#she deserved to write and take photos and drink coffee and get a loving partner and not end up with her groomer!!!!

[buffyspeak]

aria montgomery deserved better 2kforever like. in these first two seasons, her relationship with ezra is hard to watch (in more ways than one! i sometimes find myself rooting for them not to get caught, largely because i like and have sympathy for aria but also because the actors do genuinely have good chemistry. but then i remember how fucked up it is! that’s why the romanticization of this relationship was so dangerous!) - anyway. it was hard to watch and messy but she also had like. other things in her story that at least made her feel like a more fleshed out character. and i always see people saying things about how she’s not as kind as she acts like but she literally shows so much empathy to. most people. and her role as a psuedo caretaker/fixer in her family is so nuanced and interesting and informs a lot of how she interacts with ezra (she feels like she’s been forced into a more adult role, so she courts this adult ‘romance’. ugh.) and it legitimately could have been a nuanced and interesting story about family dynamics and the pressure on teenage girls in their roles in family and how that can be connected to grooming if it had been written that way but!!!!

anyway her story just becomes more and more entangled with Only Being About Ezra from what i remember. which is one of the reasons people kept theorizing about her being A but. i just see it as isolation (not total, she is obviously still very close with her friends, but there is a sort of disconnect.) and then they get MARRIED????? she deserved better for real.

#pretty little liars #aria montgomery #she is legitimately such a kind person #like. i know the WHOLE dynamiv witg jenna is complicated and the lying wasn’t great #but trying to tell her how her pottery looked in an emotional moment? #picking glass out of emily’s hair? #snarking on those sports guys when they were making fun of hanna at lucky leon’s #promising she’s not mad at spencer and giving her the worlds softest hug? #i love her! #she deserved to write and take photos and drink coffee and get a loving partner and not end up with her groomer!!!! #even it was like. s4 when they broke up bc of the book reveal #and stayed broken up #that still would have been better than nothing #anti ezra fitz #anti ezria #grooming mention // #ask to tag // #also her family did not deal with it the right way at all #i understand they were Concerned - as they should have been! #but i always see their s2 hailed as like. the appropriate reaction #but they literally treat her like a criminal like she is just as bad as him #they are more focused on being angry than protecting her especially byron #i just. ugh. #(okay that’s an oversimplification. they are trying to protect her. but the WAY they are doing it is driving her right back into their arms)

[donutloverxo]

Salty Baby

Chapter four

Authors note- I use the term daddy too liberally to the point where it has become a joke so I didn't think I could write this but here we are lol. If you want in on the taglist let me know. Don't be afraid to leave feedback I don't bite, not in a bad way anyway. Happy reading 💕

Please do not repost or steal my works. Reblogs are welcome.

Summary- When you moved to New York in hopes of living a glamorous life this isn’t what you expected. Steve offers to help you but your pride gets in the way. Pride isn’t going to pay your rent and college loans.

Pairing- Steve Rogers x reader

Warnings- smut, daddy kink, sugar baby/daddy dynamics, slight kink shaming, angst, spanking

Word count- 3.2k

Chapter one | Chapter two | Chapter three | Chapter five

Masterlist

You woke up the next morning expecting to be on your sisters couch. You rubbed your eyes taking in your surroundings. Then you remembered, you were in Steve’s bedroom. His bed. You clenched your thighs when you felt the dull ache still present from last night’s activities.

You looked around to put something on. To cover your non-existent modesty. You grabbed a sweatshirt that was on top of his dresser. Hoping to be like one of those sexy girl in movies with their morning after glow.

You looked around his living room calling out for him. You didn’t get a chance to get a good look at his apartment last night. You were upset with your sister and then turned on by him.

His apartment, unlike Steve, looked like it didn’t have any personality. All the furniture looked generic, straight out of a IKEA catalogue. Something that caught your eye, the strip of photos you took with him in a photo booth at a fall festival you had been to.

You smiled at it your heart swelling. He was probably more crazy about you than you were about him.

There were a few old framed photo frames beside it. You recognized some of the people. One was of Steve, Peggy Carter and Howard Stark. And another of Steve and probably his best friend Bucky.

Steve always talked fondly of him. He was excited when he mentioned Bucky, but then he’d get this far away lost look in his eyes. If you could take his pain from him, you would. That’s not how it works though. You knew that better than anyone.

You jumped when Steve called your name. “In the kitchen” He yelled.

You entered the kitchen to see him cutting up strawberries. He was wearing a tight white tank top that left very little to your imagination. His usually combed hair now messed up.

“Good morning” He grinned widely at you.

You could certainly feel the afterglow radiating off of him. You felt a bit self conscious, you hadn’t brushed your teeth or made your hair. You were only wearing his sweatshirt that barely reached your legs and looked comically big on you.

“Good morning” You took a seat at the small table. “Oh I don’t drink coffee” You said looking at the cup of coffee in front of you.

“I know that’s for me” He winked at you “I made you some tea” He poured out your tea in a cup setting it in front of you.

You giggled at the smiley face he made on your pancake with strawberries and whipped cream “Thank you” you kissed his cheek.

You both ate your breakfast in what can only be described as comfortable silence. You didn’t feel like you had to talk or entertain him. You were still drained from everything that happened last night and the busy week you had.

“Here” he handed you a key after he had done the dishes.

You took it from him looked at him confused.

“It’s a key” He stated as if it’s a fact.

“I can see that” You deadpanned

“To my apartment. This apartment. I don’t know what you want to do but I’d like you to stay” He said awkwardly turning red. He was always cute like that. “It’s completely okay if you don’t want to. But you said you didn’t like living with your sister”

Which was true. You didn’t get a moments peace with your toddler nephews and your annoying sister. But then again she had always been good at taking advantage of you.

“I... Are you sure?” You asked fiddling with the keychain.

“Yeah. I uh.. have to leave though”

You whipped your head up “Where are you going?”

“Got called up on a mission for two days. Give or take a few. You can stay here as long as you like”

“I know you already said that” You were a bit sad at him leaving but grateful for his kindness.

You decided to stay with Steve at least for a couple of days. Maybe Anna would come to her senses and see just how much she needs you.

Steve dropped you off at your apartment wishing you luck. Which you needed. You’d rather not be here but you had to get your pills. You had been on them since you can remember. You were apprehensive about them at first but they helped control your anaemia. You couldn’t be careless with them now that you were actually sexually active. Your nephews served as excellent encouragement to take birth control.

You opened the door, which Anna forgot to lock as always, and walked into the living room. You hastily started stuffing some clothes, your books and your pills in a bag.

You cringed when you heard Anna call out your name. You turned around to see her glaring at you.

“Where were you last night?” She spat obviously still fuming at you.

“I was at my boyfriends” You continued packing your things. The sooner you’re out of here the better.

“Well where do you think you’re going now?” She folded her hands staring you down. As if that would stop you.

“I’m going to live with him from now on”

“What?!” she yelled you cringed again. “Who is this guy? I’ve never even met him. You’ve known him for a month! You know better than that” She said condescendingly shaking her head.

She had some nerve questioning your life choices. “Didn’t you and Brock have a shot gun wedding?”

“Doesn’t he live in Manhattan? How are you going to afford rent?” She evaded your question.

Steve would never even let you pay for popcorn you highly doubt he'd ask for rent. “You don’t have to worry about that” You strapped the bag onto your shoulders.

“You’ve known him for a month! Have you lost your mind!”

“I know him enough. I’m in love with him” you looked at her shocked at your own words. You had never told anyone you loved them. You had surely never been in love. There wasn’t much to not love about Steve. But would he feel the same way?

“Oh my god. You went and got yourself a sugar daddy”

“What the fuck is that? I don’t do those kind of things!” You had heard of it being a kink from your classmates and coworkers. However it never appealed to you.

“Yeah you made fun of me for letting men take care of me and now you’re doing the exact same thing”

“Whatever” You waved her off. You had packed as much as you could. You still had a few things left, but you could take care of them later. “Don’t I deserve to be taken care of? After everything I’ve been through?” You suppressed the urge to smack her when she rolled her eyes at you. “Can I say goodbye to the kids?” You asked.

They were little cretins but they were occasionally somewhat nice to you. After hugging them both, they probably couldn’t understand that you wouldn’t be living with them anymore, and some more glares and swears from Anna, you left deciding to never look back.

***

It had been over a month since your fight with Anna. You were still living with Steve. He had convinced you to quit your job at the cafe. It ate up too much of your time. You didn’t need the money now that you didn’t have to pay rent. You still had your job at your college library.

You had found, after doing a quick google search, that a sugar daddy is 'a rich older man who lavishes gifts on a young woman in return for her company or sexual favours'

Which was true for you and Steve. He was older than you, by almost a century. You weren’t sure if he was rich. You thought so but it was hard to tell with his simple and humble way of life. You never bothered to ask him because it didn’t really matter. He liked to buy you things. You accepted them to indulge him. It was hard to say no when he looked at you with those puppy eyes.

The search for what sugar daddy meant sent you into a deeper dive. Full of porn and erotica with women and men calling their partners daddy. You still couldn’t comprehend it’s appeal. Why would anyone be turned on by that?

You did clench your thighs together, rubbing them whenever you thought of Steve like that. He was somewhat of a ‘daddy’ in bed. In the way that he always took care of you, never letting you do too much work, always making you feel protected. You would be too exhausted from all the orgasms anyway.

It was very vanilla and conventional, you mostly only had soft slow missionary sex. Steve was afraid to hurt you which you understood. You weren’t keen on getting hurt either. Maybe some kinds of hurt weren’t so bad...

It maybe vanilla and boring to some people but to you it was passionate and satisfying in every way.

You were lying on your back, panting heavily from the multiple orgasms Steve had given you with his mouth.

You wiped your forehead with your right hand, catching a glimpse of the platinum bracelet he’d got you for your two month anniversary. He loved celebrating the little things in life. You would too if you were frozen in ice for seventy years.

He had taken you for that horse carriage he was so excited about and a nice dinner. You did feel bad about not getting him anything. However he didn’t seem to mind. You had to repay him somehow.

You felt him line himself up to your entrance. This has been the routine more or less for the past month. Almost everyday Steve would eat you out and then make love to you until you couldn’t even walk straight. He never even let you get a good look at his dick.

You abruptly stopped him sitting up straight. He looked at you confused. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

You gave him a evil smirk matched inversely by your big innocent eyes. You licked a strip up your hand all the while maintaining eye contact with him. Taking his thick length in your hand you started stroking it. Slowly and steadily building up your pace.

You had never sucked a cock before. You didn’t think you could, considering just how big and thick Steve was. But looking at the white creamy slick coming out of his angry red tip, you had to get a taste. You did owe him after all.

You placed a small kiss on the tip smearing some of his cum on your lips. You dragged you tongue over your bottom lip to get a taste. It was salty and musky. In a strange way it tasted a lot like Steve.

Feeling a bit more sure of yourself you licked a few stripes up his tip and then moved on to licking his slit.

Steve was cursing and moaning above you. He had bunched up your hair in his hand. He was always afraid to lose control, he had a reputation to maintain after all.

He grabbed a hold of your chin, making you look up at him. “You don’t have to do that” His hard cock in your hand and his shortness of breath betrayed his words.

You ignored him, continuing to lick him up and savor as much of his delicious taste as you can. Finally you took him in your mouth, sucking and swirling your tongue around his tip. You couldn’t swallow him whole so you stroked the rest of his length with your hand.

He bunched up your hair in his hand tugging it before letting go and holding onto your shoulder.

You weren’t having it. You took his hand putting it on the back of your head. Silently asking him to fuck your face.

He choked a groan back when he looked down at you. His cock in your mouth, your beautiful eyes pleading him to fuck you. He used both his hand to grab onto your face stilling you. He thrusted himself in and out of your mouth, being careful not to be too hard, he didn’t want you choking on him. He directed you to fondle his balls. You complied. You always complied with him.

He felt himself on the edge of orgasm. But he didn’t want to come in your mouth. He pulled out of your mouth.

“I want your come in my mouth” You whined trying to swallow him whole again.

He smacked your hands away. He gave his cock a few strokes with his hand, much to your dismay. You just looked so cute scowling at him. “Some other time” He grunted giving his cock a some more strokes before stopping “let’s try something new. Get on your hands and knees” he ordered.

Like the good girl that you were you arched your ass presenting it to him. He grabbed and groped at it before sliding into you, which was fairly easy considering how soaked you were. He rutted in you for a while you whined and thrashed.

“Daddy” You moaned.

He stilled his thrusts. His hands still holding onto your hips. Did you say what he think you said?

“What did you say?” He asked just to make sure he wasn’t imagining things.

You avoid him grinding onto his cock to distract him. He squeezed your hips, stopping your movements. Bending over he draped himself on your back. “What did you say?” He whispered in your hair.

“Daddy” You mumbled.

He kneeled back to his original position and carried on with his assault on your pussy. He spread your cheeks to get a good look at his cock sliding in and out of you. It was soaked in yours and his juices.

“Say it again” when you hesitated he gave a harsh slap to your asscheek. If you were going to call him daddy he had to act like one.

“Fuck daddy” You groaned “Spank me again” You begged.

He slapped your ass a couple more time before spreading them to look at the mesmerizing scene again.

“Oh god I’m going to come” You slithered and squirmed under him screaming profanities at him while he fucked you through your orgasm. Your hands and legs gave out. You dropped to your stomach trying hard to hold on for him

He felt himself tipping over the edge again. He bent down to hug you. He curled his hands under you one fondling your breast and the other stroking your stomach.

He always needed to be close to you when he filled you up. His thrusts because erratic, almost inhumane.

“I love you” he groaned as he came inside you, filling you up. He tried not to drop too much of his weight on you.

After a while he pulled out and covered you both with the comforter, spooning you.

“Hey you asleep?” he shifted a bit to get comfortable. With no answer from you “I meant it you know. I love you” he continued.

“I love you too” you murmured. It didn’t feel strange when the words rolled off of your tongue like you expected. It felt easy and safe. “You make me feel safe” You whispered shyly “And not just because you’re strong. But because you’re you...”

He smiled to himself. You made him feel safe as well. Safe to be himself and to not have to pretend. He kissed your hair feeling himself fall for you even harder.

#steve rogers x reader #steve rogers smut #steve rogers x oc #steve rogers fic #daddy steve rogers #reader x steve rogers #steve rogers angst #steve rogers fan fiction #steve rogers fluff #steve rogers imagine #steve rogers one shot #steve rogers reader insert #steve rogers x female reader #steve rogers x female!reader #steve rogers x ofc #steve rogers x original character #steve rogers x you #steve x female reader #steve x reader #steve x you #chris evans x y/n #chris evans x you #chris evans x reader #chris evans #steve rogers #captain america x you #captain america x reader #captain america fluff #captain america

[squishytenya]

Todoroki with a s/o who paints as a hobby (and is pretty good at it)- she has paint on most of her clothes, has stacks of bottles of paints and canvases, she has a soft sent of acrylic paint, sometimes she puts her paint brush in her coffee and drinks the gross paint water (bc we’ve all done at least one of them) she brings a notebook with small notes of colors that look good, or sketches of areas/ideas that show when she’s out, etc.

This was such a cute request oh my god I enjoyed writing this so much. Sorry it took so long but I hope you like it!

Todoroki Shouto x Artist!Reader

When Shouto first saw your work he was in awe

You were his partner? And you were this talented? He felt so lucky

The smell of acrylic paint is something that surprised him at first but it’s now very comforting to him

He loves burying his head in between your neck and your shoulder while you work to catch the scent of it

Is the last to remind you of paint on your clothes because he thinks it adds character to them

If your clothes don’t have paint on them there’s something wrong in his eyes

He’s a rich boy so he will fully buy you any paint you want regardless of how expensive

Need a new brush set? Done. New canvas? Arriving tomorrow. 

Likes to take you out on walks to places with nice scenery such as public parks or botanical gardens so he can sit and watch you get excited over new colours you can use

Carries a spare book in his bag when you go out in case you forgot yours or think you wouldn’t need it

You guys have a lot of days where you will sit in a comfortable silence, him reading in an armchair and looking over at you every one in awhile

Has labelled your paint water because he has had enough of seeing you grimace after picking up the wrong cup

Will fully buy you fancy mugs in an effort to try and stop you ingesting paint but it doesn’t work

He has a sixth sense for it at this point and has a habit of putting his hand between the paint brush and your mug or between your face and the paint water without having to even look up from his book

Todoroki definitely has more than a few photos of you whilst painting, in fact a whole folder

Not that he’d ever admit that

Loves when you get paint on your face so he can see you flush when he wipes it off slowly, taking your face in his hands

If you draw him I think he would lose his mind, like he didn’t think his love for you could grow more but here he is

But especially loves it if you paint on his back

He finds it incredibly calming listening to your soft breathes and muttering while gliding paint over his smooth skin

Plus it gives him a way to be more involved in your passion without having to interrupt you

Will 100% hang up the work you give him around his room or keep it tucked away in a special folder dedicated to it (he likes to flick through it when he’s missing you)

Shouto will fully encourage you to try and get your art in galleries or do commissions, if you don’t already

As far as he’s aware, everyone deserves to see how amazing you are the way that he does

You gained your biggest fan in Todoroki and he isn’t afraid to show you this at all

He is so supportive of your passion you honestly couldn’t ask for a better partner

#todoroki x reader #todoroki headcanons #todoroki shoto x reader #todoroki shouto x reader #todoroki imagine #bnha imagine #bnha x reader #bnha headcanons

[chayacat]

Devil’s Sweet Star (39)

Fandom: Dead by Daylight

Ghostface x Female Reader  

Rated M for Violence, Language and Smut  

***

Here we are. This is the big day. A day that no one will forget and cannot forget. Today is the day of the Roseville Festival. Exactly 32 years ago, this small town was still just a gathering of houses where each one helped the other. Then little by little it developed and it became the small town that everyone knows today. And Mayor Tallis leads it with trust and respect. And you are there, among all these people, while you have only been living there for a short time, who almost considered you as a member of this great family. Just thinking about it, you have a tear in your eye.

The stands were all in place. It was sunny but a little cool which was a good thing for your cake which unfortunately, compared to the little ones who were in refrigerated windows, was going to be exposed to the open air. Speaking of the cake, it was out of sight in a fridge big enough to keep it cool while the mayor made his speech. As soon as it is finished, you can take it out, show it to the whole city and cut it to distribute it to those who want it. As the mayor you said, there were a total of 8 stands, yours included, 4 on each side of the desk where the mayor will make his annual speech. Yours being, as expected also, to the right of the desk.

“I can't believe that other journalists will attend this and taste your pastry! you imagine the ad you will have if they ever love it?? You will be known throughout the region!” said Corey enthusiastic.

“Throughout the region... it's scary anyway... can you imagine people from all over the region coming to Roseville just to eat a cake or drink a coffee? We're going to be overloaded.... and it may even be necessary to refuse customers...” said Amy worried.

“Don't get too excited too fast both... It's just a small local festival. There's very, very little chance I'll become a famous one just with that. It's going to take a long, LONG time for that day to arrive. If it happens one day.” you respond a little embarrassed.  

“Hey! Don't say that! You’re the best in the town and one day you’ll be the best in all Ohio! stop underestimating yourself! There are people who deserve less popularity than you and yet they are successful!” replied Corey.  

“He’s right! You're the best coffee shop and the best boss we’ve ever met and have!” said Amy.

You smile at Corey and Amy. They are really adorable. They went for a tour of the different stands that are still in preparation, just like yours. You never imagined being there today, at least not in such a short time in Roseville. You said that in 2 or 3 years this would be the case, but not in a few months. Lindsey installed her most beautiful floral composition on her stand, smiling and greeting you. Poor of her, these last days weren’t easy for her because of the attack on her shop, but thanks to the kindness of the inhabitants, she was able to quickly start again on a good basis. You install the last signs with the products and prices indicated on each of them. Plus, a special sign for the festival cake with a reasonable price compared to the quality, when two hands that you know only too well, because of their sweetness, hid your eyes. And the voice that followed, even in a crowd of 10000 people, you would be able to hear it.

“So? Ready to expose your creation to the whole city? Everyone in town is waiting to see that.” asks Jed with his angelic smile.  

“Yes... I'm ready. And no matter what happens, the key thing is that you're there. Do you have a lot to do?” you said, smiling at him.  

“Take pictures.... write stuff... the normal job of a journalist in fact. But don't worry, I plan to go see you... and taste your delicious cakes.”

“Leave it for everyone big foodie... Don't worry, I would put some aside for you. And for the others.”

“I take everyone's share. They find that I have to eat a little and get a little fat...”

“But of course... you will have your shares and not one more, little thief. I did just enough to feed the whole city. The other journalists are there?” you replied, looking in all directions.  

“Yes, they're out there... they are preparing for Mayor Tallis' speech. You can imagine... Roseville has been around for 32 years, and he has been running it for 20 years. It's amazing to have so much motivation, courage and willpower to start from a few houses to a small peaceful town... well, almost.” respond Jed with smile.  

“Any news about Ghostface? As you took quite a while with Hoggins...”

“Murders, still murders and more murders. But I must admit that Hoggins takes so much time from me... That Ghostface is in the background right now. Which in itself benefits him. He takes advantage of the situation to quietly kill poor victims without defences... I can't tell you how many poor citizens of this city he killed while we focus on Hoggins.

And you don't even dare to imagine it. How many throats does he have to cut while everyone is looking at Hoggins? Even to you he didn't tell you anything. Yet, and involuntarily, you are his partner! But he is far from crazy, he is not going to tell you everything in exchange for your silence and cooperation. At least not now.

You dread that day. And yet you know you'll have to deal with it. All your actions will be decisive and, while you were focusing on the festival, you have passed multiple scenarios in your head. Only one misstep and you are dead. that's a certainty. But you can't accept all this without trying anything... or maybe... From the beginning he could have killed you. And he never did. He fell in love with you. And you fell in love with Jed. Funny love triangle. But not so bad in the end.

Live a double life... is that really a good idea? Sooner or later, one will eventually discover the other. In itself they already know each other, Ghostface leaves Jed alive so that he writes his articles and builds a reputation for him. And it’s thanks to Ghostface that Jed is an emeritus and excellent journalist. You wonder inwardly if they have already seen each other in real life... face to face. We will have to ask our dear murderer... Even if between us... we know who our nocturnal murderer is. Mayor Tallis settled at his desk, tested the microphone and signalled everyone to approach. You, Corey and Amy go at your stand, both ears attentive to the mayor's speech.

“My dear fellow citizens, today is a special day, a day that I hope will remain etched in your hearts and memories for years to come. Today, Roseville was born 32 years ago. At first, it was just a pile of houses where people helped each other. Then other people came and little by little a village was built. And today a city. And it is with pride that I lead it and that I will continue to lead it until my time has come.” he starts cheerfully.  

People applauded, while journalists took notes and photos. Among them you could see Jed taking a few pictures before looking at you, his angel smile on his lips.

