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knuffled · 2 years

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not so bad - chapter 4

been a long time but here’s a new chapter of the punk!percy/popular!annabeth au. hope you enjoy! please reblog and comment on ao3!

ao3 link

Spending her Saturday morning at the skate park is not Annabeth’s idea of a good time. She had better things to do, such as being passed the fuck out in her bed under a pile of blankets. But her step-brother, Matthew, had asked her to take him, stars in his eyes, and Annabeth, being the wonderful older sister that she was, couldn’t refuse. As antagonistic as her relationship was with her step-mother, that didn’t extend to her step-brothers. Besides, it was partially her fault — she had been the one to get him a skateboard for his birthday the day before.

And so, that was how Annabeth found herself shivering on a park bench absolutely slathered with an impasto of graffiti. The autumn sky was painfully clear, and it was cold enough for visible clouds to form each time she exhaled. She had hidden her hands in the sleeves of her ratty black sweatshirt and buried them in the front pocket for good measure, but the chill in the air bit into her fingers all the same.

At least Matty was having fun. The skate park was empty this early in the day, which gave him free reign to do whatever he wanted. Although the park’s offerings were meager — it had a couple of bowls, handrails, and ramps — it was perfect for a beginner like Matty.

Still, Annabeth found herself worrying her lip while she watched him. His lack of balance was plain to see, but he still insisted on skating recklessly. He could barely steer properly, but he was already trying to skate down into one of the shallower bowls close to her. Sure, he was wearing a helmet and elbow pads, but he could still seriously hurt himself if he wasn’t careful.

His board wobbled precariously as he slid down the concrete slope, which prompted her to stand and rush over to the lip of the bowl.

“Matty, take it easy! You’re gonna wind up hurting yourself!” Annabeth shouted.

He responded by flashing her a cheeky grin and a thumbs up, but that did little to quell her mounting anxiety. Annabeth chewed on her thumbnail and found herself wishing she knew how to skate so that she could teach him proper technique.

“Hasn’t anyone told you it’s bad to bite your nails, Chase?”

Annabeth blinked and found Percy standing behind her, a well-worn skateboard tucked against his side.

“Percy, hey!” Annabeth croaked, suddenly breathless. “What are you doing here?”

He shook his skateboard. “Thought the skateboard I’m holding made that kind of obvious.”

His tone was affectionately mocking, but Annabeth’s face burned with embarrassment all the same.

Percy bit back his smile and decided to spare her, saying, “I’m more curious about what you’re doing here of all places. Didn’t exactly peg you as a skater.”

“Oh, um, I bought my brother a skateboard for his birthday, and he wanted to come here and try it out,” Annabeth said, still flustered.

“Bought him a new board and took him to the skate park, huh? That’s sister of the year material right there, Chase,” Percy teased.

“Oh, shut up, Jackson,” Annabeth muttered, rolling her eyes.

Percy offered her a lopsided grin and stepped to the edge of the bowl, his gaze trained on Matthew. A furrow formed in his brow, and his lips pressed in a hard line, making him look stormy and intimidating.

“Please tell me that isn’t your brother.”

A spike of anxiety lanced through her. “Why? What’s wrong?”

Percy breathed an incredulous laugh and shook his head. “Uh, just about everything. His form is — um, how do I put this nicely — kind of all over the place. It’s a miracle he hasn’t broken an ankle yet.”

Annabeth pressed a hand to her forehead and muttered to herself, “Shit.”

She cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, “Matty, can you stop for a sec?”

He stopped with a frown and looked up at her. “What?”

“Apparently your form is dog shit, and you’re lucky you haven’t broken a bone!”

Her comment made Percy snort with amusement, and when Matthew’s response was to flip her off, Annabeth caught him shaking with repressed laughter. The sight made her grin, but then an idea popped into her head.

She turned to Percy and cleared her throat. “Hey, um, I know this is a lot to ask, but do you think you could give him some tips? Just so he doesn’t wind up in the ER or something? My step-mother would kill me if he got hurt under my watch.”

A look of surprise flashed across Percy’s before he said, “Yeah, for sure.”

Annabeth offered him an apologetic smile as he stepped on his board and slid easily down the bowl. He came to a stop in front of Matthew and started speaking to him, but Annabeth couldn’t hear what he was saying over the wind. She assumed Percy had offered to teach him judging by the way Matthew’s face lit up with excitement.

She sat down at the lip of the bowl, dangling her feet over the edge, and watched Percy gesture to her step-brother about how and where to put his feet on the board. He watched Matty vigilantly to ensure he didn’t lose his balance. When needed, he physically shifted Matty around until he was satisfied with his form.

They moved on to skating around the bottom of the bowl so that Matty could get used to maintaining his form while moving. Percy continued to give him pointers here and there, but it was clear that Matty was picking up on his instructions quickly so it wasn’t long for him to start showing some more comfort and stability while he skated.

Still, there was a clear difference in the grace and fluidity Percy had while skating that Matty simply lacked. Watching Percy skate, he looked so at home that she couldn’t imagine him ever losing his balance or falling. Annabeth couldn’t help noticing how the hard lines on his face melted away as he skated, how he looked less sharp around the edges while on his board.

She must have been lost in her thoughts because she didn’t notice Percy skate up to her later until he called out to her.

“Wanna give it a try, Chase?”

Annabeth snapped out of her reverie and shook her head vehemently. “Uh, no thanks. I’m fairly certain that I’ll wind up cracking my head on the pavement.”

Percy’s intense eyes narrowed. “I’m almost offended that you think I’d let you fall.”

Something about his words made her heart flutter in her chest. Despite her reservations, she found herself hopping into the bowl, but his answering smile kind of made it all worth it.

He stepped off his board and stood next to her. “Okay, so you’re gonna wanna put your left foot here, perpendicular to the board, and then same thing with your right foot here. Alright?”

Annabeth worried her lip but nodded all the same. Under his careful watch, Annabeth carefully put her left foot towards the back end of the board, but it promptly slipped out from under her foot, sending her careening backwards. But she fell for all of half a second before Percy’s hand looped around her waist, breaking her fall.

He smiled down at her. “Whoa, easy there.”

Annabeth quickly drew herself upright, her heart racing. “I told you I’d be awful at this.”

“You’re not, I promise. Same thing happened to me my first time getting on a board,” Percy assured her.

She shifted on her heels and said, “I- I don’t know, Percy.”

He met her eyes with a searching look before he said, “Hey, if you feel uncomfortable I totally get it, but I really think you’ll get it next try. And again, I promise I won’t let you fall. What do you say?”

Annabeth sighed, but her mind was already made up. It was a little stupid how much she wanted his approval, but that thought vanished when Percy beamed at her once she nodded in agreement.

She took a deep breath and tried to get on the board again and positioned her feet as he’d instructed, and this time the board didn’t fall out from under her. Heart racing, she put her other foot on the board as well and held her breath, expecting to eat pavement, but she stayed mercifully upright.

“Holy shit!” Annabeth said, laughing breathlessly. “I’m doing it!”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself, Chase. You still need to try actually, you know, moving?” Percy said, but his voice was tinged with approval all the same.

Annabeth nodded and tentatively pushed off with her back foot, sending the board in motion. Percy hovered right beside her, watching carefully, but she managed to do a full lap around the bottom of the bowl without any incident. Her balance still needed a lot of work, but she was doing a lot better than she imagined that she would. She wasn’t brave enough to go any faster than a comfortable walking pace, but she found herself having fun anyways.

That was all up until the front wheel caught on a stray pebble, sending her arms flailing, looking for something to hold on to. Immediately, one of Percy’s hands pressed against the small of her back to keep her upright while his other hand caught one of hers. The sudden surge of panic gave way to a burst of butterflies in her stomach at the feel of his hand, so gentle but stable, wrapped around hers.

Percy led her on a final lap around the bowl and her heart had raced in her chest the entire time. He helped her off the board and gave her a boyish grin.

“See? Not so bad, right?”

Annabeth bit back a smile and said, “Sure, if you ignore the two near death experiences, I had a blast.”

Warmth blossomed in his stomach at the sound of Percy’s answering laugh, but then someone coughed surreptitiously to catch her attention. It was Matthew, watching her with a knowing smirk on his face.

“If you’re done flirting with your boyfriend, I’d like to go home now,” Matthew said.

Annabeth’s face began to burn, but it was made worse by the way Percy averted his gaze and how the tips of his ears turned pink.

God, she was going to murder Matthew once she got home.

She turned to Percy, unable to look him in the eye, and muttered, “Thanks again for teaching Matty and me. We both had a lot of fun. Didn’t we, Matty?”

Matthew jogged over to her and nodded. “You’ve gotta show me more tricks later, Percy! That kick-flip you did was so sick.”

“Sure, man. Anytime,” Percy said, smiling.

Annabeth gave Percy one final look and said, “I’ll see you later, Percy. Thanks again.”

“No problem,” Percy said. “Catch you later, Chase.”

With that, Annabeth made her way back to her car, Matthew in tow. He waited until Percy was out of earshot to give Annabeth a shit-eating grin.

“You are so down bad for him, holy shit!” Matthew cackled.

Annabeth punched his shoulder and grumbled, “Shut up, Matthew. I know.”

#knuffled fic #percabeth #percabeth fanfic #percabeth fluff #punk percy #percy jackson #annabeth chase #percy/annabeth #percy x annabeth

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petitelepus · 9 months

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You could say that your recent Sentinel headcanons ‘inspired’ me but that mech needs to be topped, fucked + pegged. If you can, could I have some bottom Sentinel?

SHIT, this turned out to be a little NON-CON or DUB-CON, I always mix those two up.

But it's Sentinel, so...? I'm sorry guys, I just really enjoy bullying him.

DOM!READER, don't read if you don't like them being mean to Sentinel!

Many thought Sentinel had great potential, heck, he was a Prime, but that wasn't enough for Sentinel, no, he had to get more, he had to be better, and he had to be the very best there was...

But, this time Sentinel had bitted more than he could chew.

"Unhand me this instant!" Sentinel shouted as you secured his arms above his head with tough leather belts.

"I don't understand why you are complaining, you said you were okay with a little bondage?" You asked and the young Prime scowled, "Yeah, but not on me!"

