#but we were stopped when a great big ship appeared right over our heads and everything went black
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Catching Things in Zero-G
“Reach over the border,” Captain Sunlight directed the Frillian twins. “Make sure they’re touching the floor when they cross into gravity.”
I watched from well out of the way as Blip and Blop nodded, holding muscular arms out for the oncoming guests. No one here was new to gravity fluctuations, but that didn’t mean they were fun.
The first person to cross from the damaged ship to ours was a bright red Heatseeker whose name I’d forgotten. He stumbled a bit on landing, grateful for the assistance. Blip and Blop released his hands when he was stable, looking like parents helping their lizardy toddler off a swing set.
Hard on his heels was Bopburt, the big gray Strongarm whose name I did remember (along with his extreme and hilarious dislike for pizza, from when I’d talked him into trying it that one time). I’d worked briefly on that ship before getting a more long-term position on this one. Nobody had changed since then. Bopburt was still a bigger octopus alien than the Strongarms on our ship. He was surprisingly talented at navigating in zero-g, though.
“No need,” he said, waving a tentacle at the waiting hands. He launched off the wall and landed with a splat just on this side of the seam between airlocks. “Thanks, though. They’ll want help with the cargo. Ah, here we go.”
He tentacle-walked over to stand near me as several other crewmates appeared at the hatch with an expensive-looking shipping crate. I couldn’t tell how heavy the thing was about to be, but it was a cube about the size of the bedside table in my quarters, and it shimmered with pearlescence. Even the label on the top was embossed in gold, matching the seam around the edges. Four different crewmates worked together to guide it oh-so-gently toward our ship.
“What’s in it?” I asked Bopburt. “Do you know?”
He made a rude noise. “Clients wouldn’t say. Rich jerks.”
Captain Sunlight watched with concern. “Is it heavy? Should we get a hoversled?”
“No, just don’t drop it.”
“Right.”
There were far too many people involved already, so we just watched as the whole procession made their way awkwardly through the airlock. Captain Kamm showed up during all this, along with the rest of their crew waiting to cross over. She and Captain Sunlight started a conversation over everyone else’s heads.
It was getting crowded. I moved back toward the hallway, where a few of my own crewmates had gathered to greet the guests. It’d been a while since we’d seen our sister ship, and while a damaged gravity generator wasn’t the best of circumstances, it was still nice to visit.
A furry shape trotted past my ankle. I scooped up the cat before she could get in the way. “Hang on there, Telly. You don’t want to get stepped on. I know it all smells new and interesting.”
Telly ignored me, watching the proceedings with great interest. Her mismatched eyes were wide, and she didn’t react when I ruffled her two-toned fur. This was more focus than new arrivals usually got. She hadn’t run out the airlock yet, but there’s always a first. I kept a close eye on her.
“What kind of animal is that?” Bopburt asked, looking up at the tense shape in my arms.
“A cat,” I said. “Humans keep them for companionship and…”
Telly was chattering — that distinct “I see prey” noise.
I turned toward the hall, but too late. She launched off with a kick to my ribs and flashed toward the gravity barrier.
“Telly, no!” I exclaimed, like that had stopped any cat ever.
Some crewmates looked up at me while others jumped aside with startled noises. Blip nearly caught her, which was pretty impressive honestly, but Telly jumped right past and into the other ship. She immediately careened toward the far wall, meowing and clawing at the air.
“Sorry, I’ll get her!” I dodged through the crowd. “I don’t know what she’s going after.” I ignored the conversation behind me and dove into the zero-g. It was just as disorienting as it always was, but I was heading in the right direction.
I caught up to Telly in midair where she’d bounced off the wall and been unable to catch anything with her claws. Those claws immediately tore into my sleeves, leaving more than one scratch that would probably need to get patched up, but I was busy offering comforting noises as I focused on holding her close with my arms while getting my feet into position to hit the wall.
I landed gently, making sure to take it slow before pushing back off, and in that half-breath pause, I saw something skitter past. “Ah!”
“What is it?” called Captain Sunlight.
“Something moved!” said, trying to look for it while shuffling the cat to get an arm free, and also searching for a handhold before I drifted away from the wall. I found a little hook that had probably held decorations once, and that was good enough. I clutched it tight. Telly tried to scramble onto my shoulder. I did my best to hold her in place. The creature had disappeared.
But Telly was chattering again, looking at the ceiling.
Somebody shouted about wire-eating pests. More people were coming back over the gravity barrier, a jumble of motion and urgent conversation about which tools had the best shot at catching something so fast.
“That’s why the gravity’s out! I knew it wouldn’t fail suddenly!”
“Do gravity wands work in zero-g?”
“Better to use a stun gun. Just nobody shoot anyone else.”
“What about that net in the cargo hold? We could—”
I tuned it all out when I spotted the thing Telly was chattering at. It was a flat little silvery beastie with lots of tiny legs and segmented plates on its back, every bit the kind of thing I could see wreaking havoc in the guts of a spaceship. It clung to the ceiling with stillness that could break into astonishing speed in an eyeblink.
The wall below it had pipes sticking out, curving into the living space in the type of ship design that was a little unsightly but immensely useful right now.
With one hand firmly holding Telly against my shoulder and the other on the hook, I turned in the zero-g until I could stick a foot through the loop of pipes. Then I used both hands to grab Telly, holding her out in front of me as I did a sit-up toward the ceiling. “Get it, girl!”
Telly didn’t disappoint. The thing saw her coming and tried to dash away, but she twisted in my grasp to launch off my wrist in a way that was incredibly painful but worth it. She snatched it off the ceiling and brought it to her mouth with a crunch of exoskeleton that I could hear from there.
Then she dropped it, shaking her head in comical disgust as the crowd cheered. Somebody caught it easily. I caught Telly before she could fully realize she was drifting again. After that, it was just a matter of making my way back to gravity without use of my arms. I ended up crowd-surfing, which wasn’t my plan at all, but everyone was appreciative and eager to help.
When I got my feet back under me, the first thing I did was find Eggskin the medic. “Was that safe for her to bite? She doesn’t usually react like that.” Telly wasn’t trying to jump free, busy licking a paw with vigor.
“Yes, I remember it from her original bio scans,” Eggskin told me. “Definitely on the safe list. These are a known pest with a strong flavor. They’re actually a sought-after delicacy in some circles.”
Eggskin was also the cook, which had seemed strange when I first joined the crew, but it made perfect sense these days.
“Oh good,” I said. “All right, kitty, great job. I’ll get you some treats to take the taste out of your mouth, okay?”
Captain Kamm appeared at my elbow, standing on the tips of her tentacles to get a good look at Telly. “Does your little predator like fish?”
“She does!” I said.
“Then we will be happy to reward her with some.” She waved a tentacle at a maroon-and-teal Frillian who was carrying a mesh bag of various things. “It’s the least we can do after she caught the source of our woes. Thank all the stars that it’s a small one, not old enough to spawn more.”
“Hey captain!” someone yelled. “There’s a gap in the seam of that expensive crate! And the bio-scanner shows traces of droppings!”
“More excellent news,” Captain Kamm said with an angry smile.
Captain Sunlight asked, “That crate has a scanner block, doesn’t it? No way to scan for hitchhikers.”
“Oh yes it does,” Captain Kamm confirmed. “How kind of that pest to leave its droppings by the hole where we can detect and record them.”
“They signed a waiver, right?”
“Oh yes.”
When I realized that the rich jerks had set themselves up for paying to repair the gravity generator that their negligence had damaged, I broke into a grin as well. “Such great news!”
Telly moved again, making me tighten my grip instinctively, but it was just to get at the tray of fish chunks that the Frillian was holding out. I took the tray and held it for Telly to eat from. She made some adorable happy noises.
“So you were about to say,” Bopburt said, “That humans keep these creatures for companionship and, and I think I’ve figured out the other thing.”
“Yup,” I agreed. “Valuable predator services.”
“You’re bleeding a bit there.”
“Ah, it’s not the first time. Worth it.”
~~~
The ongoing backstory adventures of the main character from this book. More to come! And I am currently drafting a sequel!
#my writing#The Token Human#humans are weird#hfy#haso#humans are space orcs#science fiction#writeblr#writblr#cats#in spaaace#zero-gravity#originally I was going to have Eggskin offer to cook the 'delicacy' for Captain Kamm#but they'll want to keep it as evidence#so it's going in the fridge#that's probably suspended-animation technology#it'll keep
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A Behind the Scenes of: Eddie and Steve's Wedding
Together with Eddie and Steve themselves, Jonathan takes a look at their unlawful wedding from 1992.
On AO3.
Ships: Steddie (and other background)
Warnings: homophobia mention
~~~~~~~~~~~
“Hi, I’m Jonathan Byers, the main photographer and editor of A Collection of Queer Photography. And today Eddie and Steve are with me to look at their illegal wedding in ‘92,” Jonathan starts the video.
“Hellu everybody,” Eddie grins happily into the camera, keeping up the energy he had in the video about Corroded Coffin.
“Hi,” Steve greets a little more reserved. He has his glasses on and a soft sweater, while his hair is still perfectly styled. There are laugh lines around his eyes as well as a few wrinkles on his forehead.
Steve now has his own mic, but that doesn’t stop him and Eddie from being pressed so close together that they could have shared one.
“The wedding is from page 130 to 137,” Jonathan says. “The way we built it up when putting it in was starting with the moment before the ceremony, then the wedding itself, then the after wedding nice pictures, before ending with the after wedding party.”
“And boy did we party,” Eddie grins.
“Of course we did,” Steve comments a little bitchily. “It was our wedding. We’re not going to have a boring wedding.”
Jonathan rolls his eyes fondly at the couple as he flips open the book and says: “Page 130 has Pre-Wedding Jitters on it, taken, of course, in 1992.”
The photo is of Eddie and Wayne. They’re both in suits and Eddie is fidgeting nervously with the cuff link, while Wayne is straightening Eddie’s tie. He looks like he’s in the midst of an anxious rant to Wayne, who is attempting to soothe him. They both have a flower pinned to their lapel as well as one stuck in Eddie’s ponytail.
Almost in sync, Eddie and Steve lean over to see the photo. Eddie blushes while Steve melts and comments: “Ahw you were so cute in your little suit with Wayne.”
Eddie’s smile turns a little wistful at the mention of his uncle and he says: “He’s the reason my tie was on right. I- I still don’t know how to do it. He always used to and now Stevie here does.”
Steve hugs him tightly leaning his head on Eddie’s shoulder for a second, before easing up again after he promises that he’ll always be here to do it. Eddie leans back into him and says: “You better, big boy.”
“It’s such a sweet moment,” Jonathan agrees with them. “I’m really happy I caught it. I also think it’s really funny and says a lot about the two of you that Eddie was anxiously ranting while Wayne fiddled with his outfit, while Steve was fiddling with his outfit while being ranted at in Big Day Pep-Talk on the other page here.”
Big Day Pep-Talk appears on screen. It is of Steve and Robin on it. They are also both dressed in suits with flowers pinned to them. Steve is wiping imaginary dust of his front, while Robin has both her hands on his shoulders and looks at him intently. She is talking to Steve, who is seemingly nodding along, unable to help worrying his lip between his teeth.
At that Eddie and Steve snort as Steve shrugs: “What can I say, I know what it takes to always look good.”
“I do it effortlessly, though,” Eddie teases.
“With your team of stylists, Mr. Rockstar,” Steve quips right back. Both of them are grinning happily, their snippy back and forth a big part of their relationship that neither of them takes to heart.
“You got me there,” Eddie laughs, before turning to the photo. “You and Robs make a great team, I’m glad she talked you out of getting cold feet.”
“I didn’t get cold feet,” Steve protests, before looking away. “I just maybe needed to hear it again that you would show up.”
“Of course I would show up,” Eddie says, almost affronted.
“You both showed up,” Jonathan sighs. “I don’t know why you two always need to rehash this argument. Both of you were nervous and both of you did it and you’re happy now.”
“It’s nice to repeat it sometimes,” Eddie says.
“You wouldn’t get it,” Steve immediately backs him up, dropping their argument.
Jonathan sighs, but doesn’t go into it and also doesn’t really look bothered. Instead he says: “I think these two match very well. Wayne and Robin are the most important people to you and I think it’s nice that you got to have them as back up and that the two of you mirrored each other subconsciously.”
“Hell yeah,” Eddie cheers, holding up his hand for a high five that Steve obliges happily while Jonathan flips the page.
“Okay, the concept for page 132 and 133 was to have both of you seeing each other on page 132, so walking the aisle and then page 133 had the vows and you walking back down the aisle. So the two pages are kind of the ceremony itself,” Jonathan explains. “First photo is Seeing the Groom, which is of Steve seeing Eddie.”
The photo that appears is of Steve standing in the backyard of the Hopper-Byers house. A homemade altar has been constructed behind which is Hopper, smiling proudly in his suit. On the left side is Gareth, waiting as Eddie’s best man. Robin is behind Steve on the right, squeezing his shoulder as she looks teary-eyed at whatever is happening behind the camera. The real focus of the photograph is, Steve, who is smiling so brightly it seems to split his face in two, tears sliding down his face as he cries. He seems to glow from within and breathless by what he is seeing.
“I loved seeing Steve so much,” Eddie sighs dreamily at the photo. “I mean, he’s so handsome and he cried. He told me he wouldn’t cry, but he did.”
“Of course I cried,” Steve exclaims. “I was going to marry you and you looked beautiful. Plus, you cried too.”
“Yeah, but I never denied I was going to cry like a bitch,” Eddie points out.
“No comment,” Steve says, before turning to Jonathan and asking: “So, what are your insights here?”
Jonathan shakes his head with a smile, before he starts: “I like that it seems everybody is revolving around Steve and his anticipation. Like, it is very clear that Steve is the center of the photo, but even more than that, it is who Steve is watching. There is this anticipation that underlines it all that I’m pretty proud of.”
“You were very anticipated, baby,” Steve nudges Eddie with a smile, who returns it tenfold. The two of them scoot closer, impossible as it seems.
“Beyond that, I also like the homemade element that is quite clear here,” Jonathan says. “It kind of contrasts everyone’s clothes and the traditional set up of it all, which indicated the political climate at the time. It could just be an outdoor wedding, but it was homemade because it wasn’t just outdoor, there was no other way to have it.”
“Yeah,” Eddie nods, Steve doing the same. He continues: “I thought getting illegally married was pretty metal of us, but, as much as I am anti-establishment, it would have been nice to do it at a venue and shit. To have catering or a band playing, but we couldn’t take those risks.”
“Exactly,” Steve agrees. “I mean, I always dreamed of having a wedding, settling down with someone. Part of that was my upbringing of course, since I was expected to create an heir for my father’s business and in a small town you can’t have a baby without a marriage, but I also liked the fantasy of it all. This was still one of the best days of my life, but, like Eds said, it would have been nice to have a bigger, nicer wedding. We could afford it, it just wasn’t safe.”
“That really sucked, yeah,” Jonathan says, before he grins. “But the two of you more than made up for it at your wedding in 2015.”
The two of them have matching proud grins and Eddie says: “Yeah, we did.” This time it’s Steve who holds up his hand as Eddie high fives him.
“Corroded Coffin fans probably saw some of the photos of it that were posted online,” Jonathan addresses the audience. “But those who weren’t fans back then, just know that it was as dramatic as ever. The band performed, Eddie wrote a song with extra vows, there were fireworks and Steve’s after party outfit had photos of all their time as couple together on it.”
“It was great,” Steve informs the camera happily.
“It was,” Jonathan agrees, because they know how to throw a party. “Anyway, let’s move onto Walking Down the Aisle, which is right underneath.
The photo that comes on screen is of Eddie being given away by uncle Wayne. They’re walking arm in arm down the aisle. Eddie practically clutching Wayne’s arm tight enough to bruise, though Wayne doesn’t seem to mind if you go of the way he’s smiling. Eddie is crying just as much as Steve is, though he also can’t stop the grin on his face.
“You looked so pretty,” Steve gushes. “I swear I can close my eyes and conjure you in this moment. Burned into my noggin forever.”
“Ahww, baby,” Eddie says, pulling Steve close as he makes big, touched eyes.
Jonathan lets the two of them do their thing as he talks to the camera. “This, like many photos in this book, is another example of queering scenarios that are normally heteronormative moments, which I really love doing. And it’s just a sweet memory as well.”
“We love queering everything,” Eddie cheers, freeing one arm from Steve’s clutches to throw over Jonathan’s shoulder and pull him into the hug as well. Jonathan goes quite willingly and with a smile on his face.
They move onto the next photo, which appears on screen. It is of Eddie and Steve kissing at the altar. Eddie is holding the lapels of Steve’s suit, crinkling the fabric with the force as he pulls Steve close. Steve has one hand on Eddie’s hip, the other wound in Eddie’s ponytail. He is clinging equally close.
“This one is called Declared Husband & Husband,” Jonathan states. “What I like about this is how much you’re both clinging to each other. You just look so genuinely happy to be married, despite everything that’s against to you. Sometimes joy in an image can be really powerful.”
“Ahw, you’re going to make me cry,” Eddie says. “I already cried once about being married to Steve today.”
Steve meanwhile has turned slightly away from the camera and is dabbing at his eyes with his sleeves, before turning back and choking: “I was very happy. I am very happy. I love this photo so much. We have it framed on the hearth.”
“It is a very lovely photo,” Eddie agrees, before he kisses Steve on the cheek. “And I’m happy too, sweetheart.”
Steve melts a little into Eddie’s side, the two of them practically merging into one. Jonathan smiles at them fondly, looking a little proud of himself as well.
“Okay, next photo is Back Down the Aisle,” Jonathan breaks the silence after a brief pause.
Back Down the Aisle is of Eddie shrieking as Steve sweeps him off his feet to carry him down the aisle in a bridal carry. The shriek on his face is mixed with delight as he scrambles to hold onto Steve’s shoulders. Steve is laughing widely as if he knows how much he’ll startle Eddie.
Eddie and Steve lean over to see again. When they do, Steve bursts out into laughter, while Eddie nudges him with his shoulder and exclaims: “You were such an asshole for that,” with a fond grin on his face.
“You loved it,” Steve grins back.
“Yeah, I did,” Eddie smiles dreamily as he starts to playfully squeeze Steve’s upper arm. “My husband, so strong.”
Steve rolls his eyes, before flexing and saying: “Hell yeah, I am.” Due to the sweater, you can’t really see his arms that well, but he is clearly strong, built like heavy weight champions, broad, soft, yet filled with muscle too.
“Oh my god,” Jonathan groans. “Why did I agree to this.”
“Because we’re your friends and you love us anyway?” Eddie suggests, failing to play innocent.
“And because Eds here is great publicity,” Steve adds with a shit eating smirk.
“Fair enough,” Jonathan says as he straightens up and goes back to his task in this whole ordeal, AKA actually talking about the photo. “This is another example of queering the heteronormative, which is bound to be a theme at an illegal gay wedding.”
“Hey,” Eddie interrupts with a pout. “Was it my friendship or am I just a publicity whore to you!”
“Publicity whore,” Jonathan tells him without hesitation. Despite their antics, Eddie and Steve have made him much more comfortable in front of the camera and he’s not afraid to be his own snippy self with them.
“You know what? I deserved that,” Eddie says, though he doesn’t really look hurt. Eddie will always be down to lift the projects of his friends and other people doing good things. Besides, he knows that Jonathan doesn’t really mean it and he’s having a great time.
“Thank you,” Jonathan says pointed, flipping the page.
Then he awkwardly flips it back and says: “I also wanted to add that I love the playfulness of this photo. Especially at the time, weddings were seen by broad society as this important, stiff ceremony. A lot of the time, marriages were also done out of obligation, either to hide a premarital baby, to make alliances, just for financial safety or because it was expected. These moments of joy show how much you two simply like each other and like being around each other. It makes it even more absurd that this wasn’t allowed.”
“Ahww, Jonny-boy, we should've let you do our best man speech,” Eddie jokes to hide the genuine emotion.
“Gareth and Robin would have killed me, not to mention Dustin. No, thanks,” Jonathan shudders as they all laugh.
This time it is for real when Jonathan flips the page and a new photo appears on screen. It is of Eddie and Steve, flanked by Wayne, Hopper and Joyce, remnants of tears on their faces and smiles firmly in place.
Jonathan introduces it: “This is Proud Parents. I really like playing with traditional family shoots in relation to found family and this is a great example of that.”
“These people were more parents than our actual parents anyway. It fits them better,” Eddie comments.
“Yeah, uncle Wayne took both of us in and Jim and Joyce have always been kind of there for me ever since ‘83,” Steve says. He glances at Jonathan, who nods, before he continues: “Will went missing, I also got caught up with the search. It bonds people. If Eddie and Wayne hadn’t already offered me a spot after my parents kicked me out, I would’ve been living with them. They’re the best parents ever.”
“I am very lucky,” Jonathan agrees easily.
“As am I,” Eddie says. “Sure, I got kicked out, but uncle Wayne was the very best. Without him, who knows where I would have ended up.” Eddie is quiet for a second. “I’m really glad we held this wedding, that he could be here for it, since, you know…”
Eddie trails off, but they all know what he meant to say: ‘Because he didn’t live to see our other one.’
They’re all quiet for a moment to commemorate uncle Wayne, who didn’t live to see gay marriage be legalized in the States. Steve is gently rubbing Eddie’s back, he knows it still hurts, no matter how many years have passed. Then Eddie breaks it and asks: “What’s next?”
Jonathan takes his cue to move on and reads out: “The one with Dustin. “I Knew They Would Get Along”.”
“Ah, the smug one,” Eddie and Steve say in sync, before looking at each other and bursting into laughter.
The photo is of Eddie and Steve posing with Dustin. He looks very smug as he stands with the two, while Eddie and Steve seem to be rolling their eyes.
“He was our ring bearer,” Eddie says. “He fought very hard for best man, but I had to give that to Gar and Robs wasn’t going to budge either. Though, he was my best man at our legal wedding. I think Gar is still a little salty about it.”
“Gareth just likes holding grudges over nothing,” Steve comments. “I think he’s still mad at me for that time in ‘98 when I told him I’d bring cookies when I came to watch you guys practice and I forgot. I apologized like three times too.”
“You still know the year that happened?” Eddie asks incredulously.
“I also like holding grudges,” Steve replies, looking away bitchily to which Eddie snorts.
“I have very little to add to this photo,” Jonathan states to get them moving again. “Page 134 are posed photos, so they are less snapshots. I love this one mostly because Dustin can be very smug and Eddie and Steve can be very done with his shit. Fondly, but still. This just show their relationship quite well.”
Jonathan looks back to the page and says: “Last one on page 134 is With the Kids and is just you guys posed with the younger party. Cool to skip that one?”
