“My Mother Warned Me About Cigarettes That Could Cause Cancer But She Never Told Me That Self-hatred

I mean….

The Queens successor: part 1

Hey there, so the last few days I’ve been hella into the movie Epic from 2013 and so I ofc came up with a reader Oc idea that I’m going to write. It’s going to be 3 parts. Tbh I can’t really see Ronin with anyone other than Tara but I love the sunshine x grumpy trope. I ofc wanted it to be in the Epic universe so this is what I’ve come up with. Hope you enjoy ❣️

*authors note: hey there I just wanted to apologize in the case I’m not using the correct tags to post this. I saw a post of someone ranting saying it makes the person super angry when the post should be y/n but it’s not. If I knew that I wouldn’t have started writing it the way I did. Now on that note I am going to continue writing at least the rest of this story the way it’s already being written especially because it’s an Oc, but yea, I hope y’all enjoy it as much as possible especially if you’re someone who gets angry when things aren’t written as y/n. Thanks for your understanding.

Word count for pt 1: 3k+

Reader: Oc named Elizabeth but everyone calls her Liz, Poppy, Princess or Princess Poppy

She is Queen Tara’s successor. Queen Tara and Ronin have looked after her since she was a baby.

Love interest: a leaf man named Michael. He is the reader’s personal guard as well as her best friend. He is 2nd in command. Though he is a few years older than Poppy, they grew up together.

Reader and Michael have a relationship very similar to Tara and Ronin (sunshine x grumpy).

This is just a cute fic in the universe of Epic and how Tara and Ronin helped bring the couple together.

There will be quite a bit of parallels in this story compared to Tara and Ronin

17 years prior: Queen Tara’s POV

Today had been a long day. Boggins had become relentless leading to lots and lots of meetings with officials trying to come up with a plan to keep them from crossing into Moonhaven territory. Of course there was also dealing with my feelings for a certain leafman I’ve known for years. I want to be more than friends with him, but I don’t want to ruin the friendship we have. He can be so hard to read sometimes. It made nights like these feel lonely, gloomy; which fit right in with the way the weather was tonight. I was getting ready for bed, listening to the rain as it was really coming down out there.

Thunder began to rumble in when I heard it, clear as day; a baby in distress. I took a second to look out my window where I saw it. There on the palace steps was what looked to be a basket. I extended some vines to bring the basket to me, wanting to get it out of the rain. The sounds of a baby crying became louder as the basket became closer. I pulled the basket up in through the window where I saw the most beautiful baby. She didn’t look to be wearing regular clothes but had an English poppy flower covering her almost like a blanket. I picked the baby up to console her and dry her off a bit when I saw there was a note in the basket. It seemed almost like a cryptic, prophetic message, written in beautiful calligraphy. “She is the secret to future peace; when the time comes and you are deceased.” There was no sign as to who had wrote this. As I went to turn the paper over to look for any answers to who this little girl was, I gave myself a paper cut, hissing out in pain. As I was holding the infant who was now quiet in my arms, she reached out to hold my pointer finger (the finger that was cut). I was going to try to give her a different finger when a soft, warm light shined bright from the palm of her hand. Within seconds, the cut and any evidence there was a cut there before was gone, all healed up. It seemed clear as day this was my sign from Mother Nature. This baby girl was to be the next Queen of Moonhaven. As I was admiring her little features (a tiny button nose, beautiful blue eyes, fiery red hair) she started to whine and cry. I held her close as I rubbed her back speaking sweetly to her. “Alright my little princess; you’re safe with me. What’s the matter hmm? Are you cold?”.

A knock was heard on my door a guard calling out to me; “Your majesty is everything alright in there? I hear crying.” I opened the door to speak with the soldier, holding my little girl close trying to get her to calm down. I told the soldier “everything is alright. I need one of you to go get commander Ronin and bring him back here. Tell him it’s urgent and I need another one of you to find some baby clothes and blankets as well as any other supplies you can find at this hour of night. We will get the rest tomorrow.” The guard was quick to follow orders and go get Ronin. Another guard was quick to come back maybe 10 minutes later with a few baby onsies, diapers and a nice warm blanket. As she handed over the supplies she explained she had had a baby about 2 years ago and these were all extra supplies she had that I could have. I thanked her for her generosity and told her she would be rewarded greatly in the near future. She told me it was not problem but I insisted. She thanked me and then was dismissed to head back home to her own little one.

Less than 30 minutes from my order, Ronin came running to my room looking panicked. He always worries too much. “Your highness I came as soon as I could. What seems to be the problem” He crouched at my side holding my waist lightly inspecting me to check for any wounds and to analyze my face for any giveaways from my mood. I blushed slightly but tried not to say anything about him holding me otherwise he would stop and make distance between us. I told him jokingly “Ronin how many times have I told you just to call me Tara. Everything’s fine, but I wanted you to be the first to know about this. Come sit.” I said making room on the bed next to me. Since it was just the two of us he seemed to have let his guard down sitting next to me holding my hand rubbing his thumb on the back for comfort. “Sorry, what is it you need to tell me” he asked giving me all his attention. He barely even acknowledged that there was a basket sitting near me on the bed as well. “Well,” I started, “I was getting ready for bed when I heard a baby crying from outside.” I pulled the basket towards us showing him there was a baby sleeping sound in that basket. Ronin being the overthinker he is started asking every and any question making sure the baby was not a set up from the Boggins. I stopped him quickly and told him “she’s a sign of the next Queen. Look” I said handing him the note written. He analyzed it quietly before saying “I’ve never seen writing or paper like this before. What do you wish to do with her?” I ran my finger softly over babygirl’s face smiling telling him “it looks like I’ve finally gotten my wish to become a mom in this lifetime.”