"Oh, be quiet for a moment, will you?" You rolled your optics as you pinched the space between your optics, "You're giving me processor ache with all that whining."

"If you don't untie me I will-!"

"Or what?" You grinned, "You're going to arrest me? Go crying to Ultra Magnus how big bad femme dominated you?"

The look on Sentinel's face could only be described as deadly, but it told you much more than just about his desire to kill you.

"Ooh, I hit the spot, didn't I?" You chuckled, "Is this your first time being on the receiving end?"

"You're lucky I even looked in your direction, you-!"

"I know you want to sleep with me to only advance your own career." You said and you grinned as you watched his optics widen.

Bullseye, you caught him in the act.

"See, here is how this is going to go." You tapped his chin with your servo. "You let me frag you, and if you please me, I will write you a recommendation so good that you get to work directly under Ultra Magnus. How does that sound?"

"You fragger-!"

"I'm doing YOU a favor. The least you could do is amuse me, right?"

"You're sick...!"

"And you are pathetic." You spat right back at him, "You think you are doing me a favor by sleeping with me? I could and I can get any mech or femme I want, there is a line for me and you just happened to skip it."

"I-!"

"No, you are going to let me make you feel good unlike any way you have ever felt and you are going to LOVE it." You said before dropping down his frame and settling between his legs.

"Now open up, pretty boy."

Sentinel grounded his denta together as he willed his spike cover to slide aside and his spike emerged from its housing.

"My, you have a nice spike!" You laughed, "But that's not what I'm having today for dinner."

You tapped his modesty plating and grinned, "Open up."

The blue mech was mad but did as you told him to and his modesty plating shifted aside to uncover his hidden valve.

"Not even a little bit excited?" You hummed as you licked your lips, "We gotta change that!"

And just like that, you dove him and started to eat his valve as if you were starving. Sentinel's whole frame became tense as you pleased him and slowly but surely his valve started to produce its natural lubricant. A little hint that he was enjoying himself more than he wanted to show.

You closed your lips around his anterior node and hummed against it as you inserted the first servo inside young Prime's virgin valve.

Sentinel cried out, but he didn't sound like he was in pain. No, it sounded like he liked it, but he didn't want to admit it! He was so stubborn, it was almost cute.

You pushed the second servo inside and scissored them to prepare him for something bigger. Hint, your spike.

Sentinel groaned as his hips thrust toward your mouth. He may have lied, but at least his frame was being honest.

"I think you are ready." You said as you reached between your legs and teased your spike cover to shift aside and let your spike out.

You climbed Sentinel's frame up and settled yourself comfortably between his legs.

"I- is that-!?" The Prime panicked when he saw your spike resting next to his. Your spike wasn't as big as Sentinel's, but it was pretty impressive.

"Don't worry, it stings a little and then it's all pleasure from that moment to forward." You whispered as you rubbed your spike against his wet valve's lips, lubing yourself with his fluids.

"Ready, my handsome Prime?"

"F-frag off...!"

"I will!" You laughed and pushed your hips forward, burying your spike into his valve-!

"Primus...!" You groaned. Even for a virgin, he was tight!

You stilled when you were fully inside him, giving him time to get used to your girth.

Sentinel groaned as he slowly got used to you and you grinned as you kissed his chin, "I'll start moving now, my Prime."

"Just...! Get it over with!" He snapped. Cute.

You pulled back slowly before snapping your hips forward and picking up a fast pace from there.

You couldn't remember if you ever had a valve as good as Sentinel's was. It was so hot, wet, and tight!

Truly, this mech wasn't maybe the most heroic or even bravest, but frag, he would make a great escort to the rich and needy... But he didn't want glory that way, no, he wanted it like this one certain Prime he knew.

Only, that other Prime didn't care about glory like this lying below you did. No, Optimus Prime wanted to genuinely help others. Sentinel just wanted the easy way to the top of the food chain.

You groaned alongside your little shareware, feeling yourself getting closer and closer to overload. He seemed that way also, but maybe a little further away than you?

You grabbed his spike and started to pump it at the same pace as your hips collided with his as you buried your spike as deep inside him as you could.

Sentinel overloaded first, crying out loud as he could, his spike shooting a generous amount of transfluids over his stomach and chassis.

You followed behind him, groaning as your spike shot fluids inside his valve. His frame was absolutely shivering in pleasure and it was so erotic to look at. He literally milked you dry.

You pulled out of him and put your spike away as you moved to untie his hands.

"I'll let other members of the High Council know that you are capable of working directly under Ultra Magnus." You said as you pulled the leather belts off and threw them back at Sentinel who was still collecting himself after his violent overload.

"Don't make me regret giving you this chance just because you have a nice spike and a good valve."

#transformers #reader #reader insert #anon #tfa #transformers animated #sentinel prime #sentinel #optimus #optimus prime #ultra magnus #NAUGHTY #Dob-con #non-con #writing #my writing #ENJOY!

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blackhakumen · 1 year

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What the Ships Say About You Part 2.

Been a long while since I've done this, but let's get this shipfest started, shall we?

Wolf x Isabelle: You've always had a thing for werewolves and bad boys. So much so that you believe that you could fix either one of them if you were to ever given the opportunity.

Samus x Chun-Li: Your interest in crossovers outweighs your interest in hot, badass women who could easily kick your ass within seconds.

Giovanni x Spike x Crusher: You just want Spike and Crusher to be happy and fulfill their dreams into dating their own boss. And really, who wouldn't?

Mario x Peach: Any interest you have in video games outweighs your fondness of married couples.

Vector x Vanilla: This is kind of similar to Mario x Peach, but you may or may not also have interest in older, mature women, not that there's anything wrong with that inherently.

M&M (Moxxie x Millie): You just want a wholesome marriage or you're just a slut for violence and Men. Getting. Pegged.

Lea x Isa: You've been the Yaoi fandom for years now and your ideal relationship is that one meme of two guys sitting in a hot tub together.

Dark Pit x Misako x Kyoko: You saw the original ending of River City Girls and instantly wanted the two girls to find happiness elsewhere or you just want Pitto to be loved. It's a win-win for you either way.

Banjo x Kazooie: You're a sucker for the friends to lovers trope, so much so that you could care less if they're from a different species, as long as they're happy together.

Shingo x Leona: Either you want a lovable goofball and a silent, tough girl to hook up one day or you just want good things to happen to Shingo and Leona respectively. And really, who wouldn't at this point?

Aqua x Terra: Your ideal relationship is Team Moms and Team Dads.

Dedue x Mercedes: Basically the same as Aqua x Terra but with a little more wholesomeness and spice to add up the flavor. That and/or you want Deude to live a happy, peaceful life once.

Terry x Blue Mary: You just like seeing couples who causally hangs out with one another or your a slut of Men. Getting. Pegged but not so much as you originally were for M&M.

Krohnen x Angel: You've grown tired of the "Will They or Won't They?" Bullshit (Andy x Mai/ Ryo x King) to the point of your interest gets instantly set on the Angsty Bad Boy and Ditzy Hot Girl dynamic or you're a just Vegeta x Bulma fan.

Krillin x Android 18: You're a firm believer of this ship being one of the best ships the Dragon Ball series has the offer or you just think Krillin deserves a W for once and not get joked on a lot on internet which is too much to ask apparently....

Broly x Cheelai: You either really like Super's version of Broly and want good things to happen to him in the long run or you just want a giant teddy bear to hug on a daily basis.

Ridley x Dark Samus: You're an incel who only got lucky.

@keyenuta

@thelexhex

@tamrinthian

@cyber-wildcat

@albion-93

@ma-lemons

@bestpony666

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allchoseny · 2 months

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Riley Doesn't Know

The first time it happened was the night Buffy learned her mother had a tumor. That horrible, terrible night when Buffy felt at her weakest because there was nothing she could do to help her. She had all this power, but she was powerless to save her mother. Spike had sat beside her that night, gently rubbing her back like they were… friends… like he cared. She couldn't remember who kissed who first. But before she could think better of it, his lips were on hers, kissing her in a way she'd never been kissed before—not by Angel or Riley.

Oh, God, Riley. What she had done with Spike was so wrong, so bad, so naughty. It made her feel dirty.

But somehow, she had ended up on the cot in her basement, frantically riding him like her life depended on it. She regretted it the following day, but it didn't stop her from wanting to do it again.

"You have to go, Spike," Buffy hissed, jerking her shirt over her head.

He stretched, and his muscular body was on full display. "Bit too sunny and bright for a bloke like me." He smirked, running a hand over her chest. "Wasn't in a big hurry to have me piss off last night."

"Last night!" Buffy spurted. He was unbelievable. Last night, she'd been out of her mind with worry. The key words being 'out of her mind.'

"I was—my mom is… and I…" I was sad. "You were just… convenient." Buffy raised her chin, definitely meeting his gaze.

Something flashed in Spike's eyes, and he stood up. Buffy averted her gaze, avoiding his face… and other body parts. He placed his arms on her shoulders, forcing her to look at him. "Well, you know what they say, Slayer, ‘a shoulder to cry on becomes a cock to ride on—’"

Buffy placed her palms on his chest and shoved him hard. "You're disgusting."

He laughed, dismissively waving his hand. "I know, I know, ‘I'm beneath you.’"

Buffy cringed. She hadn't meant that, but he'd been so infuriating. The way he casually described killing those Slayers, insinuating that she had a death wish, that she wanted to die. She had to say something to knock him down a peg, to hurt him.

Buffy drew in a staggering breath, her shoulders slumping. She was just so damn tired. Tired of worrying about Dawn getting hurt, her mother, and Riley's drama with The Initiative. She missed all the signs with her mother because of the drama that had occupied so much of her time. Now she had one more thing to worry about… someone finding out about what she had done with Spike.

"Just get dressed," she said, grabbing her boots. "I have to get to the hospital. When I get back, you need to be gone."

Spike saluted her mockingly. "Whatever you say, Slayer."

