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plmp0 · 15 days

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The Sex Love House PT 3

Summary: Welcome to the love house where a lot of stories will infold, 7 participants will have a chance to live together in the same house for a mounth while still doing their normal activities, will they find real love in this short period? Or at least this is what ur friend want u to believe. Part 1 Part 2

Warnings: a very manipulative!jay, manipulative!sunghoon, manipulative!heeseung, ex!bf!Jake, everyone is a perv in this house, reader is clueless, shameless reader, kinda stalker reader, Siyeon (from dreamcatcher) is also part of this, this is a pure filth, explicit content.

Smut warning: hand!job, oral (f), cum eating, desperate Jake, kind of subby!jake, p in v, unprotected sex (cause it's fiction), overstimulation, a lot of teasing, i think that's it

A/N: This part was supposed to go out a long time ago but i forgot to save it and i had to re-write it again so it's not as good cause i got annoyed sorry. Also this is not proof read so there might be some mistakes and typos so yeah

It's the week-end Jake woke up today going straight to ur room knocking on ur door before entering, u were still in ur shower robe hands blow drying ur hair as he looked at u through the mirror "oh hi i was going to talk to u after i finish, we didn't get a chance to yesterday" u said upon brushing ur hair.

He noded his head eyes scanning u, u got more beautiful since the last time he saw u, he's ngl he forgot about u at some point but he just woke up one day having u running through his head, what could u be doing now? Did u get taller? Did u let ur hair grow? How many relationships have u been through? He had these small thoughts about u, but everytime his heart tries to soften to u, the memory of ur ghosting and its side effects come back to him, it was like a trauma for him, getting in the way of every relationship he tried to be in, always having doubts about the other part, not able to trust her fully, he really has abandonement issues now.

"There is no need to bring back what happened in the past" u said getting him out of his thoughts, u turned off the blowdryer approaching him eyes softening now that he is close to u, ur guilt kicking in immediatly "m so sorry for what i did, i know nothing can excuse what i did but i wasn't mature enough" u said holding his hand in urs, he cleared his throat avoiding looking at u, pulling out his hand gentely and that was enough for u to know that he didn't forget u.

U sighed feeling bad but deciding to brush off the topic "so tell me, what r u doing now?" U asked hoping to get rid of the awkwardness noting how he didn't let a word out.

He smiled shrugging "i took over my dad's work"

U smiled back remembering how sweet his dad used to be and how good he treated u "i hope he is doing fine"

"He is" was all he replied with, taking a seat on ur bed "ahh right! Do u want something?" U asked after runing out of ideas to lighten the mood, he sighed hands massaging his forhead "i just wanted to ask if u have some pain relievers"

"Ohhh? Ur head hurts?" U asked hands busy searching in ur drawer for the said pills, taking it out and handing it to him "here" he took it from u thanking u and putting it in his pocket .

U sat on ur chair facing him now forgetting that u r still in ur robe that is about to open in any second now, ur hair isn't fully dry u look so... so tempting Jake's eyes can't help but stare at u head empty only u running through it.

"U don't want the guys to know that we were together?" U asked after talking for sometime now without getting a reply from him.

He cleared his throat again " ah idk i didn't know if u'd like them to find out so i chose to not say anything" he shrugged, u smiled at him he is still considerate as always "i don't really mind but since we didn't talk about it the first time let's just keep it between us"

He smiled back wanting to stay with u longer, seeing u now in front of him again brought back his old feelings towards u.

U heard ur phone ring on the table behind u "excuse me" u let out softly turning back and stretching to get it without standing from ur seat, exposing ur bare thighs and a faint sight of ur blue panties to Jake whose eyes were boring into u tongue darting on his lower lip , he gulped hands sweating and itching to feel ur soft skin, u smiled at ur succeed attempt to get ur phone seating properly now and answering ur call, Jake's eyes didn't leave u even for a second scanning the way u pout whenever something is not pleasing u, the way u roll the end of ur hair listening to what's been said on the other line, lips smiling from time to time flashing ur white teeth, everything about u was beautiful and he miss having u for himself.

U made eye contact with him in the middle of the call mouthing a sorry, Jake only smiling at u as he waited for ur call to end (but wishing it to take longer so he can drink in ur beautiful features more).

U ended the call that was from one of ur co-workers asking u about some file u wondering why tf they want that in the week end, u sighed looking at Jake noting the way he is looking at u.

"That took longer than i expected sorry"

He didn't budge even when u waved ur hand in front of him, only waking up when he heard ur soft voice calling his name and he almost let a sound out from that "are u okay? U r spacing out a lot" u asked concerned, eyes looking at the way his adam apple boped down before hearing him gulp loudly.

He shakes his head like he was in some sort of trance head dizzy as he inhaled u r fresh smell now that u approached him " m fine dw" u sat next to him, resting ur back on the wall and he followed ur movement head titling to face u " u r still as beautiful as u were" he let out making u blush a little bit as u give him a thank u chewing on ur lips fingers playing with the hem of ur robe.

He massaged his shoulders letting out a small groan and u turned to look at him he really look so tired "do u want me to give u a massage it's gonna help u relax a little bit" u said.

And he stayed still for a minute thinking about ur offer before noding in agreement, u stood up going to take an oil u use whenever u wanna relax "come on lay down" u rushed him and he did "i think it'd be better if u remove ur shirt" u said as he removed it and tossed it somewhere on the bed, u straddled his back he pressed his face on the matress upon feeling ur weight on top of him, his body shivering when the cold oil met his skin ur hands following after, massaging his nerves skilfully, he shut his eyes his body relaxing while releasing soft groans every now and then.

U were so good with ur hands he almost fell asleep if it wasn't for the unintentional scrach he felt on his back, u just continued working ur magic ignoring the way his body squirmed, u smirked a little bit knowing exactly how he liked that, u kept digging ur nails on his skin saying a sorry with a fake pout whenever u do so.

He could feel his muscles tensing up again, his forehead now resting on his hands teeth biting his lower lip not wanting to let a sound out, but it was impossible at this point especially when u brushed ur fingers faintly over his soft spot, u knew his body so well doing the most to get a reaction out of him, ur competitive side kicking out until a moan skipped his lips making u stop ur movements immediately "ohhh?" U said mockingly leaning forward until ur lips met his ears "u r still the same Jakey" he whimpered his hips humping the mattress shamelessly making u chuckle "what are u doing?" U asked faking a confused tone as u moved from his body standing in front of him. Jake titled his head looking at u confusion written all over his face, u cocked an eyebrow at him as he didn't stop his movements his eyes boring into ur body that was all exposed for him at this point, the robe not doing any job at hiding ur skin, the small curls at the end of ur hair still wet arms crossed waiting for him to speak but he didn't, u sighed clenching ur jaw slightly leaning forward lifting his chin with ur index finger "where r u looking? My face is here" u exclaimed wanting to get something out of him but his eyes are fixed on ur lips, u dart ur tongue on them watching how his own mouth is open almost drooling at the sight of you. Jake has always been like that, everything u did used to turn him on, and it looks like nothing changed.

U chuckled softely kneeling on the floor so u can face him blinking slowely as u caressed his cheeks titling ur head and getting closer to him until ur noses touched u were planing to tease him a little bit more but he rushed kissing u like he was starving for years, his lips moving so fast tongue rolling around urs u let go of his cheeks one hand now around his neck while the other one is searching for his hair tugging slightly as he moans in the kiss.

U left his mouth panting for some air, u looked his way and u can't help the heat that went to ur cheeks when u saw him, he looked so fucked out just from a kiss coming closer to kiss u again "so eager" u thought

U kissed him again his hands holding onto ur thighs, Jake now sitting properly without breaking the kiss making u also stand and straddle his lap, u started rolling ur hips slowly his hands following your pace, his thumbs tracing circles on ur inner thighs, ur hand going from his hair to his neck applying a small pressure and he groaned in the kiss.

"Shhh" u warned him and he whined in return making u smile in the kiss as ur hands traveled to his pants, unbuttoning them and sliding them down his knees along with his boxers, he let a deep breath out his body tensing up as he waited for u to touch him, the anticipation killing him.

"Please" he managed to mutter out his dick twitching in the cold air as his head tilted backwards and a sigh left his lips when u wrapped ur hand around his cock.

Ur thumb pressed on his slit collecting the precum that is oozing from it and spreading it along his length, his grip on ur thighs tighten as his body shakes under ur touch, he moaned in the kiss the need of breathing making him part his lips slightly, his moans were so loud despite him trying to stay silent his eyes were rolling to the back of his head.

His hips started moving up to meet ur strokes as his moans increased in volume, u felt him getting close, ur thumb now pressing on his slit again teasing him by stroking the base and going to the top before repeating the same process.

"Baby" he moaned against ur lips as his hips buckled upwards his stomach and chest rising, his hands are gripping ur thighs tightly, his nails digging in ur flesh, his toes curling as his mouth parted in a silent scream the only thing coming out of his mouth was a gasp as his eyes rolled back.

His dick twitched a few times his cum landing on ur robe and his chest, ur eyes were scanning the view, his head was still resting on the bed his eyes closed, his whole body shaking still feeling the waves of his orgasm, he was so sexy like this, and u can't deny that the thought of him getting off just from u stroking him made u so turned on, u were sure that your panties were soaked wet.

He was catching his breath when he felt u getting off his lap, he opened his eyes, his chest moving up and down, his dick still twitching as he saw the mess he made.

"Fuck y/n im sorry" he said trying to grab a tissue but his body was numb and his mind hazy.

U didn't pay him any attention going straight to ur closet pretending to get another robe and discarding the dirty one on the ground.

Jake was looking at u his dick already hardening again his eyes were roaming over ur body his gaze fixated on the curve of ur ass and the way the blue panties hugged ur thighs.

He wanted to eat u alive, he wanted to make u cry out his name, he wanted to fuck u, and u wanted the same, his dick was pulsating against his stomach, and all his senses were focused on u.

U felt his stare, turning back to face him a smirk forming on ur lips as u took a step forward and his hands were instantly on ur waist pulling u down on his lap, he attacked ur neck kissing, biting and sucking on it, he didn't want to leave a mark so he didn't suck for a long time, he went lower until his teeth bit ur collar bone his hands pulling down the new robe as his lips met the top of ur breast leaving kisses and licks.

"Oh" a sigh escaped ur mouth as u tilted ur head backwards, his right hand went down cupping ur clothed pussy while his left hand held onto ur waist for support.

He started moving his fingers, drawing circles on ur clothed clit, he didn't stop the movement of his mouth on ur breast as u started grinding against his hand. Jake was like a starving man, his touches so earger, his actions desperate.

U held onto his shoulders for support as he pushed u back laying on the matress, his body covering ur smaller frame as he started sucking on ur right breast his hand moving away the panties and entering two fingers inside ur pussy making you arch ur back as a gasp left ur lips.

His fingers were hitting the right spot and he went to kiss you again, his mouth making it hard to breathe, the pleasure was too much, ur eyes were watering, and his dick was rubbing against ur thigh, Jake broke the kiss panting like a dog delivering kisses on you stomach as his thumb was circling your clit, u were so sensitive his every move was sending shivers down ur spine, he was so focused on pleasing you, and it wasn't hard for him to get the job done, it's like he has been dreaming about this for a long time, he was now on a face level with your pussy he groaned biting his lips before replacing his thumb with his tongue, a scream slipped your lips and your back arched high in the air, his grip on ur waist was bruising, he didn't want to let go.

He hummed upon tasting you his eyes closed tongue going wild making it hard for you to contain ur moans and u were sure by now that if Heeseung was in his room he 100% have heard you, his room next to urs and that just added to ur heat making u go crazy, you were close by now already worked out just from earlier, Jake's finger went deeper making you let out a cry hands tugging at his hair and he moaned upon that "Cum for me" he mumbled against your pussy, the vibrations of his voice enough to make u reach your peak.

You cried out his name legs shaking uncontrollably, head dizzy, and chest heaving, and Jake didn't stop licking on ur clit not even giving u time to calm down and recover from ur first orgasm, "No-omg" your hands went to pull him away but instead you found them back on his hair pushing his face closer, his tongue was so skilled and u can feel yourself getting close again letting out small cries , the feeling of his tongue was so amazing and u can feel your whole body burning up, it didn't take long before u came again squirting on his face this time.

Jake pulled away his lips wet, face glistening with your juices, his eyes dark, "That's so fucking hot" he muttered licking his lips and wiping his face with his hands, he was looking at you hungrily, his cock red and dripping with precum, you wanted him inside you.

"C'mon here" u said pulling him closer for a sloppy kiss tasting yourself on his tongue as you started moving your hips, both of you were a moaning mess, the need to be close was so strong.

"Jake" u moaned against his lips and he hummed eyes still closed "fuck me" you said and his eyes shot open his mouth hanging open his breath got caught in his throat, and u smiled at him softly you were always a fan of his reactions always acting like he hasn't heard these words before as if it's his first time and you were sure that he was now going crazy, ur words made him feel like his heart is about to explode.

He didn't hesitate to get between your legs, his dick rubbing against ur wet folds as his mouth went to suck on your neck, your hands went to his back leaving red scratch marks as his tip was pressing on your hole, the need to enter was strong his eyes scanning your expressions as he entered you, a satisfied sigh escaped both of you lips, you were so warm and wet around him he didn't have any energy to start slow, his thrusts were hard and rough his hands holding onto the sheets as his hips met yours with a slap, the air was filled with your moans and the sound of skin slapping, the bed creaked underneath you and you could hear it hitting the wall, it's not a surprise if u end up with a hole in the wall, and he was going so fast he didn't give you a chance to adjust his cock hitting the right spots, "fuckk you feel so good Damn" he groaned his hips moving by themselves his head dropped enjoying the way you feel around him, your hands went to his back pulling him closer wanting to feel him deeper, his chest was now touching yours, his skin was so hot and he was sweating a lot, you can see his veins popping his mouth hanging open as his forehead was touching yours, his thrusts becoming more aggressive and it was hard to catch your breath, you can feel yourself getting close for the third time tonight your stomach twisting and your eyes rolling to the back of your head, Jake's hand moved away from the sheets gripping the headboard as he was slamming into you loving how you moan his name, he was close, so close, his dick twitched inside of you.

He was so lost in pleasure he had other plans for you but he forgot about everything focusing only on the delicious feeling of you he swear he hasn't felt this good since being with you, he doesn't know why but u just enjoys it more when it's you, his thrusts were now unrhythmic moaning as his hands went to the pillow and you let out a surprised yelp when his other hand grabbed a fistful of your hair pushing your head back loving how you look for this angle ,his cock was throbbing and pulsating inside you the knot in your stomach was so tight and you could feel yourself reaching your peak, Jake was grunting his eyes shut curses leaving his lips "fuckk fuck fuck" and you could feel the tears building up so sensitive from the previous releases and it was a matter of time before both of you came at the same time, he pulled out after spilling his seeds all over your stomach.

He let go of your hair and collapsed on the bed next to you, both of you were panting your minds were blank and the air was still thick, the room smelled of sex, Jake's hair was sticking to his forehead, his chest was moving up and down, the only sound in the room was the heavy breathing. You were laying there trying to come back from the high, you looked at Jake his eyes closed, his face still sweaty and red, your eyes moved lower, his chest and stomach are covered with his own cum and he didn't seem to mind.

You chuckled "what?" He asked eyes opening to look at you.

"Look at the mess" you said pointing at his stomach, he sat up a little bit checking it out wanting to say something but he stopped after seeing you crawling, ur hands dropping his body back as u leaned down collecting all the cum that was on his body licking it up making sure to leave no trace behind Jake had to slap himself to see if he was dreaming, his eyes were bulging and his mouth was dry 'fuck you are so sexy y/n" it was too much, too many feelings all at once, it was hard to control the heat pooling in his groin and he can feel himself getting hard again, he let a deep breath out when you stopped to show him the cum u collected before swallowing it.

"Fuck so dirty" he said pulling you for a heated kiss, your tongue battling his for dominance, he was already hard again his body was aching for u and u couldn't help but rub your pussy against his shaft.

"Please" he begged, and as much as u wanted him you were sure that your body can't take anymore, already sore from yesterday and the events that took place minutes ago.

"Next time Jakey" u said pecking his lips and he whined, his hands went down to rub your pussy and u let him, u were sure that you can't do it but a few moments later u were bouncing on his cock again.

You sighed after what happened Jake stayed with your for a bit helping you move to the shower wanting to help but u stopped him wanting to relax for few minutes and have an alone time and he nodded pecking ur forehead and leaving. You took longer than intended cleaning your body lazily, you went out expecting to find a mess in ur room, ur robe thrown on the ground along with ur panties and the sheets wrinkled but instead everything was neat your clothes on the basket another sheets on the bed and that alone made your day.

Jake was sweet and caring as always and ur heart ached with guilt, ur mind was still in shock from everything but you didn't have the energy to spend a long time thinking, you dressed up wearing a long blue dress with a small slit on your left leg, drying your hair only with a towel putting on some perfume and walking out. U heard some noises on the living room and u followed finding everyone except from Jake and Siyeon sitting on the table having breakfast

Jay's eyes followed your every move his jaw almost dropping, the sight of your thighs driving him insane and it was so unfair, "wow y/n u look so beautiful" Heeseung said devouring you with his eyes and Joy nodded her head while Sunghoon didn't say a thing his eyes scanning u head to toe while stuffing his mouth with food, Joy pulled the chair next to her patting it for you "come on". She is such a sweetheart and u can't help the smile forming on your lips, you took the seat sitting now between her and Sunghoon and across from Heeseung and Jay, a small groan slipping Jay's lips when he saw u sitting so close to Hoon, his eyes were dark remembering yesterday's night but he wanted to take care of you today not liking how he let u go without helping. He grabbed ur plate putting a big amount of various food and handing it to u making u chuckle "i don't think m gonna be able to finish this but thank u" u said softly making him smile as well "enjoy, u need to regain ur energy".

Joy and Heeseung were talking about something but u can't pay attention u didn't realize how much hungry u re until u had ur first bite of food. "I thought u were going out this morning" Heeseung asked eyes not leaving ur face wondering what kind of excuse u'll make after he woke up to ur moans and you could feel ur cheeks heating up remembering the events that took place just few hours ago, u cleared ur throat shaking ur head "i changed my mind" u replied trying to avoid eye contact and laughing awkwardly afterwards, Heeseung grinned nodding his head pretending to believe u "Ahhh i see" he said. Joy's eyes roamed on the table "Where is Siyeon?" she asked particularly no one and Jay answered "She still have things to do at her house but she'll be back this afternoon"

"Where is Jake?" Sunghoon asked after a while and Jay was the one to answer him again "He left few minutes they called him from work"

U nodded, it was obvious that he didn't want anyone to find out, "How did u sleep last night?" Heeseung asked u and Jay chocked on his drink while you almost spit your food, Sunghoon who was taking a sip of his tea was now coughing loudly, Joy turned to look at him her eyebrows raised "are u ok?" She asked and he gave her a thumbs up eyes watering, Heeseung was laughing at the reaction of everyone his eyes meeting with yours and you could feel the heat on ur cheeks. "Oh my god u look like a tomato" he commented still laughing and u kicked his leg with ur feet under the table so embarrassed wishing that a black hole could swallow u and take u away from this place.

Sunghoon was now smirking loving to see u in that state remembering meeting with you yesterday when u were about to head to ur room after getting out of Jay's room sweating, face flushed and lips swollen ur robe closed messily and ur hair was in a very terrible state, u stopped at ur steps upon noticing his shadow turning to see him in front of you and u really tried to act normal but there was no point of that at that rate, so u just decided to do what u do everytime = running to ur room and die from shame! u hated that it's Sunghoon who caught u all the time and u weren't sure that u'd be able to look at him the next day but u managed to do that somehow. The table went silent again until Heeseung spoke again "i was just asking cuz it was too cold yesterday and the heating system wasn't working for me so i went to ask u if it works for u but u wasn't in ur room"

"Ahh yes" u lied "i was probably in the kitchen i got so thirsty and i didn't bring water to my room before sleeping" u mumbled, ur words beating u making Sunghoon laugh again impressed by ur ability to lie that fast. Heeseung and Jay were grinning knowingly, Joy didn't seem to understand the whole situation but she shrugged continuing what she was doing on her phone. U finished eating not daring to lift ur head again rushing to clean the table and do the dishes and u almost tripped, ur legs still sore from earlier if it wasn't for Sunghoon who catched u his hands around your waist holding you close, he chuckled his lips next to your ear his hot breath tickling you "are u still thirsty?" he whispered making u push him away chewing on ur lips, he chuckled again "just kidding watch out ur steps" he said tickling ur chin and leaving, making u freeze on ur spot questioning wtf was that about before walking out to the kitchen.

Jay followed u the thought of u doing the dishes while obviously looking tired not clicking with him, he insisted to do them instead asking u to have a rest in ur room, u sighed defeated and went back to the living room not wanting to spend ur time alone knowing that u'll just gonna be having unnecessary thoughts so u hopped on the couch laying there next to Joy who was watching some random insta reels and she smiled creating more space for you "what are u watching?" u asked her softly, Joy positioned her phone to match it with ur sight "just some reels" and u nodded watching videos with her while talking about some random stuff, u sighed the mic on ur back making u uncomfortable, "u should sit in the middle" Joy suggested but u shook your head "it's fine" you replied and Joy frowned not satisfied but she didn't say anything.