“Sure,” Eddie agrees easily and Steve also shrugs as he nods. He’s more than happy to let people who are used to being in these sort of settings make decisions like that.
“Okay, page 135 has two I love,” Jonathan says. “They’re more personal reactions, less posed. I got one for each of the grooms, but there are others with other people. These just say a lot. First one is the one that spawned the idea of this video; Lead Singer Gets Hitched.”
It is of Eddie being lifted onto the shoulders of the Corroded Coffin boys. They’re so proud that their emotions out themselves like they’re a bunch of jocks. Jeff and Chris are bearing most of Eddie’s weight while Gareth is just grinning widely as he tries to stabilize a manically laughing Eddie. None of their suits are done up properly and a sense of happiness and pride wafts off the image.
Eddie has a soft, fond grin on his face as he looks at the photo. He looks up after a second and says: “I just love those guys, you know. They’re the best. None of us expected to get married. Me and Gar never dared to dream, because two small gay boys in Bumfuck, Indiana and Jeff and Chris were pushed down their entire lives right besides us for being nerds, metal heads, freaks. I think none of could really believe this was happening. Any of it. It felt amazing, kind of like we made it in a different way than showbiz.”
“This photo reads as such a victory photo, a true celebration, which I think shows that,” Jonathan comments.
“It’s very jock-like,” Steve says. “And I think that’s hilarious. You just scored the winning point at the end of the match, Eds.”
“Let me have this, Stevie,” Eddie pouts with a big smile pulling at the corner of his mouth.
“Of course, baby,” Steve agrees immediately and with ease, kissing the tip of Eddie’s nose as he does, which makes Eddie blush and look away.
Seemingly oblivious to the blushy mess he left Eddie as, Steve turns back to the photo and laughs as he says: “When I saw them do that I was so worried about them. I mean, they’ve done crazy stunts on stage now, but back then they were a little too close to what I had seen in high school PE class. I was so sure they were going to drop Eddie. Take it from someone, who has had multiple concussions, they aren’t fun.”
Eddie has shaken off the blush and teasingly pouts: “We weren’t that bad.”
“Eddie, baby, I love you, but you are almost on Robin’s level,” Steve tells him with the most empathetic voice. “You trip over air regularly and clip into things all the time. Jeff has broken his guitar writing stuff down, Gareth once fell of stage. You fell of stage. Multiple times.”
“That’s showbiz, baby,” Eddie grins, doing jazz hands.
“That’s you being an idiot,” Steve shoots right back, grinning as he shakes his head fondly.
“The next photo is The Groom and His Best Man,” Jonathan interrupts before they can tease-flirt even more.
The Groom and His Best Man is a photo of Robin and Steve. They’re is sitting on the ground, not caring that the grass will likely stain their suits. Robin is sitting on the ground next to Steve, legs thrown over his lap. Their heads are bend together as they admire the ring on Steve’s hand. Robin is smiling softly, while Steve still looks to be in awe, like he still can’t quite believe it.
“Whereas Lead Singer Gets Hitched is a loud celebration, this one is such a quiet awe-filled moment,” Jonathan says. “I really love the juxaposition between them by putting them on the same page, as well as showing how they’re different sides of the same coin. The loud celebration of something you didn’t think you could achieve versus the stunned silence of getting there.”
“You’re right, I couldn’t believe it,” Steve agrees, smiling at the photo. “When I fell in love with Eddie, I mourned a lot of stuff too. They don’t tell you that, but a part of discovering yourself is letting go of a future you’re not going to have. I shouldn’t be complaining, of course, I could still love a woman, so-”
“Hey, no bi erasure, sweetheart,” Eddie interrupts softly, but sternly.
“Ah, sorry,” Steve drops it immediately, giving the camera an apologetic look.
“It’s okay,” Eddie tells him. “What did you want to say?”
“Oh, yes,” Steve gets back on track. “When I fell in love with Eddie, I knew he was it for me and with that came a lot of happiness, but also knowing there were things I wouldn’t get to have. That was pretty rough at first. I grew up believing my future would follow all the steps of school, marriage, home, kids and then I was confronted with the fact that I wouldn't have all that. And that was hard, very hard. I always wanted to settle down, have kids and that just crumbled before my eyes.”
Steve takes a shuddering breath and Eddie pulls him close, softly asking: “You still good to share, doll? You can always back out.”
“I am,” Steve assures him with a small smile, before going on. “It felt like that was gone, but Eddie kind of gave that future back to me. We said screw it, if we want to have that future, we can, even if we have to built it ourselves. This photo is the moment that sank in for me. That I could still have all that and look at me now, I do.”
He looks up and smiles, before going on: “And I’m glad I shared it with Robs, because she was the person that has always been there for me. Who mourned that stuff with me. She knew from a young age that wasn’t in the cards for her and while she never dreamed of it, I know this also gave her a little bit of hope.”
“And she had her glorious gay wedding too,” Jonathan says.
Eddie, meanwhile, has gone teary eyed and quiet as he buries his face in Steve’s shoulder, hiding behind his hair as he wraps himself around Steve. Choked up, he whispers: “I’m glad I could do that for you, Stevie.”
Steve smiles lovingly at Eddie, scratching his scalp as he replies: “I’m glad too. Love you.”
“Love you too,” came Eddie’s muffled reply.
There is a cut, before Jonathan is introducing the next one: “Page 136 has a start of the night, end of the night comparison, while page 137 is what the actual party looked like when the part where people felt that they had to look nice for the pictures was over.”
“AKA the best part of the night,” Eddie quips with a big grin.
“Sure,” Jonathan smiles as he rolls his eyes. “First we have Eddie & Steve Munson, which is at the start of the night when both grooms were still looking handsome.”
“Especially Eddie, isn’t that right, Jonny?” Steve comments, leaning over to look at Jonathan.
“Don’t,” Jonathan says, hiding behind the book.
“What?” Steve replies, acting both innocent and oblivious, with an edge of mean girl shining through. “You had a crush on my husband, can’t I point out how good he looks? You agree, don’t you?”
“Oh my god,” Jonathan groans as he thunks the book against his head. “I should have never let Eddie tell you that. Besides, that was in like ‘89, I was already over it when I took this photo anyway.”
“So you’re saying Eddie isn’t handsome?” Steve asks, biting his lip to contain his laughter, while Eddie hides a giggle behind his hand.
“This feels like a trap,” Jonathan says, his voice sounding forced.
“It is,” Steve tells him cheerily. “So, I’ll let it go. The answer was that he looks very dashing and handsome, as well as very taken and happily married.”
“He does look very happily married,” Jonathan agrees gratefully.
Eddie & Steve Munson, which has been on screen throughout the conversation is taken right after the ceremony. Eddie and Steve are standing, foreheads resting against each other, hands clasped between them. Both of them are smiling as they gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, suits perfectly in tact. A classic wedding picture.
“If I may interject,” Eddie says, saving Jonathan further. “I’d say that Stevie also looks very handsome and happily married.”
“Probably because he is,” Steve replies as he leans in close to Eddie, both of them with love sick looks on their faces as they face one another, their noses practically touching.
Either letting them be or being oblivious to it, Jonathan says: “This is again the queering of a traditional photo and, as mentioned, we juxtaposed it with the less glamorous and socially acceptable end of the night. So, right next to it is Grooms at the End of the Wedding.”
The photo is of the pair. Both of them have lost their suit jacket and tie, Steve has a few buttons undone and his sleeves rolled up, while Eddie’s dress shirt is unbuttoned all the way down, though still tucked into his pants. They both have a beer in their hand and are shitfaced. Eddie’s arm is wrapped around Steve’s waist, Steve’s around Eddie’s shoulder as they grin into the camera.
“As you can see, they’re a lot more disheveled, but what I love is the satisfied looks on their faces, you know,” Jonathan says. “They had a great night and that shines through them.”
Next to him, Steve has put his head on Eddie’s shoulder and Eddie has him pulled tightly to his side, though they’re listening to Jonathan. Steve agrees: “We did have an amazing night.”
“God, it was great,” Eddie reminisces with a big grin on his face. “I was only invited on ragers when I was there to deal – yes, I was a drugs dealer in high school, big wow – so to be at one with people I actually liked and go nuts was amazing and definitely an experience. Not at all comparable to famous people parties.”
“Can you say that?” Steve asks concerned.
“What?” Eddie asks.
“About the drugs?”
“Pretty common knowledge by now, plus statute of limitations has run out anyway,” Eddie shrugs.
“I know that, but is it smart?” Steve asks.
“Don’t see why not,” Eddie grins.
“Alright,” Steve gives in, trusting Eddie to know what’s best for him. He moves back onto the topic and says: “It was pretty close to high school ragers, but also not even close. Those parties are all people drinking and throwing up, there is arguing and people trying to be cool. This was actually fun. The only comparison is the drinking.”
“God, we were so drunk,” Eddie laughs.
“Yeah, you two fell like three seconds after I took this one,” Jonathan says.
“Really?” Steve frowns as Eddie comments: “I do not remember that at all, but that does explain why I had this big bruise on my thigh the next morning.”
“I told you it wasn’t me,” Steve crows with delight. “It was way too big to be a hickey and a weird place too, like why would I create a huge hickey on the outside of your thigh. I don’t know why you thought that.”
“It could have been,” Eddie defends himself. “We have done-”
“Let’s not get into you guys’ sex life,” Jonathan cuts them off, before the argument can get too revealing. At the interjection Steve blushes deeply while Eddie cackles loudly. “Moving on,” Jonathan says. “First one on page 137 is Keg Stand King Steve.”
The photo is of Steve doing a keg stand, held up by Eddie and Jeff, as around him Argyle, Dustin, Erica, Gareth, Lucas, Max and Robin chant. It looks more like a frat party than a wedding.
“This photo isn’t beating the high school rager allegations,” Jonathan snorts.
“Excuse you, this was a special request by my husband,” Steve says snootily. “I wasn’t going to deny him this on our wedding day.”
“Hell yeah it was,” Eddie grins happily. “Stevie here was keg stand grand master of our high school until senior year. I never got to see it myself, but I always thought it would be hot. My baby here kindly indulged me.”
Steve puffs up with pride at the words.
“God, you two are so weird,” Jonathan informs them, though it’s more a comment to himself. “But it does reflect the vibes of later in the night very well. And it looks funny next to the more respectable photo of a group next to it, which is Dancing Couples.”
Dancing Couples is of the dance floor, taken a bit earlier into the night when suits were on semi-properly at least. Front and center are Eddie and Steve dancing together. In the background you can see Mike and Will dancing, as well as El and Max, Max is leaning on her crutches with El’s arms wrapped around her neck, as well as Argyle and Nancy.
“I am going to be honest here and say that Dancing Couples was supposed to be on the left of the page and Keg Stand King Steve on the right, but we only noticed they were switched when it was too late, so this is how they are now,” Jonathan says. “We wanted a progression of the night, but that is kind of ruined. It is what it is. If we have put out a new edition, that will be fixed.”
“Huh, I didn’t notice,” Steve says, as Eddie nods: “Me neither.”
“That’s good,” Jonathan smiles. “In this photo Eddie and Steve are of course the focus as the grooms, but I tried to get as many couples in the background as I could. I really wanted to show that this was a queer wedding to its core and that we’re not alone. There are enough of us to fill a dance floor. We can have our own celebrations, do softer things like this, even if the media was calling us sexual degenerates.”
“It’s a cute photo,” Steve tells him. “I love that some of the kids are in here with us. Having them there was so important to me. I’m glad they had fun too.”
“You’re so cute, I love you,” Eddie squeals, grabbing Steve’s face to leave kisses all over it while Steve giggles under the attention.
There’s a cut to when Eddie and Steve are acting normal again as Jonathan moves on. “Then on the lower left there is Making Out Without a Care.”
The photo that appears is of Robin and Rose fully making out. Rose is in a lovely dress that shows off her soft belly and ass, with a neckline that goes down south. In the background you can see Eddie and Steve hollering at the two.
“Ahww, Robbie and Rose both looked beautiful,” Steve gushes. “Robin almost didn’t invite Rose, because she didn’t want to risk it ending bad and then always having her in my wedding photos, but I told her to do it if she felt right about it. Clearly, she felt right about it and that was a correct thing to feel.”
“Robin can be such a little worrier,” Eddie comments fondly.
“Yeah, she can,” Steve agrees with a fond grin. “But Rose and I keep her down to earth.”
“They fit really well together,” Jonathan says. “I really like the story this photo tells of them being together and you two in the background giving support. It’s such a drunken club photo and I really love it.”
“We are each other’s hype man,” Steve says. “Of course I was going to be hyping her up.”
“I just support debauchery in general, but especially when my friends do it,” Eddie shrugs with a big grin on his face.
Jonathan rolls his eyes, before he addresses the camera: “As I said before, we wanted this page to be a slow descend into intoxication. First, respectful dancing, then the drinking, then the making out and then the winding down. We got most of that at least. So, the last photo is He Is Saying My Husband on Repeat.”
It is of Steve sitting on a chair, Eddie in his lap, facing him as he steadies Eddie with two hands on his hips, while Eddie loops his around Steve’s neck. Eddie’s face is mostly obscured, because he is whispering something in Steve’s ear. Steve’s face is flushed as he giggles at what is being said.
“As the title says, Eddie was just saying that over and over again,” Jonathan tells the camera. “I love this photo, because it’s such an intimate and joyous moment and I really love capturing those.”
“God, Steve truly is the most handsome and pretty boy out there, isn’t he,” Eddie sighs dreamily, as he rests his head on Steve’s shoulder, who is flushing.
“I don’t know Eds, my husband is kind of better,” he teases to get away from the embarrassment.
Eddie cackles loudly, before he replies: “I’m going to have to fight you over that, sweetheart. Since my husband is the best.”
“Square up, babe,” Steve says, jokingly nudging Eddie with his shoulder.
“As much as I love your flirting,” Jonathan interjects before it can get out of hand. “Any comments, memories other tidbits?”
“I just remember being unable to believe it,” Eddie says. “I mean, it wasn’t true legally, but it was in our hearts and I just had to keep reminding myself that I was actually married. That I had a husband. I was gay trailer trash and I suddenly had a career and a loving relationship, that was already wild to me. In that moment, I just knew I was the luckiest man on the planet. So, that was mostly for my own benefit to just keep saying that.”
“It was adorable,” Steve smiles mushily. “You’re always so cool and tough, but you’re such a softie as well and I just want to swaddle you in a blanket and keep you all to myself.”
“I totally support that,” Eddie grins, through his cheeks are obviously burning, going all the way up to his ears.
“Good,” Steve replies, sounding very satisfied with himself as he loops his arms around Eddie and pulls him close.
“You guys had a great wedding,” Jonathan says. “And you two are an amazing couple. Truly, you complete each other. As much as I complain about your flirting and dramatics, it’s been great that you’re willing to talk about it all on here with me and that I was allowed to share your story.”
“Of course, man,” Steve says, pulling Jonathan into the hug as well. “You’re our friend and I couldn’t think of a better person to have photograph our wedding and tell our story with photos. You are a master.”
“Thank you,” Jonathan says, blushing.
“Even if you have a crush on my husband,” Steve adds, ruining the moment immediately.
“Oh my god, let that go,” Jonathan whines.
“Never,” Steve grins.
Jonathan buries himself in Eddie’s shoulder, so he doesn’t have to look at anyone. Eddie, meanwhile, lets the chaos unfold around him, waving at the camera as he says: “Thank everyone for watching, I’m sure Jonny-boy here will be back. Bye.”
“Bye,” Steve waves, before going back to prodding at Jonathan, who also squeaks a goodbye before the video ends.
~~
A/N:
Shout out to Jonathan for putting up with their bullshit throughout this whole thing honestly, he’s the real MVP
#rr writing#stranger things#steve harrington#eddie munson#steddie#eddie lives au#st post season 4#robin buckley#jonathan byers#the party stranger things#a collection of queer photography by jonathan byers#a behind the scenes by jonathan byers#steddie wedding#wayne munson#platonic stobin#uncle wayne#dustin henderson#corroded coffin#famous eddie munson
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Attzi, due to chronic memory issues, writes in her notebook in an indecipherable shorthand. This is a translation of today's page, which appears to be notes on a trip to Joey Ray's. Wine stains suggest this was written while under the influence.
----
Okay. No. Was thinking that if I wanted to know how to be a Director, I should see what the other branches of the Contingent are doing. But what I do is do very, very different from what Security does, turns out. About as many big fat pigs, but much fewer bullet wounds.
Started with tainted alcohol. All of us agreed that was a cheap attack, but for very different reasons. Followed the trail of slime, and came across first person I've felt uncomfortable around for ages. Don't like people speaking in my head. And the chewing wasn't great, either.
Dave got him "talking" with a good bribe, so found the ship full of more tainted alcohol. I tried to talk it out with the sailors on board, but….
Got called a bitch tonight instead. Fucking hate that word. Asshole who did it is dead. You're welcome, Attzi reading this. Pinned him to a ship hull with a shard of ice. Got shot, and I mean, so did Dave, but that shit hurts when you ain't dead! Also, was wearing one of Dave's shirts he made me. And we'd matched clothes again, accidently. It wasn't fair. We looked great.
Note to self: stop dressing to impress on missions.
I mention there was some sort of mutant pig, named Brucie?? It destroyed the docks and knocked everyone but me into the water (there's perks to being small) but then this thing also pulled over a ship. Which me and Dave were on. Drinking wine at the time. It nearly hit Mister Mae, but he ducked in time. (Also not sure it would have done too much after the obelisk discussion.)
All ended well, in the sense that it ended in the water. We lost our drinks.
Pretty sure Mister Mae drowned the one who shot me. I ain't complaining. Might owe him a favor. Not gonna say so.
Was honestly worried with all of us in the water. Especially when the pig-thing managed to drag me under the waves. Two of us were already dead, but I ain't built for that. Hate having to hold my breath and struggle for some vague sense of sky as salt water stings my eyes. I know, because tonight was the first night it ever happened.
Would not write it down so the memory didn't stick with me, but Dave pulled me back up so I could breathe, and then killed the thing that dragged me under. Definitely a little in love with him right now. Also, owe him a favor for saving my ass. Am gonna say so. So I gotta remember why.
Just wanted to see what other Divisions did when they worked. Guess I should have known what Security would be up to, right?
But hey. Now Dave and Mister Mae and I are having drinks on my roof! Would be better with 100% less bullets in me though.
Note to self: seek medical care. And wash the damned shirt. And your pickaxe. It's got goblin guts on it.
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On a Walk
"Any particular reason you wanted to come out this far?" Sunny asked her Guardian as they sparrowed along a ruined asphalt road, river on the left and forest on the right.
"Honestly... No. Having a good time on the sparrow, figured Earth would be nice this time," Freija told her Ghost, mindfully sweeping into the water for a stretch to avoid debris.
"Okay. In that case, can you head back a little? We're getting close to a Dark Zone."
"Yup-yup."
Freija hit her destabilizers and let go of her accelerator for an about-face, then let go of destabilizers and hit the accelerator to zoom eastward. "Point me parallel? On the river?"
"Can we move further from the edge?" she asked. "If anything knocks us too far, you'll land out of my reach."
Once she satisfied Sunny, a small white triangle appeared at the top of Freija's visual. She lined her nose to it and accelerated. "Anything lurking? I think I feel you fucking with my radar, you do that when you're anxious."
~
Sunny didn't know how she could tell, but she didn't want to correct, because then Freija would know exactly what she was doing to the radar. "I'm most worried about Red Legion loyalists. They're the strongest hangers on of our enemies out here. The Eliksni will be scattered, I'm not sure what houses are out here anymore. This close to the EDZ, it's possible they'll attack or avoid intentionally, but you might even find a defector or new House that's violently against House Light."
"We're ages from the EDZ."
"Not if you're flying a ketch," Sunny replied. She wanted to say something else, but a signal from above and eastward- the direction they were going. "Speaking of, take cover. Ketch incoming."
"You think I can't handle 'em?" Freija asked with a pout.
"I think sometimes you get in over your head or overconfident and then you get into trouble, and we're a long way from backup," Sunny huffed from her Guardian's pocket. "Earth-to-Earth comm systems get weak out here, no warp jump points, it's just better to be careful."
Freija sighed and steered into the trees, impatiently hopping off to let Sunny demat it. "For fuck's sake." She picked up Sunshot and breathed deep, preparing to prepare for a fight. "So what kind of forces are we looking at? What kind of ketch?"
"Resource grab. Big one. Few littler ones, but we're looking at a small army."
Freija fixed her jaw and steadied her breath. "I've fought worse."
"Don't. Vandals win when you're the only target. You need Rise to face an army."
The Titan once again steadied her breath. "Fine." Silence fell between them, but something unspoken rang loud, and the Titan could taste it. Glancing at the top of her visual, she saw Sunny's indicator blinking. "What's wrong."
Sunny's speech indicator continued flashing, but she could only manage to turn the comms on and off, and not even in Morse Code.
"I'm about to get real angry, ain't I," Freija observed with a sigh, voice high with exasperation.
The poor Ghost could hardly whisper, "Yeah."
The Guardian nodded, pursing her lips and sucking her teeth. "Okay. It's not your fault. I'm not angry at you. We both decided the ship would be okay, so that's on us both. It's my fault we're out here."
"You're doing great," Sunny cheered at a whisper, already impressed with her composure.
"I'm okay, we're okay," she continued, but her body temperature spiked.
"It's about to get worse," Sunny said, bracing herself and Freija both.
"Okay," Freija breathed again, but she did, finally, stop walking. She knelt and put her head on her knee to count breaths.
"I'm so proud of you, you're doing great," Sunny said again.
"Shut up," replied Freija through gritted teeth. "I'm. I'm. We're okay," she repeated at a growl, and she stood up, spinning in place to whirl around. "What's the worse news?"
"I can take the ship with us--"
"That's not worse news."
"--but if they've taken parts, we're going to have a hell of a time replacing them, and all the good places to look are in the Dark Zone."
Contrary to Sunny's expectation, Freija didn't get angry and start screaming or throwing things. Instead, her eyes grew wide and her breath froze. Sunny matted close to Freija's chest and eased into her view, keeping low. "Hey. I know you're scared. But it's okay."
Freija nodded without a sound, moving her hand to Sunny's bubble where she held her up. "So. Tell me exactly what this means."
Sunny couldn't be prouder of her. "We're okay," she said first.
"I know, I said that, now what's going to happen when I go into the Darkness zone. I'll still have my Light, right?"
"You'll have your light. Your Sunspots will heal you, but I won't be able to. I won't be able to resurrect you, either. I'll be more fragile in general-- my shields will be weaker, and so will yours." She hesitated, then finally said, "Any damage you take between sunspots will stay. Dying to get a sunspot isn't going to help. So no charging in with a hammer. You'll have to get them through grenades or not at all."