I could feel him looking at me and when I went to look back at him, I could feel it. There were no words that needed to be said to feel his love for me. He brought his hand up to my cheek to hold my face lovingly. I could feel the pull we had towards each other, the space between us becoming smaller and smaller when my sweet girl started to whine, wanting to be held. We both pulled away slightly blush and giggling a little. I loved seeing him smile. It was one of the most beautiful things to see/experience. I went to pick her up when Ronin asked if he could hold her instead. I nodded smiling. He picked her up holding her like he was afraid she was gonna break. She looked at him curiously before wrapping her hand around his finger, yawning and curling in closer to him, getting comfy in his arms. She looked so small in his arms. If I could fall even more in love with this man, in that moment, I did. “She’s so small” he said, holding her close. “Do you know what you want to name her?” He asked. I rubbed her nose to her forehead lightly trying to put her back to sleep while she was in his arms and nodded. “I think I am going to name her Elizabeth, but Liz for short or Poppy for a nickname since she came with a big poppy flower.” He smiled looking down at her. “Hello then Poppy. It’s nice to meet you. I promise to always protect you and your mother no matter what it takes.”

He gave her a kiss on the forehead before we put her back in her basket making her comfy. He stood up to go after that and told me “I should get going since it seems we’ll have a busy day tomorrow.” Before he could leave I quickly grabbed his hand. “Stay, please.” My confidence seemed to dwindle a bit so I added “she seems to like you, just in case I need help with her in the night”. He nodded and agreed taking off his shoes before getting under the covers as Liz was put on the ground in her basket next to his side of the bed. I got under the covers and turned off the light. Right before sleep over took me, I felt an arm curl around my waist and bring me closer. I fell asleep, smiling, content with being in the arms of the one I love.

A few months later:

Elizabeth was secretly a blessing for Ronin and i’s relationship. Over the last few months, we had fallen into a routine of taking care of her, him staying over most nights. The kingdom was very happy to hear of the new successor and although many didn’t say anything, I could see and feel they were happy for whatever was going on between Ronin and I.

Things however almost took a turn for the worst about a week ago. We were sitting having tea after a meeting about new procedures for Boggins at the border and how many leafmen had said they felt something big was about to happen. Ronin was holding Liz making faces at her trying to get her to smile and giggle. I looked at him smiling and without even thinking I told him quietly but confidently “I love you”. He stopped what he was doing and asked me “what did you say?” I was scared to tell him but I figured it was now or never. I took a deep breath and started “ I said I love you. I knew I loved you before, I’ve known for years, but seeing you with Poppy, seeing how good you are with her, the closer we’ve gotten since she came into our lives, I can’t avoid my feelings for you anymore. I love you Ronin. I want to wake up next to you every morning and go to sleep next to you every night. I want to work alongside you until my last breath, I want to make you smile as much as I possibly can because to see you smile is to see one of the most beautiful things on earth.”

He looked shocked at my confession with a little bit of fear as well. He didn’t say anything just put Liz back in her stroller and told me “sorry, I forgot I have to go. Meeting with the other leafmen about a possible ambush.” He couldn’t even look me in the eyes. Had I been reading the situation all wrong? A few tears rolled down my cheeks as I was left with my daughter alone.

It’s been about a week and I’ve had very little interaction with Ronin and it’s not from lack of trying. Any chance he gets to avoid me or not talk about what happened a week ago he does. It’s taking a toll on Elizabeth. She’s been extra fussy. In the night sometimes it takes hours to get her to sleep because I know she just wants him to hold her. I may be her mother, but along the way, Ronin became her father and she’s 100% a daddy’s girl. After another night of little to no sleep because of not being able to calm Poppy, I finally snapped.

It was late morning when Ronin came in to debrief with me on the training they were going to be doing today closer to the border, which would leave the village and palace heavily under protected but I figured it was alright. There had been no attacks in months, today hopefully would be no different. I had been nodding off a little towards the end when Ronin tried to get my attention. “Is everything alright Queen Tara? You seem really tired.” Wonder what gave it away. Maybe the eyebags I had from multiple sleepless nights, or the constant yawning. “No everything is not alright” I said with a deep sigh, trying not to explode. I continued on “I know you are upset with me about last week but that doesn’t give you the right to take it out on Elizabeth. Whether you like it or not she has become attached to you these last few months. I have stayed up the last week every single night because she won’t stop crying. She cries until she’s exhausted and then falls asleep for maybe 30 minutes and then cries some more. She wants you. She wants her father.” “Queen Tara-“ he went to speak when Poppy started to cry from the other room. With tears about to overflow from my eyes I took a deep breath and told him “have a good training, stay safe” and then headed to find my princess. I picked her up holding her close to me. “Shh, I know honey, I know, mama’s here. I know I’m not the one you want but please try to calm down for me” I said while rubbing circles on her back walking around the room a bit. What I didn’t see was Ronin standing in the doorway, with guilt taking over his facial features before he left for training.

Ronin’s POV:

Hearing Tara tell me she loves me just made me panic. I was so happy to hear what I feel is reciprocated, but I just had so many other things running through my mind. What if because I am a high ranking officer she is used as collateral damage. What if Princess Poppy was taken to get to me, to torture me? What if I’m a bad father, a bad husband? What if my serious nature weighs on Tara’s happiness? “You okay there Commander? You seem really in your head lately.” My best friend says to me as we start off the training. He was the only one who knew what happened last week and the only one I really talked to about my love for our Queen and childhood friend. “Yea, just got into it a bit with Tara about the princess before we left.” I said sadly looking down at the forces already working on their maneuvers and training. My friend nodded, putting a hand on my shoulder and just told me “dude you gotta apologize and tell her how you feel. You’ve wanted to be with her for forever, now’s your chance.”

Before I could respond, our forces were attacked by Boggins, a good amount of them but not nearly enough for this to be it after months of no attacks. Before killing one of the last ones that came to attack us I held my sword to his throat and said “where are the rest of you?” He smirked spitting out some blood before saying really arrogantly, “We heard there’s a new princess of Moonhaven. We just want to come and introduce ourselves to her. Btw, you’ll never make it back in time to protect her.” Before he could say anything else I killed him and yelled out to my 2nd in command. “The Queen and Princess are in danger. Keep 1/2 of the soldiers here in case this is a ploy and the other half come with me. Move like your life depends on it.” I called for my bird and took off before anyone else was even following behind. I had to get there before either of them got hurt. If I cant tell Tara how I feel, if I never get to hold Liz again, I will never forgive myself.