“I wanted to thank you all for contributing to the evolution of the city into a prosperous and beautiful city. I would also like to thank the police forces who, at the risk of their lives and knowing perfectly well the risks of their jobs, dedicate their hearts and souls to the protection of this city. Especially inspector Wilhelm who takes his work very much to heart. He is a faithful friend in whom I place all my trust.”

The inhabitants turned to Inspector Wilhelm, who smiled, visibly embarrassed to be in the centre of attention. Poor of him, it mustn’t be easy for him.

“I also wanted to thank Miss (y/n) who warmly agreed to make the cake of the city that I will unveil to you in a moment. She has only been there for a very short time but... for me she is part of our big family. May this day bring you joy and good mood, and may it remain in your hearts and minds forever. Let the festivities begin!”

Members of the town hall brought your cake, hidden under a veil, and when the mayor removed the veil, everyone was amazed. It was as big as a wedding cake, decorated with trees, cars and some shops of the city and at the very top of the cake, the town hall with Mayor Tallis in front. All in sugar dough. It would almost hurt to cut it out and eat it but it is the first and only function of a cake, to be eaten.

The festivities began and it could be said that people were enthusiastic. Children ran everywhere to the great displeasure of their parents who had trouble containing them, it was very funny to see. Older people walked through the different stands, always starting with Lyndsey's buying flowers or plants before heading to the other stands.

Journalists from other cities came to congratulate you on cake and asked you some questions about you and your family. You explain that it comes from your grandmother, a great chef who passed on her love of cooking to your father and then to you. That you do not plan to change until your retirement... that kind of thing. Your gaze occasionally derived on Jed chatting quietly with Melina and Mattew, while occasionally taking pictures of the festival. The day took place in joy and good mood. People laughed, talked, children played together, ran everywhere, escaping the supervision of their parents. But their freedoms were short-lived when the police brought them back to their parents.

While serving customers, you suddenly see Hoggins at the opposite of you, arms crossed, sitting against a lamppost, watching you. He made you smile to freeze your blood, but you give it back to him, showing that he doesn’t scare you and that he will never scare you. You can't wait for Ghostface to kill him... Oh, yes. But that doesn't mean you want to attend. Knowing him, you trust him enough to offer him a slow, painful and unbearable death. And after... you will be free. You will be able to resume your life quietly. At least that's what you think. If you knew what you got yourself into...

“Hey (Y/N)!” said suddenly a man voice.

You turn your head to see Mattew coming towards you happily followed by Melina and Jed. You knew why... what a little glutton. You chat for a little while serving customers with Amy and Corey. Towards the beginning of the evening, you warn them that they can enjoy the festival before everything stops, to which they answered thank you and asked you if you will manage on your own.

“Yes, go for it! there are not many people anymore so enjoy a little! You too have the right to have fun!” you said with smile.  

The two looked at each other before smiling and hugging you, which made you laugh. They took off their aprons before leaving the stand and visiting the other stands that were scattered all over the central square of the city. You watch them leave, with a smile on their faces, they're really adorable these two. The rest of the evening went quietly, you serve the last customers before closing your stand. You set aside some cake for yourself and Jed and give more to Melina and Mattew, as well as Amy and Corey. Everyone left little by little, and in the meantime the mayor came to congratulate you on your cake and your success. The journalists who had come to cover the event, had talked about you to the mayor, full of praise.

You feel proud, and reassured. You breathe a sigh of relief when you hear all this. Jed was waiting for you against his van. When he saw you arrive, he took you in his arms, kissing you, get you into the vehicle to get back to the apartment. Once inside, you collapse on the couch, completely exhausted by this day.

“Poor of you... you are completely exhausted.” said Jed, holding you a cup of coffee.

“Thanks Honey. You can tell... I didn't think it would be as exhausting. And yet I have a coffee and I do the same thing every day...” you respond, sipping a little. “Did you manage to take pictures?

“Oh yes, don't worry about it... and there are plenty of them that I'm going to keep to myself... you are so beautiful when you are focused on your work...”

“What a charmer you are...”

“That’s why you love me right?”

You laugh before drinking the rest of your coffee and yawning. Jed smiled before gently taking you in his arms to carry you to your room. He put you on the bed, informing you that he was coming back right away, going to put the pictures he had taken in his computer. You take the opportunity to change and lie on the bed. Jed arrived a few minutes later, changed quickly, and joined you in bed, gently taking you in his arms.

“He was there you know... Hoggins. He looked at me as if he was going to kill me.” you said worried.

“Don't worry my love. Soon he will no longer be able to harm anyone. I promise you.” responds Jed.  

Oh, yes... he won't be able to hurt anyone soon... But it is not in prison that he will end up. But in a grave.  

And you can't wait to hear it from your... “partner.”

***

(I am EXHAUSTED. This little weekend will do me a lot of good! I think we're getting closer little by little to the end of DSS, count around.... 21 chapters. After, it may take less or it may take more... it will depend on the progress and the state of my brain XD After I think I would take a small break of 2 or 3 weeks before starting RE8! but don't worry! I will take the opportunity to develop everything! and find a title. XD, I hope you’ll like this chapter like the others ones! Well, it's time for my brain to rest! Have a great weekend to you all!  See ya!)

#dbd fanfic #dbd #dead by daylight #ghostface #danny johnson #jed olsen

[hoodoo12]

Beetlejuice is my man ❤️. Honestly, him showing up and interrupting a bad date, and the fem reader leaving with the Beej would be great. Only if you want to of course. Ps, love your fics. ❤️

Thank you for this fun idea! I had a blast writing it and hope you enjoy it. SFW, Beetlejuice/f!reader, mild swearing. Stand alone story, although a second (nsfw) could be added . . . 😉. If anyone is interested in something like that, let me know!

Bad Date

You fiddled with your fork. The droning--the god awful, incessent droning--from the other side of the small table never ceased. The man sitting there, the man who you agreed to go out on this date with, hadn’t stopped talking about himself. The. Entire. Time.

It wasn’t as though he had interesting or fun stories either. He had opinions on everything, no matter the subject, and considered himself an expert on everything too. He worked at a car dealership, for the love of god, and although he bragged about how much money he made and the fancy vehicles he drove, you had a suspicion he was more on the level of a lot attendant instead of a top salesman. 

Why did you ever swipe right on his photo?

You slipped your phone into your lap and discreetly checked the time. You’d been at this restaurant for thirty minutes, and although the waiter had taken your orders, you’d only gotten drinks and a basket of bread so far. This was insufferable. How were you going to last through salad and an entree with this guy? You didn’t even want to think about coffee and dessert. 

While he continued to prattle on about the border wall or car tires or whatever, your mind drifted.

Beetlejuice had not been happy you’d gone out tonight. He’d expected another lazy evening in, but it wasn’t like the two of you were exclusive or anything! Who knew how many people the ghost had on the side? It wasn’t like you could keep track of him. And whenever you dared try to mention the word ‘boyfriend’ or ‘partner’ or anything of the sort, he stammered and turned a more sickly shade of pale, and found excuses to change the subject. That, or he just left, no matter what the two of you happened to be doing at the moment. Sometimes, for fun, you teased him about it, just to make him squirm.

Tonight you’d give anything for it to be real. Then you’d never be in this mess. 

You wondered if typing his name into a text message would summon him. 

No harm in trying . . . 

With a quick glance up at the guy across the table flapping his lips--oh god, he saw you looking and thought you were encouraging him!--you quickly dropped your gaze to your phone again. Because Beetlejuice wasn’t listed in your phone, you pulled up a cousin’s contact page as a proxy. 

Quickly you tapped out, “Betelguese, Betelguese, Betelguese,” into a new text message. 

You hit send. You could explain to your cousin later. 

Nothing happened. You gave it a few more minutes while the yammering from your date continued, and still nothing happened.��

You decided to try again, with a phonetic spelling this time.

“Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!”

You crossed your fingers this time that he’d appear. 

Nothing. 

Nothing.

Your date continued to be oblivious to the fact you were completely ignoring him.

Nothing. 

Then a tiny ‘ping!’ from your phone!

“What the hell? Is this some kind of safe word?” your cousin texted back. 

With a wry smile, you thought your cousin had no idea how the answer to her question was the truth. You also hadn’t realized you’d been holding your breath until you got some kind of response. You let it out in disappointment that it wasn’t Beetlejuice, but used it as an excuse to leave the table.

“I’m sorry, I have to take this,” you blurted, interrupting your date and getting out of your chair before he could respond. You darted away from the table towards the restrooms.

In the restroom, you ignored your phone and stared into the mirror. Someone else was in one of the stalls, but you disregarded that too; you just wanted help!

Watching your lips form the words, you muttered, “Betelguese, Betelguese, Beteguese.”

You closed your eyes at the last syllable. When you opened them, he was standing right behind you, his mouth curled into a snarl and his eyes dark under furrowed brows. 

You spun on your heel to him. 

Before you could tell him that you needed rescuing, he spit, 

“What the hell do you want?” 

Startled, you couldn’t answer. Typically he was pleased to hear his name--

“I thought we weren’t seeing each other tonight,” he continued in an angry growl. “You had your date, and I was supposed to sit around, twiddling my thumbs, watching reruns of the shit they show on TV in the Netherworld--it’s all garbage like Manimal and My Mother the Car, nothing even entertaining like the Jerry Springer Show--”

“Beej, you’ve got to help me!” you interrupted. “You’ve got to get me out of this date!”

At least he had the decency to stop talking when you said something, unlike the guy still sitting at the table. 

Beetlejuice fixed you with an undeniable “I-told-you-so” expression, but it didn’t soften his anger. “Nope. You got yourself into this, you get yourself out of it.”

That was not the answer that you had expected. Beetlejuice was usually ecstatic to rain chaos down on the living. He usually jumped at the opportunity to harass people. And now, at all times, he’d decided to, to . . . make you pay for one measley mistake?

Tears welled in your eyes. Deep down, you knew you deserved it. 

You grabbed a tissue from the box on the counter and dabbed your eyes. Okay. He wouldn’t help? Then you’d sit through the rest of this horrible date, pray to god the guy didn’t get handsy or expect anything physical in return for paying, and then you’d take a long hot shower when you got home to try and wash away the memory of this disastrous night. 

“Okay, Beej,” you told him quietly. Because tears began forming again, you couldn’t see the expression on his face. You imagined it was triumph. “I’m . . . I’m sorry about tonight.”

With the apology, you reached for his hand, gave it a quick squeeze, and left the restroom. As the door began swinging closed behind you, you heard an old woman’s voice from the stall exclaim, “I heard a man’s voice! There better not be a man in this ladies room, or I’m speaking to the management--”

The door closed completely, and you never heard a retort from Beetlejuice. 

⁂

You made your way back to your table. Your date was there, looking annoyed he’d lost his audience. You sat down again, murmured a quiet lie that your cousin’s dog was sick and she was giving you an update, and your date launched into a diatribe about how veterinarian medicine was a money-grabbing scam.

You went back to fiddling with your fork, feeling miserable. Once or twice you tried to at least look interested in whatever nonsense erupted out of the mouth of the guy sitting opposite of you, but it wasn’t a facade you could maintain. 

Luckily, a waiter bumped into your table. It broke your date’s soliloquy, thankfully. Salad plates were dropped in front of the two of you. Your date looked annoyed, but you were just happy to have something else to focus on. You thanked the waiter without looking up.

To keep yourself occupied, you tried to remember and list all the ingredients in a Ceasar salad while you stabbed some with your fork. Now your date was talking about some other fancier restaurant he’d gone to, with grilled romaine lettuce for the salad, and croutons made daily with their own milled flour for the bread, and wild-caught yeast, and, and, and--

Mechanically you chewed. Nothing had flavor. 

“--it was nothing like this! These are obviously store-bought croutons!” your date was saying, because he’d suddenly become a celebrity chef along with a veterinarian and car dealer. “Subpar ingredients! I’d hope that they are saving money so the steak I ordered will be higher quality, but I know that won’t be true--what the hell is this?”

You couldn’t even fake enough interest to lift your head. 

“What the actual hell?” he exclaimed, then more loudly, he snapped his fingers and called for the waiter. “Hey. Hey! Waiter! Get over here!”

You stabbed another bit of lettuce. As you raised it to your mouth, the waiter got to your table. “Yes sir? Would you like some freshly cracked black pepper on your salad?” 

The waiter’s voice was soft with a bit of a scratch that made it sound like he may have the beginnings of a sore throat. You didn’t look up at him, but from the corner of your eye saw that his trousers were faded black with uneven pinstriping. Wasn’t the rest of the staff in solid black clothing?

“No!” your date admonished rudely. “There is something in my salad and I want to know what it is!”

Curious beside yourself, you looked over the table.

Your date was red-faced and angry, pointing at his plate. You didn’t see anything in it. When he tapped it with his fork, however, some of the lettuce moved on its own.

The waiter reached into the salad with dirty-looking fingernails. In slow motion, everything happened at once: you looked up his arm to Beetlejuice’s face, a decidedly evil grin began to widen his lips, and he plucked a tiny, four inch, black and white sandworm out of your date’s salad to hold it up in front of him. 

Time snapped back into proper speed as your date gasped.

Still holding the wriggling, hissing sandworm, Beetlejuice grabbed a chair from another table, swung it around so he could straddle it backwards, and plopped himself down between the two of you. He didn’t say a word to you.

He held the angry sandworm in front of your date’s face.

“This, Matt,” he said, putting an obvious tone of dislike on your date’s name. He grabbed your date by the shoulder to keep him seated, then continued like this was a nature show and he was presenting a fascinating creature. “This is a baby sandworm. Look at the little fellow! See his little stripes and blue lips? That’s because he’s poisonous. He’s warning predators off! But, interesting fact, he’s also venomous. Those teeny tiny fangs’ll inject you with venom and paralyze you so you don’t struggle as he’s swallowing you! Look how mad he is!”

Beetlejuice shoved the sandworm closer to Matt’s face, making him flinch back.

“Oh, he’s so mad you can see his secondary mouth! Usually those don’t appear until they’re older!”

The sandworm writhed and continued to hiss wildly. 

“Now. Matt. Listen,” Beetlejuice continued like this was a perfectly normal conversation, even though you could see Matt wanted to bolt. The ghost’s grip was white-knuckled tight on him. “This little guy, yeah. He’d mess you up some. Make you sick if you ate him, or if he got shoved into some bodily orifice. But he probably wouldn’t kill you.”

You imagined you almost saw a look of relief pass over Matt’s face. 

“His mother though . . .” Beetlejuice mused thoughtfully. “Sandworms are really protective of their young. This baby gets inside you and his mama is going to come looking for you, and she’s gonna be fifty solid feet long of pissed off.”

The expression of horror on Matt’s face made a small smile crack your lips. Beetlejuice grinned too.

“So Matt, what do you say? You wanna apologize to the lady for being a total d-bag and wasting her evening with your non-stop drivel and an ego that is, to be honest, even impressing me a little bit with its size? Or would you like to see how quickly little Sandy here can wriggle his way into your brain or stomach? He’d fit in an ear, I bet, and if not, definitely down your throat--”

Matt managed to wrench himself away from the grip holding him in his seat. He stood up so fast his chair tipped over as he backed away. That caught the attention of the other patrons, but your date didn’t care. He stumbled through some creative, cussing descriptions of you, Beetlejuice, and the whole situation, his voice growing louder as he continued. 

Restaurant staff began converging on the table. You were mortified but felt a little surge of warmth that Beetlejuice hadn’t abandoned you. Beetlejuice’s expression was a mixture of amused and bored. Matt’s voice rose until the ghost stood up abruptly and grabbed him again.

“Apologize,” he ordered, “and don’t even think of contacting her again.”

Being held with the still hissing sandworm dangerously close to his face, Matt choked out an apology to you. Beetlejuice released him, dusted Matt’s jacket off, and gave him a slight shove.

By then the restaurant’s manager had arrived. Matt, since he wasn’t restrained any longer, continued to swear, trying to describe what just happened to him, talking about the sandworm and being accosted and this establishment going to be shut down--

--he was escorted from the premises.

Before anyone could turn their attention to you and the ghost poorly imitating one of their wait staff, you and Beetlejuice hurried out the door as well. 

Outside, you threw your arms around his neck. “Thank you! You don’t know how much it means to me that you did that!”

Beetlejuice pursed his lips like he was a little disgusted with himself for coming to your rescue, but the quick kiss you planted on him erased the expression.

“Are sandworms really protective of their young?” you asked. “Is one really going to come looking for that baby?”

“Hell no!” he scoffed. The tiny sandworm he still pinched between his fingers had calmed down a little. That, or it was tired from all the activity. “They give birth and then its every one of them for themselves! If the babies don’t bury themselves quick enough, the mother eats them! Nasty little buggers.”

“Ugh,” you agreed. “Well, get rid of it, then. And I owe you big time.”

At that, Beetlejuice looked you straight in the eye and leered. “I’m going to keep you to your word on that, baby.”

He offered you an arm, so you hooked your hand through his elbow, and the two of you left for home. 

fin . . .? 

#beetlejuice #betelguese #fanfiction #writing #sfw #request #sandworm info

[grownups-are-the-real-monsters]

C'est La Vie

Summary: “Riding around with the car top down and the radio on. Nobody looked any finer or was more of a hit at the Parkway Diner. We never knew we could want more than that out of life. Surely Richie and Eddie would always know how to survive…” Glimpses into Richie & Eddie’s lives. 

Summary is lyrics adapted from: ‘Scenes from an Italian Restaurant’ ~ Billy Joel. Title from ‘C’est La Vie’ by Bob Seger…

Words:  18,691

Ship: Reddie 

{October, Senior Year}

School was in session. Leaves were falling from the trees, Freshman were trying to get high under the bleachers and the air was beginning to crisp like maple fucking bacon…Richie was having the time of his life. He sniffled because of course, he was already getting his yearly cold…at the start of October.

“The bleachers are freezing my ass, Eds.” He whined loudly but his little partner only chuckled, still scribbling his pen across the notebooks in his lap. 

A breeze passed over them and carried a few pages of Skippy Larson’s chemistry homework across the field just in front of them. The kid darted after them with impressive speed but-‘oh, too much confidence on the catching skills. He misses by a long-shot and falls face first onto the grass!’ 

Richie chuckled and habitually scooped Eddie’s free-hand up to cradle it into his lap. “In a few short months…we won’t even have to worry about…-” He paused to wave his hands around and audibly scoff “-AP Lit homework and shit.” He flicked Eddie’s pen. “Can you believe that, man?” 

Eddie laid his pen down and decided to give his partner the full attention Richie so obviously wanted and in Eddie’s opinion…deserved. “No. I really don’t wanna think about it either, Rich.” 

His sniffles were much cuter than any human beings should be. His nose scrunched up and his eyes got all squinty. Eddie didn’t care much for cold season but it drove Richie crazy. 

“Why not? I’m so fucking excited!” 

“Rich, I’m way too fucking nervous to talk about it. Probably way more nervous than you are excited.” He scoffed, already beginning to shove his books into his backpack.

“Really? Cause I’m so excited that I can hardly breathe!” He smacked Eddie’s hand gently.

With humor suddenly just as dry as Richie’s toast had been that morning, Eddie slowly and obnoxiously reached into his bag for the inhaler and shot himself up to space. His lips were still recovering from the lovely ‘O’ shape he’d had to make but he managed a wide smirk when his chin tilted back down. 

“Funny, babe.” Richie rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but giggle a bit. His eyes drifted to the homework tornado again as a sigh built up in his throat. It wasn’t as if he wasn’t going to miss high school. Because in some ways, he would. Lots of great things happened either in that building or because of it. 

Richie got to film the best student movie in the history of TV Pro which turned out to be collected found footage of the Losers in their natural habitat. Bill managed to write one killer story after another and really started pursuing his passion. Ben and Bev had their first kiss in Mr. Walker’s Algebra class and made history. The day Stan made the fucking baseball team had been one of Richie’s favorite freakin’ days of all time. And Mike organizing a completely made-up 'cinema’ club just to get the library all to themselves with the coolest teacher ever was a close second. 

But the best thing that ever happened within those school walls was during the start of Freshman Year when Richie finally got the guts to ask Eddie out properly. 

They’d basically been dating since they were kids. Hell, their first kiss was in a blanket fort in Bill’s basement when they were like nine. Eddie didn’t like to count that but Richie held it close to his heart because it was funny as shit. 

Sixth grade had been a big year. Richie would carry Eddie’s books home for him and would stick by him even when the path became out of his way. They took the path that would lead them past the Neibolt Street Church so Eddie could hear a bit of that music he liked so much. 

But it wasn’t until Freshman year when the true magic happened. The fact that Eddie agreed to the proposed date nearly killed Richie on the spot that day.

Richie smiled to himself before glancing at his partner who was now following the wind of paper from Skippy Larson too. His eyes were speeding fast to follow every moment of the twirling disaster. 

They’d gone to that drive-in root-beer place that Richie had always been dying to try. It was across the street from the now abandoned 7/11 that used to be a CVS where no one had ever shopped. He’d ordered a hot-dog and Root-beer Float that became hard to keep down when all his nerves started shaking him. He remembered being scared that he was going to waste the date just worrying he might blow chunks onto the bright orange vinyl chair. “Honestly Eddie, why did you give me a second date? I mean that first one was so…I mean, you watched me dip my hot-dog into my Root-beer Float.” Richie chuckled, legs jittering up and down. 

Eddie quirked his brow and paused. “Yeah and you watched me nearly fight that worker for dropping that order of fries and trying to shove them back on the tray before anyone noticed.” 

“Yeah but that was hot.” Richie smirked

“Well, maybe I thought the hot-dog thing was hot…” Eddie shoved some of his papers away and finally gave his boyfriend full attention. 

“I’m sure the puke was hot when you slipped on my chunks in the parking lot, ‘member?” Richie smirked and Eddie gagged at the memory. 

“Never bring that up again, asshole.” 

The two of them playfully smacked each-other around for a couple minutes before a peaceful silence fell over again. From his place above, Richie saw Skippy pick up his remaining papers and high-tail it outta the football field before any players decided practice started early. The question from before still bounced in Richie’s mind like those boxes never quite hitting the corner in those DVD wait screens. ‘Honestly Eddie, why did you give me a second date?’

“What’s your mom making for dinner?” Eddie laid his chin on his palm and smiled in that soft, genuine way that poked at Richie’s heart. In some ways, he felt they were like an old married couple. And he wasn’t using that term to excuse any nasty bickering like some other high-school phase couples. No. 

It was just…-He and Eddie knew each other. They were so familiar and extremely comfortable with everything they did. “Mmmmm, Chicken Parmesan.” 

They smiled at each other, just thinking about the calm rest of the day ahead of them. 

                         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Eddie followed Richie inside the Tozier household, taking his shoes off at the door and setting them next to the others as Richie breezed past it, forgetting like usual. Eddie grinned to himself, shaking his head. The home was nothing special, sort of small but fleshed out. Photos on the wall in frames that were carefully thought out as they were purchased at some home goods store. It still put a smile on Eddie’s face to see that he was featured in some of those pictures.

