#first isn't the best singer and he knows it
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y'all I went on twitter for the first time in three days and people are trying to cancel First? bffr
#first kanaphan#first isn't the best singer and he knows it#he knows and shares his insecurities all the time#what lj said was obviously a joke with friends - maybe she just shouldn't have done while filming#she didn't deserve any hate#BUT NOW people are doing a complete 360 to defend her from mean comments and THEY ARE LEAVING COMMENTS BEING SHITTY TO FIRST???#LIKE WHAT?? because he left emojis on her apology tweet???#I am actually laughing#some of them literally stanning p3d0s and saying first is a bad guy#come on
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I've met him in person btw and he's a fucking sweetheart
[ID: Text-intensive Twitter thread from the Shapeshifters chest binders Twitter account in reply to a post by artist and author Ursula Vernon. Vernon says, A non-zero number of you apparently did not know that The Last Unicorn was a book before it was a movie. It is by Peter S. Beagle. It is made of spun glass and fairytales and iron knives and there are individual lines that I would give my lungs to have written. Shapechangers replies, I saw him every year at NYCC for several years straight, bought something at his table, asked him to sign it, and we spoke. He remembered me from year to year, no small feat at that con. He remembered which stories he'd told me. One year I came back with a different gender on. He squinted at me a bit and said thoughtfully, "I've seen you before in this place." All I had to say was, "last year you told me the story about the inoshishi." And his face cleared, and he leaned in with a grin and told me about a German guitarist who he traveled with, twice. Who transitioned between the first and second time, so he'd gotten to meet this person all over again on the second round. It was a wonderfully kind way to let me know that everything was fine. I was fresh out of the closet and I needed that, and maybe he could see it. The Last Unicorn is the best book in the world and I will defend it and its author til I die. the end. /end ID]
I don't usually talk about celebrities; artists, when I do, and I'm keenly aware that one needn't be a good person to be a hell of a heartwrenching artist.
But Peter S. Beagle has written a few of my favorite things in the world, he's an excellent singer and filker, and this Twitter thread was dreadfully important to me. I don't want it going away as Twitter becomes Shitter, because it's so often bad news, isn't it? It's important to me to share trans joy.
#image description#peter s beagle#trans#ally#the last unicorn#twitter backup#twitter thread#good news#no seriously it's always bad news but not this time#tlu#last unicorn
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Character/Show information found on Gooseworx's tumblr (part 1)
I went into Gooseworx's tumblr and made a list of all the info found on there so far.
Note: This will update as more and more posts are made.
Caine named himself before deciding that it's an acronym that stands for Creative Artificial Intelligence Networking Entity (he thinks it makes him sound professional)
Caine does not have an age. He is an AI.
Apparently, Caine is likely the best singer out of everyone in the circus.
Caine would own a circus peanut shotgun.
Caine can't grasp the concept of irony.
Caine is not affected by "this statement is false"
If Caine could remove his clothes, he'd have nothing underneath.
Caine would only bite his eyes or tongue if he thought it's funny. Otherwise, they clip through his teeth
Caine is short.
Caine does not understand verbal pranks (example: 'Joe Mama', 'Updog' etc). Even after having them explained, he'd still take them literally.
Bubble speaks in reverse once in episode 3.
Bubble is a much simpler AI created by Caine
Apparently, Bubble is the biggest slut.
Bubble is Caine's little hype man
Bubble likes being popped.
Bubble is a boy
Out of everyone, Bubble is the most likely to wear drag.
The moon is an AI "like Bubble".
The sun can talk too.
Pomni's hat is a part of her body
Pomni does not like being touched
Pomni's first design looked liked a frog
Pomni's reaction to herself in the mirror isn't a positive reaction
Apparently, Pomni's hair is black.
Pomni is good at accounting.
Ragatha gives the best hugs
Ragatha has been in the circus the second longest.
Ragatha is older than Pomni.
Ragatha likes horses.
Ragatha can play the Cello.
Ragatha can see through her button eye.
There's a particular character who hasn't been revealed yet who's practically a Gooseworx self-insert. (He's the mean one...Jax?)
Nobody likes Jax
Jax doesn't have a tail.
Jax's colour is periwinkle.
Jax deserves to be trapped in the circus the most
There's nothing heroic about Jax.
Jax is morally the worst character in the show.
Jax is the youngest member in the circus.
Jax didn't enter the circus at the age of 14.
Jax mistreats Gangle the most because shew the easiest to mistreat.
Jax is afraid of corn because it reminds him of something called 'the farm'.
Jax is a troubled individual.
If you gave Jax an unholy amount of praise, he'd be confused and frightened.
Jax mainly bullies the girls because he has issues he hasn't worked out with himself yet.
Jax most likely went through an emo phase
Gangle like to draw, specifically anime.
Gangle only has comedy and tragedy masks.
Gangle's favourite animal is Azumanga Daioh.
Gangle has a body pillow with a character on it.
Gangle watched One Piece, and her favourite character was Chopper.
Kinger is not British.
Kinger is the tallest and oldest
There is an episode that heavily features Kinger.
Kinger and Zooble eat like a chao
Kinger saw the gastral giveaway in a vision after eating two spoons of gravel.
Kinger knows how to play chess.
Zooble almost gets no screen time in the first two episodes
Zooble's appearance is based on ZoLo blocks
Zooble has a 'zooble box' of parts in their room.
Zooble does not like hugs
Zooble has been in the circus the second shortest.
Zooble is very grouchy and irritable.
Zooble is half a year older than Jax.
Zooble is alright with any pronouns
Zooble would smoke weed if possible.
Zooble is the worst at giving hugs
Zooble is constantly trying out different parts.
Zooble is the most likely to punt Jax into the abyss at any given moment
Zooble can play the drums.
Zooble most likely went through an emo phase.
Zooble was a tattoo artist at one point.
Zooble was a stoner
Zooble most likely dyed their hair in the real world.
How each member of the cast would react if you called them 'adorable'.
Nobody in the circus is truly sane
Heres the casts ages.
Pomni - 25
Jax - 22
Ragatha - 30
Zooble - 22
Gangle - 26
Kinger - 48
The performers can feel pain
Every character has a reason for the way they act.
The cast doesn't have bones, but they do have a visible skeleton when they're being electrocuted.
The black queen chess pieces name is Queenie
Queenie being a black chess piece and Kinger being a white chess piece has no relevancy to their relationship. It's only a design choice.
Queenie and Kinger aren't siblings.
The abstracted and lost eyes only look similar due to limited creativity in creature design.
Abstraction can't be undone.
The abstracted all look the same
A gloink king exists. It looks exactly like a normal gloink and dies immediately after mating.
There's "technically" a worm in episode 2.
There are "many" characters in the show that we don't know of.
The typical episode length will be 21-25 minutes.
There won't be any romance on the show. Stop asking.
Some episodes are a '1' on the horror scale, some are a '6'.
Apparently, a character we haven't met yet is getting the next episode for them.
As of november 6th, Gooseworx says, "The plan is eight episodes total, one season"
Note that some of this info may have changed since posting (or may have been revealed in the pilot), some may change during the course of the show, and some may be joke answers. Please let me know if there's anything I missed!
#I DIDNT SLEEP TO MAKE THIS. :-)#the amazing digital circus#tadc#digital circus#TADC Caine#Caine#TADC Kinger#Kinger#TADC Pomni#Pomni#TADC Gangle#Gangle#TADC Jax#Jax#TADC Ragatha#Ragatha#TADC Zooble#Zooble#TADC Bubble#text#amazing digital circus#seasalt speaks#long post
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you're losing me !!!
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ in which she's losing him and he's not fighting for her either.
or
for when you lose someone you thought you'd spend your lifetime with. ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚
social media au // max verstappen x fem!reader
sequel - i hope i never lose you ⋆·˚ ༘ *
warnings - language
author's note - my heart broke while writing this :// still, i hope u like it!! lmk if u want a part ii though i'll write it anyway. i love you, thank you for reading <3
≡;- ꒰ °instagram ꒱
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yourusername when the flowers that we'd grown together died of thirst
9,926 comments
username MOTHER?????
username max :///
username if they break up i simply give up, it's that easy x
lewishamilton sending you hugs and love from me and roscoe ❤️
-> yourusername missing you both ❤️
username guys............what if they did b word u word ?
-> username don't spread lies 😘😘😘
-> username they break up and i stop believing in love ☺️
lilymhe i could be a better boyfriend just saying 😮💨
-> yourusername you're already my wife 😘
username we really went from "the first flowers he ever brought me became my favourite" to "when the flowers that we'd grown together died of thirst" huh
username im just gonna ignore this!!
≡;- ꒰ °instagram ꒱
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maxverstappen1 pole position!!
very happy that we managed to put the best bits together for qualifying today! great work by everyone in the team redbullracing & hondaracingglobal 👏
looking forward to be racing again tomorrow 👌
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username NO Y/N????????
username im delulu
username is it just me or did he not seem really into it like idk
-> username if me and my fiancée broke up i'd be the same
danielricciardo proud of you mate! 👏
username need y/n to comment rn so i can be at peace
username nice prank guys 😐😐 REALLY funny 😐😐😐
username NO BC THE WAY HE ALMOST MENTIONED Y/N WHILE TALKING TO A REPORTER BUT STOPPED HIMSELF
-> username NO BC MY HEART BROKE SEEING
-> username they're really over huh
≡;- ꒰ °instagram ꒱
liked by f1_wags, formulaone.updates, maxverstappen111 and 78,926 others
f1newzzz formula one driver, max verstappen and singer/songwriter y/n y/l/n called it quits on their engagement, source close to the pair claimed. "they just wanted different things, their goals weren't aligning," the source explained, "marriage had seemed like the picture perfect ending at that time, when max had proposed, but in the long run, they both would've been very unhappy." though the exact reason for their split isn't very clear, many speculate that it was actually verstappen who ended their 11 month engagement. for more details, click on the link in our bio.
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username ur telling me that the woman who wrote "your past and mine are parallel lines, stars all aligned and they intertwined" about her man wanted "different things"??????? ok.
username max i just wanna talk ☺️☺️☺️
username no bc they were so in love everyone could see it
username she did not write "i don't wanna look at anything else now that i saw u" for u to write this fucking shit post
username "she's been my rock, my biggest supporter, my proudest fan and im very grateful for her, forever will be. i don't deserve her and i don't know what good i did to have her in my life but im very glad i do" NO WAY HE BROKE UP WITH HER
username idk man if u write 3+ albums about someone and stuff like "all that u ever wanted from me was sweet nothing" or "all's well that ends well to end up with u" the universe should it impossible for u to break up
username just a daily reminder that u should drink rat poison before falling in love bc it never works out
username the day i stopped believing in love
≡;- ꒰ °instagram ꒱
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yourusername you're losing me is finally yours. this is easily the most vulnerable, heartbreaking, raw and personal song that i have ever written and sharing it with you all is like sharing a big piece of myself. you are, at some point in their life, at a place where you're begging someone to love you the way you love them and i think that's a saddest thing someone can do, i've been there. this song is a messy compilation of my feelings, my thoughts and the enigma in my mind, i hope you like it. and finally, to that one person, thank you for being my forever. it was real.
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username I WOULDN'T MARRY ME EITHER A PATHOLOGICAL PEOPLE PLEASER WHO ONLY WANTED YOU TO SEE HER
username the way we went from "i'd marry u with paper rings" to "i wouldn't marry me either"
username DO SOMETHING BABE SAY SOMETHING
danielricciardo in awe of you and your talent 🤍🤍🤍🤍
-> yourusername danny i heart you
username no bc what really hurts is that throughout her albums and songs she's always been like "i can't wait to marry you!!!!" like from lover and paper rings and now it's hinted that max didn't wanna marry her and the way she's trying not to blame him by saying "i wouldn't marry me either"
-> username "she would've made such a lovely bride what a shame she's fucked in her head" to "i wouldn't marry me either"
username the way that some people were saying that they got married secretly and the whole time they were broken up and she still continued to act like everything was fine like my heart's hurting for her
username "thank you for being my forever, it was real" IM CRYING IH NY GKD
carmenmmundt the most talented person i know 🤍 i love you so much y/n/n
-> yourusername you own my heart 💌
username the 1 is gonna start hitting different now
-> username "it would've been fun if u would've been the one"
username her heartbeat in the song i died.
username thinking about "he didn't try at all though" vs. "do something babe say something"
#f1 x female reader#f1 x reader#fake instagram imagines#social media au#max verstappen x you#max verstappen x reader#max verstappen x y/n#max verstappen x fem!reader#max verstappen blurb#max verstappen instagram au#max verstappen imagine#max verstappen imagines
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au where Steve is a famous Disney kid and Eddie is a teenaged singer-songwriter. They get pushed together at events because they're close in age, but they just quietly dislike each other.
Steve's got a new show starting, a spinoff of the one that made him a household name. They hire a newcomer, Robin Buckley, to play his best friend and the two quickly become BFF in real life.
The show runs for two seasons but when it comes time to renegotiate contracts, neither star is interested. They're older now, ready to live life on their terms and not the company's, or in Steve's case, his parents.
As soon as the finale airs, Robin and Steve celebrate by going to a gay club. A few weeks later, an interview is released where Steve comes out as bi and talks about how his parents mistreated him; how they worked with the network to pressure him to be a perfect "all-American" kid even off screen.
Meanwhile, Eddie's an impossible level of famous. He's had number-one hits, won a Grammy, headlined an arena tour, achieved every dream he had for himself as a kid growing up in a trailer park in Indiana. He's not shocked by the news that Steve is leaving Hollywood, but he's flabbergasted that the guy isn't straight. When Eddie reads the interview, he gets this weird pang in his chest, almost like regret. But he never even liked Steve.
Steve isn't in the news again and Eddie doesn't think of him for a long time.
Steve goes to college. He loves it. Not because he's great in his classes, or anything, but because he's free to be himself for the first time. He makes friends and goes to parties and relaxes. He and Robin share an apartment.
After a few semesters, Steve decides to take a couple of theater classes, and is quickly cast in campus productions. In the vague anonymity of college theater he rediscovers his love of acting. No one has expectations of him, no one forces him to perform. He graduates and slowly starts appearing in small roles in Indie films, gathering critical acclaim. He feels good. Happy. Hopeful.
Eddie is blissfully unaware of Steve's career resurgence, experiencing his own musical highpoints, until the day where he's scrolling Twitter, sees a Variety headline that's getting a bunch of attention, "Steve Harrington in talks to star in Max Mayfield's first film." Eddie's livid.
"Maxine, what the fuck?" He growls when she answers his call.
They grew up together in the same Indiana trailer park. When she moved to Hollywood to start a career as a screenwriter, Eddie was by her side. And when her first script wound up on the Black List, his involvement on the soundtrack and original songs sealed her production deal.
She gives a long suffering sigh. "Munson," she grumbles. "I know you have a weird history with this guy, but I swear he's the right choice."
"He's a stuck up rich boy who's never been in trouble in his life."
"He's changed."
"Doubtful," Eddie sneers.
"Look. I'll set-up a meeting. Come hang out and you'll see what I mean." Before she hangs up she adds, "Call me Maxine again and I'll end you."
They invite Harrington to Eddie's recording studio. His hopes are not high for this meeting, so he's already a little thrown when Steve Harrington walks in, all grown up. He's in a crimson sweater, tight jeans, hair grown long so that it flops around his face in tousled waves that actually look genuine, windswept and golden. Eddie's eyes instinctively trace the scatter of moles on Harrington's face and neck, a pang of something hitting deep in his gut. Fuck, this dude is beautiful.
"Harrington," he greets, sticks out his hand. Eddie barely hears the answering, "Munson," because instead of a handshake, Harrington pulls Eddie in for a hug. Muscles bunch under the sleeves of the sweater, against Eddie's chest, and he's assaulted by the scent of cedar and sunshine and Steve. Eddie's not prepared for any of this.
They make small talk, Harrington sharing about going to college, falling in love with theater, Robin Buckley who he calls his soulmate. Eddie's head rings with how wrong he was about this guy; the pretty kid he grew up alongside who seemed to have the world in his hands. Max was right, he's perfect. Except.
"Let's get down to it, Harrington," Eddie says. Can't bring himself to call him Steve yet, feels that will somehow change everything and he's not ready. "I'll admit that Mayfield had the right idea about you, but can you sing? Play guitar? You have to perform my music, dude. That's not a small ask."
Harrington smirks, asks for a guitar. He gets it settled across his lap before he speaks. "I started taking piano lessons when I was 4. Voice and guitar at 7."
Eddie belatedly recalls that Harrington's parents were the worst kind of stage-parents, pushing their cute kid to perform even as he sobbed about wanting to play soccer with his friends instead of going to auditions. He has a moment of shame that he forgets as the other man begins to play. It's one of Eddie's biggest hits, a ballad about a teenaged broken heart from a kid whose name he can't even remember.
Harrington's hair flops in a swoop over his forehead, his fingers move across the strings with ease, skill. His voice is a rasp, close mimic to Eddie's own, but not quite deep enough. Goosebumps spread across Eddie's arms, his neck, and warmth pools low in his gut.
Steve finishes the song, looks up, cheeks glowing pink, honey eyes bright. Eddie's fucking gone for this guy. He wants so badly he might choke on it.
"Good?" Steve asks.
Eddie's embarrassed suddenly. Unsure. He tugs at his hair. "Yeah," he laughs. "Good."
He reaches out to take the guitar, the one Steve's already handing to him, and their hands brush. Eddie flushes. Their eyes meet and Steve smiles. Eddie's thoughts are consumed with the desire to kiss his plush pink mouth.
"You wanna get dinner? Just you and me?" Steve asks.
"Yeah, Steve," he laughs. "I'd love to."
🎬🎸🎬🎸
Fifteen Months Later
"Former Teen Heartthrobs Make Love Connection?"
Fans of musician Eddie Munson and former child star, Steve Harrington, were in for the surprise of their lives last night as the men arrived together for the premier of Harrington's new movie, Small Town Sins, written by up-and-coming screenwriter Max Mayfield, featuring original music by Munson. While Harrington's performance and the movie itself are garnering quite a bit of positive buzz, it's being overshadowed by gossip about Harrington and Munson's budding romance. They walked the red carpet together, pausing for photos as a duo, holding hands and flirting. When asked for confirmation of their relationship, Munson answered, 'we're bros,' before winking and pulling Harrington close.
There's a TikTok video embedded below the article, showing the men being interviewed on the red carpet. Their arms are loosely around each others' waists, and when their eyes meet they catch and hang for a beat.
"So, longtime fans of both of yours are going feral online right now because of the rumors that you two used to hate each other. Is there any truth to that?" An off-camera voice asks.
The men laugh. "We've always been great friends," Eddie answers.
"Eddie thought I was stuck up," Steve giggles.
"I did not." Eddie slaps at Steve, who gives him an affectionate smile.
"Liar," Steve answers.
Eddie leans into the camera like he's telling a secret. "Harrington here was afraid of me."
"Fuck off, I was not." They wrestle around for a couple of seconds.
Steve shrugs Eddie off, straightening his suit jacket. "Okay, maybe I was a little intimidated back then, but then this morning you found a pretty rock and cried about it."