Read the rest here...https://dark-solace.org/elysian/viewstory.php?sid=8702&chapter=1

Don't forget to like and comment! :D

#fanfic #spuffy #buffy x riley #Riley Doesn't Know

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blorbocedes · 1 year

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george wearing a collar you say……….

this has been bouncing around my head so thank you for letting me throw it out

cw: undernegotiated kink, bad etiquette, slightly dubcon... misunderstanding(?)

This sort of club isn't George's usual scene; considering it's at an abandoned warehouse with a password to get in. But it is exclusive, and George likes that about his clubs. It's no Soho House but something about a gated community just made George feel more... comfortable.

"What are you wearing?" His friend, Soph, laughed at him, whose dress code instruction was incredibly vague -- "dress edgy" and George did! He wore the only pair of ripped jeans he owned, his black pure silk Saint Laurent shirt with too many buttons open for a bit of edge, and a plain leather jacket. He even had his sunglasses hooked on his button hole, in case he needed it, for an indoors event.

Sure, it was a bit tame compared to the glitter, spikes, fishnets, and giant combat platform boots Soph had going on — who was going through a bit of a rebellious phase to hide George's and her parents sat on the same board and they holiday together in Greece. George felt a bit miffed, he's never been dress coded before.

"Wear this at least. They have a no shoes, no shorts, no tories policy." Soph fiddled around her own neck, while George rolled his eyes, wondering why he agreed to be dragged to this hippie socialist pied-à-terre in the first place.

"Crikey, is that a dog collar?!" George asks, as she places as black, leather collar fitted across his neck with little metal hoops all around the side — to be pulled from. He delicately fingers it, it's snug across his neck but will no doubt get uncomfortable and will be itching to take it off before the night ends. The weight of the collar makes him keep his neck arched, like a noble crane. It's all kinds of ridiculous, isn't it?

"Much better."

Sophia, have you brought me to a BDSM dungeon?George wants to ask incredulously. By the way everyone else is dressed, Soph is conservative by their measures. Dimly lit, red lighting, a small, intimate stage, rock music playing; and various meandering rooms. Mohawks, bright peacock-like hair, body modifications, George is pretty sure he sees a woman in a mesh bodysuit with nothing underneath and nine inch heels. The exposed concrete of the warehouse really added a sense of debauchery, people wouldn't be practically copulating against a Calacatta marble pillar. There's no coat-room either, incredibly middle class of it all. Toto, we're definitely not in Camden anymore.

Before George can complain, Soph has abandoned him to greet some friends and George, distinctly uncomfortable and not sure where to look, or if he's allowed to look, goes to the bar to calm his nerves. The bartender is intimidating, she has a slit in her eyebrow and ear gauges, tattoos all over, and chugs down whatever she hands him, burning his throat; sliding a £50 note to keep 'em coming.

"Sorry, mat- George?" A blond stranger bumps into George.

No, not a stranger. Alexander Albon. Alexander Albon who is blond now, in those leather jacket with spikes across the shoulder pad, a tight graphic tee stretched across his chest, and... eyeliner. He has black rimmed eyes, and a smattering of glitter across his cheekbone like he'd hugged a fairy. He looks good, he looks really good, and George hasn't seen Alex since he'd asked him out and Alex politely declined, saying they'd be better off as friends.

George dry swallows. "Alex." He drinks his horrible vodka concoction to not say something stupid, like, 'you're blond now?' or 'why didn't you accept my Instagram follow request?'

Alex takes a seat beside him, "I wouldn't have pegged you for a place like this." Alex's eyes drop to the collar George is wearing, which once again makes George all too aware of the constricting weight around his neck. "You always seemed a little..." Alex waves his hand, grinning, and George can mentally fill in the blank.

"There's a lot you don't know about me." George says defensively, crossing his legs.

"Drinks like a champ too." Their bartender vouched, and y'know what George always liked her and her scary body modifications, he decides.

"Full of surprises, huh, Georgie?" Alex's voice drops low, giving George the once over before settling on his neck once again. He's being flirted with, George confirms to himself dumbly, gorgeous fit Alexander Albon, who had previously stared blankly with a polite indifference to George's dinner invite, is now eyeing him with very much of that reciprocal interest. The alcohol buzzing through him doesn't help, this isn't how he courts; but it allows him to be braver -- seize the day, carpe diem, carte blanche, his French gets all muddled when he's tipsy. Alex's fingers trace the edge of his exposed knee in his ripped jeans that's knocking against George's, the ghost of a touch but full of intent.

"D' you wanna find out?"

To George's immeasurable disappointment, Alex doesn't whisk him away to a 3 course meal at a Michelin star resturant, La Gavroche if mummy's still friends with the head chef, and then a night at the Ritz -- he's not a prude, he puts out on the first date. Instead, they make their way closer to the stage where the band was playing, apparently Alex's friends, but it truly sounded like just noise. And George isn't entirely snobbish about his music, he's listened to The Smiths quite a bit. It's good to align politically with your favourite artists.

Thinking he spotted Soph and needing her womanly intuition if Albon totally wants to shag him, George means to beckon to her but instead finds himself squished between a number of bodies, all throwing themselves around in the mosh pit. He's too uncoordinated, the weight of everyone around him too strong to do anything but be swept in the wave, helpless, until he feels himself being pulled by his collar, choking him, and then a stronger pair of hands across his waist pulling him out.

"Got you. You were getting swallowed up there. Unless... you're into that?" Alex's breath is warm against George's ears, and he's so grateful; to be pulled out of the crowd, to be in his arms.

"I'm into whatever you're into." George wraps his arms around the back of Alex's neck, pulling him in closer, every touch between them electric. He definitely doesn't need Soph's opinion with the way Alex smiles wickedly, correct answer, ding! one point for George.

"Georgie, I never knew," Alex gasps, and he sounds giddy, kissing George against the bathroom stall door. "I really thought you were this," Alex shoves a knee between his legs, pushing down on his crotch, "'posh,' 'uptight', 'wouldn't be caught dead in a place like this' type." Alex laughs, punctuating each denigration with a kiss, biting down on his bottom lip, hard. "Really, when you asked me out I thought it was like, to croquet. Fuck, I wish I'd known then." He shakes his head in disbelief, his eyes so dark George can barely see the brown. George's expensive Raybans meet their death, falling to the floor somewhere, and he can't bring himself to care as long as Alex keeps touching him.

George finds out two things about Alexander: he's kind of an asshole, and it does nothing to hinder just how much George finds him devastatingly hot. He was also not wrong of his initial assumption of George as vanilla, the most sexually adventurous thing he'd ever done was have a girlfriend peg him. Alex's hand wraps around George's throat, above his collar, and presses down; choking him, as he grinds down on him. George tries to say his name, to ask to go back to the kissing -- horribly out of his depth here -- but his garbled voice comes out as a moan instead, putty in Alex's hands, making no resistance to push him off.

"Prim and proper George Russell, who likes getting choked out. Who would've thought?" Alex mistakes it for wanting more, but the reverent almost impressed voice makes George continue the ruse. It's not lying, he tells himself, just obfuscating the truth and letting Alex believe what he thinks.

"Can I blow you?" George asks, thinking quick. Alex can't call out his bluff that way, and George does an especially good job Alex will fall in love with him and their reservations for La Gavroche are back on.

Alex barely nods before George slides on his knees, bare knees hitting the fake concrete, due to his ripped jeans, thanks so much Soph. Alex is half hard as George unbuckles, which is flattering, and pulling Alex out... he's a nice length, a nice weight in George's hand who strokes it to full hardness, nothing unbearable about it -- completely inoffensive, George could pen poems about its pleasantness. He tentatively closes his mouth around the tip, hand on shaft, when Alex pulls him in by the back of his head, and shoves his dick all the way in his mouth, fucking his face.

Oh.

That's how they're doing this then. George has a gag reflex, and he chokes the first time Alex's dick hits the back of his throat; tears springing to his eyes as he pulled off to cough.

"Sorry, shit, should I--?" Alex asks — and George imagines Alex walking out on him, in the middle of an aborted blowjob, because he couldn't keep it together for five minutes. It's one thing if Alex never gave him a chance, it's another entirely if George blows his shot -- quite literally. With renewed determination, he goes back to working on Alex's cock, with a fervour until his hands find his way back to his hair, face-fucking him but with a more careful pace, to not fully hit the back of his throat. The few times George does gag, Alex lets him breathe before going back in, relentless.

"Fuck, I'm gonna--" he hears Alex groan from above him, his grip on George's hair loosening. Where is George going to spit, he wonders, knee uncomfortably jammed between the commode and makes the pragmatic decision to keep hollowing his cheeks and keeping as much of him in as Alex comes inside his mouth.

George thinks, bloody hell fuck it, and swallows. It's gross, but the vodka he had was grosser and the way Alex sounds when he says his name is so worth it.

Alex thumbs George's lips, swollen and spit soaked, hair a complete mess and tears prickling from the corner of his eyes. It's not a pretty sight, but Alex's hand cups the side of George's face, gentle, sliding down to his neck to pull at the collar's hoops, which feels branded on him. George feels thoroughly debauched, breathing hard, tenting in his jeans, his knees fucking ache, his jaw aches; all intangible proof of Alex all over him. He got it. He won.

Someone from outside the bathroom calls Alex's name, who turns around, tucking himself back in.

"You're sweet, George. This was fun. I'll text you, yeah?"

Later that morning, George assesses the damage done to this throat. Splotchy red indents from where the leather of the collar dug in, from where Alex's hands had been. A week of turtlenecks for him, then.

His phone buzzes a notification.

@.AlexAlbon is now following you!