He briefly passed by his favorite that was in the blue frame, the one that was chipped in the corner from when Richie dropped it. It was taken sometime during last Christmas, Richie and himself were having some sort of conversation that must’ve been highly amusing, what is was about Eddie doesn’t remember, but they’re laughing hard enough that Richie is falling forward onto his shoulder, The Tozier parents were actually looking at the camera with grins. Eddie smiled to himself as he glanced at it.

Mrs. Tozier  was pouring a few drinks as they entered the kitchen, a warm grin on her face.

“Hello boys.” She smiled sweetly and handed them each a glass of water as she slid a cup of coffee to Mr. Tozier as he came in the room with a smile.

“How’s my favorite son?” He asked in that dad tone of voice that Eddie had only come accustomed to through him.

Richie swallowed a large slurp of the water and set it back on the table, the sweat dripping onto his hand. “I’m your only son…” He tilted his head with a confused but amused expression.

Wentworth blew down into the mug, the steam rising and spreading. “I was talking to Eddie.” He looked up just in time to catch Richie’s gasp of offense. He chuckled, picking up his mug and patting Eddie on the back as he passed him. “Which reminds me Eddie, I’m working on the garage again, can I count on your help-?”

“While I am flattered that you complimented me to butter me up before you asked but-” Eddie smiled, hand over his chest. “I can’t.”

“Ed’s and I are have a special date night tonight, pops.” Richie slapped Eddie’s back gently and stirred his water glass like it was a proper drink. 

“Oooh, yeah.” Wentworth shared a small grin with his son and took down some more of his steaming hot drink. “You two kids have a great time. I’ll be all by my lonesome down there and I’ll probably break that damn car…” He pointed towards the garage door with exaggerated glum. “Unless one, Mrs. Tozier would come visit me, later?” He bumped Maggie’s elbow and she chuckled. 

“I’ll bring you some dinner later. Make sure you take the laundry basket up to my room before you go off.” Maggie gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before he left that Richie mimicked on Eddie for chucks. It always made his mother giggle, anyway. 

“Ok, so Chicken Parmesan for dinner….” Maggie gestured to the oven and smiled. “I’ll let you know when it’s done but for now…” She paused and picked up a dirty old box from the floor behind the counter. “I have some Halloween Decorations, would you boys help an ol’ mother out?” 

“Sure thing, Mrs. Tozier!” Eddie stood on the tips of his toes to peek inside while Richie took the ghost string lights out and threw them around his neck like a scarf. With a salute, Richie took off with the box and Eddie darted after him. 

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Mrs. Tozier, Maggie, rooted her hands through the sock draw and occasionally pulled out a few pairs and folded them together. Her nails caught on the thread every few minutes, she’d pull and pull until the thin string would just snap. But on the eighth time she grew a little bit restless and snapped the string but quickly shut the drawer afterwards. “Wentworth?”

She turned to her husband, who was still lazing around with his coffee and blowing on it as if it was still hot. She gave him a small smile and walked towards him, putting her hand on his back. He looked up at her, waiting for her to speak what was on her mind. “Do you think-” She paused for a second before shaking her head. “Never mind, it’s stupid.”

Wentworth smiled up at his wife and chuckled, swallowing his first tedious sip of coffee. “I say a lot of stupid things, I won’t mind.”

Maggie gave him a look a lot of wives give their husbands. One of amusement and familiarity. “Well, I was just wondering…” She began again, going back over to the drawers to root around for something to wear to work the next day. “Do you think the boys are starting to get serious?” She asked, a little unsure of herself.

Wentworth cocked his head to the side and looked lost. “Like how?” He asked, swirling his coffee in his hand. Maggie sighed and leaned back on the drawers behind her. Clasping her hands together, she spoke again.

“I don’t know really.” She frowned and folded an old t-shirt from Richie’s younger days…her eyes got a sad little glaze. “They seem….-they remind me of us in our good ol’ days, huh? When we were about to leave home, so in love…” There was a small hole in the shoulder of the yellow dinosaur shirt. 

Her husband turned the soap opera off the box TV and crawled closer to where she stood at the edge of the bed, taking her hands. “Richie’s getting older, honey-” 

Maggie surprised the both of them by bursting out with a small sob. In embarrassment, she stole a hand back to cover her mouth. “I feel like every-time I-” She broke again and Wentworth rubbed her skin softly. 

She collected herself, tilting her chin to the ceiling fan and letting the loose tears fall. “I know that…when we planned this, I had the idea of a girl, you know?” 

Wentworth nodded. That was a topic they never truly discussed but for a long while, they were both well aware of in those early days. 

“But…He’s my boy. That kid…” She looked towards the door. “He’s what I had been waiting for and I didn’t even realize it. And now it feels like our time together is winding down with his high-school days close to over and Wentworth, I’m not ready to let him go.” Her lips trembled. 

He gently shook her arms and rubbed up and down her skin until she grinned through the tears. “He’s still a teenager, sweet-heart. We got time left yet, huh?” He laughed which she returned. “Side-note, we are definitely still in our good ol’ days. As long as I’m with you.” 

He stood up, putting his coffee on the old dried up water ring mark on the dresser. Maggie smiled at the back of his head, her hand on her heart as she sighed with pleasure before she stood to walk him to the garage.

                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Richie still had the ghosts tied around his neck except now they were plugged into the wall behind him and slightly burning his neck. Eddie was digging through the box and pulling out all kinds of Halloween decor that Richie admired as a personal collection of his childhood…their childhood even. Eddie had just as much a right to claim memories to this shit as Richie. The other losers as well with how much time they spent at his home.

“How come people don’t send out Halloween cards…Y’know like Christmas Cards?” Richie pursed his lips and flipped the switch on an old light up haunted house. 

Eddie shrugged. “People don’t really do Christmas cards anymore either…” He drifted off in thought. “We should though. It’d be really fucking idiotic.” He giggled and Richie smiled. 

The two of them openly discussed their future together many times. It was just always part of their relationship and had never phased them. Maybe some thought of that as childish considering they were still high-schoolers but…it never seemed that way to them. 

“Yeah. We’ll send it to all five of our friends.” Richie chuckled. 

Eddie handed over some stuffed pumpkins and let his hands rub down his jeans as he sighed. “I can’t wait to annoy you in our own house one day.” He pinched Richie’s arm and handed over the hand-made paper Bat. 

His boyfriends heart melted at that, his eyes absolutely worshiping the sight of Eddie. “Shit, Ed’s. Me too.”

Usually there’d be more said between them in moments like this. Maybe a discussion about what their house would end up looking like. But this time they just reached out for each others hands and gently swung them a little with soft smiles. “One of us has to learn to cook.” 

“God, yes.” Richie nodded. “I love it but I can’t live off McDonald’s for long. Maybe my mom can teach me some shit. I can’t imagine it’s too hard.” He shrugged, letting their hands fall apart again to get rid of his ghost necklace. Their was a tiny burn mark on the side of his neck that made Eddie chuckle. Richie slapped the spot he was staring at with mock insecurity and a dazzling smirk. 

The boy opened his mouth only to be interrupted his mother who came strolling in with a dish towel over her shoulder. Richie let his hand fall from his neck without thinking what that spot might suggest with Eddie sitting so close to him. Maggie raised a brow-

“It’s not what you think, Mrs. Tozier. Richie just burned his neck on the ghosts.” Eddie laughed and leaned over to hold the string-lights up again.

“Yeah, I can buy that.” Maggie rolled her eyes and laughed. “Can I borrow you for a minute, Rich?” 

Richie nodded, hopping up and exaggerating a little spill from tripping on Eddie’s legs. He ruffled a hand through Eddie’s hair and followed after his mother. 

Maggie messed with some dishes as she waited for her son to trail in and hoped her eyes weren’t still red. But as little Richie (called little Richard affectionately by his father for years) stopped in front of her, she found herself getting choked up again which was just silly. “You alright ma’? You seem like you might pass out or something.” He giggled and took a grape from the bowl on the counter to stuff into his mouth. 

“Would you two be ok if your father and I went out tonight?-”

“Hot date?” He laughed and Maggie felt her heart tug. 

“Yeah, sure.” She shook her head. “Hot date. Anyway, foods in the oven and should be done soon enough.” She rubbed the pad of her thumb against her nose. “You can make cookies for dessert, you know the number to call if you should accidentally start the house ablaze, do you love your father more than me? And we’ll be gone a few hours.” Maggie rushed her speaking and cringed. She was about to escape the room when Richie realized what she’d snuck in there. 

“Wow, you pulled a real Richie Tozier with that ramble, ma. You know I’m the champion at those.” He started with an awkward laugh before raising his brows. “But um, you don’t really think that..do you?” 

Maggie felt ashamed for bleeding this insecurity on her son but she sighed. “No. It’s just-…sometimes I worry that our relationship is a little rocky sometimes. I shouldn’t have…” She gestured to the garage door where her husband was and then to the living room where Eddie sat. “Bad timing.” She laughed. 

“Ma…..” Richie had never been known to handle serious things very well was panicking a little. “That’s not-…”

“I just let so much precious time go by…not really understanding you quite like your dad does. I’m sure you must have felt it and I hate to think about it.” Maggie frowned, running the towel through her fingers. 

Richie looked to the floor and rolled his lips together which was confirmation enough. 

“Never-mind this, Rich. Go on back, ok?” Maggie attempted to laugh the conversation off like any good ol’ Tozier knew how. “We should be back later tonight.” With that, she pressed a kiss to his temple and sent him back to the living room. 

Richie walked off with a dazed expression and tried to shake his mothers words but found them to be burying deep into his mind anyway. 

His eyes met Eddie’s. His boyfriend was just sitting on the old plaid couch, the one where tiny-tot Richie had once fallen from and knocked his front teeth out, and a rush of love went through his body at once. It didn’t cover up the memory of that conversation but it relieved Richie of the guilty feeling some. 

So he did what any sane person in love would do, throw his entire body atop Eddie’s. One of them let out a shocked sigh and their voices were too molded together to pin it. “Get off me, asshole!” 

Eddie folded his body in such a way that it knocked Richie off him and onto the carpet below the plush couch. He peeked at him from the edge and giggled. 

Richie ended up laying there for quite some time after his parents left, playing with Eddie’s legs as they hung over him and occasionally rubbing the soft skin of his ankles. Though he’d realized almost as soon as he started that it was sort of a trap. Every-time he’d take his hand away, Eddie would wiggle his feet again just urging Richie to start on again. And if he refused, he’d make that soft little whine. How could he say no to that? 

It lead him to memories of being that tiny-tot version of himself again. On movie nights when Richie would glance through the corner of his eye, away from the show of ‘Aladdin’ to his parents to make sure they were watching. Maggie Tozier’s feet would always be shoved into his old man’s lap and she’d be insisting that he rub them. Though he’d complain, Wentworth always did it. 

Richie rubbed another circle against Eddie’s skin and leaned his head against his jean covered leg. When his partners hand came down to run his fingers through his hair, Richie was in such bliss that he missed the first ten beeps of the oven timer. 

“Rich, one of us has to get the dinner.” 

“Set up the dishes?” Richie tilted his chin up, getting a bit of a static shock from Eddie’s jeans. The boy nodded and they went off. 

This was a familiar routine that they had come to know for some time now. Since the beginning of the romantic side of their relationship, Eddie came over for dinner often. The Tozier’s were happy to have the company. 

Richie plated their feast once the table was set and they took their favorite chairs across from each other. It was during these little dinners that Richie finally understood the no TV at the dinner table rule. There was no need for a distraction. 

“How did none of your mothers cooking talent bleed into you growing up?” Eddie hummed happily as he slid his fork out from his lips. 

“You’ve basically known me my whole life, Eds. You know I don’t have the attention span to learn.” 

Eddie rolled his eyes and Richie poked his hand with the back-side of his silverware. “How are things with my dads car?” 

Eddie hummed again. He’d taken up fixing up the thing with Mr. Tozier some weeks ago as a little hobby. He’d always had a fondness for fixing shit up like that and Wentworth had been thrilled to have a good hand around to help him because after all, Richie was not the best at that. “Good. I mean, I’m not car-genius but…I think we’re getting somewhere. Your dad seems excited but then again…he’s a lot like you.” Eddie giggled.

“What does that mean, Kaspbrak?” Richie reached over to pinch at him. 

“Just that he’s excitable-” 

“It’s a cuter look for me, right?” Richie teased and Eddie smacked his hands away. They went at it for a solid five minutes before settling back into their dinners. 

Silence fell over them, all except the sounds of their dishes. “Hey, Ed’s?” 

The boy glanced up, some strands of hair falling over his eyes as he hovered his fork just under his chin. A stray scent of the purple glue they used in their shared second grade class flew past Richie’s nose as their eyes met. “What’s say you & me go on a little road-trip right after graduation? Like the minute it’s done?” 

“Little early to plan that. Just you and me? What about-?” 

“I’d love to go on a big Losers Club trip but I have this idea…for just the two of us, right? Could be cool.” He waved is fork around and it kept catching the orange light of the hanging lamp above them. 

“What kind of idea?” 

“Well…hold on to your seat, baby. This might be too big of a kicker.” Richie giggled but it was soaked with nerves. Eddie rolled his eyes and made an exaggerated play of holding onto the chair with a wide smirk. They giggled together. “I was thinking that you and I could drive up to Castle Rock-”

“Ahhh the spot of romance.” Eddie let go of his chair to take another bite of chicken. 

“There’s some cute tourist-y trap shops…” Richie started and he’d kinda been hoping for another interruption but Eddie just kept on looking at him. “But there’s also a cute little Chapel…?” 

There was a small clink as Eddie dropped his fork onto his plate. 

“Ed’s, baby. You’re…” He paused when his stomach turned painfully with nerves. He glanced down at the food. “You’re the guy I gotta be spending the rest of my life with. I can’t imagine a future without you in it and I think that’s reason enough to cut to the chase and get hitched sooner rather than later.“

Richie was expecting one of his partners famous ‘fast talking rambles’ but Eddie stayed silent and instead picked at the chicken on his rose colored plate. 

“I mean the backseat of my car is no honeymoon suite but I’m sure it’ll be nice to us, you know? After all, we’ll still be running on our Wedding High.” Richie laughed but it was oh so painful to get out when Eddie wasn’t even humoring him. “Sorry. Fuck. I don’t know what I was thinking. It was a stupid thing to pitch-”

“Let’s do it.” 

Richie hiccuped and choked on the forkful of food he’d just shoved in his mouth to keep quite. “What-?”

“I said, let’s do it asshole. I wanna marry you.” Eddie smiled, wide and genuine. Richie would never openly pursue this dream if it were anything but. He knew all of Eddie’s smiles and this one…oh it was his favorite. 

“Holy fuck.” Richie let out a long breath and giggled. “Shit, I-…Ed’s-” The boy couldn’t find the right words so he just shoved his way off his chair and rushed to his boy. 

Before Eddie could fully process it, Richie lifted him into his arms and he had to wrap his legs around his waist to keep balanced. “Everyone’s gonna say we’re idiots, you know?” Richie mumbled into his neck. 

“I don’t care.” Eddie decided. Because for once in his life, he was 100% sure that this was something he wanted. He’d fight for it with no problem if it meant keeping the Loser in his life forever. He’d fight for it just like he’d always fought for his friends. “We don’t have to tell anyone.”

Richie nodded. “Just between us. Our little secret.” 

They agreed to that knowing it would truly be a hard task. They told their fellow Losers everything and how could they not share something like this? Something so amazing? But they knew it had to stay a secret until the actual day was done. 

A laugh bubbled in his throat and a comment escaped his lips without flickering thought. “I’m so glad I met you, Richie.” 

“Me too.” Richie’s voice was a little too soft to not be emotional so Eddie kissed his hair. “If I call you tomorrow and ask…are we still gonna be engaged?”

Eddie pulled his chin back and nuzzled his nose into Richie’s curls. “We’re still gonna be engaged, Rich. All up until Gradation, like ya said.” He could feel the blush dusting his cheeks and the sense of pure joy was just too intoxicating. 

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{December, Senior Year}

Richie and Eddie didn’t really bring up their engagement again until the fall leaves started turning to winter snow. 

Richie shut his front door behind him as he stepped outside, glancing down at his shoes as they walked down his broken concrete steps. He hopped down the last stair, the one with the chip that was just waiting to become an avalanche of rock. He pulled aimlessly at his jacket when he felt the sudden jolt of the wind being knocked out of him and legs wrapping around his waist. He didn’t need to look to know who it was.

"Ed’s, you can’t just jump on a guys back without warning.” Richie tried to glance up, as best he could as Eddie shifted around and looped his arms around his neck.

“As the shorter friend, I reserve the right to get piggy back rides whenever I want.” He heard Eddie laugh against his ear, his feet wiggling.

“Eddie, You’re such an asshole.” He shook his head and tried to hike his boyfriend up so he wouldn’t slip off. 

“Your point?” Eddie hummed. “So…you’re walking to my house, what for?” Eddie smiled and Richie rolled his eyes fondly.  

“To bother you…which by the way, where were you coming from?” Richie glanced his eyes up. Usually whenever Eddie left his home, one of the Losers was with him so he was more than curious.

“I was beating up Bill in the park.” He felt the boy shrug. -”And before you ask, he deserved it and he’s fine.” Eddie laughed again and Richie could see the incident now. Bill loved to mess with Eddie like he wasn’t aware what the little asshole was capable of. 

Bill would make his fun and let Eddie charge him for a round of play-fighting like a couple of brothers in the living room of their childhood home. Man, did it make Bill happy. He’d light up like a damn Christmas tree. They all knew why and they never mentioned it. Georgie had passed away some time ago, an out of the blue accident. Such a shitty world sometimes. 

“I was going to visit your mom, anyway-OW!” Richie felt Eddie pinch his neck. He chuckled. “Jealousy is not a flattering color for you.” 

Eddie hopped off his back and started to walk on Richie’s left side. It was a habit from their younger days that just never faded. Little Richie used to wander towards the street from the sidewalk because his strut was for some reason…a little tilted. Not so much anymore. But Eddie, Bill and Stan still planted themselves to his left like the memory was still taking place. Richie thank God that Ben, Mike and Bev didn’t have to remember how dumb he was back then…just how dumb he was now. He laughed to himself. 

“I was walking over to pick you up. Us Losers are taking a holiday trip to Mike’s place. I wanted to give you your gift before we see our favorite people.” Richie tapped his pocket and Eddie nodded. “Hey, now that I’m looking at your face…” Richie made a show of tilting his head and waving a hand in front of Eddie’s crinkled nose. He got his hand slapped away.

“You look a little glum, baby.” 

“That’s a stupid word-” 

“Melancholy? Sulky? Morose! You look a little morose, baby.” Richie pulled at Eddie’s arm and wasn’t pushed away this time so he rubbed up and down the boys jacket sleeve. 

“You look like a moron, baby.” Eddie mocked and Richie giggled. “Sorry, I’m pissy today.” 

“I got that, Ed’s. But why?” 

Richie got another light shove. “I couldn’t sleep last night. Felt like I couldn’t breath and…” Eddie tapped his own pocket where his inhaler was once again. “Shit, Rich. I know it’s all in my head but…that doesn’t stop me from re-creating that feeling whenever I get the slightest bit of anxiety about something.” 

Eddie sighed, sounding like a tired man some years their elder. “It scares the shit outta me that I just subconsciously do this to myself. How do you stop a thing like that?” 

“I don’t know.” Richie shrugged with an honest tone and wrapped an arm around his partner. “But, I know that you’ll get there. Maybe not today…maybe not tomorrow but soon, baby.” 

Eddie nodded but didn’t seem to believe him. Man, Richie really hated Sonia Kaspbrak for the shit she had pulled all throughout this poor kids childhood. “I got your back through and through, Eddie my love.” He shook him playfully and pulled back to get the small gift-box from his jacket pocket. 

Eddie stopped in front of him and sniffled cutely. “I feel bad. I should get your gift from my house before you-” 

“Nah, Eddie. I really wanna do this now.” Richie smiled and handed over a small box. It was wrapped in brown paper covered in mini-vintage Santa faces. There was an obnoxiously large ribbon atop it that he knew Eddie would keep for some odd reason. It was just one of those things he did.  

As he tore into the package, Richie nervously rolled his lips together.

Inside was a velvet box that when tilted open, allowed a small silvery band to come into view. It glittered in the winter air and Richie got down on his knobby knee like a true gentleman and smiled up at his man. “I thought I should get you a little ring for our engagement, you remember right?” He teased but surely meant the question at least a little bit. 

“Rich-” 

“My mom helped me. And don’t worry you’re pretty little head, I told her I was getting ya a promise ring.” He waved his hands a little. “So it’s not a true engagement ring, per se but-” 

“I love it.” Eddie slipped it on and slowly kneeled down to help Richie off the icy ground. “Get up and hug me, asshole.” 

Richie happily obliged. 

                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{May, Senior Year} 

From then on, Richie and Eddie kept on like normal but there was some kind of glowing secret between them. The Losers noticed something, as well they would because they knew their friends too well. But none of them could quite put a finger on what was so different between them. 

Eddie was perched on Richie’s desk in Honors Lit. witch was about the only class that every Losers Club member had together. It was the last normal day of school before Graduation Day so the Senior class was basically free to do whatever. 

Eddie was whispering things that Richie would seem to consider before writing down on his pad of paper in a list or something. Ben watched them with a curious smile but didn’t ask. 

“I say we all drive to Graduation together so we can drive up to the Haunted K-Mart in the town over afterwards.” Bev smiled from her seat. 

“Why t-t-there?” Bill asked. 

“This might be our last chance to catch a spirit there!” She gestured her hands like that might impress them. “And there’s a Steak ‘N Shake right across the street.”

“Ahhh, the real reason she makes such requests.” Richie snapped his fingers and Bev shrugged. 

“Any takers?” 

Richie and Eddie shared a private worried glance. They both knew now that if the group agreed to go with this plan, they’d say yes too. They loved their friends too much to avoid plans with them for a big secret wedding they didn’t even know about. Especially considering Graduation night was sorta a big deal for them because soon enough, they’d separate. 

It wasn’t so bad. Eddie, Richie and Bill were all headed to the University of Maine campus. Mike, Ben and Bev were all going to another 4-year just around twenty minutes away. But….Stan….he was shipping out to one in Vermont which was a cool, crisp…4 hour drive. 

But they still had a whole summer to look forward too. At least that was something.

“Sorry, I can’t. My dad and Grandpa have been planning a dinner celebration at home.” Mike smiled sweetly as he thought about it and gave Bev a small shrug. 

“Me t-t-too. My parents want me home.” Bill frowned and they weren’t too sure ol’ Bill was going to have such a great time. 

Beverly sighed and turned to Stan who gave her a soft no for just about the same reasons. 

“And count us out! Eddie and I will be feasting at the Tozier’s.” Richie slapped Eddie’s nervous hand and they both felt swept under the instant relief. 