Eddie shrieks, swatting at Steve until someone in a black suit and name tag shoos them down the red carpet.
Eddie walks off first, so he misses Steve withdrawing a hand from his pocket and saying, "Still have the rock, though." He flashes the red, grey, blue striped stone at the camera.
His gaze drifts away, landing somewhere in the distance, hazel eyes soft and heart-wrenchingly fond.
#steddie#steve x eddie#steve harrington#eddie munson#modern au#former child star steve harrington#disney kid steve harrington#musician eddie munson#steve and eddie are famous#getting together#fluff#falling in love#robin buckley#max mayfield#robin was steve's costar#max is a screenwriter#eddie cries about pretty rocks and gives them to steve#steve keeps them all#ficlet#one shot#steve and robin are platonic soulmates in every universe
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Hi, how are you? I saw your requests are open so can you please write a social media au where charles leclerc is dating a singer similar to Taylor and Travis's relationship and just the internet reactions to it the rest is up to you, thank you 🫶🏻
sabrina carpenter as face claims if you're okay with it
HEART ON TOUR [CL16 smau]
Charles Leclerc x singer!reader
Masterlist
Summary: Everybody wants to attend Y/N's world tour and that clearly includes the Ferrari star driver, Charles Leclerc. Though when at a concert, he doesn't get the chance to speak with the famous singer and ask her out, and then gets asked about it in an interview, he isn't shy to admit what his intentions were. Maybe that'll bring Y/N's attention to him... and it definitely will bring the fan's attention. Soon enough, rumors about the couple dating start running around.
Warnings: I worked on this for like 8 hours straight so it's very much possible there are some mistakes or spelling errors I didn't even notice after all that time XD.
Author's Note: Here you go Anon, hope you'll like it! I used Sabrina Carpenter as face claim because let's be honest, she has great photos for this type of social media au and is a singer as well. I made this more like a story of how Y/N and Charles started dating and the fans reaction to that and also somehow tried to replicate Taylor's and Travis' way of meeting, some events and timelines, but to match it with Formula 1 world. Thanks for the request and enjoy! :)
yourusername posted on instagram
liked by arianagrande, charles_leclerc, blakelively and 7,230,197 others
yourusername It's always great to be home, even if you're on a world tour!🇺🇸 Thank you LA for having me, singing in the rain with me and creating special atmosphere I'll remember my whole life!❤️🔥 And now Rio de Janeiro is waiting as the next stop of my Heart On Tour!✨🎤
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user1 NO ONE looks that good in the rain except her
arianagrande perfect💋
liked by the author
user2 the concert was so good y'all don't understand now I can't live without knowing I'll see her sing again 😭💔
user3 MOTHER IS MOTHERING
user4 Real angel right here 🤍
taylorswift Nothing screams girl power more than you honey!❤️🔥
yourusername thx sm taylor!!! you're literally my biggest inspo ever, love youu 🥰
user5 I love how they're fighting for the most successful and profitable tour ever but still support each other!
user6 omg stop it this is so sweet🥹
user7 The tabloids that constantly try to pit them against each other should be embarrassed XD
user8 STOOOOP NOT MY TWO PARENTS INTERACTING!!!
user9 taylor swift & y/n y/l/n... the best celebrity duo ever😻
user10 ur literally the people‘s pop princess
charles_leclerc Great concert!😍
user11 ARIANA WHAT R U DOING HERE
user12 lol user11 the fact that Ariana herself is under this post as well 😭
user13 not charles trying to shoot his shot with your queen
user14 Why is my fav f1 driver randomly commenting under Y/N's post?!🤠
user15 waiiittt does this mean he's been at the concert???
user16 omg NO WAYYYY🫢
user17 guys I think he was trying to flirt w her and you kinda ruined it💀
liked by charles_leclerc
user17 what the hell-
user18 you left a whole country speechless💗
user19 More like the whole world!!!
spotify WOW 🤩
user20 I wanna be Y/N so baaad
victoriassecret If you ever retire from singing, come and be our angel!💘
user21 so who's here just to first handedly look at charle's sus comment? admit it🤨
user22 meeee
user23 I thought I'm the only one 😭
user24 well when you put it like that user21...
user25 I wish I could repost comments on ig 😃
user26 🫢🫢
user27 Yeah me too guys
user28 honestly i'm not even ashamed🤷♀️
user29 Models are lucky you’re not a model
user30 FR
user31 BRASIL IS WAITING FOR YOU 🇧🇷❤️
user32 i seriously dont get the hype she has 🖕
user33 Then go away lol
user34 I can sense the formula one side of twitter is going to eat this upppp
user35 It's so funny how the crazy fan girls can get hyped over one comment... like be fr yn is a world famous singer ofc charles knows about her and can be her fan 🙄
user36 yeah plus I think she said herself she knows him too and is f1 fan bc she watched it with her dad or smth
user37 OMG they're each other's fans?!🥺 Idgaf about being crazy fan girly if it means we'll get this romance story!!!
user38 UR STYLIST DESERVES A RAISE 'CAUSE DAAAMN😘
user39 maybe i'm broke now but this concert was worth the money
twitter
interview with Charles
twitter
instagram direct messages between Y/N and Charles
charles_leclerc posted on instagram
liked by pierregasly, arthur_leclerc, yourusername, shawnmendes and 2,590,231 others
charles_leclerc Good days off. ❤️
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user1 no way a woman made it to his babygirl filter instagram feed😧
user2 it's not a woman anymore... it's THE woman
user3 Uhmm...who is that girl?? In the second picture??
user4 I have a feeling that it's Y/N Y/L/N 🤭
user4 No way oh my god?!
user5 calm down guys it isn't confirmed or anything😑
carlossainz55 You are giving everybody a headache mate
liked by the author and yourusername
user6 you tell him carlito!!!!!
user7 OMG look at who liked his comment😃
user8 WAKE UP NEW PHOTOS OF CHARLES DROPPED 🗣🗣
user9 ehm charlie honey... who is that???🧐
user10 Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/N Y/NNNN
user11 Manifesting in real life lmao
user12 whats hapeningggggg
user13 he isn't single anymore 💔💔
user14 but it's y/n ❤️🩹❤️🩹
user15 I hope so 😔❤️🩹
user16 What a way to start my day
user17 i literally spat out my morning coffee
user18 this is such a random soft launch help😭
user19 You see, I know that blonde hair from somewhere... 😏
user20 DAMN
user21 sorry not sorry but that's clearly y/n in the third pic🤷♀️
user22 💯💯💯🥇🏆
scuderiaferrari Let's rock the next Grand Prix!❤️🔥
liked by the author
charles_leclerc ❤️🔥
user23 ADMIN TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW RN
user24 interesting choice of emoji that's associated with y/n and the heart on tour 🥸🥸
user23 SUS
user24 Hard smash
user25 i love that even while soft launching he can't let go of the aesthetic filter he uses for his whole ig💀
joris__trouche lol true
user25 ohhh hi joris😭
user26 Idk who she is and tbh idgaf 'cause she's hooot 🥵😩
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tagged: scuderiaferrari
yourusername cruising down the street in my red car, feeling the wind whisper secrets, oh so far. 💄🎸🏎
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user1 i never knew i needed ferrari coded y/n to live till we got her 😩
yourusername me neither babes
user1 oh my god what does that meeaaannn???!!!
user2 pop princess is living the dream so happy for you and all of your success
scuderiaferrari Everybody is a Ferrari fan ❤️
yourusername ofc!!🫡
user3 Yes we are... just pls stop giving us depression
user4 ohhh the caption screams NEW SONG
user5 right?! it's giving ✨lyrics✨
user6 let's pray for a release soon
user7 🙏🙏🙏
charles_leclerc Red suits you ❤️
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user8 omg
yourusername wonder why ❤️
user8 OMG
user9 i dont want to be delusional... but c'mmon they gotta be dating
user10 THIS FEEL LIKE A HISTORICAL MOMENT YALL🤭
user11 ...so we're not talking about how the gp ended (or started) for charles, right?🥲
user12 idk what you're talking about🥲
user13 formation lap? naaaah it didn't happen🥲
user14 um so like you’re actually perfect
spotify you are GLOWING 🤩
user15 mommy- sorry... mommy-sorry... MOTHER
lilymhe my girl crush strikes again
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user16 she's just like us xd
user17 I can't blame you Lily😌
user18 PLS I'M BEGGING YOU TELL US IF UR DATING CHARLES OR NOT
user19 Yall think she's real?😍
user20 congrats on dating our babygirl driver y/n!
user20 (delulu is the solulu if you're wondering)
user21 Does Charles' mom in the likes mean something??🤔
user22 i bet he talks about y/n at home 😏
user23 you two are making me too obsessed with this couple that isn't even couple and their family relationships
user22 isn't couple YET!
user24 That's the thinking I like user22 😂
user25 ICONIC❤️🔥
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yourusername secret's out i guess... love u with my whole heart and i'll be forever glad you went to my concert!💝
speaking of music, he's also my muse y'all so be prepared for new album coming soon 😚
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user1 AAGGHAHGDGADGASDHJGAD
user2 only acceptable reaction
user1 I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF I'M MORE EXCITED ABOUT THEM DATING OR Y/N MAKING NEW ALBUM TBH
user2 again, only acceptable reaction
charles_leclerc Proud of you mi amor!😘
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yourusername and i'm proud of you too honey 🥹🫶
user3 they're so sweet I caaaaan't
user4 FINALLY!!!! big congrats to you both
arthur_leclerc How did he even get you to date him?😆
yourusername let's say your big bro can be charming when he wants to... 😌
arthur_leclerc Okay NO NEED for details😅
yourusername xdd
user5 MY ROMAN EMPIRE
user6 everybody's roman empire im afraid😍
user7 how can you both be so damn hot?!
carlossainz55 Does this mean free tickets? 😏
yourusername we'll se about that
landonorris pls y/n
danielricciardo hiiii y/n
alex_albon think of my gf y/n
yourusername okay okay you convinced me
maxverstappen1 I bet it was Alex's comment that convinced you
yourusername ...no need to expose me like that max emilian ☹️
user8 they're the IT couple
user9 Look at how cute Charlie looks in the 5th photo🥰
user10 OMG YEEES
user11 hey am I the only one who's instagram is glitching and not working???
user12 loool Y/N and Charles broke the internet😭
user13 Yeah and they took it too literally 'cause my ig is acting weird as well 💀
user15 look at my fav couple 😻
user16 I hope she'll bring him luck in the next f1 season
scuderiaferrari Everybody is an Y/N fan ❤️
liked by the author
charles_leclerc 🫡
user17 FACTS!!!
user18 mommy and daddy right there
user19 idgaf about her and Charles THE QUEEN IS WORKING ON MORE SONGS YEEEES
f1 Welcome to the family Y/N! 🫶
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user20 she's the best wag ever 💕
user21 THE MOMENT I WAITED FOR IS HERE
user22 I'm looking at the third photo respectfully 🤭
user23 i love this soft side of Charles omg🥺
user24 righttt? he should post photos like this as well, its better than those professional ones on his profile
user25 Totally agree with this
user26 my jaw dropped but I'm happy about it
user27 idk but charles & y/n definitely won my heart
user28 😍😍
user29 NEW ALBUUUUM
user30 Y/N Y/L/N you'll be forever famous!❤️🔥
BONUS
Enchanted Wheels by Y/N Y/L/N (lyrics):
Cruising down the street in my red car,
Feeling the wind whisper secrets, oh so far.
Monaco lights, they dance in the night,
As I search for a love that feels so right.
In this city so bright, I'm lost in the haze,
But I know deep inside, I'll find my soul's maze.
I'm chasing dreams, like chasing the moon,
In this journey, I'll find my love soon.
Enchanted wheels taking me away,
Through the starlit skies, where love will stay.
In the magic of Monaco, my heart takes flight,
Hoping destiny guides me to my soulmate tonight.
Driving through the streets, past midnight's hour,
Looking for heartbeats that give me the power.
In every stranger's eyes, I see fleeting sparks,
But I won't settle for less, only love from the heart.
Monaco's captivating, but love's the real deal,
I won't let go until my heart can finally heal.
The city's alive with endless possibilities,
Somewhere out here, there's a love meant for me.
Enchanted wheels taking me away,
Through the starlit skies, where love will stay.
In the magic of Monaco, my heart takes flight,
Hoping destiny guides me to my soulmate tonight.
I've been searching high and low,
Through the crowds, I hope you'll show.
I believe in fate, destiny's plan,
Perhaps you're just one turn away, my soul's lifeline.
Enchanted wheels taking me away,
Through the starlit skies, where love will stay.
In the magic of Monaco, my heart takes flight,
Hoping destiny guides me to my soulmate tonight.
With every passing mile, my hope grows stronger,
In this journey for love, I won't wait any longer.
Enchanted wheels, lead me to my greatest win,
In Monaco, I'll find my soulmate, love from within.
THE END
Author's Note: Wow, this took m longer than expected (and the worst part was finding that one picture that somehow matches Charles' instagram filter), but I'm really satisfied with the result. Hope you liked this social media au and once again, I'll be grateful for likes, comments, reblogs, follows and every other way of showing your support. Also a little disclaimer: I didn't write the whole song, just a part of it and then helped myself with AI because I'm not really good in songwriting. Though I'm still curious if you liked the bonus, so let me know. Good night! :)
#charles leclerc x reader#charles leclerc#formula 1#formula one#f1 imagine#f1 fanfic#fanfiction#fanfic#social media au#social media fic#social media#sabrina carpenter#aesthetic#singer#tour#couple#iconic#twitter#instagram#song#songwriter#story#romance#pinterest#pop#pop music#celebrities#f1 gossip#gossip#reading
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lando norris x reader
based on this request (because I take requests and I have to make it everyone's business): Hi not sure if you take requests but in case you do could you write reader x lando where y/n is a celebrity or an influencer and she drops subtle hints at who is her new bf maybe some fun facts about him like "oh he hates fish and I'm making a lot of fish for christmas" and eventually the fans are like "guys it's totally lando"
words count: 2.5k + fans' tweets at the end
author's note: my first request and it was so fun to write 🥹 also added a hospital scene from the time of Vegas GP so we could experience a bit of protective Y/n and painkillers-high Lando (I forgot about a fish scene)
edit: I've just realized I've messed up the dates so let's pretend the award thingie was in '23 instead of '22
A secret boyfriend
It was a normal Tuesday of 2023 when Y/n Y/l/n and Lando Norris met. Well, not so normal since it was the day Y/n won the first award in her musical career, and Lando had his first debut as an award presenter.
"And the winner is..." He opened the envelope and flipped it, as he held it upside down. "Y/n Y/l/n."
Y/n couldn't believe it at first. She looked at her best friend with tears in her eyes. They hugged before Y/n stood up and got on her way to the scene, still questioning if she actually heard her name or was it her mind playing tricks on her.
"Thank you," Y/n sent Lando a smile as he handed her the award, "are you sure it's for me?" She joked, trying to mask the anxiety she felt from the fact that now she had to give a speech while everyone watched.
"Absolutely, it's all yours. Well deserved." Lando said feeling a bit starstruck from being so close to one of his favorite singers.
Just this one simple interaction was enough for both Y/n's and Lando's fanbases to raise suspicions. However, what was unavailable to the fans' eyes were Y/n and Lando's interaction at the after party. Later the same evening, he approached her.
"Hey, congratulations again." He said with a grin on his face. "Your music is amazing, I couldn't imagine you not winning this award."
"Stop with the compliments, I'm gonna blush." Y/n laughed. "Nice to meet you. Lando Norris, isn't it?"
"Yeah, do you watch Formula One?"
"I'm going to be honest from the beginning and admit I did not, but I did my research and I just might start being a fan."
"If you're ever down for hearing firsthand gossip straight from the track, I'm at your service."
"I'd love to hear all the gossip over a coffe sometime."
"Let me give you my number then and I'll arrange something."
And so a few days later they had a coffee date. The date marked the beginning of a carefully hidden romance. They wanted to keep it a secret from the public eye, not wanting people prying on them, trying to estimate how long they'll last.
Keeping the relationship secret somehow came easy to them. They were seen on the coffee date indeed, however they made sure to have the next dates in private. The fans on both sides were literally clueless to the whole ongoing romance. Y/n had her tour, Lando had his races and it wasn't even a little bit suspicious how a lot concerts aligned with race weekends.
Unfortunately, one day Y/n went live on Instagram with her best friend. Unfortunately, because Y/f/n didn't know how to keep her mouth shut. Unfortunately, because Y/f/n gave away the big secret.
"You know, guys, we're gonna use lives as a way to spend time together," she joked, "I've been feeling a bit abandoned since Y/n has been spending so much time with her boyfriend. Even on tour and with his busy schedule, can you believe this?"
Y/n's eyes widened. "Y/f/n!" She scolded her friend.
"What? It's a joke, no worries, I can see you're finally happy and I'm happy for you!"
"Y/f/n! You weren't supposed to say that!"
But the damage was already done. There was nothing Y/n could say to save the situation. So instead she decided to start dropping subtle hints for the fans to guess. Maybe it was the right time to make the relationship public after five months. They couldn't hide it forever.
Y/n started the hint game when she was on Jimmy Fallon's show.
"Y/n Y/l/n, everybody!" Jimmy announced when the girl walked in and sat down on the armchair. "I haven't seen you in a year and so much happened during this time!"
"I know, I know," Y/n said with a smile. "I'm so glad I could make a quick pit stop here on my way to Montreal."
"I'm happy to have you here. You won an award, you got a boyfriend. How- how did that happen?"
Y/n chuckled at Jimmy's question, realizing it was the perfect opportunity to play the hint game. "Oh, life takes unexpected turns and sometimes you find yourself on a fast track to happiness."
Jimmy raised an eyebrow, sensing there was more to the story. "Anything you'd like to share about this mystery man?"
"You know, Jimmy, I've finally found someone who knows how to navigate the twists and turns in life."
The audience laughed and the speculations among fans skyrocketed as they tried to connect the dots from Y/n's playful hints.
The other time, Y/n was on a popular radio show. The host couldn't help but ask about the latest reveal of a big secret.
"You were left hurting really badly after your previous relationship," he spoke, "it's really good to see you finally happy."
"It was a big thing for me. Still is." The girl admitted. "My previous relationship made it hard to open up to a man like that again."
"What made you do it eventually then?"
"I decided life is too short for keeping things in the slow lane," Y/n chuckled, "and when you meet someone that can belt out a Taylor Swift song with the same passion as you, it's hard not to fall for them."
"So your mystery man is a Swiftie too? Any chance we might know him?"
"Oh, I bet many people who are listening right now would know him."
"Now you got us all intrigued, your fans wouldn't forgive me if I didn't ask for more."
Y/n grinned, "Well, he's practically flawless, except for one little detail. He's a scorpio. And let me tell you, when we're playing our silly little racing video games, his competitive scorpio side really comes out. It's all fun and games until his racing pride is at stake."
The host laughed. "I'm sure fans are already trying to guess who this mystery gamer is. And you, are you competitive?"
"Yes, totally. He's more experienced than I am, but it doesn't mean I won't try my hardest to beat him."
