#maxs hair wave continues to give me life | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

doromoni · 9 months

Text

Hunting Affections

Charles Leclerc x photographer! reader

Max Verstappen x photographer! reader

Part 5.

fanfic + smau fic

y/n faceclaim : Hwang Eunbi

warning : swearing , manipulation, stalking , violence

A/N : UP FOR EDITING 🤍

Summary; Love is but a concept — just connections of neurons that take part in the brain … and yet, why is it the most painful when one falls alone?

Loving someone who doesn’t love you back , until you can’t no more. Maybe then they’ll actually know what they’ve lost.

Relentless and persistent are two different adjectives that are often mistakenly interchanged . Persistence is defined as continuing firmly in a course of action despite difficulty , while being relentless means to do something and refuse to give up, even if what they are doing is unpleasant or cruel.

You are nothing but the latter, your actions are derived from cruel and revolting motivations— you have deluded yourself into thinking that your actions are for the goodness of others.

Everything was quiet , the only noise was the crashing waves of the Monegasque sea. The quietness and the soft waves have brought me peace and calmness , yet at this point in time it only added to the anxiousness that bubbled at the depths of my stomach … because there laid in the distance, the screen of my phone violently glowing luminescent , as your instagram post displayed on my feed . The memories that used to hunt my sleep every night came crashing in yet again, the times where I then cried endlessly thinking what was wrong with me, if I lacked something, or If I was never enough.

Do you find happiness in my suffering? why must you always find ways to make my life miserable.

The palms of my hands grew restless, hearing the pounding of my heart in my eardrums. Shit… I’m starting to spiral again, everything was turning foggy ,my vision starting to blur as my breath was starting to catch up on me making me choke on the tears that streamed down my face. The bedroom had started to feel like its enclosing in it self.

Just then, the piercing sound of a phone ringtone filled the air.

“Liebling , I just saw what the bastard posted . Are you alright, Love? Do you need company? Should I go back there?” Oh Max , how can I be so lucky with you? You didn’t even doubt my innocence.

“M-Max..” I said struggling to speak.

“Y/N?? What happened? Are you alright??“ His voice sounded so worried and panicked, is it wrong that I find it soothing?

“It almost happened again, love … I started to spiral” I managed to choke out , running my hand through my hair ; feeling it still damp from the shower I took before.

“Verdammt noch mal! I’m gonna kill that bastard! Wait for me , Liebling. Im coming over. Give me 10 minutes”

“Mhm , thank you Max . Please know that I really do love you…” Fear started to envelop my heart at the thought of Max leaving me because of all this mess.

“I never doubted your love, Liebling… not one bit. I love you more. I’ll be there quickly. Call me if your you need anything else. Bye for now dear”

And the line went dead and the air was again filled with silence. Thoughts have again started to fill my head , but this time it was of rage and my body shook , seething in anger.

Then cutting through the silence, came the sound of my doorbell. It couldn’t be Max , I already gave him a key to the apartment. Slowly walking towards the front door and looking through the camera … there stood at the other side of my door, the root of my problem. Charles Leclerc.

“Please open the door,Y/N” that voice used to bring me joy and giddy anticipation , now it only brought un believable amounts of contempt and disgust.

His knocks where endless, just as I had said , he is relentless. Finally having enough from him, I swung the door open ; revealing the angelic face that brought me hell.

“The fucking nerve you have to show your face to me, Leclerc . “ I spat with venom laced in every word , as my blood started to boil over at the sight of him.

He started to walk forward and reaching out his hand , intending to hold mine. Yet before he could even lay a finger — a stood back , with a piercing glare permanently set on my face.

“Don’t you fucking touch me!” Charles could only recoil , how does it feel to finally be at that end of the stick , huh?

“Y/N please , let’s talk . Babe I- Look, i’m sorry for being a shitty boyfri-“ As his words started to spill out , I could only scoff at the absurdity of him.

“I’m not your babe , and before you even start, I never was your girlfriend . You’re focusing on your career, remember?! We we’re never together. You just fucking played me the left me whenever you liked. Oh you were shitty alright, but you were never my boyfriend! ”

“You don’t mean that . Remember all the things we’ve done together, the trips and all the family dinners. Y/N … babe , I miss having you and getting to hold you in my arms at our special spot. Y/N , please , I love you and I know you still love me “

“YOU DON’T GET TO SAY THAT AFTER EVERYTHING YOU’VE PUT ME THROUGH ! IM ALREADY FUCKING HAPPY! “ I shouted as my throat burned and my eyes started to tear up from anger and frustration.

“You’re so fucking cruel. Yes! I did love you then! But what did you do with it huh?! You fucking cheated on me and took me for granted.You embarrassed me in-front of everyone! You made me fucking doubt everything about myself , you fucking bastard! I’m already content without you in my life. Charles, please just leave me alone. Let me go, I’m very happy with Max… I love him. Please , I beg of you , don’t ruin this for me” Tears are now streaming down my cheeks .

As I said those words, the warmth and affection in his eyes drained as it was replaced with vexation and contempt. His face turned blank , and all to quickly his lips were pulled into a smirk.

“We both know that you’re just using him to get to me. Really , y/n? Max? my childhood enemy? Couldn’t you think of a better way to make me jealous? A bit pathetic, but I’ll let it go. I’m already here, break up with the loser already.” The smugness and arrogance of his words drew out the worst in me as my hand flew directly at his cheek , slapping him with all the aggression and hatred I had for the driver.

“FUCK YOU , CHARLES! HOW ARROGANT CAN YOU GET?! SELFISH PRAT! IM FUCKING OVER YOU! YOU HAVE NO FUCKING RIGHT TO SAY WHAT MAX AND I HAVE — YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW WHAT LOVE IS YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE! I-i, just leave . I have nothing more to say to you.GO! LEAVE!!” My throat now burned even further as i wiped the tears off my face with my hand.

“I’ll go for now Y/N . But , I will not stop. you are mine Y/n l/n. YOU.ARE.MINE.” His words were ringing in my ears as he drove off the distance. Fresh tears now spilling over as my body was wrecked into uncontrollable sobs. My knees buckling beneath me making me fall to the floor — not bothering to stand up as I stared emptily at the floor.

Not long after , I felt the familiar warmth that I could only get from the embrace of the person I loved.

“Liebling?! Why are you on the floor? my Schatz , what happened?” Max’s voice brought peace and stability to my anxiety. I drew myself even closer to his embrace.

“Liebling?”

“Charles… he came here, Max . He said that he won’t stop until I go back to him. Max… I’m scared”

I looked up to see fury written over his face, feeling his hold on me tighten.

“Max , please don’t leave me. Please…” I begged, clutching his torso even more . Feeling his fingers running through my hair , He said“Don’t be scared, my Schatz . I love you and I promise not to leave you. Don’t be scared, I’m here” the softness in his voice and the, revealed the exhaustion in my body as I had started to lose consciousness… but not until I heard him say

“You’ll pay for everything, Leclerc… everything” and all turned into nothing.

Formula 1 Ferrari Driver Charles Leclerc seen leaving the apartment of Red Bull Senior Director Y/N L/N.

Article by : Mary Hankson

Formula 1 driver , Charles Leclerc was spotted leaving the Korean born photographer Y/N L/N’s apartment at 4 am in the morning, just a few hours after his cryptic instagram post with the caption “originally mine , I refuse to give up”.

Sources had said that the visit of the Ferrari driver had occurred right after the birthday celebration of the Red Bull Design Director, in which the Monegasque was said not to be invited, this, and possibly for more reasons , was not taken well by the driver— as Charles was seen storming out of the apartment with a fuming snarl on his face as he drove off in his Ferrari Pista.

Even before such event, fans are already puzzled with Charles and Y/N’ behavior. Their once warm treatment of each other have quickly turned sour once Y/N left the Italian team to pursue a career with Sky Sports . The air between the driver and photographer had been in tension since then— with L/N opting to associate with The English , Australian, and Dutch formula 1 drivers while Leclerc had been with the Alpine driver and best friend Pierre Gasly. What had exactly happened to create such thick tension among the two?

Could the mysterious woman in the Monegasque’s post be about L/N? The two have already been romantically linked together in past — as Y/N L/Y had been spotted with the driver and his family in several occasions looking quite familiar with each other. Yet nothing was confirmed by either Leclerc or L/N.

Y/N L/N is currently in a romantic relationship with the reigning WDC champion, Max Verstappen. The length of the relationship is relatively new , yet it cannot be argued that both are not embarrassed to share their passion for each other — whether cameras are present or not.

Nevertheless, Leclerc and L/N are longer acquainted and have spent great amounts of time together during the period of internship of the korean photographer in Ferrari . The hearsay between the Charles Leclerc and Y/N L/N also cannot be dismissed entirely — for fans have speculated that the two haven’t establish a relationship before due to Ferrari’s no colleague fraternization clause. The argument with Leclerc and L/N’s relationship rumors are once again put into light with the recent developments — but with Max Verstappen in the scene, things get even more complicated.

Tension continues to rise among the parties involved. Will such tension be left off the track or will we see the Verstappen and Leclerc rivalry stronger than ever? And will the new relationship of Y/N L/N and Max Verstappen survive such issues so early on the relationship?

————

F1wags

Liked by y/n_stills., user1, user2 , and 156,425 others

F1wags Even amidst rumors between Y/N L/N and Charles Leclerc , Max and Y/N are looking to be stronger and even happier together!

The new couple was seen to be going out for breakfast , hours after the article of Charles Leclerc leaving the home of Y/N at 4 am at the morning. At the looks of it, Max is more protective and even more doting on the Red Bull director/photographer, as was reported by fans that the dutch driver’s arms are never away from Y/N. By the looks of things, Max and Y/N is staying longer.

But what is the meaning of the instagram post of Charles? We could only hope for an explanation from the Ferrari Driver. Because Red Bull wag y/n is here to stay!

user1 y/n is collecting drivers like infinity stones … cannot blame her tho, if I looked that pretty I would too.

user2 It hasn’t been a week since y/n has been an official wag but she’s already the star.

user3 Lmao, chaos follows her tbh

user4 @user3 she is chaos , chaos is her.

user5 All hail Y/N , queen of the Wags

user6 When we eat the rich , y/n is exempted.

user5 HAHAHAHAHA

user7 what is Charles doing? explain yourself sir?? drop a statement or something… I refuse to let go of Soft Max.

user8 @user7 why should charles do it? Why couldn’t y/n explain herself?

user7 are you fr @user8 was it y/n who posted , was it y/n who went to his apartment? No, I think the f not.

user9 ikr? Like wth is he doing? Y/N is already happily taken by Max … bruhhh

user9 I don’t doubt y/n’s loyalty to Max at all. They make each other so happy. Why the hell would she drop that for a driver as red flagged as his team color. And did y’all listen to the song she made for him? shiz got me crying blood.

liked by y/n_stills.

user9 oh hi mother @y/n_stills.

user10 oof y/n is here dropping the shade along with the tea.

user11 Hi there mother of all mothers @y/n_stills.

y/n_stills. Hi children~

user9 OMG HI HAHAHHA

user12 Max really does love y/n , they’re out for breakfast when Max is usually very early at the ring even when its media Thursday .

user13 Man is whipped.

user14 pls y/n never let this man go.

redbullracing

Liked by y/n_stills, maxvertappen1, landonorris, and 1,672,916 others

redbullracing Welcome to the family @y/n_stills! 🎉

interview will be posted after the race 🤭

y/n_stills. Thank you so much 🤍 So excited to work with the team ! But remember our negotiations @redbullracing, unlimited snack… else im walking out 😬.

maxverstappen1 ahh already the boss, I see.

y/n_stills. Oh shush , you love it when I’m bossy. 🙄

maxverstappen1 that I do😘

danielricciardo ugh you two are gross , get a room

landonorris HR will be hearing a lot of you 2

redbullracing @landonorris ,you said it .

maxverstappen1 Stoked to work with you , colleague!

y/n_stills. Ew, Emilian stop! Cringing over here 😫

maxverstappen1 noted, you’re the boss 🫡

oscarpiastri Congratulations y/n!! give them hell, mom🧡

y/n_stills. Thank you little papaya 🤍, Still, I’m always rooting for you!

arthur_leclerc @oscarpiastri stop hogging y/n!

olliebearman @y/n_stills. Give us attention too :((

y/n_stills. I’ll think about it @olliebearman 😜

carlossainz55 Good luck niña, I will always be supporting you and your journey! Always.

y/n_stills. thank you chili 🥺

carlossainz55 I’m always your friend first and a driver second, niña . remember that.

liked by y/n_stills.

scuderiaferrari good luck on your journey @y/n_stills.!

y/n_stills. Thanks! You’re still my favorite team to beef with @scuderiaferrari ❤️

user1 bruh the grid is causing chaos in the redbullracing comment section HAHAHAHHA

user2 ikr? HAHAHAHAH

user3 my popcorn is ready!

*ting!*

“Max are you really ok if I hung out with Arthur?”

We were currently in his car on our way to the circuit for media day.

“Yeah , I’m ok with it. He’s a good kid” I stared at him in both awe and disbelief

“Liebling, what’s the stare for?” He chuckled as he focused on driving, a hand on my thigh ; his fingers drumming to the beat of cruel summer that played on the radio.

“He is, but he’s also the brother of my ex!” I said exasperated.

“I trust you completely, Liebling” He replied gently squeezing my thigh. Affection uncontrollably rushed over me.

“I love you, Max Emilian Verstappen.Do you know that?”

“Yes , I do Schatz , and I love you more” A smile both on our faces as the circuit came closer.

“Oh! How bout you go with me?” I excitedly tapped his hand at the amazing idea I had… which didn’t look as amazing to the dutch, as his face held confusion

“What? Why?”

“Come on I want you there! I’ll invite oscar and ollie~ its time you to spend time with your sons”

“Woah woah, last I remember we only have Oscar.” He joked , and there and then the car was filled with our laughter — forgetting all the drama that surrounded us.

y/n_stills.

Liked by maxverstappen1, redbullracing, danielricciardo, and 2,836,817 others

y/n_stills. A Red Bull Wag , through and through. Ironically, I’m already tired ,nobody warned me this shiz is hard 🙄. I blame @maxverstappen1 .

maxverstappen1 I’m sorry i forgot to brief you, my bad liebling.

y/n_stills. Be thankful that I love you.

landonorris aren’t you supposed to be working @y/n_stills?

y/n_stills. It’s called tactical marketing, kinder. Know your terminology gosh.

landonorris is that what you call it? hmm sure

georgerussell63 isn’t today your first official day as a wag?

y/n_stills. and what is your point russell george?

georgerussell63 nothing, nothing ~ 😁

lilymhe Girl! See you later , I missed you >:((

y/n_stills. Babe , we literally saw each other yesterday.

lilymhe Yeah? And?

y/n_stills. quoting russell george , nothing, nothing ~ 😁

user1 BRO Y/N IS SO PRETTY! I saw her and Max walking to the Red Bull motorhome , she was glowing! I swear I saw an angel

user2 RIGHT?! She’s literally blooming , how can someone be so pretty >:((

user3 she’s also so nice! They were walking when I asked for a picture with Max , y/n offered to take the picture. I swear I melted when she smiled at me.

user4 y/n suites the blue and red 😏

user5 indeed, she found her colors >:)) , the plain red was getting boring.

———

“Liebling, I need to go. Im scheduled for the press conference” I looked up from my laptop setting my eyes to the dutch driver as he walked towards were I was.

“Mhm , I know~ who do you think put you there?” I smiled mischievously up at him as he towered over my side.

“You vixen~ you do realize who’s also up there right?” A grin played at his lips , where I only shrugged

“Gotta keep you on your toes, champion”

“If i punch the bastard’s face will that be alright?” Max replied as he tucked my hair to my ears, a hand gently holding my chin

“I mean, bad publicity is still publicity, you are the expert at it , my love” I joked lovingly , a grin now present on my face.

“Aren’t you cheeky, Schatz~” his grip on my chin slightly tightened as he bent down and captured my lips in his. Angling my face to deepen the kiss , as Max’s other hand found it way to the back of my neck, holding me still. Before the kiss grew too heated, I pulled away knowing that he cannot be late because of me.

“Nu uh, mister~ you have a media event to get to. “ Max groaned , as I tried to fix his hair that I had somehow ruined.

“Off you go, my love~ good luck and play nice. I love you~” I said as I pulled him out of my office and pushed him out the door

“Yeah, yeah~ love you more” He said walking away, not before stealing another kiss.

“See you later Schatz~” He yelled at the distance. the people outside my office only chuckled and shake their heads— seeing their number 1 driver act petulantly.

———

“Welcome back lads! Its been quite a long month of summer vacation, i might say! And welcome everyone, today we have here with us a mixture of driver experiences in the grid. We have Lewis Hamilton , Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri , Charles Leclerc and Daniel Ricciardo here with us today~ our two Aussies are here!”

“ And speaking of Aussies, let’s start of with our youngest driver on the grid! Oscar, how was your experience in the half of your first season in formula 1 and how are you handling the effects of your collision with Sainz during the Spa race?”

“The First half of the season is not easy, I cannot lie, specially at the start of the season, but recently the car has been a great drive and We are really looking forward for this week’s race. Uhm… uh, mentally speaking , I am alright, a bit down but I’m eager to get back into the car and race.

“Are there people you look towards for comfort or advice when facing circumstances like this? — you were captured hugging a woman after your retirement last race and if we have it correct it was Red Bull’s current Designs Director , Y/N L/N, is that true?”

The young driver was suddenly flustered taken aback by the question. Max drew an assuring pat on the back to the Australian driver, making sure that it wasn’t shown on camera.

“Yes, that was Y/N. She went to our garage and made sure that I was ok and assured me that mistakes happen and that I should’t hold it against myself”

“Well aren’t you two close” Leclerc suddenly butted in , all eyes suddenly went to him— some with disguised annoyance.

But without missing a beat Oscar replied

“We are! Y/N is very caring and very supportive towards me. She is also very mother like — we have this running joke with Max here, that they are my parents and I’m their son”

“Correction, adopted son” Max joked lifting the mood.

“While on that note, Max! I assume that the rumors are true? That you are indeed dating your team’s Design Director, Y/N L/N ? “

“Yes, I am in a relationship with Y/N”

“Would you care to elaborate on that, Max?”

“ Isn’t that question a bit too personal? Shouldn’t we talk about racing?” Charles again interrupted before anybody could say a word

“No, it’s alright. I’ll gladly talk about Y/N given the chance. Well we were friends first, then along the road I came to like her and thank the heavens she liked me back. Then we made things official this summer break, oh! we also adopted oscar here during the break. So lots of milestones for me this summer break.” Chuckles filled the conference room as Max finished speaking

“Thank you for that Max , uh let’s move on to Charles! You are also busy with your summer break! Would you like to enlighten us on that?”

“No, not really … Im here to race, that’s all. I don’t have time to waste on meaningless pursuits” He replied dryly

Max’s hands balled into firsts , on Charle’s insinuation when he said meaningless pursuits.

“Oh, well alright! Moving on to Lewis”

The tension was thick in the air as 2 drivers continued to giving each other subtle glares all throughout the conference .

The conference rest of the conference went off without an issue. That was until the end where everyone was backstage when the tension broke loose and anger exploded

“WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM LECLERC?!” Max came storming towards the Ferrari driver —driving a hard punches on the jaw of the Ferrari driver, then forcefully clutching the collar of his shirt as blood spilled out of the Monegasque’s lips

“GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME DICKHEAD!” Charles shouted as he struggled to get max’s grip off him.

Daniel and Oscar quickly came to separate the two drivers apart. Holding each of them back.