“My mom would love to have you over for dinner, Bev. She’s been keen on it for sometime.” Ben smiled again and a soft blush took over his cheeks just the same as it did on Beverly’s when she accepted this offer. 

                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{May, Graduation Day}

“Eddie, don’t be alarmed but…there’s an old man sitting in the passenger seat of my car.” 

Richie narrowed his eyes and shook his head so the tassel on his cap would get out of his eyes. The sun was shining down onto the crisp green summer grass and had provided them comfortable Graduation weather all the day. 

The ceremony had been a mess of Losers Club tears and a solid thirty minutes spent afterwards just hanging out in the field in front of the building. They talked to each others families, hung-out and maybe he and Bev smoked a little. There was also the moment where Richie hugged Stan and proceeded to refuse to let go when he had to go with his parents. It took the Losers a good five minutes to get Richie off. Stan pretended he wasn’t having fun and saluted Richie with a middle finger and spun off to his parents car.  And soon after, all their best friends had gone off with their families. 

The Toziers came for the ceremony but allowed Richie and Eddie some extended time for a ‘date’. 

Eddie quirked his brow and crossed his arms. “No…are we sure that’s your car?” He saw the old man but it was still quite far from where they stood. Maybe it was just a similar-

“No, there’s the ‘Honk if you love Bruce Springsteen’ bumper sticker.” He pointed with his spindly finger and Eddie stepped back with confusion. 

There was in fact, an old man chilling in the passengers seat of their ‘Honeymoon Chariot’ as Richie had been calling it the past few hours. “Oh, Richie…maybe he’s just confused?” Eddie frowned, eyebrows knitting together in concern. With that, he started walking over to the vehicle. Richie hung back because he wasn’t very good at confrontation or conversation with older people. 

Eddie paused a bit in front of the passenger door and smiled. “Excuse me, sir?” 

The man was small, wrinkly and kind-looking. He had a baseball cap atop his surprisingly thick curly gray. “Oh…is there a problem? Should we not be parked here?” 

Richie stepped a little closer while Eddie dealt with the situation like a pro. 

“Oh no, nothing like that.” Eddie inched closer and gave the man his warmest smile as the sunshine cupped his face. “I think maybe you’ve confused this car with your own…?” He made a salute motion to block the harsh sunlight and to maybe to offer a warm look in his eyes that the old man could relate to. Eddie had this kind, sweet nature to him when he wasn’t truly thinking about it. It was a gift blessed onto Mike and Ben too, though Eddie’s wasn’t anywhere near the level of those two. 

“Oh…is this your-? I’m so sorry, my…I’m getting pretty forgetful, aren’t I?” The man made for the door and Eddie backed up and grabbed onto it when it opened to make sure there was no swing back. “It looks so much like my wife’s car.” He laughed, an old worn kind that Richie loved. 

“Understandable. Once, I was visiting my aunts place right? And I went out for a smoke. When I went back inside…” Richie chuckled, hand on his stomach “It was the wrong house. Boy, were those people freaked out to see this gangly teenager walk into their home flicking a lighter.” 

Richie enjoyed the familiar way Eddie smiled at him under the sunshine, he’d heard that story a few times himself. The older gentleman also seemed rightly amused. He took off his baseball cap and waved it as he laughed. 

“That sure kicks me out of lonesome town, huh?” He wiped under his eyes which Richie might’ve been ashamed to admit made him feel really good. Not many people laughed that hard at his shit. “Good to know I’m not the only guy making himself a fool, son.” 

Eddie happily grinned towards the man as he reached out to shake Richie’s hand. “So where’s the lucky gal who loves you, ol’ buddy?” 

The man lit up, smile widening. “Should be on her way to wherever the hell it was we parked. Had a few words left yet to say to our grand-boy.” He stood on his tip-toes to catch a peek of the crowd. 

“What’s say we walk you over? A car that looks like mine…should be easy to find, huh?” Richie tipped his chin to Eddie who nodded. So Richie offered his arm. 

“What’s your name, sir?” Eddie asked, strolling over to catch up. 

“Oliver…” He grinned. “The wife, she’s called Michelle…like that Beatles tune, I always say.” He chuckled. Richie and Eddie leaned a little forward to steal grins from each other. “She’s a real funny gal that kid.” 

“Gotta love the funny ones, huh?” Richie bumped him gently and Eddie shook his head, most likely pairing it with a roll of the ol’ eyes. “We sure can make it hard, sometimes.” He laughed again and Eddie carefully reached over to smack the back of his head. 

Oliver must have thought that was hysterical because he started joyfully laughing again. It warmed the boys hearts. “Sure can. Michelle…she does this little bit where she takes the quarters outta my ear…magic and all that.” Oliver rolled his eyes but not with annoyance but fond and genuine love. It was a look that Eddie knew oh so well. “Then she turns a whole bouquet of flowers out from her sleeve….” He paused. “No one else for me in the world except Michelle.” 

Richie felt himself blush at the mere thought of how he felt just the same about Eddie, who was walking peacefully in the grass with the tassel hanging over his eyes. 

“Oh! There’s the ol’ girl now.” Oliver let go of Richie’s arm and started to happily stroll over to the car that did look pretty similar to Richie’s. “Thank you, boys! Been too kind!” He waved and looked like he was far too excited to get back to his lady to stay any longer. 

The sky was gold and a breeze was passing through the remaining crowd of graduates. Red gowns blew in the wind and families huddled together for pictures. 

Richie leaned closer to his boyfriend. “Remember that old videotape we found in your room? The one from our dumb classroom Thanksgiving play?” 

Eddie blinked at the abrupt memory but nodded. That seemed like a million years ago yet didn’t feel very far from them at all. The years bled together these days but that had been the age where the town of Derry felt like the whole world (and what a shitty world). Eddie could still hear the sound of Bill’s father coming home at 6:00 in his head, plastered there from all their sleepovers. Richie turned to fully face Eddie and kicked his leg gently so he’d turn too. 

“I’ve been feeling for you, what he described with his wife since about then.” 

Eddie felt his heart melt. “Rich, we were like six or seven. There’s no way-” 

The man’s eyes were swelled with tears like a gutter full of rain which made Eddie stop in his tracks. Of course, Richie meant that sentiment. He was always so painfully genuine. “Please, kiss me and then drive me to our damn wedding. I’m so ready to be your husband.” 

Richie didn’t need to be told twice. 

                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{May, Castle Rock’s finest Chapel}

“At least if your face turns blue, we can check ‘something blue’ off the wedding list-” 

Eddie lowered his inhaler and smacked Richie playfully on the arm but soon pulled it back to wrap around his body. The summer breeze seemed somehow colder in Castle Rock. They had both paused on the steps of the Chapel, knowing they were feeling the empty spaces of their friends. They should be here but…they weren’t. Because at the time of planning, it seemed to be for the best. But they missed them.  

Richie glanced down at his boy. “You ok?”

Eddie clutched his inhaler once more for something like comfort and shoved it back into his pocket. “I’m peachy.” He smiled. 

The sun was near setting behind their heads and draped a rose colored light over their bodies. “We can back-out, you know? Just because we said we would, doesn’t mean we have to follow through on anything, Eds. If you want to go home just tell me.” He pulled him closer and laid his chin atop Eddie’s hair. 

Eddie pulled off of him, kissed his cheek and took his hand. 

They ran into the Chapel and lived a moment they’d hold close to their hearts forever. A private kind of memory. Just for the two of them to share. 

Some ways away in Derry, in a car that looked an awful lot like Richie’s, a radio played ‘Michelle’…

                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{June, Derry. A week later}

The young lovers had been planning to share their news since the big day last week but each time a chance was gifted to them…they both backed out. They were classic chickens. 

This night brought all the Losers together and stuffed them into Bill’s car, fresh from a fun little time drinking in his basement. They were all a little buzzed apart from Stan and Richie, who didn’t drink a sip. 

Eddie was practically vibrating in his seat yet his eyes kept drifting shut. He usually got sleepy in cars, Richie pulled him closer and asked for the radio to be turned up. 

It was getting late and they all seemed a bit restless. Beverly and Mike were having a hushed conversation about a deer they’d just seen on the side of the road and Ben mindlessly caressed Beverly’s hand. “Shit, I’ve been meaning to ask-” Bill started. 

“I went over to your house after my dinner on Graduation, Rich. Your parents said you and Eddie weren’t around-?” 

Richie glanced up at Bill’s eyes in the mirror and rolled his lips together. It wasn’t hard to just make shit up but he did not want to lie-

“Richie and I drove up to Castle Rock and got married.” Eddie mumbled, his voice in sing-song and his forehead pressed against the window. 

“WHAT!?” 

The whole car screamed and Bill accidentally hit the brake much harder than he intended to at the stop sign. The group all flew a bit forward from their seats and caused a chorus of restrained choking coughs when the seat-belts pulled. Richie tried to collect himself before Eddie but failed. 

“We’ve been engaged-” He hiccuped and pulled out the ring he’d been hiding in his pocket. “Since October.” 

Bill drove on, foot hitting the gas pedal with much more grace than before. The car fell silent until Beverly turned from the front seat…a most awful look of confusion on her face. “Eddie, tell me that Richie has just rubbed off on you and that’s a very weird joke.” 

Richie scowled. “It’s not a joke. We got married at the Chapel in Castle Rock just like he said.” 

Again, the car was full of tense silence apart from the sound of the wheels on the street. “Engaged….since October and you didn’t tell us?” Bill asked from the drivers seat, glancing at them in the mirror every once in a while. 

Eddie fell against Richie’s shoulder like he was about to drift off into sleep again so Richie slowly wrapped his arm around him and ran his hands through his hair when he began to speak. “We thought you guys would talk us out of it-”

“Rightly so.” Stan spoke up and Richie snapped his head over to look at him. “Engaged? Married? You guys are eighteen years old.” He shook his head. “And before you go for a low blow, you know everyone in this car agrees that you two are meant to be together but…” Stan paused to find his wording but Richie wanted to jump down his throat. 

“But what exactly?” He covered Eddie’s ears accidentally on purpose when he shifted but he figured the boy needed some sleep. 

“Jumping into marriage that young is not going to work out. It could very well hurt you two.” Stan’s voice lowered into soft concern but Richie was heated up. 

“And you got married.” Beverly turned in her seat again, this time with a nervous cigarette in her hand. “Without us.” 

Richie’s stomach turned as a fresh wave of horrible guilt hit him. He really had nothing to respond to that with so he shrank back into his seat. The radio blanketed the riders with a loud distraction. 

‘Heard it from a friend who Heard it from a friend who Heard it from another you been messin’ around…’

“All I’m trying to say here, Rich, is that getting married that early on can cause strain on a relationship.” Stan looked down at his hands but it only steamed Richie back up once again. 

“You don’t know that, Stanley. You said it yourself, Eddie and I are supposed to be together-” 

“Fate doesn’t matter if you make a bad decision, Richie. It’s only plain logic. You two barely know what you’re going to be doing in the very near future! Eddie, you told me back in September that you weren’t even sure you wanted to go to the University of Maine. What happened there? Any of that get resolved before this wedding?” Stan reached out his hand to gesture to Eddie but the boy was looking much paler and more and more like he might break into a sweat. Mike kept a close eye on the kid while the others kept with their noise and the radio grew more intense. 

Richie glanced at Eddie and frowned. “You don’t know shit about our relationship-” 

Stan looked offended. “Shit, Richie, everyone in this car knows your relationship almost as well as the parties involved.” He flicked his fingers at the happy couple. “You know that. The Losers, man. We’re in this life together, asshole.” He narrowed his eyes. “I’m trying to help you. I don’t wanna see you-” 

“Too late, Stan! We’re already married.” Richie laughed, full of pain. 

“And happily too, it sounds.” Stan rolled his eyes.

“Hey Fuckhead! We were happy before we told you-!”

“You didn’t even tell us, your best friends, until after the fact. PLUS, Eddie only broke it out cause he’s drunk!” Bill suddenly piped up from the front seat. The screaming match suddenly involved everyone in the car. Though Mike and Ben were trying more so to calm everyone than yelling. 

Eddie felt his chest pounding with anxiety, the familiar sensation of a lack of air built up. “Stop the car.” He mumbled, covering his mouth. No one seemed to hear. “Stop the car!” He tried once more with a hiccup of leftover alcohol bubbling from his throat. 

Mike glanced over and finally, someone noticed. 

“Stop the car! I’m going to throw the fuck up!” Eddie screamed at the same time that Mike shouted a strong ‘STOP THE CAR!’

Bill hit the brakes extremely hard again though the yelling continued even as Eddie opened the car door and hopped onto the curb. He kneeled over himself, palms pressed onto his knees as he dry-heaved. He glanced back into the car at all his friends screaming and bit into his lip…

The sound of loud feet hitting the pavement broke the screaming. The Losers all looked up just in time to see Eddie quite literally take off like a rocket. Richie could almost hear the gun blast signaling a race because the kid was sprinting faster than a speeding bullet. “Holy shit.” Beverly tried to open her car door. 

The six of them all hopped out once Bill actually parked on the curb and started off after him. But the thing about Eddie was…he was fucking fast. Richie had a lot of energy but was no sport champion. He so desperately tried to push himself that he almost felt fire coming off his feet. 

Mike seemed to be the one outta the group to get the closest but he turned the corner and skidded to a stop. It was so sudden that they almost all crashed together. “He’s gone.” Mike sighed, hand to his forehead. 

They all started attempting to catch their breath, hands either over their chests or pressed to their knees like Eddie’s had been. 

Richie stumbled and landed his ass on the middle of the street. “Fuck.” he spoke to the sky in his horrible exhaust. A hand hovered above him which turned out to be Stan’s. There was a bit of hesitance but Richie accepted the help up. “Let’s split up. Cover more ground. Our Ed’s is a speedy Bastard.” 

Beverly played with her hands which meant she was either nervous or scared. Maybe both. But she nodded like this was the most import mission in her life. 

                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ben happened across Eddie first. His friend was sitting on a bench in front of the Gazebo in the park. Ben’s heart melted at the sight of the poor, tired and drunk kid. 

“Hey, Eddie.” Ben gently approached like he was a skittish dog or something but Eddie didn’t seem to mind. He just scooted over to make some room on the tiny bench. “I know things got…pretty intense in the car-” 

Eddie rolled his eyes. “Yeah. I shouldn’t have opened my mouth. I just…-yeah, I’m buzzed but I’m excited, Ben. So fucking excited about this and I just wanted to tell you guys.” He sniffled and Ben scooted closer. “We really didn’t mean to be such shitty friends. You guys always want whats best for us…so we knew you’d try to talk us out of it.” Eddie glanced up with wide, innocent eyes. Ben opened his mouth. 

“So yeah, I admit that we knew it was kind of a dumb enough idea because we made that decision to keep it from you. We had to be aware enough to do that.” Eddie shrugged, his jacket now pooling at his elbows. He wasn’t completely sure that he was making any sense. “But it made us really happy, Ben. I love him…so much.” 

Ben threw his arm around Eddie and sighed. “I know, Eddie. Trust me on that word. I do.” He rubbed his arm slowly and felt Eddie nod. 

“And I feel his love for me every fucking day. Richie loves with his whole being, Ben.” Eddie giggled like the thought of it was enough to send him into a blush. “No one is gonna be in love with me the way that he is. So what’s the point in waiting?”

Ben went quiet because the sentiment was so genuinely lovely that it became hard for him to argue…

The two of them sat on the park bench, not knowing how to move on from the moment. 

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{October, Freshman Year of College} 

There was nothing even close to a falling out between the Losers Club after that horrible night. That was just the kind of magic that came with their relationship. Far too much love to ever let them drift away. Though besides the screaming, the other thing to be forgotten after that night was Stan’s statement about Eddie confessing he might’ve been unsure about the University of Maine…

Tension rose on occasion but the happy couple seemed satisfied enough. The Losers were happy, as long as they were. 

The Toziers were still not aware that their son had gotten hitched but Richie intended to tell them after completing at least one year of school. Sonia Kaspbrak….well she tried so desperately to keep Eddie right at home and to dig into his personal life. Eddie wanted nothing to do with that. So she also had no clue, Eddie would be lying if he didn’t say it was empowering. 

The beginning of the school year had been extremely hard because Stan was ‘leaving’ them but 4-hours felt like forever. There’d been a lot of crying and hugs to go around when it came time for him to leave and boy did he wait until the last possible minute to go. 

Richie basically cried his eyes out. Stan took him aside for a few minutes just to reassure him that this made no difference. The seven of them were forever tied together. He even gave him a nice framed photo of the whole group for the dorm Richie and Eddie had applied for together. “Call it a late engagement gift.” He added with a crinkle of his eyes, reminding Richie of an old man. Though there was a still a bit of tension on that subject, he knew Stan might still believe the marriage to have been a bad idea. Richie gladly accepted it anyway because it was a gift filled with genuine love. 

They were all a good month or so into their Freshman years and already developed their routines. 

And at the University of Maine, Richie and Eddie had already become something of a cool topic. Mr. and Mr. Tozier. The married couple in dorm 24. They would be lying if they didn’t say they enjoyed the attention. They were a couple of losers after all. 

“What does he have that I don’t?” Eddie frowned and pushed at Richie’s shoulders. 

“Don’t be jealous, baby.” Richie turned back and smirked. “It’s not a flattering color.” He giggled when Eddie tackled him on the bed, the one to the left of them was almost never used. The Bruce Springsteen poster Richie had been admiring watched over them as they fell into a make-out session.

The sloppier kisser between them pulled back and licked grotesquely up from the base of Eddie’s neck to his ear. From the new spot, Richie began whispering which he knew drove Eddie mad because it was a ticklish feeling. 

“I got a bad desire. Oh-oh-oh, I’m on fire…” Richie mumbled and Eddie tried to kick him off the bed. 

“Don’t sing me the lyrics of the man you’re cheating on me with! You cruel, cruel idiot!” Eddie giggled with insane love and new switched to trying to knee him in the stomach. Finally, Richie rolled off the bed and onto the floor with a loud thud. 

“Oh, you are so juvenile, Eddie my dear.” Richie stayed there on the floor with a smirk. 

“Me? You licked my ear, which is disgusting, and tried to serenade me with Springsteen.” Eddie fell comfortably on the bed, chin just on the edge so that he could look down at his…husband. Which was still odd to hear when it came rolling off their tongues. 

They shared fond looks and Eddie turned to lay back on the bed but let his arm hang over the side so Richie could play with his fingers. “By the way-” Eddie turned his head though he was way above his partner. “Did you fill the gas tank in our car after class last night?” 

Richie sighed. “Our car? I’ll have you know that ‘James Taylor’ has been mine since I was sixteen, Eds.” The smirk was present in his tone and Eddie rolled his eyes. 

“Whatever, did you fill it or what? It was really low and I need it for my Physics class this afternoon.” Eddie felt Richie pause from petting his palm. 

“No, I forgot. Can’t you fill it before class?” Richie pleaded and Eddie ripped his hand away in annoyance. 

“Oh so I can’t call it ‘our’ car but I get to pay for the gas almost every time it needs to be filled. Just cause you don’t like getting out of the damn car because ‘it ruins the mood of your drives.’” Eddie scowled. 

Richie sat up and scooted so that his back would lean against the bedside drawer. “You’re borrowing my car, Eds. It’s only fair for you to fill it when you run the gas.” He shrugged and watched as Eddie hopped off the bed and started getting his things together for his class even though he had plenty of time. 

“You’re parents are the ones who bought it for you. And now I’m paying for gas nearly every-time…so what, pray tell, makes it so wrong for me to refer to ‘James Taylor’-” He paused to roll his eyes “As ours?” 

Richie looked up with a bit of a heated expression and sighed with frustration. 

“Look Rich, if it bothers you so much, I can try and save up for my own car. I wasn’t lucky enough to get one when we were younger cause…well, you know my mother.” Eddie shuddered and threw his bag aside. “She’d never give me a gift that would only be a gateway for my moving on.” He scowled, completely irritated at her yet feeling guilty as she was not there to defend herself. Richie knew that look all too well and tried to convince his husband that it was ok for it to blossom. It was more than ok to be mad at Sonia. But…how do you make someone understand that their mother deserves hatred? Because no matter what, a mother is a mother in the mind of young Eddie. There would always be a shred of Eddie that would try to defend her because of that ‘A mother & her boy’ complex she had pounded in him. 

The air in the room seemed to lose some of the tension and Richie took that as a good sign as he heaved his body off the floor. “No, I’m sorry. You’re right. ‘James Taylor’ is ours.” Richie sat on the other bed and took Eddie’s smaller hand in his own, pulled it with soft shyness and his husband leaned down so he could press a kiss to his temple. “We’re on for dinner right?” 

Eddie nodded and rubbed the pad of his finger into the corner of his eye. “Yeah. We can probably splurge on that cool Shawarma place you like so much tonight, if you’d like?” 

Richie lit up at that possibility and smiled. “Sounds peachy, Eddie my love.” He reached up to steal a quick kiss and twirled off the bed to see his love out the door if he was going to leave so early. 

Richie didn’t have any classes today and thought he’d enjoy such a treasure by calling up Mike because he missed his voice even though they weren’t even that far away. Though, Richie hadn’t seen much of anyone in a while. He and Eddie spent much of their free time trying to get their schedules aligned and making sure they had dinner together in the spots between work and school. The pair of husbands hadn’t had much in the company department apart from…well, each other. 

                     ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{December, Freshman Year of College}

Bill tightened his grip around Eddie’s body and attempted to tackle him into the snow but the little demon managed to turn the tables and get the advantage on him. He did not let him fall onto the cold snow but was trying to make sure Bill knew who had one this little play-fight. “Alright, I g-g-give!” He chuckled and Eddie backed off with a skip in his step. 

“Ben and Bev s-seemed to have found their ideal apartment!-” 

“So I’ve heard.” Eddie smiled and wiggled his cold toes in his shoes. “I talked to Ben on the phone for like two hours last night. Told me all about their plan.” He rolled his lips together and felt the bit of winter at the tips of his ears. “They got their apartment to dwell in for the next three years-”

“And than off to Chicago after graduation!” Bill chuckled, so excited for their best friends. 

Eddie nodded but fell silent as they stepped into the same pace, walking through campus without a true destination. “How’s the search goin’ for you two?” Bill asked the question he’d been dreading to answer.

“Mmmm-” Eddie hummed and looked off to the side. “It’s going, alright. we’d like to have something to move into by the start of Sophomore year cause the dorm is way too tight. But it’s gotta be in our price range…” Eddie shrugged. The two of them had been doing fairly ok for a couple of college kids. He’d been balancing school and his job at the shop in town. But Richie-

“Man, I’m so fucking proud of Richie, Bill.” Eddie giggled happily at the thought as Bill threaded their arms together so neither of them slipped on any ice. “He’s somehow balancing classes, his job down at the restaurant and he’s doing the radio shows here…” Eddie glanced up at the school. 