"Is there any trait you don't share?"
The girl nodded, "Yes, one thing I'm secretly jealous of. He's quite known for being able to fall asleep in the most uncomfortable conditions. I wish I could do that. I'm all about pillows and comfy blankets, but he can just doze off anywhere, anytime."
A few days later, in the warmth of Lando's bedroom, surrounded by the hum of city life outside the windows, Y/n brought up the topic with a playful glint in her eyes.
"You know, Lando, fans have been buzzing lately. It's quite entertaining."
"Well, you have started this yourself," Lando laughed, laying his head in his girlfriend's lap.
"Not me, it was Y/f/n. I just went with it and turned it into something fun for myself." Y/n defended herself. Her fingers started gently playing with Lando's hair.
"You do seem to be having a great time, leading your fans on and all that," he joked. "Are there chances they'll solve your mystery anytime soon?"
"I've seen a few tweets accusing you of being my secret boyfriend, but most people don't really believe that."
"What?" He sit up dramatically. He continued in a fake-offended voice. "Do they think I'm not good enough?"
Y/n giggled.
Lando's mock offense turned into a playful pout. "I can't believe they're doubting my boyfriend potential. I mean, come on, look at me!" He gestured theatrically at himself.
Y/n burst into laughter, "Maybe we should give them a little more to work with, stir the pot a bit."
Lando leaned in, placing a quick kiss on Y/n's cheek. "You're a master of turning chaos into entertainment, you know that?"
"It's quite a compliment, coming from a Formula One driver."
Lando flashed a grin. "Well, we both have our talents, don't we? Maybe we should drop some subtle hints during a race?"
And so they waited months for the Grand Prix in Vegas, because that was where they could start rumours about getting married. Sure, they could get married spontaneously anywhere, but there was no better place than Las Vegas.
Thankfully they managed to keep the relationship secret all these months, breadcrumbing Y/n's fans. After the Vegas GP, Y/n and Lando where supposed to go for an afterparty, get 'drunk' and then 'married'.
Unfortunately, they plans changed the direction a bit with Lando's crash. Y/n's heart sank as she watched the unfolding drama on the big screens. The thrill of the race was replaced with concern for Lando's well-being. Plans for the afterparty and the playful hints about a fake marriage suddenly didn't matter anymore.
Emergency crews rushed onto the track, the anxious seconds felt like an eternity as they worked to help Lando get out of his racing car. Y/n's heart pounded in her chest, the world around her blurring. The fact that he managed to walk away from the car was a small comfort.
Y/n's phone buzzed moment after Lando disappeared from her sight.
from: Lando
I'm okay, they're taking me to st vincent's hospital. Will update you soon. Love you xx
to: Lando
Be there in a second, see you soon
A shaky exhale escaped Y/n, she felt slightly relief and ran towards the exit. She was sure Lando wasn't okay, not after that crash, but at least he was conscious and walking on his own (although it could be the adrenaline). A moment later, when Y/n got into her own car, her phone buzzed again.
from: Lando
Yknow you could post a pic from the hospital, that would stir the pot
Y/n smiled at the massage. If he could think of that, he might had been better than she thought.
The neon lights of Las Vegas blurred as she drove through the city streets, trying to get to the hospital as quick as possible. Despite the speed, the journey seemed to stretch in time.
Arriving at St. Vincent's hospital, Y/n rushed through the entrance, her heart pounding. The reception area looked like a maze in her anxious state, but she managed to find a nurse.
"I'm here for Lando Norris," the girl said.
The nurse looked her up and down. "Are you his family?"
"I'm his girlfriend."
"Then, unfortunately, I cannot let you see him."
"His family is in Europe, I'm the closest to family you can get here in Vegas."
"The closest, but not family. I'll ask you nicely to wait here for further information."
Y/n nodded with an angry expression on her face. She sat down in the waiting room, pulling out her phone and dialing the number of her manager.
"Hey, Mia," the singer said. "I need you to do something." Urgency and frustration were visible in her voice.
"What's going on, Y/n? Are you okay?" Mia's concerned voice came through the line.
"It's Lando. He's been in a crash during the race in Vegas, and they've taken him to St. Vincent's Hospital. I'm here, but they won't let me in because I'm not 'family.' That's so stupid."
"I'm sorry, Y/n, but I still don't see what you want me to do."
"I want you to make a donation for the hospital from my account. Send them like $100,000. I think it'll be enough to let me in."
"Okay, I'll take care of it."
"Thanks, Mia. I appreciate it more than you know."
Y/n took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Anxiety lingered in the air. But there was no way they wouldn't let her in after that.
Y/n didn't know how much time had passed. She felt as if all she did was staring at a wall in front of her, ocassionally moving her eyes to the floor or the ceiling. She was fidgeting with her fingers as the same nurse approached her.
"Miss Y/l/n, you're allowed to see Mr Norris in the room 305."
Without a word, Y/n rushed to the room. She found Lando lying in the hospital bed, his gaze turning towards the door as she walked in.
"Lando." Y/n breathed his name, rushing to his side and taking his hand in hers. "I was so worried. And they didn't want to let me in at first."
He managed a dazed smile, his eyes slightly glazed. "Hey, you're real, right? This isn't happening in my head?"
Y/n chuckled. "Yes, I'm real. It's me."
He squinted at her. "You sure? You look like a beautiful hallucination."
"Well, if I'm a hallucination, at least a beautiful one."
"I feel like I'm floating on marshmallow clouds, but you're the most beautiful marshmallow I've ever seen."
Y/n couldn't help but laugh. "I think you might be on some strong painkillers, love."
"Ah, that explains the marshmallows. They're having a party in my head," Lando said with a dreamy expression.
Y/n burst into laughter, the tension of the earlier moments disappearing in the room.
"Did you know," Lando continued, "that racing is like trying to catch a rainbow? And if you're lucky, you might find a pot of gold at the end."
"Is there an Irish leprechaun as well?"
"I wouldn't be surprised. Maybe that's who's been guiding me all this time."
"You gotta ask him to make the rainbow less slippery next time then."
He nodded solemnly. "I'll have a serious talk with him. No more slippery rainbows, only smooth, marshmallow clouds."
As they joked around, Y/n couldn't ignore the quiet concern for Lando's well-being. She gently brushed his hair away from his forehead. "You scared me, you know? Seeing you crash like that."
"I'm sorry, love. I didn't mean to scare you. I promise I'll be more careful next time. But you have to promise me something too.""
"What is it?"
"You'll visit me in the marshmallow cloud world sometimes. It gets lonely up there."
Y/n laughed, leaning in to press a gentle kiss on his cheek. "I'll visit anytime you want."
"You know, even in the middle of all this craziness, having you here feels like finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow."
As the night carried on, the hospital room became a cocoon shielding them from everything that layed outside its walls. Y/n found herself falling asleep on an armchai next to Lando's bed.
In the quiet ambiance of the night, Lando's mind wandered through the whimsical landscapes of his medication-induced thoughts. He couldn't help but marvel at the coincidence that brought Y/n into his life.
It all started with handing her an award. It seemed like it happened a whole lifetime ago and now, there they were, in the middle of marshmallow clouds.
Y/n, nestled in the armchair, breathed softly in her sleep, completely unaware of Lando's reflections. Soon enough, Lando allowed himself to succumb to the gentle pull of sleep as well.
#f1 fanfic#f1 imagine#f1 x reader#formula 1 x reader#lando norris x reader#lando norris imagine#lando norris one shot#f1 x y/n#lando norris x y/n
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Text Me The Details
Modern!Rockstar!Eddie Munson x Influencer!fem!reader
18+ MINORSDNI
cw: gossip magazines, reader being horny on a live stream, cocky!Eddie, drinking, drugs mention
a/n: I kinda want this to be a series? So expect a part two at some point. But yeah this isn't an original idea so, credit to literally everyone who's done this before me. I gave reader a last name because if I have to write y/l/n one more time I'll sob. ANYWAY I hope you all enjoy and let me know if you like this!
WC: 1.2k
...
You are never drinking again. Ever.
Your management would agree after what happened last night. You didn’t mean to spill the secret you’d been keeping. It wasn’t even that big of a deal, however, you had an image to keep up. The party girl, the kind one, the one with lots of friends, the girl who had good grades in college, the one who always donated most of her fortune to various organizations.
Now, every tabloid was writing articles about your celebrity crush.
Party girl and influencer drunkenly admits she’d love to sleep with lead singer of Corroded Coffin Eddie Munson. Sources have said they’ve been together for a while but decided to keep it under wraps.
The dating portion of that article wasn’t true and you silently vow to figure out who the fuck these ‘sources’ were. However, you admitting to wanting to fuck Eddie… did happen. You have no one to blame but yourself.
Now, there are three reasons why you’re so stressed about this. First, even though you party all the time, you were good. You know, like only went out on the weekends, did every single assignment, tutored people on the side, was probably the most unproblematic influencer out there. Second, the last thing you wanted was Eddie Munsons attention. You had this thing where you didn’t want the people you were fans of to perceive you.
Theoretically you knew they did, most of them followed you on social media. But there was a difference between being a fan of someone, and them semi-knowing you vs your actual crush who you own a poster or two of? That makes you want to throw up and pass out at the same time.
But, finally, the third reason this stressed you out was because Eddie and his crew were not good. You know like, partied every single day, smoked a lot of weed and snorted coke off of his groupies and fans. It was all over the tabloids and the band has even posted about it a time or two. You didn’t do that. And if the tabloids caught you doing that, you’d lose everything you worked towards.
“So this is how we’re going to fix it,” Case, your manager, says from where she’s standing next to the fireplace in your apartment. “You’re gonna go back on live and say it was an accident.”
You look up from the article you were reading, eyes finding his. “That is the worst idea ever. I was tipsy not black out drunk. No one will ever believe that was an accident.” You huff, locking your phone, “and I have tickets to their show next week.”
You loved your team, but sometimes they made the most insane comments on how to fix the unfixable.
You stand, pacing the room, “he isn’t one to read gossip magazines. And-and I’m not on the same level as his band. They’re A listers and I’m C list at best.”
Your manager and publicist look like fish after what you said. Anna, your publicist speaks first, “I swear to god if you ever say that again I am uppin your therapy appointments. You hear me?”
You huff, sitting back down on the couch, “I’m not kidding though. I’m not giving up this ticket. It’s one of the few things I’m looking forward to.”
Case answers after rubbing her temples, “you better pray this blows over without him seeing it. You may party but his partying is a whole other level.”
…
The call came two days later, an unknown number popping up on your phone.
You knew, you knew before you even accepted the call who’d be on the other end of the line.
It felt like it started in slow motion, first came the gossip mags with the original story. Then came Eddie following you on instagram. He’d like a few photos and stories you put up. Then came his interview. The interview where he said, “of course I know who she is. I’m flattered really. I hear she’s a sweet girl.”
Now, your phone is buzzing in your hand and you can’t bring yourself to answer the phone.
“Yes just a fucking person. Just like you’re a person. Answer the phone.” You look down at the phone and are thankful it’s just you in your house. You tap the answer button, a fake smile on your face, as you put the phone to your ear.
“Hello?” you use your best interview voice, the one Anna has drilled into you.
You can hear him breathe in before letting it out, long and slow, it’s clear he took a drag of his cigarette. Is he nervous too? There’s no way. Eddie always seemed to be this cool and calm guy, never afraid of anything or anyone. He gets into more fights in a week than you have in your entire 25 years of existence.
“Good afternoon, Miss Asher.” You can hear the grin in his voice and it sends a shiver down your spine, your heart pounding in your chest. “It’s Eddie.”
He didn’t have to introduce himself to you, you’d be able to pick out his voice in a crowded room. But only because you’ve listened to his music so often… only reason.
“Oh! Hi! I’m s-surprised to hear from you.” You cringe at the stutter that came out of you. You had more than enough practice dealing with any situation thrown at you. From the funny to the uncomfortable to the scary. You were trained for this and you were fucking it up. “How can I help you?”
“The band and I will be in town next friday, we’re playing a show.” You know where this is going and it makes your heart beat faster, so fast you’re scared it’ll burst. “I was wonderin’ if you were goin’?”
Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Oh fuck.
“I am, actually. Me and a few of my friends actually.” You rub your hands down your sweatpants, nerves making them sweat.
“Oh! Well that is fantastic,” his tone is chipper as hell and you know he’s high. On what, you have no idea. “I was thinkin’ that maybe ya friends and you’d wanna join us backstage. VIP area for the show? What cha think?”
All of sudden you forget how the english language works, your tongue sticking to the roof of your mouth. This is what you’ve been wanting for so long. Well, in your dreams of course. But looking at it from a business perspective, it could bring his fans to your page and your fans to his page. It was kind of a win win. Well, win win lose because then Corroded coffin knows who the actual fuck you are and you arent just some fan. And that, terrified you,
“Heeeeeeello? Are you there?”
His voice breaks through your clogged mind, forcing you to respond.
“Hi, sorry. I’m here! I um I got distracted. But, yeah that sounds great, actually. We-we’d love that.”
“Good! I will have my people call your people, yeah?”
“O-or you can just send me the information,” you say it before thinking and now you really want to punch yourself.
He chuckles to himself, “okay, sweetheart, I’ll text you the information. See you next friday.”
He hangs up before you can say another fucking stupid thing. You press the phone into your hands, foot bouncing on the floor with nerves. You can think of seven different ways that conversation could’ve (and should’ve) happened. One of which was with your entire team, another being with your friends, another being with your parents. Not alone to make a fool out of yourself. Your management team was really going to kill you.
#stranger things#stranger things fic#eddie munson x fem!reader#Eddie Munson x reader#Eddie Munson fic#rockstar!eddie munson#rockstar!eddie x reader#rockstar!Eddie x fem!reader#Rockstar!Eddie x influencer!reader
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F1 MASTERLIST
CARLOS SAINZ
paella en mallorca: spending time with your boyfriend's family was almost as good as having him for yourself.
mónaco : pero si hay algo que nos quedó es todo lo que pasó en Mónaco (but if there's something left in us then it's everything that happened in Monaco)
CHARLES LECLERC
loving him is red: Charles’ girlfriend receives her first Grammy for Song of the Year, sadly enough the inspiration behind the song isn’t able to make it to the ceremony.
and the Oscar goes to: Charles and his actress girlfriend go to the Oscars, and he has to constantly reassure her.
AirPods and Princess George: a story of lost AirPods and Twitter memes.
titi we don't care: Charles can't seem to handle the fact a notorious singer took interest in you during Monaco GP.
Josephine, baby nº2 and baby nº3 Leclerc (dad!Charles)
the first one (dad!Charles): Charles tries to prepare to be the best dad for his daughter, even if she’s just two days old.
aren't we supposed to surprise you? (dad!Charles): you somehow manage to overshadow Charles and Jo's gift.
ESTEBAN OCON
LONG LIVE: Esteban Ocon (aka the biggest Spiderman fan, according to himself) tried to bribe his girlfriend for spoilers, but Marvel was just too good keeping their secrets (actress!reader)
LANDO NORRIS
august: every single one of her friends warned her that he was fresh out of a relationship. but she didn't care.
when we broke up series
the first time we broke up: it was easy to remember how you and Lando fell in love, but it kept getting harder for you to remember why you love him.
the second time we broke up: there were reasons to try again, but maybe not enough.
everybody wants a taste : Lando had never been the jealous kind, but after seeing you with many co-stars, he reaches his limit. and his girlfriend doesn't like it (actress!reader)
Amalia Norris (dad!Lando)
surprise! we are a family : this wasn't planned. you are basically children yourselves and why isn't getting pregnant at 24 not considered teen pregnancy? Now Lando is waiting to meet his baby and hoping he doesn't mess up.
meet & greet : Amalia's first time in the paddock to support her dad.
let me take care of it : when papa isn't feeling his best, baby Norris knows what she has to do.
MAX VERSTAPPEN
what happens with the kids?: Max really didn't have to find a girlfriend that soon after the divorce, and the fact that his girlfriend had a daughter of her own, didn't really help your case.
max, don't panic (driver!reader): your relationship with Max gets exposed in a non-conventional way, an accident.
max the wag: you can’t keep up with all the drama outside the track, but your boyfriend keeps you updated.
max the wag (again)
max the wag (for the third time)
max the wag: are we the drama?
max the wag: caught in the middle
chicken soup: chamomile, green tea, honey, chicken soup, and your boyfriend was the best recipe to get over the flu.
primero llegó verstappen : Suddenly, Max isn't annoyed about being featured in a music video.
SLUT! : this isn’t your first time being a WAG, but people don’t seem to like the idea of you ending your relationship with Joe Burrow and falling in love with Max.
Mila & Luca Verstappen (dad!Max)
SAFE HAVEN: the Verstappen family and St. Barths
Disney World Break: Ahead of the Miami GP, Max and his wife take the twins to Disney World.
happy mother's day, sorry for the mess: Mila and Luca go rogue during Mother's Day, ignoring Max's plan.
unscheduled school visit: the twins’ teacher calls, the twins got in trouble. Max is in disbelief.
maxplaining 2.0: Luca Verstappen's first press conference during his karting career. turns out, he even speaks like his dad.
could you be more obvious? : you show up pregnant for the first race of 2024, just six months after Max won his 3rd WDC.
prompts
Accidentally referring them as "my" (MV1)
and whispering in their ears, "I love you" (CS55)
collections
THE COLLECTION MASTERLIST: pieces inspired by Taylor Swift's lyrics.
all the years we stood there on the sidelines, wishing for right now (EO31)
wanting was enough, for me it was enough (LN4)
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every time someone says "an should have been vbs's leader" or "saki should have been leo/need's leader" i want to . slam my head through concrete. oh you missed the point so bad
1. the "leader" thing is kind of really fucking insignificant outside of where each group's story begins and promo materials. it doesn't mean one character is the "main character" of the group. project sekai doesn't HAVE a main character in the first place it's not that kind of story. each individual character is equally important to not only their group's story but the over-arching story of the whole game
2. leo/need's story begins with ichika because she is ultimately the one that brings them all back together. not saki. it is ichika's determination and frankly stubbornness that gets through to shiho and honami. like, saki was literally ready to give up on reconnecting with honami! (out of love and respect for her choices but like) if she was the focus leo/need would have been honami-less!! but ichika refuses to let it go. much like she refused to let go of their friendships throughout all of middle school.
when the story begins, we see ichika burnt out and hopeless. but that's only after years of trying and trying and trying and trying again to reconnect with shiho and later honami. this fandom does not understand ichika's character well . she's not meek and she doesn't back down easily she's not some like... fumbling "girlflop" she's incredibly driven and strong-willed. she lost some of that due to depression and isolation but as of leo/need's most recent arc ender she has pretty much regained her fiery spirit. she's leo/need's lead singer and MC for a reason
3. vivid bad squad's story opens with kohane because she's the only one who hasn't grown up/partially grown up on vivid street. if an or akito had been the "leader" we would have lost the magic of getting to know vivid street and its people and unique culture. it's all average every day life for them, but kohane is experiencing it all for the first time. it's only through her eyes that the audience can understand just how very special vivid street is
4. one more thing: you could say that the "leaders" represent the themes of each group and the general direction of their story arcs. vivid bad squad, among several other things, is all about improvement and growth and overcoming challenges and creating something new and finding a place to call home within a community. who better to represent that but the socially anxious newbie who never felt like she belongs anywhere and would never do anything with her life?
leo/need is about love and the ability to endure all hardships and preserve that love . it's about having a heart big enough to hope for the impossible and the willpower to make it reality. ichika, in all her hard-headed stubborn painfully persistent glory, is perfect for that.
similarly, mafuyu isn't nightcord's leader because nightcord is ultimately about healing. hope. finding a way to make life worth living again. these aren't paths he would have chosen on his own. he gave up on himself a long time ago. as did ena and mizuki, in their own ways. the best person to represent hope is the one who refuses to give up on anyone and stubbornly believes she can save them all
wonderlands x showtime is about moving forward to a brighter future and not letting the past keep you shackled in place. it's also about having lofty dreams and the selfishness to pursue those dreams. both of these things are why emu Isn't wxs's leader; she lacks that selfishness (i'm not using this word in a negative sense btw; i think being selfish can be a good thing. and sometimes being selfless is a bad one) tsukasa (and rui) has, and she often clings to the past.
and as far as more more jump and all their own themes of hope and never giving up go, of course their leader has to be minori. she brought three disillusioned, jaded ex-idols hope and reignited their passion! she's the walking embodiment of hope itself
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Imagine being a new member of the Red Hair pirates eleven years before the main plot
Benn: This is Hongo, the ship's doctor
Hongo: And who is this ravishing creature?