When we got back to the village, many were in lockdown as Boggins were wreaking havoc. I killed a few as I flew towards the palace. When I got to the palace, I saw dead leafmen on the ground. I hurried in, sword at the ready. A few more leafmen had finally arrived for backup. There were so many Boggins. I started killing on a frenzy once I heard my princess crying. I followed the crying to a room upstairs. It was coming from a room we created to be a safe room years ago, we just never thought we’d have to use it. “Tara” I called out frantically. “Are you in there?” “Yes we’re okay. Is it safe to come out yet?” She asked. It was so relieving to hear her voice. “Not yet” I told her. “I want to make sure theres no Boggins hiding anywhere” I added. Once we did a perimeter sweep and everything was cleared I knocked on the door telling her it was all clear. Tara opened the door and before she could say anything, I pulled her in by her waist with one hand and cupped her cheek gently with the other and kissed her. I put every emotion I had been feeling over the last week into that kiss. I pulled back when I needed air and put our foreheads together. “I love you too” I told her quietly.

“I thought I was never going to be able to say that to you.” I was wrapped up in some vines and lifted off my feet as she said to me “im not completely helpless yknow” which made Poppy giggle from her place on Tara’s hip. “I am aware” I said unamused. “You’re the life of the forest, looking after you is my duty. And Poppy my little princess must carry on your legacy when the time comes. She’s already full of life herself.” I felt the vines loosen and put me back down on the ground but one tickling the side of my face. “Say it again” she whispered, almost as if she were afraid this was all a dream. “I love you” I told her again as she got closer and kissed me again, this kiss full of passion and love. We broke the kiss when I started to hear whining coming from Liz who did not like not having our attention it seems. She was getting ready to start crying again when I picked her up and brought her into my arms.

Almost immediately the whining ceased as I brought her to my chest patting and rubbing circles on her back. “Aww, did someone miss me. I’m so sorry my baby, I’m right here. Daddy’s not going anywhere.” She was cradled in my arms and within minutes, she was knocked out. As I looked down at her lovingly Tara said sadly “she’s missed you so much” I held her closer telling her “I’m not going anywhere this time. I’m sorry I ran the last time. I just didn’t want to put you in danger and didn’t know if I was enough to be with an absolute queen both metaphorically and literally.” The rest of the day was spent together, just holding my princess in my arms and spending time with the love of my life. Things really had changed so much these last few months but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Poppy truly is a blessing.

Authors note: hey there I hope you enjoyed the first part! I wanted to add drawing I created of the oc characters Poppy and Michael 🙂 I’m also gonna add the edit of epic that has just had its claws dug into me these last few days. I want a love like this 😩

The less you eat the less money you are spending on food, and the more money you have to spend on clothes. The less you eat the better those clothes will look!

Me and my twisted way of thinking… (via skinnydream115)

The Chronicles of 010

Reader is the adopted sister of Steve Harrington, an escaped test subject of Hawkins lab. While she’s spent about half of her life hiding the fact that she knows who she is and her abilities for her safety, she is forced to confess who she truly is to help 11 after 11 calls her out by number (a secret only Steve had known but not known the significance of). This is a series of love, adventure, fluff, angst and more with a brief romance with Billy Hargrove and a romance that forms with Eddie Munson.

Will contain: fluff, angst, smut; mdni

Background on 010:

10 is a female born in 1968 in the Hawkins lab. (For this story there are 19 test subjects not 18). Her abilities much like 011’s and 008 haven’t been seen before. She has the ability of energy manipulation and amplification which she has learned to use in offensive and defensive situations as well as in a healing sense.

Hawkins lab only knows about her ability to be a weapon (her offensive and defensive skills).

Growing up in the lab, the reader is very close to Kali (008). Kali takes on a big sister role trying to protect 010 from the abuse she faces as the scientists try to make her stronger, more lethal.

After many nights of planning, one night in 1976, Kali escapes Hawkins lab with the help of 010 who helps to amplify Kali’s abilities and protect the two while they escape. While in hiding, Kali decides it’s best for her and 010 to separate and for the reader (who Kali and herself decide with the name y/n)to be hidden in plain sight (so she hides in the town of Hawkins, usually at the local park, stealing food at night and hiding as much as possible but sometimes playing at the playground, exploring her newfound freedom).

It’s at this time where she meets a young boy she tends to see come alone who comes to play with her quite often. She learns his name is Steve and that he lives a few streets away in a nice neighborhood. Steve catches on after a few weeks that y/n doesn’t have a place to stay. He brings her home to his mom and dad (who tended to be busy with work and not really pay attention to him). He brings her to the kitchen to share some snacks which she eats very quickly (afraid of when her next meal might be). Steve’s mother comes to see who he’s brought home and starts to ask questions, questions that make 010 uncomfortable (who her parents are, where she lives, what grade she’s in, etc.) She panics and tells Steve she has to go but Steve’s mom is onto her. She talks to Steve’s father and tells him she doesn’t think she has a home, with the way she looked, the way she smelled, how hungry she was, etc. The next time Steve brings her over, his mom starts to ask questions again. Y/n tries to leave this time but the dad is blocking the door. Panicked 010 starts to cry. Steve’s mother consoles her and tells her she just wants to help. She begs Steve’s mom not to send her back (which she and Steve’s dad thinks means to the local orphanage). With a little bit of pleading on Steve’s end they decide to take her in (Steve’s dad saying “it’s not like we can’t afford to take her in”) and privately adopt her with the help of their family lawyer.

Over the years, her relationship gets a little better with Steve’s mom but not so much Steve’s dad (she doesn’t like his energy) but her relationship is best with her now older brother Steve. Steve loves having a little sister, someone to spend time with and who makes living in that house less lonely. Y/n is in the year below Steve (so she is set to graduate in 1986). Socially, in school, Steve and her are nothing alike. Y/n is quiet except around a select few like her best friend Eddie and a few other artsy and musical students. She keeps pretty good grades (a’s and b’s) loves music but tends to listen to Hi-NRG, Synth music and other 80s hits like that (ex. Two of hearts by Stacey q, take on me by a-ha, running up that hill by Kate Bush, etc.) but also loves metal music like Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Ozzy, etc. she loves to write and let her imagination run wild. She gets bullied a little bit because of who she hangs out with and how she is but not as heavy as it could be thanks to Steve. A lot of the time it’s just harassment for her to be like everyone else (shallow and superficial) what’s she’s wearing (she’d rather be comfy than worry about trying to show off)(if you like to dress to impress just ignore this part, no hate to you I just like to dress comfy and cute/casual) , and that her brother turned out great, what happened to her, etc.