#i wrote this really high so I'm not sure about the pacing and all #if any of it's bad just chalk it off to George it's his pov ok #galex #my fics #f1 rpf #read the cws before proceeding!#cw: under-negotiated kink #cw: dubcon #this is deeply self indulgent bc eye think characters should have bad sex more #blorbocedes ask #nobody's allowed to feel bad for George everything here he has brought upon himself

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where-pain-is-so-pretty · 2 years

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ﾟ ☾ ﾟ｡⋆ Masterlist ⋆｡ﾟ ☁︎｡

🍯 = Fluff 💔= Hurt/Comfort ⛈️= Angst 🌶️= Smut

* = Part of December Project

Blind Channel:

• Whole Band x Reader Imagines: BC helping you through a break up BC with an inexperienced partner BC reassuring you about your appearance BC helping you put sunscreen on (minus Joonas) Helping the guys fall asleep Having sex in their or their partners childhood room Surprising the guys on tour Wet Dream

• Aleksi x Reader Full Fics:

🍯Everything I could have asked for * 🍯🌶️Baby, I would die for you * 🌶️Like Coca-Cola, spiked with aromas

Imagines: 🌶️Masturbating for Aleksi and teasing him 🌶️Him teasing you while sharing a room with one of the guys

• Joel x Reader (Joel Thoughts Masterlist HERE)

Full Fics: 🍯I want you so bad in all the worst ways ⛈️💔Living Inside My Own Confusion * 🌶️If you love me right * 💔Homesick 🌶️Try not to distract me 💔Was not meant to be Imagines: 🌶️Teasing him until he snaps 🍯💔Joel leaving you his hoodie before tour 🍯💔Spooning him 💔Joel comforting you 🍯Canceling your date plans to stay inside 🍯🌶️Joel pinning you down 🍯💔Dad Joel Part 1 🍯Dad Joel Part 2 🍯🌶️Joel in a bathtub 🍯Late Night Travels 🍯Holding Hands 🌶️Taking a shower 🌶️Getting off on his leg and voice 🌶️Riding him 🌶️Hot sex with him 🍯Sleepless night with Joel on the bus 🌶️Licking and kissing his chest 💔🍯🌶️Staying with him on the bus when he's having a bad day 🍯Joel doing household chores you hate 🌶️Catching him having some alone time 🍯Floor time with Joel 🍯🌶️Joel being cringy 🍯Visting Joel on tour 🍯Welcoming Joel home on a small tour break • Joonas x Reader

Full Fics: 🍯I think I found where I belong * ⛈️💔The Boy In The Black Dress * 🍯*lipstick emoji* 🍯Smiley faces and sunscreen 💔Caught in a panic Imagines:

💔Coming out as trans(ftm) to Joonas 🌶️Licking Joonas' chest 🌶️Having sex in his fluffy jacket 🍯🌶️Post sex cuddles

• Niko x Reader

Full Fics:

🍯Our own little galaxy * 🌶️💔We ain’t got nothing else to do *

• Olli x Reader

Full Fics:

🌶️Tell me how to touch myself 🍯A day alone, only that would be death * Imagines: 🍯🌶️Taking a bath with him 🌶️Morning Sex 🌶️Pegging Olli

• Tommi x Reader

Full Fics: 🍯Hold me close * 💔Don't Go * Imagines: 🍯🌶️Surprising him on his B-day 🌶️ Birthday sex 💔Tommi helping you with your Anxiety Attacks • (T)Error Twins x Reader Imagines: 🍯Taking your boyfriend (Joel) on a weekend off • Olli x Aleksi x Reader 🌶️Threesome

Lost Society:

• Samy x Reader Imagines: 🍯Soft Headcanons

Crashdiet:

• Gabriel Keyes x Reader

Full Fics: 🌶️💔🍯 Let’s rest for a while, love 🍯“You are pretty!” “And you are drunk!”

Robin Packalen:

• Robin x Reader Full Fics: 🍯🌶️Just let me know

Crossovers:

Samy x Joel x Reader Imagines: 🌶️Them fucking you in and on a car 🍯Cuddling with them

#blind channel rpf #blind channel x reader #joel hokka #joonas porko #aleksi kaunisvesi #tommi lalli #alex mattson #niko vilhelm #olli matela #joonas porko x reader #joel hokka x reader #aleksi kaunisvesi x reader #olli matela x reader #tommi lalli x reader #niko vilhelm x reader #gabriel keyes #gabriel keyes x reader

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whumpshaped · 2 years

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@the-whumpers-soiree but it is i who goes

trigger warnings: first person whumpee pov, nonhuman whump, conditioning, mind control, dehumanisation, manipulation, alcohol mention, drugs mention, kidnapping, blood, intimate whumper

I was clutching the fancy invite letter in my hand like a lifeline as we walked up to the building. This was way too expensive. Way too luxurious. Why would I even get invited? And that was to say nothing of the clothes my friend picked up for me on our shopping trip.

The clothes weren't bad, of course. My friend had amazing taste. The issue was… the amount of skin I was showing. She insisted I go into this party being bold, and acted accordingly. A top with spaghetti straps, leaving my collarbones and entire arms exposed. A skirt with a slit so high and so gathered that I showed the entire length of my leg whenever I took a step. It felt… well, like a bold move.

"We're gonna have fun!" she assured me again as we handed our invites to the person standing by the door in exchange for a pair of blue bracelets. "Trust me. All that food and dancing… Loosen up a little!"

"O-Of course. Fun!"

Fun…

My friend disappeared into the crowd not long after that exchange, and I found myself quite alone by the tables with a dozen different drinks on them. Big bowls of vibrant liquid, all free, all… too exposed, just as me. I couldn't help thinking about the possibility of anyone being able to spike them so easily. The food as well, it was all just… there. And it looked great, but what was the guarantee-

"Hey." My head snapped towards the voice, interrupting my paranoid spiraling. "Alone?"

"No, I-" I looked around, trying to find my friend in the crowd - to no avail. "Well, I guess I am. But I wasn't when I came here."

"No point dwelling on the past." They grinned at me, charming and easy. Were those fangs? "Can I get you a drink, now that we're both just standing by the table?"

"Not drinking."

"Then maybe a-"

"Not eating."

The stranger chuckled. "Nervous about something?"

I looked away from them, fidgeting with my bracelet. Come to think of it, I only saw blue bracelets when we came in, yet the person in front of me had a red one. "I'm a little nervous, I guess. Not a party person. But hey, where do they give out the red ones?"

"Oh, the bracelets?" They lifted their hand, glancing down at the shiny accessory as if it was the first time they saw it. "At the door, I mean… you can't really miss it."

"There were only blue ones by the door… They must've run out. We didn't even come that late…"

"We can switch," they offered with the same, alluring smile, taking off their bracelet without waiting for a response.

"Really?" I hastily took off my own, handing it to them and taking the red one. I slipped it onto my wrist, turning it this way and that, enjoying the hue. "Thanks, that's… that's nice of you."

"What can I say? I'm nice like that." They moved closer, making me instinctively back up against the table.

"H-Hey-"

"Sorry," they stepped away again, this time with a glass in hand. Oh. "You were kind of standing right in front of it, so-"

"Should've told me to move. Sorry." I stepped aside, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Wouldn't dare order a pretty little thing like you around." Before I could fully process the words, they continued on. "Are you sure you don't drink? I won't force it, but I'll have you know, this pink stuff is delicious. Barely has any alcohol as far as I can tell."

"It looks sweet."

They looked like they wanted to say something, but caught themself in the last moment. "It is," they said instead.

"I don't drink sweet stuff. And I gave up on the strong ones a while ago."

"Didn't peg you as the type… Huh." They got themself a glass full of 'the pink stuff', turning back to me as they took a sip. "Wanna at least sit down and chat?"

"Yeah!" Wow, that came out really enthusiastic. "I mean, at least then I won't be in anyone else's way."

"Oh come on, people would kill to have a lovely little human like you in their way." Human? I mean, I guess, but what a choice of words.

"I'd hate to be the reason someone gets killed. Maybe I should just stay here, then, give everyone an opportunity to be inconvenienced by me, free of charge."

"Or you should come with me and watch the brawl that breaks out over the fact that I've got myself your undivided attention."

I wanted to roll my eyes at that one, but some unseen force kept me from doing it. "I feel like you practiced these in front of the bathroom mirror."

"Should I practice more?"

"No," I heard my own voice, though quite the opposite of what I meant to say. "You're quite good." What?

The stranger smirked, and I felt my stomach drop. Something wasn't right. "Why, thank you. Will you grace me with your company, then?"

"Gladly." Gladly? No, with this anxiety now nestled inside me, I wanted nothing more than to stay where I was.

And yet, despite that very clear wish in mind, I blinked, and I was suddenly at a table with that same guy, a glass in front of me. I told them I didn't drink. Or maybe I forgot? No, I would've declined if they offered.

I blinked again, and I was dancing. Their arms were around my waist. I hated dancing, despised when people held me like that, but for some odd reason, this time it felt nice.

I blinked a third time, and I didn't recognise the surrounding area anymore. Someone was pressed up against me, their face buried in the crook of my neck. Their hair tickled.

They pulled away not long after I came to, their lips covered in red. Was that blood? Was that my blood? I couldn't ask. My mouth felt numb. My entire body did.

"You look precious," they murmured, tucking a strand of loose hair behind my ear. "You don't even know where you are, do you? My… Maybe you were worried about all the wrong things. Vampires don't need to spike your drink to make you a little dazed, hm?"

I found myself leaning towards them, following them when they stepped away, like a little duckling. I clung to their expensive clothes, my weak body just barely supporting my weight.

"Cute," I heard them say. "What a good little bloodbag I've got myself…"

#the bad scribbles #the-whumpers-soiree #nonhuman whump #conditioning #dehumanisation #mind control #manipulation #alcohol mention #drugs mention #kidnapping #blood #intimate whumper

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gooberpg · 10 months

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Play Report: Lorn Song of the Bachelor x Mangayaw (Session 1)

The Binmanwa Party:

Kilala, a ratfolk cook

Malakas, a shamanistic healer

Bantok, a bow hunter

Euminung-gud, an aswang (?)

Dumalapdap, a ratfolk musketeer

Alon, a textile weaver

They are in debt to Oppu Wa Oppu, a veiled princess, because they were responsible for a feast that has gone wrong. The group was dubbed the Party Crashers.

They are in the village of the Gleaming Fins to pay back their debt.

Oppu Wa Oppu

The party asked what they can do for her to pay back their Debt.

Her eyes are unseeing ivory. She glows like faint moonlight. She is the niece of the village chief and a shaman and keeper of village rites, with tattoos of stars and crescent moons.

Aside from driving away her more annoying suitors, she doesn’t care how they get their hands on wealth. She also referred them to Auntie Sati Wa Sati, who is in need of capable Binmanwa for a Labor.