“LEAVE Y/N ALONE ,BASTARD! CANT YOU FUCKING SEE THAT YOU’RE HURTING HER?!? YOURE THE FUCKING PROBLEM”

“ IF YOU WERE’NT IN THE PICTURE Y/N WILL STILL BE MINE! YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A PERSON WHO PICKS UP OTHER PEOPLE’S SCRAPS!! SHE LOVES ME!”

“FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT ! YOU DARE CALL Y/N SCRAPS?! YOU FUCKING TREAT HER LIKE SHIT THEN YOU EXPECT HER TO COME BACK TO YOU?!“

“guys , please stop it! there are cameras outside that door” Daniel tried to calm both the drivers down, as Max tried to get away from his grip and land another strike at Leclerc.

“Get this through your head, Leclerc. I will do my everything to keep y/n and the championship title away from you. As long as I am here you will never taste the victory of being number 1 again. I swear that on my life. You’ve hurt y/n, prepare to fucking suffer”

successfully removing Daniel’s grip, Max then stormed out the room, leaving the three drivers in shock.

165 notes · View notes

thewritingofspencerrose · 1 month

Text

"Niña, are you okay?" Is the first thing that greets my ears upon returning to the Aston Martin garage, Fernando's concerned expression meeting mine as he gives me a once over.

"I'm assuming my debacle in Redbull has already made it back here?"

"It's all over the internet," Lance is the one to answer, looking hesitant to continue. "Including the part where he announced that you're Verstappen's little sister."

Of course someone caught that on video. "Fuck me."

"Don't worry, no one around here will treat you any different," the Canadian assures, looking more sorry than I'd really like. "We're all pretty tired of the Verstappen's anyway. As long as you're okay, and that ass was kicked out, we're good, yeah?"

I can't help but laugh, nodding at the Canadian. Why he's made out to be the biggest ass, i have limited idea.

"Ms. Hughes, Mr. Caufield, Fernando and Lance will be needed in 30 for prep, so-" One of the staff mentions, earning a nod from the for of us. "We have prepared a set of stools in front of an Aston Martin backdrop for you all. It is just over here," She explains, pointing off to the side.

"Great, thank you much," I thank, taking the microphones from her hands before stealing Cole's hand from himself, pulling him to our designated chairs.

"Okay, so, the camera is here and rolling, so when you all are done we will edit it together," The woman explains, waving her hands around before walking off without a response.

"Y'all are very straight to business around here, aren't you?" The joke slips, ignoring my knowledge that Lance's father literally owns this team.

"You get used to it," Is Lance's chuckled response, just shrugging it off, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I get it, hockey's the same," Cole chimes, the little comment learning a kind smile. They're relating, Mom would say, it's how boys deal with feelings.

"Okay boys," I begin, clapping quietly and collecting their attention. "Starting in 3-" Cole's hand is moving to my leg, resting just above my knee in support. "2-" Fernando is running a hand through his hair, using Lance's sunglasses as a mirror. "And 1!"

"Hello everyone and welcome back to today's episode of A Women's Guide to Sports! As always, my name is Emily Hughes and today I am coming to you from the Canadian Grand Prix!"

"If you are one of my people who are watching this on social media, hi!" She greets with a little wave. "Or if you're one of my podcast diehards, I'm here to clue you in."

"As you most will have seen prior to this episode on social media, today I am here at the race with my brother Jack Hughes and Trevor Zegras, both probably lost in the paddock, and my boy Cole Caufield as guests of Aston Martin!" Cole gives her a little squeeze of acknowledgment with one hand, the other waving to the camera with a smile.

"Speaking of AM, we have some very special guests today, gentlemen, would you mind saying hi to the people on the other end of the audio?"

Both Aston drivers wave to the camera, offering a verbal hello as well.

"It's great to be here," Fernando assures, his quieter teammate nodding.

"We'll see if you still believe that when we're done with the questions I have for you two."

"Starting with?" Lance has enough self-respect to be concerned. He has seen her interviews before, asking about life while living the sport rather than just logistics.

'Women connect to a sport more when they can connect to a person, rather than data,' Emily had answered once when asked about the peculiar nature of her interviews.

Everyone knows those are the hardest questions to answer.

"So, we'll start a little easy on the questions here: Is it true that you have unofficially adopted Lance, Fernando?"

The older driver laughs, a light pink taking over Lance's cheeks as both men laugh, making Emily's smile impossibly larger, a sight that makes her brothers smile from off to the side, hidden from view and the camera.

"She seems to enjoy this," Max comments to Jack, noticing how easily she prompts the borderline ridiculous questions along, making sure to include many real questions about the cars performance and what it's like to live and love in Formula one. "She is doing better than most of the journalists."

Jack is an older brother, it's in his blood, and while that prevents him from trusting Emily's newfound family, he also knows that anything less than an attempt at acceptance would result in puppydog eyes.

And God all her brother's are a sucker for those.

"Yeah, she's studying journalism in New York, it's always been a passion of hers," Is the Hughes boys response, although he can't help the smile that takes place on his face. "While Quinn, Luke and I were pretending to be NHL stars as kids, she was pretending to interview us."

Max knew it would be hard not knowing her since she was a child. With his other half siblings he had been given the opportunity to be in their lives for all of those moments, or to at least know they happened.

"Now, this question is for the both of you," Emily catches his attention once more, "Fernando, towards the beginning of the season you were connected to one Taylor Swift, with rumors of you two being together floating around," She begins, giggling when Fernando winks dramatically at the camera. "With her mention in the sport, there was an increase in attention as everyone tried to puzzle out what was happening. Do you both believe that if big names such as Ms. Swift began to invest more into the sport, the audience would grow?"

Lance takes the question, diving in to how with his father being an investor, he does believe that if large names were to contribute more, the sport would increase in numbers. Fernando expands on it, explaining that that's how these things work, and why the teams like Ferrari and Redbull have such a following.

"So," Jack starts, doing his best to bond. "Do you have any other siblings?"

Max can't help the way his brows scrunch at the question. It's clearer by the second that as they watch their sister, they're just trying to get by.

"I have four," He decides to answer. "My sister Victoria is by full blood, then my sister Blue Jaye from my fathers second marriage and Jason and Mila from his third."

"God," the Hughes almost grunts. "Em has another brother and three sisters?"

"Yes," He hadn't processed that his siblings would be hers as well. "Does she have more brothers... through your family?" Is the only way Max can think to ask. "You mentioned a Quinn earlier?'

Jack nods, still in minor surprise that his sister has gone from simply having three brothers to now having five and three sisters. "Quinn's the oldest of us all, then there's me, Em, and we have a younger brother Luke."

Emily seems to have superior hearing, because her next question is on the same topic her brothers have been covering, "Now men, on to siblings, how does it feel knowing your sisters are superior to you?"

#original character #the writing of spencer rose #nhl fanfiction #formula 1 fanfiction #best friends to lovers trope #hughes sister #emily verstappen #max verstappen x sister #hughes brothers #lance stroll x oc #lance stroll #fernando alonso x oc #fernando alonso

18 notes · View notes

theladybarnes · 1 year

Photo

DON’T YOU WANT ME, BABY? : CHAPTER FOUR

“Mistakes have been made.”

▸ summary: a happy reunion happens, but boy drama ruins it all ▸ characters: steve harrington, billy hargrove, max mayfield, & the party ▸ word count: 4.8k ▸ warnings: angst, toxic exes, and general billy behavior ▸ series masterlist

The clock in Ms. Kelley’s office ticked loudly in the empty room, making you slightly more irritated as you continued to wait out for your counselor.

It was only a minute back to your group at gym class that Coach Duffer sent you to leave class early and go into the main office of the school. Something you didn’t think over until you were coming through the threshold with wet hair that soaked the top of your blouse. Could they not have given you at least a second to towel dry your hair?

“Alright, Miss Henderson.” Ms. Kelley chimed as she entered the room. “While I’m always happy to see you, I’m afraid I’m a bit unsettled by today’s visit.”

“You and me both, Ms. Kelley. Which is why I think we should reconvene on better circumstances and call it a day!” you clapped, going as far as to pick up your bag from the floor. The cheery tone only caused her to raise a brow as she settled into her seat across from you.

“Miss Henderson, it’s clear to me that today was quite the off day for you. Did something happen before school? Are you feeling alright?”

There was no good answer that you could give to the poor counselor. Was it the weird sex dream? The hangover? The boys who lie? How do you give her the gist of all that and come off as sane?

Bringing your hand up, you rub gently at your chin. Normally in court, you would plead a case and go through a million questions before allowing the jury to come to a conclusion. But with Ms. Kelley playing judge, jury, and executioner, you had to go about this differently.

“Guilty,” you sighed. “I’m not feeling well. And my severe actions deserve their proper consequences.” Leaning forward, you tilt your head towards the women, giving your best sorry face you could muster. “I’ll take whatever punishment you see fit.”

The thought up answer didn’t seem to satisfy Ms.Kelley. In fact, it made her frown harder as she jotted down a few things on her notepad. “Ms. Henderson, you flipped off a teacher, yelled at two students, and hurt one with a basketball. You mean to tell me that you want to play all that off from not feeling well?”

Sensing that there was a need for a small bit of honesty, you let out one piece of information that could hopefully close this case. “Well, that and some of the boys are spreading lies about the tellings of my personal sex life.”

Her jaw slacked a bit, pen falling to the side before she scrambled to pick it back up in her hand. “That is a serious accusation, Ms. Henderson. Are you sure that’s the reason?”

“Well, it’s definitely the main one.”

A sour sort of look spread over her face and she looked between you and her notepad for a second before she tore off the paper and threw it in the trash can beside her. “I need you to apologize to Coach Duffer for the unsavory hand sign you gave him, and clean up the gym after practice today for Coach Troy for disrupting his class.”

To say you were shocked was understatement, but you certainly don't question it as you stood up from your seat. Holding onto your bag tightly to leave before she changed her mind. “Sounds like a reasonable punishment, Ms. Kelley.”

“I also want to let you know you’re free to come talk to me if anyone else starts spreading more misinformation, okay?”

“You got it, Ms. K!”

You made your way over to the door, giving the woman a thankful wave as she called out one more request to you.

“And please don’t attack any more boys!”

While Ms. Kelley had given you a break today, most of the day seemed to go on longer than you expected. During lunch you had a hard time finding Jonathan, needing to be with someone who isn't currently judging you. But that ended up being a bust. Then when it came around time for you to clean up the gym, Coach Troy seemed to purposely drag out practice.

Though you spent a good chunk of the day avoiding conversing with others, you couldn’t help but feel bad as you finished cleaning up. Most of the other students were a bit wary of you. Possibly worried they’d be the next target in your yelling spree. Although not everyone seemed to get the hint. Considering you did see Steve by your locker earlier that day. And while you’d like to maybe talk things over with him, it was best not to add fuel to that fire.

It was nearing the evening when you finally left the gym. The winter sky had turned dark blue due to the time change. Since Jonathan seemed to disappear from school grounds today, you were stuck taking the long way home. Something you’d definitely be complaining to him on the phone tonight.

Just as you get on your bike and down the long driveway of the school, you’re about to pass the middle school’s joint hill when you first notice them. Or mostly notice her. The group you now know as your cousin’s “party” were all crowded together on the front steps. Each of them looked worried while the young girl looked confused.

“Maximilian! As I live and breathe!”

The boys all look over at you with a curious look before the redhead lets out a chuckled sort of gasp. “No way!” She said, rushing down the steps. “You’re here too?”

Her body colliding with yours nearly took you off your bike, making you giggle as you wrapped your arms around her figure. It’s been quite a while since you’ve seen the young girl and you’re happy seeing her in different circumstances.

“Is this where you went to?!” Max exclaimed, moving to look you over. “You still look the same.”

“Well moving would never stop me from looking good.”

Giving her a once over, you smile at the sight of her slightly Tom boyish style seeping through in fall clothing. She was always more bright and sunny back in California. You wonder if she’s struggling with the cold as much as you did.

“How the hell do you guys know each other?” Dustin blurted, stepping down the steps to join at your side. “And why are you at the school so late?”

Frowning you point a finger at him sternly. “I’m here because it’s none of your business and I know her because she's from back home.”

“She used to date my step-brother before she dumped him.”

“You have a brother?” Mike asked, a familiar look of displeasure on his face as he crossed his arms.

“Step-brother.” you both corrected him.

Turning back to the others you can’t help but feel their tension. “Are you guys hanging out together?” Peeking, you notice someone missing. “Why are you guys here so late? Where’s Will?”

Max scrunched her nose, pushing a fiery lock behind her ear. “I’m not hanging out with these guys. They were stalking me. And Will just—“

She’s cut off with a harsh nudge from Dustin. The slight push caused her to bump into you, making you nearly trip off your bike. “Geez!” she whispered, looking over at him with wide eyes. You can’t help but notice that they’re keeping something from you.

“Hmph,” you hummed, looking over at the group. “You guys are acting weirder than usual.”

Lucas stepped up with a sorry sort of smile on his face. “Uh we’re not, just worried about Will. His Mom had to come pick him up because he went into another weird episode.” The rest of the boys turned back into a slightly worried expression.

Jonathan had told you before how Will would become spacey sometimes, but lately it seemed like things were going backwards in his development.

Nodding your head, you place a hand down on Max’s shoulder, giving her a small smile. “He’s going through things. He'll be better in no time.” It wasn’t easy to lie to her, but considering you didn’t want to involve someone else in the mess from last year, you’d have to tough it out to protect her.

“Considering we’re not clouded by smoke from Billy, I’m guessing you’re gonna take your board home.”

Max peered over your shoulder to see across where the parking lot was. “Asshole.” she muttered before looking back at you. “I guess I am.”

Turning to the boys who were trying to huddle together, you pointed over to the bike rack. “Let’s get going! We’ll all ride together.” They all groaned a bit, hating the break up of their little get together. “Nuh uh, I won’t have any of that bitching, twerps. It’s gonna get dark and we don't need to be here a minute longer.”

Max ran back inside to quickly grab her backpack from her locker, leaving you alone with the boys for a second to quickly discuss what you couldn’t before.

“So, do you guys think Will is okay? I thought he was getting treatments or something down at the Lab?”

“We have no clue.” Mike sighed, adjusting his footing on the bike pedal. “He was off on Halloween and today he totally seized out on us. I wish we just had some clear answer.” The other two boys nodded, looking back at the school door to spot out for Max.

“And what about Max?” you asked, catching their gazes again. “What is she doing in the mix of all this?”

“Geez, you sound like you don’t want us to hang out with her.” Dustin scoffed, gripping onto his bike handle tightly.

“As much as I’d love for her to have friends she can punk around like you guys, I’m worried she might get involved in something that’s too big for her. Like you guys already are.”

Mike frowned a bit at that. “She’s not a part of the party. Don’t worry.”

There’s a slight disdain in Mike’s tone. Which you’re pretty familiar with, but it felt slightly unwarranted since he’s most likely known Max for less than a week. “Okay, noted.” you chuckled, making him shrug his shoulders.

The heavy door creaked loudly as Max pushed her way out. Bright hair blowing in the wind as she placed the board down on the ground. “Alright, you guys okay?” she panted, noticing the change in the group’s demeanor. The boys gave you a glance before you smiled over at Max.

“Yup! Let’s get going!” You called out, turning your bike to lead the way. It was just in time to miss the look of suspicion from her blue eyes.

To your surprise, when you finally got home with Dustin, Tina had been waiting on the phone. Wanting to hear the details of what happened after you left the gym class. Mostly because the rumor mill must have had some missing details.

Your vague answers did little to satisfy her, but she was willing enough to share the news of Billy having come over to them at lunch. Claiming he wanted to spend some time with Vicki that day. It would seem he was finally over you and therefore making Tina accept you back into her inner circle for now.

The phone call left you with a sort of sick feeling.

After a few attempts of trying to call Jonathan, you gave up for the night. Eating dinner quickly to get into bed early that night. All you could hope for was tomorrow being a better day without any trouble.

“Did you hear about your little weirdo and Nancy Wheeler?”

You had barely been able to get your book out of the locker when Tina and Vicki came into your line of vision. “No, can’t say I know what you’re talking about.” The brunette raised a brow, leaning against the metal door with a slight smirk.

“Some say they ditched early the other day. Left around lunch.”

“Others say they ran away together because they’re secretly in love!” Vicki giggled.

You stole a glance over to the locker beside you. Usually you managed to avoid the girl when getting your books, but now and then you’d see her there. But now that you’ve thought about it, it’s been three periods and you haven’t even seen her or Jonathan yet.

“I doubt that’s what’s going on.”

“Enlighten us, babydoll.” said a deep, agitating, grating voice.

The metal locker door creaked as he slowly shut it to reveal Billy’s face. The toothy grin plastered on his face as he annoyingly chewed gum loudly. “The girls and I have been trying to figure it out since first period.”

The other two giggled a bit, even going as far to twirling a piece of their hair as they nodded eagerly. Unfortunately, with the lack of contact from either person, you couldn’t give any of them the truth.

“They’re friends. Probably skipped the day to go hang out.” you shrugged, trying to play it off coolly. “Is that suddenly a crime?”

The two girls seemed slightly to agree before Billy scooted in closer, placing his arm across your shoulder as he leaned in to you. “We both know that Wheeler recently dumped Harrington too. You mean to tell me she’s not trying to rebound onto this Jonathan guy?”

Did Nancy break up with Steve? Was the reason why he had been crying at the party? Had it been yesterday when she went into the gym after you left?

Something in your face must have given off the confusion because suddenly the two girls are giggling at you. Playfully pushing at your shoulder. “It seems not even Byers’ only friend would know what the hell is going on.” Vicki said, making Tina smirk slightly in amusement.

“Poor thing.” Billy cooed. “I should help her catch up. We’ll see you guys at lunch.” he winked, waving them off with his free hand. You silently pleaded with your eyes, even shaking your head a bit to get them to stay. But the two giggled at Billy, ignoring your pleas as they waved goodbye to the two of you. Billy finally released you from his grip, allowing you to take a small step back. He remained cocky as he slid to lean against the locker.

“What is your damage, Billy? Since when do you care about gossip?”

“I care when it involves our friends.”

“God, they are not your friends.” you spat, rolling your eyes. “They’re like your obsessed followers.”

The comment made him chuckle, rubbing his hands together in front of him as he gave off a meek shrug. “What can I say? They adore me here. Not like they have anyone else to look up to considering Harrington is nothing but a loser these days.”

Something didn’t sit right with you to hear Billy talk about Steve that way. He didn’t know why he had fallen out with his friends. And while he wasn’t sitting with the same group of people, there were some who still held him in high regard. So why did Billy’s words bother you so much?

“So, if the competition is low, why bother with checking out rumors that don’t mean squat to you?”

“Well for one, competition is still competition. And two,” Billy leaned in, a dark cast over his light eyes as he pointed a finger at you. “because it matters to you.”

You frowned down at his finger. “It doesn’t matter to me. I hate the guy. Anyone will tell you that.”

“And yet he likes you.”

There was no way in hell Billy did not hit his head on the way into Indiana. Because at this point in time, even a child could tell that Steve Harrington only had eyes for Nancy Wheeler. Shaking your head, you look at Billy skeptically. “You’ve been here less than a week and think that?” you laughed, turning to go towards your next class. “I think you need a new informant because he is definitely not into me.”

“I have eyes, no need for clarification.” he sighed. “I’ve also been told by Tommy that you like him too. Since you came into town.”

Your sneakers squeak against the floor as you quickly turn to face Billy. Eyes glaring hard on him. “Tommy Hagan was practically trying to get real estate up Steve Harrington’s ass last year and you want to believe one of his deranged rumors?”

“He says you were practically all over him despite his attempts to get with Nancy.”

Laughing loudly, you shake your head at the boy. “I hung out with Tommy and his scheming girlfriend for one week and they came up with that shit?” Billy only stared at you with his calculating eyes, trying to pick out the lie in your words like he usually did with others. But you know him well enough now to cover up what you didn’t need for him to know.