After some minutes Sunghoon walked to the living room sitting accross from you, his eyes not leaving ur body and u tried not to meet his gaze, his stare was so intense and intimidating and u wished he ignored u like earlier, "y/n" he called your name and ur heart skipped a beat it was probably the first time u heard ur name skip his lips, Joy looked at him raising her eyebrow but watching ur interaction quietly "yes?" u answered voice almost unheard and Sunghoon smiled, he loves when ur all shy and awkward with him, he cleared his throat before speaking "u wanna go on a date with me?" he asked u making ur eyes widen u certainly was not expecting this from him especially and u were wondering for a second if u've heard him correctly "uh?" u managed to let out and Joy couldn't stop herself from giggling next to you, Sunghoon didn't lose his charming smile making ur insides melt not even bothering to repeat his question, u looked at Joy for help, this situation almost awkward, she was smiling at you encouraging you to give him an answer, "umm... sure" u said after some moments, Sunghoon was waiting patiently and he seemed happy with your reply and Joy clapped her hands excitedly "great then it's settled" she said and u could feel yourself drowning, not knowing what to do and what to expect ur face as red as Joy's phone case ur eyes still looking at Sunghoon who didn't drop his smile now smirking at u, his eyes so intense making u question ur respond "i hope i don't regret that" u mumbled only for u to hear.

This part has been sitting in my drafts for a long time sorry :( but yeah this was not how i wrote this part originally nd it really sucks that i didn't save it but yeah hope u enjoy ^^ the next part is gonna be super intense, spoiler: it'll be both Sunghoon and Heeseung focused and oh god this duo is a lot!