Freija sucked a breath, then blew through pursed lips. "Yeah, okay. That's. Gonna be the hardest part," she grumbled, and she closed her hand, giving Sunny the cue to demat.
"So if I do die, what will happen to you?"
"As a direct result, nothing. Indirectly, I will need to escape your killer, then go get someone to help me retrieve your body to carry it back to the Light so I can resurrect you. Rise will probably help, but as a rule, Guardians who wandered into the Dark Zone and died aren't worth spending more Guardians to get."
Freija snickered and rose to her feet. "Bet you could get help from Caiatl."
Sunny paused for a few moments, then said, "Yeah, I probably could. Do you really want me to do that?"
"Oh, fuck, no," laughed Freija. "How embarrassing! Ketch incoming," she said, looking through the trees and failing to spot it, but hearing it soar overhead and beyond.
And stop.
Freija clutched Sunshot again. "We're not in the dark, yet," she reminded herself.
"Army! Alone!" Sunny reminded her sharply, yanking from the inside of her pocket. "No! You'll only bring more! They know no one is out here! Please!"
Freija looked over her shoulder, then growled and stormed eastward, back to her ship. "Lucky bastards."
~
On a Walk <-
First Step
Into the Dark
Detour
New Experience
Traveling
The Spaceport
Sneaking
Nobility
Rescue Operations
Caught
Gratitude
Pride
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Chapter 1: Romance Dawn Part 1
Gold Roger, the 'King of the Pirates,' had achieved it all.
Wealth, Fame, and Power had all been his.
Not surprisingly, the final words he spoke before the world government lopped off his head inspired adventurers throughout the world to sail the seas.
"My treasure?" Roger thought as the blades of the two swords cross his neck. "Why, it's right where I left it ..." A grin emerges on his face as he said, "It's yours for the taking, but you'll have to search the Whole World! I left everything I own in One Piece."
SHUNK!
The world ... is about to witness A Great Era of Piracy!
One year ago a pirate ship made its base on a small harbor Village, where the winds blow from the east and the village is at peace.
As the ship is anchored on the docks, the black flag bearing a skull with three scars over the left eye and two swords crossing behind it also known as a Jolly Roger begins to flap against a strong wind that suddenly appeared.
"Hey, Luffy!" Yelled a red-haired man wearing a straw hat, "What're you up to now?!"
Luffy, a small boy standing on the Bow of the ship designed as a head of a dragon.
"Hmph!" The boy growled lifting a dagger up above his head, "I've had it with you guys!! Now you'll have to take me seriously!!" The boy grits his teeth, "This is how tough I am!!"
Red-haired laughed at the boy who spent the whole year trying to join his pirate crew, "Get it over with! Whatever it is..."
"What's the pup up to now?" Asked one of the crew members wearing a strip shirt and bandana.
"Now!" Luffy cried.
CHUNK
"Hun?!"
"Aaargh!"
"You idiot what'd you do that for!?"
"Yeowwwww!!!"
Later that afternoon, the Red-Hair crew finds themselves at their favorite pub.
"A toast!! To Luffy's... Courage? And to our great voyage!!"
The crew begins to cheer.
"Har Har Har Har! Drink up!"
"Grog! Grog! Grog! More Grog!"
"Hey, that's my meat!"
"Not anymore I'm gonna eat it!
"Hey stop fighting! You'll spoil the fun!"
Luffy carrying a big smile hiding his tears as he sits at the bar and a bandage under his eye.
"It didn't hurt a bit!"
"Liar!" Red-hair yells, "That was a foolish thing to do!"
Excitingly Luffy Shouts, "I'm not the least bit afraid of getting hurt! Take me with you on your next voyage! I wanna be a pirate too!!!"
"HAHAHA! You?! A Pirate?! Impossible!!" Red-hair laughs as he is enjoying his meal next to the boy, "Luffy, do you know why we call you the 'Anchor'? Because you can't swim You just sink!! What good is a pirate who can't swim?"
Red-hair has been a pirate for years and knows a thing or two when it comes to the dangers of the sea. Once a Cabin boy in his earlier years now Captain of his own ship, Luffy would need to prove himself if he ever wants to compare to his idle Red-haired Shanks.
Disagree with Shank's statement, "but if I don't fall overboard then it doesn't matter if I'm an Anchor!! AND I'm a strong Fighter!" Throwing a punch in the air, "I've been training! My punch is as powerful as a pistol!"
"A pistol, eh?" Red-hair Shanks unimpressed by Luffy's efforts, "is that so..."
"Are you Doubting me?!"
"Calm Down Luffy!"
"Let's just have a good time!"
"Yeah! Pirates Always have a good time!"
"The Sea is vast and there's lots of islands to explore!"
"And best of all, pirates have FREEDOM!!"
Luffy now with stars in his eyes is all excited about being a pirate.
"You guys stop filling his head with crazy ideas," Shanks tries to calm his crew down with a spoon hanging in his mouth as he tries to finish his meal.
As the crew tries to convince their captain to let Luffy join, Shanks agrees only if one of his crewmates is willing to stay back. They quickly went back to drinking leaving Luffy frustrated that Shank's crew no longer were helping him join.
"You're just too young, kid. Maybe in ten years, I'll give you a chance."
"Cap'n Shanks! I'm telling you... I'm not a little kid!!"
"Don't get upset now. Here, have some milk."
"Oh boy! Thanks!" Luffy then takes a big chug of milk.
"See!" Shanks laughs, "A real Pirate would never drink Milk!"
"That was a dirty trick!" Luffy walks away from Shanks holding the glass of milk. "Hmph! I'm getting tired of this. I even stabbed myself in the face so you'd take me with you."
"Luffy.." A man lights his cigarette while sitting alone, "The captain's just doing what's best for everyone.."
"How do you figure, Mr. Frist Mate sir?"
"The safety of the entire crew and ship rests on his shoulders. Being a pirate isn't all fun and games, you know. There's lots of duties like... Pillaging, hostage-taking, heavy drinking ... and swimming! Plus the captain knows the sea can kill you in a thousand ways. It's not that he's trying to crush your dreams."
"Well, I don't believe it! Shanks just likes to make me look dumb."
"Hey, Anchor!" Shanks calls out chuckling.
"See!"
"Captain Shanks!" the beautiful green hair bar keeper Makino walks up carrying a keg of beer, "I'm glad to see you and your crew are enjoying yourselves."
"Ho boy, I just love making fun of this kid!"
"Hmmm," the first mate looking over at Luffy as he points at Shanks, "Maybe the lad's got a point..."
"Luffy would you like something to eat? Makino ask.
"Yeah! Just put it on my treasure tab!"
Shanks scorns Luffy for trying to swindle Makino with no money as Luffy argues. Mikino begins to laugh at the two while preparing Luffy's food, she then tells Luffy that they can celebrate when he returns from this adventure.
As Luffy struggle eating his uncut steak, he beings to worry that he won't be able to learn to swim by the time Shanks and his crew leave the village, Shanks mentioned that after two or maybe two more voyages they would have enough money to head north and leave the village for good.
"I'm gonna learn how to swim by the time you leave!"
"That's good kid... Do whatever you want."
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OMGGGG I WISH I POSTED MY ART OR TALKED ABT MY OCS HERE OR SMTH I JUST HAD THE MOST INSANELY AWESOME OC DREAM????? IM TALKING ABT IT IN THE TAGS ITS LIKE 2 PARAGRAPHS
#his name is dimitri ok and he was like a crazy space faring astronaunt#it was me and him (i was like a character within the dream and i tagged along with him)#we were in space and he was actually an alien from this planet named Baalsa (pronounced like salsa)#and his people were known for being incredibly talented pilots although the rest of his species didnt look like him at all#they were all humanoid and very very tall and muscular and green and had 4 arms (they were also known for being weird religious nuts)#and me and dimitri had discovered this mysterious crashed spaceship on his planet (which was full of icy snowcaps)#he had never flown before and he was crazy curious about the ship and how to fly it we wanted to explore it together#but we were stopped when a great big ship appeared right over our heads and everything went black#there was a bit of a timeskip i guess?? like when parts of your dream are just blank if that makes sense#we were inside the huge ship and it was full of all other sorts of crazy aliens there were these folks who were humanoid but had short#snouts like wovles and pointy ears and eyes with no whites just completely one color. and hyperrealistic slug aliens#we walked around the ship and talked to some people and they all seemed real shady like some gang members and they all spat at the fact#that dimitri was from baalsa. we also walked up to this huge computer screen and started to fiddle with it to see if we could gather some#info on the shady characters we were with but we ended up discovering a baalsa secret#that like forever ago in their history all of these aliens in the ship had fought the baalsa people and had....lost#shortly after the discovery the captain of the ship walked into (we were in like a huge circular common room thats why ppl were there)#and started talking to us about the ship crash we had found and if dimitri wanted to be a pilot#and he was gonna teach us how to FLY sorry all these tags are very long and very boring
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“one does not simply go clothes shopping”
so like, a week ago, @smallpwbbles drew this art of Wukong in a bathrobe and idk, something something ‘comedy brain activated’ or something like that, so here’s this fic-
-
It was a normal morning on the ship.
"Uh, where did you get that bathrobe?" Tang asked, and Wukong paused.
It had been a normal morning on the ship.
"...A closet." He eventually replied.
"Which closet?" Tang asked.
"...Would you believe me if I said it was my own?"
"No I don't think I would." Tang said, crossing his arms as Wukong continued to look more nervous by the second. "Let me change my question, why are you wearing my bathrobe?"
"Uh....."
-
An hour later, and somehow everyone was gathered in Wukong's room of the ship. Wukong himself, was currently trying to keep the others from opening the door to his closet, by physically leaning against it, arms spread out as though he was trying to hide the door with his body (very ineffectively, one might add).
He was still wearing Tang's bathrobe.
"C'mon guys, we don't have to do this." He said, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. "I assure you, there's nothing to see here- wh- HEY-"
He cut himself off with a yelp, as Sandy easily lifted him off the ground, pinning his arms to his torso so that he couldn't claw his way out of the other's grip. MK stepped around him, grabbing hold of the closet door's handle.
"Sorry, Monkey King." He said, "But the amount of protesting you've done this past hour- which, by the way, woke me up- means I kinda have to do this."
"My own successor, betraying me, I can't believe it-" Wukong dramatically wailed, kicking his legs as he tried to get out of Sandy's grip. This did nothing to stop MK, who rolled his eyes at his mentor's dramatics and swung the closet door open.
The first thing everyone noticed was Wukong's usual outfit, hung from a clothing hanger and horribly torn, damaged in a way that made it practically unwearable. (And honestly, why was he still even keeping it?)
The second thing everyone noticed was their own clothes.
"...When did you take this?" Mei asked, taking one of her jackets and holding it out to inspect it. "I don't think I ever saw you even get close to my room....."
Wukong didn't answer, whistling innocently.
Pigsy threw a spoon at him.
"Ow!" Wukong yelped as the spoon bounced off the back of his head, bouncing off and hitting the wall beside him, before ricocheting and hitting him in the forehead as well. He hissed in pain, for a moment, cringing.
"Answer the question, Monkey King." Pigsy said, crossing his arms with absolutely no guilt in his eyes, promising that spoon would not be the last should Wukong keep refusing to answer.
"I took it during the night okay?!" Wukong admitted, refusing to look the others in the eyes. "You guys should really get better locks on your doors, it was far too easy to sneak in-"
"Wait, so you rummaging through my closet in the middle of the night wasn't a dream?" MK asked.
"You saw him do this and you didn't say anything?" Tang said, incredulous.
"To be fair, I did knock him back out." Wukong said, quietly, under his breath.
"Like I said, I assumed it was a dre- wait you what?!" Clearly, Wukong had not said that as quietly as he hoped he had, as MK spun around to stare at him. "You knocked me out??"
"I admit it was not my best move." Wukong said, shrugging the best he could while still trapped in Sandy's grip. "But it was like, 3 AM and I panicked okay? You were fine anyways so-"
"Is that why you were so overly nice to me the other day? You were trying to make up for knocking me out??" MK asked, Wukong growing more sheepish with every word that left his successor's mouth.
"...Maybe?"
"Okay that's it." Mei said, making the others jump as she slammed the closet door shut. "We're going to take you clothes shopping."
"What?! No-" Wukong started-
"You don't get a say in this, Mr. Clothes Thief." Mei deadpanned.
-
Wukong stood in front of the clothing store, wearing a hoodie that was about two sizes too big for him.
(He wasn't entirely sure who he had stole it from, at some point the pile of clothes had started blending together until he couldn't tell what was from who, which would've eventually been a problem when he'd return all the stuff he'd stolen without the others noticing.
Well. That is, it would've been a problem if he had planned to give it back...).
Mei and MK stood beside him, glancing between him and the store.
"...Well?" MK asked, "Aren't you going to go in?"
"...No, actually, I think maybe I'll just keep wearing my torn up clothes-" Wukong started, moving to turn around, only for Mei and MK to loop their arms around his, preventing him from leaving.
"C'mon Monkey King, what's the big deal?" Mei asked, "It's just shopping for some new clothes, it isn't like, torture or something."
"But it's- it's just-" Wukong started, before groaning in frustration and making a series of noises that were distinctly...monkey-like. Mei looked over to MK with an expression of confusion, to which MK responded with a shrug and a gesture that clearly meant 'IDK, he just does this sometimes'.
"Look, Monkey King, you don't exactly have much of a choice here." MK said, "You can't just keep stealing our clothes, and you are definitely not going to keep wearing your torn up outfit."
"....Fine." Wukong said, slouching a little. "One hour, but after that I'm leaving, whether or not we've paid for anything."
"Monkey King you can't upgrade from casual thievery to actual thievery-"
-
"Hey, what do you think of this shirt?" Mei asked, holding up a loose fitting shirt for Wukong to inspect. Wukong looked it over, reaching out and feeling the edge of the shirt, before looking away with a non-committal shrug.
"...Fabric's nice, I guess." He mumbled, and Mei looked between him and the shirt, before placing it into the basket along with a few other shirts and pairs of pants. Most of it was soft clothing, hoodies and sweatpants, which Mei had honestly found kinda surprising, she'd thought the Monkey King would've wanted something more formal.
But then again, when she'd felt his torn up outfit, the fabric had been soft, and most of the things he'd stolen from her and the others had been soft as well, so maybe there was more of a texture thing going on here than she realized.
"I'm back!" MK said, appearing from around a rack of clothes, holding a pair of peach-patterned pyjama's. "It took forever to find a pair of these in your size, but I finally did it!"
"Great! Can we go now?" Wukong asked, perking up a little at the prospect of leaving. Mei and MK both glanced at the fairly small pile of clothes they'd gathered, and then back at Wukong's face. He looked antsy, like if he spent another minute in this store he'd start loosing it.
Neither of them particularly wanted to deal with a boredom-crazed Monkey King.
"Sure." Mei agreed, and Wukong almost immediately twirled around, picking up the basket they'd been setting clothes in and moving to go to the checkout-
And bumping into a rack of clothes, sending it crashing to the ground.
-
An hour later found the three of them leaping onto the ship, ignoring the others confusion as they ran inside and into Wukong's room, slamming the door shut behind them. Mei threw the clothes basket onto the bed, and the three of them stood there for a moment, hunched over, breathing heavily.
"...Okay." Wukong started, once he'd caught his breath. "Just to make sure we're all on the same page here. We're never going back to that store again, right?"
"Agreed." MK and Mei said, in sync, before sliding down and onto the floor, tired. Wukong, after a moment of hesitation, slid down to lay on the floor with them.
It was official, Wukong hated going clothes shopping.
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our secret moments in a crowded room
Jily (James Potter/Lily Evans), minor Wolfstar (Remus Lupin/Sirius Black)
My entry for the September Jily Challenge! @jilychallenge
Prompt: I tripped on the red carpet and you caught me
Partner was the amazing @kates836! Thank you for being an amazing partner!
In a fake PR relationship with Severus Snape, Lily can’t help be distracted by the real person who has her heart.
Word Count: 4,077
Read of Ao3 Masterlist
The car took a sharp left and Lily tried to stabilize herself so she didn’t touch Severus, who was sitting beside her. She made eye contact with Mary, who was sitting in the passenger seat. Mary shot her the millionth apologetic look.
Lily glanced back down at her phone, just in time to see a reply to the picture that she had sent of her in her dress.
Ahdjsfhkjdsf I can’t breathe. How dare you send this to me right before I walk out on the red carpet.
She smiled widely down at her phone.
I don’t know how I’m going to function with you that close and can’t do anything about it.
She smiled faltered for a second, because yeah, that was truly going to be torture for her too.
I’m about to go out. I can’t wait to see you.
Lily bit her lip before typing a reply.
If you think this dress looks good on me now, wait until you take it off.
The message bubbles appeared instantly and Lily’s smile turned smug.
You shouldn’t have said that. I’m going to think about it all night now. Love you
Love you too
She locked her phone and handed it to Mary, who would be holding all of her personal items for the rest of the night. Severus sighed deeply beside her and Lily tried not to roll her eyes.
If Lily had it her way, she’d be arriving with a very different date. But Lily didn’t have a choice. What the studio wanted, the studio got. Including a semi-fake relationship with her co-star, Severus Snape.
They had just finished filming the final season of their wildly popular show, The Hollow Hour. The show definitely didn’t need this kind of press to be successful, but Lily still didn’t have a choice in the matter, considering she had already booked a leading role in another one of their shows.
On-screen, Lily and Snape played Tara and Gideon, characters who had been in love since they were children and fighting in a war where they possibly wouldn’t make it out. Off-screen, Lily could hardly stand the presence of Snape.
It didn’t start out that way. When they’d first met, Lily had thought he was pretty cool. The show had been her first big break, as she had only done television guest appearances before then. Snape had a few movies under his belt, one of which was super popular. Their friendship had started out as his kind of giving her direction when it came to the whole fame thing.
Then, it got a little invasive. He would just be in her trailer, coming in without knocking. He started asking for more date-like hangouts. His disgusting political beliefs started coming out through their conversations and his apparent hatred for their co-star, Remus Lupin because he was openly gay. And he started acting as she owed him something, especially since the show took off.
The rumors had started before Lily realized that Snape was the creep that he was. People saw them pining on screen and going out for the occasional drink after a long day when Lily could still stand him and suddenly, people thought they were in love.
It had been a real nuisance in Lily’s life. Every interview, she tried to squash the rumors, whereas Snape would encourage them. It didn’t help that the show got popular, like really insane amounts of popularity. The character shipping took a sharp left turn into people shipping them.
Snily, they called them. From fanfiction to edits and art to covers of glossy magazines. It was everywhere. No matter if Lily was doing interviews from one of her movies, they would ask about Snape.
And since Lily was some sort of a masochist, she knew exactly what the fans thought of their relationship. They thought Lily denied the relationship because she was very private about her life, and Snape would never say it outright because he wanted to respect her but also wanted the world to know that she is his.
It didn’t help that Snape had accumulated a very dedicated fanbase. Like worship-the-ground-he-walked-on kind of dedication. To the point where Lily would get occasional death threats because she was “hurting him by denying their relationship.”
They never seemed to believe Lily when she said no, much like Snape and their studio. Lily couldn’t flat out deny the relationship in interviews anymore until after the final episode. It made her want to dry heave.
The car was slowing, and Lily could hear the buzz of fans and reporters. They were in the queue now for the red carpet. Mary unbuckled and twisted around in the seat, doing a final check of Lily’s hair and make-up.
Lily smoothed down her green satin dress, her legs bent awkwardly to not crease the dress and also not puncture the fabric with her stiletto pumps. Lily’s after-party dress was hanging up in the back, but Lily didn’t know if she was actually going to attend.
It had taken her a long time to feel beautiful at these types of events. Being considered plus size in this industry felt like a death sentence, especially since Lily refused to play the “funny fat friend” or anything like that. But she felt good tonight, especially with the way it hugged her curves and the bit of cleavage showed.
Severus looked like himself, just in a suit. His greasy hair was covered in dry shampoo and tucked behind his ears. He turned towards Lily and smiled like a cat who got the cream.
“We could make this real, you know?” he said, for probably the millionth time. “You and I would work.”
Lily tried not to crinkle her nose in disgust. “Severus,” she said. “You know I have no interest in that.”
There had been many times where Lily wished she could speak her mind and rip him a new one, but she could not get branded as a diva. So, she played off these uncomfortable moments with a laugh and polite words, even when she was telling him no for the millionth time.
She saw the corner of his lips turn down in a slight frown and averted her eyes to stare straight ahead.
The voices outside got louder and suddenly the car was stopping. Mary jumped out of the car quickly as Lily unbuckled. Moody, Lily’s driver, and bodyguard, also got out quickly to open Lily’s door.
She had to take Moody’s hand to step out. She wobbled when she shifted her weight to her high heels but quickly corrected herself. She was going to have blisters for weeks after tonight. Mary appeared from the other side of the car, hands already straightening Lily’s dress.
They were covered from the cameras here, so no one saw Mary make sure Lily’s breasts were firmly taped into the dress. The low cut of the dress required her boobs to be placed perfectly and one slip would probably cost Lily her career. That’s why Lily had Mary, her best friend since they were children and who now worked as her PA. The back of the dress was practically nonexistent and her long auburn waves tickled her with every movement.
Mary quickly batted away one of her dark coily curls that snuck out of its bun before giving Lily a once over.
“You look gorgeous,” she said, smiling. “He’s not going to want to take his eyes off of you.”
Lily gave her a real smile and a quick hug before stepping away to get around the car where Severus was surely waiting. She already had her red carpet smile on and tried not to pay attention to the up and down look Severus was giving her.
Severus reached out his arm to escort Lily, but Lily walked past it. They said they had to arrive together, not actually walk together. Mary let out a snort of laughter as she followed Lily out to the carpet—to walk with Lily but hidden away.
The lights were blinding as Lily walked out on the carpet. Cameras flashing every second, people yelling questions at her. Lily was now a pro at this, after so many years of practice. The screams intensified, signaling Snape was now making his appearance.
Lily moved slowly down the carpet, making sure her smile stayed in place. Towards the end of her walk, Snape did sneak up on her, wrapping an arm around her waist taking extra care to let his fingers drag against her bare skin. She fought to not recoil away from him.
She smiled and laughed though she wanted to push him away.
The entrance to Royal Albert Hall was full of reporters and cameras. Lily never really minded this part of the red carpet because most of the time it was just questions like “who are you wearing?” or the occasional fun game with whatever fledgling media company had weaseled reporters in.