“The three of them were assholes and I was done with all their bullshit by the weekend. When they figured I wasn’t going to hang out with them anymore, they decided to campaign against me.”

“Because you’re so worth lying about?” Billy asked, cocking his head to the side.

“What can I say, Billy? People tend to act a certain way when it comes to me.”

Your words seem to work because Billy chuckled lightly, nodding his head a bit before he extended a hand towards the direction you were going before. “Just thought I’d ask about it. I’m only looking out, babydoll.” The nickname made you cringe lightly.

“Well I don’t need you to look out for me.”

“Oh I know,” he smirked, waving you off. Not waiting for your leave, he turned to walk down the opposite direction. But not without giving you what felt like a warning.

“I’m looking out for me.”

As of this week, the school day left you falling into a funk. Not only were most of your friends icing you out because of Billy, but Jonathan really did skip out on the day. Leaving your lunch plans practically dead.

It wasn’t until you were inside the cafeteria, holding a plastic food tray tightly in your hands that you suddenly felt ill.

Never in all your high school life had you been such an outcast. You had so many friends back home. But as of right now, the idea of being friends with anyone felt like a risk. Were they going to leave you too? Was there anyone you could trust anymore?

Not one for letting your real emotions show, you cock your head up, ignoring some of the leering eyes of the student body as you made your way to one of the center tables that had been abandoned. You’d eat quickly, but confidently. With no signs of discomfort on your face. That way no one could get the satisfaction of thinking they made you feel bad.

You pulled out a magazine from your bag, placing it down in front of you so that you could keep your attention focused on something other than the students around you. But just as you had begun to eat into the school’s overheated pizza slice, another person slid on the seat across from you.

“We need to talk.”

You kept your eyes down on the page rereading the same paragraph of the quiz ‘who your celeb soulmate is’ as you ignored the boy across from you. “Don’t really see what we have to talk about.” you mused, turning the page for results.

“Would the fact that everyone keeps talking about us not be good enough reason?”

“Nope.” You drawed out, frowning down at the paper. “Damn, I got Tom Cruise. I wanted Michael J. Fox.”

The magazine is snatched from your line of vision. Making you snap your head up to finally look at your unwanted guest. “Give that back, Steve! I have to find out if Tom Cruise likes what I do!”

Steve folded the paper over, giving you an exasperated look before leaning in close. “You can figure all that out later. We gotta get these rumors under control.”

Blowing air through your nose, you keep your composure under control as you begin to pick at your lunch. Eating bits of the pizza with your fork. “Us sitting together is just gonna make things worse.”

“That’s what I’m talking about! We should be able to do things like sit next to each other without it meaning anything.”

Leaning back against your chair, you raise a brow at Steve. “Well, get Nancy to help clear some of the air. She’s a part of this as much as we are.”

His face fell at the mention of the girl. Suddenly emotional, he reached over to your lunch, ripping a chunk of pizza off as he chewed on it harshly. “We can’t go to Nancy right now.”

Glaring at the now torn off piece, you try and move past his sudden indulging of your lunch. “Well no, I know she’s not here today. But tomorrow..”

“No, we can’t go to Nancy right now because..she and I are fighting.”

“Okay, so make up with her.”

“It’s not that easy, trouble.”

Something was telling you that you’d regret going on with this conversation but your curiosity had a better hold on you than you thought. “Well why the hell not? You guys are practically making out in the hallway these days. Just bring her flowers and make up already.”

Steve, having grown more annoyed, leaned towards the table, brows furrowed as he spoke softly. “I can’t just make up with her because she thinks we killed Barb.”

Pushing your tray aside, you move to lean close to him. Not wanting to risk anyone hearing the conversation now. “What the hell do you mean? Is this why you were crying the other night?!” you hissed.

“I was not crying…but yes. Among other things.”

“Like what?”

He looked hesitant at first before he dived into a brief explanation of the night. And you were unfortunately correct on them being off from the start. But you really didn’t expect the last part. “..Apparently, we were never in love, I’m bullshit, and now she’s run off with Jonathan out of town.”

“Shit.” you said, reeling back a bit. The two of you have a bit of a stare down as you try to think of how exactly you were supposed to reply to that. While you had your own problems with Steve.

What Nancy was blaming him for was unfair. No one could have figured that Barb would be taken by a demogorgon that night. It was just a party, where stupid teens were supposed to make stupid decisions. How could the blame be on either of them for something that wasn’t even a part of this world?

“I’m sorry,” reaching out, you placed your hand gingerly on top of his. Feeling the warmth from his palms as his fingers twitched from the contact. “It’s not your fault..I hope you know that.”

Steve’s lips parted slightly, words being suddenly taken from him as his gaze moved between your hand and your face. Turning the hand over, he gently allowed your fingers to slip into his. Only for a second before he gave a squeeze. “Thanks.”

Figures that the one time you’re actually having something of a nice moment with Steve it has to do with you comforting him about Nancy. But a small selfish part of you is lingering onto the way his touch feels to you right now.

“I know I’m probably the last person you think would suggest this. But maybe we can find a way to figure out where Nancy and Jonathan are. Help figure out what mess they’ve gotten into-”

“You know Harrington. When I mentioned leaving behind some girls for you, I wouldn’t have expected you go after my girl of all people.” The chair beside you screeches loudly as Billy plops down beside you. The strong scent of his Aramis making you nearly gag as he wrapped an arm around your shoulders. Steve is quick to drop your hand as he leaned back in his chair, glaring over at Billy.

“Okay, first off. I am not your girl. Second, what the hell are you on about, Billy?” Pushing his arm off, you turn a bit to face him. Though his tone was playful, you couldn’t help but notice the familiar look of fire behind his eyes. He was upset.

“Lover boy here is obviously having some relationship problems as we’ve discussed.”

Steve’s brown eyes snapped to you, giving you a questioning look as Billy went on. “I thought I gave him some humbling advice but he clearly ran off with it.”

“God, do you ever stop talking?” Steve muttered in disbelief.

“No, he lacks the capacity to have any sort of tact.”

“Others would say I'm just brutally honest.” Billy interjected, attempting to make a point. But all you and Steve did was scoff in reply.

Scooting your chair away from his side, you turned to face him better. Not needing to be plagued by his close scent anymore. “What asinine advice did you give Steve?”

“Easy, I told him there was plenty of girls–”

“Not the word I remember hearing.”

Billy blinked hard, nose flaring before he went on. “That he should move on and find some other bitch to help him forget Wheeler.” The harsh words made your face twist uncomfortably. “And like I mentioned before, I didn’t think he’d do that with you of all people.”

You couldn’t help but recall the conversation you had with Billy earlier in the hall. His comments about Steve possibly liking you felt so out of pocket. Even now, right before he had come in and invaded your conversation. All you and Steve were doing was talking about how upset he was because of Nancy.

“Who she talks to is none of your business.” Steve said suddenly. “From what she’s told me, she dumped you last year, leaving you a mess back in California.”

“Oh is that what she said?” Billy asked, followed with a dark chuckle that you knew was being led to a worse reaction. “What else do you suddenly know about her?”

“I know she’s obviously grossed out by you and yet all you’ve done since you’ve gotten here is invade her space, man. It’s like you aren’t getting the hint.” Steve countered, almost leaning across the whole table with how close he got.

“Really! You of all people are able to grasp hints all of a sudden!”

“Believe me, I’m not the only one seeing the signs. She’s practically crawling away from you every time you’re by her.”

“And just how many times are you watching whenever I talk with her? She’s my girlfriend!”

“She’s not!”

“ENOUGH!” you yelled, suddenly pushing your chair back. The cafeteria deafens as the students around you notice the drama that's at your table. “I’ve about had it with you two!”

Both boys’ jaws dropped as they noticed your sudden anger. It wouldn’t be the first time that either one of them has dealt with your fury and from the way they act it certainly wouldn’t be the last. And while you hated the idea of having an audience, you could not hold back anymore.

“For the last and final time, Billy. I am NOT your girlfriend. You’re an egotistical man-whore who needs a god damn reality check! Leave me the hell alone!” The blonde nearly paled through his tan complexion as his eyes flickered to those around him.

Your gaze turned to Steve, making him nearly jump in his seat as his face almost mirrored the same look from last year when you gave him a piece of your mind. And while the anger wanted to come out, a part of you held back. “We’re not friends.” The words felt heavy when you saw Steve’s face fall. “I don’t need you to defend me and I definitely don’t need you to speak for me.”

Turning the students around you, you cock your chin out, letting out a calm breath before speaking again. “Shows over, assholes!” And with that the other students quickly diverted their attention back to their meals, not willing to be the next target in your tirade.

Grabbing your bag from the table, you quickly gather your tray, and push in your chair. Steve defeatedly holds up the magazine to you, making you swallow at the sight before you snatched it from his hands.

The stress of dealing with petty high school drama was beginning to get the best of you. And for the second time in your life, you’re walking away from telling off Steve Harrington. And like last time, it’s left you questioning just how you really felt about him.

a/n: pls be kind. this chapter was such a struggle for me 🥹

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x henderson!reader #steve harrington fic #steve harrington fanfic #stranger things fanfic #angst #toxic ex #adopted reader #dywmb

148 notes · View notes

eashmo · 8 months

Text

7 minutes in hell, or is it heaven? Part 22

-Please Don't Leave Me-

Warnings: NONE

A/n: very long chapter. i wanted to basically write all of episode 7 from the show because it fantastic material to use but fuck that lol.

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

Racing out of the mall towards my car, we all heard a motor revving, "Jonathan, please get the car started." I try to sound calm, throwing him the keys, limping around my car, my breath instantly hitches when I realize it's billy in the other car. Cocking and pointing Nancy's gun at him, my hands were shaking.

"Please, baby, don't make me shoot you." I pleaded under my breath.

"No, no, no, the car isn't starting!" Jonathan yells.

Billy suddenly speeds toward us.

"Shit, we got to go!" Lucas shouts from inside the car.

Tears were streaming down my face as I shot nine rounds at him. His headlights were getting brighter in my face, ducking I hear a crash and tires screeching. Looking up, I saw that Steve crashed his car into Billy's, diverting it from hitting me. I saw his car going up in flames.

"BILLY NO!" I scream, trying to run to him, but Nancy was holding me back.

“I got to save him. It's still Billy.” I cried as a roar from the mind flayer cut through the night. Nancy was dragging me into the car as Steve and Robin got in. Jonathan is speeding off. we have to go back and save El, Mike, and Max.

*Time jump back in the mall*

*Billy pov*

i wrapped my hands around El's throat. squezzing tightly, she gasped for air.

“Seven feet.” she suddenly says.

Immediately, I see light, so many lights flashing, “You told her----the wave was seven feet.” The memory begins to surface - the sea breeze on me, even from so far away. She’d been so proud of me.

“You ran to her. On the beach,”

“There were seagulls.” The sound of the birds, the sand in my hair, the water on my feet, the endless, endless joy.

“She wore a hat....with a blue ribbon.”

“A long dress…” I remembered it well. “...with a blue and red flower.”

“Ye– yellow sandals, covered in sand,”

“She was pretty.” She was. Closing my eyes, remembering the memories of joy.

“She was really pretty,” El continued, crying more, my hands loosening around her throat.

We were both crying together, i couldn't move, nodding, god she was pretty, she was beautiful. “...and you, you were happy.”

I feel like I'm going to collapse when she also shows me Y/N smiling at me, loving me, seeing her smile whenever I say I love you, seeing her when I wake up next to her, her beauty just like my mother Cora. I have failed my mother, and I have failed the love of my life and my little sister.

El, reached up and put a warm hand on my cheek. She doesn’t want anything. Just to give warmth. I closed my eyes again.

Memories shatter with a roar. I get to my feet as the creature comes forward. before, I could even think our fists clashed in the air. I scream when a tentacle stabs my side.

"BILLY!" Max screams.

I need to save my friends, my sister, and most importantly, i need to save y/n ,I'm not going to fail you again. My thoughts were cut off when I realized I was being pushed out of the way.

*Y/n pov*

I shoved Billy out of the way of another incoming attack, I didn't have time to register ,that I also needed to move as well until a tentacle punctured the right side of my chest. As nothing but pain filled my body, my mind hadn’t acknowledged the voice that screamed my name as the creature yanked its tentacle out of me and threw me onto my back. I swore death would soon arrive to take me until what felt like a hand sat on my chest, trying to stop the bleeding. so much blood. i was bleeding out.

An eerie silence takes over the mall, a memory flashed like a movie projector of Billy behind my closed eyes.

*flash back*

Hawkins County fair. The night he accidentally proposed to me.

“Baby come on!” I shouted as I ran past him with the stuff y/f/a that he won me.

“baby girl, slow down”

“But i want to get on the ferris wheel before the fireworks start” i pouted at him, dragging him along.

shaking his head as He chuckles. we reach the ferris wheel.

" 3 tickets to ride." the operator said. i fished 3 tickets out of Billy's butt pocket and handed them to the ride operator. boarding the ride. we suddenly stopped at the top.

"Why did we stop?" i asked.

"i paid the operator a little extra."

"really!, why?, you know you didn't have to."

"i know, but i'll do anything for you, princess." he chuckles.

"You're such a softy," i giggled as the fireworks started. i slid into his arms, staring up into the sky with awe. what i didn't see is that he stared at me the entire time.

"i can't wait to marry you," he said to himself, but i heard him over the booms. i pretended that i didn't hear him. I gently put my hands on his face.

"You're missing the fireworks." i laughed a little. he grabbed both of my wrists in each hand. we stared at each other as the lights refelct off our eyes.

"Kiss me, Hargrove." i say softly.

"gladly," he says as he intentaly captures my lips with his.

"By the way, me too." was all i said into his lips. feeling him smile against me.

*end of flash back*

Opening my eyes to see blue eyes staring back into mine “B-baby are you back?” I whispered out as everything came back to me, I nearly sat up, but he held onto me, which prevented me from moving much. He, too, was severely injured, taking a blow to the side of his torso. He held onto me as if his life depended on it.

“I'm back, princess. i'm so sorry that i hurt you.”

He nuzzles his face into my neck. “B-billy i have something to tell you?” my voice trembled, sounding afraid. “You..” I was coughing up blood. “.. you are going to be a dad.” I try to hold his face as he looks at me with shocked wide eyes.

“I'm going to be a dad?” he sobs.

“Yes sweetheart, If its a boy i want to name him Mikey, but if its a girl i want to name her Cora, after your mother'' I say weakly, please god don't let me die, don't let my body give up now.

Billy let out a loud sob, pressing my face against his chest. He placed a hand over my stomach, “Why? Why did you jump in the w-way?!”

“I-” It took me a couple of breaths, and it hurt, “I couldn’t lose you again.

"I'm cold..” My voice cracks,

“Hold on, baby girl, help is on their way, Max! Please help me “ he shouts through tears.

“You can't leave me yet, don't go where I can't follow.”This was the last thing I heard before everything went numb. and i go limp in his arms.

Previous Chapter

Part 23 final

Masterlist

2023

taglist: @goth-cowgirl-03

#Spotify #billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove #billy hargrove fluff #billy hargrove imagine #stranger things billy #billy hargrove fanfiction #billy hargrove smut #billy hargrove stranger things #billy hargrove scenario #stranger things #dacre montgomery

36 notes · View notes

feelinglikeineedlotsofnaps · 6 months

Text

A LITTLE TOWN CALLED HAWKINS.

Word count 1,800

You were dreading the day you had to move in with your aunt Claudia and cousin Dustin. You hadn't actually seen Dustin since he was about 4 years old, now he was a freshman in high school. You had to pack up your life and move to a whole other state since your mother and father decided that they were moving to Europe and you didn't want to go with them and you couldn't afford a place of your own just yet, then came the brilliant idea of moving in with your aunt until you get enough funds to pay your own way.

You packed up the last of your things in your dodge charger, you mainly only took your clothes and your vinyls. You hugged your parents goodbye and set off to do the 9 hour journey.

Meanwhile in Hawkins, Dustin has not shut up about you coming to live with them, everyone has been hearing about you for about a week now. The whole gang are sat in the Henderson's basement watching a movie to pass the time. Dustin turns towards Steve and smiles "she should be on the road now!" Steve slowly looks towards Dustin "I know, you told me about 20 minutes ago." Steve replies with a sarcastic smile. Dustin rolls his eyes and turns back to the TV and continues watching the movie. By the time you arrive in Hawkins it was 9pm, Dustin greets you at the door.

"Hi Y/N!" Dustin says slightly too loudly for 9pm.

You smile and set you bag down on the front porch "Hey Dusty, long time no see" you hold your arms out for a hug which Dustin jumps at. You give him an extra squeeze and look over his shoulder were Claudia has moved into the hallway "Hi Aunt Claudia" you smile and wave.

"Hi darling" she says with a smile "Dustin why don't you show Y/N her room?"

Dustin turns and starts making his way to your new room with you following him. As you walk in, Dustin stays stood at the doorway "I'll let you get settled in Y/N" he smiles and closes the door. You set your suitcase on the bed and let out a really deep breath and tilt your head back with your eyes closed. You slowly start to unpack some of your essential clothes, and pick out the teddy bear that your mom got you when you were a toddler and place it on your new pillow.

The weeks pass by and you end up getting a job in a small bakery in town. You have met the rest of the gang, but haven't spent much time with them. One afternoon, you are stood behind the counter at your job, it has been a very slow day, you don't remember a time that you have felt this bored. You have also been flicking a piece of scrunched up napkin about on the counter top when you hear the bell above the door chime. You glance up and notice the curly mop of hair under the baseball cap of your younger cousin.

"Hey Dusty," you straighten up and smile "what can I get for you today?" You look over to the glass display case. Dustin follows you gaze and puts a finger on his chin as he hums in thought. As he is about to answer, the bell chimes again and you look over to the door to see most of the gang walking in "Dustin, did you leave everyone behind to get in here first?" You laugh.

Dustin glances at you and smirks "well I wanted first pick and they were taking too long" You laugh and lean over the counter and knock his cap down a little.

"Such a little shit" you mumble to Dustin. "Hi everyone" you address everyone else. Mike, Lucas and Max lift their hands in greeting. Eddie smiles and salutes you. Steve smiles a little "Hi Y/N" he is stood at the back of the group so you barely hear him.

Everyone asked for a pastry or cake of some kind and you place each one on a plate for them. You punch the price into the cash register "so that will be..... 7.75" you look at Dustin and hold your hand out and smile.

"So Y/N, I dont actually have any money" Dustin says as he takes a massive bite out of the brownie he ordered. Eddie reaches his hand over Dustin's head and holds out two 5 dollar notes. You reach up and smile at him "Thank you" you then pop open the cash register and get the change out. You hand it back to eddie who automatically puts it in your tip jar, you catch his eye and he sends you a small wink with a smile. You smile and look down at your hands briefly. "Enjoy your treats guys" you look at Dustin "see you at home Dusty" you knock his cap off and giggle.

"Yeah yeah see you at home" Dustin rolls his eyes and picks his cap up and puts it back on, while he holds his brownie in his mouth. As they are leaving, Dustin leans back through the open door "Y/N, we are having our movie night at our house tonight. You can join if you want."

"Sorry Dust, I can't tonight. I have a date" you say with a frown "maybe I can come to the next one?"

Dustin looks down at his feet "oh, yeah sure!" He then leaves and runs to catch up with the group. You let out a sigh and grab the cloth to start wiping down the counters.

Later that evening, you are in your bedroom getting ready for your date. You can hear everyone starting to arrive. You swipe the last layer of gloss over your lips and smack them together. You pick up your bag and head downstairs. You make your way over to the door and pick up your keys “okay Dustin. I'm going now. I'll be back later” you shout into the living room where everyone was getting ready to watch the first movie. Dustin looks up and furrows his brows when he notices your keys in your hand.

