#like i'm sorry mike but you're toast

[chirpsythismorning]

This is a continuation in exploring why I think Mike's character regression over the seasons can be explained in part by guilt, which he has yet to confront

Original post

Now we're onto s2, which jumps us ahead in the timeline a bit.

Mike has been calling out to El on the walkie for approx. 252 days now, under what he views as the false hope she might actually be alive. This is mostly based on the fact that Mike thought he saw El outside of his house a few hours after she 'died' (he did see her, bc she was there...) and so a part of him does think there's a chance. And yet this is also isn't something Mike seems to be comfortable talking about the others with.

Which brings us to the crazy together scene. Although this scene has a lot going on, there's one aspect of it in particular that I want to focus on, as it's the driving force for what is going to be discussed, which is that Halloween night was also the last night Mike called El, aka day 353.

I just want to preface what follows, with the fact that I do not personally think Mike giving up calling El, as a concept on its own, means that he couldn't possibly love El romantically or something. It's not even about that idea from an audience perspective. And this is because any average person, in reality, mourning someones' death, should not be calling out to that person for almost a year. Letting go doesn't make you a bad person, whether it was romantic, platonic or even familial. It's called healing and accepting what is and trying to move on and live your life.

Neither does Mike giving up after that night make him heartless or a bad character in my opinion. It literally just makes him human. But that also doesn't mean that's how Mike feels about it, nor does it mean that the manifestation of this guilt isn't going to affect his behavior over the course of the series, causing some very unfortunate choices on Mike's part to then lead to some very unfortunate events for everyone...

Where it starts to get sort of complex is that I think the whole point of the crazy together scene and where it ended up was to for it to showcase how Mike and Will were both willing to accept each other, despite these secrets they've been keeping to themselves.

Will revealed the truth to Mike about how he could still see into the UD, with the addition of seeing this big 'shadow in the sky', followed by asking Mike to not tell the others because they wouldn't understand. Mike then responds by saying El would understand, followed by confiding his own secret to Will that he's been keeping from the others, which is that he thinks he's seen signs that El could still be alive.

The scene then ends with them in agreement that if they're both going crazy, they'll go crazy together, with it arguably being their most incriminatingly romantic moment to date, as it juxtaposes other uncannily similar romantic mentions on the show involving that same word.

But no matter what happens, they're promising to support each other, specifically the weird shit they have going on and could presumably continue to explore that weirdness, without telling anyone else who might judge them for it or misunderstand their feelings entirely...

This is why Mike had no problem with Will going crazy in s2 because as promised, he was going to be right there with him. Also meaning, Mike COULD have had no problem continuing to test out his theory that El was alive, because Will would have supported him.

Obviously, Will sort of had his hands tied in s2 (literally?), but the point still stands. It's not like this was something Mike HAD to give up, because that conversation between him and Will instilled that they would support each other and what makes them feel crazy.

I think the issue though, is that what's causing Mike so much grief daily for almost a year now, is the guilt that came with El's death and him feeling responsible. And so, in contrast to Will's slightly more justified assumptions that what he's seeing could actually be real based on what's happened to him, it's like Mike is asking himself whether he's actually seeing El because she's still alive OR is he just imagining she's still alive because he wants to forgive himself?

A kid deducing that in their head would make them feel pretty awful, don't you think? Maybe even lead them to calling out to that person for almost a year in hopes that they might still be alive?

Meaning Mike choosing that night to walk away, to give up, is likely a result of his conversation with Will making him feel more comfortable with finally letting go of some of that guilt in order to actually start the process of moving on. Because a big part of why he didn't want to move on was because of guilt in the first place.

Also confiding in Will and only Will, not the others, who were hell bent on interpreting all of Mike's feelings for El as romantic, was maybe Mike's way of avoiding the pressure to associate his whole relationship with El as strictly romantic. With Will, maybe Mike knew he wasn't going to spin it into something like that. And he would’ve been right, because Will didn't.

October 30th, Halloween Night (Day 353 - Last call)

You cannot tell me that day 353 isn't framed as the last call. Like Mike is literally walking away dramatically, leaving El alone, with her now just a tiny dot surrounded by darkness. The way it's framed leaves the viewer genuinely feeling heartbroken because there's some very evident finality to what is being presented. And we even see that El feels it too, hence the episode cutting off dramatically with her tear filled eyes.

And so why did Mike choose THIS moment to give up? Why did he choose now to put his 353 day streak to rest? Like, that was impressive as hell. He could have easily kept that going, but instead he decided that this was going to be the last time he was going to try calling out to her...

November 1st (Day 354)

El is still pretty bummed that Hopper came home late last night, but I'm guessing she's even more bummed still processing what might have very well been Mike finally giving up that night too.

Although I don't think El would blame Mike for giving up, still, she too throughout all of this had been building up hope herself. El's been clinging onto the bond she made with Mike, specifically the romantic moments, to the point where she has been watching shows with romantic themes, putting herself in the position of the love interest.

So him not giving up, to El, has been a signal that what they are feeling between each other is very deep and... romantic. Him keeping this going this long is a sign to her that these feelings are pretty much guaranteed. And if he doesn't continue, that hope would obviously dwindle.

At breakfast that morning, Hopper acknowledges the TV cord peaking out of El's room, which is the device she uses to visit Mike from the void, all the way from the cabin. Without it, she is not able to 'communicate' with him, let alone see if he actually didn't give up after that night she feared he did...

Unfortunately her and Hopper have an argument after this, leading to her storming off to her room. And after Hopper is gone, El finds herself being so impatient to see Mike after almost a year of waiting, that she decides to take fate into her own hands. She isn't willing to wait until the evening, which is roughly speaking the usual time Mike uses the walkie to call her every night. She needs to see him now.

And lucky(?) for her, she does!

Finally! A SIGN! After almost a year of no signs that El is alive, since the night she went missing, Mike is getting a sign El is alive!

And he runs after it! He goes to check to confirm his (valid) suspicions, only for her to not be there, with Mike looking disappointed, but also kind of like he's accepted it's a lost cause at this point.

Mike's hope that El is alive and okay and the relief that would come with finally letting go of this massive weight of guilt, is not within reach. He just needs to accept it and let it go. He needs to forgive himself and move on.

On top of all of this, Will is experiencing his own version of crazy. And Mike seems more concerned with focusing on this and supporting Will, than holding onto this hope that El is alive.

So even though Mike just got a sign that El is alive (which parallels to the initial evidence of her being alive outside his house, what literally initiated him to call out to her for almost a year), he doesn't revert back to his approach of not giving up. He sticks by his decision.

The irony of what happens with El the same night that Mike doesn't call, for the first time, is not lost on me...

Tragically, El doesn't know Mike actually gave up (just like she feared he did) because she lost her ability to communicate with him that night.

I wonder how differently things would have played out if she new the truth. Would she have held onto this really romanticized idea of her and Mike's relationship because he never gave up? Or would she have maybe reassured Mike that it was okay that he gave up and moved past it and still hoped and tried to make it work? Honestly, I think the later.

Because again, it's not Mike giving up that makes him a bad person or something that refutes his ability to love her romantically, it just means that it's not true that he never gave up.

And Mike being the only person to know this fact... Um... Cannot be good for him.

October 2nd (Day 355)

As El is trying to revive a modicum of hope that she can see Mike again through the void, to confirm her hopes that he didn't give up, by using the TV like she usually does, she discovers that the cord is broken. It's a lost cause.

On the other side of town, Mike is entirely focused on Will. The previous night, he did not reach out to El. He gave up. And El is none the wiser.

The writers made the choice to have one more night that Mike could have called El because he was at home that night on day 354, a day that actually involved an incident that you'd think would have reignited his hope that she was alive, before he inevitably jumped head first into focusing on Will, with him not being home for the rest of the season. They could have shown us Mike calling out to El from the other side of town, and then cut to her in her room not knowing... And yet, they didn't...

This is where I jump to the end, because the focus primarily when it comes to El and Mike's arcs for the rest of the season are with El trying to find her mom and discover more about herself, while Mike is trying to be there for Will in any way he can.

The sad part is that despite Mike giving up and trying to move on from El's death, that guilt is never really going to go away. He gave El expectations that she had to risk her life to find Will, and all of that built up and inadvertently led to her death.

But maybe Mike can right the wrongs he had El endure by following through on his focus of not letting Will die too? Maybe if Mike can save Will, El wouldn't have died for nothing?

But with this guilt and Mike trying to overcorrect it all, he's also experiencing very real and emotional moments with Will. Will is his best friend, and just a year ago Mike risked everything to get him back. A lot of those moments he experienced with El in s1, moments mixed with romantic expectations, are now also lingering here with him and his friend in s2. Except these aren't forced expectations. Everything Mike’s feeling and doing the entire time comes naturally to him, with none of it requiring pushing or advice from those around him. It's just pure instinct.

In the end, Mike's beside Joyce and Jonathan, who are sharing memories they have with Will to him in hopes it will prove to them he's still in there and able to be saved.

This emotional sequence builds up to Mike using his own memory of Will to try to reach him, one that comes off as platonic in every sense of the word, but visually, and when looked at in the grand scheme of things, especially with what is about to follow and those romantic expectations with El soon being thrust back on him... Well... Shit is about to get real messy.

Upon reuniting with El, Mike was quick to want to tell her that he never gave up, only for her to interrupt him with the exact number of days he called (before he gave up).

This is news to Mike for an abundance of reasons. It means he's not crazy and that El actually was alive those two times he saw her. All this (survivors) guilt that's been building up over the last year could have been avoided if he'd known that she didn't die, that she was okay.

It also means that for some reason, El heard him, and yet she doesn't know that he gave up...

And here Hopper is, revealing that he's been hiding her the whole time aka the perfect person for Mike to take all of this pent-up emotion out on.

Hopper then tells Mike that they will discuss this privately, which I find to be very interesting because it offers a chance for the viewer to see just a glimpse into Mike's emotional state at this moment, without everyone around to affect his ability to truly open up about how he's feeling. And not alone just anywhere in the house, but in Will's room...

Mike is understandably upset because El is alive and Hopper knew this whole time and didn't tell him.

While Hopper didn't technically lie to Mike, at least not in canon because we never got an outright scene on-screen of Mike asking Hopper if El was alive with him denying it (all while knowing she was), it's at the very least a lie of omission...

But the thing is, if Hopper not clueing Mike in on El being alive qualifies as a lie of omission (off-screen), so does Mike not telling El he gave up (on-screen).

If anything Mike's lie of omission also qualifies as a plain old lie, because he outright told El he didn't give up (lied) and didn't correct her when she informed him she knew he didn't. She fully believed it, despite him knowing deep down that it wasn't the full truth.

So while Mike is taking all of his anger out on Hopper as this fighting match comes to a head, it takes a turn.

Hopper is fine with Mike blaming him, he says it's 'okay'. But it's not. Nothing about this is okay to Mike, seeing as this isn't even the whole problem. It's not the problem Mike's actually hiding within his outburst in the first place.

Suddenly Mike starts screaming to Hopper that he's a 'disgusting, lying, piece of shit', chanting LIAR over and over and over again, shoving him repeatedly, only for him to fall into Hopper's arms and start crying, with Hopper reassuring him that he's okay.

Something tells me Mike's emotions here aren't all about Hopper...

Something tells me that Mike's fixation with the word liar doesn't apply to Hopper here as much as it applies to Mike himself (in his eyes)...

The main reason why I think this is what's actually going on here, is because there was no reason to put so much emphasize on this concept of Mike literally walking away that last time he called her.

Why go through the trouble of creating this misunderstanding, by having the TV not work, with El not being able to go into the void to see Mike, THE very night he gave up, if to not plant the seed that this misunderstanding was going to bear some significance? That this misunderstanding (lie? lie of omission?) was going to lead to El assuming Mike didn't give up, all while Mike knows he gave up, but going along with the story that he didn't, for both El's sake and his own?

BECAUSE it's a surprise tool that will help us later!

I also think it's interesting that they decided to have Will go off and dance with a girl at the snowball BEFORE Mike decided to devote himself to El here on out. Like... that is quite the choice after a season of highlighting this bond between Will and Mike where they promise to go crazy together, which is a moment we know Will took romantically.... So, is it possible Mike also took it romantically? We know Will also took Mike's speech to him in the shed romantically, so is it possible Mike did too, with that experience only heightening his emotions and confusion over his feelings for El when he found out she was alive shortly after, leading to his outburst? But then Will is going and dancing with the girl, and here we have Mike's own version of falling behind (the Time After Time lyrics were more literal than you think).

What if they didn't do all of that? Would things have maybe panned out slightly differently if Mike wasn't under the (incorrect) assumption that Will didn't take those moments romantically?

While Mike's guilt might have started in s1, when he played the biggest role in pushing expectations onto El to help them find Will, only for her to 'die', it doesn't end there. Mike's guilt only builds when he holds the knowledge that he did give up hoping she could be alive, all while allowing El to believe the opposite based on what she saw, which was a guiding force for not only her love and dedication to him flourishing, but also for him to then shift his own version of expectations onto himself going forward to make it up to El by trying to be who she wants him to be.

We see how romanticized 353 days is interpreted exclusively as meaning Mike has to be in love with El. But he did give up. So what does that mean for all of this? For their picture perfect love story?

What does it mean for Mike to hold onto this truth, a truth that makes him feel immense guilt, only for him to spend the next year or so making it up to her...?

It means either Mike has to come clean, or he has to deflect and double down.

What option do you think a guilt-ridden, repressed homosexual kid in the 80's is going to choose?

Answer? Deflect and double down.

In s3, Mike is so focused on worrying about El (giving her what he thinks she wants) so he can right all the building up of wrongs he has done at her expense since he met her, and as a result loses Will in the process (where have we heard this before...?)

Instead of Mike having a moment in s3 where he acknowledges that he himself was the first to ever refer to El as a weapon in the first place, to try to save Will in s1, he's now turning around and blaming the others for using El as a weapon 'for no reason'...

No reason? Really Mike? Is it for no reason, or is it just not a good enough reason to you this time?

Or maybe has Mike just actually spent enough time with El now to truly feel a bond with her in order to see her as a full person, slightly outside of this imaginary superhero he's cooked her up to be when he met her that day in the woods, the day his life started because she was his first and only hope of finding Will? (I say slightly bc... I mean we all saw what happened in s4?)

I honestly think it's a mix of both...

I also think it's not a coincidence that Mike doubling down instead of facing the truth about this manifestation of guilt only makes things worse for him. And El. And Will.

Because suddenly he's choosing this moment to blurt out that he loves and can't lose her again, in front of everyone, even to his own dismay and shock. And when El walks in and gives him a chance to say it to her himself, like any person whose in love with someone would want to do, to make them feel loved, he looks terrified.

And when the season ends and Mike is given another chance to say it finally, to El directly, in roughly the exact same spot he had his emotional outburst in the previous season over finding out she was alive at the same time he was still grappling with losing Will again, IN WILL'S ROOM, he freezes. He just lets what happens, happen.

Because after everything, with El right now in front of him, telling him she loves him while being fully convinced he loves her too after everything they've went through, how could he possibly take it back, or try to make her understand his complicated feelings about all of this?

Answer? He can't.

As hard as it is to believe (not that hard honestly based on his track record), Mike's deflection and stalling era is just beginning...

#byler #stranger things #mike wheeler #st analysis #it's just a tragic bizarre love triangle ok it's doing it's job #anyways #mike is a repressed coward #but also a guilt ridden child #both can be true at once #doesn't make him a bad person #just makes him a human with poor choices #and when you make some of the choices he's made and refuse to confront them for what they are #and choose to keep doubling down and stalling instead of facing that truth #the truth will eventually come to bite you in the ass #especially when there is a bad guy that feeds off guilt.. #like i'm sorry mike but you're toast #he can try to deny it all he wants (granted he doesn't have much time at this rate...) #he can try to be the perfect boyfriend he thinks el deserves #he can try to convince himself that writing to el is his way of being devoted to her in the way that a boyfriend is supposed to be #and simultaneously not write to will bc that's romantic and that's a gesture reserved for el ('ThAtS bEcAuSe ShE's My GiRlFrIeNd WiLl!') #and compensate in his own mind by calling will a bunch #hoping his friend will answer so that he can convince himself they're still platonic and do this all the way he's supposed to #but dude... #why didn't you tell will you called?... #why didn't you tell el you stopped calling?... #i think i have an idea...

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 350.brb x oc

a/n: eeeee (comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

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-

Beatrice is nibbling on a piece of toast as she sits besides Rooster, watching her husband learning truco - quickly too -  was so relaxing. None else was there yet, Nicole was playing with Bianca and Ewoyn while the twins were on a playmat her mother bought for them in case they came over.

