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layce2015 · 7 months

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Supernatural (Dean Winchester x Female!Reader)

Dark Side Of The Moon

Masterlist pt 1

Masterlist pt 2

*3rd Person POV*

There were lots of empty beer cans that surrounded the floor of the motel room the Winchesters and (y/n) were staying at. Dean was lying on his left side, left hand under his pillow while his right hand was draped over (y/n) who was lying on her right side. She had her face nuzzle up to his chest and her left hand on his waist while her right hand was also under the pillow.

Both of them heard a noise and their hands start to search under the pillow, still pretending to be asleep. "Looking for this?" A voice said and the couple wake up and see two masked men inside their room.

The first masked man pops the cartridge out of a handgun and tosses it aside. Dean turns over and looks at Sam who also has a gun pointed at him, while (y/n) sits up. "Mornin’." Dean greets, sarcastically. "Shut up. Hands where I can see 'im." the first man said and Dean and (y/n) raise their hands up as Dean lifts himself up.

"Wait a minute. Is that you, Roy? It is, isn’t it." Dean said as the first masked man freezes a bit. "Which makes you Walt. Hiya Walt." Dean said as he turns to the second man. The two men look at each other until Walt removes his mask.

"Don’t matter." Walt growls as Roy lifts his mask off his face. "Well, is it just me, or do you two seem a tad upset?" Dean asked but they ignore him as Walt turns to Sam. "You think you can flip the switch on the Apocalypse and just walk away, Sam?" he asked and Sam furrows his brow.

"Who told you that?" he asked. "We ain’t the only hunters after you." Walt said and he pumps his shotgun. "See you in the next life." he said. "Hear me out. I can explain, okay? Please." Sam pleads but after a pause, Walt shoots Sam. "Sam!" (Y/n) screams while Dean jumps to go to Sam.

But Roy shifts to follow Dean’s movement. "Stay the hell down." Roy ordered and Dean stops then he and (y/n) share a look of fear before they both look at Sam's body. "Shoot 'em." Walt said, nodding to the couple. "Killin’ Sam was right but Dean and (y/n)…" Roy said, unsure.

"He made us and we just snuffed his brother, you idiot. You want to spend the rest of your life knowing Dean Winchester and (y/n) (l/n)'s on your ass, ‘cause I don’t. Shoot 'em." Walt demanded and Dean and (y/n) turn to face them. "Go ahead, Roy, do it. But I’m going warn you, when I come back I’m going to be pissed. C’mon! Let’s get this show on the road." Dean growls but Roy seemed like he could do it.

"Come on, already." Walt said, impatiently, and he steps forward and shoots (y/n) then Dean.

Dean was sitting in the Impala, sleeping, and was wearing his leather jacket over his normal clothes. Thunder sounds out which wakes him up. He gets out of the car and shuts the door. The trunk closes and Dean turns toward the sound. Teenaged Sam and (y/n) are there holding a crate of fireworks between them.

"Sammy? (y/n)?" Dean said, confused. "Come on, let’s go." Sam said as he and (y/n) walk off. "Weird dream." Dean mutters a she follows them. The two place the fireworks on the ground and (y/n) pulls out one for her then Sam pulls out two. "Got your lighter?" Sam asked Dean, who checks his pockets and pulls out an old lighter.

"Whoa, I haven’t seen this in years." Dean said, looking at it, while Sam hands him the other firework. "Fire 'em up." (y/n) said, excitedly. Dean lights Sam’s firework then (y/n)'s then his own. They go off, shooting red sparks into the sky, and Dean smiles.

"I remember this! It’s Fourth of July, 1996." Dean said then the fireworks die. Dean looks down at Sam and (y/n), they look over at him and he could tell they were happy. "Dad would never let us do anything like this. Thanks, Dean. This is great." Sam said then he hugs Dean. "Yeah, thanks, Dean." (Y/n) and she hugs him too.

Dean is startled by this then he hugs both of them back. The two teens pull away and (y/n) lights all the fireworks then runs away. "Fire in the hole!" she shouts and the fireworks start to explode.

The trio back away and all of them laugh with joy before Sam takes (y/n)'s hand and both of them go out on the field to dance under the sparks. Sam nods to Dean, acknowledging the special moment, and Dean nods back. "C'mon, Dean! Join us!" (Y/n) said to him. But then there was an especially loud explosion, then another, and Dean flashes back to the hotel room and being shot by Walt. Then he’s back in the field but Sam and (y/n) and the fireworks are gone.

"Sam? (Y/n)?" Dean calls out and he goes back to the Impala and leans on the roof. The radio comes on, very staticy. "Dean!" a voice calls out through the radio. Dean leans in the driver’s side window. "Cas?" he asked. "Yeah, it’s me." Castiel replied and Dean gets back in the car.

"You gotta stop poking around in my dreams. I need some me time." Dean said. "Listen to me very closely. This isn’t a dream." Castiel said and Dean looks around. "Then what is it?" Dean asked. "Deep down, you already know." Castiel said and Dean flashes, again, on Walt shooting Sam, then (y/n) then himself.

"I’m dead." He said, finally. "Condolences." Castiel said. "Where am I?" Dean asked. "Heaven." Castiel said. "Heaven? How did I get to heaven?" Dean asked. "Please, listen. This spell, this connection, it’s difficult to maintain." Castiel tells him.

"Wait. If I’m in heaven, then where’s Sam and (y/n)?" Dean asked, worried. "What do you see?" Castiel asked him. "What do you mean what do I see?" Dean said, confused. "Some people see a tunnel or a river. What do you see?" Castiel asked. "Nothing. My dash. I’m in my car. I’m on a road." Dean said. "Alright. A road. For you it’s a road. Follow it, Dean. You’ll find Sam and (y/n)." Castiel said then the radio starts breaking up. "Follow the road." Castiel said before the radio dies.

Dean starts the Impala and drives down the dark highway, the moon is huge and the sky is purple-toned and odd. Minutes later, he pulls up to a familiar looking house and Dean realized that this was one of (y/n)'s safe houses and the moon quickly shifts to daylight. He looks around but there is nothing but the house.

Meanwhile, (y/n) was sleeping until she heard a loud noise. She jolts awake only to see a 13 year old Sam holding a noisemaker. "Happy Birthday!" Sam exclaimed as (y/n) sits up. "Sam? What the hell?" She asked as she wipes away the sleep in her eyes. "Come on! Dean and I have got something to show ya!" Sam said, excitedly, and he grabs her arm while (y/n) shakes her head from this weird dream she had. A flash of Sam getting shot then the gun aimed at her.

She blinks a few times as Sam leads her out of her room when (y/n) looks down and noticed that she was wearing shorts and a light blue t-shirt. Normally, she would be embarrassed but at this point she was too groggy to care.

"Sam, where are we...?" She started to ask when Sam leads her downstairs and into the kitchen to see a birthday cake with candles on and 17 year old Dean standing by the counter where three wrapped presents stood near the edge. "Surprise!" Both boys said and (y/n) let's out a small laugh.

I remember this!! This was my 13th birthday. she thought as she looks between the boys. "What do you think?" Dean asked her. "Guys, this is...this is amazing." She said, shocked. "Well, c'mon, birthday girl, go blow out the candles!" Dean said and (y/n) giggles then blows out the candles and the boys applaud.

"Mmm, nothing like birthday cake for breakfast." (Y/n) said as they each get a slice a cake. "Yeah, your dad left us some money and we can order pizza later." Sam said and (y/n) smiles. "That sounds awesome." (Y/n) said as Sam grabs a small present. "Here." He said as he hands the present to her.

She takes it and opens it to see it was a small blue velvet box. She opens it and sees a silver cross necklace with a small pearl in the middle of the cross, her jaw drops slightly. "Oh Sam, this is beautiful." She said and Sam smiles and she looks up at him. "I love it." She said and she immediately puts it on.

"Glad you like it." He said. "Alright, my turn!" Dean said and he hands her another small present. She opens it and sees a cassette tape with the label that reads Happy Birthday, (y/n). (Y/n) looks up at Dean, her heart beating hard against her chest. "Did you make me a mixtape?" She asked him, shocked. "Yeah...I took notice of which ones were your favorite songs and put them in this tape here." Dean said and a smile slowly forms on her face.

"Don't Stop Believin'?"

"Yep."

"Don't You (Forget About Me)?"

"Yep."

"Take On Me?"

"Yes."

"Wanted Dead Or Alive?" She asked, smiling. "Even though sometimes I question your taste in music, you're lucky that song is awesome. But yeah, those and more are in there. Plus, I might've added a few of my personal favorites." Dean said, looking proud, and (y/n) laughs. "Thank you, Dean. I know I'm gonna love it but...I can't wait to play it." She said and Dean smiles at her. Then she noticed another present but this one was a bit bigger than the boys' present.

"What's that?" She asked and Dean slides it to her. "It's from your dad." He said. "Yeah, he'd had hoped he'd be back by now but he told us to give this to you if he didn't make it back." Sam said and (y/n) nods and opens the present which was a long t-shirt box. She opens the box to see a note over it and she picks it up and reads:

Sorry if this doesn't fit but hopefully you'll grow into it.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Dad

She looks into the box and sees a black leather jacket. "Oh my God!" (Y/n) mutters as she stares at it. "This is awesome!" She exclaims and she puts the jacket on.

"I remember that." A deep voice said behind her. (Y/n) jumps then looks behind her to see Present Day Dean standing there. She looks at him then looks at the 17 year old version Dean then back at Present Day Dean. "Dean?" She said, confused, and goes over to him while the younger Sam and Dean continue on the conversation as if she hadn't left.

"What are you doing here? What's going on?" She asked him and he looks down at her outfit and smirks. "Nice shorts." He remarks and she looks down at them. "Oh, haha. But, seriously, Dean, what are you doing in my dream?" She asked him. "(Y/n), you have to listen to me. This isn't a dream, it's Heaven." Dean said and (y/n)'s eyes widen.

"Heaven? So, that means....we're...dead?" She asked and Dean nods. "So, what? Is Heaven just us reliving our favorite moments in life?" (Y/n) asked him and Dean shrugs. "I don't know, maybe but...we need to find Sam." He said and (y/n) nods. "Okay, I'll follow you." She said and they walk out of the house.

As they left the house, (y/n)'s clothes changed into her normal clothes, which was jeans, boots, white t-shirt and her leather jacket, and they get into the Impala and take off. "So, what moment did you wake up in?" (Y/n) asked Dean as they drive along down the road. "Fourth of July, 1996." He replied and (y/n) smiled.

"Oh, yeah, I remember that. That was such a fun day, shooting off those fireworks." (Y/n) said, smiling as she reminisces. "Yeah...you know seeing your memory did remind me...what happened to that tape I made for you?" Dean asked and (y/n) looks over at him. "Oh that's in my tape player in my room at that safe house. When we get out of here, I can show you." She said and Dean nods as they continue down the road.

Eventually, they pull up in front of a nice three-story house, slightly old-fashioned looking, lights are bright inside it. Dean qnd (y/n) climb slowly out of the car then look around but there is nothing but the house.

Inside, a man is carving turkey and he places a huge piece on Sam’s plate. Sam is dressed in a white shirt and tie. "Thank you." Sam said. "So, Sam. I hear you’re new to McKinley." the man said. "Um, yes sir. Two weeks." Sam replied. "Stephanie over here just can’t seem to stop talking about you." the man said as he gestures to his daughter, who was sitting next to Sam.

"Dad, shut up." Stephanie said and she smiles at Sam, who smiles back nervously. She grabs his thigh and Sam jumps. "Ummm." he said, nervously, then he looks up to see Dean and (y/n) walking into the dining room. "Wow. Just wow." Dean said.

"Dean? (y/n)? What are you two doing in my dream?" Sam asked and Dean just makes a face in response. "Boy, do we have a tale to tell you." (Y/n) said as she scratches behind her head.

The conversation in the dining room continues even though Sam is no longer seated at the table. He is in the living room with Dean and (y/n). "Heaven." Sam said, stunned. "Yup." Dean said. "Okay, how are we in heaven?" Sam asked. "All that clean living, I guess." (y/n) said, sarcastically, and Sam shakes his head.

"No, no. Okay. You two…I get, sure. But me? Maybe you haven’t noticed, but I’ve done a few things?" Sam said. "You thought you were doing the right thing." Dean tells him. "Last I checked, it wasn’t the road to heaven that was paved with good intentions." Sam said. "Yeah, well, if this is the Skymall it sucks. I mean, where’s the triplets and the latex, you know? C’mon, a guy has needs." Dean said, with sarcasm, and (y/n) elbows him on his side. "I was kidding, baby." He said. "Mm-hmm." She said, unimpressed.

Sam looks at Stephanie’s family, still eating dinner as if he’s there. "You know, when you bite the dust they say your life flashes before your eyes." Sam said. "Your point?" Sam asked. "This house, it’s one of my memories." Sam said.

"When I woke up, I woke up in one of my memories. The Fourth of July we burned down that field?" Dean said and (y/n) nods. "And I woke up to my thirteenth birthday." She said. "Maybe that’s what heaven is: a place where you relive your greatest hits." Sam said and (y/n) turns to Dean. "See? I told you." She said.

"Wait, so…playing footsie with brace-face in there? Then that’s a trophy moment for you?" Dean asked Sam. "Dean, I was eleven years old. This was my first real Thanksgiving." Sam said, exasperated. "What are you talking about? We had Thanksgiving every year." Dean said. "We had a bucket of extra-crispy and Dad passed out on the couch." Sam sighed.

At that moment, there was a rumbling noise from outside. Dean, Sam and (y/n) look around. "I don’t remember this." Sam said then the lights go out but the family continues eating. The house then begins to shake. "Hey." (y/n) said then they look at the family. "We should, uh…" she said and Dean nods. "Definitely." Sam said and they run to the far corner of the room. Sam stands up beside the window, Dean and (y/n) duck behind the couch. The glass in a picture on the mantle breaks.

A searchlight streams through the window. Dean and (y/n) drop down lower as more furniture falls over and more glass breaks. Then the searchlight disappears. The lights come on in the house and Sam, Dean and (y/n) leave their hiding places. The family is still eating and talking in the background.

Dean sees a radio and goes to it while Sam and (y/n) follow. "Okay, what the hell was that?" Sam asked. "I don’t know, but we are taking the escalator back downstairs." Dean said then he hits the radio. "Cas!" Dean yells.

"What are you doing?" (y/n) asked him. "What’s it look like?" Dean said to her. "Like you’ve lost your mind." Sam adds and Dean gives him an exasperated look. "Cas talked to me before using this phone-home radio thing, so I— Cas!" Dean yells and the TV behind them starts to flicker.

"I can hear you." Cas' voice said and the trio move over to the TV. They can see Castiel but the picture rolls and is filled with static. His voice fades in and out and is sometimes distorted. "Cas. Hey! So I, uh, I found Sam and (y/n) but, but something just happened. There was this weird beam of light." Dean explains.

"Don’t go into the light." Castiel warns. "Okay. Thanks, Carol Ann. What was it?" (y/n) asked. "Not what, whom. Zachariah. He’s searching for you." Castiel said. "And if he finds us?" Sam asked. "You can’t say yes to Michael and Lucifer if you’re dead, so Zachariah needs to return you to your bodies." Castiel said. "Great! Problem solved." Sam said, relieved.

"No. You don’t understand. You, hm. You’re behind the Wall. This is a rare opportunity." Castiel said. "For what?" Dean asked. "You need to find an angel. His name is Joshua." Castiel replied. "Hey, man, no offense but we are kind of ass full of angels, okay. You find him." Dean said. "I can’t. I can’t return to heaven." Castiel said. "What about Ariel? Can't she talk to him?" (Y/n) asked. "She's tried but they won't let her back in Heaven." Castiel said.

"So what’s so important about Joshua?" Sam asked. "The rumor is, he talks to God." Castiel said. "And, so?" Dean said, shrugging. "You think maybe—just maybe—we should find out what the hell God has been saying?" Castiel asked, annoyed. "Jeez. Touchy." Dean said, a bit offended. "Please. I just need you to follow the road." Castiel pleads.

"What road?" Sam asked. "It’s called the Axis Mundi. It’s a path that runs through heaven. Different people see it as different things. For you, it’s two-lane asphalt. The road will lead you to the Garden. You’ll find Joshua there. And Joshua…can take us to God." Castiel said then the pictures starts to break up badly. "The Garden. Quick. Hurry." Castiel said before the TV dies.

Sam takes a deep breath then the trio turn to each other. "So...What do you boys think?" (y/n) asked them. "I think we hit the yellow bricks, find this Joshua cat." Dean said and Sam looks at him, surprised.

"Really?" He asked. "What? You don’t?" Dean asked. "No, uh. I’m just surprised you do. Last time I checked you wanted to break God’s nose, now you think he can help?" Sam asked. "He’s the only one who can. I mean, come on, Sam. We are royally boned. So prayer? The last hope of a desperate man." Dean said and (y/n) turns to Sam. "He has a point." She said and Sam sighs.

Dean opens the front door followed closely by Sam and (y/n). They stop, look around only to see there’s nothing but forest where the road used to be. "Wasn’t there a street out here?" (y/n) asked them. "There was." Dean said then they walk back into the hallway and Dean starts looking around.

"Dean. What are you doing?" Sam asked him. "Looking for a road." Dean replied. "You…" Sam started to say until Dean opens the closet under the stairs. "You think the road is in a closet?" he asked as Dean turns on the light. "We’re in heaven, Sam, okay? I mean, our memories are coming true. Cas is on TV. Finding a road in a closet would be pretty much the most normal thing to happen to us today." Dean said as he noticed something on the floor.

It is a small Hot Wheels set on the floor which Dean makes a face at and bends down to it. "What?" (y/n) asked him, curiously, as Dean picks up a blue car. "I used to have one of these…when I was a kid." Dean replied then he puts the car on the track and sets it in motion.

Suddenly, Dean's position has changed, he is now wearing sneakers with one shoelace untied, a T-shirt and a flannel button-up. The leather jacket is gone. Sam is back in his normal hunter clothes. "That was the road?" (y/n) asked, confused. "I guess." Dean said and he looks around and see that they are in a room suitable for a young boy. They stand up.

"Kind of trippy, right?" Dean asked the others. "Yeah." Sam and (y/n) said, in unison then Sam looks at Dean’s shirt. "More trippy. Um. Apparently, you wuv hugs." Sam teased and (y/n) notices the shirt as well. "Aww, how cute." She teased and Dean covers his T-shirt. "Shut up." Dean grumbles, making Sam and (y/n) laugh.

They look around the room until Dean realizes something. "Wait a minute. I know where we are." he said. "Where?" Sam asked. "We’re home." Dean replied.

"Dean…" a female voice said and the trio turn to the doorway to see Mary standing there looking young and pretty in a tight, white dress. "Hey, Dean. You hungry?" she asked him as all three of them stare at her.

Next thing they know, Dean is sitting at the kitchen table and Mary is pouring him a glass of milk and he has a sandwich in front of him. He smiles at her as she looks at him. "You want the crust cut off?" she asked him. "Yeah. I’d love that." Dean said and she does as he asked.

"Mom?" Sam calls out but there was no response. Dean looks at Sam and (y/n), then at Mary. She looks at him but not at Sam or (y/n). "I guess this is not your memory, Sam. Sorry." Dean said. "Dean, uh. We should…go. Keep looking for the road." Sam said. "Just…just give me a minute, okay?" Dean said.

"Dean…" (y/n) whispers. "(Y/n). Please. One minute." Dean pleads to her and she gives him a sympathetic look then nods. Mary ruffles Dean’s hair as she moves away from the table. The phone rings and Dean turns to watch her answer it. "Hello?…No, John.…We’re not having this conversation again. Think about what?…You’ve two boys at home." Mary said into the phone.

"I remember this. Mom and Dad were fighting and then he moved out for a couple days." Dean said as they all watch Mary. "Dad always said they had the perfect marriage." Sam said. "It wasn’t perfect until after she died." Dean added. "God..." (y/n) whispers as Mary continues to argue on the phone.

"Fine. Then don’t. There’s nothing more to talk about." she growls and she hangs up the phone and turns away from the table. She sniffs as if she’s fighting back tears. "What happens next?" (y/n) asked and Dean goes to Mary and hugs her. "It’s okay, Mom. Dad still loves you. I love you, too. I’ll never leave you." Dean said to her as she hugs him back.

Sam looks enlightened and (y/n) gives a small, sad smile. Mary and Dean break apart and she cups his cheek in her hands. "You are my little angel." She said as she smiles, widely. "How 'bout some pie? Okay." she said and she moves away to get the pie and Dean goes to where Sam and (y/n) are waiting.

Sam shakes his head, sadly. "What?" Dean asked him. "I just never realized how long you’ve been cleaning up Dad’s messes." Sam said and Dean frowns. "Whatever. Let’s keep moving." Dean mutters and Sam nods and starts to look.

Dean begins to walk too when (y/n) grabs his arm. "Dean..." she said, softly, as he turns his head to her. "I'm sorry." She said. She didn't know why she said it but she just had a weird feeling to say it and the two share a look for a moment before Dean nods, slightly. "C'mon..." he said and she nods and the two join Sam on looking.

They search the house, opening cupboards and drawers when (y/n) noticed something on the table. A single red rose that she knows wasn't there before. "What the...?" She said as she picks it up and noticed a little card attached to it. "What?" The boys asked as (y/n) picks up the card.

To: (y/n)

Thank you!

"I know this..." (y/n) said and she raises her head to see they are not at Sam and Dean's house, they are now outside of a movie theater and it's night. Dean was now in his normal hunting clothes, wearing his canvas coat and not the leather one, but (y/n)'s outfit was different. She looks down to see she was wearing a black skirt that was just above the knees, a sky blue tank top with an elastic strap, her black leather jacket and white sneakers.