“You're driving yourself there?” He questions.

You look down at your keys and then back up in confusion “yeah… why?” You drag out.

Dustin rolls his eyes “because that's a shitty date. He should have picked you up to take you to wherever you are going.” Once he says this, Steve, Eddie and Robin turn their heads to you. They take notice of the short dress you are wearing and how it hugs you in all the right places and the plunging neckline. Steve's eyes widen ever so slightly and he averts his gaze to the door behind you. Eddie swallows harshly and sneakily looks you up and down. Robin waves at you and smiles “he is right Y/N. Your date should have picked you up at least” Robin says with a pointed look in her eyes.

You roll your eyes and take a deep breath “I didn't want him to pick me up, okay? I just wanted to drive myself because I just have a feeling that this date is going to be a shitty one.” You slightly mumble and look at Dustin “so I'm going now. If you make a mess, clean it up. Bye” you lift your hand in a semi wave and open the front door.

Your date goes relatively well, he was some guy that came into the bakery most mornings. His name was Brandon and he works in the office buildings. You tried your hardest to stay interested in his conversations all evening but after a while talking about his love of golf and how his dad owns 2 boats gets a bit boring. You take a sip of your water and smile at him “I'm really sorry to do this, but I have to go because my little cousin is at home and I need to get back to him” you lie a little. You get your purse out and offer him your half of the bill. He looks at the money and then at you “Don't offend me like that. I have to pay.” He takes out his credit card and places it on the table.

You look down at your bag and roll your eyes. Men and their old fashioned ways. You think to yourself. You finish your water and place your napkin on the table. “Thanks again for the nice evening.” You smile at him and stand up.

He looks up at you “I'll call you?” He says it in almost a questioning way and you just nod at him. As you walk out of the restaurant you make a mental note to tell Dustin to tell him that you aren't in if he answers that phone call.

You drive back to your house, you have your music loud and just trying to cheer yourself up after your shitty date. You pull into your driveway and can see the light from the TV still on in the living room. You walk up to the front door and unlock it. When you step inside, that everyone is completely paying attention to the horror movie that is playing and didn't even notice you coming in. You instantly recognise it as one of your favourite movies: Halloween. You sneak up behind Dustin and lean over the sofa and say in his ear at the same time the character on screen does “But you can't kill the boogeyman!”. Dustin screams and jumps up onto his feet and turns to face you. You laugh and grip onto the sofa. Dustin has a hand on his chest and is breathing heavily.

“I hate you. I hate you.” He chants breathily. You keep giggling to yourself as you make your way into the kitchen. As you are getting yourself a glass of water, Eddie walks in and smiles “didn't take you for a horror fan”. You turn around and smile at him “I'm a person of many surprises” you say with a smirk. Eddie steps towards you and you have to tilt your head back a little to keep eye contact. When he gets almost toe to toe with you he leans down slightly. “Maybe I could see some of those surprises?” He whispers and places a hand on your waist. Your smile grows wider and you slowly nod. Eddie is about to place his lips on yours as you hear “Eddie, come on man. How long does it take to get some water?” You sigh lightly and Eddie squeezes your side.

“Maybe later sweetheart” he says and then kisses your cheek. You watch him go into the living room again and then make your way upstairs to have a shower and get ready for bed.

Maybe you will grow to really like Hawkins after all..

TAGS:-

@capitanostella

Please let me know if you enjoyed this. :)

#fluff #eddie munson x reader #joseph quinn x reader #stranger things fic #steve harrington x reader #stranger things #new fic

23 notes · View notes

it-was-funeral-grey · 1 year

Text

"Fuckin' hell." (Ghost x F!Reader)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Summary: A trip with your fiancé goes wrong, leading to you making a suicidal decision in order to keep him safe.

Warnings: Reader worked as an intelligence officer (code name Dahila), OC male character (reader's fiancé), Reader and Max get drugged, kidnapping, violence, arson, vulgarities.

Word count: 2.1k

Inspired by: -

Author's note: I don't know how information systems or special ops teams work lol.

Please give criticism! Also, if i missed any warnings, do tell me so i can add them!

The ring Simon made you was nothing short of a masterpiece - at least to you. It was crafted using ebony, with a small carving of what is supposed to be a flower on the outer band.

("I'm sorry, love. I know it looks terrible-"

"I love it," you interrupt. "It's beautiful."

It was your first anniversary as a couple. One year since the two of you decided that flirting over private radio channels wasn't enough.

He slipped the ring on your index finger, gently holding your finger after.

"No taking this off until I can replace it with a better one, you hear?"

"Promising to propose to me, Riley?" you tease, wiggling your ring finger at him.

But despite your teasing, your heart was serious.

This is the man you want. This is the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. No one else but Simon.

The ring is still on you to this day.)

A wave of nausea hits you as you stir from your sleep. Your whole body feels stiff, but most importantly:

You see nothing. You blink rapidly, realising that there seems to be a blindfold over your eyes.

Panic begins to set in as you attempt to feel your surroundings. You quickly realise that your hands seem to be bound behind your back. Your legs are no different, tied to what you're pretty sure are two legs of a chair.

What's going on?

"Well, if it isn't Agent Dahila," a voice announces. "Welcome back to New York!"

That voice.

Oh no.

This is really, really bad.

To celebrate your engagement, you and Max decided to go to New York for a holiday. Although you were nervous about setting foot into America again, Max was so excited to show off his hometown that you couldn't say no.

You both had just reached New York and were en route to Max's parents' house. Your taxi driver was friendly, offering you drinks, snacks-

Dammit, it was probably that. The food was spiked.

"I can't believe you have the guts to come back here," the voice scoffs, and you hear footsteps inching closer. "And on holiday! Did you think I'd forget what you did?"

Your blindfold is ripped from your face, and you wince at the light pouring into your eyes.

You were in the middle of a large, unfurnished room, save for a desk. There were no windows or exits apart from the ladder behind the fuming man standing before you.

A basement, you think. That would explain why it's so cold in here as well.

Samuel grabs a fistful of your hair, forcing you to look up at him.

"I have half a mind to kill you right now," Samuel fumes, pulling on your hair tighter. "However, we could use your expertise."

Releasing your head, Samuel walks over to the desk and pulls a tablet out of the drawer.

"You see, a couple of our bases have been destroyed recently," he continues, walking back to you. "Four men. We can't find out who they are or who they work for."

He turns the tablet towards you. A blurry video, supposedly from a security camera, shows four heavily armed men shooting up the area. They are in perfect sync, moving with impossible efficiency.

"Now, this wouldn't be such a big issue if all they do is kill our guys." Swiping the tablet screen, Samuel sighs. "They destroy our goods."

On the screen, the four men pour gasoline into a room, which you assume is where the goods Samuel mentioned are kept. Blood coats the walls, and their owners lie on the floor, dead.

One of the men wearing a green hat lights a cigar, taking a puff before throwing it into the room. In an instant, the room is up in flames, and he motions for the other three to leave.

"Believe me when I say we've checked every possible system for information on them. The only two we haven't checked are the death registry and..."

The Special Ops servers. Your eyes widen in alarm. If he's going to tell you to do that...

"You seem to understand where this is going," Samuel says, grinning. "Then you probably know what I'm asking you to do. You don't get to decline, by the way."

He turns the tablet back towards him, tapping the screen.

"Clearly, those four guys aren't dead, so there's no point checking the death records - well, even if they are legally deceased, there will be records of them on the Special Ops servers." He states, eyes never leaving the tablet screen. "You are going to access the Special Ops servers for us. Being an intelligence agent, accessing it wouldn't be suspicious. You will search for these four troublemakers and tell us who they are and who they work for. If you don't..."

He turns the tablet back to you.

"You'll have front-row seats watching him burn alive."

The screen now shows a live video. In it, Max is tied against a pole, gagged and squirming helplessly against his restraints. He looks horrified, watching as a canister of gasoline is poured over his legs.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on him!" you seethe. Fear turns into fury as you fight against your restraints, desperately trying to free yourself so you can kill the bastard in front of you.

"Ah, the queen of intelligence speaks!" Samuel says, moving the desk in front of you.

Pulling out a knife, Samuel continues, "Settle down now, wouldn't want to get your wrists cut up, huh? That'd make your job a lot more painful."

You relent. Samuel is right, now isn't the time to panic. You need to remain calm and think of a way out of this.

With your binds removed, you rub at your wrist, hissing as you stretch your arms. Samuel allows this, and you make full use of the time to plan your next move.

"Get on with it then." Samuel removes a laptop from another drawer and places it on the table. "And no funny business, or the both of you are dead."

Not that this situation can get any worse, you think. You start up the laptop.

You have a plan to survive, but it's not for you.

(" What do you mean, "What Special Ops server?" ?" you almost shout. No way, you think. He's got to be joking. There's no way the Simon Ghost Riley, legendary SPECIAL OPS SOLDIER doesn't know what it is.

"I mean what I say, love," Simon replies, handing over his phone. "What is this Special Ops server, and how can I access it?"

You were literally too stunned to speak. How did the man survive without knowing about the system that keeps him alive?

Taking his phone from him, you tap on the internet app.

"How are you still alive? You guys rely on this server for mission details and information!" you reply. Sighing, you lead Simon to the couch and sit next to him.

"Now look closely," you say as you press the search bar. "Firstly…")

Your hands move without you needing to look at the keyboard. It's the muscle memory, having typed in the link many times before. Pressing 'Enter' after, you wait for the link to load.

("No, seriously. How have you lived this long in this line of work without knowing what it is? So much information is on this server! Plus, this is where your mission details are! How do you know when to go to work if you don't even check the server?!" you rant to Simon while waiting for the page to load.

"The Captain calls me when we have to leave."

"Unbelievable," you reply, shaking your head. "Anyway…")

Contrary to popular belief, the server isn't something that can only be accessed by 'secret spy devices' or only by government laptops. Anyone can access it if they know the correct steps. The website looks like a regular online shopping website. In fact, it runs as one. You hit the 'ALT' key twice before clicking on the website's search bar and typing '202130iso202130' before hitting 'Enter' again.

("Ok, now you just gotta place your thumb in front of the camera," you instruct, handing the phone back to Simon. "The website doesn't look any different, but it's actually gonna scan your thumbprint and your retina later to verify your identity - no, not that close."

You guide Simon's hands to hover a little higher above the phone camera. The website flashes bright green and then returns to normal. "Ok, now just bring the camera close to your eye," you continue. "Don't blink."

Simon does as you say, wincing slightly as the screen flashes the bright green light into his eyes. This time, the website changed to a black screen with a login page.

"Now you have to put your login stuff inside. I can't use mine since they scanned your thumb and eye."

"I don't know my login details."

"…I'll get someone from intelligence to reset it for you.")

After scanning your biometrics and entering the login information, you were loaded into the server. Immediately, you begin your search for the four mysterious men. You estimate that you have five minutes before their intelligence team realises what is happening.

(After redoing the process with your thumb and eye, you finally enter the server.

"Now listen up, Riley! There are two things you need to know about entering the server." you say, turning to face him. This was serious, and he really needs to know.

"I'm listening."

"Number one! Do not let anyone else log in using your login details! Even if they are Special Ops!"

"Why not?"

"The owner's login details must match the biometrics of the person logging in - It's like what happened just now. I couldn't log in with my details after they've scanned you. A whole lot of trouble will come if you do. Like a full-blown investigation and 'intelligence team hates you forever for increasing their workload' type of trouble."

"Fair enough."

"Anyway! Just remember this: Thumb and eye from the same guy, anatomy and login's owner both have the same boner."

"…Alright.")

You start by searching up teams that have only four individuals. The list you get back is way too long.

"Show me the recording again," you request. When Samuel doesn't move, you slam your fist on the table. "Hurry!"

Time is running out. If you don't find these guys, Max is going to die.

You seemed to have spooked Samuel enough for him to give you the tablet. Quickly starting the video, you pause periodically to look for distinguishing features or flags. But the quality of the video is making things difficult for you.

Deciding that the first video has nothing you can use, you quickly move on to the second one.

("Now, number two!" you continue, holding up two fingers. "Never, under any circumstance, attempt to access the server after you retire from service."

"I can probably guess why. You aren't supposed to know these things anymore. You could be sellin' the information to enemies."

"That's right," you affirm. "Every nation that signed the Special Ops agreement uses this shared server. There's too much sensitive information here. Immediately after the intelligence team picks up that you're in - or tried to go in, you're done for. It's practically a death sentence. You'll be hunted down and killed."

"That's understandable," Simon hums in agreement. "But why don't they just delete the account?"

"Oh, we do. But for intelligence agents like us, we know how to get in even without an existing account. Not that it matters. The moment you try is the moment you die."

"Another rhyme."

"Now's not the time." you frown, trying to get him to focus.

"Oh, another one."

"Riley!")

You have about two minutes left, and you're getting nowhere.

The database tells you nothing. You've typed in all sorts of things, like 'green hat cigar' and 'white mask', but still nothing.

You're on the verge of tears from all the stress you're under. Finger trembling as you smash at the keyboard, trying anything and everything that comes to mind.

Fucking hell. You bite your tongue. Fuck, Fuck, Fu-

"Fuckin' hell."

A voice slightly distorted by static comes from the video. But even through the static, you could make out the accent.

British. Could this be a UK team?

You don't know, but you might as well give it a shot. Immediately, the long list is reduced to a single result.

Task force 141.

The computer screen flashes blue not even a second after you've read the name, and an error message is displayed.

Join the Taglist!

#cod mw2 #cod mwii #ghost mw2 #ghost cod #simon ghost riley #simon riley x reader #ghost x reader #tangents

99 notes · View notes

dumdumsun · 5 months

Text

Wax and Wane

A/N: And finally, Chapter Sixteen! Thank you to everyone who has taken time out of their lives to read this installment. I've gone through hell and back throughout the writing, editing and uploading process of this one. And I'm just talking about my personal life.

I've had a very rough few months and I'm still not in a good place at all, but I'm hoping winter break coming up will give me the time I need to heal and get back to my normal self. Because I do not like the way I've been feeling lately.

I'm sorry for all the late uploads, the shows I was doing had me forgetting all about you guys, but I'm v grateful for everyone who still supports me and this series. The next installment will take quite some time to write, seeing as I'm not even done outlining it. But I sure as hell am not going to ignore it, so don't ever doubt that.

I'm so sorry for the way I ended this installment (I'm not sorry at all, actually), the vision for this has been here since I had the idea to make this series. But anyways, thank you once again for your love and support, see the end of this chapter for anything about the next book, and enjoy the final chapter ❤️

Warnings: major character deaths, minor character death, violence, blood, death/dying, mentions of blood, death, blood and guns

Word Count: 8976

—————————————

Chapter Sixteen: Heart to Heart

El wasn’t sure at all where Mike and Max were taking her, and she was certain they didn’t know, either. As far away from Billy would be ideal, but they couldn’t stay in the mall. It was too dangerous and it wasn’t where their friends were. They hadn’t seen where they went, but it was clear they were now gone.

“In here. In here.” Mike directed them into an open room where an elevator shaft was. “Okay. Come on, come on, come on…” He muttered as he repeatedly hit the button.

“Where’s (Y/N)?” Max suddenly asked, and just like that, another wave of panic went through the three. Doc was nowhere in sight. To put Mike’s terrified look at ease, Max decided to take a look back into the hallway in search of her friend.

Instead, she found her brother.

His skin was completely decorated in pulsing black veins, his matted hair stuck to his face with sweat, his tank top was torn in places and covered in sweat stains. Max widened her eyes as he limped down the hall towards her, towards El. There was no question about it, he had to have been responsible for Doc’s disappearance.

“Billy…”

At the sound of his name, Mike and El whipped around. Max teared up as he continued forward.

“Billy, you don’t have to do this.”

She knew that if she didn’t get through to him, he would hurt her, then Mike, then Eleven. She just hoped her words would reach him.

“Billy. Your name’s Billy, Billy Hargrove.”

He was far too close for comfort.

“You live on 4819 Cherry Lane.”

Her voice rose in panic as she watched him ready his arm.

“Billy, please, I’m Max, I’m your-”

Max was smacked across the face hard enough to send her to the ground, unconscious. Billy turned into the room, spotting Mike standing protectively in front of El. The boy threw himself at Billy, but was thrown into the metal pipes against the wall, knocking him out when his head slammed into them.

El let out a yell as she stretched her arm out to him, but Billy had used the same move he had on Doc. He shoved her arm down, grabbed her face, and rammed her head into the wall, then threw her across the room into another wall. Huffing out his breaths, Billy picked her up from the ground and slung her over his shoulder, striding back into the hallways.

Doc was dead.

There was no doubt that the blood loss and the head trauma had drained her completely and killed her. She couldn’t feel anything, she couldn’t hear anything, she couldn’t see anything. There was just darkness. It was sad, she thought, that there was nothing after all the trauma she had gone through. No paradise, not even more turmoil. Just her and her thoughts.

Then there was sound. It was faint, a bit muffled, but it was sound. Then there was feeling. The dull throb in her side, in her forehead, in her temple. Then there was sight. Her tired eyes creaked open to get a blurry image of the ruined Starcourt Mall food court. It was exactly as she had left it, shattered glass, the setup of tables in disarray, the skylight broken in.

The Mind Flayer. It loomed menacingly before the night sky, peering down at Doc with a tilted head, as if it were challenging her. She went to move, but found herself bound on the small staircase by rope. Where the rope came from was a mystery to her, but that was the least of her worries. Above her was the Mind Flayer, planning to wreak havoc, none of her friends in sight, and unable to move any of her limbs.

A very twisted idea of the afterlife.

Doc slumped against the wall behind her just as she heard footsteps nearby. Her body ached too bad for her to twist around, so she waited for the unknown figure to show themselves.

Her eyes widened when Billy passed by her, carrying Eleven over his shoulder. When he reached the top of the staircase, he hoisted her off his shoulder and into his arms before gently laying her on the floor. From where Doc was, she could see her sister coming to, slowly blinking her eyes open as Billy neared her ear.

“Don’t be afraid.” He whispered. “It’ll be over soon. Just try and stay… very still.”

Both Eleven and Doc followed Billy’s gaze as he looked up into the night. The Mind Flayer’s silhouette lowered until the light of the mall cast away the shadows and revealed its fleshy form. It snarled as it stepped towards El, readying a tentacle from its mouth. Doc watched with teary eyes as El whimpered and tried to scoot away. She tried to muster up as much energy as she could to fight against the rope, but her head spun with every move she made. She couldn’t let it end like this.

A colorful explosion went off in the side of the monster’s head, causing it to wail and stumble about. From the second floor balcony, Lucas stood with his homemade stick of dynamite, the explosives sporting a spark that ran down the fuse.

“Flay this, you ugly piece of shit!”

He launched the firework right into the mouth of the monster, exploding in yellow and orange sparks that painted the mall in bright lights. Nancy and Jonathan chucked their explosives at it as well from a different area on the balcony, the Mind Flayer crashing into a nearby pillar.

“Hey, asshole!” Steve screamed from another side of the balcony with Robin at his side. “Over here!”

Just as the Mind Flayer turned to him, another firework was launched into its agape mouth, this time exploding in reds and pinks. Will ran to Lucas’s side and joined in, hurling his explosive off the balcony. Each time the monster was hit, Billy cried out in pain and jolted his body.

“El!” Doc called out, catching her sister’s attention. “Help me get out of this!”

El took one look at Billy before scooting backwards towards Doc, unable to stand due to her leg. She fully turned around and hurriedly crawled over to her.

“Watch out!” Doc suddenly screamed just as Billy caught up to El and grabbed her by her injured leg, dragging her across the floor and back to her original place. “Eleven!!!”