The brunette propped her chin on Rooster’s shoulder, smiling at the waft of his cologne, as she watched, “You are doing good,babe.” she says, “Michael looks…disgruntled.”

Rooster grinned, his eyes focused on the cards in his hand. "Thanks, gorgeous. Michael's a tough opponent, but I'm picking up the strategies."

“At least you agree.” Michael grumbled, “See Leo? Brad think I’m a tough opponent.”

“Well,Brad hasn’t shared a room with you,so he doesn’t know.”

Beatrice chuckled, reaching for a glass of homemade limoncello that her mom had just brought over. She took a sip and savored the citrusy sweetness. "You'll fit right in with this competitive bunch. Truco gets serious around here."

Rooster raised an eyebrow, his attention momentarily shifting from the cards. "I can see that. Michael is giving me the 'I'm plotting something' look."

Beatrice laughed, taking another sip of her limoncello. "Oh, that's just his terrible poker face. Don't let it intimidate you.”

"I'll be on the lookout for any sneaky moves, then."

Claudia, returned, placing a plate of freshly baked biscotti on the table. "Biscotti, anyone? Get it before Guillermo arrives, you know how your older brother is."

“A sweet tooth with a bitch face yeah-FUCK!” Michael grumbled in annoyance, slamming his forehead down on the table, “Fuck how did Brad get so good,so fast?!”

Rooster chuckled, looking genuinely amused. "Beginner's luck, maybe?"

Michael groaned, rubbing his temples. "If this is luck, it's seriously unfair. Leo, help me out here."

Leonardo smirked, glancing at the cards in his hand. "Sorry, Michael, but you're on your own. I can't help you win against the newcomer."

Beatrice grinned, kissing Rooster’s cheek "Looks like Roos has found his hidden talent. Maybe he was a Truco champion in a past life."

"Next round is mine," Michael declared, shuffling the cards with determination.

“You are too competitive,Mike.”

“Shut up.”

“What’s happening?” Guillermo’s deep voice broke the banter and his immense form covered most of the doorframe as he watched all of them at the table. His green eyes dropped to his siblings then to Brad, “Brad’s winning?”

"Hey, Guillermo. Yeah, you won't believe it, but Roos is giving Michael a run for his money in Truco." she says, proudly, hugging Rooster’s arm.

Guillermo's bushy eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Really? B?"

"Surprised me too," Michael grumbled, looking at his cards with a determined scowl. "Beginner's luck or something."

Rooster grinned, playing along with the banter. "Just adapting.

Claudia joined them at the table, offering a plate of biscotti to Guillermo. "You're just in time. Join the game and give Michael some competition."

“Who else is missing?”

“Our other sisters,” Michael grumbled, “God damn it. Gui,help!

Guillermo hummed, taking a biscotti. "I'm afraid I've retired from the Truco battlefield. My skills are rusty."

Beatrice rolled her eyes. "Rusty, my foot. You're just scared Michael will cry if he loses."

Michael shot her a mock offended look. "I never cry." they all looked at him, “I never cry.”

Beatrice raised an eyebrow, "Really? Because I distinctly remember the time you lost a bet and had to watch 'The Notebook' with us."

Michael's face turned a shade of pink, and he grumbled under his breath. "That was a one-time thing."

Beatrice laughed, leaning into Rooster. "Maybe we should have a movie night soon. Watch something that will make Michael cry again."

Michael shook his head, waving off the suggestion. "Not happening. I've built up an immunity to tear-inducing movies."

“You didn’t honey,” Hannah says, “You cried watching tik tok a few days ago. And you cried while playing something with yoru friends.” and Michael felt the utter betrayal coming from all sides…so much he just huffed and kept his eyes on his cards

But as the Truco game reached its final rounds, the competition intensified. Rooster, still adapting to the game, managed to hold his ground against Michael's ‘experienced’ plays. In the midst of the game, Sabrina's laughter echoed from the doorway as she entered the scene. "What's all this noise about?" she asked, glancing around the table.

"Roos is schooling Michael in Truco," Beatrice announced with a proud grin.

Sabrina raised an eyebrow, her eyes flickering between Rooster and Michael. "Really now? Brad, a card shark in the making?"

Rooster chuckled, nodding. "Beginner's luck."

Beatrice lookd back to cyheck on the twins, who were now carried by her dad who just walked around the backyard, pointing at the orange tree growing close to the fence, bouncing the babies now and again.

Suddenly,Nicole zipped closer to Bea, ‘Mama, look!” she was cupping something in her tiny hands, “S’a fwend!”

Beatrice leaned down to Nicole's level, her eyes widening as she saw a small ladybug nestled in Nicole's palms. "Oh, it's a little friend. How did you find it?"

Nicole beamed, "It has spots!"

Beatrice smiled, "That's so sweet, Nicole. Ladybugs are good luck. Let it crawl on your hand gently." She watched as Nicole carefully extended her hand, and the ladybug crawled onto her tiny fingers. She gasped, then giggled, “There you go, are you having fun with cousin Bibi and cousin Eowyn?” 

And Nicole nods, “Yesh.” she giggles more, “Mama,keep it?”

“Keep the ladybug?” she nods, ‘Oh,honey, no,no we can’t. She has to go back to her own mama,okay?”

Nicole pouted slightly, her eyes widening with a hint of disappointment then she looked down at the little bug. "But... I like fwends."

Beatrice chuckled, her heart warmed by Nicole's innocence. "I know, sweetheart. We can enjoy our time with the ladybug, but then we have to let her go back to her family. It's important to share our friends with others too."

Nicole considered this for a moment, her brows furrowed in thought. After a brief pause, she nodded in agreement. "Okay, Mama. We share fwends."

"Exactly," Beatrice said, giving Nicole a gentle hug. "Now, let's go show your little friend to nonno and the others."

Nicole walked over to where Rafael was now seated next to Michael,still holding the twins to his chest. Nicole excitedly displayed the ladybug to her grandfather. "Nonno, look! Fwend!"

Rafael's eyes lit up as he examined the tiny creature. "Ah, a ladybug! You know, in our culture, ladybugs are considered a symbol of good luck. It's said that they bring happiness and prosperity."

Nicole blinked at him, “...huh?”

“Papa,please,” Beatrice laughs, “She’s only one year old, she only got half of that.”

Rafael chuckled, "My apologies, little one. Ladybugs are like tiny messengers of good things. They bring smiles and good wishes wherever they go."

“Whu’s that?”

“What?A wish?” she nods and Rafael blinks, still holding the twins and furrowing his brows, “Uhhh…well….a wish is something you want really bad.” Beatrice noticed that while her father was speaking, Nicole just watched him intently, unblinking, “And stuff has that power.”

“...mkay! Papa!” Nicole quickly turns on her heel and shows the tiny bug to Rooster, who immediately stops to smile at her, “Wish!” 

Rooster grinned at Nicole's excitement, gently picking her up from under her armpits, “Oh you got a ladybug,huh? That’s nice.”

Nicole's eyes sparkled with innocence as she gazed at the ladybug. "Wish fwends forever!"

The simplicity and sincerity of Nicole's wish brought smiles to everyone around. Beatrice exchanged a glance with Rooster, their hearts warmed by the genuine joy of their little one. 

"Well, I think that's a beautiful wish," Rooster said, his voice filled with warmth. "Wishing for friends forever is something special."

Nicole beamed at Rooster's approval, and she continued to showcase her newfound friend to everyone that looked over at her. Beatrice smiles more, her hand rubbing her heart as she inhales shakily.

Sometimes she can’t believe this is her life.

She got not only the man of her dreams - said man winked at her before he got back to the game - she got amazing kids and a family that loves her husband just as much as she did…and he deserved it. She couldn’t help but feel her eyes stinging, because like her aunt said ‘they were meant to be’ 

If there’s any universe where the two aren’t together, she hopes her other version runs over and finds him there…because there’s no way life would be the same without him. She clears her throat, checking the time and seeing she had to make sure the twins’ got fed, “Roos.” her husband looks over, “I’m going to feed Gavin and Aurora,okay? I’ll be in my old room.”

Rooster nodded, his eyes following Beatrice as she made her way inside, only looking back when she disappeared from view. Beatrice entered the familiar halls of her childhood home, the echoes of her footsteps seemed to harmonize with the music being played outside As she approached the door of her old room, she couldn't help but smile at the flood of emotions.

Pushing the door open the soft glow from the bedside lamp illuminated the room, it made her smile. Her mother was slowly making it more neutral, it was a slow process but it was happening.

Settling into her old bed, Beatrice cradled Gavin in her arms, his tiny hands reaching out as he fidgeted in anticipation of the meal. Aurora, on her opposite arm just babbled quietly. Just as she was about to feed both, she saw her mother’s head pop in, “Oh, hi mom.” she says, gently pulling her shirt up “I’m going to feed them–you alright?” her mother’s eyes were shining with tears, but she was smiling.

Claudia walked into the room, her eyes gleaming "Oh, Beatrice, it's just so heartwarming to see you here, with your beautiful family."

Beatrice smiled, a softness in her eyes. "Thank you mama…”

Claudia approached, sitting on the edge of the bed. She gently brushed a strand of hair from Beatrice's face. "You're a wonderful mother, tesoro. I couldn't be prouder."

Beatrice's heart swelled with warmth at her mother's words. She had come a long way from the young girl who once inhabited this room, and now, she was a mother herself. Gavin latched onto her breast, nursing peacefully, while Aurora, in her own baby babble, seemed to share in the moment. “...I—”

“You are amazing, oh tesoro, I…” Claudia inhales, “When you told me about Bradley I have to admit, i was worried, I was worried…but the way he looks at you oh-” she shakes her head, “He doesn’t look away a second…and that fills me with joy and happiness and…and now you have three wonderful kids.”

"Mom, I couldn't have asked for a better partner," Beatrice admitted, her voice soft. "Brad…Brad is so…h-he has been my rock, especially through all the ups and downs. “ 

I didn’t think he’d stay, she wanted to say.

Claudia beamed, her eyes still glistening with emotion. "He's a good man, and he loves you so much. It's evident in every glance, every touch. I'm glad you found each other." she cups her daughter’s cheek, “...your life will be filled with love and joy, tesoro. It will.”

“...thank you,Mama.” she says softly, sniffling, “I…thank you…I…I know it will. It’ll be amazing.”

As Gavin finished nursing, Beatrice carefully shifted him to her shoulder, patting his back gently to soothe him. Claudia watched with a soft smile, her hand still resting on Beatrice's cheek. "You've become such a natural at this, sweetheart. It's like you were born to be a mother."

Beatrice chuckled, a hint of exhaustion in her voice. "I think Nicole,Gavin and Aurora did a good job training me. It's a learning experience every day."

Claudia laughed warmly, the sound like a comforting melody. "That's the beauty of it, tesoro. Motherhood is a journey of continuous learning, and you're navigating it beautifully."

Beatrice's gaze shifted to Aurora, who was now peacefully nestled against her other arm, her little fingers curled around Beatrice's shirt. "I always wanted a family like this," Beatrice admitted, her voice soft with nostalgia. "I wanted to recreate the warmth and love we had in this house."

Claudia nodded, her eyes reflecting the shared memories. "You've not only recreated it, but you've also expanded it. Our home is filled with new laughter, new stories. Bradley and the kids have woven themselves seamlessly into our family tapestry."

A thoughtful expression crossed Beatrice's face. "Roos has become an integral part of our lives, hasn't he? It's strange to think about the time when he was this new face in our world."

And how scared she was then.

Claudia's eyes twinkled with affection. "It's not strange at all, tesoro. Sometimes, the most unexpected connections become the most precious ones….Your father and I feel so blessed to have all of you here," Claudia expressed, her voice a gentle whisper. "Our home is filled with love, warmth, and the pitter-patter of little feet. I couldn't ask for more."

Beatrice sighed contentedly, gazing at her sleeping children. "Mama…you are going to make me cry.”

Claudia reached over, her hand gently resting on Beatrice's cheek,swiping a tear that dared to go down. "Crying is not a bad thing, tesoro. It's the overflow of a heart that's bursting with love and gratitude."

"We're truly grateful for everything you and Papa have done for us," Beatrice confessed, sniffling . "And–and,” she closes her eyes to regain her composure, “And everything is going so good now, with the kids and my job and Brad’s promotion–”

“...what?”

“What?”

Claudia’s eyes widened, “...Brad is getting promoted?”

“...I…I didn’t tell you?” oh no. Her mother’s face started to change and before she could stop her very fast Italian mother, she heard it, loud and piercing, with some teary tones downstairs.

“BRADLEY YOU ARE GETTING PROMOTED?!”

Funny,she was pretty sure she told her mother that.

#im happy yall are still here #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x oc #top gun maverick #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw x female reader #bradley bradshaw x named reader #tgm oc #tgm fic #tgm fanfiction

[thoughtsby]

You Belie

The respect you chase

When You Be Lie

U-Me vs

with a quickness lose face

Mocking our Us

No surprise no more grace

We both had a pass

And for you i lit up the town

While you lied on the daily

About fuckin these clowns

Goddamn. That's her dad

There go Marcus' face

beLie five more times

All the trust

zero trace

Her choices all seem

Not stacked with tens, but fives

She doesn't quite feel

That we're both still alive

Fuckin stall?

Zero game

Minor league

Zero shame

In and out like a boy

7 minutes he came

Whatchou gonna do with the next 53?

Good question

Like clockwork, she starts looking for me

Bout to call me daddy

But i get a b p

Not the oil, not the dad

Poems talking bout me

But just as I feared

She's shifts all of the blame

into three higher gears

Buying time I suppose

Till her fiction appears

Dodging again

The ironic-est twist

Of detail left out

Adding bitch to my list

For each one of my calls

The others have six

They're omissions not lies

She doesn't think much

Again she dons the guise, disrespecting

The man that I am

She won't even try

Tho my back is up straight

And my head is held high

Realizing too late

That she drowned me with lies

So many days

i put your needs before mine

Your complacency framing

My low self esteem

Once secure in its place

I forgot I was dope

Till all of your friends

Reached out to help cope

And as good as that feels,

You'll need to arm yourself

Rip off your pants,

imma fuck your sister,

your mom

And even your aunts.

So get your ducks in a row,

And name the lead Plot

Jump them over the holes

Omissions and Nots

The thing I need most

Is to back me up G

Forget about He

Cuz it's all about me,

No way you don't see

The lie to yourself

Pussy on notice

And false perceived wealth,

That i never meant much

A year or three late

it was really just you

Spreading lies and the hate

Set flame to our pattern

Did I rank below Lou?

Or noch, Mike, and Josh?

It was more than a few

Fake stay in your lane

Inflict maximum pain

Scurry home to the desert

Prognosis the same

So fuckin lame

Wasting time

playing games

You throw us away

Every day that you say

Secrets no more

Now you're basically gay?

Except that's a lie,

Finger banged by some guy

Or bareback five strangers

Let concern for me fly

My safety, my health, my kids,

You don't try

But I see you now

I see through your guise

And I'm wanting to grow

Tho call me your man

While he's sharing your sheets

In the fire from pan

Come crying to me

From a 9 to a 2

Motherfucker he can't conjugate

No one's sorry for you

-----

If i follow again,

You're the last of your kind

Fit Benny on doubt

Cuz I'm outta my mind

And partially blind

The advantage got taken

Am I a sucker?

Or kind?

Just spread super thin

So confused

Where you been?

You'll live in my house

Buy some clothes,

Buy some shoes

Buy a phone

With fuck yous

All neatly included for free

At no cost

If you ignore the few months

I was totally lost

I'm a man not a mouse

I brought you here, sure,

But your logic is flawed

Nobody keeps a ride score

But If they did and saw you

They'd say you were trash,

And I'd correct them

For you.

But they're right, in fact

When you act like you do

So no crutch for me

I wrote this poem for you

Like warm sidewalk gum that'll stick to your shoe

Turn your black

Into blue

Till you find someone new

And by lunch there's no doubt

You'll have at least two,

Command no respect

Till my unseen support

Sends a pattern in short

While your 4 outta 10 starts to court

I'm sick to my stomach

Once again you're a ghost

Walking with trash

Strange gets all your most

You'll tell a few lies

Maybe work in a toast

At my expense sure

You'll have your own roast

So...