"The Mummy?" Sam said and (y/n) looked up to see the sign on the theater that said Now Playing: The Mummy. "Holy crap!" (Y/n) exclaims. "What?" The boys asked her. "I know where we are." She said and before any of the boys could ask her a voice calls out to her.

"Hey, I got our tickets." A male voice said and she turns to see the familiar face of a teen boy with light brown hair and gray eyes, it was Elijah. "Oh, great!" (Y/n) said as Sam and Dean watch this. "C'mon, we better get in before all the good seats are taken." Elijah said and (y/n) chuckles. "Yeah, I'd hate to sit at the very front and give myself a neck cramp." (Y/n) said and Elijah laughs then he holds out his arms to her and she, nervously and reluctantly, takes his arm and they head into the theater, (y/n) looks over her shoulder at the boys and they follow her.

Once inside, Elijah looks over at the concession stand and pats (y/n)'s shoulder. "Hey, you want something? I can get a couple of drinks and we can share a popcorn." He said and (y/n) nods. "That sounds awesome." (Y/n) said and Elijah smiles and pulls his arm out of hers and goes to the stand.

"Isn't that Elijah?" Sam asked her and she turns. "Yes, it is." (Y/n) said and she notices Dean looks a bit upset. "Why is this one of your good memories?" He asked and she scoffs. "It was my first real date, Dean! Sue me!" She said, exasperated, and she looks down at her outfit. "I mean, you can tell it was my first date...I'd never wear this outfit on a date nowadays." She jokes.

"Why did you wear that?" Sam asked and (y/n) shrugs. "It was among the only nice clothes I had back then." (Y/n) said.

"Here...I got you a Coke." Elijah said as he comes back and hands one of the cups to (y/n) as he holds his cup in one hand and the bag of popcorn in his arms. She turns and takes the cup with a smile. "Thanks, Elijah. I mean, you didn’t have to do...all of this." She said, gesturing to the rose and the theater around her. "Hey, I wanted to thank you for saving my family, plus...I like you." He said, blushing a bit, and (y/n) smiles, embarrassed.

"Well, thanks. I-I-I like you too." She stutters, although Dean could hear a bit of unsure in her voice as she said this. "Well, we better go." Elijah said and (y/n) nods and he leaves but (y/n) stays.

She then walks over to the counter and sets the rose and drink down. "Come on, boys. We better get to looking." She said and the boys nod and they search around the lobby.

Minutes later, Sam pulls out a drawer out from the concession stand and finds a postcard that says Route 66. "I’ve seen this somewhere before." Sam said and Dean and (y/n) come up to him. "Where?" Dean asked and the scene changes as they are now in front of a wall covered with postcards all from Route 66. Dean steps in front of them and (y/n), wearing her normal clothes with her jacket still on, stands next to him. Sam’s clothes have changed as well: different shirt, slightly different coat.

"Where are we?" (Y/n) asked, confused, and Sam turns. "No way." Sam said as a golden retriever enters the room. Sam bends down, excitedly. "Bones! Hey, c’mere! C’mere!" Sam said and the dog comes up and licks his face. "Hey, hey, hey, hey…" Sam said to the dog and (y/n) smiles. "Aww, cute dog." She said.

"Bones?" Dean asked. "Yeah. Bones was my dog. Hey." Sam said and he stands up and goes to a cheap coffee table. He opens up a pizza box. "Your…your dog?" Dean asked. "Yeah." Sam said as he sits on the couch, pulling pizza out of the box. Bones is right beside him, tail wagging.

"Didn't know you had a dog." (Y/n) said while Dean is looking around, not happy. "Is this Flagstaff?" Dean asked Sam before he could reply to (y/n). "Yeah." Sam said and he pets Bones. "Hey, boy." he said to the dog.

"This is a good memory for you?" Dean asked Sam, who laughs. "Yeah. I mean, I was on my own for two weeks. I lived on Funyuns and Mr. Pibb." He said and he feeds Bones some of his pizza.

"Wow." Dean said, unimpressed. "What?" Sam asked. "Well, you don’t remember, do you? You ran away on my watch. I looked everywhere for you. I thought you were dead. And when Dad came home…" Dean stops as he looks upset and turns away. "Dean..." (y/n) said, softly, to him as Sam looks guilty.

"Dean, look, I’m sorry. I never thought about it like that." Sam said. "Forget it. Let’s roll." Dean said and he strides out of the room leaving Sam and (y/n) behind. "I think I remember that. John called my dad asking if you were with us and when Dad said no, I remember hearing John shouting in the phone. I couldn't understand what he was saying but...he was loud and angry." (Y/n) said and Sam looks down, the feeling a guilt hitting him stronger.

"C'mon, Sam." She said and she walks out. Sam watches her leave then he gives Bones a final treat before standing up to follow Dean and (y/n). Bones follows him so he bends down to give the dog a last pet. "Stay. Bones-y, stay." He said and he walks out the door.

Dean and (y/n) had walked outside into daylight, but it’s now night. Sam joins them in the middle of the street across from an old house with a wrap-around porch. When they turn to look at the shack they’d just left, it’s gone. Sam obviously remembers where they are and is confused by it while takes Dean a moment but he also figures it out.

"What memory is this?" (Y/n) asked the boys. "No idea." Sam lied then he sniffs. "Alright, come on." Sam said but Dean doesn't move while (y/n) goes over to Sam. "Dean…Road. God. Remember?" Sam said to Dean, who continues to look around.

"Wait a minute. Wait a minute. This?" Dean said and he looks at Sam, accusingly. "This is the night you ditched us for Stanford, isn’t it? This is your idea of heaven?" Dean asked him, angrily, while Sam stands there. "Wow." Dean mutters before he laughs painfully. "This was one of the worst nights of my life." Dean said, as he turns away. "I can’t control this stuff." Sam said then Dean turns back to face Sam.

"Seriously? I mean this is a happy memory for you?" Dean asked as he walks up to Sam and (y/n) stands in between the boys and placed her right hand on Dean's chest and her left hand on Sam's chest. "I don’t know. I mean, I was on my own. I finally got away from Dad." Sam said and Dean turns away and (y/n) lowers her hand.

"Yeah, he wasn’t the only one you got away from." said Dean. "Dean, I’m sorry. I just, uh…" Sam said. "I know. You didn’t, you didn’t think of it like that." Dean said. "Dean!" Sam said, upset. "Boys, please." (Y/n) said and Dean turns to Sam, sharply. "C’mon! Your heaven is somebody else’s Thanksgiving. Okay. It’s bailing on your family. What do you want me to say?" Dean yells.

"Man, I never got the crusts cut off my PB & J. I just don’t look at family the way you do." Sam said. "Yeah, but I’m your family." Dean yells. "Boys!" (Y/n) said, alittle louder, but the boys keep yelling. "I know…" Sam said. "I mean, we’re supposed to be a team. It’s supposed to be the three of us against the world, right?" Dean asked as he gestures between the three of them. "Dean, it is!" Sam shouts. "Is it?" Dean asked and Sam looks at him, devastated.

"Boys, please, stop!" (Y/n) shouts but before either of them could say anything, a searchlight hits them. They look up for a moment then they start running toward the trees at the side of the road.

"Go! Go!" Dean shouts as they run through the darkened woods, eventually jumping over a log and hiding behind it. They breathe hard as a man, walks after them, in nice, shiny dress shoes. It is Zachariah. "Wow. Running from angels. On foot. In heaven. With out-of-the-box thinking like that I’m surprised you three haven’t stopped the Apocalypse already." he said and he his fingers, making it daytime.

"Guys. What’s the problem? I just want to send you back to Earth, that’s all." Zachariah said as the trio peek over the log to see Zachariah standing a few yards away with his back to them. "I mean, that is, after I tear you a cosmos of new ones. You’re on my turf now, boys and girls. And by the time I through with you, you’re going to be begging to say yes." Zachariah threatens and the trio take off running.

Zachariah turns and sees them then smiles. Dean, Sam and (y/n) are running flat out but stop abruptly because Zachariah is in front of them. "Guys, c’mon. You can run but you can’t run." Zachariah said but the trio turn around and run back the way they came.

This time they come to a halt when confronted by a slim figure in a colorful mask and a gold cape. The figure lifts one finger to his mouth to indicate they should be silent. "Shh." He said and he waves them forward. "Hurry! This way." the figure said and he leads them to a small wooden shack.

He scribbles some symbols on the rusted door then opens it and runs inside. Dean, Sam and (y/n) follow. "Wait. Who are you?" Sam asked as they enter the room, which was dim and had tables and chairs visible in the light from windows on the far side.

The figure pulls off his mask and his cape, it was Ash. "Buenos dias, bitches." Ash greets. "Ash?" Dean said, confused, and Ash claps his hands twice and the lights come on. He spreads out his arms. "Welcome to my blue heaven." he said.

Dean looks around, stunned, while Sam and (y/n) smile. They’re in Ellen’s Roadhouse. "Good God, the Roadhouse. It even smells the same." Dean said as Ash picks up his cape and mask. "Bud, blood and beer nuts. It’s the best smell in the world." Ash said and he walks behind the bar and snaps his fingers. "How 'bout a cold one? Up here? No hangover." Ash asked and Dean, Sam and (y/n) sit on the bar stools.

"So…no offense…" Sam started to ask but Ash interrupts him, knowing what he was going to ask. "How did a dirt bag like me end up in a place like this? I’ve been saved, man. I was my congregation’s number one snake handler." Ash said and (y/n) smiles. "And you said this was your heaven?" she asked. "Yup! My own…personal…" Ash said and shotguns his beer while the trio watch. He burps.

"And when the angels jumped us? We were…" Sam said. "In your heaven." Ash finished. "So there’re two heavens?" (y/n) asked. "No. More like a hundred billion. So, no worries, it’ll take those angels boys a minute to catch up." Ash said.

"What?" Dean asked, confused. "See, you gotta stop thinking of heaven as one place. It’s more like a butt-load of places all crammed together. Like Disneyland except without all the anti-Semitism." Ash said and the trio still look confused.

"Disneyland?" Sam asked. "Mm-hmm. Yeah. See you got Winchesterland and (l/n)land." Ash said as he holds up his hands to indicate the bar. "Ashland." He points all around outside the bar. "A whole mess of everybody-else-lands. Put them all together: heaven. Right? At the center of it all? Is the Magic Kingdom. The Garden." he said.

"So everybody gets a little slice of paradise." (y/n) said, understanding "Pretty much. A few people share—special cases. What not." Ash said. "What do you mean special?" Dean asked. "Aw, you know. Like, uh, soul-mates." Ash said and Dean and (y/n) share a glance. "Anyway. Most people can’t leave their own private Idaho’s." Ash said. "But you ain’t most people." (y/n) said.

"Nope. They ain’t got my skills. Hell, I’ve been all over. Johnny Cash. André the Giant." He listed then he turns to Sam. "Einstein. Sam, that man can mix a White Russian. Hell, the other day? I found Mallanāga Vātsyāyana." He said. "Who?" Sam asked. "He wrote the Kama Sutra. Huh, that boy’s heaven? Ah, sweaty. Confusing." Ash said.

"All this from a guy who used to sleep on a pool table." Dean jokes and Ash nods. "Yeah. Now that I’m dead, I’m living, man, a whole lot more." he said.

"So how’d you find us?" Sam asked him. "I rigged up my very own holy-rolling police scanner." Ash said as he pulls out a laptop then hits the power button and it starts up, displaying a mess of sound graphs and making an annoying piercing sound.

"That’s angels. Blabbing Enochian, okay? I’m fluent." He said then he turns it off and puts in back under the counter. "I heard that you were up. Of course I had to come find you. Again." He said. "Again?" (y/n) asked. "This ain’t the first time here. I mean, you three die more than anyone I’ve ever met." Ash said. "Really." Dean said, surprised. "Ah, yeah… you don’t remember. God! Angels. Must’ve Windexed your brain." Ash said.

"So, uh. I mean, have you found anybody else? Ellen and Jo?" Sam asked him and Ash look taken aback. "Ellen and Jo are dead?" he asked and (y/n) looks upset and doesn’t answer. Ash looks to Dean and Sam. Sam looks guilty and sad while Dean turns his head away.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah. A few months now. Sorry." Sam said and Ash takes a minute to compose himself. "Um, hmm. Uh, they went down fighting?" he asked and Sam nods. "Yeah. 'Til the end." (y/n) tells him. "Yeah, a lot of good it did." Dean said, bitterly, then he looks back at Ash.

"How ‘bout our folks?" Dean asked him. "I’ve been looking all over for John Winchester, Mary too, but so far: nada. Same thing for (f/n) and (m/n). I’m sorry. But hey! There is somebody that wants to jaw with you. Hold up." Ash said and he leaves the bar and goes into the back room that used to be his. There are symbols on it like the ones he chalked onto the door of the shack.

It only takes moments before he’s returning with Pamela Barnes. The trio look happily surprised. "Pamela!" Sam said. "Nice to see you three again." Pamela said, her eyes were normal now. "Ooo." Ash said, fake shivering.

Later, Sam and Ash are sitting at the bar as Ash is working the laptop. "So this is how you get around up here?" Sam asked him. "Hm, more or less. It’s awesome to finally have an application—a practical application—for string theory." Ash said while Dean, Pamela and (y/n) are sitting at one of the tables in the raised section.

"So!" Dean said. "So." Pamela said before she reaches over and swats both of them lightly on the head. "That’s for getting me killed." She said to them. "Yeah. That’s…probably less than we deserve." (y/n) said. "Makes you feel any better, we got Ash killed too." Dean said while, at the bar, Ash raises his hand in a rock salute. "I’m cool with it." He calls out as he snaps his fingers.

"He’s cool with it. So you…you good?" Dean asked Pamela. "I’m good. Really. Remember my death scene? Gut shot. Coughing blood. You told me I was going someplace better." Pamela said. "I was lying." Dean said. "You were right! My heaven? It is one long show at the Meadowlands. It’s amazing! You should see it." Pamela said, happily.

"Yeah." Dean said as (y/n) shrugs. "You two don’t believe me." Pamela said, questioning. "No, we do, it’s just, you know. Spending eternity trapped in your own little universe while the angels run the show, that’s lonely. You know. That’s not Nirvana. That’s the Matrix." (y/n) said. "I don’t know. Attic’s still better than the basement." Pamela said.

"Yeah, but you know this place feels real, but it’s Memorex. Real is down there." Dean said as he holds his hands out. "Yeah, well, close enough. Look, guys, I’m happy. I’m at peace." Pamela said.

"What? Are you trying to sell us a time share? I mean, what’s with the pitch?" Dean asked her and she chuckles. "I know that Michael wants to take you out for a test drive." Pamela said. "Pamela…" Dean interrupts but Pamela shakes her head. "Just saying. What happens if you play ball with them? Worst case." She said.

"A lot of people die." (Y/n) said, eyeing her. "And then they come here. Is that really so bad? Look. Maybe…you don’t have to fight it so hard. That’s all I’m trying to say." she said just as Ash and Sam turn on their seats.

"Hey! Found a short cut to the Garden." Sam said and Ash gives them a thumbs up, Pamela returns it. "Oh yeah." He exclaims.

Underneath a Come In We’re Open sign, Ash draws another sigil-formula. "All Access Pass to the Magic Kingdom." he said as Dean and (y/n) stand behind him. "Good." Dean said and Ash turns to look at him. "Not good?" (y/n) asked. "That Zachary fella’s going to be watching every road to the Garden." Ash warns them while Sam and Pamela hug.

"Watch your ass." she tells him and Sam nods and leaves. "It was nice seeing you again, Pamela." (Y/n) said and Pamela nods before the two hug then she goes and hugs Dean. "You better keep an eye on him." Pamela said to (y/n) as she points at Dean. "I will." (Y/n) said as Ash finishes his formula and stands up.

"Ah, gentlemen and lady. I don’t mean to be a downer or anything but…I’m sure I’ll see you again soon." He said. "Well, keep a sixer on ice for us." Dean tells him. "Yeah." Ash said, nodding, and he opens the door and they walk through, Sam first.

It’s the house in Lawrence, which is dark, empty and kind of spooky, a train’s whistle could be heard. "What the…Why are we back home?" Dean asked. "I don’t know." Sam said as he looks around.

"So what are we going to do?" (Y/n) asked. "Keep looking for the road again, I guess." Dean said when Mary appears behind him. She’s in her nightgown, the same one she was wearing the night she was killed.

"Honey. Why are you up?" Mary asked and Dean turns to her. "Look. I’m-I’m sorry. I love you but you’re not real and we don’t have time—" Dean said but Mary keeps going. "Did you have another nightmare? Tell me." she said.

"I gotta go." Dean said to her. "Then how 'bout I tell you my nightmare, Dean? The night I burned." she said and blood appears on the nightgown above her stomach. "Guys, let’s get out of here." Dean said in a shaky voice and they turn to go.

"Don’t you walk away from me." Mary growls and Dean stops. "I never loved you. You were my burden. I was shackled to you. Look what it got me." Mary said and she blinks and her eyes turn yellow, which made everyone stand frozen in place.

"Dean." Sam and (y/n) said. Dean turns to them, looking devastated. Then the lights in the house change color, taking on an unhealthy green hue. The room changes around them; and the doors are gone. Mary blinks and her eyes are her own again. "The worst was the smell. The pain, well. What can you say about your skin bubbling off? But the smell was so…You know, for a second I thought I’d left a pot roast burning in the oven. But…it was my meat." Mary said as Dean moves away.

He goes to the wall to investigate where the doorway used to be. It’s bricked over. "And then, finally, I was dead. The one silver lining was that at least I was away from you." She said and she takes a big breath. "Everybody leaves you, Dean. You noticed? Mommy. Daddy. Even Sam. And eventually, (y/n) will grow bored of you and walk away." Mary said as Sam looks very upset at her words but he doesn’t say anything. (y/n) shakes her head at this. "You ever ask yourself why? Maybe it’s not them. Maybe, it’s you." Mary said to Dean then she chuckles.

"Easy now, kitten." Zachariah said as he walks in behind Mary while she smiles in evil glee. "You did this." (y/n) accused. "And I’m just getting started. I mean, guys. Did you really think you could just sneak past me into Mission Control?" Zachariah said. "You son of a bitch." Sam growls.

Then very large angel goons appear behind Sam, Dean and (y/n), holding them easily in place. "You know, I’d say the same thing about you, Sam, but I have actually grown quite fond of your mother. Or at least the Blessed Memory of her." Zachariah said and he moves Mary’s hair then bends down and kisses her neck.

Dean has to look away. "I think we’re going to be logging a lot of quality time together. I’ve discovered she’s quite the...MILF." Zachariah laughs. "You can gloat all you want, you dick, you’re still bald." Dean retorts. "In heaven, I have six wings and four faces, one of whom is a lion. You see this because you’re…" Zachariah said as he run his fingers down Mary’s arm. "...limited." Zachariah said then snaps his fingers and the image of Mary disappears.

"Let’s brass tack this, shall we?" Zachariah asked. "You gonna ball-gag us until we say yes? Huh, yeah, I’ve heard that one too." Dean said and Zachariah steps up to Dean, gives a small chuckle then turns, quickly, and slams his fist in (y/n)'s stomach. She folds over with a pained groan.

"(Y/N)!" Dean and Sam yell. "I’m going to do a lot more than that. I’ve cleared my schedule. Get her up." Zachariah demands and the angels get (y/n) up and he punches her again. The boys struggle against the angel holding them. "Leave her alone, you son of a bitch!" Dean shouts, angrily.

"You know, I noticed that this little girl is both of you boys' weakness. Especially you, Dean. And maybe...hurting her..." Zachariah said and he punches (y/n) again, making her scream out in pain again. "...will break you two." He said and he punches her again.

"Let me tell you something. I was on the fast track once. Employee of the month, every month, forever. I would walk these halls and people would AVERT THEIR EYES!" Zachariah said and the house rumbles and shakes. "I HAD RESPECT! And then they assigned me you. Now look at me." Zachariah said, gesturing to Dean, then he chuckles unhappily. "I can’t close the deal on a couple of flannel-wearing maggots? Everybody’s laughing at me…and they’re right to do it. So! Say yes, don’t say yes; I’m still going to take it out of your asses. It’s personal now, boys, and the last person in the history of creation you want as your enemy is me. And I’ll tell you why. Lucifer may be strong, but I’m… petty’. I’m going to be the angel on your shoulder for the rest of eternity." Zachariah said and he goes to raise his fist again to (y/n) but a voice makes him stop.

"Excuse me. Sir?" the voice said and Zachariah turns to face the newcomer, A slightly, older, black man. "I’m in a meeting." Zachariah tells him. "I’m sorry. I need to speak to those three." the man said. "Excuse me?" Zachariah said, shocked. "It’s a bad time, I know, but I’m afraid I have to insist." the old man said. "You don’t get to insist jack-squat." Zachariah spat but the newcomer doesn’t back down, just stares at Zachariah. It seems to unnerve him.

"No, you’re right. But the boss does. His orders." the man said. "You’re lying." Zachariah tells him, uncertain. "I wouldn’t lie about this. Look, fire me if you want. Sooner or later, he’s going to come back home and you know how he is with that whole wrath thing." the man said and Zachariah looks at the trio.

He looks back at the man but ths old man doesn’t back down. There’s the fluttering of wings and Zachariah and his goons have disappeared. (Y/n) gasps and groans as the boys go over to her. "You okay, (y/n)?" Sam asked her as Dean gives her a look of fear and worry. "Never better." (Y/n) said and they help her up to see they are no longer in the house with its creepy green lighting.