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earlgreytea68 · 10 months

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LOOK AWAY IF YOU DON'T WANT SO MUCH FOR (TOUR) DUST SPOILERS, OKAY?

~~~

Set list:

(1) That Pink Seashell spoken word thing actually opens the show

(2) Love from the Other Side: I assumed they'd play this first, and they did, and they looked very happy with the reception that it got

(3) The Phoenix

(4) Sugar, We're Goin Down: I overheard two guys when I was leaving saying, "I only came to this show for that Sugar song, and it was the third song they played," whatever to those two guys lol

(5) Uma Thurman

(6) A Litttle Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More Touch Me

(7) Chicago Is So Two Years Ago: I know they always play this song when they play Chicago but the way the show is set up, there's this spoken intro that references a light being left on in Chicago, and then they launch into this song, and so I feel like maybe it's permanently in the set list for this tour, we'll see.

(8) Grand Theft Autumn: Patrick told the story again of how he wrote the lyrics while jogging with Pete. Here is exactly what he said, because I recorded it, hahaha: "I wrote this song out here, jogging, trying to figure out the words. This was back when I wrote a lot of the words. And Pete was jogging with me and he was like, 'Eh, maybe change this, maybe change this.' Before we knew it he was writing all the lyrics." And then Pete said, "Imagine us jogging" lolololol

(9) Calm Before the Storm

(10) This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race: They added a little Peterick-y moment in here? I don't remember them playing at each other during this song in previous performances? It was cute, it was during the instrumental part before Patrick leads the singalong, maybe I've just always missed it? They played it each other and kind of did some kind of kick thing with their legs??

(11) Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes: Honestly, always a delight to hear this song, this is one of my favorites <3

(12) Heaven, Iowa: THIS SONG LIVE, I SWEAR

(13) "The Take Over, the Breaks Over": OH MY GOD I LOVE THIS SONG AND I TOTALLY DIDN'T EXPECT THEM TO PLAY IT, I WAS SO HAPPY

(14) Headfirst Slide into Cooperstown on a Bad Bet: <3 Guess they got over being scared of playing this one lol

(15) Fake Out: I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW EXCITED I WAS THAT THEY PLAYED THIS ONE OMGGGGGGG. Also, there was some plan I wasn't aware of to, like, hold up cell phones with pink paper over the lights so the crowd lit up pink???? I have no idea who engineered that but it was CHARMING and at the end of the song Pete said, "Thanks for that, guys, that was beautiful," and the stage was on darkness so it seemed absolutely spontaneous on his part and I think they really did like the effect, so, Idk, future shows, keep doing it????

(16) Patrick did some kind of piano interlude where he played "Don't Stop Believin'"????? It was random but he was super charming, I think the rest of the band used it as a break, it was just SO GREAT. Part of his intro was: "Pete was putting together this show and he said to me, 'Hey, you should play piano.' And I was like, 'I kinda only play songs I wrote. I don't really play piano. I don't know how to play piano.' And he's like, 'Eh, you'll figure it out.'" And then Patrick sat down and played gorgeous piano ugh THANKS, PETE.

(17) Last of the Real Ones: I am glad Mania got some love.

(18) Save Rock and Roll

(19) PETE RECITED BABY ANNIHILATION WHAT. I SWEAR TO GOD. I SO DID NOT EXPECT THIS AND I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE THAT IT HAPPENED. If you're going to the show, pay attention, because I looked away and apparently there's, like, a magic trick at the end of the monologue where he disappears behind a piece of black silk?????

(20) Crazy Train cover: I...don't know what to say about this randomness hahaha but it happened??

(21) Dance Dance

(22) Hold Me Like a Grudge: I think Patrick adores singing this song, I really do.

(23) G.I.N.A.S.F.S.: I KNOW. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, EITHER.

(24) My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)

(25) Thnks fr th Mmrs

(26) Centuries

(27) Saturday <3

The show ends with a little piano version of So Much (for) Stardust played over the sound system, so pay attention for that.

The set is super Alice in Wonderland-y and I adored it, it's playful and fantastical and has all these whimsical touches and interludes and I just thought it was delightful and at one point there were bubbles, and I heard some people complaining after the concert that the fantasy thing didn't suit their style of music and really, I was surrounded by downers after the concert, I thought they were perfect hahaha. Like, ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. They looked so, so, so tangibly happy, all of them. Patrick sounded fantastic and he looked like he was having a blast, he smiled the whole time.

I have a lot of videos but they seem like they're all pretty terrible, but I'll see how I feel in the morning lol

#fall out boy #fob #bandom

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nanaloveswo-men · 3 months

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pairing: nanami x reader (sfw, implicit that you have a relationship) summary: the firsts years lost nanami's cat. you were called to help. nanami isn't happy. wc: 2.7 i want to write more about nanami, you and his (yours) cat

requests are open!

"sensei!" itadori feel the relieve filling his body as soon as you pick up the phone.

honestly, you kind of wish to never know what is happening, because if itadori is calling you, certainly, nothing good will come out of it. still, you have a job to do while you are his teacher.

you try to sound as polite as possible when answering him.

"hi yuji! is everything okay?" 'impossible' your mind quickly answer.

you hear some noises in the back of the call, and immediately you recognize the other voices.

"don't sound so hopeless" nobara shout at her friend, and you can perfectly imagine the two of them.

"stop screaming at my ear! she's going to hear you." yuji whisper, or at least try to, but you end up hearing the same way.

you think if yaga is going to be mad if you hang up on three freshmen that can possibly be in a death-or-life situation. maybe he wouldn't mind at all...

"yuji, where are you?" you ask already picking your keys, ready to save their asses.

more noises happen in the background, and you wonder if they are fighting with each other. the phone goes silently for a moment, and have to look down at the scream to see if the call was ended.

unfortunately, it was not. "i'm sorry to bother you, but we need your help" of course, the last one of the trio appears: megumi.

megumi tried his best to get away from the trouble duo but he is sure that you still could hear some screams. itadori's screams, you think. yeah, they are definitely fighting, and apparently, nobara is winning.

you signed trying to think why the bombastic trio of the jujutsu high need your help. neither of the options in your mind is good. "megumi, can you put on the speaker?"

after some seconds, you can hear the trio perfectly. "first of all, you three need to calm down, and explain why you need my help" before any of them talk, you continue "and nobara, you can't kill yuji yet, so stop beating him." she isn't happy to obey, but you hear itadori thanking you.

"okay, now you can tell me what happened" and again you can hear itadori, nobara and megumi talking at the same trying. each of them giving their version of the history. "only one of you!!" you scream interrupting them.

they fight for a little more before itadori finally speak. "you know, nanamin is on a work travel" he starts "and he kindly asked me if i could take care of his cat."

'more like i begged him for that' yuji remembers from a couple of days ago.

last month, gojo asked if nanami could watch itadori on his next mission, and even though he didn't want to, (or at least this was what he tried to convience you about) he accept. after killing the curse, kento offered to buy a snack for yuji (he couldn't let the boy die from hunger, he explained) and that was when itadori discovered that nanami owned a cat.

he saw a picture of it on his wallet. 'her name is angeline' nanami said because yuji keep calling his pretty cat "it".

the boy tried to convince his professor to let him meet angeline in person, but nanami would never let that happen. not when he was still alive.

angeline was a well-being animal. nanami made his number one priority to treat his cat like she deserved. the best food, weekly pet shop appointments, all the toys she needed to entertain herself when he was away, cuddle when he was at home. everything for her to be happy.

meeting anyone from his work (except from you, angeline absolutely adored you), teacher or student, would mean an stressful experience for the poor cat.

on the week nanami would be out of town on a work trip, he was ready to ask if you could take care of angeline, but yuji was faster than him.

"nanamin, please! i promise that i'm going to take good care of her." he begged for the last ten minutes, and kento was closing to explode "i won't make her stressed, and i can even video call you to see her anytime you want."

nanami signed. he would regret this, he was sure. but maybe he should follow your advice. trust people more. he could do this.

"alright itadori, you can take care of her."

but now yuuji was thinking that maybe nanami shouldn't have trust him.

"we were on a mission, so i thought it was a good idea to bring kugisaki and fushiguro with me, and everything was ok, we feed the cat, and played a bit with her, but then-" itadori was growing more and more nervous with each word coming out of his mouth.

megumi and nobara weren't different. the three of them could feel the cold sweat running down their temples.

you were just like them. of course, you knew anything good could come from itadori when he called you. but still, this was going for the worst scenario possible.

"yuji, where is angeline?" you ask, hoping, hell, even praying for the best.

itadori ignores you and continues his story. "we got hungry and run to the convenience, it was really quick, we didn't stay there for more than 10 minutes, but in our way back to the apartment kugisaki saw a dress, and then-"

yuji's voice is cut off and substituted by megumi.

"we got here, and the door was open. the cat was gone. we can't find it." you can hear itadori screaming in the background 'her name is angeline!'

everything pauses for a moment. you can't hear your students fighting. you can't hear any noise. actually, you feel nothing. your mind is completely blank.

and suddenly you remember how much angeline means to kento.

you and nanami been in a relationship for the past months, and since the begginig, he made sure to let you know how much he loved the little cat.

"itadori is the one who let the door open. blame him" nobara's voice took you out of your trance.

"i'm coming, don't move a muscle." you say briefly before ending the call.

---

in your whole life, you never expected to be in such conditions. you, a teacher, someone that can kill the most deadly curses, locked with your three students, desperately trying to find a cat.

you were still at the apartment with megumi, both of you looking everywhere in hope for angeline to still be here.

at this point, you were already using humiliating techniques.

"pspspspspspsps come here, it's me" knelling near the couch, you tried to call one more time "come on, angeline, you like me, yeah? then come here" you looked under the couch again, hoping that the cat would miraculously appear.

nothing, as expected.

even megumi was on the edge now, one of his shinigamis with itadori and nobara, while the other was stucked in the apartment with you. even the divine dog looked tired.

"megumi, don't you have, like, a divine cat? maybe we could pretend angeline was one of your shinigamis the whole time" you said throwing your body on the couch. at this point, you were already thinking of ways to calm nanami down. maybe you could convince him that his cat was something that only existed in his imagination?

"i don't think this will solve the problem" megumi sit on the chair near you, sad that kento would be disappointed at him. "i think that we can blame gojo-sensei, say that he broke into the house and let the cat scape."

you laugh a little, happy and a little worried to see megumi's funny side. "that's a good idea." you hum back, looking directly at the boy sitting next to you, only to get a look of his serious face.

he was talking for real. he won't disappoint nanami.

"let's wait for your friends to return, right? maybe they got luckier than us here." you try to easy the mood a bit, gently petting the divine dog lying on the carpet.

after some minutes, you finally hear running footsteps, which you presume are itadori and nobara. you and megumi quickly stand up, glaring at the door.

when itadori enters in your vision, you are already screaming at him.

"did you find angeline?" both, you and yuuji shout at each other at the same time.

"i think we're fucked" nobara says.

the four of you sit on the couch in completely silence, now, there was only on thing you could do. call kento.

obviously, no one wanted to do that.

'itadori was the one who let the door open." megumi defended himself.

kugisaki is quick to get her ass out of the way too. "he is the one that is responsible for the cat."

now, yuji had to be smart, otherwise, he would really have to call nanami, and he didn't want to get scolded. at least not in front of everyone.

knowing that he couldn't do anything incredible, he used his best technique. puppy eyes.

'damn kiddo' you think looking at the boy. you had nothing to do with the situation, why would you be the one calling nanami? you knew you would regret picking up the phone.

you sigh, feeling defeat by a bunch of kids. "i will do it. but you own me. the three of you." you reach for your phone from the pocket of your jacket.

you swallow the knot on your throat. praying that maybe nanami wouldn't answer.

"hello?"

as always, the world isn't on your side. maybe today wasn't your day at all.

"hey, kento! how is your trip going?" you answer, choosing your best calm voice.

you can feel the trio tensing up by your side, and for a moment you think that nanami will be able to hear their quick heartbeat.

"i'm almost finish, i'll be home tomorrow. why are you calling this time?"

of course, he would suspect. you usually call him at night, when you both would be already lying in bed, ready to sleep. "well, nothing you know, just feeling like checking on you would be good, you know?

nanami is silently for a moment. "why are you repeating sentences?" you fucked up. "what is happening?"

kento knew you better than you had thought previously.

"let's get into a hypothetically situation. if angeline went for a walk outside, and didn't come back until now, how mad would you be on a scale to 1-10?" you try to easy the water you're getting into.

but nanami isn't having any of your bullshit. "what are you saying? did you lose angeline?" you can feel the rage on his voice, and for a moment you think that maybe you should follow megumi's advice and blame gojo.

"so, 10 then?" nanami almost growls, and if this was any other moment, you would actually find it really hot. but not now.

"of course it would be a 10! now tell me, where the fuck is my cat?" oh, he is already cursing. time to hang up.

the trio tremble by your side, clearly hearing how much nanami is pissed off.

"well, so good that angeline is right hear with us, safe and pretty." you say absolutely not convincing the blonde on the other side of the phone. "unfortunately i have to hang up now, but it was a pleasure to talk to you.".

"us? who is there-" you click on the red button on the screen before kento can say another word.

you look at the trio, nobara and megumi by yuji side, both of them gently patting his shoulder. you can even see a dark aura hovering itadori's head. he was depressed.

your heart aches a bit. after all, you took pity on them. of course, yuji had fucked up, no doubt, but he was doing his best, trying to impress his teacher.

"no time to be sad!! get your ass to work!" you say, getting in front of them. you give their heads a little slap, getting their attention. "let's look everywhere again, starting with the apartment."

yuji, megumi and nobara look at you, feeling motivated again. (maybe megumi wasn't, but he wouldn't ruin the mood for his friends). the three of you scream together, ready for another hunting round (megumi think that you lost your mind).

nobara is the first to run around, throwing the cushions off the cushion crazy searching for a cat. yuji follows her, checking the living room cabinet. you look absolutely proud of them (megumi is sure that all of you lost your minds).

itadori is on all fours looking under the sofa. nobara is searching inside the fridge. megumi is almost falling off the window trying to see if angeline is outside. you are standing in the middle of the living room, phone in hand, the screen showing gojo's contact, you were ready to ask for his help. maybe he could expand his cursed energy and search for angeline.

a little meow coming from the door get your attention. four pair of eyes turn to where the sound came from.

a pretty cat sitting by the door. her pink tongue slowly cleaning her little paws.

your world pause for a moment. 'thank you' you thank no one at all.

"hellooooo, why are you calling the stronger sorcerer?" gojo finally answer your call, but now you didn't need him anymore. you just end the call without saying anything.

you walk to angeline, quickly cupping her on your arms, afraid that maybe she could run away again. megumi closes the door, a heavy sigh leaving his throat.

the cat in question only innocent look at you, like she didn't almost killed four (five if you want to count nanami) people from a heart attack.

the cat in question only innocent look at you, like she didn't almost kill four (five if you want to count nanami) people from a heart attack.

"angelineeee!" yuji is... crying? you see the tears running down his face. happy tears. he tried to hug angeline, but she didn't want his fluids on her fresh cleaned fur.

"MEOW!" she protested squirming on your arms, and you giggle getting her message.

"get off from the cat with your catarrh" nobara says pointing to yuji's dirty nose.

itadori stops, and a devilish idea appears on his mind. "then give me a hug yourself, kugisaki." he hums walking to his friend.

you laugh, seeing that even megumi got caught on the little chase. finally able to breathe again, you smile to yourself. angeline was safe. kento would be so happy.

---

"i'm never trusting any of your advices again" nanami murmur to you. he was finally back to home. angeline was on his arms again. "trust people more, you say" he was still a bit irritated.

you roll your eyes, getting comfortable against his shoulder, happy to smell his cologne. "yuji did a good job. in the final moments he screwed up a bit, but in overall, he was great." you defended him as always.

angeline meows at you, almost like she was agreeing with you. even kento was caught by surprise.

"it doesn't matter, next time i'm bringing you with me." nanami says kissing the cat head, but looking right into your eyes.

tilting your head to the side, you ask "are you talking to me, or with angeline?"

"both." he is quick to answer.

---

bonus

yesterday, itadori and kugisaki were searching for angeline

"i found her!" nobara happily says, holding a cat on the air.

yuji looks on her direction, surprised, until he saw the animal she was holding.

a random cat, not even the colors mach.

"kugisaki, this cat looks nothing like angeline." he screams, mad at her.

nobara just put the stray animal on the floor. "i tried.".

#jujutsu kaisen #jjk #fanfic #jujutsu kaisen x reader #nanami kento #nanami x you #jjk nanami #nanami x reader #yuji itadori #jjk itadori #nobara kugisaki #jjk nobara #jjk megumi #megumi fushiguro

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thefallennightmare · 6 months

Text

Miracle-eighteen

*gif found on pinterest*

Pairings: Noah Sebastian x Reader

Warnings/Tropes: forced proximity, slight enemies to lovers, slow burn, smut, angst, fluff, mentions of death, and swearing.

Summary: Reader is the merch girl for Bad Omens. It wasn't what she wanted to do with her life but when her mother got sick with Alzheimer's, reader took a job where she could to help with the costs. She thought it would be a one-time gig but the longer she was on the road with them, the harder she fell for Noah Sebastian; even if he wanted nothing to do with her. She needed a miracle to save her mom and her future.

Author Note: I hope y'all don't hate me after this.

Tags: @ada-clarence @nonamessblog @thescarlettvvitch @malice-ov-mercy @crimson-calligraphyx @theoneandonlykymberlee @yumikitten @blackveilomens @cherrymedicine13 @thebadchic @notmaddihealy @jay02bo @beaker1636 @jakekiszkasguitarpick @punk-pr1ncessxoxo @er3nslovergirl @iamdesolate @lma1986 @jessitpwk @themodern-daywednesday @writethrough @bngurngheart @dreams-that-are-anwsered @loeytuan98 @omens-in-reverse @loverofagoodbeard @jay02bo @niicoleleigh

"So it's over?" I clutched my phone between my ear and shoulder as I carried in the bags of groceries into the house.

"Yes. He tried to fight your mothers will, but it clearly states that you keep the house. There's no way James can sell it without your permission."

I sighed while setting down the bags on the kitchen counter. "Thank you, Ryan. I appreciate all your help."

"No problem, Y/N. If you need anything else, call my office anytime."

Ending the call, I left my phone on the counter as I put away the food I bought, the setting sun forcing its rays through the glass windows. Even with the cool November weather, the heat of the sun-blasted against my back, warming my skin instantly. The house was quiet as I moved throughout it, picking up odd things that were scattered in random places and putting them back where they belonged. The phone call with the lawyer's office that had been helping me deal with situating my mother's estate and her will weigh heavy on my mind. I'd been working with them for the last couple of weeks and although they said that it was over, a part of me knew deep down that this thing with James was far from over.

After my mother's funeral a few weeks ago and the interactions with James, I immediately sought some legal help to make sure that there wasn't any kind of loophole that he could find to slip through. Thankfully, there were none and James ended up flying back home to Texas, leaving me alone.

Or so I thought.

It started at first as just weird feelings then it turned into the feeling of being watched anytime I was walking around the neighborhood or even inside my house. It got so intense that I ended up leaving the curtains closed twenty-four-seven. If that wasn't creepy enough, one morning I woke up and noticed that the back door was open just a crack. It scared me so bad because I remembered shutting and locking it. It's been about a week since the last weird incident and I decided it was all in my head. Originally I thought it was James but knowing he was back in Texas, I chalked it up to a crazed fan that found out where I lived.

Somehow pictures of me with the guys at my mother's funeral ended up online, especially ones of Noah's hand in mine. People already had their suspicions about the two of us but now the rumors were spreading like wildfire online. I did what I always did when I read something I didn't like; I ignored it.

Since the kiss we shared on his birthday, things between Noah and I were even more weird, in a good way. The only problem? It felt as if we were rushing back into things which is not what I wanted. So while Bad Omens were away playing a three-day festival a few hours away, I was using this time alone to think about things.

Noah offered me my job back, but I didn't accept it, not yet anyway. It was something I needed to think about. Although be it tempting, I also needed to think about where my life went from here. I didn't want to stay in this house much longer because the memories were too daunting and frankly; I wanted to forget about the times of taking care of my mom here. Her lies were etched into the walls and buried deep into the soil of the foundation. The thought of moving far away crossed my mind a few times, but it never was more than a thought. All the bad memories aside, there was a lot of good here that I couldn't bear the thought of leaving.

Before Noah left, we talked about some things that were said that night of our fight. He apologized profusely about bringing up my only fans page in front of everyone and comparing it to amateur porn. When in fact; it was something that Noah watched often. He said the real thing was better than the pictures or videos I posted.

I thought I would be angry that he saw me like that before the night in the storage closet but I wasn't. It extremely flattered me he thought of me like that.

When I told him I'd be stopping the page, he told me I didn't have too since we were kind of, sort of, dating, but I told him it was only to pay Lana's paychecks when she was taking care of my mother. Now, there was no need for the Only Fans page anymore. Noah wouldn't say it out loud, but I could tell he was relieved that I deleted the page.

I also had to tell him that Folio saw my nudes. Prior to how he acted in jealousy, Noah surprised me when he shrugged it off with a laugh.

"Damn, he got those for free? Do you know how much I had to pay for those?" He joked which earned a slap to his chest from me.

We hadn't kissed or done anything more since his birthday, much to the dismay of my aching pussy that begged for him. He never forced me for more of our relationship and I was thankful for that.

As I was returning downstairs with a large stack of photo albums in my arms, I heard my phone ringing from the kitchen and made it just in time to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Hi angel," Noah's deep voice echoed in my ear.

The corner of my mouth lifted into a smile. "Hey you. How's the festival?"

"Good, we just got back on the bus and should head back home soon. I wanted to call and check in since it's been awhile since we last talked."

It was true. I wished them all good luck at the festival before they left a few days ago. I didn't even talk to Folio, that's how much I was valuing this alone time. Of course, not wanting them to worry, I sent a text or two letting them know I was alive. Noah was understanding in letting me have all the time I needed to myself but he made sure I knew that once the festival was over, he'd be calling.

"You're leaving already? It's only the second night," I said.

"The schedule of the festival changed around and our sets already finished. We figured to head back home a day early."

I hummed. "Some girl back home waiting for you?"

"Yes. In fact, I plan on having her over at my place for a movie night."

"Oh, really now?" I raised a brow while opening up the photo albums. "Does she know about this?"

There was some loud voices on Noah's end before he yelled away from the receiver. "Assholes! I'm on the phone."

"Tell Y/N we say hi!"

Jolly.

"She's coming back to work, right? Because the pictures Davis got for our social media fucking suck."

Nick.

"Hey, fuck you man!"

Davis.

I chuckled while sitting on the stool at the counter, slowly flipping through the photo album. It was of my sixth birthday and seeing the pictures of my father with a large smile on his face as he handed me my birthday cake warmed my heart. I did this every night the last few weeks; looking though old memories in hopes to remember the good ones.

"Tell her to answer my text. It's important!"

Folio.

Rolling my eyes, I pulled my phone away from my ear to look at my most recent text from him.

The second we got the news that our set ended a day early, Noah damn near sprinted to the bus like someone lit a fire under his ass so he can call you. He's rushing us so we can get back home. I don't know how but you got that man wrapped around your finger.

My heart skipped a beat as I put the phone back to my ear just in time to ear Noah's sweet voice again.

"So about that movie night?"

"Depends," I chewed on my bottom lip.

"On?"

"Can it be just you and I? Maybe at my place?"