For a good while, Y/n tries to avoid what’s going on in Hawkins (she can feel the bad energy that comes and goes and knows when Steve is lying to her about where he’s going and what he’s doing, but she chucks part of it up to him just drinking and partying like usual) until the night Barb went missing. She felt the energy heavy as could be outside the house sending her into a panic. She continues to keep it to herself that she’s felt this energy before (where she used to have to learn to counteract the energy with her own aka dark vs light)

Story will start to take place approximately around the start of season 2 (fall of 1984)

I’m going to be taking my time writing this but hopefully some people will enjoy it. This is just an idea I had/ insert for myself because I’ve recently been reading a lot of stranger things fanfiction again. For whoever reads it, I hope you enjoy 😬🫶🏻

Boys get sad too.

They say every atom in our bodies was once a part of a star. Maybe I’m not leaving, maybe I’m going home.

Vincent Freeman, Gattaca (via vaesna)

Me outside vs me at home (thanks for including me! 🙂💛)

tagged by @blossomingi and @starliightchan

me outside vs me at home

tagging: @luveuly @seraphicsolitude @stil-yr-sand anyone else who wants to do this [link]

Talk Shit, Get Hit

prompt: ( requested ) your high school bully picks the wrong day to taunt you and it's up to an equally hotheaded Billy to calm you down. call it irony.

pairing: Billy Hargrove x female!reader characters are ALL aged 18 years old

fandom masterlist: Stranger Things

word count: 5.4k+

note: the reader is aggressive. the reader is violent. the reader’s hands are rated ‘E’ for Everyone.

warnings: you know the drill: author projects instead of going to therapy and uses personal experience as details. there's physical violence, aggressive reader, depiction of shitty home life / toxic family, (somewhat severe) abusive alcoholic parent, parental abandonment, cursing, bullying, Jason Carver's sister is the bully, injury and blood. cursing, threats, brief cigarette and illicit material use (marijuana / weed), i guess this is hurt and comfort, angst, we talk about Billy's abuse with Neil, too, and kinda abrupt ending.

PLEASE NOTE -

this fic will depict parental abuse, both emotional and physical. this fic will discuss an alcoholic parent. this fic will detail physical violence BY the reader.

DO NOT engage if any of these topics potentially trigger you. you will miss nothing if you decide to skip. author implores readers to value and prioritize their own comfort and mental health.

Of all the days Brittany Carver could've chosen, she picked the worst day imaginable to bully you - being akin to a ticking time bomb. To your immense surprise, she'd laid off that entire week, focused on the "big" cheerleading competition she was leading Hawkins High to victory in. It left her no energy to engage in her favorite past time of tormenting you; figuring that after 6 years of her brutal behavior, she had grown up and lost interest. You weren't someone who people bullied easily, but this thing with Brittany, it was some kind of twisted pissing contest; competition brewing in elementary school that boiled over during middle school and now lasted into high school.

However, God seemed to have a sick sense of humor because on the week your bully had temporarily forgotten your existence, things at home had escalated to a new height not previously known. It was true what they said: if it wasn't one thing, it was another.

The entire week, your mother had only been sober for - well - none of it. She was found morning, noon, and night slumped over in various locations around your home with different bottles of liquor in her grip. The house grew messier each day, a direct result of a checked-out parent refusing to do any chore and destructive little monsters that took form as your twin little brothers. You couldn't keep up, playing mother, sister, housewife, personal maid, and full-time student all at once; pushing your stress levels higher, making you bitter and short tempered. The times your mother was conscious, which was typically to find a new bottle of alcohol, she was a right nasty fuck.

Her bark matched her bite; not only yelling at you, belittling you, and gaslighting you - but also using physical aggression to "teach you a lesson" for being "disorderly" or "a waste of semen" - and yes, that is a direct quote. Her hands were dainty from malnourishment, bulging veins prominent, and despite your father abandoning the family ages go, she still wore her diamond wedding ring that left small cuts wherever she struck you. The times she wasn't sober enough to really "get" you, she put out cigarettes on your arms and thighs; leaving tiny, circular burn scars you coated in Neosporin. She’s been known to break a few wooden cooking spoons over your head, steal the money made from babysitting, even cashed-in your inheritance - pawning all of your dead grandmother’s jewelry. There were plenty of other examples, but dwelling on those instances wouldn't change the past or alter your future, so you stuffed them way deep down in your soul.

Naturally, you didn't say a Goddamn thing; under the impression that everyone had shitty family members they tolerated and that your home life was normal enough to not report to the police. You didn't know any better, you didn't know that your mother downing fifths of alcohol daily was cause for concern. You didn't know that abuse wasn't the standard - emotional or physical. It took years for you to learn that love wasn't supposed to hurt, that love wasn't supposed to scare you, that love wasn't selfish, that your mother didn't actually love you. It took years to convince yourself that you were worthy of love and acceptance, never receiving it from your mother - not knowing you could get it from anyone else.

And then, William fucking Hargrove - or Billy - breezed into your small hometown with a sweet denim-clad ass, golden, curly mullet, and a bad fucking attitude that rivaled your own.

It was a match made in heaven. Or hell.

You both suffered at the hands of your parental figures, turning abrasive and foul-mouthed as defense mechanisms. You and Billy developed hardened exteriors in an effort to protect your soft insides, and when you met officially, it was as if you two could see past that hard shell - straight through the bullshit. You recognized much of the same in one another - like looking in a mirror - and grew impossibly close in an incredibly short amount of time; grateful to have a second half who understood without ever needing explanation.