They are in a verdant, green garden—a conservatory, surrounded with the sounds of a forest. They walk down stone steps, approaching the old man who saved them. "This is heaven’s Garden?" Sam asked. "It’s-it’s nice…ish. I guess." Dean said. "Kinda peaceful looking." (Y/n) said. "You see what you want to here. For some it’s God’s throne room; for others it’s Eden. You three, I believe it’s the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. You came here on a field trip." The man said and Sam nods in agreement and remembrance.

"You’re Joshua." (y/n) said and Joshua nods. "I’m Joshua." he said. "So, you talk to God." said Sam. "Mostly, He talks to me." Joshua said. "Well, we need to speak to Him. It’s important." (y/n) said.

"Where is he?" Dean asked. "On Earth." Joshua replied. "Doing what?" Dean asked. "I don’t know." Joshua said, shrugging. "Do you know where on Earth?" asked Sam. "No, sorry. We don’t exactly speak face-to-face." Joshua replied.

"I…I don’t get it. God’s not talking to nobody so…" (y/n) said then Joshua speaks over her. "Why’s he talking to me. I sometimes think it’s because I can sympathize—gardener to gardener—and, between us, I think he gets lonely." he said. "Well, my heart’s breaking for him." Dean said, disgusted.

"Well, can you at least get him a message for us?" Sam asked. "Actually, he has a message for you. Back off." Joshua said, which makes the trio taken aback. "What?" Dean said, shocked. "He knows already. Everything you want to tell him." Joshua said.

"But…" (y/n) said but Joshua shakes his head. "He knows what the angels are doing. He knows that the Apocalypse has begun. He just doesn’t think it’s his problem." he said. "Not his problem?" Dean said, stunned. "God saved you already. He put you on that plane. He brought back Castiel and Ariel. He granted you salvation in heaven..." Joshua said then he turns to face Sam directly. "...and after everything you’ve done too. It’s more than he’s intervened in a long time. He’s finished. Magic amulet or not, you won’t be able to find him." He said.

"But he can stop it. He can stop all of it." Dean said. "I suppose he could, but he won’t." said Joshua. "Why not?" (y/n) asked. "Why does he allow evil in the first place? You could drive yourself nuts asking questions like that." Joshua said.

"So he’s just going to sit back and watch the world burn?" asked Dean. "I know how important this was to you, Dean. I’m sorry." Joshua said. "Forget it. Just another dead-beat dad with a bunch of excuses, right. I’m used to that. I’ll muddle through." Dean said, emotional. "Except…you don’t know if you can, this time. You can’t kill the Devil, and you’re losing faith, in yourself, your brother, your girlfriend and now this?" Joshua said and Sam and (y/n) look at Dean, realizing just how desperate and depressed Dean really is.

"God was your last hope. I just…I wish I could tell you something different." said Joshua. "How do we know you’re telling the truth?" Sam asked. "You think that I would lie?" Joshua asked, stunned. "It’s just that…you’re not exactly the first angel we’ve met." (y/n) said. "I’m rooting for you three! I wish I could do more to help you, I do! But...I just trim the hedges." Joshua said, truthfully.

"So what now." Dean said, questioning. "You go home again. I’m afraid this time, won’t be like the last. This time, God wants you to remember." Joshua said as he raises his hand. There’s a whooshing sound and a bright light, similar to the one at the convent, blinds them.

Sam’s eyes open and he sucks in a huge breath and sits up in shock. He pants as two more whooshing sounds are heard again and Dean and (y/n) sit up on the second bed. Dean coughs and looks down at his chest as (y/n) takes in a deep breath and pants as well.

"You guys alright?" Sam asked them. "Define alright." Dean said and he reaches over and picks up his cell phone. He stands up as he dials and (y/n) could see his back is covered in blood from the exit wounds.

Castiel and Ariel, looking lost and without hope, lean against the divider while Dean, Sam and (y/n) pack up their gear in the background. "Maybe…maybe Joshua was lying." Castiel said and the trio look at him. "I don’t think he was, Cas. I’m sorry." Sam said then he sighs.

(y/n) watches as Ariel moves into the entryway then looks up. "You son of a bitch. I believed in…" she growls, with anger, as she searches above for any sign, anything…There is nothing. Cas looks up as well, as if he'd get answers but nothing as well.

Ariel lowers her head, hits the side of her fist against the doorway, hard but not hard enough to do damage, and Cas turns back to the trio, looking at Dean. He pulls the amulet from his pocket. "We don’t need this anymore." he said as he tosses it to Dean who shakes it out to look at it. "It’s worthless." Castiel sneers and he turns away.

"Guys. Wait." (y/n) calls out to them but the sounds of wings were heard and Cas and Ariel were gone. Sam tosses his shirt on the bed, angrily, (y/n) places her hands over her face, letting out a long sigh, while Dean hasn’t looked up from the amulet in his hands.

"We’ll find another way. We can still stop all this, Dean." Sam said and Dean looks up at him. "How?" he asked. "I don’t know, but we’ll find it. All three of us, we’ll find it." Sam said but Dean doesn’t look like he believes him and Sam knows it, as does (y/n).

Dean picks up his bag and walks past Sam and (y/n) without saying anything, he doesn’t even look at them. At the door he pauses and drops the amulet in the trash then opens the door and leaves.

Behind him, Sam takes a deep breath, looking sad, but determined, and he walks out. (Y/n) stands there for a moment then walks over to the trash can and sees the amulet. Part of her wanted to leave it but...she couldn't.

So she bends down and picks up the amulet and stares at it. Then, quickly, pockets it and heads out of the room, shutting the door behind her and heads over to the Impala.

@rach5ive @kitsun369 @itzabbyxx @cevans-winchester @ellie-andthemachine

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baldwin-montclair · 5 months

Text

Baldwin’s Nightingale (Part 20)

Characters: Baldwin Montclair/OC

Timeframe: Can safely say AU at this point, after Matthew and Diana go back in time and before they return

Summary: After escaping Benjamin (and Gerbert) with help of Rebecca’s magic, the trio arrive in Sept Tours. Questions demand answers, secrets are revealed and the newlyweds encounter a serious challenge to their marriage.

Spoiler Warning: TV Show canon S1-S2, goes AU after that, some Book of Life

Tag requests: @christi14 @poemfreak306 @pookie-cleary @hofficoffi @stormyheart326 @wonderlander594 @madamquacklemore @thereadersmuse @kynthiamoon @ordinarymom1 @fuzzyflowervoid @maybelightning @lady-lazarus-declermont @whoa-studymuch @shugensha

The Story So Far

Alisha swallowed hard as nobody moved for several seconds. Baldwin and Marcus had been interrupted mid-fight and the rest of the gathered creatures stood in reflex to the vampire brawl about to blow through the room.

“Becca,” Miyako grabbed her cousin’s arm, pulling her back, and putting herself between the bright-born and, potentially, her father.

Understanding what was possibly about to happen, Alisha joined Miyako in front of Rebecca.

Baldwin released Marcus and carefully regarded the three women.

“I see you returned my wife, safely, thank you Miyako,” Baldwin’s voice dripped with sarcasm, “I’m sure she simply got lost when this witch abducted her from the safety of her home.”

“You know she didn’t kidnap me,” Alisha answered back, causing both Miyako and Marcus to regard her with wide eyed fear, the latter even shaking his head in the hope to discourage her from provoking him.

“You know who I am,” Rebecca spoke up, drawing Baldwin’s ire from his wife and his daughter.

“I’ve known both who you are and where you have been for the last two weeks.”

“You let us think our friend was lost and in danger for all that time?” Nathaniel fumed.

“It was for their safety, the decision had nothing to do with you.”

“Stop this,” Ysabeau interjected calmly, regarding Rebecca with a flash of warm familiarity that Baldwin luckily did not see.

“That magic, I know it,” Sarah shook her head in confusion.

“You called her Rebecca.” Emily addressed Miyako.

“And Montclair called her a witch.” Sarah agreed.

“A witch and a vampire,” Marcus added, “with Matthew’s blood.”

“Papa,“ Miyako started carefully.

“Stop talking,” he warned and fixed his gaze upon Marcus.

“Take Madame de Clermont to our rooms, do whatever checks you need to do to ensure she is well.”

Marcus took a breath to argue but the look on Baldwin’s face was one he knew well.

Disagreement would not be productive.

“I’m fine,” Alisha argued, “and I’m staying with Rebecca and Miyako.”

“Miyako, escort our guest to my office,” Baldwin continued, ignoring Alisha’s protest, “I suggest the smaller reception room for your gathering Ysabeau, this one is much too draughty for warmbloods.”

“Wait-“ Sarah started but was led away by Em and followed behind by Nathaniel.

“Alisha, please,” Marcus held out his hand to gesture she lead the way and follow Baldwin’s directions.

Annoyed but with Baldwin, not Marcus, and not wishing him trouble, she relented and led Marcus and Phoebe to the turret.

Ysabeau glanced at her granddaughter then to Baldwin when the others had left.

“You know who she is?” He challenged.

“She has my blood, of course I know who she is.”

Baldwin sighed deeply crossing his arms and leant against the table.

Ysabeau recognised the exasperated, exhausted look as one frequently displayed upon his father when the strain of holding everything together became apparent.

She knew why he was struggling but would never say it as it would not be constructive.

He needed Matthew.

Alone, he was one half of the equation, the rod. Matthew was the carrot, Philippe had told her so himself, only together could they make things work.

Now, she believed for the first time that even Philippe failed to foresee the effect both of their mates would have on this equation.

“I will speak with her and Miyako, then, if you wish, you may converse with her.”

“What about Marcus and her aunts?”

“Of course Marcus can, but there is no way I’m telling my sisters about this.”

“Nor would I but I meant Diana’s aunts.”

“This is a family matter, the witches aren’t family.”

“They’re her family!” She told him firmly but carefully.

“Very well,” he grumbled and stood.

Ysabeau smiled and gave him a kiss on the cheek, leaving before he could process the caring gesture and before she could see the almost imperceptible quirk of a smile.

“Here,” Phoebe handed Alisha a glass of water from a nearby carafe, “drink this, you’re white as a sheet.”

Alisha noted her giving a concerned look to Marcus, in the process of him checking her pulse and blood pressure.

“Thank you,” Alisha took the glass gratefully, “Phoebe.”

“Vitals are fine and since I value my life I won’t ask what got you so afraid.”

“I’m not…” she trailed off as she saw Marcus regard her with doubt, “it’s best for both of us if you don’t.” Alisha agreed quietly.

“You’re concerned your husband would harm you?” Phoebe prompted.

“Phoebe,” Marcus warned.

“I know vampires have their rules, Marcus, but I won’t just sit back and let that…fucking brute abuse her.”

“Baldwin has never harmed me, and he wouldn’t,” Alisha assured her warmly, “but if I were ever in that situation I’d want a friend like you.”

“We’ll be family soon,” Phoebe corrected reaching out a comforting hand towards her shoulder, stopped only by Marcus catching her wrist firmly but gently.

“She’s been gone for two weeks, any new scent near her could set him off.”

“Your sister is a new scent.”

“No, she’s not, I can’t explain it but she seems to have my grandfather’s blood as well.”

“I thought vampires couldn’t have children biologically.”

“There’s a lot we’re still learning but it has happened before.”

Marcus looked questioning at Alisha.

“I can’t, anything I might say could change how things are supposed to play out. Only Rebecca knows what’s safe to tell. I hope you understand.”

He nodded with reluctance.

Gallowglass hadn’t answered his call when Baldwin sought to tell him about the appearance of the trio.

It was not like him but Baldwin hadn’t the time to ponder before Gallowglass called him back.

“Something happened,” Gallowglass started as soon as Baldwin accepted his call, “I followed them to Venice but they’re just gone-“

“Stop, Gallowglass,” he sighed, “they’re here, they’re safe! And you didn’t answer when I called you!”

“I was busy. How did they get there?”

“You told me about the witch, seems she inherited her mother’s abilities.”

Gallowglass heaved a deep sigh of relief and chuckled.

“I should have known that wee pissant Benjamin wouldn’t have gotten the best of Miya.”

“Benjamin,” Baldwin fumed, “Fuchs, Matthew’s fuckup that keeps on giving was near my wife and my daughter?”

“According to Domenico, who’s still alive but barely. His children are looking after him.”

“Leave now, go to the airport, my plane will be waiting for you!”

“I’m not afraid of Benjamin, or that decrepit old pope Gerbert.”

“Gerbert is working with Fuchs?”

“Aye, but I can handle it!”

“If Gerbert and Fuchs are working together it’s not safe, they probably killed Peter.”

“I’ve seen off more Christians in my time than you have, Uncle, I can handle this one.”

“I’m not arguing with you, come home!”

“You know France has never been my home, not after-“

“I know, I shouldn’t have said that. You’re right, France may not be home but we are, I expect you here by the morning.”

There was an audibly furious silence on the other end of the line.

“Yes Sieur.” Gallowglass hung up.

Baldwin sighed with relief.

Even in death, Hugh would never forgive him if he let anything happen to Gallowglass on his watch.

Shaking the thought off, he strode towards the office where his daughter and the witch awaited him.

“Is everything alright?” Rebecca prompted.

“Of course,“ he took his seat opposite them, “so just how far ahead in the future are you, exactly?”

“Eighteen years.” Rebecca answered.

She knew her uncle, he could be kind, affectionate and generous with his time but she also knew of his impatience when information was critical.

He nodded solemnly.

“I suppose I already got two thousand years, I probably shouldn’t lament a shortness of time.”

“There are things we cannot tell you about the future-“ Miyako started.

“And yet I know if I was there I’d never have let this happen.”

“Father-“

“Does this future include Benjamin Fuchs?”

Miyako and Rebecca glanced at one another, shocked.

“Gallowglass was following you, at my behest but he lost the trail when you appeared here.”

“Is he alright, did Fuchs attack him?” Miyako asked.

“He’s fine, apparently Domenico was forthcoming with his version of events.”

“He’s alive?” Rebecca asked hopefully.

“He’ll live,” Baldwin regarded her curiously, “Gallowglass will be back soon but in the meantime, you’re going to tell me why you sought out Domenico.”

“Father, your rules, as you said-“

“I am aware of what I said, but I am also aware that you already changed things by removing Catarina from her time!”

“You know-“ Rebecca started.

“No, I suspected,” he answered sharply “now I know!”

“We saved her to prevent something worse happening in the future,” Rebecca admitted, “we didn’t know then that she was your mate and our intention was not to reunite you. Obviously fate intervened.”

“I suppose Michael was someone from your time you could trust?”

“One thing changed since he won’t be there now.” Rebecca confirmed.

“Anything else drastically different?”

“Knox, he shouldn’t be dead yet.”

“But there’s not too big a jump.” Miyako countered.

“Keep going!” Baldwin warned and noted Rebecca’s anxious expression.

“Emily,” she admitted, “Knox was killed because he killed her first.”

“I’m sorry Papa, I know I’m not your Miyako-“

“Stop talking,” he warned her, “you tried to act the same and your effort was commendable, cbut I know when my daughter is behaving strangely.”

“I wasn’t behaving strangely.” Miyako frowned, offended by the insinuation her cover wasn’t sufficient.

“I can count on one hand how often you called me Papa before you visited for the wedding, I estimate you came to this time just after I sent you to Seoul?”

“Yes.” She said in quiet defeat.

“Never tell me you are not my daughter because in anywhere at anytime, you will always be my Miyako. Is that understood?”

“Yes,” she paused, “Papa.”

He smiled warmly and turned to Rebecca.

“Gallowglass couldn’t tell me much more than what you shared when you first arrived.”

“And I knew you would understand the danger of messing with the timeline, as Grandad did when Mum and Dad visited him.”

“Messing with the timeline,” he huffed, “you have done a lot of that already. Does my wife know, who she was?”

“There’s knowing and there’s remembering. She knows she was Catarina but doesn’t remember being her.”

“Alright, what doesn’t she know that I have to?”

“Something happens in the future that forced us to go back to fix things. Because it’s related to future events, we can’t tell you.” Miyako explained.

“We got Catarina to make this video before the spell, insurance policy.” Rebecca placed a memory stick on his table.

“She agreed to you taking her memory?”

“Suppressed. She wanted a complete wipe, to protect you and what she knew about our family. I convinced her to do it this way instead.”

“She’s started remembering her ability to understand written and spoken language.”

“Michael’s elixir,” Miyako agreed, “he had it created so that if anything happened to him, she would remember who she is. It wasn’t part of our deal.”

“So she’ll gradually remember?”

“In time.”

“Is she a threat to herself or to others?” He asked pointedly.

“No.” Rebecca assured

“Absolutely not.” Miyako echoed her cousin’s sentiment.

“Very well,” he confirmed, feeling slightly more assured, “I would encourage you both to remain here although I suppose I cannot prevent your leaving, given your talents.”

“As the head of this family and with my father absent I ask for sanctuary, Sieur.”

“Granted. I suppose you will enjoy spending time with your Grandmother, brother and cousin, when he shows up.”

“And you?”

“Me, what about me?”

“If you have time I was hoping you’d take me on a hunt. I am half vampire.”

“Matthew actually allows you to hunt?”

“No, he didn’t teach me.”

He raised an eyebrow but didn’t question her further.

“Marcus can supply you with bagged blood tonight, first thing tomorrow all three of us will go on a hunt. I’m curious to see my training at work.”

Alisha stood upon hearing the door open.

Baldwin entered with an expression she couldn’t read easily. He wasn’t angry but nor was he contrite.

That was fine, neither was she.

“Marcus assured me you are well.” He said simply, shrugging himself out of his jacket.

“I was safe with Miyako and Rebecca, of course I’m well.”

Baldwin was turned away from her when she heard the cuff-links drop into a bowl on the table.

“And yet,” he turned back to her, “mistake or no, they almost served you up to a sadistic little cretin”

She didn’t say anything, unsure as to what she was permitted to reveal.

“That wasn’t their their fault.”

“You’re right,” he stalked closer, “it was yours.”

#baldwin montclair #a discovery of witches #baldwin de clermont #trystan gravelle #adow #baldwin’s nightingale

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crossroadsserpent · 1 year

Text

Just a little help.

Daryl Dixon x GN! reader.

Warnings: cursing, talks of nudity, talks of wounds and past trauma.

Summary: The reader has gotten into a fight with another survivor, leaving them injured. (Of course, the reader didn't start the fight). After a few days of trying to recover, they decide they need a shower. Seeing that the reader is still very dizzy, Daryl offers to help. As he's helping them, he hesitantly asks them about their life before the apocalypse.

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

Pain.....

That's all you could feel any time you dared to move. You had been laying in your uncomfortable prison bed for the past two days, hoping for the pain to ease up, which it unfortunately did not. Any time you tried to get up, your head started throbbing and the room started to spin as you started to lose balance.

You eventually got tired of feeling the dried blood and dirt all over your body, so you decided to fight through the pain and dizziness to go take a much needed shower.

You had managed to get up out of the bed and use the wall to walk over to your footlocker where you kept your towel, shower supplies, and extra clothes. You did stumble a little as you struggled to grab everything you'd need, but after standing back up and taking a few seconds for your head to stop throbbing, you were finally on your way to the showers. Leaning against the wall again, you slowly made your way through the prison, proud that you'd managed so much even through all the pain.

But, of course, your pride didn't last long.

You stopped dead in your tracks. The stairs, you'd forgotten about the stairs. Every bit of strength left your body, causing you to start to sway slightly, which didn't go unnoticed. Thankfully, it was your best friend and crush, Daryl Dixon.

He had no idea you'd even gotten out of bed. in fact, he had been on his way to check on you when he saw you standing there.

"Hey... Y/N, where you goin'?" He asked as he approached you. His voice startled you, causing you to jump and lose your balance. He was quick to catch you, his hands going for the least injured areas, not wanting to cause you any more pain.

"Whoa there, don't fall now. Where you goin'?" He repeated his question as he held you up. It took a few seconds for you to answer, and when you did all you could say was "shower".

Daryl gave you a slight nod "right, you need some help gettin' there?"

You nodded slightly.

Daryl took what you were carrying into one arm and used the other to help you down the stairs, taking one step at a time and stopping every few steps to make sure you were okay.

Once at the showers, Daryl helped you lean against the wall and sat your stuff on the bench

"You want some help? Wouldn't want ye to fall or somethin'..."

God, Daryl was so sweet to you. If you weren't in so much pain, you'd probably have been a blushing mess. You nodded with a slight smile. "Some help would be great, thank ya D."

He let out a short chuckle at the nickname and began to help you remove your clothes.

You and Daryl were hella close, You've changed in front of each other many times, and it wasn't the first time Daryl was in the showers with you.

(Not in a sexual way, prison showers are just a room with the shower heads and knobs on the walls with a drain in the center of the room.)

This being said, you had no issue with Daryl helping you get undressed. He got to the dressings on your wounds and paused, looking into your eyes

"Gotta take these off... probably gunna hurt.."

You nodded again "go for it."

And so he did. Kneeling down in front of you he began to work, taking his time removing each bandage and piece of gauze as gently as possible, being careful not to pull too hard on some pieces that stuck.

It hurt like hell but you bit your tongue, careful not to make any noise knowing damn well that if you did, he'd feel horrible for causing so much pain.

Once the last piece of gauze was off he stood back up, giving you a slight smile "wounds are healin' good, prob'ly don't need to cover 'em again."

Daryl started the water and gently took hold of your forearms, leading you under the water, letting it hit your back first. You let out a sigh of relief as you felt some of the pain melt away as your back muscles relaxed. He kept you there for what felt like forever, but just when you started to zone out you were brought back to reality when he turned you around so the water could hit your chest. He couldn't hold your forearms while you were facing the water, so he pressed his chest to your back so you could lean back on him.

"Daryl, you're going to get soaked." You said worriedly, not wanting him to even have a slim chance of catching a cold. He shook his head with a shrug "Don't care, you're more important."