There was a long beat of silence on Noah's end. "You sure? I don't want to rush you into anything, angel."

"You're not, trust me. We've been taking things slow so this movie night could be the next step."

"I'll promise to keep my hands to myself."

I could almost imagine Noah crossing a finger over his chest.

Closing the photo album, I leaned back into the stool with a playful smirk on my face. "Maybe I don't want you too."

"Angel," Noah groaned. "As soon as I'm back home, I'm coming over. I don't care the time."

I giggled while making my way out of the kitchen and up the stairs to my room. By now the moon was casting its bright white glow on the old wooden floorboards and I was ready to turn in for the night.

"How long is the drive?" I asked.

Noah sighed. "It's about five hours."

Glancing at the clock on the wall of the hallway, I noticed it was about eight in the evening, meaning by the time he got home, it would be too late and I'd most likely be asleep.

"How about tomorrow night then?" I asked once I stepped foot in my room.

"I'll hold you to that."

We talked for a few more minutes before I reluctantly hung up, exhaustion pulling my body toward my bed.

My nose tickled at the harsh smell as I turned over in bed, slumber still weighing heavy on my chest. But the smell intensified which woke me, eyes fluttering open. It was almost an earthy smell as it engulfed me and I sat up in bed with a start. The surrounding air was thick with dust and my vision was hazy as I looked around my room. Then I realized it wasn't my vision that was hazy, it was my room that was hazy. A thick cloud of smoke filled my room, and I traced it to the bottom of my closed door where I sucked in a sob; bright flames licked their way underneath the opening of the door and I scrambled out of bed towards the farthest side of the wall.

Fuck.

My house was on fire, and it was slowly reaching my bedroom.

"SHIT!" I cried when the flames now ran up my door, the heat immediately brushing across my face.

Did I leave a candle burning?

No, I haven't lit one in days.

Did I leave to stove on?

No, I ordered pizza for dinner.

And the fireplace hasn't been lit in years.

So how the fuck did the fire start?

My eyes glanced over to the phone on my nightstand but before I could reach for it, the flames reached it and I reared farther back into the farthest corner of my room away from the fire. Fear gripped me as I tried to scramble my brain on how to escape.

I couldn't leave my room without getting burned alive so the only way out was the window, but I was on the second story which was at least a 15-foot drop. There was a lattice I could slowly climb my way down but it would take time to make sure I didn't fall which time wasn't something I had much time of.

My throat felt raw and thick as I continued to breathe in the smoke the longer I stayed in my fetal position. I coughed as I slowly rose to my feet, ready to climb through the window when something caught the corner of my eye. On my dresser on the other side of the room was an array of pictures of my mother and I and also with my father. Then on my desk next to the dresser was my laptop which had more pictures; most of my time with Bad Omens.

Continuing to cough up black smoke, I rushed through the flames to grab two picture frames and as I was going to reach for my laptop, a flame brushed up from underneath the desk, touching the skin of my wrist and hand. I hissed in pain as I pulled my burned hand into my chest, tears mixing with the soot from the fire on my face.

My brain was screaming at me to leave because the fire would burn me alive in seconds, the sound of the flames and memories burning hurt my ears. So with one last look around the crumbling vision of what was once my bedroom, I hastily climbed out of the window with my burned hand clutching the pictures close to my chest. It was difficult to climb down the lattice with one hand and shaky legs, the amount of smoke I inhaled made my breathing labored and I was sure that I was seconds away from passing out.

Far off in the distance, I heard sirens and knew that in a matter of minutes, I would be saved, all I had to do was reach the safety of the ground below. But as I was about a few feet away from safety, I noticed the flames were burning hot and bright from the window just below my feet. Which meant I was trapped in between the two floors, barely hanging on to the lattice.

"Fuck," I sobbed while banging my head on the peeling wood.

"Angel!"

Choking out another cry, I peered over my shoulder to where I heard the desperate voice.

Noah was running up the long driveway up to my house, both Nicks' and Jolly right behind him.

My heart soared from the sight of them and for a moment, only a moment, I didn't think I was going to die.

"You need to jump!" Nick yelled up to me.

I quickly shook my head. "No way. It's too far of a drop and if one of you guys try to catch me, I'd hurt you!"

"You have too!" Jolly demanded.

Noah's frantic eyes searched every inch of the house until he pointed to the window a few feet to my left, one that had a balcony. "What room is that?"

"Uh," I closed my eyes to think of the layout of my house. "It's my mom's. There's a back staircase in her room that leads to the mudroom!"

"It seems like the fire hasn't reached it. You need to climb to that window and hoist yourself up onto the balcony to make your way down," Nick suggested.

"I can't!" I cried.

Folio's soft voice called up to me. "Yes you can, Y/N. There's no other way."

"No," I shook my head with not only fear but the pain from my burned hand. "I burned my hand pretty bad and I can't climb with it. I'm barley hanging on."

A scream crawled its way out of my throat when I slipped down the lattice a few inches, my grip faltering.

Noah's face was filled with so much worry it made my stomach sink to the pits of hell.

"Stay there, angel!" He called up to me as he began running. "I'm coming!"

"NO!"

Folio was too slow to stop Noah, who disappeared out of sight as he ran towards the side of the house that the fire hadn't reached yet. My eyelids felt heavy as I continued to cough up the smoke that my lungs inhaled and with every breath, I hissed in pain. It felt as if there was a vice grip around my insides making it harder to breathe and stay conscious.

"Y/N, stay with us. Noah's almost there," Jolly's voice sounded so far away.

I nodded, or I thought I did, because Nick's yells were all I heard before darkness finally had a grip on me just as my grip on the lattice slipped away, my body falling to the hard ground below.

#noah sebastian #noah sebastian and reader #noah sebastian x reader #noah sebastian reader insert #noah sebastian smut #forced proximity #enemies to lovers #slow burn

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lottiembae · 2 months

Text

SUPERHEROES (1)

lottie matthews x fem!reader

Summary: lottie got late to her first anniversary with her girlfriend.

Warnings: fluff, spidey!lottie, college!reader, college!lottie.

Note: English is not my first language.

Lottie fly for the buildings, sorting them. She is going all fast she can, or her webs allow her. She checks the hour and searches for Y/N's name, pressing the button call and starting to hear the tones.

"Hello, baby! I'm not forgetting about it, I promise," Lottie said in a rush the moment her girlfriend picked up the phone, she almost saw the park where they would have the assigned date. "Misty wanted more photos to choose from and I needed to do it. I'm almost there." She didn't lie, Misty Quigley is the director of the college newspaper and wanted everything perfect, she took the photos yes, but she took it three hours ago. Then, someone else decided to do the bad in the city and Lottie needed to intervene.

Y/N let out a low chuckle. "Don't worry, Lot. I know you can't forget about our anniversary. Maybe momentarily, but you would remember it at some point." She said teasing.

Lottie led down on a rooftop where a backpack she left there, some of many of them, and opened it, putting out street clothes. "I will never forget about our anniversary, baby girl." She said seriously, removing her mask and breathing content when the fresh air hit her face. Her hair, now short, is a mess and the soft breeze is not helping.

"Mhmm. See you now then." Y/N said, hanging up.

"It's one time..." Lottie muttered, holding a smile and shaking her head softly. She cursed when saw the hour and pressed the spider on her chest, the suit falling from her body to the ground. Her slender fingers grab it and save it inside of the black backpack. Her outfit now consists of a pink skirt, a black sweatshirt and a black all stars, brushing her hair with her fingers and securing her camera on her neck.

Lottie ran to the edge and threw a web to slide down in the empty and dark street next to the building, the sunset hitting the many windows and blinding her brown eyes. When she landed, saw a florist crossing the road and decided to buy a bouquet of Y/N's favourites flowers.

She got outside after thanking the old man and walked faster to the park, looking at both sides of the road and waited for the traffic light to turn green. Lottie bit her lip, and when it turned on green she was the first to cross, apologising when she almost crashed with a bad-tempered lady.

"I'm here!" Lottie was out of breath when she spotted Y/N sitting in a blanket with everything set, the golden rays of sun shining on her face. Lottie falls in love with her again.

Y/N gave her a lipped smile, clearly holding a laugh. She stood up and walked towards her, her eyes falling to her hands, seeing the bouquet. "You know that we are celebrating today because you insist and the official one is this Saturday, right?" She crossed her arms around her chest, her white sweater giving her an adorable look since it is big on her, maybe the sweater is hers. It's been a long time since Lottie saw it.

"I know. I want at least to celebrate it on our day, a small thing. This is for you." Lottie said, holding out the bouquet towards her.

"Thank you, I love them." Y/N said, smelling the flowers while hugging them on her chest. She heard a click, making her look up and seeing her girlfriend take a photo of her. "Really?"

The brunette shrugged, putting down the camera but still holding it between her hands. "I can't resist." She confesses in a sheepish way.

Y/N pushes her with a hand towards herself and gives her a chaste kiss on her lips. "Happy anniversary, weirdo." She whispered on her lips, tiptoeing a little.

"Happy anniversary, miss weirdo's future wife." Lottie said in a tease tone, but happily witnessed the reaction from the woman in front of her. She let the camera hang on from her neck and put her hands on her hips, her head leaning down and closing the distance again, kissing her properly.

"Your hair is a mess... I don't understand how you manage to always look like that. And you look great!" Y/N whined the last part, making Lottie laugh. "If it was me, I would look terrible."

Lottie shakes her head and brushes their noses. "You would look beautiful."

Y/N pecked her lips a few more times and grabbed her hand, walking to the blanket. She put the bouquet carefully between the basket and her backpack. "I made your favourite. I almost can't do it because Jackie decided to do cupcakes and we almost stayed without the kitchen. Or the apartment." She explained, grabbing the tupperware with the delicious food and grabbing a fork, passing it to Lottie.

Charlotte snorted. "I can imagine Shauna's face." She muttered, giving the first bite and a soft moan slipped from her mouth, closing her eyes. "This is delicious." She said, chewing.

"I know. I mean, I'm good at cooking." She said with false modesty, blinking her eyelashes repeatedly on purpose. "That and because Shauna is my tester." She said lowly, grabbing her own tupperware.

"I can be your tester too." Lottie commented, controlling to eat fast because she really feels hungry.

"You are busy, Lot! Class, newspaper, photography class... I'm surprised you have time for me." Y/N said mindlessly, giving the first bite to her food.

Lottie stayed thinking about it. She knew about her busy agenda, it cleared out a little when she dropped soccer, but then again it got busy when people required her help.

She sighed, the few free moments she spent with her girlfriend were when she had some free nights, she went (landed) to her apartment and slept together. The other place was the university, the campus or the cafeteria near her apartment.

"You okay?" Y/N notices the lack of interest in the new anecdotal about Jackie trying to impress her new date.

Lottie put down the tupperware, she stopped eating the moment Y/N mentioned the little time they spent together. "Are you mad at me...? I mean, I can drop the photography class or the debate club." She suggested, playing with her food.

"Are you crazy? Lottie, I'm not mad. I love how you rant about all these things. Yeah, I would like to spend more time with you, but I can wait. I'm busy too." Y/N said with a smile, reassuring her. "And eat that, you are hungry."

"How do you know?" Lottie doesn't try to deny it, starting to eat again.

Y/N leaned briefly towards and whispered. "It's a secret." Lottie grinned by her dorkiness.

An hour passed and they started to save the things, the last rays of sun illuminated them. Lottie helps Y/N with the basket, while her girlfriend had the bouquet she gifted and her backpack, their hands intertwined.

"Are you staying tonight?" Y/N asks, a hint of hope on her voice while looking up at her.

"Of course! Tonight you have your cuddles' dose." Lottie said and kissed her head lovingly, they stopped to cross the same road she crossed before.

"Me? What about you, mhm? You are the only one who is whining about it every time I'm not paying you attention." Y/N sang, laughing when Lottie tickled her sides briefly with puppy eyes, her brown eyes showing.

They crossed when the traffic light was green, the sky turned a shadow of dark blue. The buildings protected them now with the crowded people in the streets. And then, a vibrant sensation alerted Lottie and stopped paying attention to Y/N momentarily, focusing on it. She stopped on her tracks, her head turning to the right where a building is in the middle, but the sensation told her that is that way.

Y/N frowned, her hand still intertwining on hers. She stepped to look at Lottie better and saw a worried expression attached there, her eyes fixed on the fancy hotel in front of them.

"Lottie? Everything okay?" Y/N asks, unsure why she stopped abruptly and kept looking straight to a building.

Charlotte cleared her throat and slowly, nod. Her brown eyes are fixed on her now, Y/N could see an intern battle on them. But before she could ask again, Lottie let out a curse under her breath and started to walk fast, coming back for the street they just walked. She has a firm grip on her hand, every few seconds Lottie turns to look at her and keeps ignoring Y/N's calls.

"Why are we stopping here?" Y/N asks, out of breath and looking at the dark street with apprehensive eyes.

Lottie thinks hard about how she needs to tell her that, well, she is a superhero. But the danger is close and there is no time, not now. So, letting her hand and placing an arm around her waist in a strong grip, she looks at Y/N. "Hold tight." She saw the confusion pool in her eyes. But she threw a web up and quickly they were going up, Y/N starting to scream for the impression, doing what Lottie told her and hugging her like her life depends on it.

"WHAT THE HELL, CHARLOTTE!" Y/N yells once they are safe on the rooftop, the only one where Lottie was before.

The brunette swallowed hard, but went to her backpack glued to a rock wall, throwing a web to bring it to her hands. "I can explain! But please, I can't do it now."

Y/N opened her mouth the moment her girlfriend started to take off her clothes and put on a suit, red with blue on her back and pants?, soft gold lines forming a web and in the middle was a spider. When Lottie turned around, she saw Y/N looking at her speechless, her mouth matching her eyes, a startled expression on her face and if the moment was other, she probably would laugh, the bouquet on her hands and holding them tightly didn't help.

"Are you fucking Spiderman!?" Y/N yells again, her mouth still open.

Lottie shushed her gently, glueing the backpack again to the same spot and walked to hers, the mask in a hand. "Be quiet please. And yes, I'm Spider woman." She corrected her with a nervous smile. She used to this at this point, people thought she was a man, and it gave some benefit, it means they are very away to know the truth. "I need you to stay here. I will come for you, I promise!" She said quickly when saw the brief frown starting to approach. "I will explain everything later, but I need to go." She said in a soft tone.

After a few seconds, Y/N closed her mouth and nodded slowly. She saw how Lottie put on the mask, two big sharp white eyes looking at her now. Lottie turned around once again, but a hand on her wrist made her stop.

"Be careful, okay?" Y/N said, hiding how scared she is now knowing Lottie could face something bad out there.

"I will." Her voice sounded muffled, but she slid it up half way, showing her plump lips and part of her nose. She lowered down and kissed her. "I love you." She whispered, seeing Y/N with her eyes closed and she put down the mask, with that sight she left the rooftop, her heartbeat beating fastly on her chest.

•••

Lottie landed there, her breath stuck on her throat and new cuts on her face and torso. She heard how Y/N gasped and ran towards her, she took off the half broken mask.

"I told you to be careful!" Y/N exclaimed, inspecting her face. Lottie let out a quiet laugh, holding her right side with her free hand.

"I win. So, the other guy is worse." Y/N rolls her eyes when she hears the comment.

"It's: you should see the other guy. And it isn't an excuse, Lot. Do you want me to wipe your cuts?" Y/N asks softer, caressing her cheek carefully, avoiding the fresh cut there.

Lottie nods, leaning her forehead on hers and closing her eyes. "Let's go." She murmurs, putting on the mask again.

Y/N went to where she was sitting and grabbed the bouquet and the basket, her backpack on her back now. She gave the bouquet of flowers to Lottie and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a smug smirk.

"Spider woman with a bouquet, how romantic." Y/N teases her, knowing very well that Lottie rolled her eyes even if she couldn't see her face.

Lottie wraps an arm on her waist and throws a web, balancing softly. She decided to go slow, after all Y/N is not used to it. The breeze makes Y/N's hair brush it, some strands of hair on her face. Lottie wishes had her camera now, but unfortunately it is safe on her backpack on her back.

"There's how you came?" Y/N asks once they land on the fire staircase, next to her window. She saw how Lottie shrugs, opening the window for her to enter in first.

"Maybe." Lottie said, passing her the basket and the bouquet. Then, she entered and closed the window. She takes off her ripped mask, sitting on Y/N's small bed.

"Do you need help to take that off?" Y/N asks gently, seeing the tiredness on her face. However Lottie shakes her head with a small smile and presses the little spider on her chest, the suit deflates and falls to the floor, letting Lottie on her underwear and bra. Y/N raised an eyebrow, going to the drawer and grabbed some clothes that the brunette let there those past months. "I'm going to put it on water, take the basket to the kitchen and grab the first-aid kit."

Lottie hummed, going out from her bedroom and going to the bathroom in front of her, for her luck it is unoccupied. She closed the door and turned on the tap, letting the clothes on a small shelf.

"Y/N?" Someone behind the door called, knocking at the door.

"No, I'm Lottie! She is in the kitchen." Lottie said loud at Shauna. She heard Shauna muttering okay and walking away.

Shauna walked to the small kitchen, seeing blooming colour flowers in a vase on the countertop while she put off the contents from the basket.

"Usually every time you two come in, the whole apartment is filled with your annoying voices... Problems in paradise?" Shauna saw how Y/N jumps, scared. Shauna leaned on the door frame crossing her arms around her chest, a teasing smile on her lips.

Y/N rolled her eyes when spotted her friend, closing the fridge. "Stop playing that facade, Shipman. You love us." She points a finger at her and grabs the vase, walking by her side and going out.

Shauna followed her, still with her arms crossed. "Nice try."

Y/N gave her a sarcastic smile, eyeing her clothes. "You finished a long shift in the labs and didn't change your clothes... Are you waiting for me to feed you, Shaunie?" She teases her now, copying her and crossing her arms.

"For your information, I went to the bathroom and there was another person... So, I came to tell you that this is not a hotel for all your dates." She fakes being annoyed by this. She saw how Y/N furrowed her eyebrows, and then ran to the bathroom, knocking at the closed door. "If you want to have sex, I suggest you do it in your room, please." Shauna said from her place, watching Y/N curiously because she knew something else happened.

Lottie opened the door, a towel covering part of her head and body, drop of water falling from her face. "Shauna is outside and you have a big cut on your cheek..." Y/N whispered, trying to not earn attention to her friend. "Let me clean it." She showed her middle finger to Shauna when this one made a noise of gagging and entered inside, closing the door.

Y/N search for the first aid kit, Lottie put the clean clothes and dry her hair with the towel, sitting on the wc. She put herself between her legs and with a hand, turned her head to the left to have a better access to the wound. Lottie knows that Y/N is worried and with a lot of questions and if she is not saying anything about it, it's because Shauna is outside. She hissed a little when the cotton brushed her cheek, closing her eyes for the pain. She is so used to cleaning them herself it's weird that someone else, her girlfriend in this case, helps her with the wounds.

"Are you mad?" Lottie asks in a small voice. She asked it twice that day.

"I'm not mad. But I'm not happy about it either..." Y/N reply, concentration on her face. "You have your reasons to not tell me and I don't know how many time you hide it from me, I just wished you could tell me it sooner, maybe I could help you patch you." She ranted out in a low voice, putting on a small plaster there and went to clean another one near her chin.

"I don't want to put you in danger. I'm not forgiving myself if something happens to you." Lottie started, rubbing a hand on Y/N's right leg. "These people are mean, you know? They want people dead or make them suffer... I wanted to tell you about it a hundred times, but I wanted to be selfish and... I don't know, maybe I won't tell you about it before because it's better for you." She finishes, unsure if she explains herself correctly or at least, hoping Y/N understood her.

Y/N let out a sigh, putting another plaster on her chin. "And you have the right to do that. Believe me when I tell you I was happy living in ignorance," she said, crossing her arms and looking directly at her. "Since you told me, I can't stop picturing you fighting with them and what would happen... I want to help you, Charlotte. I don't want them to hurt you. Or at least, they don't kill you and find out for other sources."

Lottie bit her lip, her brown eyes turning sad. She hugged her legs and leaned her head on her stomach, looking up. "You are the best thing in my life, Y/N. I fight every day for you to maintain the way you look at me forever. I know it's cheesy, but it's true. I grew up practically alone, I found a soccer team that now is my chosen family, and I met you. Do you remember the day we went to visit Shauna to the labs?" She says, Y/N nods a little emotional for Lottie's words. "I got lost and I found this amazing room with a lot of spiders..." She didn't finish, knowing that Y/N caught the moment she mentioned Turner's lab. "You know how awkward I am, so I just looked a little around and got out immediately. But someone else came too..."

"Of course my girlfriend needed to be Spiderman." Y/N hissed, not mad or angry. She said it with a smug smile. "Sorry, spider woman. Also, if Taissa finds out, she is the only one mad here."

"And Shauna too." Lottie interjects, hiding her face now and kissing her stomach happily. She is glad Y/N understands her, or at least respects her.

A knock on the door breaks the moment.

"Guys, I need to shower. So please, get fucking out and fuck on your room." Y/N and Lottie looked at each other with amusedness.

Y/N extended a hand to Lottie, who held it with a smile and stood up. They walked to the door and opened it, an annoyed Shauna waiting from the other side. "We didn't fuck. I'm waiting for you to go to sleep and interrupt it." Y/N commented, going to her bedroom and closing the door, letting a lot of curse throw to her way.

"She would hate me more, stop it." Lottie murmurs, throwing herself to the bed and closing her eyes.

"She didn't hate you. She likes pretending it. By the way, if some day she finds out, I need to be present, I want to see her face." Y/N said, grabbing the suit and expecting it, saving it safely on Lottie's backpack.

Lottie snorted and called for her, opening her arms still with her eyes closed. Something about sleeping in a small bed with Y/N, no matter if it is uncomfortable, the idea of snuggling with her is enough. Normally Y/N scolds her because her apartment, her parents paid the rent, is bigger and her bed is king size. But Lottie likes the cozy little apartment filled with people where her girlfriend lives.

Y/N changed her clothes and put her pyjamas, snuggling on Lottie's side. "I have a lot of questions. It didn't end here." She whispered, hearing Lottie hummed sleepily. "Love you, Spidey."

Lottie heard that and let out a lazy smile. "Love you more, happy anniversary baby."

#yellowjackets #yellowjackets imagine #lottie matthews x reader #lottie matthews

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circeyoru · 2 months

Note

Hello you amazeing writer!! I'm here and for starters, I just wana say HOW MUCH I LOVE YOUR WRITEING HDHDGDGDG

*Cough cough* Anyways...I am here to add a sprinkle of angst, cause it feeds my blood-lust /j

I remember reading a non-canon version of your "Unwanted soul" fic, where the reader gets redemed (like Sir Pantious) and at the end, they het back to hell while keeping some of the angelic fetures (like the wings) and Alastor ripped them off, ignoreing readers crys (sience now he wasn't under contract).

I was wondering...what if, after all that, reader woldn't actulay fully forget Alastor? Personaly, I really REALLY hate feeling any kind of pain, even if it's as small as a paper-cut, so what if reader gets so upset over all that that they ignore Alastor and just start feeling mode down than usual?

Other than that, I HOPE U HAVE AN AMAZIENG DAY/NIGHT!! HOPE I DIDN'T BOTHER MUCH :3

HAD A STRESSFUL DAY! BUT I'M HERE TO DESTRESS!! NO BOTHER AT ALL!! Okay, back to normal.

Go to MASTERLIST for the works. This ask is for {Unwanted Souls}. The specific mentioned ask is this, so give them a read before this.

The angst is back. Prepare yourself, really, I mean it...

Yes. Reader/you will and do shut down after the stunt Alastor pulls. It's similar to the state you were in before your suicide on Earth. But! Alastor's keeping an eye out for everything and anything you do so you don't get the chance to plan your third death.

Needless to say, you regret coming back because Alastor was and is beyond your control. If you had his soul, you'd destroy it. Alastor knows, that's why he's not offering it anymore. He did consider it, but the way you were unresponsive to him, he trashes the idea.

You don't talk to him, you don't listen to him, you don't look at him, and you don't acknowledge him. You know, any form of reaction and attention you give him, be it good or bad, he'll take it all with gratitude, and you're not giving him that pleasure. Not what you went through because of him.

Alastor does everything to coax you into looking at him again, he knows he can't threaten you because that's what you want. If he was angered enough to kill you or attempt to do so, you win and he'll be left with nothing. No more you. He can't let that happen. He tried returning with wounds or accidentally harming himself while making your meals. No reaction.