Auntie Sati

Sati Wa Sati is a witchy grandma. Fireflies encircle her.

She tells the party she wants to end the Bachelor’s curse. She tells them of Vung Si Vung’s song.

The Song of Vung Si Vung Once there lived a man called Vung Si Vung, said to be invulnerable—not spear nor shot pierced his bronzed skin. Such was his fame, the chief of that time grew envious, seeing in him a rival. One day, returning home, he found his wife taken. The chief and his soldiers, having subjected her to tortures, wrested from her her husband’s secrets: That he had won his strength from the spirits of the land. But he had failed to appease the spirits of the river. So Vung Si Vung found his wife murdered upon a spike, on a muddy bank, and the chief’s soldiers waiting. Filled with grief, he fought them there. Though he was mighty, they were too many—and, being near running water, near the river, he had no special protection. So he died. The chief, filled with spite, defiled the bodies of husband and wife, leaving them as carrion in red mud, conducting no funerary rites. This, over everything, was a breach of propriety, and greatly offended the spirits. Claiming Vung Si Vung with the tide, taking pity on him, they said: “O warrior, in death you have our blessing, go you now in a terrible form, as an amphibious predator, to visit fear and justice onto your enemies! Let it be so, from this very day!”

Aunti Sati could not give them anything of significant monetary value, but she offers her medical services.

Mahivir Sanna Krau

The party visited the The-Isles-Like-Precious-Ivory Company Office, to hear what they have to offer. The lead merchant Mahivir Sanna Krau offered to pay for most of their Debt in exchange for dealing with the Bachelor.

Mahivir wants him gone. He’s bad for business.

The party took the deal. It is in line with Auntie Sati’s quest. They requested a boat and some rations for this quest, to which Mahivir agreed to give. Dumalapdap tried to borrow a pistol, but Mahivir didn’t allow for it.

Niti Si Niti and Bavu Si Bavu

The party came upon a curious scene while walking through the village. A burly, peg-legged man was chasing a younger man with a machete. “Touch my daughter again, I’ll kill you!“

The peg-legged man is Niti Si Niti. He is a dreaming agaru sniffer, with tattoos of twelve-winged eagles. He is the father of Oppu Wa Oppu.

The party chased after the younger man. He is Bavu Si Bavu, hunter of forest beasts, tattoos of rhinoceroses. He reeked like roadkill. He claims he is in a relationship with Oppu Wa Oppu. The party was inclined to not believe him.

They lightly threatened him not to meet with the princess again, and he went home dejected.

Back to Oppu Wa Oppu

The party returned to the veiled princess’ hut to report on what information they gathered and to tell her about Bavu si Bavu.

The Oppu Wa Oppu let out a disappointed sigh. Bavu Si Bavu was saying truth. The two of them are in love. Her father does not approve of it because of Bavu Si Bavu’s status.

Rather than Bavu Si Bavu, it was Hummu Si Hummu, the village’s most prominent singer who the princess wanted to shoo away.

Realizing their mistake, the party hatched up a plan. What if Bavu Si Bavu accompanied them on their Labor to end the curse of the the Bachelor. If they were successful, surely such a feat would be enough to change Niti Si Niti’s mind?

Vartu Si Vartu

As the party was leaving the princess’ hut, someone else was heading inside.

Vartu Si Vartu, chief of the Gleaming Fins. His body is covered in silver paint. A servant follows him to touch up his makeup.

He is offended, insulted even, that the party met up with so many people in the village, and yet has not paid him a visit. He sternly expects them to be waiting in his longhouse once he has finished his visit with his niece.

AFTERTHOUGHTS

I’m thrilled to finally run this gem of an adventure. The session was really more about meeting the characters and gathering information, but it was still fun.

The whole thing with Oppu Wa Oppu’s romance is not part of the “main quest”. I wanted to tie Mangayaw’s starting Debt to the adventure, so I used the random Gleaming Fins tables to create characters for that. It’s a testament to Zedeck’s writing that I was able to flesh out a small web of relationships with the tables.

#ttrpg #rpg #rpgsea #osr #actual play #play report

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itwassomethingwild · 2 years

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It was something wild // One

One: Hawkins or “That is who I am and who I want to be.”

Synopsis: this is a 1970s AU inspired by the movie Almost Famous and the book Daisy Jones and the Six.

Eddie joins the California rock band The Wylde Hearts on their first ever US tour as a roadie. Life happens. Love happens. Hearts breaks and are put back together.

[additional note: I am German. Sometimes I get the tense wrong or make mistakes. I am useless when it comes to punctuation. Go easy on me, please. This used to be a Billy Hargrove story but I decided Eddie works so much better.]

One voice tryin' to be heard Round peg livin' in a square world We were strangers in a strange land We were reaching for the upper hand We were hard to understand

It was juvenile, It was something wild, Part of every child, Yeah, you had to be there

It was rough and tough, It was peace and love, All of the above, Yeah, you had to be there

The sun is softly setting behind the horizon, painting the Indiana sky in hues of orange and gold. Leftover heat from the humid summer day still lingers in the air like unspoken words between former lovers.

There’s a crowd of people hanging around in front of the Loud Room, a little music venue nestled somewhere in the middle of nowhere between Hawkins and Indianapolis. Most of them holding onto a bottle of beer, pretty much all of them smoking a cigarette or a blunt.

Eddie knows this is an objectively bad idea. He knew it the moment he realized the concert was sold out. Knew it when his mind conjured up the idea of going anyway. He knew it every second of every minute that it took him to drive here. And yet here he is, pushing through the mass of people in search of the back entrance.

“ The back entrance? “ Dustin’s voice rings out from behind him. He throws the young boy a fleeting look across his shoulder. God, the smell of pot is gonna linger on his clothes forever. If they survive this night, Eddie thinks, Steve is gonna have his head on a spike. There’s no way they’ll get away with this without him finding out. Not that he’s particularly worried about what Steve thinks of him usually. It’s only when it comes to Dustin, the kid that involuntarily wormed his way into both of their hearts and turned them into honorary older brothers, that he gives a shit about Steve’s opinion. He’s gonna lose metaphorical custody for the kid, he just knows it.

“ Yes, the back entrance. “

“ Not to be uh — ungrateful or anything. But why can’t we use the front? You know, like normal people?”

“ Because you’re 15, you’re not even supposed to be here, “ Eddie replies then stops in his tracks for a second, facing the younger boy. His curls messily frame his face but there’s a certain structure to it tonight. A regulated chaos. He put in effort today. And Dustin never makes an effort if it doesn’t mean something to him.

So it does mean something to him, being here tonight, and that alone is reason enough for Eddie to go through all this effort.

“ And no offense, but there’s no way the bouncer is gonna take a look at you and not send your ass back home immediately.”

What he doesn’t tell him is that, technically, he isn’t supposed to be here either. Not because of his age or anything like that. It’s just that they have no tickets and today’s gig has been sold out for months.

But when all his borderline adopted brother wants for his 15th birthday is to go to a local concert of some up and coming rock band, who is he to say no? Especially when the band fucking kills it. Steve would’ve taken him, there’s no doubt in Eddies mind. But Steve, bless his heart, doesn’t know shit about music. Your first gig, that’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. That’s something special, something you should experience with someone else who understands. And if there’s one thing Eddie Munson understands, it’s the magic that comes to life at a concert. When you’re part of a crowd, surrounded by strangers, but for a little while you’re all sharing the same feelings. It makes the earth seem just a little less big and scary. If a song can bring us together, how bad can the word really be, huh?

Obviously he doesn’t tell Dustin all of that, he still has an image to maintain. And anyway, he’ll figure all that out himself soon enough, who is he to take that epiphany away from him.

“ Could’ve just gotten a fake ID, but alright. Suit yourself “

“ Will you shut up, Henderson? I can turn around right now and go back home, leave you here by yourself. You want that? “

He raises his hands in mock defeat, in that stubborn teenage way that’s supposed to look so nonchalant and overdramatic at the same time. As if it doesn’t matter to him and it’s all just one big game. He cares though, it matters. Kid has been talking about this night for weeks.

Without another word, they push further through the crowd, walk past the entrance and around the corner until eventually, they end up at the back door. It’s the one where the tour buses arrive and leave through. If there’s any chance for the both of them to get into this place tonight, this is their best guess.

“ Okay, cool there��s the back door. Now what? “

Unfortunately, finding the back entrance is as far as Eddie has planned ahead.

“ Guess we just — knock? “

“ You guess? Jesus Christ, I thought you had a plan. “

“ This was my plan.”

“ Walking around the building? Genius. “

“ Look,” Eddie says and sighs in exasperation, “ we’ll just knock and see who answers. Alright? I’m a pretty good talker, people think I’m charming. “

“ A good talker? Eddie no offense but just because you talk a lot and don’t know when to shut up, doesn’t make you a good talker. “

“ You wanna get in or not, Henderson?”

Dustin nods swiftly, making his curls dance around his head. “ I do, I really do.”

There’s commotion coming from inside, Eddie can hear it even through the heavy metal door. The band’s supposed to go on at 9 but honestly who knows with these rockstars. Eddie admires them, really. To do as you please without having to confine to what anyone else thinks of you. To live life on your own terms. To be free. To be — fucking invincible. To create music, create art, that brings people together even if it’s just for one fleeting moment. The idea of that sounds pretty fucking sweet.

His fist meets the door once, twice, three times. No reaction, no answer.

Dustin is getting antsy, he can tell. He’s shuffling from one foot to the other, crossing and uncrossing his arms nervously. For being so sassy most of the time, there’s a real softness to him in moments like this. The kid has a big mouth and an even bigger ego, but instead of making him unlikable, it makes him endearing. He’s a smartass and sometimes he sounds way older than he is. It’s moments like the one right now that remind Eddie that he is just a kid after all. A kid as Eddie used to be once. Innocent and passionate about his interests and eager to see everything the world has to offer. He just hoped the world decides to be a little more kind to Dustin. He hopes Hawkins doesn’t rip out his heart and make him watch it wither away — not like it did to Eddie.

Just as he’s about to knock again, the door swings open, almost hitting him straight in the face. Before him, looking just as startled as he must look, stands a girl with curly brown hair, the most obnoxiously orange blouse he’s ever seen and a big camera hanging around her neck.