When he was sure you were relaxed, he quickly grabbed your soap and wash cloth from the bench. "I'm gunna do your hair for you, but you're gunna have to do your body"

You agreed, and he began by dampening your hair, gently running his fingers through your hair to separate the strands that were stuck together with dried blood. You got the wash cloth wet and used the bar of soap to lather yourself up.

He took the bar of soap when you were done and used it to lather your hair up, being sure to focus on the areas matted with blood. You were caught off guard when he started massaging your scalp, and before you knew what was happening, you let out a quiet moan. You covered your mouth but what good was that? He'd already heard it.

He chuckled softly "am I doin' that good?" A blush dusted your face "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to do that" you chuckle awkwardly. He gently rinsed your hair, running his fingers through your hair again to get all the soap out.

"Y/N... always wondered... what was your life like? Ya know... before all this shit?" He wasn't exactly sure how to ask a question like that without sounding too nosy, but he'd always been curious about what your life was like.

You told him about the town you grew up in, your home life, your old job, and some of your hobbies. He listened to your every word, cringing at some of the more... rough parts.

You finish talking and let out a soft sigh "I know it's a lot, and probably boring as hell."

Daryl shook his head " 's fine, if it makes ya feel better I can tell you some about mine." He offered quietly. You already knew some of his past thanks to some of the others, so you knew better than to ask about his past. You shook your head "no, no, it's okay, you don't have to"

He shut the water off and grabbed your towel from the bench, gently drying your hair "feeling better? You don't look so dizzy now" you nod with a smile "much better."

He helped you dry off and put your clean clothes before walking you back up to your cell where you laid back down with a grunt. You thanked Daryl again with a smile as he sat down at the foot of your bed "Ya know Y/N... I really don't mind tellin' ya anythin' about my past..."

You prop yourself up on your elbows, not making eye contact "I just don't wanna pry or open old wounds..."

You feel him move closer, then a pair of strong arms wrapping around you.

"Well... if ya ever do wanna know just ask."