“Doc!!!”

Billy flipped Eleven so she was facing him and grabbed her by her collar, slamming her back down onto the ground. Showers of sparks rained down in brilliant bursts of yellows and oranges and reds and pinks, the Mind Flayer stumbling and crashing about the area into walls and pillars. Doc watched with a sort of amazement she couldn’t quite describe, hinted with terror. Everyone was at risk right now except for her, and she could barely move.

“We’re almost out!” Will screamed when he turned to the nearly empty basket containing the explosives.

“I know!” Lucas shouted back before throwing another. Noticing this, Steve quickly brought his walkie up to his mouth.

“Dustin! We’re out of time!”

“Hurry!” He could hear Dustin scream, but he wasn’t talking to him. He was talking to Joyce and Hopper, who were tasked with turning off the machine that was blasting a hole between dimensions. “Close it now! Close it!!!”

Back in the employee halls, next to the elevator, Max was coming to. Her face hurt like hell, the girl sporting a bruise along her cheekbone where she’d been hit by-

Billy.

Gasping, she lifted her aching head and looked around the flickering room, finding Mike not too far from her on the ground. He had yet to awake, meaning he was just as clueless as her. “Mike…”

She painfully got to her knees and crawled over to him. “Mike. Mike.” When he didn’t answer, she began to shake him as hard as she could. “Mike. Mike. Mike, get up. Mike, can you hear me? Mike! Mike!”

With a startled sound, he was flinching awake.

“Hey, come on.” She grabbed him by the arms and helped him to his feet, silently wincing at the blood dripping from the bridge of his nose and across his cheek. “You okay?”

Mike dazedly let his gaze wander in search of two figures he had yet to see. “Where’s El and Doc?”

The two bolted down the hallways, trying to blink past the flickering lights. They strained to listen for footsteps that weren’t theirs, but their hearts were beating too loud in their ears to hear anything else.

“Wait, wait.”

Mike dropped to the floor when he almost tripped on a piece of fabric. Max stopped at his side and watched as he carefully picked up a black headscarf with red raven feather print on it.

“Isn’t that (Y/N)’s?” Max shuddered.

Mike’s stare turned cold.

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

Doc moved against her bindings, her body crying out in protest with every inch she moved. She needed to get out there and help. Billy was still atop of El, the man clearly wanting to end her, but every time the monster nearby was hit, so was he. With every burst of color, his body jolted and tensed, the man growling in pain. Even from where she was sitting, she could see that El had realized the same thing.

Billy was still in there.

In the Void, Doc tried to twist her arm from Billy’s hand, El barely able to make him budge. His teary eyes didn’t stray from Doc, only locking harder on her.

“El,” She weakly called out, El snapping her head over to her with wide eyes. “He showed us so much hate and fear!”

The woman lovingly laughed before happily whooping and cheering, clapping her hands for someone who wasn’t El. They turned to see a little boy with a surfboard in his hands running towards the woman, scaring off the rest of the seagulls nearby.

“But the first thing he showed us was something beautiful!”

“Get away from me!” She ripped her arm from his grip, picking up a plate and throwing it at him. “I said, get away!”

“You- You whore!”

Billy shot out of his seat and ran up to his father, throwing himself at him. “Stop it! Don’t hurt her! Don’t hurt her!”

Doc inhaled shakily. “There were so many horrible things, but that was what he wanted to show us first!”

His grin grew at the kiss she planted on his forehead. “That was at least seven feet!”

“That’s the source, El! The real source!”

El’s wide gaze returned to Billy when the literal whirlwind of memories resurfaced in her mind. She latched onto the most beautiful thing she could remember and shakily gasped. “Seven… feet.”

Billy halted, brows furrowed.

“You told her… the wave was seven feet.”

Green sparked above him as tears swam in his blue stare. It’s like he could still hear her cheers for him, her loving laugh as she whooped. Suddenly, it was becoming difficult to breathe.

“You ran to her, on the beach.” El tearfully continued.

He could feel his bare feet splashing in the warm water, his board falling from his arms as he ran to her with a proud, excited grin.

“There were seagulls.”

Yes, he could hear their caws growing distant the farther they flew away. He had carelessly scared them off in his haste to her. He tilted his head at Eleven, bathed in red as his eyes widened at her.

“She wore a hat… with a blue ribbon.”

He gasped. It was becoming clearer now.

“A long dress… with a blue and red flower.”

It beautifully blew in the wind as she gazed at him.

“Yell- Yellow sandals, covered in sand.”

Pinks poured behind him as he looked off in thought. He painted the picture, her picture, in his mind so vividly. It was like she was never gone.

“She was pretty.”

He let his eyes softly close so he could repaint the way her lips stretched back and curled into a lovely, toothy smile that reached her tender eyes, her joyous laughter that followed. And he smiled at the memory.

“She was really pretty…”

When Billy opened his eyes, Eleven was illuminated by blue, then green, then yellow, then a darker blue. She was crying. Crying for him. Smiling for what used to be him, what used to make him the person he used to be. And he smiled back, nodding in agreement, in remembrance.

“And you…” She sharply inhaled. “...you were happy.”

Green washed over him as he thought of that little boy, standing at the edge of the water, a surfboard bigger than himself under his arm, a smile too wide for his face directed at his mother. He had never smiled that bright or that genuine since then. He never wanted to, never needed to.

He felt fingertips brush against his cheekbone, but he didn’t flinch. He allowed Eleven to cup his face in her hand, closed his eyes and even leant into it. It had been so long since he felt a comforting touch. Not one that left scratches and bruises and blood. But one that made him feel warm and cared for. Safe.

The green melted to blue over his face as he slowly blinked his eyes open.

From the balcony, Nancy held her last set of explosives up to Jonathan. “Hit me.” She nodded, her boyfriend lighting the fuse. Once she could feel the heat of it near her hand, she hurled it off the balcony with a grunt. Lucas’s followed right after and they burst two seconds from each other in pinks and purples.

“We’re out!” Will screamed, holding up the empty basket.

“Dammit!”

Doc felt the roar of the Mind Flayer in her chest as she flexed out her fingers, her power rushing to the tips of them. She wiggled them through the small gaps in the rope and touched them to the fabric. She painfully grunted as she focused on tearing away her bindings. The pain in her head and side throbbed with every pulse of her power, but she continued on.

Billy looked up at the Mind Flayer, who was no longer being assaulted by colorful bursts of gunpowder. The man stood to his feet and Eleven feared that she had reached for Billy only to be shoved to her death. Neither she nor Doc had seen Max and Mike rush in through Scoops Ahoy, stopping abruptly at the threshold of the parlor in shock.

El scooted away, closer to her sister, as a terrifying tentacle crawled from the mouth of the monster, its teeth gnashing at her. When it shot itself at her, she used her arms to block her face, ready for the pain.

But it never came.

When she uncovered her vision, she was able to see Billy holding off the tentacle with his bare hands. “No!” He screamed, straining against the strength of the monster. It screeched and pushed back against Billy, readying one, then two, then four more tentacles.

“No!!!” Doc screamed, but she was too late.

Billy screamed in agony when one of them sunk its teeth into his side. But his hold loosened when another went into his other side.

“No, no, no!” Doc cried, blinking past her bleary vision as she charged her power higher, the fabric of the rope unraveling from itself. She couldn’t let anyone else die. “Come on! Come on!!!”

Billy limply dropped his arms when several more tentacles pierced into his stomach, his spine, between his shoulder blades.

“Close it now!!!” Dustin shouted from Steve’s walkie. “Close it!!!”

Billy fell to his knees, arms out wide, as if daring the Mind Flayer to hit him again. He even released a war scream past the black blood spilling from his lips.

Doc let out a short yell when the rope fell in bits of itself to the ground, the girl falling forward and holding herself up on wobbling hands and knees. But once again, she was too late. The Mind Flayer had sent one more tentacle right through the center of Billy’s chest, silencing his screaming.

“Billy!!!”

At the sound of Max’s shrill scream, Doc weakly raised her head to watch the Mind Flayer rip all its tentacles from Billy’s body, the man falling to the ground, silent.

No. This wasn’t how it was supposed to end. Not after Brenda. No one else was supposed to die except for her. Except for Doc. She couldn’t let this go on any further. There was no telling when Joyce and Hopper would close the gate, so she had to take matters into her own hands.

The world tilted and spun the whole journey to her feet. She sobbed a bit as she forced her back to straighten. It amazed her how much blood was stored and pumped within the human body, because she believed she had run out multiple times from the moment she was bitten. But she pushed on, muscling her way to where Billy once stood.

“Doc.”

She stopped short when she felt a hand on her ankle. Doc looked down to see Eleven gripping her. “D-Don’t.”

“Let go, Eleven.”

“Please.”

Doc tried a smile, heaving her breaths. “It’s okay… Let go. I’ll be okay,” She mustered the strength to free her ankle. “I got you and I love you.”

Eleven didn’t have to say it back because Doc knew. She wasn’t planning on a goodbye, she just wasn’t sure how what she was about to do would affect her mind. Turning her head forward, Doc fought to keep her eyes open and stretched both her arms toward the Mind Flayer. It stepped closer to her, inspecting her up close, awaiting her next move.

“I should’ve done this a long time ago.”

Doc grunted as she curled her fingers, the monster shrieking and recoiling away from her. She felt the black veins spreading from her fingertips to her shoulders. Both her arms shook uncontrollably as she reached her power right into the mind of the monster. A deep gasp lurched from her as the veins spread up her neck and face, surrounding her bloodshot eyes that rolled to the back of her head.

Every single victim of the Mind Flayer called out to her. Their screams and pleads and murmurs crescendoed and decrescendoed in echoing harmonies that made her head swim more. They each showed her the day they were flayed. It started with Heather, then Tom and Janet and Brenda, then Bruce, then so many civilians that she had seen walking around town.

Classmates from school.

Neighbors on her cul-de-sac.

They showed her nothing but fear and horror and gore, their faces smothered by the Mind Flayer’s tentacles, the sludge forced into their bodies. The suffering they’d all gone through shook her to her core so bad, she was screaming out sobs. It was the hardest she had ever cried.

Taking a step forward, she moved past the memories and the screams to tear into the monster. It screeched and stumbled about to escape from her, but she had it in her grasp. Doc screamed so loud, she didn’t feel her feet leaving the ground, didn’t feel her body levitating higher and higher. All she could process was the overwhelming desire to kill this entity. Put an end to everyone’s suffering.

If it wanted a queen, then it would receive her.

Everyone watched in awe as Doc rose above the Mind Flayer, bringing it down to its metaphorical-but-possible knees as she tore into its stolen flesh. She had never felt so powerful. She wasn’t healing what had been hurt, but she was taking away the pain.

It was what her powers were for. It was what she was for. She was pushing herself beyond limits she never had before. If it wasn’t the splitting headache telling her that, then it was the blood dribbling from her nose for the first time. And even though her skin felt like it was on fire, her head was pounding, her wounds were widening, her vision was blackening and the black veins were practically encasing her whole body, she was so proud of herself.

Doc didn’t even notice the Mind Flayer aiming a tentacle for her.

She didn’t hear the warning screams from her friends.

She didn’t even feel the tentacle pierce her in the stomach.

It wasn’t until it had driven through her back that she felt a white-hot pain everywhere. She slowly lowered her quivering arms as she slumped forward, a blood river spilling from between her lips. She choked on it a little, but made sure to cough as best she could to release it from her lungs.

“(Y/N)!!!” Will screamed, sobs racking through his body as he leaned into the balcony.

Eleven desperately stretched her arms out with a sobbed scream, hoping that whatever bit of her power she had left could save her sister, but nothing reached out to her.

Nancy had stumbled into Jonathan, unable to process what was happening. She covered her mouth as hot tears spilled down her face. She was completely incapable of doing anything for her little sister.

Mike blinked over and over in hopes that this was all a sick dream. He wanted to wake up, he needed to wake up. He wanted to scream her name, to run to her, to cry for her. But he was frozen. He watched as she tried to raise her arm, but it would tremble and fall again and again.

This time, Doc felt when the tentacle was yanked from her body. The force of it sent her head flying back. For a moment, she swore she was suspended in the air, but she realized it was just her world slowing down. Her bloodshot (e/c) eyes rolled back into place as she hiccuped for a breath.

Then, she felt something close, and she knew it was the gate. The Mind Flayer screeched and snarled as it threw its body all around, smashing into the balcony and into the other pillars it hadn’t crushed already. Without its tentacle or her powers holding her in place anymore, Doc’s body dropped.

It was so slow for her. She squinted her eyes past the smoke in the air as she let gravity take her. It scared her for a moment, but she couldn’t quite remember what all this was for.

Everyone who was forced to watch flinched when the Mind Flayer crashed to the ground, motionless, but it was Doc they worried for. They watched as she fell through the air, blood staining her mouth, skin and clothes. The lights above began to flicker and a sinking feeling set in Mike’s stomach when he saw the very familiar particles surrounding her as she fell.

The lights flickered one last time. For one blink of a moment, the whole mall was shrouded in darkness.

In the next nanosecond, the Mind Flayer was still laid unconscious. But Doc was nowhere in sight, the particles left in her wake. And then silence.

Mike absently took a step forward. It just couldn’t be. She was just right there. He couldn’t have lost his sister within less than a second. There wasn’t even a goodbye, a glance in his direction, last words between them besides a short argument. Taking a deep breath, he charged down the stairs, searching the area for Doc. He made sure to steer clear of the monster and the fires surrounding it caused by the fireworks.

“(Y/N)!” He tearfully called out, lifting and pushing aside debris. “(Y/N), answer me!”

“Mike!” Nancy was suddenly on the first floor and pulling him back from the fire. “Mike!”

“She’s here somewhere, Nancy! We need to find her!” He cried.

“Mike,” She placed her hands on her shoulders, hardly able to speak past her own tears. “Y-You saw her… d-disappear, Mike.”

“T-That means she’s somewhere! She’s not gone!”

Nancy shook her head defeatedly. She wanted so badly to hope for her sister, but she had hoped for Barb, too. She didn’t know if she could go through that pain again, the endless search, the heartbreaking deadends, the horrifying truth. But she also couldn’t go through one more second of Mike’s crumpled expression, so she nodded and helped him look under fiery debris for their sister.

Max slowly approached her brother. His shallow breaths were growing shorter the longer he bled out on the ground. Tears flooded her eyes as she watched him cough through the blood in his mouth and throat. “Billy…” She dropped to her knees and shook his shoulder. “Billy, Billy, get up, please. Billy, get up, please, please.”

“I’m sorry…” He choked out.

“Billy…” Her jaw dropped when he exhaled his last pained breath, his body going limp and his eyes glossing over. Still, she tried shaking him. “Billy. Billy. Billy, wake up. Billy, get up. Please, Billy… Billy!”

Max felt two hands on her shoulder and immediately crashed into the comforting arms. “I’m sorry…” El cried, letting Max sob into her. She kept repeating the same phrase over and over. “It’s okay…”

But it wasn’t. El’s eyes were stuck on the Wheeler siblings, who worked their way around the Mind Flayer to push debris out of their way, Mike practically flinging everything whenever they came up empty. She remembered when she herself had been encased in those particles, transferred to the Upside Down. But she didn’t have a gaping hole in the middle of her body and pools of blood leaking from various wounds.

It didn’t feel right to accept that Doc was gone for good. She was the most indestructible person she had ever met in her life. But what else were they to do? Hope she didn’t bleed out wherever she ended up?

No, she couldn’t be a fool like that. She couldn’t hope Doc had just survived what Billy hadn’t. He lay right there in front of her, hole in his chest, unbreathing and unmoving. So, with that sickening conclusion, she tightened her hold on Max and joined in her crying.

El just hoped that wherever her sister ended up, she was resting in peace now.

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

Dustin and Erica sat atop the hill, overlooking the almost peaceful night cast upon Hawkins. Starcourt Mall hissing black smoke was the only thing to disrupt that peace. Their work was done. The gate was closed. The monster was presumably dead. The only thing left to worry about was cleanup.

As if on cue, a whirring and beating of helicopter blades above caught the attention of the two children. Craning their necks up, they tried to count just how many helicopters were here to clean up a mess they could have prevented themselves. The military proved useless the last two times they were called upon, Dustin wasn’t at all surprised by their lack of punctuality.

Each helicopter touched down in front of the mall, soldiers jumping out bearing arms. The only individual amongst them without a weapon or a uniform was Dr Sam Owens, squinting through the wind the blades caused as he was escorted into the mall.

After the soldiers had inspected the entire Russian facility, nearly blowing off Joyce and Murray’s heads in the process, Sam was led to the now closed gate. It was just as he feared. The enemy was catching on and catching up. They had undone everything they had worked and bled and died for, just for them to do it all again. And if any of the Russians had escaped…

God help them all.

To cover up the horrific events of the night, the Mind Flayer’s body had been cleared from the mall, the small fires were made bigger, and then the fire department was called. A mistaken corpse one year, a deadly gas leak the next year, and then a mall fire the year after would have any conspiracy theorist springing from their chair in excitement, but it was the best solution to such a drastic situation. None of it had been revealed to the public yet, but with firefighters came news broadcasters and newspaper articles.

Joyce and Murray were currently being escorted out by the soldiers, the former desperately looking around for her children. Past the soldiers, she could make out the backs of several fire trucks. In one was Mike, wrapped in a blanket and crying into his knees. Nancy sat beside him, gently rubbing his shoulder with her face buried into the other. Off to the side, Robin and Max sat on a stretcher together, icing their wounds.

In another one sat Jonathan and Will. Joyce froze in her tracks, staring at them in shock as relief washed over her like a refreshing shower. When Will saw her, he was out of the truck in a flash, blanket forgotten. She let him run into her arms, the two clutching onto each other as they sobbed. “Thank god!” Joyce cried, running her hand through her baby’s hair. Her sweet baby…

Her eyes traveled up to find El wandering about, looking all around for her father. Joyce’s heart broke in two at the news she would have to break to the poor girl. She wasn’t sure how she could even voice it to her. But when El locked eyes with her, a questioning gaze within them, Joyce could do nothing but cry harder.

The devastation on Joyce’s face sent the realization crashing into El like a freight train. Her whole world was crashing all around her. Her sister and her father, in the same day… Her family, gone, just like that. Without parting words. Without a goodbye.

Just how it had always been for her.

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

Three months later marked the end of summer vacation. Those in school would continue their studies while the graduates figured out where their place was in the workplace. Or for those who wanted both, then there was no time like the present. Steve and Robin stood at the register of Family Video, watching as an employee reviewed their applications with a look of disinterest.

“Uh, just to be clear, we weren’t fired, you know.” Robin leaned on the counter. “The mall burned down and, like, killed a bunch of people.”

Keith, a former arcade employee, lowered the applications, that same expression on his red-dotted face. “Thanks for sharing. Didn’t know.” He droned before throwing down the papers and snapping at Robin. “Three favorite movies. Go.”

“Uh… The Apartment, Hidden Fortress, Children of Paradise.”

He then snapped at Steve. “You, go.”

Steve widened his eyes. “Fa- uh- Favorite movies?”

“Did I stutter?”

“Uh… Animal House, for sure.” That answer received a scoff from Robin as Keith snapped for him to hurry. “Um…”

“Eyes on me, Harrington.”

“Yeah. Uh… Star Wars.”

“A New Hope?”

“Uh- A new what-now?”

“Which Star Wars?” Keith irritably asked.

“The one with the teddy bears. Duh.” He chuckled before imitating the squeals of an Ewok. His confidence faltered seeing Robin slump her head and Keith cringe. “No? Uh… Oh! The one that just came out. The movie that just came out. The one with the DeLorean and Alex P Keaton, and he’s trying to bang his mom.”