Benn: down boy, this is the rookie that Shanks dragged home.
Hongo: Oh you poor thing.
You: Shanks picked me for my combat abilities
Hongo: you must be strong then.
You: admittedly my strength is nowhere near the boss's level, but I can go toe to toe with a rear admiral in a fight.
Hongo: I see
Uta: don't sell yourself short, I watched you spar with papa, and he was getting winded. *Makes those grabbie hands that signal she wants you to pick her up*
You: thank you, and who are you if I might ask. *Picks her up*
Shanks: that is Uta, my adorable daughter.
Uta: I'm papa's favorite, and don't you forget it, I'm also the ship's musician.
You: really, what instrument do you play?
Uta: *gestures to her throat* my voice box, I'm a singer.
You: I eagerly await your next performance then.
Uta: wait no longer, places everyone! *Claps her hands*
Hongo, Yassop, and Lucky Roux: *scamper around to clear a spot and set up a stage for her*
You: (ಠ_ಠ) ???
Benn: *scoops Uta out of your arms and carries her to the stage*
Uta: (｡•̀ᴗ-)✧ a song for the newbie *starts to sing*
Yassop: *puts a chair under you and gently pushes you into it*
Shanks: *moves his chair next to yours and leans in* isn't she so cute?
You: yes, she has such a beautiful voice. Do you and your men usually allow yourselves to be controlled by the whims of a child?
Benn: ... Yes, but only because we want to
After the song
Uta: *chilling in your lap* what'd you think?
You: you're an exceptionally talented singer, you must put a lot of work into it.
Uta: of course, practice makes perfect.
You: and you seem to have everyone here wrapped around your little finger. They must love you very much.
Uta: yes... I think they feel guilty, since my parents are dead.
Shanks: it's not that
Yassop: at least not entirely
You: I figured you were adopted.
Uta: what do you mean?
Shanks: how could you tell?
You: because she's talented,
The crew: (((;ꏿ_ꏿ;))) ....
You: *quickly adds* at something besides fighting and debauchery.
The crew: *laughs*
Shanks: wow, already making cheap shots at your captain on your first day aboard. It's true, she's talented, she gets it from her mother. We do our best to make sure she's provided for, but there are still some areas we are lacking in.
Uta: yeah, like shopping
Benn: we take you shopping, literally every time we make port.
Uta: Yeah! But it is always to sleazy back alley joints where everything is second hand and not the designer shops that have cute new clothes. All because of papa's ugly mug has a bounty on it. Plus none of you have any sense of style, and can give me useful feedback on my outfits.
Shanks: well that's true, hey! You shouldn't call people, especially your poor father, ugly!
Benn: I have always wanted to take her to those shops too, our little girl would look so cute in those nice clothes.
You: I can take you, I don't have a bounty, and I know a little about fashion.
Uta: *looks over your outfit* your fashion sense, outwardly, appears to be less offensive to the eyes than papa's.
You: uh, thank you.
Shanks: Offensive? What about my outfit is offensive?
Uta: your shirt is wrinkly and stained, and your pants!... Don't even get me started on your pants.
Benn: allow me, they look like you made them out of someone's grandmother's couch.
Shanks: alright, thank you I get it.
You: *grumbles* Sandals are a little worse for wear as well.
Uta: *giggles*
Shanks: y'all are teaming up on me
Benn: yeah guys, he's only got one arm, it's downright unsporting.
List of Up-and-coming works
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#one piece#one piece x reader#one piece imagine#akagami no shanks#red hair shanks#red haired shanks#red hair pirates#benn beckman#uta#lucky roux#yassop#hongo#from the depths of the dragon's hoard#tma original#8/27/23#no beta we die like men
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Headcanon:
Vox with a Famous Performer Reader
Heyyy, so this is my first time actually writing headcanons for Hazbin Hotel in general, so if its not that good thats probably why. This idea kinda sprang into my head and I really wanted to write for it without actually writing a fanfiction (though im not opposed to the idea).
On that note: Im taking requests for Hazbin Characters to strengthen my writing and really just practice. Ive gotten into the show lately. I also do other fandoms though currently just working on Hazbin. Thanks for reading!
You are a very famous Singer in hell, so I imagine that would garner a lot of attention, including Vox
He spots your talent from miles away and is immediately intrigued with you, especially if you are an upcoming singer, because he likes to be ahead of trends
He would offer you a deal with Vox tech of some sort, since he thinks your talent would go to waste with Valentino and Velvette isn't interested in you as a model, with really good benefits of course (if they have health benefits/ time off)
Definitely focuses on creating music videos of you and plastering your face on as many screens as he can to get the word out there about your music
If you weren't spoiled before, he definitely is now gonna- best cars, best clothes, best of everything.
Also, is sure to make every demon know that you are with him/ a vox production and a part of his employees (very prideful of this)
I think slowly would start to gain feelings for you, however would be very unaware of these feelings and chalk it up to just thinking you are a great performer or thinking its respect
Valentino and Velette do make fun of him for how much actual effort he is putting not only into your career but into you!
Like- he cares about your feelings and is doing way too much for someone who is just supposed to be using you for your talent for his gain.
“Aww come on Vox, you like the little ‘estrella’. Its clear from how you treat them-” Valentino would tease
“Yeah, your more pushy with their career than any other demon i've seen. Its clear you like them-” Velvette would back up.
Only then does Vox begin to realize he likes you and cares about you- Like actually cares about you
Has a fear of you signing with a different agency/manager and leaving him- not because of how he benefits but because he knows others would use your talent and exploit you.
Might do a Part 2 since its very unfinished. Okay thanks for reading!
#hazbin hotel vox x reader#hazbin hotel vox#hazbin vox#vox x reader#hazbin hotel#vox hazbin hotel#hazbin headcanons#headcanon
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How are we feeling about ensekai’s emu3 translation!!! (I’m mad)
(if you remember the 3 whole posts i made when asahi got de-gayed on EN you'll know i am mad too and that this is probably going to get long)
i don't like to be too cynical but it was so obvious that they were going to change that line, i had a feeling since the event first released on JP and after the incident with Asahi where I went through and tracked down multiple other examples of EN removing queer subtext it became clear to me that in no way shape or form was "emu-chan really loves nene-chan" making it to EN without getting changed. what i didn't expect was them changing Nene's line after Luka's comment, which actually makes this whole situation far worse than many of their other instances of toning down queer subtext.
for anyone who isn't aware of what happened, in chapter 5 of the current Emu event, there's a scene where Nene, Rui and the Virtual Singers are talking about what would cheer Emu up. The vsingers all talk about how much Emu loves spending time with Nene, leading to the following exchange
If you look for them, any fan TL of this scene will be something similar to this:
Luka: ...Fufu. Emu-chan really loves Nene-chan, doesn't she?
Nene: Th-that's nothing special...
EN's official translation is this:
So what's the issue? I'll start with Luka's part. In the original text, she uses the word daisuki, which can mean to "like a lot" or "love". It's a word you will see frequently in the idol/idol-adjacent genre of games, due to its ambiguity in that it can be read as either platonic or romantic when used towards a person, and often will be used in ambiguous situations so that it's harder to confirm the writers' intentions either way. so here, fans of the emu/nene ship could view the fact that emu loves spending her time with nene as more on the romantic side, but people who don't like the ship could view it as platonic and move on.
while they didn't translate daisuki directly, Luka's line still works, and still contains the ambiguity that works as ship tease in the original text. it's a perfectly fine localisation that still conveys the original intent. despite that, there is something to be said about EN's consistent refusal to translate daisuki as love in most instances when it's not used on An/Kohane (but then again, EN has literally teased An/Kohane on their twitter account so is it all that surprising?).
Here's some examples:
Aibou no koto ga daisuki de / he loves his partner -> he cares about his partner very much (The Power of Unity chapter 7 when Kaito is comparing Arata to Akito and Toya)
HARUKA-CHAN, DAISUKI DAYOOOO!!! / HARUKA-CHAN, I LOOOOOVEEE YOU!!! -> You're the best!!! (Dear Me, As I Was Back Then chapter 4 when minori is at an ASRUN concert. this one isn't actually that great of a localisation)
Honachan no koto daisuki dakara. Kore de iinda yo. / I love Honachan, so this is fine. -> I want what's best for her. And this is it. (Leo/need main story chapter 14 after Saki tells Honami she won't bother her anymore)
Minna daisuki de - taisetsuna tomodachi na no / I love them all - they're my dearest friends -> They're all amazing, and very dear to me. (Leo/need main story chapter 17. this isn't good either)
What's particularly amusing about that last one is that there's a second official translation for it that I assume was done by JP staff (since EN never promoted doing the Journey to Bloom subs like they did back when they provided subs for Petit SEKAI) that actually keeps the word daisuki as love.
Yeah. I love all my friends - and they mean the world to me.
It's a better localisation than the official EN team one.
Questionable localisation choices aside, Luka's line is fine and is actually in line with the original. The issue with this localisation very much lies with Nene's part, because that is an entirely new line.
In the original text, Nene's "that's just normal" or "that's nothing special" or however you choose to TL it, is meant to be her questioning Luka's statement, since all the things that the other vsingers said that Emu liked were pretty normal things like going shopping and playing video games with nene. To Nene, these things are normal activities for them to do together, so she gets embarrassed by the fact that Luka concludes from that information that Emu loves Nene. When I dissect it like that I think you can really tell what the writers were going for here lol.
"That's just us being friends" does still convey the idea that Nene thinks these activities aren't anything out of the ordinary and she isn't sure why the vsingers are picking these out as some of Emu's favorite things to do, but it's very different from the original line. "But those are just normal things we do together" is something I just came up with on the spot, but it's a lot closer to the original text and still conveys the same meaning. The fact they changed the line to "that's just us being friends" is, honestly, not even subtle that they're covering up queer subtext. The original scene was very clearly written in as ship tease, and EN mentioning "friends" for no reason, especially since the word nor anything close to it was not used in the original, is instantly a red flag because it's like the go-to for queerbaiting and censorship. This was intentional. There was no need for them to specify that the relationship is platonic, Luka's part is ambiguous for a reason so that fans can view it how they like.
Just to top all this off, here's Rin's original line just before that Luka+Nene interaction:
Oh, and! And! She said that playing games with Nene-chan is also super fun!
And here's Rin's line from the official EN translation:
That's not the same thing, but even more weirdly, the incorrect part (super fun->really loves) is a correct translation for the part changed in Luka's line. So, they can do it, they are willing to say "really loves", just not in the right places. Maybe because Rin's part is less personal than Luka's part? It's strange actually, this isn't the first time they've done this either. Off the top of my head I can think of an example from Shiho's Varied Kindness 2* story where they translated the word "suki" as really loves, despite that being much stronger than the original word used (and the fact that daisuki is used a lot in the Leo/need stories and it's incredibly rare if not entirely unknown for them to translate it correctly).
It's not subtle that they're trying to remove implications of the characters possibly being queer, they did it in curtain call and they did it in walk on and on, and multiple times before then too. And considering some of the content in this year's events and the amount of times they say daisuki alone, it's gonna keep happening. honestly i hate the fact that i keep trying to justify the translations in these posts. these translations are intentional. what happened in the curtain call translation back in october says enough. when a character who uses explicitly romantic language towards another guy passes as a straight character in the translation you know they're doing it on purpose.
oh and once again, it's only the EN server that has this issue. The scene in question was translated almost word-for-word on the TW and KR servers.
read fan translations. they're better than what EN gives us and people put a lot of effort into them.
#since the EN translation qualifies as a leak i am scheduling this to post when the event drops#asks#mod talks#i'm going to leave this in the tags because i don't want to make the post any longer#but something that's been really annoying to see recently on twt has been the gradual uptick of players saying that there's no queer#characters/subtext/etc in the game outside mizuki being trans. and i do wonder if EN's consistent habit of toning down#or outright removing moments of heavy subtext and other more ambiguous shiptease moments has anything to do with it.#that or people live under a rock because even EN keeps most of An and Kohane's relationship intact and there's still plenty of#moments that were impossible to edit or tone down due to being plot relevant or being part of longer interactions that wouldn't make sense#if part of it was changed. like the An wedding event.#eh maybe people are just ignorant.#but anyway it does bug me immensely that EN-only players are getting a censored version of the game. it's 2024. staff can do better.#also like i mentioned in the part about rin. they /add in/ things occasionally. so why the hell are they removing so much?
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College Boyfriend Takes You on a Date but Everything Goes Wrong
Pairing: College Boyfriend x Fem!Reader
Tags: fluff, established relationship, dating, things go wrong in a funny way, suggestive, kissing, sharing clothes, failed date, being touch-starved
A/N: I was fully giggling while writing this.
College!Boyfriend was too busy with his studies and sports team to spend time with you but now he finally has time for more than phone calls and quick kisses. It's all planned out, all you need to do is say yes and he'll pick you up Friday night.
College!Boyfriend is late to pick you up because his car had trouble starting. With so many things to study for he forgot to drive the car for a check-up but it'll live through the date. Probably. Most likely, if not he can always carry you. He's not the captain of the rugby team for nothing.
College!Boyfriend opens the door for you but bumps his head as he leans down to kiss you. It only hurts a little, he's strong and he can handle it. Pain like this is worth it cause you'll kiss it better for him won't you?
College!Boyfriend didn't expect so much traffic tonight, he honestly should have since everyone on campus takes the same road to the city and it's just before the weekend. At this rate you'll miss the reservations at the restaurant he made for you.
College!Boyfriend indeed made reservations... for Saturday. He must have been talking to you while he was writing down the date. You always did distract him. But this isn't your fault it's his, he should have been paying more attention.
College!Boyfriend got dressed up, showered and shaved just to look his best for you and now he screwed it up. Can't even begin to tell you how sorry he is for this. It isn't over yet though, no way is he letting this date go to waste. He's taking you to his dorm room, his roommates are out anyway.
College!Boyfriend orders takeout for you two and lights up a few scented candles. It's not a fancy restaurant but it's the best he can do. He's no singer either but he will hum you a tune to dance along to. Promises not to step on your feet, he's been practicing you see.
College!Boyfriend keeps pulling you close and kissing you. He missed holding you so much. The most you've gotten is hand-holding during class and very quick and sloppy make out sessions in the locker rooms. Cuddles must be had now.
College!Boyfriend almost loses his mind when you hit at what you might be wearing underneath your clothes. Food first, if he's gonna go all night then he needs to have the fuel to do so. And make no mistake, he will keep you up all night.
College!Boyfriend urges you to stay over the weekend. You can go to your dorm if you really need something but you know how much he loves seeing you in his clothes. Now you can make the whole weekend into one big date and make up for all the lost time.
#gamer boyfriend x reader#boyfriend x reader#boyfriend x girlfriend#boyfriend imagines#boyfriend headcanons#boyfriend fluff#original writing#fluff drabble#fluff blurb#fluff imagine#fluff headcanons#fluff hcs#college au#x female reader
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𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐞! 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫
You were an admirer of Omar's music for almost a year now. So, you could imagine just how thrilled you were when you were able to snag some tickets for you and your friend for his concert.
Hours before the venue doors were set to open, you were smoothing your outfit of its wrinkles, fussing with your makeup, lathering yourself in lotion multiple times and making sure you were the best smelling person in the crowd. You didn't expect for him to possibly notice you, but it was a nice thing to think about. It was also an excuse to get dolled up.
When the venue doors were finally opened, you practically dragged your friend to get to the closet spot near the stage, as the tickets were general admission.
As the concert was slowly progressing, you were far too entranced by Omar's gruff and all consuming voice to notice he was looking at you. At your sparkling eyes, your fidgety fingers, the pleased smile you were failing so horribly at hiding.
Oh how lovely you were. Omar never knew the beauty he would witness when coming to your city on his tour. He wanted to get this concert over with to invite you, and only you, backstage. He usually invited fans backstage to hook up with them, but you, oh were you special. He wanted you all the time, not just for that one night, not just for a sexual favor.
As his beyond immensely wonderful concert ended, you began to walk out of the building along with your friend. But, you were suddenly stopped by a man that had the frame to be a security guard.
"Omar would like to meet you backstage. You can wait out here if you'd like. But, you, come with me."
If only you could see the look of pure shock on your face. You looked at your friend and she smiled at you before saying, "go, I'll be in the car."
You timidly followed the man through a dark hallway with black ceramic tiling. Suddenly, he stopped in front of a door that had the singer's name on a gold-plated board. "Go right on in."
Your hand turned the silver door knob and you almost flinched when you saw Omar sitting on a black leather couch, his full attention on you.
"yeah, you're the one I saw. Don't be so shy, c'mon, sit down right here, next to me."
He proceeded to ask you about yourself, what attracted you to him and his music, his drive for writing songs, what he does outside of his work. The two of you spoke of almost everything there was to talk about. You told him things you never expected to tell someone upon first meeting, but it felt different with him. You gave him your social media, not expecting how fast he was to message you. I'm talkin', as soon as you left his dressing room, he immediately struck conversation in your direct messages.
The two of you proceeded to talk for weeks on end before he finally decided to ask you to be his girlfriend. You were absolutely ecstatic, but then, you were a bit nervous to face the potential backlash from his intense fandom. But, he swore that he would strike down any attempt to belittle you. He'd absolutely humiliate and ruin someone's self esteem after they tried to come for you. One look at their profile and, oh boy, he'll make them deactivate their account immediately after his response to them.
Yeah, it was shocking to see how protective he was of everything that had to do with you. But, it made you feel secure and incredibly appreciated. He never let you go a minute without letting you know how much you meant to him and how intensely happy you made him.