End? Maybe?

~~~~~~~

(I know this was really long and wordy, but eh I just love Daryl and wanted to write a calm fic since all I've seen so far is Daryl being cold and rough, and I wanted some soft Daryl) -Author

#twd fanfiction #twd #x gn reader #daryl x reader #daryl dixon #daryl dixon x reader

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starlitangels · 1 year

Text

Hand-to-Hand

Have some Albus and Faithful! Shoutout to @vampirelladarkness for the idea! Let’s say this takes place between Recovering and Unveiling True Honor, yeah? Cool? Sure? Great. 2.5k words (on the button!)

Disclaimer: I’ve done some training. It’s been a while since I did any sort of training. Some of the following information might be a little or a lot, I don’t know inaccurate.

—

Bang-bang-bang!

“Up and at ‘em, faithful!” Albus barked through the closed door. I jolted awake and practically fell out of my bunk from the motion. I groaned in protest and sat up properly.

“What do you want? I just went to sleep!” I complained, sliding out of my covers and pulling my long overcoat on over my nightdress. Rubbing sleep out of my eyes, I yanked the door open.

“Whoa. The bedhead!” Albus exclaimed sarcastically. But he was smiling like he’d just discovered the most delicious secret to hold over my head.

I scowled. “Shut up. What do you want?”

“Which one do you want?”

“Huh?”

“Do you want me to shut up or tell you what I want?”

I scoffed so hard I hurt my throat and rolled my eyes. “I’m going back to bed,” I grumbled, moving to lean back and slam my door shut.

Albus planted a hand on the door, holding it open before I could swing it shut. “No. No-no. You’re not going back to bed, princess,” he snapped. It had been a while since he called me that, and I glowered accordingly. “We have lapsed on your training. It’s time to fix that.” He gave me a smirk. That condescending one that pissed me off.

“I didn’t agree to training in the first place.”

“Too bad. Mission like this? You’re gonna need it. Come on. Get dressed and let’s go.” He took his hand off my door and folded his arms. His eyes swept me up and down, eyebrows raised expectantly. “Come on.”

“I’m not changing while you watch, moron,” I snapped before slamming the door in his face and locking it.

“Oh, come on!” he joked through it while I pulled my coat off and looked through the bag I brought to get off-world for a new set of clothes. “Might be fun!”

“Decidedly not,” I retorted as I changed from my nightdress to a new set of clothes. I fixed my bedhead and pulled the door open again. “Better?”

Albus narrowed his eyes, but I saw playful teasing in the way they twinkled. “Dunno. Training might be more effective if you just don’t wear anything—”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” I snapped, storming out of my room and stalking past him. I had no idea where he intended to “train,” so I took the familiar path to the bridge. Where, no doubt, Devlin would be tinkering away at something. I didn’t bother to check if Albus was following me or not.

“Oh come on, faithful, it was just a joke—” Albus complained before falling out of earshot as I turned a corner.

I went to the bridge and waved a greeting. “Morning, Devlin.”

“Good morning, sister. I trust you slept well?”

“As well as can be expected. If we survive this whole thing I’m gonna be so exhausted that I’ll pass out and sleep for like a full day straight,” I said.

“Mm. Perhaps,” Devlin said.

Albus stomped onto the bridge behind me. “Come on, faithful. Training time. Now,” he said.

Devlin raised a brow and looked between his brother and me. “Training?”

Albus beamed—sort of. It was more of a self-important smile. “Yeah. I’m teaching her to defend herself. This is a dangerous mission. At the very least the basics are useful.”

Devlin continued to look skeptical as his eyes held mine. “And... you’re alright with this, sister?”

I blinked a few times, trying to decide how to answer that. If I outright stated that Albus wasn’t giving me much choice, Devlin would pick a fight with Albus and they’d get into another argument. Which I didn’t want. I also didn’t particularly want to train with Albus this early after not sleeping much, but had to admit he was right that knowing a little more could be useful.

“I’m alright with it,” I decided.

“See? She’s fine,” Albus said. “Come on. Let’s go.”

“Ask nicely,” I snapped.

“Seriously?” he complained.

I raised my eyebrows, arms folded. Waiting.

He sighed. “Please?”

“There. Yes. Lead the way.”

Albus made a show of rolling his eyes before tromping off the bridge. I gave a brief wave to Devlin. “Good luck,” he said. “And, Albus!”

“What?”

“Mind your manners!”

A loud scoff was the only reply Albus gave. I followed him off the bridge.

He led me to a large, open area. What I imagined was probably a mess hall or otherwise common area when a ship like this was adequately staffed and furnished. He dropped his sword belt, blade included, to the ground and stretched. I eyed where he left his weapon skeptically. He’d given me a stick and used his sword the last time we did this. Why was he disregarding his weapon now?

I copied his stretches as best I could. “Why did you put your sword down?” I asked carefully.

“Because I’m not going to use it,” he said.

“Why? What are we training with, then?”

“Our hands.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Albus scoffed. “The day you beg is the day Hell freezes over,” he muttered. Louder, he continued, “It’s called hand-to-hand combat. Not my favorite way to fight but when you don’t have any weapons on you or easily in reach, it’s good to know.” His eyes swept me up and down. “Balance of probability is that you’re going to be smaller and lighter than anyone you go up against. I don’t know how to teach you to leverage that, but the more you can throw your opponent off balance or off his footing, the better off you’ll be.”

He finished stretching and took a step back, twisting so we were facing each other head-on. He spread his arms.

“Go on. Try to hit me. I’ll give you one freebie.”

I glared and balled my fists.

“No. No. Bad,” Albus said.

“What?” I demanded.

“You leave your thumb on the side of your hand like that and you’ll shatter the bone on impact.” He stepped closer and held both hands out toward one of mine. Reluctantly, I placed my fist in his hands. His hands were ridiculously warm—callused and rough. But gentler than I expected. He took my thumb and guided it in front of all my fingers. “Keep your fist like that. But don’t wrap your fingers around it or you’ll break it. Make sure your thumb stays on the outside and in front of your fingers, not to the side, got it?”

I nodded. “Got it.”

“Okay. Now. When you hit, make sure to strike with these two knuckles.” He tapped my forefinger and middle finger knuckles. “Because if you hit with these two—” His tapped my ring finger and pinky knuckles. “You will break them. Following so far?”

“Yup.”

“Good.” He cleared his throat and let go of my hands. “One thing to know, a punch is still going to hurt like hell. But if you do it right, you won’t break anything. A broken hand is no good to you in a fight.” He stepped back to square up opposite me again. “Try to hit me.” He inspected my fists again. “Go on. Give me your best shot.”

I swung.

He ducked out of the way, laughing. “Well, apart from the fact that you telegraphed your intentions about two weeks in advance for me to dodge, you had the power behind the swing. That’s something,” he remarked. “What you just did is called a haymaker. It has its uses but it’s too easy to dodge. Try this.”

He pivoted and stood beside me so we were facing the same direction. “Bring your elbows in more. Keep your fists up close to shoulder-level. And hit like this.” His fist lashed out and he brought it back quickly. “Let me show you that slow, yeah?” He made the same motions. “Now, see how I’m rotating my fist so my palm is facing downward as I punch outward? That’s to pack more strength behind the strike. If you keep your fist facing the wall like this—” He repeated the motion but didn’t twist his arm as he pushed out. “—you can’t equip the power of your shoulder, chest, and back muscles into the hit as easily. Give it a try.”

I did. Slow at first, and then another attempt moving much faster.

“Not bad. Bring your arm back faster, if you can. Don’t underestimate how much extra damage you can do with a decent recoil. It’s all force and energy transfer.”

I nodded and tried again.

“Thatta girl! That was good!”

I blinked. Praise from Albus was... beyond rare. Practically nonexistent, actually.

“Thanks,” I muttered.

“Next thing. Your elbow is the hardest, strongest striking point on your body. If you’re close enough to someone to hit them with your elbow: do it. If someone grabs you from behind, hit backwards with your elbow into their torso as hard as you can.” He demonstrated the movement as he talked about it.

“Okay.”

“And when you aim—punch or elbow—you want to aim beyond the person’s body. You’ll hit harder. But you still want that recoil. Driving your elbow too deep and too slow won’t do as much damage.”

“Right.” I supposed that made sense in some way.

Albus rotated so we were standing opposite each other again. “Try to hit me, faithful.”

I narrowed my eyes at him and went back to the stance he’d showed me. I glanced at my fist to make sure it looked right, the way he’d showed me. Then met his eyes. His expression was expectant but otherwise unreadable.

“Bend your knees,” he said. “Standing lock-kneed makes it easier to give you one shove and topple you right over.”

I bent my knees and lashed out immediately after.

Albus caught my fist. “Not bad. I did forget to mention that you need to rotate your hips as you make the punch to keep the movement flowing. That one is on me. Let me show you and then try again.” He showed me the movement, this time pointing out the way his legs twisted to rotate his hips before letting me have another go at it. I tried it. “Better. Now try and hit me again.”

I hurled the punch.

And hit Albus right in the chest. The breath knocked out of him with an, “Oof!” and he stumbled a few steps back.

For a moment, he coughed and wheezed to get his breath back. “Helluva punch, faithful. That was good.” His voice was raspy. “I should have mentioned the chest was a decent target if you hit hard enough.” He coughed. “And damn I think you did.”

I smirked. “Well, like you said the first time you tried training me, I’ve thought about hitting you more than once. Might as well siphon off some of that energy.”

He chuckled—and coughed again.

“So... apart from the chest, where do I hit? Jaw?”

“No. No, no. Bone’s too thick. More likely to break your hand than their face.” He tapped his head. “Temple. Right here. Softer point. Also the eyes. They’re very much a weak, soft point. If you gauge with your fingers at the eyes you will do serious damage. Or you can use the heel of your hand—” He rubbed his thumb over the base of his opposite palm. “—to strike the nose from beneath and shatter it. We’re not going to try that one though. I quite like my nose. But we can practice the movement.”

I snorted. “Fine with me.”

He showed me and I copied a few times. “Make sure you keep your fingers curled back as far as you can so you—”

“Don’t break them on impact.”

“Exactly.”

He kept teaching me, showing me how to combine strikes from both sides and drilling in my head not to kick if I could help it. In certain circumstances it was fine, but normally it would make me lose my balance and fall over.

Then we moved on to dodging for a while.

And then we started trying to spar. But it was a slow, soft practice fight that Albus basically walked and talked me through.

Slowly, we sped up.

Then I started trying to hit him for real again. He was still going softer on me, but wasn’t holding back on his speed.

He got in close—informing me that it was a mistake because my reach was shorter than his and he didn’t have the room to pack as much power behind his swing—and let me jab him with the elbow. Once. To get a feel for it.

After giving him a bit to recover, we went again.

This time when he got in close, his leg lashed around mine and he yanked. Knocking my foot out from under me.

I hit the floor with an, “Oof!”

Albus landed on top of me, nearly bashing our heads together.

For a moment, we stared at each other, breathing hard. Albus’ eyes were darker than I’d ever noticed, and the scars over his nose and at the corner of his right eyebrow glimmered slightly in the artificial light. Both of us were open-mouthed as we panted. I tried my best, but couldn’t stop the brief impulse to let my eyes flicker to his lips—then quickly back to his eyes.

Graciously, I ignored the way his did the same to me.

A door whirred open. “Am I... interrupting?” Devlin sounded horrified.

I shoved at Albus. “Not at all,” I said. “Get. Off!”

“If you insist.” He gave me a flirtatious, suggestive smirk.

“Oh, by the gods—you know what I mean!” I snapped, still shoving.

He snorted and climbed off of me, offering me a hand to help me up. I thought about taking it, then remembered what he’d said the first time. That he’d use it to throw me back down. I swatted his hand away and pushed to my feet on my own.

“What’s going on, Devlin?” I asked.

“You two have been gone a while. I was getting worried,” he said, holding my gaze.

“We’re fine. Just training,” Albus said. Devlin shot him a look.

“Well, if you’re quite done, we still have work to do if we want to make it to Brother Koria on time. We’re coming up on an area that’s going to be hard to navigate. I’m going to need help.”

“Fine.” Albus stooped and snatched up his sword and its belt. “Let’s go.”

I followed Devlin out of the room back toward the bridge with Albus bringing up the rear.

I fell into step beside him. “That was... informational,” I said.

“Not fun?”

“Don’t push your luck.”

He snorted again. “There she is,” he said. “Never without that sharp tongue, are you?”

“Nope.” We kept walking. I chewed the inside of my cheek for a moment. “Thank you.”

He cleared his throat, buckling his sword belt back on. “Uh... sure,” he said. Then he cleared his throat again, louder. “Hey Vinny, what’s this about a place that’s hard to navigate?”

—

Tagging my GB fan peeps who might enjoy: @palilious @gwenifred @ryn-halo26 @dollscircus @halscafe @miloeveryday38 @zozo-01 if anyone else wants to be tagged in GBA fics, let me know. Tag list is always open

#Good Boy Audios #fic #goodboyaudios #GBA BW #GBA Bastard Warrior #GBA Albus #GBA Faithful #GBA Devlin #Starlit Fic #female reader #Faithful is canonically a she so I'm going for it #I took a self defense class tailored for women back in college #surprised I remembered quite so much wow #(women tend to be smaller so the curriculum was meant to reflect how to adapt)#I can post two fics in one day if they're for two different channels and you can't stop meee

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cicimunson · 2 years

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Sweet Child of Mine

Series Summary: You’re Eddie’s former best best friend. The two of you drifted apart freshman year of high school and now you’re more enemies than anything else. Despite the hostility between the two of you, you still come around to help out with his eleven-month-old sister, Emma, who he and Wayne keep most of the time due to his father being in jail and his mother being an addict.

Also, I know Sweet Child O’ Mine didn’t come out until 1988, but the song is just so perfect for the story.

Pairings/Characters: Eddie Munson x Female Reader, Wayne Munson, OC characters Emma Munson, Wendy Munson and Greg Thompson.

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: Eddie is high/drunk, baby is upset, Eddie’s mother is an addict, implications that Eddie was abused/neglected as a child, verbal abuse from Eddie’s father. (sort of in a flashback) I think that’s everything, please let me know if I missed something!

Part 2|Part 3|Part 4|Part 5|Part 6

“Thank God you’re here, she’s been crying for an hour.”

You offer Wayne a sympathetic smile and take the screeching toddler from his arms. “Go get some sleep, I got her.”

He pats your shoulder before heading to his room.

You walk Emma around the living room, patting her bottom and singing softly. She continues to cry, rubbing her eyes with her little fists. She smacks at your chest, clearly trying to communicate some need that isn’t being met. You offer her some juice, check her diaper, and continue to walk her around whispering soothing words of comfort.

After a half hour of trying to calm her, you’re feeling a little bit like crying yourself.

“Shh, sweet girl, it’s okay."

You check her temperature, no fever.

Sometimes kids cry just to cry. You remind yourself.

You sit on the couch and rock her back and forth. She’s overly-tired and fighting her sleep, closing her eyes for a few seconds and then jerking awake to sob some more.

Eddie stumbles through the front door, bloodshot eyes landing on you.

"What are you doing to her?”

You glare at him. “Nothing! She’s been crying for a while now is all. She doesn’t want to fall asleep.”

“Give me my sister.” He reaches for her but you lean back from him.

“You’re high and probably drunk, too. I have a contact high just smelling you. No way you’re holding her.”

“Judgy bitch.” He mutters.

“Go take a shower and get some sleep, I got her.”

He scowls at you. “You’re not my mother.”

“Someone here has to act like an adult.” You retort.

Eddie flops down on the couch beside you and cradles Emma’s head in his hand, tracing a finger over her cheek. He starts singing softly, smiling down at her.

Whoa, sweet child of mine.

Whoa, sweet love of mine.

Emma is asleep within minutes, her head dropping to your shoulder.

Eddie looks up at you with a smirk.

“Shut up.” You mumble, not letting him see how grateful you are.

You carry her down the hall and put her in the crib, smoothing her dark curls out of her face.

Eddie stands in the doorway watching you.

“Night-night, Em.” You whisper softly. You switch on her nightlight and tiptoe out of the room.

Eddie grabs your arm as you walk past. “You don’t have to keep coming over here. Wayne and I can handle things just fine.”

You snatch your arm away. “Your uncle is the one that called me, asshole. You weren’t here to help and he needed some sleep before work.”

“My plans ran long, is all. Not that I have to justify myself to you.”

“Never said you did.” You march past him and into the kitchen, starting water for the dirty dishes in the sink.

“You can go. I got it.”

“Your uncle pays me to cook and clean and help with Em, Eddie.”

“I told you, we don’t need your help.”

“Then tell your uncle to fire me. Until then, I work for him, not you.”

You can feel him staring holes in the back of your head. You turn to meet his gaze.

“Do you really hate me that much, Eddie? I’m literally here to help out. You think you’d want that, someone who cares about Emma and wants to take some of the weight of everything off your uncle. Are you really that selfish?”

He looks murderous.

You turn back to the sink and finish up the dishes.

“Tell your uncle I’ll be over right after school to get Emma.”

“I can get her.”

“Will you be sober?” You deadpan.

“Fuck you, Y/N.”

“I’ll be here at three-thirty.” You leave before he can say anything else.

__________

You carry groceries into the trailer, calling out a greeting to let Wayne know you’re there.

To your surprise, Eddie comes down the hall, holding a finger over his lips.

“Shh, Em just laid down for a nap.”

“What are you doing here?”

“I live here. So the question is, what are you doing here? I told you I’d watch her today.”

“You were low on milk last night, and baby wipes. I got Emma some more apples too, she’s been really into them the past week.”

“You could have just made me a list or something, you don’t have to shop for us.”

“It’s not for you, it’s for Em.”

“I can buy her what she needs.”

“Gee, thanks Y/N. Oh, you’re welcome Eddie. Happy to help.” You roll your eyes.

“Anyways, what do I owe you?”

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

“Just tell me how much the damn groceries cost.”

You ignore him and stick the milk in the fridge.

“Are you sure you got her, Eddie?”

He scowls. “She’s my responsibility.”

“Actually, she’s your mom’s responsibility. She coming to get her this weekend?”

“Who knows?”

“She doing any better?”

“None of your fucking business, Y/N.”

You drop the subject immediately. Eddie has always been very touchy about his mother, even before when you were friends. He rarely opened up about her.

You knew that she was a recovering addict, that she’d only agreed to letting Wayne and Eddie keep Emma through the week because she was too high to take care of her. She got Em on the weekends sometimes, giving Eddie and Wayne a much-needed break, except they would worry and miss her the entire time she was gone.

You hear Emma start to fuss and hurry down the hall to her, Eddie on your heels.

“Hi, babygirl!” You pick her up and snuggle her, savoring her sweet baby smell. “Did you get a good nap?”

“She was only asleep for like twenty minutes. I don’t know why she isn’t sleeping good.” He looks worried.

“Babies do that sometimes. It’s probably just a phase.” You reassure him, propping Emma on your hip.

“She’s so tired, though.”

“You all are.” You murmur knowingly.

He nods, reaching out to tweak Emma’s cheek. She instantly reaches for him and he grins triumphantly at you, lifting her from your arms to blow raspberries on her neck.

“That’s right Em, I’m your favorite.”

You roll your eyes. “I’ll go cut her up an apple.”

Eddie plops down on the living room floor with her, handing her a stuffed bear.

“Mr. Beary is very happy to see his best friend.” He says in a gruff voice.

“I hope that’s not what he sounds like cause that’s terrifying.”

He laughs, the first time you’ve heard him laugh in awhile.

You peel the apple and cut it into tiny pieces, smushing them a little with a spoon.

“I got it.” Eddie takes the bowl from you and starts feeding her.

You sit on the couch and study Eddie’s features. No bloodshot eyes, no hint of weed lingering in the air.

Eddie was a great brother to Emma, you knew that. He adored her. You start to feel guilty for your little dig about him being too wasted to care for her last night.

Emma drools onto Eddie’s hand and he wipes it on his shirt, making silly faces at her.

“Sweet girl but sooo messy.” He teases, kissing her plump cheeks.

You smile softly. This was this Eddie that you knew, the soft-spoken, kind-hearted Eddie. Not the abrasive Eddie from school that was loud and obnoxious and had a permanent scowl etched on his face.

You supposed he had to be that way. He was constantly on-guard at school, with the bullies, with the teachers that didn’t like him. He never relaxed.

But before high school, he’d been more like this. Sweet. Adorable, even. Then you had gotten into sports and started dating a guy from the football team and Eddie suddenly didn’t want to be friends anymore. It was as if you’d become enemies overnight.

Eddie catches you staring and frowns. “You can go, you know. I told you I’ve got her.”

“Maybe I wanna spend some time with her, too, Eddie.”

“Get your own sister.” He quips.

“Why would I need my own sister when Em is just so cute?” You croon, reaching down to smooth her curls.

He smiles. “She is the best, isn’t she?”

There’s a knock from outside and Eddie tenses. You immediately know it’s his mom at the door.

You scoop Emma up. “I’ll get her changed and get her stuff together.”

You carry Em to her room and change her diaper, sitting her on the floor with her teddy bear while you collect stuff she’ll need for the weekend.

Extra clothes, she always comes back looking dirty. I wonder if Wendy has any milk.

You sigh when you hear Eddie and his mom start arguing. The few times you’ve been around for Emma’s trip to Wendy’s, you’ve heard her and Eddie battle it out.

Not that Eddie isn’t completely justified in his anger towards her. When his dad went to prison, Wendy had a chance to step-up and do better for Eddie. She failed him at every turn.

You stick your head in the living room. “Hi, Wendy. Here’s her bag.”

Eddie turns and glares at you. “She’s not going. Mommy dearest is as high as a kite.”

You study Wendy’s face. She’s crying softly, but she doesn’t look inhibited. You don’t smell anything on her, don’t see any track marks on her arms.

“Eddie, I’m clean. I swear. I just want to see my little girl.”

You touch Eddie’s sleeve. He grabs your arm and propels you down the hall into Emma’s room.

“My sister isn’t going anywhere with her.”

“Eddie, she looks fine. I didn’t see anything to indicate that she was high.”

“She tried to hug me. She’s high.”

You wince. Eddie had hated physical affection as long as you’d known him. You knew it was because his dad had been so rough on him. His little sister was the only exception. Eddie smothered her with kisses and hugs, never missing an opportunity to love on her. You knew it was because he was denied the same affection growing up.

Don’t cry. Don’t be a little pussy. Real men don’t need their mommies to hold them. Grow up.

“Get her out of here.” His voice wobbles, and he sits on the floor beside Emma, picking her up and hugging her close.

You go back into the living room.

“Wendy, I’m sorry, it’s not a good time. Maybe next weekend.”

She nods, looking remorseful. “I don’t know why I tried to hug him. I knew better.”

“I know.”

“But he’s doing good? And my Emma?”

You nod. “Everyone’s fine.”

“Thank you for taking care of my family.” She says softly, wiping tears off her face. “I’m gonna get better for them, I promise.”

“I believe you will, Wendy.”

She leaves and you go back down the hall.

Eddie is sitting in the beat-up rocker Wayne had thrifted, holding Emma to his chest. You see that she’s finally starting to sleep.

Eddie meets your eyes, and for a brief moment you can see relief and gratitude on his face. It quickly changes to an expression of annoyance, and he motions for you to leave.

You make Emma up a bottle for when she wakes up and stick it in the fridge before leaving. You straighten up the living room and pick up the few toys scattered in the living room and carry them down the hall.

Eddie is asleep in the rocker, holding Emma tightly. You ease her from his arms, worried that he might drop her. You lay her in her crib and then drape a blanket over Eddie, shutting off the overhead light as you leave.

#eddie munson #eddie x reader #stranger things #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson stranger things #eddie stranger things #eddie munson fanfiction #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson fic #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things fanfic #eddie munson reader insert #enemies to lovers

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delayed-affection · 1 year

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Chapter one

Description Next

"We’re the Pogues, and our mission this summer is to have a good time, all the time." A boy narrates

•

The boy stands at the top of a house, dangling his foot off.

"That's what, a three story fall to the deck?" Boy 2 theorizes from below, "I give you about a one in three chance of survival."

He hums sticking his finger in the air, "Should I do it?"

"Yeah, you should jump. I'll shoot you on the way down." He says pointing a power drill at him.

"You'll shoot me?" He asks making a gun with his hand, "Pew!"

A girl walks out from the unfinished house, "They're gonna have Japanese toilets with towel warmers."

"Of course they are. Why wouldn't they?" Boy 3 asks

"This used to be a turtle habitat, but who cares about the turtles, I guess?" She complains

"I can't have cold towels." Boy 3 replies

She looks up to wear he sits, "Can you please not kill yourself?"

"Don't spill that beer. I'm not giving you another one." Girl 2 pipes up as she watches boy 1.

Boy 1 continues to mess around, "Whoa! Oh, shit."

His can falls from his hand and onto the floor.

"Of course you did, right after I told you I wasn't going to give you a new one." Girl 2 quips

"Smooth." Girl 1 says

Boy 1 groans, looking down at his now empty can.

"A plus." Boy 3 tells him

"Dumbass." Girl 1 insults

Boy 2 looks over to the driveway, right where an officer stands.

"Hey!" The officer shouts

Boy 2 turns back to his friends, "Hey, uh, security's here. Let's wrap it up."

"Boys are here early today." Boy 1 states

"Humpty Dumpty, let's roll!" Boy 2 exclaims

Boy 3 rolls over from his spot while Boy 1 climbs down from his. Girl 2 follows Boy 2 to the back door.

Girl 1 smiles, "Let's go, boys."

"Gary is that you?" Boy 3 shouts

"Come on quite it." Boy 2 says

"Hey, what are you doing?" The officer questions

"Gary, good to see you, man!" Boy 3 yells

"JJ!" The officer screams

"You're asking for it." Girl 1 laughs