Fresh after your mention

Of your elsewhere-dick-session

I'm a glutton you'll find

For stories that kill

This one is the Besst

But I've had just my fill

I won't even know

Seed dried on your chest

You'll kiss me so hard

And say I'm the best

You'll grab a fresh shard

And in caves my chest

But when i find out,

And I always do, Boo

Cuz all of your friends

Like me better than you

Well... shit,

I just might

Turn the tide

In one night

Hit em all

With one ball

Say goodbye

And don't call

Have you wondering out loud

How YOU had the gall

Your loyalty

Matched

stature

Impossibly small

#me #lame #callmeashley #deceit #trust #maturity

[imsodishy]

For you. 👍 They were too late.

Couldn't stop Seven in time, not until she had thrown them all for a loop.

Led them to now, Max sitting curled up next to her unconscious brother as Dustin paces a hole straight through the floor. Lucas sat on the couch closer to where Steve was laid, Mike and Will crammed together on an armchair. Robin, Nancy, and Jonathan had run off with Joyce and Hopper to find more information, if anything.

What happened was this: They were all cornered by a few of El's siblings, who were out to bring El back home. Not that it is home anymore. Hasn't been for a few years. But they were strong.

The girl, which El called Seven, had the power of hyper empathy. Make others feel their base emotions, no smokes and mirrors about it. It was harmless when it was just the numbers together, their emotions not that developed to really cause a huge scene, but.

Here, in the open? It was far more dangerous to be ruled by your emotions.

And of course, idiots they were, Billy and Steve had gotten hit protecting them. Knocked them out cold the moment they hit the ground, El fending her sister and brothers off until the others could drag the limp bodies to safety.

Leaves them to now, where everyone was waiting for them to wake up.

Everyone wanted Steve to wake up.

Only Max wanted Billy to wake up.

"He could lash out at us! You remember what happened at the Byers, right? He could have killed Lucas then! Any of us, really!" Dustin argues when Max had refused to have her brother tied up in the shed for 'everyone's safety'.

"He apologised! Several times! He's been getting better!" Max rebukes. Mike rolls his eyes.

"Max, your brother is aggressive. And you remember what El said about Seven! She amplifies emotions! Your brother's base emotion is violence. He wakes up, sees us, and we're toast." Mike swipes his hand through the air. "We'd be safer if we put him somewhere else."

"What, like a toy? That's my brother you're talking about here! Would you like it if I asked you to put your sister in the shed?"

"Nancy isn't Billy, Max. She wouldn't hurt us like Billy will."

It was a losing battle with them. Only El was on her side, and the only one willing to sit so close to Billy besides Max.

"Do you want to risk it, Max?" Lucas questions. "I mean, he's been getting better, but do you really know him…?"

Max looks at Billy, his face slack and bandaged with Elmo bandages.

"I have to. He put himself in front of us. It's not fair to him if you guys want to lock him up like an animal."

"To be honest Max but-"

Dustin is cut off by a slight whine coming from the object of their conversation, everyone turning to face him. Even if Max was putting her trust in him, she can't help but tense up anyways, planting her feet to the ground.

"M… Max…?" Billy groans, soft. Max reaches out, shakes his shoulder.

"I'm here."

Billy suddenly shoots up, and it earns him some background noise as the party starts talking louder, warning Max and El to get away before he attacks them.

Except, that isn't what happens.

What happens is Billy immediately screams and breaks into tears, covering his ears.

It's enough to shut everyone up. Everyone stares in total confusion as Billy's gaze shoots between each and every single one of them, eyes wide and rimmed in tears.

"What- What's- Please- I'm sorry why- It's too loud, it's too loud- What- Don't attack, please- I'm sorry-" He curls into a ball, arms blocking his ears as he ducks his head. Shakes like there's an earthquake born inside of him, and Max reaches out a hand to touch him.

"Billy?"

Billy flinches the moment Max's fingertips brush against him, and Max pulls her hand back. Watches him curl up tighter, hands gripping his hair like a lifeline. Tearing out strands most likely from how hard he was holding on.

This isn't what anyone expected. This wasn't normal.

This didn't feel like Billy.

But he was hit by Seven.

This had to be Billy.

Then why did it feel wrong?

They didn't have long to ruminate on it when Steve rises from where he was on the couch. Dustin turns to Steve, already rushing over to him with a smile.

"Steve! Buddy, dude, are you okay you must be worried too but don't worry we got out-"

"You IDIOTS. What in the fresh hell did you think that was going to DO?!" Steve's voice booms, and Dustin stops in his tracks. Billy breaks down even more, El getting up to fetch a blanket. Drapes it over Billy until nobody could see him. Max can hear his shuddering breaths underneath.

"S-Steve? What-" Dustin was stupified.

Steve's head jerks to stare down Dustin, face red. "I was trying to tell you that no, going head first when we don't even have all the facts was a bad, STUPID idea! And then guess what!" Steve laughs, but it wasn't a normal kind of laugh at all. It was more mean, sarcastic. This was King Steve.

It felt so much like Billy.

"We got ourselves in TROUBLE. All because oh, it would be soooo much better if we just jump right into it, no planning beforehand! Everything will turn out fine, no worries! We've done this before, we'll just do it again! No biggie! What's the worst that can possibly happen?"

"Steve, you're scaring me-"

"Scaring you? Scaring you! Oh, oh that's rich, man. Really. Really." He stands up, eyes trailing over everyone once. Max can't help but lower her body just a little, try to stay out of whatever was happening to Steve.

Was this what he really felt?

Steve's hand curls into a fist, then settles right on the blanket mound that was Billy. Gestures to him. "And look what you've all done. You went and scared him. Bet you woke him up yelling at him. Screaming because you kids have no voice control. He didn't even ask for this. I didn't ask for this. You're lucky I don't want blood on my hands."

"We didn't- We thought he'd, you know-" Lucas tries to explain.

"What, bite? You wanted him to prove he's nothing but anger?! Is that it? You know he isn't! He's been hanging around us for months, but no. No of course not. Not like he's been driving you to the arcade when I can't, or making sure you don't die out there! He's not just-" Steve growls, spinning and kicking a fallen pillow. Quiets when Billy jerks from where he was hidden.

"I can't do this anymore." He says quietly, and heads upstairs.

Leaves everyone silently staring after him, save for Billy.

What was that.

It was almost like…

"They feel like they swapped." El says. "But they're… the same."

fic anon! thank you 💜

#dishy answers #anonymous #fic anon

[slashingdisneypasta]

Are there any new villians or characters that you are obsessed with?

Hmm, new villains... /: I've mostly been re watching stuff lately, but I do have a list of villains I don't really talk about but really want to!

Here it is! ^^ Bolded ones are the ones I'm REALLY REALLY into XD

Stuntman Mike, Death Proof

Look at him !! I could get lost in writing about a nasty creep like him. I want him to kiss me but I also wanna smack him; I dunno XD

Agent Eddie Zane, Man of the House

He's Bo-age Brian Van Volt (Literally the same year) and his character is a sneaky scoundrel who pretends to be the protagonists friend so he can get close to his daughter (And he calls her doll)- need I say more?? No, I don't think I do. Damnn.

Steve Abnesti, Spiderhead

Not gonna lie, I wanna write some really dark stuff for Steve.

Eleanor, Do Revenge

David Harris/Unknown, The Stepfather 2009

I love this movie so so much!! It always makes me want peanut butter toast, which is a little weird if you've seen the movie. David, though, oooffffff. He's so AWFUL. And he's got this shit under control, and his energy is so soulless, but ohhh boy, when he finally loses it?? I'm so obsessed. This is honestly one of my favourite movies and his character is played perfectly.

Suzie Marie Toller, wild things

MEAN GENIUS. MEAN GENIUS. MEAN GENIUS-

Rusty Nail, Joyride

LakePlacid3!Reba, Lake Placid

Gary Sitterson, Cabin in the Woods

I don't know, there's just something cute about him XD He's not full villain, but I'm very very intrigued.

Helene, Tony, and Becky Le Domas, Ready or Not

Chef Slowick, The Menu

He's so sad, I just wanna give him a cuddle and encourage him to cook at a soup kitchen. He's the kinda character where you just wanna be his favourite person- the only person not expendable to him (Including himself!!).

Chase McKinney, Now You See Me 2

Detective Wayne Bailey/Kirsch, Scream 6

Warwick, Graveyard Shift

Another one I could write some really dark stuff for... :D :D :D Sorry, haha XDD

Alexis Butler and Val, We Summon the Darkness

They're so crazy. I wanna be friends (Or more) with them so badly XD I just love any crazy women in horror movies- we need more crazy women in horror movies. I just love watching them to be gross and terrible, theirs something cathartic about it.

Pearl, X + Pearl

Pelle, Midsommar

Norman Bates, Psycho

Brenda Bates, Urban Legend

Another crazy lady. Rebecca Gayheart just did so amazing as Brenda, and she's so much fun, and just... yeah. I love funny Slashers.

Mulgarath, Spiderwick

Have you heard his voice? Its Nick Nolte.

... Count Olaf... Series of Unfortunate Events

Look, leave me be. He's just so GROSS. I love gross, irredeemable villains that you know the writers really just went 'I am going to make this character so unlikeable'. Truly top tier.

Capricorn, Cockerell and Flatnose, Inkheart

I always thought Cockerell especially was pretty XD Kinda Otis B Driftwood-Style.

Dag, Barnyard

I MEAN?? Ugh. I'm sorry. I know he's a coyote. But he's such a bastard and I love it. He's been a favourite of mine since I was a kid!

Lady Van Tassel and the Hessian, Sleepy Hollow

I know one person especially will be happy to see the Hessian on here- XD

Velma Von Tussle, Hairspray

She's so mean... Agh. Haha XD I wanna write that Wilbur scene in the joke shop with reader in his place XD

The Colonal, Spirit Stallion of the Cimarron

Verosika Mayday, Crimson and Paimon, Helluva Boss

Nathanial Demerest, Wishmaster

The Trapper, Dead By Daylight

T.G. McCabe, S.W.A.T 2003

Little greedy coward that he is... I so wanna write for him XD

Please, anyone, if you're interested in any of these guys please tell me about it!

[ratmuffintherapy]

Hey! Discovered your blog as I was scrolling through tags and I have a request!

Eddie Munson of course. Love of my life. I was thinking reader could be Dustin’s older sister, but maybe a year younger than Eddie, so he doesn’t really know her or see her. She’s a pretty badass nerd and proud of it. Into the same music Eddie is, loves to read and write, into classic movies and most importantly, D&D - not that she would ever tell Dustin that since she knows he would BEG her to play all the time. And so, when Lucas goes to the bball came opposed to Eddie’s campaign, reader overhears Dustin freaking out with Mike and she decides to jump in and help. Eddie teases her at first just like with Erica and she has a badass moment and helps them win. After Eddie asks her out and it’s super cute, fluffy.

MY VERY FIRST REQUEST! thank you for the request, anon! i hope you like it! word count: 2,431 warning: fluff, cursing note: y/h/c = your hair color. bolded words in the middle of an imagine are lines taken directly from the show. do you guys want a part 2? i think this could be a great series!

"Dustin! Hurry up, or else the y/n mobile is saying bye bye without you!" I yelled up the staircase, huffy because my little brother was taking a million years to get downstairs. This was a daily occurrence and I was honestly fed up with it. He was always either feeding Yurtle or caught up in whatever he was doing for Hellfire club that day. Today, he couldn't find his Hellfire shirt.

"HOLD ON AND STOP BEING SO MEAN TO ME!" I rolled my eyes and tapped my fingers together anxiously, checking my watch. Objects clattered and crashed upstairs and I could imagine my brother throwing things around his room like the drama king he was.

"Patience, honey, patience." My mom tousled my hair as she walked by.

"Moooom, I was going to meet up with my friends for Rebecca's birthday this morning and now I'm not going to be able to give her the present I got her until this weekend because he's being stupid."

Mom stroked Mews and handed me a piece of toast. "Calm down and eat this. DUSTIN!! YOU'RE GIVING YOUR SISTER AN ANEURYSM!"

"I'M COMING! SHIT!"

"LANGUAGE!"

His feet thundered as he ran down the hall and down the stairs. He threw on his hat and his wrinkled Hellfire shirt and I smacked him. "Finally! Get in the car!" I took a huge stress bite out of the piece of toast and kissed mom on the cheek.

"Have a great day at school, kids!"

"Remember mom, I have Hellfire tonight!" Dustin ran to the car, backpack bouncing, and I ran after him.

We jumped into my shitty car, and I kicked it into gear.

"Every morning you make me stress eat because you make us late, dude."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry y/n, Mews hid my shirt under a pile of shit so I couldn't find it, I promise I'm going to be on time from now on."

I sighed, unable to stay mad at my brother for long. He's only two years younger than me, him being a freshman and me being a junior, but I still see him as my baby brother. I tapped the front of his baseball cap and smiled.

"That better be a promise." Dustin smiled his toothy grin at me.

--

We pulled into the Hawkins High parking lot. Dustin jumped out of the car while I was still rolling to a stop.

"Dustin! Don't do that!" I yelled out the window and people turned to look.

"Idiot." I grumbled under my breath and I parked the car. I grabbed my backpack and ran inside. I saw my friends and grinned, seeing my best friend of ten years, Rebecca, all dolled up for her birthday.

"Babe!!" Rebecca turned with a smile and I gave her the biggest hug. "Happy birthday!! Here, I made this for you!"

I dug the photo album I put together out of my bag and handed it to her. I had spent hours and hours on that thing, asking her mom and my mom for pictures we had taken together over the years, and put it into this scrapbook and decorated it with stickers and glitter and ribbons.

"Y/n!" Rebecca looked up at me in the middle of flipping through the pages, teary-eyed.

"Don't you dare cry, Rebecca Fedson. If you cry, I'll cry and it is too early for that."

She embraced me in a huge hug and I hugged her back, smiling into her hair. "I love you y/n."

--

Eddie's POV

"Babe!" I heard a familiar voice rush past me and a blur of y/h/c hair flew by. I turned to see if it was who I thought it was.

Y/n. I watched as she hugged her friends and gave her friend a... birthday present? Yeah. A birthday present. I had admired y/n from a distance for years now, ever since I saw her in the halls as a freshman. Back then, I was a sophomore and her smile was what caught my eye. I once had asked Dustin if she knew her, him being younger and more likely to know, and he had looked me quizzically and told me that was his older sister. After that, I occasionally saw her around the halls, but I never dared to approach her. She was always with a friend or two, and at lunch she was surrounded by friends who adored her and who she adored. She was popular, but not like Jason and those assholes. She was... nice. She had caught your eye a few times when you noticed her, and she smiled at you. Nobody smiled at you. Except for the Hellfire club, of course. But other than them, no one ever smiled at Eddie Munson, the self-proclaimed freak. But she did, and sometimes even raised her fingers in a shy wave. I think she knew who I was through Dustin. She probably also saw my Hellfire shirt, on days that I matched with Dustin, and put two and two together. I tried to be as cool as possible, but just the sight of her made me--confident, doesn't-care-about-anyone Eddie--nervous.

I watched y/n and her friend hug each other tight as her friend clung onto the gift y/n had given her. Y/n was always so thoughtful. So nice. But of course, I didn't dare do anything. Not only because she was inaccessible to Eddie the Freak, but also because she was inaccessible to me as Dustin's sister.

--

Y/n's POV

The day went by normally. Just class, occasionally seeing my friends if we had class together. I wasn't a star student, but I was good enough and enjoyed school enough. Overall, I was content at Hawkins High.

I met Dustin outside the school at the end fo the day, only to find him sitting dejectedly with Mike.

"What's up, guys?" I asked, shifting my backpack on my shoulder.

"I hate high school." Dustin mumbled.

"Whoa, what's going on? Did something happen?"

Mike sighed. "Eddie isn't letting us move Hellfire tonight for Lucas's game, which means that Lucas won't be at the campaign, and without someone to replace him, we can't play."

"We've been trying to find a replacement all day, but no one wants to play D&D."

The two boys slumped on the wall, pouting. I crossed my arms, thinking. Dustin didn't know it--no one did, but I had been dying to play D&D for a while now. When Dustin got really into it, I got a gameplay book to see what his obsession was all about, and as a nerd myself, who loves fantasy novels and movies, I got pretty sucked into it. I knew all the characters, all the rules. I kept this a secret from Dustin because I knew that if he found out, he would incessantly bother me about playing. I sighed, coming to a conclusion.

"I can be your substitute."

Dustin and Mike's heads shot up, surprised.

"What? You don't even know the rules or what a campaign is, or anything. How would you be the sub?" Dustin asked incredulously.

I ran my fingers through my hair before telling him, "I actually have wanted to play for years now. I know everything there is to know about D&D. I just didn't tell you because you'd be annoying about it."

Dustin's eyes widened as he dramatically grasped Mike's arm.

"No. Fucking. Way." Mike stared at me, open-mouthed.