The way this man writes about you is pure poetry. It makes people weep and stare at the lyrics in awe with the amount of love he carries in his penmanship. He isn't the type of artist to use you purely for his craft, no. The two of you are one in flesh, he writes so you know just how willing he is to throw himself on a sword for your benefit.
The songs he writes in your name put the most beloved poets to shame. You'll regularly see people fawning over the way he writes in absolute adoration of you. People will leave comments like:
"why can't he talk abt me like this" "put this on his fyp, not mine." "Sleeping on the highway tn! 😆" "Oh to hear this song live w/ him." "He posted me to this song 🤭."
It's to the point where people propose to their spouse at his concerts.
Omar yearns for you so intensely whenever the two of you are apart. Sure, he'll hang out with his friends but he knows something's missing. They're just not as fulfilling as you.
He always thinks about marrying you and sealing the deal, but, he's trying to do it in the most perfect way. You were a bright orb of light and he was so desperately trying to find his way to the right path, and oh did you help him. He wants to plan everything just right, not wanting anything out of place. He discreetly measures your ring size and keeps in his mind what engagement ring you are most likely to love.
Omar gifts you the best presents that anyone could ever ask for. The thing is, you never ask for them, he just does it because it makes the both of you happy. Seeing the apple of your cheeks pop out as you smile at the gifts in his hands, his heart is practically crawling out of his chest.
"Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore this but ....oh, Omar...how much was this, hm? I need to step up with my gifts, you're so consistent with yours." You lightly laugh as you finish your sentence.
"It didn't cost enough. Don't worry about the price, your love is enough of a gift for me, حبيبة قلبي."
He'd take you on the most beautiful vacations to any of the cities/countries he's heard you fawn over. Want to visit New York? Of course. He'll take you to the best cafes with the most appetizing food items, book a hotel with the loveliest view of the multicolored lights of the restless city, reserves a table at restaurants that only the most self disciplined chefs work.
For Christmas every year, the two of you go on the loveliest trips together. He'll fly you out to his cabin in Quebec. The presents that are put under the tree are only of the best quality, of the finest fabric and material.
You're always his plus one when he attends events for only the best of the best. You deserve to witness and experience absolutely anything and everything wonderful to the fullest.
Translation: حبيبة قلبي ; Love of my heart/ sweetheart (so basically the same thing)
Thank you very much for reading ♡ feel free to send asks/requests!
#yandere oneshot#yandere oc x you#yandere oc#yandere oc x reader#yandere#yancore#yandere singer x reader#yandere x y/n#yandere x willing reader#yandere x darling#yandere x you#yandere x reader#yandere oc x y/n#obsessive love#obsessive yandere#oc x reader#oc x yn#oc x you
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WHERE NOBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME
For: @sharpbutsoft
Relationships: Steve Harrington/Eddie Munson
Rating: Teen
Wordcount: 14.9k
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply, mention of alcohol and financial exploitation of child stars
Tags: Famous Steve Harrington, Bartender Eddie Munson, Alternate Universe - No Upside Down (Stranger Things), Fluff, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Light Angst, Happy Ending, Eddie Munson Has a Crush on Steve Harrington, Steve Harrington Has a Crush on Eddie Munson, Snapshots
Summary: A drop dead gorgeous man walks into The Hideout one night while Eddie's bartending, and Eddie's absolutely determined to flirt with him. What follows is snapshots of the two of them growing closer and closer, all while Eddie's absolutely oblivious to the fact that Steve's secretly one half of the famous pop duo Scoops Troop.
This fic is a part of the @steddieholidayexchange
-----
The prettiest man that Eddie has ever seen walks through the door of the Hideout, and Eddie damn near drops the glass he was rinsing out. It's not like their town's small enough that Eddie could actually recognize everyone in it, and the Hideout gets enough business that Eddie doesn't know everyone who comes in, but still, he was not expecting to get hit in the face with that kind of handsome on his shift tonight.
Sure, the nearby resort is a particular favorite among the wealthy elite - Eddie even heard there was one douchebag pop singer who booked the entire place for two weeks in the spring, apparently just so he wouldn't have to associate with any other guests - but they usually stay on the resort. It's rare for any of them to venture out into the town itself.
Pretty boy is wearing a dark blue polo with Hawkins Hope in Action stitched in yellow across his shirt pocket, which Eddie definitely does not notice purely because he's admiring the way it stretches across his chest. He takes an empty seat at the bar, pushing one hand through his hair as he scans the chalkboard specials they've got on display.
"You think it's as soft as it looks?" Chrissy asks, nudging him with her hip as she joins him in absolutely not just staring at the guy from the backroom.
He huffs out a little laugh. "I think you've got a better chance at me than figuring that out, Chris."
Still, he's fully prepared to head out there and try on at least a little bit of charm, until Jeff comes up next to them.
"I think Chrissy should head out there for a while," he says.
Eddie turns to fix him with a betrayed look. "What? Come on, man, I said Chrissy had a better chance, not that I had no chance."
Jeff nods towards the guy. "Look at him, he's all on edge."
And it's true - the guy's perched on the bar stool like he expects to have to bolt at any minute, and he's started to hunch in on himself like he's trying to take up as little space as possible.
It's kind of sad, actually, which unfortunately doesn't make him any less cute.
"So?" Eddie asks.
"So you know I love you, man, but you can be kind of a lot," Jeff says apologetically.
Eddie gasps, whirling to face Chrissy. "Can you believe this?"
Her nose is a little crinkled, lips turned down the way she does when there's a hard truth she doesn't want to tell him. "You're not always the most soothing presence," she admits.
He lurches back dramatically, hand over his heart. "Complete and utter betrayal, from my own best friends no less."
Jeff pats him on the shoulder. "You'll get over it."
"You can talk to him next time," Chrissy offers.
Which, considering pretty boy is probably staying at the resort and not going to come back, is small consolation.
But, well. He's probably staying at the resort and not coming back, so Eddie guesses he really isn't losing out on much by not getting to talk to him.
At least he can enjoy the eye candy.
He keeps an eye on them at first, only partially because of said eye candy - Chrissy can handle herself, but if the guy is going to be the typical resort douche, Eddie won't hesitate to come back her up. Pretty boy starts to relax a little the longer he's there, though, and Chrissy's doing the genuine smile she does when she has a good customer, so he doesn't worry about it.
By the time the guy leaves, Eddie's heard the sound of them laughing a few times.
"His laugh is just as pretty as the rest of him," Eddie sighs to Chrissy as they watch him leave.
"His name is Steve," Chrissy replies. "He works for that charity that's booked the resort this weekend for a fundraising event."
"That explains what he was doing here," Eddie jokes. "I knew we wouldn't see a resort guest slumming it at the Hideout."
Chrissy rolls her eyes at him, but she doesn't disagree. "They work with kids in the foster care system," she says mildly. "They put on camps and events and things for the kids to come to, do fundraising to get money to support them. He spends most of his time with the kids.”
Eddie groans. “No, come on, that's not fair,” he whines. “Handsome and a pretty laugh and he works for a charity and it's for foster kids and he's likes spending time with them? He's gotta have some flaws. Maybe he's actually terrible with kids, maybe they all hate him.”
Chrissy giggles. “Maybe he leaves his wet towels all over the floor.”
Eddie nods. “Maybe he sings off key in the shower and it's awful and he won't stop.”
Chrissy gives him a little shove. “Well, Steve says they've booked the resort for a few camps and events throughout the rest of the year, so you'll have plenty of time to find out.”
“If he comes back,” Eddie points out.
“Oh, I have a feeling he'll come back,” she replies.
—
Steve comes back.
It's just him behind the bar tonight, with Gareth and Grant back in the kitchen, so Eddie spends a moment quietly collecting himself before he heads over.
Eddie shoots him a smile. "Hi."
"Hey," Steve returns, smiling at him in return - though it seems practiced, nothing like the soft, warm smile Eddie'd seen him give Chrissy when he left the other night.
Ouch.
"Chrissy's not working tonight," Eddie says, trying not to let his disappointment show.
Steve's face scrunches in confusion, a little furrow between his brow that Eddie has the immediate urge to reach out to try to smooth with his thumb.
What is wrong with him? He's usually way better at not letting customers get under his skin.
"Thanks for telling me?" Steve says, the end of the sentence raised up in a question like he's not quite sure he's giving the correct response.
"Just thought I'd let you know, in case you came back in hoping to see her again," Eddie says.
Steve's expression smooths out. "Oh. Nah, I just really liked the… atmosphere…"
He trails off, clearly aware of how what he's saying sounds, but Eddie makes a point of scanning around the bar anyway - it isn't empty, but it's not exactly crowded, either, occupied mostly by small groups who stick to themselves or solo patrons who are more interested in their drinks than engaging in conversation with other customers.
No one's paying the slightest bit of attention to them.
He cocks an eyebrow as he looks back at Steve, and now the smile he gets is a little less practiced, a little more genuinely pleased - maybe even a little teasing.
"Exactly," Steve agrees. "What's not to like about a place where nobody knows your name?
Eddie barks out a little laugh. "Not nobody," he returns. "It's Steve, right? I'm Eddie. What can I get you?"
He calls Steve's order of onion rings back to Gareth, then grabs a glass to get his beer.
"So, Chrissy said you work with the charity that rented out the resort?" he asks. "What do you do for them?"
Steve lights up a little at the question, which, unfortunately, makes him even prettier.
"I'm the activities director," Steve replies.
Eddie raises his eyebrows as he sets Steve's beer in front of him, inviting him to continue.
“I plan all the stuff for the kids to do at camp,” Steve clarifies.
His eyebrows go even higher. “That sounds exhausting.”
Steve huffs out a little laugh. “Sometimes,” he admits. “But I don't, like, personally do all of them. Some of the other staff will take lead on things that interest them - like Nancy does journalism and writing workshops, and Lucas picked up basketball, Jon does photography, and Robin's doing film watching and analysis. We actually do a lot of partnerships, too, get people to come in and do guest spots leading activities for like a week.”
Right, Eddie's pretty sure he heard that Hawkins Hope was a celebrity sponsored charity. Makes sense why they're able to afford using the resort for things.
“So what do you take lead on, then?” Eddie asks, mentally hi-fiving himself for finding an effortless way to ask Steve about his interests.
He's pretty sure it doesn't go unnoticed, because Steve blinks at him for a moment before he gives him just a little bit of a smirk.
It's a good look on him, though, so Eddie doesn't mind one bit.
“Swimming,” Steve replies. “Mostly lifeguarding, if we're somewhere on the water, and I do lessons. Baseball in the summer. Ice skating in the winter. Music, sometimes. Cooking. I'll pretty much fill in whenever I need to.”
Eddie's not surprised that the majority of those were sports, but it does mean he flounders a little bit in the next step of his plan - find a common interest and get his flirt on. He's a decent enough cook, but it's not exactly something he does for fun. Which means he's got one option left, and he latches onto it eagerly.
“What kind of music?” he asks.
Steve watches him for a moment, like he's waiting for the punchline. Or waiting to be judged, maybe - maybe the guy only likes Top 40s and is used to being looked down on from guys wearing Dio t-shirts.
And all right, Eddie might judge him a little - but only teasingly, and only if he knew him better. So he just waits, hoping he looks as genuine as he means to.
“I'm not picky,” Steve says finally. “I can find the merit in just about anything. It's not about the genre to me - it's about how the song makes you feel, if you can connect with the lyrics or if the music stirs some kind of emotion in you that you didn't even know was there.”
Oh.
“I get that,” Eddie says.
“Yeah?” Steve asks.
“Yeah,” Eddie agrees. “Like - it's not what I usually listen to, and it's not what people expect, but my mom loved Bluegrass and country. I hear it now and it makes me think of her. I still end up singing Hazel Dickens or Loretta Lynn when I clean the kitchen, makes me feel like she's there with me.”
And there's that soft, warm smile that Eddie'd briefly seen him give Chrissy - only now it's even worse because it's directed at him, and it keeps lingering.
“Yeah,” Steve says again, but this time it sounds like you really do get it.
“So, it, uh, sounds like you like what you do,” Eddie says.
“I love what I do,” Steve agrees. “What about you?”
Eddie shrugs. “Can't complain. I get a lot of freedom here, actually. I'm the one that comes up with most of the drinks on our specials list.”
That's usually the most he goes into it, but Steve's still looking at him, so much less closed off than he was when he first came in, and he leans in like he's interested.
So when Steve asks him to tell him more about it, Eddie does. How it's not what he thought he'd be doing after high school, but then, he hadn't really given a lot of thought to much of anything after high school while he was still there, too busy just trying to graduate. How he likes the people he works with and the Hideout itself, how much fun it is coming up with his own drinks, how he's gotten to the point where he can figure out the best drink for someone before they even know what it is themselves.
And all right, he'd maybe been bragging a little, maybe said that with just a little bit of a cocky smirk to see the reaction he gets, but he's still a little bit surprised when Steve picks up on it and gives it back.
“Yeah?” Steve asks. “Do me, then.”
Eddie smiles at him, pleased. “What's the first cocktail you order when you go somewhere new?”
“House special,” Steve replies immediately, shooting him a little smirk.
Eddie gives him a look.
“It's true!” Steve insists. “I can get an old fashioned or a margarita anywhere, but the house special is usually something unique.”
Eddie considers that. “What's your go to drink if you're making yourself something at home?”
“Lemon drop,” Steve says. “They're my best friend's favorite, I learned how to make them for her. It's the only drink I can pull off that isn't just popping a can of beer or pouring a glass of wine.”
Eddie hums. He already knows Steve's taste in beers, so - “Red or white wine?”
“White in the summer, red in the winter,” Steve replies.
“Whiskey or tequila?”
“Whiskey.”
“Apple cider or hot chocolate?”
“Apple cider.”
Eddie manages to fire off questions like that for a while, and Steve even plays along when he asks him something that clearly has little to do with his drink preferences - though Eddie is absolutely ready to spin a tale about how it's vital to know if someone is a summer or a winter person for flavor choices, and being a romance or a horror fan will tell him how adventurous they are if Steve questions it.
Steve doesn't call him on it, though he does raise one eyebrow and give him a little smirk at each one, which leads to Eddie dropping into his explanation, anyway.
He wants someone to appreciate his brilliance.
It makes Steve laugh, warm and a little surprised, like he hadn't been expecting it. “Does that excuse work?”
“I don't know,” Eddie admits. “I haven't tried it on anyone else. What do you think?”
Steve hums, eying Eddie up and down in a way that, ridiculously, makes Eddie want to hide behind his hair.
“Yeah,” Steve says. “I could see it working. Depends on how good your drink ends up being.”
That gets Eddie back on more confident ground, and he points dramatically at him. “Prepare to be wowed.”
Steve's an autumn person who likes apple cider, whiskey, and action films, so Eddie makes him a spin on a whiskey highball with ginger ale, apple juice, and cinnamon simple syrup.
Steve takes one sip and immediately looks delighted. It's far from the first time that Eddie's gotten that reaction, but coming from Steve, well.
Eddie doesn't want to say that it makes his whole week, but it kind of makes his whole week.
“This is amazing,” Steve says. “You do this all the time?”
“Eh, just when I feel like showing off,” Eddie finds himself saying, which is true but is definitely not what he wanted to admit to.
Steve's finally looking reasonably relaxed, though, so he can't bring himself to regret it.
“I hope you know you've set yourself up for having to do this every time I come in,” Steve tells him.
Eddie grins. “I'm holding you to that. Better not see you getting drinks from one of the other bartenders here,” he teases.
He's joking - really, he is - but when Steve laughs and agrees, well.
Okay, maybe he kind of means it.
—
It's Eddie's day off, but he's at the Hideout anyway.
He'd feel more pathetic about that if it weren't for the fact that it's Jeff and Gareth's night off, too, and they're also at the Hideout.
It's a slower night, so they're just sitting at the bar drinking beer and heckling Grant while the regulars ignore them and their antics. Or, well, he and Gareth are heckling Grant - Jeff is shifting back and forth between taking their side and taking Grant's, claiming neutrality with a gleam in his eyes that says he knows exactly what he's doing.
Even though he's not working, Eddie still looks up on instinct when the door opens - and then grins when he recognizes Steve.
He flings himself around the other side of the bar, ignoring Jeff and Gareth's surprised exclamations, and very heroically manages to not immediately wave Steve over. He plans to wait until Steve's come to sit at the far corner of the bar, then slide on up to him, but - Steve sees him and immediately makes a beeline to grab a seat in front of him.
Oh.
“Hey, Eddie,” Steve greets with a smile.
“Hey, Steve, what can I get you?” Eddie asks.
“I don't know.” Steve raises an eyebrow at him, expression almost playful. “You're the expert, right? What can you get me?”
“What is happening right now?” Gareth asks, immediately squashing the little thrill Eddie'd gotten at Steve's words.
“What's happening right now is that I'm trying to serve an actual paying customer, so why don't you two go find a table to sit at and shoo,” Eddie grumbles at him.
“Come on, Gar, let's quit bothering Eddie,” Jeff says, pushing away from the bar and tugging Gareth with him.
Fuck, Jeff is Eddie's favorite forever, he's going to owe him -
“Eddie's apparently decided to throw in a little free labor for us tonight,” Jeff calls back as they saunter off towards an open table.
Never mind, Eddie hates him.
Steve's brow furrows, and he looks up at Eddie expectantly.
“It's my night off,” Eddie admits.
“Eddie!” Steve chides.
“It's just one drink,” Eddie protests.
Steve rolls his eyes at him. “Uh-huh. What if I wanted more than one drink, were you going to hang out here all night?”
“Maybe,” Eddie grumbles.
Steve laughs at him, but it's soft and - well. It might just be Eddie's wishful thinking, but it sounds almost fond. “Go hang out with your friends. You can get me next time.”
Eddie sulks for a moment - like they're friends, like Steve is scolding him over a stupid decision and Eddie's whining at him about how it totally makes sense, really.
Wait.
“Come sit at the table with us,” Eddie says. “I can give you recommendations on what to order.”
Steve hesitates. “Your friends won't mind?”
“Nah. They love heckling me, so I'm sure they'll get a kick out of it. Come on, it'll be fun.”
Despite his words, Eddie's actually a little nervous that Steve won't get along with Jeff and Gareth, or that the tense, rigid way Steve had held himself when he first came to the bar will come back, but by the time Steve's two drinks in, he's folded almost seamlessly in with the three of them.
Jeff and Steve like the same baseball team, apparently, and he gets Gareth talking about ice skating in a way that makes him light up - a way that might make Eddie a little jealous, if Steve didn't keep catching Eddie's eyes and smiling at him.
Steve even gets a couple of their Lord of the Rings jokes, though he admits he hasn't read the books himself, just picked up on some things from the kids he used to babysit. The way he talks about this Dustin kid makes him sound more like a little brother than anything else, and it's really sweet.
Shit, he's probably not terrible with the kids. Maybe Eddie better hold out hope for the wet towels or the terrible shower singing.
It's probably pretty damn late when Eddie hears the door open, and glances over. The man walking in is unfamiliar, but he's looking around the bar with a sense of purpose that makes Eddie grimace.
“We're all up to date on our liquor license and everything, right?” Eddie asks in a low voice.