The group of teens laugh and holler as they run through the house, weaving through the construction equipment.

JJ slips in front of the officer but is quick to get up, running the other way with the others.

"Get 'em! They're comin' your way!" The officer calls out

JJ gets caught up with another officer who grabs him, "I got him!"

He slips from his grasps and takes off, "Not much of a hugger man!"

"Go, Pope! Go! Go, go, go, go, go, go!" He tells him as they hop the fence.

Pope drops the floor face first and groans.

JJ laughs, "Get up, Pope, fatso's coming."

On queue the officers face pops up over the fence, "Hey! Come here, you little pricks!"

Pope jumps up and races towards the honking van.

Boy 1 continues to honk, "Bus is leaving!"

Girl 1 sticks her head out the passenger window, "Come on, boys! Whoo!"

Girl 2 holds open the sliding door, "Jeez! Could you be any slower?"

Pope is the last to jump in and Boy 1 drives off.

Officer Gary chases after them on foot, "Hey, hey! Hey! Hey!"

Pope laughs at him, "Check out Gary, gunnin' for a raise."

JJ switches places with Girl 2 by the door, "Come on, Gary! Wait. Slow down."

"Hey! You little pricks!" Gary yells

"Stop guys. You're gonna give him a heart attack." Girl 1 scolds

JJ hangs out the door with a beer in his hand, extending it him, "You're so close! You can do it. There you go."

He toss the can at him making him stop in his tracks.

JJ groans, "They don't pay you enough, bro."

Girl 2 pulls him back into the van, "JJ, stop."

He giggles, "Oh, come on. That sort of stuff is just begging to be punished."

•

Boy 1 continues his narration, "The Outer Banks, Paradise on Earth. It's the sort of place where you either have two jobs or two houses. Two tribes, one island."

•

The teens are quick to move on from their situation, now laughing and talking about whatever comes to mind.

Boy 1 watches as they pass well kept houses, expensive boats, and an opened field that is only used for golfing.

•

"All right. This is Figure Eight, the rich side of the island. Home of the Kooks. So, guess where we don't live."

•

Turning onto a different part of the island, the scenery changes. The houses aren't as big and well kept. No golf courses or yachts are seen.

•

"And then, this is the south side or the cut. Home of the working class who make a living busing tables, washing yachts, running charters. The natural habitat of... drumroll, please... the Pogues. That's us."

"Pogues, pogies, the throw away fish. Lowest member of the food chain. Okay. So, the down side of the Pogue life is we're ignored and neglected. But the upside of Pogue life? We're ignored and neglected, which means we do whatever we want, whenever we want."

•

They all sit on a boat doing their own thing, Boy 1 pulls up a net and drops the fish inside onto the deck.

"Nice haul, dude. Look at that." JJ compliments

Girl 1 scoots back from the fish in front of her, "Ugh, John B."

"Been all bait for, like, three weeks." JJ informs

John B picks up a fish and throws it at him.

"Gross." He laughs

•

"Well I guess it's time for introductions."

•

JJ stands inside the wheelhouse steering the boat.

•

"That's JJ, my best friend since the third grade. He's about as local as the come. Latest in a long line of fishing, drinking, smuggling, vendetta holding salt lifers who made their living off the water. Best surfer I know. Just don't tell him I said that. Mild kleptomaniac and future tax cheat."

•

Girl 1 sits by a bonfire talking to someone about micro plastics.

•

"And that's Kiara, or Kie, as we call her. When not saving turtles or listening to Marley, or getting a dolphin tattoo, she hangs out with us. I'm not really sure why, though. So, she's a rich kid, actually. Foot in both world. Her family owns The Wreck, this Outer Banks institution. Total cash cow with the tourist. You know, I'm not really sure how her parent feel about us. I guess we all sort of have a thing for her."

•

Pope sits on the boat smiling at his friends.

•

"That's Pope, the brains of the operation... finalist for the Lucas T. Vanderhorst Merit Scholarship. And the smartest person I know. Little bit of a weirdo. His father is this legend charter, Heyward. Anything you wanted on the island, Heyward could get for you. Now, I'm not sure Heyward knew what to make of his oddball son, but it didn't matter. He was a Pogue, just like the rest of us."

•

Girl 2 sits at the edge of the boat, letting her feet sit in the water.

•

"That one right there is Y/n, the living definition of an angel, way too pretty and nice for her own good. She spends most of her time helping Pope and his dad with work or shredding waves with JJ. She, like Kie, is a Kook, well half a Kook. Her mom is a Pogue and her dad is a Kook, she is a baby of an affair. Her parents love her more than anything, never seen such good coparenting."

•

The group stands together watching the sunset on the water.

•

"That's my crew."

•

John B flushes the toilet and wonders around his house.

•

"And that's me, John Booker Routledge. And this is where I live. An old fish shack on the marsh. The Château, as my dad used to call it."

•

He hangs up a picture of him and his dad.

•

"There's Dad. He disappeared at sea nine months ago, looking for a shipwreck. Who disappears at sea these days? I miss him. And then there's Mom. She split when I was three. Last I heard, she was in Colorado. I think it was Colorado."

•

He taps a picture with the top of his bottle, "Uncle T!"

•

"That's Uncle T. Since Dad's vanished, he's supposedly my legal guardian. At the moment, he's in Mississippi, building houses...which means it's just me right now, hanging out with my friends. Three months after my dad was missing, he was officially presumed dead. I refused to sign the papers. Until I see a body, I'm not giving up."

•

"John it has come to our attention that you are an unemancipated minor living on your own." A woman sighs sitting across from him.

He scoffs, "No... No. No."

"John, I need honesty to help you. That's what we want, right?" She asks

"Yeah. I'm being honest." He answers

"Okay, then when is the last time you spoke to your uncle?" She questions

He looks down at his wrist, "Uh... 34 minutes ago."

"Last time you saw him?" She asks

"Two hours and... 43 minutes ago?" He claims

She looks up from her papers, "John, we're gonna come out there tomorrow to talk to your uncle. If he's not there, we're gonna move forward with foster care. I want to assure you, we're gonna find you a safe and loving home."

•

"They actually thought I was gonna be happy to hear that. And that's we're this story starts. My dad missing, my uncle MIA, and the Bride of Frankenstein threatening foster care. But then I caught a break."

•

A reporter's commentary fills the crowded shop, "Hurricane Agatha continues its steady march towards Kildare island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina..."

•

"Hurricane Agatha, coming in the same day DCS was supposed to do my assessment."

•

He leaves the shop and stands out on a dock, alarms blaring, alerting people that the hurricane is close and coming head on.

Pulling out his phone he calls child services, "Yeah, uh... I think we're gonna have to reschedule."

•

Him, Y/n, and Pope race out in the storm, boards in hand, hoping to catch some killer waves.

"It's a double overhead out there, bro." Pope tells them

John B stops and looks out to the water, "Double overhead?"

Pope looks at them, "Those aren't surf-able waves, bro."

John B laughs, "Says who?"

Y/n runs ahead, "Only one way to find out!"

Soon they're all in the water, thunder clapping around them. The waves they don't ride take them under, other than that it's a fun time.

John B sits on the surf and something catches his eye, "What the hell?

It's a boat and it's getting thrashed around by the deeper waves. The storm gets stronger, making them go back home, only for the power to go out.

•

John B wakes up in his bed to the sound of chickens clucking and a rooster crowing. He sighs sitting up, grabbing his phone.

He turns off his phone "No service."

Getting up he tries the light switch, "No power. Great."

He walks into the living room, smacking his friend, "Yo, JJ, you been outside?"

JJ keeps his head in the cushions, "I have polio, bro. I can’t walk."

He pushes open the back door and takes in the damage.

He yawns, "Oh, man. That's no good. That's not good."

He walks around to the boat, "Oh, man."

JJ steps outside, "Agatha did some work, huh?"

"Yeah, she did." He replies

"Whatcha thinkin'?" He asks

He climbs in the boat, "I'm thinkin' that storm surge pushed all the crabs out in the marsh maze. All those drums are gonna chase the crab."

"What about the DCS? Wasn't that today?" He questions

"Nah, they're not gettin' on a ferry." He says cleaning out the boat, "Come on, think about it. It's god tellin' us to fish."

•

The boys set sail on the boat, dolphins trailing behind. They wave to other Pogues checking on what they have left.

"Hi, Miss Amy! You guys get through it?" John B asks a women in the dock.

"Still here." She answers

"She totally looked at me." JJ states as they drive away.

"I saw it." He confirms, "Dude look at this place."

He whistles, "Agatha, what did you do?"

"She is a crazy lady." He comments

"Hardcore dude." He replies, "Hurricane surge. We'll be cleaning this all summer."

"That is my nightmare." He claims

Pope stands at the end of a dock, "Well, look who we have here."

JJ whoops and hollers at him.

John B cups his hands around his mouth, "We have a safety meeting. Attendance mandatory."

"I can't. My pops got me on lockdown." Pope tells them

"Come on, man." He mimics static, "Your dad's a pussy. Over."

Mr. Heyward walks over, "Oh, I heard that, you little bastard."

"We need your son." John B confesses

"Yeah, and island rules. Day after a hurricane's a free day." JJ adds

"Who the hell made that up?" Mr. Heyward asks

"Uh... Pentagon, I think. We have security clearance. I have a card." He proclaims

"Y'all think I'm stupid?" He questions

"I'll do it tomorrow. I promise. Tomorrow." Pope says

"You think- No, no. Hell no. You doin' it right now." He demands

"Get in the boat." John B whispers to him as he slowly sails by.

"Make a run for it." JJ says not as quietly.

He father begins to threaten him, "Boy, if you get in that boat-"

Pope drops what's in his hands and jumps into the boat.

"Go, go, go." He tells John B

"Bring your ass back up here." He demands

"I promise I'll do it tomorrow, Dad." He swears as they pull off.

"When you get back you gonna clean shrimp. You gonna clean fish. You'll clean your dirty ass room!" He yells at him

"Sorry, Mr. Heyward!" John b shouts, "We'll bring him back in one piece."

"I don't like your friends!" He voices

•

Pulling up to another dock they meet Kie and Y/n.

JJ puts on an Irish accent, "Oh, top o' the mornin' ya."

"Good morning boys." Kie greets

"Morning." John B replies

"Pope was able to bless us with his presence today?" Y/n teases smiling down at the boy.

JJ smacks his shoulder, "Yeah but he's stuck cleaning for the rest of his life."

Pope rolls his eyes, "Whatcha got? You got some juice boxes?"

"You know, just some yogurts and carrot sticks." Kie answers

JJ helps them into the boat, "How about my kind of juice box?"

"Yeah." She assures

John B lowers his voice an octave, "Brace for impact."

•

A few drinks in a JJ is ready to have some fun, "Bet you can't do this. Let me show you a party trick."

"Terrifying." Kie states as he climbs past her to the bowsprit.

"Hey, Pope. Can you go a little faster?" He requests

"Oh, here we go. I'm movin'." John B announces moving behind pope.

Y/n follows him and joins him for a back row seat of the show.

"We've tried this like six thousand times." Pope says

"I got this. It's gonna work." JJ assures

Pope picks up the speed, JJ tilts the beer bottle towards his mouth. Hoping that the beer will fly out of the bottle and into his mouth.

Kie gets splashed with the liquid, "Oh, my god. You're getting beer in my hair!"

Pope holds his hand out for cover, "All right. All right!"

"All right, you're done." John b tells him

"All right, stop!" Pope shouts

The motor rattles and sends JJ flying off the boat into the water. Everyone else is sent tumbling forward in the boat.

"Jesus, Pope!" Kie scolds

JJ breaches the tops of the water and groans.

"You okay, JJ?" John b asks

"I think my heels touched the back of my head." He groans

"Kie, Y/n, you okay?" He asks

"I'm alright." Kie assures sitting up

"Same here." Y/n replies picking herself up

JJ swims back to the boat, "Pope, what did you do?"

"Sand bar. The channel changed." He answers

"No Shit." He spits

John B grunts, "Ugh, this is probably gonna mess this whole place up."

Pope stands where JJ once was, looking out at the water.

"Hey, I saved the beer, though." JJ gushes

"Congrats, JJ." He says

Pope squints his eyes at something, "Guys... I think there's a boat down there."

"Shut up. What?" John B replies

"No way." Kie dismisses

Y/n walks over to him, knowing the boy wouldn't lie about such a thing.

He points to the water, "No, no, guys. I'm serious. There's a boat down there. For real."

"What the fuck." Y/n marvels

"It's a boat!" He exclaims

"Holy shit, he's right. Let's go." Kie jabbers

She tugs y/n's arm and they both take off their shorts, leaving them in their bathing suits. The boys do the same with their shirts.

"You think there's a dead body down there?" Pope asks

No bothers to answer as the all jump into the water.

Pope sets down his shirt, "Guys, wait up!"

"Get your ass in here, Pope!" JJ yells

He cannon balls into the water, they all take a deep breath before swimming down. They take a quick look around before coming back up.

"Did you guys see that? You guys saw that right?" JJ gasps

"Yeah." They all answer

"That's a Grady White." He informs, "A new one of those is like 500 Gs, easy. That's a primo rig."

They all climb back into the boat.

"Yeah. That's the boat I saw when I surfed the surge." He confesses, "Maybe it hit the jetty or something."

"You surfed the surge?" Kie asks

"Yeah." He answers

JJ laughs, "That's my boy. Pogue style."

"What the heck?" She says

"Wait, wait. Do we know whose boat that is?" Pope questions

John B opens a hatch, "No, but we're about to find out."

"Dude, it's too deep."JJ states

"Oh, for the weak and feeble, JJ." He replies

"Well, I'm not resuscitating you." He tells him, "I'm just making that clear up front."

John B picks up the anchor, "That's fine."

"John B." Kie voices

"What?" He chuckles

"Diver down, fool." Pope salutes

He salutes him back, "Diver down."

JJ pushes him into the water, "Yeah he is."

He lets the anchor carry him down, swimming over to the boat when he's low enough. He looks quickly, finding a key. Running out of air he makes his way back up.

His friends watch the water for any sign of him.

"Should we go get him?" Y/n worries

John B answers her question himself, popping back up to the surface.

"Oh, my god. That took forever!" Kie complains

"Any dead bodies?" Pope wonders

"Looting potential?" JJ asks

"No. No. I found this motel key." He answers dangling it from his finger.

"A key." Pope says

"Yes, a key, Pope." He confirms pulling himself back into the boat.

"Great! We salvaged a motel key." JJ quips

"Guys, we should report the wreck to the coast guard. Maybe we'll get a finders fee." Kie suggests on their way back.

"Yeah, and not work all summer. Thanks, Agatha, ya batch." JJ comments

•

"So you haven't seen him since?" A man asks

"Not since before the storm." A woman answers

"What did the police say?" He questions

"Well, they said I have to wait 24 hours before I can report anything but I know somethings up." She claims

"Nothing is wrong. You know, it's Scooter. He knows how to handle himself in a storm." He assures

"Well, when was the last time that you saw him?" She asks

"Uh, last time I saw him, he was prepping the Druthers with Sarah." He says walking into the house, "Sarah! You seen the princess?"

A woman on the staircase answers, "She's out back."

He watches as a light flickers, "Let there be generators."

"Thank god. It's like living in Nicaragua." The woman on the stairs nags.

The man leads the other woman out back, "Iy didn't fall near the house. It completely up rooted it. Oh look at this. Storm blew it right into the pool. Be careful with that. Rose is gonna kill me."

The pool cleaner freezes, "Yes, sir, Mr. Cameron."

He looks back at the woman, "I don't wanna know how much it cost."

A young girl pops up from the other side of the pool, "Dad, the Wi-Fi's not working. I can't post anything."

"Wheezie, there was a hurricane, sweetheart." He states "What is your sister doing?"

She looks over her shoulder, "Saving mice."

"I'm sorry. Sarah!" He calls

She continues to swat at seagulls, "I'm busy."

"What are you doing?" He asks walking over, the woman following.

"The burrows filled with water from the surge. The birds are having a field day." She replies chasing after the birds.

"The birds have to eat too, Sarah." He reminds

"No, it's a mouse genocide out here. No!" She groans

He sighs, "It's the cycle of life is what it is, sweetheart. Now, come on."

"I can't be apart of it. First they came for the mice, Daddy." She tells him

"Yeah, well, I have an actual human being that you might help." He says

The woman reaches her hand out, "Hi."

She rushes to take her hand, "I'm Sarah. I'm so sorry."

"This is Lana, Scooter's wife." He introduces, "Now, you were storm prepping with him, right?"

"Yeah. He helped me latch the cabin on the Druthers." She answers

"Last night?" He asks

"Yeah." She confirms

"Did he go out after that?" He questions

"From here?" She asks

"Yeah.” he replies

"No. Are you crazy? There was a hurricane." She reminds

"Well, did he say where he was going? Get a phone call or mention anything?" Lana wonders

"He didn't say anything to me." She affirms, "I'm so sorry. Is he okay?"

Mr. Cameron puts an arm around Lana, "He's absolutely okay. He's hunkered down somewhere, all right? We're gonna find him."

•

John B pushes his way through the crowded office, "Hey. Excuse me."

JJ squeezes through the other side, "Hey, man, we- we found a boat."

The officer ignores them, continuing his very loud conversation with the others.

John B tries again, "You're gonna wanna hear this."

The officer puts his hand in his face, "Hey! Calm down."

He gives up and pushes his way back out, JJ hot on his heel.

"Well that went well." Pope says, "So what's the plan?"

John B holds out the key, "I think I know how we're gonna find the guy who owns the boat."

"No, no. We don't know whose room that is. It could be anyone." Pope stammers

"I'm in." JJ chimes

"Come on. We'll be lookout." Kie says throwing her arm around y/n.

"It'll be better if you're there." Y/n tells him as they follow JJ.

John B pats his chest as he walks by, "Finders fee. Just sayin'. And, hey, at least you'll only be an accomplice."

"Man." He mumbles before following.

"Come on, bubba." John B beckons.

•

JJ whistles at the motel, "I thought the Château looked bad."

"This place is a shit show." John b comments

"Motel or meth lab?" Kie asks

"You be the judge." Pope replies

"This doesn't look like the type of place somebody with a Grady white would stay." Y/n voices

"No. It looks like a place someone with a Grady white would get killed." Pope says

JJ mimics a pilot, "This is your captain speaking. HMS Pogue comin' in for landing."

He whoops jumping off the boat onto land, trying it down.

"Is it good?" John B asks

He tightens the rope, "Yep."

John B huffs, "All right. Here goes nothin'."

"Hey." Pope calls, "Don't let him do anything stupid."

"Oh, we will." JJ replies

John B looks back at him before turning, "I'm not making promises."

"Yeah, I know." He grumbles

"Uh, be careful." Kie says handing him the key, "I mean it."

He chuckles with a sly smile, "Yeah. Let's go."

Y/n daps up JJ, "Don't have too much fun."

He puts his hand on his chest, "Me? Having fun? Never."

John B claps his shoulder and they walk off, "What are all these mattresses doing out here?"

"After a hurricane, they ditch 'em cause they're moldy." JJ answers

Up the stairs they draw closer to the room.

JJ grabs John Bs shoulders, "Just be so careful, John."

He pushes him off, "God, you're so weird."

"What was that about?" He asks

"I don't know." He shrugs, "Maybe she wants us to be careful."

"Since she heard you're being threatened with exile, she's just been, like, 'Oh! Be so careful, John B'." He mimics her voices and rubs his shoulders.

He pulls away, "Get off."

He continues to tease, " 'Oh, give me that John D already.' When are you gonna swoop on that, man?"

"Bro, you know the rule. No Pogue on Pogue macking. Besides you're the one always hitting on her." He argues

"Of course, I'm always hitting on her. She's a super hot, rich, hippie chick slumming with us. The same goes for Y/n. Why they hang us? I can't figure it out either, but who cares, bro? I know that doors locked because I've tried it. Have you?" He explains

"You need help. Not a little help, you need a lot of help." He tells him, "It's like every girl who just has a heartbeat, you're like... 'Uhh'!"

"What? It's not a big deal." He states

John B stops, "This is it."

JJ does a rhythmic knock on the door, "Housekeeping." No answer, "No power. No security cameras. No one's gonna know."

John B huffs open the door, "Huh, okay. Check the bag. See if there's a name on there or something."

Closing the door behind them, they begin to raid the room.

"No name on the jacket." JJ informs, "It's a nice jacket, though."

John B picks up a shoe, "Definitely over 50. He's got New Balances."

JJ finds bunch of papers, "Yo, dude, come here. Maybe this is where they were fishing."

He rushes over, "Let me see."

He points to the map, "Right there."

"No, that's off the continental shelf. That's Big Swell. Nobody fishes there." He replies pulling out a note.

They move on, JJ flashes his light around and puts on a posh accent, "Coffee? Standard. Tissues for when you get lonely... Ooh!"

"Did you find anything?" He asks

"Really awesome Dopp kit you won't let me steal." He answers rummaging through the bag and putting something in his pocket.

"Yeah, cause we're not stealing shit." He replies pushing numbers into the safe.

•

Down in the boat the three are playing 21 questions.

"Biggest pet peeve? Easy. Giving one percent to the environment." Kie tells them

"What's wrong with that?" Pope asks

"We only have one Earth, Pope." She reminds, "We should be giving it 100% bare minimum."

"Right. That's not fiscally sound." He says

"Neither is destroying the planet we have to live on." She argues

Y/n suddenly sits up straight, alerting the others, "Shit, cops are here."

They quietly move off of the boat.

"Call them." Pope commands

"We can't. The towers are down." Kie replies

"If I lose my merit scholarship, I'm gonna kill someone." He complains

They hide behind the fallen motel sign, watching the officers.

"Maybe they're not going up." He suggests

"He's pointing. He's pointing." Kie says

"They're going up." Y/n whispers

•

Back upstairs John B is still trying to get into the safe.

"Punching shit at random. That will... definitely work." JJ nags

John B walks over to the papers, "Wait a second. Here." He picks up the note.

"I don't know." JJ mutters looking at the map, "I don't know about the second one. These coordinates, they... Wait. My cousin said you could catch swordfish here."

John B ignores him, going back to the safe and putting in the numbers he reads off the paper. It's the code, he opens it to find stacks of cash and a gun.

He picks up a stack, "Uh... JJ? You're gonna want to see this."

•

The officers make their way up the stairs and the friends run to the side of the building.

"Okay, do something. Do something." Kie orders

Pope picks up a rock and confidently tells them, "Stand back."

Kie and Y/n move to the side, "Okay. You got it."

He tosses the rock and it probably goes ten feet in air before falling in front of them.

"Didn't you ever play baseball?" Kie asks, "Dude!"

Y/n stifles a laugh and picks up some rocks.

Pope sighs, "I was on the math team."

•

JJ snags the gun from the safe, "Dude, dude, dude. This is a SIG Sauer."

"Put the gun back, JJ!" John B orders trying to take it from him.

He jumps back, "This is a fucking spendy gatt, man. Just... Bam! Bam!"

John B puts his foot down, "We are not stealing anything.

•

"A mathlete?" Kie huffs, "Wait, Y/n weren't you on the softball team?"

Y/n steps back ready to throw a rock, "Already on it, K."

Throwing the rock straight at the window.

•

JJ turns and poses, "Just take a pic of me. Right here."

"You want me to take a picture of you?" John B questions, "Make our own incriminating evidence? Is that what you're talking about?"

They hear a tap from the window, "Wait, what was that?"

John B sticks his head under the blinds and sees the three friends mouthing cops and pointing to the door. He quickly moves to the other window and peaks through, they're right there.

The cops knock on the door and the boys quietly freak out, picking up their belongings and trying to make it look like they were never there.

"Kildare County Sheriff's Department!" The man voices

The three others race back to the boat, "Should we peel?"

"You never leave a Pogue behind." Pope answers

The cop unlocks the door and the room seems to be empty.

"No seriously, should we peel?" Kie repeats

Y/n shrugs, "Maybe."

•

One cop closes the door and the other checks the bathroom.

She pulls back the shower curtain and finds nothing, "Clear."

•

The two boys stand on the ledge outside of the window.

Pope whispers, "What are you guys doing?"

"Oh, my god." Kie says

•

The cop opens the safe, "I said it. Didn't I say it?"

John B watches as they go through the items.

The male cop pulls out a stack of cash, "Everybody's gotta dip their beak."

"What the fuck." JJ whispers as the Female cop takes the cash.

JJ moves his hand to his side and something falls from his pocket, it goes crashing to the ground, hitting everything it can.

The man walks to the window opening the blinds, the boys stick closer to the wall and the others try their best to act natural.

He pulls back from the window, "All right, let's go. No one's here."

•

Back on the water, they go over the prior events.

"Well that was fun." JJ chuckles, "Could have warned us sooner."

"We would have, except pope was on the math team." Kie admits

"You were on the math team?" John B questions

"The cops took everything like it was a crime scene." Pope says changing to subject, "Did you find anything?"

JJ sits up and pulls out a stack of cash and a gun, "Did we find anything? No, I don't think so. Oh, yeah, we did."

"What the hell?" Pope gasps

Y/n looks at him like he's gone mad, "What the fuck, dude?"

"Dude, what?" Kie marvels

JJ walks over to Pope, "Dude, chill. Come on."

"Why would you take that from a crime scene?" Pope asks

"Better than the cops having it." He argues

"I'm gonna lose my merit scholarship." He worries

JJ puts his arm around him, "Hey, hey, hey. Sh, sh, sh, sh, sh. At least you have us, right?"

"He's definitely running on two braincells." Y/n whispers to Kie.

In return she gets a knowing look of agreement.

Pope pulls away, "I'm living a nightmare."

•

The medical examiner's take a dead body from a docked boat.

"So what happened?" A cop asks a man

"Well, I was up at the Mason outlet, and, uh, I seen this lump, and the crabs was just goin' to town on it, you know? So, I figured the best thing to do was, uh... throw him over in the ice chest and call y'all. I never saw anything like that before." The man answers

They wheel him through the port and Lana comes rushing over, "Scooter? Scooter? Oh, god!"

She cries looking down at his lifeless body.

"Who's that?" John B asks

"It's Scooter Grubbs. He was out during the storm." A girl answers, "Check out this pic I got. Dead body."

She pushes her phone towards the group.

"What kind of boat did he have?" JJ questions

"Somehow, that dirty bag copped a brand new Grady white. Everyone's out looking for it." She informs

They all share a look, knowing exactly where it lays.

•

Pope runs into the back porch of the Château, "Okay. So, um... we didn't see anything. We don't know anything. We need to have total and complete amnesia."

JJ stops flicking his lighter around, "Actually, Popes right for once. See, I agree with you sometimes. Deny, deny, deny."

"Guys, we can't keep that money." Kie chimes

"Okay. Not all of us can afford unlimited data plans, Kiara." He argues

"We have to pass that off to Lana Grubbs." She says

"Yeah, she just lost her husband. She probably needs it more than any of us." Y/n comments

"It's also bad Karma." Kie adds

"Bad karma to be implicated in a felony, too." Pope says, "We gotta go dark."