Dustin slowly got up. "You're telling me," He breathed, "That you've kept this a secret from me? All these years?" He clutched his chest, "My dear sister! Who are you!"

I rolled my eyes and smacked him. "You keep this up, and I'm taking it back."

"Nononono, come on! We can go introduce you to the club right now!" Dustin grabbed my hand and dragged me behind him. I laughed and ran behind him and Mike followed me to Hellfire club.

--

Eddie's POV

I was finishing setting up today's campaign in the classroom when the door slammed open. My head jerked up to see Dustin and Mike standing in front of me, and.... and Y/N.

"And who is this?" I slowly smiled at y/n as her eyes lit up in recognition.

My breath hitched as she stepped around Dustin and walked towards me. She held out her hand and said, "I don't think we've officially met before. I'm y/n."

I smiled and took her hand in both of mine. "Please to meet you, princess, I'm Eddie."

I swear I saw her color a little as she smiled at me. We stood there like that for a moment until Dustin finally said, "Alright, that's enough, break it up. Eddie, this is y/n, my sister, and she's going to be Lucas's replacement."

Wait. What? I let go of her hand and took a step back. "No way miss y/n, miss popular knows how to play. Nope. Sorry princess, but that's not gonna happen." I crossed my arms.

Y/n raised her brows at me and took a step forward to close the gap that I had made.

"Well I'm offended Eddie, you don't think I'm smart enough to play your little game?" I furrowed my brows and retorted, "No it's not that, it's just that I don't trust people who run with the crowd you run with. Little miss thing can't possibly actually want to play, and we don't play with people who are just here for sympathy, to do charity work for the freaks and losers."

Mike and Dustin stood enraptured, their heads switching back and forth between us to look at us as we spoke.

Y/n rolled her eyes at me and retorted, "Trust me, I don't trust the crowd I run in either. But like you didn't choose who you're friends with, I didn't choose either." I gave her an incredulous look. "Listen, ask me anything you want. I've been studying the playbook for years now. I bet I know more than you."

"Alright, Henderson, you asked for it."

I shot off questions rapid-fire. To my surprise, y/n answered all of them with ease and confidence. She even looked bored. As she answered more and more questions correctly, my eyebrows went higher and higher on my face until I thought they would fall off.

"You done yet, Munson?" Y/n studied her nails and glanced up at me.

I paused for a second. Then I grinned. Holding out a hand, I said, "Welcome to the team, y/n Henderson."

--

Y/n's POV

"Come on, come ON!!" I bent over the table, watching Dustin rattle the dice in his hands. We were on the last leg of the campaign, and we needed one last thing to beat Eddie's long, complicated campaign.

It was like slow-motion. Dustin released his hands and the dice bounced across the table. The numbers spun around and around until...

"YES!" I pumped my arms up in the air and attacked my brother with a hug. Everyone cheered and high-fived, and I laughed as I watched them lose their shit over Dustin. I glanced over at Eddie and caught his eye. He was standing, arms crossed, smiling tenderly at me. I inhaled sharply and smiled back at him.

I walked over to join him on the other side of the table and smiled at the sight of the Hellfire club celebrating their win. Eddie nudged me with his elbow.

"Not bad, baby girl. You really impressed me today. Never would have chalked you up to be a nerd."

I nudged him back, "Well, don't judge a book by its cover, Munson."

He turned to face me, and I looked up to meet his doe-eyes. He smiled gently down at me and bit his lip. He ran his hand through his hair nervously.

"You know, y/l/n, I've... uh, I've," Eddie stammered and took a deep breath, "I've always been quite taken by you." His words rolled out as if they were one, and he looked down shyly.

My heart pounded as I heard him say that. He didn't know it, but ever since Dustin joined Hellfire and started talking about Eddie, I had watched him from afar. At first, it was to make sure that the guy my brother was hanging out with wasn't doing anything sketchy, but then it quickly became a crush. I mean, who wouldn't, with those eyes, those dimples, that famous long black hair?

It took all the courage in me to reach out and take his hand, which was fidgeting with his many silver rings. Our fingers met, and I heard Eddie give out a small gasp.

"I never would have known, but if I had known, I would have told you..." I tucked my hair behind my ear, "That I am also quite taken by you."

Eddie held my hand tighter. He was still looking down at his shoes, and I couldn't read what was going on in that beautiful head of his.

"Eddie? Say something." I said quietly.

He looked up at me. His eyes sparkled in the dim light. His face slowly broke out into a smile, lighting it up in a way I have never seen anyone's face light up.

"Well, well, well. Who would've thunk?" Eddie laughed breathily and I giggled. He finally took my other hand and we stood facing each other like that for a second.

"Y/n, would you... possibly want to.... go out with me sometime?" I grinned at him, unable to contain my happiness, "I'd treat you real nice." Eddie added and smiled back at me. I threw my arms around his neck and I felt Eddie pause, and then snake his arms around my waist.

"Yes, please." I whispered into his ear, and he held me tighter.

"I'll call you tonight, then. For the details." Eddie whispered back.

I pulled back and beamed at Eddie. Eddie Munson. Eddie Munson and me. That just sounded so right for some reason.

I snapped back to reality as the group of jumping and cheering boys jumped over to us and enveloped us in shouts. Eddie laughed and tousled Dustin's curly hair, and smiled back up at me.

"Alright, alright boys, let's calm down before adults come looking for what's causing this ruckus."

Eddie held my gaze and winked at me, ever so subtly. My heart skipped a beat, not-so-subtly. He mouthed, I'll call you later, princess. And I couldn't imagine what I could want more than that.

#stranger things imagines #stranger things fluff #eddie munson #stranger things #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson fluff #eddie munson x reader

[dudefrommywesterns]

4 for the prompts, if you're taking them

i wasn't planning to but i'll take this one

sorry if this sounds rusty. i haven't written in a while and i haven't written this ship at all.

4. making dinner (with ricco because brainrot)

Mike didn't think they'd memorize their new boyfriend's phone number so quickly. They typed it into the telephone as easily as they might have written their own name.

It rang a few times before Joe came to the phone.

"Hey," Mike said into the receiver.

"Hi."

Mike couldn't stop their heart from leaping or their fingers from twirling the phone cord. "Uh, my roommate is going to be out tonight. Maybe you could come over. We could have dinner or something. You know, if you have time."

"Yeah, sure. When?"

It was Saturday. He wouldn't be too busy.

"Uh, about 6?" they asked.

"See you then."

"Yeah."

They hung up.

He didn't arrive at 6. He arrived 20 minutes early.

They'd only prepped the vegetables and started the roux twenty minutes ago. There was still 20 more minutes on that, the time for the rice, and the bread they'd hoped to toast.

He gave them a small, fond smile that made them weak in the knees.

"You're early," they told him.

"I couldn't wait to see you."

"Dinner's not done," they said as they whisked the roux. It wasn't the right shade of brown yet.

He sniffed. "What are we having?"

"Gumbo."

"Do you need any help?" he asked.

They shrugged. "You could get the vegetable base for me. Follow the directions on the jar."

"Where is it?" he asked as he poked his head in the fridge.

"Door. Second shelf."

As he mixed the base with water, he asked, "What all's in this?"

"Uh, rice, bell peppers, onions — actually, could you chop the onion? I hate doing that."

Mike tossed him the onion, which he narrowly missed dropping.

"You didn't tell me you were doing to throw it at me!"

"Sorry."

"Why do I have a feeling this is going to give me heartburn?" their boyfriend joked as he diced the onion.

"It just might."

"So what's after the onion?"

"After the...? Oh! There's the vegetable base and the spices and the okra."

Eventually, they asked, "Mind starting the rice?"

They slid him the recipe and he squinted to read it. "Whose handwriting is this?"

"Mine."

"Oh."

"Yeah, sorry, lefty with a pen."

He laughed and Mike's heart received a jolt of electricity.

"Anyway, um, the rice is here and you did the base and uh, here are the spices and vegetables for the rice."

As soon as the rice was covered, the roux was done.

"So, more vegetables, more base, and uh, that's it for now I think."

"And now we wait," Mike said as they put the last of the ingredients into the soon-to-be gumbo.

He laid a hand on their shoulder. "You know, no one's made me a meal in a long time. If you don't count Nino and Angela."

"Well, they do own a restaurant."

He gave their shoulder a squeeze. "Thank you."

"You helped."

"It was kinda nice actually," they added. "I'm used to cooking alone."

"If you ever want to cook with someone again, give me a call."

Mike chuckled. "Will do."

"I hope you like it. Now would be a bad time for my food not to turn out."

He pressed a kiss to the side of their head. "It'll turn out."

#timothymcgees #♡ right now you're supposed to be in my arms — ⌜ joe ricco ⌟ #drabblecember #self ship #self shipping community #typewriter dings

[levi-supreme]

Sfw for Mike zacharias please....?? Her beloved trying to cook a romantic meal for him and end up miserably.. But his too kind and eat all the dinner himself...

Characters: Mike x fem!reader feat. Erwin and Levi (brief mentions)

Warnings: SFW, fluff

A/N: Anon this is so cute omg, I hope you like it as much as I enjoyed writing it!! Also, I do not know your dietary requirements and/or your allergies, so I hope you're okay with the food I'm using here, and I'm sorry if you don't eat them!!

"Mike, darling, could you help me take out the lasagna?" You shouted from the kitchen to your boyfriend who was working on his company report by the desktop.

You recently signed up for a cooking class, and during your fifth lesson, you learnt how to bake a lasagna. Coincidentally, it was also your boyfriend's favourite food. As such, wanting to practise cooking, as well as making his favourite food, you decided to cook it for dinner one night.

You have never ever cooked before, until meeting your boyfriend, Mike Zacharias. Once, Mike told you that one of his favourite feelings in the world was to have piping hot cooked food on the dining table after coming home from a long day of work; the feeling of home. This has motivated you to pick up cooking.

"Ta-da!!! Doesn't it look good, darling?" You smiled at Mike, pouring two glasses of Chardonnay. You have tried making this at home a few times, and you were confident that the results would be satisfactory. "Wait, let me take a photo for my Instagram!" You excitedly took out your phone and captured a few images, before uploading it to your Instagram Story.

"Yeah baby, it looks really good. Looks like the lessons are worth the money," Mike replied as he took his seat, looking at the dishes on the table. Other than the lasagna, there was also caesar salad, minestrone soup, and toasted garlic bread.

"Okay, let's eat then! Tell me how it is!" You exclaimed after keeping your phone, slicing a portion of lasagna for Mike.

»»————-　♡　————-««

"So how did your dinner go, Mikey my boy?" Erwin, one of Mike's best friend, asked. It was game night, and Mike was on his tenth round of playing Counter Strike with his best friends.

"God, lemme tell you, it was bad," Mike cringed while sniping down an enemy from the roof. "The lasagna was too salty, and the soup was too watery."

"But it looked good in photos though," Levi, Mike's other best friend, mentioned. "The photos on her Story looked appetising."

"Looks can be deceiving bro," using his knife to silence an enemy from behind, Mike looked over to his half-eaten cup of instant noodles, sighing. "It looked delicious, but the taste was far from it."

"Well, I suppose with you being Mr Nice Guy, you told her it was good?" Erwin laughed while reloading his pistol. Levi sniggered as he came out from his cover, killing two opponents along the way.

"Of course, I had to, you guys didn't see that smile of her face when she showed me the finished cooking," Mike sighed again, cursing as got shot and had to wait to respawn. Eating his cup noodles, he glanced to the living room where you were watching Netflix on the television. "She looked so cute and proud of herself, and I didn't want to hurt her."

"Well if you don't tell her soon enough, you're going to have to eat shitty cooking for the rest of your life," Levi mentioned as they won the round. Waiting for the next match, Mike looked at you again from afar, a smile plastered on his face.

"If it makes her happy, then I'm more than willing to eat it."

"Okay Mikey boy, have fun with your salty lasagna sweetheart later. Now we gonna go for our eleventh win."

Main event | Event Masterlist

#mike #mike zacharias #snk mike #aot mike #mike scenarios #mike zacharias scenarios #shingeki no kyojin #attack on titan #snk #aot #snk scenarios #aot scenarios #mike x reader #mike zacharias x reader #mike x fem!reader #mike zacharias x fem!reader #anon.asks #rei.answers #levi.supreme #200 follower event: the best date

[the-blathermouth]

Messed around with the incorrect quote generator for about a week and decided to post the highlights. Part 1 of ??? (I'm probably gonna post more of these in the future)

Mike: Name a more iconic duo than my crippling fear of abandonment and my anxiety. I'll wait.

Ralsei:....Normally, I’d say yes without hesitation, but I feel like this is going somewhere and I don’t like it.

Mike: You all still love me, right?

Spamton: [Top 30 anime deaths.] NUMBER ONE: YOUR FUCKING ASS RIGHT NOW!!!

Mike: Top 30 reasons why Mike is sorry... Number 5 will surprise you!

Kris: Three words.

Mike: Three words. Say them and I'm all yours.

Ralsei: Is something burning?

Mike: Just my love for you all.

Spamton: OKAY, [press F1 for help] ME PLEASE!

Kris: Mike, the toaster is on fire.

Mike: Got two words for you.

Spamton: I BET THEY WON'T BE HELPFUL.

Mike: Your problem.

Mike: I turned out perfectly fine!

Spamton: I WAS [the price is right]

Remona: Mike, this morning you thought a ghost made your toast

Mike: I DIDN’T PUT THE BREAD IN! YOU DIDN’T PUT THE BREAD IN!!!

Spamton: MY LIFE ISN’T AS GLAMOROUS AS MY [wanted poster] MAKES IT LOOK LIKE.

Mike: If you can’t beat them, dress better than them!

Jevil: *Walking in to a room* Sorry I'm late, late...I was...doing things.

Jevil, threatening the fun gang with a paintball gun: Listen...Life comes at us fast. We don't know what life is gonna give us...And today, it's gonna give you...a paintball!

*Sounds of running footsteps progressively getting louder*

Mike: You're the love of my life and my best friend, I would do anything for you.

Mike: *Out of breath* HE PUSHED ME DOWN THE FUCKIN' STAIRS.

Remona: I want you to eat three meals a day and have a decent sleep schedule.

Jevil: I told Spamton their ears flush when they lie, lie.

Mike: Absolutely not.

Kris: Why?

Jevil: Look.

Jevil: Hey Spamton! Do you love us, love us?

Jevil: Are you sure this is the right direction?

Spamton, covering their ears: NO.

Spamton: CERTAINLY, I'M AS SURE AS I AM [a honest man!]

Spamton: I TRUST KRIS.

Kris: In that case we're definitely lost.

Jevil: You think they know what they're doing?

Addison: We need to get through this locked door. Kris, give me your credit card.

Spamton: I WOULDN'T GO THAT FAR.

Kris: Here.

Remona: Would you like to stay for dinner?

Addison, pocketing it: Thanks. Spamton kick down the door.

Mike: Hey, Jevil? Can I get some dating advice?

Mike: WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY FOREVER?!

Spamton: JEVIL AND I DON’T USE PET NAMES.

Jevil: Just because I’m with Spamton doesn’t mean I know how I did it, how I did it.

Kris: I see. Hey, what do bees make?

Spamton: [Honey, I'm home]

Jevil: Yes, dear, dear?

Spamton:...

Susie: Man, I only ever see you awake, do you ever shut down or stop running?

Kris: Don't ever lie to my face again.

Mike: Oh, I’m always running

Remona: Okay, truth or dare?

Mike: The question is from what

Mike: Truth

Mike:...Dare

Remona: How many hours have you slept this week?

Remona: Go to bed.

Mike: I don’t like this game

#deltarune #spamton #jevil #spevil #deltarune mike #incorrect quotes #I've mostly been going through to get some ideas for Mike's headcannon #so far what i got is that he most likely had a fear of abandonment due to being unplugged #and that he's not allowed to have any co hosts or special guests cus he becomes very clingy and wont let them go #which mean you and the fun gang are screwed #kris dreemurr

[sweater-daddiesdumbdork]

Even The Grinch Needs A Sidekick

Summary- 4k Mike (Me from Playing It Cool) x You. You have been busy, and today is no different. A children's Christmas Party at the hospital where you work is taking up all your time. Mike calls in Scott for some culinary help so you can have a relaxing night. Mike also finds a new friend and brings him home. Fluff. I really don’t think there are any warnings, but if you all pick up on something, go ahead and let me know. The lovely divider made by @firefly-graphics​ Happy Holiday Everyone

A/N- This wasn’t what I had planned for this chapter. But you know what, sometimes the story just does what it wants, damned if the writer wants that. I do love it though. 