He just got you. Able to identify common threads between you. Billy understood you, having more empathy than you thought he could muster. He protected you. He loved you. He took care of you - and you did the exact same, considering you two were cut from the same cloth; wanting to assure him he was just as worthy of love as you.

Billy was known around Hawkins for being a womanizing jock with anger issues, and yet, when you finally agreed to go on a date with him, he never even looked at another girl twice. He felt as if dating his best friend, understanding that nobody else would truly understand him the way you do - so he did what he could to keep you.

He did his best to defend you, but there was only so many tangible things the star basketball player could protect you from. Gossip and petty cheerleaders, prime examples. Yet Billy still tried, even taking the liberty to confront Brittany's brother, Jason Carver, about leaving you alone. Unfortunately, it was as if Billy's concern spurred on the cheerleader's bullying, calling you pathetic for hiding behind a man and sending him to fight your battles. You told Billy to stay out of it, that you could handle the situation by yourself, that he would just make the situation much more sticky.

So he did. Billy backed off, letting you deal with the situation as best you deemed; offering his support in return, being a shoulder to cry on for the days your frustration peaked.

That entire week Brittany didn't bully you had been extraordinarily tiresome due to your mother's abuse, wanting to confide in Billy but refraining when you rationalized not bringing him into your bullshit. He had enough of his own. So, while, yes, it was a comfort to have him on your side, you never indulged Billy on the woes of your life. He was meant to be your escape, not your savior; the burden of shouldering your abuse while enduring his own feeling terribly unfair.

You kept quiet, even though you were silently begging for someone to save you. Yet you weren't a damsel, there was no Prince Charming, brave knight, chosen champion to slay the dragons terrorizing you.

However, your boyfriend was much more intuitive than you realized. You always prided yourself on your acting skills, convincing everyone around you that you were indifferent to your mother's temperament, even when showing up at school with a casted wrist, black eye, and split bottom lip. Turns out, parents in Hawkins gossiped much more than the kids, and soon, it felt like the entire town knew about your abusive alcoholic mother and runaway father. Nobody did anything to help you, they just tiptoed around the knowledge and stared at your injuries. Brittany Carver was the only person stupid enough to make the mistake of weaponizing your home situation.

It was a tepid spring afternoon, the sun peaking through the clouds and the first flowers sprouting from the thawing ground. The bell rang to dismiss for lunch, the hallways filled with mingling and milling students all grateful for the midday break. Some gathered in gaggles of friends, some headed directly for the cafeteria, and others, like you, utilized the time to exchange morning class books for afternoon materials. Your fractured wrist had long since healed, but there was a long, straight scar present as a result from the surgery you required; currently, a scabbing cut over your eyebrow, lips stinging from where the flesh split, with a collection of bruises turning different colors to represent various healing stages.

Today simply hadn't been your day.

After a week of constant alcohol-fueled battery, you felt your frustrations finally crescendo after being assigned 3 separate essays; doubling your stress, shortening your fuse, and creating heavy leaded dread as the minutes ticked by. Everyone else felt giddy for the spring-tastic weekend, wanting time to go faster so they could go home - but not you. You might've been the one teenager in the city - no, no, the county - no, wait! The state - WAIT, NO... The country, who didn't want to leave school. You didn't want the day to end and be forced out of your safety zone; anxiety twisting your stomach and prickling your skin at the thought of returning home.

Truthfully, you spent several nights a week at Billy's, being snuck in through his window; feeling unsafe in your own home and wanting to remain close without voicing your need for his proximity. You felt stronger with Billy, as if you could take on the world; as if your safety and wellbeing were (finally) a real priority. He took great pride in being that safe haven for you, thinking it a nice change of pace as he often never seized opportunities to prove himself compassionate and caring. Billy was known for being a brute, someone aggressive and commandeering; nobody associating "safety" with him - except you.

However, this wasn't one of those weekends you'd be able to sneak out, being forced into caring for your two wee brothers; them needing you, dependent on you, relying on the care and love you provide them.

As a result of your shitty week, you had been a right, foul bitch to those unfortunate enough to engage you. Being well aware of your attitude, you tried to avoid everyone, not wanting to lash out at innocent peers - labeling yourself a bitch because of your impeccable self-awareness. Though, no matter the labels you assigned, you simply couldn't rein your emotions into check given your anxiety over returning home overpowered your brain.

Knowing you'd be forced to defend yourself against your own mother set your teeth on edge, projecting your horrible mood onto anyone in your vicinity - making most keep their distance.

Keyword: most.

Much like her brother, captain of the basketball team, Jason Carver, Brittany Carver wasn't the brightest bulb of the bunch. She never picked up hints, she didn't bother reading the room or in-between any lines; she held little to no regard for those around her or their emotional state. Brittany just wanted to assert herself as Queen Bee and thought the best way to achieve that was by bullying those she deemed lesser then she. It gave her a power trip, made her feel swollen with importance, boosting her ego because in her mind, she'd rather be feared than loved.

Brittany was dressed in her pretty, pressed, and bright cheer uniform; her obnoxiously blonde hair tied in a high ponytail that swished dramatically with each step. She wore cherry flavored lip gloss, her make-up caked, skirt hiked higher than school regulation permitted because she suckled at the teat for attention - good or bad.

You heard the second bell ring and finished shoving books in your locker, trying to stuff notebooks in your bag when your locker was suddenly violently slammed shut. Flinching at the quick movement and aggressive bang, you glared at whoever dared interrupt you; a manicured hand flat on the metal to keep the locker closed.

"The fuck you want, Brittany?"

"Awh, someone's already got their panties in a twist," she mocked, two of her cronies giggling their support. "C'mon, babe, I was just stopping by to say hello - missed you this week!"

"Oh, for sure," you sneered in a sickly-sweet tone, "of course you missed me, your life is so much more boring without me in it, huh? Wow, seriously, Brittany, I'm flattered to be the main character in your life, too."

Her eyes rolled and one of the other cheerleaders at her flank, Jennifer, popped flavorless gum. "I'm surprised you still have this level of spunk and cheek to talk like that, would've thought Mommy Dearest beat it out of you by now - she hits you often enough, right? Doesn't she? Hmm, well, maybe she needs to hit you a little harder."