Lily was heading towards the first available reporter, a young woman who was smiling widely as Lily approached. But a familiar head of dark curls caught her eye, and she couldn’t help the way her attention turned immediately that way.
It had been six weeks since her boyfriend of three years had touched her. Six weeks since she had felt the indentation of him next to her in bed, felt his warmth, had him within her fingertips.
And James looked so good, it made Lily want to pull him away and find the nearest secluded spot. The way his tailored suit hugged the angles of his body, the body that she knew like it her own.
She could feel her heart start pounding in her chest, and she hoped the cameras weren’t picking up the way her hands were shaking.
“Lily Evans!” the young reporter cheered. “How are you on this fine evening?”
“I’m doing great,” Lily said, smiling and resisting the urge to look at James.
“So, you arrived with rumored beau and co-star, Severus Snape,” the reporter cheered. “Care to confirm anything?”
Lily fake laughed. “We just carpooled. Better for the environment.”
The girl’s face tightened a bit, but the reporter knew better than to press.
Lily answered her questions with ease. Who was she wearing? Did she feel good about her role as a presenter? What was she going to do after the final season of The Hollow Hour?
Once the interview concluded, she turned to go to the next reporter.
But there was James, looking at her with a slight smile on his lips. His dark brown eyes did a quick once over of her, appraising her every curve quickly. And goddamn, he wore his glasses instead of his contacts, reminding Lily of the quiet moments in her flat where they were tangled together, his glasses pushing into her face. His normal frizzy curls were more defined thanks to whatever hair product his stylist made him use. His brown skin was as flawless as ever, glowing in the camera flashes in the fading day.
It couldn’t have been more than a moment where their eyes met, but it was enough to thoroughly distract Lily to the point of missing the small bump in the carpet. Her shoe caught and the sensation of falling happened before she felt strong arms catch her.
“Are you okay?” James asked as Lily’s world steadied in his arms, the concern in his eyes.
Lily felt her cheeks redden, both from the embarrassment of tripping on the red carpet and the fact that she was in James’s arms. She nodded but when she stepped back, her right shoe gave out.
She moved away from James’s arms, but took his hand, their fingers clasping each other, to keep her balance as she lifted her dress up to see the heel completely snapped off.
“Well, that’s great,” she said with a laugh. James laughed with her. She wobbled for a second and James’s hand grabbed her side to steady her, his fingers making her burn.
Lily couldn’t help but smile softly at him as Mary appeared, getting on her knees in front of Lily, urging her to turn slightly. She let go of James’s hand and used his shoulder to keep her balance as Mary undid the straps on Lily’s shoes. Mary, who was definitely getting a raise after this, took off her own black kitten heels and gave them to Lily.
She was now several inches shorter and her dress dragged a bit on the ground, but it was better than no shoes at all.
“I owe you my life,” Lily told Mary, who smiled in response. Lily didn’t miss the way she gave James a glance and then a teasing smile back to her. She turned back to James. “Thank you so much.”
“No problem,” he replied. “I’ll see you around?”
She wanted to say that she would see him tonight, preferably with no clothes, but she just smiled and nodded in response.
As she let go and James stepped away, the last thing on her mind was the cameras catching every moment.
~~~
To Lily’s detriment, her manager had called Mary to tell Lily that she had to be seen at the after-party with Snape.
Lily tried not to recoil at Severus’s hand on her lower back as he led her to the after-party. The cameras were blinding against the darkness of the night, but Lily let herself be led into the venue, Moody doing his best to push back against the raging crowd.
The venue only had a few selective members of the press inside, but it was little enough that it put all the celebrities at ease. There was no real food, just snacks because seeing your favorite movie star get sloshed would sell magazines and get them trending on Twitter.
Lily’s stomach growled. She couldn’t remember the last full meal she had.
Severus kept a firm hand on her back. She smiled and laughed at the right times as they talked with winners from the night. A live band started and Lily’s ears rang with the loud music. She kept knocking back glasses of champagne because at least the buzz would take the edge off the hungry looks in Severus’s eyes and make her not recoil when he tried to whisper in her ear.
Her saving grace came in the form of Remus Lupin somewhere south of midnight.
She came back from the loo and purposefully walked away from where she knew Severus was waiting. The alcohol was thrumming through her veins, and she felt light. Her shoes—or Mary’s shoes—had been kicked off long ago, and she was stumbling through the crowds of famous people.
Remus stood at the picked-over snack table, probably looking for any scraps of leftover chocolate. He had been Lily’s co-star since day one and her favorite to boot. Severus hated him, mostly because Lily liked him more, but also because he was openly gay and in a long-term relationship with the model, Sirius Black, who Snape also hated.
Remus had been the reason she and James met. She also knew that where Remus was, Sirius wasn’t far, and if Sirius wasn’t far, neither was James.
And she wanted to see James more than anything.
“Boo,” she said, poking Remus’s side. The man jumped, almost dropping his chocolate-covered strawberry.
“Bloody hell, Evans,” he said. Lily laughed, already feeling better. She clumsily picked up a biscuit and took a bite.
“How’s your night been going?” she asked. Remus let out an amused huff.
“Same old, same old,” he said. “You?”
Lily didn’t respond and Remus laughed, knowing exactly how her night had been going. They grabbed a few more snacks and Lily proceeded to follow him, hoping that he would lead her to the person she needed to see.
James was sitting at a table across from Sirius, and Lily’s heart immediately started beating rapidly. His suit jacket and tie were gone, just leaving him in his tight white button-up. The top buttons were undone, hinting at his chest that Lily knew better than the back of her own hand.
The sluggish haze of the alcohol in her system reminded her of when they first met. It had been at The Hollow Hour season one wrap party, and Remus had invited James and Sirius. He had caught her eye from across the room, the curly black hair and glasses were a dangerous combination for Lily, especially with the dark jeans that had hugged his very nice arse. She was so nervous that she had had to take a shot before she walked over to have Remus introduce her.
She had taken him home and when she woke up in the morning, recovering from the best sex she had ever had in her life, she found him making breakfast for her.
He stayed the whole weekend.
Then they texted non-stop and started having dates, sitting in Lily’s apartment with take-away and cheesy movies.
And here they were, three years later, hopelessly in love, and pretending that they weren’t because her stupid television show needed promoting.
It hadn’t been meant to be a secret for so long. In the beginning, they just wanted to figure each other out without all the press breathing down their necks. It’s just how it all happened.
It wasn’t like the important people in their lives didn’t know. Their parents and most trusted friends did. And they already decided that once the whole thing with Snape stopped, they were going to go public because they wanted to move in together and finally go on real dates.
Lily saw the way he perked up when he saw her. A small smile on his lips, his shoulders moving back. There was a moment when Lily could have sworn that there were no other people in the room until someone bumped into her.
She slid into the booth beside him, not caring about how dangerous that was, especially when their legs touched.
“Hey,” he said, his deep voice tugging at her in a way she missed while he was gone.
“Hey,” she replied. She could tear her eyes away from him and she didn’t know if she wanted to, either.
“Bloody hell,” Sirius said, not even jarring the couple. “Get out of here before you start shagging on the table.”
James raised his eyebrows in question, which Lily answered with a smile. He reached down for his pockets.
“I’m texting Moody,” he said.
Anticipation pooled in her stomach and as she grabbed another biscuit to eat because it was something to do, her hands shook. James placed his hands on Lily’s thigh and she couldn’t think of anything else until he leaned over and told her that Moody said it was all clear.
Even in her drunk state, she located her shoes and practically sprinted to the back door where Moody was waiting.
There were a few paparazzi pictures taken as Lily quickly hopped into the back of the SUV and Moody got into the driver’s seat. He handed her her small bag that had her phone in it that Mary had been carrying. She was too excited to even get her phone out as Moody did two laps around the block before pulling right back into the same spot.
The second James jumped in and the door was closed, Lily was on him. She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to her, meeting their lips in a deep, but sloppy kiss. Lily kicked her legs up onto his lap and pulled him down as laid down the best she could in the back seat. James laughed a little against her lips, causing Lily to pull away and laugh too.
“Next year, we’re going to this together,” she said, opening her eyes to see him in whatever light that shone in from the windows. She got flashes of his eyes and his wide smile as she sat up, still keeping her legs on her.
“Absolutely,” he replied, pressing a light kiss to her lips. “And we’re going to still traumatize Moody on the way home.”
Said man let out a snort. “No, I’m getting a divider.”
Lily barely remembers the rest of the car ride and getting to her flat. All she remembers is the taste of James’s lips and the feeling of his hands on her.
~~~
The blaring noise of a phone call is what made Lily wake up. She jumped violently, kicking James in the process, who let out a pained groan as Lily disentangled herself from him to be able to reach her nightstand to turn off the god-forsaken ear-splitting sound.
Her hand smacked into the nightstand, but her phone wasn’t there. She realized it must be James’s.
She nudged him and he groaned, but she could feel him move around in the bed. Finally, it stopped and James spoke.
“Hello?” he fell silent. “What are you talking about?”
Lily, who was already falling asleep again, opened her eyes at his tone and suddenly, he was shaking her.
“I’ll call you back Sirius,” James said as Lily sat up.
He hung up the call and threw his phone down on the bed. He tugged at his hair as Lily watched him with wide eyes.
“They know about us,” he said.
“What?” Lily exclaimed, reaching for his phone.
She typed in the passcode and saw the million phone calls from his manager and publicist. She opened Twitter, and right there, trending number one, was a still of James’s arm around her when she broke her shoe.
"Lily Evans, caught in a love triangle."
"Actress Lily Evans and actor James Potter are rumored to have left the BAFTA after-party together despite Evans arriving with Severus Snape."
She clicked on the first article while her stomach soured.
"Lily Evans and Severus Snape have long been rumored to have been dating, but last night’s events have seemingly squashed the rumors for good."
The article went into detail about the rumors between Lily and Severus, before finally getting to last night.
"James Potter, actor, best known in his role on the popular historical drama "Mountainside Valley', was able to catch Evans on the red carpet when her shoe broke. The footage from the cameras that were rolling by the pair has been released.
According to sources, the two are familiar with each other. Lily’s co-star, Remus Lupin is both friends with Potter and is even dating his adoptive brother Sirius Black, so we can speculate that they have met before. Based on the videos, they do seem to be familiar with each other.
What really solidified the relationship between the two actors comes from an unknown source who attended the after-party. 'She sat next to him and then a few minutes later, they left.'
Fans seem to be having a lot of mixed reactions to Evan’s alleged actions.
@snapewife45346 wrote: 'ALL LILY HAS EVER DONE IS HURT HIM. HE NEEDS TO LEAVE HER ASS FOR GOOD!!'
@snnnily394 on Twitter wrote: 'i don’t think it’s true. She would never do that to him.'
@taraisgod wrote: 'They have never said they’re in a relationship, you all are just projecting. Let her be happy!!'
@mountainbaddie wrote: 'Evans UPGRADED'
Lily set down James’s phone, unable to do anything else. She met his eyes and took a deep breath.
Her gut reaction was that it sucked. It sucked that they didn't come out on their own terms. The studio was probably pissed, or maybe they thought the bad press was good press.
But as she looked at James, sitting beside her on his side of the bed, the bed he only rarely got to occupy these days, she realized that maybe it was a blessing.
“We could deny it,” James said, a frown tugging at his lips. “Say that we’re best friends if you think that’s what the studio would want.”
Lily shook her head. “I don’t want you like a best friend. I don’t want to deny myself of you anymore.”
He smiled, soft and sweet. Lily yanked the bedsheets off of herself and crawled over to him, straddling his legs. She was only wearing a pair of knickers and one of his t-shirts. His hands immediately snuck up the shirt and caressed her hips, his thumbs teasing her panties.
“Joint statement?” he asked, as Lily leaned in. She kissed him soundly.
“In a minute,” she said, kissing him again.
#jilychallenge#jily challenge#jily fic#jily fanfic#James Potter/Lily Evans#James x Lily#James Potter#Lily Evans#Lily Evans Potter#Harry Potter fanfic#hp#marauders era#minor wolfstar#Remus Lupin#Sirius Black#celebrity au#secret relationship#established relationship
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Tender Ch. 1 - Loki x Mute! Reader
Summary: Even though Loki doesn’t understand why the new member of the Avengers should be kind to him of all people, he doesn’t want you to stop either.
Warnings: Loki being depressed, the Avengers being kinda mean, mentions of Torture and Death
Words: ~2100
[Story Masterlist] [All of my Works]
All eyes were on him again.
As soon as Loki would step inside, the previously lively room would fall completely silent. Well, it’s not like he wasn’t used to being the involuntary kill-joy...
Usually, the God of Mischief craved attention, may it be positive or negative - most of the time being the latter. But lately, after months of having all those distrustful and hostile glares piercing holes into him, he’d rather wish for the ground to swallow him whole.
“Umm, so...I gotta go.” Natasha was the first one to flee the unpleasant atmosphere, not even putting the energy into mutter anything else than a cheap excuse on her way out. Clint wordlessly followed her close after, but not without shooting the Odinson one last, spiteful look.
Loki on the other hand was picking on his hands, a nervous habit he had inherited from his mother. As much as he tried to avoid meeting their eyes, the tensioned aura they were emitting making him feel close to breaking down completely - but he would never give them the satisfaction to witness this, he swore to himself.
And yet: Maybe he should just leave. Disappear, forever.
Although he’d never admit, Loki had grown very tired of his life following this stirr path, unable to diverge into a new direction. Everything he did would ultimately bring death and destruction upon mankind, inflicting fear in the hearts of all people.
His whole existence was based on being condemned to fail - just for others to reach their ‘glorius purpose’.
“Great” Tony scoffed. “Now they’re gone. Well done, prince of nothing.” Steve cut his friend off, clearing his throat very exaggeratedly.
The god still hadn’t moved from the doorframe of the conference room, while all others were already sitting on the oval-shaped table. He didn’t got what all that fuss was about. If Steve didn’t insist him to attend this emergency meeting, he’d just have gone about his usual business and avoided everyone as good as he could.
“C’mon, brother” Thor sighed, well knowing that if his brother was to stay in the team, it would ultimatively drive a wedge between them. All that pressure in the air was straining for everyone, including himself.
Tony on the other hand was pretty chill about everything, aside of being passive-aggressive. This was probably due to their similar coping styles.
Even though his near-death-experience back when he stopped the Chitauri was still eating on his mental health, he’d prefer glossing over it with stupid jokes and overly confident behaviour. “No sassy remark today, Reindeer Games?”
Stark was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed as he rose an eyebrow on the god, who only muttered a hoarse “No...not today.”
Yeah, it was kind of his style to break the unsettling silence through puny comments or self-glorifying speeches, to distract from his own insecurity.
But right now, he was just so damn tired.
Of this planet and it’s people, as well as the humiliating circumstances he had to dwell in. The fact that he was a prisoner at the Stark Tower, amongst his worst enemies. Being forced by his brother to keep up this meaningless act, as if he’d ever be seen as a team member or ally - when in reality, he was but a slave to the people he once ought to reign.
Just like back on Asgard: Never one of them, never belonging. No way to break free - for his true self was something to be loathed.
However, first and foremost the one thing he was especially tired of was himself, for he couldn’t get out of his own skin. Not only could he never be considered a hero, let alone be redeemed.
After all the atrocities he had commited due to Thanos’ torture and the tesseract’s influence, now that he woke up from that naive dream of power stilling the emptiness in his dark heart, there was nothing left for him - other than to be haunted by his crimes until the mercy of death would overcome him.
“Well” Steve began, slamming his palms on the desk to attract everyone’s attention. “As you all know, we are welcoming a new team member today.”
“They all know?” Of course they wouldn’t let him in on such sensitive information. Not that he minded either way - one Avenger more or less, it didn’t matter how many people hated him in here.
“Please, come on in.”
Loki cleared the entrance when he heared Tony’s words, turning around in anticipation of another dull creature like the Hulk to torment him - but his calm demeanour dropped completely at this unusual sight:
“Y-You?!”
That was simply not possible! The last time he had seen you was almost a year ago, and you were on the brink of death at that!
“For everyone that doesn’t know yet: Her name is Y/N Y/L/N. She is one of the victims HYDRA experimented on, and they succeeded in forming an artificial mutant.”
Steve went on and on explaining about your powers, but Loki’s head had already turned on autopilot, the only thing he could concentrate on being how the hell you of all people ended up here.
All these months, he was desperately trying to get any information about you, all of his hints ultimately leading him to dead ends - and in the end, tragically believing in your imminent death.
The memories were still painfully vivid in his mind: It was his first mission together with the Avengers, at a HYDRA hideout with most likely no civil survivors.
Actually, he had planned to make his escape right when the others engaged in a fight, wandering the hallways of what resembled a torture chamber rather than a laboratory.
On the walls were several instructions, about a serum that might cause a human to mutate if they were exposed to unbearable stress - pain being the most effective method, apparently.
Yet instead of finding anything useful for his personal gain, he found you: A beautiful woman, yet emaciated and lying in a puddle of her own blood. At first he thought you to be dead just like the others - but as soon as your faint whimpers drang to his ears, he burst the cell you were trapped in open, rushing to your side immediately.
“Shh...” the god scooped you up from the cold stone floor, wrapping his cloak around your broken body. “Everything is alright now. Your savior is here.”
Loki gasped as he felt your hand stroking his cheekbone, even through all your pain and weakness wanting to bid your hero this due respect.
“Hel...you humans are such fragile creatures...” Loki muttered under his breath, cursing his own lack of talent when it came to casting healing spells. “Hang in there, look at me!”
Your eyes were teary and bloodshot, yet not less fit to bring across a message no words ever could: Incredible gratitude, and admiration.
He could tell you were close to passing out when your hand left his face, falling limp to the side. But he held you firmly in his arms, not once stopping to utter sweet words of encouragement as he made his way to the ship, leading you into safety.
“Your world in the balance, and you bargain for one man?”
Those were the words he once directed at Black Widow - but only now he understood her attempts.
Saving one person could never make up for all the lives he had destroyed - and yet he knew that for you, it would mean the world none the less.
In one way or another, with your life at his mercy, he began to finally grasp the preciousness of life, and doing everything in one’s might to protect it.
“Reindeer Games” Tony tapped on his shoulders, making Loki wake from his pondering. “I’d appreciate if you didn’t scare her away on the first day already.”
Oh.
Just now he was noticing his own grim expression, having towered over your much smaller form this whole time with furrowed brows.
“My apologies” was his firm response, but you only shook your head, trying to tell him it was not a big deal.
So this was what you looked like when you’re not imprisoned, he realized when he took in your physique.
Much to his pleasure, all of your wounds had seemingly healed, and you finally gained some much needed weight. Like this, you looked so much more healthier - and most definetly even more bewitching than he remembered you.
If people had let him know, would he have visited your sickbed, aiding you towards health again? Who knows...
Yet somehow, he dwelled in the thought of you being able to lead a happy life now that you were free - which made your decision to seek out the Avengers in wish for more battles even harder for him to accept.
“You are incredibly strong, Lady Y/N” Loki spoke firmly, everyone else rolling their eyes at his usual exaggeration - but you knew he meant every word. “Be sure of my eternal respect.”
The God of Lies’ eyes widened in excitement when you directed a warm smile at him, knowing for sure that this one was genuine. It wasn’t like those fake smirks the other Avengers gave him out of politeness, or the mocking laughs when they were making fun of or excluding him.
No - that one was just pure affection. And it left him in awe.
“Thank you for saving me back then” you signed, just for Loki shooting you a puzzled look.
“What, I thought the all-tongue knows every language?” Tony yelled, as inconsiderate as always. Thor was quick to explain on his brother’s stead, him still being deeply invested with you. “Every spoken one, yes. ASL is not one of our fortes.”
Usually, Loki had always been a quick thinker. But right now he was to bewildered by your appearance that thinking straight was out of the question.
What language were they speaking of? And why have you not been saying anything up until now? Maybe his presence was making you uncomfortable, after all? Should he leave on your behalf?
To make it easier for him to understand, you rolled down your turtleneck, revealing the unsighty scar that covered your whole throat.
There were not many people bold enough to come close to the God of Mischief without warning, yet suddenly you simply took his hand and slowly led it to your neck.
How could you be so naive and offer someone like him such a vital spot?! He’ll never get the human philosophy...
And yet, the flabbergasted god hesistantly let his hand run over the scar, while you opened your mouth to no avail - for 11 months already, no tone would leave your vocal cords.
“I’m incredibly sorry...” Loki whispered with a sorrowful tone, while the others just stared in disbelief. “If only I was able to heal this wound back then...”
What a puny god he was...and an even more pathetic wanna-be-hero at that...
He would try to take a few steps back, but you took a hold of his hand, squeezing it with both of yours, that cheerful smile not faltering in the slightest.
“Please, don’t be sad. I’m only alive thanks to you!” Bucky, whose cousin was mute as well, translated what you were signing for Loki. His tone sounded quite irritated, not fitting those meaningful words. “I only wanted to join the Avengers because I want to be just like you. You’re my idol!”
Those words touched him deeply, igniting a flame inside of him he thought long to be defunct. Was it hope?
Of course it was not nearly enough to pull him out of that deep, dark hole he felt trapped in for as long as he could remember - yet somehow, he now felt that it was not impossible to escape.
While the others were cringing at your declaration, making jokes about ‘choosing wrong idols’ or would plainly not believe Loki to have a positive effect on anyone, the two of you would just stare at each other in silent admiration.
Shyly, you signed yet another word for him - and this time, Loki would know what you mean from pure intuition.
He smiled.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Loki was able to smile again, just thanks to your heartwarming welcome. And he was still blissfully unaware about what effect you could have on him, if he was brave enough to let you close.
One thing was sure: You literally had him wrapped around his finger from the very start.
#Loki#Loki x Reader#Loki x You#Loki Odinson#Loki Laufeyson#Loki Friggason#Oneshot#Self Insert#Marvel#Disney#Fluff#Fem! Reader#God of Mischief#Loki / Reader
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Star Struck | Corpse Husband x Reader
Warnings: Fluff, Swearing (If I’m missing any let me know please! :) )
a/n: You’re a model/ streamer in this one! :D I’m thinking about if I should turn this into a series or not? Lmk what you think. I hope you like it <3
It was a nice morning. The sun was shining through the tall windows that showed you a view of your balcony onto your bed, there was a slight breeze so it wasn’t too hot, and you could hear the birds chirping with the occasional honking due to LA traffic. The only reason you woke up was because the sun was shining right in your face. You groaned and put a pillow over your face. I really don’t want to get up right now. Just a few more minutes.. You thought and right as you were about to take the pillow off your face and turn over onto your other side so you could go back to sleep, your phone started ringing. “Ugh!” You groaned once again and reached for your phone that was on your nightstand. You looked at the caller ID and saw that it was your manager, Chris. You accepted the call and put the phone to your ear. “What do you want?” You asked in an annoyed and tired tone. You were definitely NOT a morning person. You hated mornings.