Bill shook their grip a little and his smile could’ve blinded. “I’m s-s-so happy for you two. Things seem t-t-to be going pretty smoothly.” 

Eddie nodded, mind going back to the night he and Richie lingered in the radio broadcasting room after his show. It’d been snowing extremely hard that night and neither one of them had been eager to run on back to ‘James Taylor’ when the weather would surely bite and they’d have to wait forever for the car to warm itself up. So they stalled for as long as they could. 

He blushed at the memory. 

                        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{May, just before Sophomore Year of College}

The apartment hunt worked it’s magic and the happy couple had been to find themselves a warm building. It was fairly cheap so it wasn’t what one would call paradise but it was miles better then their tiny dorm room. 

Their first year of school had passed them by and gifted them a better perspective on their wants & needs, whether they voiced them to each other was a whole separate issue. They moved in towards the end of June and Eddie had been prescribed his anxiety medication a short four days later. 

Richie had noticed his husbands anxiety starting to come up on a rise the past few months. Eddie got sick quite a bit more often and seemed to hopelessly latch onto it. Making himself believe it’s still plaguing him when it’s more or less been gone. There’d been an incident some weeks ago where his husband got to his tipping point. He’d stayed up all night feeling phantom nausea because of a simple test. It’d never been so bad for him before. 

So Richie held his hand through and through, making an appointment with the doctor who talked with his husband for a long while. And Eddie left with a piece of paper telling him a low-dose of medication to try out would be waiting for him at their local Walgreens. 

“I miss the ol’ gang, we need to get everyone together soon.” Richie sighed and poured Eddie some of the red wine he liked so much, which in moderation was good for the heart, he’d always say. The shorter man took his glass and cuddled up against Richie’s chest and nodded. 

They were preparing for a nice and calm movie night even though they should’ve been spending their time unpacking. The boxes were taking up a lot of floor space but with the messes that they could be sometimes, they didn’t really mind. 

Two paintings from Sears, three from the local thrift store, a funky chair from Ben’s childhood-home basement and a plaid couch from Bill’s were some of their new ‘purchases’. But the apartment was already starting to feel like home, as long as they had each other anyway. 

“Stan passed that exam he was so worried about, I damn well told him that would happen.” Richie chuckled into his own glass and fogged it up while the TV menu appeared. 

“We all told him.” Eddie teasingly tipped Richie’s glass with the tip of his finger when he went for another sip. This was rewarded with a sloppy, wet red-wine kiss being pressed against his cheek. Eddie giggled and tried to shove his husband off. “I love you so much, asshole. You know that?” 

Richie blushed like a lovesick kid and rubbed his nose into Eddie’s hair as he shook his head. “Not as much as I love you.” He spoke genuinely that Eddie felt that familiar melting sensation. So he reached his hand back to pet the man’s cheek and feel his heat. 

“I don’t want to fight on our wedding anniversary but you’re wrong. I love you so much more-!” Eddie was interrupted by Richie shoving his tongue into his ear and his gasp of disgust mixed with laughter he couldn’t help. 

The idiots began shoving and tickling each other without a care in the world, balancing their wine glasses because they were too focused to put them back on the table. They’d just have to risk spilling. 

They might not have been rolling in the money but they had this. And that was all that mattered. It reminded Richie of a song, so he started mumbling the words into the crook of his love’s neck. 

“-And even though we ain’t got money I’m so in love with you honey And everything will bring a chain of love And in the mornin’ when I rise Bring a tear of joy to my eyes And tell me everything is gonna be alright…”

Eddie couldn’t help but sing along with him, eyes glazed over with admiration and true, fine love. 

                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{July , Sophomore Year of College}

The sun was always very fond of Richie, at least Eddie always thought so. The light was consistently complimentary to the man and had this way of making him look like the picture of the sunny 70′s.

“What are you doing?” Richie squinted as he walked briskly to the front of the apartment building where Eddie was sat, hands shoved in his pockets. He’d been gone for a while now and the pair may or may not have left on bad terms…fresh from an argument about something stupid. 

“I went out after you left….-” He pointed his thumb at the door behind him. “Got locked out.”

Richie rolled his eyes fondly and got his own key from his pocket as Eddie stood and followed behind him. “Where’s your key? And where did you go?”

The man behind him went quiet again in that eerie way could really freak Richie out sometimes. “Forgot it here. And I um…-I went to Marty’s.” He shrugged like it was no big deal but he knew for certain that it was an explosion waiting to happen. Richie looked at him with fury as they got to his door.

“You went to the bar to look for me?” He glared and it felt as if Eddie’s stomach was suddenly tied in a huge knot.

“You can’t blame me!” He went straight into defense and followed the guy into their lonesome apartment. The air grew with tension as his partner chose not to speak and instead went about the place doing small clean-ups. This only made Eddie feel even more angry. “You honestly can’t blame me. You’ve been known to go there a lot, Rich.”

“I’m not some sorry man that you need to look out for, Ed’s. I know I can…drink a bit more than planned but…” He suddenly turned from his position at the sink. “I don’t just go out drinking because we had a fight. The place had an opening for it’s open mic night and I thought I might try to get a spot for my comedy, you know?” He threw down a dish-towel and Eddie swallowed a lump in his throat.

“I feel like the asshole of the year” He ran his hand through his hair and sat down on the couch, hoping that the ‘fight’ would ease up. “I just thought…you were so upset when you left and it reminded me of the night I had to pick you up-” 

“I’m sorry about that, Eddie. I…-losing the restaurant job got me all wigged out. I know that’s no excuse to drink myself sick but…it wasn’t that often and that shit is over now.” Richie grabbed Eddie’s hands and kissed him softly. 

“This is not a good period for us, Richie.” Eddie got the hint that the fight had basically run it’s course and they sat down on their couch.

Richie opened and closed his mouth, deciding to just tilt his head back and sigh. There was nothing more for them to say. So they just allowed themselves to enjoy being with the one they loved.

                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{September, Sophomore Year of College}

Richie felt a growing pain in his head. It flared every few minutes and he could almost smell the scent of something burning each time it hit him. The quick intensity was becoming harder and harder to ignore considering Eddie pitter-patting the length of their kitchen. There would be a few minutes of soothing silence and he’d think he was safe…just the distant and quiet hum of the television-*Slam* another clatter from the cold cracking dishes. His ache would start from the base of his back, travel up his spine in the form of a chill and then burst into his temples.

“What are you doing in there?” Richie finally broke their record-breaking twenty minute silence. It had been strange and he was glad the opportunity to speak came up. He turned and due to the small space, he could stare right at the other man in the dining-kitchen area.

“The dishes. Y’know. You eat off of them, I clean them. Ever heard of it?” Eddie remarked with snark. That would have usually launched them into a round of their usual playful bickering but for some odd reason, maybe the headache, it just irritated Richie to hear it.

“I do my part around here.” He scowled and spoke harshly, rolling his eyes. Turning back a little away from.

They’d made it through another week and were back at the beginning of another weekend, magically. Richie and Eddie had attempted many times in the past week or so to plan some kind of exciting date night. But the more time went on, they just seemed to forget or become far too busy. It was agonizing and isolating. Sure they had each other but it just wasn’t…fully satisfying?

Richie felt his lunch launch back up his throat, he harshly swallowed it and let himself feel sick to his stomach. And suddenly, he had a burning question in the back of his mind. It had lingered there for the past few nights but he’d been too…well himself to ask it. But it suddenly pained him not to. He turned again, leaning his arm on the back of the couch. “You’re not…mad at me, are you?” He played with his fingers.

Eddie looked up with a confused expression. “Your tone was hardly nice but I’m not mad-”

“No, not because of that, Spaghetti man.” Richie couldn’t help but grin a little. Eddie smiled right back and it was a nice moment. He bathed in it for a few minutes before deciding to explain himself. “I know I’ve been a piece of work lately…”

Neither had spoken that to light but it may have been true. Richie being fired from the restaurant job he loved which had been a whole event had cause some issues. The need for a job search was sudden and a little difficult. And he may have been a little on edge lately waiting for the bar with the open mic night opening to call him back. But Eddie knew the strain was only because Richie was concerned for their life together. In fact, Eddie was more disappointed that Richie couldn’t focus on the radio show at school that he loved so much.

Eddie thought about making another joke but decided against. Rather, he put his dishes to the side and strolled over and slowly sat beside his boy. Instinctively, he reached over to brush his hair back and lingered his hand there.

“And I don’t admit to that…like ever. So, take it while you can.” Richie stole a joke and laughed lightly. But both of them knew he was not too happy and both of them were worried.

“It’s not comforting when you talk like you despise yourself, y’know?” Eddie blinked. That comment hadn’t been one of Richie’s worst in the last week but it sure wasn’t warm. It was hard to ignore the man’s self-deprecating attitude as of late. And Eddie would never want to just ignore it. In all honesty, it was deeply unsettling but not uncommon to hear the other man talk like that.

As long as he’d known him, Richie put on a front that he was some confident, funny man entertainer. It was so smooth and effortless that it was entirely convincing. Hearing him crack jokes and smirk at his own reckless and daring behavior gave the illusion that it wasn’t stemming from insecurity. Eddie quickly saw through the facade after truly getting to know Richie. 

“I’m sorry, Eds.” 

“Don’t apologize, Rich.” Eddie kissed the top of his head and then trailed down to his temple. Not for the first time, Eddie felt a rush of guilt. Part of him felt responsible for the fact that Richie was stuck at the University of Maine instead somewhere like…California. Maybe if he hadn’t just pushed away that conversation with Stan all that time ago. Maybe if he’d voiced his confusion back then…

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Richie sighed into Eddie’s grip. 

“Me too, Rich.” Eddie hugged him as tight as he could and dreaded the moment he’d have to let him go.

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{November, Sophomore Year of College}

Party streamers were burrowed into the carpeting of the apartment, pounded there from all the dancing. From the neat little window where the tiny balcony sat, the low-hanging sun scattered the room in gold flecks of light. The trees were changing for the upcoming season, Richie’s favorite holiday coming with it. The town was soon to be rid of the deep reds and beautiful oranges. Eddie had a fleeting moment of joy when he thought about the smiles Richie would soon get when observing the scenery. It lasted for a second or two.

The Losers Club had been fully reunited for the best Birthday Party one could imagine. Richie had spent ages organizing everyone’s return for Eddie’s special day. Stanley Uris had got past his 4-hour drive with a smile on his face because seeing all his best friends worth it. 

But now came the end of the night, where the decorations hung with a lonesome kind of drowsiness. The apartment had once been tuned to an exciting F.M. but when the last guest left, the dial turned to the A.M. radio. Not literally, but that’s just how Richie felt about it…hard to explain the shit his mind compared things to. 

It reminded him of the Christmas parties hosted by his aunt that he’d been taken to as a little tot. The holly-jolly music carried all the guests and filled them with their take of Holiday joy. But on the way home, Richie would be long tired and ready to sleep. As he would dowse, his parents played the A.M. stations. It signaled to him the end of fun and that was the energy in their apartment now. 

Eddie started whistling a tune as he dug through their bin of CD’s, eyes never leaving his partners which only made Richie hide his blush behind the large wine glass he’d stolen. 

‘You know I can’t smile without you I can’t smile without you I can’t laugh and I can’t sing I’m finding it hard to do anything…’

Richie faked like he was tired of this song but truly he was on cloud 9. “My lovely Ed’s loves his Barry Manilow.” He smirked and held out his hand so the exhausted love of his life could dance with him. “And please, don’t give me the excuse that it’s only cause it’s what you grew up listening to. You love him, Eds.” 

Eddie pursed his lips and shrugged, accepting Richie’s hand and twirling himself to Richie’s chest. “This song reminds me of you…” He hummed when Richie ran his hand down his cheek. The dying evening sun cascaded in through the window and bathed their bodies in bittersweet tangerine light. They swirled about their living area carpet in the vacuum of dry and unforgiving air because their heater was on the fritz. 

“You requested off work for Christmas, right?” Richie asked and Eddie sighed.

“No, sorry. I forgot.” He spun under Richie’s arm and allowed himself to be pulled right back. Richie softly slapped his shoulder and nodded. They were due back to the Tozier’s household soon. After Richie had told them about that runaway wedding and teen engagement…they’d been fairly pissed. But things were better now. 

“S’fine, baby.” Richie mumbled into his hair as they swayed together.

“Richie?” Eddie sucked in some air and thought it to be a now or never kind of situation. His man looked down at him with wide, loving eyes and gave Eddie hope that everything would work out. They stayed dancing. “Do you remember the night we all fought in the car after we told everyone we got married…when I ran off?”

Richie nodded, opening his mouth. 

“-Remember when Stan said something about my being confused about wanting to go to the University of Maine?” 

“Yeah….why-ummm, why are we bringing this up now?” Richie pulled back a little but they kept swaying as the song went on and on. “Has something changed?” 

Eddie bit hard into his lip. “I’ve been thinking about us lately.” 

Richie was especially good at making himself look smaller. Sometimes, when Eddie looked at him it was hard not to just take the man into his arms. When Richie was upset, he felt it deep within himself just the same. One of the worst parts of this whole mess was having to witness such emotions from the man he loved. Richie was leaning with his back against the couch to better feel the warmth from the sun-spot coming through the window and it was a breathtaking image. Golden sun-rays threaded through his hair and glazed his entire body and there was a peace there that was soothing. As he admired all that it was and all that he would miss, it occurred to him that maybe the man needed to actually hear some of that love that was on his mind.“Richie?”

The man dropped their hands and nodded. “Sorry, sorry. What have you been thinking about, Eddie?” 

Eddie swung his arms around nervously and sighed. “Sometimes I wonder if our friends were right…about our marriage.” 

Richie felt his heart completely shatter. “Eddie, I-”

“Wait, just hear me out.” Eddie held up his hand to gently pause the man he loved so, so much. “I am so in love with you, Richie. I love being your husband.” He saw a quick picture of the face that old man, Oliver, had made when talking about his wife all that time ago. “It’s just…I think our relationship and later…our marriage kept you from going to California like you always wanted to.” 

“Eddie, that’s ridiculous-”

“Is it though? The reason you applied University of Maine was because you wanted to be with me. The reason you ended up actually going was a commitment to our marriage…” Eddie sniffled back some tears and tried not to drown in the guilt. “And the reason I applied was because….I was scared to be far from my mom, not because I wanted to go.” 

Eddie admitted that to his shoes and let out a horrible sob. Richie came over to pull the boy into his arms. “Hey, hey, hey…Shhhh, Ed’s. Take a breath.” He ran his hands through the boys hair and they went quiet so Eddie could collect himself. And when he did, Richie stepped back again. 

“I love you but I feel like our marriage is holding us back, baby.” Eddie cringed when Richie let out his own sob. “I’m so so so scared that I’m gonna need someone to take care of me for my whole life…” Eddie went on and Richie tried very hard to listen. “I’m such a dependent person sometimes and…I-I don’t think jumping from a dependent relationship with my mother to a committed marriage was a great thing for me…no matter how much I love you.” 

Richie’s heart shattered. “Eddie…but I’m not like your mother. I’m not gonna smother you or-” 

“I know that.” Eddie frowned. “Damn sure of that. But the problem is me, Richie.” He shook his head and sort of hated himself. “This situation that my mother created for me has made me too comfortable with always having someone take care of me. I let it fucking happen because I’ve been forced to be dependent my whole childhood…my whole life.” 

“And I don’t wanna live like that.” Eddie broke into a full sub and fell to his knees on the carpet, smashing more dead party streamers. Richie fell down in front of him and hopelessly pulled him in for a hug. 

“Eddie…-”

“I don’t wanna hold you back anymore, Richie. And I gotta…” He hiccuped into Richie’s chest. “I have to get some perspective on life and shit. Be independent for once in my damn life.” 

“Eddie, why didn’t you talk to me-?” 

“I didn’t really realize this shit until a few days ago, Richie. And I was scared you’d think it was because I didn’t love you. Which is Bullshit. I love you more than anything. You’re the one I’m supposed to be with just…not like this. Not in this situation, right now.” Eddie pulled back, a little bit more relaxed and grabbed Richie’s hands. “So I think I should go. We should take a break. I don’t know for how long-” 

“Eddie. We can work this out.” He pathetically begged and tugged his husband’s arms. 

“We can.” Eddie agreed. “Just by ourselves first. Separated.” 

Richie hiccuped himself and shook his head. “No, Eddie. We need to be together..I-.” He frowned. “If you walk out that door, that’s it. Not a break. We’ll be broken up. That’s it.” Richie stood up and looked down at the love of his life hoping to anything that would listen that Eddie might change his mind because of his juvenile threat. 

Eddie looked up with wide, watery eyes. “This is something I have to do, Richie. Something you have to do too. I want the best life for you so if you’re gonna damn threaten me than I’ll have to take it. If being broken up means that you’ll get the life you deserve, well that’s the path we’ll take.” Eddie hopped up and ran to the bedroom, starting to get his shit together in a suitcase. 

Richie felt the wind get knocked out of him as he chased Eddie around the apartment, slowly falling apart with everything he threw in the suitcase. “Eddie. Please slow down. Stop-” 

“I’m going to Bill’s.” Eddie made it to the front door with a suitcase full of random clothes that he hoped would get him through at least a week. He hovered his hand on the doorknob. 

“I mean it, Eddie. You leave and that’s it.” Richie sobbed. Eddie looked at him with all the love in his soul….

He turned the knob and left Richie to crumble onto his carpet and cry his eyes out. 

                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{A week later….}

The night was a trying one for Richie. The apartment was practically dead apart from the terribly busy sounding quick taps of a keyboard. And though he was the one making that sound, it didn’t stop it from slowly driving him insane. His stomach turned from the mixture of anger and nerves that were boiling inside. So instead of slamming his head into his palms and letting out the emotions, he composed himself. He sat straight and tall, threading his slim fingers together. He copycatted those relaxing breaths Mike had once taught him. 

He was attempting to get some homework done and treated himself to glass of chocolate milk like he was a child. Just as the last drop splashed in the glass, his phone began ringing. 

“Eddie’s coming over there in like twenty minutes.” Bill’s cool voice spoke from over the phone and Richie’s hopes climbed so high. “Don’t get t-t-too excited. He just wants to p-pick up some more clothes and his medication.” 

Richie nodded and sighed. By now, the news must have traveled to every member of The Losers Club and for once in his life, Richie was glad Stan was far away. He couldn’t face him knowing his best friend had been right the entire time and he had to learn it the hard way instead of hearing him out all that time ago. He’d rather be in his father’s dentist chair than face Stan anytime soon. 

“You ok, Rich?” 

Richie shrugged even though Bill couldn’t see. “Try absolutely heart-broken, Billiam.” 

Bill’s end went quiet until he let out a sigh. “I know this is hard on you guys but Richie, try to understand that this is really i-i-important to Eddie.” Bill echoed Eddie’s sentiment and Richie felt a tear try to escape. He was right. He’d been as jerk to refuse the break Eddie had offered. Living independently seemed like something that meant a lot to his…-to Eddie. 

He hated to admit it but he waited around for Eddie pathetically for the whole twenty-five minutes it took for him to arrive. What really put the nail in the coffin was the fact that Eddie buzzed. As permission to enter the apartment building they were supposed to be living in together. He insisted that Eddie not knock once upstairs, just walk in the damn room.

The front door closed alarmingly soft but Richie picked it up nonetheless and his head snapped up. The sight he took in was to be expected but still extremely painful no matter what. Eddie seemed unable to let go of the doorknob, eyes watered to the point of boiling over. He slowly raised himself off the couch and made his way over. He gently reached out and unclasped Eddie’s hand for him which shocked the smaller man. “Let’s talk? Before you go.” He soothed. He then guided him inside.

The pair made themselves comfortable at the kitchen counter and stood their in silence for a few seconds. Eddie’s eyes dragged over the homework scattered around and couldn’t help but smile at the glass of Chocolate milk. It made Richie blush. 

“I just want to say that I’m sorry for being such an ass.” Richie swallowed under Eddie’s watchful, wide and watery eyes. “You…you were trying to be honest with me and I-….” 

Eddie shook his head. “You don’t have to apologize. I sprung this all on you and just expected you to….-Well, I don’t really know what I expected.” His shrug rolled flawlessly off his shoulders and they both let out a long sigh. 

“Ed’s, I don’t want our life together to start out like this-” Richie gestured between them, thinking of the strain lingering there for some time now. “So if this is what you want…-Something we need then it has to happen.” 

Eddie licked his lips and looked away briefly. “You should get out of Maine, Rich. You belong somewhere…big in personality.” He chuckled a little. 

“Correct you are, Eddie my boy-” Richie habitually grinned before letting it fall off his face. “This place…this school-” He gestured to the homework “They’re not where I should be…where we should be.” 

Richie and Eddie’s eyes met once more but both seemed far too nervous to keep the contact. Both opting to stare off somewhere else. “I was selfish to ask this to be a break-to ask you to wait for me…”

Richie stood up straighter and frowned. “Ed’s no-…I was stupid for threatening a breakup…”

The two of them stared each other down again, both barely holding it together. It was pathetic really-the two of them standing in the crappy kitchen with tears just streaming down their faces. “I want you to live, Rich. That good, fast life that’s meant for you. I don’t want you to be waiting for me-”

Richie remembered some Billy Joel song, it played far off in his head. ‘You’re only standing there 'cause somebody once did somebody wrong. But you’ll be sleeping with the television on…’

“I don’t know what to say…for the first time in my life, huh?” Richie pathetically giggled but choked it down when Eddie grew even more concerned. “So, we thinking a divorce…or…?” Richie tried to be falsely cheer but it only seemed to break him in the last possible way. He hiccuped and bent forward as a sob wrecked his body. Eddie ran to him, he always did so. 

And the two men stood in a shitty apartment kitchen and gripped tightly onto each other. Crying into Eddie’s shoulder or Richie’s chest. Whichever, didn’t really matter because soon that great option would be gone and anymore tears they shed would be coddled alone.

                                                    ~~~~~~~

After Eddie left the place, Richie completely broke down in his living room in a mirrored way to Eddie’s breakdown in Bill’s apartment…though it took them both around an hour to truly let it flow…at almost the exact same time…they broke… 

A small glass of perfume sat on a dresser in the guest room housing Eddie. It was the small and delicate glass with a large daisy stopper blocking any leakage.

It sat there, absolutely still, as a pair of hands quickly picked and pulled from the array of products sat around it. But with that speed came clumsiness and the hands just darted to fast on the pull-back of some papers and down came the bottle. Knocking it off the counter and revealing the ring of dust that had been living underneath it.

Eddie paused for a moment before peeking over the lip of the dresser to find the tiny bottle. The rounded broken piece was rolling just the slightest bit while the rest of the tiny shards bathed in the small puddle of the scent leaking out.

