pressing a quick kiss to his lips, even though Wayne was right there, and hoping that it would make Eddie forget that any of this ever happened. It’s what his dad did to his mom, so it was supposed to work, right? “I appreciate the offer, though, it was thoughtful of you.”

Eddie nodded, reaching his arms out like he wanted to wrap them around Steve’s waist, but Steve stepped away, patting Eddie’s shoulder and sighing. “I should, uh…I should go. Gotta pick up my—the kids. Gotta pick up the kids.”

He forced himself to look away from Eddie’s hurt expression—didn’t understand why he looked so hurt anyways—and slipped on his shoes, opening the door.

“Bye, Mr. Munson,” He muttered, giving Wayne a small smile and a wave before slipping outside. His car was parked in the driveway—had been for the past few days after Eddie had driven to Steve’s house with him to pick up some of his shampoo (and his hairspray) so that he could actually wash his hair.

He tried not to think too much about how Eddie was feeling as he drove over to Max’s house.

“He didn’t say goodbye to me,” Eddie muttered, plopping down into the chair with a huff while Wayne got up to pour more coffee into his mug.

“That’s ‘cuz your boy likes me more than you, eds.”

“He does not,” Eddie snapped, glaring at Wayne with no anger in his expression whatsoever. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, chewing on the inside of his cheek in worry. “Is—was Molly ever like this?”

He felt bad for asking—especially since Molly had died before Eddie had been born—but Wayne had told him over and over again that he didn’t want her to be one of those things that people didn’t talk about. That he didn’t want her to be one of those things that people forgot over time.

“Like what?” He asked absentmindedly, but his voice was a bit strained, shoulders set and spine straight. It was hard for both of them to talk about her, but harder on Wayne.

“I dunno. Steve just….he doesn’t talk to me.”

“He’s quiet, that’s for sure. Polite, too.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Eddie muttered, sighing and running a hand down his face, pushing his bangs back from his forehead where they fell. “He doesn’t talk to me about important things. Like what he wants. How he’s feeling. I—half the time it feels like he doesn’t even want to be around me. Everything I do sets him off, and he’s sad all the time.”

“You’re upset with him for being sad?” Wayne muttered back, his tone accusatory as he narrowed his eyes, taking a sip from his mug, his back against the cabinets.

“I’m not upset with him for anything,” Eddie clarified quickly, heat crawling into his cheeks. “He’s allowed to be upset, he’s allowed to feel whatever he wants, but this is…I’m worried. I know it had something to do with the mall fire he was in, but—“

“He was there?” Wayne cut in, his expression softening. 

Eddie nodded, his tongue lame and limp in his mouth.

Wayne sighed, setting his mug down and crossing his arms. “Molly was…she was complicated. Most complicated woman I’ve ever met. She was so stubborn, but…she did whatever I wanted to do. And I think maybe that’s why she left us. You don’t let the same thing happen to you and your boy, you hear me?”

Eddie wanted to get up and hug his uncle. He wanted to, but he didn’t—he could see the way that Wayne’s eyes got all glassy and fogged over, but he stayed put. Wayne would have pushed him away if he had tried to get too close, now, because as much as he loved and put up with Eddie, he still wasn’t a hugger.

Eddie nodded, looking down at the wood of the table.

He heard Wayne sigh again.

“I’m gonna talk to Steve when he gets back. I know some guys who got like this once they were discharged. It’s hard goin’ through somethin’ like that.” 

Eddie looked up when he felt Wayne’s hand clamp over his shoulder. “And then you’re going to talk to him yourself, yeah?”

“Everytime I try to talk about it turns into yelling,” Eddie said desperately, his voice rough and on the edge of pleading even though he didn’t know why. “I hate fighting with him, it makes me feel horrible.”

“I know,” Wayne muttered, his fingers ruffling through Eddie’s hair before he stepped away. It felt weird. Affectionate and grounding, but weird. “But promise me you’ll try. And, if it helps, I don’t think he’ll start yellin’ if I’m in the house.”

Eddie nodded again, not knowing what else to say. 

He let Wayne finish his coffee in silence.

Randomly adding in characters with little explanation is my passion. But seriously what did you guys think. Send me an ask about or comment about it i need to know. I’m in a very “I hate my writing” mood today so I don’t know if it’s actually bad or I just think it is because I wrote it lmao

also don’t think I forgot about the ring and the bird, lieblinge, those will be back very soon

and I have a permanent taglist so let me know if any of you want on :)

taglist, which is open:

@estrellami-1

@randombibitch

@insteviewetrust

@anne-bennet-cosplayer

@hack-saw2004

@lolawonsstuff

@goodolefashionedloverboi

@slowandsteddie

@ellietheasexylibrarian

@mugloversonly

@littlebluejane

@zombiethingy

@steddie-island

@rozzieroos

@ohimamarigold

@origamiplushie

@mamafaithful

@stillfullofshit

@gleek4twd

@swimmingbirdrunningrock

@anaibis

@xxfiction-is-my-realityxx

@honhonbaguettegofuckyourself

@kickpuncher2punchkicker

@dissociatingdemon

@itsall-taken

@pluto-pepsi

@Lawrencebshoggoth

@manda-panda-monium

@flustratedcas

@here4thetrauma

@silentiumdelirium

@limpingpenguin

@samsoble 

@hotluncheddie

@sangrientojoe

@moomkin77

@jamieweasley13

@private-jett

@eyeharttart

@y4r3luv

@ultimatezuku

@emelieluckwood

@foundintheshadows

@archermightbegay

@queenie-ofthe-void

@saramelaniemoon

@chrystal-lovee

@disrespectedgoatman

@nailbatwielder

@alyelf

@nugget-72

@kennahjune

@whimsicalwitchm

@hellfirebaby-86

#Finn writes #steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #stranger things #steve x eddie #steddie fic #Steddie fanfic #steddie angst #steddie hurt/comfort #Wayne Munson #Wayne Munson fic #steve harrington has bad parents #eddie Munson fic #Eddie Munson fanfic #Steve Harrington fanfic #Eddie Munson fanfiction #steve Harrington fanfiction #Steddie wip #wip fic #My fic #my writing #stranger things au #Stranger things ocs #stranger things season three #St3 #stranger things 3

[adventuringblind]

Drive with you Forever

Chapter Nine: Find me at your doorstep

Max Verstappen x Charles Leclerc x Lando Norris x Reader

Chapter summary: summer break is interrupted, Guenther is exasperated, Seb is a father to four kids who can't communicate, and the reader reveals an interesting piece of information

Warnings: kidnapping, medical abuse, physical abuse, drugging, lack of communication, throwing up, sickness, blood, mild gore, Jos Verstappen and his great parenting skills, mentions of SH

Notes: Listen, Y'all, this is probably one of my favorites so far. It's definitely not as comical as others, but it's dramatic and has some action.

Previous <-

Masterlist

She probably shouldn't have been alone. She got comfortable in the safety of their apartment. Her newfound willingness to not let her father get to her.

She shouldn't have left that day as she walked down the streets of Monaco. Pascale had invited her over for lunch, and although she could have driven, she wanted the fresh air.

It was stupid to leave the house, she thinks, as her body refuses to work. Her useless visions apparently don't show what happens to her directly, just what happens around her.

Now she's in a strangers car, her phone broken, and the energy that had doubled since her dad stuck her with the needle not working.

Her healing had gotten better, and she'd discovered how to make new things out of old things. Her visions are clearer and more consistent, and the telekinetic abilities made her feel more like a Jedi from Star Wars every day.

Again, it's all useless now.

~

"Has anyone heard from y/n?" Shouts Charles from the living room where he had been lazily lounging on the couch.

"No. Why?" Max pops his head out of the kitchen. It's grown on Charles to see the Dutch being domestic. He's protective of his kitchen and Charles being the number one threat is not allowed anywhere near it when he's cooking.

"She was supposed to be at my mom's house by now, and apparently, she's not there."

"She did walk there, so maybe she just took the scenic route?"

"But an hour late feels like a lot for that." The anxiety in Charles’ voice is evident.

"Let's not worry about it for now. She knows how to take care of herself."

~

Nobody had heard from her that night. Or the next morning.

The boys couldn't sleep. On the phone with anyone who might know where she is.

Nothing. It's like she disappeared off the planet.

"Do you think it's her dad?" Pipes Lando. The Brit had been pacing a hole in the floor, and both Charles and Max had made him slow down to breathe properly multiple times.

None of them wanted to consider the possibility, but it could be a likely option.

"god I hope not."

~

Her room hadn't changed. The small window is still letting in a cold draft at night. The only thing telling her how long she'd been here.

Five days. Five horribly long days.

The ties around her wrists ached. Her body hurt from being repeatedly drugged and tossed around like a sack of potatoes.

There were more people here now. More then she remembers there ever being at least. She knew there were people, men, who would come in and out but she was never allowed to speak with them.

For what it’s worth, whatever they were doing to her was making her stronger. She’d been able to transfer the wounds from one person onto herself. It’s keeping her captor at ease for now but she knows he wants more.

It’s not ideal and it’s painful. It’s like she can’t get past a mental block that will allow to simply heal. She can feel it somewhere deep within. She knows she can.

Bringing someone back from the dead however, that’s not healing.

Maybe if she’s able to bring back the corpse of her mother, they’ll trade places. Her soul finally giving into the peace of permanent unconsciousness. At least then her boys wouldn’t have to worry. They could move on without her. Find solace in each other.

Maybe, she thinks.

~

Sebastian is going to lose his mind. His daughter is missing and it feels like the only thing the journalists are writing about is how she probably ran off to be a slut for a different group of guys. He was going to have the heads of whoever wrote that if he ever sees them.

The boys had been staying in Germany with him. It hadn’t taken long for the authorities to determine she’s not in Monaco. They’d come here in hopes of reevaluating. Though they were at each others throats when they got here.

Seb had practically forced them to sit down and communicate. They started working together after that.

Hanna had been forcing them to eat proper meals. Seb made sure at least one of them slept at a time. Lando had recovered from four separate panic attacks over two days. Max is trying to look strong but his puffy red eyes give him away. Then there’s Charles; the monegasque had been blaming himself for not walking with her when he could’ve.

Seb had a feeling they were going to find her. She’s a fighter. The when part is much harder to figure out.

And for all their sakes, he hopes it’s soon.

~

Two weeks.

Two weeks of this nonsense.

She wonders if everyone is racing again. Or at lease getting ready too. This was not how she intended on spending her break.

She was getting closer to giving her father what he wanted. She was pulling herself to the edge of no return every time she worked in that rotting corpse of her mother.

Tonight, though, may be her only chance at escape.

They’d forgotten to drug her before leaving her in her room. The alcohol in their systems already taking effect.

She’d been able to slide off her restraints with ease. Her abilities strength coming in handy at the current moment.

Now she quietly is pulling out her window frame. It have never been sealed but she can’t help but feel satisfied when the screen pops out with a satisfying click.

She could care less how far the drop is. She’s two stories up with grass beneath her. She push herself out the window, her body facing the wall and hand gripping the ledge.

She swings herself outward and hits the ground with a soft thud.

Then she runs.

~

She had a destination in mind. Someone at the gas station she stopped at was nice enough to let her use their gps to see how far away she was under the guise of hers being stolen. Technically, she didn’t lie.

The walk to the Haas headquarters was six hours. But she didn’t stop until she got there.

Now she can’t help but lean herself against the front door, hoping someone notices her.

~

Guenther whistles a tune to himself as he arrives at work for the day. The sun is out and the birds are chirping. The definition of a great morning to him.

The familiar female figure slumped on the ground in front of the front door completely changes his tune. He quick to get her inside and find some fresh Haas shirts lying around for her to change into.

Once she’s awake and refreshed he sits her down in his office.

“Are you going to tell me why you spent the night outside the front door?” He sounds like a stern parent. She curls into herself. It’s reminiscent of how she was when he first got her when she was fifteen. Scared, shaking, and so quiet.

He’d known she went missing a little over two weeks ago. It was the reason the summer break had been extended. The FIA had been trying to get more security measures set in place.

“I need to call Seb, please.”

~

The boys were there the next day.

Guenther had taken her to his house despite her adamant refusal. The girl had been to tired to fight and eventually gave in.

It’s not long before she padding softly down to the dining room, halting in her tracks when she sees everyone. She doesn’t say anything. She can’t say anything. The boys don’t either. They don’t know how to approach her.

He led the four males inside and sat them down at his dining room table. “She’s sleeping right now.” Questions come flying at him from the three younger men. Seb shoots them all a look that says shut up and let him explain. “I’ll warn you that she’s a bit of a mess. Her father did a number this time around.”

after an hour of sitting, the anxious boys see the female peek her head around he corner. none of them know what to do. They don’t want to scare her away after what she’s been through.

Seb goes to her first. He approaches her slowly taking her in his arms. Then everything in her snaps. It’s just like when she had night terrors and was finally able to wake up from it. This time however, it had been real.

~

She spends the night in bed with Max. The house they're staying in lacks a bed big enough for all of them.

They had played a game of rock paper scissors, which Max won. He claimed his spot next to her with his signature winning grin.

Charles and Lando decided not to take a different bedroom and are curled up at the floor at the foot of the bed instead. Their soft snores confirm that they are, in fact, asleep.

Max holds her close. Every second with her precious. She'd been crying since they arrived. No matter what they did, she seemed to have a never ending supply of tears.

He'd been the first to assess the damage done to her body.

Diagnosis: terrible. He had half a mind to get Guenther to show him where the hell her father is staying so he can personally drag him to hell.

The cuts and incisions along her torso and chest are still red and puffy. The bruises that littered her skin are awful shades of blue, black, and yellow. Her eyes are dull with dark circles beneath. Her body seemed just as fragile as the day he first met her.

He felt himself slipping back into memories from years ago. Gentle touches so he didn't scare her, slow movements because she flinched away from anyone who moved fast.

Quiet until someone tried to say something mean to him or Seb.

Now she lays on his chest. Tears still fall onto his lightly colored t-shirt. And he finds himself wishing he'd have found her years before he met her, if only to tell her he'll be there for her. No matter what anyone says, he'll always find her.

~

Seb watches carefully as she picks at her piece of toast. According to Guenther, she hadn't been able to keep much down since he found her.

She protested eating anything, but Seb is a good negotiator. He promised that when she could keep food down that they would go home to Germany. Not back to Monaco yet because people are aching to get pictures of her.

"At this rate, I'll be old and wrinkly by the time you finish."

She shoots him scowl. "Aren't you retiring? Dosen't that mean you're already old?"

"Old is a state of mind."

She takes another bite. The taste could be that of a brick, but she's so hungry it would still taste delicious.

"I can't stop thinking about the car that got me."

"What do you mean?" Seb asks gently. She hadn't talked much about the whole ordeal yet. Little bits of information here and there but nothing to help him get a picture of what went on.

"The man driving the car. I knew him."

"But he wasn't your father? Or the man at your door?"

"No, he was older than my father and larger than the man at the door." She rubs her tembles in a struggle to remember.

"No need to think about it now. They're not going to get you again. Mostly because I think your boys might start a war if they do."

Their soft conversation is interrupted by Max speaking to his phone in angry Dutch. A clear sign of Jos being on the other end.

"je doet raar." (You're being ridiculous)

Her head perks up at the phrase. A familiar one Max uses with Charles when he is oblivious.

Max hangs of the phone in a huff amd site down with them at the table.

"Can you say that again?" She looks at Max. Her request odd to him, but he obliges. "je doet raar."

"He was on the phone speaking Dutch. He used that phrase." Her head gets a shooting pain, and lights dance through her eyes as she finds herself receiving the car ride.

This time watching scenes unfold in that past. This is new. Both with her and in the context of the situation.

She's in the passenger seat, and next to her is none other than Jos Verstappen.

~

Charles has never seen Max so angry. Which is saying something because Max is angry a lot.

The scene him and Lando walked into had been nothing short of catastrophic.

A female body tucked into Seb on the couch, the German attempting to get the attention of a specific Dutch. Max obviously is not listening and is letting the most foul things he's even heard him say about his father ring through all their ears.

It's interesting in a sense. The other three had never hesitated to show their distaste towards Jos, and Seb had managed to call him a poor excuse of a father to his face on more than one occasion.

There had been a time that Max had a tire malfunction and ended his race in the wall. Jos had gotten more aggressive then any of them would have liked and he is very lucky that nobody aside from Seb had been around to see it.

Seb has a sway with words. He knows how to make them stick. So when he saw Jos' hand land on Max's cheek, he didn't hesitate to step in.

The German gently tucked Max out of the way and faced the older Dutch with fire in his eyes.

"Didn't know a tire failure was deserving of a slap."

"This is between me and my son."

"As far as I'm aware, he's dating my daughter, which makes him mine also. Touch him again, and I'll take legal action."

It was one of the only times Seb had to hold Max comfortingly in his chest. Reassuring the boy that he did not deserve any of that even as Max explained why he did.

Lando is the fastest to act. His arms encircled around Max's body. He can visibly see him relax into the Brits hold.

"Jos was the one who took me originally." The female explains. Her knees tucked up to her chest, and her head rests on sebs shoulder. Charles makes note of how she looks more exhausted now the the last time he saw her.

The words didn't register with him. Not entirely anyway. It didn't make sense. How is it even possible that Jos is in kahoots with the devil?

It would seem they are both devils that somehow raised angels. Charles will only thank them for that, and only after he's killed them.

It's terrible really, the way they look at him. She is teary eyed and apologizing while Max looks clueless. And for the first time since Charles started dating him, Max is pleading with his eyes for help. The Dutch is clueless on where to go from here.

"Knowing that, Max, if you want to leave your dad out of this, we can." Mentions Seb. He knows that the way Jos brought up Max left him confused. His dad praised him and rewarded him one second, then hit him the next. It made thinking fuzzy for him, and since his father was never all bad, he told everyone that it was a good thing. He was attached to him regardless of the circumstances.

This was different.

"If he's going to kidnap my lovers, then he needs to be put away."

"That makes this easier. Know that my home is your home as it always has been, in case things get ugly."

Max nods his head at the German. Really, Seb had been his father figure since he was seventeen. Jos didn't have much say in his life anymore

~

After a third attempt at eating toast, she was finally able to keep it down. It was forced, and she had gagged multiple times, but it was still in her stomach after an hour.

They left soon after that, thanking Guenther profusely for , once again, rescuing her at her worst.