Jeff frowns at him. “Of course. Why?”
“Check your ten o'clock,” Eddie says, purposefully adding in a little flair like he's a spy operative keeping an eye out for the enemy. “He's just screaming off duty cop.”
Both Jeff and Gareth crane their heads to look, leaving Eddie to sigh internally, but Steve plays along, tipping his head in towards Eddie like they're sharing a moment.
Steve's face is so close to his that he can feel the soft puff of air on his cheek when he breathes out, can see the whites of his eyes as his gaze flicks towards the door. Then he grins, and Eddie can see the way it makes his eyes crinkle at the corners.
Fuck, Eddie should be ridiculous around Steve more often.
“Retired cop, maybe,” Steve replies. “He's here for me. I, uh. I must have missed my curfew.”
Eddie looks back over at the guy, who must have spotted Steve, because he's making his way towards them.
“You still have a curfew?” Eddie teases.
“Shut up,” Steve says, but his smile hasn't faded.
“No, it's cute,” Eddie says. And honestly - it is. “Your dad is your ride when you've had a few too many to drink?”
Steve's eyes darken briefly. “My dad's an asshole,” he mutters, something cracked and bitter in his tone that Eddie's pretty sure wouldn't be there if Steve was entirely sober. “He wouldn't be caught anywhere near somewhere like this, or me in general.”
Well, shit, leave it to Eddie to open his mouth and accidentally step in it.
“Hey,” Eddie says, bumping his shoulder against Steve's. “Mine, too. Fuck ‘em, right? We're better off without them.”
“Better off without who?” Retired Cop asks as he stops in front of their table.
“Our terrible, horrible, no good, very bad fathers,” Eddie replies immediately, shooting Retired Cop what he hopes is a very charming grin.
It must be, considering Steve is back to smiling, and now he's looking at Eddie all soft and pleased.
Retired Cop grunts in what Eddie is going to optimistically assume is agreement.
“Hey, Hopper,” Steve greets. “This is Eddie, Jeff, and Gareth. Hopper's the head of security for Hawkins Heroes.”
“Among other things,” Hopper comments drily.
Eddie's going to guess those other things include picking up wayward activity directors when they stay out too late.
Steve looks a little abashed. “Sorry, lost track of time.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Hopper grumbles. “Get your shit and let's get going.”
“Thanks for letting me hang out with you guys,” Steve tells them.
“You kidding?” Jeff asks. “It was great, man.”
“Come back any time,” Gareth agrees.
“I'll have a new drink ready for you,” Eddie promises.
Somewhat foolishly, considering he knows that Jeff and Gareth are going to tease him about that, but the smile he gets flashed at him is well worth it.
“I still gotta settle the tab,” he hears Steve tell Hopper as they head out, but he's too distracted by Jeff and Gareth's smirks to think anything of it.
“Not a word,” Eddie threatens before either of them can say anything.
“Wouldn't dream of it,” Gareth replies, batting his eyelashes at him instead of saying anything.
“Just let me know when you have the drink ready,” Jeff agrees mildly. “We can call it Steve's Special.”
Gareth and Jeff fistbump each other while Eddie rolls his eyes and shoves himself up out of his chair.
He ignores their laughter as he heads over April, who's behind the register at the moment.
“What's my damage for the night?” he asks.
“Your friend already paid,” she tells him.
“Okay?” He frowns at her, a little too tipsy to make any kind of connection between his question and her answer. “I mean, I'm glad he didn't duck out on his tab and leave me stuck with it, but I'd still like to pay mine?”
She rolls her eyes. “No, you moron, he paid for all of you.”
Eddie gapes at her. “He what?”
April smirks at him. “Guy that good looking, and he picks up the tab for you and those two? I'd hang onto him.”
Eddie's pretty sure his cheeks are bright red. He covers it up by muttering, “Son of a bitch. I'll get him for this.”
—
Steve's already at the bar when Eddie arrives for his shift that night, which instantly makes him perk up.
His crush on the guy is probably a little bit out of control, but eh, that's future Eddie's problem. Tonight Eddie gets the pleasure of some very nice eye candy all night, on top of the security of knowing he's going to have an awesome interaction with at least one patron.
Steve's clearly been there at least a little while, since there's a half eaten plate of loaded fries and a beer in front of him, and he's chatting enthusiastically with Grant.
Well.
Maybe chatting is the wrong word for it, now that Eddie gets a closer look at them.
Steve's leaning in, one elbow braced on the bartop with his gaze focused intently on Grant, as if he was the only person in the room. He's saying something in what must be a low tone, considering Grant's leaning back in to hear him. And is that -
Yup, that's a faint pink flush to Grant's cheeks.
Eddie gapes.
"Is Steve flirting with Grant?" he hisses the moment he finds Chrissy.
Chrissy rolls her eyes. "They got into an argument about pick up lines. Grant said pick up lines are shitty and cliche and don't work, and Steve insisted it's not about them being lines, it's about delivery and intention."
"So they're… flirting to prove a point?"
Damn it, why didn't Eddie think of that?
Chrissy's smiling at him, that sweet little grin she gives him when she knows exactly what's going on in his head. "Why don't you go over there and tell Steve where you sit on the pick up line debate?"
Eddie hip checks her, but, well.
It's not a bad idea.
He does go over, if only because he wants to say hi before he actually starts working.
He hears Grant laughing as he gets closer, but it sounds a little strained.
"Hey," Steve says quietly. "I meant all of it, you know. I wouldn't have said anything I didn't think was true. Any girl would be lucky to have you. Or, uh, guy, if you swung that way."
"You're kind of making me wish I swung that way," Grant teases, but there's something sincerely appreciative in his voice that tells Eddie that they'd been talking about more than just an argument about pick up lines.
If Steve could stop being so kind to his friends, that would really help out Eddie's stupid heart.
He tells himself very firmly to absolutely not think into the fact that Steve's apparently okay with guys dating other guys.
Instead, he stalks up to the counter as Grant walks away, pointing accusingly at Steve.
“I caught you!” he informs him. “What, did you think you could hide it from me? That I wouldn't notice? You're in so much trouble.”
Eddie's not sure what he's expecting, but it isn't for Steve's expression to completely crumble. He sags in the chair for a moment, then Eddie watches him visibly pull himself together, straightening up and looking solemnly at Eddie.
“Okay,” Steve says, very quietly. “How do you want to do this?”
And that - completely deflates the wind in Eddie's sails.
“You're not like, actually in trouble, dude,” Eddie tells him. “I just can't believe you thought you could pay our tabs and we wouldn't realize it.”
Steve's brow furrows, then smooths out. “Oh!”
It's clearly a startled little realization, which immediately makes Eddie narrow his eyes.
“What did you think I was talking about?” he asks.
“I, uh. I guess I just wasn't sure what I did to upset you?”
Eddie considers that. It's possible - but Steve hadn't looked confused, he'd looked resigned. Like there was a secret that he was keeping, and he hadn't been expecting to be able to continue to keep it, and he was pretty sure Eddie knowing it wasn't going to be anything good. But what could he -
And then he remembers that he walked over in the middle of Steve flirting with another guy, and clearly implying that he was okay with guys dating other guys, and -
And the first thing that Eddie said was that he caught Steve and he was in big trouble.
Shit.
“It, uh,” Eddie starts, then stops, pausing to think about how he wants to say this. “There's a rainbow flag pinned up at the corner of the bar.”
Steve gives him a tiny smile. “I noticed,” he says softly. “It's one of the things that made me come back here.”
“Really?” Eddie asks, immediately derailed. “It was my idea to put it up. I wanted people to know the Hideout is a safe space, even if it doesn't look like it.”
“It worked,” Steve tells him. “You're a good guy, Eddie, that was a great thought.”
Eddie flushes, ducking his head for a moment before he determinedly gets this conversation back on track. “So, uh, I just wanted to make sure you knew that none of the staff here are going to hassle you no matter what way you swing. Especially not me.”
Steve looks at him for a long moment. “Especially not you?” he repeats.
Eddie swallows, then nods. “Yeah.”
Steve's quiet at first. Then, “Thanks, Eddie.”
Eddie nods again, letting the moment sit for a little bit. Then he shoots him a teasing little grin, tipping his head at the beer in front of Steve. “What you're really in trouble for is getting a drink from another bartender here.”
Steve smirks at him. “Oh, that's not mine. It's Robin's.”
“Robin?” Eddie asks.
“My best friend, the one who likes lemon drops? She came with me today, said she wanted to meet the guys who got me to stay out so late,” Steve replies.
Oh!
Eddie straightens up, looking around. “Where is she? I want to meet her.”
“She was going to the bathroom, but I think she got distracted on her way back,” Steve says drily. He nods over towards where Chrissy is talking animatedly with a girl he's never seen before. “So you might have to wait a bit on that.”
Chrissy's smiling in a way he hasn't seen her do in a long time, which immediately makes him like this Robin girl.
“Guess you're stuck with me until then,” Steve adds.
“Oh, no,” Eddie says, voice monotone. “However will I get over my disappointment.”
Steve laughs. “You can start by getting me a drink.”
Yeah, okay, Eddie guesses he can do that.
He's going to finish the night by making the best impression possible on Steve's best friend, though.
Even if his own best friend seems to have gotten there first.
—
It's D&D night the next time Steve shows up at the bar.
The other regulars are pretty used to it, by now, and seem content to let the D&D crews take over the back half of the bar, but Steve hasn't seen it before. He's not sure when he started thinking of Steve as a regular - can someone be a regular if he doesn't live here, even if he does seem to come in every time he's in town? - but that's beside the point.
D&D nights were Eddie's idea. He'd wanted to do something similar to what he did in high school, give them a safe place to be able to play - only this time, some place fun, where they'd be welcome as adults instead of laughed at for playing a "kid's game." Even the nights when he isn't playing or DMing, he has a lot of fun with coming up with campaign themed drinks.
It's stupid, but he's kind of nervous about what Steve thinks of it. It's not like anything's going to happen with Eddie's crush, but he enjoys it anyway, enjoys Steve's company. It's going to suck if Steve laughs at it.
Steve beelines for the corner of the bar where Eddie's at as soon as he sees him, which makes Eddie smile involuntarily, despite the clench in his stomach when he sees Steve staring intently at the group in the back.
"Is that Dungeons and Dragons?" Steve asks.
"You know D&D?" Eddie asks. His stomach is still clenching, but now it's in a very, very different way.
"Yeah," Steve replies, shooting him a little smile. "Some of my friends play it. We actually used to have it as an activity for the kids, but Mike and Will are at college and Erica had this huge project she needs to finish for school, so it's on hold now."
"Have you ever played?" Eddie asks.
"A couple of times," Steve replies. "I did, uh. The side characters? For the kids a few times. Do you play?"
"Yeah. I used to run a D&D club in high school, actually, and I started D&D night here."
"Dude, that's really cool," Steve says, so genuine that it makes Eddie want to hide behind his hair. "Oh, hey, I know it's kind of a lot to ask, but would you be interested in doing it for camp this week? Some of the kids coming have really missed it. We'd pay you for your time, of course."
Eddie opens his mouth, then closes it again. "You want to pay me to DM a D&D game for summer camp?"
"Yes?" Steve says, like he's not sure why Eddie's in a little bit of disbelief here. "Only it's October now, so not summer camp anymore."
Right, because that's the unbelievable part.
"You know what? Sure. Do you want a one shot, or a short campaign?" Eddie asks.
Steve's face scrunches a bit in confusion.
"How many days do you want me there?" Eddie clarifies.
"All of them?" Steve blurts out.
Eddie's eyes widen, and Steve's ears go a little pink.
"I mean, how many can you do?" Steve asks.
Eddie considers. He could use some extra cash, and he's really missed throwing himself into D&D - he actually thinks he has the perfect campaign, one he used leading up to Halloween back in high school. A few tweaks and he thinks it'll be perfect.
"How about four days, five hour sessions each? Is that too long for the kids?" Eddie asks.
Steve shakes his head. "Nah, I've seen them spend like ten hours playing before, five should be perfect. Come by the resort around noon tomorrow and I'll have the paperwork all ready for you?"
—
There's more security at the resort than Eddie remembers there being the handful of times that he's been there before.
Makes sense, he guesses, since there's more kids than adults there now. It'd probably look bad if the resort let just anyone onto the grounds and some of the kids got kidnapped or something. And if they've got celebrities coming in to get their good PR by volunteering, too, they've probably got to be at the top of their game.
Eddie must be on the approved list, though, because once he's shown his ID and proven who he is, he's given a “guest staff” badge, a map of the resort, and a list of which amenities he's allowed to use for the next week.
Nice. Steve hadn't mentioned that, but Eddie is definitely going to take advantage of it.
He's a little early to meet Steve, so he wanders around the inside of the resort instead, taking in everything.
Eventually he stumbles onto a lounge with a roaring fire and a massive plush sofa, occupied by a teenage girl and a bunch of textbooks.
“Can I help you?” she asks, for all the world like she's a busy executive behind a fancy desk and he's already wasting her time, instead of a teenager sprawled out on a couch doing her homework.
“I'm looking for Steve,” he says.
Her eyes narrow as she sits up. “Why?” There's an edge in her voice now, something a little bit protective.
That's kind of sweet, actually.
“I'm meeting him here about a temporary gig,” Eddie says. “Hi, I'm Eddie.”
Her expression shifts from wary to downright skeptical. “You're the DM who that hairbrain thinks will do a better job than me?”
Yeah, Eddie's taking back that sweet comment.
“You must be Erica,” he says.
“That's Lady Applejack to you,” she retorts with a sniff. “You better be at the top of your game, or I will sneak behind any monster you throw my way and stab them in the back with my poison-soaked kukri. And I'll smile as I watch them die a slow, agonizing death.”
Oh, fuck, Eddie likes this kid.
He raises one eyebrow at her. “I thought you had a big project that you're supposed to be working on?”
She stares right back at him, unimpressed. “You going to rat me out if I come play?”
Eddie hams it up a little, making a big show of thinking it over. Before he can tell her that obviously, he's the last one to give any kind of quibble about playing D&D instead of doing homework, the sound of heavy footsteps approaching echoes through the lounge.
“Hey, Erica?” Steve's voice calls, sounding a little strained. “Can you keep an eye out for Eddie, tell him I'm going to be a little late? I gotta - oh. You're here!”
Steve's rounded the corner, and now Eddie can see the reason for the heavier footsteps. He's giving a piggyback ride to a kid, who looks about eleven or twelve. The kid's face is screwed up in pain, and Eddie spots a bloody, skinned knee peeking through ripped jeans.
“Hey, man,” Steve greets. “Give me a minute? I've got to get this guy to the nurse.”
“I don't want to go see Nurse Henderson,” the kid sulks. “Can't you just patch it up yourself? Max is going to tell me I should have just walked it off!”
“Probably,” Steve admits. “But she'd also want you to get looked at if you're really hurt. And Nurse Henderson is the only one who's qualified to decide that, right? Besides, didn't we already talk about not doing stupid things just for a girl?”
“Especially for a girl like Max, who's way too old for me,” the kid replies, in a tone of voice that says, yes, he's heard all of this before. “Fine, I'll go to the nurse.”
“I'll keep Eddie company,” Erica volunteers.
Steve looks at her with narrowed eyes.
“I'm just making sure his campaign is up to snuff,” she informs him.
Steve relaxes, though he still cuts his gaze over to Eddie and waits for him to nod before he takes off.
Eddie tilts his head at Erica. “How would you feel about a little extra backstory? A little party betrayal, maybe?”
Her eyes light up. “I'm listening.”
By the time Steve comes back, Eddie and Erica and hunched over character sheets, and they've got a frankly amazing tie in for Lady Applejack into his slightly tweaked campaign.
“I take it things went well?” Steve asks.
Erica stuffs her character sheets into her folder. “He'll do.”
Eddie gets the feeling that's high praise, coming from her.
“Pleasure doing business with you, Lady Applejack,” he says solemnly.
She rolls her eyes, but accepts the hug that Steve gives her, and Eddie's pretty sure he hears Steve whisper thank you.
“Come on, let's go see Joyce,” Steve says. “She's the director of Hawkins Hope, she's amazing. Then we can grab lunch after.”
“Are you bribing me with fancy resort food?” Eddie asks.
Steve grins at him. “Maybe.”
Joyce is amazing, but lunch with Steve is even better. Eddie makes a big deal of moaning over how good the food is, but really, making Steve laugh is the best part.
Yeah, Eddie's in way too deep.
—
"Eddie!" Steve greets when he comes into the Hideout a few days after the final session. He sounds a little bit breathless, and Eddie immediately smiles.
It's amazing how much having a favorite regular there improves his night, on top of the fact that he thinks he and Steve are actually friends now.
"Hey, man," he greets. "The kids all get where they're supposed to be okay?"
Steve looks at him like he did something amazing, instead of just asking a question that any decent human being would ask, but Eddie's not going to protest.
"Yeah, just the staff left now. Hey, I wanted to ask - we're doing a masquerade event on Halloween as a fundraiser. I mean, the event itself is going to be kind of shitty, catering to a bunch of semi famous people, but the staff are having an after party. Do you want to come?"
Eddie swallows, trying not to get his hopes up. "Me?"
"Well, yeah, you were basically staff this week, so you should come."
"Oh." Turns out it didn't work, not getting his hopes up, and now he's fighting disappointment.
Steve must take that for reluctance, though, because he adds, "Chrissy and Jeff and Grant and Gareth are all welcome too, so you don't have to worry about not knowing anyone there? Unless you guys already had plans."
"Nah, I think we were just going to hang out and watch shitty horror movies, I'm sure they'd rather go to an after party at the resort," Eddie says.
It sounds like a much better night than anything they had planned, even if it isn't what he thought Steve might be asking.
"Good! Uh, that's good." Steve looks uncertain for a moment, like he's having a debate with himself. Whatever it is, he must come to a decision, because he leans over the counter a little. "What about you?"
…okay, maybe he's not completely out of luck here.
"Me?" Eddie asks again, but this time he keeps his gaze locked on Steve's.
"You," Steve says again. "I was really hoping you'd come, Eds."
"Yeah? What do I get if I go?"
Steve smiles at him, this soft little hopeful thing, and his eyes drop briefly down to Eddie's lips. "I got a few things in mind."
Oh fuck, this is happening.
"Well now you've got me intrigued. I guess I better make an appearance."
Steve's expression lights up. “See you at the resort at ten?”
—
There's even more security when Eddie arrives at the resort on Halloween. He isn't driving - he's pretty sure there's going to be free alcohol tonight, and he's planning on taking full advantage of it - but the cab he and the others took gets stopped three times by security guards, and each time they have to show their IDs.
“Who the hell is going to the stupid masquerade?” Eddie grumbles after they finally get dropped off at a side entrance to the resort.
“Celebrities,” Gareth says with a roll of his eyes.
There's still a small crowd of people exiting the resort through the main entrance a little bit away, and despite the grumbling and eye rolling, none of them can help craning their heads just a little, to see if there's anyone they recognize.
There isn't - looks mostly like people with press badges and cameras.
There's a little bit of a commotion, though, and that makes them pause, just for a moment.