That perfume had once belonged to his mother, her favorite scent. He’d taken it with him upon leaving for school that first time because…it was a sort of comforting smell. Call it pathetic aromatherapy? It gave him a sense of her old coddling. Kneeling down, he intended to start cleaning the mess up but he hesitated. The tip of his finger laid frozen in the burgundy puddle as a wave of emotion fell upon him. He’d been holding back on truly coming to terms with what his mind and body ached for. But looking at the old shattered tie to his smothering mother on Bill’s hardwood floor…the gate was opened without his permission.

A flood of tears finally broke past his eyes again and rolled down his cheeks, the heat from his previous restrain could almost burn his skin. In an instant he was near hysterical. His breathing was rapid and short as it became harder for him to push-back the devastation. More then anything in his life he wanted to call Richie…he wanted him with him. But at the same time he was desperate to shove him away entirely and gain some damn independence…let Richie breathe.

The palm of his hand curled over his mouth in an attempt to block some of the sound from breaching the thin walls of Bill’s home. He did not want Bill to hear any bit of this breakdown, he didn’t need to see him so…sad. He was already taking him in until he got back on his feet and he didn’t need anymore stress so he just needed to be strong, he was usually extremely good at that. It was enough that he’d broken down when facing the love of his life. There’d be nothing more now.

A deep breath or two and he was off the floor and on his way to collect a dust-pan and broom.

But as always, Bill Denbrough seemed to sense the trouble and came to Eddie. 

‘Fuck’ that broke Eddie again. Bill took his second ‘little’ brother into his arms and they both swayed. Bill, who wasn’t scared of anything at all in the eyes of his best friends…feared for these two. He looked up, some of Eddie’s hair catching his eyes, and he hoped to anything that would listen that Richie and Eddie will work it out. The Losers Club had always just assumed they’d be together forever since they were little…just the same as they assumed it for Ben and Beverly when they found each other. 

Richie and Eddie were far too young to be going through a divorce.

                                                    ~~~~~~~

Richie curled up on his couch, going from mindlessly watching the Food Network to sleeping to the sound of ‘Friends’. His eyes burned from all the shitty crying and staring at his laptop screen. He’d even managed to get that homework done. But now he was at a loss. 

Part of him ached to call his parents. They’d know what to say but it gave him the same dread that calling up Stan would. 

If he came to them crying, it only further hammered in the point that they’d been right all along. Marrying your sweetheart in High School was a bad idea. Who knew? 

Richie was awakened by the sound of the buzzer. He shuffled out of bed and let whoever it was come up, hoping it was Mike. He was the best of em’ and he always had something kind to say even if you’d been in the wrong…Mike was always on your side. 

When the knocking came, Richie eagerly walked to the door and…

“Hey.” 

Stanley Uris hiked up a bag slung over his shoulder and smiled gently. Richie kinda wanted to throw up just the same as he wanted to hug him. “Big Bill told everyone, right?” Richie smirked and nodded to himself, bouncing on his feet. “Come to tell me how right you were-? Tell me that if i’d only listened to you this never would’ve happened-” 

Stan took the bag of his shoulder and set it near Richie’s feet. “You know me better than that, asshole.” He frowned but opened his arms wide. It was a sight that drove Richie back into his fucking tears. He fell into the arms of his friend and sobbed again and again until it was time to breathe. 

Stan rubbed a hand through his hair and tried to calm him. “You’re gonna be ok, Rich.” 

                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So life went on the way it always does for The Losers Club. Best friends. Before the start of his Junior year, Richie decided to take a good ol’ road-trip down to California for a small summer taste of it all. With him, he took Michael Hanlon who desperately needed the break. 

But as life would have it, Mike returned to Maine alone. Richie’s summer taste turned into a full-on love affair that lead him to start the hectic process of transferring schools. 

Ben and Beverly waited until graduation but left for Chicago the instant it was over. Both of them had worked internships at offices for their respective career choices and earned themselves singing recommendations. 

Stanley Uris finished up in Vermont, meeting the loveliest girl in the process, Patty. And the two of them flooded off to Georgia where Stan was eerily 100% sure was the right place. And almost instantly, they seemed to fall into the dreamiest of job situations.

Michael went off to Florida. The place which had been calling him since he was young and became a full-time librarian at one of the finest library’s he’d ever set foot in. 

Bill continued with his writing and traveled to New York in the middle of his junior year which funnily enough was where Eddie had been drawn too as well. From there, Bill met and fell for a girl called Audra. 

As Eddie started work at a nice office for Risk Analysis, Richie got his dream job at a California Radio Station. 

There were plenty of visits, phone-calls and group-chats to keep the love flowing. Because after all, Losers stick together…

Even if a once couple…married couple…seemed to drift away from each other. After the divorce papers were signed…Richie&Eddie became Richie and Eddie. 

In desperate fear, they became the most distant of the bunch. Not with the others. No. Just each other. Which was truly devastating when everyone knew how much they loved each other.

                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

{December, Ten years later}

“-And a real famous cat all dressed up in red. And he spends the whole year workin’ out on his sled. It’s the little Saint Nick. Ooooo, little Saint Nick!”  

Richie Tozier turned right down the next small street and seemed to forget to use his blinker. He tapped his hands against the wheel as if it were his very own drum-set and chuckled to himself. Being back in Derry was certainly a trip. 

But with the Holiday’s, it came time for Ol’ Richie to visit the parents who were still cuddled up in their tiny-town home. Part of him was kind of excited to see the little stop-and-shop piece of shit town again. It’d been a solid couple of years since the last time he’d set foot on Derry’s fine streets. 

“She’s candy-apple red with a ski for a wheel. And when Santa hits the gas, man, just watch her peel-”

Richie hit the brake far harder than intended but the minor choking from the seat-belt was worth it. Right in perfect view was…damn Eddie Kaspbrak walking down the side-walk, hands shoved into his jacket pockets. The night air was a bitter kind of chill and snow was beginning to fall. Richie bit hard into the smirk now coming over his face. 

He pulled the car close to the curb and rolled the window down. Sticking his head out, he did his best cat-call whistle (not that he did that kinda thing-ha ha). Eddie did not spare a glance, just walked a little faster so- 

“HEY ASSHOLE!!” Richie laughed wildly, still cruising slowly. 

Eddie stopped in his tracks and snapped his head to the right, eyes widening almost instantly. “Dick! That you? Didn’t recognize you in that…” He glanced over the supremely nice car with something of wonder…wanting to get his hands all over it. “Sweet car, man.” Eddie strolled forward, Richie felt his chest tighten with joy. “What happened to ‘James Taylor’?” he pouted his lips and rested his hands on the open ledge of the window. 

“Ah, Ed’s my boy. You see….-” Richie tapped the mirror with charm and tried to hide his blush. “When you’re a successful as I am-” 

Eddie hunched over slightly in laughter, bringing their faces much closer together. So close that Richie thought he might lose what little cool he had. “Good to know you stayed just as humble as you used to be.” 

They chuckled together before Richie found himself astoundingly nervous again. “Your mom drag you back here for the Holiday’s?” 

Eddie licked his lips and nodded. “Something like that-” He rubbed his finger into the corner of his eyes. “My mom died, actually. I’m in town for the um-funeral arrangements and all that jazz, baby.” He pathetically waved his hands in a mock dance. It struck Richie as odd, it seemed like more of something that he’d do. 

“I’m sorry, Eddie.” He hoped to sound genuine which in part, he was. But there was that large part of distaste and hatred in his soul for Sonia that only had grown larger over the years. 

“Yeah, it’s fine.” He looked away and shivered a little in the night air. “I was just taking a walk to clear my head.” 

“Wanna clear it in here?” Richie gestured to the empty passengers seat which was far from the picture of calm. The vehicle was decorated very closely to the way one’s home would be for the holidays. String lights around the ceiling and a Little Tree Freshener spun in fake toy-dollhouse lights hung over the rear-view mirror. It made Eddie unbelievably giddy. Such a Richie thing to do. 

“Oh definitely.” Good to know that they were still just as good at ignoring the issues in favor of the natural chemistry they had together. It was a charm that got them into a lot of trouble in the past. But Eddie didn’t mind, he walked around and hopped inside with excitement. 

Richie pulled off the curb and leaned over dangerously to open the glovebox where two Santa hats laid. “Wanna be go for matching?” 

“Oh, hell yeah. Obviously” Eddie shrugged with his toothy grin that Richie had always adored. So they sat in their seats…in red & white holiday hats…like a pair idiots. But Eddie just had to admire this long lost love of his. 

“I’m so proud of you, Rich.” Eddie let that comment slip and Richie blushed. “I watched that comedy special you did-”

“We did the right thing.” Richie interrupted Eddie no matter how hard it was to stop such a delightful giggle. His ex fell silent and time was passed in the company of the sound of the Christmas tunes and rolling tires on loud streets.

“Hey-” 

Eddie blinked up to find Richie pulling closer to the curb again and pointing. “That’s the um-that’s that bench where Bill totally flipped over on his bike. Remember? He was distracted-”

“By you and your impression of that cop. I remember.” Eddie giggled again and the tension was lifted once more. “If you go up the street a little…yeah-” 

Eddie snapped his fingers as Richie followed his direction, the bell at the end of his hat jingled. “That’s where I ran off to that night I pretended that I had to puke…” 

The park looked a little deserted and Richie had to laugh at the picture of his once boyfriend sprinting down the sidewalk, so tipsy.  

“Ben came and got me…” He looked towards the gazebo with love in his eyes. “He was really there for me that night.” He nodded and Richie decided to move on with this fun tour of Derry’s hot-spots. 

The two of them cruised past so many of the Losers Club’s old favorite places and shared everything attached to them again. 

They pulled down a lonesome street and found the sight of the drive-in root-beer place. It was still across the street from the abandoned 7/11 that used to be a CVS where no one had ever shopped. Except now, it was an open Walgreens. Both of them stared down the Drive-in….

“Still open…impressive.” Richie pulled onto the curb a bit and parked. He glanced at his friend who was now opening the car door and climbing out. “Oh, we’re going inside?” 

“Hell yeah.” Eddie leaned back down into the window, eyes wide and hoping. Richie was overcome with a great sense of joy. He shut the car off and followed the man of his dreams into the restaurant that held all their first date memories. 

                                                     ~~~~~~~

“Would it impress you to see me eat AND keep down my hot-dog dipped in the Root-Beer Float?” Richie asked, swirling his airborne dog in the open air over the sweet drink. 

Eddie giggled. “That’s disgusting. Please don’t do that for the sake of my entertainment.” 

Richie set down his dog and leaned back on the orange vinyl, thinking of Skip Larson’s flying homework assignments again. “Why did you give me that second date, Ed’s?” He asked, looking away and at his meal. 

Eddie slurped down some of his drink and grinned. “Easy. I was in love with you. No amount of vomit could change that.” 

Richie covered his grin with his cupped hand. “Thank you for doing what you did, Eddie-”

“I don’t know that I’ll ever feel good about hurting you like that, Richie. For us drifting apart like that. That shit keeps me up at night.” Eddie shook his head and Richie sighed because ‘yeah, that shit sucked’. He set his napkin down and strolled over to Eddie’s side of the booth. 

“The marriage was a mistake…” He nodded. “But you were never the mistake, Eddie.” He stared into his eyes with direct contact for the first time in a long while. It threw them both for a wild shake. “If we didn’t stop it when we did…” He shrugged. “We would have gotten too comfortable with the settling we were doing in Maine. It wouldn’t have worked out.” 

“I still feel like shit-” 

“Ok so, you feel like shit. But look at you, living a damn good life. You’re successful. You like your job-” 

“Love my job.” Eddie added because it was true. It was something he was heavily invested in. 

“Love your job. Got to New York, where you were meant to be…your soul place, I think. And hell, Eddie you’re so fucking independent. The guys talk about how proud they are all the time. I’m proud as shit too. A nice fuck you to Sonia Kaspbrak-” Richie paused, realizing how inappropriate that was considering. But Eddie only nodded in agreement. 

“A nice fuck you.” He repeated in confirmation. There was still some kind of love and there always would be but…he didn’t have to like her to love her. Maybe that was sad.

 “And I-…well, I got my radio show in California and it means so much to me, baby. We never…ever would have got that shit on the path we were stuck on. So yeah, we’ll feel like shit for losing these years but it’s better than the place we were all those years ago.” Richie threw his arm around Eddie and the smaller of the two sighed into it. “Now, I didn’t miss ya much myself-” Richie exaggerated his hand gestures. “BUT My parents, for one, missed you like crazy.” 

Eddie giggled. “How are the Toziers?” he asked, a new fry hanging slightly from his mouth. 

“Oh, my favorite old people are living it up. My mother and I have never had a better relationship, I swear on it. I talk to em’ like every other day. Just can’t get rid of them! Wentworth asks about you a lot if he’s not distracted by the other Losers which the ol’ Toziers begged me to ask them over for the Holiday’s last week.” Richie shrugged and Eddie realized just how much he missed Richie’s folks too. 

“I’m still so crazy about you.” Eddie spoke in soft wonderment and bit hard into his lip. 

“We’re in the same boat, babe.” Richie grinned. 

“Could you give me another chance, you think?” Eddie asked, still believing he deserved for Richie to be mad. “Forgive me?” He added, looking unbelievably nervous. 

Richie dunked the Hot-Dog in the float and grinned. “Eddie, my love, don’t ask such dumb questions.” He took a large chunk of the food and swallowed it down with his happy smile. “I said it before and I’ll say it forever, you’ve got nothing to apologize for. Now please, come make-out with me in the bathroom?” 

Richie held out his hand which Eddie gladly accepted. They’d finally found their way back to each other and they couldn’t wait to share the news with their best friends. 

#this fic is weird and kinda sad at points #hope you like it?? #reddie #richie tozier #eddie kaspbrak #my fanfiction #it chapter 2 #it chapter two #i dont know #it's weird #please tell me how you feel #christmas #holiday fic

[navalcriminalimagines]

Living in a memory

After Mike Dodds's death, your life becomes miserable. But thankfully, you have great people around you.

Listened to this song during the writing. 💕

“It's too much, Y/N. Lieutenant Benson and I can't cover your mistakes anymore. I promised Mike I would take of you and I will but as the Chief, I have to fire you.”

They were both about to add something, but you put your hand in the air to make them stop. With tears in your eyes, you took your badge and gun and put them on Liv's desk. Somehow, you knew this moment would come. Have you been looking for it? Unconsciously, probably. 7 months ago, you lost your love. Your fiancé, the man of your dreams. The one you wanted to marry and be the father of your children. He was gone forever and so is your job now.

You were not mad at Liv or William, you understood their decision. You've done many mistakes since Mike's death. Beating down perps, breaking out during interrogations, talking bad to victims. And you also showed up countless times to work either drunk, late or with a huge hangover. You couldn't help it, you felt miserable since the doc apologized for not saving Mike. Your life keeps falling apart.

When you got out of Liv’s office, all eyes were on you. Especially your partner's Sonny. But no one spoke. Sonny watched you packing your things for your office. He wanted to talk, to help, to comfort you but what could he say? Him, Amanda, and Fin have been trying to help you since Mike's death but nothing worked. There was still a huge hole in your heart.

The last thing on your desk was a picture of you and Mike, taking at your engagement party. You were so happy. For the first time in your life, everything was great. You wished for nothing more. But life took all of it away from you. You felt like you don't deserve to be happy. Everytime things seem to be okay, something bad happens. Losing Mike was too much. You stared at the photo for a moment before looking up at Sonny’s face. He felt sorry for you. He wanted to hug you so bad but he knows it's a bad idea. It's absolutely not the time. He learnt it for the past months.

You didn't pick the photo with you. You already have it at your apartment. The apartment you shared with Mike. Everybody kept telling you to move but you couldn't. You didn't want to let him go. Three months ago, you brought again the cologne he used, just to smell his scent while you tried to fall asleep in one of his shirts. That was your life. Living in a memory.

After leaving the precinct for the last time, you drove to a bar far away for Manhattan. You didn't care that it was 3pm, you ordered a vodka. Another. And another. Until you didn't feel anything at all. That was the only time the pain wasn't there. You knew it was for a few hours but it made it easier somehow. The squad tried to called you a few times but you shut them and turned your phone off. Tonight, you end up completely drunk and in the morning, you didn't remember anything. Once again.

But this time was different. When you woke up, you were not in your apartment. You could feel a body next to yours. You sat up and took a look at the body. A stranger. A complete stranger. You felt terrible physically and emotionally. You didn't want to remember what happened last night. You got dressed as quick as you could, you woke the man but didn't care and you ran out of here.

Once in the streets, you started to have a panic attack. It wasn't the first time since Mike was gone. It felt horrible and you couldn't think clearly to get where you were. During panic attacks, you always do the same thing; calling Sonny.

“Y/N! Finally! Where the hell were you?” you could hear he was worried but also angry.

“Sonny… I-” you tried to stop suffocating but that was too hard.

“Okay sweetie. Just tell me where you are and I'm coming to get ya,”

You took a look around you and noticed that you were in a street in Brooklyn. How did you end up there?

“I'll be here in one hour, find a warm place. Eat and drink something, okay? I'm on my way. Do you want me to stay on the phone?”

“No...no, it’s fine. I'm waiting.”

Less than an hour after, Sonny picked you up. The ride home was silent. You didn't want to talk and Sonny gave you time and space. He brought you back to his place. He told you to take a shower while he prepared something to eat and you didn't have the strength to protest. You got back in the kitchen with a sweatpants of his and a NYPD shirt. Eggs, bacon, pancakes, coffee and aspirin were waiting for you. You sat at the table, and started to cry in your hands. Sonny took your hand to make you stand up and hugged you. You continued to cry in his chest. He didn't move, he stayed there until you were not crying anymore.

“T-thank you Sonny,” you sniffed.

“Anything for you, doll,”

While you were in the bathroom, Sonny asked Liv for his day off, letting her know he was with you. She accepted with the only condition, you called William to let him know you are okay. “She is absolutely not,” Sonny thought.

He let you getting comfortable in his couch and especially in his arms. “Are we going to talk about what happened yesterday?” he finally asked, during the second movie.

You sighed. “You already know,”

“About the job, yes. But… what did you do in Brooklyn?”

“I cheated on Mike,” you cried. Even if it wasn't really cheating, that's how you felt. You felt like you betrayed him. Sonny hold you tighter and closer to him and rubbed your hair.

“You didn’t, Y/N. I know that's how you feel but- Mike is gone, doll,” you cried more, “you have to let him go,” and more. Sonny is right, you know that but how can you? How can you let go the love of your life?

“I can't, Sonny. I wish I could but I can't,”

“Listen,” he moved a bit to free you from his arms and hold your face to make you looking at him, “I can't imagine how you feel. I can try to understand but I know I won't. But do you think that's what Mike would want? Do you think that it makes him peaceful to see you like this from up there? You have to do for you, for him… and for me a little? Cause you may think you are alone in this but you are not. It kills me to see you like this. And now, how am I supposed to be the best detective without my partner in crime?” A slight smile crossed your face between tears and it was a small win for Sonny.

“I need you Sonny,”

The following weeks, you became Sonny’s roommates. It wasn't easy to be away from your place, it made you feel like you were away from Mike. But Sonny gave you space everytime you needed. If you were not in a talking mood, Sonny would simply stay next to you and say nothing. You didn't touch a bottle of alcohol since the Brooklyn night. The first days were tough, you got sick and hallucinated a couple of times. But Sonny never left your side.

After two weeks, William surprised you. Sonny told him you were at his place and he gave him the keys to visit you, in case you wouldn't open.

“You look good, sweetheart,” William hugged you. You cried a little in his arms but it wasn't sadness. He could have let you down after Mike's death but he didn't. He was still there just like he promised to his son.

“Didn't drink alcohol for two weeks,” you confessed. You felt both proud and ashamed.

“I'm so proud of you. And I'm sure Mike is, too.”

“I'm sorry for everything, William. My actions, the things I said… everything,”

“It's okay. I've never been mad at you. I know Mike was everything to you. I don't know how I would react if something like this happened to me. Nobody knows until it happens,” William took your left hand where your engagement ring was still on. “You are allowed to take if off, you know?”

“I'm not ready yet,” you sadly smiled.

“Carisi told me you refused to go out since you are here, are you okay to take a walk with me?”

It wasn't an usual walk. William brought you to Mike's favorite place outside the city. Fresh air, trees, nature, sun,... a place where Mike always felt peaceful. “That's where he told me he wanted to marry you. He loved you so much, Y/N. He knew you would be his last love. But it's okay if he is not yours. You are not even 30, you have so much to live,”

“Without him, I-”

“You are not without him. He will always be there. I know and he knows that you will never forget him but it doesn't mean you can't have your happy life. A life that you deserve,”

“I'm scared, William. Scared that if I fall in love again, I will lose that person too. I'm not sure I deserve it like you say,”

“Do you think I would have give my approval to you and Mike if you didn't? I always wanted the best for my son and I know he has it until the end. Thanks to you,”

“I want you to be my father-in-law forever,”

“I never plan to stop. And, the day you are dating someone, I will meet him, warn him, and keep an eye on him,”

For the first time since Mike died, you started to think that you may be able to be with someone else again.

The third week, Sonny surprised with the squad and a pizza party. It felt good. That night, you laughed. You never thought you would be able to laugh again, but things are changing for the best.

On the fifth weeks, you got up one day and checked your phone. Five years before on that same day, you had your first date with Mike. The pain hit you once again, even harder. You started to drink again. At first it was Sonny's beers and when you drank it all, you got out in a bar to go on drinking. You were dirty dancing with a stranger when you noticed Sonny in front of you. “Sonny boy! Meet me new friend,” the detective grabbed your arm, found your stuff and brought you out of the bar but the stranger followed the two of you.

“Hey girl, are you okay? Who's this guy?” he asked while Sonny was helping with your coat.

“I'm the guy that is going to punch you if you don't leave her alone,”

“Give that a try! We are having fun, who do you think you are to grab her like you did?” Sonny got closer to the guy.

“Carisssssi, why the buildings spinning?”

Black out.

The next morning, you woke up in Sonny's bed. Your head was hurting like hell, you barely remembered yesterday. You were wearing one of Sonny's shirt and only your panties. You tried to remember what happened but nothing came.

“Morning, doll. I heard you cursed,” He got in the bedroom with a glass of water, aspirin and orange juice and gave it to you. You took the meds under his watch, “how are you feeling?”

“Am I in hell?”

“Nope. Just a huge hangover,” he smiled to you.

“Sonny, why am I undressed?”

“After you fell on the floor because you tried to walk with your jeans at your ankles, I had to take it off. And then you cried cause you thought you were buried alive, so I took you shirt off too. But I didn't touch your bra,”

“Sorry for that-”

“Nevermind. How's your ankle?”

“Why? My-” you tried to move both of your ankles but the left one made you yell because of the pain. Sonny took the covers away to look at it. It was swell up and purple/blue.

“Well, it's not doing good,” Sonny stated.

“You think?” you yelled again.