“Oh my God,” He said in a rushed tone, “Have you literally JUST woken up? You have a photoshoot in 2 hours! Makeup and wardrobe are waiting for you down here!” Your eyes widened. You completely forgot about it.
“I-I’ll be right there!” You told him and hung up. You sprang out of bed and almost ran to your walk in closet, your eyes scanning for a top that would match the black leather skirt you wanted to wear for the day. You decided on a black mesh body suit with a black crop top under it. All black today. like your soul. You quickly put on some black heels and brushed your hair, cringing at how the brush tugged on your hair when it reached a knot. You didn’t bother doing your makeup since your makeup team would take it off anyway. You fast walked to the door of your apartment, grabbed your purse off the hook, and opened your door to leave to your photoshoot.
🖤🖤🖤
After a lot of yelling from Chris for holding the makeup and wardrobe team up, you did your photoshoot and got to go home. When you got home, you took a mirror picture of your outfit and uploaded it to Instagram, putting the caption as “Fashionably Late 🖤💋”. You smiled at the influx of likes right as it posted. You were truly lucky to have your supporters, but you wanted one person in particular to see it.
Corpse’s POV
I was casually playing Among Us with my friends while they streamed when I felt my phone vibrate slightly on my lap. I began to feel anxious to check my phone since I only have notifications on for one person but I didn’t want to take my eyes off the screen since I was following Jack, who I was sus of. Right when him and I entered electrical, he broke my neck. I felt relieved though since I got to finally look at (y/n)’s post.
My eyes widened when I saw the picture of her outfit. She looked good. Very good. I double tapped on it and immediately went to the comment section out of curiosity of what other people were saying. I looked at all the comments saying how pretty she was and smiled, but the comments made by creepy people made my blood boil. I wish I could just reply to them and say “That’s my girl. Stop.” but we both agreed to keep our relationship out of the public eye and I was truly fine with that. I just wish I could protect her from the creeps out there.
I wasn’t even paying attention to the game until I suddenly saw “Victory” appear on my screen. “Let’s goooo!” I said into the mic. Everyone else was celebrating as well.
“Hey!” Rae exclaimed, “Let’s get (y/n) in here, she just got home.” My heart skipped a beat and I smiled.
“Yes!” I said a little too excited. Everyone else didn’t notice it though and agreed with me. I quickly texted her out of excitement.
Your POV
After receiving an invite from Rae and booting up your computer, as well as getting everything prepared to stream, you got a text from Corpse. You quickly grabbed your phone to respond back to whatever he said.
My Love 😊💖💖
im so excited to hear your voice
i’ve missed you
<3
You blushed at his messages. You thought about what to text back for a minute until you figured out what to say.
You
I have so much to tell you from today
I missed you so much bb
ft later?
You set your phone back on your desk and loaded up Among Us, joining the discord call while you wait. You were greeted by everyone as you joined.
“(Y/n)! Good noon!” Greeted Rae. You smiled as everyone in the call erupted in hello’s.
“Hey, (y/n).” Corpse said after everyone else had their chance to greet you.
Your stomach did backflips from him just saying your name. “Hi~” You said in a sing songy voice and started streaming. “How are all you guys doing?” You asked as your picked up your water from your desk and started drinking.
“Good now that you’re here..” Corpse muttered. You choked on your water and erupted in coughing, taken aback from what he said. Good thing your were muted.
“Corpse?!” Yelled Poki.
“What did you say?!” Also yelled Felix. The rest were just erupting in Aw’s.
“U-uh,” Corpse stuttered, “I meant that because (y/n) is such a good imposter and I’ve been a little off my game today so I’m hoping we get imposter together so I have some content for a video.” Good cover up.. You thought as your coughing got under control. I think he forgot to mute himself.
“Yeah!” You exclaimed, “We got this my dude!” You took a glance at chat and saw everyone going crazy. Half of them were typing in all caps asking for someone to clip that moment, and half were shipping you and corpse.
“I can only play one game anyway,” Corpse said, “I have stuff to do.” You frowned at what he said. You haven’t gotten to talk with him all day because of how rushed you were this morning and now you won’t have time to talk with him now because of how different your schedules are. Even though you two loved each other a lot you have had your arguments about this with him. You hate that he lives two hours from you or else this wouldn’t be an issue. You would be over at his house everyday if he lived in LA. You hated long distance.
You had a great time playing with your friends, but when Corpse left you got a little gloomy. He wasn’t answering your texts either. You sighed and changed into his hoody he left in your closet when he visited last and put on some grey pajama shorts. You tied your hair into a messy bun so it wouldn’t get in your way for the rest of the night even though you were just going to watch Netflix in your bed and eat chips. After grabbing your snacks, you walked to your bedroom and opened the glass door to the balcony in your room, turned your LED lights to (f/c), got comfortable in your bed, and turned on your favorite show on your TV.
You were scrolling through Instagram as you heard a knock at your door. A scared feeling washed over you and you paused what you were doing. It was like you were frozen in time and if you made one sudden movement everything would come crashing down. They knocked again. You were scared that some crazed fan found your address to your apartment. Cautiously, you walked to your door and looked through the peek hole. Butterflies fluttered in your stomach and a wide grin appeared on your face as you saw who it was. You quickly unlocked your door and opened it. You wasted no time and grabbed Corpse’s face and kissed him with so much passion you didn’t want to stop. He lifted you up and held your thighs in his hands, walking into your apartment and shutting the door with his foot. “I’ve missed you so much baby.” He breathed as he kept kissing you.
You pulled away from the heated session and Corpse carefully placed you on your feet. You hugged him. “I missed you too.” You said and didn’t want to let go. Corpse placed a kiss on your head as he hugged you and rubbed your back. You realized something and pulled away from the hug. “Where’s your stuff?” Noticing he didn’t have a suitcase.
He looked at you with a blank expression. “Fuuuckk....” He groaned. “I forgot it.”
You looked at him confused. “How do you forget your stuff. It’s a two hour drive here!” You laughed.
He scratched the back of his neck embarrassed. “I really missed you and I was excited to surprise you,” He explained. “I didn’t want to get here late and have you asleep so I didn’t even think about packing.”
You smiled. “Well, at least you have a ton of clothes here you’ve left.”
He smirked, looking at his hoodie on your body. “Yeah, I see that.”
You smirked back at him, turned around, and began to walk back into your bedroom, wanting him to follow you. Corpse quickly swept you off your feet and put you over his shoulder, plopping you on the bed as he got on top of you. He looked into your eyes. “I’m tired.” He muttered.
“Let’s cuddle then, baby.” You smile. He smiles back at you tiredly as he moves off you to be the big spoon, pulling you against him by wrapping his arm around your waist. You felt happy in that moment. You finally got to be with the only man who loves you for you physically, instead of two hours away. You both fell asleep, taking in this moment.
#corpse#corpse x reader#corpse husband#corpse husband x reader#corpse husband x you#corpse husband x y/n
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Kaleidoscope of Death, Ch. 124
Kaleidoscope of Death by Xi Zixu
Link to Chinese / Novel Updates
Chapter 124: Long Sword
Once the insect swarm dispersed, Lin Qiushi's group left the dining room. The moment they stepped outside, however, they found that the flying insects had appeared in the hallway, batting their wings to form a faint black line in midair that led off to some unknown room.
This was likely what the string signified. Lin Qiushi had thought it would be more complicated than this, but somehow, Ruan Nanzhu's messing around had yielded them the correct answer. He glanced at Ruan Nanzhu and asked, "do we follow and see where it goes?"
"Sure." Ruan Nanzhu looked at the time and confirmed it was still early. "Let's go."
Then they headed off in the direction the insects were guiding them in, toward where all the rooms were.
Every five minutes, the positions of the rooms changed, and when that happened, the direction the insects pointed to also changed. Hovering in mid-air, they were all connected together in a single-file line. The three of them kept following the path of insects, but very quickly, they discovered something off—at one point, the insects broke off into two swarms. One pointed left, and one pointed right, in different directions.
"Why's this happening?" Gu Longming was utterly confounded when he saw the split insects. He grabbed a bug off-hand and trapped it in his palm. When he released it, it swiftly returned to its original position. "Why have these mosquitoes split up? Unless…"
He understood something. With a pained expression he peered at Lin Qiushi.
"Unless there are two monsters?"
That seemed to be the only answer, but Lin Qiushi didn't think the matter would be so simple. He asked, "we'll split up and see?"
Ruan Nanzhu thought for a bit.
"Okay, Gu Longming goes left with you, and I go right."
Lin Qiushi nodded, not arguing. He only reminded Ruan Nanzhu that if Ruan Nanzhu did find something strange, he shouldn't force anything; the objective this time was to gather information.
Hearing Lin Qiushi's earnest suggestion, Ruan Nanzhu couldn't help but smile.
"I knew it, our Linlin's all grown up. He worries about me now, how heartwarming."
Lin Qiushi: "…I'm very serious."
"Yes, I know you're serious." He came over and gave the corner of Lin Qiushi's mouth a casual peck. "I'll be careful. See you later."
Lin Qiushi waved a hand at him.
"See you later."
As they were conversing, the space around them changed again, and the directions they were heading altered once more. This time, the insects seemed to be guiding them toward the lowest-level deck.
Lin Qiushi and Gu Longming wasted no more time, jogging the rest of the way ahead, hoping to find the room the insects were guiding them to before everything changed again.
The two were quick, finding the room indicated by the insects in half the time. At this room, those bugs flew through the air and attached themselves in a dense layer all over the door. As soon as he was near, Lin Qiushi got a whiff of a strong, rotted fish stench.
It was truly too pungent—about as bad as how the room from last time smelled. It was too easy to anticipate that inside this room, they would find that giant fishman monster shut away.
At the room, Lin Qiushi didn't rush and try to enter. Instead he put his ear to the door and listened for any sounds inside. The room was quiet enough to seem like it held nothing alive, but Lin Qiushi still heard something odd: a faint breathing sound coming from the door…The breaths came from somewhere close to him, as if there was only the single door between him and whatever was inside.
Gu Longming, on the other hand, was looking through the window. He seemed to have spotted something in the inky black, face going slightly pale as he took a couple of steps back. He gestured toward the inside of the room at Lin Qiushi, nodding emphatically to say that there was something inside.
So Lin Qiushi got up and looked through the window too.
Through a crack in the curtains, he saw a pair of yellow eyes hidden in the dark. They were fish eyes, with perfectly circular pupils and the whites of the eyes giving off a bright golden glow. They were currently staring out the door with a none-too-friendly expression.
Those eyes slowly moved, like the thing had sensed there were people standing outside. Lin Qiushi saw it slowly open its mouth, filled densely with white teeth and a tongue softly glowing blue.
Hang on…yellow eyes? Lin Qiushi’s breathing froze. He felt that he'd caught onto something, swiftly pulling out his cell phone, turning on the flashlight, and tossing the beam of light in through the curtains.
As the light entered the room, Lin Qiushi could finally see the thing clearly. It was a creature difficult to describe—at least, Lin Qiushi had never seen its like.
It had a gigantic head of a fish and a fragile human body. Because the head was so big and heavy, the creature couldn't even stand straight; both the head and the thin, mismatched body could only sprawl on the floor. Most eye-catching was the long, sharp horn at the top of its head—it looked both piercing and deadly…and the first thing Lin Qiushi thought of was the long sword that killed the Minotaur from the myth.
The fishman's attention was caught by the light Lin Qiushi brought and a strange roar came out of its mouth. Gu Longming saw its strange appearance and couldn't help but rub at his arms, forcing a grin.
"The heck is that thing?"
"What we saw in the first room seems to be this fish-person," Lin Qiushi said. "Remember the yellow eyes from that room?"
Gu Longming nodded that he remembered.
At the mention of the yellow eyes, he finally realized. The eyes of the human-eating fish-monster were not yellow, but a discomforting shock of white. This kind of detail, however, easily blurred in shocking situations, and it was only due to Lin Qiushi's reminder that he could now faintly remember.
"So there are two monsters?" Gu Longming swallowed. "And so the purpose of this monster, could it be…"
His gaze fell on the needle-sharp horn at the top of that monster's head, and said the words Lin Qiushi was thinking.
"The long sword?"
Lin Qiushi: "We can suppose so."
At least so far, they had yet to find another appropriate, weapon-like item on the ship. The truth was, the moment he'd gotten a clear look at this fishman's apperance, Lin Qiushi had had the similar thought. Gu Longming had clearly drawn the same conclusions that he did.
The sound of the two talking seemed to have stimulated the monster inside. It began to crawl about a little violently, twisting about in a grotesque and scary manner.
Seeing its agitation, Lin Qiushi got a bad feeling. So he grabbed Gu Longming and backed up a few steps.
The moment they backed up, a long sharp spike appeared through the solid wood wall in front of them. The thing in the room had used the horn on its head to stab straight through the wall—two, three times, leaving a number of holes behind. Had they not backed away just now—and had gotten unfortunately stabbed—it was easy to see how painful it would've been.
But after Lin Qiushi confirmed the identity of the thing inside the room, time was up for another switch. The room before them disappeared, replaced with just another normal bedroom. The path of the insects changed as well, and the location of that fish swapped to the upper deck.
Gu Longming was disgusted by even the thought of this fish. He'd actually enjoyed eating fish before this door, but after marinading in fish stench for the past few days, he’d become reflexively nauseated at the thought of that taste. The unfortunate likelihood was that even after leaving this door, it would be a while still before he stopped being grossed out by fish.
Lin Qiushi: "Come on, let's go see where Zhu Meng is."
Gu Longming nodded.
The two left the bottom-level deck and headed up. They found Ruan Nanzhu standing on the top deck with his head poked out over the black seawater.
He turned around at the sound of their foot steps.
"What did you find?"
Lin Qiushi said, "I think we found the long sword."
Ruan Nanzhu's eyes gleamed: "You found it?"
Lin Qiushi nodded and gave him a quick rundown of the thing the saw. He emphasized the long horn they'd seen on that fishman monster's head and how it’d looked both sturdy and sharp, like it would make for a great offensive weapon.
As for Ruan Nanzhu, he said that in the room he found, he saw the giant fishman who'd eaten a person the night before.
"But how are we supposed to kill that fishman?" Gu Longming asked, squatting on the planks and dejectedly eating the candy that Lin Qiushi gave him. "I don't think that thing's any easier to deal with than the fish monster we saw before."
What they were most concerned about was not the width, but the depth of the wounding; once a wound got deep, it had a hard time healing, particularly on a ship that lacked medical supplies like this. It was obvious that once stabbed by that horn, even if you didn't die the day of, complications like tetanus, etc. would kill you in the next few days.
Ruan Nanzhu listened to Gu Longming's worries and comforted him—by saying don't worry, if it really does come to that, we'll finish you off nice and clean.
Gu Longming: "…how about no. Thank you."
Lin Qiushi thought this was something of a paradox. They had to first kill the yellow-eyed fishman before they could kill the monster symbolized by the Minotaur, but that was where the problem lied—how were they supposed to kill the yellow-eyed fishman? Did they really have to just take their dinner knives and go head-to-head with that thing?
As the three were discussing what to do, they heard a sudden ruckus from the dining room, interspersed with shocked shouts and agonized screaming.
At this sound they knew instantly that something else had happened. Lin Qiushi traded a glance with Ruan Nanzhu and turned for the dining room. Before he even went inside, he could smell the thick scent of blood—Lin Qiushi looked down and found a pool of it on the floor planks. A wounded man was lying on the ground inside, covering a wound in his abdomen with his hands. The wound seemed very deep, lumping up and spilling forth bright red blood.
Gu Longming took a few steps forward.
"What happened? How did he get hurt?" He took off his jacket and, using it as bandaging, began treating the victim's wounds in well-trained motions. He was trying to stop the man's bleeding.
Seeing his actions however, Lin Qiushi formulated a guess about Gu Longming's job outside the doors.
"He discovered outside that the insects seemed to be leading in a certain direction, so we followed it." The person speaking was the man's companion—he'd been a bystander and witness to the entire process of how his friend got hurt. He continued shakily: "But when we got there, this long spike came out of the room and stabbed him right in the body."
Gu Longming frowned.
"It doesn't look good, the kidney looks like it's been perforated." There weren't any useful medical supplies at hand either, and considering the blood flow, this person was likely…
A girl nearby said: "I brought a hemostatic spray, can you use that?"
"Give it here," Gu Longming said. "I can only try—treat a dead horse like a live one, right?"[1]
He did his best to tourniquet the person's body to reduce the output of blood. Then, after using up a good half of the hemostatic spray, he managed to stop the ever-flowing bleeding.
"What was the thing that stabbed your friend?" Seeing the person stabilize, someone turned their attention onto the person who was still alive.
"It looked like a fish," the survivor answered. "I'm not sure…I only caught a glimpse before this happened."
"We'll go have a look too." The crowd was clearly interested in this fish, and so dispersed from the dining room.
Moments later, there were only a handful of people left inside.
"How does it look? Will my friend survive?" that person asked Gu Longming plaintively.
Gu Longming sighed, saying, "if he gets out early he might be saved, but…" This wasn't a place they could come to and go from at will.
So everybody quieted down. Gu Longming looked at the blood on his hands and said, "I'm gonna go wash my hands real quick." He got up and went to the bathroom.
The victim's breathing grew weaker and weaker, and even though Gu Longming did all he could, a few hours later, the man still died.
The entire dining room was filled with the thick stench of blood. It was also, coincidentally, time for supper; the Dead Fish Dinner Sets just happened to be placed on the tables, and the stench of the fish plus the smell of blood meant everyone had even less appetite. Nobody even wanted to go through the motions before taking off from the dining room.
Ruan Nanzhu, however, stayed where he was. Lin Qiushi didn't rush him either, because he knew that if Ruan Nanzhu was staying, then Ruan Nanzhu must have his reasons.
Due to the death of the person that afternoon, Gu Longming was a bit down. He poked at the noodles on the plate in front of him without much energy or appetite.
After most people left the dining room, Ruan Nanzhu pulled a few plastic bags out of his clothes.
"What are you planning to do?" Lin Qiushi startled.
Ruan Nanzhu: "I don't think the door would have us go head-to-head with that thing. There's too much of a difference in power."
Lin Qiushi: "So you want…" He watched as Ruan Nanzhu took all the dead fish from the dining table and stuffed his own pockets until they were bulging. "You want to feed the fish to that thing?"
"It was the aperitif that got the Minotaur drunk in the myth," Ruan Nanzhu said. "We pretty much know what the aperitif refers to now."
The eaten fish was fermented inside the belly, to be tasted once the stomach was split open; it was truly a kind of appetizer liquor.
So Ruan Nanzhu wanted to use the dead fish to lure the Minotaur to the yellow-eyed fish monster. They didn't know if it would work, but they had to give it a try.
This method, after all, was a lot more reliable than bringing a dining knife to a fish fight.
Ruan Nanzhu packed up all the dead fish and took them to go, following the path of the insects to once again find the room where the yellow-eyed fish monster resided.
There were already many more holes in the room; it had clearly used the sharp weapon on its head to make them.
Ruan Nanzhu gestured for Lin Qiushi and Gu Longming to stand further away as he tossed, with a single throw, the fish in his hand through a gap in the window.
The dead fish splattered all over the ground. That yellow-eyed fish monster pounced on them in excitement. It picked them up with its hands and began an aggressive gnawing; it ate quickly, and finished in short time the entire bag of fish that Ruan Nanzhu tossed in. It was a good thing they were prepared, quickly throwing in the other few bags of fish as well.
As it ate, Ruan Nanzhu stood watching from the side. Lin Qiushi was a big worried about him getting hurt though, since the blood from the last victim was still dripping in display on the window.
The yellow-eyed fishman finished all the fish, not leaving behind any heads, even. When it was full, it looked on, contented, before going to sleep on the ground just like that.
"Let's go," Ruan Nanzhu said to Lin Qiushi.
It was already a bit dark outside, and even though he really wanted to see what would happen here tonight, staying out was not a smart move.
So the three went and found another room they could rest in, and got in bed waiting for evening to arrive.
The last beam of light disappeared with the sun descending beneath the horizon. It was a moonless evening, with only the howling sea winds and the storm clouds like a piece of fabric hung up in the sky.
Lin Qiushi couldn't really sleep, staring idly out the window.
Ruan Nanzhu had first been in a different bed, but mid-sleep he'd somehow scooted over beside Lin Qiushi. So the two were now squeezed together.
They didn't speak, nor did they even look at each other. The way they simply knew each other was as if they'd already experienced hundreds and thousands of the exact scenario before them now.
They were both waiting—waiting on the answer to their experiment.
Around three in the morning, their waiting finally yielded results.
Lin Qiushi's ears caught something like the roar of a wild beast—and then the sounds of a violent battle. They were quite far from those sounds, and couldn't really make out what was happening, but the battle lasted for a very long time. It wasn't until the sun was almost up again that it gradually faded away.
"Who do you think won?" Ruan Nanzhu asked quietly.
"I don't know," Lin Qiushi said. "There's no difference either way."
Though things were mostly going as planned, something still happened that exceeded their expectations—not long after the sound of fighting stopped, there came the sound of human crying and screaming on the ship. When he heard this, Lin Qiushi jumped, crawling out of bed and going to the window. He wanted to see exactly what was happening outside, but the evening was too dark and he couldn't make out anything at all.
Luckily, Ruan Nanzhu's vision came into use at a key moment. He saw the fishman drag a struggling human onto the upper deck.
"How could this be?!" When Lin Qiushi heard Ruan Nanzhu's description, he couldn't believe it. "Nobody ate any fish inside the dining room today—"
Ruan Nanzhu's brow puckered. "You…remember the guy that Jian Qianyuan injured yesterday?"
Lin Qiushi: "…" He nodded.
Ruan Nanzhu: "I don't think he came to the dining room at all today."
Lin Qiushi's attention had been on the two monsters all day, and he hadn't noticed: "But isn't it a good thing that he didn't come to the dining room?"
Not coming to the dining room meant that he didn't eat the fish, so why would the monster target him?
Ruan Nanzhu only grimaced.
"It's not only the dining room that has fish."
Lin Qiushi: "…" He immediately remembered that filthy kitchen.
"There's plenty of fish to be had in the kitchen," Ruan Nanzhu said. "There's got to be a sacrifice."
Lin Qiushi sighed. He'd thought that there wouldn't need to be a sacrifice tonight, but now that he thought about it, he’d been naive. It wasn't kind inside the doors at all. The longer they stayed here, the worse the casualties would be.