The perks of dating a world champion is that he now owns a private jet. They got home sooner than she expected because of it.

Hanna greeted them at the door and gently latched herself to her daughter. The relief coming in the for of salty tears.

She likes being at home in Germany. Seb had made sure to keep her old room clean. He even got a bigger bed once he heard Lando joined them.

The room feels comfortable and familiar. She's even able to fall asleep when she sits on top of the soft covers.

That is how the boys found her. Snoring softly, draped over the bed with her shoes still on. They carefully slip her shoes of and reposition her where she'll be more comfortable.

Then, they leave the room and shut the door behind them. Their conversation nothing but whisper right outside the door.

"Will she be able to drive next week?"

"I hope so. Maybe Charles will have a chance if she can't, though." The Dutch snickers. Charles hits his shoulder playfully. "I'm not sure how to move forward now. It seems like anything we do only prolongs the inevitable."

"We take it on day at a time then."

~

She managed to get herself to the race track. Driving may not be an option yet, but at least she was there. Christian wasn't going to let her drive until he got her physical report back.

Really it was Max telling him the truth about how she still can't keep down a full meal and is now dropping weight because of it.

She did eat some crackers and was fine. She's proud of herself for that one.

Despite Sergio driving the second redbull, she was happy to be back. The paddock felt similar to home in some ways.

The only new thing is that she's never alone. When free practice 1 comes around, Max dutifully places her on the pitwall next to Christian. She dosen't move until somone comes to get Her.

She feels mildly like a nuisance to them since they have to pay extra attention to her now.

She's stays in their hotel room the rest of the weekend until right before the race. Everyone in the garage is shocked to see her walk in alone.

All her boys end up on the podium, and it's the first time she's celebrated since she came back.

~

Three quarters through the season, and she's still not driving. Still training in more ways than one, but not driving.

She doesn't feel like she can. Her body is still physically decimated. She's able to keep down more then just toast now, but that's on a good day.

Her powers are at the strongest they've ever been. She's managed to learn more about self-defense in case someone tries to nab her again. But with that comes sticky note threats in Jos Verstappens' handwriting.

It's starting to look desperate.

Despite the state of her uncooperative body, she still went to every race. Attempting to be as supportive as possible from the sidelines.

It didn't feel as painful as when she felt as though she lost her spot the first time. This time, she still had purpose. She is doing her best to learn how to keep her family safe. That's all she could ask of herself.

All of them were glad she wasn't pushing to get back in the car. They all know about her aptitude for pain. Christian is amazed by how she's coping and fully supports her decision. Seb seems to be cheering her on in the pits even though he's the one driving.

She doesn't even bat an eye when Jos makes a vaugly threatening statement towards her. Because if she wanted, she'd have his head through the wall in a second.

She doesn’t let herself get comfortable this time. The nagging feeling that something worse is coming a constant in the back of her mind.

~

Next ->

Tags: @styles-sunflower @purplephantomwolf @boiohboii @reblog-princess-blog @jjsprobablywrong @jayda12 @faithm120601 @eugene-emt-roe @lpab @yaaadii @80sloverry @spongebeck3101 @eviethetheatrefreak

@chanshintien

#x reader #fanficion #f1 fic #formula one #formula 1 #racing #angst #max verstappen #f1 fanfic #charles leclerc x reader #lando norris #max verstappen x reader #charles leclerc #charles leclerc x you #redbull racing #formula racing #mclaren formula 1 #charles leclerc fic #fluff #mclaren racing #super max #ferrari #lando norris x reader #charles leclerc x female reader #lando norris x y/n #max verstappen x y/n #lando x reader #max verstappen f1 #charles leclerc x girlfriend!reader #red bull f1

[gretavanbear]

Behind The Steel

[a/n : h...hi..... i haven't posted in so long. i hope u guys enjoy this lil thing i wrote. i definitely want to do a part two at some point.]

His bike was always his most prized possession, the way he felt when riding it was an incomparable feeling. The first time he rode it was a life changing moment for him- the wind drifting through his hair, the roar of the engine. It was pure animalistic adrenaline that coursed through his veins; wanting to make her roar like he did was extremely exciting. Nothing could amount to how powerful he felt in the cage, feeling weightless and full of control. 

His best friend initially helped him build it, making it extremely safe to be in and ride around as crazy as he can get. knowing his biker friends, sometimes it really could get crazy in there. 

It became somewhat of a ritual to have cage meets at his house every last friday of the month, where all his friends and acquaintances would come and try out the cage. Sometimes they’d have their girlfriends stand in the middle, building on the anticipation of driving around them. Jake didn’t understand that; wanting someone to stand in a potentially dangerous setting for a couple minutes. Maybe because he saw himself as a lone wolf, him and his bike. How it was supposed to be. 

Sure, he’d see someone now and then but it was purely to let out everything that was bottled in, needing some release sometimes. 

As he were riding home, he thought about all the preparation for tonight’s meet. Had he ordered the keg? Yes. Did he get enough wood for the bonfire? Yep. He tended to worry for nothing, knowing his organized self; it was truly out of habit to worry over little things. 

Jake turned off the bike in his garage, making sure she was nice and safe inside. Naming her the beloved was something dear to him; his friends all giving their bikes something corny or sexy as they said, like “kitty” or “princess”. 

But the beloved was not just some sexy bike, she made him feel things, power. And she was much more special to him than just a method of transportation. As he started caressing her with the clean soapy rag, his phone interrupted his music and began ringing. 

“Jake?” it was Jeremy, his best friend. 

“Yeah?” 

“Dude… I’m so sorry but I can’t make it tonight.” Jake groaned, the meets were never the same without Jeremy. 

“Why? What’s up?” He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as he closed his eyes for a second- waiting on his dumb excuse. 

“My parents want me to go meet this mechanic professor because my name was brought up somehow during my dad’s company dinner. I don’t know.. they really want me to go” He explained. Jake paused for a second before responding. 

“That sounds like a great opportunity, Jere. Don’t feel bad, just don’t miss next month’s meet, yeah?” He smiled softly as he waited for his response. 

“Of course, dude. I promise.” He replied, saying bye and hanging up. 

Jake sighed as his music played once the call was over, washing his bike with intense care. Before he could even notice the time passing, people were already showing up to his house. Thankful to be living on a secluded area with a large piece of land, there were no neighbors to be bothered by. 

JAKE

As time flew by, people began showing up to your house, gathering in your back yard. The kegs were set up, the string lights were plugged in, and of course; the cage was set up. There was a row of bikes neatly parked by the side of your house, awaiting for their turn. Though you always went first, no matter what. You passed by your acquaintances and friends, greeting them with a big smile and telling them to help themselves to the keg or drinks inside. 

The bonfire was burning bright, illuminating your surroundings with a beautiful golden glow. 

You passed by your garage to get the beloved, her cherry red color standing out to you, making your heart race. You took her off her stand and brought her to the door of the garage, someone stopping you in your tracks. 

Jeremy’s sister. 

She was only a year younger than the both of you and even though it wasn't much of a time difference, Jeremy did not want her at your house especially during cage meets. Though there she was, looking up at you with a smirk as she leaned on the side of the door. 

“What are you doing here?” You pushed the bike stand down with your foot, resting your arm on the bike. 

“Brother’s out of town. Thought I’d be in the clear for a free show.” She spoke, crossing her arms. 

“You know you can’t, Jere wouldn’t want you here.” You state. 

“Yeah? Who’s gonna tell him?” she countered. You stood back a little in shock. 

“I will. You know how protective he is.” You sigh, looking down at the bike and then back at her. 

“Let’s make a bet, Kiszka.” You open your mouth to disagree but she continues talking. “If I can make one round in the cage with you, you can take me home. If I fail, you tell Jeremy and I’ll deal with him.” She says, confidently. You’re taken aback a little, her confidence roaming around the tight space of your garage. 

She’s always been around, even when you and Jere were younger. You’d always done your best to ignore her even though she was a hell of a tease, and now that he was away you saw it as your chance. 

“You know what? Fine. Let’s see you fail, darlin’.” You smirk, kicking the stand up and walking towards the cage with the beloved, her following you. 

As you arrived to the cage, you settled the bike inside, Y/N following you in. She stood on the red X on the floor, the old tape used as a marking for where people would get their partners to stand. She looked at you with a smirk, though you could see a slight shimmer in her eye. You knew she trusted you, but you were up for a challenge. 

You watched as she took her jacket off, throwing it outside of the cage, it landed on the ground. You zipped up your leather jacket, tucking your necklace inside your neckline. You gave her one good look before putting your helmet on, pulling down the eye mask. 

You could hear the metal gate close, locked shut. The voices cheering on the outside, the music playing faintly in the background. All these distractions but she was the only thing you could focus on. She wore a tight black longsleeve satin dress with some black combat boots, she looked fucking amazing. It just excited you even more. 

You could hear her sucking in a breath as you straddled the beloved, your hand on the handles. You turn her on and roar the engine, the adrenaline moving through you. You kick up the stand and begin circling her across the cage, slowly moving higher and higher as you increase the speed, taking your time with it. 

Once you feel stable enough, you take your right hand off the handle, and begin dragging it gently across her shoulder, increasing the speed of your bike, revving the engine even louder as you watch her jump a little, but you can tell your touch helps her nerves. You bite your bottom lip to contain your smirk- unsuccessfully. Your hand caresses her shoulders, her stomach, her chest slightly. She closes her eyes and smiles in content, which makes you go even faster. Her eyes open once again and you can feel them on you. Ten seconds left of your time in the cage, your hand drags against her whole body, god she feels amazing. 

You hear the loud horn that alarms you the minute is over, and you slow down, to a stop. Your hair is stuck to your forehead by the time you take your helmet off, but all you can focus on is the way she’s smiling at you, how beautiful she looks, how wonderful that dress fits her. 

“So? You gonna tell him?” She smirks, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. 

“I think I can keep a lil secret..” You sigh, smiling down at her. 

-

The two of you walked over to your driveway with the beloved. You had borrowed an extra helmet off a friend since you didn’t own another one. You knew where she lived, and it wasn’t far, but you were more worried about if you’d be able to contain yourself from not kissing her, the way she affected you was something you never felt before. 

You straddled the bike once again as she put her helmet on. “I’m going to hold my hand out so it’s easier for you to get on, you’ll need to hold on tightly because I’m going to be going pretty fast.” You said, holding your hand out. She took it and climbed over the bike, settling herself closely behind you. 

“Like that?” She asked. You smirked behind your helmet. 

“Closer, love. Wouldn’t want you sliding off..” You smiled. She scooted closer and you could feel her chest against your back, it made your heart flutter. Your hands made their way to the handles as you turned on the bike once more, beginning your journey to her house. 

As the wind drifted through the hair sticking out your helmet, your hand drifted to her thigh, caressing it a little. You felt her arms tighten around your waist, and her fingers slowly make their way to the hem of your jacket. You sucked in a breath, trying to focus on the road. Her hands slid underneath your jacket, underneath your shirt, until she caressed your chest gently. You wondered if she could feel your heartbeat, she probably could.. It was beating so fast. You let out a shaky breath and told yourself you’d be at her house soon. 

Parked. Finally, you kicked down the stand. She removed her hands from your shirt, and hopped off the bike. You also got off and removed your helmet, resting your ass on the seat of the bike as you faced her. She removed her helmet and shook her head a little, to let her hair loose. She nearly took your breath away, the beauty taking over. 

“Thanks for the ride.” She smiled, handing the helmet over to you. 

“Thanks for the massage.” You smirked. 

“Anytime” She said, stepping closer. You looked down at her, a slight shimmer in the reflection of her dark orbs. “I like riding with you,” She paused, leaning in. “It’s so…” She paused once more, her lips so close to yours. “Intimate.. Isn’t it?” She said. 

You nodded, your lips parted a little. 

“Are you going to kiss me goodnight, Kiszka?” She said, and you didn’t reply. You kissed her gently, her lips soft like satin, you could drown in them. She was so soft, like honey, a warmth you didn’t know you needed until right now. She pulled away so gently, almost as if she was afraid it would hurt you. 

“Goodnight.. See you at your next meet..” She smiled, waving a little before going inside her house, leaving you speechless.

{taglist:

@sarakay-gvf @positivegvfthings @brokenbells11 @krystalm98 @shutupdevvie @jordierama @​​maddie-van-fleet @writingcold @gretavanfleas @jakes-eyebrows @spark-my-nature @lek-gvf @rad-space-princess @joshkiszkatoothgap @hippievanfleet @objectsinspvce @gvfficrecs @ageoffleeet @welllauragvf @weightofstar  @groupiegirlie08 @fwzco @nicoleghost18 @andromeda-raine-gvf @sarrrahhh @ren-ni  @zoe-tally06 @hellowgoodbye @aminaalilyy @spinthehemmo @hippievanfleet @streamofgvf @ohgodthefeeling-gvf @gvfpal @gvfmarge @jakeygvf21 @Timeless—classics @mackalah  @myleftsock @bubblyjake @valvebone @lexii-nv-c @mp0801 @girldonttryme @risingwiththeheatabove @fakeplastiqtree  @beckahvanfleet }

#jake kiszka #jake gvf #jake kiszka smut #jake kiszka x reader #jake gvf smut #jake kiszka imagine #jake kiszka x you #minors stay away #gvf smut #greta van fic #greta van fleet #gvf imagine #gvf #greta van smut #greta van fleet smut #smut #greta van fleet imagine #gvf ships #gvf series #sam kiskza #peaceful army #greta smut #jacob kiszka #do it jakey #jakey kiszka #jacob thomas kiszka

[fanficsformyfaves]

I Found Love Where It Wasn't Supposed To Be

Stu Macher x Fem Ex!Reader

WARNING: ANGST, Commitment Issues

PREFACE: Reader and Stu dated during freshman year, when he seemingly dumped her out of nowhere. She moved out of Woodsboro shortly after, but returned for her Senior Year

A/N: Flashback in Italics!

Different POVs are in Colored and in Bold!

Tatum and Stu aren't together and Stu is not a killer in this A/U!

YOUR P.O.V.

It's been two years since I'd left Woodsboro. I couldn't just stay there after what happened with Stu, so when my parents divorced and my mom decided to move to the City, it was the perfect escape route.

The night we broke up, he invited me over to his house and sat me down in his living room.

"Stu, I can't be out past six on a school night. My dad's gonna freak"

"Alright then, I'll make this quick" he says,

As I nod.

"We're done"

His words making my heart sink in my chest.

"What?"

"Look, you're a sweet girl and all, but, we're just too...different", he explained,

"But Stu, we've been going out for months"

I could feel the tears in my eyes begin to gather and threaten to spill.

"Yeah, but, things change and so did I", he replied apathetically,

I scoff and get off the couch.

"You are unbelievable", I snap,

Making my way back to the front door.

"No, wait!", he calls out,

Leaping from the couch and following after me.

"(Y/N), I don't want you to hate me-"

"Too fucking late, dipshit", I spit,

Opening the door and letting myself out, before slamming it behind me.

That was the last time I ever saw him. That was the last time I saw anyone from that school actually. When I moved, I lost contact with all my friends. Sidney, Tatum, Billy and Randy would reach out every now and then, but that was about it.

Eventually, during my senior year, I was forced to go back, when my mom got a job offer in London.

"Mom, can I just go with you?"

"Honey, you can't just keep running away from your problems"

I sigh, flopping down on the couch.

"And you know what? I think it'll be good for you to see your old friends", she says,

Rounding the couch and sitting beside me.

"Plus, you father misses you", she adds,

"I know", I replied reluctantly,

"Good, I'll get everything sorted out"

It was the morning of my first day back and I'd barely gotten any sleep.

I mean, how could I? Even just the thought of seeing him again sent me into a spiral of dread and worry. What was I supposed to do if I ran into him? Pretend not to remember who he was? Walk past him like I didn't notice? Yell and scream? Too many questions and not enough time to even begin processing possible answers.

Once I finished my breakfast, I bid my father goodbye and made my way to the car. Within the next ten minutes of driving through town, I reach the parking lot and got out. Even just the sight of the school building knocked the air out of my lungs.

I hesitantly picked up my backpack, locked the doors and started walking towards the main entrance.

"No fucking way", I hear a girl's voice coming from the water fountain.

I turn to see who it was and there they were. My old group of friends.

"Tatum"

"(Y/N)!", she greets,

Running up and pulling me into a tight squeeze.

"Oh my god! When the hell did you get back?", she asks,

Pulling away.

"A week ago. I moved back since my mom got a job offer in London"

"And you didn't tell me?!"

"Surprise?"

She laughs and pulls me back into another hug. Just then, I see the rest of the group approaching us. Their eyes wide like they'd just seen a ghost.

"Woah!", Randy exclaimned,

Catching my attention.

"I guess the city really does do a person good", he joked,

Looking me up and down.

"Hi, Randy", I chuckle,

Giving him a hug.

"Sid, Billy", I greet,

Pulling them into a joint embrace. All that was left was-

"(Y/N)...it's been a while"

"Yeah", I nervously exhale,

Seeing him felt like someone plunging a knife into my chest and twisting it in to make it hurt. How could he be so okay, when I was still trying to recover from what happened?

"You look great", he compliments,

As I nod. What was I supposed to say to that?

Thankfully, by the grace of some god watching over me, we heard the first bell ring.

"I should get to English Lit"

"I have the class too, come on", Sidney let me know,

"Yeah sure, see you guys at lunch", I bid goodbye,

Before giving Stu one last look.

~

I didn't what to do. I obviously wasn't over what happened, but it's far too late to do anything about it now. I should be over it.

"(Y/N)?"

And it's not like he was thinking about it either. I was more than certain of that with how he ended things. So casual and cold, but...I couldn't help but think about how he looked at me today. Maybe I was just imagining things-

"(Y/N)", Sidney pulls me out of my thoughts,

"Sorry, what?"

"I was asking you about the assignment. Are you okay? You were totally spaced out", she questions,

"I'm just a little tired. I didn't get that much sleep"

"Something on you mind?"

Well, I was still not over my ex, who so happens to be apart of our very close-knit friend group and I don't think I ever will be, which’ll probably over-complicate things later down the road...but obviously I couldn't just spew all of that on her.

"I guess I just miss my mom, you know? She's might as well be on the god-damn moon", I tried to play off,

"Yeah, I get that feeling", she says,

Causing my eyebrows to quirk in confusion.

"Oh, you didn't hear"

"Hear what?"

"My mom passed. Cancer", she says,

As her eyes begin to weld with tears.