Previous Chapter- Tonight It’s Scrooge McDuck

You tugged on your scrubs, having pulled out your favorite pair with The Grinch dressed as Santa Claus, Max with his single antler and little Cindy Lou Who with her red Christmas bauble. You hummed while grabbing your bell earrings when Mike came into the bedroom, glancing at you all dressed up for the hospital. “What's the occasion?” He questioned while turning you around and looking you up and down. 

“A group of us are going down into the children's ward to hand out some presents. I know I'm not supposed to wear the decorated scrubs, but it's once a year. Tomorrow I will go back to those boring as fuck ones.” You leaned up to kiss him swiftly before stepping around him. “But I'm going to be late, and I have an order of cookies to pick up on my way to work.” 

Mike followed you out, unlike you, he wasn't in a rush anywhere. It was a few days before Christmas and just as he had promised, he was about halfway done with Brian's script. The detective drama story line spoke to him a bit more than the rom-com scripts he was stuck with last time, and was finding it a hell of a lot easier to spend his day thinking about. 

You were busy packing a bag with some stuff you had picked up for the kids, and Mike grabbed a bagel he wrapped earlier, toasted lightly with cream cheese as well as a to go mug of coffee, you were distracted and listing off your to-dos when he handed them to you. “Don't forget to eat, and I got dinner tonight.” 

“Oh thank you, I know i have been all over the place the past week.” You paused when you saw what he had and took them to set the mug beside your bag, and pack away the bagel while continuing to talk to him. “You know… tonight is Chopped, and I shouldn’t be late tonight.” You bit your lip in a grin and turned to face him. “We might be able to beat our record.” Hinting at a bedroom game you two played, just for the hell of it.

Mike's eyes crinkled in the corner knowing well what you were playing at, reaching out to grab the front of your shirt and ease you forward into his arms, a grin softening his features as he wiggled his brows. “Think we will beat our time tonight. It's been awhile since we’ve messed around.” His hands slid down to cup your ass cheeks through your scrubs, making you arch into him, and you chuckled while easing your arms around his neck and tilting your head to press your lips to his, teasing darts of the tongue dragging against his bottom lip before pulling away, not letting the kiss get to that deep needing way. That has caused you to be late before and you weren’t going to let yourself be late today.

“That will have to wait till tonight Mike.” You wink at him as he groans as if waiting was not in his plan. “See you later tonight, and smile Baby, no being a Grinch just before Christmas.” You shouldered your bag and backed to the door to stay out of his reach, and slipped out the door with a grin. Mike snapped the door open as you were heading down the stairs. 

“Love you to Y/N” He shouted, and you waved back at him before disappearing from sight. Mike closed the door behind him, and pulled out his phone to scroll through his contacts. Hitting Scott’s name, he pressed dial and waited through the rings before a groggy voice answered. 

“What Man, it's 7 am, what in the hell do you already want Mike?” Scott snapped out and Mike grinned hearing his best friend. 

“Good Morning to you to Scott, are you still up for helping me tonight?” Mike asked and Scott groaned out a yes before hanging up. Whistling Mike grabbed a piece of toast and went to his computer to get to work. A text came through a short time later, a grocery list for Mike to pick up. 

Mike was coming back from the store with the ingredients Scott sent him a list of when he heard something shuffling in an alleyway he was passing. His head tilted when he heard the whimper that shifted into a scared woof, and Mike turned partially into the dirty alleyway, a particularly smelly dumpster half blocked it from sight and the light bright street seemed to grow into a darker ominous presence the further he stepped in, listening intently for that noise again. “Hello?” He asked cautiously, and all that filled his mind was somebody stashed behind the disgusting dumpster, and then he would be pulled into questioning by the cops… 

I really gotta stop watching those dramas Y/N liked so much he thought to himself as he peered into the edge of the dumpster to see nothing then dirty black garbage bags that had been torn into. Nothing unusual. But under the dumpster came a whine, rather pathetic, and Mike looked down between his feet to see a black nose with streaked white fur peek out with a loud sniff against his shoe, and a tilt had it grabbing at his shoelaces that were half hanging loose. “Hey!” he exclaimed and backed up to see the nose disappear back under the dumpster.

 “Here boy… or girl, whatever you are.” Mike called while shifting to a kneel while setting his groceries aside and landing carefully on his palms to lean down and peek under the dumpster. At first there was nothing to see, but then a puppy was trying to wriggle its way out the other side, on its belly with its back legs stretched out behind him. 

Mike was quick to bolt around the dumpster to see the puppy almost out from underneath it. Covered in mud and who knows what else, his head much bigger than the rest of his body, Mike was able to nab the puppy on the nape of his neck and pick him up, which he hung there growling and barking, his hind end and tail curled up in the fetal position. “Okay little guy, just hold on. Promise not to bite me and I will quit holding you like this.” Mike folded his arm to cradle under the puppy’s backside, and let him lean against his chest. He weighed practically nothing, it seemed all his matted fur made him appear bigger then he actually was. Once he was supported, he quit squirming and studied the man. All while Mike studied him back, now unsure of what to do with him. 

Big brown eyes started to droop as a wet black nose bopped against Mikes, and that sealed the deal. Sure there apartment didn't allow dogs but Mike couldn't just leave him there. “Guess you're coming home with me. I already know Y/N will be thrilled.” He grabbed his bag of groceries and made his way back to the apartment, sure to rush up the three flights of stairs and try to shift puppy, and groceries into one arm to get his keys. The puppy ended up wriggling in his arm and he set him down between his shoes to dig out his keys from his pants pocket while the wide eyed mutt peeked around his leg and bounded down the hallway, yipping. “No! Boy get back here.” Mike shoved the door open, along with the groceries before he sprinted after the fleeing canine to get him back. Scooping him up, he rushed back towards his door when the neighbor poked her head out. “Mike, what are you doing?” 

“Uh nothing Mrs. Beatrix… Sorry to have bothered you.” He waved one handed over his shoulder while trying to contain the squirming pup in his arms. Once he dipped into the apartment, half tripping over the bag of groceries, Mike slammed the door shut and set the puppy down, who dropped nose to the floor and started weaving back and forth. 

“Listen man… if this is gonna work out, you have to help out.” Mike said, kicking off his tennis shoes and grabbing the bag to bring to the kitchen, right behind him was the pitter patter of nails on linoleum and while he was emptying the bag of stuff for Scott, a pair of paws pressed against the back of his calves. A loud whine issued, and looking over his shoulder, he chuckled. “Hungry, arnt ya kiddo? Okay, lets see if Y/N has any ham left over from the night before.” He turned and searched the fridge, the puppy right there with his head stuck in it as well. 

It was much later when Scott came over, Mike was working on his script as well as keeping an eye on the new house guest when his ears perked to Scott entering the apartment, his arms filled as well with a couple bags that he set down. 

“Uuuh, are you babysitting someone's dog?” Scott asked curiously while his shoes were getting inspected. And Mike snapped his laptop shut to look over the edge of his desk at them. 

“No, I found him wedged under a dumpster. I couldn’t leave him there.” Mike dropped his hand and gave a soft whistle, which the pup gave Scott one last sniff before barreling back to Mike which scooped him up into his lap, scratching behind his ears. 

“What do you think Y/N will say?” Scott dropped his bags onto the counter and started to unpack and add his ingredients with the stuff Mike had picked up earlier. 

“I think she will be secretly thrilled.” Mike ruffled the pups ears and then set him back down on the floor. He moved to a stand and crossed into the kitchen to scrub his hands clean. “She loves dogs and watch her insist we keep him.” 

“Even when your landlord doesn't allow dogs here?” Scott was asking with a slight laugh while peeling open all the spices, and Mike took his time making faces down at the pup while drying his hands. 

“Eh, hes hardly around and we will figure it out. Besides, I would like to get out of this building, nothing ever works. Last week the hot water was out for the hundredth time it seems. This block always loses power first and last to get it back. Time for an upgrade, Brian already has another script for me to work on after this one finishes. If I really work on it, I should be done right after Christmas.” 

Scott grimaced a bit, but kept himself turned away from Mike while listening to him. “You know… a break afterwards might not be a bad thing, You’ve been writing steadily since before October. I know you're on a streak, but you have to come up for air sometime.” 

Mike shrugged at Scott. “Hey, I gotta take the pieces where I can get them right? Money is good and getting my name known will help in the long run. It's nothing I can’t handle. I know I’ve been distant a bit with Y/N, why you are here today, teaching me how to roast a chicken.” 

“I don’t know how you convinced me to do this. What person doesn't know how to cook a meal for their partner? You two have been dating for two years and this is the first time?” He scolded Mike while grabbing vegetables to give a rinse in the sink. The pup had planted himself between the two men, his ears perked while swinging his head back and forth to listen. 

“Take out, out to dinner, breakfast? I don't know, it just hasn’t happened. But tonight my man, with your help, I’m changing that. Y/N has been working hard the last couple weeks, and I know this will make her feel special.” Mike rolled up his sleeves, preparing to help Scott with whatever he needed while winking at their guest. “And who better to help me then you? You and Neil took all those cooking classes together. So what is on the menu tonight?” Mike leaned in to look at a bag, which Scott shooed him out and reached in pulling out the last thing Mike expected, a whole chicken. 

“Roast chicken, garlic baby red potatoes, a nice side salad, and rolls. You really can't get easier than that, and it speaks sophisticated.” Scott informed him while placing the chicken in the sink. 

“Easy? Dude that's a whole damn bird.” Mike scoffed while coming around the counter. “What do you want me to do with it?” 

Scott was already going through the kitchen, grabbing cooking pans and aluminum foil. “Well you can start with unwrapping the chicken and giving it a rinse.” 

Mike gave the chicken a look and took a breath. “No big deal, right pupper?” Mike directed at the puppy, who yipped in excitement and tipped his head back to give a cheeky howl, making both the men laugh at his reaction. 

The crash course into cooking had Mike's head spinning. Scott had him chopping, dicing, sprinkling seasonings, tossing stuff together and when he finally got the pans into the oven, he took a deep breath. “Okay what's next?” Mike was now on his toes, ready for the next project but Scott was busy washing his hands. 

“Now you wait an hour, check it by popping one of the legs near the joint and seeing if the juices run clear. Also let it rest when you take it out for good, or else it will be dry as hell.” Scott informed while drying his hands. “Also you need to get cleaned up. And give the poor dog a bath.” Scott leaned down where the puppy scooted away from Mike and sniffed at his fingers, giving them a lick first and then a playful bite which Scott shook his finger loose from the tiny teeth. Mike watched a moment before checking his phone. 

“Y/N will be home soon, so I will get on that. I bet he's a pretty cute pup under all that dirt.” Mike leaned down to pick him up, and Scott straightened, grabbing his reusable grocery bags and tucked them under his arm. 

“Text me tomorrow to let me know how it came out and we on for Saturday at the bowling alley?” Scott approached the door and Mike followed, turning the pup around to wave his paw at Scott.

“Yes Uncle Scott.” Mike mimicked in a joking high pitched voice, leaving Scott rolling his eyes at his friend. 

“Bite him would ya? You still got those sharp baby teeth.” Scott let himself out and Mike twisted the puppy once more to face him. 

“What an ass huh?” Which rewarded him with a resounding woof in agreement and a nip at the end of his nose. “God damn it, you weren't supposed to listen to him.” Mike grumbled while retreating to the bathroom, knowing the timer would let him know when to check on the chicken. “Okay, what's safe to use on you?” he questioned while setting the pup down in the bathtub and pulled out his phone to google while starting to put warm water in the tub. 

You trudged up the apartment's stairs, a few gift bags hanging off your arm from some of the long time residents at the hospital. You were exhausted and really looking forward to opening up that bottle of wine you’ve been saving and crashing on the couch with Mike. 

Jingling keys from your coat pocket and letting yourself in, the first thing that you noticed was the smell of chicken and potatoes wafting in from the kitchen, making your stomach roll in hunger and your mouth water. Following your nose, you went to drop off your bags when you called out “Mike? Where you at?” You had expected him to be in front of his glowing computer screen, where he usually was when in the middle of writing a script, but not tonight. 

“Will you stop it? I'M IN HERE.” You heard him call from down the hallway, and after you toed off your shoes, you started down to hear something whining and splashing. 

“Mike… what's going on?” You question as you stop at the bathroom doorway to see something you never expected to see. Mike was kneeling next to the tub and hanging off the edge was soggy paws and a soapy puppy giving the most pitiful look up at him while wagging his tail, sending a trail of water and soap spreading all over the room. 

“I said cut that out!” Mike wailed while reaching to catch the tail and squeeze out the excess water from it before letting it go, which just started the sloppy wagging again and a howl now while Mike attempted to rinse him off. “Welcome home Baby.” 

You just melt at the scene, grabbing a towel off the counter and unfolding it while Mike moves to a stand, picking the soaked dripping pup with him and you go to wrap him up in the fluffy towel. “Mike, where did you find this sweet baby?” You croon as you go to gently rub him dry, cupping his face and smiling at him. 

“Well… Under a dumpster a few blocks away.” Mike let you take the pup in your arms as your gently swaying him back and forth, still crooning and nuzzling him while hes giving licks to the tip of your nose. “I couldn't leave him there.” 

“Absolutely not.” You turned to leave the bathroom, leaving Mike to drain and rinse the tub while you brought your new friend out to the living room. Having him still wrapped in a towel, you settled on the couch and started to unwrap him from the towel, seeing his little yawns as he curled up on your scrub clad thighs. “Who would just leave you out there all alone little baby?” 

Mike finished up, taking a quick peek at his chicken, which had turned a deep golden brown, and the scent of sage and butter wafted from the open oven. Pulling it out, he listened to you talking to the puppy while setting it on the counter to let it sit before cutting into it. 

“Wine?” He called out while pulling out your favorite glass, already knowing the answer when you resounded a yes from the other room. Pouring it, he went back in to sit down next to you, handing you the wine and tossing his arm over your shoulder to pull you in closer. Tucking in his side, you hummed softly while softly petting the snoring pup in your lap. 

“We should think about what we're going to do with him.” You sigh a bit, scritching behind his ear while he twisted in your lap and went belly up, your fingers tickling along the pink of his belly. 

Mike considered it, letting his own fingers trail along your shoulder. “Why not keep him? We only have a few months left of our lease. About time we move right? Maybe something bigger.” 

You had never heard Mike talk like this, like in the future setting. He had always been in the moment, by the seat of your pants kind of man, and you were always a bit nervous to even bring up the future with him. You cleared your throat a bit while looking up at him, straightening a bit, which jostled the puppy just a bit and woke him up with a whining yawn, stretching in your lap. “You really want that Mike?” You searched his face and he shrugged, a tinge of pink along the top of his cheeks. 

“Well I wouldn't mention it if I didn't Y/N.” He teased while reaching for the pup who started to wriggle around in your lap, and set him down on the floor before pushing himself to a stand. “Come, I actually made a real dinner and you still gotta tell me about work. Did that intern drive you crazy today?” He efficiently changed the subject, which you let him. Slipping into his hold, you went to help him in the kitchen. Leaning over the counter as he transferred the chicken, you inhaled deeply. 

“You made this Mike?” you asked incredulously with an arched brow, waiting for him to confess that it was an order in and he made it look homemade, but he smirked at you while starting to carve. 

“I will have you know I made this myself.” 

You gave him the look, the one that demanded the ultimate truth. 

“With Scotts help, okay. But I did the work.” Mike plucked a piece of chicken loose and held it to you, which you popped in your mouth, licking at your lip and grinning at how it tasted. Reaching for another piece and plucking a piece to give to the puppy waiting patiently at your foot. “Scott just instructed me on what to do.” 

“His classes are paying off. Maybe he can become our free instructor.” You joked while going around the counter to finish helping Mike get stuff ready and for the first time in a while you two sat at the table instead of crashing in front of the tv with junk food. Soon plates were pushed aside, full from the excellent food and tired after the long day, you went to take a quick shower while Mike cleaned up the kitchen. 

Coming back out dressed in sleep shorts and a tank, you found Mike laying on the couch with the puppy standing on his back legs, front paws on the couch trying to jump up. Mike scooped him up onto the couch with him, whispering to him. “Looks like your staying boy, what are we going to name you? Buster? You almost look like a Buster.” You approached the couch and Mike shifted enough so you could lay down along his side, half wedged on him and between the couch, laying your head on Mike's shoulder. 

“Hmmm, what about Scout?” You wiggle your nose at the puppy, who efficiently ignored both names, proceeding to chew on Mike's shirt, the Christmas lights on the tree being the only glow in the room. You smiled and whispered out. “Hey Max… look at me.” 