“ Holy shit, almost had a heart attack there. “ she says and places a hand against her chest. “ Whatcha doin’ here, man. This is the artist’s entrance. “

To say it is the artist’s entrance is a bit far fetched, Eddie thinks. Sure, this is where the buses and the bands go in and out but whenever there are no shows being played this is also where the employees hang out and smoke during their breaks, he knows this for — reasons.

“ You planning on sneaking in or something? “ the girl inquires as she steps out into the night, letting the heavy door fall closed behind her.

“ I uh — no.”

“ Cause if you were, I’d just like to let you know that I’ll go back inside in just a minute which means that if you’re quick enough you can probably slip inside behind me. Just — ya know, something to consider. “

“ Are you sure that’s okay? “ A nervous Dustin speaks up, a mix between excitement and anxiety flooding his voice.

“ Oh yeah! Geoff, the guy who owns the venue, is a real asshole. Hardly gives the band a cut of the ticket sales. So fuck him, if you wanna hear the band play just follow me back inside in a minute. “

“ You’re not part of the band ?” Eddie asks. It’s not like he hasn’t heard of The Wylde Hearts before, but they are up and coming, hardly big enough to be featured in any music magazine yet. And anyway, he doesn’t care about affairs and fights between bandmates and bullshit gossip that’s not even half true most of the time. Eddie is in it for the music and the way it makes him feel, that’s it.

“ Oh no, honey. I’m their personal photographer. My name is Lucy, “ she says and holds out a hand to him. Her fingernails are painted a vibrant yellow and there’s gold hoop bangles covering pretty much her entire lower arm. She looks like some kind of goddess, Eddie thinks. The gold against the dark of her skin makes her look — glowing almost. She’s cute and if it wasn’t for Dustin being right there, he would totally try to win this girl over and maybe get into her, very short, denim skirt.

“ Eddie, “ he replies, then pointing to the younger boy who’s still trailing a bit behind, visibly uncertain about this whole situation. “ That’s Dustin. “

“ It's my first ever concert tonight”.

“ Really ? That’s special! It’s nice to — “ Lucy’s eyes suddenly grow in size, a sudden twinkle overtaking them completely.

“ Holy shit! “ Pushing past both him and Dustin, she lets out a squeal so high, it sounds like something not meant for the human ear. It’s a fucking dog-whistle of a squeal. It reminds him of the cheerleader’s table back in high school. All short skirts and giggles.

When Eddie turns around to see what brought on the sudden outburst, Lucy has her arms wrapped tightly around another person, swaying side to side in pure excitement. At least Eddie thinks it’s another person, all he can really make out is a big fluffy red fur coat.

Lucy’s bangles and the other person’s heels create a harmony of beautiful chaos against the quiet of the night. Their bright outfits throw colors onto a black canvas. It’s messy and anarchic. Even though he can’t see one of them and has only spent about 5 minutes with the other, there’s something about these two and the energy they exude.

The girls stop swaying, a silence settles upon them and Lucy pulls away, giving Eddie an unobscured view of the other person. The girl that stands before him now, Eddie is convinced, can not be real. There’s no way, she is real. Nothing about her makes sense and yet it all seems so perfectly put together. She’s chaos and harmony. The bright red fur coat seems to swallow her whole, she’s wearing sunglasses even though it’s dark out and her platform heels are covered in glitter. Nothing matches but somehow it seems to work on her.

“ Will you stop staring, you creep ?”

She pulls down the big chunky sunglasses so they rest on the bridge of her nose, and glances at him over the top of the lenses. Her eyes look right back into his, determined and honest. Something about the way she looks at him draws him in. It makes him want to never look away in fear of missing something.

Whoever she is, everything about her demands to be seen. To be noticed. To be appreciated.

“ I asked you a question? “

“ Huh ?”

“ Oh please, leave the poor boy alone “ Lucy speaks up before linking arms with the other girl, almost getting swallowed by her coat as well. “ He’s and his brother are our special guests today. We’ll sneak them in “.

“ We will ?”

“ Yes, Geoff has lowered our cut on the ticket sales again so — “

“ What a fucking asshole. Alright, let’s go. I need a drink.”

She doesn’t walk, she struts. She marches towards the door as if this parking lot, this world, it’s her stage and hers alone. Her knocks, they don’t fall of deaf ears. They don’t go unanswered like Eddie’s did.

The door opens immediately as if the people inside have only been waiting for her. Maybe they did, Eddie thinks. Judging by Lucy’s reaction to her arriving, it’s not too far-fetched.

As they step inside, she catches his eyes, doesn’t say a word, just looks at him. And then, almost unnoticeable, she nods her head in a motion to signal him to come along.

Who the fuck is Eddie Munson to say no to that? She’s radiant. She’s magnetic. So he grabs Dustin’s wrist and pulls him along, into the building and down the long winding hallways. Dustin is in awe, looking around himself as if he can’t believe what the fuck is happening right now. There’s nothing spectacular, not yet. Just a bunch of more or less drunk people, some wearing chunky headphones, some carrying cables, one tuning a guitar. This is it, Eddie thinks, it’s not the band itself that makes a show. It’s the atmosphere, the passion that everyone puts into every moment of this night.

They walk further down the halls, gray walls on gray walls, men pushing road cases, pushing crates of beer. He could get used to this, he decides.

The hallway opens up in front of them, to a wide open area. There’s a bustling of people. Some are sitting on couches on one side of the room, some leaning against a table filled with food and drinks. All these voices are mashing together creating a song of their own.

But it all stops. The chaos and commotion, it stops as the girl in the fur coat steps into the room and everyone’s eyes fall on her. Time stops for a moment, it lingers on her and only her. On the smile that spreads on her lips and the way she throws her arms open in theatrics.

When the moment passes, the room erupts into cheers and laughter and applause. There’s hollers and hoots coming from every corner, and they’re all for her. It’s as if all these people have waited their entire lives for this girl to arrive. There’s the band sitting right there and yet they all seem to be infatuated with her instead. She’s the main attraction and by the smirk on her face, she knows this very well.

“ Who is she? “ Dustin murmurs beside him, eyes fixed on the girl as well.

“ I have no fucking clue.” He will find out though, he knows that much. He has to. It isn’t a want. It was a need.

The girl makes her round to exchange hugs and kisses with the people, they all look at her with a kindness in their eyes, wonder, admiration. All of them. Even the band members.

She doesn’t even ask for a drink and yet there’s a beer in her hands immediately. If he didn’t know any better, which he does, Eddie would say that this girl has everyone under a spell. She is the center of attention, part of every conversation. She’s simultaneously a whisper and a yell.

“ Come on you guys, let me introduce you to the band, “ Lucy approaches and throws her arm around Dustin’s shoulders before steering him towards the couches where a bunch of long-haired guys are lounging, beers and cigarettes in hand. Eddie is sure the young boy is having a mild heart attack at that moment. Having a beautiful girl introduce you to a band you love? That can do a number on any guy.

“ The one over there is Pete, he’s our bassist. He’s a dumbass but we all love him. “

Pete looks up from his beer, tattooed arms flexing as he places the can on the table in front of him. “ Shut up, Lucy.” He doesn’t say it with malice though, there’s a smile on his face that makes him look way softer than one would assume with his tall build and his broad shoulders. He looks intimidating, Eddie can admit that much. Looks like a guy that would call him a freak, maybe even spit at him or give him a black eye. The smile he puts on for Lucy, clearly shows a different side though. And anyway, who is he for judging a book by its cover?

“ Those two are Sam and Chris. Do not mention art or human rights to them because they will pull you into a multiple hour conversation about those topics that you can not escape from. Love that about them. “

Sam, the girl, has hair just as red as that of Eddie’s neighbor and Dustin’s friend Max. She’s tall and slender and her skin is so pale it’s almost paperwhite. She reminds Eddie of the illustrations in one of the fairytale books his mom always used to read him as a kid. He remembers pictures of pixies or fairies or something, and they looked exactly like Sam.

The guy that Lucy called Chris, is halfway laying on top of Sam, his head resting on her legs, his legs dangling over the end of the couch. His dark hair falls messily over his face, as he throws Eddie and Dustin a friendly wave. “ Don’t listen to her, it’s all lies and slander.”

Eddie gives him a nod in understanding. Part of him yearns for this, the kind of friendship these people clearly seem to have. One that comes with friendly banter and insults never meant to harm, always just to bring a smile. It’s been a long time since he’s had a proper friend that he could trust. Sure he has the band and, as much as he hates to admit it, he has Steve and Robin and the kids now. But years of abandonment have left him wondering if all those friendships, all those connections are just circumstantial. Would they still be his friends if it weren’t for working together or the shared trauma they all experienced?

“ You not gonna introduce me to your new friends or what ? I am hurt. “ A guy slides up beside Lucy and ruffles her dark curls, making her scrunch her nose in annoyance.

Looking at this guy feels a little strange to Eddie. He’s undeniably charming, he can tell that much already. He’s got that smirk perfected. This guy exudes confidence, mischief, some kind of unwillingness to conform to anyone’s ideals. The same way Eddie tries to. Only this guy still has the looks to go with it. The shiny golden hair, just messy enough to look effortless. The bright blue eyes. The smirk. A well planned, neatly curated image of organized chaos.

When he was a kid, Wayne used to take Eddie to the Hawkins fair every summer. He wasn’t tall enough to go on most of the rides yet but they often went into the curiosity cabinet. There was one wall covered in these strange mirrors, the ones that are weirdly shaped. They make you look taller or shorter or twist your body in crazy shapes. You know it’s you in there, you but different. That’s what it feels like looking at that guy. He looks nothing like Eddie but there’s something so oddly familiar about him and the energy he exudes. Maybe this is the kind of guy Eddie could’ve been if life hadn’t dealt him such shitty cards.

“ Ah man, and here I thought I could get through the introductions without mentioning you. “

“ Can’t get rid of me baby. Never. “

“ Yeah that’s what I’m afraid of. “

After placing a kiss on Lucy’s cheek the guy turns towards Eddie and Dustin.