"Sid, I'm so sorry"

"You didn't know, it's fine", she reassured,

"Wow, I really did miss a lot", I say to myself,

"Yeah, but!", she takes my hands into hers.

"You're here now! We'll make new memories"

Yeah...we.

STU'S P.O.V.

It was really weird seeing her again. Not like a bad weird, just...kinda caught me off guard.

She was just as, if not more, beautiful than I remembered. Everything from the top of her head to the soles of her feet were nothing short of perfect.

God, I really screwed that up. I knew I brought this upon myself, so I had no right to blame anyone else, but of course it still sucked. There was so much I could've said and even more I should've said, but I didn't have the guts. I mean, how could I? After what I did?

Just as I was about to start spiraling, I was hit in the face with a crumpled up piece of paper.

"Dude"

"Don't dude me, you were thinking about (Y/N)"

"I wasn't"

"Don't give me that shit, you totally were", Billy calls out my bluff,

Making me sigh to myself.

"Thought you said you ended things with her?", he emphasized,

"I did"

"So? Why the emotional blue balls, then?"

Thankfully, the lunch bell saved me from any more of Billy's harassment.

"Look, just drop it, alright? I'm fine", I played off,

Grabbing my bag and heading out, with Billy trailing close behind me.

"No, you're not fine"

"Well, if you're such an expert on how I really feel, then why don't you just spell it out for me?"

"My theory? You lied about why you ended things"

The moment he said that, I felt my heart drop to my stomach.

"Yeah, sure"

"Come on, Stu. Things were going so great and you just pulled a whole one eighty. If you ain't gonna tell me, then who will you tell?", he questions,

Just as we were about to reach the table where the gang was.

"Shhh, shut the fuck up", I warned,

Taking a seat.

YOUR P.O.V.

"So, remember the guy I was spilling about?", Tatum asked,

Taking a bite of her pizza slice.

"You mean Dave?", Sid questioned,

"I thought you were talking about Ethan", I say,

With confusion laced in my words. As we saw one of Tate's eyebrows raise, it triggered the realization to sink in.

"Nice!", I encouraged,

Causing Tate to chuckle at me. Before we could delve any deeper into Tatum's rollercoaster love life, the guys take a seat right across from us.

"Hey girls"

"Hi, Randy", we all greet in unison,

"Billy, Stu", Tate addresses on our behalf.

To call this whole interaction awkward would've been the understatement of the millennium.

I go to grab a napkin and as I did, I felt a familiar hand brush against mine. It brought me right back to freshman year, when Stu first asked me out.

I was eating lunch, while doing my assignments, when a particularly tall shadow blocks the cafeteria's light, causing me to look up.

"Hi"

"Hey, Macher, what's up?", I ask,

"Nothin much, this seat taken?"

"Um, no. Go ahead", I gesture to the empty bench across from me.

"So, we've never really spoken outside of Chem"

"We have not"

"Why is that?', he questions,

"Uh...", I wondered,

Looking around.

"I don't actually know", I chuckle nervously,

"Well, I just wanted to let you know that they're showing Return Of The Living Dead 3 on Friday and word around the hallways says you're kind of a horror movies connoisseur, so-"

"Are you asking me out on a date?", I squinted suspiciously,

"I mean, yeah", he confirmed,

"Why?"

Making him laugh to himself.

"Why not?", he questioned after calming down,

"I mean, you're cute and sweet and...you gave me the answers to the math quiz last week", he added,

As I scoffed.

"So, this is a pity ask?", I challenged.

His eyes go wide in shock.

"No no no no no, this isn't...I didn't mean to make it seem that way, I was kidding-", he rambled nervously,

Before I cut him off with a laugh.

"I'm messing with you, Macher. I know what you meant", I reassured,

Watching him sigh in relief.

"You have a twisted sense of humor"

"Oh, you don't know the half of it"

He laughs and takes my hand.

"So...whatta ya say?"

I rip my hand away, standing up.

"I need to go", I rushed,

Taking my backpack and practically sprinting out of the cafeteria.

"(Y/N)!", Tatum called out,

Going to follow me, when Stu stops her.

"I'll go"

"Stu-"

"I have to do this", he tells Billy,

Before chasing after me. I made it down the hallway, about to reach the front doors, when I hear him.

"(Y/N)!", he yells,

Causing me to stop in my tracks. It was getting harder and harder to fight against the tears that were threatening to spill.

"Can we please talk?", he pleaded,

Whilst I turned to face him.

"What do you want?"

"I came to make sure you were ok-"

"No, Stu, what do you want? From me?", I emphasized.

His eyebrows knitting in confusion as a result.

"Look, I never got to say what I wanted to back then, but I'm saying it now. You fucking hurt me", I spit bitterly,

As the tears began to stream down my face.

"Okay? You break up with me like it was nothing and what? Expected me to just be fine?"

"(Y/N)-"

"No! You don't get to talk!", I yell.

He takes a step back and keeps his eyes on the ground.

"I thought you cared about me"

"I did"

"No, you didn't"

"I did-"

"You didn't! Someone who cares about me would never fucking do that!", I sobbed,

"I'm so sorry", he whispered,

As I shake my head, angrily wiping my tears away.

"I was a coward"

"Yeah, no shit"

"Please...just...hear me out", he begged,

"And if you still want nothing to do with me after what I have to say...I'll leave you alone"

Just wanting to get this over with, I give in and cross my arms.

"I know I hurt you and for that, I'm sorry", he mumbles,

"But there's something I never told you. The reason why I did what I did"

What could he possibly say to change my mind?

"I loved you", he admitted.

It felt like my heart stopped. He'd never said those words to me before, so to hear them in past tense only added insult to injury.

"I never thought I'd feel that way about someone, so when I did, it scared the hell outta me. I didn't know what to do, so I did the only thing I knew how to. I ran", he added,

Had I known, I wouldn't have felt so blindsided.

"Why didn't you say anything?", I sniffled,

"What was I supposed to say? That I was afraid to love you?"

"Yes! God, it would've been better than just leaving me out to dry! Stu, I loved you too! We could've talked about it, we could've done something!"

My voice echoed through the hallways.

"You loved me?", his words coming out as a surprised mutter,

"So fucking much", I answered.

Just then, Tatum, Sidney, Billy and Randy came around the corner. I could see Tatum trying to make her way to me and Billy blocking her from doing so.

"And seeing you again just...reopened all those old wounds"

"(Y/N)", he says,

Cupping my face.

As hard as it was for me to admit, him holding me like this made my heart skip a beat.

"I can't change what happened...but what I can do is this"

He leans in and presses his lips against mine.

The world disappeared around us and time came to a screeching halt. Was this all just a dream? Was I gonna wake up in my bed, disappointed that none of this ever happened? Or had the weight of carrying this pain around finally crush me? I couldn't even begin to wrap my head around what was happening, much less answer all the questions I had.

He eventually pulls away and those baby blues eyes poured into mine with a new found need.

"I let you go once...I can't do that again", he whispers.

#stu macher #scream #stu macher x reader #stu macher oneshot #stu macher fanfic #stu macher fluff #stu macher angst #stu macher smut #matthew lillard

[natjac]

My entire life I’ve been forgotten. Being the closeted gay kid with only girl friends I didn’t get to go to the sleep overs and wasn’t invited to the parties cuz I was the quiet kid in the back. I had interests no one cared about when I talked to them or they would call me obsessed.

Adult life got easier. I made good friends but was still always felt like the plus one. Spending nights in country bars and other places where my friends met guys and I was their support cheering them on and protecting them but always alone after.

Guys treated me like shit when I would talk to them. Disrespectful, ghosting and putting me down to make themselves feel better.

Then I met you, and you did none of that. You listened to me, even with things you knew nothing about like when you saw my best friends had Pokémon types assigned to them in my phone and you went through all the types to pick yours out even though you knew nothing about Pokémon cuz of your religious parents.

Remember the map I made of all the meaningful places we had been to as a valentines present and I used all those bitmojis cuz that show you met me (you said my bitmoji on Snapchat was cute). Remember the home theatre we made at your apartment? Or when it snowed on campus and how pretty it was. Remember when we got our rescue do Brie?

Fixing my moms place after the contractors stole from her. Going to Del Rio and meeting your family. Your dad and mom both inviting me into their house to celebrate Christmas with them. Taking a secret Vegas vacation my sister and best friend payed for just so they could meet you. Remember when I would drive to Houston in summer with no ac just to have lunch with you during your internship? Remember all the amazing “alone” times we had? The things I could do that no one else could.

And so many more wonderful memories and moments.

You showed me love, affection, attention, and made me feel attractive for once in my life. You did so much good for me. You became my best friend and my boyfriend. And yea you messed up. A lot.

You cheated and I forgave you each time. I’d ask why and you wouldn’t give me anything but “i don’t know.” But those were a drop in the bucket compared to the good times. The laughs, the love.

I helped you through your mental illness, took you into the hospital and talked to your family when they thought I was just your roommate. Four times I did that. Never held it over your head but only wanted to help you. I moved from everyone I knew to be with you in North Carolina, to support and love you when you got into Duke. You said you wouldn’t get in but I knew you would. I never doubted.

At my sisters wedding you told my best friend you wanted to marry me. 5.5 years on my life all of the unfaltering love, dedication and sacrifice. All of it would have been more than worth it for a life time with you. That’s all I ever wanted.

A month later you told me you had cheated and didn’t think you could stop. You said it was something you needed to work on, on your own. With out me or anyone else. So we planned to break up. Maybe get back together after you grew. But we agreed I shouldn’t be in that pain anymore.

Then you got into a new relationship in less than 2 months. With a mutual friend that I was wary of your friendship with. And you spin the same story again. “I didn’t mean for it to happen. I don’t think the flirting and us texting till 4 am led to us getting together. You are just trying to make things fit in your narrative.” Even though you are supposed to be working on these issues on your own. That’s why we broke up right?

And after you guys got together and we were still trying to help me deal with the breakup the compassion and apologies changed to mean spirited comments and frustration. To the point of our friendship and all mutual friends with us had to be cut out. I lost all of them. Because you did wrong.

The worst part of this all though. You act like the last 5.5 years didn’t exist. You have no respect or compassion for what I did.

Because if you did I would get genuine apologies and answers for what you did. I wouldn’t have been forgotten about when you and your new boyfriend talked to our friends to make sure that they were ok with it and you hid it from me. You two apologized to them but not me. Neither of you are accepting or acknowledging that the flirting and shit led up to this. Or the lies you’ve told. Or possibly worse how you cared about others feelings but forgot about me.

And that’s my fault for believing that some measure of love you had for me would carry over. Or our friend and you to respect me and apologize for the months of flirting and pain you two caused me afterwards with the lies and backstabbing.

You will never understand what you did to me. To bring someone to such happiness and then utterly destroy them. To the point that I sit and wonder which parts of our relationship were real and which were fake.

I don’t know if I’ll ever stop caring and loving you. You became my best friend, and I lost both that and my boyfriend at once. And the loss of respect and care on your end… nothing I could have done would have prepared me for that.

Now I sit here every day, trying to move on. Trying to find a reason to keep going. With thoughts of ending my life bombarding me because if someone that I cared for and loved that much can so easily forget about me and erase me from his life like I was nothing. What am I doing here.

Anyway I’m going to therapy starting this week. I think it may help. I hope it does and I hope I find someone who will accept every good and bad part of me and will embrace them.

I don’t wish you ill will despite all of this. I want you to be happy and healthy.

But I know you will be haunted by us. Even if you act like you aren’t. Haunted by memories of what you threw away. For who you threw away. For the pain that you caused me.

And I hope I forget you. Because you have now tainted all the good times. I never thought that I would feel this way towards you. I know I never will forget you. But if there was an option to I would take it now.

Our relationship was to date my proudest accomplishment. But you are my greatest disappointment.

#boyfriends #gay #breakup #heartbroken #sorry for being depressing #trying to move on #lgtbqia+

[chrisevansonly]

The Waddle

Chris Evans x Pregnant!Wife Reader

Summary: Pregnancy has been miserable and hard on your body, but Chris loves every minute of it, from helping you around the house, rubbing your back, making you snacks and of course that cute little penguin waddle you have 

Warnings: non, just fluffy dad to be Chris

A/N: I decided to write this little blurb because I know damn well Chris would be the most attentive dad to be. He would be the absolute sweetest human alive and that just gives me butterflies, this is so bad and so short so I’m sorry, I’m so tired LMFAO <3

Word Count: 504

At around 7 almost 8 months pregnant you were absolutely over growing a tiny human in your body; you wanted her out ages ago. The never-ending back pain, swollen ankles, heartburn and now insomnia added to the mix was driving you insane. Although for every complaint, every noise of pain or discomfort, you had the world’s best husband to take care of you. Chris was so excited to be a dad, as soon as the both of you found out you were expecting he was thrilled, tears were shed, hugs were had, it was a beautiful time for the both of you. Seeing and experiencing Chris taking care of you throughout these months was only stronger proof that he would be the absolute best dad ever. 

The one thing Chris absolutely loved was the waddle you now had when you walked around the house, he would just smile and watch you lovingly as you did anything, mundane or not, he was admiring you 

“Here comes my little penguin”

You shook your head a small smile on your face, no matter how much you wanted to pretend to hate the nickname, it had grown on you

“You know you’re going to be bored of my walk when the baby gets here, I won’t waddle anymore”

Chris laughed 

“No, I won’t, I’d still love your walk even if you had to use a cane baby”

“That would be perfect to hit you with if I get upset with you”

He shook his head letting out another deep laugh before getting up and coming over to you, his hands instinctively finding your belly, his lips meeting yours for a few short moments, his arms moving to wrap around you carefully

“Baby I’ll get you a cane right now just so you can use it against me, the least I can do for putting you in pain”

You smiled taking a hand and touching his cheek 

“The pain is worth it knowing we’ll be a family of three soon, and besides we have enough weapons here I can use” 

After kissing his cheek, you went off and waddled into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, Chris following behind you, of course watching you walk around, it really was quite adorable how much he loved it. It almost made you feel less insecure about your body changing as you got further along

“I love you and your waddle so much, god I could just watch you walk around all day, I can’t wait until our girl is here..she’ll probably waddle like you too”

You laughed, nodding your head in agreement before placing another soft kiss to his lips 

“Just one big happy penguin family, I love you too handsome”

There was nowhere else you’d rather be in this moment, the excitement of becoming parents growing more and more every day. Through the ups and downs, and the now famous Evans penguin walk, you were right where you were supposed to be, and you could not be happier. 

#rueswrites #chrisevansxreader #chris evans imagine #chris evans fic #chris evans x pregnant!reader #chris evans x female reader #chris evans x wife!reader #chris evans x you #chris evans fanfiction #chris evans x fluff

[iheartyouyou]

SWEETHEART | Jeremiah Fisher

Summary: After your parents file for a divorce, you’re forced to move in with your mom’s friend until the divorce is finalized. You wished you could stay with your dad and your friends, but when you meet Jeremiah Fisher, that changes. And now you’re wanting to stay in the Cousins. Too bad things don’t last forever.

Word Count: 1.0k

Part: 1

Next part

Authors Note: Repost

When you came home early to your parents arguing, you knew everything was going to go downhill. They never fought, well, not in front of you at least. 

A week later, your parents sat you down in the living room. They announced that they would be filing a divorce and until then, you would be moving with your mom to the cousins. She claimed that she had a friend up there who offered to let us stay there until the divorce was final. 

You were devastated to say the least. Complaining about how you should stay here with dad, where all your friends were. But they didn’t want to hear it, they shooed you off, telling you to pack.

And so here you were, trying to imagine that you were still in your hometown while your mom pumped gas into the car.

‘It wouldn’t be that bad, right?’ You tried to cheer yourself up, but you couldn’t. You wanted to go back home and jump into your comfy bed.

Your mom got in, rambling to you about how tired she was. You ignored her, settling your eyes on the window.

You guys pulled up to the house not too long after, your mom immediately gets out, slamming the door behind her to greet the blonde standing outside. You assumed it was her friend since she looked around the same age as your mom. She had her arms open wide, wrapping them around your mom in a tight hug.

You rolled your eyes. Maybe if you stayed in the car she would forget about you? You could steal the car and drive back to your dads. 

Your mom starts waving at you, signaling for you to come out. You shake your head no. She gives you that ‘If you don’t come out here in the next three seconds, I’ll whoop that ass’.

You hesitantly unbuckle yourself before you slowly make your way over to your mom. 

You open your mouth to speak when her friend pulls you into the tightest hug ever, you thought you were going to pass out.

“It’s so nice to meet you! Your mom has told me so much about you!” 

You hug her back awkwardly. “Oh..uhm. You too?”

She pulls back grinning at you. “You’re so grown up! The last time I saw you, you were still in diapers!”

You didn’t know what to say so you just laughed. “I should probably get my stuff..” 

She waves you off. “I’ll get one of my sons to do it, don’t worry.” She then starts screaming one of her sons names.

“Oh, it’s okay. Y/N can get them herself, can you?” Your mom says. It sounded like a question but you knew it wasn’t. It was her way of telling you to do something.

“Y-yeah.” You shrug.

Meanwhile, everybody was huddled around the window, watching you.

“She’s hot.” Jeremiah spoke up. Belly elbows him. “Are you serious?”

“She is.” Steven says, pushing his little sister out of the way to get a better look at you.

“Don’t you have a girlfriend?” Belly sarcastically quipped back, crossing her arms. She felt a pang of jealousy erupting in her stomach. Maybe it was because none of the attention was on her, it was all on you. How was she supposed to confess to Conrad when he was drooling over you?

“She’s okay.” Conrad mutters. The jealousy escaped from her stomach but re-entered when she noticed he couldn’t tear his eyes away from you.

What was even special about you? Like Conrad said, you were okay.

Susannah then calls for him. Jeremiah cheers, pulling his shirt over his head. 

Belly laughs. “Really?”

“First impressions always count!” He shouts before rushing out, throwing his arm around Susannah.

Susannah yelps before playfully slapping him. “Y/N, this is my son, Jeremiah.” 

Jeremiah puts his hand out, waiting for you to shake it. He gives you a warm smile.

You reach out to shake his hand, watching as he brings your hand up to his lips, giving it a soft and gentle kiss. He let’s go, greeting your mom with a hug before asking her something. He then skips off to the trunk of your car, before grabbing a few bags. 