That person's screams gradually faded, leaving behind only the silence of a long evening.
Before morning came, Lin Qiushi managed to get some sleep. But he didn't know whether it was due to a nightmare or if he didn't actually manage to sleep—he kept feeling that for the rest of the evening, that thing had kept circling the room they were in. He'd even smelled that nauseating stench of fish.
On day three, none of the three were in good spirits. They hadn't slept well for the past few nights, disturbed as they'd been with a number of things.
Conducting several days of christening meant the group was already numb to another body appearing on deck. They got rid of the body in well-trained motions and scrubbed the deck clean, returning to the day like nothing had happened at all.
Lin Qiushi's attention was not on the deck. He went off to the dining room early, hoping to find trace of the bugs. But disappointingly, the insects that had formed the string yesterday had disappeared.
"There's no rush." Ruan Nanzhu glanced at his watch. "It's still early."
"Mh," Lin Qiushi said in understanding.
Without the string, they couldn't find the two monsters, so they could only keep waiting.
At around eleven or so, the scenario that Lin Qiushi had been waiting on finally appeared—the NPC that became the insects yesterday showed up once more in the dining room. He wore the same clothes, had the same expression, and looked just like an NPC who kept resetting in a game.
They didn't need Ruan Nanzhu this time for someone to approach this NPC and pat him hard on the shoulder.
So the same thing that happened yesterday happened again. The insects swarmed then dispersed, disappearing from inside the dining room, and at the same time, two lines of insects formed outside, leading off in unknown directions.
Lin Qiushi, Ruan Nanzhu, and Gu Longming began following a string to find the place they were looking for. A few minutes later, they came upon the exterior of a room. Compared to yesterday, it looked very different, because it was readily apparent from the outside that last night, this room had been the site of a vicious battle. The wooden window slats were completely crushed, and the lock that hung on the door had also been torn violently off.
It seemed like the two monsters did have a fierce battle between them. Judging by the final incident from the night before, however, it seemed that the giant fishman had gotten the advantage.
[Ch. 123] | [Ch. 125]
#kaleidoscope of death#xi zixu#cnovel#chinese translation#死亡萬花筒#sorry for no updates this weekend i got surprisingly busy#;;#i'll try to make up for it
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Hmm, Cha Hae-In... if she ran into Sung Jin-Woo at the sword school somehow and is ? that he smells good?
Sugar Mama Cha Hae-In + the Hunters’ Guild going ‘these two are adorable we are going to make this ship sail’
Also he’s adorable and her sword teacher tells her that he keeps getting injured but keeps going on hunts, people think he’s an idiot rich boy in it for the thrill but he doesn’t buy that, no defense and yet he gets wounded protecting their healer too.
Cha Hae-In using her vice guildmaster position to offer him a position on the resource gathering teams, and watching as he goes from shut down and dead inside to smiling and friendly and starting to actually talk to people. They’re like sure, he’s not the fastest/strongest worker, but he’s hard working and does his best and pays attention to instructions.
Meanwhile Sung Jin-Woo is ‘this job comes with medical insurance!’ and Jin-Ah is ‘I don’t have to worry about my brother dying anymore! The Hunter’s Guild would absolutely have like, whole guild social functions where you bring your family and Jin-Ah wanting to talk to Cha Hae-In and explaining the situation and being ‘thank you so much for saving the life of my last family.’
So Cha Hae-In is *manly tears* Such a wonderful big brother! So filial! So cute!
Sung Jin-Woo starts bringing her lunch to thank her and she’s ‘you don’t have to...’ (but it’s really good) ‘I am rich af let me pay you’ and Sung Jin-Woo is ‘sure’ because money.
... to skip ahead, shadow!Choi Jong-In continuing to do paperwork, corresponence and checking over payroll after death leaves him Not Impressed with Ashborn wanting to ditch Jin-Woo (especially after finding out Ashborn made Jin-Woo responsible for his army)
So like, the entire Hunter’s Guild is like, ‘Cha Hae-In has a boyfriend... but we already know him and he is a Good Kid not like, someone who wants to feel dominant over a powerful woman or any of that BS and oh hey this food is really good’ So Choi Jong-In goes ‘we’re going to have a cafeteria now and provide lunches for all the gate teams’ and puts Sung Jin-Woo in charge of it and people are like ‘this is why we call u a genius’
People are like ‘when are you going to ask him out’ and Cha Hae-In is ‘as vice guildmaster I’m his boss! I can’t hit on him!’ so Choi Jong-In is like ‘congratulations you own a restaurant in our guild building now with a lucrative contract with our guild’
Now it’s ‘i can’t hit on him at work! And he feels like he really owes me, I don’t want to make him feel like I was... expecting things’
They are like ah! She is such a good person for an s-rank! Ok, then they need Sung Jin-Woo to make a move! Plan 1: he seems to like watching her train even though he can’t follow a lot of her movements, so we’ll invite him along to watch a fight.
Next up is a double dungeon, but it appeared in a low rank dungeon and the measurements are still weak AF. So like, it’s a mission that the Hunter’s Guild can go on like, just to be sure! But almost certainly safe for an e-rank.
And then you have Choi Jong-In and Sung Jin-Woo scrambling to figure out the rules. Cha Hae-In carrying Sung Jin-Woo over her shoulder, someone else taking Choi Jong-In after he passes out burning up all his MP in the hopes of taking out the statue’s eye beams.
So they’re around the altar with their unconscious boss and the e-rank up on it in the center to be safest, and they’re staring down the statues and debating ‘do we send Cha Hae-In out the door to carry the guildmaster and Sung Jin-Woo to safety, or does that door scream obvious trap because the rule is ‘prove your faith’ and wouldn’t leaving the temple be abandoning your faith?
And Cha Hae-In and Sung Jin-Woo are ‘that would leave you guys without any s-ranks against a very high a boss if not worse.’ and it’s the hunter guild’s duty to close gates first. This gate was counting down when it was reported as a double dungeon, they cannot let this boss gate breach.
The flames count down and, hmm, should the architect react like a thwarted bully or improv some new bullshit to act like everything is within his calculations? So he goes ‘to prove your faith you must now offer a sacrifice’ but instead of obviously giving up the weakling to keep the others alive they’re like yeah, fuck no (’if the porter/guest gets hurt the whole guild has failed’)
So he grabs Jin-Woo and unleashes the statues on the humans with orders to make it hurt but not finish them off, and tells him ‘get on that altar and you’ll be able to leave here with them.’
And Jin-Woo knew he was willing to die for Jin-Ah and Mom, but they’re safe now and he owes that to Cha Hae-In and everyone at the Hunter Guild’s kindness. so he’s ‘ok’ and they are ‘nonono’
He wakes up at the hospital, told he’s the only survivor and he’s been asleep for a month, which... he knew the boss was a lying bastard, monsters don’t spare humans, but he couldn’t just not even TRY/do anything.
...WTF is this? He thought seeing that screen before was some kind of pre-death brain screwery. Jin-Ah and the Hunter’s Guild b-team start coming in and he’s ?? are you guys seeing this? THey are ‘what did that thing do to poor helpless e-rank good boy?!’
Choi Jong-In measures him as an A rank, but instead of being happy Sung Jin-Woo is going through status screens on job class an abilities and...
And then he pales.
And summons the dead.
The boss said ‘he’d go home with them.’ Effing literal words... They can’t speak, but they touch his shoulder to say it’s okay.
...He...
Sung Jin-Woo ends up rejoining the Hunter’s Guild after leveling to S because without any S ranks it would have lost a lot of prestige and ability to take more valuable gates and pay for all the salary, benefits and expensive protective armor.
Doing the JeJu op and since he’s OP, replacing the Draw Sword guild as emergency call-in guild for southeast asia due to like ‘why would we charge you fees A rank gates are where the money’s at if anything we should be paying you for finding them for us’
But if Min Byong-Gyu does die and get turned into a shadow but talks to Baek Yoon-Ho re ‘hey I’m being forced to adore that guy his power is really creepy get me out of here’ and Baek is concerned about Choi Jong-In too...
Sung Jin-Woo’s reaction to the idea his friends are being FORCED to care about him/not be mad he was a useless e-rank and couldn’t save them...
Ashborn seeing Sung Jin-Woo with comrades that ~died with him, like he resurrected his fallen soldiers after did... even more ‘like me’ so earlier decision to not possess.
Ms. Selner going ‘there is great darkness in you’ and he’s ‘can you tell me anything else?’
Hunter’s Guild Shadow Squad wanting to powerlevel for Cartenon temple rematch and then they get sealed instead of getting to attack that bastard? FFFFFFFFFF
instead of ‘get necromancer class’ it’s ‘unlock a prestige class’ so he does get Igris.
He wants to get stronger so he can stop this from happening again, and making sure gates got cleared and people were safe is what they wanted... right?
More examination of using his power on humans/to preserve human souls since like, he can’t get valid consent NOW.
...Chairman Yoo going ‘those lizards killed my son, stole his equips, and made me pay them for being ‘kind’ enough to carry his body out, but I can’t do sh*t because the older brother’s an s-rank,’ and bowing his head.
So Sung Jin-Woo shadowing Jin-Ho, who gets adopted into squad happily. That way he can ask him to confirm ‘those guys did murder you, yes?’
Hunter’s Guild is guild conference rep for Korea OFC, people from guild helping Jin-Woo study up on who everyone is and the contacts they’ve got/are working on. Hwang Dong-Su kidnaps someone else.
During Ashborn meeting Choi Jong-In showing up to SHAME Ashborn for planning to sleep forever (suicide ideation) bc as a leader he should be more responsible than to ditch someone else to take care of the org he’s responsible for. If Choi Jong-In is doing paperwork from behind the grave, this guy isn’t going to get to lie around when humanity desperately needs more combatants at this level/Jin-Woo shouldn’t have to die alone.
#solo leveling#this turned into#Hunter's Guild Sung Jin-Woo Protection Squad#becomes Hunter's Guild Shadow Squad#not shippy because first there's#power imbalance#one way and then the other
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Interview with Eddie Munson about Recent Resurgence of Corroded Coffin and Appearance in A Collection of Queer Photography
Title speaks for itself. Interview with Eddie after the book is released, which caused a new interest in Corroded Coffin.
On AO3.
Ship: Steddie
Warnings: mentions of the AIDS crisis, mentions of homophobia, mentions of police violence, mentions of stopping with smoking, self identifying use of d-slur and f-slur
~~~~~~~~~
Today I go over to the house of Corroded Coffin front man Eddie Munson to talk to him about the renewed popularity of the band after Jonathan Byers published his work from 1986-1994. The book of photography is about growing up queer and the found family that Eddie also was a part of, giving insight into the private life of the group.
When I get to the address, I am greeted with the sight of a big house resting on a plot of land with a driveway that splits into two. Around the house is not a neat lawn like many other houses in the neighborhood have, instead it is full of wild flowers and grasses, a few trees and what looks to be a vegetable garden in the back. I have to check I have the right front door, before ringing the bell.
Soon Eddie Munson himself is opening the door and greeting me warmly and leading me to the living room I recognize from the end of the book.
Dressed in black sweatpants and a fraying Dio shirt, hair in a bun, he looks comfortable and a bit like a king in his castle as he sits down on one of the couches, gesturing me to take the other one. Though, not before giving me something to drink.
It’s afternoon, since he wanted the kids that he and his husband, Steve, are fostering to be out of the house, so they wouldn’t come under scrutiny. The two women he shares the house with, Robin and Rose, are of to work. It’s peaceful, but not quiet, metal music playing softly in the background.
I jump right in, asking him if he saw the recent success of the band coming. He laughs and shakes his head:
“No, man, not at all. We were all just hyped for Jon’s and Nance’s project to be taking off, you know. We knew some Corroded stuff was in there and that a few fans were excited about it, but we’re an old band, past our prime. And then that tweet about me on the phone to Stevie went viral and suddenly our numbers were going up and we were getting tagged in stuff. Some people made art, it’s really cool to see.”
He looks genuinely excited as he talks, loose grin on his face. I ask whether the fan interactions are different now than in the 90s.
“Totally, but not bad different. It’s a lot more connected today with social media and everything, which is really cool, since you get to know what people are thinking outside from a quick meet and greet or random encounter. Don’t get me wrong, I loved meeting fans back then, but this has its charm and we all get to hear from old fans now who didn’t have the money or ability to come see us back then. That’s definitely a bonus.”
Curious I ask: Have you noticed a difference between new fans and older fans?
“There is always generational differences. Trust me, I’m very glad that people have changed so much in how they think, but sometimes you’ll hear a kid say something and you’ve gotta turn your head in surprise, because it was unthinkable back then. But there are a lot of good kids out there. Mostly the difference is knowing lore. It’s hard to get to know things about a band that was big back then when you weren’t a part of it, but a lot of older fans are talking about it. It’s great to see that we built such a nice community out here.”
I tell him that a lot of people are wondering if the band is planning on releasing anything new now that they’re back in the spotlight, but Eddie shakes his head to that.
“No, no, sorry. I know people want us to, but we’re done. I still write music, even produce here and there. Jeff has his own record label and the other two are enjoying retirement. We get together to play for fun, but none of us want to do the tours and the press and the whole circus again. That shit is fun when you’re twenty something. We’re old now and I already missed enough time with my baby, I don’t have time for it, I don’t want to be away from home. Plus, we always got kids coming in and out, I’m gonna be there for them, because they need me more. It’s really sweet that people are enjoying our work, but done is done.”
He doesn’t want to comment on the kids, beyond that they’re great, since they haven’t ask to be anywhere close to public scrutiny by being in foster care. He says it sucks enough on its own and that he knows, he’s been in it.
So, I let the topic be and instead ask about Steve, who he mentioned. At the name, he lights up in a way that reminds me of romance novels.
“Steve is the best, he truly is. When we were big in the 90s, we had to hide, so I never could dedicate songs to him, tell the world how much I love him and say what songs are about him. It’s nice that I get to do that now and that people are noticing him with the book that came out. The most important person in my life.
Like, people underestimate how fundamental Steve has been in the success of Corroded Coffin. It wasn’t easy to do senior year for the fourth time, I nearly dropped out a thousand times, but Stevie kept me in school, which meant I got to have an okay job when we moved to Boston, so we could even live there as Robs studied, you know. And he kept working as Corroded Coffin tried to make it, he literally made sure I could follow my dreams and I have never been more thankful to him for that.
He was also our biggest fan all throughout. At the start he’d help us make merch and sell it when we played bars, but as we got bigger he couldn't come to our shows often anymore. He’s had a lot of knocks to the head, so too many loud noises are a no. I nearly gave the whole thing up a few times when we were on tour for months and I couldn't see him, but he always knew what to say to make me feel better and keep going.
Stevie has been my rock. He has done so much for him and I will spend the rest of my life trying to make him as happy as possible, because I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
The passionate rant is filled with love and it’s a little painful to cut him off, but we have limited time, so I move on to the book that launched him and the rest of the band back into the public eye. It is a view into his private life as well and I ask if that has caused any issues.
“I mean, you’re always going to have a few people who try to make it weird or think they know you now and have a say over you, but that is with everything, not just this book. Overall, it has been mostly positive, you know. I got to talk about things without having to make it a weird public announcement thing. It’s not like I want to give a press conference about the pride of back then and Nance does a way better job of talking about it and I feel like Jon’s photographs say a lot more than me talking about it.”
The photographs are very powerful at points, I have to agree, but I am still curious about what he thinks of the book and his life on display in a way it hasn’t been before. So, I ask if he has a favorite part. He laughs at that, a little sheepishly and jokes:
“That’s like forcing a parent to chose a kid, I think. They’ve done a great job in showing us in everything we did.”
Then he gets a little more serious as he says:
“I do appreciate them putting in my uncle Wayne. Nancy asked everyone what parts we wanted in the book and what parts we didn’t, I told her I’d love it if Wayne got a shout out and she did more than that. She worked with me to make those two pages, to make sure he was there properly.
Uncle Wayne did as much for me as Stevie did, you know. He was my rock and I wanted him to be remembered right. He never was a man of many words or anything, but he was always there. He took care of me and Steve when we got kicked out and he worked hard to put me through school and he made sure I felt normal. That it was okay to be a gay kid in Indiana and that I wasn’t going to die before reaching twenty-five. It might seem insane to think now, but that was just the way it was back then. If you were queer, you weren’t getting old. But Wayne did.”
He wipes away moisture in his eyes and I pretend not to see it. A grin is back on his face in no time and he lightens the mood by saying:
“Though I think I’m required to say my wedding is my favorite part. I love the real wedding we did in 2015, but that first fake one was special. It wasn’t big or anything, but everyone we cared about was there and it made us feel connected, like it was truly permanent. Like we could have that in a time where it seemed the world would rather see us gone. It felt like a powerful fuck you and I’ve always loved that.”
I smile at that, a powerful fuck you seems to be very fitting for the man in front of me. Even in casual clothes, he looks like he could fight you and win, yet also comfort you when you need it.
This has given me the opportunity to ask about one of the wedding photos that has intrigued me ever since reading the book. It is called “I Knew They Would Get Along” and is of the couple with Dustin, one of their friends, now professor at Stanford.
“Oh yeah, that’s a funny story,” Eddie tells me with delight. “Me and Stevie ran in very different circles back in school. Despite sharing a senior year, we never really talked until after. He babysat Dustin and the other twerps, I ran the DnD club they all joined when they got there. Dustin pestered us for months to just try and see if we would get along. We both refused. It wasn’t until spring break ‘86 that we actually talked and it was sparks from the start.”
Seeing how he talks about his husband it is almost impossible to imagine him being anything other than 100% infatuated, but he looks to be truthful.
With the mention of that spring break, I can’t help but ask after the allegations that he was proven to be innocent of and the injuries he sustained during it in the earthquake that hit the town after. He has been private about it in the past, so I know I’m pushing my luck.
Indeed he closes off and just says he doesn’t want to talk about it and his tone indicates that he means it and I will be cut short if I ask further. So, instead I ask about other parts of the book, namely Corroded Coffin’s start in Boston.
“Boston was great. It wasn’t Detroit, Cleveland or LA, but it was better than the small bar we used to play at in front of the local drunks that’s for sure. We already knew we were going to Boston in the 80s, most of the guys studied there for a bit, before dropping out. I knew Robs was hoping to get into a program there and where Robbie goes, Steve goes and where Steve goes, I go. If we wanted Corroded Coffin to continue, we’d go with them to whatever big city they ended up in.”
The book also showed to the close friendship between Eddie’s husband, Steve, and Robin Munson, a linguist. Even now, the rockstar shares a house with Steve’s practical other half and her wife, Rose. I ask him if that was ever hard or cause friction between them.
“No are you kidding?” Eddie practically laughs in my face, not out of malice, but out of disbelief. “I already knew the two were a package deal when I started dating Steve. Besides, Robin is a blast too. She’s fucking hilarious and has great taste in music. In fact, it has always been comforting to know I wasn’t leaving Stevie by himself when I was out touring. I mean, I was best man at their wedding, it was never a thing between us.”
I ask if it isn’t weird to not have the house alone, but share it with another couple.
“Nah, man. Like I said, I love Robs and Rose is amazing too. The two are family. I would let everyone of my family live with me as long as they want. They’re my people and I love having them around. It’s nice to have more people in the house, I wouldn’t know what to do if it was quiet and empty all the time. We often host DnD one shots or movie nights here, it’s great.”
The game is mentioned quite a bit in the book and is well known now, but they never spoke about playing it in their heyday and I ask whether they’ve gotten reactions to it with their new popularity.
“Yeah, it’s nice. A lot of people are excited that we seem to play, it’s cool to see how much more popular it has become and how many people find the same excitement in it as we do. Playing DnD was different back then. When we started it was in the height of the Satanic Panic and we were branded as freaks for it, so I guess that stuck with us. We didn’t want to loose cool points and reveal we played games on the tour bus, though our manager did tell a few people about it. I think Gar convinced a few paps we were obsessed with Ludo for a little bit. That was hilarious.”
At that I ask if there was a lot they had to hide that they don’t now. There is of course Eddie’s sexuality and that of Gareth, which Eddie comments on:
“Hiding is part of being a celebrity, if you don’t want people judging your every move or shunning you for inane shit then you have to keep some shit to yourself. It can also make you go off the rails to have nothing to yourself, but never talking about our sexuality was hard, you know.
For me it was something I wanted to share. I wanted to tell the world about my baby and how happy he made me, but I never could. I couldn’t tell them I didn’t sleep with that model and no, Robin wasn’t my secret wife. Or that I didn’t like the way girls would flirt with me, because I was happily taken and that I didn’t know what to do with the bras people threw at me or the panties they made me sign or how they’d offer themselves up for a one night stand.
Management would’ve killed me if I breathed a word of that and it was constricting at points. It’s what I hated the most about being famous, always having to be careful about being watched when I was with Steve outside. I already didn’t have every day with him and I couldn't even cling to him 24/7 without being scared.
I think it’s really cool how we have openly queer celebrities now. I know it seems silly to younger audiences, but that wasn’t a thing. Not really. I only came out in 2001 and it didn’t go over well with many, many people. The closest thing I got is all the songs I wrote about Steve that were either subtle or had switched pronouns.”
In response to that, I ask him if he has anything to say about what it was like being queer when he was young. The book shows a great deal, but I am curious what Eddie himself has to say about the experience.
“As a kid it was mostly scary. Like I said, Satanic Panic was happening, not to mention AIDS. It was terrifying. I count my blessings every day that I didn’t have to loose anyone close to me to it, but it was just horrible how the scene seemingly got smaller and smaller as more people dropped like flies. It just made me so frustrated and angry that the government wasn’t doing anything. A lot of people were mad.
I really love the photos Jon took back then. He has this way of capturing moments, people as they drop pretenses or show who they are. He has an eye for it and that makes his photography so powerful or intimate. They show that those prides were protests. We had to be proud of who we were and stand together, because it would all go to shit otherwise.
Community is so important. I have always found great solace in being surrounded by others like me. I think that you can see it in all my show clothes how much of my inspiration came from the leather scene I’m a part of. A lot of metal style has roots in the leather scene. People often don’t realize because it turned homophobic later on, but metal has always been very queer.”
This seems like the best moment to bring up the arrest photos. The book gives a little context about it, but I ask Eddie what happened anyway.
“Robs was being totally metal and part of the tits out dyke crew, they were the best, but definitely a risk. When she was at risk Steve decided to be a diversion to make sure she could get out. He figured her scholarship and future were more important than his job right now.