“He owes us!” someone is shouting. “One song for the bronze tier donors, that's it? What does Alistair think he's trying to pull?”
“Oh, wow,” Chrissy says. “I mean, I knew Alistair was the celebrity endorser for the charity, but I didn't think he'd be here tonight.”
Eddie shrugs. “Steve said it was for the semi famous.”
“Alistair and Hawk are a little more than semi famous,” Jeff points out.
There's more shouting at the front entrance that distracts them, though - looks like whoever it was that was complaining is getting very firmly escorted out to the parking lot by security.
“What are you losers still doing out here?” someone asks, and Eddie turns over to see Erica scowling at him from the side entrance.
He beams at her. “Lady Applejack, destroyer of Vecna, light of my life!”
Erica rolls her eyes. “Get your butts in here,” she orders, disappearing through the side entrance.
Eddie and his friends dutifully follow her, down a few hallways and into a massive ballroom that's all decorated in orange and black lights, fake cobwebs, swooping bats, and even a fog machine. There's about thirty or so people mingling about, but fortunately, she leads them to where Steve and Robin are standing together. They're both dressed in black tuxedos, but Robin has a twinkling gold halo crowned on her head and a pair of feathery wings, and Steve has a pair of devil horns. There's a cup of something bright orange in each of their hands.
Jesus, Steve looks even more gorgeous.
“Hey!” Steve greets, lighting up. “You guys made it!”
There's a round of greetings, finished by Steve pointing out the tables laden with food - some of it is clearly fancy shit that was probably left over from the masquerade, but a decent chunk of it is freshly made, mixed in with a ton of boxes of pizza and pitchers of various drinks.
“Come on,” Steve says, circling his fingers around Eddie's wrist and giving it a tug. “I want to introduce you to my friends.”
Steve leads him around the room, weaving through the small crowd and stopping whenever he finds someone. Eddie meets Jonathon Byers, Argyle, and Nancy Wheeler - Steve's ex, apparently, which throws him for a moment when he sees that they're clearly good friends.
Eddie can't imagine being friends with any of the small handful of exes he has.
Steve shrugs when he says as much. “Nancy and I are much better as friends,” he admits. “Our break up was… all right, it was pretty bad. But it was a long time coming. We just didn't work, you know? We wanted different things.”
“Not a great point in favor of you still being friends,” Eddie points out.
Steve laughs. “Nancy's amazing at what she does. She's an investigative reporter for her real job - she just volunteers here, because it's family. It's a lot easier being her friend.”
Eddie's not completely convinced, but he'll take Steve's word for it.
Nancy seems pretty great, anyway, when both of their circles of friends end up spending most of the party together. She and Robin and Chrissy keep ducking their heads together and giggling, and Jeff and Jonathon are having some kind of emphatic discussion about something Eddie doesn't really understand, and he's pretty sure Gareth and Grant and Argyle have snuck off somewhere to smoke weed.
Eddie's a little disappointed they didn't invite him, except, well, Steve's been pretty much plastered to his side the whole time, so he can't really complain.
“You want to get out of here?” Steve asks, when Eddie has definitely had too many candy corn jello shots to be effectively considering the ramifications of that question.
He agrees anyway, wholeheartedly, and hopes he doesn't come across as way, way too eager.
Steve is beaming at him, though, and he leads him out of the room.
“Let's go for a walk?” Steve suggests, which isn't quite where Eddie's mind had been going, but he can admit it's probably a better idea than anything he might have come up with.
So they grab their coats, and Steve winds a scarf around Eddie's neck even though Eddie insists it isn't that cold out.
He's pretty sure the scarf is Steve's, though - it smells like his cologne - so he doesn't actually try to stop him.
“This is definitely a date, right?” Eddie asks as they're walking along the path to the lake, their fingers laced together.
You know, just to make absolutely certain.
“Yeah, it's definitely a date,” Steve says with a little laugh.
“It's technically our fourth date,” Eddie points out.
There's a little furrow between Steve's brow as he frowns at him. “What?”
Eddie holds up his free hand so he can tick them off his fingers. “One, you bought me drinks and dinner at the Hideout.”
“I paid for Jeff and Gareth too!” Steve protests.
“Two,” Eddie says, ignoring him. “You bought me lunch at the resort.”
“We're staff, we get free lunch!” Steve says.
“Three, you invited me to go to a Halloween party with you. And four, moonlight walk by the lake,” he finishes triumphantly.
“Those are the same date!” Steve's clearly trying to sound exasperated, but he's grinning, so Eddie's calling it a win. “And the other two are like, half dates. So if you really want to, we can call this our second date.”
“Come on, sneaking away from the Halloween party to get time alone is at least worth a half date on its own.”
Steve rolls his eyes. “Okay, two and a half dates.”
Eddie pumps his fist in victory, but he doesn't get time to crow too much about it.
Steve kisses him for the first time out by the lake, leaves rustling in the wind and the reflection of the moon hanging heavy and orange.
It's perfect.
At the end of the night, after they've been gone from the party for so long that people have had to notice - though no one says anything - Steve gives him a piece of paper with his number on it.
“You don't have to call me,” Steve tells him, like there's any chance that Eddie won't use it immediately. “But I'd like it if you did.”
Eddie steals a pen and paper from the front desk, sprawls down his own phone number and shoves it at Steve.
“Here,” he says. “So you'll know it's me when I call you as soon as I get home.”
—
Eddie expected it to be a little awkward, trying to keep up a relationship - or whatever this is, is it a relationship when they've only had two and a half dates? - via phone, but it really isn't. Steve remembers his work schedule, and he calls him every day after he gets home from work, and it -
It's almost as good as having him there. They talk about their days, about everything and nothing, and it's so fucking good it helps distract him from knowing he's not going to be able to see Steve in person again until December.
Or at least, he wasn't supposed to see him until December.
But about a week after Steve's gone, when he's hanging out with Chrissy and trying to pretend like he doesn't miss him an unreasonable amount, Eddie asks, “Who is Alistair, anyway?”
Chrissy raises her eyebrows at him. “You don't know?”
Eddie shrugs. “It hasn't come up.”
“Scoops Troop?” Chrissy asks, like that's supposed to mean something. “The pop duo?”
And yeah, all right, the name sounds vaguely familiar, but it's not anything that Eddie looks for, and he shrugs again. “I mean, sure, I've probably heard some of their songs on the radio.”
She rolls her eyes. “You're ridiculous. I have a poster of Alistair in my bedroom, it's your favorite one. You've listened to him with me, he does that cover you really like, the one you said at least he wasn't a coward who changes the gender when he covers female songs.”
Shit, okay, yeah, now Eddie knows who she's talking about. He remembers that poster - a blown up shot of the pop star wearing a pair of tight jeans with the button popped, bare chested, head tilted back so all you could see was the line of his neck and the underside of his chin. He remembers sitting with Chrissy a year or so after they graduated high school, listening to one of his albums, hearing the guy sing about how it feels to watch the man he loves kiss some other girl, remembers how the song had stuck with him.
Huh. Handsome, good singer, funds charities - maybe he should have given more of his songs a chance.
“Oh,” Eddie says.
Chrissy laughs softly. “Yeah, oh. Should I tell Steve to watch out for your crush?”
Eddie bumps his shoulders into hers. “Steve is prettier,” he says confidently. “And sweeter, and funnier, and - everything-er.”
He does know to cut himself off before he starts going into too much detail, though, and instead he flops down on his bed.
“What's his deal, then? You have a poster, you probably know some things.”
Chrissy shrugs, flopping down next to him. “He's pretty private. Teenage pop star, made it big pretty quickly, had a huge, blow up falling out with his manager and record label. Went quiet for a while, made a massive comeback with a new manager and label as part of a duo with Hawk.”
Eddie hums softly. Nothing all that interesting - or nothing out of the ordinary from things he's read about in the music industry before.
“What was the blow up about?” he asks, curious. He could go look it up himself, of course, but it's easier to ask Chrissy.
“Something about his manager and label mismanaging his earnings. There was some kind of scandal back then about exploitation of child stars, it's why you don't see Harrington Studios or Brenner Talent Acquisition around much anymore.”
Jesus.
“Wait,” Eddie says. “Harrington Studios? Like Steve Harrington?”
Chrissy frowns. “Maybe?”
“Shit, Steve did say his dad was an asshole who wouldn't want to be anywhere near him,” Eddie says. “I wonder if that's why Steve cut ties.”
“You could call him and ask him,” Chrissy says mildly. “Didn't he say he and Robin were just going to be hanging around at home the next few days?”
Eddie narrows his eyes at her. “You just want to talk to Robin,” he protests, even though he's already picking up the phone.
Steve and Robin are home, and Steve sounds so happy to hear from him that Eddie almost immediately forgets everything else.
“I miss you,” Eddie says before he thinks better of it, before he wonders if maybe that's too much.
“I miss you too,” Steve says immediately, sounding a little bit relieved - like maybe he was worried it was too much, too. “I wish I could see you.”
“Hawkins isn't too far from here,” Eddie points out. “And I've got a guest room.”
“Yeah?” Steve asks, his voice a little soft, a little hopeful.
“Yeah. Come stay the night, we'll get pizza and watch bad movies.”
Steve hums a little like he's considering it, but it's playful, and Eddie's pretty sure he's going to say yes. “Are we counting this as a whole date, or is this another half date?”
Eddie breaks out into a grin. “Half date,” he decides. “That'll bring us up to three, and tomorrow we can make four.”
“Deal,” Steve agrees. “See you soon.”
Steve kisses him the second he and Robin arrive, crowding him in against the wall in the narrow hallway like it's been so much longer than a week since they last saw each other.
“Hi,” Steve murmurs when they break for air.
“Hi,” Eddie replies breathlessly, smiling so wide it hurts.
They end up squished together on the couch, Steve and Robin in the middle with Eddie and Chrissy on either side of them. After the pizza's gone, and they're mid way through their second movie - Eddie glances over, sees Robin's feet tucked under Steve's thigh, Steve's hand curled loosely around her ankle, Chrissy's head pillowed on Robin's shoulder.
Which sounds like a fantastic idea, actually, and he squishes down so he can lean into Steve's chest, Steve's arm wrapped around his shoulders.
Later, after the girls have disappeared into the guest room and Steve and Eddie are getting ready for bed, Steve seems… nervous, almost, as they climb under the covers.
“Everything okay?” Eddie asks.
“There's things you don't know about me,” Steve admits quietly. “Important things.”
Things like his dad owning a record label and working with a manager who exploits children, Eddie'd guess. Not a great thing for a guy who now works so closely with kids.
But Eddie trusts him.
“Hey,” he says softly. “It's okay. I mean, you don't know everything about me either, right? We're only at date three. It's okay if you want to take this slow, to get to know each other before we jump into the messy stuff.”
Steve looks like he's thinking about that. “That's okay?”
“Yeah, of course. If you want to feel each other out, keep this low commitment, even see other people, that's fine.”
It's not really fine, but now Eddie's said it, so he can't take it back.
Steve frowns at him. “I don't want to keep this low commitment,” he protests. “Eds - I'm in this. I don't want to date anyone else.”
“Oh,” Eddie says, a little shaky.
Steve's expression shutters a little. “Did you want to?”
“No!” Eddie replies, a little too quickly. “No, of course not. I just didn't want to pressure you. I, uh, I'm in this too.”
“Good.” Steve tips his head in to kiss him softly. “But - maybe slow is good? I haven't really had a serious relationship since Nancy and I broke up.”
“It's been a while for me, too,” Eddie admits. “…is it bad that it kind of makes me feel better? That we're both figuring this out together?”
Steve snorts. “Nah. Not bad. I kind of like the idea of figuring things out with you.”
—
“Hey, Munson!” April shouts from the office, when he's elbow deep in sudsy water doing the dishes. “You got a phone call!”
“Who is it?” Eddie yells back. He doesn't want to lose his groove if it's just a crank call, or one of his friends with something far from urgent.
“Some guy named Steve! Want me to tell him to get lost?” she asks.
“No!” Eddie yelps immediately. Then, in what he hopes is a calmer voice, “No, I'll come get it.”
He dries off his hands, passes April on the way to the office and has to put up with her smirking at him, but he pointedly ignores her.
“Hey, Stevie,” Eddie greets, already feeling himself smiling.
“Hey,” Steve says back. “Am I interrupting a busy shift?”
He sounds - just a little bit off. Almost like his normal self, but more like he's forcing himself to sound normal.
Eddie frowns. “Even if you were, it'd be a welcome interruption. What's up?”
“It's nothing really important,” Steve says. “I just - wanted to hear your voice, I guess.”
Oh.
Eddie lets himself feel soft and gushy over that for a moment before he leans out to shout, “April, I'm taking my lunch!” and closes the door to the office.
“Eds, you don't have to do that,” Steve protests. “I just wan-”
“Sweetheart,” Eddie cuts him off gently. “I can tell something's wrong. Taking my lunch is nothing - I'd drive to Hawkins right now to see you if you wanted.”
Eddie can Steve breathe out, a slow, ragged exhale.
“What happened?” Eddie asks.
“My dad happened,” Steve mutters.
Shit.
“Well, if anyone gets how hard it can throw you off when your shitty dad pops back up in your life, it's me,” Eddie says. “You want to talk about it?”
Steve's quiet for a moment. “I don't know why I let him still get to me,” he says after a while. “He didn't even talk directly to me. He hasn't tried to reach out since I cut him off, but he still knows exactly what to say to get under my skin, and he knows where to do it so it'll get right back to me. God, it's so stupid. I don't even care about his opinion, but…”
“But he's your dad,” Eddie finishes for him when he trails off. “Even if he's terrible, even if you don't want to be anything like him, even if you don't really want his good opinion, it's always going to matter a little.”
There's another exhale, though this one's tinged with something like relief. “Yeah. Exactly.”
“What'd he say?” Eddie asks.
Steve snorts. “Just the usual shit. I'm not living up to my potential, I'm wasting my time on publicity stunts, I've lost sight of what's really important.”
“Jesus Christ,” Eddie mutters. “Your dad really is an asshole.”
“Grade A,” Steve confirms.
“You sure you don't want me to drive down there?” Eddie offers.
“Nah,” Steve says, though Eddie can hear a smile in his voice. “I'm with Robin. She just went to pick up dinner, she should be back soon. Just, uh. Like I said, I wanted to hear your voice. It always makes me feel better.”
“You can't say stuff like that to me when you're not in kissing range,” Eddie teases. Mostly to cover up the way it makes his heart beat a little too fast.
“Sorry,” Steve replies, not sounding apologetic at all.
“Uh-huh,” Eddie says. “I'll still stay on the phone with you until Robin gets back. What do you want me to talk about?”
Steve hesitates for a moment before asking, “Is it too much to ask about what happened the last time your dad popped up?”
Part of Eddie wants to say that nothing Steve could ask him for would be too much, but he does the responsible thing and actually thinks about it before he answers.
“I was seventeen,” he says, once he's decided that yeah, he's okay with Steve knowing this. “I'd been living with my Uncle Wayne for almost five years. He blows back into town, claims he has something of my mom's that she'd always wanted me to get, before she got sick.”
“What was it?” Steve asks.
Eddie snorts. “Nothing. I already had everything of hers that she left behind. He didn't realize I'd already emptied out the old house after he left the last time. But he said he missed me, said he needed me. That he really wanted it to be the two of us this time, the way we always talked about when I was younger and he was teaching me things.”
Steve makes a little encouraging noise.
“Shitty things,” Eddie clarifies. “Other dads taught their kids how to fish or play ball, but mine? He taught me how to hotwire cars. Even at seventeen, he had me convinced. I wanted to believe him so bad, I went along with his idea. Ended up with him skipping town and me in a jail cell taking the fall. My uncle had to come bail me out.”
“I'm sorry, Eddie,” Steve says quietly.
Eddie shrugs, even though Steve can't see him. “It's not your fault.”
“That's not why I'm sorry,” Steve retorts, in a tone that Eddie knows means he's rolling his eyes. “I'm sorry that he couldn't see how amazing you are. You deserve better.”
Eddie feels his cheeks heat up. “So do you,” he replies. “Fuck our dads, all right?”
“Yeah,” Steve agrees empathetically. “Fuck ‘em. Who needs them when we have people who actually give a shit about us?”
Eddie wishes they were together, so he could take Steve's hand or tug him in for a hug or something, to make it clear that Eddie is one of those people who gives a shit about Steve.
“Yeah,” he settles for saying. “You can call me anytime, you know that, right?”
“I do now,” Steve says softly. “Thanks, Eds.”
Fuck.
“Any time,” Eddie managed to get out.
“You too, okay? Any time. Even if I don't answer right away, I'll always call you back.”
—
Eddie's pulling his boxes of Christmas decorations out of the storage space off of his little balcony when he notices one of the boxes is damaged.
He's not sure what happened. Water leaking, maybe, or maybe just the box giving out, but it's sagging in on itself, and when Eddie opens it he - he sees the remains of some of his oldest Christmas decorations. The ones that belonged to his mom.
Eddie stares at them for a long time, fighting back tears, and then goes inside to call his boyfriend.
“Hey, Stevie,” he says when he gets his answering machine. He doesn't even bother trying to sound like he isn't bummed. “It's not urgent, just - some of the Christmass stuff I had from my mom got wrecked. Guess I just wanted to hear your voice. Give me a call when you get this, yeah?”
There's an awkward pause that he almost fills with love you, before he hangs up real quick so he doesn't end up going there on a fucking voicemail of all things.
He doesn't really know how long it's going to be before Steve's able to call him back, and it's stupid to just wait around waiting, but… he can't actually bring himself to do the only thing he had planned today and get the Christmas decorations up.
Eddie's still dithering around hours later when the doorbell rings, and he considers ignoring it and pretending he isn't home. He's not in the mood to be any kind of good company, after all.
But then he hears Steve's voice calling his name through the door, and he's on his feet and opening it up before he knows it.
“You're here,” Eddie says, a little gobsmacked.
Steve shifts his weight, looking a little hesitant. “Is that okay? I mean, I know you said you wouldn't mind driving down to Hawkins for me if -”
Steve cuts off, because Eddie's dragged him inside the apartment and pressed him against the back of the door, doing his level best to kiss him senseless.
“It's not too much?” Steve manages to ask in between kisses.
“It's so far from too much,” Eddie returns.
Eddie's not really sure he knows what to do with someone who drove all the way here just for him, just because he was sad, but Jesus, he's not going to complain about it now.
They're both a little disheveled by the time they manage to get away from the door, and Steve gives him a tentative little smile.
“I brought you this,” Steve says, holding something out to him.
Eddie takes it, and it's - a copy of Loretta Lynn's Country Christmas. A signed copy. A signed copy specifically addressed to Eddie, wishing him a merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.
He looks back up, gaping at Steve a little. “Steve?”
“It was supposed to be your Christmas present,” Steve says. “But I thought - maybe you could use it now.”
Jesus Christ, Eddie's pretty sure he's really close to crying. He squeezes his eyes shut, taking a ragged breath.
“Thank you,” he says quietly.
He sets the album down, then practically launches himself at Steve, folding him into his arms and hugging him tight. Steve lets himself be held, sinking into the embrace and hugging him back just as strong.