“Show Y/N her room too.” Susannah speaks as Jeremiah walks by. He gives you another smile and nods his head towards the house, motioning for you to follow him.

You reluctantly do, following him inside the house and up the stairs. 

“How come I’ve never met you?” He asks, placing your bags on the neatly made bed. He sits next to your bags. “I mean like— I’ve met your mom. She’s like an aunt to me, but I’ve never met you? Are you actually her daughter?” He teases.

“I’m usually with my dad.” You say, standing awkwardly in the middle of the room. The room was nice. It had a queen sized bed, a vanity, a closet with curtains, drawers, a TV, nice fuzzy carpet. You could get used to this.

“My room is right across the hall.. if you need anything.” He says, pointing towards his room.

You give him a tight-lipped smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.” 

“Oh the bathroom.” He says, standing up. He motions for you to follow him. “Is down here.” 

He showed you around the rest of the house and introduced you to everybody else. You said hi to them and introduced yourself before you locked yourself in your the room.

You decided not to do much with your bags, just pushing them off to lay on the bed. You spent the rest of the day on your phone, face-timing your friends and your dad, watching netflix, scrolling through social media. 

You didn’t come out of the room until you heard a soft knock on the door. You groaned, getting up and stumbling to the door. You open the door to reveal a dressed up, nervous looking Belly. 

“Can we talk?” She says, looking around the hallway. She fixes her dress. She stares at you, a pleading look in her eyes.

“Uhm.” You bite your lip. “I can’t—“

“Please?” She begs, twirling her hair around her finger nervously. 

“Okay— yeah.” You open the door wider for her. “Come in.”

#jeremiah fisher imagine #jeremiah fisher #jeremiah fisher x you #jeremiah fisher x reader #the summer i turned pretty #tsitp x reader #tsitp imagine #tsitp

[pleasantlycrazyworld]

Why Eddie hates his dad.

Warnings. There is slight talk of domestic abuse and there are hints of death. Please don't read this if that can trigger you. There is no fluff in this. I didn't tag many for this one since it's angst.

Growing up Eddie idolized his father. When Eddie was a kid his dad was this great hero of a man in his little eyes. Whenever he got scared his dad was there. Whenever he got bullied his dad was there. They were glued to each other...but things changed.

No matter how much Eddie looked up to his dad, his mother was his everything. She loved him, she held him close and always kept him safe. She was his first touch of true, pure love; no matter how old Eddie gets, he will never forget that. One day he got sent home early from school. The weather was supposed to turn sour and an intense snowstorm was coming quickly. Because of this, the school called all the parents to get the kids home before the power could go out. However, the Munson household wouldn't answer the phone for some reason. Eddie tried to assure the front desk lady that he could walk home "I'm super DUPER fast! I'll be home in no time!" The ladies giggle but tell him that could be very dangerous and as she goes to call one more time, Gareth and his mom walk by. "I can take Eddie home. We're neighbors so it's no trouble at all" Eddie was just excited to go home. He passed the spelling test that his momma worked with him on. She even promised to make him cookies if he passed and he was excited to make her proud. He rushes to the car and quickly buckles in. They pull up to his house in no time and the lights are on. All of the lights were on.

Gareth's mom seemed to be concerned but Eddie rushed to the front door before she could stop him. He throws open the door and runs in to find what he assumes is his mom on the couch. "Momma!! Guess wha-" His excitement is short-lived when he sees that it's a complete stranger.

"Oh...Hi, who are you?" Eddie asks timidly as he looks around to make sure it's his house. yep that's my couch...but who is this lady? His little brain asks but then the lady scoffs and storms out of the now-open front door. That was weird. He shrugs and looks around more to see if there are any signs of his mom being home. Her shoes are there....so is her purse...His search was cut short when he heard her scream. "MOMMA!" little Eddie rushes to the closed bedroom door and opens it. He gasps loudly seeing his dad hitting his mom. His dad always said you only hit someone if they hit you first but Eddie knows that his mom didn't hit his dad first!

Eddie tries his best to make his dad stop as tears fill his eyes, "Daddy! Daddy stop!" When he couldn't move his dad he ran to the phone and calls the only other number that he knows. Wayne's.

As he begs Wayne to make his dad stop Wayne can hear his brother blaming his wife for making him cheat, for not being attractive anymore, for giving him a brat for a son, for ruining his life completely. Wayne rushes to get Eddie and once he is there he puts Eddie in his truck and makes him promise to not get out no matter what. Wayne goes inside and pulls his brother off of his wife and calls 911. Police arrive quickly. Then Ambulances arrive. As the bright color lights glow up the now dark sky Eddie watches his hero being forced into the police car. And he watches his everything being rolled out of the house in a gurney.

As Wayne comes back to his nephew the snow starts to fall and Wayne's words are met with deaf ears. While they are driving to Eddie's new home, Eddie mutters his first words in hours.

"I passed the test momma..."

Tagging: @zestychili @eiightysixbaby @tiannasfanfic @sweet-villain

#eddie munson #stranger things #eddie munson imagine #no fluff at all #Stranger things angst #Eddie munson angst #wayne munson #im sorry for this one

[melodyfsoul1]

Okay Loki S2 E5 Reaction/ Review Time

SPOILERS AHEAD BEWARE

"Science / Fiction"

OH MY GOD THAT TITLE

I cant believe I was right about all of them being scattered across different time line branches, Loki having to get his friends back and them not having memories of him :O

Also the fact that the fans predicted Casey to be a dangerous / criminal because he was always so gentle in the TVA and then we see him breaking out of freaking Alcatraz?! And the fish references too XD

B15 being a Doctor was so freaking wholesome, she really just wants to help people whetevee she is :D

OB being a Scifi Author and Scientist was just perfect XDDDD

AND WE FINALLY GOT MOBIUS ON A JETSKI THIS IS A WIN FOR THE FANDOM

And again, the fact that the fans immediately predicted that Mobius was a (single) dad in his life, because they spotted a couple toys in front of the house in the mid season trailer :D

(I could literally hear the fanfiction authors melt into a puddle at the potential of Loki x single dad Mobius XD)

And the fact that he isnt just a Dad, no he is a SINGLE FATHER of TWO SONS

The freaking parallel of Mobius' two sons and young Thor & Loki?!

One being a lil mischievous prankster and the other (most likely the older) one who has to keep him out of trouble?! And the fact that he said he loves snakes?!?! That is just straight up a Thor reference?!

No wonder Mobius knows how to deal with people like Loki XD

But as much as I like the parallel of the two sons, I also feel kinda weird about what it could imply for Mobius, like does that mean he is supposed to be a mirror or opposite of Odin? A version of a dad that didnt mess up with their parenting? That this is why Loki feels drawn to Mobius? Is that what we were supposed to conclude from that?

I know we joke about Loki liking older men, and of course Loki has his daddy issues, but if Mobius is an opposite of Odin then what does that mean for Lokius?

Now to some more lore related stuff:

Can I just say that the spaghettification effect is absolutely terrifying?!?! (as stupid as it may sound) Seeing people get spaghettified fills me with just as much dread as the Dusting from the Snap, but it is so much more horrifying because it looks so brutal compared to how "gentle" the Dusting effect is....

Then Loki & Sylvie's talk about being selfish, about their own wants & needs

"Whats wrong with wanting sth?" -  she asks Loki, but in reality, has Loki ever gotten anything he truly desired? (At least L1130 hasnt, man went straight from the Events of Thor 1, to Thanos to the New York attack, he was never able to mend his relationship with Thor or find friends...)

Now... Sylvie, she still frustrates me.... I do get that she wants a life, but you cant just stab or ignore your way out of everything... plus their world is still ending as a matter fact...

It literally took her fav lil branch getting wiped out, to realize that she was wrong, that Loki was right all along, and that was AFTER she had just convinced Loki to give up his quest... because "wanting his friends back" would make him just as "selfish" as her wanting a life... But the difference is, that while Sylvie would chose her life, instead of helping fix everything, ignoring the casualties it brings, Loki would be self sacrificial enough to give up his own needs, which he literally was about to do, until Sylvie got back because she finally wanted to help avoid the impending doom that threatened to destroy them all.

I think we all kinda knew Loki's drive wasnt necessarily saving the TVA, but wanting/ needing his friends back and wanting to keep them save, but Loki actually admitting that he "wants his friends back, that he doesnt want to be alone"

THAT BROKE ME

Especially with the motive of "no one deserves to be alone" but the Lokis only ever having themselves to find comfort, and if they tried to change that, the TVA showed up to prune them, loneliness was literally what drove Classic Loki out of his hiding and into the arms of the TVA.

And Loki saying "Without them (his friends), where do I belong?"

I didnt know it was possible, but that broke me even more... he just wants a place where he is wanted and safe...

Then the time slipping, Loki being able to Control it?! IS THAT HOW THE MCU INTRODUCES LOKI BEING A WORLD WALKER?!

Loki realizing "Its not about the when, where or why. Its about the Who" (god that part was so sweet, right in the FEELS, it was so over for me, my heart cant take much more of this)

And finally Loki chosing to rewrite "The Story"... actually "Play God" thats now full confirmation of Loki God of Stories right?! RIGHT?! I wanna see my boy, God of Stories Loki is one of my Fave Lokis :DDDD

#Loki #loki marvel #mcu loki #loki series #loki season 2 #loki god of mischief #loki god of stories #mobius #sylvie laufeydottir #marvel theories #Thoughts on Loki #Or brainrotting call it what you want

[the0nlyallison]

Vent pt 2 because there's more I forgot about

I'm also not allowed to have my phone in my room at night so when I'm really sad I don't have anything to distract me.

I'm always thinking of the last time I saw my grandpa.. we went to my grandparents house to clean (my grandma's camera was making her see things that weren't there and she couldn't do any cleaning because of how bad she was). We were rushing to get out of their house to go home so I didn't get to hug my grandpa, I just waved... I can see so clearly his smile as he wanted at me.

I also remember things of my grandma's death. One day I was sitting in the living room at our old house and she wasn't waking up. My mom being a nurse, I asked her a lot of what was happening. Then it hit me that maybe my grandma's gasps were her trying to talk so I cried and my mom was trying to comfort me... I saw my dog stand on his hind legs to look at her, his first time acknowledging her. So I knew.... The next day I was at color guard practice. Mid practice I knew something was wrong. This terrible feeling came over me. It was so bad I was going to vomit. I was going to leave but I stayed. The time that happened was at 2:45, the same time she died.

I also think of how I got bullied. Freshman year me and this girl were best friends and we'd do best friend things lol we'd link arms, kids each other's cheek, etc and people then started calling us gay. I didn't really care about that because we both knew it wasn't true... Then it got worse. They started saying I was finding her in the bathroom. By the beginning of sophomore year it died down. At the end of sophomore year I had got with this dude and he wanted to meet me in the locker room so I told my color guard team I was going to the bathroom. He wanted to give each other head so we argued the entire time because I wasn't ready. My name got called on the announcements. I went to the group, told them I just had really bad period cramps, and continued. I found out the next day someone in the group started going around saying I was fingering myself and I had a breakdown in front of my history teacher and my classmates saw it. I didn't care. I could just remember me telling and screening and crying telling my teacher how much I wanted to kill myself when it was happening during freshman year and how I couldn't take it anymore after my grandma and grandpa.

I think about my biological mother too. About or last interaction. We barely talked. We talked twice. She asked me what I was listening to (Bon Jovi of course) and at the very end she said I was getting tall. There's things I won't ever forget about her. The last interaction I had and another, where it was my birthday party at my mamaws (her mom) house and she asked me when my birthday was. Being her first child, being my birthday party, I was pissed and everyone knew it. Drugs lol

And my biological dad. Why didn't he change after she died? I wanted him to get better. I wrote a poem for him. He was supposed to get better. I'll remember two encounters with him. A few years ago my baby nephew was really sick so my and my mom went to take care of the rest of my brother's kids. My other brother and my biological father went there and I ignored him the entire time. Before he left he came over, gave me a hug and a candy bar and said "happy birthday." Keep in mind this was in December and my birthday is in October. The second encounter was much recent, a couple months ago. We were in the drive through of Tim Hortons and I people watch lol so I was looking out the car window and saw a homeless man walking wearing pajama pants, so my brain automatically named him Pajama Pants. Another guy was walking farther down behind him. I heard my mom go "oh God there's [name] Allison don't look." I waited til both guys were gone and asked which one he was... He was Pajama Pants.

Every night I wanna cry about it but I can't. I'm too scared to. If my parents see me crying then I'm forced to tell them what's happening. I can't just tell them to leave me alone and that I need space.

I just miss how everything was before. I miss my friends. I miss my grandma and grandpa. I miss everything.

[queenpiranhadon]

Just gonna vent a bit

This past week has been extremely stressful and I’m just done.

I’m a theatre kid - I love performing - and we have a show coming up this week and preparing for that is just so draining because apparently since I’m a cat and the costume they gave me has a masquerade style cat mask with ears, I’m not allowed to wear my freaking glasses and no one realizes that I have really bad eyesight - not so bad that I can’t walk or function completely - but if you were me - you’d realize how fucking terrifying it is when the world around you is blurry and you feel like you’re going dizzy except you’re not because this is just the damn body you’re born in.

To add on to all the stress, I have to maintain my grades and it’s just so exhausting because it’s like “test!” “test!” “review!” “review!” “oh you got a 96%?” “do better! you can’t keep distracting yourself with all this spending time with friends”

Mixed with “you never leave the house - why don’t you go out with friends?” Maybe it’s because YOU DONT LET ME.

And to top it all off, my dad is leaving for India tomorrow- and he just got back from another business trip within but still far in the country.

Tomorrow is also my brother’s birthday - my dad was supposed to leave yesterday, but he changed it so he could be here for my brother’s birthday.

How sweet and caring and thoughtful of him right?

And yes, I get that my dad is a very hardworking man and I’m very proud of him and his accomplishments but he never cares. It’s always about my perfect little brother who is far from perfect if you ask me. No matter what I do it’s always “be better!” “do better!” “you’ve been given a privilege and you’re putting it to waste!” With him, it’s always “we believe in you!” “we’ll help you through this!!” “no matter what, we’ll always love you.”

His punishments for doing literally terrible things are so small, yet when my parents find out I’m not straight, they give me emotional trauma for months. The little fucker literally trashed the neighbor’s front yard with a friend on purpose and then when confronted about it, lies straight through his teeth.

But here’s the real topping to the cake - yes I do love my parents, no matter how many times we may disagree on things, they are my rock and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. But this one small thing they couldn’t do for me. My dad goes out of his way to make sure he is there for my brother’s birthday but he isn’t there for mine last year. Last year when he left for a trip, he missed my musical’s show nights - had to watch it on a stupid hard drive - and when he did, he never said a goddamn thing. No “good job, your singing and acting was great!” or “I wish I could’ve been there in person!”

And even now, he’s still doing the same goddamn thing - he’s missing the show I’m doing and doesn’t feel a single ounce of remorse. All my fucking hard work for nothing.

It just fucking sucks when others seems to get what you want, what you need so easily, when you’ve worked your entire life to experience barely a ghost of what could’ve been.

And finally today, my brother is lying on the floor of my room, refusing to leave me the fuck alone even though I’ve been annoyed all day from walking around shopping for shit and sitting through church and trying to keep a clear head even though I just really want to go home and take a long nap but I can’t because the little fucker and trashing the room I spent all week trying to keep clean and my mom won’t do a goddamn thing because “it’s your brother and he’s just playing with you.”

And at this point- I’m just done. Because no one gets it. No one ever does.

And so I say something along the lines of “You’re turning — tomorrow. When I was your age, I was working hard, and auditioning and competing and you’re here lying on the floor of your older sister’s bedroom completely useless.”

And yes I admit that was a little harsh - he started crying - but my mom’s response was what got me.

She said “never call you brother useless again. Keep your achievements to yourself, you hear me?! I have never heard you this mean to anyone before.”

But she doesn’t know. She doesn’t know what I go through every day m, trying to keep my head high and my eyes looking forward even though I can’t see anything.

She doesn’t know, my dad doesn’t know, my brother doesn’t know, heck, most of my friends don’t even know. They all just think I’m a smart girl who’s never had a problem with her position, getting to where she is in life.

They don’t know how hard I work, how hard I worked, to keep my shaky feet on the ground, to keep myself standing tall when there’s nothing to keep me up.

For those who surely don’t need to know, I’ve been crying while typing all of this, and I’m exhausted so I’m ending this here.

Sorry for unexpectedly trauma dumping - I just needed shit off of my chest.

Hope y’all are doing okay!

Lotsa love from Kae <3

[blackwolfstabs]

30 Day Writing Challenge: Day 6

TIME

Tara listens to her sister and mother fight… again, but when things get reckless, she intervenes.

Tara - age 11 Sam - age 17 references from my day 3: punishment

Tara sat at the top of the staircase, knees up to her chest with her arms crossed on top, listening to her sister and her mother argue in the kitchen. She should be used to it by now, but she never could shake the anxiety in her chest or the race of her heart. It wasn’t that she feared the shouting or the insults or the aggression her mother showed, as much of a stranger as that made her seem. She was scared that their mother would throw Sam out of the house. The more they fought, the more venomous their words became, and that scared Tara to no end. She couldn’t stay alone with her mother if Sam was kicked out. She just couldn’t. And so, whenever they’d fight, she’d sit somewhere she could hear what was happening. She had already decided that if that threat was made, she would get herself involved.

Over her dead body would anyone take her Sammy away. She didn’t care what she’s done, she was still her sister. She was still her number 1.

“How about an apology for all the shit you’ve put me through?!” Christina shouted.

Then Sam returned with a hot tone, “Me? Me, have an apology? You lie to me for years, drive Dad out, get wasted every night, and then take it out on me and Tara! Where’s my apology? Why am I supposed to apologize?”

“Look at what you’re doing, Samantha!” was the offended reply.

Tara could hear her mother’s hand slap the countertop.

“At least I take my shit somewhere else! I don’t sit here and abuse you or Tara for it! She doesn’t deserve that!” Her older sister spat. “You're a mother, so act like it! Get some damn perspective!”

Tara could only imagine the expression that had just come over their parent’s face at those words.

One more moment of tense silence, and then… “How did you become such a fucking brat?”

Christina’s voice had dropped low, making an icy shiver run down the listener’s spine.

“It’s not ‘how?’, you’ve got that figured out, it’s ‘why?’” Sam’s voice had dropped too, but she sounded more disappointed than offended. “Look in the mirror and you’ll find the answer.”