“ Name’s Lucky, I play guitar. ‘s nice to meet you.” he says and shakes Eddie’s hand

“ Yeah, you too. I’m Eddie, this is Dustin. “

Lucky’s glance shifts towards the younger boy, a goofy smile playing on his lips.

“ Good to meet you, Dustin. You want a drink? We got beer over here but we got Whiskey in the back if you prefer that.“

“ He’s 15, dude. Back off.”

“ Was trying to be friendly, no worries. “

But Eddie does worry. Always. Even if he doesn’t show it. He’s a worrier deep down. He’s well aware that his worry is at best misplaced and at worst extremely hypocritical. Was he drinking at 15? Absolutely. He was doing much worse. But isn’t that his job as an honorary older brother? To make sure Dustin makes better choices. To be the voice of reason he never had.

And anyway, if someone offers Dustin his first proper drink, it’ll be him. Maybe Harrington if he asks nicely.

“ Lucky’s an idiot but sadly he’s also my best friend so —” Lucy trails off and shrugs her shoulders for a lack of anything else to say.

“ Hey, where’s your brother. Still need to introduce him. “

The mischievous tint in Lucky's eyes vanishes as the words leave Lucy’s lips. “ Oh Jack, he uh — “ he starts then nods towards the corner of the room “ he’s phoning home. “

“ Oh.”

“ Yeah.”

There’s a shift in the air, like all the fun and excitement has suddenly been sucked away. It’s a heavy kind of silence that settles upon them. Something unspoken is happening, something heavy. Something neither Dustin nor Eddie are in on.

He lets his eyes wander towards the corner of the room where the man in question leans against the wall next to a payphone. The receiver of the phone is clutched in his hand so tightly, it looks painful. Eddie is sure that guy’s knuckles must be turning white as hard as he holds onto that receiver. As if it’s his fucking lifeline or something.

Jack looks like a rockstar. He’s got messy blond hair that goes down to his chin and looks like it hasn’t been properly combed in a while. He looks messy in general, but not dirty. More like he’s lived a lot of life in a short amount of time. There’s a certain edge to him, he looks tired, pissed off, exhausted. He looks sad.

Though he seems to be involved in a heated phone conversation, Eddie can’t help but notice that Jack’s eyes are focused somewhere else entirely. They’re stuck on her. On the girl in the fur coat. The coat she is still wearing even though it’s hot inside. Everyone’s kinda sweaty and just the thought of wearing anything more than his flimsy old flannel makes Eddie start to perspire.

Jack’s eyes are literally glued to her every move and Eddie can’t fault him for that, she’s — enchanting.

“ Okay, whatever. Come on you guys, let me get you some drinks.” Lucy shakes him from his thoughts and pulls both Eddie and Dustin towards the table where a bunch of bottles are set up.

“ Again, he’s 15, he can’t have beer.“ Eddie remarks as Lucy holds out ice cold cans of beer to both him and the younger boy. Dustin only gives him an annoyed scowl. Honestly, he can’t blame him but the idea of bringing home an intoxicated Dustin from a concert he wasn’t even supposed to be at and facing the consequences of that choice, makes him overthink everything. He really can’t be arsed to get another lecture from Harrington.

“ Ah c’mon, He’s not a baby anymore. Let him life a little, it’s just one beer. It’s basically water. And I promise I’ll make sure no one else gives him another drink. Cross my heart.“

Eddie glances at the cans in Lucy’s hand then at Dustin who’s looking at him, lips pulled into a slight pout. No way in hell is he ever gonna admit this to anyone, but Dustin has him wrapped around his little finger. He sees so much of himself in the young boy. He remembers what it was like being the weird kid. The one that’s too loud, too passionate about stuff, too excitable, too — much.

Eddie had to do it all alone. Push through the limbo of teenage angst while trying to figure out who he is and making a place for himself in this world.

He’s still not entirely sure but maybe this is a good start. Maybe he’s meant to be that person for Dustin. The one never had growing up.

“ Alright okay, one beer! That’s it, one beer. Alright ?”

The bright smile pulling at the corner of his lips tells him he made the right call here, it’s just one fucking beer, what harm can it possibly do?

“ Okay cool. Oh, I’m about to do Sam’s and Chris's hair, do you wanna come, hang out with us? I promise we’re so much cooler than the rest of the guys,” an excited Lucy blabbers a mile a minute while softly touching the curls on Dustin’s head. “ I love what you did to your hair, dude.”

Dustin takes a sip from the can and scrunches his face up in disgust, though he’s quick to put up a front as she glances towards Eddie, his eyes almost asking for permission. Eddie only shrugs his shoulders in reply. This is a rock show, he’s done enough chaperoning already. He should be allowed to enjoy himself a little bit without him looking over his shoulders and watching her every move. And what kind of friend would Eddie be if he stopped Dustin from hanging out with two gorgeous older girls who are also rockstars.

It’s not like there is any ulterior motive to it. It’s all fun and innocent and Lucy seems nice enough not to have Eddie worry too much about letting Dustin hang out with her.

Now by himself, Eddie leans against the beverage table and lets his mind wander. He remembers the first time he went to a show with an incredible fondness. He had just turned 13 and his dad was out of jail for a moment. And Frank Munson decided it was time to show the younger boy some good ass music. His words, not Eddie’s. So he took his son to a rock show at some sleazy dive bar in Lafayette. The band was absolute shit but that wasn’t all it was about. It was the liberation that came with it. It was that one fleeting moment that he and his estranged dad could connect without saying a word to each other. He felt alive that night in the company of so many who found themselves in the music.

“ He your kid or your brother? “ a gruff voice speaks up. It’s rough and dark and smokey, like sandpaper and gravel.

Jack, the singer, leans against the table next to Eddie. He takes one last drag from a cigarette, throws the butt into an empty beer can and then immediately lights the next one.

“ He’s uh — he’s a friend but I think I might have adopted him unofficially. “

“ Ah — yeah, thought you looked a bit young to be a dad. “

“ Thanks, I guess.”

“ How old are you anyway, like 21 or something ? “

“ Sure. “

If this guy believes he’s 21 then Eddie sure as hell is not gonna tell him otherwise. And really he’s not that far off.

“ Heard Lucy snuck you in, huh ? “

Jack doesn’t look at Eddie, his voice gives nothing away. No judgment, no anger no nothing.

“ I uh — yeah. That a problem ?“

“ Hey man, “ Jack says and gives Eddie a slap on the back “ I don’t give a shit, honestly. It’s not like we get a lot of cash from playing this dump. The owner is a shithead. “

“ So I’ve heard. He sounds like a real asshole. “

“ Ain’t that the truth. Look, I don’t mind you guys sneaking in. You guys care about my band, you wanna hear us play. That’s enough for me, to be honest. You’re here for the music and that’s all I can ask for. “

“ Dustin got me into your music, left one of his tapes in my van. One of your songs was on it. The one about the storm. “

“ Thunder on my mind. “

“ Yeah that one. It’s good. “

“ Thanks. “

“ Don’t let Dustin know she got me into your music though, I got a reputation to uphold. He thinks I’m the music guy in our friend group.“

“ Oh sure, my lips are sealed. “ Jack nods and holds out his beer for Eddie to clink their cans together in some sort of mutual understanding.

The sound of laughter coming from the other side of the room makes them both turn their heads. She’s over in the corner, with her fur coat still on, sunglasses now perched on the top of her head. The tall guy, Pete?, he’s with her animatedly talking about one thing or another. She’s smiling, laughing. She’s — god, she’s hot.

“ Who’s that ? “ he inquires nodding his head towards the girl.

Jack scoffs, takes a drink from his beer and for a moment he’s quiet. Like he’s contemplating some deep answer to one of humanity's most complicated questions. His eyes are glued to her again, like they’ve been most of the night. Eddie wonders if there’s history there. If maybe he should forget about every single thought he’s wasted on this girl. Maybe this is playing with fire. Is it really worth getting burned ?

“ That’s Miss Peony June. “

“ Fuck off, that’s not her name.” Eddie scoffs. Now, to be honest, he was expecting this girl to have a unique name. Having an ordinary name would not fit her at all. But Peony ? No one’s called Peony.

“ Oh it’s her name alright. Is it the one her parents gave her ? Doubt it, but it’s the one she chose. It’s her name now. “

“ So what’s her deal ? “

“ Let me give you some advice, kid. When it comes to Peony, don’t even bother asking any questions. You won’t end up getting any answers anyway. “ Jack replies then sighs “ trust me on that one.”

He wants to ask questions though. So many of them. The answers though, Eddie wants to get them from her, not Jack, not Lucy. Those answers should come from her because he doubts anyone else can answer them truthfully.

“ Is she a groupie or something like that ? “

“ Oh boy, she’s not a groupie, don’t let her hear you say that. She’s — man Peony is …. “ Jack trails off, eyes still focusing intensely on her as if she’s the only person in this room. As if the surroundings, the people, the noise, all of it melts away. There’s just her.

In that moment, Eddie is sure there’s history there.

“ Ayo, Jack. Come help us set up. “ the blonde guy, Lucky, calls out while pushing a shiny black road case towards the stage.

“ Hey man, we’re one man short, our roadie Danny is uh — he got caught doing shit the government doesn’t want us to do so he’s a bit preoccupied right now. You mind lending us a hand getting set up ? “

Eddie never considered himself particularly good at anything. Quite the contrary actually, everything he touches he seems to fuck up royally. Working at a fucking pizza parlour after just about making it through high school on his 3rd try, that’s only a clear proof of his inability to — well to amount to anything really.

But the one thing he knows he’s good at, is music and anything to do with it. His heart is an amp, his blood is made of chaotic guitar riffs. He loves being surrounded by musicians, by equipment, by instruments.

Pushing around road cases and helping the band set up for their show tonight, he’s fairly sure he can manage that at least.

“ Sure, just tell me what to do. I have a band of my own so I think I got this.“

And suddenly, without even noticing it, Eddie is slowly becoming part of something special.

Even if it’s just a one time thing

Even if it’s just for tonight.

A sizzling fills the air as the band gets ready to go on stage. They huddle up together, yell and chant words of encouragement. They’re all included in the huddle, the band, Lucy, their Manager who Eddie has found out is named Reid, even Peony June. Everyone except some girls that are apparently not part of this friend group, and him and Dustin. Though Dustin is so fascinated and enchanted by all of it he doesn’t even have it in her to feel left out.