Which the brown and white puppy immediately perked up, and Mike shook his head. “Max? Why Max?” 

You grinned while watching Max perk up every time Mike said his name, your giggle muffled against his shirt. “We needed a Christmas dog name.” Then you hummed out Your A Mean One Mr.Grinch. “Max can be your sidekick now Mr.Grinch.” 

Mike gave a laugh, running his fingers along your hips, making you laugh out and trying to pull away. Max growled out, barreling against you and Mike to tug at Mikes hand, and you grasped the pup to set him aside gently so that you two rough housing didn’t end up getting him hurt. 

“Seems like he is more your sidekick Baby.” Mike smirked as he pulled you in closer to him, flushing kisses against your neck and rubbing up and down your back. You settled back in against his chest. “Ready for bed?” He asked, calculating how many hours were left so he could write a bit after you fell asleep. 

“Mmhh, it was such a nice evening, I hate to end it so soon.” You tilted your head up to press your lips to his and Mike pushed up to a sit. 

“We will pick it up tomorrow. Besides, I should probably take the rugrat out to potty, now that it’s dark out.” 

Your arms eased around his neck and you gave him a more passionate loving kiss in thank you, and eased up. “I will see you when you come back up Mike.” Max sat there watching the two of you and you ruffled Max’s ears, then headed to the bedroom. Mike watched you go down the hallway and then looked to see Max had ditched him to go check out the tree, sniffing excitedly when Mike's eyes sprang wide to see him pop a squat. 

“Max! No!” Mike yelled, springing up to catch the pup. 

#playing it cool au #holiday #holiday 2020 #amber writes #sweater writes #chris evans characters #me aka mike #mike x you #max comes to live with them #merry christmas

[joezworld]

Toby - Rap God

Guys I was making myself laugh when I wrote this - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

Based entirely on one line from this.

2019

There are many engines on the Island of Sodor, and like many people, music is often part of their lives.

Some engines, like Percy and Duck, have no interest in the subject, having never been exposed to it in a real manner.

Others, like Gordon and Henry, have extremely well-defined music tastes. (Unfortunately for those around them, they do not like the same music, and arguments often ensue.)

James, being extremely vain, enjoys the songs written about him for the children's television show based on the writings of The Thin Clergyman.

And then there’s Toby...

-----------

Toby is a small brown steam tram. He has spent almost all of his life on Sodor on Thomas' branch line, where he and his coach Henrietta trundle up and down the valley at the top of the line - providing a valuable commuter service from the branch line terminus to the stone mines at Anopha.

Toby likes music, as does Henrietta; they like it so much that in 1989 the workmen installed a radio in Henrietta so that the two could listen to music on it as they worked.

This was very thoughtful gift, but there was a small problem:

The hills outside of the quarry meant that many radio stations couldn't reach the small antenna on Henrietta's roof.

Fortunately, a few did, mostly overpowered stations on the Isle of Man. These stations were designed to reach boats far out at sea, and mainly played uninteresting things like the Shipping Forecast.

There was, however, one station that did come come through loud and clear no matter where you were...

---

You're listening to ManxPirate - the Barely-Seaworthy voice of the Sudrian Sea. I’m your sea-going Deejay - or Sea-Jay - Musik Mike! Up next is our most popular block of the day - that’s right, the JAMS are LOUD and we're all gonna get DEF!

"Oh Henrietta! It's starting!"

"Just be ready on the choruses Toby"

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

The sounds of music echoed off of the Els river valley as Toby and Henrietta trundled towards Elsbridge.

Aside from their Quarry duties, Toby and Henrietta also worked 'the school bus', a daily train that carried schoolchildren from the remote farmhouses between Elsbridge and Hackenbeck to the Saint Pedroc's school in Elsbridge.

Toby loved this route - many of the children had been taking 'the bus' since Grade 1, and he felt privileged to have seen them grow up into fine young adults.

-

As he pulled into the platform at Elsbridge station, he saw those young adults crowded around each other.

'"Peep Peep! Let's go, everyone!" he called to the teens.

"Just a minute Tobes!" Called back Sera, one of the teenagers, before she turned back to her friends, who were filming her with their 'smart-phones'.

"Whatever could they be doing?" He asked Henrietta as Sera and her friend Phoebe bounced up and down in unison while waving their arms around.

"Undoubtedly something for the internet," the coach mused. "But I have no idea what - trends change so fast now".

"Internet?" Toby was puzzled. "Don't they need a computer for that?"

"Toby. Smartphones have been around for over ten years. How do you not know about this?"

"I'm sorry that I'm not as technologically advanced as you - but at least I know what steam is!"

"Oh my goodness, it's also a video game company now. You've heard those jokes before!"

Toby and Henrietta likely would have gone on like that until the guard blew his whistle, but Phoebe broke away from the group of teens, her phone in her hand.

"Toby?" She asked, clearly trying not laugh. "Do you know what Vossi Bop is?"

Toby was taken aback. "Of course I do. Vossi Bop isn't my favourite, but that's just because I don't like Stormzy that much - I'm not one for Grime."

Phoebe blinked like she'd been poleaxed. "What?"

"It's a Stormzy song, isn't it?"

"Toby," Henrietta sighed. "She was asking because she thought you didn't know. Was this going to be some kind of thing where you show rap music to the elderly and laugh at them being shocked?" She asked Phoebe, who nodded slowly.

"Well, you're going to have to better than that young lady," The coach smirked. "We've been listening to ManxPirate since before you were born!"

"Really?" The blonde asked slowly.

"Oh yes!" Henrietta boasted. "Eazy-E was still alive when we first tuned in!"

"Oh, em, gee!" The girl said, before turning and shouting down the platform. "Guys! They do know!"

-

The excited teenagers crowded around Toby and Henrietta as they quizzed the tram on rap music. Any thought of leaving on time was totally forgotten about as Toby's extensive knowledge of gangsta rap was laid out for them.

"Mate, mate," said John, one of the boys. "You gotta do The Challenge if you know all this!"

"What challenge?" Toby asked.

The teens clamored over each other, before they all stopped to let someone speak intelligibly.

Rachel Kyndley eventually spoke up: "It's a thing that ManxPirate is doing on TikTok. You sing along to a rap song and whoever does it the best gets to record a charity single with Stormzy!"

The teens again spoke over each other, all claiming that Toby and Henrietta should sing for the challenge.

Toby had to blow his whistle to calm them down. "I suppose there's nothing to lose by it," He said after a moment. "But I should say that my flow isn’t that good."

"Mate, I am amazed that you know what that means,” Said John. “But you just need to sing along to somethin’ that’s already out there.” 

“Oh.” Toby looked back at Henrietta. “Well that shouldn’t be too hard. Do you have any N.W.A we could sing along to?”

As he had the only ‘eye-phone pro’, Simon the student newspaper editor was volunteered as cameraperson, while Rachel set a small ‘blue tooth speaker’ on Toby’s bufferbeam so that he could hear the music.  

The remaining teenagers pulled out their phones as well - whatever happened next was going to be un-fucking-believable. 

-

The music began with record scratching. The kids looked at each other in shock. There was no way that Rachel had picked this.

"Right about now NWA court is in full effect” Henrietta sang.

Rachel had. The teens could barely contain themselves. 

“Judge Dre presiding in the case of NWA versus the police department.

Prosecuting attourneys are MC Ren, Ice Cube and Eazy motherfuckin' E”

Hearing Henrietta say ‘fuck’, was an astonishing experience for the unprepared teenagers.

“Order, order, order, Ice Cube take the motherfuckin' stand

Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth

And nothin' but the truth so help your black ass?”

“You goddamn right” Toby responded. Rachel Kyndley barely could hold back a shout of astonishment. I hope there’s no book written about this! She thought.

“Well, won't you tell everybody what the fuck you gotta say?"

Then there was a record scratching sound. 

The teens knew what came next. They hoped that they were prepared to hear this song come out of Toby.

"Fuck the police comin' straight from the underground!" 

Toby and Henrietta not only sang this lyric, they sang it in harmony. 

The teenagers thought that they had been prepared. 

They were not prepared. 

Most of the next few verses were lost underneath the clamor of twelve teenagers losing their goddamn minds.

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

A few days later

Toby was resting in his shed when a little car came tearing into the station parking lot. More girls than should have been possible to fit in it came tumbling out and made a beeline for his shed, Rachel Kyndley in the lead. 

“Toby! Toby! Toby! You won! You won!” She shouted as she skidded over the gravel. 

“Won what?”

“The Contest!” She shrieked. “Your video went viral and you won The Contest! Stormzy said on Instagram that he was excited to meet you!” 

She and her friends dissolved into happy squealing, preventing any further speech. 

“What’s Instagram?” Toby asked Henrietta. 

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

The Next Week

Stephen Hatt was enjoying his tea and tolerating his toast and marmalade, when his son Richard burst into his office, waving his phone around like a sword. 

“Were you just not going to tell me that you let Stormzy visit the engines? Or was I just supposed to figure this out when Kieran and Micah tore my ear off for not letting them meet him?!”

“I have a phone, you know. And a receptionist.” Stephen said as he cleaned tea off of his desk. Fortunately, most of it had gone onto the marmalade covered toast, which he unceremoniously dumped into the trash. “And who have I let meet the engines?”

“Stormzy? The rapper? He headlined at Glastonbury last bloody month?”

“I don’t follow.”

“He’s a musician, and you let him record an album with Toby!”

“He recorded music? With Toby? Our Toby?”

“Yes! It was supposed to be a single, but now it’s an album! It hit number one! And it’s been out for three hours!”

“You’re saying this as if I have the slightest idea what you’re talking about.”

“Just read the article!” Richard shoved the phone into his hand. The website for  BBC Sodor and Man was open. 

-

STORMZY DROPS SURPRISE ALBUM WITH SURPRISE COSTARS

ELSBRIDGE - Music fans across the world were surprised this morning when Stormzy unexpectedly announced via Instagram the release of his newest album, Back in Their Day - featuring two of the realest OGs I’ve ever seen.

Residents of Sodor were especially surprised to discover who those “two real OGs” were: Toby and Henrietta, an engine and coach on the Ffarquhar Branch Line. 

This unexpected collaboration began several weeks ago when a viral video on TikTok featuring the pair attracted the attention of the rapper...

-

Stephen skimmed the rest of the article, not quite believing what he was reading. “I didn’t authorize any of this.” He said at last. 

“Really?” Richard said, not quite believing him. “Because that’s what the staff on the Branch told me too.”

“I swear to you I didn’t do anything.”

“Then what, did the biggest star in the country just go to Ffarquhar and record an album with Toby? With nobody’s permission?”

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

[TWO YEARS LATER]

--CHANNEL 4 INTERNAL TRANSCRIPT: THE LAST LEG 2021 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL--

ADAM HILLS - So we’ve had a lot of questions, about, the last album you dropped-

[AUDIENCE LAUGHTER]

AH - The one with the train engine -  I think his name is Toby?

STORMZY - And Henrietta. Can’t forget her. 

AH - Of course not.

S - What do you wanna know?

[MORE LAUGHTER]

AH - Well, I don’t have any questions - and when I say we, I don’t mean Alex or our viewers - 

[PROLONGED LAUGHTER]

AH - I mean Josh.

JOSH WIDDICOMBE - [TO ADAM] You’re an Arse. [To STORMZY] - Um, I just wanted to know how you did it really. Is it, is it true that you snuck in and did it all in one night?

S - Oh yeah! Absolutely. ‘Cause, I thought that it was gonna be a one and done, like just a single y’know? So I just went there and was gonna do it and go. But as we kept talkin’ I realized that, that, I just had to make more, and then it became the album and we shot a music video for ‘scrapp’ on the same night and then I did some sound work  and then it went up. 

AH - Just like that?

S - Just like that.

#music #music tastes #fanfic #ttte #ttte fanfic #ttte toby #ttte henrietta #rap music #cursing #long #I wrote this one for me #and I was laughing hysterically the whole time #I'm american and listen to disco #why did I make this about rap and stormzy #story #headcanon #ttte headcanon #sodor #sodor shenangians #shenanigans #fic #toby rap god

[mrvdocks]

Plus One

“That’s a straight no.”

“What? Why?”

“Come on,” You laugh. “I can hear the sirens coming for you now. She looks like she’s a junior in high school.”

He cocks his brow, “You do too and I still live with you.”

You playfully smack him. “That’s different.”

“Why? Because you can't handle seeing me with someone else?” He says smugly.

@mochminnie and anyone else that would like to get tagged :)) 

(Chapter one) 

Morning of Nancy & Jonathan’s Wedding

The daylight shines on his face when he wakes up. He looks down to see you’ve disappeared and instantly thinks yesterday was a dream. He’s almost disappointed.

“You snore too loud.” You say as a matter of factly, coming out in a robe and towel. 

It wasn’t a dream. He smiles.

“You hog the blanket too much.” He retorts, flipping the covers over and getting up to stretch. 

"It's like thirteen degrees outside of course I'm going to take it."

"There's layers to this, you know that right?" 

“Alright, alright Casanova, do you want to stay here sparring with me or go find the love of your life?”

He stretches his arms, then sighs. “Not sure if I’ll meet the one if I’m half-naked.”

“Oh, you’d be surprised.” You wink, going back inside the bathroom to get ready.

Only an hour later and you two were nearly late because he decided to play hideaway with your heels. You didn’t protest as much but they were the only fancy shoe you’d brought to match the nuptial’s dress code. 

You rushed into the elevator, counting down to at least ten minutes. It should be enough time to walk over to the chapel. 

You glance at Steve, seeing him look out of it. 

“Hey,” You tug at his arm. He straightens up. “You okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just been a while.”

Part of him wondered if they would remember him after so long.

“Well if they’re not talking about you, they’ll be talking about how messy and out of place you look. Here, let me fix you.” You fix his Windsor knot stay in place and then move his floppy hair, letting a single curl of hair rest on his forehead.

“Is this really how you styled it?” You lift yourself on your toes to get more of it but he moves aside.

“Hey, hey, don’t damage the goods.” 

“Is that - hold on, ” You take a whiff of his hair. “Oh my god.”

He rolls his eyes. “Alright, laugh it up.”

“You smell like my mom!” You chortle. 

He pushes you playfully as the elevator doors open and he walks out with you hysterically laughing. He smiles nervously at the passing guests as they file out to the chapel.

“That’s so cute. Listen, if you don’t end up with anyone our age here, you can definitely bag one of the aunts. I’m sure they’d love you.” 

“It was my go-to in high school, alright? Girls loved it.”

He can see the subtle upward quirk of your mouth as you smothered a laugh. 

“C’mon, before we become those people who hog all the attention.” You interlinked your arms and made your way past the field of green and a big brown chapel. 

You both sat in the middle row on Nancy’s side, meeting all of her family and being introduced to her sister Holly, brother Mike and his girlfriend Jane. You couldn’t stop staring as Mike and Jane sat and goofed with each other. 

“Been together since ‘84, and they still can’t get enough of each other,” Steve tells you in a hushed voice as he leans to you and begins giving you the dirt on everyone there.

Jonathan’s mother, Joyce sits at the front with a gruff looking man who kept trying to take out a pack of cigarettes. She’s pretty, and definitely doesn’t look as old as Steve says she is. She has a timeless beauty to her. Steve tells you that the man she’s with is Hopper, the same man whose wedding you would be attending later in March. Jonathan’s brother, Will sits to his mother's left and is in deep conversation with a man Steve doesn’t recognize. 

Steve goes on a tangent on how different and grown-up everyone looks. He goes into details about things they used to do back in Indiana, some things crazy and others unbelievable. He almost sounds sad for not being able to see their growth for himself but that’s not a story he’ll tell you anytime soon.

You’re conversing with Jane when everyone quiets down and music starts playing. You stand and watch as Jonathan marches right up to one step to meet his brother and hug him momentarily. Holly enters, picking petals out of the basket and dropping them as she passes. Nancy enters soon after slowly, keeping tempo with the music. Her dad is older, more filled out, and grey-haired than Steve originally remembers him. Her mother, however, is stunning in a way that doesn’t overshadow her daughter. Her blonde hair is pulled into a half updo, she smiles warmly to guests as she carries the tail of Nancy’s beautiful cream dress. It's an eye-catching tulle gown with floral accents and lace sleeves that move comfortably with her. 

Nancy’s brown hair is long and curls at the end, decorated with a pearl headband, her slender nude manicured fingers holding onto the bouquet gracefully as if she was a princess. She’s naturally gorgeous, with touches of blush on her cheekbones. She takes your breath away. 

You’re almost a little jealous Steve got to date her. 

“Please be seated.” The priest says.