He asks you what he did wrong, what can he do for you to at least go back to the way you were. He didn't like how you were like a doll or a broken puppet. It was so agonizing to see you like this, even worse when the reason was him. You didn't even touch the anime and books he brought for you, not even the phone, or tablet, or laptop. Nothing.

After a long long while, you made up your mind. A plan brewed. One that will give you your eternal sleep.

"I want a feast with my favourites." You spoke so softly one day. Yet Alastor heard it loud and clear, he nodded, it has been forever since he heard your voice. The last was when you were begging him not to rip off your wings and halo that took you away from him. He got to work, saying he'll be back soon and asked for your patience.

Patience. You've given him too much. Your eyes burned with fury when his presence left the apartment and your home domain. You took your blank notebooks, summoning angelic weapons one after another around your bed. The angelic steel stacked up as did your exhaustion. Your eyesight blurry and your body heavy. Just a little more and you'll sleep. The feeling was so similar to when you embraced death the first time. Then you fell asleep. Forever.

When Alastor returned, he was terrified to find you surrounded by angelic steel. His mind didn't register that you were the one to summon them, like the time you saved him all those years ago. He only rushed forward to you, ignoring all the wounds on his legs as he walked pass the deadly material. He tried shaking you awake. You're eyes didn't open, your body was cold. Heartbeat? It was so weak.

He shouted for you to wake up. He pleaded and begged. He apologized. He was wrong. He was all wrong. It was all his fault. Just wake up. Please! He needs you! He can't live without you! You can't abandon him again! Not again! Please!

Before, in the canon of my story, you woke up because Lucifer told Alastor what to do. But here, he never knew about your relationship with Lucifer, nor would Lucifer tell him how to wake you up. Lucifer watched from afar as you slowly died from your powers that drained your very soul. Saving you wasn't an option, he said he'd respect your choice and won't question them. He's keeping it, he's your friend. When you were going on with your plan, you too realized that the only true friend you had was Lucifer.

You can't handle Alastor, you shouldn't have thought you could. You shouldn't have accepted Alastor.

You shouldn't have saved him that day.

Alastor deserves to suffer while you enter your eternal slumber.

#Circe's Nighty Writings #alastor imagine #alastor x reader #alastor x y/n #alastor x you #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel alastor #alastor headcanons #hazbin hotel fanfiction #alastor #hazbin hotel oneshots #yandere alastor #yandere alastor x reader #yandere hazbin hotel #alastor fanfiction #hazbin hotel imagines #Unwanted Soul #Circe's appreciation corner

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havecourage-darling · 2 years

Text

Right to the bone

prompt: “you’re still my emergency contact and i’ve been in an accident so you drop everything to come to the hospital”

pairing: Eddie Munson x Adopter! Hopper Female Reader

wc: 13K (I don't know what happened.)

warnings: cursing, canon hopper temporary death, grief, lovers to exes to ???, hurt/comfort kinda, non canon compliant, post-s4V2, our boy lives

PART TWO

Masterlist || AO3

Something was pulling at you from the blissful sleep you’d fallen into a few hours ago. Opening and eye, you groaned and fumbled for the phone. Whoever was calling better be dying or in dire need of your help or you were going snap their necks.

“Hello?” You answered groggily.

“Hi! I’m calling from Hawkins Hospital – is this Ms. Hopper?”

What? Hawkins? “Yes, that’s me.”

“You were listed as the emergency contact for Edward Munson?”

At that, you blinked. Were you dreaming? You thought back to your earlier words and winced. You hadn’t meant that literally.

“Miss?”

“Yes,” you croaked, clearing your throat, “I-I’m sorry. Was he in an accident?”

The hesitation on the other end of the phone made your stomach churn. “He was brought in a few hours ago. After the earthquake we are doing the best we can, but-”

“Earthquake?” You shot up, blanket falling to your waist.

“Yes? There was an earthquake last night. I apologize for the hour.”

Swallowing, you clenched the blanket to your chest. “Is he – is he…” You couldn’t say the words. They were stuck in your dry throat, impossible.

“He’s alive,” she said.

The air in your lungs swooped out, leaving you feeling like a deflated balloon.

“But,” the voice started.

But? But what?

“It’s urgent you make your way here. We are unable to locate his next of kin. Would that be you?”

“No, uh, he lives with his Uncle Wayne. I’m in Wisconsin,” you said, realizing.

“Oh,” she said quietly. “If you would like to come see him, I recommend you try and get here as quick as possible.”

“Is he – please, is he critical?”

“You can speak with a doctor when you arrive.”

Shit.

“I’ll be there,” you promised, already hopping off your bed. “It’ll take me a few hours but I’ll be there. Don’t, please – don’t let anything happen to him.”

“We’ll try our best,” she said before clicking off.

Earthquake? You glanced at your closet and frowned. The walkie sat, unused and collecting dust, at the back of your wardrobe. You had made everyone promise, after your father was killed – you wanted nothing to do with Hawkins and its ability to kill all the good people in it. Every single nerve in your body missed them – because of course you had but, it hurt to be in that town. It hurt to remember.

“Fuck me,” you hissed, hastily packing your bag and grabbing the walkie on the way to your car. Glancing at your watch, you realized how late it was. If you were lucky and there was no traffic, you’d be able to make it to Hawkins by sunrise.

When you stopped for gas just outside the city, you called your sister. If something had happened in Hawkins you were sure it wasn’t something as easy as a natural disaster. You’d spoken to El a few days ago, she was excited to have Mike visit for spring break. She’d been sad when you told her you couldn’t afford to visit – your job having denied your vacation request – but you’d save to be able to visit in the summer. California sounded like it was going well for her.

“The number you have reached is not in service,” the operator notified you. The invisible hand inside your stomach reached up and clamped onto your throat. Squeezing, once again, until you felt you could no longer breathe.

The yellow, flickering, lamp above you gave out – leaving you in darkness. Slamming the phone down, you quickly made your way back to your car. You’d learned long ago to be afraid of faulty lights and the creatures that awaited in the dark.

With hesitance, you glanced over at the walkie from where it laid in the passenger seat. It was charged, because while you wanted to forget – you weren’t stupid. Your father had taught you better than that.

For the first time, in almost a year, you turn it on. Your finger turns the dials onto the right channels and you press the worn button down. “Dustin, do you copy?”

There static silence was oppressive. It filled your car with a sense of dread and the shattered pieces of your heart slammed against your ribcage.

“Henderson! Do you copy?” You tried a second time, voice louder and desperate even to your ears.

Fuck. You dropped your forehead to your steering wheel and dropped the walkie back onto the seat.

Take a deep breath sweetheart, your dad’s voice swam through your head, ever your conscience. You can do anything you want to. Just take a deep breath, count to ten, and let go.

“Okay,” you told the ghost in your head, “okay, dad.”

Turning the key in the ignition, you felt it come alive under your hands. Fear swirling in your stomach, and apprehension in your shoulders, you took a deep breath. You closed your eyes and counted to ten.

Your car hadn’t originally been yours. Or it would’ve been had your dad lived long enough to fix it up for you. It had been his father’s – your grandfather’s. It sat in a garage, hidden away from your wandering eyes, while he tried to fix it up to give it to you as a graduation gift. Jonathan had helped you finish what he started; he hadn’t had much left to go.

It was an older car, that needed constant checking in on, and with enough miles to seem faintly worrisome but it was yours. It was the only thing that had seen you through your grief the days after Starcourt. El had managed to take a ride in it that summer before leaving for California – you’d both cried the entire time.

You weren’t sure if the car smelled like cigarettes or you desperately wanted them to. There was a carton in the glove box, familiar ones that you lit up on occasion so the scent could sink into your clothes. The memories of him laughing in his cruiser swirled around you like smoke, something you could see but weren’t allowed to touch.

The dark sky started to lighten the closer you got. By hour three, the sun was peeking at you from the horizon. It seemed that, it too, was surprised to see you make your way back to the one place you vowed to never return. By the time you were a few miles out, the hand inside you tightened its hold on you.

It’s just a town. It couldn’t hurt you.

Welcome to Hawkins!

The sign flashed as you passed it, the yellow font mocking almost. As if testing you, the first memory clawed its way up to the front of your mind.

“Watch over your sister, okay? Be safe. Don’t do anything stupid,” your dad said, his mustache tickling your skin when he kissed your forehead. “I love you kid.”

“More than the moon?” You asked, fear rolling off you like waves.

Your dad smiled, his tired eyes and Hawaiian print shirt making you smile back. “More than the stars, the moon, and the universe combined.”

“See you soon?” You asked, desperately needing to hear him say the words.

With a last tight hug, he nodded into your head. “See you soon.”

You tightened your grip on the wheel and clenched your teeth. One, two, three, four… at ten you heaved another deep breath and felt the hand loosen its death grip.

As you hit the center of town, you saw signs of its inhabitants awaking. Another, equally familiar, vine snuck up on you. Driving past a familiar diner, you felt the second physical blow.

“I’ll love you forever, you know?” Eddie said, eyes twinkling like they knew something you didn’t.

“Forever?” You asked. “That’s a long time.”

“Not enough, Hop’, not nearly long enough,” he said, eyes darting down to your lips.

You smiled, flustered, as he trailed a hand down your arm. “I love you too,” you said quietly, like it was a secret you wanted to keep safe.

Eddie’s answering smile was blinding. It reminded you of a sunrise, the sunbeams chasing away the darkness out of every corner, a protection almost. A safe haven that came in the form of Metallica, electric guitars, silver rings, and a gentle patience that you’d never seen before.

“Yeah?” He asked, bravado dropping for once.

Watching him reach for your fingers slowly, you let him intertwine them. He felt like a comfort you’d never known before and he tasted like pancakes and maple syrup. You’d love him forever too.

“Deep breaths,” you reminded yourself, “deep breaths.”

You could see some mild damage to some of the houses the closer east you got. Turning left at the supermarket, you stopped at the sight of road blocks. Pulling over to the left, you stood from your car and gasped. The ground a few yards in front of you was cracked, as if caught mid-yawn, and the trees were all uprooted. It went on as far as you could see, tinged in the warm light of the awakening sun.

“I told you people, no reporters! We’re still double checking that everything is safe, don’t your kind understand that?” An authoritative voice boomed.

Whirling around, your hair got caught in the warm breeze, sticking to your cheeks.

“Powell?” You breathed; your voice rusty from your worried silence on the drive over. Clearing your throat, you watched as the man you’d known growing up in this town walked over and pulled you into a tight hug.

“Thank God,” he whispered. “You’re alright.”

“What…what happened here?” You asked him, not sure you wanted to know the answer.

Powell shook his head. “It’s been a hell of a week and it’s only Monday squirt.” The nickname hit like a blow to your solar plexus. Blinking back your tears you nodded as he described the earthquake that had hit a little over a day ago.

Murders. Earthquake. A lot of people injured. Only a handful of casualties. “It could’ve been worse, we’re glad it didn’t take too many houses in its path of destruction. Mostly old warehouses and it’s got a crater in the middle of Lover’s Lake that’s going to be a pain in my ass today.”

Your quiet throughout his retelling, sure of the fact that the town would rally. You knew, though, you knew it was bigger than that.

“Where were you headed?” He asked eventually, eyeing your car.

Not sure how much of your cards to show, you motioned down the closed road. “Was taking a shortcut to the hospital.”

His eyebrows flew up. “The hospital?” He eyed you, his gaze unintrusive but observant. The same way your dad used to do it. “You’re going to see the Munson boy.”

Without answering, you took a few steps back towards your car. “It was nice to see you Powell.”

“Be careful with him,” Powell said, freezing you in your tracks, “he’s been through…a lot these past few days. I’m…I hope he makes it.”

Not sure how much more you can take; you wave a hand in the air. “Don’t…don’t tell anyone you saw me, not yet, please?” Powell smiled sadly but you knew he understood. If anything, he might have understood the best out of everyone.

“Anything for you, Hopper,” he said, your last name sounding a little unsteady in the cool morning air. “Drive safe.”

“I’m here to see a patient.” You said to the receptionist, a woman you didn’t recognize. Her face was round, her eyes a soft blue. The blonde in her hair was dulled under the fluorescent lights but her smile was bright.

“Name?”

“Eddie Munson.”

She stilled, eyes darting back up to yours. “Visiting hours aren’t until this afternoon. You’re not a reporter, are you? I can have security here in two seconds.”

Wringing your hands, you gazed over her shoulder, towards the empty hall behind her. “I – I’m his emergency contact? I got a call last night – or earlier this morning? I drove all night to get here.”

Her defensive look softened at your stumbled words.

“Ms. Hopper?”

You nodded, pulling the sleeves of your sweatshirt over your knuckles. You knew how this went, family only. The rules were rules and you no longer had any pull in this town. Hiking your bag up higher on your shoulder, you made a decision. “I’m his fiancé. His next of kin is his uncle Wayne but, I drove straight here when I heard the news.”

The woman’s expression softened even further. “Okay honey, just give me some ID so I can get you a pass and sign you in so no one asks again.” As you waited for her to print out your pass, you rocked back onto your heels, a nervous habit you’d failed to break.

“The town will stop harassing him with time,” the nurse said, eyes knowing.

What?

“There are a lot of close-minded folk in this town, but ever since his name was cleared and word got around that he tried to save that girl’s life – the tide’s been turnin’ honey. Don’t worry.” She sighed, passing you your ID and visitor’s pass. “I just can’t believe that Carver boy was the root of all this. Oh, I’m just taking up your time, I’m sorry. He’s down the hall room 501 to your left.”

“Thank you,” you said quietly, head swimming. Carver? Jason Carver?

Her soft voice floated over to you. “You should talk to him honey. I reckon he’d be happy to hear your voice. Press the button if you need anything.”

Nodding, you pulled your bag’s strap tighter around your fist and stood before room 501.

Take a deep breath. Count to ten. Let go.

With bravery you didn’t feel, you turned the knob and felt your legs almost give out from under you.

“Oh, Eddie,” you sighed, walking over to his bedside. The entirety of his neck and arms were bandaged, his face had bruising and scratches by his jaw. You sank into the chair that was closest to him and fought the tears that wanted to make themselves known. “Sweetheart, what’ve you gotten yourself into?”

If you’d suspected that this had something to do with the upside down before, his injuries confirmed it. You needed to call El when you got the chance – somehow, you hoped that California was far enough that she wouldn’t be affected. It felt wrong, in some way, to reach out and touch the only unbruised part of him – but you couldn’t help it. It’d been so long since you last saw him, you hated that he’d fallen into this.

Your fingers danced lightly across his cheekbone, wishing you could will his injuries away, and before you could stop yourself, you pressed a kiss to his temple.

“Ms. Hopper?” A voice called out tentatively. Whirling around, heart pounding, you relaxed minutely when you saw a tall woman in a white coat.

“Hi,” you breathed, “yes, I’m sorry you startled me.”

“My apologies,” she said, closing the door behind him. “I’m Mr. Munson’s primary doctor, can I confirm what your relationship is with the patient?”

The guilt threatened to choke you but if they hadn’t found Wayne, you couldn’t leave him here, not alone. “I’m his fiancé. The hospital called me because he had me listed as his emergency contact.”

She nodded, satisfied, and pulled out a chart from under her arm. “Well, Ms. Hopper, Eddie was very, very lucky to have been brought in when he was.”

Your chest tightened. The doctor went through all of his injuries, deep lacerations, bruising, a concussion, and a broken ankle.

“It says here that he was brought in by a-” she flipped through the folder, “-Steve Harrington and Nancy Wheeler?”

The last, delusional, pieces of hope that were clinging to the hope that this was just a normal injury, disappeared. “Yeah, they’re our friends.”

“They say he was hurt in the earthquake,” the doctor was clearly skeptical about that explanation but you weren’t surprised. You knew a cover up when you saw one.

“When will he wake up?” You asked instead.

With a frown, she turned to Eddie. “We gave him a lot of pain medication post-surgery, so it’s really up to him. It’s been twenty-four hours and he should wake up anytime now. The process can be gradual so please do not become alarmed if you see movement from him before falling back asleep. It’s completely normal. I’ll be here for the night, should you need me or have any questions please let one of the nurses know.”

A beat later, you nodded, and she sighed. Leaving without another word, you slumped back into the chair and pinched the bridge of your nose. “What the hell happened?” You asked Eddie, not expecting an answer. “The gate was closed, we killed it, El – everyone, we lost so much to make sure it was gone. What happened?”

Moving your backpack to the floor, you reached for Eddie’s hand and brought it up to your cheek. His pulse pounded steadily, the machines confirming to you that he was alive and breathing, and you started to cry.

It wasn’t fair. How much more did this town need to take from you before there was nothing left? You dropped your head to the bed, tears dropping to the white, scratchy, fabric, and you closed your eyes.

He was okay. Eddie might not love you anymore, he might not want you by his side, but he was alive and that was enough for you. You needed to try and find someone, Wayne or Steve – you had to find out what had happened. Maybe one of the nurses had a phone book you could look through.

With a jaw cracking yawn, you let the warmth of Eddie’s hand and the steady beeping of the machines, poke at your exhaustion until you were lulled to sleep.

Blinking your eyes open, you smacked your lips – throat dry. Stretching as you sat up, you felt your spine crack satisfyingly as you readjusted. The sun was higher up in the sky and the clock let you know you’d slept for less than an hour but you felt refreshed.

“Good morning, Firecracker,” a hoarse voice said, the hand in yours twitching.

Startled beyond all measure, you squeaked, standing and wincing at the screeching sound the chair made.

“Eddie?” You stammered. “Eddie, do you remember what happened to you?”

His bruised face twisted into something confused. “Not really. I woke up a few minutes ago and you were sleeping here. Why are we in the hospital?”

You opened your mouth but your voice got stuck in your throat. What had happened? Why was he looking at you like that?

“I’m not sure,” you said honestly, “the doctor says you got here just in time. I know you said you didn’t want to see me again-”

Eddie’s eyes narrowed and he tried to shift but groaned. “What are you talking about? Were we in a car crash?” His eyes took you in. “You look okay. How’s my car?”

What?

“Eddie?”

“Yeah, sweetheart?”

Blinking.

“What’s…the last thing you remember?”

Eddie frowned, his eyes becoming unfocused and then he shot you a stupidly ridiculous smile that had no right to make your stomach flutter the way it did. “I was showing you the song I wrote…we were in my room, rushing to get you home before curfew,” he wiggled his brows, despite his confusion, and your heart dropped to your feet, “that was your fault.”

Forgetting yourself for a moment, you realized you knew what he was talking about. Your throat closed, folding in on itself. That had been…more than a year ago, in the winter of your senior year.

You grinned as Eddie put down his guitar and turned to look at you, eyes nervous. “So? What do you think?”

Pretending to think it over, you laughed and launched yourself at him. Eddie caught you, because he always did, and fell back onto his bed. His puff of laughter fanned over your skin, his eyes lighting up. “That bad huh?”

“It’s amazing!” You said, straddling him. “It sounds great, are you going to play it at the Hideout?”

Eddie nodded. “We’re not suppose to play original music but Gareth thinks we should just go for it.”

“Definitely,” you said, “I’m going to ask Steve for his video recorder. It’ll be the first time Corroded Coffin performs to a live audience their original music.”

“To about ten people and my girlfriend,” he said, rolling his eyes, but expression pleased. You knew he was nervous and didn’t want to let anyone know but you knew him too well to fool.

“Everyone starts somewhere,” you insisted, “you’re good, Eddie. I know this is just the beginning for you guys.”

His eyes softened, and your heart skipped. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you said, “so much, you have no idea,”

“Yeah?”

You loved how no matter how many times you said it, it always made him light up. “Yeah, Munson.”

“God, you’re amazing,” Eddie flipped you both so he was hovering above you.

Laughing, you wiggled beneath him, grinning when you hear him groan. “Careful there, Munson, I might get an ego.”

“Shit, and it already almost doesn’t fit into this trailer, can’t have it getting bigger,” he murmured, nipping at your neck. “You’ve got curfew in an hour.”

“Mhmm,” you sighed, pulling his hips down sharply to yours. Both of you hissed at the sudden pressure, your hand already fumbling with your waistband.

“Sweetheart, your father already hates me,” Eddie reminded you, not stopping you from yanking his shirt off.

You laughed at his interested expression. “It’s been three years, you’re growing on him,” you said, knowing it was partially true.

“I’m sure,” he grunted as you flung your shirt off. His mouth immediately fell to the swell of your breast, lapping at the fading bruise he’d left behind this morning. “Do you think it’s normal?”

“What?” You said, squirming, when he stilled.

“Being this in love with someone?” He asked, surprising you with his sincerity. You glanced at him but he dropped his forehead to yours, his hand on your bare hip tracing circles into your skin. “When you’re not here, you’re all I think about. When you are here – all I want to do is-”

“-get into my pants?” You asked, joking.

Eddie’s eyes flashed enticingly and you grinned. “You’re insatiable, Firecracker.”

“That’s because I can’t get enough of you,” you said, nipping at his ear and savoring in the way his hips twitched. “It’s always been you. So, no, you complete sap – you’re not alone.”

“That’s a relief,” Eddie teased, frantic hands starting again.

His hair tickled your skin as you lifted your hips to help him pull your jeans down. Laughing lightly at the sensation, you brought Eddie’s face down towards your own and shot him a look. “You know, no one ever believes me when I tell them you’re an incurable romantic.”

Eddie shot you a look. “Good, I have a reputation to upkeep, you know.”

“The town cult leader?” You asked, pretending to widen your eyes in fear. “Oh no, are you corrupting me?”

At that, Eddie cackled. “Sweetheart, if anyone’s corrupting here – it’s you.”

“And don’t you forget it,” you said, kissing him again.

The memory hits you like a semi-truck and you need to sit down to gather your thoughts. Your mind raced – amnesia? Was he hit that hard in the head? Panic started clawing at you, black spots appearing at the corner of your vision, and you wrung your hands together.

“What’s wrong?” Eddie asked, eyes on you.

You couldn’t look at him for too long, you hadn’t been apart for long enough for it to stop hurting. “Nothing, Eddie,” you rasped, breath ragged.

“Right, and you look ready to throw up because?” Eddie hissed as he shifted more towards you. “Is it because of the accident? I’m sure I’ll be fine. I’ve had worse. What’s wrong with me anyway?”

His joke hit too close and you jumped to your feet. A nurse – you needed a nurse. “I’ll be right back, okay?” Finally glancing at him, you realized his eyes had a glazed look to them.

“Mhmm.”

You stumbled into the hallway, tripping over your feet as you all but collapse into the nursing station. “My e- fiancé woke up,” you said, chest heaving, “he doesn’t – his last memory – he thinks it’s a year ago.”

The nurse, looking entirely unworried, nodding calmly. “That’s common when waking up from sedation, don’t worry. Let’s go take a look at him.” As she walked you back to the room, you chewed on your thumb, mind running wild.

“Oh, looks like he fell back asleep,” the nurse said, smiling, “it’s absolutely normal, don’t fret. Oh, look at you, you look like you’ve seen a ghost!”

You had.

“His vitals look good, everything’s okay. Don’t worry, this is a good sign! He’s not likely to remember much when he wakes up next so don’t hold anything he says against him. It varies from person to person but, it means he’ll be awake soon. Okay?”

Nodding dumbly, you felt her squeeze your shoulder before puttering back out through the door.

“Okay, Hopper,” you inhaled, “get it together.” Grabbing the nearest phone, you dial the number you’d yet to forget and prepared yourself to hear Wayne’s voice.

“The number you have called is no longer in service.”

A chill ran down your spine. How was that possible? You dialed the number again, worried you’d gotten it wrong but the operator echoed the message. Hanging up, you frowned. If the phones were down…or if Wayne wasn’t at the trailer anymore – this couldn’t be good.

Eddie smacked his lips, eyes fluttering before sighing and falling quiet again.

You couldn’t do this. You couldn’t stay here while he woke up living in memories that hurt you.

“Alright, time for the calvary,” you said to yourself. Reaching towards your backpack, your hand wrapped around the walkie. You were sure Dustin was awake at this point, someone had to be.

“Dustin, do you copy?” You try again.

There’s a few beats of silence before your walkie, for the first time in months, crackled with life.

“Hopper?” It screeched.

“Yeah, it’s me.”

“Holy shit.”

“I know,” you sighed, “it’s been a while.”

“Ten months.”

You winced at the hurt in Dustin’s voice. An apology was on the tip of your tongue when a third voice joined.

“I’m sorry, was that Hopper’s voice I heard or am I hallucinating from how early it is?” A groggy sounding Steve asked.

Rubbing your temples, you contemplated answering before sighing. “Yeah, it’s me.” The exhaustion in your voice was evident.

“Wait, are you okay?” Dustin asked, ever your worrier.

“Did someone say Hopper?” Robin croaked.

“I think so,” Nancy’s voice came next and you sighed.

The whole gang. “Yeah. I’m…at Hawkins Hospital.”

The walkie exploded into a flurry of voices and you lowered the volume considerably.