Keith dropped his jaw as Steve chuckled.

“The time… Yeah, those are my top three. Classics.”

His narrowed gaze moved to Robin and pointed at her. “You start Monday.”

Then it moved to Steve.

“You start never.”

At his disappointed and albeit embarrassed look, Robin sighed and scooted closer to her friend. “Will you just, um… Will you give us a minute?”

“Why?”

“Steve.”

The Harrington man looked up at Keith, who gave him a mocking look. Eyes cold, Steve swiped back his application and walked away from the register. Robin scoffed and took her friend’s place at the counter so that she was face-to-face with Keith. “Alright,” She whispered. “You have to understand, Keith, I know his taste is a bit pedestrian, but the dingus has other qualities.”

“He’s a douchebag of the highest order, Robin.”

“He was a bit of a prick to us in high school, I’ll grant you that, but he remains… a total chick magnet.”

Keith shrugged. “Yeah, okay, and this is relevant to me, how?”

Robin widened her eyes and shook her head, leaning even closer. “Uh, Earth to Keith. The ladies will come in just to see him. They’ll come in in droves. Droves, Keith. We sold so much ice cream, they had to get a second shipment from Michigan. Goddamn Michigan, Keith. And these ladies…”

She inhaled deeply. “These ladies are hot… They’re so very hot. And there are too many of them for little Steve. He needs assistance. He needs your assistance, Keith.”

Keith shoved a cheese puff into his mouth in thought. “What’s in it for you? You got a thing for him or something?”

Just then, Steve had run into a cardboard cut-out of Phoebe Cates’s most famous moment in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. He cursed as he fumbled to catch it, but hummed in satisfaction when he got a look at what he was holding, his application safe between his lips. Robin smiled at him and turned back to Keith.

“We’re just, um… We’re just friends.” She nodded.

“Oh!” Steve caught their attention again, pointing at the cut-out. “Fast Times. Fast Times. Ever heard of it? Top three for me, Keith.” He teased, eliciting a laugh from his friend.

At the Byers home, the interior was looking much more barren than it had half a month ago. Jonathan and Nancy carried a mattress together into a U-Haul truck. At the beginning of the yard sat a ‘FOR SALE’ stand, a sign reading ‘SOLD’ just above it. According to Joyce, this had been arranged for a long time now. It had just been a matter of telling her children and then packing up the house. And pack it up, they did.

Within the home, several boxes labeled ‘LIVING ROOM’, ‘MOM’S ROOM’, ‘KITCHEN’, ‘GLASSWARE’, ‘WILL’S ROOM’ and others of the sort were stacked within the otherwise empty house. Dustin sat in what used to be the dining room, organizing a box. Though, his work was currently at a standstill, for the couple sitting in what used to be the living room were currently mocking him with-

“Turn around

Look at what you see

In her face

The mirror of your dreams”

Max and Lucas sat with a box between them, happily singing with giant smiles in Dustin’s direction, the boy only staring at them, unimpressed despite their good vocals.

“Rhymes that keep their secrets

Will unfold behind the clouds-”

“Wait, did we get that verse right?” Max teasingly asked. “It’s ‘unfold behind the clouds’?”

Dustin gave a tight-lipped smile and a short nod. “Yeah, but you’re butchering it, so, could you please stop?”

“So, then join in, Dusty-bun.” Lucas blew him a kiss.

“Yeah, come on, Dusty-bun,” Max mocked. “Why don’t you join us?”

Dustin rolled his eyes. He knew he would never live this down. “You guys are so funny, you should be on Carson.” He monotonously spoke.

“Can’t we just hear your rendition?” Max asked.

“No.”

“Please? Just one verse?”

“No. No way. It’s reserved for Suzie’s ears and Suzie’s ears alone.”

Lucas and Max turned to look at each other, their expressions turning mischievous before-

“Turn around

Look at what you see”

Dustin, having no way to stop them, flipped them the bird with raised brows.

“In their face

The mirror of your dreams”

“Shut up, you guys.”

“Rhymes that keep their secrets”

“Stop! You guys, please, shut up.”

“Will unfold behind the clouds”

In what used to be the kitchen, Mike watched Will emerge from the hallway with a stack of books in his hands. As he placed them in the box between them, Mike’s brows furrowed at the Dungeons and Dragons manual stacked on top. “Whoa, dude,” He called out when Will began walking away. “That’s the donation box.”

“I know,” He nodded. “I’ll just use yours when I come back. I mean… if we still wanna play.”

Because everything may change once he leaves.

“Yeah, but what if you want to join another party?”

Will shook his head, relieved at Mike’s worry. “Not possible.”

Mike returned his smile a fraction of the way, a small chuckle escaping him, but it was gone as soon as it came. He had been like that ever since his sister’s funeral. It was like the occasion had confirmed something for him. Not her death, no. He would still hold on to the delusion that she was still out there somewhere, but it more so confirmed that she became a part of Hawkins’s cover stories. She had always been a piece of it since the day she was carried out of the school, in Mike’s arms, covered in blood, but this was different.

She didn’t walk out this time. No one expected her to come back.

Mike tried his best everyday to respond, to react, to blink and breathe, but it was all absent-minded. It was worse than when El disappeared. At least then, he was able to talk with people, despite his attitude. Nowadays, he and his mother were the same. Shells of what they used to be, running on routines and predictable conversations. Unable to focus on anything but her.

Will noticed the change in his friend’s mood and gave him a small nod before walking off. He wished his last few interactions with Doc weren’t somewhat estranged. It was the exact opposite of what he wanted with her. If not a relationship, then the unconditional friendship they’d had before. He didn’t want to accept that she was gone, but he and everyone else saw the gaping hole in her stomach. The blood crimsoning her face and clothes. He would be a fool to think otherwise. It was just a strange pill to swallow, the space she would leave in their Party. The space she had tried so hard to take up. And no one else would be able to take it but her.

A bittersweet breath sighing from his nose, Jonathan wandered into an empty room, devoid of a bed and posters. He leaned against the door frame and watched the room, hoping it would magically return to normal, hoping everything would.

“Is that… everything?” Nancy whispered from behind him, leaning against the other side of the frame. Jonathan shrugged.

“I guess so.” He sighed again before venturing into the bare space. “Seventeen years of my life… packed up in one day.”

It may not have seemed like it, but his bedroom was an important part of himself. It was his world he could go and tell his secrets to. It was where he locked out all his worries and fears. He escaped with his brother the wrath of their parents’ withering relationship behind the wooden door, he shared his innermost thoughts with the walls, he memorized the pattern of the carpeted floor. It was where he did his dreaming and scheming, he lied awake and prayed. The ceiling and windows watched his crying and sighing, the way he laughed at his yesterdays. Even when it was dark and he was alone, he wasn’t afraid when in his room.

He felt Nancy’s nose to his shoulder before her arms snaked around him from behind. His hands clasped around hers against his sternum. And, for a little while, they swayed side-to-side in their own little world.

“What if I just… don’t let you go?” Nancy gently broke the silence. The edge of Jonathan’s lips curled in amusement.

“I think…” He spun around to face her while never letting go of her hands and pulled her close. “...the new owners might kick us out.”

She swayed their arms back and forth in thought as she moved closer to him. “You could stay in our basement.”

He tilted his chin. “Your dad’d love that.”

“We could hide you in a tent… like El.”

Nancy’s throat suddenly closed up. El hiding in a fort in her basement the same night Will had gone missing was the reason her world and Jonathan’s collided in the first place. Their siblings being close friends was never enough for them to have any conversation outside of passing waves. So, he had watched her from afar while she had always looked past him.

And Jonathan wasn’t the only person she wanted to hold onto. The Wheeler home had been so quiet for the past three months. She couldn’t hear her sister humming with the radio as she undoubtedly sketched designs or altered an old dress of hers. The breakfast and dinner table set for six people every time because oh, Karen had forgotten again… she only needs to set it for five now. Mike never smiled, Karen always cried, Ted grew even more detached and Holly still couldn’t quite understand why her Docky was never home.

Doc had been so afraid to lose Nancy, that Nancy hadn’t even feared the thought of the other possibility. She remembered her life before her sister, but she couldn’t recall what it felt like. Doc had brought so much light and laughter and fun into their family. She taught them how to love each other in a way they hadn’t before. She taught them that family didn’t have to look like you or talk like you or bleed the same DNA as you. It was loyalty and acceptance, smiles and unconditional love. They chose her and she chose them, and she loved them with every fiber of her being. Nancy loved her with every fiber of her being.

But Doc was gone now. She lost her sister. And now she was losing her boyfriend.

“Hey.” Jonathan whispered as their foreheads gently touched. “It’s gonna be okay.” He lifted their joined hands, facing their palms upward. He gently ran his thumb over her scar, wrinkling the matching one on his own palm. They had received them two years ago, when working together to fight off the Demogorgon in this very home.

“As a wise man once said… we’ve got shared trauma.” He quoted Murray, the man they held thanks to for pointing out their clear attraction for each other. Nancy inhaled with a soft smile.

“So, what’s a little more, right?”

He chuckled and pressed his lips to her knuckles. “What’s a little more?” He tearfully smiled before bringing his girlfriend into a kiss and then a hug.

In another room, Eleven was packing the last of her things. She checked the closet she had just cleared out for any straggling belongings before her eyes settled upon a koala bear sitting high on the shelf. She reached up for it, but it was pushed too far back against the corner. With a sigh, she returned her heels to the floor. Hesitantly, she reached an arm forwards, trying to focus her powers on the stuffed animal. Only, there were no powers to focus on. She could still hear the high frequency vibrations she always did, but they were weak, barely holding on. Just like her. Panting, she let go.

“They’ll come back.” Mike grabbed her attention as he entered the room. “I know they will.”

She watched him easily reach into the closet and take down the koala. “Thanks.” She gratefully took it.

“You packed your walkie, right?”

“Yes.”

“Because you know that I’m gonna steal Cerebro from Dustin and call you so much, you’re gonna have to turn it off, right?”

They both chuckled for the first time in a long time. “Did you talk to your mom? About Thanksgiving?”

“Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I got the okay. I’ll be there.”

It had only taken about ten tries before Karen had tiredly relented. She didn’t want to risk another one of her children being out of her sight.

“And then I was thinking maybe you could come up here for Christmas.” He continued. “And Will, too. You can come before or after Christmas, or whatever Mrs Byers wants, but I was thinking Christmas Day could be super fun, because we’d all have cool new presents to play with and, uh…”

Mike realized his rambling words and drifted. El lovingly smiled at his clear excitement. He hadn’t been like that lately.

“Sorry,” He chuckled in embarrassment. “That made me sound like a seven-year-old.”

She shrugged. “I like presents, too.”

“Yeah, cool. Yeah.” They both nodded. “I like- I like presents, too.”

“Cool.”

Their bashful grins were gone as soon as she moved past him. There was something left unsaid between them, something that needed to be brought to light before it was too late. The closer she drew to the door, the slimmer the possibility shrunk. But every time a sentence formed on their tongues, they swallowed it down in fear they would say the wrong thing.

“Mike?”

Eleven broke first.

“Yeah?” He turned around, trying to hide his agony. She sighed and twiddled her thumbs.

“Remember that day… at the cabin, you were talking to Max?”

“Um… I don’t think I follow.” He narrowed his eyes in thought, fighting off a new waved of tears because Doc was there, she was there and she was hurting that day and he barely paid attention to it-

“You talked about your- your feelings, your heart.”

“Oh…” He blinked. The confession. “Oh, yeah, that. Man, that was so long ago. Um… I don’t know, that was really heat of the moment stuff, and we were arguing and… I don’t really remember… What did I say, exactly?”

She gave him a knowing look. “Mike…” Very slowly, she walked closer to him. His eyes widened, a part of him waiting for another breakup. This time, she reached a hand up and cupped his cheek. “I love you, too.”

Mike stood there in shock as she dove in, pressing her lips against his in a kiss. Everything was happening so fast and he was trying to process it, and he didn’t want the kiss to end, but she eventually separated from him, a smile blossoming across her face. She slowly turned around and walked out the bedroom door, triumph taking over her smile. She didn’t see the way Mike’s face broke out of its shock with a dazed grin.

By the time El was able to breathe again, she was in what used to be Joyce’s room. “Donation box?” She held up the Koala. Joyce quickly looked up from where she was sitting on the floor beside a box labeled ‘HOPPER’. She opened her mouth to speak and quickly put down a piece of paper she was reading.

“Uh, yeah, sure.”

El furrowed her brows at the paper Joyce was clearly trying to hide. “What is that?”

“Uh…” She unfolded it and tearfully looked up at the girl. “It- It’s the speech Hop wrote for you and Mike.”

“Speech?”

“Yeah. Y-You know, the heart-to-heart.”

El only stared in confusion.

“He never talked to you, did he?” At the girl’s head shake, Joyce scoffed. Hopper always did like things his way. God forbid, she ever tried showing him the way.

“Can I read?”

Eleven figured she would have to be alone for this. So, she found herself laying on the carpeted floor of her old-new room. She took a deep breath to prepare herself before unfolding the notebook paper. The speech started off in blue ink with encouraging notes written to the side. The last thing in blue ink was a note in parenthesis reading, ‘LISTEN - remember to BREATHE’. The blue pen was obviously Joyce’s handwriting.

Under it was Hopper’s handwriting written in black ink, his words taking up the rest of the page and the back of it.

“There’s something I’ve been wanting to talk to you both about. I know this is a difficult conversation, but I care about you both very much. And I know that you care about each other very much. And that’s why it’s important that we set these boundaries moving forward, so we can build an environment where we all feel comfortable, trusted, and open to sharing our feelings.”

(LISTEN - remember to BREATHE)

“Feelings. Jesus. The truth is, for so long, I’d forgotten what those even were. I’d been stuck in one place, in a cave, you might say. A deep, dark cave. And then, I left some Eggos out in the woods, and you came into my life and… for the first time in a long time, I started to feel things again. I started to feel happy. But lately, I guess I’ve been feeling… distant from you. Like you’re… you’re pulling away from me or something.

“I miss playing board games every night, making triple-decker Eggo extravaganzas at sunrise, watching westerns together before we doze off. But I know you’re getting older. Growing. Changing. And I guess… if I’m being really honest, that’s what scares me. I don’t want things to change. So, I think maybe that’s why I came in here, to try to maybe… stop that change. To turn back the clock. To make things go back to how they were. But I know that’s naive. It’s just… not how life works. It’s moving. Always moving, whether you like it or not. And, yeah, sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s sad. And sometimes… it’s surprising. Happy.

“So, you know what? Keep on growing up, kid. Don’t let me stop you. Make mistakes, learn from them, and when life hurts you, because it will, remember the hurt. The hurt is good. It means you’re out of that cave.

“But please, if you don’t mind, for the sake of your poor old dad, keep the door open three inches.”

Eleven couldn’t help the laugh that burst from her, a sniffle and then a sob following. She dropped her head as she let the tears consume her. This was what Hopper had been trying to tell her and Mike. And they had laughed in his face. He was struggling to open up and they had laughed. What she would give to turn back the time and listen to him. To let him think his words over. To let him understand.

She lifted her head when she heard knocking on the open door, seeing Joyce standing there with a saddened look. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” She squeaked out past her sobs, wiping her face clean. “Time to go?”

“Yeah…”

“I’ll be out in a minute.”

“Okay…”

Alone again, El inhaled and exhaled deeply until her breathing was controlled. She clasped the folded note in her hands and nodded once. Glancing down at her wrist, she gently smiled at the people she wore. The blue hair tie Hopper’s late daughter used to wear, and the beaded bracelet with Doc’s name on it. She softly smiled at them, at her father and her sister. As long as she had their memories, they were never really gone.

Joyce was the last person in the house. The truck had been loaded and now everyone stood in the front yard, unknowing of what to do. She stopped in the door and took one look at her home. It hadn’t been this empty since before she first moved in. So much of her life occurred in this home. She was a married woman, a mother of two, then a divorced woman, a bereaved mother of one, then a mother of two again. So many smiles and laughs and breakdowns and heartaches happened within these four walls. So many Thanksgivings and Christmases and birthday parties under this roof. Change was necessary, yes, and she had high hopes for her new life…

But it didn’t hurt any less to walk away from this life she had always known. Inhaling the bitter and then exhaling the sweet, she walked outside, closing the door behind her.

Once Joyce was outside, everything started to sink in. It was truly goodbye. It was time. Will was the first to move, crashing into Lucas for a hug. The group then erupted into tearful goodbyes and crushing embraces. Joyce had given hers as well, but there was a point where she had to walk off and only watch from the side, unable to stay strong. When there was nothing left to say and no one left to hug, Joyce and El hopped into the truck while Jonathan and Will got into the car.

The driveway didn’t feel right to even stand in anymore. Without the Byers there, they stood in an empty space that wasn’t meant for them. But the remaining group didn’t bother moving as they watched the two vehicles grow smaller and smaller the farther they drove.

It was silent when Nancy departed in her mother’s car. And only short sentences were exchanged when the kids straddled their bikes and pedaled off. Mike took one look back at the house, and he saw a much smaller version of himself shyly knocking on the front door, hoping to spend some time with his brand new friend, William Byers.

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he turned back around and followed his friends down the driveway and away from the life they had always known, and towards a new one they had to adjust to.

Max sat upon Billy’s bed, staring thoughtfully out of his window.

Erica smiled down at the Dungeons and Dragons manual given to her by Lucas and Dustin.

Sheriece sat on the steps of her porch, her hand weakly clasped with Dustin’s as she tiredly rested her head on his shoulder.

Mike hugged his sobbing mother tight in his late sister’s room, trying not to burst into tears when he caught sight of the roller skates next to the closet.

And despite the hurt and the tearshed, the world kept turning.

—————————————

Taglist: @yurtletheturtlehenderson @alexa-j-f @inthemourninglight @that-one-multifandom-chick @ariyabella @lonelywitchv2 @frogserotonin @mymomsdisappointment @hewwofriends @billieissad @get0ut0fmyr00m @143kae @satsuri3su @thegirlwhowishedeveryonelived @unordinary-simp @raquel12 @roman0ffsheart @jjjennyxii @hereiamhereigo @wizardsgrace @meowiemari

THE FOURTH INSTALLMENT, "Point and Kill", IS COMING TO YOU SOON! Thank you for reading ❤️❤️

#stranger things #stranger things fic #stranger things x reader #st #st fic #st x reader #mike wheeler #dustin henderson #lucas sinclair #will byers #eleven #jane hopper #max mayfield #lost and found #break and mend #wax and wane

8 notes · View notes

hammity-hammer · 1 year

Note

ok so i saw the post about cos school steve and i’m avtuallt in cos school rn and i think about hairdresser steve 24/7 who makes max and elle come over so he can go over french braids one more time, who gives mike finger waves just to be a bitch because he knows how hard they are to wash out, who invites joyce in for every model service he can because he really wants to do something for her but doesn’t want her to have to pay, who makes sure he knows exactly how to do curly hair in all different ways for dustin and eddie, who asks his ex punk teacher for advice on liberty spikes because eddie always talks about how cool they look, who starts to get really good for makeup and does everyone and their moms makeup, who bribed robin with free services for life if she promises to help him prepare for state board, who has his own salon with tons of pictures of the party and rambles to anyone who will listen about how amazing his husband is only for said husband to barge in with his lunch because he always “accidentally” forgets it when eddie is around i just can’t get enough

i literally- this is so fucking good omg !! cos!steve is roughly based on my esthetician gf(she has since been upgraded to gf status since i posted shit ab esthetician steve) and my best friends who are hair stylists!! i fucking love the idea of steve having his own salon that's covered in pictures of the party, and being one of those people who just constantly talks about his "kids" when his kids are full grown fucking adults by the time he's finished and established !!

you have given me more sparks to continue with my cos!steve and i appreciate you greatly <3333

#ham's asks ??#steve would he the best goddamn cosmo kid ever #and eddie?#i fucking love #ugh tysm for the ask i appreciate you <3333 #steddie #stranger things #steve harrington

49 notes · View notes

fragileizywriting · 8 months

Text

"they want you to forget that girls are made of meat."

okay, okay. okay. okay, okay, okay. not exactly what he expected his luka to say, but then again, he's probably (hopefully) spitting out absolute nonsense because adrien's not paying attention. he's in the middle of conversing with tikki, trying to find a way back home— he has a marker, somehow they've found a few scraps of paper, and they're doodling plans on how to get the akuma to show back up and take them home and still manage to not hurt people in this universe— but his concentration is completely shot dead with the admission of one of the arguably weirdest sentences he's ever heard in his entire life.

so he looks up.