You accidentally sit on Steve’s hand, making him jerk quickly but fast enough to avoid attention. You're locked in the entire time, entranced by every little detail from the soft brown tones of Jonathan's suit to the camera pin he wears to the embroidery on Nancy's heels. 

The ceremony is beautiful, you even catch Steve tearing up at Jonathan’s thoughtfully written vows for Nancy. 

“You may now kiss the bride.” 

The crowd goes wild, cheers and whistles all around as Nancy and Jonathan kiss and he twirls her in a circle. She’s smiling shyly as Jonathan peppers her with kisses. Will steps in and takes a couple of photos before whispering something into Jonathan’s ear and making him laugh. The bride and groom rush outside hand in hand, rice and flowers being thrown as they disappear past the golden-brown of the chapel. 

You and Steve give each other a look, thinking this wedding plan might not be so bad after all. You’re seeing love in its purest form. 

The reception is held in a small banquet hall, music is being played by a band of fine instruments led by people Steve tells you are part of Nancy’s family. The whole place is decorated to bring out the snow and natural elements outside. Windows wide open, the brown of the hall illuminated by fairy lights hanging from above, a cute photo booth with a retro moon to pose with, and a DJ soon after the band leaves. 

“Come,” Steve says, intertwining your hand in his and leading you over to where Nancy and Jonathan are. 

Jonathan notices him first and immediately hugs him. Steve hugs him tighter, letting them sway for a moment while you introduce yourself to Nancy.

“Hi, I’m -”

“You must be the one Steve talks so much! I've heard a lot about you!” She giggles. My god, even her laugh was beautiful.

“Beautiful wedding! I am in love with you - your dress, I’m sorry.” You say, flustered. Nancy takes no offense and instead envelopes you in a hug. 

“Thank you! It was a lot of stress but I'm glad we could finally get it to come to fruition. Steve never told me you were this lovely.”

You wave her comment away, feeling shyer than ever. “Please, I’m just so glad I finally get to meet THE Nancy Wheeler.” 

“I hope you’re not trying to steal my wife,” Jonathan beams, bear-hugging you. 

"I would never." You grin. “You’re a lucky man, Mr. Byers.” 

“Mr. Byers was my dad, please call me Jonathan.”

You nod, feeling the warmth and love that Jonathan and Nancy were giving off.

"So? How are you two? How's New York?" Nancy asks.

You and Steve glance at each other to see who goes first.

"Good! So good." You say in unison. 

“So what’s going on with you two, huh? Any crazy stories?” Steve asks, eager to get the attention off of him for once. 

“Well,” Nancy looks at Jonathan. “Jonathan was a freelancing photographer for a while but he was just hired for a two-year contract by Life magazine!”

You and Steve look at Jonathan wide-eyed and with jaws dropped. Jonathan smiles shyly.

“Jon, oh my god congratulations!” Steve says, pulling Jonathan into another hug. 

“It was just a split-second decision, he almost didn’t send the photos in time but I convinced him.” Nancy smiles. "They want to send him to Amsterdam next week."

"Europe for the honeymoon? That's amazing." You gush, thinking about the canals and all the great food.

“And that’s not all,” Jonathan rubs at Nancy’s back with his other hand. “Nancy’s accepted a job up in New York as a journalist.”

“No way!” You feel your excitement skyrocket.

“We’re moving into the East Village in March, just after my mom’s wedding.” 

“That’s amazing you guys, I’m so happy for you.” Steve is absolutely over the moon. 

“Thank you and please help yourselves!” Jonathan’s eyes crinkle as he smiles.

“Hope to see you guys soon!” Nancy exclaimed, before being met with more family to greet. You and Steve say goodbye and gush over them. 

“I can’t believe you got to date her.” You remark, sipping more of the champagne.

“Yeah well, I was lucky to even kiss her. Looking back, I think they had it for each other all the time. I was just in the way.”

Projecting onto her, he thinks.

You frown. “Personally, I’m glad to see it all worked out in the end. To the happy couple!” 

You bring your glasses to toast and snicker when some of it spills onto Steve’s lap. He tries to get you back but you evade him.

The orchestra ends and the DJ begins his set. He starts off with some lovey-dovey tunes you remember your mother playing from her childhood.

“Come on, let’s dance!” You exclaim, taking Steve’s hand and pulling him up and away from the table. 

The dance floor is decently packed, The Del-Viking’s “Come Go With Me” echoing through the walls of the banquet hall.

Steve makes a fool of himself, flailing and dancing exaggeratedly while you move side to side to the dum dum dum, occasionally doubling over when Steve stumbles back into someone.  

The music shifts after you two are completely tired out, changing to The Smiths’ “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”. Definitely Jonathan’s choice.

You and Steve pair up, dancing slowly with your head on his shoulder.

It’s a nice feeling, to be like this with someone. You didn’t know how you felt about Steve, besides the fact that he could be annoying as all hell and a bummer. But he wasn't so unpleasant to have around. He just needed to let loose. He wasn’t going to be twenty-eight forever. 

Maybe it was too early, you saw how he’d freaked about Danny. 

“Hey, five o’clock.” He whispers in your ear, ripping you away from your thoughts.

“What?”

“What about the girl at five o’clock? She seems nice.” 

“Spin me.” 

He spins you out to see a girl in a nice pastel blue colored dress and bouffant talking to Jonathan. He spun you back in.

“That’s a straight no.”

“What? Why?”

“Come on,” You laugh. “I can hear the sirens coming for you now. She looks like she’s a junior in high school.”

He cocks his brow, “You do too and I still live with you.”

You playfully smack him. “That’s different.” 

“Why? Because you can't handle seeing me with someone else?” He says smugly.

“Pfft. She’s got babyface. Just trust me.”

The music shifts throughout the night, some electronic, another alternative, or more classical and then back to lovey-dovey. 

At the end of “Earth Angel,” you’re just about ready to leave and kick off the heels that just won’t quit squeezing your feet. 

“I’m starving.” You whisper into his ear.

“There’s food here.”

“Yes, and I’m still hungry. I need to severely gorge on something big right now.”

Steve chuckles lowly, about to make the joke you feared once the words ‘something big’ left your lips.

“Don’t you dare.” 

“Yes, dear.” He snickers. 

Once you’re away from the view of family and friends, you unbuckle the straps of your heels and breath in relief at your chains being taken off. Steve walks past you but you whistle to him to catch his attention. 

“Well? Come on.” He motions for you. 

You throw your head back and whine. “I can’t walk. These things have worn me down.” 

He chuckles to himself shaking his head. “Alright, hop on.” 

He turns and bends to your level, letting you climb onto his back like a monkey. You wrap your arms around his neck, him holding you up by your thighs. 

You nestle comfortably into his shoulder, letting out an audible sigh. 

“Don’t get too comfortable up there, you have the keys to the room.” He warns, but you’re fast asleep by the end of the sentence. "So much for being hungry."

He gets soft looks and compliments of ‘being a great boyfriend’ from different guests but he doesn’t have the energy to correct them. The dancing tired him out. 

He uses the pointy end of your heel to click the elevator button and is careful with you when entering. Your soft sighs and deep breaths comfort him in some way. Your fingers twitch around his now loosened tie, softly scratching at the nape of his neck. It gives him goosebumps, but he relaxes into it, letting the warmth creep up to his cheeks.

He’s too lost in the feeling to notice when the doors open, the elevator dings to alert him. When he’s out, he shakes you slowly to wake you up. You stir and hum but stay asleep. He maneuvers your bag to face him, getting the key painfully slow. The door hinges creaking don’t wake you at all. 

He lays you down onto the side where he sleeps, careful with your shoes and your bag. Putting them aside, he makes a move to close the door but your hand grabs at his wrist and pulls him back. 

He glances down at you, still asleep but still holding on. “I have to close the door.” He whispers.

“Steve.” You murmur. 

“Yeah?” He brings himself to ask, entranced by you. 

You mumble incoherently, letting go of his wrist and turning your side to get comfortable.

He sighs. 

"It was a nice wedding." He says, getting the suitcases out of the cab while you tip the driver. 

"It really was. Plus I'm glad I got to take one of these suckers home too." You dig through your bag, pulling out the towel teddy bear that had previously been on your hotel bed. It looked a little deformed now but you could fix it.

Steve makes a surprised noise, "We steal things now?"

"It's not stealing if they were just going to put another one back."  

"Well, I wish could've taken some of that shampoo. It made my hair smell great." 

"Oh don't worry I got a couple of them in my suitcase. You can have them."

He looks at you with intrigue. 

"What? We can't live fancy?"

He shakes his head, his shoulders shaking as you head into the apartments.

"Hey, sorry I ruined your shot looking for someone at the reception."

He shrugs, feeling it wasn't a big deal. "That's why we have the other three, right? Plus, I had fun. I wouldn't have wanted to be in my head the entire time." 

The answer satisfies you but you promise yourself to aim higher at the next wedding. 

#steve harrington imagine #steve harrington x reader #stranger things imagine #joe keery x reader

[sillyrabbit81]

Her Heavy Cross

Summary: Three years after tragedy hits, Lana she decides to start dating again. She meets Will through a dating app and they begin an online romance. After months of constant requests, Lana relents and agrees to meet and go on an irl date with Will. But is Will who he says he is? Lana is quickly pulled into an intense relationship forcing her to confront her tragic past. Will Lana face it or will she close her heart forever?

Pairing: OMC x OFC

Word Count: approx 3k

Warnings: swearing, mild smuttiness

Authors Note: The story started as a Henry Cavill fanfiction but I changed it to be an original character, but shades of Henry are still there. Hope you enjoy the story and thanks for reading.

Part 9 Part 11

Part 10

We eventually got up. We showered and dressed. I fed Perrin, and we ate breakfast. I asked Liam what his plans were for the day.

"Not much. I thought I would stay with you until you kick me out." He winked. "What are your plans?"

"Well, I have to kick this guy out..." I said with mock agitation. Liam feigned a look of hurt. "Not much until tonight. I'm going to Dave's house for dinner. I'll see my nephews and niece, which will be good. My Mum too, I suppose."

"Dave's your brother, right?" I nodded. "You haven't told me much about your mother. I think this is the first time you've mentioned her."

"We don't always get along. Mum's mellowed as she's gotten older, but she was a bit of a tyrant when I was growing up. She didn't like Andy. Well, she didn't like any of my boyfriends. She always judged them based on their jobs like she wanted me to end up with a doctor or lawyer or something like that. It's like she thought she'd wasted her money sending me to a private school because I found myself attracted to tradies."

"What's a tradie?

"A tradesman."

"Gotcha."

I laughed at a memory. "I used to tell my friends that if a guys hands weren't calloused enough to cause a run in my stockings, then he has no business touching my legs."

Liam burst out laughing. "Are you serious?"

"What can I say? I like a man who is good with his hands." I shrugged before continuing, "anyway, that's one reason why my mum and I didn't get along."

"What about your Dad?"

"He passed away three years ago."

"I'm sorry."

I didn't say anything for a while. I played with the crusts of my toast, breaking it into little crumbs. I think Liam sensed my mood and changed the subject. "You went to a private school?"

"Yeah," I said. "An all-girls, Catholic one at that."

"Well, that explains a lot." Liam quipped, his tone very serious, but his twitchy lip gave him away.

I narrowed my eyes and frowned. "I hate you."

Liam ignored me and cupped my face with his hands. "Kiss me." He ordered. And I did.

We spent most of the morning sitting together and talking. We spoke about the books we were reading. We found that we had similar taste in books when we talked before we met. Liam had recommended a book to me, and I had finished it a few days ago. I showed him my bookshelves, and we compared which ones we had read. He asked to borrow a couple.

Later we just sat on the lounge. We talked, held hands, cuddled, kissed, had coffee, and then some tea. We took turns patting Perrin, who had taken to Liam really well.

It got close to lunchtime, and it seemed like we were both trying to work out a way to avoid the inevitable parting. Neither of us had brought it up since breakfast. Eventually, Liam asked, "when can I see you again?"

Liam was sitting up, and I was laying on my back with my head in his lap. Liam was stroking my hair, sometimes taking a curl and twisting it around his finger. I smiled when I saw him do that since I had done the same to him earlier.

"As soon as possible," I replied. "I'm going to miss your pretty face." I reached up and patted his cheek patronisingly.

He gave me a small smile but didn't say anything. Then his god damned lip twitched.

"What are you thinking?" I asked. "I can tell when your lip twitches that you're thinking something naughty or you know something I don't know."

"My mother tells me the same thing." His lips stretched into a full grin, revealing his Hollywood white teeth.

"Well, I'm not your bloody mother, so tell me."

"I was just thinking about all the parts of you that I'm going to miss."

"You're very cheeky."

"Unfortunately for you, my mother tells me that too."

"You're a fuck knuckle," I said, smirking. "I'll bet your mother doesn't tell you that."

Liam's eyes went wide. "Bloody hell, Sweetheart. Anyone would think you didn't like me." He was smiling though.

"It's because I like you that I insult you. I'm very polite to people I don't like." I said, putting a sickly sweet smile on my face and batted my eyelashes at him.

"You're lucky you're cute." Liam leaned down and kissed me. "You haven't answered my question. When can I see you again?"

"Well, we both work all week. I guess that means we will have to wait until Friday night."

"Do you want to come to my place on Friday after work? Spend the weekend with me?"

"Ok. I'll ask Dave when I see him tonight if he will have Perrin for me. But it shouldn't be an issue."

Liam's face was unreadable for a moment. Then he smiled and kissed my forehead. "I'm already looking forward to it." He sat back and said, "well, I suppose I had better call an Uber."

I sat up and waited for Liam to book his ride. When he had finished, I said, "Call me tomorrow night. After work?"

Liam nodded. He scooped me up and sat me on his lap. "Don't worry, Sweetheart. You won't get rid of me easily." He smiled and caressed my cheek with the back of his fingers. "Now, kiss me."

I threw my hands around his neck and kissed him hard.

Liam kissed me back, his arms wrapped around my waist, and he crushed my body into his. Our kisses became ardent, and I squirmed on his lap. I didn't want to let him go. Not ever.

I wanted him again now, and I cursed myself for letting him call for an Uber. I felt like he was part of my life like I had already given let him into my heart when I let him in this house. This sacred place. Mine and Andy's place. It seemed as though he had just blended into my life and any thoughts of the future now included him.

But I also knew enough to hold back, to remember I didn't really know him. The weekend wasn't real life. It was an illusion. It wasn't the daily grind of work, come home, sleep, do it all again. To make it worse, Liam's life wasn't normal. Would I adjust? Could I adjust? Did I even want to try?

I knew I did want to try, at least. Liam seemed worth it. Worth the risk of another broken heart, another love snatched from my grasp. If I didn't try with Liam, then who would I try with? And if I never tried, then love would be gone from my life forever.

Liam pulled away. "I had better go now, or I think I'll never leave." We got up just as his phone alerted him the driver was less than a minute away. He grabbed his bag, and I walked him to the door, and he followed behind me up the hallway.

We got to the door, and before I could open it, he turned me around and pinned me to it with his whole body. His forehead pushed against mine. He kissed me, forcing his tongue into my mouth. He ground his body against me. "Lana," he breathed. "Lana, I..." He stopped talking, kissed me again softly then pulled away.

I didn't know what to say. I didn't want Liam to stop. "I'll call you tonight," I said despite our plans to call tomorrow night. I knew I wouldn't be able to wait until then. I opened the door for him.

As he walked out the door, Liam put his hand on the back of my head. He brought me to his face, and he kissed the top of my head. "As you wish." He winked and pulled the door closed behind him.

The rest of my day felt lonely. I moped around for a bit. I threw Perrin the ball for a while. He was too old these days for more than a few runs, but he still loved it. I did some washing, cleaned my bathroom and put my Ben and Jerry's tub in the bin. I painted my nails.

When the afternoon wound down, I called Riza.

"Hey, Slut!" She said when she picked up.

"Piss off," I said back.

"Well, don't keep me in suspense. What the fuck happened?"

"I don't even know where to begin."

"Well, did you fuck him?" I shook my head. If Liam thought I was direct, he should talk to Riza. I didn't say anything. She knew me well enough to know what the answer was by my silence. "'Bout fucking time." She said, and I laughed. "So tell me about him. What's his name? What does he do for work? Where does he live? Boxers or briefs?"

"Uh, his name is Liam. Liam Cross."

"Like the actor? Man, that's weird. I knew a girl once whose name was Indiana Jones. I couldn't do it cause I kept thinking about Harrison Ford."

"No, Riz. Not like the actor, he is the actor."

Stunned silence. Then, "you're shitting me."

"Serious as a heart attack."

"Why didn't you tell me before?"