"Excuse me?" You snapped.

"You heard me!" She laughed. "Obviously your mom isn't teaching you any lessons since you still have this whole emo-attitude going on. But I can't say I blame her, you're such a bitch - I'd smack the shit outta you, too."

You nodded slowly, not realizing several students had paused themselves to watch the exchange; knowing this was a longtime coming and didn't want to miss the inevitable drama. Dropping your backpack, you asked, "You sure? You really wanna hit me?"

"Is it that hard to believe? I mean," she smirked, "your own mother does - of course, I do, too. Like, seriously, it's not a secret why she hits you - just look at you! No wonder she hates you, you're just a waste of space, resources, and money. Damn shame Billy doesn't see it yet, but don't worry, he will." She laughed again, "He'll get tired of reopening your lip every time you kiss. It's so pathetic and ugly, he'll start to crave what you can't offer. I mean, seriously, what guy with any self-respect wants to date a girl as broken as you?"

"Know what, Brittany?" You growled, balling your fists at your side. "I'll give you one free hit."

"Excuse me, what?"

"Yeah," your head nodded, "go ahead. One free, clean shot. Hit me if you want to so bad, but you'll only get just this one shot."

Her eyes rolled, "I don't need to, your mom's got that covered."

"Free hit, Brit," you taunted, gesturing, "c'mon, go 'head, lemme have it. Since I'm so insufferable, go right ahead - get your clean hit."

Jennifer and Jasmine shared strange looks, the latter nudging, "Just do it, Brittany, shut this stupid bitch the hell up."

"Yeah, Brittany, shut me the hell up."

She looked to her little goons with a smirk, shrugged and handing over her backpack. When Brittany turned again, she dramatically wound her arm back and used her full strength to swing her fist into your cheek; only making your head turn a fraction from impact. You hummed and nodded, the cheerleader laughing with her girls as if she had "shown you" - but her amusement died when she noticed you barely reacted.

You smirked, cracking your neck, "My turn!"

Your knuckle cracked the bridge of the cheerleader's nose - sick sound of a snap ringing in your ears and jolting the girl's head backwards; momentum forcing her to stumble. Brittany shrieked in pain, holding her nose, unable to defend herself as you launched your attack; first slamming her back into the lockers before jabbing your fist into any vulnerable spot you could.

Similar to the movies, you held Brittany by her hair to keep her in place; wailing your punches repeatedly, each hit making Britt bang into the lockers. Jennifer and Jasmine tried to pull you away but both earned their own punches or elbows to the face for the interference. You focused on Brittany, instantly curating a flock of students all eager to watch.

"FIIIIIIGHT!"

"GIRL FIGHT!"

"BEAT HER ASS, Y/N!"

Brittany sobbed as blood dribbled down her front, staining her pretty uniform, but you were just getting started. The hallway turned noisy, a circle forming around you four as all three cheerleaders were staved off; you running on pure anger, adrenaline, and overflowing frustration that encouraged your foot to kick Britt's gut. You'd never admit it, but Brittany's mocking had hurt you past words, made you feel vulnerable, disarmed, as if you were damaged, undeserving goods. With each punch or kick or stomp, you remembered a different instance of your mother's abuse, seeing her face instead of Brittany's; spurring you on with unrestrained force.

In the parking lot, Billy was leaning on his car with a few teammates from the basketball team and enjoying a hearty nicotine-filled break. Though they'd never label it as such, the boys exchanged idle gossip; listening to Conrad Jones detail his latest conquest, sneering about how "easy" Kennedy Stephens was. They were interrupted when Kyle Lambert sprinted up to them, sneakers skidding over asphalt, panting dramatically, "Billy! Billy! Y-You gotta come see this, man! You gotta help!"

"What?" He asked, taking a drag from his cigarette.

"I-It's your girl - it's Y/N!"

He pushed off his car that was supporting his weight, demanding, "What about her?"

"You gotta come quick, man, you gotta see this! It's fucking wild! Brittany, Jennifer, and Jasmine tried jumping her - "

Billy was surging across the carpark instantly, tossing his cigarette away before yanking the school doors open. He was instantly greeted by the chaotic sight and sounds of a fight, peers gathered in a large circle; screaming their support and hollering encouragement.

"Billy! Oh, thank God!!" Chrissy Cunningham cried, waving him closer. "You have to help! You have to do something, it's 3-on-1!"

He didn't acknowledge the strawberry blonde, just started instantly shoving through the crowd to reach the edge of the fight. It wasn't the sight he was anticipating - fearing the worst, now pleasantly surprised (and a little turned on).

Blood was splattered on the linoleum floors, a single streak smeared on the lockers. Jennifer was left on the ground with her back against the metal, sporting a busted lip as Jasmine was trying to coax her to her feet - sporting a ruddy face and disheveled look. Left in the center, to the entertainment of the crowd, was you on top of Brittany Carver, heaving your fist time and again into her face.

"Shit," he breathed, intending to step forward to stop the fight but needing to shove Tommy H. out of his way when he stepped forward.

"C'mon, man! It's a girl fight! Don't break it up!" Tommy begged, but Billy bullied through.

"All right, that's enough," he grunted, wrapping his arms around your middle and heaving you up and back a step - needing to engage his core and arms when you wriggled in an effort to free yourself. "Hey, hey, hey - "

"Lemme go! This bitch needs put in the ground!"

"Jesus Christ, when did you get this strong?" He grunted, your feet slipping on blood but still being restrained by your boyfriend's impressive strength.

"Talk your shit again, bitch!" You barked at Brittany, who was sobbing in pain and curling into herself. "Lemme hear you say another Goddamn word, you'll need more than another nose job! Fake ass, plastic bitch!"

Jason joined the center and knelt at his sister's side, helping her sit up, glaring at you and Billy. Your boyfriend grit his teeth when Jason snarled, "You need to muzzle your bitch, Billy!"

"I'll fuck you up for talkin' about her like that, Carver, don't provoke me. Watch yourself," Billy snapped in warning, successfully managing to get you behind him.