Tara held her breath.

“How dare you—?”

“No, how dare you?!” Sam started yelling again. “When did you think it was okay to give up on your family, your children?! It’s your fault!”

“Samantha Carpenter!”

“No!” she cut her off. “You don’t seem to get it, so let me spell it out for you! I am not responsible for who you loved and how you loved, and neither is Tara! Stop treating us like it!” She didn’t pause to accept any feedback. “You think getting wasted is going to fix it? You think this is going to fix it?!”

Tara jumped with a small yelp that had her slapping her hand over her mouth as the sound of glass shattering echoed throughout the house. She knew Sam had just thrown a wine glass. Something bad was about to happen, she could feel it. And she feared it would leave her alone forever…

“How am I supposed to tell Tara you’ve changed your mind?!” Her older sister screamed, holding a different emotion than anger. She almost sounded like she was about to cry.

Her mother only replied, “You’re just like your father!” 

“Maybe. But right now, you’re being more of a devil than he was.”

Devil? The youngest member of the household felt her chest start to burn that led to fresh tears coming into her eyes. Their father wasn’t a devil… Why would she even say that? Sam loved their father, how could she call him such a horrible thing?

All was silent, and for a moment, Tara thought about going downstairs to see what the kitchen looked like now. But then she went cold.

“Go ahead,” she heard Sam dare. “Hit me.” 

More silence, but Tara’s heart dropped. ‘Don’t.’

“If you hate me that much, then do it! Hit me!”

‘Don’t do it. Please, Mom, don’t hit her.’ She braced her spine against the wall, biting her lip in anticipation for what might or might not happen. 

“You’ve already done it before! Remember last year? When you beat me with a belt in the garage?” Her sister raved on, “So, come on! Hit me! ‘Cause you can’t hurt me anymore than the truth did.”

She had hit her before? Beat her? At that point, Tara couldn’t wait any longer. She bolted from her place and ran down the stairs, nearly skidding as she navigated to the kitchen. “No, don’t hit her!” She got both of their attention, which they seemed taken aback that she had been listening in on their argument. But who couldn’t? They were screaming at each other. She desperately looked at her mother, “I don’t mind if you drink!” Then she looked over at Sam, “I don’t mind if you go out!” Her tears became thicker as her voice started to crack, looking back to her mother, “But please, don’t hit her!”

Christina glared at her. “Tara, go to your room,” she ordered, “This doesn’t concern you.”

Her youngest daughter whimpered, hesitating as she looked over at her sister again. Part of her wanted to obey so she wouldn’t have to be yelled at, but the other part wanted to stay. She didn’t want Sam to be hit or verbally abused anymore. “It’s not fair, Mom…” Now, she began to cry.

Her parent sighed. “None of this is fair, Tara. Life’s not fair.”

Then, Sam snapped, her voice dropping as she stared at the older. “Yeah, but she doesn’t deserve this,” she growled.

“You, keep your mouth shut!”

But she ignored her, softening her demeanor enough to go to Tara. She pulled her in close as her little sister broke down in a small sob. “Shh, it’s okay,” she spoke softly as she stroked her hair. “Just go to your room, it’s okay.”

“Oh, don’t make me out to be the bad guy!” Christina barked, “She’s not a baby, Samantha, don’t pacify her! She needs to grow up at some point.”

“She needs a mother who will be there for her, instead of getting too drunk to even remember she has a daughter!”

Their mother’s eyes went dark and her jaw clenched. If looks could kill, Sam would be gone in a heartbeat. “Get out of this house,” she demanded.

Tara felt her sister stiffen against her.

“I don’t want to see you anymore,” she finished coldly.

And that’s when she lost it. “No!” Tara grabbed onto Sam’s shirt and clung to it as she blinked up at her. “Don’t leave!” she pleaded. “Don’t! Please, Sammy!” But Sam just stared at their mother, which made her turn her face to her as well. “I’ll go to my room, Mom! I will! Just please don’t kick her out!”

Christina scoffed. “I’m not kicking her out,” she assured, but her eyes were like daggers as she held her eldest daughter’s fiery gaze, “I just want her out of the house for a few hours.” She moved forward and grabbed her youngest child, tearing her away from Sam. “Let her go, Tara!”

The strength of her grip pinched Tara’s arms as she reluctantly was forced away. Her mother then trapped her to keep her from running back. “You’ll come back, right?” she whimpered, tears running down her face for the fear that she wouldn’t.

Samantha took a step forward, never breaking away from the stare she put on her mother. “If I find out you hurt her in any way,” she warned, everything from her demeanor to her voice resembling the one person that gave her such a dangerous reputation, “You’ll see just how much I really am like him.”

Christina didn’t seem fazed. “She’s my daughter. I’ll deal with her the way I see fit,” she replied.

“Your daughter. Remember that.”

Tara didn’t understand, but she didn’t care. She squirmed a little in her mother’s hold, but to no avail, for the grip just grew tighter. “Y-you both just need some time…” She exchanged glances with both of them. “To calm down… a-and apologize… Right?”

Her mother just sighed, but Tara could see the trembling of her sister’s jaw and the tears glossing over her eyes as she refused to look at her.

Sam inhaled shakily, and the heartbreak could be read clear on her face as she answered. “We’re out of time.”

That haunted Tara. Terribly. A cold, empty feeling drowned her. “S-Sammy?”

But her Sammy couldn’t take it anymore. She couldn’t bring herself to look at the desperation on her baby sister’s tear-stricken face. 

Time… So much time…

Lived.

Divided.

Destroyed.

Lost.

She turned around and led herself out the front door, slamming it on everything they once were. Happy. Innocent. Beautiful. Connected.

All of that was gone. And they were out of time to try and make it right again.

today's been kind of rough, so this isn't my best work, but I think it's decent enough.

All my best! ♡ - parker

#scream #scream v #scream vi #sam carpenter #tara carpenter #carpenter sisters #christina carpenter #30 day writing challenge #time #AU: The Way I Am

[joe-mazzello-archive]

baby we're a dying breed - part one

eddie munson x fem!reader (no y/n)

w/c: 13.6k

warnings: slooooow burn, s4 spoilers, parental death, reader has a phobia of swimming/being in or on water, drugs, alcohol, violence/gore, supernatural elements (it’s stranger things y’all), panic attack symptoms

a/n: hi hello. so this hasn’t left my brain since i watched that dumb finale. we all know eddie’s death was completely avoidable and dumb and blah blah blah sooooo let’s fix that. and help him find love while we’re at it! this fic is basically the plot of s4 with the reader inserted in. reader is the same age as eddie, was in his class the year he was supposed to graduate originally. i tried to keep as many of the events the same, but there are some deviations, especially in part two. i also don’t go into too much detail about the lore/main show plot since y’all have seen the show and know that shit. i’m mostly just adding to it. i also tried to avoid just typing out entire dialogue pieces word for word from the show too because tbh i hate when fix it fics do that.

this was a blast to write and i hope you enjoy. there will be one more part and then i also have some ideas for bonus scenes if folks are interested. also heads up that part two will be 18+.

--

Your relationship with Hawkins is complicated.

It’s your hometown, the place you were raised. It’s where your old friends are, it’s familiar, and it brings a sense of comfort as the sights pass by your car windows. It’s full of memories, both happy and not so happy. But it’s also dull, pitiful, and fills you with a bit of dread as the realization that you’re spending an entire week here hits you.

Maybe because it’s the first time you’ve been back since your mom died.

You were told it was a fire. A fire in the Starcourt Mall that took the lives of thirty Hawkins residents. It has never made any sense to you. Your mom used to endlessly complain about the “neon eyesore” that was the newly opened shopping center, claiming it was “everything wrong with America.” She shouldn’t have been there. And you’ll never know why she was. Or why anyone else was there. It had been the Fourth of July, after all. All of Hawkins was supposed to be at the fair. It just didn’t add up.

You didn’t come home last summer, electing to stay in the city with your college friends. You’d been in the middle of rolling the third joint of the night when the call came. Sometimes you wonder if things would have been different if you had been there. And even if you couldn’t change the result, if you were there, at least you would have more answers.

Your dad was long gone – had been since you were a baby. It was always just you and your mom. But now it’s just you.

As you pull into the driveway of your childhood home, now officially under your ownership after lots of paperwork, you let out a sigh. Going through your mother’s things isn’t the most exciting spring break you could have, but the job needs to be done. You plan on selling the house eventually, so the sooner you can clear out the junk, the better.

You’ll just need a little something to get you through it. Besides, who said you had to spend the week sober?

–

“So you decided to grace us with your presence?” Carolyn teases as she brings you in for a hug. You let out a chuckle. Despite all of your weird feelings around being home, there isn’t a doubt that you missed your friends. The Hawkins High Marching Band runs deep, and you treasure the relationships you built with your fellow band geeks.

“Yeah, I figured it was time to show my face around these parts again,” you counter with a smirk, releasing your old friend in order to climb into her passenger’s seat. She joins you in the car before putting it in drive and peeling out.

The two of you drive through Hawkins, casually catching up as Carolyn and you head to your meetup. It’s almost trippy, passing your old stomping grounds – everything looks exactly the same, like you never left.

Eventually Carolyn pulls over, parking just off the road, and the two of you begin your trek through the woods to the designated meeting spot. Memories of previous pickups and nights out with your fellow bandies come flooding back, bringing a soft smile to your face. Once the large rock comes into view, you shake your head lovingly – it’s like you’re seventeen all over again.

“So, who are we even meeting?” you ask Carolyn as the two of you settle on the oddly shaped stone, the rough surface oddly comforting beneath your hands. “I heard Reefer Rick is back in jail.”

“Yeah he is,” she confirms, playing with a frayed piece of her jeans. She pauses for a moment before continuing. “And you’re not gonna like the answer to that question.” You narrow your eyes at her as she blatantly avoids your gaze.

“Why?”

“Do my eyes deceive me?”

You know that voice.

“As I live and breathe, is that…Major?”

Eddie Munson.

You shouldn’t be surprised. You’d bought from him a few times back in the day, and he was always close with Rick. But you are not excited to be reunited with the shaggy-haired dealer. He has always annoyed the hell out of you, with his intense energy and his innate ability to simultaneously insult you and flirt with you in the same sentence. He used to drive you nuts when you were in high school. Your mom once told you that boys who picked on you just had a little crush. But you’re pretty sure Eddie picked on you because he found pleasure in your torment.

You turn to find the metalhead casually strolling towards you, a shit-eating grin on his face, swinging a small tin box. He looks about the same as he used to, just a little more stubble. Maybe a new tattoo. Even longer hair. It’s funny - your oldest memory of Eddie is from middle school, playing guitar in the talent show. He hadn’t yet gained the confidence he flaunted in high school. You wonder if people even realize he’s the same kid - he’s come a long way from his gangly frame and buzzcut days.

And of course he still calls you by that dumb nickname. When you got drum major your senior year, Eddie adopted the moniker for you, always mock saluting you like you were a military officer. It earned an eye roll from you every time, and Eddie always beamed, satisfied with your reaction.

“Munson,” you greet, failing to hide your chagrin in your tone. “Graduate yet?” His grin never falters as he stares you down, his big brown eyes almost sparkling with mirth.

“You wound me, Major,” he replies, his hand dramatically landing on his heart. “We haven’t seen each other in years and you’re already ribbing me. And here I thought what we had was special.” He drops the metal box onto the rock with a smirk, and you can’t fight the eyeroll. It seems to be your default response to him.

“Alright you two, let’s play nice,” Carolyn cuts in. “What do you got for us?”

Eddie rubs his hands together before opening his metal box.

“I can dooooo…a half ounce for twenty,” he responds, fiddling with the plastic bag inside the tin before looking back up at you. “Now that’s a good deal, I normally charge thirty. But we all go way back,” he adds with a wink. You roll your eyes for the second time since you arrived.

“I bet you say that to all of your customers,” you counter, fishing a twenty dollar bill out of your wallet. His shit-eating grin returns as he holds the bag out for you.

“Only the pretty ones.” You glare at him, unamused as you reach for the bag. He quickly snatches it out of your reach and you scowl, bored with his antics. He chuckles and hands it back to you, the metal of his rings briefly grazing your palm. You don’t remember him wearing nearly that much jewelry back in high school.

You hand him the bill and he grabs it gleefully.

“Pleasure doing business, ladies,” Eddie announces, shoving the twenty into his back pocket. “Now I’d love to stay and catch up, but I’ve got another client waiting on me and a D&D session to run.”

“You better watch yourself, Munson,” Carolyn interjects, a playfulness in her tone. “I heard that game is the devil’s game. Worshiping Satan and all that.” Eddie grins as he begins to saunter back into the woods.

“Don’t believe everything you hear,” he says, before stopping himself and leaning against a tree. “And Major, if you need another pick-me-up while you’re in town, you know where to find me.” He tucks his bottom lip under his teeth and turns back towards the forest, disappearing into the trees.

You immediately glare at Carolyn, waiting for an explanation.

“Our options for dealers were limited!” she explains. “Everyone’s out of town for break. Besides, he’s not that bad…if you look past his dramatics.” You let out a chuckle, getting to your feet and dropping the bag of weed into your purse.

“If you look past the dramatics, there’s nothing else.”

–

Carolyn ends up inviting you to join some folks for drinks at her place.

You debate turning her down. Part of you is already overwhelmed from the Munson reunion and wants to retreat to your house to get high alone. You would get to avoid the awkward “so what have you been up to?” conversations and just have some peace for the night before starting your week-long project. But Carolyn talks you into it, listing off names of friends you’re actually interested in seeing, and promising a relaxing night.

So that’s how you find yourself sharing a joint with Scott and Dawn on Carolyn’s front porch, her parents off enjoying a Caribbean cruise, leaving the house free for former bandies to take over. You take a long hit, holding it in while you pass the stick to Dawn. You let it out slowly, relishing in the slight burn in your lungs. You try to tune out Scott rambling about his shitty car salesman job and just take in the sounds of the evening. The cool spring breeze is nice on your skin, and your body feels like it’s humming as your high sets in.

“This is good shit,” Dawn says, coughing a little and passing the joint to Scott. “Where’d you get it?”

You let out a snort, annoyed that Munson is suddenly back on your mind. Dawn is right, it is a good strain. You hate that you’re getting such a good high from something you bought from Eddie of all people. That fucker isn’t gonna get any compliments if you have anything to say about it.

“My hook-up at school,” you lie, a satisfied grin on your face. Take that Munson.

“Maybe I need to visit Chicago more often,” Dawn teases. Before you can respond, the screech of rubber on cement rings through the otherwise quiet neighborhood. The three of you turn towards the source of the sound to see a van speeding down the street. It flies by the house, careening down the road, before it’s out of sight as fast as it appeared.

“The fuck was that?” Scott asks, breaking the silence that had fallen over the three of you and handing you what was left of the joint.

“Clearly someone has someplace to be,” Dawn comments, crossing her arms. “I’m getting chilly, I’m heading in.”

Your friend disappears back into the house with Scott on her tail, leaving you alone on the porch. You can’t help but stare off into the night where you last saw the mysterious van. The van looked familiar – you’re pretty sure you have seen it before. But you can’t place where. You chalk it up to your high and decide to let it go. It doesn’t matter anyway.

You take one last hit before dropping the roach into the grass and stubbing it out, opting to join the rest of the group inside.

–

The spare bedroom is your starting place.

You know the most amount of junk will be kept in there, so you decide to get it out of the way first. Your mom hadn’t been a hoarder per se…but you know there’s gonna be a lot of useless documents or old keepsakes shoved into those closets that can be easily thrown away without much thought.

You throw Rumours on your mom’s old record player, light up a bowl, and get to work.

By the time the sun begins to set, you estimate you’re only halfway through the room. You decide to call it for the day, realizing you should probably eat something.

You’re in the middle of scarfing down a tv dinner, when you hear the doorbell. You pause, confused, almost unsure if you really heard the ring. The only people who know you’re in town are the folks you were with yesterday, and you don’t remember inviting anyone over to hangout today. Curious, you get to your feet and head to the door, opening it without even checking through the peephole at who your visitor could be.

It is revealed to be visitors, plural.

Before you stands Robin Buckley, your former marching bandmate, Steve fucking Harrington of all people, and two children you’ve never seen before: a boy with a goofy grin and a girl with strikingly red hair and an intense stare.

You realize you’ve been just looking at them in silence for far too long and shift your stance.

“Um…hi?”

“Hey,” Robin greets with an uncomfortable smile. “Sorry, um…do you mind if we come in?”

Still completely flabbergasted at the collection of people before you, you give an awkward shrug and step to the side while the mismatched group of teens piles into your living room. You shut the door behind them and bring a hand to your forehead as you turn to face your visitors.

“Okay, Buckley,” you begin. “You’re gonna have to walk me through why you’re at my house with Steve Harrington and two random children.”

They all share looks with each other, almost as if they are silently debating who should explain.

“We need your help,” the boy chimes in. “We need to find Eddie Munson.”

You blink several times, unsure if you heard the kid correctly.

You’ve been in Hawkins a little over twenty four hours, yet somehow Eddie Munson has come up not once, not twice, but three times.

“Why?” you ask incredulously, not knowing what else you could possibly say to that.

The group exchanges glances once again. You’re clearly missing something, but they seem almost…afraid to explain.

“Did you…hear about what happened?” Robin questions nervously. You let out an annoyed sigh, wishing these kids would just get to the point.

“You’re gonna have to be more specific than that,” you argue, crossing your arms. Robin looks to Steve, who seems equally annoyed at how long this is taking. He rolls his eyes and sets his hands on his hips.

“They found a body in Eddie’s trailer this morning. A cheerleader. Now Eddie is missing.”

A body?!

Your brain starts firing off thoughts while you process the information. Someone in Hawkins has mysteriously died. Again. And somehow Eddie is involved. Eddie. The same Eddie you were with just yesterday. The same Eddie who spends his free time fantasizing about fighting dragons. He may be a pain in the ass, but never in a million years would you think he would hurt anyone.

You shake your head, trying to form a response.

“There’s no way…Munson could never–”

“We know,” the boy says, interrupting your stammering. “We know he’s innocent. That’s why we have to find him. We think we know what happened.”

You’re still a little lost, trying to piece together everything you’ve been told. You realize you still don’t know what these people are doing in your living room of all places.

“Wait, so what does this have to do with me?” you ask, directing your question mostly at Robin, hoping she has the answer since she’s the only one of the quartet you’ve actually interacted with before.