Sonny helped you putting a pants on to go to the hospital. It was the longest minutes of yours lives. You slapped his arms because of the pain but apologized right after. He carried you to the car, and to the hospital where you had to wait before seeing a doctor. He left you a moment and came back with something to eat.

“Not hungry,”

“Not an offer. Eat,” you took the cereal bar and started to eat it slowly.

“Why are you still here, Sonny?” you asked with tears in your eyes. He looked at you with a eyebrow raised but understood that your question was real.

“I care about you. More than you know, and even if you think you don't deserve it, I think you do. So, I'm not going anywhere. Not now, not ever,”

“Mike used to say the same and…”

“Life is a bitch, doll, we all know that. It took Mike away from you but it doesn't mean it will happen again or that you don't deserve to be loved and happy,”

At this very moment, something hit you. “Do you love me, Sonny?”

He sighed and sadly smile. “For a very long time, Y/N. But, I don't want you to think I do this because I hope for something. I do this because I want you to be okay and happy. Just like you were with Mike, even if it happens to be with someone else than me. Okay?”

“You are too good for this world, Sonny. I can't promise you anything and you deserve to-” He cut you with his forefinger on your lips. He wish it was his lips on yours but he knew this may never comes.

“I will be happy when you will be happy. That's it, and I'm okay with it,”

“But I'm not sure I am. Maybe you should go back to my place,” he was ready to interjected, “or at least at my father-in-law’s,”

“You don't have to. I swear,”

“Listen,” you took Sonny's hand in yours. “If we have to be together, I don't want it to be because you were my savior. That would be a disaster. I want to take care of myself on my own, be happy on my own before being happy with someone else. Do you understand?”

“I do and that shows how tough you are. I will wait for you, Y/N. I've always been,”

#law and order svu #svu fanfiction #svu imagine #svu fic #sonny carisi #dominick carisi jr #mike dodds

[rosenfey]

oc interview

tagged by @sephiratales, thank you soo much! this was such fun, I always love talking  about my babies! 😭👌💖

tagging [only if they want to]: @fantasmagoriam, @ciriofcintras, @ladyinthebluebox, @joz-stankovich, @falkreathh, @kadaaras, @emerius and everyone else who wants to do this! 🌹🌹🌹

going with my precious pure far cry 5 dorter Deborah Fawkes for this one:

What is your name?

It’s Deborah, but you can call me Debbie!

What is your real name?

*sighs, avoiding the gaze of the interviewer* It’s Deborah Fawkes-Seed, to be precise.

Do you know why you were called that?

*shrugs* My mom had a thing for old biblical names I guess.

Are you single or taken?

There were times when I would say I’m happily single, but now I get to admit I’m married to my best friend and I’ve never been happier.

Have any abilities or powers?

I... *blushes* I get super awkward at avoiding some questions at times.

Stop being a Mary Sue.

*blinks surprisingly* I said my name is Debbie, what is this person you are talking about?

What’s your eye colour?

Blue.

How about your hair colour?

Ginger!

Have you any family members?

I’m still in contact with my mom. I miss my grandparents a lot too. Father is just... haven’t seen him since I won the court proceedings he led against me, and it’s safe to say I’m not sorry.

Oh? What about pets?

*her eyes brighten up, revealing that this might be her favorite question of all time* Oh! I have a cat! Three cats actually, but Balthasar was the first. He’s a black maine coon, and he’s very fluffy! A bit of a jerk, but a real good-hearted boy on the inside. *she giggles* He even managed to warm the cold-hearted soul of my husband’s older brother, and the man really hates cats. *she remembers herself suddenly, and brightens up even more, moving hands energetically as she speaks* Speaking about that, my husband keeps bringing home stray cats all the time! We’ve got Gucci and Prada already, and he wants to name the next one Versace. Don’t... don’t ask about the names, he’s just... he likes pointing out his cats are indeed designer. *rolls her eyes, but a small smile escapes her lips*

That’s cool I guess, now tell me about something you don’t like.

*her eyes grow serious out of a sudden* Ketchup on pizza. Should be cathegorized as the eight sin, if you ask me.

Do you have any hobbies/activities you like doing? 

Oh yeah! Let’s see... *she pretends to think hard for a moment* I love talking about cats, taking photos of cats... petting cats... writing songs about cats, painting pictures of cats... *let’s out a dorky laugh, then catches herself, growing all red out of a sudden.* That’s to say... I love painting. Went into an art school too. I also play the guitar and, if I may be so bold, know how to sing. Wrote a few songs too!

Ever hurt anyone before?

*looks away* Unfortunately. Such things can’t be avoided sometimes.

Ever… killed anyone before?

*gasps* Yeah I know I’m a cop, but what even is this question? Such a thing is only acceptable in self defense, or... *avoids the gaze of the interviewer, clearly thinking about something way too painful* If there’s nothing else left to be done, such as civilian lives being in danger. But then, who’s worthy enough to be a judge of that?

What kind of animal are you?

A cat! *purrs*

Name your worst habits.

*she bites her lips* How much time do you have?

Do you look up to anyone at all?

I try to be my own inspiration. To prove to myself that I can do this. Whatever ‘this’ is at the moment. *gestures vaguely* It’s not easy at all though, but hey... it’s the thought that counts!

Gay, straight, or bisexual?

Bi and proud!

Do you go to school?

I graduated in law enforcement and I successfully finished art college as well. *a proud smile flashes on her face, before she catches herself and a blush covers her cheeks* That’s... not to brag, I’m just happy I managed to do that. Didn’t expect it at all when I started.

Do you ever want to marry and have kids one day?

I’m already married, and loving it so far. *a far-away smile crosses her face, and her cheeks redden for a moment, thinking about her significant other* About the kids? Let’s just say... my partner would love some, I’m just... *her smile falters, and she looks down* Not sure if I would make a good mother. But having a little girl some day sounds lovely sometimes!

Do you have any fanboys/fangirls?

Oh no! Not in the creepy way. There are a few people who appreciate my work though, and I’m forever grateful for those. There’s nothing better than having your art being recognized by others. I also heard my music helped some folks too, as I usually write soothing or cheerful gospel / country songs, and that warms my heart like nothing else.

What are you most 😨 of?

*looks ashamed for a second* Deep water. Never learned how to swim.

What do you usually wear?

... Clothes?

Do you 💛 someone?

*she smiles fondly* I love a lot of people!

When was the last time you wet yourself?

*grows seriously horrified* The last time I did what?! This is a joke, right? The interview is over, right?

Well, it’s not over yet!

Oh! Well... isn’t that the greatest news. *she laughs forcefully and looks for her cup of water to drink in an awkward silence*

What class are you? (High class, middle class, low class)

Middle? Upper? I moved up a little bit. Not that it matters at all, really.

How many friends do you have?

*pretends to count for a while, but stops very quickly, possibly hinting at the low number of friends she might have* You know? The numbers don’t really matter, as long as the friends are genuine.

What are your thoughts on pie?

*she tries to control it, but a mischievous grin escapes her lips* There’s a pie?

Favourite drink?

Tea! Or is it coffee? No, it’s tea... or coffee. *looks helpless for a second* I can’t really decide, I love both!

What’s your favourite place?

*a wishful smile crosses her face* My bed.

Are you interested in someone?

Yeah... well, I would like to know who comes up with these questions.

What’s your bra cup size and/or how big is your willy?

*blinks incredulously*

Would you rather swim in the lake or the ocean?

The lake. If it was dried up and I could cross it on foot. I said I can’t swim, why do you have to do this to me. *she looks pained* Why are you using my deepest secret against me I’m such a nice person I don’t deserve this.

What’s your type?

I don’t know, everyone is so beautiful!

Any fetishes?

... Having interviews end is such a strong kink of mine.

Seme or uke? Top or Bottom? Dominant or Submissive?

I... *she flushes, looking away* I... don’t have any clever response for this. I like to smash my keyboard as a reaction to posts on the internet if that... *she is crimson red at this point* ...tells you anything.

Camping or indoors?

Indoors, thank you very much. I can’t sleep on the ground!

Are you wanting the interview to end?!

Me? Oh no! It’s fine, I’m enjoying it! Please, don’t make me feel like I’m disrespecting you. *she is still blushing, but her eyes betray her, she’s screaming on the inside*

Now it’s over!

Oh, thank the Lord! I meant... what a shame!

#oc: deborah seed #ambie got tagged #hhhhh this was fun #you know the husband she keeps talking about is john seed because of the cat names he chooses #prada versace gucci #the holy trinity

[noahhernandez]

12/20/2018

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? lol,, Janett, no she’s gay and I’m gay 2. You talked to an ex today, correct? fuck no 3. Have you taken someones virginity? no 4. Is trust a big issue for you? Sort of kind of but not really.  5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? I don’t really like anyone!  6. What are you excited for? Nothing!! Getting my cardigan from my Aunt on Christmas because I want to wear it.  7. What happened tonight? I went to my dad’s house, visited with him, my grandparents, my older brother and his partner, and my brother and I played super smash brothers, where I was superior 8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? Hell no!! Let’s have fun 9. Is confidence cute? Depending on what said person is confident about. 10. What is the last beverage you had? I just finished a vanilla coke, other than that I had two iced vanilla lattes 11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? A lot. 12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? I think I only own skinny jeans 13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? I am not sure, I am opening at work, so I may see my mother.  14. What are you going to spend money on next? Probably an iced coffee. 15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? No.  16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? Three months?? Maybe but probably still going to be a mega bitch 17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? Michelle, Keith, and Brianna 18. The last time you felt broken? Back in May when I wanted to kill myself. 19. Have you had sex today? Nope 20. Are you starting to realize anything? That my dad is kind of a dick to my grandparents 21. Are you in a good mood? I just finished watching Halloween (2018) so yes 22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? In a cage lol 23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? Yes, dark brown. 24. What do you want right this second? A VENTI ICED VANILLA SOY LATTE WITH AN EXTRA SHOT 25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? I do not like anyone 26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? Yes, black. 27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? I don’t even want to be around people who don’t make me laugh 28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? hmm .. When I was playing SSB and King K. Rool literally flew off the stage and kill himself, making me victorious  29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? I miss Michelle, Peter, and Faith 30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? After my very shitty relationship came to an end, I realized that people do not deserve a second chance. Because I gave this person a lot of chances and where was the benefit of that? ?  31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? My brother? Fuck no! 32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? another one of these 33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? I drink soda often, mostly just coffee 34. Listening to? Dance to This x Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande 35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? Every other monday at work when I am doing my inventory. 36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? At home idk 37. Do you believe in love at first sight? no 38. Who did you last call? I think it was ... Maybe Leann.  39. Who was the last person you danced with? I feel like I danced recently??? but nobody 40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? Because I was drunk and bored 41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? Ew i hate cupcakes probably a long time ago 42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? No 43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? probably 44. Do you tan in the nude? Heck no 45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? Does not matter to me 46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? I do that a lot 47. Who was the last person to call you? my coworker, Leann 48. Do you sing in the shower? No :( 49. Do you dance in the car? wiggle wiggle wiggle do dod odoo doododo 50. Ever used a bow and arrow? from the walmart 51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? When I was 17 getting my senior photos taken 52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? fucking hate musicals 53. Is Christmas stressful? No because I don’t get anyone anything 54. Ever eat a pierogi? looks like it says pigeon  55. Favorite type of fruit pie? apple pie 56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? I wanted to be a lawyer 57. Do you believe in ghosts? No sure 58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? No 59. Take a vitamin daily? Vitamin? 60. Wear slippers? Don’t even own a pair 61. Wear a bath robe? Don’t own that either 62. What do you wear to bed? I wear sweat pants and a t shirt 63. First concert? Motley Crue is the first one I attended and I jammed the fuck out of Papa Roach, and MY first concert was Iggy Azalea  64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Walmart 65. Nike or Adidas? Does not matter both are expensive and I own both 66. Cheetos Or Fritos?  HOT cheetos 67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? neither 68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? um bad blood w kendrick lamar 69. Ever take dance lessons? no! 70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? being rich 71. Can you curl your tongue? yes 72. Ever won a spelling bee? No i can not spill disease  73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? not to my knowledge 74. What is your favorite book? I haven’t read in forever. I can not think of one right now.  75. Do you study better with or without music? with out 76. Regularly burn incense? no 77. Ever been in love? Sadly. 78. Who would you like to see in concert? As much as I do not like looking at his face, Troye Sivan. 79. What was the last concert you saw? Lil Debbie 80. Hot tea or cold tea? Iced 81. Tea or coffee? COFFEE 82. Favorite type of cookie? Oatmeal Raisin 83. Can you swim well? no lol 84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? yes i am not a pussy bitch 85. Are you patient? depending on what for; 86. DJ or band, at a wedding? DJ!!! 87. Ever won a contest? no :/// 88. Ever have plastic surgery? no! 89. Which are better black or green olives? black olives!!!! 90. Opinions on sex before marriage? I was mostly focused on not having sex before I found like “love” or whatever and I am still like about that. I do not want to get married 91. Best room for a fireplce? a living room 92. Do you want to get married no lol, I do not want to get married. 

#personal

[portraitdelajeunefilleenfeu]

For the question thing. Do them all.

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged?….maybe. 🤐2. You talked to an ex today, correct?Sort of?3. Have you taken someones virginity?Virginity is imaginary, but, again, sort of. I’ve slept with girls who had never slept with a girl before. Multiple girls that I was their first “lesbian encounter” lol. And I’m pretty sure I left a good impression. 😏4. Is trust a big issue for you?Yes. Especially in my partner communicating with me and not telling other people/friends of theirs private things that are between us.5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently?Yeah. Sunday night. :) It was fab.6. What are you excited for?Parahoy 3!!!! Also, traveling. The trips I’m planning.7. What happened tonight?No idea. That’s the future. I can tell you what will PROBABLY happen. I’ll be coming home from work at like 8:30 and watch The Crown.8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted?Why would I think it was disgusting when girls do it, but not guys? No. Once in a while, you need to let loose and get wasted. But I worry about the person’s health if I know they’re the kind of person who gets sad, angry, depressed, etc. after getting really drunk and it isn’t healthy to do that a lot. Plus, if they’re spending a lot of money on it and they aren’t a rich person, I know they could be saving and using it on something better.9. Is confidence cute?It’s attractive sometimes, I guess. But it’s also very attractive to be straight forward and honest when you’re not confident in yourself or if you doubt yourself. Plus, sometimes, people are overly-confident (or pretending to be) and it comes off as arrogance.10. What is the last beverage you had?Tea (PG Tips)11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust?0.12. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans?Like 6 pairs.13. What are you gonna do Saturday night?No idea. It’s too far away. lol.14. What are you going to spend money on next?Probably beer and food at the movies Thursday night when I see The Last Jedi.15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed?lol no16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months?Sure. Everyone’s always changing and growing.17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything?My closest friend.18. The last time you felt broken?Can’t remember. …Which is really nice. :)19. Have you had sex today?Nope. Not today.20. Are you starting to realize anything?I can’t think of anything right now.21. Are you in a good mood?Actually, yeah! Great mood, right now.22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks?I guess.23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s?No.24. What do you want right this second?To be in New York, I guess. Or London, if not New York.…and a good sandwich. Which I could get in either of those cities.25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy?I’d feel jealousy, I guess, but we aren’t going out, so I’m not entitled to anything, so… *shrug*26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color?No. Never.27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh?What28. What was the last thing that made you laugh?Probably something @idontneednohelp said.29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now?Yes. Very much. And she knows that. 🖤 x30. Does everyone deserve a second chance?Most people. Not EVERYONE.31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to?What? Was this written by a middle schooler? I don’t even remember the last “boy” I talked to.32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do?Yep.33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda?For the most part. I rarely drink any anymore.34. Listening to?Dua Lipa.35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore?No.36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is?Yep.37. Do you believe in love at first sight?No. That’s lust. Or infatuation. Love comes with time and effort.38. Who did you last call?My closest friend.39. Who was the last person you danced with?No clue. It was probably at a bar/club when I was drunk, so, whatever. lol40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed?‘Cause I liked her?41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake?A long time. ..I’d love to have one right now. But I had a really good thick slice of iced gingerbread loaf yesterday.42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today?No.43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush?Sure.44. Do you tan in the nude?Never have, no.45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss?No.46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night?No. I watched The Crown until I started falling asleep.47. Who was the last person to call you?I don’t know.48. Do you sing in the shower?Sometimes.49. Do you dance in the car?What50. Ever used a bow and arrow?Yep. I loved doing archery at summer camp as a kid.51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?I’m gonna say it was almost exactly a year ago. A few really great photos. :)52. Do you think musicals are cheesy?NO.53. Is Christmas stressful?Only if big family get togethers are involved. (Because of the homophobia, transphobia, racism, xenophobia, etc.) But I don’t usually have to do a lot of that stuff anymore.54. Ever eat a pierogi?YEAH! Love em!55. Favorite type of fruit pie?Dutch apple.56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?Actress, actress, astronaut, actress actress, actress57. Do you believe in ghosts?Sure. Why not.58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?Yeah, but I haven’t had it in a while.59. Take a vitamin daily?B12 and Vitamin D (because it’s so rainy and gloomy here most of the time)60. Wear slippers?No.61. Wear a bath robe?No.62. What do you wear to bed?My underwear. That’s it, usually.63. First concert?I seriously don’t remember. I wish I did, but I don’t.64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?Tesco.65. Nike or Adidas?Vans.66. Cheetos Or Fritos?Ketchup chips (doesn’t matter what brand).67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?Macadamia nuts.68. Favorite Taylor Swift song?Right now, it’s Delicate.69. Ever take dance lessons?Tap.70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?I don’t really picture my “spouse” since I don’t plan on marrying again, but whatever my partner wants to do that makes her happy, I’m sure I will like and support it.71. Can you curl your tongue?Barely. I’m not good at it.72. Ever won a spelling bee?No. But I could have.73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy?Yes.74. What is your favorite book?The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis. I also love His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman75. Do you study better with or without music?Without. But I love having music on.76. Regularly burn incense?No. It actually irritates my nose sometimes.77. Ever been in love?Yep.78. Who would you like to see in concert?Oh, LOTS of people.79. What was the last concert you saw?Paramore.80. Hot tea or cold tea?Both.81. Tea or coffee?Depends on the situation and my mood.82. Favorite type of cookie?Black & White cookie. Preferably from Junior’s.83. Can you swim well?I can’t swim at all.84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?Yeah, but not well.85. Are you patient?Very, sometimes. VERY. If I need to be, I can be patient for a lonnnnnnggg time.86. DJ or band, at a wedding?idk87. Ever won a contest?Yep.88. Ever have plastic surgery?wtf. Who would answer yes to this? I s2g this was written by a 12 year old lol.89. Which are better black or green olives?Black.90. Opinions on sex before marriage?LMAO91. Best room for a fireplace?What ARE these questions?92. Do you want to get married?No. I WAS married. Don’t want it again. But if the right girl came along and SHE wanted to, I would.

There. Did them all! :)

http://fuckyeahhayleywilliams.tumblr.com/ask

#ask #anon

[dustingrayves]

rook and a bishop

Pairing: sormik Rating: M (mentions of past sex) WC: 1102 AU: @defragmentise‘s detective au Notes: nami was so kind as to talk over the au with me and let me write a thing! please go give their au love o/

ao3 mirror

Admittedly, starting the day by his alarm not going off and his favorite (read: necessary) coffee shop closed for renovations should've already told him the rest of it would be no better off. He continues to be proven right when he arrives at the office, the cup of coffee from the machine outside singeing his hand, and is greeted with a face he would've expected to see again the least.

It's the face that he had gotten particularly accustomed to over the weekend, and here he is, wearing a neatly ironed suit, the blue collar of his button up peeking up, with a tie that matches his emerald eyes. How very… fitting.

Sorey catches his gaze and they stare at each other silently for a few moment, neither of them quite sure how to address this situation.

There's a gleaming badge pinned to the brunet's breast. Standard issue and coated in silver. The mark of a Shepherd.

It is just his luck.

"Good morning," he greets, trying to keep his face as passive as he could.

"Good morning," Sorey replies and then they're back to the strained silence.

Mikleo tenses his grip, almost spilling the coffee — which is, in all honesty, no more than flavored water. Was he really expecting that to do anything to him? No, he just hoped. The silence stretches, tense and thick like molasses.

How do you address something like this?

Mikleo takes a soft sip, the liquid scorching his tongue, and the taste is horrendous. He decides he would've been better off without it.

Professionally. That's how they deal with this.

He switches the hands holding the cup and holds his now empty right hand out for Sorey. "Senior officer Mikleo, Shepherd division. You must be my newly assigned partner, I take it?"

Sorey looks down to his hand and then back up to his face. Mikleo does his best to school his face. It does not matter how often the other's dick had been inside of him over the past few days, or how good it had felt. He isn't some hormonal teenager unable to keep his work and private life separate.

Sorey seems to come to a similar conclusion in his train of thoughts, and takes his hand to shake it. Thankfully he had caught on. Mikleo isn't sure the management would be very understanding of him trying to change partners minutes after meeting a new one.

Okay, maybe it would not be going as badly as he'd first feared when seeing Sorey's smile.

Oh, who is he kidding, his luck is always on the dark side.

And the very next karmic strike comes in the form of a stack of papers. Dezel comes into the office, not ten minutes after and places the fat stack of papers onto Mikleo's desk.

"Here's your new case, it's been reassigned from the other division. Y'know, for the new guy's trial period," Dezel says, folding his arms. "You shouldn't have any problems with it, and it gives Rose an extra day or two off."

"Even though the work falls on me, she deserve it," Mikleo pipes back, eyeing the papers. "Thanks, Dezel."

"Just the messenger," the taller Seraph waves a hand, twisting on his heel. "The number is the third page, check the photo documentation too."

"Will do."

Mikleo grabs the stack and unclips it, shuffling to get to the third page. It takes considerably-more-than-it-should to punch the case number into the system and pull up the folder of photos. The report is complete, unnecessarily extensive for only applying to two unconnected instances of hellionization.

He looks through it all, and most of the pictures are blurry, a perfect example of something that would end up featured on the front page of an occult paper or on an obscure blog specializing in cryptids before the next dawn.

Then he hands the stack of papers to Sorey, moving to check his equipment. "We got a case from the other division," he explains, even though Sorey had clearly heard his and Dezel's exchange. It fills the silence, at least a little.

Mikleo kind of wishes Zaveid would be there right now, lightening the atmosphere with a blatantly fake story of how he 'saved' a girl from getting hit in the face with a rotary door last evening.

"It shouldn't be hard… Look through it and we can move out whenever you're ready."

"Yeah." Sorey simply nods and takes the papers, looking through them with obvious interest.

Mikleo takes the time to disassemble his gun to check it after the weekend and finish his bean water, because at this point, he really can't call it a coffee, that's just insulting. The taste clings to his tongue and the inside of his throat. He really should've skipped it. Why is he still drinking it?