"try again?" adrien asks.

"they want you to forget that girls are made of meat."

"i appreciate you repeating yourself," adrien drawls, lips quirking up at the sides even though he's stressed to the point of pulling at his hair. how many cups of coffee has he had in the past two hours alone? no one's complained when he's made his crawl to the coffee pot, and it seems like every time he pours coffee, it's still steaming and hot and there's sugar in the cupboard, so it doesn't seem like it's offensive to anyone in the house. who knows, though. the older luka usually looks disappointed whenever he passes by, though says absolutely nothing. "what's your point, though?"

"girls."

that's when the other adrien starts chortling— it's half wheeze, half laugh, something like he's got something stuck in his throat but can't afford to get it out because he's too busy hiding behind a hand. he's on the other side of the dining table, setting down his book, raising a brow (is he allowed to call it an elegant brow, even if it's someone who looks nearly identical to him? there's an air of posh to him, something rich, something that he just can't explain.) in the young luka's direction.

"need a chew toy, luka?" the other adrien teases.

luka's emboldened, now that everyone's giving him attention. after all, it's only the four of them, because both marinette's had left to go shopping, suspiciously waving the other adrien's plastic card like she was trying to flag a ship down, claiming that she couldn't wait to max it out. the lack of worry from anyone at the admission made adrien sweat. but the older luka strums away at the guitar, and the older adrien reads his book, and his luka goofs off on his phone, and adrien continues to plan on how to get out of this universe as fast as possible so they're not intruding.

but luka. luka, luka, luka. luka, who owns a predator miraculous, cannot sit still for longer than a few minutes, poor guy. it's in the way his leg is constantly moving, and his hands are spinning god knows what, always needing something to fiddle with.

so it doesn't surprise adrien at all when luka leans forward in his chair, black inky hair falling over his brows, and lips quirking in that boyish way that gets adrien's heart racing all the time. "all i'm saying is, you ever look at a girl and think about how squishy they are?"

yes. often.

"are you talking about kitty?"

"just in general."

huh. well. "she's mostly muscle," adrien finds himself lobbying. "she's soft, but her thighs are all beef."

"i like beef."

"she'll put you in a chokehold."

luka looks undeterred. "this isn't going to make me not want this."

older luka interrupts with a noncommital hum. "you could hurt someone if you actually bite, though."

"oh, tell me about it." the younger luka rolls his eyes, pulling up his long-sleeve. right there, nestled in between giant snake tattoos, are indents from someone's mouth— adrien was there for the story, where kitty had finally given in and had latched like a bear trap, right on luka's arm when he'd been annoying her to the point of frustration. she'd refused to let go. luka knew better than to pull her away, and instead, was crushing her into his arm so she would have to let go in order to breathe. adrien had walked in on what he presumed to have been the weirdest foreplay in existence, with kitty hissing and spitting and luka growling right back.

luka's eyes are shining with admiration and fondness. "this came from kitty."

"you wear it like a souvenier," the other adrien muses.

"it is. after all, it's not every day a girl bites the jesus out of you. they just forget to tell you that girls are biteable, too."

"you planning on biting one day?"

"we've got to wear matching bitemarks, don't we?"

adrien murmurs to tikki to remind him to always carry a video camera on him, just for the occassion.

#speakizys #demon lovin #sharks and sugar #izycrossover

6 notes · View notes

urmumsdrycooch · 2 years

Text

YOᑌ ᑕᗩᑎ'T ᑕᕼIᑕKEᑎ OᑌT ᑎOᗯ

Rachel Amber 🤝 Reader

Summary: Complete and utter shit. I was sleep deprived for the entirety of writing this.

Warnings: Swearing. Can’t remember anything else.

Rachel is always up for a new adventure, no matter how crazy it might be. She's always dragging me into her latest conspiracy theory or hare-brained scheme. It keeps me on my toes, so I don't have much to complain about.

Our day had been a relaxed one, we had breakfast in the diner, visited the newborn ducklings near the docks, and sat on the bench overlooking the ocean next to the lighthouse. In the setting sun, the sky coloured with beautiful hues, sit back and take in the view.

There was a slight breeze keeping our hair out of our faces as waves crashed against the rocks below us. In this moment of relaxation, our shoulders gently brush against one another.

We sit there for a long time, just enjoying each other's company and the peacefulness of the moment. It's wonderful being able to just sit and talk, without having to worry about anything else in the world.

You can tell we don't have too long before sunset, Rachel turns to me with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Eventually, Rachel speaks up, her voice filled with excitement. "I've been thinking... we should do something fun"

I grin at her, "Where to this time?" I sigh, hiding any excitement in my tone.

"Blackwell,"

"Oh wow. Thrilling." I chuckle, facing the ocean again.

"You haven't heard the idea yet!"

I raise my eyebrows, giving her the hint to explain whatever was going on in her head.

"Okay, so..."

She waffles on about the plan for a solid 10 minutes, with no pause, no break, I'm not even sure she was breathing while talking.

"I kind of already started putting it together so you have no choice... You down?"

"Totally," I smirk, the idea of potentially getting into trouble got my blood pumping.

-----------

Monday came around, and Rachel and I rocked up to school in casual attire, showing up to our first two lessons as we would every other day.

"Okay, we go to third period, just like the rest of the day, nobody can look in our bags, we can't have Victoria Chase running up to Wells." She begins, "Meet me after your lesson in the gym closet, and then we'll begin." She reminds me, "Oh, and don't forget to tell Warren about it, he could be a good addition if it turns out shit." She adds.

"Right. May the Gods guide you, spirited one." I fist bump her and make my way to my science class.

I'm greeted at the door by Ms Grant, "Hey, Y/n. Long time no see." She teases, I'm not exactly one for showing up to her lessons.

I take my seat next to Warren and nudge him, "What's up?"

He looks up from his phone, "Not much, life's been a drag lately. My parents are coming to visit, I got a B- on my test, and Max won't go ape with me!" He complains with a huff.

"Oh, boo-fucking-hoo. How about I make your life better." I smile, the plan was too good.

"Uh- um. Y/n, you're a good friend and all, but, I just-" He stumbles, his face completely red and his flailing arms topping it all off.

"Ew, no. I mean, me and Rachel are setting up something."

"Oh... cool. Setting up what?"

"Okay, I'll put it into short words for your B- mind. Prank call. Glitter bugs. Conditioner from 1975. Lawn mower maniac. Best macho-man wrestling competition, with a sprinkle of a mariachi band. In-fest-ation." I grin.

"Y/n, are you having a stroke?"

"No! I just fucking explained it to you." I playfully hit his arm.

"Well, I'm really confused but I'm all for it." He agrees. I continue to go into depth about it.

I send a quick text to Rachel, just checking she hasn't backed out, and she responds at the speed of light with a paragraph containing how awesome it's going to be.

----------

I quickly slip into the gym closet, unnoticed, and I'm met by the blonde talking to someone on her phone, "Yes, they will be held at Blackwell academy- Uh, yes I just said that. Of course, you can bring your friend too, as long as they're entering the contest, okay? Good luck." She rolls her eyes at the speaker but smiles once she makes eye contact with me.

"You brought the phone?"

I dig through my bag in search of the burner phone, digging out the small black device and handing it to Rachel. "Right, I'll get started, you get up into the ceiling."

"Gotcha."

I rummage through the shelves of the gym closet, trying to find something suitable to get into the ceiling panels with. I find a pretty big box that's 100% for the job.

During my attempt to lug the box out of its space, Rachel's voice distracts me.

"Has Blackwell academy experienced an observation within the last 4 months?" She interrogates the person on the other end of the call (Mr Wells) with her best adult voice. Her eyebrows furrow with each exaggerated word that leaves her mouth. All that acting really paid off.

I pull out the box and place it underneath the loosest ceiling panel, judging by looks.

I continue to slowly climb up, using my phone's flashlight into the space beyond and see the complete and utter darkness. I keep climbing until I'm completely in the ceiling. It's a dusty old crawlspace, but I'll have to suck it up.

"Well, the school has had an anonymous report on Blackwell's health and safety guidelines being disrupted, I recommend you obtain an observation soon. You will be receiving a call later on today, It is my duty to alert you of this issue and to advise you to deal with it within the day." Rachel continues, hanging up the phone.

"Hey Rach?"

"Yes, light of my life?" I hear her giggle in return

"I think I just saw a spider."

"Yeah, there's probably loads up there. You'll be fine."

"No Rachel," I stick my head towards the gap left by the missing ceiling panel, my eyes burning into Rachel's, "I will not be fine. I'm fine with, rats, cats, bats and gnats, but not fucking bugs, I did not sign up for this!"

Rachel scoffs, rolling her eyes, "Come on, you can't chicken out now Y/n."

I groan, continuing my journey to where I predict the hallway is. Once I feel I'm far enough, I reach into my bag, taking out as many small dispensers as I could and placing them down next to me. Most of them contained bug-shaped glitter, and a few of them contained some weird gooey substance with small black beads in, acting as glitter-bug eggs.

I slide my fingers in between the crevices of the ceiling panels, creating a tiny gap. Enough to stand the dispenser's nozzles between.

I continue to crawl through the ceiling and place the dispensers until there were no more to go.

I gently take a hold of a small red string attached to the nozzle of each and every dispenser, once that string is pulled, the contents of the dispensers will be released. It's genius.

I carefully reverse crawl back to above the gym closet, red string held lightly in my hand as I climb out.

"Thought you go lost up there," Rachel smiles once I'm on the ground, ", looks like you got a little dust allergy there, Y/n/n." She gestures to my florescent red arms.

"Worth it." I grin.

"Okay, come on, we've got more work to do. I've got to go chat to Samuel and make sure he's cutting the grass where the band and competition are going to be. And-"

"I know, I know. I've got to go ruin some bitches hair." I finish her sentence.

"Good girl, now remember. It should be their half day, so it's going to be soon that they go for a shower, be quick." Rachel warns me.

"No like literally. Run." She urges me, pushing me out the door.

I jog to the dormitories, slowing down when I notice Bitchtoria's trio of bitches. Sadly, she clicks onto my presence. "Hey whore, committed any crimes today? Of course besides the ones against fashion that you seem to be a professional at." She hisses, her little minions giggling at her harsh words.

"I may have, Victoria. I may have." I answer with a smirk.

"Whatever," She huffs, ", get lost, I can't stand seeing your face."

"Anything for you," I respond, returning to the task at hand and walking through the dorm doors and almost sprinting up the stairs.

As I make my way to Courtney's room I reach into my hair, pulling out a hairpin that should come in handy and letting my hair loose.

I try the door handle to her room but, unsurprisingly, she didn't lock it. I mean, what am I expecting, the girl doesn't even know her lefts and rights.

I slip into the room undetected, and oh my God. Her room gives me the chills. It's like normal and everything but there are like 8 photos of dogs, and none of them are of the same dog, I wouldn't be shocked if they weren't even hers.

I put my many questions revolving around her room to the side and search for Courtney's wash bag, finding it sitting on her desk. I reach in taking out a small pink bottle of her conditioner. I empty it into a container and fill the bottle up with the new conditioner, very... very new. 1975 to be exact. If I'm being completely honest, I don't think Courtney deserves this as much as the other 'friends', but the more the merrier, am I right?

I leave the room, my next victim being Taylor, who actually had enough common sense to lock her door.

I unlock the door, and immediately try to find her conditioner. I doubt I have long left before everything kicks off so I best be quick. Taylor's wash bag hiding underneath a bunch of dirty clothes, that I simply just kick aside. I finish the business and leave, walking down the dorm to Victoria's room. I pull out the hairpin once more and insert it into the keyhole,

"What are you doing?" A voice questions from behind me. I freeze solid.

"I left my phone in her room." I turn around to face the stranger.

Juliet the fucking reporter, I can either win this (which I most likely will, I never lose) or I can lose this (tiny chance).

"Why would you be in her room anyway?" She digs.

"What's with all the questions, Watson? I've got places to be."

I continue shoving my pin into the keyhole, clicking up all the smaller locks until it finally opens. "Y/n, tell me what you're doing. I can see your phone in your back pocket, so there's clearly another reason." She reasons in a slightly higher voice, luring out Dana from her room, "Hey, what's going on?" She stands outside the door in her cheerleading uniform.

"She won't tell me what she's up to."

She examines me for a moment, "Well if she's broke into Victoria Chase's room there's clearly a very good reason."

Kill me already, I can't be getting caught I'm so close.

As if on cue, I hear the bitchy voices from outside of the dormitory door.

"Please, I am begging you. Give me a bit of time to do what I have to and distract them, I'll tell you everything once I'm done." I beg, I've never sounded more pathetic in my life.

Juliet's face showed she was going to resist but Dana pulls her aside to go distract the trio. I quietly close the door and rummage through the shelves in her room for her conditioner. I soon find it in, of course, a designer wash bag, typical.

I pour the conditioner out and put the absolutely disgusting new one in.

The pretty loud quarrel distracts me as I put away any evidence that may be deemed suspicious, "Nice bruises on your knees where'd you get them, whore?" I hear Victoria's mumbled voice screech through the door.

Well shit, they were meant to get her away from the fucking door. How am I meant to get out now?

I look around the room for anywhere to hide or to escape, yeah, definitely no black void scheduled to show up out of nowhere and teleport me outside the dorms. A girl can dream.

"You're just upset you don't get any play, virgin-slut." I hear Juliet bite back.

Okay, so I either hide under her bed like a creep or go skydiving out the window and hope there are some bushes for me to land on.

Neither sound too appealing but I've gotta go with the second option. Lifting up the window and throwing my bag out, probably breaking everything inside of it. I pull myself up and slide my legs through the window, letting my feet find themselves along the small white rims. I shuffle to the right just until I reach the window of Kate's room.

If she's in I could climb through into her room and then go fetch my bag later. Okay, easy. Not completely terrifying at all.

I can feel my feet slowly slipping and it's getting exhausting doing some sort of dance with my feet just to cling on.

I let my hands grasp the sides of her window frame, one hand letting go to urgently knock on her window. I see the poor girl scared half to death by the knock and falling off her chair.

"Hey, Kate!" I shout, her eyes catching mine and a visible sigh of relief leaving her mouth before she scrambles off the floor to the window I'm clinging onto dear life for. I signal for her to open the window with my hand and she does so within an instance.

"Y/n, what are you doing!" Her voice full of concern as she opens the window.

"Potentially saving my own life." I laugh, still hanging off the window frames.

"Give me your hand." She urges, taking my hand while I lean through the window face first. I let the top half of my body fall into the girl's room.

Kate laughs as I land in front of her, she quickly pulls me to her chest and hugs me as tight as she possibly can.

"Oh my goodness, you scared me! Now tell me why-"

"I snuck into Victoria's room and she was going to burst in, I had no choice," I answer her question before she managed to say it.

"Right, I really need to go, we'll catch up later, alright?" I smile, giving her a friendly peck on the cheek before I rush out of the room.

I look to my left and see Juliet and Dana awaiting my return post-argument, they both share a baffled expression, that I'll have to explain later. But for now, get bag, and find Rachel.

----------

"So, is it-"

"Done." I finish for her aggressively.

Rachel rolls her eyes, "What's up your ass?"

"I have just been through hell and back, I am traumatised Rachel. Traumatised. You should've seen Courtney's interior design. The smell of that conditioner I have had to experience, not once, not twice but thrice!" I huff, eyes wide open.

"Wow, you're a trooper, Y/n/n." She chuckles at my seriousness.

"Oh, and to top it all off, Victoria almost fucking caught me, and I'm sure I'm going to be in Juliet's newspaper.

"Shoulda-" She tries to butt in, but, oh no, I'm not letting this one go easily. She's had it easy so far.

"Not finished yet, Amber. I had to climb out of a fucking in Victoria's room and shuffle down to Kate's. Do you know how much space there is for your feet on those walls?" I question.

"No, I don't" She answers, clearly trying to hold back a laugh.

"Not fucking much..." I finish

"You finished yet? The mariachi band is about to make their entrance, and Samuel should come in after them, and then the frenzy will begin. Within the time Samuel starts a riot and Wells witnesses, the referee of the macho-wrestlers should begin the first fight while he's distracted. Then we can begin the infestation. And, of course, the troublesome trio will be running up to Well's on a warpath." She explains for the like 70th time today.

"Right, message me when I should pull the string." I request, referencing the glitter- bug string.

I wander inside the school to the gym closet, but inside I notice Warren. I walk in and close the door behind me, "What're you doing?" I ask him, confused as to why he's here.

"Okay, don't be mad, well, I don't think you will. If anything you'll-" He waffles on, saying anything but the point.

"Spit it out, Graham."

"I made the infestation way more realistic-"

"Don't say you put real bugs in." I groan and my fingers massage my temples.

"No, I'm not a monster. I've planted more around the school and put a chemical in the glitter bug dispensers that can give off different reactions depending on the force. So, say it hit the floor, it'll make a bang. And if it reaches past its boiling point, which is 12 degrees Celsius, it'll release methane, so basically farts and create small coloured clouds." He speaks passionately, my head raised at his speech, my arm dropping back down to its side.

What an absolute legend, I begin to thank him for his work but a notification from Rachel giving me to go interrupts me. I pull the string while Warren presses a small makeshift mechanical button.

We immediately leave the gym closet and notice the chaos achieved already. We jog over to the entrance, Rachel waves us over to view the menace caused to Blackwell. Samuel running away from the mariachi band with his lawn-mower, while students think some sort of bug is going to kill them, and not to forget a hundred macho-wrestlers going at it (not like that you horny shits) on the floor.

And still yet to come, Victoria and her friends' little hair issue. The three of us walk down to the dormitory courtyard as Victoria's volcanic fury beings to erupt.

We watch numerous students exit the dorm to escape the trio's wrath, some getting caught in the crossfire. The three storm out through the doors, growling at any who dared them in the eye. Their hair soaked and... well, you know, covered in (at this point) nuclear conditioner from the dinosaur ages.

"I will find out whoever did this, and they will fucking pay!" Victoria screeches, balled fists ready to swing at anybody who dared oppose her.

"For the record, I didn't do this," I chime in, just to push her that tiny bit over the edge.

"Shut your damn mouth," She yells, her face red with anger.

"Hey, no need to be like that, hair is washable, y'know." Warren speaks up trying to hide a cheeky grin, gaining a scoff and shrug from the three of them as they leave.

Screams follow their trail, and Mr Wells' voice is soon added to the mix. "Victoria, I do not have time for your personal issues at the moment. Can't you see, " He gestures his hand to the courtyard chaos unfolded before him, ", Blackwell is currently under some major stress and I don't need you on my late as well." He raises his voice.

Rachel and I sit back on a bench, Warren wandered off to go try and impress Max of his partaking in the mayhem. We view Mr Madsen's poor attempts to disrupt the wrestling competition, while Mr Wells' fails to calm down Samuel. And if I look close enough, I can still see students patting small glitter bugs off of their clothes. "This'll keep me happy for a while, I think." Rachel speaks proudly, a quiet tone in her voice as she takes delight in the view.