However, you dodged around him with only enough time to spit hatefully on Brittany, warning, "You wanna talk shit, you'll get hit! Don't let me hear you again - don't you ever dare say another word about my mama! I'll put you in the ground, bitch, fucking try me! I dare you! Try me again, say shit about my mama, and see what the fuck I do!"

"All right, all right, you made your point," Billy stiffly told you, pulling you away by force to avoid you actually killing Brittany. He got a look at her injuries, thinking there must've been more than a broken nose from the way her uniform was stained and her entire face bloodied. "C'mon, we gotta get outta here, come with me - c'mon, baby, you can't touch her anymore, you made your point, you'll end up killin' her or some shit," he panted, shoving through the crowd and effectively ending the fight.

Billy didn't let go of your form until finally outside - letting you rip yourself away as your blood boiled, adrenaline making you much stronger. He watched you pace; huffing, puffing, seething, all but gnashing your teeth hatefully. "That fucking bitch had it coming, Bee, it was self defense!" You finally explained.

"Oh, yeah, princess, totally looked like it," he scoffed, blocking the doors in case you tried to go back. He lit another cigarette.

"It was, you condescending asshole!" You snapped, eyes ablaze and anger tangible. "She approached me, she ran her mouth, and she hit me first!"

"Well," he sighed, "whatever the reason, it's not worth jail time for beating her to death."

"Might be."

"Ain't nothing worth throwing your life away," he offered you the cigarette, but you refused. "Why don't you just tell me what happened? What'd she say?"

"It doesn't matter, Billy."

"I think it matters when she looks like she's gonna need a blood transfusion to replenish what she's lost."

"Whatever - let it be a lesson that you shouldn't throw stones if you're scared of a boulder."

Billy sighed, smoke blown from his mouth, "C'mon, doll, tell me what happened?"

"Doesn't matter, it's done, it's over, it's in the past."

"Baby, I can't help you if you don't talk to me."

"You can't help, period, Billy! There's nothing you can do!"

"Well, you're not even letting me try!"

"'Cause it's redundant!"

"Obviously not when you look like a raging bull!"

Your eyes rolled, head shaking, "I handled it."

"I saw," he scoffed. "So, 3-on-1? How'd that happen?"

"I told you, they approached me."

"Well, I'm gonna need a little more to go on. C'mon, pretty girl, the fuck just happened? You know you can get suspended!" This made you freeze, muscles clamming up, looking purely petrified as if the thought hadn't occurred to you. "I know you don't want that, but if you talk to me, maybe I can help lessen whatever punishment."

"Oh, whatever, like I care about being punished," you snipped, hands twisting together - telling Billy you were beginning to get anxious.

"I think you do, it'd put you in the house with your mom alone," he trailed, pushing away from the doors to approach you like a baby deer. "C'mon, I know you don't wanna get suspended, so just tell me what happened."

"I'm sure you'll hear all about it from your little basketball buddies."

"I don't fucking care!" He snapped with the cigarette trapped and bobbing between his lips, making you look at him in mild shock. "There's gonna be a hundred different rumors, whole fuckin' school watched you beat the shit outta those girls - but I only care about what you have to say."

"There's no point - "

"Oh, Jesus Christ," he growled, snatching the cig between his knuckles, "I just saw three bitches on the ground, all injured, beaten up, bleeding - so stop being so Goddamn stubborn and just tell me! I'm tryna help you!"

"You pulled me off of her, you've helped plenty."

"I'd like to understand how this happened."

"It won't change anything."

"No, it won't, but you have a side to the story. Tell me what went wrong? What happened?"

You sighed, no longer pacing, planting both hands on your hips. Your head shook as Billy tossed the filtered cigarette butt aside, muttering when he exhaled the last of the smoke, "It seems so stupid now."

"Hey," he soothed, crowding into your space and taking one of your hands in his. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it wasn't stupid. You're forgetting, I know well enough to understand you wouldn't throw a punch unless absolutely necessary. Whatever got you riled up like that ain't stupid, sweetheart."

Like a glazed donut, your eyes turned glassy. Billy frowned and took your other hand off your hip, forcing your attention on him. "I swear, I didn't start it," you whispered.

"Only matters that you finished it," he smirked. "Tell me, what the fuck was all that?"

You sighed deeply, offering meekly, "Guess they had it comin'..."

"I know they did," Billy chuckled. "Nobody's that stupid to provoke you, except Brittany."

"I was at my locker... They approached and slammed it shut."

"Right, okay..."

"There were words exchanged, but Brittany, she - " You paused, swallowing thickly, "she started talkin' shit about my mom, about, you know, what she does..."

Billy understood instantly. "You fuckin' serious?" He growled, seeing you nod and fill him in on what was said - unable to look him in the eye as you relived your anger. By the end, you were trembling in emotion and adrenaline loss, Billy sighing deeply and yanking you into his chest for a tight embrace. "All right, yeah," he mumbled, "should've put them bitches in the ground."

"And now," you sniffled, "I'm gonna get suspended, forced to stay home with Ma all next week."

"We'll get you outta it."

"Can't, the school doesn't tolerate fighting on school grounds."

"You said she swung first?"

"Technically, yes. I might've - allegedly - prompted her into it."

"It's still selfdefense, toots, no matter what you or anyone said - if she swung first and hit you, you were only defending yourself."

You shrugged, resting on his chest, "You see the damage? Admin won't care who swung first - not when they're beat to shit."

"Yeah, there's my li'l hothead," he smirked, chuckling slightly before pecking the top of your head. "But you gotta admit, it's impressive how you took on all three."

"I guess, doesn't exactly feel like an accomplishment."

"Nah, princess, seriously," he pulled you back to look at him again, "that's fuckin' hot. I mean, they approached you and still got their asses handed to 'em. That's straight skill."

"Or just a lot of anger with nowhere to go," you frowned. "Think I should go find admin?"

"Nah, they'll probably find you - "

The doors opened and your name was called, the principal's secretary waving you to her. "Fuck," you whispered, releasing Billy.