He's a little surprised at how quickly Sorey reads through the case, going through the picture beside Mikleo. Because when Sorey tells him, "Okay, I'm ready," he's only two thirds of the way through the plastic cup, somehow. And then, belatedly, he realizes it's the perfect time to stop drinking and instead pour the vile concoction into the toilet where it belongs.

He stands up and picks his coat from over the chair's backrest.

Sorey patiently waits as he ducks into the tiny bathroom and dumps the remaining 'coffee' down the drain. Somehow, it makes him feel a little better, and when he exits the room, his posture is a little eased.

"You just got moved here, right? Do you know the city?" he asks the other, grabbing the keys to the company issued car.

He kind of expects the shake of the head, but he's surprised when Sorey tells him, "No, I only really know the are around my apartment, the bar… and the castle ruins in the North."

Mikleo's curiosity peaks a little. "This of this as a tour, then," he says.

"Shouldn't we focus on the case, though?"

A smile plays on Mikleo's lips. "Didn't you read the case? We have to check a few spots to see correlations, and one of those happens to be the old chapel. They have tunnels going under it right to the ruins. I bet you didn't know that."

"Whoa, seriously?" Sorey gapes at him, his eyes shining a little. Mikleo tries his hardest not to remember he looked the same when he had his cock in Mikleo's mouth.

"Yeah, I can show you," Mikleo says. "If you keep up on the case, that is."

Sorey takes the challenge for what is it. Mikleo is glad, for once.

#toz #tales of zestiria #sormik #eso's fics #detective au #mine

[musical-miranda]

That’s What Friends Are For

@hamwriters write-a-thon: femslash day (2)

pairing: phillipa soo x reader

summary: Pippa is reader’s childhood best friend and when reader finally gets out of an unhealthy relationship, she is right there for her through all the tears. 

warnings: swearing, very brief mention of sex, i think that’s all?

words: 2894

a/n: this is going to be a little two part bit of fluff. i was just going to make it into one part, but that was a LOT of writing to finish in one night, so i decided to split it up. i hope you enjoy!!

tags: @bluesnowyangel @hamrevolution

“Luke, I can’t keep doing this!” You snapped as your boyfriend came stumbling through the front door of your shared apartment. It was 1 am and he reeked of alcohol and another woman’s perfume, but you were so exhausted you couldn’t bring yourself to care.

Falling limply into your arms, Luke let out a loud groan from the back of his throat then mumbled a few incoherent words. You grabbed onto him tightly to drag him over to the sofa just a few feet away and tossed him there with a sigh.

“You were supposed to be at a meeting for work,” you hissed at the dark haired man.

His response was much less coherent, but you were able to figure it out through the slurs. “But baby, I was!”

“Don’t fucking lie to me! I have proof right in front of my eyes that you weren’t at a meeting!”

“I was meeting with a friend!” He tried to snap in defense, but he sounded more like a whining seven-year-old.

You shut your eyes and took in a deep breath to stay calm before you responded, then turned your gaze right to Luke who was already half asleep. “Sleep on the couch tonight, I’ll see you in the morning.”

With that, you made your way back to your bedroom and shot a quick text to a friend before laying down.

To: Pippa 1:27 am

He got home safe, but he’s absolutely trashed. Smells like whiskey and cheap perfume. If he wasnt so attractive, i’d’ve punched him in the face 9 times by now.

From: Pippa 1:30 am

Glad he’s home safe, but you deserve better babe. You need to end it.

To: Pippa 1:31 am

But I love him, pips.

From: Pippa 1:33 am

You love having a partner

To: Pippa 1:34 am

I can fix things with him, sober him up, clean up his act.

From: Pippa 1:37 am

It’s unhealthy babe, you need to end it asap.

From: Pippa 1:43 am

Good night. Please remember that you and your health should always come 1st.

To: Pippa 1:44am

I love you, good night.

When you woke the next morning to loud snoring, you saw Luke sprawled out on the floor by your bed. It looked like he had tried to get onto the bed during the night, but his intoxication made it damn near impossible.

You decided to make yourself a quick breakfast before you woke him up, so you popped a bagel into the toaster and poured yourself a glass of orange juice. While you waited for the bagel, you hummed softly to yourself and got the cream cheese out of the refrigerator.

During your brief breakfast, you thought deeply about the conversation you had with your best friend the night before. You knew she was right that you had to end things, but a small part of you was whispering that you would regret leaving him.

Luke always insisted he had business meetings or had to work late, when it was clear as day that he was out drinking with friends. If you were to guess, he was probably visiting a strip club every other night and finding a quick fuck in the bathroom of a bar every other night.

You knew you needed to confront him, so after you finished your breakfast and got dressed, you went back to your bedroom and tried to shake the snoring man awake.

You tried this for a few minutes to no avail before you decided to fill a cup with cold water and throw it on him. Sure enough, his eyes shot open and he sat up straight, whacking his head on the nightstand he was underneath.

“Fuck!” He shouted, trying to shake himself dry like a dog.

“Good morning, sunshine,” you greeted bitterly.

“What the hell was that for?!” Luke rubbed the back of his head and groaned.

“You wouldn’t wake up.”

“And why did I need to wake up?”

You just chuckled softly and ran your fingers through your hair. “Because we really need to talk.”

“Talk?” He gaped at you. “What do you mean talk?”

“I mean…” You took a seat on the bed. “This relationship isn’t working out for me, Luke.”

Luke quirked an inquisitive eyebrow. It was like he was taunting you.

“You’re coming home drunk and high as a kite every other night. You’re clearly having sex with other women. And when you aren’t doing either of those things, we’re fighting. I really can’t be in this type of a relationship.”

“It isn’t every other night! And you signed up for it, you made the relationship official.”

“I didn’t ask for any of this! It wasn’t supposed to happen like this; I trusted you, I loved you, but you changed!” You were shouting at this point.

His voice raised along with yours. “Well, what do you want me to do about it?”

“I want you to clean up your act!”

“I enjoy partying, Y/N. I’m not gonna stop for some silly girl. But I will gladly leave.” Luke’s voice pierced your typically thick skin like venom as he pressed your buttons.

“Well then get the hell out of my apartment!” You finally yelled at him, your voice shaky as you held back tears. “Go on now, leave! See if I care!”

As he started pulling his suitcases out, you pursed your lips and tried to calm yourself down. There were a few minutes of silence, so you spoke up again. “Frankly, I couldn’t care less, Luke.”

“Oh, you’re gonna regret this decision,” he spat before yanking drawers open to throw his clothing out.

“I really don’t think I will. The only thing I’ll regret is not doing it sooner.” You took in a deep breath. “I’m going out with a friend, and I want you gone by noon. I don’t want a single trace of you in this place when I get back. Leave your key on the counter.”

The moment you finished your sentence, you walked out of the room and rang your best friend as you slipped on your shoes.

Three short rings later, you heard her voice through the phone. “Y/N babe! Is everything alright?”

“Yeah, everything’s good Pip! I just kicked Luke out and he has two hours to clear his things out of my apartment.” You laughed shortly. “Are you free to go out somewhere? I don’t want to be around while he’s packing his stuff.”

You could hear the smile on her face through the phone as she spoke, and that itself had you grinning like an idiot. “I’ll meet you at the Starbucks by your apartment building in five?”

“I’ll see you there.” You paused for a second. “Thank you.”

“That’s what friends are for, right?”

“Of course. Love you, see you in five.”

“Love you too, Y/N.”

You slipped your phone back into the pocket of your skinny jeans once the line went dead then walked out of the front door and left the apartment building.

The Starbucks you always met Pippa at was just at the end of your block on the corner, so you were inside the building within two minutes, tugging your coat closer to your skin to keep warm.

Just as you got in line, the bell on the door rang as it swung open and Pippa had her arms wrapped around your waist from the side. She nuzzled her face into your shoulder when you wrapped your arms around her in a tight hug, resting your head against hers for just a second.

“How are you doing? Alright, I hope?” Pippa asked, her voice tender as ever.

“I’m fine, I promise,” you insisted with a quiet laugh, squeezing her once before breaking away from the hug.

“Okay, okay. I just worry about you.” Her eyes crinkled up in a fond smile. “Do you know what you’re getting?”

Your stare at the menu was rather intense while you tried to decide what you were getting. “A Frappuccino of some sort… It’s between chocolate chip, caramel crunch, that cotton candy one, and a lemon one.”

Pippa pulled you out of the line with a gentle chuckle to give you time to decide on a drink. Decisions had never exactly been your strong suit, which is probably how you ended up where you were; sometimes you wished people would just make these decisions for you.

It took close to fifteen minutes of silent contemplation for you to decide on a drink and by that time, the line was gone. You went straight up to the counter with Pippa and ordered your Cotton Candy Frappuccino, pulling your wallet from your purse.

Before you could even take your cash out of your wallet, Phillipa was swiping her card to pay for both drinks. “Pips, you didn’t have to-”

“You just broke up with your boyfriend.” She interrupted with a laugh. “Let me pay for your drink. You don’t have to pay me back.”

You couldn’t argue with that.

“Y’know...” Pippa started while you waited. “I never understood what you saw in him.”

“Honestly? He was really good in bed. And those arms… God, those arms could do things to me.”

Both of you immediately burst into a fit of laughter that filled the small coffee shop. “That’s an awful reason to stay with somebody! He was a total dick!”

“Oh my god he was such a dick! Like, if you look up “fuckboy” on Urban Dictionary, I’m pretty sure his photo comes up.” You threw your head back laughing. “Even his name screams stay away! I was pretty dumb to get into it.”

When your names were called for the drinks, you grabbed yours and took a sip. “Should we walk and talk or sit and talk?”

Pippa thought for a few seconds then swallowed a sip of her drink before she answered. “Walk and talk.”

“At least I knew the breakup was coming,” you pointed out as you walked out of the Starbucks, flicking your eyes between the sidewalk and Pippa.

“That’s true. What were you together, a year?”

“Just over. Remember, we met at a New Year’s Party and went home together. That should’ve been my first sign not to get involved.”

“You should never get involved with a hookup. It never ends well.”

You just chuckled at this, offering a warm smile to her. “Thank you, by the way.”

She raised a confused eyebrow but smiled anyways. “For what?”

“For being such a good friend. Convincing me to break it off finally. I know I should have done it sooner, but I’m just glad I did.”

Pippa reached over to give you a side hug, her free hand resting on your waist for just a few seconds, but long enough for you to realize how perfectly her hand fit. It just felt right. “That’s what friends are for, right?”

“That’s what friends are for.”

Over the next three weeks, you and Pippa were practically inseparable. If she wasn’t hanging out at your apartment, you were at hers watching a movie, playing a game, or just sitting on the couch with her.

It would be an understatement to say this was the closest you’d ever been with your childhood best friend, and you couldn’t find one thing to complain about.

Whenever you even mentioned a sad thought, she rushed to your side with a pint of ice cream and her copy of Titanic. You could not have asked for a better friend.

Everything was going wonderfully until you checked your calendar one day to see when your period was due. You knew it had to be soon, it felt like it’d been close to a month since your last one, so you wanted to be prepared.

When you looked at your calendar, you saw that you were 9 days late. Your immediate reaction was to google possible causes of a late period other than the obvious. But you didn’t fit the bill for any of them.

To: Pippa 2:17 pm

SOS!!!!

To: Pippa 2:18pm

I’m panicking. my period is 9 days late.

From: Pippa 2:19pm

Oh my god!! I’ll be over asap with some pregnancy tests, okay??

From: Pippa 2:21pm

Don’t panic, it’s gonna be alright!!

For the next ten minutes, you paced around your small apartment anxiously with tears in your eyes. You weren’t ready for a baby. There was no way you could be a single mother living in a New York City apartment. Your job barely paid enough to cover rent, let alone everything you would need for a child.

Pippa bursting through your front door and yelling out ripped you from your thoughts. “Go, take them all right now!” She tossed a bag with a few pregnancy tests in them at you and you caught them, scurrying off to the bathroom.

The five minutes you spent with Pippa waiting for the test results were the longest five minutes of your life. You rambled on that entire time about how scared you were, but she assured you that no matter the results, she would be there to help you. It was a comforting thought, but not strong enough to overpower your fear.

When the timer rang, signaling the end of the five minutes, your stomach dropped and your head started spinning from fear. You didn’t want to look at the tests. Your entire future was sitting on a paper towel in your kitchen and you didn’t want to know what it would be.

“You look first, Pippa. I’m too scared.” Your voice shook and you shut your eyes.

You could tell when she looked at the tests because she took in an audibly sharp gasp. Your heart was pounding in your chest; her reaction almost guaranteed the answer.

Hesitantly, you fluttered your eyes open and dropped your gaze to the tests in front of you. All three had plus signs on them.

“Oh,” you breathed out, swallowing thickly and trying to keep your cool.

“You’re… You’re pregnant, Y/N,” Pippa whispered.

When reality struck, you fell to the ground and let out a loud sob, tears quickly streaming down your face as you clutched onto the carpet. Phillipa immediately rushed over and wrapped her arms around you gently, pulling you into her warm embrace.

She stroked your hair slowly to calm you down as much as she could and instead of the carpet, you now had her shirt balled up in your fist as you sobbed. You tried to speak, but as sobs caught in your throat, you just buried your head in your best friend’s chest.

“I’m here for you, no matter what happens,” Pippa whispered in your ear, rocking you back and forth in a soothing motion. “I’ll support you no matter what.”

Several shaky breaths later, you finally managed some words. “I-I’ll need time. To know what I’m gonna do. Would… Would it be crazy to have a baby? I b-barely have a stable job.” You sniffled and looked up at her with red eyes.

“Not crazy, no. It would be difficult, I’m sure, but if you want to keep the baby, then I’ll help you in any way I can. If it comes down to it, I’ll move in with you to help support you.” Her fingers running through your hair helped calm your panic further. You leaned into her touch and listened.

“I’ll do anything to help you. Literally. But something we should do now is schedule a doctor’s appointment to get you checked out.” Pippa let her hand slip into yours.

You laced your fingers with her long ones and looked up at her once your sobs had calmed, breathing out a soft laugh. “There’s a little person in me, Pippa, a small human. And it’s all mine. My god, I’m not prepared for motherhood. I’m a single twenty-two-year-old, living off of ramen noodles in a one bedroom apartment.”

“Maybe not, but are we ever truly prepared for anything in life?” She questioned, looking into your eyes. For the first time, you noticed a bit of a twinkle in her brown eyes as she spoke and, for a reason you couldn’t quite establish, that small detail put a smile on your face.

“I guess not, huh? Some of the best things in life are unexpected.” Your thumb rubbed across the back of your best friend’s hand gently. “And I have nine months to prepare for this.”

“We have nine months to prepare for this.” She was quick to correct you which made you laugh, softly. “You will not be doing this alone, Y/N. I won’t let you. I don’t care if you pay a hitman to off me, my ghost will come back to help you in every way possible.”

“You are, without a doubt, the best human ever to grace this planet. Earth should feel honored to have your presence.”

Pippa just squeezed your hand gently and crinkled up her eyes in a smile that spread from ear to ear. “That’s what friends are for, right?”

As you leaned up to press a kiss to her cheek, you whispered, “That’s what friends are for.”

#phillipa soo x reader #pippa soo x reader #pippa x reader #phillipa soo/reader #pippa soo/reader #pippa/reader #phillipa soo imagine #phillipa soo #pippa soo #hamwriters write a thon #my writing #that's what friends are for

[kitkasimba]

1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 15, 17, 19, 20, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 36, 37, 40, 44, 52, 53, 57, 65, 66, 70, 73, 74, 77, 78, 85, 86, 90, 91, 92. Some are random, but some are out of curiosity ;)

So….. I JUST saw this, and I apologize greatly! I’m assuming this was in regards to the MAKE ME ADMIT STUFF Ask, so… LEGGO. **Also, I received another message from same anon saying I might as well do all of the questions at this point, so that’s what we’re gonna do. HANG ON TIGHT.

1.) Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged?NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

2.) You talked to an ex today, correct?Nooope I have not.

3.) Have you taken someone’s virginity?Not to my knowledge.

4.) Is trust a big issue for you?Yes and no. I’m pretty open about surface level things. When it comes to deeper things, that’s when I become more closed off or vague.

5.) Did you hang out with the person you like recently?I did :)

6.) What are you excited for?So many things! I get to see my partner tonight, I get to go home this weekend, I get to move into a new apartment in 9 days, and I’m having spaghetti and hot dogs for dinner. Life is pretty good right meow.

7.) What happened tonight?Gurl, I don’t even know? The day is still young! As far as I know, I am getting dinner with a friend & then my partner is coming over.

8.) Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted?No, I just worry about their well-being mostly.

9.) Is confidence cute?SO CUTE. Like, heck yes you’re amazing. Lookatchu ♥

10.) What is the last beverage you had?H20.

11.) How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust?I don’t like the phrasing of this question, but one person I guess?

12.) Do you own a pair of skinny jeans?Yes I do.

13.) What are you gonna do Saturday night?Attend one of my best friend’s bridal showers!

14.) What are you going to spend money on next?Most likely gas or groceries.

15.) Are you going out with the last person you kissed?Yes indeedy I am :)

16.) Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months?Oh heck yeah. We’re changing everyday, even in the smallest ways.

17.) Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything?Best friends and my partner.

18.) The last time you felt broken?Uhhh... last Thursday night, maybe? I don’t know, I felt pretty shitty that day & pretty broken mentally.

19.) Have you had sex today?I have not!

20.) Are you starting to realize anything?I’m not starting school in a few weeks, and I’m an actual Adult. That is slowly sinking in.

21.) Are you in a good mood?Yeah, I think so!

22.) Would you ever want to swim with sharks?I think I’m good for the time being.

23.) Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s?We both have brown eyes, but his are a darker.

24.) What do you want right this second?Food, kisses, and cuddles… tbh.

25.) What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another person? (the original said boy/girl, and I wasn’t about that)I’d be hella upset & heartbroken.

26.) Is your current hair color your natural hair color?Yes it is.

27.) Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh?No thank you.

28.) What was the last thing that made you laugh?My cat Callie because she tried jumping on the bed right when I was getting off so she fell. Poor babe.

29.) Do you really, truly miss someone right now?My best friend(s), seester, parents, & partner.

30.) Does everyone deserve a second chance?Yes and no. I think it depends on the circumstances and the people.

31.) Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to?Not at all!

32.) Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do?*GASP* We’re dating, but does she really know I like-like her? OKAY WE ARE GOOD, I TOLD HER. So yeah, she knows 😂

33.) Are you one of those people who never drinks soda?For the most part, yeah.

34.) Listening to?Songs to Sing to in the Shower playlist on Spotify.

35.) Do you ever write in pencil anymore?When I do write it is usually with pen.

36.) Do you know where the last person you kissed is?She’s at home trying to get some shit done.

37.) Do you believe in love at first sight?Yes, but I’m also hesitant.

38.) Who did you last call?My mom, I think?

39.) Who was the last person you danced with?That’s a good question... I’m not sure!

40.) Why did you kiss the last person you kissed?Because I was saying good-bye and I love them.

41.) When was the last time you ate a cupcake?Uhh... the last cupcake I can recall was in late June?

42.) Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today?I have not because they’re 2.5 hours away, but I’ll see them this weekend!

43.) Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush?OH DONTCHA KNOW IT.

44.) Do you tan in the nude?I do not.

45.) If you could, would you take back your last kiss?HECK NO.

46.) Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night?I did ♥

47.) Who was the last person to call you?My mumsie.

48.) Do you sing in the shower?Almost every time!

49.) Do you dance in the car?Mostly when I’m by myself.

50.) Ever used a bow and arrow?I do not believe so, but I would love to.

51.) Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?In June for my grad photos!

52.) Do you think musicals are cheesy?Sometimes, but that’s what makes them so fantastic and magical!

53.) Is Christmas stressful?Omg yes.

54.) Ever eat a pieorgi?Not to my knowledge.

55.) Favorite type of fruit pie?The classic apple is good for me.

56.) Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?I wanted to work in a deli like my mom, and then I wanted to be a helper of some sort.... and a photographer. Helping and photography still ring very true.

57.) Do you believe in ghosts?Yes because who am I to say they don’t exist? There are so many things that are unknown and inexpiable in this universe.

58.) Ever had a Deja-vu feeling?Oh yeah.

59.) Take a vitamin daily?Nah.

60.) Wear slippers?Very infrequently.

61.) Wear a bath robe?Nope.

62.) What do you wear to bed?Pajamas, so like shorts/sweats/pants & a t-shirt/tank/sports bra. Just varies depending on the temperature.

63.) First concert?Probably some country concert at the Tillamook Fair.

64.) Wal-mart, Target, Kmart?TARGET.

65.) Nike or Adidas?Nike, I guess? I honestly don’t care.

66.) Cheetos or Fritos?Cheetos fo shizzle. Fritos are good on bagels though.

67.) Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?Peanuts, I suppose.

68.) Favorite Taylor Swift song? Ugh.......... I like old school T-Swift, so Our Song or I Knew You Were Trouble are two of my faves. Oh, and of course Teardrops On My Guitar, haha.

69.) Ever take dance lessons? (HEHEHE)Not professionally or formally. I’ve done drag show & musicals though!

70.) Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?Whatever makes them happiest ♥

71.) Can you curl your tongue?I cannot.

72.) Ever won a spelling bee?CLOSE, but not quite.

73.) Have you ever cried because you were so happy?Oooooooh yeah. The proof is in me everytime I see The Lion King: The Musical and when I saw the sign for Disneyworld… or whenever I’ve gone to Disney On Ice, haha.

74.) What is your favorite book?The Perks of Being A Wallflower & Stone Butch Blues.

75.) Do you study better with or without music?Research shows that we can’t actually study well with music playing in the background, especially lyrical music. However, depending on the subject, french music can help me from time to time (because I don’t know what they’re saying, haha).

76.) Regularly burn incense?Nah.

77.) Ever been in love?Yes indeedy ♥

78.) Who would you like to see in concert?Melanie Martinez & Mary Lambert. Other people too, but I can’t think of anyone right now.

79.) What was the last concert you saw?AJR with my Seester!

80.) How tea or cold tea?Cold tea, please.

81.) Tea or coffee?Coffee, but tea is okay as well.

82.) Favorite type of cookie?Snickerdoodle or White Chocolate Macadamia Nut.

83.) Can you swim well?I believe so?

84.) Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?Probably, but I prefer not to.

85.) Are you patient?

86.) DJ or band, at wedding?

87.) Ever won a contest?Yeah, for cutest baby when I was younger. No big deal.

89.) What are better black or green olives?NONE. I DO NOT LIKE OLIVES.

90.) Opinions on sex before marriage?You do you, Honey Boo Boo. It ain’t my decision nor my body. Your choice, so whatever makes you happy.

91.) Best room for a fireplace?Living room or bedroom, I suppose.

92.) Do you want to get married? I would love to get married, and I really hope it happens someday ♥Thanks for the ask, Anon! :)

#Anonymous #thank you for your patience as well #I very much appreciate it! #thank you Anon! #I love things #personal