Eventually, when Eddie's reasonably certain he's not in danger of crying - or blurting out a love confession - Eddie pulls back.
“How long are you here for?” he asks.
Steve shrugs. “I don't have any where to be now. I finished work up early, so I've got a few days before we have to get started on winter camp and the Hawkins Hope Christmas gala.”
“Stay here?” Eddie asks, even though he's a little afraid he's pushing it. The guy drove here for him after one upset voicemail, he's pretty sure he's not going to be turned off by the suggestion of staying over a few days.
“Shit, yeah, I'd love to. You want me to help decorate?” Steve offers.
Eddie swallows past the lump in his throat and nods. “Yeah, that'd be great.”
He puts on Loretta Lynn, and before he knows it he's laughing along with Steve as they bicker about where to put some of the decorations and immediately agree on others.
It's a much better day than Eddie could have ever imagined.
—
“How'd you guys even find this place?”
It's mid December, and the Hawkins Hope crew officially have the resort for the rest of the year.
Which means Eddie's been hanging out there pretty much all of his days off, to the point where the security staff don't even bother to check his ID anymore. They just let him waltz right into the resort to meet Steve at one of the lounges.
Or in the room Steve's staying in, which is where they're at now.
“We rented it out for a couple of weeks back in the spring. Or I guess, technically Scoops Troop did, but when Joyce saw it we figured it would be the perfect place.”
“That was you guys?” Eddie asks. “I figured it was some doucebag pop singer.”
“Well, I guess you'd be kind of right, depending on how you feel about Scoops Troop.” Steve says it too casually, like he's trying to pretend that he doesn't care about Eddie's response - but he clearly cares about Eddie's response.
Eddie hums softly. “How do you feel about Scoops Troop?”
“Hawk is fantastic,” Steve replies immediately. “She's so, so talented, she could do just about anything, you know? She's funny, and so damn smart, she's just amazing.”
Briefly, Eddie wonders if he should be jealous, but nah. Steve'd sounded similar to the way he does when he talks about Robin, and Eddie knows there's nothing going on there.
“What about Alistair?” Eddie asks.
Steve gives a one shouldered shrug. “I don't think my opinion really matters all that much.”
“Of course it matters, Stevie, your opinion always matters,” Eddie says.
Steve smiles at him, soft and fond. “Thank you.”
Eddie waits, but apparently Steve is going to play hard to get on the subject of Alistair. “Do you like him?”
Steve shrugs again. “Yeah, sure.”
Eddie raises his eyebrows, squirming a little so he's draped across Steve's lap, staring up at him expectantly.
Steve huffs out a little laugh, carding his fingers through Eddie's hair.
“It was touch and go there for a little bit,” Steve admits. “There was some pretty dicklike behavior going on for a while.”
Eddie gives a dramatic gasp. “A teenage idol? Being a dick? You don't say.”
There's another little laugh, which Eddie's going to count as a win.
“And now?” Eddie asks. “The charity thing, is that all a cover?”
“Nah,” Steve says. “That's genuine. You go through some shit, get a couple of good thumps on the head, it can change your perspective on a lot of things. Makes you realize what's important, and what's just bullshit, you know?”
It sounds like Steve's speaking from experience, and Eddie makes a little encouraging noise.
“My dad did some pretty shitty things to some of my friends,” he says quietly. “And to me. There was a time when I was probably too much like him. I mean, I wasn't ever that bad, but - I put popularity and shit above the things that really mattered.”
“It's hard to imagine you like that,” Eddie says.
Steve frowns a little. “Really?”
“Well, okay, you're kind of a preppy jock, and back in high school I would have thought you were a huge asshole. But I mean, I was kind of a dick back then, too. I probably would have judged you without even knowing you. And now, knowing you? Shit, you're amazing, Steve.”
Steve swallows, leaning down to kiss him.
“I kind of like that you don't know a lot about Alistair,” Steve admits quietly.
“Really?” Eddie asks.
“Yeah,” Steve says. “Most of the people that I work with, aside from the core staff? They're in this because it's a good look for them, or because of their connections with Scoops Troop. You're one of the few who helped out just because of the kids.”
“You guys did pay me,” Eddie points out.
Steve rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, but you said yes before you even knew how much. It wasn't because of some celebrity, it was just because you're a good guy.”
Something squirms around in Eddie's gut, in a way that he can't decide is good or not. Don't get him wrong, Steve telling him he's a good guy's got his heart beating a little quicker, but he also feels like Steve's got the wrong impression of him.
“I mean, I also did it because you asked me to,” he says, before Steve goes thinking it was entirely selfless. “And you're the prettiest guy I've ever seen.”
Steve huffs out a little laugh. “You agreed to help out just to get paid and to get in my pants?”
“Well, not just that. It worked though, didn't it?”
There's another laugh, and Steve jostles him with his knee a little. “Seriously, though. There's not a lot of people in my life that aren't here because of Alistair.”
It's Eddie's turn to swallow. “Well, now you've got me.”
“Yeah,” Steve says, still far too serious. His eyes are so intense as he looks down at Eddie, like he's seeing straight through him - like he's on the verge of saying something big, something maybe too big.
“So what are you going to do with me, then?” Eddie asks, light and teasing, wiggling his eyebrows.
It works to break the moment, though Steve's still looking at him almost too closely.
“Keep you,” Steve says. “If you'll let me.”
Jesus Christ.
“Yeah,” Eddie replies. “Yeah, I'll let you.”
—
The sound of a piano playing draws him down one of the resort hallways, smiling softly as he recognizes it as a Billy Joel song.
“La, la-la, di-di-da,” echoes along with the notes of the piano. “La-la di-di-da da-dum.”
He follows the sound, until he reaches another one of the resort's many little lounging areas. This one has the customary fireplace, wide open windows with gorgeous scenery, and cozy seating. It also has a baby grand piano, and Eddie's a little shocked to see Steve sitting at it, eyes closed as he plays.
“Sing us a song, you're the piano man,” Steve croons. His voice is a little raspy, a little rough, low and soft and so fucking gorgeous that it makes Eddie catch his breath. “Sing us a song tonight. Well, we're all in the mood for a melody.”
“And you've got us feeling all right,” Eddie chimes in.
Steve's eyes fly open, and he looks a little panicked for a moment before his gaze catches on Eddie. The tension in his body relaxes a little, though there's something about him that seems a bit wary.
It makes Eddie feel like maybe he shouldn't make a big deal about this, shouldn't exclaim that he didn't know Steve could play or tell him that he should sing more often.
“Practicing for a music activity with the kids?” Eddie asks.
Steve's expression lights up with a smile, and Eddie immediately feels like he's said the right thing.
Which isn't all that common of an occurrence, honestly. Makes it feel pretty damn good that he just about always gets it right with Steve.
“Doing a piano lesson later,” Steve says.
“And you're going to teach them Billy Joel?” he asks.
Steve huffs out a little laugh. “Christmas carols, actually. I was just trying to warm up a little.”
“Don't mind me,” Eddie says, plopping down at the bench next to him and leaning against him. “Warm up away. Hey, you play one I know, and I'll even sing.”
Steve's expression goes contemplative for a moment. “How about we sing together?”
“You don't have to,” Eddie says a little guiltily, kind of worried that he'd made him feel pressured.
Steve shakes his head. “I want to. What's your favorite Christmas song?”
“Carol of the Bells,” Eddie says immediately.
Steve barks out a little laugh.
“What?” Eddie demands, bumping his shoulder. “It's a good one!”
“I know,” Steve says. “It's my favorite, too. It's just not a great dueting song.”
“Nah, come on, give me some notes. We got this,” Eddie insists.
Steve rolls his eyes, but his fingers dance over the keys as he starts playing.
“Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say, throw cares away.” Eddie's not exactly singing so much as he's whispering the words into Steve's ear, lips brushing up right against his skin.
It makes Steve's breath catch. He tips his head to face Eddie, playing without looking.
“Christmas is here, bringing good cheer, to young and old, meek and the bold,” Steve whisper sings back. Even like this, he sounds good - Eddie can tell he must have gotten some training, but with who Steve's dad is, he's not surprised.
Eddie kind of figures that's why any musical ability Steve has would be a sore subject, so he doesn't ask about it. “Ding dong ding dong, that is their song, with joyful ring, all caroling.”
“One seems to hear, words of good cheer,” Steve sings, lips so close to Eddie's that they're practically breathing the same air. “From everywhere, filling the air.”
Steve joins him in singing, “Oh how they pound, raising the sound,” their voices melding together in a way that Eddie's not sure is technically good, but fuck it feels downright magical.
They make it through a few more verses like that, but Steve kisses him before they finish out the song, and they're too distracted to get back to it.
Really, it's not like Eddie's going to complain.
Steve's amazing with the kids, he's clearly not a terrible shower singer, and Eddie's not holding out much hope for the wet towels on the floor at this point.
Eddie just doesn't know how he got so lucky.
—
When Eddie opens the door, Chrissy immediately smacks him with a magazine, but doesn't say anything until she and Jeff have pushed their way into his apartment and shut the door behind them.
Eddie blinks at them, bewildered.
“When were you going to tell us?” she asks in a low, excited whisper.
“Tell you what?” he asks.
“He probably swore you to secrecy, right?” Jeff asks.
“Can we talk about it now that we know?” Chrissy says. “Oh, wait, you probably had to sign an NDA or something, right?”
Jeff makes a face. “Are we going to have to sign an NDA?”
“An NDA about what?” Eddie demands.
Chrissy thrusts the magazine at him, shaking it until he takes it.
Oh.
That's Steve and Robin on the cover, wearing matching Christmas sweaters, with glitter on their eyelids and cheeks and snowflakes in their hair.
He can feel his expression go a little dopey and fond, but hey, how is he supposed to help it?
Eddie assumes it's some kind of article about the Christmas gala Hawkins Hope is throwing, but the caption of the picture catches his eye as he's looking up.
Christmastime With Scoops Troop! Alistair and Hawk spill about their holiday traditions.
It's not until Eddie hears Chrissy saying, “Oh” and Jeff going, “Oh shit, you didn't know,” that Eddie realizes he's gaping.
Eddie slams his jaw shut. “No,” he says tightly, feeling a sharp stab of hurt covered up immediately by a blinding rush of anger. “No, I didn't know that my boyfriend is famous. Apparently that's something that he didn't feel was important to tell me.”
He throws the magazine down onto the couch, stalking around the living room. “Apparently Alistair likes to play games with poor, hick bartenders, make them think they've found something amazing, while Mr. Famous Douchebag is probably off laughing with his other celebrity friends about what an idiot I am.”
“Eddie,” Chrissy says, sounding a little shocked. “I don't know if that's fair.”
“Fair?” Eddie demands. “Fair would have been leaving me the hell out of however he gets his rocks off. It wasn't coming into the Hideout again and again, hanging out with us and getting to know us, all the time keeping something like this!”
“Hey,” Jeff cuts in. “Come on, man, Steve didn't owe us anything then. He was just a guy coming into a bar to get some drinks, getting along with the staff there.”
Eddie snarls, because he wants to be as furious as possible, and he isn't thrilled that Jeff's making a logical point. “Fine,” he concedes. “But he owed me something. He should have told me what I was getting into before I got too deep. I don't - what, was his plan to just keep quiet about this forever and hope I wouldn't find out? How stupid does he think I am?”
Chrissy and Jeff are silent at that, but that just deflates Eddie more than if they had tried to argue with him.
“What am I supposed to do with this?” he asks.
“Do you want to break up with him?” Chrissy asks.
Eddie startles. “No!” Then he pauses, considering. “I don't know.”
“You don't know?” Jeff prompts.
“What if all of this was a game? What if he never liked me at all, and he was just a celebrity asshole having some fun?”
“What if it wasn't?” Chrissy counters gently. “What if he's just a guy who found someone he really liked and was too scared to tell him about this?”
Eddie drops down into the couch, burying his head in his hands. “I have to talk to him, don't I?”
—
Eddie goes to talk to him.
He asks the resort staff to let Steve know that he's here, waits around in the front entrance until one of the staff tells him they got the go ahead to let Eddie wait in Steve's room.
Eddie's sitting on the bed when Steve there.
“Eddie? Are you okay, they told me you-” Steve cuts off, and Eddie's going to assume that he saw the magazine in Eddie's hands.
He can't bring himself to look up to see him, to check for sure.
“Was any of it real?” he asks. His voice comes out rough, though he manages not to sound like he's on the verge of tears.
“God, Eds, of course it's real, how can-”
“Don't,” Eddie cuts him off, harsh and sharp.
Steve makes a little wounded sound before he falls silent, and this time Eddie can't help but look up at him.
Steve looks - he looks like a fucking wreck. His eyes are wet and sad, and he looks like everything that he'd been trying to balance on his shoulders has come crashing down. Eddie wishes he could say with confidence that the guy he knows, the guy he's fallen in love with, is the same guy he's seeing now, is who Steve really is.
Still, Eddie isn't here to purposefully hurt him. Chrissy and Jeff had talked sense into him - he just wants answers.
“I don't think it's fair for you to act like I'm out of line for doubting that,” Eddie says.
Steve crumples like a wet paper bag.
“You're right,” he says, which honestly - Eddie wasn't expecting. “It's not fair, I'm sorry. Of course you'd think that if I was hiding this, what else wasn't I telling the truth about?”
Eddie rolls up the magazine to hide how his hands want to shake, crinkling it with the force of his grip. “Were you ever going to tell me?”
“Not at first,” Steve admits, lips twisted in a humorless little smile. “This summer, I just - it was nice, spending time with people who had no idea who I was. I thought that would be it, but then the more time I spent with you, the more I fell for you, and by the time I realized I didn't want to let you go, I was afraid. Afraid of your reaction, afraid of what it would mean for us. There's so many people that think they know me as Alistair, and so few that know the real me. I knew, just - even if you didn't hate me, even if you still wanted to be with me, things were going to change. I wouldn't just be Steve anymore.”
“But… you are Alistair. I'm not getting the real you unless I can have both.”
Steve swallows. “Do you want both?”
Eddie blinks at him, a little thrown. “What kind of question is that?”
“Most people want to date Alistair, the pop singer. I haven't had anyone since Nancy who knew me as Steve first, and I - I don't know. I kind of thought it would work the other way, too,” Steve admits. “That you wouldn't want any part of Alistair.”
Eddie raises an eyebrow at him. “Dude, you keep talking about Steve and Alistair like they're different people. They're both still you, right? I mean, sure, you've got to put on a different front when you're out there with the press and the celebrities, but we all do that a little. You think I act the same way with most customers that I do with you?”
“I - no. Okay, well, I hope not,” Steve adds, just a little bit teasing.
“Definitely not,” Eddie says, giving him the tiniest smile. “So if you're really in this, I want you to be in it. I don't want you to have to hide something so huge from me. I think I deserve the chance to know all of you.”
“Okay,” Steve says softly. “You're right. You're - yeah. If you still want this, if I didn't fuck everything up, then I promise no more secrets.”
Eddie lets out a slow, ragged exhale. Then, “It was real, right?”
“Every bit of it,” Steve says. He inches closer, then when Eddie doesn't stop him, he comes to sit next to him.
“Everything I've told you is true,” Steve says solemnly. “It's okay if you can't believe that yet. I promise I'll work really hard to show you.”
Eddie shakes his head. “Maybe I'm stupid, but I do believe you. There's a lot of things that make sense now.”
Thinking back on it - he doesn't think Steve ever actually directly lied to him, not once. Just by omission.
“Fuck, your dad is even worse than I thought,” Eddie swears. “I assumed you guys had a falling out because he fucked over your friends, but he fucked over you.”
“And my friends,” Steve says. “Jane, Hopper's adopted daughter - she got it the worst. I mean, it was mostly our manager, Brenner, who was the real piece of work, but it's not like my dad gave a shit.”
“Fuck him even more,” Eddie mutters. “Am I allowed to ask what happened? Will I have to sign an NDA or something?”
Steve huffs out a little laugh. “No NDAs, and yeah, you can ask. Hopper and Joyce were the ones that uncovered a lot of it, at first, and then Nancy and Jonathan did this massive push and got all the details to leak to the press. They're in investigative journalism half because of how good of a job they did. Robs and I both almost quit music after, but Joyce and Hop knew this guy who was a really good manager, and Murray knew Dimitri who had a small record label, and it just… fell together.”
Eddie narrows his eyes. “Hopper's your head of security, isn't he?”
Steve grins. “And the security for Hawkins Hope, but yeah, mostly me and Robin. Jonathan also does most of our pictures for album covers and stuff, and Argyle actually handles our PR.”
Eddie hums. “Wait, why didn't I have to sign an NDA? What if I was secretly a reporter just pretending to be a bartender?”
Steve raises an eyebrow. “But you weren't.”
“What if I was?” Eddie insists. “Or, okay, what if it didn't work out and I was the kind of guy who liked petty revenge? What if some shady paparazzi comes up to me and promises a huge pay day if I spill all of the secrets I learned?”
“You wouldn't,” Steve says confidently.
Which, okay, yes, Eddie very much appreciates Steve's trust in him and it kind of makes him feel a little gooey inside, but Eddie's on a roll and he has a point to make.
“I could!” Eddie protests. “What if I was just a huge asshole? What do Hopper and Argyle think of you dating someone without an NDA?”
“I don't think I've ever had anyone mad at me that I didn't ask them to sign an NDA,” Steve says thoughtfully.
“Well clearly you've been dating douchebags,” Eddie grumbles. “You have to look out for yourself more, okay, what if I was just the worst person in the world and - what?”
Steve's smiling at him way too fondly. “I'm pretty sure I'm in love with you,” he says softly.
Eddie's breath catches. “Is that, uh. Is that a confession, or the reason you didn't have me sign an NDA?”
“Both?” Steve admits. “Look, I know it's kind of early, so I'm not expecting -”
“No, fuck that, I'm definitely in love with you,” Eddie cuts in. “I've wanted to say it since the time you called me at work.”
“Oh,” Steve breathes out. “Still?”
“Still.” Eddie makes a little face at himself. “I do trust you, Steve. It might take me a while to get used to everything, but I don't think there's anything I'm going to learn that will change that.”
Steve kisses him, tangling his fingers in Eddie's hair.
“Come to the Christmas gala with me?” he asks.
“Won't the press and stuff be there?” Eddie says.
“Yeah. It's okay if you're not ready for that, but I - I think I'd like to tell people that I have a boyfriend. To introduce you whenever you are ready.”
Eddie considers that. He's honestly not sure he is ready, but - shit, is he ever going to feel ready? “Yeah,” he says. “Jesus, yeah, let's do it.”
“Yeah?” Steve says, his face lighting up.
“Yeah,” Eddie says again. “Just, uh, let me call my uncle and tell him first. Unless - do you want to come with me, tell him together?”
Steve kisses him again. “I'd really like that. We're still in this, still figuring this all out together, right?”
Eddie follows after him for another kiss. “Together,” he agrees.
Yeah, Eddie can handle that. As long as they're together.
#eddie munson#steve harrington#steddie#stranger things#steddie fic#steddie holiday exchange#pop singer steve harrington#bartender eddie munson
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