"I'll come with you," he promised, lacing your fingers together when he took your hand. Billy had to admit, it was a little weird being in the principal's office but not being the one in trouble; waiting without patience in a fraying chair, picking at the exposed stuffing with his leg bouncing. He'd been there 45 minutes, skipping the last half of classes, just waiting as you were behind a closed door with the principal, vice principal, and the disciplinary officer.

He looked up when the school nurse lead Brittany, Jennifer, and Jasmine inside - glaring at them but admiring the scattering of cuts and bruises with dried blood on their precious uniforms. A few minutes later, you were exiting the office with a passive and neutral expression settled on your face. Your lip curled only slightly when you clocked the cheerleaders - hating how smug they all looked - approaching Billy instantly.

"You all right?" He checked, standing and adjusting his jeans.

"Mhm," you nodded, keeping your voice low as the principal called the three cheerleaders into his office. You waited until the door was closed, then informed with a smirk, "I'm not suspended."

"No?"

"Nope," you confirmed. "Apparently, they asked a couple other kids what happened and my story matches theirs. I was minding my business, they came up to me, they started mouthing off, and Brittany was the one who hit me first. So," you shrugged, "guess your idea of selfdefense held strong."

"See? That's good, huh?"

"Yeah," you sighed, nodding absently, "but he said the girls were gonna lose their spot on the cheer squad for this. Listen, I don't think I feel like goin' back to class - kinda just wanna take a nap."

Billy hiked up his jean jacket sleeve, consulting his watch for a moment. "Wanna head to mine? Neil's got the evening shift and Susan has bridge club for a few more hours - we'd be alone."

Your eyes rolled, "No offense, Bee, I don't feel like fucking right now."

"I'm not sayin' that, I'm sayin' let's go nap at mine," he chuckled, picking up your backpack that you forgot about. "We can come back to get your brothers but you know you're not gonna rest if you go home."

You gulped, sighing sadly, "Yeah, well, about that..."

"Something else happen?"

"Apparently... The school has an obligation to call the police if a student reports abuse."

"You reported your mom?"

"Not on purpose," you rushed in defense, "just that... I had to explain what Brittany said to me - so I had to admit what Ma did - or does."

Billy frowned, "Jesus."

"Yeah, so... Maybe going home isn't the smartest idea right now. I wouldn't wanna be there when they conduct their wellness check."

"You wanna stay at mine?" He offered.

"What about Neil?"

"He's a lot nicer with you around," he admitted. "Won't care too much if you stay the night. Plus Max has that club thing after school, then she's going to the arcade; so, she won't need a ride, we can just go."

"You know what? Sure, all right, I'll come to yours," you accepted, your lover boy whisking you away without a second thought. "Thank you, baby."

Your hands were stiff, and when you looked at them, noted split skin and stained blood as a reminder of your aggression... Wondering why the fuck people pushed you to these limits and acted surprised when you reacted? If they wanted a punching bag, they picked the wrong one - but you were willing to remind them.

When you got to the Hargrove residence, you were silent as the grave; stewing in your anger that rolled off you in projected waves. Billy was terribly disarmed, unsure how to properly comfort you - wondering how he would want to be comforted, realizing he'd want to be alone, not subject to anyone's bullshit advice. So, he did what he knew and after handing you a bag of frozen peas for your split knuckles, comfortably stripped and crashed in bed with the window cracked and a rolled joint between his fingers.

You rested on his bare chest, sighing deeply while watching the end of the spliff come to life in a smoldering ember. Billy took the first inhale to make sure it was lit and instantly handed it to you, his arm snug around you and the silence hanging in the air like the swirls of stale, exhaled smoke.

"I'm sorry it got to this point, pretty girl," He offered awkwardly, his other arm bending to prop under his head. Both of you stared off aimlessly, stereo filling the space dully in the background.

"Not your fault," You inhaled and held your breath, handing him the joint. He casually flicked the end in an ashtray resting on the window sill.

"No, but I could've done more."

You chuckled, smoke seeping through your lips and teeth, "Oh, yeah? How? You gonna beat up three girls?"

"Nah but I could beat the shit outta Jason."

"What good would that do?"

"If he didn't want a weekly black eye, Jason would control his sister."

"It's always about control with you, isn't it?"

"I'm just saying," he handed the joint back, lungs pinched to hold the smoke, "I could protect you."

"You already do, baby."

"Let me do more, princess."

"You can't fight every battle for me."

"You could let me try."

"You'd be fighting on two fronts," you frowned, exhaling slowly. "Can't fight for me when you're defending yourself against Neil."

"Might be easier to deal with your shit than my own," he chuckled without humor, accepting the spliff. "Look, I know you don't want me involved, but that's kinda what a boyfriend's supposed to do, right? Protect their woman?"

"I wouldn't know."

"Never had a boyfriend before?"

"Nobody was worth dating until you. Nobody could understand me the way you do so effortlessly."

"'Cause we're one and the same, baby girl. You don't have to do everything by yourself," he inhaled, handing the spliff over again, "don't always have t'be strong."

"Ain't no other choice."

"You could let me in more..."

"You're one to talk."

He sighed, smoke billowing. "You're right. Can't expect you to open up if I don't, so why don't we both try to let the other in more? Yeah, I get it, the shit we deal with ain't pretty but at least we understand each other, right? We're the best for each other to lean on."

"I don't wanna drag you into my bullshit, baby."

"I want you to drag me in, princess. I wanna help you."

You sighed, "Well, Brittany and her cronies are getting suspended and kicked off the cheer squad - they'll be looking for reason to take it out on me."

"Say the word, baby, and I'll beat Jason black-and-blue."

"You're so romantic."

"Only for you - so don't tell anyone. I got a reputation to protect."

You both snickered as the weed you indulged in took effect, lulling you two into a state of ease. Your knuckles had stopped burning, resting your injured hand under the frozen peas, reminding yourself to remain grateful in this turbulent period of life because now, you had someone on your team. Someone who wanted to help carry your baggage. Someone without alternate motives. Someone who was willing to withstand the storm in the hope of feeling the warmth of the sun again.

requesting rules and masterlist

Stranger Things masterlist

I just don't know how much longer I can do this

Look at it upside down “save me”