“There was a mix up, I’m still Eddie’s emergency contact and they called me. Once I heard about the earthquakes, I suspected something was happening. Does anyone want to fill me in?”

“It’s too much to do over the walkies,” Dustin sighed.

“Don’t move. We’re already on our way.”

The walkie went silent then, no doubt the group swapping over to a different frequency to discuss. You felt like an outsider but – that had been what you wanted. So why did it hurt so much?

Gaze dropping back down to Eddie, you notice his nails are painted – mostly chipped but pieces of black nail polish still clung to some of his fingers.

“You got everything?” He asked.

Nodding, you stayed quiet, watching the buildings get closer and closer together.

You were nervous to join in on the last year of middle school, mid-year. Your dad promised you’d like Hawkins; it was where he grew up. The tree lined streets blurred around you as you sped past them.

“Where’s mom?” You asked, hating yourself for the flash of pain that crossed his face. She’d always been the one to take you to school on the first day.

“She went to England, remember honey? With some of her old family.” You heard what he didn’t say. She left us. She didn’t want you anymore. You knew better than to ask about her.

“I’m sorry,” you said softly.

“Don’t be,” your dad parked in the lot and followed you as you hopped out. “I know this is hard honey, I know. I love you, okay? Nothing changes that.”

“You promise?” you asked, mortified for your need of validation.

His face shifted into something sad before solidifying into something you didn’t recognize. “No matter what anyone says, squirt, you are my daughter. You are my family. It’s you and me against the world now, okay? Hoppers stick together through everything.”

Smiling, you hurled your arms around his neck and squeezed him tightly. “Alright. You want me to go in with you?”

“Oh my God no,” you hissed, “Dad please, you’re in uniform.”

Your dad laughed, his belly shaking while he pushed you towards the school. “Teenagers man. I liked you better when you were a little squirt!”

“Bye!” You said, speeding off before he could change his mind. Making sure he wasn’t following, you managed to slam into something – someone.

“Ouch,” a voice grumbled from the floor.

“I’m so sorry!” You squeaked, hand flying down to the boy you’d trampled. “Great, it’s my first day and I’m already running people over.”

A pair of wide brown eyes shot open and you startled at their depth. “First day? You’re the new deputy’s kid?”

You groaned. “Does everyone know?”

The boy straightened, dusting off a few leaves from his pants before nodding. “When someone new drops into this shithole, everyone takes notice.”

“Great.”

At that, his serious face broke and his laugh completely transformed his face. Your palms started sweating and you didn’t know what the feeling in your stomach was. His hand came up to fix his backpack and you noticed his painted left hand.

“Are your nails painted?” You asked before you could stop yourself.

Unaffected by your question, his eyes lit up and he nodded. He held his hand out and you noticed that he had painted his nails black. “Metal right? I’m starting a band.”

“A band?” Your brows flew up as you shook his hand. You’d never known anyone your age that was in band. “What’s the name?”

“Corroded Coffin!” He grinned, looking boyish. “My best friend got a drum set for his birthday and my uncle said he’d give me some money for a guitar if I pass the year.”

“That’s so cool,” you breathed.

“It is?” He said, making you laugh.

You watched him pick at the peeling nail polish and were suddenly glad you’d almost mowed him down. “Yeah.” The bell rung, indicating you were late and you straightened. “Oh, I’m sorry – I have to go.”

“Wait!” He shouted as you jogged up the stairs. You turned around, smiling at his exaggerated moves. “I’m Eddie Munson.”

“I’m-”

“I know who you are, new girl,” Eddie said, smiling. “See you around?”

Your heart skipped. “Yeah. See you.”

The memory was abruptly pushed back into the locked cabinet it crawled out from when the door to the room slammed open. You jumped, startled at the chaos that swirled into the room.

“Oh my God!” Dustin screeched.

“Stop screaming Henderson,” Robin said, sweeping into the room and grabbing the chair next to yours. “This is a hospital.”

“Holy shit, ghosts do exist,” Steve said, frozen at the door.

You rolled your eyes. “You came to see me for Thanksgiving, doofus.” Steve and Robin had been the only ones from Hawkins that refused to let you disappear without a word. They’d driven up to help you move into your apartment near campus and surprised you in November.

“I knew you wouldn’t come back to Hawkins and we didn’t want you to spend your first holiday alone,” Steve said, pulling you into a tight hug.

Robin grinned. “Besides, you’re off to California for Christmas. We need our share of Hopper at least during one major holiday.”

“Yeah, but I never thought I’d see you here again,” Steve said, eyes darting over to Eddie then back to you.

Robin flung her arms around you. She smacked a kiss to your cheek and sighed when you squeezed her back. “I know you’re not happy to be here, but I’m happy to see you.”

Steve shoved her aside, grumbling when Robin smacked his shoulder, but pulled you into his arms anyway. “You good, Hop?”

“Yeah,” you croaked, hating the feeling of safety that their arms brought you. It was like a boat coming back to harbor. “I’m good Harrington.”

Steve stepped back, leaving a straight line to a pouting Dustin. You smiled, taking a small step forward as he shot his nose up in the air. “You didn’t just leave the town behind, you know,” Dustin said, “you left us here too.”

“I know,” you admitted, “but you understand why I did it, right?”

At that, he deflated. “Yeah.” You took advantage of the moment and slammed into him. “Oof,” he grunted, arms coming up to your back, steadying the both of you.

You’d babysat Dustin – all of them – since your first week in Hawkins. While you had a major soft spot for Will, Dustin was always one of your favorite people in the entire town. “I missed you kid,” you said quietly, horrified to feel tears building.

“I missed you too,” he said, squeezing you. His forgiveness a balm over a wound he hadn’t inflicted. Your eyes fell onto Eddie’s sleeping figure and you sighed. “Don’t leave and forget us again, okay?”

Laughing, you stepped back, wiping your eyes and shaking your head. “Dustin Henderson, I can say, without a doubt, that you’re unforgettable.”

His eyes brightened and you fell back into the seat you’d vacated. “Alright, give me the long version.”

“Well shit,” you breathed. “Have either of you been able to get ahold of El? Jonathan? Will?”

“No,” Dustin sighed. “We’ve been trying. We think they knew something was happening – or they had to go somewhere. Agent Stinson isn’t really forthcoming with information.”

That was a new name to you – Stinson. You’d briefly met Dr. Owens when he’d come to your, late, rescue at Starcourt. You didn’t like him but your dad had trusted him and clearly it was well placed if they’d managed to clear Eddie’s name.

“Why didn’t you call me?” You asked, a little hurt, “I would’ve come.”

Steve and Dustin glanced at each other. “We were going to but…Eddie told us not to.”

“After we told him about what was happening and we realized that people were dying – he was worried that you could be targeted,” Robin explained, “he said you’d finally made it out of here and we couldn’t be the ones to curse you.”

Of course, that overprotective idiot.

“And he’s really cleared of all the charges?”

Robin nodded, kicking her legs out. “They pinned it on Jason. I feel a little…bad but there were no other options. The official story is that Jason was jealous when he heard Chrissy was buying from Eddie. He killed her and tried to get Eddie too. Half the town thinks Eddie’s heroic for trying to save her but the other half still…you know, it’s still Hawkins.”

“Of course,” you snorted.

“I don’t know why the front nurse called you,” Steve said, scratching his cheek, “our numbers were down and Wayne’s been by. In fact, I think this is the longest he’s been away from Eddie’s side. Powell called him in to try and grab as much as he could from the trailer.”

“I saw the damage on my way here,” you said, “they’re saying it’s an earthquake?”

Dustin’s curls shook as he laughed. “That’s what they felt so, it’s what they sort of clung to. The two gates managed to crack open and burrow through the town but these guys got him in time. Eddie bought everyone enough time to finish it.”

“Is Max okay?” You asked.

“Yeah, she’s actually going home today. She’s on the first floor somewhere in pediatrics. Both her legs are broken but, she’s back to her normal self again.”

The story was overwhelming but you knew from experience that it usually always was. There was nothing normal about any of this. “Have you tried El again?” You asked, anxiety for your sister. You knew Joyce – and Jonathan – would protect her with their lives but, the radio silence was worrying you. She was all you had left.

“We’ll find them, I promise,” Dustin said, his expression growing serious. “Don’t worry.”

“So,” you exhaled, “is it over? For real this time?”

“Yeah,” Robin said, looking both exhausted and relieved all at once. “It looks like it.”

The four of you knocked on wood quickly.

“Alright,” you stood, already feeling like this room was a cage. “Take me to Max, I wanna see Red with my own two eyes.”

“We’ll stay with him,” Robin said, “you two go ahead.”

Dustin nodded, motioning for you to follow him.

The walk down the four flights of stairs was comfortable. “He still loves you, you know,” Dustin said right as you stepped out the stairway, making you stumble.

“Jesus, Dustin,” you hissed, rubbing your elbow.

He smiled sheepishly. “Ever since you left – he’s been…it’s been bad. He was doing a little better but I know him,” he shrugged, “and I’ve known you even longer.”

“Dustin,” you warned.

As usual, he disregarded you. “I love you both. Just, don’t hurt each other any more than you already have, okay?”

Affection for this rapidly growing kid swelled in your chest. “It’s complicated, Dustybuns.”

“It doesn’t have to be.”

Without waiting for your response, he kicked open the door to your left and laughed when Lucas shrieked. “I brought you guys something.”

“If it’s more of your stupid dnd magazines I’m going to rip the pages and shove them down your – Hopper!” Max gaped, eyes lighting up. “Holy shit, what are you doing here?”

“Eddie,” Dustin said.

Without preamble, you felt a pair of arms wrap around your shoulders. “Hey Sinclair,” you said, hugging him bag. “Heard you made the basketball team.”

“Who cares about him,” Max grumbled her eyes bright. Lucas laughed, squeezing your shoulder.

“Hi Maxine,” you said, pulling her gently into your arms. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“I’m not that easy to kill,” Max shrugged, but you heard what she wasn’t saying. “I’m happy you’re here.”

“I’m sorry you got sucked into all this again, all of you,” you sighed. Lucas reached for Max’s hand, shy expression on both their faces.

“I’m going to go visit Eddie for a minute, you okay?”

“Yeah, weirdo, I’ll be fine.” She nodded towards you. “She’s got the best punch in all Indiana.”

Snorting, you knew she was talking about the time you’d decked Billy. You had been sure he was going to kill Steve, straddling him on the floor of the Byers’ house. He almost broke your hand with his stupid jaw.

“That’s true,” you said, shaking out your hand. “I got her, Sinclair. Don’t worry.”

“So,” Max said once Lucas and Dustin had left, “why are you really here?”

“The hospital called me, said I needed to get down here because Eddie was here,” you said, honestly, “I knew, after I heard about the earthquake, that it meant something had happened.”

“We tried to keep him out of it,” Max sighed, “he’s just as stubborn as you are.”

Max’s red hair glinted in the morning sun, the strands dancing with color as she shifted while she recounted her side of the story. “You saw El?” You blinked, sitting up straighter.

“Yeah,” she said, smiling at your relief. “She helped me hide from Vecna.”

“With her powers?” You blinked, shocked. How the hell had they come back? Where was she?

Max nodded. “She disappeared before I could ask but she had them back. We’ve tried calling but-”

Lucas smacked the door open, eyes wide, and chest rising quickly. “Uh, we were in the middle of a conversation,” Max snarked, teasing.

“Eddie…he’s awake.”

You stand outside the door, where you could hear a familiar voices and laughter filter through. For a moment, a genuine moment, you consider not going in. Steve and Robin wouldn’t fault you for it – they knew you better than anyone besides Jonathan. You could find a hotel and settle for the night. You could get into your car and drive back to your empty apartment. Fingers twitching, you chewed on the corner of your mouth, trying to sort through the chaos inside you.

“I don’t understand why you’re acting like this now,” you said, heart in your throat. You’d been getting better…right? It’d only been a few months. “Is it because of school? Because I’m leaving?”

Eddie groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. “I heard you tell Steve that you didn’t think you could go.”

“What?” You stammered, lowering yourself onto the edge of his bed.

“You said, I can’t leave Eddie behind – I’m thinking of transferring over to Hawkins community college. You can’t do that. Not for me. Your dad would roll in his grave if he knew you were throwing out a full ride to one of the best schools in the state for someone like me.”

Enraged, you stood and waved a hand. “That’s my decision! You can’t just decide what’s best for me!”

“You said it yourself,” Eddie shouted back, “this town is poisonous. It’s cursed and it’ll keep hacking away at you if you don’t get the hell out of here.”

“I can’t believe you.”

Eddie pinched the bridge of his nose and you watched him pace. “There’s nothing left for you here. You’ve been walking around these past three months like a zombie. I know – I know that grief is overwhelming but this town, this fucking place won’t let you go. Every time I see you doing better, it finds a way to knock you back down. I…I can’t be the reason why you sink. I won’t.”

“So, what you’re breaking up with me?”

Pain flashed across his expression and you felt your heart break. “Yes.”

“Are you serious?” You asked, almost a whisper. “Eddie, are you serious right now?”

“It’s for your own good.”

Pride and panic flared through you. “I’m not going to beg you not to leave me. I won’t do it if that’s what you’re waiting for.”

“How could you even – no, Hopper, that’s not what I’m waiting for. I love you.”

You sneered. “Well, it sure doesn’t sound like it.”

“You have to understand, on some level I know you do.”

Gritting your teeth, you looked out Eddie’s window and at your new car. Jonathan had finally finished its last finishing touches and you’d been so excited to come show Eddie.

“Hopper?”

Closing your eyes, you saw your dad in his cruiser. You saw Barb in her nightdress as you and Nancy braided each other’s hair. Joyce with Bob, dressed for Halloween. El, her leg broken, and her chest heaving with sobs as you watched the mall erupt in flames. Will, as he screamed in pain. Billy, with his last act of defiance.

He was right. This town was haunted and that’s why you’d told Joyce it was okay to take El with her to California. You’d wanted her out of here, safe. You knew, in his own way, that’s what Eddie wanted for you.

“Would you come with me?” You asked, hating how small you sounded.

Eddie’s sad smile told you everything you needed to know. “I can’t leave Wayne. I’m not done with school – if I’ll ever be. I’d just be dead weight to you.”

That was bullshit. He’d get a job at a shop in a heartbeat, and you knew that. He’d like your campus, small as it was. He was scared – and being hypocritical.

“Wayne would be fine with it. He’s always known we’d end up together anyway,” you said, narrowing your eyes at him. “You’re just scared. You don’t want to take the risk of leaving the only place you know. Even if it’s for me.”

“That’s not true, don’t put words in my mouth.”

You threw up your hands. “That’s what you’re doing with me!”

“That’s different! I want what’s best for you!”

“And what if that’s you? What if I don’t know how to be happy without you?”

Eddie’s face twisted. “You’ll learn. You’ll move on.”

“Wow,” you said, swiping angrily at the tears on your face. “You’d rather stay here, the place you want me to leave, than come with me. You’d pick Hawkins over me?”

“That’s not what I’m doing,” he said, sounding unsure. “I’m – you’ll understand eventually.”

And that was it. Your best friend, the person you thought you’d share the rest of your life with and the last person you had a tether to, just placed you out onto the street like you weren’t worth anything.

“Okay.”

Eddie reached for you and you snapped your arm out of his reach. Hurt flittered across his eyes but you didn’t care. Not anymore. The numbness that hid in the corners of your mind, waiting for your moments of weakness, slithered out and controlled the rest of you. El, your dad, Eddie, your friends…it didn’t hurt. It couldn’t hurt. You wouldn’t survive it. Not now.

“Hopper…” Eddie’s expression twisted.

“Don’t touch me,” you said, blinking at him. Grabbing your bag and your sweatshirt, you made your way out the trailer.

“Sweetheart, please,” Eddie’s voice sounded panicked, his body close behind you.

Throwing your bag into the passenger’s seat, you rounded towards the other side of the car and froze when his hand caught your door.

“That’s it? You’re not – going to say anything else?”

Why would you? Everyone always left. Why would you think Eddie was any different?

“No,” you said, wanting to hurt him, “what’s left to say? You chose this town over me. It’s officially taken everything I care about.”

“I’m not-”

Tears pricked at the corner of your eyes but the monster taking over you herded the emotions back. What was the point? “Let go of my door.”

“I don’t want us to leave it like this.”

“Eddie,” you snapped, “let go of my door. You wanted me to go? I’m going. Let me go.”

Wordlessly, he pulled his hand away and you slammed your door. Without a backwards glance, no matter how much you wanted to, you drove out of the trailer park and out of this hellmouth.

You closed your eyes and sighed. Once your anger had worn off and the depression had let up on it’s hold on your chest, you realized how shitty you’d been. Eddie had called you for the first three months, like clockwork. Every Friday and Sunday night. You’d ignored him until he stopped calling.

It’d been almost a year and you were only just beginning to crawl out of the hole you’d been thrown into – those first few months, had been rough. Eddie…you shouldn’t have dumped it all on him like that. He’d made mistakes but – so had you.

Stomach flipping, you took a step back, not sure if you were ready to open the can of worms that this would unleash.

The universe, as if hearing you indecision, swung the door open before you could walk away. Dustin blinked, his eyes widening, and the room behind you went silent.

“Um,” you said, clearing your throat, “I was just-”

You stumbled over your words, not able to look at anyone in the eye. The following silence was painful, enough to make you take another step back. As if anticipating your need to run, Steve stood up from the foot of Eddie’s bed.

“Alright, uh, let’s all give them a second – it’ll be awkward enough without all you making it worse,” Steve joked, herding your friends out the door and squeezing your hand as he passed.

With an awkwardness that was beyond painful, you stumbled into the room. Eddie’s eyes felt like they were branding you as they swept down your body.

“You look good,” he said, clearing his throat when it came out roughly, “better than the last time I saw you.”

“Yeah,” you said, sitting in the chair furthest from him. “I – uh, I’ve been seeing a therapist. She’s…basically my life raft right now.”

“That’s good, I’m glad,” Eddie said, and you knew he meant it. You both settled into an uncomfortable silence, your stances defensive.

“I’m sorry about the girl,” you said quietly, not able to stand the quiet, “Chrissy.” You chanced a look at him and realized he had a lot more color to him than he’d had last night.

Eddie’s brows furrowed. “Me too, I just…left her there.”

Instinct had you reaching for his hand to comfort him but at the last minute you snatched yours back to your chest. Eddie huffed; eyes amused. “You didn’t – you didn’t know about any of this. Anyone would’ve run,” you said, lamely.

“Not you,” he said with a certainty that had you reeling. “You would’ve stayed. You always did.”

Until you didn’t.

“I don’t really remember her,” you said quietly, the words you want to ask buried in your ribcage. “I think she’d be proud of you. I hope…everyone who’s been affected by this. Barb, Billy, Bob… I hope they’re proud of what you’ve all done. What I’ve done.”

As always, Eddie heard what you didn’t say. With another sweep of his wide brown eyes, he dug the words out of your chest and laid them out to see. “She wasn’t my girlfriend. Chrissy. She was buying.”

The words, I didn’t ask, were on the tip of your tongue. Old defensive habits rearing their ugly heads. You shrugged, not knowing what to say. “Okay.”

Eddie groaned instantly. “I hate when you do that.”

“Do what?” You sighed, feeling the need to snap.

He waved a weak hand in your direction. “You act like you don’t care. Like nothing affects you.”

The accusation stung, words you’d heard before, but you bit your lip and kept silent. Glancing out the open window, you watched the moon disappear behind a flurry of clouds. He was hurt, you were too, and you knew each other too well to pretend like that wasn’t hanging above your heads.

“I don’t want to do this with you right now,” you said quietly, “you almost died.”

“Well, I’m fine now so you can go. I promise to change my contact information as soon as possible,” he said, eyes skirting away from yours.

You flinched, like he’d stuck you and nodded. Of course, what had you been expecting? He’d asked you to leave and you’d asked him to go with you. Neither of you really got what you wanted. What the hell were you still doing here? He was fine. Everyone was fine. You weren’t needed here.

“Okay,” you said, reminiscent of that afternoon. Eddie’s eyes snapped to yours, like he heard the echo too.

“Wait,” he said, voice desperate. You stopped, at the foot of his bed, and turned to him. “I have to ask.”

Your heart raced.

“Why didn’t you tell me? Four years. We were together for four years and you just kept me in the dark.” You had wondered how long it’d take him to ask you that, if he would ever. “I knew something was wrong but…something this big?”

“My dad – he didn’t want us to tell anyone. They were always going to want El back and she’s, my sister. We couldn’t let them find her. I wanted to protect you. You were the only person I could be normal with. The only one who made me feel like I was normal.”

Eddie nodded, understanding.

“It wasn’t that I didn’t trust you. I trusted you more than anyone in my life – next to my dad. After Starcourt, after my dad…I almost told you. I just – I was thrown into the ocean and didn’t know which way was up. I was an orphan again and alone and El was leaving. I had choices to make. People kept asking me what to do and I didn’t know! I was lost and honestly, having to deal with the grief, with El losing her powers, with her grief, and having to explain it all to you while worrying the KGB were going to somehow know that you knew – it was too much for me at the time.”

“I understand,” he said, expression softening like he could sense your panic at just saying it out loud.

“Is that it?” You asked.

“How…how’s school?” Eddie ignored your question.

Lonely. “Fine,” you said.

“You?”

“Fine.”

Wincing, you cracked your knuckles to have something to do. The corner of Eddie’s mouth twitched, like a ghost of smile.

“What?”

Eddie motioned to your hands. “You do that when you’re uncomfortable.”

“I’m not,” you lied, not wanting to feel unnerved by his up-to-date knowledge of you. You’d changed. You weren’t the same girl who’d left last summer.

“It’s okay. I knew that this would happen – I’m someone you once knew.”

And fuck if that wasn’t one of the hardest pills to swallow.

Not wanting to let the hurt fester, you blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “How’s Wayne?” Eddie shot you a knowing look, and an apologetic smile, but as if summoned – the man in question walked through the open door.

“I heard you’d woken up from Henderson! I don’t know why no one called me. I got here as soon as I could - sweetheart?” You almost crumpled at the sound of care in his voice.

“Hi,” you said, feeling small. You knew Eddie noticed, his eyes widening, watching as you leaned into Wayne’s surprised hug.

“What – what are you doing here?” He asked, smile wide.

You pointed to Eddie. “I, um, heard what happened.”

Wayne walked over to Eddie, as if remembering why he was here, and cupped his face. “Don’t do that to me again, kid.”

“Sorry,” Eddie mumbled, smiling up at him.

“I’m glad you’re okay,” Wayne said, sighing. His eyes turned over to you and he smiled.

“How’s school?”

You wrapped your arms around yourself and tried to keep your eyes on Wayne. “It’s going well. The classes are hard but, it’s interesting.”

“Make any new friends?”

Eddie’s eyes burned into yours. “Yeah,” you said, thinking of your classmates and neighbors. “Yeah, I have.”

Wayne smiled, pleased, sitting onto the chair by Eddie.

“I hope you don’t mind me saying – I knew you two would find your ways back to each other,” Wayne said, sighing like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. “You’ve always been the only one. Since that day in eighth grade that he came home yelling about the Jim’s girl. How nice you’d been and how you liked his black nail polish. I’ve been telling him to get his GED and make his way on up to you.”

“Wayne.”

You smiled, the memory of a thirteen-year-old Eddie with his shaved head and chubby cheeks. “I’m – we’re not,” you coughed, “this isn’t…”

Wayne frowned and sighed. Turning to look at his nephew with a sharp glare, you muffled a laugh at Eddie’s disgruntled expression. “What? It’s not – oh my God Wayne, can we talk about this later?”

“Later when she’s gone back to a different state?” Wayne asked, gruffly.

Eddie closed his eyes and you watched as his face flushed pink.

“Not that I’m not happy to see you, darlin’, but what’re you doing back here then if you’re not…”

“I’m still his emergency contact,” you explained, “they called me and I drove down.” Wayne’s brows rose high on his forehead and you bit your cheek.

Feeling like you were intruding on something, you stood, despite Eddie’s sharp look. “Why don’t I give you two a few minutes? Wayne, would you want some coffee?”

His familiar warm smile kept the dark clouds over you at bay. “Thank you, sweetheart, that’d be great.”

You took your time, grabbing a handful of snacks for any visitors that would come by later in the day. After contemplating a few jello cups, you grabbed Eddie’s favorite and ignored the pang in your chest. Precariously balancing your purchases on the coffee tray, you slowly made your way back to the room. You could hear the nurse on shift puttering around inside so you sat in the chair outside the room, waiting.

“You must be excited to see your fiancé,” the nurse’s bright voice floated out into the hallway. “She was so worried, completely frazzled the poor thing. I could hear her crying when I made my rounds.”

The silence was deafening. Closing your eyes, mortification drowned you. Maybe you could just leave the food here and be back on your campus by morning.

“Ah, yes,” Eddie’s voice sounded less convincing than Dustin trying to lie. “She…she’s studying at Milwaukee School of Engineering right now. I think it must’ve been a bit too much of a surprise for her.”

“She looked like she drove through the night, poor girl,” the nurse said, the sound of her changing his IV bag echoed in the room. “You two are a lucky pair.”

“Yeah?” Eddie asked.

You opened an eye and couldn’t help but lean forward, hanging onto her words. “I’ve never seen someone look more in love than that girl. I hope you don’t mind me giving my well wishes for your wedding. I know anyone who looks at you the way she does, can make it through all this mess.”