Nancy saw Steve getting arrested first and went to argue with the police, but they weren’t listening to her. Sexist pigs honestly. I threw my argument in as well, but I was just another crazy fag in leather with long hair that they didn’t like the look off. And I never go without a fight, I stopped running in 1986 and I haven’t looked back. In this country that means getting a few punches to the face, Nancy joined the fight, got hit too and arrested. At this point, I consider us lucky to have come out of that encounter alive.”
The story is humbling to me and I sit in silence for a second. Eddie seems to notice that I don’t know where to go from here, so he just grins:
“Don’t worry. Just don’t talk to cops and demand a lawyer, cooperate enough to be safe and memorize the phone number of someone you trust and don’t bring your own cell with you. I’m not likely to get arrested again and for it to go bad. Times have changed, different groups are now a target than me. I guess that makes me lucky, but it just all sucks. Tell your readers to keep voting and keep being vocal.”
I promise him I’ll put it in there and then stiltedly change the topic to ask about the addiction he kicked. Corroded Coffin spoke about it at the time that they were trying to quit smoking, but never went beyond that. The book shows a little bit more.
“Quitting is fucking hard. I haven’t smoked a cigarette in twenty-three years and I still sometimes think about it. But I don’t regret stopping for a second. My lungs will never be the same, but I saw uncle Wayne die a slow death to lung cancer, I don’t ever want to put my family through seeing me like that.
Like, if anyone out there smokes or vapes, cut that shit out. It’s not worth it, I promise. In the long run, it’s not going to make you happy and it can only be bad for you. Trust me, you don’t want to go through that. Find people who support your quitting and buckle in for months of hell.”
He looks very intense, but quickly shifts back into a charismatic face when he is done with his spiel. It’s wild how easily he moves between faces, while being totally genuine. Eddie Munson is a fluid and fascinating entity and I understand how he captured the interest of many when he first rose to stardom.
There is only enough time for one last question, so I ask him what is in the future for him right now. It gets me a big smile as Eddie answers:
“Right now, I’m going to wave you goodbye in a few minutes, then wake Stevie up from his nap. We’ve been re-reading the Lord of the Rings together, so we’ll cozy up on the couch. Then, before the kids get here, we’ll make them some snacks, listen to how their days have been. If needed I’ll try to help them with homework, even though I’m useless at it. Robs and Rose will be home soon after, we’ll make dinner together, I’m sure Robin will complain about her coworker again and then tonight I am going to call the little shits. It’s Tuesdays, we always try to call on Tuesday.
I’m living a slow domestic life, man, and I am content. In my future are hopefully many more slow days.”
I thank him for his time and shake his hand. He gets up and shakes mine, thanking me in turn for not minding to come out here and tells me I was a pleasure to have over. Then he does as promised and waves me goodbye.
As I walk over the driveway, I mull over the conversation we’ve just had. Eddie Munson is not what I expected him to be like, but in a good way. I am very curious to see where his newfound visibility in the public eye will lead. Something tells me, we haven’t seen the last of this rockstar, even in his newfound domesticity.
~~
A/N:
This whole work is finding a balance between Eddie being a supportive friend and trying not to sound too egotistical/arrogant about my own work lmao (and like shoving my own opinions down everyone’s throat, sorry xp)
#rr writing#a collection of queer photography by jonathan byers#steddie#eddie lives au#steve harrington x eddie munson#eddie munson#famous eddie munson#corroded coffin#platonic stobin#robin buckley x oc#the party stranger things#tw: homophobia mention#tw: aids crisis mention#tw: police brutality mention#tw: addiction mention#tw: f slur#f slur#tw: d slur#d slur#stranger things#st post season 4
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Yondu & The Secretary Chapter 2: The Love Bug
Chapter 1 Here Chapter 3 Here
A few months go by aboard the ravager ship. You find out that Yondu is the Captain, and Kraglin, the Xandarian, is his first mate. The ship is called the Eclector, and some of the guys on board are total pigs. Yondu sets up a small office space for you to work out of and you find that the work is surprisingly simple. You get into a routine and start to really settle in. You also come to find that Yondu is particularly kind; to you. To the crew, he could be a total ass. Your slight attraction to the Captain was only a thought when you first met him on Krylor, but every day it kept growing and growing with how sweet he was. Maybe it was because you were a woman? Maybe it was because you were Terran? You couldn’t be sure. This might become a problem.
One evening, your office door creaks open loudly, and you hear heavy boots thunking into the room. Yondu. You smirk softly at the thought.
“So, you goin’ to Geff’s little get together?” The Captain’s voice came from behind you as you finished up the data entry from the crew’s last heist. It was Geff’s birthday. The boys decided to throw him a little party at the bar on the ship.
“Me? Heh, no…probably not.” You hadn’t looked at him yet, but something caught your senses. Something, different. Something…intoxicating. Was Yondu wearing cologne? Whatever it was, it was messing with your head. It smelled like the forest back home – right after the rain, blended with tones of spices and notes of musk.
“Well, why the hell not?” He seemed a little surprised. Hurt, maybe?
You spun around on your desk chair to face him, “Hmm…. let me put it to you this way: I am not about to be the only female on the ship in a room full of drunk Ravagers. I already get harassed and catcalled on a daily basis, Yondu! Why on Earth would I want to put myself in a situation like that?”
“You Terrans sure do use the strangest expressions. We ain’t on Earth…uh….Terra I mean.” He said with a chuckle.
The small chuckle at his own words made you giggle too. “Well, regardless, I just don’t think it would be very wise of me to put myself in a bad spot, that’s all.”
“Well I’ll be there. I can make sure no one bothers you too much. Then would you go?”
“I don’t know Yondu…I mean Geff is great and all but –“ You were cut off by loud laughter and heavy footsteps of several ravagers going past your office door. A lot of the boys were already headed to the bar to get the party started. “ – but I don’t want to be a bother. Besides, if you show even the slightest bit of protective behavior around me, couldn’t that start rumors? Wouldn’t they think it was odd? Some of these guys really talk…”
Yondu scoffed with a slight wave of his hand. “Who cares what these idiots think. I’m the Captain, and I can protect whoever the hell I feel like. Besides, how am I supposed to keep my shit in order without my assistant who helps with our operations? The boys will probably understand that their payouts could get disrupted if they mess with our lil’ secretary, right? Everybody knows you don’t mess with a Ravager’s units.” He finished with a wink.
That wink…that smirk…his scent…oh no. Your head starts to feel fuzzy. Your sternum is growing tight, and butterflies explode by the thousands in your stomach. You feel like your arms are floating. You start to notice that your head seems to be wobbling a little bit and you find yourself staring at his lips. Stop being stupid! Say something! Get a grip!
His smile starts to falter after a moment or two. “Uhh…you alright?”
Your clear your throat a little louder than you wanted to, and manage to say with a shaky voice, “Uhh, yeah, no, yeah…I’m – I’m fine. I guess I’m just a little tired is all. But, fine. I’ll go, but only for a few drinks. I’m not staying out all night! I have more things I want to get updated in the system before you and Kraglin start gathering intel on your next mission.”
“Fine, fine. Just a few drinks.” He motions with both his hands in the air.
It did not turn out, however, to be just a few drinks. It started out that way, but the more you drank, the more you wanted to be close to him. The alcohol was making you feel a little too confident. The captain was drinking too, of course, but Centaurians have to drink quite a bit before they really start to feel anything. He was on his fifth glass of whiskey for the night, and you were on your third. You were definitely tipsy, but not terribly drunk. The scent coming off him just kept smelling better and better, your senses were stirred, and you wanted to dive into him.
You are sitting next to each other on the couch in the lounge that was connected to the bar. You both listen to stories and jokes being told by Tullk, Oblo, and Kraglin. Laugher is plentiful, and you couldn’t be happier. Then, you feel your Captain move next to you as he throws his arm over the back of the couch behind you. The shift in the cushions causes you to inadvertently lean closer to him. Your cheeks turn bright pink and your heart starts pounding. You sit up straight, put your drink down on the table and politely excuse yourself. The others were too drunk to notice, or care, but Yondu notices. After a moment or two he gets up and follows you to the bar. You hastily get yourself a tall glass of water, and chug it down.
“What was that about back there? You alright?” He asked. “Feelin’ sick?”
“No, no I’m fine. I just think it’s time I headed back to my cabin. I need to get some sleep. I have an early start tomorrow.” You said as you put your glass down on the bar.
Yondu eyes you suspiciously, but doesn’t press the matter. “Can I at least walk you back? These boy’s is pretty drunk. I don’t want you to run into any trouble.”
“Yeah, I guess that would be alright.” You fiddle with the empty glass on the bar in front of you. What am I even doing? Do I really have feelings for him? Is this seriously happening? What the hell am I supposed to do?!
Your job on the ship is simple: free up the first mate’s time by entering new recruit information, keep transmission logs up to date, work up data sheets for new missions, and keep an updated archive on clients, easy heist planets, kree intel, etc… That was it! Nowhere in your job description are you supposed to fall for your Captain, your boss!
“Well…should we be headin’ out?” Yondu’s voice broke you out of your thoughts.
You looked over at him, his eyes were touched with slight concern, confusion maybe. “Captain, I….” You began, but the words just stopped coming out. You close your mouth and shake your head. “Never mind, I’m ready. Let’s go.”
You both walk slowly back your cabin. Yondu is silent, as are you. The only sound to be heard is both yours and Yondu’s boots clunking down the walkways of the Eclector. When you approach your door, you hesitate.
“Goodnight Captain, thank you for walking me back. I appreciate it…and thank you for having my back tonight. I was able to actually relax and have a nice time.” You begin to open your door and walk in when you feel a large, warm hand on your shoulder. You turn to look at his hand, and your eyes trail up his arm to his shoulder, and then to his face. You both lock eyes, and your heart stops.
“Why do you keep callin’ me that? Captain. You haven’t really called me that much since you boarded for the first time a few months back.”
“I – I’m sorry. I just…you’re the Captain.”
He took his hand from your shoulder, “Yeah, I know that. But it just feels wrong somehow. You typically call me by my name when we ain’t around the crew.”
You couldn’t help but smile a little. “Alright, Yondu.” You said with a slight chuckle. “Is that better?”
“Yeah. I like it when you call me by my name.” A small tinge of purple comes to his cheeks. “But don’t go tellin’ anybody that! You still gotta’ call me Captain or Sir around the crew.”
“Hahaha, of course. I promise I won’t tell a soul. Cross my heart.” You used your index finger to draw an X over your chest.
“I swear, you Terrans are odd…I don’t even know what that means.”
You giggle again, “It means I’m serious. As serious as I can be. I won’t tell anyone. You have a reputation and status to maintain with your crew, and I completely understand that.” You turn and step into your cabin. Looking over your shoulder you smile a small, bashful smile at him. “Goodnight, Yondu.” With that, you closed your door.
Yondu stood at the closed door and quietly said, “Goodnight, Darlin’.” He continued to stand there, frozen in place. What the hell was that? Why do I feel funny? My heart is pounding, my head is reeling. I care about what she calls me? Since when? Darlin’? When have I ever called anyone that? He shook his head to free himself of where he stood, and walked back to his quarters.
You laid in your bed that night, unable to sleep. A big, stupid grin would not leave your lips no matter how hard you tried to get rid of it. Oh. My. Gosh. I cannot believe this. I can’t believe how hard this hit me. He’s so unbelievably handsome. His scent was so intoxicating. I didn’t know he wore cologne? And that smile?! Who knew blue could look so damn good. You giggled out loud to yourself. “I have a crush on the Captain. I have a huge freakin’ crush on Yondu Udonta. What the hell?!” You continued to giggle to yourself until you heard a group of footsteps going past your door. More ravagers were headed to bed from the party. You quickly covered your mouth as if someone could possibly hear you. Once the footsteps were gone, you continued to smile and giggle like a little girl. “Wow. What on earth and am I going to do? How do I even begin to handle this?” You said to yourself. Your mind raced, and sleep eluded you all night.
Meanwhile, the Captain wasn’t sleeping much either. You kept popping up in his head. Every time he would close his eyes, you appeared. It wasn’t until tonight that he realized that you looked incredible in your maroon leathers. He had always thought you were attractive, ever since he and Kraglin decided to hire you when they met you on Krylor. But this was a whole new level of attraction. It made him feel…different. He had never felt this way before, he felt vulnerable. He did not like it one bit! But on the other hand, he did? It was starting to piss him off. He threw the furs and blankets from his body and got out of bed. He picked up a communicator brace from his nightstand and pushed a few buttons. It beeped a few times, and Kraglin’s sleepy voice could be heard.
“Yes, sir? Everythin’ alright?”
“Boy, get to my quarters. I need to talk to ya. I’m havin’ a problem.”
“Right away sir.”
Yondu shut the brace off and tossed it back on the table. Within a few minutes there was a knock on the door. Yondu got up and walked to the door, flinging it open. Kraglin rubbed his eye with a fist and yawned. “What’s goin’ on Sir?”
“What’s goin’ on is I need to talk to ya. Maybe you’ll know what to do…get in here!” Yondu yanked Kraglin into the room and slammed the door shut. “Siddown.” He muttered as he pushed his desk chair to the first mate. Yondu sat on the bed and fiddled with his hands for a moment. “Sir?” Kraglin asked. “What do you need help with? Somethin’ goin’ on with the crew?”
“No, but there is something goin’ on…I’ve been feeling funny all night. Ever since I went with y/n to the bar for Geff’s party, my head has been fuzzy, my chest is tight, my hands are all shaky and I can’t sleep! It’s pissin’ me off! I don’t know what the problem is. I only went with her to make sure the boys didn’t do nothin’ stupid, but now I can’t think straight! Every time I close my damn eyes, I see her!”
A smirk appeared on Kraglin’s face, and he started snickering at the Captain.
“What?! The hell is so funny?!” Yondu barked.
Kraglin’s snickering turned into full blown laughing. He couldn’t help it. Was his Captain so oblivious?
“Sir, sir, I’m sorry. You really have no idea what this is?” He asked.
“No! If I did, I wouldn’t have woke you up to help me figure it out, damn it!”
“Sir, it sounds to me that you got bit.” Kraglin joked.
“Bit? Bit by what? Like a bug or somethin’?”
“Ohhhh yeah, it’s happened to me before too. It’s a nasty little sucker.” He said with a grin.
“Okay, so what do I do? Am I getting’ sick or somethin’?”
“Yeah, you’re sick all right. Love sick.” The first mate said with the biggest shit eatin’ grin on his face.
“Lovesick? What the hell is that? That ain’t a real thing.” Yondu snorted.
“Sure is, Sir. From the sounds of it, you got bit by the love bug. The only way to cure it is to get some lovin’ from the person who sent it after ya.” Kraglin couldn’t believe this was happening to his captain. This was too good. Of course, he wanted to help him out, but he wanted to taunt him first.
“What on Earth are you talkin’ about boy?! Just spit it out already!” The Captain shouted. A goofy little smile appeared on his lips as he realized he just used your expression. Damn it, girl.
“Alright, alright.” Kraglin said between laughs. “Cap’n, you’re in love. Plain and simple. It sounds to me like you just realized it tonight.”
“Love? I don’t love nobody. I ain’t never been in love before. This can’t be right…” Yondu started searching his hands for some kind of alternative answer.
“Anyone can fall in love, Cap’n. I know I have. But that was a long time ago, before I joined the crew. It really ain’t a big deal, honest. Tell me, when you think of y/n, what do you feel?”
Yondu pondered Kraglin’s words for a few moments. “I feel – happy. Warm? Maybe a little nervous. Unsure of myself, ya know? I wanna touch her, make her smile, make sure she’s safe and happy, hold her hands... kiss her.” The realization hit him like a blazing meteor. “I wanna kiss her? What?! I’ve never cared about that sentimental crap before!”
Kraglin just shook his head and looked down at the floor. “Cap’n, love is a strange and mysterious force. It can be exhilarating. Maybe you should investigate and find out if she feels the same way. Could be worth a shot. Who knows? Could lead to somethin’.”
Yondu looked confused. “Like what?”
“Heh, I don’t know, happiness?” Kraglin shrugged his shoulders and stood. “I hope that helps Sir. I’m gonna head back to bed if you don’t need anything else.”
“Yeah, sure, boy. Go on.”
“Night, Cap’n.” The first mate headed toward to door, but before he walked out, he heard the Captain’s voice behind him, “Hey Krags, uh, thanks.”
“No problem, Sir.” Kraglin walked out of the Captain’s quarters and quietly closed the door.
Yondu got back into bed, stared at the ceiling above him and smiled. Love huh? Well, ain’t that some shit.
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Change Our Fates (Part Four)
Pairing: Spencer Reid x Reader
Summary: Y/N has always been head over heels for Spencer. The team decides to go out for drinks after finishing a case. When Spencer drunkenly kisses Y/N, will it change her life for better, or for worse?
Word Count: 4.1k
Warnings: Some brief mentions of cheating and hooking up, and a whole lot of fluff
Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 5
You were getting ready to head into work. You checked the clock and realized you were running late. You grabbed your shoes and ran into the living room to grab your work bag. You quickly slid the shoes on your feet and grabbed the bag with your empty hand. You made sure you had your badge and you looked down, making sure you had everything.
You had been so elated when you came home yesterday that you forgot to set your alarm. Last night, you had finally made up with Spencer. Nothing could bring you down, you were on cloud nine.
Then, you heard a knock on the door. You quickly ran over to the door, hoping it wouldn’t take too long. You were already late and you didn’t want to make it any worse.
You opened the door and saw the last person you expected. It was Hotch. He was just standing there. He looked exactly the same as the last time you saw him.
You were surprised to say the least. “Hotch? Hi, it’s been so long. How are you? How is Jack” You said, stunned. He gave you a small smile. “I’m okay. Jack is doing great, how has Human Services been treating you?” He asked you, sincerely.
“It’s been good. It’s nothing like working at the BAU. I miss you guys so much, but I learned to roll with the punches” You told him, honestly. You still had no idea why he was here. “That’s good, I knew you would do amazing there. You’re great at your job” he complimented you.
You appreciated it. You knew Hotch didn’t give compliments often, so you learned to embrace it when he did. “Thank you sir. And with all due respect, is there a reason you’re here? It’s amazing to see you and catch up. But, I feel like that isn’t why you’re here” you asked him, curiously.
He chucked to himself. “Well it’s good to see you haven’t lost your touch as a profiler. I came to talk you to about something related to the Bureau” he told you. You tried to read his expression, but you couldn’t tell if this was bad or good news.
“I’m actually really late for work right now. Is there a way we could discuss this maybe at lunch today? I have an hour off for lunch” you suggested, not wanting to get fired. You saw Hotch smirk to himself. “This is about work” he told you, minimally.
You were even more confused. “What do you mean?” You asked him. He paused for a second. “When you left the BAU, we hired a replacement to fill in your spot. But she is being transferred to the New York office. So we have an opening. And I spoke to your supervisors and they have approved your transfer if you are willing. You can have all the time you need to think about it” he told you.
You were blown away. This was an amazing opportunity. Working at the BAU had been the highlight of your life. You loved helping people and you got to work with your best friends.
“I don’t need any time to think about it. I would love to work at the BAU again. Does any of the team know yet?” You asked him, curiously. He shook his head. “No, I didn’t tell them. Just in case you declined, I didn’t want them to get disappointed” he told you.
You couldn’t get rid of the grin on your face. “I can’t believe this. Thank you so much” you said, sincerely. “Of course. You were my first thought when looking for a replacement. Now since you accepted, it is effective immediately. I can drive you, if you want” he offered. You nodded. “Yes of course, that would be great” you said, smiling.
You both walked outside and got into the SUV. Hotch started to drive towards Quantico. You noticed Hotch had a specific look on his face. You could tell he wanted to ask you something, but was hesitating.
“Just ask me” you told him, bluntly. You could tell you startled him. He didn’t think he had been that easy to read. “About you and Reid...” he started to say. Then it clicked. He was worried that you two still weren’t talking and that it would jeopardize the team.
“No, you don’t have to worry about that. We’re friends again. There is no more fighting, I promise. We aren’t going to jeopardize the team like that again” you swore to him. Hotch looked over at you. “I was just asking because I was worried about you two. I saw you two become best friends. You both are better together than apart. I wasn’t worried about you putting the team in danger. I know neither of you would ever do that” he told you.
Then you pulled into the Quantico parking lot. It felt good to be back. You both got out of the car and walked inside.
You were a mixture of nervous and elated. You were finally going to see the team after four years, but you were nervous for their reactions. You both walked into the bullpen and you felt the familiar sense of home.
You didn’t see anyone at their desks. If you knew your friends like you definitely did, they were getting coffee in the kitchen. You decided to go see if Penelope was in her office. You walked into the doorway.
You saw the blonde sitting at her desk, typing away. “Hey babygirl” you said, purposefully lowering your voice and you leaned against the doorframe. Penelope spun around and her eyes lit up when they saw you.
“Y/N!” She exclaimed. You walked over to her and she pulled you straight into her arms. “It’s so good to see you. It’s been too long” she said, holding you tightly. You could tell she was smiling, you had the same huge grin on your face. You both pulled away from each other.
“So what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” She asked, as you both sat down. You could hardly contain your smile. “I’m back, Garcia” you said, smiling. Her jaw dropped. “You’re back, like in the BAU back?” She asked you, shocked. You just nodded.
Before she could say anything, someone appeared in the doorway. You both looked over and saw Derek standing there. “Hey Garcia—wait Y/N?” He asked, genuinely shocked. “She’s coming back, Derek” Penelope said, hardly able to contain herself.
Derek processed what was happening for a second. “That’s amazing. Come here, little mama” he said, walking towards you. You stood up to give him a hug. “I’ve missed you so much” you told him, honestly. He wrapped his arms around your waist and then picked you up off the ground.
You giggled as you felt your feet leave the ground. “It’s so good to have you back” Derek said, as he squeezed you tighter. He finally placed you back down on your feet. He gave you a quick kiss on the temple.
“So who knows?” Penelope asked you, curiously. “You two and Hotch. He showed up at my front door this morning” you told them both.
“Well then, come on! Let’s go say hi to everyone” Derek said, putting his arm around you and Penelope followed you both out of her office. Once you entered the bullpen, you saw Emily was at her desk. JJ was sitting on the side of Emily’s desk and they both were talking.
The three of you walked over to them. “Y/N, you’re here?” JJ said, in shock. She stood up and gave you a quick hug. “So what’s going on? Did you want to visit us because we are all amazing friends?” Emily joked, causing you to giggle.
“Not exactly. I just thought you should know that you’re going to be seeing me a whole lot more” you told them both, smirking. You saw both their faces light up. “Wait, are back in the BAU? That’s amazing” JJ said, smiling at you. “That’s great news. Why didn’t you tell me before?” Emily asked you, curiously. “Well, I only found out this morning” you said, giggling.