“I know you used to hang with Eddie back when you were in school,” Robin explains. “A lot of the bandies used to. We heard you were back in town and figured it was worth a shot.”

“Okay, first of all, we did not hang out,” you quickly clarify, crossing your arms defensively. “I used to buy weed from him and then he…wouldn’t know when to leave. Second of all, why are you coming to me instead of Munson’s actual friends?”

“Look we’ve tried everyone we could think of,” the redhead girl suddenly speaks up, an edge to her voice. “No one knows where he is. We’re desperate here. Is there any place you think he would go?”

You let out a frustrated sigh, confused on how you could possibly know where Eddie would be hiding.

And then you remember the van.

The van you saw the night before, zooming down Carolyn’s street like it was being chased by something. You had thought it looked familiar - you now realize it was Eddie’s van.

“Wait, I think I saw him last night,” you reveal, earning the immediate attention of the teens gathered next to your couch. “He was speeding, heading out of town.”

You wrack your brain for where he could be headed. He would look for some place he knew, but some place out of the way. And wherever he was heading would have to be in the direction he was speeding last night. 

And that’s when it hits you.

“Reefer Rick,” you announce. “His place is out by Lover’s Lake. Eddie might hide out there.”

“Do you know where it is?” the young boy excitedly asks.

“Yeah, I think,” you reply, but you’re still confused. You need more answers. “But wait, what do you mean by ‘you think you know what happened’?”

The group once again exchanges silent glances.

“Things in Hawkins…” the redhead starts, “...aren’t always what they seem.” Your brow furrows at the ominous nature of her tone.

“What she means is…” Steve cuts in. “Everything that’s gone on the past few years…the disappearances, the mysterious deaths…it’s connected.”

“And we have a lot of…experience with this stuff,” the boy adds.

You let their words sink in for a second. A small part of you always figured something weird was going on in Hawkins. But you really didn’t have any reason to say so. Not until last summer.

So you finally decide to say something.

“Starcourt Mall,” you suddenly spit out, your curiosity piqued. “Do you guys know what really happened?”

You watch their faces with intent as they all slowly nod.

“Was it a fire?”

They all solemnly shake their heads.

And for some reason…you believe them.

You let out a small chuckle, almost relieved that your suspicions were correct. And it’s bizarre how after all of these months, after all of your wondering, the people that seem to have all of the answers are a random selection of teenagers who happen to be standing in your house.

“Okay, here’s what's going to happen,” you announce, crossing your arms. “I will lead you guys to Reefer Rick’s. And on the way, you are going to tell me everything – and I mean everything – you know.”

For the final time, the group all exchange looks, clearly pleased with your statement.

“Deal.”

–

You don’t have any idea how to handle this.

Despite the trip to Rick’s only being about twenty minutes, they manage to tell you everything. How Will Byers suddenly seemed to come back to life. Why crops were randomly rotting two years ago. What really happened at Starcourt Mall on the Fourth of July.

You don’t know exactly what you wanted to hear, but learning your mom’s body had helped form a giant mutant flesh monster, and that it was defeated by a young girl with psionic powers was not what you expected.

At least you have your answers.

The group explains their working theory: that something from this mysterious other realm – the Upside Down, as they referred to it – has something to do with the girl who was found in Eddie’s trailer. And they’re on a mission to defeat whatever it is and clear Eddie’s name.

It’s a lot to take in. You don’t know what you’re more confused by: how all of this has been happening in Hawkins without everyone else knowing or how casual the group seems to be when explaining it. 

By the time you all arrive at Rick’s, you’re mentally exhausted. 

You trail behind everyone else, still trying to process how much your world has turned upside down – for lack of a better term – in less than an hour. As you follow the teens in front of you, you think about your mom, and how even though you’ve processed your grief, your heart hurts at how she met her end. You then realize that you being in Chicago instead of coming home last summer also likely saved your life. You might have been another victim of the flayer…thing…the kids described.

You’re brought back to reality at the sharp movement of Eddie launching himself from his hiding place and backing Steve against the wall, holding a broken bottle to his throat.

The teens all shout at him, pleading for him to back off. Your eyes fall to Eddie’s face, where you can see the terror and desperation written in his features. He’s scared. Really fucking scared.

You find yourself making your way closer to him, the tension in the room thick as all hell.

“Munson,” you utter, trying to keep your voice calm. You lay a gentle hand on the wrist that holds the bottle to Steve’s throat. The touch seems to break Eddie’s trance, as his eyes find yours. His eyebrows furrow and you can practically hear his brain working through all of his conflicting emotions. His big brown eyes stare deep into your soul, searching for answers you don’t have.

“We’re here to help,” you slowly explain. After a few moments, your words seem to get through to him, as he spares Steve one more glance before nodding and releasing him. You let go as well, and you watch as the tension seems to release from Eddie’s shoulders.

He slumps against the wall before sliding to the floor. You can see he’s visibly shivering, and his grip on the bottle doesn’t loosen. Whatever he witnessed last night, he is truly shaken up. And if it’s anything like the things the others described to you in the car, you don’t blame him.

You watch him closely as Dustin begins to try and coax him into revealing what happened. You’ve never seen him like this and it’s jarring. Gone is his usual snarky, goofy demeanor. You find yourself itching to move closer to him, to do something to comfort him. But you keep your distance, not wanting to spook him any more than he already is.

“You won’t believe me,” he croaks, his voice shaking. He frustratedly wipes at his face.

“Try us,” Max replies.

Eddie sniffles, before his sad eyes find yours. Almost as if he’s checking with you to see if he really should confess to whatever he’s holding on to. You give him a soft smile and a reassuring nod.

He takes a deep breath before he begins his story.

Somehow it’s even more horrifying than the flesh monster story.

You wrap your arms around your middle as Eddie recounts what he saw last night. You feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as he divulges the details. And as the others reassure him that the group believes him and begins to reveal the existence of the Upside Down, you find yourself staying silent, completely overwhelmed by everything that’s happening.

It isn’t fair. That girl Barb. Your mom and all those other people. Now Chrissy. Innocent people dying at the hands of…mysterious creatures…who are out for blood. For whatever reason, these monsters have chosen Hawkins as their hunting ground, and it’s bullshit.

You don’t even realize how long you were zoned out until the others start moving.

“We’ll be back in the morning,” Dustin announces, and you turn to look at Eddie, who’s still slumped against the wall, looking utterly defeated. It seems almost cruel to leave him here like this.

“I’m gonna stay with Munson.” The words leave your lips before you can stop them. You feel all eyes on you, with Steve giving you the weirdest look of the bunch.

“I don’t – I don’t have the experience with this stuff that you guys have,” you explain, trying to keep your voice from shaking. “I only found out about all of this today. I can’t really…I don’t have anything to offer to help figure this out. So I’ll just stay here. Make sure he doesn’t…fall into the lake or something.”

There’s a moment of silence as the group does that weird telepathic check-in thing they do with each other. At this point, you wouldn’t be surprised if they revealed they all have powers too.

“Okay,” Dustin replies with a shrug. “See you two in the morning.” The group files out and closes the door behind them, leaving you and Eddie alone in the boathouse.

The silence is deafening.

You spin on your heels to face Eddie, and you find him watching you, an unreadable look on his face. You awkwardly saunter over to him, and take a seat on the floor to his left, pulling your knees to your chest. You don’t know what to say to him, or even why you’re sticking around. But you just feel compelled to stay with him.

“Hey,” you finally mutter, the silence becoming unbearable. You meet Eddie’s gaze, and you swear you see the smallest flash of a smile.

“Hey,” he says back, leaning his head against the wall. “So how’d you get wrapped up in this?”

It’s honestly a great question, one you find yourself wondering the answer to.

“I helped them find this place,” you respond. “Although, I’m still not sure how I managed to be the only one so far to figure out you’d be out here.”

Eddie lets out a breath, you think it might be a soft chuckle.

“Yeah, well let’s hope it stays that way for my sake,” he counters, sounding more like himself for the first time since you arrived at the boathouse.

Silence settles between the two of you once again as you play with the hem of your jeans.

“It’s hard to wrap my head around all of this,” Eddie suddenly speaks up. “Do you believe them? Do you believe me?”

You take a bit of comfort in the fact that he’s just as overwhelmed as you are. At least you aren’t alone.

“Yeah, I do,” you confirm, as you finally start to take in your surroundings. Your eyes roam the walls of the boathouse, studying the random assortment of stored items as you continue. “I mean, you’ve only heard the half of it. On the way here they told me everything. And as batshit crazy as it all is…it makes sense. Every weird thing that’s happened in Hawkins the past few years is because of this…other place. All the tragedy and death. It’s insane to think all those stories about monsters are real.” You let out a deep breath you didn’t realize you were holding.

“The mall fire,” Eddie utters after a moment. You nod, understanding his unasked question.

“Your mom.” You turn sharply, your eyes meeting his. “I had heard she was…I’m sorry about your mom.”

You feel your eyes well up, and you will the tears away. No matter how touched you are by his words, you refuse to let yourself cry in front of Eddie Munson.

“Thank you,” you finally say after a few seconds, trying to hide the shakiness in your voice. “I’m sorry about Chrissy.”

He gives you a soft nod, before tipping his head back against the wall once again. The two of you sit in the silence, but this time you don’t feel the awkwardness from before.

After a few minutes, you find your eyes drooping.

“We should probably try to get some sleep,” you suggest, rising to your feet. You stretch out your muscles, realizing you were sitting in that awkward position for longer than you should have.

“Inspired idea, Major,” Eddie says, also finally standing up. He gestures to his hiding spot from before. “You can take the boat, it’s surprisingly comfy in there.”

“No, you take that; I’ll figure something else out–”

“No, it’s fine. Just sleep in the boat–”

“Munson!” you snap, annoyed with how he’s arguing with you. “You being hidden is way more important than me being comfortable. Boat. Tarp. Now.” You angrily point at the boat in question and glare at him.

He cracks the first full smirk you’ve seen all night. The sight is almost comforting – that’s the Eddie that you know – until you remember you’re supposed to be irritated by him.

“Fine,” he concedes, his tone playful. “I almost forgot how bossy you can be, Major.” You roll your eyes and begin to glance around your immediate vicinity to see where you can set up shop for the night. “At least let me…”

You watch as Eddie maneuvers around you and produces several bright orange life vests from behind a crate. He then gently lays them out on the floor beside the suspended boat, creating a makeshift bed from the flotation devices.

“There,” he says, pleased with himself, before shooting you a signature Eddie grin. You sigh, annoyed that you aren’t annoyed at him anymore.

“Thanks,” you concede, moving to settle atop your make-do mattress for the evening. Eddie makes himself comfortable in the boat next to you.

“Night, Major,” Eddie says, still grinning. You shake your head, almost amazed at how quickly Eddie reverted back to his normal self.

“Night, Munson,” you reply, laying back on your lumpy bed. Pleased with your response, his grin brightens before he lays back himself, pulling the tarp over him.

You stare at the ceiling, still trying to wrap your head around the events of the evening. You somehow went from organizing old tax documents to being recruited by teenagers to help an accused murderer evade police after a girl was killed in his trailer by a supernatural monster from another realm. Part of you wants to just go back home, back to the quiet and safe task of cleaning out your house. But for some reason, you just know you need to see this through. Eddie may be…Eddie…but he’s also innocent. You know Hawkins, the second they turn on him, it could be dangerous. And the worst part is, the people of Hawkins don’t have any idea what the real danger is.

The creaks of the boathouse don’t do anything to help calm your nerves. You have no idea how you’re supposed to get any sleep tonight.

And then you hear a soft snore to your right.

You’re suddenly reminded that while the situation is not ideal, you’re not alone. You find Eddie’s snores oddly comforting, bringing a soft smile to your face. You’ll be sure to hold the fact that he snores against him tomorrow.

Eventually, your eyes droop closed once again, and you drift off to sleep.

–

You wake to the sound of a car door slamming. Eddie and you both jolt upright, meeting each others’ eyes before jumping to your feet and heading towards the window.

“Shit, shit, shit,” Eddie mutters under his breath as he peers through the glass, gripping the sharp bottle from before.

“Do you see anyone?” you ask, hoping he can spot the potential threat. The angle you have of the path leading up to the house is completely free from anyone.

“No, but–”

The front door to the boathouse bursts open, causing you and Eddie to practically jump out of your skins, with Eddie’s arm shooting across you in an attempt to block your body with his. 

Robin, Steve, Dustin, and Max appear in the doorway, all holding bags. You press a hand to your chest in an attempt to calm your pounding heart.

“Delivery service!” Dustin proudly announces, and you and Eddie exchange an annoyed look.

Eddie and you take turns passing the box of Honey Comb back and forth while the group recounts what little they have figured out. The news that Eddie’s name hasn’t been released publicly is somewhat reassuring, but it’s only a matter of time before folks figure out what happened on their own. Hawkins residents aren’t the brightest folks around – they haven’t caught on to all of the supernatural events happening under their noses – but they aren’t completely stupid.

Before you can ask what the next steps are, the sound of sirens blaring pierces through the boat house.

Your eyes widen in fear as you turn to Eddie.

“Hide!”

He leaps to his feet and practically dives back into the boat, and you adjust the tarp to cover him. Dustin, Robin, and Eddie dart over to the window, and you quickly look around for another exit, trying to game plan how you’re gonna help Eddie escape.

“They’re not coming here,” Dustin announces after a moment, the group backing away from the window as the sound of the sirens begins to fade. “But we should probably go check it out.” The others nod in agreement, as Eddie sits up from his hiding spot.

“You still good here?” Steve asks, clapping a hand on your shoulder. You glance at Eddie, who has another unreadable expression on his face. You give Steve a nod.

“Yeah, I’m staying,” you reply, crossing your arms. It seems pointless to leave Eddie now, especially since the group doesn’t have any leads on how they’re going to defeat this thing – “Vecna” as they called it.

“Here,” Dustin speaks up, handing you a large walkie-talkie. “It’s already set to the right channel. We’ll communicate through these.” You give Dustin a nod, tucking the radio under your arm.

The teens all awkwardly wave goodbye, and disappear through the front door, leaving you and Eddie alone once again.

You wander back over to your pile of life jackets and plop down on top of them. You find yourself even more lost than yesterday. How in the hell are you supposed to kill some monster from another realm? Especially when the people most likely to come up with the answer have nothing so far?

“I just thought of something,” Eddie says, interrupting your thoughts.

“Well, there’s a first time for everything,” you counter, shooting him a satisfied smirk. He beams, clearly unbothered by your insult.

“Something you said last night,” he explains, ignoring your comment. “About keeping me from falling into the lake.” Your brow furrows; you barely even remember making that comment.

“Well to be fair, you’re not the most coordinated guy around, Munson,” you explain, reaching for the box of Honey Comb.

“But if I were to fall into the lake, what would you even be able to do about it? You can’t swim.”

You freeze. How the fuck does he know that? you wonder to yourself.

“What?” is your reply, words escaping you.

“Yeah,” Eddie continues, “unless you grew out of it, I remember you being terrified of the water.”

You’re flabbergasted. You have no clue how Eddie Munson could know such a personal detail that you definitely don’t advertise to people.

“How…?” is all you manage to get out before Eddie speaks up again.

“The first summer after my dad got carted off to prison again, my uncle didn’t know what to do with me,” he explains, a soft smile on his face as he describes the memory. “He would drop me off at the pool during the day so he could get some sleep. I remember you would never get all the way into the water, just sit with your feet in. Every time your mom would try to get you into the pool, you would scream and cry.”

You remember those days well. Your mom could never crack why you were so scared to get into the water. You used to grip the side of the pool, your small fingers digging as far into the concrete as you could. Your mom would practically beg you to join her in the cool water, promising you that nothing would hurt you, but you never budged. Eddie isn’t wrong, most of the time the day would end in a meltdown, followed by an apologetic trip to get ice cream. To this day, you don’t understand where your fear comes from. There’s just something about swimming and being in or on water that terrifies you.

Once again, you find yourself surprised by Eddie Munson. While the memory is somewhat embarrassing, it’s almost touching that he remembers that little nugget about you.

“I can’t believe you remember that,” you finally say, shaking your head. Eddie simply smirks, shrugging his shoulders.

“I mean who could forget? You were a total freak.”

You scoff in mock offense and playfully bat him on the shoulder at his comment, earning what sounds like a giggle from the metalhead next to you. You can’t help but let out a small chuckle yourself. You appreciate him trying to lighten the mood, even if it is at your expense.

Silence settles over the two of you once again, and you can feel Eddie’s stare this time. You turn to find that unreadable look from before. It’s a bit unnerving.

“What?” you ask, hoping he’ll either break the stare or at least speak up.

“What are you doing here?” he responds, almost incredulously. “I mean, you can cut and run…you don’t have to be here.” He pauses for a moment, but continues before you have a chance to answer. “If what Henderson and all of them are saying is true, you could be implicated if you’re seen with me.”

He’s right. There really isn’t a solid reason for staying. You don’t know enough about the Upside Down or Vecna to contribute to clearing Eddie’s name. You don’t have any skills that could help Eddie evade authorities. You honestly might just get in the way.

But something about leaving doesn’t feel right. It didn’t feel right last night and it didn’t feel right when the group left today. Something is pulling you to stay with Eddie. But you don’t know what. And you don’t know how to explain that to him. At least not without sounding nuts.

So you deflect.

“Do you want me to go?”

He eyes you for a moment while he considers your question. His brow furrows briefly and slightly purses his lips. You’re uncomfortable under his stare once again – there’s just something in his eyes that almost scares you. He looks at you with such intensity. You can’t remember anyone looking at you like this before.

And then suddenly the spell is broken – Eddie takes in a breath as he lays back in the boat, crossing his arms behind his head and resting on them.

“Nah, I could use the company,” he replies nonchalantly. “Besides, it’ll be just like old times.”

Still recovering from the slight whiplash of his mood swing, you almost miss the comment.

“Old times?” you repeat, wondering what the hell he could be referring to.

“Yeah,” he confirms, as if it’s obvious. “Remember when we used to hang out? We’d smoke a little…talk about life.”

You throw your head back and let out a full laugh at his skewed recollection of events.

“See, I seem to remember you selling us drugs and then just never leaving – even if we ignored you entirely,” you correct him, your tone teasing. Eddie waves his hand in the air.

“Same difference,” he says. “Though I would kill for something to take the edge off right now. Being a wanted man is fucking stressful.”