Someone coughed and you winced. Fuck this, you were going to drop off everything – say your goodbyes and leave. He clearly didn’t want you here anymore than you wanted to be back here. You closed your eyes, pretending to be asleep as the nurse walked out. After a few moments, you cracked an eye open and frowned.

“Son,” Wayne sighed.

“Don’t.”

“Enough,” Wayne’s voice was stern – something you’d never heard before. “Enough of this Edward.”

You blinked, glancing at the door left ajar. Edward? The kid in you had you cringing in sympathy. No one ever called Eddie by his full name.

“I watched you wither away when she left. I heard you crying, wasting away into someone that reminded me of your father.”

“She’s nothing like my mother,” Eddie said, surprising you with his defense. “She needed to get out of this fucking town and I wasn’t going to be what kept her back. I told her to go – she didn’t leave me behind.”

“Then why are you acting like it?”

“I-I, Wayne – I don’t-”

“Why did you put her down as your emergency contact?”

The silence was poignant. Your heart jumped into your throat.

“I forgot to change it, that’s all.”

Wayne scoffed. “You don’t forget something like that, Eddie. Maybe, just maybe, the same way she dropped everything in the middle of the night to drive back to this sorry town for you – you kept her down on the off chance she’d come when you called.” A loud groan echoed. “Eddie, for God’s sake her father had just died. She had no family. And you ran her out of town. I know you love her son, but you can’t keep this up. It’s not healthy.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about old man.”

“Kid. She answered your call, so now the ball is in your court. You gotta try. You can’t make decisions for her. Trust me. I don’t want you making my mistakes and ending up all alone and angry at the world. I let Rebecca walk out the door and I’ve missed her every day since. Is that what you want? To regret losing the best thing that’s ever happened to you?”

Swallowing around the lump in your throat, you blinked back your tears.

“Wayne…”

“If she’s offering you a hand to help you stand, you can’t leave her waiting. Not anymore,” he said, voice firm. “If you don’t want to take the hand then fine. Just stop being surprised when people leave after you’ve told them to.”

“Where are you going?” Eddie’s voice sounded panicked.

“I’m going home to get some sleep. You’re going to talk to her, Eddie. She’s always seen the best in you, it’s time you do the same. I’ll see you in the morning son.”

His footsteps echoed in your ears and you didn’t move when the door was pulled open. Not bothering to pretend to be asleep, you tried to hide the tears at the corner of your eyes.

“Oh sweetheart,” he sighed, squatting down to your level. “I know, I know.”

Falling into his arms, you closed your eyes and let the smell of cigarettes and aftershave wash over you. It wasn’t the pair of arms you’d kill to be able to have around you one last time, but Wayne had never been anything but welcoming to you.

“Why does it hurt so bad?” You asked, voice quiet and watery. The lack of sleep, the bone deep exhaustion and fear collapsed within you like an overflowing glass. Your defenses crumbled and you buried your face into the last bit of comfort you knew. “Why does everyone I love get ripped from me? Is it me?”

“No, it’s not. You listen to me,” Wayne said, pulling away. “There is not a thing wrong with you. I know you miss your father, sweetheart, grief is a heavy thing. You can’t carry it alone.”

Wayne caught your gaze as it landed on the closed door. “My nephew has never been the first out of the gate but, I know that boy has been in love with you since that first day.”

“What if it’s not enough?” You asked, the question seared into your skin since your life began.

Love hadn’t kept your biological parents with you. Love hadn’t kept Sara alive. Love hadn’t kept your mother from leaving you both. Love hadn’t kept your father alive. Love hadn’t been enough to keep you and Eddie from crumbling. Love hadn’t done anything for you. What had it been in your life besides a source of pain?

“It’s not enough sometimes but, isn’t it worth fighting for?” His stubble scratched your forehead as he kissed your temple. “I’m at a hotel downtown if you need me, okay? Don’t leave without saying goodbye this time.”

Guilt shot through you but you knew he hadn’t meant it unkindly.

“Thank you,” you said, squeezing his hand once more before letting him disappear through the elevator doors.

Feeling too warm, you pulled your school sweatshirt off, the cool air feeling a little calming on your clammy skin. Taking a few deep breaths, you glanced down at the food on the chair and nodded to yourself. It was late, you needed to sleep, and you knew that Steve was likely only barely holding Dustin back from coming to find you.

“Hey,” Eddie said, looking startled when you walked in. His eyes hovered around your neck and a blank expression took over his face.

“Um, Wayne just left and didn’t take his coffee so – I’m going to leave all this here, okay?”

Eddie blinked. “Uh, yeah, yes.”

“Since, you’re – you know, okay – I’m going to…get going,” you said quietly.

Shooting up, Eddie groaned when it all but tugged out the IV from his arm.

“Eddie!” You jumped, startled. Reaching his left arm in seconds, you checked on the tape – your fingers dancing over the bandage. “I don’t think you pulled it out, you just moved it a little.”

Looking up from his arm, you realized you’d gotten a lot closer than you’d meant to. Dropping his arm suddenly, he winced at his wrist collided with the bed barrier.

“Sorry,” you muttered, grabbing your bag and hauling it over your shoulders. You’d only made it across the room when his voice stopped you.

“Are you coming back?”

Isn’t it worth fighting for?

“I don’t know,” you said honestly, dropping your eyes to the linoleum floor. “We’re…I don’t want to fight with you. I’m glad you’re okay, genuinely. I think, maybe, we both just need to process.”

When he didn’t answer, you brought your eyes back up to his but he wasn’t looking at you. He was staring at your neck again. Before you could ask him if you had something on you, his expression shifted into something determined.

“We’ve had almost a year to process,” Eddie said, eyes darting up to yours. They pinned you to the spot, your body unwilling to move. “I’m – I’m sorry.”

Pressure built behind your eyes and you pressed a palm to them. “Eddie,” you pleaded.

“No,” he said firmly, “I ran you off last time. I told myself I didn’t want to hold you back. You deserve better than this shithole and some boyfriend that doesn’t know what he’s doing with his life.”

“I never thought you-”

“I know,” he said, face softening into something familiar and your heart thudded painfully. “I know you didn’t.”

After a beat of uncomfortable silence, you shifted your weight and Eddie sighed.

“Look at me.”

You let your eyes trail up his body until you met his own.

He nodded, like he’d gotten an answer to a question he hadn’t asked. “I’m sorry I was stupid enough to let you go.”

“I-”

“Let me say it, please?”

Nodding, he continued. “I’m sorry for projecting onto you when you were already going through the worst time of your life. I’m sorry for deciding for us that you needed a new start away from here, one without me in it. I’m sorry for breaking what we had.”

After months of wanting to hear those words, you didn’t know what to do now that they’d been said. “I…thank you. For saying that. I’m sorry too. I was lost – I’m still lost in my grief. It’s hard, to walk around knowing I’ll never see him again, you know? El understands but she’s so far away and I didn’t want to be another weight that dragged you down.”

“You could never,” he said, eyes flashing. “Can you come here?”

Walking over to his side, he reached for your hands and brought them up to his lips. “Sweetheart, I promised to love you forever.”

“Eddie-”

“And I meant it. It hurt me to see you stumbling through the dark, to know you’d lost something that couldn’t be replaced. Something I couldn’t help heal. I thought that school would help in ways I couldn’t. Being away from this hellhole. A new, fresh chapter. That’s all – that’s what Chief wanted for you. To follow your dreams and that school had been on your radar since we were freshman.”

“It did, it has,” you said, not wanting him to think he was wrong. “It’s cathartic to be in a place where no one knows you. Where people don’t stare at you sadly because you’re the dead chief’s daughter.”

“I’m glad,” he said, brushing his lips against your knuckles again, the gesture stirring awake something you’d long ago put to bed. The silence shifted to something comfortable and you were happy you could get there, at long last. “You’re wearing my necklace.”

Your free hand flew to your neck and you closed your eyes. “I – it was the middle of the night and I just threw on a sweater and some shoes,” you said, trying to bend the truth into an explanation that didn’t paint you in a desperate light.

“I remember once you said you were like a graveyard,” Eddie said, fingers trailing up towards the bracelet on your wrist. You knew exactly what he was talking about.

The rain outside pounded against Eddie’s window, the day looking just as miserable as you felt inside. It was mid-August and the school was expecting your response on whether or not you’d be deferring due to bereavement for a semester. You hated that word. Bereavement. It was so small compared to how big a loss you’d suffered.

“Good morning sleepyhead,” Eddie said, arm curling around your waist, pulling you into his chest.

Closing your eyes, you savored the moment. The only time you felt anything was when he was wrapped around you like a shield that could keep the world out. The only few minutes where you felt normal again, not a twice again orphan.

“Good morning,” you whispered. Sometimes you wondered that if you were quiet enough – maybe the universe would stop the day from coming. The moon would stay and the dark would let you keep hiding in its embrace.

“How did you sleep?” He asked and you knew what he really meant. Was it a bad day or good day? Would you be able to get up and put on the mask of a functioning person or did you need to hide away in his room?

Tired of disappointing him, of seeing him drown in the waves of your endless grief. “Okay.”

“Yeah?”

You nodded. A small sunbeam shot through the dark clouds and landed on your arm. Looking down, you smiled when you saw your illuminated bracelet.

“Do you know what I’ve been thinking about?”

“Hmm?”

The watch that you wore religiously sat at Eddie’s desk, where’d you last left it, winking at you. “I’m like a graveyard.”

At that, he sat up, hair wild and eyes clinging onto sleep still. “What?”

You motioned to your bracelet. Sara had made it for you when she was in the hospital. She promised she’d pick only the best beads, an identical match for the one she’d worn on her wrist. The one that now laid six feet beneath the dirt, buried with her. You’d never taken it off since that day.

“Sara made me this bracelet, that watch is…was my dad’s,” you said, ignoring how your voice cracked. You twisted the simple silver band on your index finger. “This was my mother’s wedding ring. She left if behind and I took it before he could throw it out.”

You sniffed, tears already falling despite your best efforts. “Eddie, I’m a graveyard of the people who didn’t stay. The one’s who left me behind.”

“Sweetheart,” Eddie sighed, pulling you into his arms. Your tears fell silently, quickly dampening Eddie’s collar.

“I’m sorry,” you said. Sorry for being this way. Sorry for always crying. Sorry for not being able to be who I was before. I’m sorry. Glancing up at him, you knew he’d heard what you hadn’t said. His hands came up to cradle your face, thumbs brushing gently at the last few tears.

“You never have to be sorry, sweetheart. My love for you isn’t conditional,” he whispered. He rocked you for a moment, both of you in varying states of undress, blankets tangled between you.

“How about this? We try and make some breakfast and I’ll let you pick whatever movie you want. Steve’ll bring it over and we can watch them until we can’t stay awake any longer.”

“Don’t you have rehearsal?” You asked, trying to remember what day it was.

“I’m all yours, baby,” he said, smiling. “Hey, I have an idea.”

“What?”

With a quick tug, Eddie’s necklace tumbled into his palm. He leaned over your shoulder and clipped it around your neck. Your hand went up to the guitar pick dangling at the base of your throat. “Eddie, isn’t this the-”

“It doesn’t matter,” he said, eyes on the necklace around your neck. “It’s yours.”

“Are you sure?” You asked, confused at the sudden gesture.

He smiled, a beaming, genuine thing and you couldn’t help but reciprocate. “I’ve never been more sure of anything. That belongs to you.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s my reminder to keep going when life gets too much. It’s something alive. Things that are alive don’t go into a graveyard. So, you can’t be one.”

You shrugged, fingers playing with the familiar pick. “Did you want it back?”

“No, it’s yours,” he said, eyes on the necklace, “I’m just sorry I became something else to add to your graveyard.”

You smiled sadly, realizing that Eddie was right. It was a reminder – of what had been. Just like the others.

“I still love you,” he said, exhaling and tightening his hold on your hand. “I think I really will love you forever.”

Somehow, you both knew and were surprised at once. You were suddenly struck by a familiar wave of exhaustion and grief. It threatened to pull you under again, it sank its fingers into your legs and pulled. “I love you too, Eddie Munson,” you said quickly, afraid you’d disappear any moment. Tears stung your eyes and you closed them, not wanting them to fall.

“Why does that sound like goodbye?” He asked.

“Because it might be,” you finally admitted, to him and to yourself. Here, in this hospital room, at midnight, alone with your first love.

“Does it have to be?” His expression turned into one of desperation and it hurt you more than anything else.

Because he hurt you when he pushed you away, no matter what the reason was. Because he was someone you loved too deeply, you wouldn’t recover if he was taken from you too. Because you had both said things that cut the other. Because sometimes the history between you two made it more complicated than it had to be.

“Because sometimes love isn’t enough.”

Eddie flinched, like you’d punched him.

“Ms. Hopper?” A voice called out. You quickly wiped the tears from your face and inhaled deeply.

“Yes?”

A new nurse popped her head in. She hesitated, clearly reading the mood, and pointed to the hallway. “Did you want me to get you a fold out bed? You can stay with your fiancé if you’re staying the night.”

Smiling through the sound of your heart shattering, you shook your head. “I’ve got a few things I need to do, but thank you. I’ll be leaving shortly.”

“Of course,” she said, scuttering away.

The silence left behind made you want to bolt for your car and not look back.

“Are you going back to Wisconsin?”

You shook your head. “It’s spring break and Buckley threatened to smother me in my sleep if I didn’t spend a day with her. I’m pretty sure Dustin and Harrington will be on me if I leave too soon also.”

“Where are you staying?”

“Does it matter?”

He sighed. “Are you coming back?” He asked again.

“I don’t know,” you said honestly, your hands itching for his.

When he didn’t respond for a few beats, you took it as your cue to leave. Gathering up your sweater and now cold coffee, you padded towards the door – heart breaking once again.

“It’s enough.”

You froze. “What?” Turning around, you glanced at him, at your Eddie. He looked pale, bruises mottling every inch of him, and purple bags hung under his eyes. He looked like someone who’d been through hell and came out the other end.

“Our love – it’s enough,” he said, matter-of-fact. “I let you go last summer because I thought it was in your best interest but we tried that and it didn’t work. It’s not working.”

Watching his chest rise and fall, you knew he was serious. His hands fisted the thin hospital blanket over his lap, tightly enough that his knuckles whitened.

“Do you love me? Are you still in love with me?”

You closed your eyes, the ache in your chest growing. “Don’t make me say it again,” you said.

Eddie frowned. “Do. You. Love. Me.”

“Yes.” Opening your eyes, you nodded at him, feeling like your chest had been cracked open. “Yes, Eddie. More than anyone else in the world.”

At that, his face smoothed over and he nodded, almost to himself, and let go of the blanket.

“That’s it?” You said, incredulous when he didn’t continue.

He shrugged, a familiar lightness settling into him. “Yeah. You’re it for me, Hopper.”

Flustered by his candor, you wrung your hands. “I – I don’t know what to say. What does that mean?” You hated the small ember that ignited in your chest and the fact that your battered heart wanted to jump back into his hands.

“You don’t need to say anything,” he said, smiling up at you, “I wasn’t sure before – I almost drove up to your campus like a million times this past year. I didn’t know if you’d want me again. Now that I know? There’s nothing that’ll stop me. Not Vecna, not demobats, not even this cast.”

The urge to grin at his declaration, at the warmth that it spread through you, was impossible. “I don’t…Eddie, I don’t know.”

“That’s okay,” he said, the smug smile on his face nudging the ember into a flame. Teasing…he was teasing you. “It took you longer the first time round too. I can wait. I know you better than anyone else. I’m Eddie the Brave now and he needs his rogue elf back.”

There was no fighting the smile that broke out on your face. Eddie sighed at the sight of it, like he’d been waiting on it for a while now – and who knew, maybe he had. You looked at your scuffed converse and chewed on your bottom lip.

“What?” He asked. “You can tell me anything.”

Stepping up to the bed, you cradled his cheek and smiled again when you saw his startled eyes. “You have always been courageous. I’ve never hated this town for anything more than how it convinced you that you were anything but. You deserve the world, Eddie the Brave. Even if that’s not me.”

Eddie’s eyes looked suspiciously misty, and you knew it was your time to go.

“If that was your way of discouraging me, you’ve made a mistake,” Eddie cried out.

You couldn’t help the laugh that fell from your lips. Eddie blinked, dazed and smile wide enough to split his face in two.

“Are you coming back?” He asked, his voice unsteady and your hand on the doorknob. Glancing over your shoulder, you looked at your first love – your only love. Your heart waved at you from his palms, ecstatic to be back where it belonged, and beamed at you like the traitor it was.

Somethings were worth fighting for. “Yeah, I’ll be back,” you said, ducking out into the hallway before he could say anything else. Leaning against the cool tiles for a breather, you shook your limbs out.

Take a deep breath, count to ten, and let go.

A/N: I have an idea for a part two, but idk, what do you guys think?

A/N#2: okay I wasn't expecting this many people to like this emo fic :') but lmk if you want to be tagged for part 2!

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson

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fakescenariosbeforesleepblog · 2 months

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What would you do for a Ghost? Pt. 2.

They were looking at you, expectant, waiting for an answer, you were contemplating the idea, debating on what to do, after a few moments you sighed and looked at them.

- I'll do it, I'll help you. If this is the way I can help, then I'll do it, I'll take the risk. Follow me please.

You walked to a hidden door in your office, it was just where your security cameras were, you let them in, they were already preparing the microphone, you were looking at the three man when you felt a hand taking yours, you found yourself with Simon's eyes, he was worried, even if he tries to not show it, you knew him, you smiled at him.

- you don't have to do this, we can't find another way...

- Simon, it's fine, I want to help you, I owe you this! You saved me once, remember? Now it's my time to pay the debt.

- You don't owe me nothing...

- I still wanna help, let me help you.

He squeezed your hand softly and you did the same. Soap approached and Ghost let your hand.

- Alright... Ahhh... Sorry, I think Ghost didn't introduce us, I'm soap

- I'm (Y/n),

- nice name, well (y/n) put this on your... It can be your hair or your dress, you can decide that.

- okay. Stay here guys, you can check every interaction in every room, window, and door around this place, this is my personal security room, feel free to use it.

The phone rang again, you ran to it, fixed your hair, your dress and looked at the boys once more before leaving.

You walked to the VIP zone with a bright big smile, you found the man ghost has been following.

- Welcome Sir! Sorry, the phone call took me more time than I expected. What can I bring you?

- Hello little one, it has been a long time, you already know what I like to drink, please.

He took your hand and kissed it, that Russian accent, all the 141 can recognize it. Ghost is tense, nervous, angry, anxious and jealous? Why do you let this guy call you like that? Why are you allowing him to kiss you?

- The Best vodka is for my best client, are we waiting for more people or will it be only you tonight?

- Three more, darling.

That's all he said, you were quick, you came back with a few bottles of vodka and three glasses of ice, served.

- can I offer you something else Sir?

- why all this formality (y/n)? We've known each other for a long time, am I wrong?

He got up and Caressed your check running his finger all over until he stopped on your lips, you felt anxious running through your body, but did your best to keep yourself calm and give a small step back, creating enough distance between you and him.

- I'm sorry V, you're right, how are you? What have you been doing? You disappeared for a long time.

- Ahhh (y/n), I feel excited, I wish I could give you details but you will see, you will know it soon, but at the moment I can just tell you how happy I am to see you after all these years.

- I hope so, I'm glad you're back in town...

- (y/n) tell me something, are u single? You're so pretty for being single.

He barely looked at you, but you blushed, you couldn't stop thinking about Simon, he was listening to the conversation, you shouldn't be worried, you're just friends, no?.

While you were talking, Simon and the team were listening, but Soap was still curious about you and ghost.

- So, Lt. How did you and (y/n) meet?

- I helped her.

Simon and those simple answers, he knows that wouldn't be enough for Soap.

- did you help her? To do what or with what did you help?

Simon sighed, focused on you and his target.

- She lost her parents and old brother, somebody killed them, I found her escaping from the people who were following her, she was injured, I was walking to my house when I listened to all that noise, I saved her life and took her with me, when she got better she thanked me, gave me her number and the club's address, after that I started to visit her here, she talked to me about this place, the clients who visit it... That's why I thought we would obtain information here.

That's all he said. Soap didn't talk, so he turned to look at him, just to notice everybody was paying attention to his story.

- Was it love at first sight?

Gaz broke the silence with his question, Soap laughed and then stopped after looking at Simon's eyes.

- I didn't say that.

But In fact, he fell for you from the moment your eyes met his.

- yes but I think all of us noticed the way she looks at you, no... Soap? Price?

- Yes.

- affirmative.

Even the Captain agreed, maybe it is time to confess the feelings he has for you, more than ever before, because now his target, his enemy, is flirting with you.

Suddenly a conversation in Russian caught everybody's attention. They're focused on it. But ghost is focused in the way Vladimir Makarov is holding your waist.

You're too busy trying to be as close as possible to the conversation and be helpful to ghost and his team that you didn't notice how Vladimir is holding you.

- I'm glad you're back in the game Makarov!

- thank you, everybody worked hard all these years I can't be more pleased, I have to confess I'm also excited for what comes soon, without setbacks, am I right?

- indeed Sir, is all ready, the subway routes, I brought the map with me, just in case you want to check everything is in order.

- Good, let's check it quickly, but first, my dear (y/n) would you be so kind to bring us more vodka, please?

You smiled and kindly nodded at them and walked away. You were picking up a bottle and softly you whispered on the microphone.

- if someone is still in the security room, focus all the VIP cameras on the table you will have a clear view of the map they were talking about.

You went back with the bottle and new glasses, you were ready to leave again when Makarov took your hand.

- Don't leave darling, we actually were talking about you.

Your heart froze, an overdose of adrenaline was running through your body.

- Is it true this place is yours young lady?

- Oh... Yes sir, familiar business, I'm the last of my family though... So indeed I'm too young to run this place but I do my best to honor all the sacrifice my family put on this place.

- I must admit you're doing a great job, I like it, actually I was telling Makarov I would love to have a private event here to celebrate him. What do you think? Would that be possible?

- for sure, Vladimir is one of my best clients and an old friend of my parents, will be a great honor to me.

Makarov took your hand and you tried to avoid eye contact, continuing with the conversation and ignoring the interaction between you and him. The night ended quickly, you went back to your office and once you were sure no one would Interrupt you, you walk to the room with the guys, they thanked you for the help, they finally introduce themselves since Ghost forgot to do it once again, he was quiet, observing the interaction between you and the team, without saying anything, they were ready to leave, just waiting for ghost who asked you to talk in private.

- Simon, what's wrong? You've been quiet... More than usual.

- sorry about that, I wasn't sure about bringing all of them here, put you at risk, a lot of things ran into my head when I saw Makarov close to you... Flirting.

- I have to admit I was afraid, but thinking about you and that I was helping you, calmed me and made me feel brave, Si... I think I have to tell you, I... I love you Simon.

You didn't dare to look at him, you felt like you were doing something bad, but then his hand found yours, you looked up at him, he was staring at you with those soft eyes, His other hand caressed your cheek, he took off his mask quickly, before you could realize it, you were kissing, was a passionate kiss, with a taste of whiskey but sweet too, it was better than you imagined all this time. When he stopped you was already missing the taste of his lips and the touch of his hand on your cheeks.

His raspy voice provoked shivers through your whole body, he finally confessed what he feels.

- I love you too, I love you, I love you.

«Lt. We need to run!» He put the mask on again and looked at you, he gave you another kiss but this time in your forehead.

- I have to go, but I'll be back, we will talk about this, I promise you.

You smiled at him and hugged him, you wanted to live under his skin to never separate from him, but he was right, he needed to go.

- Okay, we'll talk about it, I'll be waiting for you Simon, I will be here.

- Makarov will not live long enough to put his hands on you and will not be able to flirt with my girl ever again, I'll take you to a proper date, I promise that too.

You laughed and squeezed his hand.

- Go, save the world Lt. And please come back to me.

#cod x reader #call of duty x reader #141 x reader #long reads #x yn #fanfiction #ghost x you #simon ghost riley x reader #ghost x reader #simon ghost riley #ghost fandom #ghost fanfic #ghost fanfiction #ghost

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the-tenth-arcanum · 10 months

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15 Questions 15 Mutuals

Tagged by @emozionidinchiostro ages ago