“You need to go talk to Reid, he’ll be so excited. I think I saw him making a cup of coffee. Go see him” Penelope told you, smirking. They all agreed and smirked at you. Even after all these years, they were still shipping you and Spencer.
As you walked away, you heard Emily telling the rest of the team about your conflict between Spencer and Trevor. You didn’t mind at all. It was easier, now you didn’t have to tell all of them.
You walked into the kitchen. You saw Spencer standing there, pouring obscene amounts of sugar in his coffee. “A little heavy on the sugar, huh?” You asked, smiling.
He eyes snapped up to meet yours. He was at a loss for words. He didn’t expect to see you here, this morning. “I—uhh hi. Is something going on?” He asked you, sincerely.
“Oh nothing much, I just got transferred back to the BAU, no big deal” you said, nonchalantly. Spencer just stared at you. He was trying to figure out if you were kidding. He didn’t know what to believe. “Please tell me this isn’t a joke” he said, almost to himself.
“It’s not a joke, Spence” you said, softly. He rushed over to you and wrapped his arms around your waist, tightly. You couldn’t help but smile. You felt him nuzzle his face into your neck. You didn’t complain. You had missed your hugs with Spencer. You subconsciously started rocking back and forth. You always used to do that when you were comforting Spencer.
“I’ve missed you so much, Y/N” Spencer said, softly. “You don’t have to miss me now. You’re not going to lose me again” you promised him.
You started to pull away, but Spencer stopped you. He put your arms back around him. “Not yet” he whispered in your ear. He relaxed back into your embrace. “Are you okay?” You asked him, concerned.
“I’m okay, I’ve just really needed this” he said, softly. You couldn’t agree more.
You both finally pulled away. “So you’re really back?” He asked, still in shock. You stepped closer to him and placed your hands on his chest. “Yes, I’m really back” you told him, smiling.
For a split second, you saw Spencer’s eyes glance down towards your lips. You almost thought you imagined it. Did Spencer really want to kiss you?
Before you could do anything, someone came in the room. You looked over your shoulder and you saw Rossi standing there “Come here kid, I heard you’re back in the BAU?” Rossi said, stepping towards you.
You pulled away from Spencer and Rossi pulled you in for a hug. Rossi was like a dad to you and it had been hard to not see him for four years. “Yep, I’m officially back” you told him, smiling.
“It’s good to have you back, kid” Rossi said, as you both pulled away. “It’s good to be back. I’ve missed you all” you said, gently placing your hand on Spencer’s arm.
“So are you two finally together?” Rossi asked, clearly not being up to date. Both yours and Spencer’s eyes went wide. “No no no” you said, quickly. “Y/N, is uhhh—engaged” Spencer said, sounding disappointed.
You looked over at Spencer, trying to see if you made up the disappointed tone. He just gave you a weak smile. “Well I’ll let you kids get back to your conversation” Rossi said, leaving the room.
“Sooo” Spencer said, stalling. “What?” You asked him, curiously. He fidgeted with his hands for a second. You took his hands into yours, knowing it would calm him down.
His eyes met yours and he smiled at you. “So, I know you said no yesterday because you had plans. But, maybe you could stay over tonight. Tomorrow is our day off anyway” he suggested to you, timidly.
“I would love to. You don’t have to be nervous to ask me to hang out. We’re still best friends” you told him, honestly. He breathed a sigh of relief. You found yourself getting lost in his eyes.
“We should probably go get started on our paperwork. We don’t want Hotch to fire you, before you’ve even started” Spencer joked. You giggled to yourself and you saw his cheeks flush red. “Come on then” you said, grabbing his hand and pulling him with you, into the bullpen.
Everyone was back at their desks, doing their work. You sat down at your desk, which was next to Spencer’s. It felt good to be back, it felt natural.
The day went by super fast. You had spent all day getting caught back up and doing paperwork. You finally finished your last form and you leaned back in your chair. You were mentally exhausted.
“So are you ready?” You heard someone say behind you. You turned around and saw Spencer standing behind you, with his bag over his shoulder. “Yeah, I’m ready” you said, standing up. You tidied your desk and grabbed your work bag.
“I have never been more exhausted” you said, as you both started to walk towards the door. You leaned your head on Spencer’s head as you were walking. It seemed to shock him, but he put his arm around your shoulders.
“You don’t have to come over tonight, if you want to go home and sleep” Spencer told you. “Are you kidding? I’ve been looking forward to this all day” you told him, feeling content.
It scared you how much you and Spencer acted like a couple. It made you question where your true feelings stood. You had been trying to figure out if you were over Spencer. And you still couldn’t come up with an answer.
“Bye you two” Derek said, smirking as you both walked past him. “Awww it’s so cute to see them reunited” Penelope said to Derek, who she was standing next to.
“Bye guys” you and Spencer both said. You got to Spencer’s car and he opened the door for you. “Thanks Spence” you said, kissing him on the cheek. You hadn’t even realized that you had done it, until you saw him start to blush.
Before, Spencer and you had always been very touchy. It was just a part of your friendship. You were always holding hands or hugging. But you had both been single. You weren’t sure if you were supposed to act different because you were engaged. Was all the hugging and touching you had done wrong?
It wasn’t like you were kissing him or making out or anything. It was just friendly, so was there an issue? Would Trevor be okay with what you were doing? You assumed he would be, Spencer was one of your oldest friends. You figured Trevor would understand that.
Spencer started to drive and eventually after fifteen minutes, you were parked in front of Spencer’s house. He once again rushed to open your door for you. You thanked him and you both went inside.
You both set your bags down by the front door. Spencer turned to face you. “Can we still cuddle?” He asked you, unsure. You thought about it for a second. He didn’t know if you both could still cuddle, since you were engaged. You both were trying to figure out this friendship 2.0.
“I don’t see who’s going to stop us” you said, smiling. You didn’t see the harm. It was just cuddling. A smile grew on his face. He leaned over to you and hugged you. You wrapped your arms around him. Then you felt his hands on the back of your thighs. “Do you want me to jump? You asked, giggling.
“Mm-hmm” he mumbled. You jumped slightly off the ground. Spencer held you up and you wrapped your legs around his torso. “This is new” you said, pulling slightly away from him, so you could look him in the eyes.
“Well it lets me hug you” he said, smiling at you. Spencer had never been this touchy before. Normally, the cuddling was started by you. You just figured it was because he missed you.
Spencer walked into the living room and sat down on the couch. You still had your legs around his torso and were now in his lap. “So how about I order Chinese food from that place you like?” Spencer asked you. You nodded and buried your head into Spencer’s neck. You were so sleepy from the long day of work. Spencer felt warm and cozy to you.
It was taking all of your effort to not fall asleep on him. “Are you tired?” He asked you and you just nodded. He used his hands to rub circles on your back. It only made you relax more.
You started to doze off as Spencer got out his phone to call the Chinese restaurant. About twenty minutes later, you woke up to the smell of Chinese food. You looked around and you saw you were in Spencer’s bed. He had tucked you in. You smiled to yourself at the sweet gesture.
You got out of his bed and walked into the kitchen. He was standing there putting the food on plates. “Oh, you’re awake” he said, shocked. “Yeah, I’m sorry. I was just so tired after today” you explained. “You don’t have to apologize, you’re allowed to be tired. You fell asleep on top of me, it was actually kind of cute” Spencer added and you felt your cheeks heat up. You felt like this conversation was heading somewhere it shouldn’t, so you changed the subject.
“The food looks really good” you said, eyeing the dishes. “Here’s yours” he said, handing you a plate. You both walked into the living room. He quickly turned on the television and you watched it as you ate.
You finished before him. Once you both were done, you brought the plates to the sink and washed them. You came back into the living room.
You held your hands open for a hug. He opened his arms and you crawled into his lap again. You wrapped your legs behind him and you both just held each other. It felt weirdly intimidate.
“So is it time for bed?” Spencer asked you. You nodded your head. “Yes please” you said, softly. He stood up carefully so he didn’t drop you.
Spencer started to walk towards his bedroom. Once he got there, he laid you down on the bed. In your sleepy state, you forgot to let go of Spencer. So, he fell right on top of you.
Neither of you knew what to do. He was laying on top of you in bed, and you were both a bit flustered. “I — umm. I’m sorry” he said, rolling over so he was next to you. You felt so embarrassed.
You both got under the blankets. You felt a warm hand placed on your side. You looked over at Spencer. He pulled you by your hips so you were pressed up against each other. Spencer laid on his back, and you rested your head on his chest.
Slowly but surely, you both started to fall asleep. While you were asleep, both yours and Spencer’s legs became entangled.
You woke up in the morning. You felt rejuvenated from a good nights sleep. You realized how close you were to Spencer. You were practically laying on top of him.
Then, you noticed that you felt his arm wrapped around your waist, holding you close to him. You were about to move when he woke up. “Hey” he said, while his eyes adjusted to the light. “Hey you” you said, smiling.
He realized how closely you both were laying and he started to blush. You both separated and then got out of bed. “So did you sleep good?” He asked you, as he started to make the bed. “I slept perfectly” you said, as you walked over to him.
You looked up at him and he pulled you into a hug. “Would you mind giving me a ride home?” You asked him. “Yeah of course” he said, giving your hand a squeeze.
You found your shoes and slipped them on your feet. Once you both were ready, you grabbed your stuff and you both walked to Spencer’s car.
It was a relatively quick drive to your house. Spencer pulled up in front of your house and you looked over at him. You got out of the car and he walked over to your side.
“Come here” he said, holding his arms out for you. You gladly accepted and hugged him back. You both lingered longer than normal. “I should get going” you told him, pulling away. He grabbed your hands and you felt butterflies in your stomach. “I had a really good time last night, Y/N. So I’ll see you at work tomorrow?” He said to you.
“Yep, I’ll see you at work. Thank you for last night” you said, sincerely. You kissed the back of his hand and then you walked up to your front door. You waved to Spencer as he drove away, and then you walked inside.
You saw Trevor sitting at the kitchen table, drinking his coffee. “Where have you been?” Trevor asked you, seeming concerned and stressed. You had totally forgotten to tell Trevor that you were spending the night with Spencer. All last night, it just felt like old times and it slipped your mind.
“I was sleeping over at a friends house. I’m sorry that I didn’t text you. I was just super tired last night” you apologized. He just looked relieved that you were okay. “So did you and Emily have a fun time?” Trevor asked you, sincerely.
You hesitated. “It...it wasn’t Emily” you said, wanting to be honest. Trevor looked unsure of what to think. “So who was it?” He asked you, confused.
“I was at Spencer’s place” you told him, hesitantly. “Who the hell is Spencer?” He asked, since you had only brought him up a few times. “He's my best friend. We were in a weird fight when I met you. We hadn’t spoken in four years. But, we just recently made up and I’m back working at the BAU with him. I just hadn’t gotten to telling you yet. Please don’t be mad” you apologized.
“I’m not mad. I just wish you told me” he told you, honestly. He walked over to you and you saw his expression change. He just stopped dead in his tracks.
“What?” You asked him, confused. “Come here” he said, as he stepped closer to you. He leaned his head in towards your neck and he smelled you. “Why do you smell like his cologne?” He asked you, trying to not act mad.
You panicked. It seemed worse than it actually was.
“I uhhh...I don’t know” you lied. “Y/N” Trevor said, getting frustrated. “Before you get mad, we’ve always been super close and we’ve always cuddled. So we may have slept together. Not like actually...but like in the same bed” you explained, nervously.
Trevor put his head in his hands. You could hear him sigh in frustration. “Please don’t be mad” you begged him. “I think I’m allowed to be mad. You stayed the night at some guys house. You claim he’s your best friend, but I’ve never met him. And you come home smelling like his cologne. You say that it was just friendly, but how do I know? You both could have hooked up, I wouldn’t know. What if you just made up that you’re friends and you’re actually just sleeping with someone” he argued.
“I’ve mentioned him before. I know I told you about the fight I had with Spencer. I wouldn’t lie to you about anything. And I would never cheat on you, I can’t believe you would think that” You said, walking out the front door.
You sat down on the front steps of your house. You wrapped your arms around your knees, after you realized how cold it was. You heard the door open behind you and then Trevor was sitting beside you. “Look, Y/N I’m sorry. I got insecure, but I think that is understandable. I just need to ask you one question” Trevor told you.
“Anything” you told him, leaning your head on his shoulder. “You don’t have any feelings for Spencer, right?” He asked you, you could hear the insecurity in his voice. You turned to face him.
“I used to, years ago, before I met you. We have a complicated past and there used to be feelings there. But, Spence and I are just friends” you told him. He sighed and put his head in his hands.
“God, I can’t, Y/N. Spence? Look at it from my perspective. You sound like you’re in love with him. Please just promise me there’s nothing more there” Trevor begged you. “I swear, we’re just friends. I am all in with you” you promised.
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(Clone Wars) ARC Trooper Echo x Reader: Sightseeing PART 2
(Requested by the amazing @nahoney22
I hope you likez!!!!
Warnings: some kissy kissy
Word Count: 2,146)
Link to Part 1
You wrenched the final bolt in, teeth clenched with the effort. Despite the quick thrum of your heart at the set of boots that were visible from beneath the ship, you kept your focus on the work in front of you. Finally, the bolt would not screw in any father, and you set the wrench down with a loud clang.
Swiping the back of your hand across your forehead, you sighed and began to climb out from under the vehicle. The bright lights of the hangar made you squint, though a silhouette stepped into view. Those boots you saw before were a few feet from your head.
The man knelt down, extending his gloved hand in your direction. You smiled as you took it, and he hauled you to your feet in an effortless motion. Suddenly, you felt a little self-conscious in your dirtied jumpsuit with grease smeared on your skin. You avoided his gaze as you brushed off what you could from your jumpsuit.
“All done?” Echo finally spoke, and you could hear the smile in his voice.
You finally met his eyes. It was hard to feel self-conscious when he was looking at you with tender adoration. One would think you were wearing the most elegant gown with the way his eyes glinted.
“All done,” you said. “Thank you for waiting. You didn’t have to, you know. You could’ve gone ahead to see the town.”
Echo shrugged his armored shoulders. It was so casual, like it was no big deal that he stood in the hangar for forty-five minutes waiting for your shift to end. He didn’t have a whole lot of time off as an ARC trooper, and you didn’t want him to miss out because of you. “It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”
A smile crept onto your features. There were times when he couldn’t formulate a sentence in front of you, and other times when he could be so smooth and so sweet. You knew it came from a genuine place and not from someone looking to score a date. Besides, it had been several months since your meeting, and he still hadn’t officially asked you out. It became a tradition for the two of you to go sightseeing on the planets you came across, but nothing had been said about them being dates.
Fives complained about it often enough.
“I need about ten minutes to shower,” you said.
Echo nodded. “I’ll be waiting...if you still want to go with me.”
“Of course I do. I just feel bad you’ve been waiting so long.”
“Like I said, it just wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“Alright, well I’ll be back in a few.”
Fifteen or so minutes later, you found Echo waiting patiently as ever near the exit. You caught up with him, feeling much better about your appearance. He simply smiled when he saw you.
“Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be,” you said. The two of you were able to take a military transport into town. It was a short ride, and the transport was filled with your chatter as you shared information about the planet. Echo had used his waiting time wisely to read up on some of the cuisine. He listed off some interesting restaurant ideas, making both of your mouths water. Apparently a festival was going on, so there would be lots of things to see,
When you stepped off the transport, Echo extended his arm slightly towards you so that you could loop your arm through it. No doubt the two of you looked like a couple, which was why you waited until getting into town to make such contact.
Your faced warmed as you observed his profile for a moment. His eyes were wide and fascinated as he glanced around the ongoing festival. Citizens wore colorful outfits and masks, bustling here and there. Cheerful music played by musicians with stringed instruments filled the air. Many delicious smells teased your senses. A loud growl from your stomach made Echo’s gaze snap back to you.
“Hungry?” he asked, amused.
“I haven’t eaten since before my shift,” you admitted with a bashful smile.
“Well, we’ll be sure to get something right away then.” He nodded in the direction of the nearest stand. “Let’s go.”
Several happy citizens were leaving the stand with food in hand, smiling and talking amongst themselves. You caught a whiff of one of the dishes. “Ooh, we should get that,” you told Echo. He followed your gaze and nodded.
“Mm, that does look good.”
Suddenly, you felt a rough hand grab your shoulder and give you a little shake. Your heart quickened at the potential danger, but as you turned your head, you saw a gloved hand on Echo’s shoulder too.
“There you are!” Fives exclaimed, giving you and Echo another affectionate shake. You exhaled at the realization it was just your friend. “I was wondering when you two lovebirds would venture out!”
Your poor companion’s words caught in his throat. “We’re not- I mean…” Echo stole a glance at you, flustered. Finally, he seemed to gather some resolve as he raised a brow. “No offense, but it’s none of your business.”
“Oh-ho-ho.” Fives chuckled, giving his brother a playful nudge. “I’m just teasing. No harm done.”
Echo rolled his eyes, nudging him back. “I’m sure.”
You smiled at the brothers’ banter. It was almost always like that when they hung out, which was all the time. Fives had also become a good friend of yours as you got to know Echo better. The three of you would often eat together at the mess hall or cause trouble at whatever places you found yourselves at on these new planets.
“Next!” the lady at the stand called. She wore a bright red costume with the sleeves rolled up as she put away the money from previous customers and closed the box. Only her smiling eyes could be seen behind the matching mask. “Troops! We appreciate the protection the Republic has provided our planet. What can I get you?”
“We’d like two of those,” Echo ordered, pointing at the menu item that you had mentioned earlier.
“Make that three,” Fives interjected.
“Okay, three of those. And could we also get two cups of tea. Fives, you want one too?”
“Count me in.”
Echo nodded and turned back to the lady. “Sorry, three cups of tea. And that’ll do it.”
She nodded and began adding up the cost. Echo handed over the credits, and you pitched in to tip the woman. She uttered her thanks, and the cook behind her started serving up the order.
“These are our special desserts that are only made during this festival,” she said, packaging up three little cakes. “You must try some!”
Echo reached back into his pouch for more credits. “How much?”
“On the house!” she said. “I insist! Enjoy the festival!”
“Oh, thank you!” you accepted the packages, and Fives and Echo grabbed the food and teas. The three of you headed over to one of the empty picnic tables and claimed your meals. You sipped the cold cup of tea, smiling at the mildly sweet flavor and how refreshing it was.
Fives had already dug into his food. “This is great!” he mumbled through a mouthful.
“Yeah?” Echo took a bite of his own. “Wow, you’re right.”
Another loud growl sounded in your stomach, making Fives laugh and earning him an elbow in the side from Echo, as you finally tried your portion of the meal. It did taste good, and it was very filling, though you had just enough room to have the dessert after.
When you were done, you started cleaning up the picnic table and dropped the garbage into a nearby trash can. On your way over, you overheard a conversation between the two ARC troopers. They were trying to speak over the volume of the festival and remain out of earshot of you- to no avail.
“So, Echo,” Fives said. “You know you don’t have to do the whole ‘secret relationship’ thing in front of me, right? Of all people, I’m not gonna’ say anything.”
“There is no secret relationship,” Echo muttered. “I was serious before. We’re not together.”
“Oh my gosh.” Fives shook his head. “Well, you’d better hurry up and claim her. Or someone else will. I’m telling you, she likes you.”
“Shh, she’s coming back.
You smiled, pretending you didn’t hear a word over your shoulder. “What is next on the agenda?”
“I’m actually going to go off on my own again,” Fives answered. “You two have fun.” Before either of you could even say “goodbye” for now, he left. You looked to Echo, shrugging, and looped your arm with his again.
The two of you did an initial sweep of the festival, checking out the games and activities as well as taking notes on any that you’d like to try as the evening went on. There was something different about this outing. You’d been to many places with Echo before, but this time, it seemed he was being a little more forward. In a good way, of course. You figured it was because of his conversation with Fives, but even so, you had not expected him to be as confident as he was. At one point, he removed his arm from yours and took your hand instead, shooting you an inquisitive look.
You nodded in silent approval of the gesture, giving his gloved hand a squeeze. The smile on his face was so handsome. It was nearly impossible to look away. Pretty soon, the two of you were stopped in the middle of the festival with folks going around you. He gazed back into your eyes, the smile slowly fading into an expression you’d never seen on him before. Excitement coursed through your veins as he suddenly gave your hand a tug, leading you through the swarm of people until the two of you were in a small alley between two of the town’s shops. It gave you a nice view of the festival from where you stood without being crowded out by other people.
“What’s this about?” you asked, though you had a feeling you already knew. Echo leaned his shoulder against the wall, glancing down at your intertwined fingers.
“I wanted to play it cool,” he said. “But I’m afraid I’ve been playing it too cool.” His eyes met yours again, and you didn’t miss the way his chest rose and fell with a deep breath, as if he was preparing himself for something daring. “The truth is... I really like you. I have since the moment I first saw you.”
“Nothing wrong with taking your time,” you replied. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.”
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know you too,” he agreed, your response visibly putting him at ease. The smile returned to his face. “I don’t consider any of the time we’ve spent wasted. And if you’d rather we stay friends, I can do that. I just...wanted you to know. I care about you.”
Your insides were practically melting at his words, though your heart was thudding fast and strong. From the start, it was like gravity had been bringing you closer together. You revolved around each other; not quite touching, but never too far.
Suddenly, gravity brought you even closer. You took a step forward. He pushed off the wall slightly to meet you halfway, releasing your hand only to wrap his arms around you in a firm embrace.
“I care about you too,” you told him softly. He regarded your misty gaze with another one of his smiles before his eyes fell on your lips with intent. Echo, ever the chivalrous, shifted so that his back was to the crowd. Once you were concealed from any curious stares of those passing the alley, his lips caught yours.
The kiss was planet-shattering. It held all the tenderness you would’ve expected at first, and then slowly built up with tension the two of you had been keeping tucked away for some time. Something snapped, then. Your lips were meeting his faster, needier; and he was happy to oblige.
Both of you were unwilling to part, but the sounds of the festival brought you back. Echo was still tilting your chin as he pulled away to see your loving gaze.
“Beautiful,” he murmured.
“You sure are,” you said with a chuckle.
He chuckled too with the slightest shake of his head in amusement. “And she has a sense of humor. How’d I get so lucky?”
You pretended to consider his question for a moment, your face scrunching up in thought. “It sure is a mystery,” you joked lightly, leaning in to press a kiss to his cheek. He caught your lips one more time before you pulled away completely, and you nearly swooned.
#arc trooper echo#echo x reader#arc trooper echo x reader#clone wars reader insert#the clone wars x reader#clone wars echo x reader#echo x you#echo x y/n#clone wars fanfiction#the clone wars reader insert#star wars the clone wars reader insert
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