You let out a chuckle as you reach for your purse, mentally thanking your past self for throwing your smoking stuff into the bag during your hasty exit. You toss the bag of weed, pack of rolling papers, and lighter onto Eddie’s chest, causing him to suddenly sit up. His eyes light up as he grabs at the collection of items before him.

“Major, I could kiss you,” Eddie announces as he hurriedly pushes the tarp off of the boat, spreading out the items onto the boat's flat surface and beginning the task of rolling a joint. You scoff at his words – as if you’d let him anywhere near your lips.

You and Eddie pretty much spend the rest of the day like that – keeping up a pleasant high by sharing a joint every few hours and just casually chatting. He rants about his band, regaling you with stories about how unlively the Corroded Coffin shows are. You tell him about school in Chicago and how different it is living in a big city compared to a small town like Hawkins. The two of you argue over who would win in a fight: Freddy Krueger or Jason Vorhees. The conversation topics vary wildly, but with nothing but time to kill while you wait for something to happen – whether that’s word from Robin and crew or the police swarming the property – you don’t know how else to keep yourselves entertained. You even take turns tossing pebbles into a can Eddie found, going so far as creating a point system and keeping track of each other’s scores.

You’re surprised. For the first time ever, you’re actually enjoying spending time with Eddie Munson. While the circumstances are very strange, you almost don’t mind. You hate to admit it, but the guy is somewhat funny and almost…charming…in a uniquely Eddie way. Even back in high school, you never understood why people were so afraid of him – you've always known that he’s just an awkward goofball – just with interests that are a little extreme for a small town in Indiana.

He seems to enjoy your company as well, laughing at your attempts at jokes and listening to your stories. You occasionally shoot him some playful insults, trying to give him a taste of his own medicine, but he appears to take delight in your razzing, earning you a genuine smile with every jab. And you soon find yourself going out of your way to earn that reaction as much as you can. 

If senior year you could see you now, she’d be shellshocked.

The sun eventually sets, and with no word from the other teens, you attempt to get some sleep once again. Eddie throws himself onto your pile of life jackets, refusing to move.

“Guess you’re gonna have to take the boat,” he claims, as if his hands are tied. You roll your eyes, before throwing the tarp at him and begrudgingly climbing into the boat and making yourself comfortable.

Your mind immediately begins to wander, the reality of the situation suddenly hitting you full force once again. All you want is for everyone to be safe. Your friends, the band of teens leading the charge, Eddie…you just want everyone to be okay. And you have no idea how you can make that happen.

You realize a tense silence has settled over the boathouse. You know Eddie's still awake, you can by the lack of snoring. Something pushes you to speak up, so you do.

“Hey,” you start, hoping you were right about him still being awake.

“Yeah?” 

You pause for a moment, feeling awkward.

“We’re gonna figure this out,” you declare. You don’t know if you even believe your own words. But something about saying it out loud makes it seem like it can happen. “I promise.”

Eddie doesn’t answer right away. In fact he takes so long to reply that you almost sit up to check to see if he did fall asleep.

“Yeah,” he says, his voice shaky. “I hope so.”

Your heart pangs, the fear in his voice evident. You wish there’s something more you can do. 

So you try your best to get comfortable in your makeshift bed, and for the second night in a row, you drift to sleep to the creaks and scrapes of the boathouse.

–

Luckily, you’re not rudely awoken by a potential threat on your second morning. Your eyes flutter open and you’re appreciative of the fact that any imminent danger was nice enough to be quiet this time.

You slowly sit up, stretching out your muscles and cracking your stiff joints. A gentle snore sounds next to you, and you immediately grin at the fact that Eddie is still asleep. You realize you forgot to tease him about his snoring yesterday, but you’ll be sure to mention it to him today.

Your eyes wander to his sleeping form. His mussed curls are haphazardly strewn about and the tarp is carelessly tossed across his torso. He looks so peaceful that it’s almost bizarre – you’re so used to his wild high-energy antics that it’s weird to see him so…quiet.

You’re so lost in your thoughts that you miss that at some point Eddie stopped snoring.

“Watching me sleep?” he suddenly says before his eyes pop open and that signature Eddie smirk appears. You feel the heat in your ears, embarrassed at being caught. “Didn’t take you for such a creeper, Major.”

You roll your eyes and attempt to deflect the situation.

“You snore,” is all you can manage as a retort, staring down at your lap to avoid his pleased expression. When he doesn’t say anything after a few moments, you look back at him to find him sporting a huge grin, clearly unbothered once again by your comment. His smile gets you to break, and you let out an embarrassed chuckle at the ridiculousness of the situation.

“Shut up,” you say, knowing full well he didn’t say anything more. It earns a chuckle from Eddie, who decides to stand, taking his turn to stretch. You can’t help but notice the small patch of pale skin that’s exposed below the hem of his dirtied white shirt while he stretches his arms above his head.

“So since we’ve pretty much killed the wonderful spread that Henderson and crew brought us yesterday, and since there’s no sign of them this morning, what do you say to popping up to Rick’s house to see what food we can scrounge up?” Eddie inquires, running a hand through his hair to get some stray strands out of his face.

“Sounds like a plan to me.”

You do feel a little bit bad rifling through Rick’s kitchen, but since you can’t get a hold of anyone, it’s your best option.

The fridge is pretty much empty other than a bottle of mustard and a take-out container that neither of you dare to touch. You split up and start searching cabinets and drawers, hoping to find something edible before the two of you start withering away to nothing.

“I don’t mean to brag,” Eddie suddenly announces, and you turn to find him holding a can. “But I’ve been told I make a mean bowl of Spaghettios.”

You can’t help but let out a chuckle.

“I guess I’ll have the Spaghettios then,” you reply, opting to play along. Eddie, pleased with your response, lights up, tossing the can into the air and catching it.

“One order of Spaghettios, coming right up, ma’am.”

While Eddie heats up your meal, you make an attempt to get a hold of the Vecna-hunting crew.

“Anyone there?” you plead into the radio. “Dustin? Robin? Steve? Anyone?”

The radio crackles for a moment before a voice sounds on the other side.

“Hey, it’s Nancy.” Your eyes immediately meet Eddie’s as you both share a look of relief at the sound of someone answering your call.

“Hey, um, we’re running low on food,” you reveal. “Could we get a delivery sometime soon?”

“Uh yeah, we can do that…just give us some time and we’ll be out there soon.”

“Thanks, Nancy–”

“Ask for a six pack!” Eddie suddenly shouts, and you turn to glare at him.

“I am not asking them to get you beer!” you argue.

“Come on!” Eddie counters. “We’re almost out of bud and I really could use a drink.”

You groan before hitting the button on the radio.

“Eddie is requesting a six pack of beer as well,” you begrudgingly say.

“Hold on, I’m gonna have to call you back–”

“Wait, Nancy? Nancy?” you call out, but no one replies. You let out a sigh – you can only hope that the group will be on their way soon.

“Order up!” Eddie announces, getting your attention. You watch as he awkwardly clears away a bunch of playing cards, empty beer cans, and a bong from the table before placing the pot of canned noodles and two seemingly clean bowls down. You take a seat at the table as Eddie spoons out a helping for each of you.

“Now I’ve spent years trying to get the recipe just right, so please be honest with your feedback,” Eddie teases, handing you a spoon. You giggle at his theatrics.

“I’m sure it’ll be delicious,” you reply, amazed at how he can still keep the mood light, despite the current situation. The thought makes you stop and watch him as he starts to practically inhale his Spaghettios.

He must realize you’re watching him, because he stops to look up at you.

“What?”

“I’m just…I don’t know…surprised,” you explain, struggling to find the words. “Despite…everything…you still manage to crack jokes. It’s just impressive, I guess.”

You see his smile slowly fade and you immediately regret saying anything.

“I’ll be honest with you, Major,” Eddie responds, his hand absentmindedly running through his hair. “I am…barely holding it together.” He gets a far-off look in his eye, and you essentially freeze in your seat, completely speechless at his confession. He stares off for a few moments before his gaze meets yours once again. “But you…being here. It’s really helping. So…thank you…for sticking around.”

You offer a small smile and nod, his words warming your heart. After feeling so helpless, unsure of how you could do anything to fix the situation, hearing that simply staying with him has helped at all is comforting.

“I’d like to think…that if the roles were reversed…you’d do the same for me,” you say, awkwardly mixing your meal with your spoon to give you something to focus on other than Eddie’s deep brown eyes staring at you.

“I don’t know,” he suddenly says after a few moments. “I wouldn’t put it past you to have committed a murder.”

Your jaw drops and your eyes shoot up to glare at him, only to find that knowing smirk is back. You let out a chuckle as you realize he’s teasing you and you shake your head. He giggles himself, pleased with your reaction as always, before his smile fades.

“I’d be there in a heartbeat,” he claims, his tone earnest. His sobering stare makes you uncomfortable again, and you busy yourself with the bowl in front of you, finally taking a bite of your meal.

The two of you eat your Spaghettios in comfortable silence, and you can’t help but repeat his words back in your head.

You being here, it’s really helping.

I’d be there in a heartbeat.

There’s nothing like a life and death situation to bring two people together. You couldn’t have imagined forming such a friendship with Eddie before. But before, you never looked past his “freak” reputation and his hijinks to see what was there. And you have to admit it, what’s there is…a really cool and great person.

At this point you’re not sure what’s more insane: the fact that there’s a demon from another realm attacking people in Hawkins or the fact that you think Eddie Munson is cool.

–

After finishing your meal, which after an entire day of nothing but junk food tasted like the most amazing thing you’ve ever eaten, the two of you make your way back to the boathouse, hoping to be receiving a visit from the Upside Down team soon.

You’re halfway through your fifth game of “pebble basketball” when you hear a car door slam. You both jump to your feet, rushing to the window, expecting to see a familiar group of teens with bags of supplies.

Instead you’re met with the sight of three teenagers in black suits, armed with large objects, exiting their vehicle.

“Shit, shit, shit!” Eddie groans, his body tensing. “It’s the fucking basketball team.”

You both duck below the window, your own panic beginning to set in.

“The blonde one,” he continues. “That’s Chrissy’s boyfriend.”

“Shit,” you repeat back, your mind racing. In all of the hours spent hiding out here, the two of you never came up with an escape plan. “What do we do?”

“I don’t know,” Eddie reveals, his voice strained. “I think we both assumed Henderson and his band of heroes would have come up with a plan by now.”

“I’ll keep watch,” you offer, before handing him the radio. “You try to get a hold of Dustin or Nancy or whoever.” Eddie nods, grabbing the device and moving away from the window.

You watch as the three teens make their way into the main house, clearly looking for a fight. You begin to wrack your brain, trying to come up with anything you can do to either get the boys to leave or to escape yourselves. You can hear Eddie angrily grumbling into the receiver, trying to get someone to respond. You both know that the longer you stay in the boathouse, the more likely you’ll be caught.

You don’t know if you can convince the guys to leave Eddie alone. You doubt explaining that Chrissy was actually killed by a monster from another dimension will go over well. You don’t know these kids well enough to be able to reason with them. And there is no universe where you and Eddie can take on all three of them. Your only option is to escape.

But how? And where can you even go?

“Fuck!” Eddie shouts, breaking you out of your thoughts. “No one is answering.” He plants his hands on his hips, and you can practically hear the gears churning in his head. His eyes widen and shoot up to meet yours. “I have an idea, grab your stuff.”

You don’t hesitate, instantly reaching for your bag and throwing everything you’d pulled out back inside. You turn and stand, waiting for more instructions, before realizing Eddie is untying the boat.

“Help me get this in the water,” he instructs. You freeze in place as you realize what his plan is.

Panic immediately sets in. You can’t. You just can’t. Eddie is just going to have to leave you behind. There is no way you’re getting in that boat with him and going out onto the lake.

You can stay behind, distract the guys to give Eddie more time to escape. You don’t like the idea of separating, but you find it much more appealing than getting into that fucking boat.

Eddie finally realizes you haven’t moved from your spot and looks up, clocking the panic that must be plastered all over your face.

“Oh shit, right,” he says, quickly assessing and understanding the situation. “Okay, um…”

You watch him with big eyes as he moves over to you. He hesitates for a moment before placing his hands on your upper arms.

“Sweetheart, I’m gonna need you to trust me on this one,” he pleads with you, his voice tight. “Those guys are going to kill me if we don’t get on this boat right now. I promise you, you won’t need to get in the water at all. And I will be there the whole time. Just please, please, get in the boat.”

Your heart is pounding, your hands are sweaty, and you can feel your breathing getting shaky. 

And then he says your name.

Not “Major,” but your first name. You can’t remember the last time he called you by your actual name. It sounds almost foreign coming from his lips.

“Please.”

Part of you wants to fight, explain to him your plan to stay behind to help him get away. But the way he’s looking at you is so intense, that you can’t help but listen to him.

You do trust him. 

You slowly nod, and Eddie lets out a breath in obvious relief at your answer.

“Okay,” he says before letting you go to finish preparing your escape vessel. You grab the radio, stuffing it into your bag. You hear a soft splash, and turn to see Eddie climbing into the boat. He holds a hand out for you. You tentatively take it, his rings against your skin feeling oddly comforting. You gently take your first step, trying to ignore the shakiness of the boat under your foot. “Easy. That’s it.” You take the next step, gripping Eddie’s hand like a vice, and he slowly helps you sit on the metal bench.

“Okay, you’re okay,” he says, his own voice shaky from the tension. He then turns to grab the oar, but your hand refuses to let go of his.

“Sweetheart, I’m gonna need both hands to row,” he pleads with you as he takes his own seat. You stare at him, eyes wide, silently begging him not to let go. You’re afraid of what will happen if he does.

“Shit, okay,” he says, glancing around for a solution. “Let’s do this, just grab on to me.” He grabs your other hand and moves both to rest on either side of his waist. He gently lets your hands go and you grip his sides. “Okay, here we go.”

As he begins to paddle out of the boathouse, you focus on your breathing and the solid feeling of Eddie’s body under your fingertips. You keep reminding yourself: he’s here, he won’t let anything happen to you. You try to tune out the sloshing of the water, and instead focus on the small grunts that escape Eddie’s lips as he rows. You center your stare on his back, eyes tracing the Dio graphic on his vest. 

Just when your panic begins to somewhat subside, you hear a voice.

“Hey freak! Where do you think you’re going?”

“Goddamn it,” Eddie groans. You turn to look behind you, and you see two of the guys from before stripping on the shore, preparing to swim after you.

“Munson,” you finally squeak out, your voice tiny. Eddie starts to paddle faster.

“I know, sweetheart,” he replies, his desperation evident. You find yourself looking back to the shore just in time to see the two guys diving into the water. You grip Eddie even tighter, nails digging into the denim of his vest. You’re trying to keep it together, but you have no idea what the guys are capable of, and the two of you are way too far from a shoreline for your liking.

Eddie paddles and paddles, but the guys get closer and closer. Suddenly the blonde one calls your name.

“We’re gonna get you away from that freak, don’t worry!” Your brow furrows. They must think Eddie is holding you against your will.

“Fuck off!” you attempt to shout back, but your voice barely escapes you. You immediately realize the blonde is no longer focused on you. His friend suddenly stops swimming and begins to look around.

“Patrick! Come on, we almost have them!” the blonde shouts, but it’s like the boy doesn’t even hear him. “Patrick!”

You then watch as suddenly Patrick is pulled beneath the water. Everything is silent for a moment – even Eddie stops rowing and turns to watch the scene unfold. And then as if he was shot from a cannon, Patrick flies out of the water and then stops several feet above the surface.

You don’t even realize you’re screaming until you feel yourself being yanked backward, Eddie’s arms wrapping around you and pulling you to his chest. You watch in horror as the boy’s limbs begin to crack one by one. Eddie’s hand slides up behind your head and turns you towards him, hiding your face in his neck. You can hear more snapping noises, and you realize you’re crying when the fabric of Eddie’s t-shirt begins to dampen under you. Finally, you hear a large splash.

And then everything is quiet.

Eddie’s arms fall away and you immediately miss the heat. You burrow yourself into his body, gripping his t-shirt and refusing to move. You can feel him start to paddle once again, but you don’t hear anything from the guys who were chasing you. You’re afraid to ask any questions – you simply focus on the sound of Eddie’s quick heartbeat and the rapid rise and fall of his chest beneath your cheek.

You have no idea how long the two of you travel across the water. But after a while the motion of the boat slows down, eventually coming to a stop as you hit land. Eddie’s arm curves around you again before he finally speaks up.

“Come on, sweetheart.”

You peel yourself off of him, eyes immediately catching the wet spot your tears left along the collar of his shirt. His hands find yours as he pulls you to stand before helping you out of the boat and back onto land. The solid ground beneath your feet calms your nerves slightly, but your heart is still pounding in your chest.

You turn back to look at the water, and suddenly the memory of Patrick comes flooding back. The sight of his body floating in the air, the violent snapping of his bones – you don’t think you’ll ever be able to get the sound out of your head.

You spin back to Eddie, your panic returning. His hands are still in yours, and you grip them even tighter. But you quickly realize, he’s doing no better than you. His chest is heaving, and you recognize the same fear in his eyes as when you first discovered him in the boathouse.

“He...he–” you whimper.

“I know–”

“His…his bones–”

“I know, sweetheart–”

“Is that what…?”

“Yeah.”

He immediately understands your unspoken question. What happened to Patrick is what he saw happen to Chrissy. 

“What…what do we do?” you desperately ask. Eddie doesn’t respond right away – you guess it’s because he doesn’t have any ideas.

“What we’re going to do first is breathe, okay?” he instructs. “Just in and out, slowly. In…and out.”

You close your eyes and try to breathe with him, timing your inhales and exhales with his. You continue to grip his hands as you take your breaths, in and out, in and out.

After a few minutes, you start to feel like yourself again. Your heart slows to a normal pace and the tension in your shoulders releases. Your grip on Eddie’s hands loosens and you finally open your eyes. You’re met with the sight of Eddie’s big brown eyes staring at you once again.

Eddie’s safe. You’re safe. You made it across the lake. He talked you through it and let you hang onto him the entire time. And then even after everything, despite all of his own fear, he helped you calm down.

You launch yourself at him, wrapping your arms around his body in a tight hug. You know he’s not expecting it, because he freezes, stiffening under your embrace. But after a few moments, his arms find their way around you and pull you in tight. You have no idea how long the two of you stay like that, just holding each other close.