1. Are you named after anyone? My dad wanted to give me his little sister's name as a middle name, and I did have it on some early pediatric reports when I was a baby, but it's not on any actual official document, so technically I do not have a middle name, even though my parents convinced me I did. I mentioned my unofficial middle name to some friends at school when I was around 12 or something, and it became my nickname forever. Everyone called me that. The friends I've kept in touch from back then still call me that. Even my mom has me saved under that name on her phone. But it's, like, only 3 people now. // tl;dr: kinda.

2. When was the last time you cried? I can't remember to be honest. This might come as a surprise to you guys but I'm not a big crier. I'm just sad and whiny.

3. Do you have kids? No and I don't want any.

4. Do you use sarcasm a lot? I don't think so?

5. What sports do you play/have played? NONE, I suck at sports and have always hated playing them. I mean, I've tried a few but never for any significant amount of time.

6. What's the first thing you notice about people? Whether they're nice/friendly, I guess. If someone is kind to me I will fall in love with them. I love kind people.

7. What's your eye color? Dark brown. I-almost-can't-make-out-your-pupil kind of brown.

8. Scary movies or happy endings? Neither? Happy endings if I have to choose, but I like drama. (I mean, comedy too, big fan. But sometimes you just want to watch a film that makes you think about the human condition and despair, you know?)

9. Any special talents? Misplacing things. Forgetting about events in the recent past. Petting cats.

10. Where were you born? Italy.

11. What are your hobbies? Not doing a lot these days to be honest :( Fannish activities (fanfic writing and the like). I'm in a funky pop-rock choir which I attend semi-regularly. I have attempted to learn Spanish at various points in my life and failed miserably, not always for reasons within my control (I enrolled on a Spanish course organised by the local library a while ago, and the teacher quit after my first term. He had been there for years. But I think the main issue is that after studying Russian for 5 years at uni, I look at Spanish and think, "surely it won't be that hard". And then I just... don't study it. I think I can learn it by osmosis or something, just by virtue of being Italian. Which doesn't fucking work).

12. Do you have pets? Not currently. I had a cat. I shall have one again some day.

13. How tall are you? About 168 cm.

14. Favorite subject in school? Italian Lit always, and in later years (high school) Latin and English Lit. At uni — I think English phonetics & phonology, weirdly enough; also pragmatics and anything related to sociolinguistics.

15. Dream job? Something to do with creative writing, in an ideal world. Or even "just writing", but not the kind that makes me want to kms (don't ask). Copywriter or radio scriptwriter both sound cool.

No pressure tagging: @nevergonnasaygoodbi @sapphicdragonlord @ayebydan @marki9 @yeetthedragon @valsansretovr @groundbreakingdot872 @vi-visected @crunchy-soup222 @fuckyeahsnackables

(ETA: sorry it's not 15 people and it's not even all mutuals, which I think was the point of the game, but *turns around and starts running away*)

#tagging memes #*

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autisticlancemcclain · 9 months

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idk if you'll know this fic but I got a new phone a little over a year ago and none of my tabs were saved so a bunch of stuff I was in the middle of was lost, including a fic that has, fittingly been driving me crazy as I try to find it. it's a time loop fic with lance being the only one going thru the loop amd I swear he repeated the day like 500 times or something, and he'd only wake up on that day again if he died - so the day is them trying to finish this mission and some funny weird tech thing went kaboom and started the whole thing. however! a few times lance got captured by the galra so he actually managed to last like months past that day, but then when he eventually died again he got thrown right back there even tho he'd moved on past it in time, if that makes sense? so it' not a fic where the day resets at midnight or anything. I can't remember a ton of details, but I think part of it was that hunk (or pidge?) went with him to extract the thing that blew up and started the mess but he could never make it work going in with pidge(?) I think, so it always had to be hunk. plus I think there were people from the coalition or the blades helping, like 2 squadrons? and there were some fatalities and lance was like well if I'm repeating this day I'm not gonna let that happened so he convinced them to change the plan so the squads weren't sent in but idr how. plus while he was captured he met Matt holt (idr if he knew it was Matt but I think he did?). I don't even know if the thing was finished, but it was pretty long. when I was first trying to remember it I thought it was ad infinitum or smt similar but apparently that's a DIFFERENT time loop fic. and then I thought it was re:do but that's also a different one. there are like 50 results for the time loop tag under voltron and 9 for groundhog day but none of them are right 😭 I've even tried searching thru my ao3 history and STILL can't find it so I'm a little worried it was deleted 😔 if you know anything, any help would be appreciated <3 I am so desperate

omg i don't remember this but it sounds INSANELY cool. i took a look around but ur right i couldnt find anything. does anyone else recognise it??

#fic search #ask

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television-overload · 4 months

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[FIC PREVIEW]

2023 NCIS/Tiva Christmas!

Here's the first scene of my upcoming Christmas fic! I'm hoping to have it finished by Christmas, of course. Let me know if you want to be tagged! It will also be posted to AO3 (ContentsPriceless).

I'm actually gonna edit this to take out anything mentioning Ducky's funeral, now that we know they'll cover that this season, so you get an ultra-rare pre-editing peek 😅

I'm sure I'll write a tribute fic at some point, maybe a fix it if we don't get cameos or at least a hefty mention of Tony and Ziva .

“Daddy, Daddy! I can see the glaciers!” Tali announced excitedly, her face pressed up against the small airplane window.

Tony DiNozzo smiled and peeked over her head of wavy brown hair to catch a glimpse of the snow-covered Alaskan wilderness below. “You remember what you learned about glaciers in school?” he prompted.

“Uh-huh! They’re like frozen rivers that move down the mountains!”

“Something like that,” Tony chuckled. “You’d better sit down and buckle up, Tals, we’ll be landing soon.”

The nine-year-old obeyed, sitting back in her seat where her legs didn’t quite touch the ground—though the way she’d been growing lately, it wouldn’t be long.

“Can I have your phone to take pictures?” Tali asked once she was properly buckled, the seatbelt tightened by her father until he deemed it sufficient.

With an exaggerated sigh, Tony fished the device out of his back pocket and handed it over. “Don’t take too many, we need to save some space for pictures of all the other cool stuff we see.”

With his daughter occupied, Tony turned his attention to the woman sitting in the aisle seat beside him.

“Hey, you doing alright?” he asked in a low voice, placing a hand on her knee.

She had been shifting uncomfortably for the last hour or so of their flight, unable to get positioned in a way that took the pressure off her back. They had broken up their journey from Paris with a day’s respite in New York City, where they were able to catch up with some of Tony’s extended family. Tali, in particular, loved seeing the sights and stuffing her face with giant slices of pizza. But still, it put a lot of strain on Ziva’s body.

“I am starting to rethink what a good idea it was to travel so extensively while pregnant,” she spoke with a grimace, rubbing her rounded belly in comforting circles.

Tony hummed in sympathy, his fingers finding her lower back and massaging there as best as he could in such a confined space. She sighed in relief, her head falling against his shoulder and her eyes drooping shut.

“In our defense, when we planned this trip, we didn’t know you’d be five months pregnant,” he said softly with a teasing lilt to his voice.

It was true. They had almost given up on the prospect of having another child, promising that if it didn’t happen before Tali turned ten, they would stop trying. But finally, after years of negative tests, they got their positive, and Tony and Ziva were overjoyed. Tali, too, was looking forward to having a baby brother or sister. The high pitched squeal she had emitted when they first broke the news proved to them that she would be the best big sister a kid could ask for, and she had slept with a copy of the ultrasound in a frame beside her bed ever since.

But when they first started planning this trip almost a year ago, they had not planned on an additional passenger in utero, which definitely complicated things a little. After Gibbs visited them in Paris for the holidays the year prior, they knew they wanted to be with family. That had been the first time they’d seen him since Ziva had finally been reunited with Tony and Tali, and there was a lot of joy to go around. Tali had taken to calling him Grampa Gibbs, and in almost no time at all, they were like two peas in a pod.

“I can’t wait to see everyone,” Ziva murmured, a small smile pulling at her lips. “I hear Jimmy is bringing Agent Knight.”

“I’m glad,” Tony said, “it will be good for him to have her there, I think.”

Although the shape of their makeshift family had changed a lot over the years, love was still at the heart of it, that was the only thing that mattered. They’d met Jessica Knight only once, at Ducky’s funeral a few months back, but the consensus was that she was a great match for Jimmy, and she seemed to get along with Victoria too.

It had been a reunion of sorts with everyone coming to pay their respects to the beloved M.E., even Abby who sadly wouldn’t be able to make it to Alaska this Christmas. This year would be strange, without Ducky there to verbosely share stories of Christmases of old. His warm smile and even warmer hugs would be greatly missed by all who knew him.

After a few more minutes, a voice came over the speaker instructing passengers to take their seats for landing, and Tony pressed a kiss to Ziva’s temple.

“You hear that?” he said, his lips brushing against her hair, “Only a little bit longer, hon.”

-.-.-

... to be continued

Tag list: @benedettabeby @earanemith @happygirl-0408 @hopeless-nostalgic @indestinatus @loudlooks @nicolem194 @putthekettleon @slippery-soapbox @tivafanfic @tonysziva

#i'm having a lot of fun with this one #ncis #tiva #ziva david #tony dinozzo #tali dinozzo #my fanfiction #tiva fanfiction #ncis fanfiction #ncisxmas23

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cherryskeletoncake · 2 months

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This is from a year ago, but the dream was so clear. Here are my notes from the time that lead me to sketch the dream itself

I had a half dream/daydream (the stage where you know youre dreaming and have to wake up, but you keep sleeping becouse you don't want to lose the dream? It was like that)

where coparete/sressed worker techno got black out drunk at a bar one weekend and woke up to someone on his phone asking if he got safely home from last night, and to call/contact them if he ever wants a repeat of last night ; )

And techno becomes so stressed because he cant remember last night at all, but he doesn't feel sore or anything unusal (he's hung over af tho, luckily he's got free from work the next cupple of days to recopurate) so he askes the number (saved under "crow-za🐦‍⬛") what they mean by a repeat of last night?

The response he gets whats clearly a picture of himself, kneeling in front of a mirror with a pretty man with blond hair standing behind him, face half hidden by the phone taking the picture. The man got one hand around techno's neck, holding him like a lesh or a choker. And techno is horrified (and slightly aroused) by how he himself looks in the picture. Face flushed, eyes lidded and un focused his hair is down from It's usual bun, and falling over his shulers.

The hand around his neck don't look like it's choking him, more like its there for decoration or holding his head up.

Techno is horrified (and somewhat intriguing) but he can't deny that it's him in the picture. And while techno is still looking at the picture the person says they got more and that he'd love to meet techno again, that he was such a cutie and how much of a good boy techno was for them.

They hadn't fucked, but him and phil had definitely done some dom/sub things.

And now techno has to face what he doesn't remember, and he's stuck between wanting to contact phil again for whatever a "repeat" culd be, and his own horror becouse he didn't know he was into stuff like that (or even into men at all)

And then the dream swapped, but i kept the mental immage in my head for the rest of the day witch lead me to draw this sketch back then.

#my art #fanart #techza #techno x phil #mcytshipping #sugestive #hear me out #philza shuld call techno a good boy in any au #theyre not related #technophil

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thefallennightmare · 6 months

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Miracle-thirteen

Pairings: Noah Sebastian x Reader

Warnings/Tropes: forced proximity, slight enemies to lovers, slow burn, smut, angst, fluff, mentions of death, and swearing.

Author Note: Y'all are in for a huge mind fuck in this one.

This can't be. This is so fucked up. Did he know? Why wouldn't he say something?

My good knee bounced in agitation as I sat in the living area of the tour bus, waiting for the guys to finish up the show. With how much pain I was in any time I walked, Noah told me to rest tonight and not worry about working. I, of course, tried to fight it but when the rest of the guys sided with Noah, I retreated to the bus with a pout. I had the option to hang out on the stage to watch the show but with what I found out from my little internet search, the idea of solace was something I desperately needed. After Noah helped me get comfortable on the bus, he left me with a kiss and a promise he'll be back as soon as the show ended.

I wanted to tell him not to rush because I needed more time to think of how I was going to tell him about my mom especially after what I found out. It wasn't like I could ask my mom about it and asking my dad was obviously a dead end, pun intended.

Well, the man who I thought was my dad.

It wasn't much of an extensive search as I looked up Lincoln, whose last name ended up being Boyle since a Lincoln Keoghan didn't exist. Lincoln Boyle lived in the same state my mom did about twenty-five years ago, right before I was conceived. The internet searched gave me previous address' of his and one of them was right next door to the house I lived in the first few years of my life.

So we were neighbors. Maybe that's why my mom kept remembering him. But there wasn't a photo of him anywhere online which made me pause my research for a little while. Then the thought of who my mom thought Folio was came to mind. She thought he was Jonathan, her husband. According to her, he wasn't welcomed home anymore, and I wasn't his daughter."

I rubbed my tired eyes with a long sigh. "None of this makes sense."

Then a thought hit me like a freight train. I had brought some things from home before coming to the venue tonight, old pictures and photo books. I salvaged the ones my mom didn't destroy and fearing she would while I was gone; I brought them with me. I quickly texted Folio since he wasn't on the bus yet. I knew the show ended because there was a growing group of fans hanging around the metal barricade.

Hey, are my bags from home still in the green room?

A few minutes passed before he responded.

No, someone brought them onto the bus awhile ago. I think they're on the undercarriage.-Folio.

"Shit," I muttered.

I had help to come up the stairs of the bus and even that was difficult. How would I do it by myself?

Don't even think about grabbing them. What do you need?-Folio.

Rolling my eyes, I told him what I needed.

I'll be there in a few. Noah was on his way to you but got held up by some fans outside.-Folio.

I set my phone aside and looked out the window behind me to see Noah talking with the fans and posing for a few pictures. Even if he was smiling and nodding along, I knew he was rushing to get to the bus. He was dressed out of his stage gear to a black t-shirt and a pair of black joggers. Almost as if he felt me watching, Noah turned to the bus and gave me a small wave when he saw me. In return, I smiled before hearing Folio ascended up the stairs of the bus with three different photo albums.

"I wasn't sure which one you needed so I brought all of them," he said while handing them to me.

"Thanks," I automatically knew which one so I set the other two aside.

Folio raised a brow as he sat next to me. "What are you looking for?"

"My mom kept rambling about this guy Lincoln and- I started to explain.

"Johnathan," he cut me off. "She thought I was?"

I briefly looked at him while nodding. "My dad."

Folio let out a low whistle. "You heard what she said, right?"

I had been flipping through the pages when I stopped at his words and let out a breath. "About me not being my dads? Yeah. Trust me, my mind is completely fucked up right now especially after what I found out."

Noticing the look on his face, I filled him in on what I found during my internet research all while continuing to flip through the photo album. While I never looked through this one before, I knew it had pictures of me within my first year of life and as I was reaching the end, I almost gave up hope when my heart sank to the pits of my stomach as I froze. My eyes immediately landed on a picture of my parents and me with a man I'd never seen before. We were all sitting on the couch in our living room. I was on my moms lap, who was sitting in between my dad and the other man. The look on my dad's face showed one emotion; rage.

"Who's that?" Folio asked.

Shrugging, I pulled out the photo and turned it over, hoping they wrote something on the back. Over the years when I looked at the picture, I noticed my mom always described what was going on in the picture. I never thought much of it until recently when I realized she did it because she knew eventually, her brain would forget.

September '98. Me, Johnathan, Y/N, and Lincoln Boyle. I told Johnathan about the affair and about Y/N.

I gasped, finally having a face to the name.

"That's Lincoln," I muttered.

Folio hesitated, unsure how to tread with his question. "Do you think he's your real dad?"

Ignoring him, I placed the picture back into the book before flipping through a few more pages, the pictures only showing either me alone or with Jonathan. Until at the very last page, there was only one picture. My mom, Jonathan, and me standing in front of the house I currently live in; the one where I grew up.

October 23 '99. Y/N's birthday. Jonathan, Y/N, and I in front of our new house. I just came back to them after leaving them for Lincoln. Johnathan said he would only allow me back into Y/N's life if I leave Lincoln behind. Even though Y/N isn't his, Jonathan did a great job raising her the last year. I hope she can forgive me when she's older and knows the truth. James would love to meet her.

Forcing the picture back into the book, I slammed it shut before letting it fall to the floor. Anger radiated throughout every cell of my body as darkness took over my vision.

My own fucking mother left me behind to go be with a man she had an affair with. The same man that was my real dad?

"Y/N?" Folio's voice was soft, not knowing if I would explode any second.

I did, and it was intense.

"What kind of mother leaves their own child behind for some guy?!" I bellowed while raising to my feet. "She missed my first birthday! And who knows what else? Why did she come back? Who the fuck is James?!"

Tears burned in my eyes and I furiously wiped them away. Everything about the last twenty-four hours had been incredibly draining and mentally, I was exhausted.

Folio sat on the couch in front of me. "Didn't she say she only had a son, named James?"

I blinked slowly as his words sunk in and the ones I read on the second picture flashed in my mind like a bright neon sign.

James would love to meet her.

"You think James, if he exists, that he's my brother?" My words came out slowly, almost as if I was trying to process it.

Folio ran a hand through his hair. "According to the pictures, your mom disappeared for a year. Plenty of time to have another kid."

I looked back through the photo album to that picture and now getting a good look at it, I could faintly make out my mom's round stomach. I wasn't an expert, but I'd have to guess she had to be at least five months along in this photo.

So did she make Jonathan believe it was his until he found out the truth? Both kids in their marriage was out of wedlock.

I chuckled darkly when my heart shattered, pieces falling into my stomach. The pain was too much. Finding out the truth about my past had broken all of my trust with my mom.

"She left me behind to go have another family with Lincoln," I said sadly with my eyes cast down at the picture before slowly looking up at Folio. "Why didn't she take me with her?"

That's what hurt the most. My mom left me behind with the man who still raised me as his own after knowing the truth. But Lincoln was my actual dad; did he not want me? She left me behind for a year to start a family with someone else but why did she come crawling back?

Folio went to reach for me when he noticed I was seconds away from a breakdown but I smacked his hand away, the sound echoing throughout the bus.

I scoffed. "The worst part about this entire thing? I can't even fucking ask her about any of it because she doesn't remember a single fucking thing!"

Grabbing the rest of the photo albums, I walked over to the trash can that was hidden under the kitchen sink and tossed them inside. I was so angry that the pain in my knee was forgotten as I gritted my teeth together and stomped over to my phone. Folio must have known what I was about to do because he snatched it right before.

"Folio, give me my phone."

He shook his head. "You said it yourself, Y/N. Your mom can't remember anything. It'd be a waste to get answers from her."

A muscle in my jaw tense as I clenched it, not wanting to turn my anger onto Folio when he didn't deserve it. Suddenly, my phone rang in his hand and when he showed me the screen, Lana was calling me. It was late, almost eleven, but not uncommon for her to call me around this time. However, I was in no mood to talk. To anyone.

I ignored the call and gripped the phone tight in my hand, not missing the look on Folio's face.

"It could be about your mom," he said.

"Fuck her!" I spat; venom laced with every word. "I'm done giving a shit about her or her disease. She lied about my entire life. How do I know she's not lying about her Alzheimer's?"

Alright, I knew she was actually sick, medical proof. But that did nothing to calm the rage within my mind.

"I know you're angry-."

"Angry?!" I snapped. "I'm fucking furious, Folio! She lied to me my entire life. She had every opportunity to tell me the truth before she got sick but she probably thought she was off the hook now. You have no idea the mental load taking care of her this last year was like. When I wasn't working, I was home with her watching her like a hawk so she didn't hurt herself or wander into someone's yard. The night before I left for this tour, I found her standing outside almost naked. I had no idea how long she was out there for and I felt so guilty for letting that happen."

"I did all of that for her no questions asked and rarely complained because she was my mother. And what do I get in thanks? I find out that my dad isn't actually my dad, she left me for a fucking year to start a family with my real dad only for her to ditch him and their son together, who could very well be my brother, before crawling back to us? There's all these questions that I'll never know the answers to because my mom can't remember, Jonathan is dead, there hasn't been a trace of Lincoln anywhere and I don't know if I have the energy to look up James."

Tears were streaming down my face now and I choked out a sob. "I'm so fucking exhausted, Folio. Every time something good happens in my life, I get tossed a shit hand and I have to deal with the outcome alone."

Folio shook his head while standing to his feet. "You're not alone. You've got all of us, especially Noah."

"Noah's too good for me. He doesn't need this train wreck for a girlfriend," I cried.

"Why don't you let me decide that angel?"

Whirling around at the deep voice, I saw Noah standing at the top of the stairs that led up to the bus. His arms were crossed over his broad chest and his lips were pulled tight in a slight frown. He was clearly upset with what he heard but I wasn't sure how much he heard.

"H-ho-w long have you been standing there?" I stammered.

"Since you ignored that phone call," he nodded towards the phone clutched in my hand.

Shit. Mother fucker.

He heard everything.

My lips mimicked a fish out of water as I tried to gather words to say but nothing came out. Thankfully, Folio could feel the sudden tension and spoke for me.

"So you heard everything?"

"Yeah," he nodded. "How long have you known?"

There was a slight edge to Noah's voice, and I adverted my gaze from him, feeling guilty that my decision about whom to confide in was causing a rift between Noah and Folio. This was the last thing I wanted since they were friends long before I came into the picture.

I wasn't worth losing a good friend over.

"He's only known since last night," I spoke up finally finding my voice.

Noah's eyes snapped over to me. "Right, because you called him."

Now I was on the receiving end of his attitude and frankly, I wasn't too keen about it.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Because you didn't answer. I thought we moved past this."

"It seems like every time I find you lately, you're with him," Noah dropped his hands to his sides.

Folio went to say something, but I held up a hand to stop him. The anger that I felt about my mom was now intensifying thanks to Noah's accusatory words.

"Kind of hard not to be around Folio when I work for you guys. There's a simple fix for that; fire me," I said.

Noah's jaw ticked. "No."

I shrugged, the tears now drying to my cheeks. "It's for the best, Noah. I don't want to be the reason you two fight. Folio and I are just friends."

"Man, I'd never do that to you," Folio spoke next. "I know how crazy you are about her. You have been since that first time Davis introduced her to us."

"I'm sorry. I don't mean to be a jealous asshole but I want to be the one you come to with these things, angel," Noah reached for me.

I, however, took a step away from him with a new set of tears brimming in my eyes.

"I think it'll be best for everyone if maybe we ended things before we get too involved."

Noah's face fell. "Angel."

Another step away from him. "You heard what I'm going through. The last thing I need right now is a relationship."

"So, you're going to end this because things got too hard for you to deal with?" he snapped.

"I don't expect you to understand, Noah," my voice wavered. "I wanted this to work, believe me. But I'm not in the right headspace right now. Maybe in the future-."

"Don't fucking bother," Noah spat as he pushed passed me to the bunk area of the bus.

Sniffling, I wiped away the tears and gave a weak smile to Folio.

"For the record, I think this is a stupid idea," he pointed to where Noah was. "He'd be willing to do whatever it took to make you happy, Y/N."

"I tried to tell him that maybe down the road but he blew me off. Fuck him." I said with a bit more confidence than I was feeling.

With a defeated sigh, Folio motioned to the door of the bus.

"Come on. I'll help you grab your things. The crew bus hasn't left yet."

"Thanks Folio," I muttered.

I didn't bother to look over my shoulder but maybe if I did, I would have seen Noah go to throw something in the garbage only to end up pulling out my photo books.

#noah sebastian #noah sebastian and reader #noah sebastian x reader #noah sebastian reader insert #noah sebastian smut #forced proximity #enemies to lovers #slow burn

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