"I didn't know who he was," I told Riza about the Will/Liam thing.

"You're really not joking. Send me a pic."

"I didn't take any."

I swear I could hear Riza roll her eyes. "Of course, you didn't. You never do!" Then she shouted, "Hey Jen! Lana..."

"Riza! No, no, no!" I shouted.

"Fucked Liam Cross," she finished.

I hung my head. Fuck. I could trust Riza, but Jen, I wasn't sure of. She spent all day on Instagram and Snapchat. I didn't know if she could keep quiet.

"You there, Lansey?" I heard Jen talking in the background. "Hang on a sec, what's that, babe?" More Jen talking. "Oh shit, you looked good on Friday night Lans, no wonder you got fucked."

"How do you know what I wore Friday night?"

"Jen found pics."

"That quickly?"

"Yeah, they're everywhere. Some of you guys at a shop too. Hey, that's the shop near Mike the Butcher, right?"

This was news to me. I knew they took pictures, but I didn't think they were posted. I should have though. Why wouldn't they be? "Fuck."

"Did you just meet him? On Friday?"

"Yeah, why?"

"There's this one picture of you two, and he's touching your cheek. You two look like you're in love," she teased, making love sound like llllooooouuuuv. "Ha! There's Perrin!"

"Is my name mentioned? Do they know who I am?"

"Doesn't look like it. You two look perfect together."

"Tell Jen not to say anything. Please?"

"Yeah, yeah, no worries."

She kept talking, but I'd had enough. "I've gotta get going," I said.

"Lans, you ok?" She knows me too bloody well.

"Yeah," I bit my lip and took some deep breaths. "It's a lot to take in, you know. He's bloody famous, it's like, I don't want that shit in my life."

"Is he worth it?"

"I think so. I mean, he's a sweet, kinda daggy guy who happens to be built like Hercules and sexy as fuck. What's not to like?"

"I always thought he was gay."

Before I could stop myself, I said, "He's definitely not gay. I'd never believe a gay guy could growl a girl out like he does." I've got to learn to keep my mouth shut.

Riza yelled, "yas girl! You got a keeper!"

I laughed. "Fucking hell. Alright, Riz, I've really got to go. Say hi to Jen. Don't say anything!" Riz agreed, and we hung up.

Dinner at Dave and Lucy's was mostly uneventful. I jumped with the kids on the trampoline and played some wrestling on the PlayStation. My mum wasn't too much of a bitch. I forgot about the pictures and didn't think about Liam for a while. I needed that. I felt like the weekend was such a whirlwind and so much happened I needed some time to get back to normality, something familiar.

After dinner, Mum went home, and the kids wanted to watch a movie. I got on the lounge with the two older ones, Charlie and Harry and went through Netflix. Lucy had taken Lilly to bed. I saw Liam's face in one of the movies thumbnails, and I groaned. It was the one where he was a superhero. It was nearly ten years old. Though it didn't seem possible, he was even more handsome now. I quickly flicked past it.

"No, Aunty Lanny, I want to watch that one," Harry said.

"Isn't it too scary?"

Dave called out from the kitchen, "it's their new favourite. They've been watching it all week."

"Then we can watch something else," I said.

Both boys protested. I half relented. "Have you seen the sequel?" It had much less screen time for Liam since he had teamed up with a couple of other superheroes in that one.

"There's a sequel?" Charlie was excited.

So we watched the sequel. I'd seen it before, but it was weird watching it now. I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Although it was obvious that Liam was the actor, it was surprisingly easy to forget him and believe he was really the character.

He looked different to the Liam I knew. His hair was lighter, he was clean-shaven, and even the way he held his face was different. The way he moved and mannerisms weren't Liam's either. His voice was different too. The most apparent change there was the accent. Those harsh American tones seemed so strange after hearing his soft Queens English ones. Although, scenes with his shirt off still made me think of Liam.

After the movie I said goodbye to the kids, and they went to bed. I asked Dave if he would watch Perrin next weekend. I tried to sound casual about it, but Dave knew me better than that.

"Girls weekend?" He asked. I tried to say yeah, but I blushed, and he knew it wasn't a girls weekend.

Dave was eight years older than me, the same as Liam. I adored Dave. I remember following him around as a kid, wanting to do everything he did. As we got older, I watched the same movies he did, read the same books he did and listened to the same music, which is probably why I prefer 90s music to 2000s music.

He was sweet about it for the most part. He even got me alcohol a few times when I was 17 and took me to the pub with his mates when I was 18. He was protective though. Not one of his mates was allowed to touch me. It had made me mad at the time, especially when I had the hots for his best mate Chris since I was 12. So when he worked out that I was probably going to be spending the weekend with a guy, I expected him to freak out. He didn't.

"Is he a good bloke?" Dave asked. "Treating you well?"

"Yeah, he is." I couldn't help but smile.

Dave grunted, "I can tell by the look on your face, you are smitten. Alright then, Perrin can stay."

"Thanks, Dave. Don't tell mum."

"Yeah, Nah. I'm not stupid."

I went home and got ready for bed straight away. I was mentally exhausted, but I still called Liam. Not only because I said I would. I did miss him in my bed already. I felt lonely again. Of all the things about being married I missed, sleeping with somebody else in the bed was high on the list.

When I went to call, I was confused for a minute because I couldn't find his number. Then I remembered he was in my contacts as Will. I changed the name and called him. I hoped I wasn't calling too late.

"Hello, Sweetheart." Liam's voice sent a ripple of excitement through me.

"Hey," I said. "How was the rest of your day?"

"Good. Do you want to FaceTime?"

"I'm in bed."

"Me too." He said, and I heard the ring of FaceTime come through the phone.

I answered. Liam's face appeared. So did his naked shoulders. Sweet Jesus, he couldn't fit in the frame.

"Much better," he said, smiling. "How was your day?"

"Ok, I just hung around at home then saw the fam. Dave said he would have Perrin next weekend," I got flustered thinking about it. I cleared my throat. "So yeah, that's sorted."

"Excellent. I'm really looking forward to it. How was the family? Was your mum ok?"

"Yeah, she was good. The kids are fans of yours, by the way."

He gave a short laugh at this. "Really? Did you tell your family about me?"

I said I didn't and told him about the kids and the movie. "They loved it. I liked it too." I told him about how it was strange to watch him act after actually knowing him, and for a lot of the time, I had forgotten it was him. I just believed the character and enjoyed the story.

"Thank you." Liam seemed genuinely pleased. "That is the aim of what I do."

"I did tell Riza about you. Her wife, Jen, found pictures of us almost immediately."

"Did you see the ones from yesterday?"

"She told me about them, but I've not seen them."

"You ok?"

I shrugged, "it is what it is. I asked them not to say anything about us."

Liam changed the subject and showed me he had started one of the books he had borrowed. Once again, I was grateful that he seemed to know my mood and not push me.

We talked for about ten minutes before I started yawning.

"I better let you go. You're tired, Sweetheart."

"Yeah," I said as a yawn overtook me. "I think you're right." I blinked several times, my eyes watering from the yawns. "Call me tomorrow night?"

"I definitely will. Goodnight, Sweetheart."

"Night, Liam." I fell straight asleep.

Part 11

#original character #original fiction #romantic story #happy ever after

[yurtletheturtlehenderson]

S.T. REWRITE - S2:E2; Chapter Two, Trick or Treat, Freak - [Pt. 1]

A Will Byers x Reader Series

After Will sees something terrible on trick-or-treat night, Mike wonders whether Eleven’s still out there. Tensions grow between Y/n and Mike as does their concern for Will.

||3rd Person POV||

The smell of french toast wafted through the cabin as it sizzled on the frying pan. Hopper glances over his shoulder to see a small figure standing stiff with a white sheet draped over it and two eye holes cut out. The unexpected sight had startled the man.

"Oh, Jesus!"

"Ghost." El stated from under the sheet.

"Yeah, I see that." He said.

Hopper brought the frying pan of french toast over to the counter to serve.

"Halloween."

"Sure is. But now, it's breakfast, okay? Come on, let's eat."

"They wouldn't see me." She said softly, grabbing the man's attention as he brought the food to the table.

"Who wouldn't see you?"

"The bad men."

"What are you talking about?" He said, taking a seat.

"Trick or treat."

He turned to look at her. "You want to go trick-or-treating?"

She stood in silence, confirming his fears.

He frowned and stood up. "You know the rules."

"Yes, but-"

"Yeah, so you know the answer." Hopper softly grabbed her by the shoulders and guided her backwards as he spoke.

"No, but they wouldn't see me." El protested.

"No. Hey. I don't care."

"But they wouldn't see me."

"I don't care, alright?" His voice rose slightly as he bent down to her level. "You go out there, ghost or not, it's a risk. We don't take risks. All right? They're stupid, and..."

"We're not stupid!" She growled.

"Exactly."

"Now, you take that off, sit down and eat. You're food's getting cold."

With a pout on her face, El ripped the sheet off her head, letting it fall to the ground. She let her small body collapse in the chair across from Hopper and she stared at the floor sadly.

Hopper noticed the longing in El, and he felt the remorse and guilt creeping in. He finished pouring syrup on both of their plates and sighed, head leaning against his palm as he rubbed his face.

"All right, look... how about I get off early tonight, and I buy us a bunch of candy, and we can sit around and get fat, and we watch a scary movie together."

"How's that for a compromise?"

The young girl gave him a puzzled look and the foreign word.

"Co-Compromise?"

"C-O-M-promise. Compromise. How about that's your word for the day? Yeah? It's something that's in-between. It's like halfway happy."

"By, 5-1-5?" She asked hopefully.

He nodded his head. "5:15. Yeah, sure."

She looked down at her lap and then back at him. "Promise?"

He leaned forward, looking her in the eye and nodding his head firmly. "Yes. I promise.

She lightly shrugged her shoulders. "Halfway happy."

She grabbed her fork and began eating. Hopper smiled at her softly and leaned forward and ruffled her curly hair, bringing out a light chuckle from El.

The two fell into a comfortable silence for the rest of the morning. El tried desperately to enjoy the company while it lasted, knowing in just a few short hours she would be left alone with her thoughts once more.

+++

"Will? Come on, honey, up and at 'em." Joyce Byers stops at the end of the hall and she can feel her stomach plunge as she see finds her youngest son's room empty.

"Will?"

The dreaded sense of dejavu creeps in and she rushes to the end of the hall where Jonathan is making breakfast.

"Jonathan?"

"Yeah?"

"Where's Will?"

"What?"

"Where's Will?"

"He's not in his room?"

"No."

Suddenly there was a small clank that came from the bathroom.

Joyce rushed to the door in a panic, her heart pounding. She threw the door open to find Will standing in front of an open toilet.

"Will?"

"What are you doing?" Her voice came out in a shaky matter as she tried to calm her racing heart.

Will stood there in confusion and he gestured to the toilet. "Peeing?"

"Okay." She breathed out a chuckle and a sigh of relief as she left and closed the door behind her, hearing the sound of the toilet flushing.

***

"Okay..." Joyce had just helped Will into his Ghostbusters jumpsuit.

She reached for the homemade proton pack that rested on his bed, and helped the device onto his back. "Let's get this...on."

"Oh! You need some tape. Hold on." She let go of the loose wire that hung lazily from his pack and walked quickly towards his desk.

Grabbing a piece of tape, she couldn't help but notice a drawing that stuck out to her. It was barely peeking out from under piles of other drawings but she grabbed in and fears began returning.

It was unlike the others. It was extremely detailed, and black white which she noted he almost never did. The landscape was familiar, but she couldn't quite put a finger on it. The most unsettling part of course, was the large looming figure that took center stage. It reminded her of spider the way it stood and everything in it's path was shadowed, although she could tell, it wasn't from the swarm of thunder clouds but the monster itself.

It chilled her. She turned to Will. "What's this?"

Will seemed taken aback, but he quickly recovered.

"Nothing." He started to shift on his feet.

"Did you have another episode?"

"No, it's just, um... a sketch for a story I'm writing."

Joyce sighed, discarding the drawing wanting so badly for that to be true, so did believed it.

+++

"Three, two, one..."

"Great. Hold up the photo blaster."

Jonathan snapped another picture of his brother, Will gleaming in his suit as Jonathan continued to instruct him. Their mother was watching giddily as she smiled at her youngest son. The question she'd been dying to ask on the tip of her tongue.

"All right, now turn to light."

Will did just that, aiming his proton blaster towards a spot on the wall across the room.

"So," Joyce drawled. "[Y/N]'s coming over tonight before hand so we can grab some pictures of you two, right?"

Will felt a blush creep up.

"Mom," Will protested, his smile betraying him.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she threw her hands up in surrender but persisted in asking more questions. "So, she is going as...?"

"Janine," Will mumbled, as Jonathan snapped another picture.

"Right, right..." Joyce winced. "And she is...?"

"The receptionist and confidant-"

"Spengler's girlfriend..." Jonathan answered, the mischievous grin of an older brother plastered on his face.

Will felt a blush creep all the way up from his neck, Jonathan took this opportunity to "accidentally" get a picture of his flustered younger brother.

"Jonathan!" Laughed Will.

"What? It's so obvious, and hey, you guys are the ones who chose the costumes."

"It's a coincidence..." He mumbled.

Jonathan and Joyce smirked as Will tried to regain his composure, acting as if the exchange hadn't completely flustered him.

Which it did.

||Reader's POV||

"Oh! Let me see those pearls! Yeah! [Y/N], you almost ready?"

"Coming mom!"

I adjusted the big pair of glasses on my head and slipped on the red sweater vest, completing the outfit. On my way out of my room, I grabbed my first piece of gum out of my pocket stash and popping it in my mouth. The plaid shirt we found worked perfectly for Janine, I was so glad we were able to find everything in time.

I ran back out the hall and my mom greeted me with a squeal.

"Oh! You two look so good, get in there with your brother, honey."

We got a few nice pictures in, Dustin had his ghost trap, it it quite impressive, I must admit.

The last photo consisted of Dustin proudly holding up his ghost trap, while I chose to be in character. I had my back turned to him, my arms folded and in the middle of blowing a bubble as I casually roll my eyes.

***

"Na na na Na na Na"

We had just pulled into school on our bikes, and we all parked them on the bike rack. I silently counted myself lucky that I didn't have to lug a giant proton pack on my shoulders all day.

We all finished the anthem with "Who you gonna call?". It was then that I heard q familiar voice call "Ghostbusters!"

I turned around to see Will in his costume, it looked great.

"Hey, Spengler!"

"Egon! Looking sharp!" I beamed, greeting him with a quick hug.

"Janine! Venkman!"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa," Mike frowned, gesturing to Lucas's name tag.

"What?" Lucas asked.

"Why are you Venkman?"

"Because I'm Venkman." Lucas shrugged.

"No, I'm Venkman."

"Why can't there just be two Venkmans?" Will asked, and I nodded looking to the boys.

"Because there's only one Venkman in real life. We planned this months ago." Mike snapped.

"Mike, calm down. It's alright,"

"I'm Venkman, Dustin's Stantz, Will is Egon, you're obviously Janine, and you're Winston." He finished, pointing at Lucas.

"I specifically didn't agree to Winston." Lucas said.

"Yes, you did!"

"I don't think he did." I said gently.

"No one wants to be Winston, man."

"What's wrong with Winston?"

"What's wrong with Winston? He joined the team super late, he's not funny, and he's not even a scientist!"

"Yeah, but he's still cool." Mike argued.

"If he's cool, then you be Winston."

"I can't!"

"Why not?"

Mike started to stutter, "Because..."

We all fell quiet as the argument got bad quickly.

"Because you're not black?" Lucas finished.

"I didn't say that!"

"You thought it."

I took a deep breath as they continued fighting. However, something clicked in my head as I looked around the school.

"Oh, no."

I nudged Dustin as I continued to look around, dread and regret creeping in.

Dustin looked to me and then around, realizing the same awful fact.

"Guys..." Dustin mumbled.

"Guys!" I finally snapped, grabbing their attention.

The other three fell silent and we all watched in horror as everyone got off the bus. In regular clothes.

"Why is no else wearing costumes?"

"Well, shit."

+++

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#stranger things rewrite #will byers x reader #will byers x you #reader insert #rewrite #stranger things imagine #stranger things x reader #stranger things reader insert #netflix #imagine #finn wolfhard #noah schnapp #caleb mclaughlin #gaten matarazzo #sadie sink #millie bobby brown #mike wheeler #will byers #lucas sinclair #dustin henderson #eleven #jane hopper #el #max mayfield #stranger things #trick or treat freak pt. 1 #trick or treat freak #chapter two trick or treat freak #will byers x y/n