"So, what do you wanna do now?" I ask, turning my attention back to Rachel.

"Well, it's been a long day, we could go to the lighthouse." She suggests, stretching out her arms.

"Sounds good." I shrug, climbing off the bench.

----------

We sit on the bench next to the lighthouse just as we had done two days ago. My mind wanders back to the events of earlier today, eyes slowly falling shut as I zone out. Rachel's loud waffling now quiet out-loud thoughts put me to sleep.

See, the good thing about Rachel's adventures is she never gets bored, ever. Well, she does, but only because she has no one to talk to. I, however, it gives me a good night of rest. Win-Win.

#life is strange #life is strange: before the storm #life is strange x reader #victoria chase #max caufield #courtney wagner #dana ward #life is strange before the storm #rachel amber #taylor christensen #kate marsh #warren graham #Mr Wells #juliet watson #rachel amber x reader

49 notes · View notes

rindecisions · 1 year

Text

Stranger Tales: 15

A poll based Stranger Things fanfiction

Read all of it on AO3

Steve jumped at the sound of Eddie slamming his hands on the bar and watched him walk away. He was impressed by how well Eddie could walk in those heels*.* Steve’s eyes scanned up his slender nylon-clad legs, over the tight leather skirt, and lingered around the dimples on his lower back. In general, he stared at Eddie’s midriff for way too long and was only snapped out of it when his line of sight was cut off by the ‘STAFF ONLY’ sign. Steve rubbed his temples and sighed. He looked at the bottles on the wall behind the bar and stood.

“So?” Robin snickered as Steve approached.

“You were right,” he groaned and sat down across from her, letting his head hit the table.

Robin’s desire to gloat warped into sympathy. “You okay?” she asked tentatively.

“I just can’t get a fucking break,” Steve grumbled.

Robin furrowed her face in condolence.

—

Eddie leaned his back on the door and hit his head against it with a dramatic groan.

“You okay, honey?” Velvet asked sincerely as she walked up to him.

Eddie glanced at her and sighed, pushing himself off the door. “Not really,” he admitted. “You know that guy I've mentioned before?”

“The Harrington boy?” She clarified as they walked to a couple of chairs in the back of the room.

“Yeah, he thought I was a woman and hit on me.”

“He's not the smartest cookie, is he?” she stated plainly.

Eddie laughed lightly. “Not really, no.”

“What did you do?”

“I told him who I was.” Eddie leaned his elbows on his knees and placed his face in his hands. The false eyelashes felt strange on his palms.

“Well, I'm proud of you for that, at least.” She rubbed his back. “Trust me, that's not a lie you want to get tangled in with a straight man.”

“Yeah, I remember your cautionary tale.” He leaned back and spread his legs as far as the skirt would allow.

“You gotta move on from him, honey,” she said sympathetically, tucking some of his hair behind his ear. “Falling for a straight man will only hurt you.”

“Don't you think I've tried, Dennis?” He looked over at her to see a disapproving glare. “Sorry,” he winced.

Velvet shook her head. “I swear, you're the only person I'll let get away with calling me that when I look like this.”

Eddie smirked. “Sorry,” he repeated.

She sighed. “I suppose it's fine.” She pulled him into her chest, which was only padded on the underside. The cleavage was natural from being taped.

Eddie leaned into her. The comfort was nice.

“I've been in your position, Eddie.” She pet his hair. “So, trust me when I say give him up. A sweet boy like you doesn't belong with a womanizer like him, anyway. You deserve someone who will cherish you. And for the love of God, don't ever be someone's experiment, especially if you have feelings. Getting a taste of what you desire most, only for it to be ripped away from you, is far worse than never knowing.”

“We really get the shit stick in life, don't we?” Eddie grumbled as he sat up, wiping his makeup off of Velvet's chest.

“Yeah, there's no denying that. Just be glad you aren't fat, black, and a drag queen on top of it.”

Eddie smirked weakly. “I guess you can consider me the last one, at least.”

“You did it once as a favor. You aren’t a queen. However, if you wanted to continue doing it, I'd be thrilled to have you. The crowd loved your performance.”

“I think I'll pass on that,” he laughed.

“I figured as much.” She glanced over Eddie's face. The sad look in his eyes broke her heart. “I need to introduce the next performer, but when I get back, did you want help getting out of this?” She waved at Eddie's getup.

“Please,” he huffed.

She laughed and pat him on the back before getting up and walking towards the stage. Eddie groaned and ran his hands through his straightened hair. It felt strange and crunchy from the hairspray. He perked when he heard the door open and smiled at the bartender carrying his Long Island Iced Tea.

“You’re my hero!” Eddie exclaimed, getting up.

The bartender shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m serving a fucking minor,” he grumbled.

“Only by like two years,” Eddie said happily as he took the glass. “No one will know, and if anyone asks, I’ll just say I stole it.”

“Whatever.” He rolled his eyes and left.

Eddie took a long drink and shimmied his hips happily. Cocktails were an incredibly rare treat, as low-end beer was about the only thing he could get his hands on. He sighed and sat back down on the folding chair. He could feel himself relaxing even before the buzz hit him.

“Ready to strip, doll?”

Velvet’s voice startled Eddie. “Yeah,” he said as he got up and followed her to the dressing room. “Where’d Gareth and them go?”

“They’re watching the show,” she said simply.

“Ah,” Eddie nodded, setting his drink on the vanity and letting Velvet untie his corset.

—

Steve had returned to sitting next to Robin in order to watch the show. It helped him forget his self-pity. At least it did until Max hopped over.

“So, were you rejected by a man too?” she asked bluntly, with an annoying grin.

Robin cringed.

“No,” Steve growled through grit teeth.

“Oh, sweet! So where are you going?”

Steve hated her sarcastic smile. “I’m not going to ask out a man.”

“Don’t be like that. I see you flopping with women on the regular. Why not branch out?” Her smirk intensified as she leaned her chin on her fists.

Robin clenched her face, trying not to audibly laugh.

Steve pursed his lips. “I’m not interested in men, thanks,” he hissed.

“Have you ever tried?” she pressed.

“Fuck no!” Steve snapped, making Robin wince.

“Then how do you know?”

“I’ve never been attracted to a man.”

Max stared at him flatly. “You literally just hit on one.”

“Because I thought he was a woman! If I’d known he was a man, I wouldn’t have given him a second glance.”

“You sure about that?” Max snickered, looking at a reflection on the window behind Steve.

“Of course,” Steve stated adamantly. He squinted when Max nodded her head to the side. When he glanced over, he saw Eddie walking out of the staff door. Their eyes briefly met, and Steve’s heart punched him before Eddie quickly averted his eyes and sat at a table with three other men.

Max smiled at Steve staring, and leaned back, crossing her arms smugly as she settled into the booth. She and Robin shared a silent laugh. “That’s quite a long second glance you’re giving him,” Max teased.

Steve flinched and shot his attention back to Max, who snorted at his startled deer-in-the-headlights expression. “I was,” Steve gasped. “It wasn’t. It’s not.” He swallowed and took a deep breath. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“’King of Hawkins,’ my ass,” Max laughed. “More like ‘King of Denial.’”

“I-” Steve tugged at the collar of his t-shirt. “I need some air,” he said quickly and ran out the front door.

Robin, Max, and Eddie were the only people that paid any notice to him storming out.

“Was I too much?” Max asked.

“Maybe a little,” Robin cringed.

More fics by Rindecision

#Poll #Stranger Things #LGBTQ #Fanfiction #Vote #Fanfic #Choose your own adventure #Polls #CYOA #Eddie Munson #Steve Harrington #Robin Buckley #Max Mayfield #OC #Original Characters #Drag Queens #Mentioned homophobia #Mentioned Racism #Mentioned Body shaming

6 notes · View notes

comm-caribou · 1 year

Text

Chapter Nine: Keep a Secret:

Word Count: 2.1k

Warnings: PTSD, war trauma (let me know if I missed any!)

————

His back hit the closed doors of the opposite end of the gunship, colliding with his brothers. Next the ship jerked sideways.

Hardwire couldn’t understand. Why had his General given up? Why did he stop fighting just like that?

In the struggle his helmet was knocked off, and he lifted his head to see his General smile before General Grievous swung his lightsaber.

The blast doors shut, and Hardwire could only imagine what happened next.

It was quiet on the gunship, and all his brothers knelt down hugging him.

For him, it felt odd. Like his brothers knew something he didn’t.

The smell of something sweet danced under his nose, and stirred him out of his memory filled dreams.

Opening his heavy eyelids, he took in his dimly lit room. Nothing out of the ordinary, other than the soft, but hard thing under his chin that radiated heat.

He tilted his head, and smiled.

Juliette was cuddled close, hugging Snugs to her as she slept soundly under Hardwire’s arm.

He laid back down, and brushed her hair behind her ear before closing his eyes again.

****

“You sure she was okay with sleeping alone?” Radar asked Cosmos.

“I think so,” Cosmos picked at his breakfast, “I told her to call me if she wanted me to come back.”

Tracks quietly cut into his meal, keeping it to himself he saw her walk over to Hardwire’s room before he went to bed.

Squirrel sat down with his tray, looked at it for a minute, then pushed it away. He then folded his arms on the table, and put his head down.

Max sat down beside him, giving him a light pat on the back before picking up his drink.

Tracks sighed, then put his hand on Max’s wrist stopping him. He knew someone was going to ask the question on his mind.

Pointing his fork, Baby grunted on cue, “what’s with him?”

“Has he been sleeping?” Dabbler asked.

Sighing, Max set his drink down. “No, he hasn’t. He’s been off since Fang died.”

“I thought he didn’t like Fang,” Frenzy muttered.

“But he likes Juliette,” Tag remind him.

“Anyway…” Max cut in, “Squirrel here just wants some quiet time, but he also wants to be with his vods. So, leave him be.”

The look Max shot Tracks and Cosmos was a warning. Tracks could see it clear as glass, telling them both not to mention what they learned the other day.

Cosmos picked at his fruit, keeping his lips sealed.

Dabbler continued doodling in his new sketchbook, then blurted out, “so… no one has seen Juliette?”

“No.” Baby stated.

“Not yet at least,” Radar shrugged.

Tag coughed into their fist, “Ace.”

They all went quiet as the new, red-headed pilot sat down with them, “hey, vods!”

They all grunted and waved their forks.

Tracks didn’t mind Ace, but at the same time he reminded him of a clean shaved Goose with bright hair.

Ace twirled his fork, “so, not to signal him out, but Dabbler is such a quick learner. He barely needs my life lessons and piloting tips.”

“Woo.” Baby rolled his eyes.

The corner of Ace’s lip twitched, but he kept his smile on, “you guys seem tired. I’ll be quiet then.”

No one responded.

Tracks stole a peek at Ace, he now had his fist to his cheek to hide his hurt expression as he flew his fork like ship, from his plate to his mouth.

****

As soon as Boomerang entered the medbay, he already found Mirage hanging up a call.

“Did I interrupt?” Boomerang asked, “I was just here to-“

“You didn’t interrupt, we were done,” Mirage said, fighting off a smile.

It wasn’t the same smile he had when he spoke to one of his ARC brothers on Kamino. This felt different, but he didn’t want to press.

“I don’t know about Tracks, but Coyote said he’ll come to… whatever this is.”

Boomerang powered up Kit, then took out the glass slide consisting of the organic mass.

“You didn’t sleep well,” Mirage sat on the exam table, “do you want to maybe rest for a bit?”

Boomerang whipped around, snapping, “no. I don’t need rest. I need answers, Mirage!”

Mirage shrunk down.

“Kriff, osik, no,” Boomerang rubbed his face, “sorry… I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you, I’m just frustrated in general that I can’t fix anything.”

“But you always yell at me,” Mirage said quietly, “why do you always snap at me?”

Boomerang sat down, and held his head.

Mirage nudged him, “why did you snap at me?”

Boomerang groaned, “not now…”

Mirage—of course—wasn’t satisfied with that answer, and shoved Boomerang’s shoulder, “tell me, or I’m leaving.”

Boomerang lifted his head, “I can’t fix her.”

“Fix who?” Mirage tilted his head, “Juliette?”

“When we were on Vixnix, Cosmos and you were having a good time off on your own,” Boomerang explained, “but I kept looking at her and seeing her looking so sad and angry. All I want to do is fix it, but I can’t bring Fang back. I don’t know what to do… I just want her better again.”

“But yelling at me won’t help,” Mirage pouted, “and I’m trying to help you. I don’t deserve to be scolded for trying to help you.”

Boomerang lowered his head.

“Would you just talk to me?” Mirage pushed, “we tell each other everything. Why aren’t you talking to me now? Why are you shutting me out? Come on, Doc, what happened?”

The door opened, and Coyote rushed in.

“What’s up?” Mirage turned to him, “you look panicked.”

Through gritted teeth, Coyote said, “Grimm.”

Boomerang lifted his head, “what about him?”

The door opened again, and a trooper with a scowl and short buzzed hair entered the medbay.

If Fury was Mirage’s enemy, Boomerang would say Grimm was his. It was more so that they were polar opposites than anything else.

Boomerang cracked jokes, Grimm glared.

Boomerang smiled, Grimm scowled.

Boomerang would try to comfort all his brothers, Grimm would tell them to suck it up.

Boomerang didn’t like Grimm, and Grimm didn’t like him; and both were okay with that.

“Boomerang,” Grimm gave a slight nod.

Boomerang gave a mock salute, and muttered lowly, “we’ll hold our meeting later.”

Coyote nodded, then asked, “is Squirrel… younger?”

“What do you mean?” Mirage asked.

“Like, I know he looks younger, but is he actually younger?” Coyote continued, “is he not ten?”

“Squirrel got mixed up and shipped out early,” Boomerang answered, “while we’re all coming up on ten and a half, Squirrel is just over nine.”

Grimm grunted, tossing his pack on the table, “you’d think the experience would’ve made him grow up.”

Coyote clenched his fist, but kept his mouth tightly shut.

Boomerang shot a look over at Grimm, “don’t talk bad about the pilots.”

“Why?” Grimm dumped his gear out, “just because that girl likes them doesn’t mean they have my respect. They’re clowns, and not only are they clowns, they’re self-centered. My vod, Ace, says every time he goes to join them, the conversation dies unless he’s helping that wannabe with the sketch pad. Only reason he’s becoming a pilot is because that brat has the ship wrapped around her finger.”

Boomerang stared, processing all Grimm had just said.

“The pilots have gone through a lot,” Mirage hissed, “you may not like them, but keep that osik to yourself. And don’t talk bad about our General.”

“So sensitive,” Grimm rolled his eyes, “no wonder Fury is walking on eggshells around you.”

“Excuse me?” Mirage jumped up.

Coyote got in front him, “Mirage, don’t.”

Boomerang got up, looping his arm through Mirage’s arm. “Let’s just go.”

Mirage kept a dirty glare locked on Grimm, as the other medic ignored them leaving.

Once the door shut, Coyote groaned, “I hate the new guys.”

“What the hell was that?“ Mirage punched his palm, “he disrespected our pilots, called the General a girl-“

“The General is a girl.”

“He said it like an insult, Doc.”

“He also insulted you, Raj.”

“Who cares about that, Coyote? You can insult me to my face, but he was taking shots at the pilots without any of them here to defend themselves.”

They were quiet for a minute, just letting the odd encounter soak in.

“Do you think Fury is talking about me behind my back?” Mirage suddenly asked. “I swear I’m trying to be nicer to him.”

“Oh great,” someone grumbled behind them, “is Grimm looking t-to get punched again?”

Boomerang turned, “hey, it’s the gentle giant.”

Fury nodded thoughtfully, “I think that’s the first nice nickname I’ve ever received.”

“Don’t flatter him,” Mirage teased, “we already like you enough, Fury, you don’t need to suck up.”

“Hush now, Pretty Boy,” Boomerang laughed, “I need the kind words today.”

Fury gave Mirage a curious look, “Pretty Boy?”

Mirage gestured to his hair, “he thinks my hair is fancy.”

Coyote suddenly darted off down the hall.

“Wait!” Coyote rounded a corner, “General Trix!”

“And there he goes,” Boomerang sighed, “Fury, you want to hang with us?”

Fury shrugged, “sure, I got nothing better to do.”

Boomerang rubbed his hands together, “perfect! Now we can rope him into messing with the Sarge.”

Fury flushed, “rope me into what now?”

****

Hardwire and Juliette paused their stroll, waiting for Coyote to catch up.

“Hi,” Juliette offered her hand, “want to join us for brunch?”

Coyote nodded, “if you don’t mind.”

Hardwire thought for a moment, what was I talking about?

Juliette turned back to Hardwire, “you were at the part where you met Jedi number four.”

“Right! The red headed one, she was only with us for a week or two,” Hardwire smiled, “very nice, but always meditating or zoning out. You and her would be friends, I think. You both care a little too much about us.”

“I don’t care too much,” Juliette stated, “I care a normal amount.”

Coyote snorted.

“I do,” Juliette protested.

“You know full well that’s not true,” Coyote teased. “You love us.”

Juliette turned, and brushed her fingers under his chin, “okay, maybe I do.”

Hardwire smiled, “and we can end that story now.”

Juliette turned to him confused, “but I’m General number six.”

“We can stop at four,” Hardwire insisted, “let’s get brunch now. You can take a turn in talking.”

“Oh,” Juliette pouted, but nodded, “okay.”

Coyote fixed him a look, and narrowed his blue eyes on Hardwire. This trooper was a shiny a few months ago, he shouldn’t have any power over Hardwire, yet he was breaking.

I can’t tell her. After what Merrick did to all of us, including Fang. No way! I’ll keep that story bottled up a little bit longer. All she needs to know about him is he’s the reason I’m scarred. Why we’re all scarred.

****

After breakfast, Tracks had broken off from the group.

While he knew he should go join Mirage, Boomerang, and Coyote in the medical center, he didn’t want to go. They weren’t any closer to figuring out their mystery project, and Mirage was acting as fine as Mirage could be.

Tracks wandered around, with a datapad open taking notes. Juliette recruited him to help her with a secret project, and it required knowing all her pilots’ all time favorite things.

Frenzy likes bubbles, Max is a fan of rainbows, Cosmos loves the stars, Tag enjoys glitter and things that sparkle, Baby likes dark storm clouds… I’m pretty sure Radar likes the sun. Or was it the moon? I know I like birds, so did Goose.

He left a blank spot next to Squirrel and Dabbler; he still wasn’t quite sure about the two of them.

Plus, he wasn’t sure if Ace was actually in the group or just trying to be.

He didn’t see the problem with Ace.

As he rounded a corner, he bumped into a trooper.

“Sorry, Tracks,” Ace stepped back, “just looking for Grimm.”

Grimm? The snarky medic?

Ace stepped around him, smiling a gap toothed smile before continuing on.

Tracks sighed, “wait.”

Ace froze, whipping around, “did you… speak?”

Tracks nodded.

“You… but I thought you lost your voice,” Ace gasped, “you can talk?”

“Don’t tell, okay?” Tracks beckoned him over, “only four other vods know.”

“I won’t tell,” Ace eagerly ran to his side, “does this mean we’re friends?”

“We are brothers,” Tracks remarked, “we’re all just figuring you out still.”

“Oh…” Ace slapped his forehead, “I’m sorry. I tend to try to wedge my way in. I also talk everyone’s ear off, which is another problem I’m working on.“

So did Goose.

Tracks smiled, “I don’t mind listening.”

#caribou stories #star wars #star wars the clone wars #caribou ocs #commander hardwire #juliette trix #tracks #cosmos #boomerang #arc trooper mirage #arc trooper fury #coyote #952nd

2 notes · View notes