Eventually you make the first move to pull away, wiping at a stray tear that managed to escape. An awkward silence settles over the two of you while you each recover from the long embrace. You decide to speak up first.

“I think we should…um…try to find somewhere to lay low,” you say, voice a little hoarse from your screaming earlier. Eddie nods in agreement.

“Yeah, yeah…let’s do that,” he replies, glancing around at your surroundings. “Okay, I think I know someplace, follow me.”

–

You never used to think the forests around Hawkins were that scary. But after witnessing what you had earlier and with the knowledge that a demon was killing people at random around Hawkins, you find yourself on edge as you wander through the trees. You trail Eddie closely, eyes locked to his back so you don’t lose him in the darkness. You’re almost on autopilot, your legs moving instinctively. You can feel the waves of fatigue coming on, but you’re afraid that if you stop moving for a second, you’ll either get separated from Eddie or collapse from exhaustion. Between the late night hour, the lack of food in your system, the long distance you’ve walked, and the emotional weariness from your panic attack earlier, you’re surprised you’re still functioning.

“It should be right up here,” Eddie calls back to you, and you sigh in relief, wanting nothing more than to just crumple to the ground and fall asleep. The trees break and you find yourself coming to a clearing, with a large boulder towering above you. “Welcome to our home for the time being, Skull Rock.”

Once the words leave his lips, you’re shocked you didn’t recognize it immediately. You used to come out here to play when you were a kid, and you had several smoking sessions out here with friends as a teen.

You plop onto the ground below the large rock, the muscles in your legs practically screaming at you.

“It’s perfect,” you state, sliding yourself to lean your back against the rockface. Eddie drops next to you with a sigh.

“We’ll hang out here for the night, and in the morning we’ll try to get a hold of someone,” Eddie suggests. “And then…I guess we’ll figure something out from there.” You nod in agreement, your eyes already drooping closed.

“Okay,” you mumble, losing the fight against your body’s need for sleep. You don’t know if Eddie says anything else, as sleep overtakes you.

The sudden shake of your body wakes you up.

Your eyes pop open and you realize at some point your head had fallen onto Eddie’s shoulder. You then realize the sudden movement was from Eddie, who’s stirring in his sleep.

You sit up abruptly and you watch as Eddie thrashes, mumbling unintelligible words. A fear takes over you instantly – what if this is the work of Vecna? Are you about to watch Eddie’s body float and snap like a twig above you?

You grab his shoulders, gently shaking him.

“Munson,” you call, your voice low at first. “Hey, wake up.” His body continues to thrash and flail, and you try to hold him still.

“No, not her,” Eddie mumbles. You take the fact that he can speak as a sign that he’s simply having a nightmare, instead of being controlled by an invisible monster.

“Munson!” you shout, shaking him harder. “Wake up!”

His eyes snap open and he gasps for breath, as if he was drowning. He grips your hands where they are planted on his shoulders and he heaves as he comes to.

“You’re okay, it was just a nightmare,” you say, attempting to comfort him. You let him focus on his breathing as you gently caress his shoulders with your thumbs. He nods, and after a few moments you release him.

“Where’s the radio?” he asks after a few seconds. You’re a little stunned by the rapid change in subject, but you grab it from your bag and wordlessly hand it to him.

“Dustin, can you hear me?” he grunts into the receiver. “Wheeler? Someone?” There’s a moment of static, and then a voice comes through.

“Eddie, holy shit, are you guys okay?”

You and Eddie’s eyes meet and share a sigh of relief at the teen’s voice.

“Uh, actually no, we’re not fucking okay,” he replies, a bite to his tone. “Shit’s really bad.”

“Where are you?”

“We’re hiding at Skull Rock. Do you know it?”

“Yeah that’s near…yeah, yeah, we know it. Hold tight, we’re coming!”

Eddie doesn’t respond, he simply rests his forehead on the radio and pinches his eyes closed. You can see his chest rising and falling rapidly – the facade he was able to keep with you yesterday is all but gone, and his panic is front and center.

You reach over and gently take the radio from his hand, placing it back into your bag for now. You then take his hand, almost tenderly, and hold it in yours. You meet his eyes and silently communicate to him what he was able to promise you yesterday. You’re here and you won’t let anything happen to him.

He seems to understand, as he offers a small smile and squeezes your hand in his.

The two of you sit in comfortable silence, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds. The feeling of his hand in yours is comforting, and you can only hope he feels the same.

At least twenty minutes goes by before Eddie speaks again.

“I just left her,” he says, his voice tight. “I left her there and I ran.”

You know immediately he’s talking about Chrissy. You can tell that the guilt is eating him alive.

“Munson,” you start. “What else could you have done? We don’t know how to kill this thing. I mean it’s fucking invisible. I know you feel guilty for what happened, but none of it was your fault. And who knows, you might have been his next victim if you hadn’t gotten the fuck out of there.”

He doesn’t respond, staring dejectedly at the ground.

“You’re just a person, Munson,” you continue. “No one is expecting you to be more than that. You’re not some…sorcerer or cleric who can just cast a spell to fix this. It’s okay to do what you need to in order to protect yourself. And if that means running away, then so be it.”

After a few moments of silence, you assume he’s not going to respond and decide to drop the subject. You glance over to find him eyeing you warily.

“How do you know what a cleric is?” he asks guardedly. You bite your lip to stop yourself from smiling. You were hoping that line would get his attention.

“I might have dabbled in some D&D in college,” you reveal with a shrug, playing it off as if it’s no big deal.

He lets go of your hand and you immediately miss the feeling, but he does so in order to move into a squat right in front of you.

“So you’re saying…that you have played D&D…and I’m only finding out right now?” he asks as if you’ve personally slighted him. You chuckle at his dramatics.

“To be fair, I’ve only played like two sessions,” you explain. “Our DM kept canceling.”

He scoffs before standing and kicking at a rock on the ground.

“Sounds like a shitty DM,” he mumbles.

“You’re saying you’re a better DM?”

“Sweetheart, I’m the best DM.”

Your stomach flutters at the nickname, now that you’re in less of a panicked state to appreciate it.

But before you can respond, you hear voices coming through the trees. You and Eddie exchange a look before grabbing your stuff and moving to climb on top of one of the boulders, giving you the high ground.

You quickly recognize the voices of Steve and Dustin arguing. You and Eddie sit on the rock and watch as the pair wander into the clearing, passing you by.

“...You can’t admit you’re wrong, you little butthead.”

“I concur,” Eddie states, announcing your presence to your new visitors. They sharply turn towards you, clearly startled by Eddie. “You, Dustin Henderson, are a total butthead.”

Eddie hops down first, before holding out a hand to help you jump off.

“We thought you guys were goners,” Dustin declares before pulling Eddie in for a hug.

“Yeah, so did we,” Eddie confirms, hugging the teenager back. You’re surprised as Dustin then pulls you in for a hug as well. Robin, Nancy, Max, and another boy then appear through the bushes. Your eyes light up at the sight of grocery bags, and as if on cue, your stomach immediately growls.

The group settles in while you and Eddie practically inhale the snacks they brought. They tell you about Eddie’s name being released to the public and you tell them what you witnessed on the lake. They update you on their findings about Victor Creel and how Vecna has some sort of connection to the Creel house. You all put together that Vecna’s attack on Patrick happened while they were in the Creel attic.

The teens begin to rant about how they wish their friend had their superpowers again when Eddie speaks up.

“What’s going on with Henderson over there? He’s not…cursed…is he?”

You glance over and see Dustin frantically pacing back and forth, mumbling to himself and holding his compass.

“Cursed? Nah,” Steve assures the two of you. “Mental? Definitely.”

“The compass!” Dustin suddenly exclaims, causing everyone’s attention to focus on him. He goes on to explain that his compass isn’t working properly due to some sort of magnetic field. You can barely keep up as the teens all fill in the blanks. You think Dustin is suggesting that you all follow his compass to find a way into the Upside Down, but you’re not sure.

“Wait, we can’t just go for a hike in the woods,” Steve argues. “Eddie’s still a wanted man.”

“What say you, Eddie the Banished?” Dustin asks, and the group turns to Eddie for his response. But Eddie looks to you.

Hiking through the woods doesn’t seem like the best plan, especially now that you know Eddie’s name has been released to the public. You’re also not exactly excited about the concept of walking for hours once again. But you know it has to be Eddie’s call – and you’ll stay with him no matter what he wants to do.

“Whatever you decide, I’m in,” you tell him. He nods before turning to Dustin.

“You’re asking me to follow you into Mordor,” Eddie begins. “Which, honestly, sounds like a terrible plan.” He looks at you once more, and then his eyes scan his surroundings. “But The Shire is burning…so Mordor it is.”

He stands before holding his hand out to you and pulling you to your feet. You clock Steve’s bewildered expression as the group begins to follow Dustin back through the clearing and down the path. You walk alongside Eddie, and for a brief moment, you itch to grab his hand again, your own hand flexing at your side.

“You are such a nerd,” you say to Eddie, voice low so only he can hear you.

“Did you get my reference?” he counters.

“Yeah.”

“Then so are you,” he says, a smug grin on his face. You playfully bump his shoulder with yours in response, and he bumps you right back, leaving you both in giggles as you walk.

You lose track of how long you and the group wander through the woods. The sun eventually begins to set, and you can’t help but feel a little bit of deja vu as the trees pass you by.

Dustin suddenly picks up the pace, power-walking through the trees while Eddie tries to catch up, calling after him.

And then the pair comes to a sudden stop.

You realize you’re back at Lover’s Lake.

You hold back the groan that threatens to escape your lips. You aren’t exactly thrilled to be back at the place where you witnessed a violent death and had a borderline panic attack.

“There’s a gate in Lover’s Lake?” Max asks.

“When the Demogorgon attacked, it always left an opening…”

“And Patrick was killed over the lake,” you finish, finally catching on to what was happening.

“Only one way to test the theory,” Steve says, and you cringe, quickly realizing what he means.

Eddie and you lead the group over to where you left the boat the night before. Steve helps Eddie move it back into the water, and Robin climbs in first. You stand and watch, arms wrapped tight around your middle. Eddie steps off and moves to you, leaning in so the others don’t hear him.

“You don’t have to, okay?” he says, already knowing that you were beginning to panic. “I’ll go out with them, find the gate and come right back.”

You’re conflicted. The idea of going out on the water again definitely freaks you out – but you also don’t like the idea of being separated from Eddie. Something tells you that it’s better to stick with him than to stay behind…and you know there’s no convincing him to stay with you.

“No,” you say, voice shaky. “I’m with you.”

“I appreciate that, Maj, I really do,” Eddie counters. “But I don’t want you working yourself up just because of me.”

“No, no, I’m fine,” you argue. “I’ll be fine. Just…can I…?” you don’t finish the question, almost embarrassed to ask. Instead you show him what you’re asking for by grabbing his hand. He understands immediately, nodding and squeezing your hand in his.

You both step into the boat, and you realize your panic isn’t as strong as the night before. You come to expect the uneasiness of the boat under your feet, and the warmth from Eddie’s hand grounds you.

Steve and Nancy take the last two spots, grabbing the compass from Dustin before Steve pushes off from the shore. You focus on the feeling of Eddie’s hand in yours as the distance between you and the teens left on the bank grows. You realize after a few moments that his thumb is gently caressing the skin of your hand, and you let out a shaky breath you didn’t even notice you were holding.

The five of you are silent as Robin and Steve row the boat farther and farther out to the middle of the lake, Nancy’s eyes glued to the compass.

“Wait, wait, slow down!” Nancy suddenly shouts, and you all turn to see the compass spinning wildly. You look across the lake and see the boathouse – you’re about right where you saw Patrick die.

“Guys, what’s going on?” Dustin’s voice crackles through the walkie in your bag. You pull it out and click the button.

“The compass is going nuts,” you answer, before you notice Steve moving in front of you. You realize he’s taking off his shoes.

“Steve, what are you doing?” Nancy asks, speaking for all of you.

“Someone’s gotta go down there to check this out,” he explains, as he pulls off his socks. “And as the former Hawkins High swim captain, makes sense that it’s me.”

“Knock yourself out, Harrington,” Eddie says, pulling one of the plastic shopping bags from earlier out of his vest pocket. He looks at you for a moment, and you quickly understand that he needs both hands to do whatever he’s planning. You nod, hesitant at first, but let go of his hand, moving to gently grip his vest instead, just to have something to anchor you. You watch as he wraps the flashlight Robin had been using in the bag before tying it and handing it to Steve. Steve ditches his sweatshirt and you almost miss Eddie’s eyeroll next to you.

“Steve, be careful,” Nancy says, and with a nod in response, Steve dives into the water.

Eddie grabs your hand again, and you shoot himl a grateful look. The four of you sit and wait, eyes tracing along the water’s surface for signs of Steve. Nancy’s eyes are locked on her watch, timing his descent.

After a minute, you all begin to get antsy. You can feel your panic start to kick in once more. Flashes of the events of last night pop into your head, and you shake your head to try and get rid of them. Your hand squeezes Eddie’s harder, the anxiety of Steve’s absence beginning to overwhelm you.

Then suddenly Steve splashes to the surface, making all four of you jump.

“I found it,” he says as he swims closer to the boat, grabbing onto the sides.

“You found a gate?” Nancy clarifies.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a smaller, snack-sized gate,” he confirms. “But a gate nonetheless.”

Robin grabs the radio from you.

“Dustin, you were right, we found a gate!”

No one responds.

“Dustin?”

Your eyes find the shoreline where you had last left the teens, and you see several flashlights – too many to just be the kids – shine through the trees. But before you can say anything, Steve is suddenly pulled underwater.

All four of you shout Steve’s name as you helplessly watch him sink beneath the surface. Nancy quickly jumps to her feet, rocking the boat and causing your stomach to clench.

“What are you doing?” Robin practically shouts.

“Just…wait here!” Nancy responds, before diving in after him.

“No, Nancy!”

“Shit, shit, shit!” Eddie curses next to you, his own panic rivaling yours. Your hands start to shake, the fear from last night returning in full force. Your heart is practically slamming out of your rib cage. This can’t be happening, this can’t be happening. 

Robin turns to the two of you, an unreadable look on her face, and without a word, she dives in next.

“Robin, no!” you call out. You turn to look at Eddie and you’re met with a sorry look.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” you bark at him, sensing what he’s thinking about doing.

“Listen, I know it’s really fucking stupid –”

“Yes, it is!”

“But –”

“Munson, I swear to god if you leave me in this boat –”

“I’m sorry, I just have to –”

The next few seconds feel like they happen in slow motion. Eddie lets go of your hand, stands, and shoots you one last look of apology before diving into the dark water.

And just like that, you’re alone.

Your eyes find the shoreline once again. The three teens have vanished, and you see more and more flashlights appearing, as well as the faint red and blue lights of a police car.

You have no idea what to do.

So you lay down in the boat, and you wait.

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie x reader #eddie munson fic #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x you #joemazzmatazz

[sugarsfics]

“This is my favorite place in the whole world”

Summary: Steve just came in a told you to get ready. But did not tell you where.  

Trope: Steve x Girlfriend!reader 

Warning: None 

Word count: 700 

30 Day Challenge: Day 9  Send requests<3

You were having a dance party, with just you invited, when your window opened. Your not so stealthy boyfriend came tumbling in, he quickly fixed himself and the books he knocks over “Morning baby get ready we are leaving in 10 minutes” what the fuck “Where are we going” he just smirked and climbed out the window. What are you supposed to wear, it is summer he could be taking you anywhere, the pool, the mall, an ice shop, ANYWHERE. Who knew this would put so much stress on you? You decided on a blue spaghetti strap, a black pair of shorts, with your bathing suit under. You pack your bag of things you might need, such as sunscreen, sunglasses stuff like that. You said bye to your parents then walked to Steve’s car. Your parents liked Steve, he was such a gentleman, and after stealing your heart, he stole theirs. He was always at your house, either spending time with you or watching the game with your dad or learning how to cook with your mom. He always had a home at yours. He loved coming over; it was a huge change from his home life. You were an only child. Your house was a small two-bedroom, not poor but not rich in the middle, living a comfortable life.  

He was waiting on the hood, he smiled when he saw you walk out “You know you don’t have to sneak in through my window my parents like you and know that we are dating” “Yea but what’s that fun it that” he smirks “I bet if you asked, they would give you a house key” he laughed with you. He got over the hood then brought you into a hug “I missed you” “You just saw me yesterday” “Yea but we were with friends, and they took up all your time” “Well you have me now Steve soooo where are we going” "That is a surprise" he said bopping your nose. He opens the passenger door, and you get in. Once he got in, he started the car he grabbed your hand and kissed it then you were on your way to the mystery destination.

You tried guessing where you were going, “Pool?” “Nope” “Mall” “Nope “A party” “No again” you looked out the window the sign leaving Hawkins passed by. Where are we going? The drive out of Hawkins was not too long, maybe 20 minutes. He pulled off the side of the road and got the car, you followed. He opened his trunk and there was picnic basket and blankets “Come on” he said after getting the stuff and your hand. You followed him on a 10-minute walk, your eyes widened seeing a sea of assorted colors, beautiful wildflowers “Steve this is so pretty” he smiled and laid down the blanket, he took off his shoes, you followed in suit. He brought sandwiches, water, soda, fruit, and other snacks out of the basket. “I wasn’t sure what you wanted so I just got a bunch of stuff” “It’s perfect” you told him squeezing his hand “This is my favorite place in the whole world” he said while laying down “How did you find this place” you asked “One day my parents where having a fight about something and I just needed time away from them” you nodded then let him continue “So I got in my car and just drove and drove until I would this opened field I parked then just screamed it felt so good so yea this is my place of peace” you hugged him “Thank you for feeling comfortable enough to share that with me” The rest of the day went beautifully, the sun was beating, Steve took off his shirt, so you leathered him up. The highlight of your day. Rubbing his back as you talked about your week.  

 “So do you bring all the girls over her to swoon them” you joked “Only the ones I want to spend the rest of my life with” he said squinting his eyes up at you. You looked into his eyes and saw your whole life in him, getting married, buying a house, having a kid, growing old. He was picturing something different, him proposing in this very spot. 

Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list

#steve x you #steve stranger things #stranger things #steve harrington #steve fluff #steve x reader #steve x y/n #steve harrington one shot #steve harrington fanfic #steve harrington fandom #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x you #steve harrington x fem #sugarsfics