Eddie does though. It’s not that he wants them to include him in this per se, he just wishes he had something like this in his life. A place where he feels like he belongs. People to trust. A place, a family. Something bigger than himself. Something true.

“ So are we going into the crowd ? “ Dustin asks no one in particular.

“ No kid, not tonight. Tonight we’re staying side-stage. “ Peony answers as she breaks away from the circle and grabs Dustin’s hand to pull him to the side of the stage where they can look out into the crowd but be shielded from the eyes looking back at them. Lucy taps Eddie’s arm then beckons him to follow. And he does.

The crowd gets louder and louder with every second ticking away. It’s not a huge crowd but it’s a dedicated one. Maybe you don’t need to play a show for 80 000 people for it to be memorable, maybe all that matter is that the people who are there give a fuck.

Sam goes on stage first to sit behind her shiny red drum set, then Pete, Chris, Lucky. And then a hush falls over the crowd, like they’re all holding their breath in anticipation. Jack takes a big breath then opens his eyes and steps into the light. And the crowd is his from that moment on.

Eddie turns to look at Dustin and when he catches sight of the smile on his face he knows he made the right decision coming here tonight. There’s the magic of a good concert written all over his face. Everyone is feeling it, Dustin, the band, the crowd — most of all Eddie.

Next to him, Peony twirls and jumps and dances, her lips moving along with every word, her hips shaking in rhythm with every note. This is where she belongs, Eddie thinks. He’s not had a single proper conversation with her but of that, he is sure. This is her stage even if she doesn’t know it.

“ You guys always watch them play from side stage ? “ Eddie asks and leans closer to Lucy to make himself heard over the loud music.

“ No, “ she says and glances towards Peony “ only on good days. Only when her and Jack are — well things are complicated. When she’s mad at him we go into the crowd. Think she likes watching him search the crowd for her. “

It sends a tiny pang straight to his heart, which he knows is fucking silly. He doesn’t know this girl at all and it was pretty obvious there’s something going on between her and Jack, whatever that may be. It’s dumb to feel some kind of borderline jealousy about it. And yet …

“ Are they a thing ? “

Lucy sighs and contemplates for a moment before answering.

“ Look, it’s not my place to air their dirty laundry or anything. And anyway, I don’t even know much. Things are complicated. They’re both — they’re both broken people. Think that’s why they gravitate towards each other so much. “

Eddie wants to know more. He wants to know so much more but Lucy pats his back and tells him she’s gonna go get another drink. He can’t very well follow her; that would just be a bit intrusive, slightly creepy. So he doesn’t. He lets himself get sucked back into the magic of Rock n’ Roll. Of good songs. Loud crowds. The unity that comes with sharing the same love for the music.

And he watches her, Peony, twirling and dancing and smiling as if no pain has ever reached her heart, ever.

Everyone is sweaty after the show. Sweaty, exhausted and absolutely high on adrenaline. Dustin is tired and Eddie knows he should be well on his way home right now but he just doesn’t wanna let go yet. So when the band asks him if he’d be able to help them pack up, he agrees. Maybe he can hold onto this night for just a little longer.

“ So, Eddie. Since our roadie Danny can’t come on tour, you fancy joining us ? We could use some help, ‘specially since it’s our first proper tour and you’ve got experiebnce. “ The big guy, Pete, asks as they load a road case into a van.

He is dumbfounded. This is not something he’s expected. He says it so nonchalantly as if it’s not a life changing choice. Probably because to Pete, it isn’t. To Eddie though, that would change everything. At least for the time being. Once the tour is over life would shift back into normality. But for a few months he could be — well more than he is now.

But can he really let himself get lost in this fantasy of a life on the road with a legit rock band ?

“ I don’t know, man. I appreciate the offer but …”

“ No worries. I totally get it. You got a life to live, people waiting. It’s all good. “

And what a life that is. Delivering pizza to people who don’t tip. Coming home to a trailer that’s empty because his uncle loves him so much he works himself to death so he can give Eddie a good life.

One day, when Wayne is gone and Dustin is old enough to leave Hawkins, he’ll be all alone. And that’s not something he wants to think about.

“ Yeah. yeah. Right. “

Looking for Dustin, Eddie spots him sitting on the sofa next to Peony, who’s still wearing her red coat like a badge of honor. Like her very own personal uniform. A smirk finds its way onto Eddie’s lips. Leave it to the kid to charm all the ladies in here.

“ Oh fuck those people. You know what, Dustin? That’s good! You need to have dreams. Passion and drive and ambition. “

He can hear the passion in Peony’s words as she monologues to the kid. He doesn’t wanna interrupt or intrude on their conversation but he feels this invisible pull and it’s too hard to fight back against it. So he walks closer and closer before slumping down on the opposite couch.

“ You need goals and something that keeps you going. Dreams are — they are so important. Please never let go of them. Never stop chasing them. “

Dustin is glued to her every word as if this girl is opening doors and kicking down fences he didn’t even know existed.

“ What are your dreams ? “ he asks and Peony just regards him with a soft smile. One that seems completely genuine but one that holds an edge of weariness, of pain that a smile so young shouldn’t know.

“ I just want to be seen. “

When Peony says those words, she pulls her eyes away from the girl and lets them connect with Eddie’s for a split second before her gaze falls on something behind him. Someone behind him.

Eddie doesn't have to turn around to figure out what she’s regarding so intensely. It’s written on her face, her eyes, her lips, the little scrunch of her nose. The longing.

He hopes Jack knows that she looks at him this way. He hopes he reciprocates that same look. Because she deserves to be seen.

“ That why you’re wearing the coat ? “ his mouth is faster than his brain and the words leave his lips without his conscience really signing off on that decision.

“ No, “ she smirks, “ that’s because I look good in it.”

For some reason Eddie doubts that there’s anything she doesn’t look good in.

“ What’s your name again? “

“ Eddie. “

“ I’m Peony. Peony June. “

Eddie smirks at her “ that’s not your real name. “

“ Yes it is. “

“ Your parents named you Peony ? “

“ No. I did. I find it insanely presumptuous of my parents to assume they can choose what kind of person I am going to be by forcing a name on me at birth. I should get to decide my own life, my own fate. My dreams, ambitions, passions. So my first step into complete liberation was choosing my own name. I am Peony June, that is who I am and who I want to be. Is that alright with you ? “

Though there’s an edge to her words, she smiles a genuine smile. He wants to see her smile more often.

“ Fair enough. “

“ Good. “

“ Henderson, “ Eddie addresses the boy “ we should go. It’s getting late. “

They get up, Dustin makes the rounds saying goodbye to the people he’s spent one magical night around, as Eddie looks back at the wonderful mess that is Miss Peony June.

“ You’re not coming on tour with us ?” she asks.

“ Huh ? “

“ Pete and Jack said they were gonna ask you to come along as a roadie. Reid, their manager, said it’s fine with him. “

“ Oh they asked but — life. You know ? “

She smiles again and shakes her head slightly, almost unnoticeable.

“ I don’t, actually. But I wish you all the best. “

“ Yeah, thanks. You too. “

He really wishes her the best, but something tells him that the world has not much kindness to give to someone like her. Who deserves so much. It’s always the people who deserve a lot that end up with very little in the end.

The trailer is quiet as Eddie arrives back home. Wayne’s fold-out bed is stored in the corner of the living space. Sad and old and not meant for a man to sleep on who already has a bad back.

Sometimes Eddie wonders how Wayne manages to not resent him, at least a little bit. He could’ve had a life. A family. Hell, he could’ve had a room with a proper bed, if it wasn’t for Eddie. If it wasn’t for his mom dying and his dad taking off. Wayne could’ve had a life if it wasn’t for other people’s burdens.

He’s about to settle into his room, when his eyes fall back onto the floor and that stain that they’ve been unable to fully get out of the carpet no matter how much they scrubbed.

The blood. Chrissy’s blood.

He’s doing a good job, pushing all that stuff to the back of his mind but sometimes, when it’s really quiet and he’s alone and closes his eyes, he sees her face. Pain-stricken, scared, dead. It’s a sight he will never be able to forget.

That was the moment his life changed forever. Sure he has been acquitted and people know it wasn’t him. Doesn’t mean they all necessarily believe it. The truth doesn’t mean much in a town like Hawkins. He’s the kid who was accused of murder and he always will be.

Sometimes he wishes he could just leave, just for a moment. Go somewhere people don’t know him. Not him, not Wayne, not Chrissy. No one.

Not forever just for a moment. To finally breathe. Because it feels like he hasn’t done that since the moment the Cheerleader stepped foot into his trailer.

That’s enough. It’s been enough for a long time but today the string finally rips in two. He can’t stay here any longer. He needs to get out. He needs to get out. He —

Sometimes, and those times are really rare, life gives you a chance. A way out. And it’s on you to reach out and grab it.

This is Eddie’s time to reach out. And reach out he does.

And grab it.

And hold on so tightly as if his life depends on it.

The van is still parked at the back entrance of the Loud Room, a group of people mingling around it, the ambers at the ends of their cigarettes the only things illuminating the night.

Eddie’s boots create a crunching sound as he steps across the gravel and towards the group.

He hopes this isn’t a colossal mistake but as Peony has said, sometimes it’s on you to decide where your life is supposed to go and what kind of person you want to be.

All Eddie knows is that he doesn’t want to be the person he is right now anymore.

“ Hey. “ he says and lifts his hand in greeting as he steps closer towards the crowd.

“ Eddie. “ Jack says and takes a drag from his cigarette “ forget something ? “

“ I uh — no. I was wondering if the offer still stands ?”

Jack hesitates for a moment, takes a slow drag from the cigarette then focuses an intense stare on the boy. That’s until he cracks and his lips are pulled into a wide smile. “ Absolutely. Get your stuff on the bus, boy. America is waiting for you. “

Eddie looks at them all, takes in their welcoming smiles, their nods of encouragement. All he wants to see though, is her.

And when he does, his heart does a little flutter. Maybe playing with fire will be worth it after all.

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