"If that means we get to keep the money, then I agree." JJ replies

John B taps his shoulder, "I don't agree."

"What? Why?" He wonders

"Just think about it." He tells him, "This is Scooter Grubbs we're talking about. Right? Same dude that's buying individual cigarettes at the porthole. Shit, one time I saw this dude begging for change in the Save-a-Lot parking lot because he needed gas. We're talking about a dirtbag marina rat who's never had more than 40 bucks in his pocket, and all of a sudden, he's got a Grady white? Just sayin'."

They all move out to the deck.

John B continues on with his rant, "All right, so think about it, Pope. How does a marina rat get a Grady white?"

Pope inhales sharply, "Prostitution."

"Square groupers, bro." He replies, "Okay, flying under the radar, no aerial surveillance. They don't do that stuff during a hurricane. What does that mean? JJ?"

"They were straight smugglin'." He answers

"Smugglin'." He repeats, "And I guarantee there's a serious amount of contraband in the wreck."

Ditching the fishing seen they pile into John bs room.

"For the record, if that is a smuggling ship with illegal contraband on the inside of it..." he pauses, "It probably belongs to someone else."

"Minor details." Kie chimes

Pope waves around the cash, "They could come looking for it. Taking it would be catastrophically stupid."

JJ snatches the money, "Right. Well, stupid things have good outcomes all the time."

"I don't think that's true." Y/n comments

JJ gently slaps her face with the money, "I beg to differ. Look, all we need to do is figure out a way to get into the cargo hold of the wreck. Until then, we just lay low. Just act normal."

Pope sighs, "Right. And how exactly do we do that?"

"Kegger?" Kie suggests

•

Climbing over fallen trees, they find the perfect spot. They mess around with the kegger and the hose, splashing their faces while trying to spray it into their mouths.

Calming down, they fill the plastic solo cup. All of them drinking besides Pope, y/n settles for just one, not wanting Pope to feel like the only sober one.

Soon their little get together grows into a group.

•

“All right. You can’t understand the Outer-Banks without understanding the boneyard. It’s kinda like a three layer burrito. There’s us and our friends, the working class derelicts, from the cut. Then, there are the kooks, the rich second homers. They’re mostly from pouncey ass boarding schools, just rich trustafarian posers. Our natural enemies. And then, there are the tourons. Totally clueless. Here for a week on vacation with their families. Chum for the sharks.”

•

The teens disperse, talking to anyone that would hold a conversation. Pope being the one to struggle in this atmosphere.

A boy yells up to a girl on a broken tower, “Sarah! Sarah, be careful, okay?”

The sight of Sarah ruins Kie’s mood, “What is she doing here?”

John B follows her gaze.

•

“That’s Sarah Cameron, kook princess. Kiara’s best friend in the ninth grade, worst enemy in the tenth grade. I work on her dad’s boats, so, you know, I’ve seen her around.”

•

Kie can’t bother to look at her any longer and walks away, John B on the other hand keeps watching.

The boy continues to yell at her, “What are you doing?”

•

“Then that’s Topper, her not so pleasant boyfriend. Topper actually thinks Pogues were bred to mow lawns.”

•

He watches as he helps her down, her giggles can be heard over the music.

•

A man walks through a set of door, the chime alerts a worker, “Sorry, museum’s closed.”

“Yeah, sure, chief. I’ll only be just a minute.” He tells him walking further in the museum.

He stops in front a small replica of the Royal Merchant. He slides a picture out of an envelope and compares it to the ship.

“The Royal Merchant sunk in the great storm of 1829 with 400 million dollars of British government gold on board.” The worker informs, “The dream of generations of islanders. Lovely work, don’t you think?”

He hums, “mm-hm. Yeah. Lovely.”

•

Night falls and the bonfires light up the beach.

JJ offers John B a drink, “You want this one?”

“For me? Yeah, I’ll take a sip.” He replies

Just then Sarah and Topper pass by them.

JJ gets a bright idea, “Hey, Sarah! Sarah, can I interest you in a tasty Milwaukee beverage?”

She stops with Topper by her side, “No thanks.”

“Come on? Is it not fancy enough for you?” He asks

“No. We were just leaving.” She answers

Topper is already fed up with him, “Hey, you know what? I’ll take it. I’ll- Thank you, man. I appreciate it.”

JJ pulls back the cup, “That’s nice, but I didn’t ask you. Now if you said pretty please, maybe, but you didn’t.”

“Oh, pretty please.” He says, “Pretty please?”

JJ holds the cup out to Sarah, “You have it.”

Topper smacks the cup, “She doesn’t want it, you-“

JJ wastes no time trying to get at him, John B and Sarah pulling them apart.

“You’re so funny, man.” JJ spits

“Dirty Pogues!” He yells back

John B didn’t like what Topper had to say and shoved him. Everyone’s eyes are now on the bickering bunch.

Pope, Kie, and Y/n are quick to their friends side.

“John b!” Pope shouts, “We’re supposed to be incognito, remember?”

Sarah tries to stop Topper, “Babe, babe, babe, babe-“

The sound of Toppers solid right hook on John Bs face fills the night. The crowd of spectators ‘ooh’ watching John B hit the floor.

Topper kicks him into shoreline, “Hey, John B, don’t make me drown you like your old man, all right?”

The crowd chants, “Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!”

The now soaked John B stands up and tackles him into the water.

“Give it to him!” JJ encourages

“John B, let it go!” Pope pleads

“Stop, you guys!” Kie shouts

John B gets the upper hand and nails punches into his side.

“Topper! Stop!” Sarah begs

“John B! Come on!” Y/n exclaims

They push apart a circle each other, John B decks Topper in the face. He eggs him on, he’s been waiting for this moment.

They wrestle a little more, John B drops him into the water, “Come on, Topper! Let’s go!”

A few more sloppy swings and John B is back in the water with Topper on top of him.

He’s drowning him.

Sarah is quick to notice, “Topper! Topper, stop! No!”

Y/n looks at Pope and JJ, “Do something! He’s drowning him.”

Next thing they know, the cocking of a gun clicks above Toppers head, he freezes. John B gasping for air under him.

JJ presses it down on him, “Yeah, you know what that is. Your move, broski.”

The other party goers run off on the sight in the gun.

“JJ!” Kie and Y/n yell

“Chill!” Pope urges him

“Stop! JJ!” Sarah screams, “Put the gun down.”

He keeps the gun to his head, “Did you say somethin’, princess?”

“We’re good. We’re good.” Topper tells him, “All right? Come on.”

“Kie! Can you check your psycho friend, please?” Sarah shouts

That comment does not fall onto deaf ears, if anything it sets JJ off.

He lets go of Topper and makes his way back up the sand.

“Okay, everyone, listen up!” He screams, “Get the hell off our side of the island!”

He raises the gun to the sky and fires off two shots.

Pope shoves him, “Are you crazy? You idiot! Why would you do that?”

“It’s not worth it!” Kie shouts

JJ pushes Pope back, “I’m saving his life, okay?”

Pope throws his hands around, “Stupid! You’re jeopardizing everything!”

Y/n is the only one by John Bs side trying to keep him up but his body becomes dead weight, “Holy shit! Guys!”

•

“There’s something about my father I haven’t mentioned. The week before he went missing, he says to me, ‘Bird, I think I found something. Your Uncle T’s gonna come stay for a while. I might have to vanish for a bit.’ So, he talks about vanishing, and he vanishes. Everyone says he was lost a sea but he’s still out there. I know it.”

•

John B jerks awake in his bed and footsteps are heading his way.

In walks the sheriff, “Get decent, sweetie. We need to talk.”

She leaves his room and waits by the back door, “Sorry to break in like this, but DCS called. They wanted me to check on you. See how you’re doing. So, how are you, besides the-“

“Oh, no, I’m- I’m great.” He says, “Yeah, fantastic. Uh… Thanks for comin’ by.”

“I’m so glad to hear you say that, John B, but I heard a few things that worried me.” She tells him, “Let me see if I can remember. Oh, yeah. One of the things I heard was that your Uncle Teddy, your guardian, hasn’t been in the state for three months.”

He looks up from what he’s cleaning, “Yeah, that’s false.”

“You don’t have to say anything. I know it’s true. I called the school.” She argues, “They said you used to be a good student, but now you’re failing all your classes.”

“No. No. I’m only failing one, and it’s history.” He corrects, “The dudes a dick. He’s out for me-“

She cuts him off, “I heard, there was a fight in the beach yesterday, and a gun was involved.”

He pats her shoulder, “Okay. Gun? No. Did I get in a dustup? Yes, but was there a gun? No. No way.”

“That’s okay. I know who it was. I’ll get to him.” She replies, “All I’m worried about right now is makin’ sure you’re in a safe home.”

He scoffs, “Yeah, super safe. Super sound, sturdy. You know what I mean? And Uncle T’s coming, so…”

“That what he told you?” She asks, “Well if he’s really coming home I think you should be allowed to stay.”

He sweeps off the table, “Thank you.”

“But if I stick my neck out for you, you have to help me. Tit for tat.” She says

This peaks his interest, “What is tat?”

She walks up to him, “Let me see, how can you help me? Oh, I know. So, a body was found in the March yesterday. Were you in the marsh yesterday?”

“Yeah, we were fishin’ for some drum.” He answers

“You catch anything?” She asks

“Nah, we were skunked.” He claims

“Strange. Fishing’s usually good after a storm. All sorts of things get stirred up. You come across a wreck yesterday?” She questions

He’s quick to answer, “No.”

She sighs, “You’re skimmin’ just above the surface, John B. Now, down here is foster care, juvie. Pretty big drop for a smart kid like you. Up here is you and your little friends doing whatever you want. Outer Banks… or foster care on the main land. If I was you, I’d start flappin’ my wings. Now, you sure you didn’t come across a wreck yesterday?”

He sits down and shakes his head, “Yeah. Yeah, I’m sure.”

She leans down to him, “It’s better if you didn’t, you understand? Now, I’m gonna look the other way, as long as you stay out of the marsh.”

She goes to leave out the back, “I got dogs livin’ better than this, John B. You might wanna think about cleaning up.”

•

The group sits in silence in his backyard.

“Look, I’m calling it off. All right?” He announces, “Peterkin said, if I stay out of the marsh, she’ll help me with DCS.”

“And you believed her?” JJ asks

“Yes, I believe her, JJ.” He answers

“An actual cop, John B. You believed a cop.” He says

“All I gotta do is stay out of the marsh for a couple days, and she’ll help my out.” He explains, “It doesn’t help that your ass was the one shooting the gun.”

“You know what I should have done? Just let Topper drown your ass.” He fums

“Topper was gonna drown me?” He questions

“Sure looked like it.” He tells him, “I mean have you looked in a mirror, recently?”

He eggs him on, “Tell me some more. Come on.”

“They always win, don’t they, man? Kooks versus Pogues. They always, always win!” He explains

“Look, it’s okay!” Kie chimes

“No, it’s not okay!” He whines, “It is not! They don’t want us to go down into the marsh. That means there’s something valuable down there, and you know it.”

“And it’s totally not because of Scooters dead body washing up or the fact that they can’t find his boat.” Y/n comments

He scoffs and looks at Pope, “I understand why you don’t wanna go. You’re the golden boy. You got way too much to risk.”

He looks at Kie and Y/n, “And you two- I mean you’re already rich as fuck anyway. Why would you bother?”

He turns back to John B, “But you and me, man, we got nothing to lose! We really don’t, all right? And I know it didn’t use to be that way for you.”

“I don’t want to talk about this. I don’t want to talk about it.” John B mumbles

“So that’s it?” He asks

He pushes JJ out his way, “Just get out my way, bro.”

“John B, listen to me. I have a plan.” He voices, “You got the key to Cameron’s big boat, right? There’s scuba gear inside. We just borrow that, and then we go down to the wreck this afternoon, and that is what’s going to save you, man. You don’t see rich kids going into foster care, do you?”

•

“You know, I should have learned a long time ago to never listen to JJ. He’s full of bad ideas like stealing from my rich boss. But this time, he was right. I had nothing to lose. My dad said the island was America on steroids. The haves and have nots like anyplace, but magnified and multiplied. The way I see it, they games rigged. Maybe it always has been. With no parents, no money… and no one looking out for me, I got no chance. Unless I make it on my own.”

•

John B is quick to grab the scuba gear, loading it into a bag. He goes to slip out and runs into Sarah.

“Oh! Hey.” She greets, “Are you stalking us? Plotting your revenge?”

“Yeah. Why don’t you just tell your daddy I blew the bilge on Druthers? Everything is good to go. Just toppin’ off these tanks.” He tells her loading up his boat.

“Hey. Are you okay?” She asks, “Cause that eye of yours looks really gnarly.”

He slides into his boat, “Yeah, you know what? You can tell Topper he won the first round. I’ll get him next time.”

“So there’s just gonna be a reign of terror on this island now?” She questions

He unhooks his boat, “You know, wars have been started for less, Sarah Cameron.”

“Okay. Can we drop the whole Pogues versus Kooks thing? It is really stupid.” She confesses

He sighs, “Oh… You know, it’s easy to say when you’re a Kook.”

Her salute to him turns into the bird, he steers off to the Château.

•

A deputy speaks through a megaphone, “Are y’all ready for a water party today? All right. Now, all kiddin’ aside, your job is to keep privates off the marsh so we can do our job and find this wreck. That’s straight from Sheriff Peterkin. Do not forget your sunscreen, ladies. Bring a lot of liquids.”

“Does that include Natty Light?” A woman shouts

“I don’t care what swill you bring. That’s on your own recognizance.” He answers, “All right? What else do you got to worry about? Let’s go!”

Two men approach the deputy, “Excuse me, officer? We’re here about the missing boat.”

He shakes their hands, “What can I do for you fellas?”

“Associates of the owner.” They inform, “Here to help however we can. We’re devastated about Scooter. We just feel sick about it. You mind if we join your armada? Take a look for ourselves?”

“Yeah, why not? Extra set of eyes.” He replies

The two men hop in a boat, “We’ll let you know if we find anything, officer.”

•

It’s peak golden hour as the friends go along with JJs plan.

Kie checks the gear, “These are empty. You took empty tanks?”

She checks the other, “Okay, this one’s a quarter full. It’s enough for one of us.”

“Love it when a plan comes together.” Pope chides

“Does anyone know how to dive?” She asks, “Anybody?”

They all stay quiet.

“It’s kind of a Kook sport.” JJ comments

“I… read about it.” Pope says

“Great, Pope read about it, so someone’s gonna die.” She nags

Y/n rubs her face, “No one’s gonna die.”

“Look, you put the thing in your mouth and breathe.” JJ states, “How hard could it be?”

“Well, if you come up too fast, nitrogen gets into your blood, and you get the bends.” Pope informs

JJ bends over, “Bends like, bend over and…”

“The bends kill you.” He clarifies

“Look, if none of you want to go, I’ll go.” Y/n offers

John B waves his hand at her, “No, no. I can- I can dive.”

JJ doesn’t even try to stop him, “You can dive. I’m cool with that.”

“Since when can you dive?” Kie asks

“I’ll do it. It’s fine.” He assures

Pope sits up straight, “Let me do some calculations real quick. That boats about 30 feet down. So it’ll take 25 minutes at that depth. Which means you need to make your safety stop at about… ten feet. All right? For two minutes.”

“Yeah, yeah. Ten feet, two minutes. Got it.” He says

Kie strips off her shirt and jumps into the water, everyone shares a look of confusion. Wondering, why on earth she decided to jump in the water.

“What was that all about?” Pope asks

“I don’t know, but I liked it. A lot.” JJ answers

“Of course you did.” Y/n comments walking over to where she just jumped.

“I mean if you want, you could do the same thing.” He replies

She looks down at the water for her, “Keep dreaming, Maybank.”

“I will.” He mutters and then clears his throat, “Uh, so… Yeah. Uh, when you- when you’re done there, you look for the cargo hold. You stick this thing inside and twist and pull, okay?”

“Stick in, twist, pull.” John b repeat to him

Kie comes back to the surface and brushes the hair from her face, “Hey! I tied my T-shirt to the anchor chain about ten feet down. It’s where you need to do your safety stop.”

Pope helps him gear up, “Keep an eye on this. You need to make sure you have enough air to decompress.”

“Okay, how much do I need?” He asks

“Unclear. Breathe as little as possible.” He tells him

“Zen. Think Zen, you know?” JJ chimes

“Hey, if we get caught in the marsh, we’re basically screwed, so… better get a move on.” Pope worries

Kie is quick to get back on the boat, she makes her way to John B. She gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

“Diver down.” He says

��Diver down.” She replies

Pope and JJ share a look and Y/n has a smug look on her face, honestly quite impressed that she made a move.

He jumps into the water, giving them a salute before diving down. Making his way to the sunken boat.

A police siren chirps at them on the boat.

“Shit.” Pope curses

“Guys, that’s the police.” JJ points out

“Oh, you gotta be kidding me.” He mumbles

“Just act normal.” Y/n tells them sitting next Kie.

“Evening officers.” Pope greets

They pull they boat up right next to them, “Evening.”

They tie the two boat together unaware of what’s happening beneath them.

The cop lowers his glasses, “What are you kids doing? You know the marsh is closed?”

He receives a series of no’s.

“Why is it closed?” Pope asks

“Well, we’re conducting a search out here. Boat went down.” He explains, “Seen anything?”

He once again gets a bunch on no’s.

“Where’s your friend you always hang with? He here?” He asks

“He’s working.” Kie answers

The deputy hums and steps onto the boat, “I’m gonna check your little boat out.”

Y/n puts on her sunglasses, “Be our guest.”

Pope backs up, “Yeah, hop aboard. You wanna- check- uh, check her out.”

John B stops at Kie’s tied t-shirt, looking up he can see that his friends are no longer alone, and he only has a minute of air left.

The deputy picks up a life jacket, “Uh… you got another one of these?”

“Yeah. Of course. It’s, uh… it’s in the hold.” JJ says

Kie and Y/n stand up, “Show ‘em.”

JJ opens the hold and pulls one out.

He nods, “All right.”

He then walks to the edge of the boat.

“Be careful you don’t wanna slip.” Pope warns

Putting on his glasses, he looks into the water but sees nothing, “All right. Beautiful day innit?”

He walks back and climbs into his boat, untying it from theirs, “Let us know if you see anything on your way out.”

Y/n gives him a half assed salute, “Yes sir.”

“Will do.” Pope replies

“We’ll be gone soon sir.” JJ assures

He starts up his boat, “Yes, you will.”

The two officers drive off and the teens are quick to the side of the boat.

“He’s definitely out of air.” Pope states

John Bs head pokes through the water, they all let out a sigh of relief.

“How’d it go down there?” JJ asks “Did you find anything?”

John B pants, “Did I find anything?”

He tosses up a drenched bag.

“Yeah, there we go! That’s my boy!” He cheers

“You okay?” Kie worries

“Yeah, I ran out of air.” He answers

“You scared the shit out of me.” She complains as he climbs back in.

“Yeah, the cops were up here, but, uh… took care of ‘em.” Pope says

“Yeah, you kinda missed the show brother.” JJ claims

“Yo, guys? We got a bogey at two o’clock.” Y/n alerts

They all turn their heads and sure enough there was a boat coming their way.

“Do you recognize that boat?” Pope wonders

“Never seen it.” She answers

“What are they doing back there?” Kie asks, “The marsh is closed.”

“I don’t know. Let’s not stick around and find out.” JJ voices

John B strips off the gear, “JJ, get the bowline.”

“Should we wait on ‘em?” Pope asks

“No, we’re not gonna wait on them.” Y/n answers

“Go get the stern. Go!” John B orders

Kie looks at Pope, “Are you joking?”

“Guys, don’t wait for me. Go.” JJ urges

They slowly start to move.

“I don’t like the look of this.” John B admits

“Are they coming for us?” JJ questions

“Maybe they’re fishing.” Pope suggests

John B steers them into the marsh, the other boat not far behind.

“Hey, guys, they’re following us.” Kie voices

“Dude you gotta go faster!” JJ exclaims, “Gun it!”

A gun fires and misses the teens by mere inches.

“Get down!” Y/n shouts making them all hit the floor.

Another shot flies by.

“Oh, my god. We’re gonna die.” Pope cries

Kie gets up, “Shit, Pope, move.”

She starts to grab the fishing gear, unaware of the rifle being aimed at her. It only misses her by a couple inches.

“Get down, Kie!” John B commands

She tosses out the net and their chasers run right into it. It’s wraps around their motor, leaving them stuck.

They all stand back up.

“Holy shit, Kie.” Y/n marvels giving her a high five.

They all hoot and holler, glad that they are all alive.

•

Making it back to the Château’s dock they drop the bag, unable to keep waiting.

“What do you think it is?” Kie asks

“Gotta be money, seeing how bad those fuckers wanted it.” Y/n answers

“That or a couple of keys with street value to the low to mid mils.” JJ smiles

“Can we please just open the bag?” Pope loudly pleads

John B looks up at him, “Wow, Pope. That’s a rare outburst of emotion.”

“Okay. You guys are literally killing me with anticipation. Just open the bag. We almost died over this.” He complains

John B opens the bag to reveal a capsule of some sort. Twisting off the top he dumps the contents into his hand.

It’s a compass.

“Oh, wow. Yep. That’s about right.” Pope nags, “Good job, everybody. We found a compass.”

JJ notices that John B has yet to move, “Dude, what? It’s not worth anything?”

“This was my father’s.” He replies

129 notes · View notes

hymemena · 6 months

Text

The Quarry Sentence Starters

Feel free to change pronouns as necessary, and remember to specify muse for multimuse blogs.

CW: Swearing, violence, injury, animal attack mention, suggestive

—

"Swarm of bears?"

"Fine… Okay. Once again, -muse- puts themself in mortal danger for the sake of their 'work friends.'"

"Just… How can you be so certain?"

"If I let my conscience slow me down, now, everything gets a lot worse for everyone. Believe me."

"Ah-ah, you'll have it when I say you'll have it."

"Alright, huddle up boys, this is how we're gonna do this."

"There's a half naked girl/boy waiting for you back there, -name-, what are you doing?"

"It was… It was okay."

"They seemed pretty insistent we stay in the lodge."

"I'm just desperate to stay afloat in a world where everyone wants to be different."

"Sometimes things just don't make sense."

"Fuck!"

"Son of a binky-bonky!"

"Well, at least I don't look and smell like a butt."

"Podcast, huh?"

"Family is very important."

"Does this look like the Goddamn Harbinger Motel to you?!"

"Maybe they don't check their voicemail."

"How was I supposed to know that?"

"I saw it online."

"I don't know! This was my first cop!"

"You're a horrible person."

"You shot me?! I'm telling mom!"

"You stabbed me. That really hurt."

"Goodbye, cruel world! The final curtain is calling and there's no time for an encore…"

"Who should we call?"

"Ninety-one one."

"You mean nine-one-one? Who says ninety-one-one?"

"Okay, well, just because you're using 'logic' to 'make sense' doesn't mean that I'm totally into it."

"Hey, you're singing off-key."

"We are being hunted by literal monsters and this is what scares you?!"

"Oh my God. You are so childish."

"Yeah, if they made a podcast called 'How To Look And Smell Like A Butt.'"

"-Muse-, what's your position?"

"Uhm… Standing?"

"I just can't wait to see who they choose to play me. In the movie about how brave I am."

"Maybe you should have asked them out on a date?"

"Damn it! I missed my shot!"

"P-A-R-T… Why the fuck not?"

"Check out my huge melons!"

"There's been a horrible accident--Attack. Some stuff's bad here."

"I'm not gonna fuck a bear."

"Sorry!"

"Why didn't you tell me there was something out there?!"

"I don't know what I saw!"

"Oh my God, -Muse-, you won't believe this! It's… Nothing."

"Yeah, well… Worse things have happened this summer."

"You beefed it."

"Ah, not this time, motherfucker!"

"And what? Risk another run-in with Captain Deliverance?"

"Well, that bodes ill!"

"Whoa, watch your step!"

"Why'd you do that?"

"You told me to!"

"That was a bad idea."

"Huh. Rude."

"They get kinda hot when they're bossy, huh?"

"I'm always hot, pencil dick."

"It's my beer-dar. Helps me dar for beers."

"It's not a secret room! It's just hidden… By stuff…"

"Yeah, that's what a secret is!"

"I haven't ever been stabbed before."

"Why is there what I can only hope is strawberry jelly on your face?"

"Oh, yeah, no. I'm pretty sure it's blood."

"You can't hide from me in my own house, fucker!"

"You're a fucker!"

""Oh, so now I'm blind, too, you motherfucker!"

"Why does everyone blame everything on bears?"

"Okay, so for the sake of argument, what if that 'bear' that cut our phone line and just cut out all the power-- What if that bear is waiting for us out in the hallway?"

"What's wrong with this thing? It's just closing!"

"Sorry, bro!"

"Double skill!"

"Ow! Mother… Hubbard!"

"No… They're funny!"

"Moment's gone."

"…But not forgotten."

"No… -Muse-… Don't do it… Stop…"

"Herd of bears."

"Yeah, I've heard of bears."

"I can try to encourage them."

"Go for it! You guys can do it! --it's not working."

"You know that's kind of a movie-only thing, right?"

"I mean, you bang someone on the head you're more likely to kill them or leave them with permanent brain damage… Not just 'knock 'em out.'"

#roleplay memes #rp memes #rp starters #writing prompts #roleplay starters #sentence starters #dialogue starters #dialogue prompts #dialogue rp meme #dialogue roleplay meme #sentence rp meme #sentence prompts #video game rp meme #video game roleplay meme #video game roleplay starters #video game rp starters

23 notes · View notes

waywardrose-archive · 1 year

Text

THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY | 10

stranger things

eddie munson x reader

rated e

5.5k

spotify playlist

for @punk-in-docs

fem/witchy/goth!reader, magic, slow burn (for me), friends to lovers, no y/n only pet names, series-typical horror, period-typical sexism and homophobia, historical inaccuracies and anachronisms, drug dealing and use, smoking, alcohol use, masturbation, fantasizing, one-bed trope, making out, fingering, dirty talk, consensual pursuit and capture, oral sex, handjobs, condoms, piv sex, reader’s father is a dirtbag, mild spanking, magical violation, mental torture, body horror, aftercare, nightmares, strict parenting, panic attack, tags will be updated as needed

Eddie would have to wait until his lunch break to see this new, hot, weird chick. He wondered which flavor of weird she was. Art weird? Theater weird? Band weird?

Weird weird?

He shrugged. He liked weird.

In other words, you’re the new girl in town, and Eddie is intrigued.

note: Again, heed the tags, y’all. If you need spoilers, please DM me. For previous chapters, check the #em tagd tag below! Thanks for reading!

Hands wrenched you awake. Your chest pumped for air like you’d been drowning. You blinked as the dark room swam, then flashed red, gray, settling in the hazy orange from a streetlight. A human-shaped shadow loomed above you. You squeaked and tried to get away, palms skidding across unfamiliar sheets.

The shadow shushed you, voice mellow. “Whoa, hey, it’s okay. It’s okay. It’s me.”

It was Eddie.

You were in his bed. He’d picked you up from a convenience store. A spell had gone wrong. You’d been attacked and depleted.

Your attacker was still out there. No salt circle would protect you — or Eddie — or anybody — from it. You couldn’t cast a proper circle now, anyway. You were useless.

“Sorry,” you said, eyes stinging with tears.

“No, don’t be.”

He lay on his side next to you. His hand found yours under the blankets. You laced your fingers between his and focused on the ceiling.

You’d been in that red-lit hellscape again. Instead of a tiled room, a soundless expanse had surrounded you. Fractured pieces you almost recognized floated nearby. Pillars of vines pointed at a sunless sky. Black ichor gathered in puddles on the ragged ground. You’d spun and spun, finding no way out.

Then it had growled your name.

You’d run away, your shoulder banging into a pillar. Mist clogged your senses. You’d run into another pillar, which gave under the pressure to envelope your hands. It sucked one of your arms into it. Inside was warm and soggy. Thick liquid oozed around your fingers, hot like blood.

You’d twisted and yanked at your arm as it growled your name again.

“You shouldn’t be here,” it said.

You agreed. You shouldn’t have been there.

A clock had gonged a few times, each knell echoing through the expanse.

Eddie had freed you by shaking you conscious.

What if someone else was pulled into that hellscape, though? What if it had been Eddie? What if he didn’t have anyone to wake him? What if you weren’t there?

The trailer’s silence offered no peace from the thought. Silence was where your nightmare thrived. It wanted you silent. It wanted suffering.

“Could you turn on the radio or something?” you asked Eddie.

“Sure.”

Eddie eased out of the blankets — a wisp of cool air sneaking underneath — and went to the boombox on the dresser. He messed with a few settings before the boombox crackled to life. The newest song from WASP whispered through the speakers.

“That good?” he asked as he approached the bed.

You nodded, then curled onto your side.

He got into bed, lay on his back, and closed his eyes. You recalled feeling his beautiful energy in Chicago, how he’d been a silver flame. Trying to feel him out now was like punching a bruise. You could touch him, but you couldn’t sense that internal fire. You couldn’t explain that to him, either. He’d never believe you.

You’d lost something only you knew existed.

Eddie’s profile blurred. A heavy tear glided over the bridge of your nose and rolled across your cheek. Another followed, disappearing into the pillowcase.

You suppressed a ragged breath with fingers over your lips. Eddie must’ve felt the movement, because he turned his head towards you. His eyes widened before he gathered you to his side.

“It’s okay, baby.”

You rested your head on his warm chest, wishing that were true. The steady rhythm of his heart calmed you like nothing else could, though. You synced your breath with his until your tears dried.

“Do you want something?” he asked.

Your voice broke as you asked, “What?”

“You want something to help you sleep? I got stuff.”

“Oh...” You bit your bottom lip, thinking of a dreamless night. “Uh, alright?”

“If you’re not into it, it’s cool.”

He put a hand on your arm and gave it an affectionate squeeze.

“No,” you said as you pulled away to let him get up once more. “I’d like that.”

He shuffled to his desk to open the lower drawer. His sleep pants hung from his lean hips and obscured most of his pert ass. He pulled an old-fashioned lunch box from the drawer and set it on the crowded desktop.

“Close your eyes. I gotta turn on a light,” he said.

You shielded your eyes with a hand. The wall sconce for the desk clicked on, flooding the room with soft light. A blackened water stain discolored the corner above the sconce. It spread across the ceiling and walls, moldering everything in its path as it undulated towards you. It sprouted into the ceiling fixture to overflow it with writhing black spiders.

Your breath caught in your throat. You pushed yourself against the wall. Your elbow knocked into the chest, which served as a second nightstand. On top, a stack of cassettes toppled and an empty mug teetered. You grabbed the mug to keep it from falling.

When you looked again at the water stain, it had retreated to the corner. The spiders were gone. You sighed and placed the mug where it had been.

“You good?” Eddie asked, glancing over his shoulder.

“Yeah, yeah,” you said and neatened the cassettes. “Just clumsy.”

He didn’t comment further, only muttered he’d be right back with water. As he left the bedroom, you slumped and rubbed at your eyes. You couldn’t have been dreaming. You were awake—

Right?

There was no way of knowing for sure. Your nightmares felt as real as anything else.

You bent to sniff Eddie’s pillow. It smelled of detergent, his products and musk, and a hint of smoke. You rubbed your nose on the thin pillowcase and snuggled under the blankets. It would be impossible to recreate the scent in a dream. This was the first time you’d been in his bed, anyway — and the whole thing smelled of him.

You hugged the pillow with a sigh.

“Was I gone that long, sweetheart?”

You jolted, cheeks heating, and scooted to your side of the bed.

“Sorry.”

Eddie’s grin was all sweet tease as he closed the bedroom door.

“If you want that pillow, you can use it.” He offered a glass of water. “I don’t mind.”

You took it while saying, “I’d rather use you.”

His grin faded, yet his eyes remained warm.

“I’m at your disposal, sweetheart.”

His earnestness caught you off-guard. Before you could reply, he went to the desk and fetched a prescription bottle. He returned, placing a knee on the bed to sit facing you.

“This is k-pin: Klonopin,” he said as he opened the bottle and shook a tablet into his palm. “No real high, but one’ll have you sleeping for the night.”

With a nod, you said, “Sounds good,” and plucked it from his hand.

“You ever take benzos?”

You shook your head and studied the tablet.

He said, “They’re soft-ish. Half a pill takes away pot paranoia.”

“That’s why you have them?”

“Well, not for me. Some customers need it.”

“Gotcha,” you said, then popped the tablet in your mouth and swallowed it with a drink of water.

He closed the bottle and walked it back to the lunch box. You set the half-full glass on the chest before getting comfortable and fluffing your pillow. He asked if you were ready and turned off the sconce when you said you were.

You threw the corner of the blankets down for him. The bed trembled slightly as he flopped beside you and tugged the blankets over his chest. He looked at you and lifted the blanket.

“Your personal pillow awaits, milady.”

“You sure?” you asked.

“Uh, positive.”

You tucked yourself against his side, hugging his torso and crooking a knee over his thigh. He arranged the blankets over you and kissed the top of your head.

Softly, he asked, “Good?”

You hummed in reply, closed your eyes, and breathed deep. Eddie’s heartbeat lulled you into a calm you’d only felt with him.

When your eyes opened again, bittersweet-orange light tinged the room. The other side of the bed was empty. Beyond the closed door and radio, male voices talked lowly. You assumed it was Eddie and his uncle, Wayne.

With a stretch and jaw-cracking yawn, you rolled across the bed. The digital clock on the nightstand read 2:49.

Oh, shit.

“Oh, shit,” you said, and scrambled onto your knees.

The room subtly spun as you blinked. How could you have slept that long? Eddie said Klonopin would make you sleep for the night, not for half a day.

You were dead. You were fucked. When you got home, you were going to hear about how you disappointed your father and worried your mother.

A knock on the door added to the dread welling in your gut. You wiped the crust from your eyes and told Eddie to come in. Your voice was rough, and you cleared your throat.

Eddie poked his head between the jamb and the door, a smirk pulling at the corner of his lips. His hair was a wild mop of brown waves.

“Good morning, my little ray of pitch black.”

You groaned and buried your face in a pillow.

The door clicked closed. A second later, the radio went silent. Then the bed dipped beside you. A hand smoothed up and down your back. You rolled onto your side away from Eddie, but he kept petting you. The simple gesture made your throat tighten and eyes burn.

What was wrong with you?

You’d never cried so much in a 24-hour span in your life. You should’ve been cried-out by now — or at least been dehydrated. You were a mess. Your head was a mess. Your life was a mess.

Eddie deserved so much more than taking care of some hysterical person.

He pressed his chest to your shoulder and kissed your temple. His hand spanned the side of your ribs.

You hiccuped a sob and covered your face with your hands.

“I’m sorry,” you said as a few tears escaped.

“What? No, it’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.” You pulled your hands away and looked at him. “I’m a stupid mess. You don’t want to be involved with me.”

“Hey,” he said, tone serious. “You’re my mess.” He cupped your cheek. “If you couldn’t tell, I’m a mess, too.”

You shook your head even as you leaned into his touch.

“Look at my room. You think I got it together?” he asked with a small grin.

You huffed a little laugh and covered his hand with yours. His thumb stroked your cheekbone.

“I’m King Mess, baby. A super senior stuck in this Podunk town.”

“But not forever,” you said, feeling certain to your bones.

He shrugged in a noncommittal way, his face a neutral mask.

“Seriously, Eddie, you won’t be stuck here forever.”

“Neither will you.”

You smiled and said, “We’ll go on another adventure.”

That mask dissolved until he beamed from ear to ear.

“I can get behind that.” He bent to give you a gentle kiss. “You hungry? Want breakfast? Or would you rather go home?”

You groaned as you remembered the time.

“Oh fuck, home. I’m dead.”

“Rather hole up here till the heat dies down?”

With a snort, you said, “No, that’ll only make it worse.”

He nodded.

“I can take you home, then.”

With a nod of agreement, you said you wanted to use the bathroom and brush your teeth. He stood and went to the dresser, saying he’d find you a pair of clean socks to wear. With his back turned, you admired the lines of his silhouette and his pretty hair.

Before you could doubt yourself, you closed the distance to mould against his back and wrapped your arms around his middle.

Cheek resting on his shoulder-blade, you whispered, “Thank you.”

He clasped one of your forearms and pressed it to his stomach.

“You’re welcome.”

You let him go and hobbled to the bathroom as fast as your wounded foot would allow. There, you used the toilet, washed your hands, and threw water on your face. The toothbrush you’d used last night was in the cup with the others, your name written in black marker on the handle.

Eddie had made space for you, given what he could, and took care of you when he didn’t have to.

Did anyone know how generous he was? How kind? Or did everyone assume he was some wastoid loser? Had they written him off as just a freak?

Because he wasn’t. He wasn’t.

This time, tears didn’t prickle as they came. You blinked them away easily and took a deep breath to shake the near-grief away. You knew who Eddie was and what he meant to you. That was what mattered.

You used the mirror to neaten your hair as best you could. At least you didn’t look like something had magically violated you, had an unearthly creature’s tooth yanked from your foot, taken an illicit prescription, and slept for, like, twelve hours. Because you certainly didn’t want another sex-and-drugs talk from your parents.

After brushing your teeth, you returned to the bedroom. Eddie had pushed back the curtains. He’d changed into jeans and a thick hoodie, and now sat at the illuminated desk.

“How’s the foot?” he asked as he faced you.

“Sore.”

He hummed in thought. “Want to wear my sneakers?”

“Sure,” you said. “Just for the ride, of course.”

“Of course.” He nodded at the bed. “Found a pair of decent socks for you.” He’d laid out your sweater and placed a white ball of socks on top. “They’re from middle school, I think. I had a growth spurt before freshman year and couldn’t wear them anymore.”

“And you kept them?” you asked as you sat on the bed.

With a shrug, he said, “I kinda forgot they were in there.”

That made you smile as you stretched a sock over your injured heel. The thick sole of the sock felt nice against the puncture. As you pulled on the other sock, Eddie retrieved his sneakers. Compared to the socks, your feet swam in them. You laced them tight, but they still looked absurd.

You waggled your feet.

“I look like a muppet.”

In a terrible impression of Kermit the Frog, he sang, “It’s not easy bein’ green.”

You laughed and put on your sweater.

“You should do a metal cover of that.”

He barked a laugh before offering you a hand to help you stand, which you took. You still kept most of your weight off the injured foot, though the socks and sneakers offered plenty of cushioning. You lumbered behind Eddie as he led the way to the living room.

It was a touch warmer beyond the hallway. Wayne sat on the couch, reading a section of the Sunday newspaper. He’d stacked the other sections on the coffee table.

“I’m taking her home,” Eddie said as he reached for the front door. “I’ll be back soon.”

Wayne lowered the newspaper with a grunt. Without the barrier of his truck, he looked tough and serious. When his steely gaze turned to you, your first instinct was to apologize for intruding.

“My nephew here said you had a nasty night.”

“Yes, sir.”

To Eddie, he asked, “You offer her breakfast?”

“Yeah, of course.”

To you, he said, “You’re welcome to stay for supper.”

“Oh, thank you, sir, but I should be getting home.”

Wayne nodded in acceptance.

“Well, I hope your next visit is under better circumstances.”

“Me too.”

His eyes softened, a hint of a grin warmed his expression.

“Our door is always open.”

“Thank you. I really appreciate that.”

He said to Eddie, “You best give her a coat. It’s cold out there.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but Eddie plucked his jacket with a denim vest from the back of a dinette chair and held it open. It settled heavy on your shoulders, surrounding you in his scent.

Wayne nodded again — this time in approval.

“It’s good to finally meet you, Mr. Munson.”

“You too.” He flicked his newspaper to pop the crease straight. “Y’all be careful out there.”

“We will,” said Eddie and ushered you outside.

“Thank you again,” you said to Wayne before Eddie closed the front door.

Wayne had been right: it was cold. The overcast sky didn’t look like rain or snow. It was just a wan shade of gray. A gust of wind pierced the weave of your sweater, making you want to cross your arms and scurry for shelter.

“Need my keys,” Eddie said softly and drew near to block the wind.

You patted the jacket’s pockets, finding the ring of keys.

“You sure you want to go home?”

You offered the keys in your palm.

“I’d rather get the lecture over with, thanks.”

With a sigh, he took the keys. Then he spotted you down the porch stairs. You made it into the van with little fuss. The interior still smelled of old plastic, weed, and boy-funk. The scuffs on the dash and center console were more noticeable in the light of day. He’d retrofitted a tape-player into the dash, too. The surrounding plastic was scratched and jagged.

Eddie plopped into the driver’s seat, making the van sway. He gave you a grin and started the van, which rumbled to life.

“Want some music?”

You nodded with a ‘yeah,’ because anything was better than being alone with your thoughts.

He riffled through a shoebox taped to the floor, produced a Motley Crue tape, and shoved it into the player. It started mid-song, but he didn’t rewind it. He turned the volume up and shifted the van into Reverse.

The drive to your house was quicker than you remembered. The van was in your driveway before you were ready.

Eddie clicked off the tape-player. Teeming silence filled the van. You didn’t know what to say or how to begin. There was too much jumbling together.

“I can come in with you,” he said.

“No, it’s okay.”

“I don’t like this.”

You unlatched the seatbelt.

“I know, but I can handle it.”

“You shouldn’t have to.”

You didn’t know what to say to that, so you loosened the laces of his sneakers and toed them off.

“I’m serious,” he said. “I’ll help explain.”

“No, honey, I...” You shook your head. “Not like this, okay? I want you to meet my parents — I do — but not like this.”

He growled to himself as his shoulders slumped. “Fuck.”

You planted a hand on the console and leaned towards him.

“Give me a kiss.”

“Call me later.”

“I will, promise.”

He moved in, wrapped a hand around your nape, and caught your lips in a desperate kiss. You sagged, returning the kiss with equal fervor. He made you not want to leave the van ever — even if it stank.

Yet you had to.

When he finally pulled away, you almost changed your mind. You wanted to tell him to keep kissing you and take you back to his place. You’d eat supper with him and his uncle, sleep in his bed again, and go to school tomorrow. Forget your parents and your car and your stuff.

“You better go before I kidnap you for real.”

You smiled.

“Can’t kidnap the willing.”

He released you with a groan and sank into his seat. His expression was a mixture of frustrated lust and genuine concern.

“I’ll call you tonight,” you said as a peace offering.

“You better.”

You told him not to wait, because you’d be going in through the kitchen door. He nodded and straightened. You climbed out of the van, took off his jacket, and folded it on the passenger seat. You met his eyes and grinned.

“Catch you on the flip side.”

“Not if I catch you first, babe.”

Feeling heat creep into your cheeks, you closed the door and took a few backward steps. The concrete was frigid under your feet. Eddie gave you an encouraging nod. You returned the nod and sped unevenly up the driveway to the path which led to the deck. The van’s brakes squealed as Eddie reversed it onto the road.

You paused on the deck and inhaled a centering breath. You had no magic to mask your presence or influence your parents. This was going to go like it did for any other teenager who’d stayed out all night.

The kitchen was bright through the window over the sink. Mom wasn’t visible. However, she wasn’t one to leave lights on. Your father didn’t hang out in the kitchen, preferring the living room or his office. If he was in the living room, he would’ve seen Eddie’s van.

Well, you thought, let him see.

Through the kitchen’s double doors you saw Mom sitting at the table, reading a paperback romance, the cordless phone by her elbow. Her head snapped up when you opened the door. She rested the book on its face to save her spot. The house was quiet and warm and smelled of roasting chicken.

As you closed the door, you said, “I’m sorry.”

She stood, yet kept hold of the back of her chair.

“Where the hell were you?!”

You grimaced at her volume.

“You’re lucky your father’s at the country club.”

Tension drained from your shoulders.

“Well?” she asked. “Where were you?”

“I was with a friend.”

“What’s this friend’s name?”

“Eddie.”

“I’m assuming Eddie is short for Edward.”

You nodded and averted your gaze, keeping to the other side of the table. You knew how it sounded.

She snorted and stomped to the fridge.

“I went to your room when you didn’t show up for breakfast. The lights were still on and your bed was untouched, but you were gone.” She pulled a bottle of white wine from the door. “No note to tell me where you were or why.”

“Does Dad know?”

“Goddammit, don’t you worry about him.” She pointed the bottle at you. “You’re talking to me right now.” The fridge door clapped shut behind her. “What the hell were you thinking, huh? Going out in the middle of the night to see some boy.”

You came around the table, wincing when you stepped too hard on your heel.

“Are you hurt?” Her eyes went flinty as she left the bottle on the counter and came closer. “Did this Eddie hurt you?”

“No, he didn’t hurt me!” You motioned to your feet. “These are his socks. He patched me up.”

“Where are your shoes?” She examined your sweater. “Where’s your coat?”

“I wasn’t wearing them.”

“So, you left without shoes or a coat when it’s almost freezing at night?”

“I sleepwalked,” you said, because it was the easiest, if inaccurate, explanation.

She gave you a flat look.

“You’ve never sleepwalked in your life.”

“Well, I do now!”

Tears suddenly burned behind your eyes. Their heat suffused your entire face.

Her anger vanished with a sigh, like a candle snuffed.

“Did you actually sleepwalk?”

“I think so? I was walking on the side of the road, and I didn’t know where I was.” You wiped away a fat tear before it rolled down your cheek. “I found enough change in a gas-station parking lot and called Eddie, okay? I didn’t know who else to call!”

“You call home,” she said, and crossed her arms.

“But I didn’t know where I was.” You spread your hands. “He’s lived here his whole life.”

She huffed with a shake of her head.

“How did you hurt yourself?”

“I stepped on something sharp, but Eddie took care of it.”

“Want me to take a look at it?”

“No, it’s fine. Just sore.”

“Are you hungry?”

You shrugged. Your stomach was in a knot, but it had been a long time since dinner. Maybe a little food would help with the emotional rollercoaster you’d been riding.

“I could eat.”

She told you to sit as she went to the pantry. You limped to the table and settled into a chair. The dread that had been building since you woke faded. You wanted to sleep for a million years. But your nightmares lived in silent sleep. Maybe you’d slept long enough.

A plate with a plain ham sandwich slid in front of you. Mom set a glass of wine next to it. You hadn’t heard her uncork the bottle. You must’ve been more out of it than you realized. Or the Klonopin was stronger than Eddie let on.

She sat in her seat, a glass of wine in her hand. You thanked her and took a bite of the sandwich.

“This doesn’t mean you’re not in deep shit. Because you should’ve called me from his place.”

“I know.”

“Do I need to get you a pregnancy test?”

You dropped the sandwich as you coughed around the half-chewed bite. Mom pushed your wine closer. You knocked back half the glass, washing everything down.

Voice a little hoarse, you said, “No.” You patted your chest. “We didn’t— I mean, last night I just slept at his house.”

She hummed like she didn’t quite believe you.

“Trust me, okay?” Your face heated anew. “Doing it was the farthest thing from my mind.”

You remade your sandwich and took another bite — to hide your face, if nothing else.

“Alright, fine. I’ll find a doctor tomorrow and make an appointment.”

“For what?”

“For your sleepwalking, of course.”

You swallowed, and the food landed heavily in your stomach.

“This is the first time...”

“And you left the house. That’s pretty serious.”

“But they’ll put me on meds.”

“Maybe you need medication.”

“I won’t take it.”

She sighed and took a long drink of wine.

“I know it hasn’t been easy: moving to this small town, away from your friends and all you knew.”

“That’s not the problem.”

The problem was fucking Hawkins. No amount of medication would make this place normal.

She said, “It’s been stressful.”

“So you want to drug me?”

“No, I don’t want to drug you. I want a doctor to make sure you’re healthy.”

You narrowed your eyes.

“No, you want a doctor to give me pills so I won’t be a problem for you or Dad.”

“I’m going to overlook that because I know you had a bad night.”

“A bad night?” You scoffed. “Try a bad fucking life.”

“A bad fucking life?” She leaned towards you. “We’ve given you everything we didn’t have.”

“I don’t want everything you never had!”

“Then what, huh? What do you want?”

“I want to be treated like a person, not a problem to manage!”

“I beg your pardon.”

“Maybe you should.” You pushed away from the table and stood. “You’ve never apologized for anything.”

“You sit down right now, young lady. We are not done talking about this.”

“No, screw this. I’m not going to the doctor.”

Her eyebrows shot up her forehead.

“Are you admitting you were lying?”

“I didn’t lie!”

“Go to the doctor, or you’re grounded.”

“Then I guess I’m grounded.”

You marched as fast as you could from the kitchen.

“You’re grounded for two weeks!” Mom called after you. “With no car!”

The book stacks soundproofed the school library’s back corner. A row of carrel desks lined the wall. You sat criss-cross applesauce at the last desk, struggling with your Trig homework during lunch. The bubbles in your Dr. Pepper fizzled against the sides of the metal can.

After working out the seventh of ten problems, you dropped your pencil, relaxed in the chair, and drew the open bag of Combos near. Whoever put letters in math needed to be murdered slowly. Or roasted on some demon’s pitchfork.

You ate a few Combos and wiped your hands on your jeans before taking a drink of soda. Not that torturing the father of trigonometry could help — despite the thought being satisfying. And it wasn’t like the threat of fiery doom would hardly persuade Mr. Wessel from collecting your work tomorrow.

With a sigh, you set the can in the far corner and picked up your pencil. Three more to go. You copied the eighth problem — sin3cosx = sin7xcos5x — and glared at it. You wanted to bash your forehead on the desk. Which formula solved this piece-of-shit problem? You paged through the chapter section, looking for a miracle.

A male voice growled, “You can’t eat in here,” as your chair shook.

Your heart leapt into your throat. The nightmare had found you. It had broken through. Your knee banged the underside of the desk as you uncrossed your legs. You had to get away before it overpowered you again.

You pushed away from the desk, textbook plowing into the Combos bag. Your foot caught on your purse you’d dumped beside the chair. It skittered across the low-pile carpet. Normally, you’d chase after it, but not this time. You needed to run.

You surged to your feet. If you didn’t run, it would kill you. Arms wrapped around you, pinning your own to your torso. You stomped with your non-injured foot. Your heel slammed into something soft.

“Ow! Shit, shit, shit!”

You wriggled in the powerful arms to loosen their hold.

“Baby, it’s me. It’s me. It’s Eddie.”

“Eddie?”

“Yeah, it’s me. Jesus Christ, it’s okay. I’m here.”

You sagged, yet couldn’t catch your breath. It was too hot. Your heart pounded like a prisoner trying to break free. The room spun, the myriad of book spines swirled together. You squeezed your eyes closed and tried to swallow.

In a soothing tone, Eddie said, “Let’s sit down.”

You nodded.

He guided you to your chair. Though it was a step or two away, it felt too distant. Your legs quaked. You collapsed sideways into the chair, gripping the back so hard it hurt.

He crouched in front of you, his warm palms on your thighs. You stared at his hands. They really were well proportioned.

“Hey, you gotta breathe.”

You nodded again, focusing on his rings and counting the skulls on one of them.

“Breathe in,” he said, and counted to four. “And out.”

It was difficult to match him for a minute, but he kept counting until you could. You released the chair back and leaned against it. Your hands shook too badly to do much of anything, anyway.

Slowly, he rose and retrieved the half-full Dr. Pepper can. You cupped it with both hands, one of his under it for insurance. You took little sips, which helped settle your tight stomach.

“Sorry,” he said. “Didn’t think.” He crouched, hands on your thighs once more, and met your eyes. “I was sooo excited to find you.”

You thought you grinned. It was hard to tell with how floaty your head felt.

You kept sipping Dr. Pepper, which was cold and bubbly. It was nice. The can’s condensation wet your fingers. That was nice, too. You concentrated on breathing, then drinking and swallowing, and breathing again.

Little by little, you trickled into your head. Your heartbeat was steady, lungs fully functional. Yes, your hands quivered, but you could manage. The worst was over. Eddie was there.

He gnawed on his bottom lip — probably had been gnawing on it. You touched his lips to draw attention to his actions. He stopped, looking into your eyes. His lip was puffy and flushed a deep pink.

You wrapped your hand around the can and tried to convey with a look you weren’t angry. Because you weren’t angry with him. Or even upset. He wasn’t the one who’d drained your magic.

“Wanna skip the rest of the day?” he asked. “I still have The Last Starfighter at home. We could smoke some weed and heat a couple frozen burritos.”

That sounded great, but you couldn’t.

You shook your head.

“I shouldn’t. My mother’s home all day, and she’ll see you drop me off.”

“I don’t have to take you home. I can drop you off at your bus stop.”

If she discovered you’d skipped school the first Monday after being grounded, you’d never hear the end of it. Most likely, she’d add time to your grounding until you wouldn’t be free until mid-December. You couldn’t imagine only seeing Eddie at school. You couldn’t imagine not having your car until then, either.

“We’ll do movies and burritos after Thanksgiving, okay?”

He nodded, resembling a kicked puppy.

You added, “And I’ll come to your next show.”

“I’m going to miss you tomorrow night.”

“I’ll call you after, and you can tell me all about it.”

He snorted. “I’m sure it’ll be a thrilling tale.”

“It always is with you, Eddie Munson.”

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x fem!reader #eddie munson smut #eddie munson #stranger things #em tagd #waywardrose writes

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